Emanuel: Tax Cut Will Go Ahead

Lawmakers want apology on House floor

(NEWSER) - Apologizing to Rahm Emanuel apparently wasn't enough. Now House Democrats plan to vote next week on whether to discipline Joe Wilson for his "You lie!" outburst, the Washington Post reports. Aides say Democratic leaders want Wilson to apologize on the House floor for violating rules of decorum, but he says his apology to Emanuel should suffice. He faces a possible disapproval or reprimand. More»

If Barack can do it, anyone can—except Muslims, gays, atheists ...

(NEWSER) - A self-described “black man with a funny name” is now the most powerful person on the planet. So which minority group will next see one of its own in the Oval Office? Mark Oppenheimer considers the contenders in Slate:

• Women: Not technically a minority, which means that if “they choose to unite behind one of their own—as many of them were inclined to do in 2008—they'll be the not-so-little voting bloc that could.” Candidates: Hillary Clinton, Kathleen Sebelius, Claire McCaskill. Not a chance: Sarah Palin.

Ex-Clinton staffer Podesta, aide Jarrett oversee team

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama took his first steps toward the White House this morning, announcing the three-person team of confidants that will run his transition activities: John Podesta, a former Clinton chief of staff; Valerie Jarrett, a top campaign adviser; and Pete Rouse, Obama's senatorial chief of staff. The president-elect also named the advisory and staff members of the interim team, reports the Chicago Tribune. More»

...even though 'this may bring my presidency down'

(NEWSER) - We already knew last night's debt talks did not go well —but not only did President Obama leave "abruptly," he really put his foot down, Talking Points Memo reports: "I have reached the point where I say enough," he said, according to those present. "Would Ronald Reagan be sitting here? I've reached my limit. This may bring my presidency down, but I will not yield on this." More of the latest developments:

• Obama reportedly gave both sides a deadline to determine whether they will seek long-term spending cuts or a short-term solution: tomorrow. His reason for leaving last night, at least according to one Democrat? Eric Cantor interrupted his closing remarks to push, for the third time, a short-term extension of the Aug. 2 deadline. Obama's response? "See you guys tomorrow."

Cantor, Kyl, and Pelosi crew not the most credible bunch

(NEWSER) - Are the White House’s budget talks already doomed? That’s the conclusion some are reaching based on who’s going, according to the Huffington Post . Both sides were invited to send up to eight appointees, but Republicans will only send two: Eric Cantor and Jon Kyl, both political pugilists who aren’t actually budget leaders. Democrats, meanwhile, will send just four: Max Baucus and Daniel Inouye from the Senate, and James Clyburn and Chris Van Hollen from the House. More»