The Note’s Must-Reads for Friday, February 27, 2009

The Note’s Must-Reads are a round-up of today’s political headlines and stories from ABC News and the top U.S. newspapers. Posted Monday through Friday right here at http://www.abcnews.com

Compiled by ABC News? PETER MARTINEZ, KRISTEN RED-HORSE, JAYCE HENDERSON, JUSTIN GRANT and LAURA GREENE

BOOKMARKS:

The Note: LINK

The Must-Reads Online: LINK

ABC News Politics: LINK

The Political Punch (Jake Tapper): LINK

Radar: LINK

George’s Bottom Line (George Stephanopoulos): LINK

Clem’s Chronicle: LINK

Follow ABC News Correspondents on Twitter: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND THE BUDGET:

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “Obama Shifts Course with $3.5 Trillion Budget” LINK

USA Today’s Richard Wolf, David Jackson and Mimi Hall: “Unprecedented size, scope in president’s proposal” LINK

USA Today’s Kevin Johnson: “Stimulus funds new police officers” LINK

USA Today: “Budget expands tax cuts, military spending” LINK

The New York Times’ Jackie Calmes: “Obama Plans Major Shifts in Spending” LINK

The New York Times’ John Harwood: “In Budget Choices, a Test of Obama’s Political Skills” LINK

The New York Times’ David Leonhardt: “Obama’s Budget Plan Sweeps Away Reagan Ideas” LINK

The Washington Post’s Dan Balz: “Ambitious Blueprint a Big Risk the President Is Willing to Take” LINK

The Politico’s Kenneth Vogel: “Obama pledge could hamper Dems” LINK

The Politico’s Josh Gerstein: “Obama’s flick-of-a-pen budget savings” LINK

The Washington Times? Christina Bellantoni: ?America’s $3 trillion IOU? LINK

The Washington Times? Donald Lambro: ?Obama’s budget to raise small-business taxes? LINK

The Washington Times Terrence P. Jeffrey: ?Deficit charade? LINK

The Washington Times? Cal Thomas: ?The president and the governor? LINK

The Washington Times? David M. Dickson: ?Deficit decline based on rosy scenario? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Naftali Bendavid: ?Blueprint Finds Support, Unease on Capitol Hill? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Martin Vaughan: ?President Takes Aim at Foreign Profits? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jessica Holzer: ?Obama Budget Plan Boosts Resources to Combat Mortgage Fraud? LINK

Bloomberg?s Ryan J. Donmoyer and Roger Runningen: ?Obama?s Deficit Plans May Use Over-Optimistic Growth Forecasts? LINK

Bloomberg?s Matthew Benjamin: ?Crisis Gives Obama a Chance to Make Long-Term Electoral Gains? LINK

The Los Angeles Times News Analysis by Janet Hook: ?Obama’s budget is the end of an era? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Maura Reynolds and Peter Nicholas: ?Obama’s budget trades steep deficits for broad goals? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Amy Schatz: ?U.S. Stimulus Funds Begin to Flow at Different Speeds? LINK

The New York Daily News’ Kenneth Bazinet: “$3,500,000,000, 000! Obama unveils $3.5 trillion budget” LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND TAXES:

The Politico’s Josh Gerstein: “Dem backlash to Obama tax plan?” LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION:

USA Today’s Tom Vanden Brook: “Obama plans to pull troops from Iraq by August 2010” LINK

The Associated Press: “Obama names head of AIDS policy office” LINK

USA Today’s Greg Toppo and Mary Beth Marklein: “Obama aims high for higher education” LINK

The Associated Press: “Obama to lawmakers: Troops to leave Iraq by ’10” LINK

The Washington Post’s Anne Kornblut and Paul Kane: “Democrats Assail Plan For Pulling Out Troops” LINK

The Washington Post’s Karen DeYoung: “National Security Structure Is Set” LINK

The Politico’s Jeanne Cummings: “Class warfare returns to Washington” LINK

The Hill’s Reid Wilson and Ian Swanson: “Obama tightens up appointments after gaffes” LINK

The Washington Times? Eli Lake: ?Obama’s intelligence pick linked to Saudi Arabia? LINK

Time Magazine?s Jay Newton-Small: ?Spurred by Obama, Health Care Moves to the Front Burner? LINK

Newsweek Magazine?s Howard Fineman: ?’Fast Break’ Obama: Moving at the speed of light, the new president aims to score early victories, and keep critics on their toes? LINK

Newsweek Magazine?s John Barry: ?Reality on the Ground: Despite Obama’s campaign promise to withdraw U.S. soldiers from Iraq in 16 months, troops are likely to remain in the country for years? LINK

The Washington Times? Jon Ward: ?Bolton criticizes ‘radical’ Obama as ‘bad news’ for U.S.? LINK

Bloomberg?s Rich Miller: ?Obama Must Counter Spite Over Bailouts to Conquer Recession? LINK

Boston Globe Op-Ed Scot Lehigh: ?Obama’s Olympian feat on the economy? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Noam N. Levey: ?’Conscience’ rule on abortions may be overturned? LINK

The New York Daily News’ David Saltonstall: “It’s like Christmas in Feb. for New York” LINK

2009: ECONOMY/HOUSING/AUTO INDUSTRY/BAILOUT:

Worked to the Bone by Your Cash-Strapped Company? ABC News Wants to Know Your Story: LINK

The Associated Press: “Calderon: US Should Fix Economy, Then Immigration” LINK

ABC News’ Scott Mayerowitz: “Consumer Reports’ Top Five Economical Cars” LINK

ABC News’ Richard Esposito and Brian Ross: “Bank Bonus Showdown: Just Who Approved $3.6 Billion Payout?” LINK

USA Today’s Jason Paul: “Frugal Families say cutting costs long term is hard” LINK

USA Today’s Chris Woodyard: “‘Consumer Reports’ puts Chrysler, GM in bottom spots” LINK

The New York Times’ Eric Dash: “U.S. Is Said to Agree to Raise Stake in Citigroup” LINK

The Politico’s John Ward Anderson: “Budget winners and losers” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jessica Holzer and Corey Boles: ?House ‘Cram Down’ Vote Delayed? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Jim Puzzanghera: ?Cost of banking industry rescue could double? LINK

2009: SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON:

Boston Globe Editorial Staff: ?Clinton’s stumbling start? LINK

2009: CONGRESS:

The New York Times’ Mark Mazzatti: “Senate Panel to Pursue Investigation of C.I.A.” LINK

The Washington Post’s Joby Warrick: “Senate Panel to Examine CIA Detainee Handling” LINK

The Hill’s J. Taylor Rushing: “Reid joins Pelosi in opposing weapons ban revival” LINK

The Hill’s Jordy Yager: “Senate approves granting D.C. a House vote” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Siobhan Gorman: ?Senate Panel to Probe CIA Interrogations? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Timothy J. Alberta: ?Senate Vote Gives District a Voting House Member? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Greg Miller: ?Senate to investigate CIA’s actions under Bush? LINK

2009: DEMOCRATS/GOP:

ABC News’ Rick Klein: “Cantor Emerges as GOP Voice” LINK

ABC News’ Teddy Davis: “Kos to Dems: Toe Populist Line — or Else” LINK

Boston Globe Editorial: ?Bobby Jindal, dewonkified? LINK

The New York Daily News’ Olivia Smith: “Rising GOP star panned over Obama rebuttal” LINK

2009: OTHER MUST-READS:

ABC News Nightline: “Closing Arguments: Photographing America’s War Dead” LINK

ABC News’ Luis Martinez: “Gates Lifts Dover Ban” LINK

ABC News’ Martha Raddatz and Lauren Sher: “U.S. Ready to Respond to N.Korea Missile” LINK

ABC News’ Jonathan Karl and Karen Travers: “Bush Talks About Life Outside the White House” LINK

The Washington Post’s Mary Beth Sheridan and Hamil Harris: “D.C. Voting Measure Clears The Senate” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Pui-Wing Tam: ?How Nationalization Found a Way Into My Vegetable Soup? LINK

The New York Daily News’ Thomas DeFrank: “D.C. gets full voting House member” LINK

2009: ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“Sam Donaldson through the Years” LINK

“Obama’s $3.5 Trillion Budget” LINK

“Obama and Health Care Reform” LINK

“George on Obama’s ‘Flexible Strategy'” LINK

“Stevie Wonder Rocks the White House” LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Wednesday, February 25, 2009

The Note’s Must-Reads are a round-up of today’s political headlines and stories from ABC News and the top U.S. newspapers. Posted Monday through Friday right here at http://www.abcnews.com

Compiled by ABC News? PETER MARTINEZ, KRISTEN RED-HORSE, JAYCE HENDERSON, STEPHANIE WASH, JUSTIN GRANT and LAURA GREENE

BOOKMARKS:

The Note: LINK

The Must-Reads Online: LINK

ABC News Politics: LINK

Radar: LINK

George’s Bottom Line (George Stephanopoulos): LINK

Clem’s Chronicle: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA’S FIRST ADDRESS TO CONGRESS:

“Watch President Obama’s Full Address” LINK

ABC News Nightline: “Closing Arguments: Did Obama Convince?” LINK

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “A Bevy of Skutniks to Watch President Obama’s Non-State of the Union Address” LINK

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “President Obama’s Toughest Opponent” LINK

USA Today’s Mimi Hall and David Jackson: “Obama to nation: ‘We will recover'” LINK

Time Magazine?s Michael Scherer: ?Obama Gives Team America a Pep Talk? LINK

The Washington Times? Stephen Dinan: ?Obama vows: ‘We will rebuild’? LINK

The Hill?s Mike Soraghan: ?Democrats arrive early, cheer loudly for president? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jonathan Weisman: ?Obama Seeks to Snap Gloom? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Capitol Journal: ?President Lifts Tone, Reaches Out to Average Americans? LINK

Bloomberg?s Hans Nichols and Julianna Goldman: ?Obama Casts Crisis as Chance to Overhaul Banking, Health Care? LINK

Politico?s Josh Gerstein: ?It’s not universal health care, but?? LINK

Politico?s Carrie Budoff Brown: ?Promises, promises: Obama’s wish list? LINK

Politico?s Jim Vandehei & Mike Allen: ?What Obama really meant? LINK

Politico?s Roger Simon: ?We have seen the enemy and it is us? LINK

The Hill?s Jeffrey Young, Jim Snyder, and Kevin Bogardus: ?Obama agenda is a starter pistol for K Street? LINK

The Hill?s Sam Youngman: ?Obama lays out the crises and the costs in speech? LINK

The New York Daily News’ Michael Mcauliff: “Obama vows nation’s economy will recover” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Thomas Defrank “Giving us a much-needed dose of hope” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Kenneth Bazinet and David Saltonstall: “Shades of Inauguration as Obama begins with gaffe” LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Janet Hook: ?Obama mixes optimism and hard truths? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Frank James: ?Obama puts spotlight on education deficit? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Christi Parsons and Peter Nicholas: ?Obama says American spirit will overcome crisis? LINK

2009: THE REPUBLICAN RESPONSE TO PRES. OBAMA’S ADDRESS:

ABC News’ Teddy Davis: “Jindal Shows Off His Cookies” LINK

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “GOP Responses Pouring In to (As Yet) Undelivered Unreleased President Speech” LINK

USA Today’s John Fritze: “Jindal: GOP must return to fiscal discipline” LINK

The Washington Post’s Steven Pearlstein: “President’s Historic Message Balances Urgency, Optimism” LINK

The New York Times’ Jeff Zeleny: “Obama Assures Nation: We Will Rebuild” LINK

The Washington Times? Sean Lengell: ?GOP rebuttal: Jindal calls spending spike ‘irresponsible’? LINK

Politico?s Andy Barr: ?Jindal’s response: Panned, seared? LINK

Politico?s Sarah Abruzzese: ?GOP: Obama should tell Democrats to work with us? LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND THE ECONOMIC STIMULUS:

ABC News’ Karen Travers and Jake Tapper: “Obama: ‘Day of Reckoning’ for U.S. Economy” LINK

USA Today’s Rick Hampson: “States, cities line up for slice of Obama stimulus package’s pie” LINK

The Washington Times? Christina Bellantoni: ?Obama offers silver lining? LINK

The Washington Times? Tom LoBianco: ?Obama counting on cap-and-trade? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Jim Puzzanghera and Maura Reynolds: ?Obama and Bernanke offer hope for the economy? LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION:

ABC News’ Laruen Sher: “Axelrod: ‘It’s Not about Helping Bankers'” LINK

ABC News’ Martha Raddatz: “Obama Likely to Announce Iraq Pullout This Week, Official Says” LINK

ABC News’ Matthew Jaffe: “Staffing Headaches Hindering Treasury at Crucial Time” LINK

The New York Times’ Peter Baker and Elisabeth Bumiller: “Obama Favoring Mid-2010 Pullout in Iraq, Aides Say” LINK

The Washington Post’s Michael Shear and Anne Kornblut: “Day of Reckoning” LINK

The Washington Post’s Ann Scott Tyson and Anne Kornblut: “Obama Expected to Set Date for Iraq Pullout” LINK

The Washington Post’s Binyamin Appelbaum: “A Second Try at Calming Bank Investors” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s John D. Mckinnon: ?Obama to Name Locke Wednesday? LINK

The Hill?s Rob Runyan: ?Open Obama White House? LINK

The New York Daily News’ Steve Liesman: “Gordon Gekko, your time’s up: Obama offers hero counter to Wall St. icon” LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Rebecca Cole: ?Solis confirmed as Labor secretary? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Julian E. Barnes: ?Compromise on Iraq withdrawal timeline appears near? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? David G. Savage: ?Supreme Court upholds gun-control law? LINK

2009: VICE-PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN:

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “At Capitol, Biden Feeling Great Because He ‘Doesn’t Have to Do Anything'” LINK

2009: ECONOMY/HOUSING/AUTO INDUSTRY/BAILOUT:

ABC News Columnist David McPherson: “Obama’s Broken Promise? 401(k) Penalties Persist” LINK

The Associated Press’ Jeannine Aversa: “Bernanke: Economy Suffering ‘Severe Contraction'” LINK

USA Today’s John Waggoner and Barbara Hagenbaugh: “Bernanke reveals 3-step plan to fix, not nationalize, banks” LINK

USA Today’s Brad Heath: “Analysis: Some 2007 home loans were through the roof” LINK

USA Today’s Jayne O’Donnell: “Discount retailers benefit from recessionary shoppers” LINK

Time Magazine?s Bruce Crumley and Tony Karon: ?Is the Economic Crisis a Security Threat Too?? LINK

Bloomberg?s Craig Torres: ?Bernanke Spurns Outright U.S. Control of Banks in Rescue Plan? LINK

2009: CONGRESS:

ABC News’ Rick Klein: “The Seat-Saving Congressmen” LINK

ABC News Analysis by Shannon G. Geis and Gary Langer: “Six in 10 Americans Say Aye to a D.C. Vote in Congress” LINK

The New York Times’ Carl Hulse: “An Issue about a Single Vote, and So Much More” LINK

The Washington Post’s Perry Bacon Jr.: “In GOP Response, Jindal Blasts Stimulus” LINK

The Washington Post’s Mary Beth Sheridan: “Senate To Weigh D.C. Vote Measure” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s August Cole: ?Bill Targets How U.S. Buys Weapons? LINK

The New York Daily News’ Rich Shapiro: “House ok’s curb on pet apes” LINK

2009: ILLINOIS SENATOR ROLAND BURRIS:

USA Today’s Fredreka Schouten: “Burris dismisses senator’s advice to resign” LINK

The New York Times’ Carl Hulse: “One Illinois Senator Tells the Other to Step Down” LINK

The Washington Post’s Perry Bacon Jr.: “Burris Says He’s Staying Put As Durbin Suggests He Resign” LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Mike Dorning: ?Sen. Roland Burris tells Sen. Durbin he won?t resign? LINK

2009: ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT:

ABC News’ Ferdous Al-Faruque: “Clinton, Gore: Energy Policy with a Purpose” LINK

2009: OTHER MUST-READS:

ABC News’ Luis Martinez: “Navy Admiral Studies Prison Conditions at U.S. Detention Facility” LINK

The New York Times’ William Yardley: “Commerce Pick Carries Lengthy China Resume” LINK

The New York Times’ Carl Hulse: “An Issue about a Single Vote, and So Much More” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Stu Woo: ?California Legislator Sees Benefit in Legalizing Pot? LINK

2009: ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“President Obama’s Full Address” LINK

“Obama Seeks to Restore Confidence” LINK

“Charlie and George on Obama Speech” LINK

“Gov. Jindal Denounces Bill Spending” LINK

“Terry Moran’s ‘Twitter-Palooza'” LINK

“Obama: ‘Nobody Messes with Joe'” LINK

“Clooney Visits W.H. to Talk Darfur” LINK

“Could the Recession End This Year?” LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Tuesday, February 17, 2009

The Note’s Must-Reads are a round-up of today’s political headlines and stories from ABC News and the top U.S. newspapers. Posted Monday through Friday right here at http://www.abcnews.com

Compiled by ABC News? PETER MARTINEZ, CARRIE HALPERIN, KRISTEN RED-HORSE, JUSTIN GRANT, STEPHANIE WASH and LAURA GREENE

BOOKMARKS:

The Note: LINK

The Must-Reads Online: LINK

ABC News Politics: LINK

The Political Punch (Jake Tapper): LINK

George’s Bottom Line (George Stephanopoulos): LINK

Clem’s Chronicle: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION:

The Associated Press’ Michael J. Sniffen: “Despite Obama pledge, Justice defends Bush secrets” LINK

The Associated Press: “Japanese PM to Be First Obama Guest” LINK

Bloomberg?s Toko Sekiguchi and Indira A.R. Lakshmanan: ?Obama Invites Embattled Aso as First Summit Guest? LINK

Time Magazine?s Randy James: ?A Historian’s Take on Obama? LINK

The Washington Times? Christina Bellantoni and Stephen Dinan: ?Obama to sign $787 billion stimulus? LINK

Politico’s David S. Cloud: “Obama Slows Troop Boost Decision” LINK

Politico’s Jonathan Martin: “Obama’s New Target: Washington” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Kenneth Bazinet: “Obama to unveil task force to give boost to auto industry” LINK

The New York Times? Edmund L. Andrews: ?Obama Plan on Housing Said to Push on Lenders? LINK

The New York Times? Sheryl Gay Stolberg: ?In a World Not Wholly Cooperative, Obama?s Top Economist Makes Do? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Noam N. Levey: ?Healthcare winners and losers? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Peter Nicholas: ?Obama heads west to sign stimulus bill? LINK

2009: SENATOR BURRIS:

The Wall Street Journal?s Douglas Belkin and Greg Hitt: ?Burris Defends Actions, Fights Calls to Leave Senate? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Rick Pearson, John Chase and Ray Long: ?Illinois Democrats call for Burris investigation? LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND THE ECONOMIC STIMULUS:

ABC News’ David Muir: “Obama’s Trillion-Dollar Week” LINK

The Associated Press’ Beth Fouhy: “Pressure’s on states deciding how to use stimulus” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jonathan Weisman and Naftali Bendavid: ?Obama Strategy: Keep Lawmakers Close? LINK

Bloomberg?s Matthew Benjamin and Julianna Goldman: ?Obama?s Economic Stimulus Bill Most Ambitious since Roosevelt? LINK

The New York Daily News’ David Saltonstall: “High-ranking pols to rain stimulus dough on state” LINK

The New York Times? Sam Dillon: ?For Education Chief, Stimulus Means Power and Risk? LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND HIS INAUGURATION:

Buy the ABC News DVD: “A Moment in History – The Inauguration of Barack Obama” LINK

2009: ECONOMY/JOB LOSS/AUTO INDUSTRY/BAILOUT:

ABC News’ Alice Gomstyn: “More Billions for GM, Chrysler? Auto Beggars to D.C.” LINK

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “White House to Release GM An Additional $4-Billion To Stay Afloat” LINK

USA Today’s Sharon Silke Carty: “Time is up for GM, Chrysler to file restructuring plans” LINK

USA Today’s Chris Woodyward: “Let’s explore what defines the American car” LINK

USA Today’s Jon Swartz: “New tech start-ups can rise from the economy’s ashes” LINK

USA Today’s Kathy Chu: “Credit card reform gets another look” LINK

USA Today’s Calum MacLeod: “Return of jobless strains China” LINK

The Washington Times? Patrice Hill: ?Carmakers make plans, do little? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Jim Puzzanghera and Martin Zimmerman: ?A lot is riding on GM and Chrysler?s plans? LINK

2009: CONGRESS:

ABC News’ Jonathan Karl: “Congress Travels Free on Taxpayers’ Dime” LINK

Time Magazine?s Bobby Ghosh: ?Judging Pat Leahy’s Truth Commission Plan? LINK

The Hill’s Mike Soraghan: “Pope Benedict to Meet Pelosi” LINK

Politico’s Andy Barr: “Franken: Call Me ‘Senator-Elect'” LINK

2009: SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON:

ABC News’ Martha Raddatz: “With World of Troubles, Clinton Targets Asia First” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jay Solomon: ?Clinton Praises China Stimulus, Has Hope for North Korea Relationship? LINK

Bloomberg?s Toko Sekiguchi: ?Clinton Courts Japan Opposition as Aso Falls in Polls? LINK

The New York Daily News’ Richard Sisk: “Clinton causes stir with plan to meet with opposition leader in Japan” LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Paul Richter: ?North Korea greets Hillary Clinton with threat? LINK

2009: DEMOCRATS/REPUBLICANS:

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: WH: House Republicans ‘Were Seeking His Autograph. Every (One of Them) Eventually Voted against the Bill'” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Elizabeth Williamson: ?Congressional Junkets Defended as Work-Based? LINK

The Washington Times? Christina Bellantoni: ?GOP jumps on tech bandwagon? LINK

The New York Times? Jackie Calmes: ?G.O.P. Governors Support Obama? LINK

2009: BUSH ADMINISTRATION:

Newsweek Magazine?s Michael Isikoff: ?A Torture Report Could Spell Big Trouble For Bush Lawyers? LINK

Newsweek Magazine: ?Report Delayed: A newly revealed e-mail indicates the Justice Department was close to completing an internal investigation on senior lawyers who wrote controversial positions on the legality of waterboarding? LINK

2009: PRESIDENT CLINTON:

The Los Angeles Times? Marla Dickerson: ?Former President Clinton pushes green energy during L.A. stop? LINK

2009: OTHER MUST-READS:

The Associated Press’ Jason Straziuso: “UN: Afghan Civilian Deaths Rose 40 Percent in 2008” LINK

ABC News’ Teddy Davis: “Bristol Palin Speaks Out” LINK

USA Today’s Peter Eisler: “Reported raids on federal computer data soar” LINK

USA Today’s Joan Biskupic: “Supreme Court case with the feel of a best seller” LINK

The Associated Press: “N.Y. senator moves guns from under bed” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Stu Woo: ?California Vies to Close Budget Gap Amid Dire Conditions? LINK

The New York Times? Jennifer Steinhauer: ?California, Almost Broke, Nears Brink? LINK

2009: ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“The Great Gas Hike” LINK

“White House Loans Another $4B to GM” LINK

“Obama’s Plan to Help Homeowners” LINK

“Congressional Trips Paid For By You” LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Monday, February 16, 2009

The Note’s Must-Reads are a round-up of today’s political headlines and stories from ABC News and the top U.S. newspapers. Posted Monday through Friday right here at http://www.abcnews.com

Compiled by: PETER MARTINEZ, LAURA GREENE, CARRIE HALPERIN, KRISTEN RED-HORSE, JAYCE HENDERSON, STEPHANIE WASH and JUSTIN GRANT

2009: BOOKMARKS:

The Note: LINK

The Must-Reads Online: LINK

ABC News Politics: LINK

The Political Punch (Jake Tapper): LINK

Radar: LINK

George’s Bottom Line (George Stephanopoulos): LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION:

The Associated Press’ Steven R. Hurst: “Obama to Appoint Panel for Auto Recovery” LINK

ABC News’ Tahman Bradley: “McCain: “Obama’s ‘New Politics’ Off to a Bad Start”” LINK

The Associated Press’ David Espo: “Obama to Sign Stimulus Bill Tuesday” LINK

The Associated Press’ Ken Thomas and Tom Krisher: “Obama to Appoint Panel for Auto Recovery” LINK

USA Today’s Mimi Hall: “Obama’s next task: Tackling housing woes” LINK

The Associated Press: “E-book captures kids’ hopes for Obama” LINK

The New York Times’ Bill Vlasic: “To Fix Detroit, Obama Is Said to Drop Plan for Car Czar” LINK

The New York Times’ Peter Baker: “Obama Confronts a Choice on Copters” LINK

The New York Times’ Helene Cooper: “This President’s Escape Is Sweet Home Chicago” LINK

The Washington Post’s Michael D. Shear and Paul Kane” LINK

The Washington Post’s Michael D. Shear: “Obama Aides Cite Bipartisan Success” LINK

The Washington Post’s Ceci Connolly: “HHS Vacancy Stalls Health Agenda, Advocates Say” LINK

The Washington Times? Sean Lengell: ?Obama to ease curbs on CEO pay? LINK

Newsweek Magazine?s Andrew Romano: ?Our Model Marriage? LINK

Newsweek Magazine?s Jonathan Alter: ?Poof Goes the Purple Dream? LINK

The Boston Globe?s Farah Stockman: ?Speedy recovery is called unlikely? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Peter Wallsten: ?Liberals not pleased with go-slow approach by Obama? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Christi Parsons: ?Obama vows to turn next to housing crisis? LINK

Politico’s Michael Calderone: “Axelrod Punts On Fairness Doctrine” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Deborah Solomon: ?Obama Will Not Name ‘Car Czar’ to Oversee Detroit? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s John D. McKinnon: ?Axelrod: Obama Has ‘Solid’ Housing Plan? LINK

Bloomberg?s John Hughes: ?Obama Opts Against ?Car Czar?; Geithner, Summers to Head Team? LINK

The New York Daily News’ Mike Lupica: “Naysayers in media and partisans in both parties are undermining Obama” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Dave Goldiner: “Obama scores on court say hoopsters” LINK

2009: SENATOR BURRIS:

The Associated Press’ Rupa Shenoy: “Illinois GOP Leader Calls on Sen. Burris to Resign” LINK

The Washington Times? Sean Lengell: ?Burris denies lying to impeachment panel? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Rick Pearson and Janet Hook: ?Burris defends contacts with Blagojevich? LINK

Politico’s Manu Raju: “‘I Was Answering Other Questions'” LINK

Politico’s Glenn Thrush: “Burris: Blago Asked For $10k” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Douglas Belkin and David Kesmodel: ?Burris Defends Himself Amid Calls for His Resignation? LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND THE ECONOMIC STIMULUS:

The Los Angeles Times? James Oliphant and Janet Hook: ?Economic stimulus money will reach nearly all? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Janet Hook: ?Stimulus struggle hints at a party showdown? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Mark Silva: ?Obama calls stimulus ?a major milestone?? LINK

Politico’s Glenn Thrush: “The 7 Stimulus Lessons For The Dems” LINK

Politico’s Amie Parnes: “Schumer: Inaction ‘risks a depression” LINK

2009: FINANCIAL STABILITY PLAN/TREASURY SECRETARY TIMOTHY GEITHNER:

ABC News’ John Hendren: “Nationalization: Is It the Only Answer to Save Banks?” LINK

Bloomberg?s Simon Kennedy and Rebecca Christie: ?Geithner Pressed by G-7 to Move Fast on Bank Bailout? LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND HIS INAUGURATION:

Buy the ABC News DVD: “A Moment in History – The Inauguration of Barack Obama” LINK

2009: FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA:

The Associated Press’ Darlene Superville: “Michelle Obama getting to know D.C.” LINK

2009: ECONOMY/JOB LOSS/AUTO INDUSTRY/BAILOUT:

ABC News’ Mike Von Fremd and Nicole Young: “Stimulating Phoenix: City Looks for Bailout” LINK

The New York Times’ Monica Davey: “States and Cities in Scramble for Stimulus Cash” LINK

The Washington Post’s Michael Fletcher: “For Social Programs, Long-Awaited Boost” LINK

The Hill’s Mike Soraghan: “Once Radical, Nationalization Attracts GOP Support” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Thomas DeFrank: “Take over banks? Idea has currency” LINK

2009: CONGRESS:

The New York Times’ Monica Davey: “Burris Defends His Evolving Description of Talks” LINK

The Washington Post’s Manuel Roig-Franzia and Paul Kane: “Two Moderate GOP Senators Give Big Voice to Little Maine” LINK

The Washington Post’s Amy Gardner: “Democrats’ Slim Victories In Va. Build GOP’s Hopes” LINK

2009: SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON:

ABC News Radar: “Clinton Tough on North Korea on First Trip Abroad” LINK

The Washington Post’s Glenn Kessler: “Clinton Criticizes Bush on N. Korea” LINK

The Washington Times? Nicolas Kralev: ?Clinton discounts North Korea uranium threat? LINK

Time Magazine?s Massimo Calabresi: ?Will Beijing Respond to Clinton’s Wish List?? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Paul Richter and Peter Spiegel: ?Clinton aims to make her mark in China? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jay Solomon: ?In Asia, Clinton to Seek Alliance on Financial Crisis? LINK

Bloomberg?s Indira A.R. Lakshmanan: ?Clinton Says Asia Trip to Focus on Global Economy, North Korea? LINK

The New York Daily News’ Richard Sisk: “Clinton not acting like she’s lost clout in Obama administration” LINK

2009: DEMOCRATS/REPUBLICANS:

Bloomberg?s James Rowley: ?Democrats May Be Headed to Showdown with Obama over Bush Probes? LINK

2009: OTHER MUST-READS:

The Associated Press’ Tomoko A. Hosaka: “Japan Economy Shrinks at Fastest Rate in 35 Years” LINK

The Washington Post’s Walter Pincus: “From New DNI, Moderate View on North Korea and Warning about Iran’s Role in Afghanistan” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Stu Woo: ?California Lawmakers Fail to Pass Budget? LINK

The New York Daily News’ Thomas DeFrank: “Obama aide: It’s Dick who’s soft in the head” LINK

2009: ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“Stimulus Debate: Is Bipartisanship Dead?” LINK

“Sen. Graham: We’re ‘Screwed'” LINK

“Green Room: Sam Strangelove” LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Friday, February 13, 2009

The Note’s Must-Reads are a round-up of today’s political headlines and stories from ABC News and the top U.S. newspapers. Posted Monday through Friday right here at http://www.abcnews.com

Compiled by ABC News? CARRIE HALPERIN, KRISTEN RED-HORSE, JAYCE HENDERSON, JUSTIN GRANT, STEPHANIE WASH and LAURA GREENE

2009: BOOKMARKS:

The Note: LINK

The Must-Reads Online: LINK

ABC News Politics: LINK

The Political Punch (Jake Tapper): LINK

George’s Bottom Line (George Stephanopoulos): LINK

Clem’s Chronicle: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION:

The Washington Times? Jon Ward and David R. Sands: ?Obama faces a Cabinet setback, again? LINK

Time Magazine?s Karen Tumulty and Jay Newton-Small: ?How Maine’s GOP Senators Are Key to Obama’s Agenda? LINK

Newsweek Magazine?s Eleanor Clift: ?A Plan B For HHS? LINK

Politico’s David Rogers: “Early Setbacks Test Obama’s Cool” LINK

2009: SENATOR JUDD GREG:

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “Gregg Withdrawal Embarrasses White House” LINK

LINK

The Washington Times? Joseph Curl and Kara Rowland: ?Gregg pullout presages census debate? LINK

The Washington Times? Jon Ward: ?Emanuel: White House not ‘amateur hour’? LINK

Politico’s Harry Siegel & Craig Gordon: “Conflicting WH Responses To Gregg” LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Peter Wallsten and Janet Hook: ?Gregg?s exit as Commerce nominee nudges the partisan gap wider? LINK

The Boston Globe?s Michael Kranish and Lisa Wangsness: ?In stunning shift, Gregg pulls out? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Laura Meckler, Greg Hitt and Jonathan Weisman: ?Commerce Nominee Bows Out? LINK

Bloomberg?s Jonathan Salant and Kristin Jensen: ?Gregg Withdraws as Cabinet Pick, Cites Policy Clashes? LINK

USA Today?s Mimi Hall and John Fritze: ?Commerce nominee withdraws, cites ‘irresolvable conflicts’? LINK

The New York Daily News’ Kenneth R. Bazinet and Richard Sisk: “Judd Gregg withdraws as President Obama’s Commerce Secretary nominee, after Richardson before him” LINK

The New York Times’ Jeff Zeleny: “Gregg Ends Bid for Commerce Job” LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND THE ECONOMIC STIMULUS:

The Washington Times? Paul Greenberg: ?Spend now, think later? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Stephen Power and Neil King Jr.: ?Next Challenge on Stimulus: Spending All That Money? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jonathan Weisman: ?Emanuel Says Obama Team Lost Message on Stimulus? LINK

Bloomberg?s Brian Faler and Ryan J. Donmoyer: ?Congress Nears Passage of $789 Billion Stimulus Plan? LINK

Bloomberg?s Matthew Benjamin: ?Stimulus Aims Two-Phase Jolt at U.S. With Tax Cuts, Spending? LINK

USA Today?s Susan Page: ?Stimulus fight gives Obama lessons early? LINK

USA Today?s Richard Wolf: ?Obama shaped stimulus by give-and-take? LINK

The New York Times’ Carl Hulse and Jeff Zeleny: “Stimulus Offers Glimpse of Obama’s Battle Plan” LINK

The New York Times’ Helene Cooper: “Obama Takes His Lobbying for Stimulus to Illinois” LINK

The Washington Post’s Shailagh Murray and Paul Kane: “Sifting Through Details of the Deal” LINK

The Washington Post’s Dan Eggen and Ellen Nakashima: “Despite Pledges, Package has Some Pork” LINK

The Washington Post’s Dana Hedgpeth: “Defense Firms Eye Potential Boost From Provisions in Stimulus Package” LINK

2009: PLANE CRASH-Continental Express #3407:

ABC News’ Emily Friedman: “48 Passengers, 1 Bystander Dead in Crash” LINK

2009: FINANCIAL STABILITY PLAN/TREASURY SECRETARY TIMOTHY GEITHNER/TARP:

The Los Angeles Times? Ralph Vartabedian: ?Investigation looks into political pressure in bailout distribution? LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND HIS INAUGURATION:

Buy the ABC News DVD: “A Moment in History – The Inauguration of Barack Obama” LINK

2009: ECONOMY/JOB LOSS/AUTO INDUSTRY/BAILOUT:

ABC News’ Alice Gomstyn: “Big Names, Big Cuts: More Companies Shed Jobs” LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Greg Miller: ?Global economic crisis called biggest U.S. security threat? LINK

USA Today?s Thomas Frank: ?When ‘bad’ credit stands in the way of a good job? LINK

2009: CONGRESS:

The Associated Press: “Senate confirms Leon Panetta as director of the CIA” LINK

The Hill’s Jared Allen: “Conference Tactics Leave Deep House Resentment” LINK

The Hill’s Aaron Blake: “Rep. Hodes Will Stay In N.H. Senate Race” LINK

2009: SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON:

The Wall Street Journal?s Jay Solomon in Washington and Ian Johnson in Beijing: ?Clinton’s Overseas Trip Asserts Asia as Priority? LINK

2009: LINCOLN:

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “Obama Honors Lincoln; Explains (and Jokes About) Gregg” LINK

ABC News’ Sam Donaldson: “Donaldson Celebrates Lincoln’s Contribution” LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Monday, February 2, 2009

The Note’s Must-Reads are a round-up of today’s political headlines and stories from ABC News and the top U.S. newspapers. Posted Monday through Friday right here at http://www.abcnews.com

Compiled by ABC News? PETER MARTINEZ, CARRIE HALPERIN, KRISTEN RED-HORSE, STEPHANIE WASH, JUSTIN GRANT and LAURA GREENE

BOOKMARKS:

The Must-Reads Online: LINK

ABC News Politics: LINK

The Political Punch (Jake Tapper): LINK

The Political Radar: LINK

George’s Bottom Line (George Stephanopoulos): LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

2009: ECONOMY/JOB LOSS/AUTO INDUSTRY:

ABC News’ Lisa Stark and Kate Barrett: “Before You Buy: How to Size Up Used Cars” LINK

ABC News’ Laura Coverson: “Going Green to Make Green” LINK

ABC News’ Ron Scherer: “Laid Off From a Business? Start Your Own” LINK

The Associated Press’ Stephen Wright: “Most Asian Markets Fall on Bleak Earnings” LINK

USA Today’s Marilyn Elias: “As economic fears rise, families on verge of unraveling” LINK

USA Today’s John Waggoner: “Rich retrench as recession ravages their assets” LINK

USA Today’s Marisol Bello: “U.S. libraries on borrowed time?” LINK

ABC News’ Stacy Teicher Khadaroo: “Colleges Feeling Squeeze as Endowment Funds Lose Money” LINK

The Washington Post’s Annie Gowen: “Business Brisk at Area Libraries” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Stephanie Simon: ?More States Considering Tax Breaks to Woo Jobs? LINK

Bloomberg?s Katie Hoffmann: ?Level 3 Borrowing Costs Weigh on Balance Sheet in Credit Freeze? LINK

The New York Times? Jason Deparle: ?Welfare Aid Not Growing as Economy Drops Off? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Michael R. Crittenden: ?Treasury, Countering Critics, Bolsters Staffing for Work on TARP? LINK

Bloomberg?s John Hughes: ?GM May Face a $7 Billion Tax Bill Unless Congress Intervenes? LINK

Bloomberg?s Jeff Green and Alan Ohnsman: ?Ford?s Worst Year May Signal Industry Need for More U.S. Aid? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Lisa Girion: ?Biggest January ever for Hollywood? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? David Lazarus: ??Buy American? provision in stimulus bill makes no economic sense? LINK

The New York Daily News’ Mike Lupica: “Super Bowl XLIII is no quick fix for the economy” LINK

The New York Times’ Jason Deparle: “Welfare aid not growing as economy drops off”>LINK

LINK

The New York Times’ Jack Healy: “Stock Markets post their worst January ever” LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “President Obama Sits for Pre-Game Interview” LINK

The Chicago Tribune’s Greg Miller: “Obama lets CIA keep controversial renditions tool” LINK

The Politico’s Carol E. Lee: “Obama Dishes On Life In W.H.” LINK

The Politico’s Ariel Alexovich: “WH Releases Super Bowl Guest List” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jonathan Weisman and Melanie Trottman: ?Daschle Faces Questions on Trips? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Siobhan Gorman and Jonathan Weisman: ?GOP Senator Is Top Pick for Commerce? LINK

Bloomberg?s Julianna Goldman: ?Gregg at Commerce Would Give Obama Republican Ally on Economy? LINK

The New York Times? David D. Kirkpatrick: ?In Daschle?s Tax Woes, a Peek into Washington? LINK

Newsweek Magazine?s John Barry and Evan Thomas: ?Obama?s Vietnam? LINK

The Washington Times? Christina Bellantoni: ?Obama’s new rules have loopholes? LINK

Newsweek Magazine?s Dan Ephron: ?We?re Not in Kansas? LINK

Time Magazine?s Nancy Gibbs: ?Obama’s First Test: Stimulus Today, Change Tomorrow? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Robin Abcarian: ?Hi, I?m Jill. Jill Biden. But please, call me Dr. Biden? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Noam N. Levey: ?Tom Daschle to face close scrutiny? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Janet Hook: ?Economic stimulus provisions reach far and wide? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Christi Parsons: ?Republican Judd Gregg said to be Commerce front-runner? LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Doyle McManus: ?New president, new battlefield? LINK

The New York Times’ Neil A. Lewis: “Justice Dept. under Obama is preparing for doctrinal shift in policies of Bush years” LINK

The New York Daily News? James Gordon Meek: “President Obama to GOP: Need help to spend $819 billion”>LINK

LINK

The New York Daily News? James Gordon Meek: “First daughters adjusting just fine” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Phillip Molnar: “President Obama really pushes buttons” LINK

2009: PRESIDENT OBAMA AND THE ECONOMIC STIMULUS:

The Associated Press’ Douglass K. Daniel: “GOP Leaders Doubt Stimulus Bill Will Pass Senate” LINK

USA Today’s Mimi Hall: “Cities, towns ready to vie for stimulus funds” LINK

The Hill’s Bob Cusack and Molly K. Hooper: “Some In GOP Hint They Will Back Final Stimulus Measure” LINK

The Hill’s Jared Allen: “Senators Predict Stimulus Bill Will Change” LINK

The Politico’s Amie Parnes & Ted Johnson: “What Hollywood Wants From Obama” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Greg Hitt and Brody Mullins: ?Stimulus Package Set to Grow in Senate? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jonathan Weisman: ?Summers Carves Out a Powerful Role? LINK

Bloomberg?s Alison Vekshin and Rebecca Christie: ?Obama Will Require Banks to Expand Lending as Condition for Aid? LINK

The New York Times? Vikas Bajaj and Stephen Labaton: ?Risks Are Vast in Revaluation of Assets? LINK

The New York Times? Sheryl Gay Stolberg: ?Obama Predicts Support From G.O.P. for Stimulus Proposal? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Siobhan Gorman: ?Republicans Criticize Stimulus Bill? LINK

Newsweek Magazine?s Jonathan Alter: ?The Stimulus That Didn?t Stir? LINK

The Washington Times? Donald Lambro: ?GOP criticism of stimulus intensifies? LINK

The Washington Times? Editorial Staff: ?The stimulus bill that isn’t? LINK

The Washington Times? John J. Castellani : ?Recommendations for the next stimulus? LINK

2009: SENATOR ROLAND BURRIS:

The Chicago Tribune’s Jill Zuckman: “Sen. Roland Burris navigates the workings and halls of Congress” LINK

2009: SENATE:

The Politico’s Jonathan Martin: “Newman may be Gregg successor” LINK

The Washington Post’s Lori Montgomery: “Democrats Set High Goal Of Sweeping Fiscal Reform” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jenny Strasburg: ?Legislators Seek Hedge-Fund Disclosure? LINK

2009: CHIEF OF STAFF RAHM EMANUEL:

The Chicago Sun-Times’ Abdon M. Pallasch: “Rahm looms over candidates’ debate” LINK

2009: DEMOCRATS/REPUBLICANS:

USA Today’s Jill Lawrence: “New GOP chair comes out swinging” LINK

2009: MIDEAST CONFLICT:

ABC News’ Nick Schifrin: “Pakistan to Prosecute Mumbai Suspects” LINK

The Washington Post’s Griff Witte: “Israel’s Key Election Issue: Did War End Too Soon?” LINK

The Washington Post’s Ernesto Londoño: “In Iraq’s North, Vote Tallies To Define Loyalties, Disputes?” LINK

The New York Times? Isabel Kershner: ?New Attacks From Gaza and Israel Test Truce? LINK

2009: IRAQ:

USA Today’s Aamer Madhani: “Turnout 51% for Iraqi provincial elections” LINK

USA Today’s Matt Kelley: “Watchdog critiques wartime spending” LINK

2009: FORMER SENATE MAJORITY LEADER TOM DASCHLE:

USA Today’s Fredreka Schouten: “Daschle seeks to explain $128K tax error” LINK

The Washington Times? Sean Lengell: ?GOP senators scrutinize Daschle nomination? LINK

2009: ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT:

Bloomberg?s Oliver Staley: ?Obama?s Billions for Energy Fuel Stanford, MIT Research Dreams? LINK

2009: OTHER MUST-READS:

ABC News Essay by John G. Spangler, M.D.: “Chewing through a Smoking Habit” LINK

The Associated Press’ Barry Wilner: “Steelers Rally to Beat Cardinals 27-23” LINK

The Associated Press’ Paul Newberry: “Phelps Acknowledges Photo Using Pot Pipe” LINK

Bloomberg?s Larry Siddons: ?Phelps Apologizes after Being Photographed with Marijuana Pipe? LINK

The Associated Press: “Texas prisoners riot for second time in 2 months” LINK

2009: ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“The Bottom Line on the Stimulus Package” LINK

“Economic Stimulus Reaches the Senate” LINK

“Jake Tapper on the Casual White House” LINK

“Roundtable: Obama’s Vietnam?” LINK

“RNC Turns to Steele for Change” LINK

“Redefining the GOP” LINK

“Land With No Bailout” LINK

“Obama Shows Off ‘Terrible Towel'” LINK

“Dancing Creates Jobs?” LINK