2nd Term

In 2011, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner was instrumental in guiding President Obama away from rejecting a deal with Republicans on increasing the debt limit. Geithner was almost alone, the adult in White House discussions on handling GOP demands. The president and his other advisers had political and ideological misgivings about a deal. Geithner’s concern was bigger. He feared an economic collapse.

In 2011, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner was instrumental in guiding President Obama away from rejecting a deal with Republicans on increasing the debt limit. Geithner was almost alone, the adult in White House discussions on handling GOP demands. The president and his other advisers had political and ideological misgivings about a deal. Geithner’s concern was bigger. He feared an economic collapse.

In response to reports that Barack Obama is likely to choose Chuck Hagel to be the next secretary of defense, a top Republican Senate aide emails, "Send us Hagel and we will make sure every American knows he is an anti-Semite."

At today's press conference, President Barack Obama made a second term pledge:

Steve Hayes, with Kirsten Powers and Charles Krauthammer, last night on Fox News:

Hillary Clinton still intends to step down as secretary of state. That will take place likely "days" after President Barack Obama's second inauguration in January.

Vice President Joe Biden will be a guest performer on the sitcom Parks and Recreation later this month. The spot was filmed over the summer, but kept silent in order to avoid having to give equal air time to Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan, the New York Times reports.

Vice President Joe Biden told reporters on Air Force Two today that last night's election represented a clear "mandate" to raise taxes.

"Where specifically do you think Republicans will be willing to compromise on issues of debt/deficit?" a pool reported asked Biden.

According to the AP's Ben Feller, "Obama will push for higher taxes on the wealthy as a way to shrinking a choking debt and to steer money toward the programs he wants."

In reaction to President Barack Obama's reelection, a top Israeli newspaper is warning, "start filling your sandbags. We're in for a rough ride." The column, written by David M. Weinberg, is published today in Israel Hayom.