Monday’s tie: It’s an orange tie of this variety.
Segue music: Conway Twitty - Double Talk Baby
Worst Person in the World: Bill-O wants to know why the ACLU hasn’t jumped to Joe the Plumber’s aid after everybody dug into his personal business. Shhh… nobody tell him.
5. With just over 70 days until the inaguration, President-Elect Barack Obama and his wife Michelle met with George and Laura Bush at the White House today. The last time Mr. Obama visited the White House was in September, prior to the Congressional bailout agreement. While Michelle and Laura toured the Executive Mansion, Bush and Obama had an Oval Office meeting, in which they reportedly discussed economic issues and the war in Iraq. (The President-Elect returned to Chicago tonight, while Mrs. Obama remained in Washington to scout out schools for Malia and Sasha.) This as Gallup today released new polling indicating that Mr. Bush’s approval ratings are at an all-time low (27%, lower than Nixon’s at the time of his resignation), while 65% of Americans believe that Mr. Obama has the ability to be a good president. Richard Wolffe suspects Bush and Obama had a constructive conversation, despite their differences of opinion. There is also speculation that the outgoing and incoming administration may work together on another economic stimulus package (and Bush may be willing to do it- considering his unfavorable ratings, he doesn’t really have anything left to lose). And it seems like Mr. Obama might be getting a little bummed out because he’s going to have to make a lot of sacrifices in his private life, so he’s making a lot of personal transitions as well.
Meanwhile, the fallout continues for Joe Lieberman. Following his meeting with Harry Reid last week, Lieberman’s future as head of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee remains in limbo. For now at least, Obama has quietly indicated that he would like to see Lieberman continue caucusing with the Democrats (he’d like to see as little drama surrounding the issue as possible). According to Howard Fineman, any decision regarding his chairmanship is likely to be settled in a vote among Senate Democrats duing the lame duck session (possibly next Tuesday). Certain influential Dems like Dick Durbin and Chuck Schumer are pretty pissed, so it could be a contentious vote. There also might be a role for John McCain to play in the new administration; it’s possible he may act as a bi-partisan broker in the Senate. Aaaand… F-Troop.
4. As reported by several news organizations today, the incoming Obama administration has an eye towards closing Guantanamo Bay and seeks to release some prisoners and complete legal proceedings for others. A member of the transition team urged the media not to get ahead of things, pointing out that any reporting is premature until national security and legal teams are in place. And, according to Lt. Cdr. Charles Swift, it’s not as easy as all that. While some prisoners may be tried in normal courts, some detainees have evidence against them that is sensitive to national security, so they will have to be tried in a special court and provisions have to be made for that (Swift thinks it may resemble something like a court martial trial). And while closing Gitmo isn’t a new idea (Colin Powell and Robert Gates have also called for closure), it does signal that the Obama administration will head in a new direction, with a focus on adherence to the rule of law. Obama has a mandate in his favor, as well as a willingness (felt mutually) to work with other countries to ensure this is handled in the best, safest and most legally sound manner possible.
Oddball: Today is the 53rd birthday of one of my grandpa’s favorite baseball players, Jack Clark. Also, Obama doggie accessories are really popular in Paris, Honda released a pair of odd robotic legs and the SKY is falling.
Best Persons: A national holiday for Obama? An $850 chicken? And exactly what does Brent Bozell hate most about Barack Obama?
3. Keith was on The View today. Among other things, they were all very nice (especially Elisabeth) and he doesn’t know why they were all sitting on chairs the same height. Also, Barbara Walters seemed to have been wearing a camel brooch and Elisabeth looked like she was wearing an odd Garanimals-esque shirt (or thermal jammies) under her yellow tunic. I am confused. Perhaps I need to relocate to the psych ward.
Bushed (with new and improved graphics!): Seems we may not have gotten the whole story on what caused the crisis between Georgia and Russia, when they’re not busy fighting pirates, Blackwater Worldwide may be levied with some heavy fines following allegations of improper arms shipments and the banking bailout just keeps getting more convoluted every day.
2. Bill-O promises that he’ll ramp up his watchdog role now that Obama has been elected. And Bill-O is also getting an early start on that War on Christmas.
1. Keith offers up an emotional Special Comment on Prop 8. I think he cried a little bit, which made me cry a little bit. Anyway, video and transcript at the Countdown site. (In California, Gov. Ahhnuld says that they might be able to “undo” the vote - since the State Supreme Court still has to approve it. And the statewide protest continues.)
Need a laugh after all the heavy? Watch this.
Chicating on 
