 Hundreds of people protest the Keystone XL Pipeline in a rally outside of the White House last November.
January 18th, 2012
06:47 PM ET
Keystone decision and politics of why now? Washington (CNN) - Why did the Obama administration announce the Keystone XL pipeline decision Wednesday? Why not. It was already a foregone conclusion that they were going to deny the permit, according to multiple Democratic sources. They had made clear they couldn't approve it within the 60 day deadline set by Congress. With the State of theUnionlooming next week, this allowed them an opportunity to address the controversy and move on. Republicans have argued it is politically damaging for the President to be seen as opposing the pipeline and the jobs and oil it could bring into theUnited States. The president's team said they believe he already took the political heat over Keystone when he announced in November that he'd delay the decision to approve it until 2013 and Wednesday's announcement doesn't cause additional political damage, according to the Democratic sources. To see the entire story, click here. 
January 18th, 2012
12:19 PM ET
White House likely to announce opposition to Keystone pipeline projectWashington (CNN) – The Obama administration will likely announce its opposition to the controversial Keystone pipeline project as early as today, according to a Democratic source briefed on the matter. Though House Speaker John Boehner's office has not yet been informed of the White House decision, the Speaker said today, "This is not good for our country. The president wants to put this off until it's convenient for him to make a decision. That means after the next election. The fact is the American people are asking the question right now, "Where are the jobs?" The proposed Keystone pipeline has been caught up in the Washington political discourse since Republicans inserted a clause in the payroll tax cut negotiations last fall trying to force a decision on the project within a limited time frame. The White House had tried to push the decision until 2013 after the coming presidential election. The pipeline would run from northern Alberta in Canada down to Texas's Gulf Coast. Republicans and some unions want to push approval through for the project in favor of the job creation prospects. The administration points to environmental reviews still underway and opponents express concerns about the nation's oil dependency being further embraced in regards to not rushing a decision. 
January 18th, 2012
08:09 AM ET
Obama's housing policy has failed? CNNMoney asks that tough question in a new piece up now. As CNN's Tami Luhby notes:
But are the problems entirely Obama's fault?
Check out the full story HERE 
January 18th, 2012
08:04 AM ET
Morning Briefing: January 18The 1600 Report's daily roundup of what the White House is reading this morning online and in the papers: Majority says Obama has accomplished little [WashPost] And another poll shows Romney runs the strongest against Obama [WashPost] Romney really knows how to keep a tax story going [NYT] Racial tinge to Newt’s Obama attacks? [WashPost] Did Sarah Palin endorse him or not? [NYT] Stewart comes to ‘Obamas’ author defense [CNN] CNNMoney asks whether Obama’s housing policy has failed [CNNMoney] 
January 18th, 2012
07:46 AM ET
POTUS' day ahead: Behind closed doorsPresident Obama spends the day behind closed doors and away from television cameras today. After receiving the usual daily briefing in the morning, the president will be on hand for a credentialing ceremony for new ambassadors in the afternoon. That's followed by a meeting with Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and then a reception for U.S. mayors. All events are completely closed to the press. Full schedule after the jump: |
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