The Note’s Must-Reads for Monday, March 30, 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, LAURA GREENE, JAYCE HENDERSON and JUSTIN GRANT

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

Follow ABC News Correspondents on Twitter: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

G-20 AND THE WORLD ECONOMY:

USA Today’s Richard Wolf: “Obama Heads Overseas To Tackle World Economy” LINK

The New York Times’ Mark Landler: “Rising Powers Challenge U.S. on Role in I.M.F.” LINK

US ECONOMY:

The New York Times’ Nicholas Cofessore and Danny Hakim: “State Leaders Outline Deal on a Budget” LINK

The New York Times’ Susan Sualny: “Banks Starting to Walk Away on Foreclosures” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s James R. Hagerty: “New Task Seen for Fannie, Freddie” LINK

AUTO BAILOUT:

The Hill’s Michael O’Brien: “Obama Rejects GM Plan; CEO Resigns On Demand” LINK

Politico’s Mike Allen & Josh Gerstein: “Obama Shortens Detroit’s Lifeline” LINK

Politico’s Eamon Javers: “W.H.: Chrysler small enough to fail” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Neil King Jr. and John D. Stoll: “Government Forces Out Wagoner at GM” LINK

Bloomberg’s Jeff Green and Doron Levin: “GM’s Wagoner Steps Aside After Failing Obama Scrutiny” LINK

The Washington Post’s Peter Whoriskey: “GM Chief to Resign at White House’s Behest” LINK

Bloomberg’s John Hughes: “GM, Chrysler Must Revamp Plans to Get More U.S. Aid” LINK

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “President Obama Tells Automakers Their Viability Plans Are Lemons” LINK

Time Magazine’s Michael Scherer: “Obama Hopes Wagoner’s Exit Can Start GM on a Road to Recovery” LINK

The Washington Times’ Stephen Dinan and Patrice Hill: “GM’s Wagoner out at Obama’s request” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND ECONOMY:

Newsweek Magazine’s Evan Thomas : “Obama’s Nobel Headache” LINK

Newsweek Magazines’ Michael Hirsh: “The Education of Timothy Geithner”LINK

The Washington Times’ Nat Hentoff: “Obama’s shameful silence” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Mike Lupica: Wagoner gets a taste of the real world” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Kenneth Bazinet: “Obama forces former GM boss to step down” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND FOREIGN POLICY:

The Washington Times’ Mark Steyn: “Regulation, globally speaking” LINK

The Washington Times’ Editorial Staff: “Obama’s ‘stronger, smarter’ war” LINK

ABC News’ Sunlen Miller: “Obama Talks Policy, From Pakistan to Tax Plan” LINK

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “President Obama’s ‘European Vacation’” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Richard Sisk: “Obama Heads to London for G-20, and Meet Queen Elizabeth II” LINK

ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

The Washington Post’s Juliet Eilperin: “Winds of Change Evident in U.S. Environmental Policy” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Tina Moore: “Obama Vows, no Katrina on My Watch” LINK

AFGHANISTAN/PAKISTAN:

Politico’s Josh Gerstein: “Obama: More Troops Not Enough” LINK

USA Today’s Fredreka Schouten: “Afghanistan Plan Refocuses On Al-Qaeda” LINK

The New York Times’ Waqar Gillani: “9 Die as Gunmen Storm Police School in Pakistan” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Marc Champion: “U.S. Pushes Afghan Plan In The Hague This Week” LINK

The Washington Post’s Michael D. Shear: “Obama Says He Is Sharpening Focus of War in Afghanistan” LINK

NORTH KOREA:

The Wall Street Journal’s Jay Solomon: “U.S. Doesn’t Plan Action On Test by North Korea” LINK

GEITHNER:

Politico’s Kenneth P. Vogel: “Geithner’s Record-Breaking Pace” LINK

Bloomberg’s Ryan J. Donmoyer: “Geithner Says Some Banks Need ‘Large Amounts’ of Assistance” LINK

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “Geithner on TARP Money: ‘We Have Roughly $135 Billion Left’” LINK

MEXICO:

The New York Times’ Marc Lacey: “In Drug War, Mexico Fights Cartel and Itself” LINK

WASHINGTON:

The New York Times’ David D. Krikpatrick and Charlie Savage: “Star Lobbyist Closes Up Shop as Criminal Inquiry Heats Up” LINK

MICHELLE OBAMA:

Politico’s Nia-Malika Henderson: “Michelle Takes the World Stage” LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEO:

“Geithner: ‘Americans Should Be Optimistic” LINK

“Geithner on Bank Plan” LINK

“Roundtable: Krugman vs. Geithner” LINK

“George’s Bottom Line on G20” LINK

Must Reads TuesdayThe Note’s Must-Reads for Tuesday, March 31, 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, 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

Follow ABC News Correspondents on Twitter: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND THE ECONOMY:

ABC News Analysis by Gary Langer: “‘Right Direction’ Rating Advances With Drop in Economic Pessimism” LINK

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “GOO-GOO-GA-GOOLSBEE!!” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Peter Wallsten and Jim Tankersley: “Obama takes step over the line that separates government from private industry” LINK

The Hill’s Jared Allen and Walter Alarkon: “Obama Asks For Budget Momentum From Dems” LINK

The Hill’s Jared Allen: “House Democratic Factions Consider Offering Their Own Budget Proposals” LINK

Politico’s Patrick O’connor: “Dems Pressed On Health, Energy” LINK

Bloomberg’s Craig Torres and Lizzie O’Leary: “Fed Takes Lead Role in Executing ‘Stress Tests’ of U.S. Banks” LINK

The Washington Post’s Perry Bacon Jr.: “Ex-Commerce Nominee Now Top Budget Critic” LINK

The New York Times’ Carl Hulse: “Obama Goes to Lawmakers on Budget” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Jane Ridley: “It might be G-20, but London is all about ‘The One'” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND THE AUTO INDUSTRY:

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “White House: Bankruptcy May Be Leading Option for GM” LINK

ABC News’ Jake Tapper, Charles Herman and Karen Travers: “GM’s Rick Wagoner Gone, but Carmaker’s Problems Remain” LINK

The World Newser: “Is GM Headed to Bankruptcy?” LINK

USA Today’s Sharon Silke Carty: “GM’s future at stake as Obama’s team steps in” LINK

USA Today’s Chris Woodyard: “To get federal help, Chrysler has 30 days to do Fiat deal” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’Ken Bensinger: “Plan for GM may involve bankruptcy” LINK

The Hill’s Sam Youngman and J. Taylor Rushing: “President Obama’s Auto Plan Throws Lawmakers” LINK

Politico’s Jim Vandehei & Mike Allen: “Carrots for Banks, Sticks For Autos” LINK

Politico’s Lisa Lerer & Martin Kady Ii: “Detroit Plan Has GOP All Over The Map” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Jeffrey Mccracken, John D. Stoll and Neil King Jr.: “U.S. Threatens Bankruptcy for GM, Chrysler” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Neil King Jr. and Joseph B. White: “Tough Auto Measures Carry Political Risks for the President” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Matthew Dolan: “Blame Is Put on Management, but Hourly Workers, Retirees Face More Pain” LINK

Bloomberg’s Keith Naughton: “Ford May Flip to Laggard from Leader If Obama Gets GM Healthy” LINK

Bloomberg’s Jeff Green: “GM Must ’Do More and Do It Faster’ as Bankruptcy Threat Grows” LINK

Time Magazine’s Massimo Calabresi: “Obama’s Auto Odd Couple: Trying to Save GM and Chrysler” LINK

The Washington Times’ Patrice Hill: “Bankruptcy still looms for GM, Chrysler” LINK

The Washington Times’ Andrea Billups: “Motown suffers from Wall Street envy” LINK

Washington Post’ Op-Ed by Richard Cohen: “The Wheels Are Off: Stop Pouring Money Into GM and Chrysler” LINK

Washington Post Columnist Dana Milbank: “Washington Sketch: No Nominee Yet for Secretary of Rustproofing” LINK

The New York Times’ Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Bill Vlasic: “President Gives U.S. Carmakers a Short Lifeline” LINK

The New York Times’ Bill Vlasic and Nick Bunkley: “U.S. Sees a Smaller Future for G.M. Than G.M. Does” LINK

New York Times Editorial: “The Last Best Chance for Detroit” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Kenneth Bazinet: “Obama says GM, Chysler need to do more to save themselves” LINK

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION:

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “Is There a War on the Term ‘War on Terror'” LINK

ABC News’ Kirit Radia: “Obama Administration Sudan Envoy Headed to Region” LINK

The Associated Press: “Obama signs Reeve bill on paralysis research” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Richard Boudreaux: “Israel’s incoming prime minister says he can work with Obama” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Josh Meyer and Anna Gorman: “Homeland Security shifts focus to employers” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Paul Richter: “Obama administration ditches ‘war on terror’ phrase” LINK

The Hill’s Bridget Johnson: “Experts: Obama Needs To Watch The Gaffes” LINK

Politico’s Mike Allen: “Obama Hits E-Campaign Trail” LINK

The Washington Post’s Jon Cohen and Dan Balz: “Blame for Downturn Not Fixed on Obama” LINK

The New York Times’ Elisabeth Bumiller: “Gates Securing a Role Under Yet Another President” LINK

AIG:

ABC News’ Anna Schecter, Brian Ross and Justin Rood: “The Executive Who Brought Down AIG” LINK

Bloomberg’s Hugh Son: “AIG Workers’ Compensation Rates Probed by 50 State Regulators” LINK

HEALTH:

The Wall Street Journal’s Jane Zhang: “U.S. Acts to Ease Costs of Private Medicare Plans” LINK

SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON:

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “Caught My Eye: Clinton’s ‘Ah-Ha’ Moment” LINK

ABC News’ Kirit Radia: “Hillary Clinton the Tomboy and Her “Ah-Ha” Moment” LINK

ABC News’ Kirit Radia: “Clinton Says New Afghanistan-Pakistan Plan Depends on Diplomacy” LINK

Politico’s Ben Smith: “Hillary and God in Mexico City” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Jay Solomon: “U.S. Drops ‘War on Terror’ Phrase, Clinton Says” LINK

Bloomberg’s Indira A.R. Lakshmanan: “Clinton Says Afghan Aid Needs Overhaul as Nations Meet on Plan” LINK

ECONOMY/HOUSING & MORTGAGES/AUTO INDUSTRY/JOBS:

ABC News Nightline: “Closing Arguments: U.S. Heading in Right Direction?” LINK

USA Today’s Bruce Horovitz: “Marketers target job-loss fears, offer relief to consumers” LINK

USA Today’s Jayne O’Donnell: “Incentives to buy new vehicles please auto industry” LINK

FIRST FAMILY:

USA Today’s Maria Puente: “All eyes and cameras follow first lady to Europe” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Michael Saul: “Michelle Obama tells Oprah she’s not pregnant” LINK

CONGRESS:

The Los Angeles Times’ James Oliphant: “Riding the anti-Wall Street wave to Congress?” LINK

The Washington Times’ Edward Felker: “Coal is winner even in ‘green’ Congress” LINK

DEMOCRATS/REPUBLICANS:

The Washington Times’ Editorial Staff: “Rush 1, Obama 0” LINK

ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT:

The Associated Press: “For the White House, Not So Easy Being Greener” LINK

OTHER MUST-READS:

ABC News’ Luis Martinez: “Daily Photo: Potential Flashpoint in Iraq” LINK

ABC News’ Lara Setrakian: “Arab League Embraces Sudanese President Wanted for War Crimes” LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“Auto Recovery Stalls” LINK

“George on the Auto Industry” LINK

“National Interest in N.Y. Election” LINK

“GM CEO Rick Wagoner Resigns” LINK

“Obama Unveils GM, Chrysler Plan” LINK

“Geithner on Bank Plan” LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Thursday, March 26, 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, JAYCE HENDERSON and JUSTIN GRANT

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

PRESIDENT OBAMA, THE ECONOMY AND TAXES:

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “Obama Battles Senate Democrats Over Budget Priorities” LINK

ABC News’ Jake Tapper, Karen Travers and Sunlen Miller: “Obama’s Middle Class Tax Cut May Not Survive Budget” LINK

The Associated Press: “House panel endorses Obama’s budget plan” LINK

The Associated Press: “Thousands ask questions for Obama’s online meeting” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Michael Hiltzik: “A dream team should investigate the meltdown” LINK

The New York Times’ Edmund Andrews and Louise Story: “U.S. to Detail Plan to Rein In Finance World” LINK

The New York Times’ Jeff Zeleny: “Budget Has Obama Courting Fellow Democrats” LINK

The Washington Post’s Tomoeh Murakami Tse: “U.S. Vows To Sustain Dollar’s Dominance” LINK

The Washington Post’s Alec MacGillis and Scott Wilson: “President Shifts Emphasis From Wall Street to Budget” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Stephen Power and Siobhan Hughes: “Obama Administration Revives Tax Battle with Oil Industry” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s John D. Mckinnon: “White House Leans Toward Tighter Enforcement of Taxes” LINK

The Washington Times’ S.A. Miller and Kara Rowland: “Democratic factions curb Obama budget” LINK

Time Magazine’s Jay Newton-Small: “Obama’s Budget Fight Starts With His Own Party” LINK

The Hill’s Walter Alarkon: “House Budget Advanced On Party-Line Vote” LINK

The Hill’s Alexander Bolton: “Liberals Want More Defense Spending Left Behind” LINK

The Politico’s Josh Gerstein: “W.H. Putting Best Face On Budget Fight” LINK

The Hill’s Betsy Rothstein: “Obama, DNC Backers Say Best Is Yet To Come” LINK

The Hill’s Sam Youngman: “White House Announces Tax Reform Task Force” LINK

The Politico’s Lisa Lerer: “Obama Officials Endure Hill Grilling” LINK

TREASURY SECRETARY TIMOTHY GEITHNER:

ABC News’ Scott Mayerowitz: “Krugman: Obama, Geithner Need to Do More to Boost Economy” LINK

ABC News’ Matt Jaffe: “Geithner $ Comments Cause Market Stir” LINK

The Associated Press’ Martin Crutsinger: “Sources: Extensive Regulatory Overhaul Planned” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Jim Puzzanghera: “Geithner seeks to regulate large financial corporations” LINK

The Washington Post’s Binyamin Appelbaum and David Cho: “Geithner to Propose Vast Expansion Of U.S. Oversight of Financial System” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Damian Paletta: “Geithner Wants New Rules to Check Risks” LINK

Bloomberg Commentary by Margaret Carlson: “Geithner Deals Wall Street a Can’t-Lose Hand” LINK

The Washington Times Patrice Hill: “Geithner gaffe roils markets” LINK

The Hill’s Silla Brush: “Geithner to Present Plan That Gives Takeover Authority to Government” LINK

The Politico’s Ben Smith: “Geithner ‘Open’ To China Proposal” LINK

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION:

ABC News’ Karen Travers: “President Obama is ‘Open for Questions’ Online” LINK

ABC News’ Sunlen Miller: “Obama on the ‘Hall of Mirrors’ of Washington” LINK

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “EPA Deputy Administrator Nominee Withdraws” LINK

ABC News’ Sunlen Miller: “Obama Budget Chief on Hill Dems Plan to Scrap Middle Class Tax Cut: ‘We have two years to figure this out'” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Bob Secter and Andrew Zajac: “Obama aide had stint at Freddie” LINK

The New York Times’ David Johnston and Neila Lewis: “White House to Keep Agencies’ Focus on Terrorism” LINK

The Washington Post’s Garance Franke-Ruta: “Obama No.2 EPA Pick Withdraws Name” LINK

The Politico’s Josh Gerstein: “Nominee for EPA No. 2 Spot Withdraws” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Michael Saul: “Notre Dame Students Protest as Pro-Choice President Obama Picked to Give Commencement Speech” LINK

OBAMA AND FOREIGN POLICY:

Time Magazine’s Joe Klein: “Obama on the World Stage: Get Tougher” LINK

AIG:

The Los Angeles Times’ Peter Pae and Martin Zimmerman: “AIG’s plane-leasing unit says survival is in doubt without new loans” LINK

SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON:

The Los Angeles Times’ Ken Ellingwood: “U.S. shares blame for Mexico drug violence, Clinton says” LINK

The New York Times’ Mark Landler: “Clinton Says U.S. Feeds Mexico Drug Trade” LINK

The Washington Post’s Mary Beth Sheridan: “Clinton: U.S. Drug Policies Failed, Fueled Mexico’s Drug War” LINK

ECONOMY/HOUSING & MORTGAGES/AUTO INDUSTRY/JOBS:

USA Today’s Laura Petrecca: “More companies cut or end 401(k) plan matches” LINK

USA Today’s Mary Beth Marklein: “Economy influences college choices” LINK

USA Today’s Dan Reed: “Boeing says it’s flying high despite recession” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Michael Finnegan: “Poll: Ballot measures on California budget in trouble” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Molly Hennessy-fiske: “Some jobless aren’t down and out enough to qualify for aid” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Andrea Chang: “Is Sport Chalet equipped for the downhill slide?” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Neil King Jr. and John D. Stoll: “Auto Task Force Set to Back More Loans — With Strings” LINK

The Washington Times’ Donald Lambro: “Will investors buy in?” LINK

The Washington Times’ Gabriella Boston: “Recession slams blue-collar workers” LINK

CONGRESS:

The New York Times’ Carl Hulse and David Herszenhorn: “Optimism Grows in Congress for Retooled Budget’s Prospects” LINK

The Washington Post’s Neil Irwin: “A Growing Chorus on the Hill Questions the Fed’s Decisions” LINK

The Washington Post’s Lori Montgomery: “Obama Tires to Unite democrats On Budget Plan” LINK

The Washington Times’ Stephen Dinan and Tom LoBianco: “Congress overrides rejection by park service” LINK

The Washington Times’ Nicholas Kralev: “Hill defends actions on N. Korea” LINK

DEMOCRATS/REPUBLICANS:

The Wall Street Journal’s Greg Hitt and Naftali Bendavid: “Obama Asks Democrats to Preserve Budget Priorities” LINK

The Politico’s Patrick O’connor & Manu Raju: “Democrats vs. Democrats” LINK

ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT:

USA Today’s On Deadline: “Congress adds protection to 2M acres of wilderness in 9 states” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Richard Simon and Bettina Boxall: “Wilderness protection bill gets Congress’ OK” LINK

OTHER MUST-READS:

ABC News’ James Hill and Jaime Hennessey: “Military Widows Hit the Open Road” LINK

ABC News’ Luis Martinez: “Alarm Over North Korea Missile Prep” LINK

ABC News’ Kirit Radia: “Anti-Terror Stimulus? US Offers Rewards for Top Terrorists” LINK

USA Today’s Peter Eisler: “80,000 on TSA’s ‘cleared’ fliers list” LINK

USA Today’s Donna Leinwand: “More states move toward allowing medical marijuana use” LINK

USA Today’s John Fritze: “N.Y. special election a preview of 2010” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Ned Parker: “Iraqi general stirs dark memories in Kirkuk” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Richard Sisk: “25% Increase in Sex assault in Combat Zones: ‘Wait Until She’s Sober,’ says Pentagon Watchdog” LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“George on Budget Resolution” LINK

“Hey, Mr. DJ: Blago Hits the Airwaves” LINK

“Jake Tapper on Obama’s Economic Plan” LINK

“Obama Lobbies Lawmakers for Budget” LINK

“The Bottom Line on Obama’s Address” LINK

“Treasury Seeks Leverage” LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Friday, March 20, 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, JAYCE HENDERSON, STEPHANIE WASH and JUSTIN GRANT

BOOKMARKS:

The Note: LINK

The Must-Reads Online: LINK

ABC News Politics: LINK

The Political Punch (Jake Tapper): LINK

Radar: LINK

Clem’s Chronicle: LINK

George’s Bottom Line (George Stephanopoulos): LINK

Follow ABC News Correspondents on Twitter: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND “THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO”:

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “Obama on His Bowling Skills: ‘Like the Special Olympics'” LINK

USA Today’s William M. Welch: “Presidential chat is late-night coup for Leno” LINK

Politico’s Alex Isenstadt: “GOP mocks Obama on NCAA brackets, Leno” LINK

Politico’s Alex Isenstadt: “W.H. walks back On ‘Special Olympics'” LINK

The New York Times’ Helene Cooper: “For Obama, Talk about Economy Goes into Late Night” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Nancy Dillon: “Obama shares laughs, talks economy on ‘Tonight Show'” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Bill Hutchinson: “Obama sorry for insensitive Special Olympics dig on ‘Tonight Show'” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND THE ECONOMY:

ABC News’ Matthew Jaffe: “TARP Corps. Owe More than $220M in Back Taxes” LINK

The Hill’s Walter Alarkon: “For Tactics of Change, Obama Takes Budget Lead From Gipper” LINK

The Washington Post’s Scott Wilson: “Obama Shops Budget Plans In Crash-Strapped California” LINK

The Washington Post’s Philip Rucker: “Beefy Resume for a Giant Job: Policing Stimulus Spending” LINK

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION:

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “Obama Facing Key Battles” LINK

Politico’s Jim Vandehei & Mike Allen: “Obama Struggles As Communicator” LINK

Politico’s Ben Smith: “A Message to Iran” LINK

The New York Times’ Jeff Zeleny: “As Author, Obama Earns Big Money and a New Deal” LINK

The Washington Post’s Garance Franke-Ruta: “Obama Made Nearly $2.5 Million From Books in ‘08” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Jay Solomon: “Obama Video Message Reaches Out to Iranians” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Michael Saul: “Obama, Coach K duke it out over President’s tourney picks” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Celeste Katz: “Gov. Schwarzenegger offers praise for Obama” LINK

OBAMA AND MEXICO:

The Hill’s Jordy Yager: “Pelosi Urges Obama To Step Up Aid To Battle Mexican Drug Cartels” LINK

AIG:

ABC’s The World Newser: “Question of the Day: Should the Names of Those Who Got Bonuses Go Public?” LINK

ABC News Nightline: “Closing Arguments: Taxing as a Weapon” LINK

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “No Senate Vote on AIG Bonuses Tonight” LINK

ABC News’ Jonathan Karl and Matthew Jaffe: “Dodd vs. Treasury: Who Is Responsible for AIG Loophole?” LINK

ABC News The Note: “Dodd under Fire Over AIG Bonuses” LINK

USA Today’s Fredreka Schouten: “House votes to levy heavy tax on bonuses of AIG, others” LINK

Bloomberg’s Ryan J. Donmoyer: “Bonus-Tax Plan Heads to Senate After House Passes 90% Levy” LINK

Bloomberg’s Karen Freifeld: “Probes of AIG Bonuses Started by New Jersey, 18 Other States” LINK

TREASURY SECRETARY TIMOTHY GEITHNER:

Politico’s Eamon Javers: “Geithner: Treas. Expressed Concerns To Dodd” LINK

FIRST FAMILY:

The New York Times’ Rachel Swarns: “First Lady Leads Famous Women to Schools” LINK

ECONOMY/HOUSING & MORTGAGES/AUTO INDUSTRY/JOBS:

ABC News’ Scott Mayerowitz: “The Bright Side of Big Bonuses” LINK

ABC News’ Elisabeth Leamy and Vanessa Weber: “Gold Rush: People Rush to Sell Gold Instead of Finding It” LINK

USA Today’s Gregg Zoroya: “Jobless rate at 11.2% for veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan” LINK

USA Today’s Rick Hampson: “New Jersey community offers lessons for today’s economy” LINK

USA Today’s Leslie Cauley: “Cellphone users cut back on contracts during recession” LINK

USA Today’s Roger Yu: “Economy could take toll on luxury of Middle East airlines” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Elizabeth Williamson: “Plan to Let Judges Alter Loans Stalls” LINK

CONGRESS:

The Hill’s Aaron Blake: “Storm Center Hanging Over Chris Dodd” LINK

The Hill’s Susan Crabtree and Bob Cusack: “Tax Panel Feels Tighter Pelosi Grip” LINK

The New York Times’ Carl Hulse and David Herszenhorn: “House Passes Heavy Tax on Bonuses at Rescued Firms” LINK

The New York Times’ Raymond Hernandez and Thomas Kaplan: “Connecticut Senator Draws Voters’ Ire for His Bonus Role” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Jane Zhang: “Lawmakers Criticize Food Industry Over Inspections” LINK

DEMOCRATS/REPUBLICANS:

The Hill’s Mike Soraghan: “Democrats’ Blame Game” LINK

The Washington Post’s Glenn Kessler: “Campaign Vow to Call Armenians’ Deaths Genocide to Be Tested” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Jonathan Weisman and John D. Mckinnon: “Democrats Angle for Health-Care Edge” LINK

The New York Daily News’ James Gordon Meek: “Most at Gitmo don’t pose threat former Bush aide says” LINK

GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN:

ABC News’ Imtiyaz Delawala: “Palin on Stimulus: Thanks, But No Thanks” LINK

FORMER BUSH ADMINISTRATION:

The Washington Post’s Juliet Eilperin and Del Quentin Wilber: “Judge Blocks Rule Permitting Concealed Guns in U.S. Parks” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Kenneth Bazinet: “Former President aims to bring reader inside Oval Office with book” LINK

OTHER MUST-READS:

The Associated Press’ Robert H. Reid: “As Iraq War Enters 7th Year, Focus on Politics” LINK

USA Today’s Joan Biskupic: “Supreme Court considers anti-Clinton movie” LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“Jake Tapper on the Obama Trip West” LINK

“Obama’s California Sales Trip” LINK

“Jake Tapper on Obama’s Defense” LINK

“Bonus Packages and Class War” LINK

“First Lady Reaches Out to School Kids” LINK

“Where Violence Still Reigns in Iraq” LINK

“George’s Bottom Line on AIG” LINK

“Loophole Allowed AIG Bonuses” LINK

“Kimmel: AIG’s Brand New Ad Campaign” LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Thursday, March 19, 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, JAYCE HENDERSON, STEPHANIE WASH, JUSTIN GRANT

BOOKMARKS:

The Note: LINK

The Must-Reads Online: LINK

ABC News Politics: LINK

The Political Punch (Jake Tapper): LINK

Radar: LINK

Clem’s Chronicle: LINK

George’s Bottom Line (George Stephanopoulos): LINK

Follow ABC News Correspondents on Twitter: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND THE ECONOMY:

USA Today’s William M. Welch: “Obama touts stimulus to California fans” LINK

USA Today’s Sue Kirchhoff and John Waggoner: “Fed to pump nearly $1.2 trillion into the financial system” LINK

The Washington Post’s Scott Wilson: “Obama, in Calif., Says He Hopes to Return ‘Balance’ to Economy” LINK

The Washington Post’s David Cho and Michael Shear: “How the Fed Failed to Tell Obama about the Bonuses” LINK

The Hill’s Michael O’Brien: “Obama: Bailouts ‘Infuriating,’ But Part Of The Plan” LINK

Politico’s Josh Gerstein: “Obama Wants to Save Your 401(k)” LINK

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION:

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “Bust of MLK Joins President Obama in Oval Office” LINK

USA Today’s Mimi Hall: “President to pioneer chat on late-night TV” LINK

The New York Times’ Jackie Calmes: “A Defining Moment for Treasury Secretary” LINK

The New York Times’ Bernie Becker: “Obama to Back U.N. Gay Rights Decree” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Evan Perez: “Guantanamo Detainees May Be Released in U.S.” LINK

Bloomberg’s Robert Schmidt and Rebecca Christie: “U.S. Considers Broadening TALF Program to Distressed Assets” LINK

The Hill’s Sam Youngman: “Democrats Throw Public Punches At Their President” LINK

AMERICAN INSURANCE GROUP (AIG):

ABC News’ Alice Gomstyn and Charles Herman: “AIG CEO Liddy Calls Bonuses ‘Distasteful’; Asks Execs to Return Money” LINK

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “President Obama Compares Big Banks, AIG, to Suicide Bombers” LINK

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “President Takes Responsibility for AIG (Not Really)” LINK

ABC News’ Jonathan Karl: “Will Obama, McCain, Dodd Return Contributions From AIG Employees?” LINK

USA Today’s Judy Keen: “AIG chief gets Capitol Hill grilling over bonuses” LINK

The New York Times’ Kate Phillips: “Watching the A.I.G. Hearing on the Hill” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Randall Smith and Liam Pleven: “Some Will Pay Back AIG Bonuses” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Laura Meckler: “Obama Accepts Blame for AIG Bonuses” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Jonathan Weisman: “Dodd’s Amendment at Crux of Bonus Issue” LINK

Bloomberg’s Laura Litvan and Christopher Stern: “AIG Firestorm Has Democrats Edgy about Geithner, Economic Team” LINK

Bloomberg’s Erik Holm: “AIG’s Liddy Takes ‘Offense’ at Congress Bonus Blame” LINK

The Hill’s Mike Soraghan: “Bonus Smackdown Bill” LINK

Politico’s Victoria McGrane: “Wyden: I Told You So” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Michael Goodwin: “What was supposed to be legal lynching of AIG’s Liddy turns into defeat for Congress” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Michael Mcauliff: “AIG’s Liddy testifies before Congress” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Tom Hamburger and Janet Hook: “In AIG flap, it’s not just about bonuses anymore” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Jim Puzzanghera and Walter Hamilton: “AIG chief fails to quell growing ire over bonuses” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Ralph Vartabedian and James Oliphant: “Treasury officials explicitly allowed AIG bonuses” LINK

The Boston Globe’s Sasha Issenberg: “AIG chief seeks bonus givebacks” LINK

TREASURY SECRETARY TIMOTHY GEITHNER:

ABC News Nightline: “Closing Arguments: Geithner’s Future” LINK

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “The ‘Unflappable’ Mr. Geithner” LINK

ABC News’ Rick Klein: “Geithner Takes Heat on Hill” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Deborah Solomon: “Uproar over Geithner’s Role in Bonuses Could Vex Rescue” LINK

Politico’s Eamon Javers: “Can Geithner Bounce Back?” LINK

Politico’s Alexander Burns: “Obama Defends Geithner: Floats “Resolution Authority” LINK

VICE-PRESIDENT BIDEN:

ABC News’ Jennifer Duck: “Biden on Stimulus Spending: Avoid the Pork” LINK

ECONOMY/HOUSING & MORTGAGES/AUTO INDUSTRY/BANK BAILOUT:

ABC News’ Brian Wheeler: “Master Hatters Struggling in Lone Star State” LINK

USA Today’s Bruce Horovitz: “Families that cut a little last year are cutting more now” LINK

USA Today’s Haya El Nasser: “Fewer leaving urban centers, moving to sunnier places” LINK

USA Today’s Marco R. della Cava: “Marco R. della Cava” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Liz Rappaport and Jon Hilsenrath: “Consumer-Loan Plan Is Off to Slow Start” LINK

The Hill’s Bridget Johnson: “Study Shows Wages Rose After Immigration Raids” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Maura Reynolds: “Federal Reserve moves to bring down interest rates on mortgages, consumer loans” LINK

CONGRESS:

The New York Times’ David Herszenhorn: “House Passes Expansion of Programs for Service” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Josh Mitchell: “Pelosi Backs New Car Sales Incentive Plan” LINK

DEMOCRATS/REPUBLICANS:

ABC News’ Z. Byron Wolf: “GOPers against Dictating Executive Pay before They Were for It” LINK

The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza: “RNC Releases February $ Numbers” LINK

SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON:

ABC News’ Teddy Davis: “Clinton Loyalist Accepts Undersecretary of State Offer” LINK

GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN:

ABC News’ Teddy Davis: “Palin Rips Magazine’s ‘Idiotic’ Pipeline Story” LINK

ELECTION 2012:

The Los Angeles Times’ Josh Drobnyk: “Sen. Arlen Specter floats possibility of independent run” LINK

BERNARD MADOFF:

The Los Angeles Times’ Martin Zimmerman: “Madoff’s accountant is charged with fraud” LINK

OTHER MUST-READS:

ABC News’ Luis Martinez: “Gates Announces End to Army Stop-Loss” LINK

USA Today’s Tom Vanden Brook and Gregg Zoroya: “Army to stop extending tours past obligations” LINK

The Washington Post’s Howard Kurtz: “The Hills? No, TMZ Now Hits the Hill” LINK

The Hill’s Michael Sandler and Aaron Blake: “Specter crosses aisle despite election risks” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Stephanie Gaskell: “Robert Gates puts stop to Army’s stop-loss policy” LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“AIG CEO Harassed on the Hot Seat” LINK

“Obama Pitches Budget in Web Video” LINK

“Gates Emotional over Dover AFB Visit” LINK

“Obama Announces Measure to Prevent another AIG” LINK

“Congress ‘Outraged’ Over AIG Bonuses” LINK

“Obama Fills Out His NCAA Bracket” LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Wednesday, March 18, 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, JAYCE HENDERSON, STEPHANIE WASH and JUSTIN GRANT

BOOKMARKS:

The Note: LINK

ABC News Politics: LINK

The Political Punch (Jake Tapper): LINK

Radar: LINK

Clem’s Chronicle: LINK

George’s Bottom Line (George Stephanopoulos): 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 HIS ADMINISTRATION:

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “Bush 43: I Want Obama to Succeed, Won’t Criticize Him” LINK

ABC News’ Jake Tapper and Sunlen Miller: “Obama Makes his March Madness Picks” LINK

The Associated Press’ Matthew Lee: “Sources: US to Sign UN Gay Rights Declaration” LINK

The New York Times’ Katharine Seelye: “An Official Is Reinstated, White House Announces” LINK

The Washington Post’s Michael Fletcher: “Obama Names Judge to Appeals Court” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s David Enrich: “Citi Losing Economist to Treasury” LINK

Boston Herald Op-Ed by Michael Gerson: “Mixed signals in U.S. policy toward Iran” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Kenneth Bazinet: “Obama won’t give convicted computer wiz the boot” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Leo Standora: “Obama makes picks for NCAA tournament” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Richard Sisk: “Obama nominates Steelers owner as ambassador to Ireland” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Frank James: “Obama to Republicans: Enough with ‘just say no’” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ David G. Savage: “Obama announces first judicial nomination” LINK

2009: WHITE HOUSE CHIEF OF STAFF RAHM EMANUEL:

The Hill’s Roxana Tiron: “Emanuel Plans to Meet with Veterans’ Groups” LINK

2009: TREASURY SECRETARY TIMOTHY GEITHNER:

Politico’s Eamon Javers: “‘Complete Confidence’ In Geithner” LINK

2009: FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA AND FAMILY:

The New York Daily News’ Leah Chernikoff: “Michelle Obama is new comic star” LINK

2009: AMERICAN INSURANCE GROUP:

ABC News’ Matthew Jaffe, Jonathan Karl and Justin Rood: “In Letter to Kerry, Bernanke Warned of Fed’s ‘Limited Rights’ in AIG Oversight” LINK

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “Obama Administration: We Didn’t Find Out About AIG Bonuses Until This Month” LINK

ABC News’ Z. Byron Wolf: “Lawmakers Promise to Tax the Bonuses Out of AIG Execs” LINK

ABC News’ Jonathan Karl: “Rogue’s Gallery: AIG’s Best Friends ($$$) in Washington” LINK

USA Today’s John Fritze, Mimi Hall and Adam Shell: “Treasury, Congress go after AIG bonuses” LINK

The Hill’s Mike Soraghan: “Fury Over AIG Fuels Clawback Bills” LINK

The Hill’s Ian Swanson: “AIG staff: We Deserve This Money” LINK

Politico’s Lisa Lerer & Victoria McGrane: “Fallout: Dems in disarray over AIG” LINK

Time Magazine’s Jay Newton-Small: “The AIG Bonuses: Getting Mad and Getting Even” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Jonathan Weisman, Naftali Bendavid and Deborah Solomon: “Treasury Will Make Grab to Recoup Bonus Funds” LINK

Bloomberg’s Ryan J. Donmoyer and Laura Litvan: “Geithner Vows to Recoup AIG Bonuses as Lawmakers Express Fury” LINK

Bloomberg Commentary by Ann Woolner: “AIG Bonuses Punish Mere Mortals Paying Geniuses” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Jim Puzzanghera and Janet Hook: “AIG bonus flap may cost recipients” LINK

2009: ECONOMY/HOUSING & MORTGAGES/AUTO INDUSTRY/BANK BAILOUT:

ABC News Wants to know: Is the Recession Making You Mad Enough to Rally Against Uncle Sam? VOTE here: LINK

ABC News’ Russell Goldman: “Where’s the Rage? Recession Sparks Mild Protests” LINK

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Cont’d” LINK

2009: CONGRESS:

The New York Times’ Jackie Calmes and Louise Story: “Outcry Builds in Washington for Recovery of A.I.G. Bonuses” LINK

The New York Times’ Robert Pear: “Team Effort in the House to Overhaul Health Care” LINK

The New York Times’ Kate Phillips: “Senator Wants Some Remorse From C.E.O.’s” LINK

The Washington Post’s Shailagh Murray, Paul Kane, and Michael D. Shear: “White House Calls Bonuses a Late Surprise” LINK

The Hill’s Aaron Blake: “Specter Won’t Rule Out Run as An Independent” LINK

Politico’s Glenn Thrush: “‘Senate Passes Pay Freeze” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Kris Maher and Brody Mullins: “Unionizing Fight Focuses on 3 States” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Dan Fitzpatrick: “Merrill Pay Scrutinized” LINK

2009: DEMOCRATS/REPUBLICANS:

The Washington Post’s Tim Craig: “GOP Chairman Fires Back as Party Leaders Seek His Ouster” LINK

2009: SENATOR JOHN McCAIN:

Read George’s ‘Twitterview’ with McCain: LINK

2009: BERNARD MADOFF

The Los Angeles Times’ Martin Zimmerman: “IRS giving relief to some Madoff investors” LINK

The Boston Globe’s Ross Kerber: “New IRS rules offer relief for Madoff victims” LINK

2009: OTHER MUST-READS:

USA Today’s Tom Vanden Brook and Paul Overberg: “Iraq combat deaths at 6-year low” LINK

USA Today’s Kevin Johnson: “To save money on prisons, states take a softer stance” LINK

Politico’s Glenn Thrush: “Report: Tauscher to State Dept” LINK

Politico’s Michael Caledrone: “JournoList: Inside the Echo Chamber” LINK

2009: ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“Did AIG Lie to Shareholders?” LINK

“Outrage Over AIG Bailout for Bonuses” LINK

“George on AIG Bonus Blunder” LINK

“Taxing the Bonuses” LINK

“Obama’s $3.6 Trillion Budget Proposal” LINK

“Foreclosure Victim Saved by Strangers” LINK

“Obama Celebrates St. Paddy’s Day” LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Friday, March 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’ PETER MARTINEZ, CARRIE HALPERIN, KRISTEN RED-HORSE, JAYCE HENDERSON and LAURA GREENE

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

Follow ABC News Correspondents on Twitter: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

2009: PRESIDENT OBAMA, THE OMNIBUS BILL, ECONOMY:

ABC News’ Z. Byron Wolf: “Republican Senators Divided Over Governors Rejecting Stimulus Money” LINK

Time Magazine’s Leo Cendrowicz: “Europe’s Message on Economic Stimulus: Enough Already!” LINK

Newsweek Magazine’s Michael Hirsh: “Blaming Obama: We wanted FDR. But halfway through his first 100 days, it’s clear the 44th president’s job is actually harder” LINK

The Washington Times’ Stephen Dinan and Jon Ward: “Stimulus overseer: Waste ‘inevitable’” LINK

The Hill’s Ian Swanson: “Obama Confident After Good Dow Days” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Jonathan Weisman in Washington and Marc Champion in Brussels: “European Leaders Push Back on Obama’s Calls for Aid” LINK

Bloomberg’s Tim Mullaney: “Stimulus Will Spur $100 Billion in Technology Sales, IDC Says” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Kenneth Bazinet: “Obama: Crisis not as dire as it seems” LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND SAME-SEX HEALTH BENEFITS:

The New York Times’ Robert Pear: “Obama on Spot as Rulings Aid Gay Partners” LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND MEXICAN BORDER VIOLENCE:

The Washington Post’s Spencer Hsu: “Obama Considering Guard Troops on Texas-Mexico Border” LINK

USA Today’s Rick Jervis: “Feds bolster agents on border with Mexico” LINK

2009: TREASURY SECRETARY TIMOTHY GEITHNER:

ABC News’ Matthew Jaffe: “Tough Going for Tim Geithner on Capitol Hill” LINK

The Hill’s Silla Brush: “Geithner Tasked With Paving Way To G-20 Summit” LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION:

ABC News’ Jake Tapper and Sunlen Miller: “The “Object-in-Chief” Defends Spending to Nation’s CEOs” LINK

The Associated Press: “Officials: Obama’s Afghanistan goals due soon” LINK

The Washington Times’ Stephanie Green: “Everyman Obama courts socialites” LINK

The Washington Times’ Gary Emerling and Christina Bellantoni: “Obama appointee on leave after FBI raid” LINK

The Washington Post’s Carrie Johnson: “How Obama Will Handle U.S. Attorney Posts Still Unclear” LINK

The Washington Post’s David Cho: “Fourth Nominee Withdraws From Treasury’s Roster” LINK

The New York Times’ Robert Pear: “Obama on Spot as Rulings Aid Gay Partners” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Jay Solomon: “Obama Team Plots Opening of Iran Ties” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Greg Smith: “White House urban czar Carrion OK’s architect’s plans” LINK

2009: FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA AND FAMILY:

ABC News’ Karen Travers: “Exclusive: ‘It Hurts,’ Says First Lady of Military Families on Food Stamps” >LINK

The New York Times’ Rachel Swarns: “Back Service Personnel, First Lady Asks Nation” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Richard Sisk” First Lady Michelle Obama visits 82nd Airborne sans Barack for first solo trip” LINK

2009: ECONOMY/HOUSING & MORTGAGES/AUTO INDUSTRY/BANK BAILOUT:

ABC News’ Barbara Pinto: “Furloughed GM Workers Rebuild Community” LINK

USA Today’s Charisse Jones: “Sour U.S. economy has put 40% of Americans on edge” LINK

USA Today’s Barbara Hagenbaugh: “Americans’ net worth sinks 17.9%; spending pullback likely” LINK

2009: CONGRESS:

The Washington Times’ S.A. Miller: “China resolution pressures Obama” LINK

The New York Times’ Eric Lipton and Jim Rutenberg: “Congresswoman, Tied to Bank, Helped Seek Funds” LINK

The Washington Post’s Ben Pershing: “No Second Stimulus Bill Is Coming Soon, Pelosi Says” LINK

The Hill’s Silla Brush: “Senate Democrats Mull Changes to ‘Cramdown’” LINK

Politico’s Ben Smith: “Steele ‘Choice’ Gaffe Sparks GOP revolt” LINK

Politico’s Glenn Thrush: “Congress Approval Way Up” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Susanne Craig: “Cuomo, Frank Seek to Link Executive Pay, Performance” LINK

2009: GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN:

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “Palin’s Back to Lovin’ Her Some Earmarks” LINK

2009: DEMOCRATS/REPUBLICANS:

USA Today’s Jill Lawrence: “Republican Party chairman Steele’s remarks under fire” LINK

The New York Times’ Adam Nagourney: “In Interview, Republican Chairman Strays From the Party Line on Abortion” LINK

The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza and Perry Bacon Jr.: “RNC Chair’s Remarks on Abortion Draw Criticism” LINK

The Washington Post’s Renae Merle: “Senate Democrats Seek Support For Mortgage Modification Bill” LINK

The New York Daily News’ David Saltonstall: “GOP chairman says talking to God keeps him from hurting critics” LINK

The New York Daily News’ David Hinckley: “Limbaugh has loyal New York audience” LINK

2009: OTHER MUST-READS:

ABC News’ John Stossel, Catherine Brosseau and Patrick McMenamin: “Good Fences Don’t Make Good Neighbors” LINK

ABC News’ Christine Romo and Lauren Sher: “Battle Stories Help Prepare Soldiers for War” LINK

The Associated Press’ Munir Ahmad: “Pakistan Blocks Anti-Government Demonstrators” LINK

ABC News’ Kirit Radia: “US Warns North Korea Not to Launch Satellite, But Not Sure How to Deter Them” LINK

ABC News’ Lindsey Ellerson, Aadel Rashid and Brian Canova: “Iraq Shoe-Thrower Sentence and Other Public Figures Punked, Egged and Handcuffed” LINK

USA Today’s Julie Appleby: “GAO cites fraud in Medicare in-home services billings” LINK

The Hill’s Alexander Bolton: “Lawmakers Deny Freeman’s Israel Lobby Charges ” LINK

Bloomberg’s Michael Heath: “Obama Urges China to Renew Talks With Dalai Lama” LINK

2009: ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“First Lady ‘Hurts’ for Military Families” LINK

“The Break Up” LINK

“Geithner Blasted on Capitol Hill” LINK

“George’s Bottom Line on Bank Plan” LINK

“Biden: $8B of Stimulus Will Fuel Energy Projects” LINK

“Kimmel: Obama Staff Makes You Sleepy” LINK

“Making the Most of a Furlough” LINK

“Geithner Grilled on the Hill” LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Friday, March 6, 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, JAYCE HENDERSON, STEPHANIE WASH, 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 OBAMA, THE BUDGET AND THE ECONOMY:

Bloomberg’s Brian Faler: “Senate to Vote Next Week on $410 Billion ‘Omnibus’ Budget Plan” LINK

ABC News’ Z. Byron Wolf: “Omnibus Breakdown in Senate” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Celeste Katz: “Homeowners anxious about Obama bailout plan flood loan agencies with calls” LINK

Politicos’ David Rogers: “Omnibus Still One Vote Short” LINK

The Hill’s Alexander Bolton: “Spending-Bill Vote Called Off, Lacking Dem Support” LINK

Politicos’ Kenneth P. Vogel: “Admin. Lawyer Repped Google Foes” LINK

Politicos’ Jeanne Cummings & John Bresnahan & Josh Gerstein : “Treasury Starved For Appointees” LINK

2009: PRESIDENT OBAMA AND TAXES:

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “Obama Tax Deduction Plan DOA?” LINK

2009: PRESIDENT OBAMA AND HEALTH CARE REFORM:

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “President Obama’s UnHillary Health Care Summit” LINK

ABC News’ Jake Tapper, Karen Travers and Sunlen Miller: “Obama Kicks Off Health Care Effort” LINK

ABC News’ Rick Klein: “A Healthy Start for Obama?” LINK

USA Today’s Richard Wolf: “360-degree health care forum has rousing start” LINK

The New York Times’ Robert Pear and Sheryl Gay Stolberg: “Obama Says He Is Open to Altering Health Plan” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Laura Meckler: “Obama, Health-Care Players Agree to Seek Overhaul” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Noam N. Levey: “Obama holds forum on healthcare reform” LINK

The Boston Globe’s Lisa Wangsness: “Obama steadfast on healthcare” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Kenneth Bazinet: “Obama seeks to heal country’s healthcare, insurance industries” LINK

Politicos’ Carrie Budoff Brown: “Clinton’s Presence Felt At Summit” LINK

Politicos’ Patrick O’connor & Alex Isenstadt: “House Turns Back Call for PMA Probe” LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION:

ABC News’ Kate Barrett: “Dr. Gupta Withdraws Name for Surgeon General” LINK

The Associated Press’ Jay Reeves: “Jeremiah Wright: Obama `Like Any Other President'” LINK

ABC News: “Help the Obama Family Name Their New Dog” LINK

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “Top Treasury Pick to Withdraw from Consideration” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Deborah Solomon: “Top Treasury Candidates Pull Out” LINK

Boston Herald Op-Ed by Howie Carr: “What’s Barack Obama’s Rush to make new enemies?” LINK

The Washington Times’ Christina Bellantoni: “’Angry’ Obama aides push Katrina recovery” LINK

2009: FIRST FAMILY:

The Washington Post’s DeNeen L. Brown: “For a Day, first Lady Becomes a Lunch Lady” LINK

The New York Daily News’ D.C. Bureau: “First Lady dishes out risotto and volunteer spirit at D.C. homeless shelter” LINK

2009: VICE-PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN:

ABC News’ Torie Wells and Meghan Lisson: “VP Biden to Speak at Syracuse Commencement” LINK

2009: PRESS SECRETARY ROBERT GIBBS:

The Hill’s Sam Youngman: “Gibbs Knows the Art Of War” LINK

2009: ECONOMY/HOUSING & MORTGAGES/AUTO INDUSTRY/BANK BAILOUT:

ABC News: “Auditor Report Warns GM Survival ‘Doubtful'” LINK

ABC’s The World Newswer: “Question of the Day: General Motors” LINK

ABC News’ Karen Travers: “Biden: February Job Losses ‘May Match or Exceed January’ Statistics” LINK

ABC’s The World Newser: “Face of America’s Unemployment Crisis” LINK

ABC News’ Chris Bury: “Main Street Community Bank Going Strong” LINK

ABC’s The World Newser: “Should Rules Be Changed For Struggling Homeowners?” LINK

USA Today’s Brad Heath: “Most foreclosures pack into a few counties” LINK

USA Today’s Stephanie Armour and Christine Dugas: “House passes bill to let judges rewrite mortgages” LINK

USA Today’s Jason Paul: “How to make some extra money by selling your extra stuff” LINK

USA Today’s Roger Yu: “More hotels are facing foreclosure, bankruptcy” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s James R. Hagerty: “Overdue Mortgages Increase” LINK

Bloomberg’s Jeff Green, Rebecca Christie and John Hughes: “Obama’s Bloom, Rattner Plan Monday Visit to See Detroit at Work” LINK

Newsweek Magazine’s Michael Hirsh: “‘Government Sachs’ Is Back” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Walter Hamilton: “Sell-off brings stock indexes down 4%, setting new bear-market lows” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Jim Puzzanghera: “House OKs court-approved mortgage relief” LINK

2009: SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON:

The New York Times’ Mark Landler: “Clinton Wants to Include Iran in Afghan Talks” LINK

The Washington Post’s Glenn Kessler: “Clinton Offers Iran A Specific Overture” LINK

The Washington Times’ Nicolas Kralev: “Clinton opens ‘big tent’ conference to Iran” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Richard Sisk: “Clinton invites Iran to Afghan talks table” LINK

2009: CONGRESS:

ABC News’ Jason Ryan: “Senate to Consider More Resources to Combat Financial Crimes” LINK

ABC News’ Rick Klein: “Checking Votes on ‘Card-Check'” LINK

The Washington Post’s Shailagh Murray: “Spending Bill Stalls in Senate, 1 Vote Shy of Breaking Filibuster” LINK

The Washington Post’s Renae Merle: “Homeowner Rescue Bill Passes House” LINK

The Washington Post’s Brady Dennis: “Senators Call AIG ‘Lost Cause'” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Damian Paletta: “Bill Seeks to Let FDIC Borrow up to $500 Billion” LINK

The Washington Times’ Sean Lengell: “Senators discuss health care goal” LINK

The Hill’s Mike Soraghan and Molly K. Hooper: “House Approves ‘Cramdown’ legislation” LINK

The Hill’s Mike Soraghan: “Flexibility Urged To Salvage D.C. Vote Bill” LINK

2009: DEMOCRATS/G.O.P.:

The New York Times’ David Herzenhorn: “G.O.P. Delays Fiscal Bill over Earmarks” LINK

The Washington Post’s Howard Kurtz: “GOP Fights Back Over Criticism of Limbaugh” LINK

The New York Times’ Mark Leibovich: “Republicans Look for a Reliever in Kentucky” LINK

2009: RUSH LIMBAUGH:

The New York Daily News’ Kenneth Bazinet: “Limbaugh challenges Obama to a debate” LINK

2009: ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT:

USA Today’s Traci Watson: “Obama veers from Bush’s environmental course” LINK

2009: CENSUS:

The Hill’s Reid Wilson: “Accurate 2010 Census Count ‘Jeopardized'” LINK

2009: OTHER MUST-READS:

ABC News’ Ray Homer: “Gay Marriage Showdown in California” LINK

ABC News’ David Wright: “Ken Starr Receives Lewinsky-Era Dig” LINK

USA Today’s Joan Biskupic: “Ginsburg plans to stay on high court for years, despite cancer” LINK

The Associated Press: “Capitol Hill goes gaga over Brad Pitt” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Alex Frangos: “Spitzer Is Back in D.C. — in Real Estate” LINK

2009: ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“Overhauling American Health Care” LINK

“Obama Stresses Health Care Reform” LINK

“Stephanopoulos on Health Care Reform” LINK

“Jake Tapper on Health Care Summit” LINK

“Dr. Tim’s Wrap on Health Care Forum” LINK

“Banks That Don’t Need a Bailout” LINK

“Is Bankruptcy GM’s Best Bet?” LINK

“Need a Job? Beg for One” LINK

“Pitt Pushes NOLA Cause on Capitol Hill” LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Monday, March 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? KRISTEN RED-HORSE, CARRIE HALPERIN, STEPHANIE WASH, 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

Follow ABC News Correspondents on Twitter: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION:

ABC News’ David Muir: “Obama’s Next Big Battle: Affordable Health Care” LINK

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “Orszag: Energy Costs May Rise to Offset Health Care Reforms” LINK

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “Orszag: Ending Iraq War Will Save Money” LINK

ABC News’ Karen Travers: “VP Biden Kicks off Middle Class Task Force with Focus on Green Jobs” LINK

The Hill’s Reid Wilson: “White House Claims Credit For Factory Opening” LINK

Politico’s Ben Smith: “Culture Of Conspiracy: The Birthers” LINK

The Washington Posts’ Jose Antonio Vargas: “Web-Savvy Obama Team Hits Unexpected Bumps” LINK

The Washington Times? S.A. Miller: ?Obama’s cap, trade irk some in party? LINK

Newsweek Magazine?s Katie Connolly and Evan Thomas: ?The Busiest Woman in Washington: As social secretary, Desiree Rogers is gatekeeper and imagemaker. But her top job is brand promoter?casting the Obamas as occupants of a ‘People’s House.’? LINK

Newsweek Magazine?s Richard Haass: ?Obama Should Talk To Syria Now? LINK

The Washington Posts’ Al Kamen: “Good Thing All’s Quiet at Treasury These Days” LINK

The New York Times? Ginger Thompson: ?White House Defends Approval of Pet Projects? LINK

The New York Times? Sheryl Gay Stolberg: ?Behind the Open Door, an Exercise in Politics? LINK

The Associated Press: ?Obama chief of staff criticizes automakers? LINK

The Associated Press: ?Defense secretary compares commanders in chief? LINK

Bloomberg?s Hans Nichols and Lizzie O?Leary: ?Obama?s Economic Team Lacks Two Top Aides as Senate Delays Vote? LINK

The New York Times? Robert Pear: ?Obama?s Health Plan, Ambitious in Any Economy, Is Tougher in This One? LINK

The New York Daily News’ Thomas Defrank “Obama itching to scratch earmarks” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Samuel Goldsmith: “White House mum as foes rip Carrion” LINK

2009: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND THE BUDGET:

The Hill’s Jim Snyder: “Budget Battles Loom As Obama Team Heads To Hill” LINK

The Washington Posts’ David Cho: “On Economy, Two United Voices Steer Obama Agenda” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Elizabeth Williamson and Melanie Trottman: ?Regulators See Big Funding Boost? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s ?Republicans Concede Budget Is Hard to Block? LINK

Bloomberg Commentary by Kevin Hassett: ?Obama Spending Shocks in Scale, Builds Upon Bush? LINK

2009: ECONOMY/HOUSING/AUTO INDUSTRY/BAILOUT:

Politico’s Lisa Lerer: “Uncle Sam Steps Up Again For AIG” LINK

The Washington Posts’ Brady Dennis: “AIG Said To Receive Access to More Cash” LINK

The Los Angeles Times? Brady Dennis: ?AIG may get up to $30 billion more in federal bailout? LINK

The New York Times Editorial: ?Stress-Testing the Banks? LINK

The New York Daily News’ Kathleen Lucadamo: “Stimulus critics stage ‘tea party'” LINK

2009: SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON:

The Washington Times? Nicolas Kralev: ?Hamas presence threatens U.S. aid? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Charles Levinson: ?Clinton Vows ‘New Path’ in Mideast As She Arrives With Seasoned Team? LINK

Bloomberg?s Viola Gienger and Daniel Williams: ?Clinton Wields $900 Million Pledge to Aid Gaza, Bolster Abbas? LINK

The New York Times? Mark Landler: ?Clinton Heads to Israel and West Bank Bearing Cash and Caution? LINK

The New York Daily News’ Richard Sisk: “Hillary on the road again” LINK

2009: CONGRESS:

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “Cantor Rejects Rush Limbaugh Rhetoric” LINK

The Hill’s Molly K. Hooper: “House GOP Still Divided Over Earmark Report” LINK

The Los Angeles Times? James Oliphant: ?Jim Bunning: Republican senator, Republican irritant? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Douglas Belkin: ?Race to Fill Emanuel’s Seat Is a Free-for-All? LINK

USA Today?s John Fritze: ?PACs spent record $416M on federal election? LINK

USA Today?s Matt Kelley: ?Stimulus has funds for GAO to beef up staff? LINK

2009: HHS NOMINEE SEBELIUS:

The Hill’s Reid Wilson: “Sebelius To Face Questions Over Abortion” LINK

The Washington Posts’ Michael A. Fletcher: “Sebelius’s Political Skills, Experience Win Plaudits” LINK

The New York Times? Kevin Sack: ?For Obama Pick, 2nd Chance for Progress on Health? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Laura Meckler: ?Health-Care Effort Ascends Agenda? LINK

2009: DEMOCRATS/GOP:

Newsweek Magazine?s Mollie Reilly: ?Among the Young Conservatives? LINK

The Washington Times? Sean Lengell: ?Emanuel: GOP relies on Limbaugh? LINK

The Washington Times? Donna Brazile: “Hear SOS, despite Jindal? LINK

The New York Daily News’ Michael McAuliff: “Republicans undercut by series of blunders” LINK

2009: MIDDLE EAST:

Time Magazine?s Tony Karon: ?The Pentagon’s Message on Iran: Don’t Panic? LINK

Politico’s Jen Dimascio: “Gates And Mullen Disagree On Iran” LINK

The Washington Posts’ Glenn Kessler: “U.S. Talks Tough on Gaza Aid” LINK

The Los Angeles Times Julian E. Barnes: ?Iran has enough nuclear material for a bomb, Mullen says? LINK

2009: DICK CHENEY:

The New York Daily News’ Michael Saul: “Dick Cheney invite to American Museum of Fly fishing sparks anger” LINK