The Note’s Must-Reads for Thursday, October 29, 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 Desk Assistants PETER MARTINEZ, KRISTEN RED-HORSE, JAYCE HENDERSON, CLAUDIA MORALES, CARRIE HALPERIN and DOMINICK TAO

BOOKMARKS:

The Note: LINK

The Must-Reads Online: LINK

Top Line Webcast (12noon EST M-F): LINK

ABC News Politics: LINK

The Political Punch (Jake Tapper): LINK

George’s Bottom Line (George Stephanopoulos): LINK

Clem’s Chronicle: LINK

Follow ABC News on Twitter: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News app on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

HEALTH CARE:

ABC News’ Z. Byron Wolf: “Could Roland Burris Block Reid’s Health Care Bill?” LINK

Politico’s Patrick O’Connor: “Pelosi set to unveil health reform bill” LINK

NY Daily News’ Michael McAuliff: “I don’t want public insurance plan in health care reform, Sen. Lieberman says” LINK

The Washington Post’s Shailagh Murray: “House health-care reform bill to include public option” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Janet Adamy: “Business Groups Push Hard Against the Senate Bill” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Martin Vaughan and Naftali Bendavid: “House Democrats Set Deal on Government Option” LINK

Bloomberg’s James Rowley and Kristin Jensen: “House to Unveil Health Plan With Public Option, Millionaire Tax” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA:

USA Today’s Fredreka Schouten: “Top Obama fundraisers get posts” LINK

USA Today’s Richard Wolf: “Obama says he’s just getting warmed up” LINK

The Associated Press: “Obama makes overnight trip to honor fallen soldiers” LINK

Politico’s Kenneth P. Vogel: “FEC puts Obama in a bind” LINK

Politico’s Mike Allen: “Gibbs meets Fox exec” LINK

The New York Times’ Jeff Zeleny: “White House Denies Giving Donors Special Access” LINK

ECONOMY / JOBS / REGULATIONS:

USA Today’s Dennis Cauchon: “Stimulus helps fill coffers for states” LINK

Newsweek’s Daniel Gross: “The Chamber’s Mistakes” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Don Lee and Alana Semuels: “Government report is expected to mark end to recession” LINK

The Washington Post’s Zachary Goldfarb: “Credit-rating bill clears committee” LINK

The Washington Post’s Kimberly Kindy: “Stimulus dollars going to accused contractors” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Brody Mullins and John D. Mckinnon: “FTC’s Powers Would Grow Under Financial Overhaul” LINK

FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

USA Today’s Ken Dilanian: “U.S. impeded in democracy efforts for Egypt” LINK

The Washington Times’ Kit Gillet: “China using stimulus to buy private rivals” LINK

H1N1:

The New York Times’ Sheryl Gay Stolberg: “Shortage of Vaccine Poses Political Test for Obama” LINK

The Washington Post’s Rob Stein: “Top officials defend flu vaccination campaign” LINK

AFGHANISTAN:

The Boston Globe’s Brian MacQuarrie: “United in loss, 9/11 families are divided on Afghan war” LINK

The Associated Press: “Officials: Obama considers scaled-down Afghan plan” LINK

The Washington Post’s Scott Wilson and Greg Jaffe: “Obama seeks study on local leaders for troop decision” LINK

Bloomberg’s Nicholas Johnston: “Obama Attends Return of War Dead From Afghanistan” LINK

ENERGY / ENVIRONMENT:

ABC News’ Carrie Halperin: “U.S. Must Lead Way in Clean Energy Technology, Agency Heads Say” LINK

The Hill’s Susan Crabtree: “Oil execs sentenced for Alaska bribes” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Edmund Sanders: “Fleeing drought in the Horn of Africa” LINK

SECRETARY OF STATE, HILLARY CLINTON:

The New York Times’ Mark Landler and Ismail Khan: “Clinton Arrival in Pakistan Met by Fatal Attacks” LINK

The Washington Post’s Karen DeYoung and Haq Nawaz Khan: “Blasts eclipses Clinton’s Pakistan visit” LINK

IMMIGRATION:

Newsweek’s Arian Campo-Flores “Another Front in the Census Battle: Immigration” LINK

EDUCATION:

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “Shutting Down Schools To Save Them?” LINK

SENATE:

The Boston Globe’s Susan Milligan: “Ex-senator Brooke gets gold medal of Congress” LINK

USA Today’s Andrew M. Seaman: “Congress honors former U.S. senator Brooke” LINK

The Hill’s Silla Brush: “Reps. Frank, Waxman square off over new consumer agency ” LINK

The New York Times’ Robert Pear: “Pelosi backs Off Having Set Rates for Public Option” LINK

DEMOCRATS / REPUBLICANS:

Time’s Jay Newton-Small “House Republicans Hope the Economy Will Help Overcome the ‘Party of No’ Label” LINK

The Hill’s Sam Youngman: “Lobbyists receive DNC fundraiser invites” LINK

OTHER MUST-READS:

ABC News’ John R. Parkinson: “NFL Commissioner Faces Congress Over Concussions” LINK

ABC News’ Rick Klein: “Romney Not Endorsing in New York House Race” LINK

Politico’s John Bresnahan and Jonathan Allen: “Richardson case sent to ethics panel” LINK

Politico’s Chris Frates: “Biz groups fire warning shot” LINK

USA Today’s Chris Hawley: “U.S. training bolsters Mexico’s war on drugs” LINK

The Boston Globe’s Bryan Bender: “Earmark applicant’s complaint fuels critics” LINK

The Washington Post’s Perry bacon Jr.: “After 10-year dispute, expansion of hate crimes law to gays signed” LINK

The New York Times’ Alan Schwarz: “N.F.L. Scolded Over Injuries to Its Players” LINK

The Washington Post’s Ann Gerhart: “An honor for a Senate pioneer” LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“Taliban Trying to Influence Obama?” LINK

“Clinton in Pakistan Same Day as Attack” LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Monday, October 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 Desk Assistants PETER MARTINEZ, KRISTEN RED-HORSE, CARRIE HALPERIN, CLAUDIA MORALES and DOMINICK TAO

BOOKMARKS:

The Note: LINK

The Must-Reads Online: LINK

Top Line Webcast (12noon EST M-F): LINK

ABC News Politics: LINK

The Political Punch (Jake Tapper): LINK

Follow ABC News on Twitter: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News app on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

HEALTH CARE:

ABC News’ David Kerley: “Is the Health Care Debate Reaching a Tipping Point?” LINK

ABC News’ Teddy Davis: “Liberal Group Urges Obama Not to Cater to GOP’s Olympia Snowe on Public Option” LINK

Politico’s Carrie Budoff Brown: “Dems push for benefits to kick in by 2010” LINK

Politico’s Alex Isenstadt: “Chamber: Obama backtracking on promise to change tone” LINK

USA Today’s John Fritze: “Congress’ health care bills leave millions uninsured” LINK

Special to USA Today (Phil Galewitz): “Can ‘bundled’ payments help slash health costs?” LINK

The Associated Press: “New proposal for public option picks up support in Senate” LINK

The Associated Press’ David Espo: “AP sources: Health bill may cut employer mandate” LINK

The New York Times’ Joseph Berger: “Democrats Are Optimistic That Public Option Will Be Approved” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ James Oliphant and Kim Geiger: “Who might, or might not, be covered under the healthcare bills” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Janet Adamy and Greg Hitt: “Senate on Verge of Health Bill” LINK

Bloomberg’s Kristin Jensen and Laura Litvan: “Reid Lacks Consensus on Public Option as House Fine-Tunes Plan” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Ceci Connolly: “Next phase in health-care debate: The art of the deal” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA:

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “Pledging Beta Omega?” LINK

Politico’s Jonathan Allen: “White House attacks worry moderate Democrats” LINK

Politico’s Carol E. Lee: “President Obama in campaign mode for Florida trip” LINK

Politico’s Eamon Javers: “McCain, Hatch distance selves from jab” LINK

Newsweek’s Anna Quindlen: “Hope Springs Eternal” LINK

Newsweek’s Michael Saul: “Limbaugh falls for Obama thesis hoax – but is in no Rush to apologize” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Jonathan Weisman: “Obama Races for Cash” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

The Associated Press’ Ali Akbar Dareini: “U.N. watchdog team visits Iran nuclear site” LINK

ECONOMY / JOBS / REGULATIONS:

The Boston Globe’s Robert Gavin: “Bay State heads to a jobless recovery” LINK

The New York Times’ Stephen Labaton: “U.S. Considers Reining In ‘Too Big to Fail’ Institutions” LINK

The New York Times’ Ian Urbina: “With More Troubled Families, More Runaways” LINK

The New York Times’ John Harwood: “The Economic Bomb That Didn’t Drop” LINK

The Hill’s Jordan Fabian and Bridget Johnson: “Top Chamber lobbyist: White House has ‘raised up the Cain’” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Tom Hamburger and Alexander C. Hart: “White House confronts the U.S. Chamber of Commerce” LINK

The Washington Times’ Tim Devaney “Zero-emissions ultracapacitors recharge in minutes” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Jon Hilsenrath and Damian Paletta: “Fed’s Tarullo Shakes Up Bank Rules” LINK

IRAQ:

The New York Times’ Timothy Williams: “Iraq Bombings, Deadliest Since 2007, Raise Security Issue” LINK

The Washington Post’s Anthony Shadid: “Bombings rock Iraq’s political landscape” LINK

The Washington Times’ Eli Lake: “Baghdad blasts kill 147” LINK

AFGHANISTAN:

Tine’s Aryn Baker: “The Afghan Run-Off: Will It Be a No-Show Election?” LINK

The Washington Times’ Sara A. Carter: “U.S. troops hope Afghanistan sacrifices not in vain” LINK

The Washington Post’s Greg Jaffe and Karen DeYoung: “U.S. tested 2 Afghan scenarios in war game” LINK

The Washington Post’s Joshua Partlow and Pamela Constable: “Afghan challenger considers runoff boycott” LINK

The Washington Post’s Pamela Constable: “Karzai holds head high as nation turns to runoff” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Ned Parker and Caesar Ahmed: “Baghdad blasts: Bloodshed and mayhem” LINK

ARMED FORCES:

ProPublica’s Michael Grabell: “Defense Dept. investigation casts shadow on success story” LINK

ProPublica’s Michael Grabell: “Defense firms in probe received $30M in stimulus money” LINK

The Hill’s Roxana Tiron: “Defense appropriations delay irks lawmakers” LINK

ENERGY / ENVIRONMENT:

The Associated Press’ Josef Hebert: “Nuclear energy gains spot in climate debate” LINK

Newsweek’s Daniel Stone: “Obama Won’t Go to Copenhagen for Climate Conference” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Ian Talley: “Senate Panel Set to Take on Climate Bill” LINK

MARIJUANA POLICY:

ABC News’ Kristina Wong: “Legalized Marijuana? We May Already Be on the Way” LINK

The New York Times’ Kirk Johnson: “States Pressed Into New Role on Marijuana” LINK

SARAH PALIN:

The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza: “Ideology trumps party for Palin” LINK

OTHER MUST-READS:

The Washington Post’s Karl Vick: “Corzine comes back, but far enough?” LINK

The Washington Post’s Sandhya Somashekhar: “A crucial last dash for Deeds backers” LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“Endgame For Health Care Reform?” LINK

“Sens. McConnell and McCaskill on Healthcare” LINK

“Hunt: Health Care Reform Can’t Pass Without Snowe” LINK

“Podesta: Tax Pot to Pay for Health Care” LINK

“Obama Talks Small Business in Address” LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Thursday, October 22, 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 Desk Assistants JAYCE HENDERSON, PETER MARTINEZ, KRISTEN RED-HORSE, CLAUDIA MORALES, CARRIE HALPERIN and DOMINICK TAO

BOOKMARKS:

The Note: LINK

The Must-Reads Online: LINK

Top Line Webcast (12noon EST M-F): LINK

ABC News Politics: LINK

The Political Punch (Jake Tapper): LINK

George's Bottom Line (George Stephanopoulos): LINK

Clem's Chronicle: LINK

Follow ABC News on Twitter: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

IRAN:

The New York Times’ David Sanger: “Iran Deal Would Slow Making of Nuclear Bombs” LINK

The Washington Post’s Glenn Kessler: “Iranian officials accept draft deal on uranium transfer” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION:

ABC News: “Closing Arguments: Obama Slashing Exec Pay” LINK

ABC News’ Jake Tapper and Ely Brown: “At Bush Administration Reunion, Cheney Attacks Obama… Again” LINK

Politico’s Josh Gerstein: “W.H. rejects lobbyists’ pleas” LINK

Politico’s Jim Vandehei and Mike Allen: “Obama strategy: Marginalize most powerful critics” LINK

Politico’s Eamon Javers: “President Obama defends all-male hoops game” LINK

Politico’s Eamon Javers: “White House slashes pay for Wall Street executives” LINK

The Washington Post’s Karl Vick: “Obama rallies Democrats for Corzine campaign” LINK

Time’s Michael Scherer: “Obama in New Jersey: Trying to Rescue Corzine” LINK

NY Daily News’ Larry McShane: “Newark Airport security guard John Brek arrested for making threats against President Obama”: LINK

NY Daily News’ Elizabeth Benjamin and Michael Saul: “President Obama rakes in serious cash during brief visit to New York City” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Elizabeth Williamson and Henry J. Pulizzi: “Checks for Seniors Face Opposition” LINK

The Washington Times' Jon Ward: “White House offensive raises specter of 'enemies list'” LINK

USA Today's Pallavi Gogoi: “Obama pay czar seeks to slash compensation at bailout firms” LINK

USA Today's Kathy Kiely: “Obama's campaigners now push his agenda” LINK

The Boston Globe's Political Intelligence: “Inspector general frustrated with pay” LINK

OTHER FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

ABC News’ Martha Raddatz and George Stephanopoulos: “Is Afghanistan Impossible for Obama?” LINK

ABC News’ Sunlen Miller: “Kerry: “Common Sense” that Obama Should Wait on New Afghan Strategy Until Run-off Complete” LINK

ABC News’ Kirit Radia: “Clinton: U.S. Will Never Have Normal Relations With a Nuclear North Korea” LINK

The Washington Post’s John Pomfret and Blaine Harden: “U.S. pressures Japan on Military package” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Yaroslav Trofimov and Anand Gopal: “Security Fears Revive Ahead of Afghan Runoff” LINK

Bloomberg’s Viola Gienger: “U.S. ‘Attentive’ to Having Fair Afghan Runoff Vote, Gates Says” LINK

The Hill's Sam Youngman: “Obama hints Afghan decision may wait” LINK

The Associated Press: “Cheney: Stop the 'dithering' as troops face danger” LINK

The Associated Press' Anne Gearan and Matthew Lee: “US signals Afghan coalition government is possible” LINK

The Associated Press' Lara Jakes: “Gates says all eyes on Afghan runoff election” LINK

JOHN MCCAIN/IMMIGRATION:

Politico’s Glenn Thrush: “Sheriff has McCain in immigration jam” LINK

ECONOMY/STIMULUS/TARP:

The Washington Post’s Tomoeh Murakami Tse and Brady Dennis: “U.S. to cut pay for bailed-out bosses” LINK

The Washington Post’s Lori Montgomery: “House moves to create jobs, prevent economy from slipping” LINK

Newsweek’s Daniel Stone: A Stimulus by Any Other Name . . . Would Probably Smell the Same” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Deborah Solomon and Dan Fitzpatrick: “Pay Czar to Slash Compensation at Seven Firms” LINK

The Washington Times' Sean Lengell: “Bernanke: Speeding up credit card rules could hurt consumers” LINK

USA Today's David J. Lynch: “Weak dollar raises talk of alternative world currency” LINK

USA Today's Christine Dugas: “Obama announces plan to boost small businesses” LINK

The Associated Press' Anne Flaherty: “Congress moves to expand financial oversight” LINK

HEALTH CARE:

The New York Times’ Robert Pear and David Herszenhorn: “Democrats Lose Big Test Vote on Health Legislation” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Janet Adamy and Greg Hitt: “Vote on Medicare Payment Cuts Divides Democrats” LINK

Bloomberg’s Kristin Jensen and James Rowley: “House Targets Insurers With Antitrust Challenge, Public Option” LINK

The Hill's Jared Allen: “Blue Dogs getting spending fatigue; wary of new economic fixes” LINK

The Hill's Mike Soraghan: “Speaker’s move left on public option draws centrist complaints” LINK

The Hill's Sam Youngman and Jeffrey Young : “Looking to unite Democrats on health reform, Obama takes partisan tone” LINK

The Washington Times' Jennifer Haberkorn and Kara Rowland: “Senate defeats costly Medicare 'fix'” LINK

USA Today's Fredreka Schouten: “Health care groups lobby at record pace” LINK

The Associated Press' Charles Babington: “Key senators may rebuff Obama on health care” LINK

DEMOCRATS:

ABC News’ David Chalian: “Dems Breathe Life into NY Conservative by Attacking Him” LINK

The New York Times’ Jackie Calmes: “Strains for Democrats in Budget-Balancing Act” LINK

ENVIRONMENT:

The Wall Street Journal’s Rebecca Smith: “States Invest More in Energy Efficiency” LINK

OTHER MUST-READS:

The New York Times’ Peter Baker: “Fate of White House Counsel Is in Doubt” LINK

The New York Times’ Charlie Savage: “Chief of Unit Under Fire for Stevens Case Steps Down” LINK

The New York Times’ Peter Baker: “Emanuel at the Epicenter: Then and Now” LINK

The Washington Post’s Mary Beth Sheridan: “Ex-officials decry Senate’s holds on State nominees” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Brody Mullins and T.W. Farnam: “Wall Street Steps Up Political Donations, Lobbying” LINK

The Los Angeles Times' Andrew Zajac: “Bill giving FDA new powers to oversee food supply has wide support” LINK

The Los Angeles Times' David Pierson: “Is China's rebound for real?” LINK

USA Today's Jeff Martin: “Memo details Mount Rushmore security lapses” LINK

The Associated Press: “Group fixing up Vietnam memorial” LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“George: 'Deep Divisions' on Troop Surge” LINK

“Bailout Execs Face 90 Percent Pay Cuts” LINK

“Obama to Small Businesses: We Stand Behind You” LINK

“Clinton: N. Korea Must Denuclearize” LINK

“Americans Divided Over Afghan Strategy” LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Tuesday, October 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 Desk Assistants JAYCE HENDERSON, PETER MARTINEZ, KRISTEN RED-HORSE, CLAUDIA MORALES, CARRIE HALPERIN and Dominick Tao

BOOKMARKS:

The Note: LINK

The Must-Reads Online: LINK

Top Line Webcast (12noon EST M-F): LINK

ABC News Politics: LINK

The Political Punch (Jake Tapper): LINK

George's Bottom Line (George Stephanopoulos): LINK

Clem's Chronicle: LINK

Follow ABC News on Twitter: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION:

The New York Times’ David Kirkpatrick: “Financial Giants Donating Little to Obama Party” LINK

Newsweek’s Howard Fineman “Obama Made Arlen Specter Big Promises For Switching Parties. Now, Specter Wants Him To Pay Up” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Jessica Holzer: “Housing Trade Groups Urge Obama Administration to Back Tax Credit” LINK

The Associated Press' Nancy Benac: “CAPITAL CULTURE: Obamas big on White House gigs” LINK

The Associated Press: “Playing the White House: music on a higher scale” LINK

AFGHANISTAN:

The New York Times’ Sabrina Tavernise and Helene Cooper: “Afghan Leader Said to Accept Runoff After Election Audit” LINK

The Washington Post’s Karen DeYoung and Joshua Partlow: “Karzai expected to agree to runoff” LINK

NY Daily News’ Jake Brooks “Is Afghanistan turning into Obama's Vietnam? Majority of Americans think so, shows poll” LINK

NY Daily News’ James Gordon Meek: “Sen. John Kerry 'not yet convinced' Afghanistan surge is right move” LINK

Time’s Tony Karon: “Why Escalation May Be Obama's Only Choice in Afghanistan” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Anand Gopal and Peter Spiegel: “U.S. Prods Karzai to Yield on Fraud” LINK

Bloomberg’s James Rupert and Janine Zacharia: “Karzai May Open Path to Disputed Afghan Vote Solution” LINK

The Associated Press: “Gates: Legitimate Afghan gov't could take months” LINK

The Associated Press' Robert Burns: “AP source: Karzai expected to accept he fell short” LINK

FOREIGN:

ABC News’ Jason Ryan: “U.S. Scientist Arrested for Allegedly Attempting to Pass Secrets to Israel” LINK

ABC News’ Nick Schifrin, Chris Cuomo, Kirit Radia, and Devin Dwyer: “Election Monitor Claims 1M Tainted karzai Votes” LINK

Politico’s David Rogers: “Sens. play good cop, bad cop in Kabul” LINK

The Washington Post’s Anthony Shadid and Nada Bakri: “election law stalls in Iraqi parliament” LINK

The Hill's Sam Youngman : “Obama unveils new incentives for Sudan” LINK

The Los Angeles Times' Jeffrey Fleishman: “U.S., allies begin talks with Iran on nuclear program” LINK

The Los Angeles Times' Laura King: “Pressure mounts for Afghan election runoff” LINK

The Los Angeles Times' Tracy Wilkinson: “Honduran talks deadlocked on reinstating Zelaya” LINK

The Washington Times' Nicholas Kralev: “Clinton's pitch to Moscow gains little back” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Gina Chon: “Washington Plays Host to Iraqis in Search of Investment” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Jay Solomon: “Obama Renews Sanctions, Adds Incentives on Sudan” LINK

ARMED FORCES:

The Associated Press' Lara Jakes: “Gates: Disputed US base likely to stay on Okinawa” LINK

HEALTH CARE:

ABC News’ Gary Langer: “POLL: Obama Holds Steady on Health Reform” LINK

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “New Poll: Public Option Up… GOP Down” LINK

Politico’s Glenn Thrush: “Tensions rise among Senate Dem leaders” LINK

Politico’s Staff: “Finance Committee bill has been filed” LINK

The Washington Post’s Dan Balz and Jon Cohen: “Public option gains support” LINK

The Washington Post’s Michael Shear: “Rift between Obama and Chamber of Commerce widening” LINK

The Hill's Jared Allen and Silla Brush: “Blue Dogs quiet on financial regulatory system overhaul” LINK

The Washington Times' Ann Geracimos: “Study: Swine flu vaccine won't help most” LINK

Time’s Michael Scherer “The White House Readies a Stealth Stimulus” LINK

Time’s Jay Newton-Small: “Will Insurers' Health-Care Attacks Backfire?” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Greg Hitt and Janet Adamy: “Public Option Gets New Life in Senate” LINK

Bloomberg’s Brian Faler: “Reid Leads Democrats In Carving Out Favors for States on Health” LINK

The Boston Globe's Political Intelligence: “Poll: Concern among liberals on Obama health care stands” LINK

USA Today's Richard Wolf: “White House pushes to shape health bill” LINK

USA Today's Robert Pear: “For 12 million on Medicare, premium set to jump 15% next year” LINK

ECONOMY/STIMULUS:

ABC News’ Karen Travers: “Biden: Specter Saves Nation from Depression (with his stimulus vote) LINK

The Washington Post’s Zachary Goldfarb: “Bank of America deal had White Houser Support” LINK

The Washington Post’s Nick Anderson: “Report says stimulus preserved education jobs” LINK

The Washington Post’s David Cho: “Small firms, home buyers to get a boost” LINK

The Hill's Walter Alarkon: “Senators raise alarm on red ink” LINK

The Hill's Silla Bush: “Oversight hearing to examine new documents on BofA deal” LINK

USA Today's Paul Davidson: “Deflation fears persist amid beginning of economic recovery” LINK

USA Today's Sandra Block: “Latest bank fee is for paying off credit card on time every month” LINK

USA Today's Paul Wiseman and Pallavi Gogoi: ” FDIC chief: Small banks can't compete with bailed-out giants” LINK

CONGRESS:

The Los Angeles Times' David Kelly: “Congressman disputes being investigated by FBI” LINK

G.O.P.:

The Boston Herald’s Edward Mason: “Rough 2010 waters for Sarah Palin, as Mitt Romney reels ’em in” LINK

ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT:

Politico’s Lisa Lerer: “White House plan: Neuter the Chamber” LINK

The Los Angeles Times' Ralph Vartabedian: “Toxic legacy of the Cold War” LINK

The Los Angeles Times' Kim Murphy: “Forest study sees upside of climate change” LINK

The Los Angeles Times' Kim Murphy: “Arctic offshore drilling plan cleared for Beaufort Sea” LINK

SARAH PALIN:

Newsweek’s Holly Bailey: “Time Out of the Spotlight Hasn't Helped Sarah Palin” LINK

MEDICAL MARIJUANA:

ABC News’ Hums Khan: “Medical Marijuana Proponents Breathe Easier Under New Guidelines” LINK

Politico’s Nia-Malika Henderson: “Department of Justice shifts medical marijuana strategy” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Gary Fields and Justin Scheck: “U.S. Mellows on Medical Marijuana” LINK

OTHER MUST-READS:

The Washington Post’s Fredrick Kunkle: “Va. Lieutenant governor candidates duke it out” LINK

The Washington Post’s Debbie Cenziper and Nikita Stewart: “D.C. officials to scrutinize spending by AIDS groups” LINK

The Washington Post’s Ed O’Keefe: “New boss moves quickly to change sluggish Patent Office” LINK

USA Today's Kevin Johnson: “In a switch, police invite scrutiny of racial profiling” LINK

USA Today's Larry Copeland: “Road safety campaigns take multicultural approach” LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“Public Option Squeeze” LINK

“Afghanistan Election Fraud” LINK

“Rules of Engagement in Afghanistan” LINK

“Biden on Economic Situation: 'It's a Depression'” LINK

“Women: How Far They've Come in America” LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Friday, October 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 ABC News Desk Assistants PETER MARTINEZ, JAYCE HENDERSON, CARRIE HALPERIN, CLAUDIA MORALES and DOMINICK TAO

BOOKMARKS:

The Note: LINK

The Must-Reads Online: LINK

Top Line Webcast (12noon EST M-F): LINK

ABC News Politics: LINK

The Political Punch (Jake Tapper): LINK

George’s Bottom Line (George Stephanopoulos): LINK

Clem’s Chronicle: LINK

Follow ABC News on Twitter: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News app on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

HEALTH CARE:

The Associated Press: “Baucus predicts all Senate Dems will support health bill” LINK

The Associated Press: “Doctors begin TV ads pressing Congress on Medicare” LINK

The Associated Press: “Obama urges Democrats to be patient on health care” LINK

Politico’s Patrick O’Connor and Carrie Budoff Brown: “Public option backers fight on” LINK

Newsweek’s Jeremy Herb: “The Problem With Two Conflicting Health Reform Polls” LINK

NY Daily News’ Michael McAuliff: “Insurers target senators with ads as health care reform battle heats up” LINK

The Hill’s Mike Soraghan: “Pelosi: Time to know where caucus stands on public healthcare option” LINK

The Washington Post’s David S. Hilzenrath: “Wellness Incentives Could Create Health-Care Loophole” LINK

The Washington Post’s Shailagh Murray: “Pelosi Joins Fellow Democrats in Tough Talk for Health Insurers” LINK

EDUCATION:

Newsweek’s Ben Adler: “How We Overvalue Education” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA:

ABC News’ Mathew Jaffe: “President Obama to New Orleans: ‘We Will Rebuild’” LINK

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “Fourth Grader Asks Obama, “Why Do People Hate You” LINK

USA Today’s Rick Jervis: “Obama: New Orleans not forgotten” LINK

USA Today’s Richard Wolf: “Social Security stop-gap debate revs up” LINK

The Associated Press: “Obama defends himself against New Orleans critics” LINK

Time’s Joe Klein “How Obama Could Earn His Nobel Prize” LINK

The Hill’s Michael O’Brien and Molly K. Hooper: “53 House Republicans call for ‘safe schools czar’ resignation” LINK

The Washington Post’s Michael Fletcher: “Obama Criticized as Too Cautious, Slow on Judicial Posts” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

ABC News’ Huma Khan: “Karl Rove Says Allies, Not Bush Team, Shortchanged Afghan War” LINK

ABC News’ Luis Martinez: “Exclusive: Army Brigade Will Not Go to Iraq in January as Scheduled” LINK

ABC News’: “Closing Arguments: Afghan Runoff and Obama’s War Strategy” LINK

The Hill’s Roxana Tiron: “$400 per gallon gas to drive debate over cost of war in Afghanistan” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Liz Sly: “Iraq’s plan for referendum on U.S. pullout fades” LINK

The Washington Times’ Rowan Scarborough: “Obama adviser Jones shifted Afghanistan views — a lot” LINK

The Washington Times’ Ayesha Nasir: “Militants escalate Pakistan ‘guerrilla war’” LINK

GOV. SARAH PALIN:

NY Daily News’ Jake Brooks: “Sarah Palin is bad news in 2012, but she was great for John McCain in 2008, says adviser” LINK

DEMOCRATS / REPUBLICANS:

Politico’s Jonathan Martin: “Third-party pooper: GOP’s N.J. dilemma” LINK

The New York Times’ Jim Rutenberg: “Acorn’s Woes Strain Its Ties to Democrats” LINK

ECONOMY / JOBS / BANKING / DEFICIT:

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “’This Week’ EXCLUSIVE: White House Senior Adviser David Axelrod” LINK

ABC News’ Jake Tapper and Lisa Chinn: “$72.408 Per Stimulus Job? White House Says No” LINK

Politico’s Josh Gerstein and John Bresnahan: “WH readies phone-tap case concession” LINK

The Boston Globe’s Andrea Estes: “Patrick warns of 2,000 job cuts” LINK

The Boston Globe’s Kay Lazar and Robert Gavin: “Unemployment at 33-year high; insurance fund running dry” LINK

Bloomberg’s Rebecca Christie: “U.S. Criticizes China for Lack of Yuan ‘Flexibility’” LINK

Bloomberg’s Shobhana Chandra: “Industrial Production in U.S. Probably Climbed for Third Month” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Don Lee: “Sliding dollar may be something to cheer about” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Deborah Solomon and Dan Fitzpatrick: “Czar Blocks BofA Chief’s Pay” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Staff: “Mortgages Stay Below 5%” LINK

GITMO:

The Associated Press’ Andrew Taylor: “House approves transferring Guantánamo detainees to US” LINK

SEC. OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON:

NY Daily News Michael McAuliff: “Hillary Clinton is finally more popular than Barack Obama, new Gallup poll shows” LINK

REP. JOE WILSON

Politico’s Jonathan Allen: “’You Lie!’ worth $2.7M for Joe Wilson” LINK

UNITED NATIONS:

The Washington Post’s Stephanie McCrummen: “U.N. Official Assails Congo Operation” LINK

The Washington Post’s Colum Lynch: “U.S. Is Open To Talks on Conventional Weapons” LINK

CONGRESS:

The Associated Press: “Giving folks a little credit” LINK

ENERGY / ENVIRONMENT:

The Hill’s Jim Snyder: “GOP: Politics led EPA to regulate greenhouse gases” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Martin Zimmerman: “Hybrid cars dominate EPA list of top 10 fuel sippers” LINK

AFGHANISTAN:

The Washington Post’s Karen DeYoung and Joshua Partlow: “Runoff Expected In Afghan Election” LINK

The Washington Post’s Ann Scott Tyson: “Military Limits Publishing Images of U.S. Casualties in Afghanistan” LINK

OTHER MUST-READS:

The Boston Globe’s Michael Kranish: “Hedge fund leaders gain clout” LINK

Politico’s John Bresnahan: “Rangel still spending big on legal help” LINK

The Hill’s Susan Crabtree: “Mistrial declared in case of lobbyist from Abramoff scandal” LINK

The Associated Press: “Lawmaker questions NBA’s dealings with Greek team” LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“Obama in NOLA: I Won’t Quit!” LINK

“Next Steps for Health Care Reform” LINK

“Karl Rove on Health Care and Afghanistan” LINK

“Hillary Clinton Seeks Russia’s Help With Iran” LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Thursday, October 15, 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 Desk Assistants KRISTEN RED-HORSE, PETER MARTINEZ, JAYCE HENDERSON, CARRIE HALPERIN, CLAUDIA MORALES and DOMINICK TAO

BOOKMARKS:

The Note: LINK

The Must-Reads Online: LINK

Top Line Webcast (12noon EST M-F): LINK

ABC News Politics: LINK

The Political Punch (Jake Tapper): LINK

George’s Bottom Line (George Stephanopoulos): LINK

Clem’s Chronicles: LINK

Follow ABC News on Twitter: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News app on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

HEALTH CARE:

ABC News’ Jonathan Karl and Huma Khan: “White House Officials Meet with Senate Democratic Leaders on Health Care” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Greg Hitt, Janet Adamy and Naftali Bendavid: “Senate Health-Care Push Gains Momentum” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Melanie Trottman and Martin Vaughan: “Unions Say Public Plan Is Needed” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Jane Zhang: “Medicare Advantage Premiums Expected to Rise 25% Next Year” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Avery Johnson and Janet Adamy: “Signs of a Split Emerge in Insurance Industry” LINK

Bloomberg’s James Rowley and Kristin Jensen: “Democrats Move to Assure Doctors, Unions on Health-Care Plan” LINK

Politico’s Patrick O’Connor and Chris Frates: “No Snowementum: Centrist Democrats still not sold on health care” LINK

Politico’s Patrick O’Connor & Carrie Budoff Brown: “Democrats launch attack on insurer exemption” LINK

The Hill’s Jeffrey Young: “Senate may raise physicians’ Medicare payment fees” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Noam N. Levey: “Healthcare triumph gives way to heightened battle” LINK

The Washington Times’ Jennifer Haberkorn: “Reid merging health care bills’” LINK

Time’s Jay Newton-Small: “Health Care Turns to Harry Reid After Key Vote” LINK

The New York Times’ Sheryl Gay Stolberg: “Public Opinion Is Next Big Hurdle in Health Debate” LINK

The New York Times’ David Herszenhorn and Robert Pear: “White House Team Joins Talks on Health Care Bill” LINK

The Washington Post’s Philip Rucker: “Hidden Costs of Medicare Advantage” LINK

The Washington Post’s Lori Montgomery and David Hilzenrath: “Democrats Fire Back at Health Industry” LINK

The Boston Globe’s Political Intelligence: “League of Women Voters weighs in on health care” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION:

The Wall Street Journal’s Elizabeth Williamson and Henry J. Pulizzi: “Obama Seeks More Payouts” LINK

The New York Times’ Jackie Calmes: “Obama Seeks $250 Check for Retirees and Veterans” LINK

The New York Times’ Campbell Robertson: “On Gulf Coast, Praise for Obama, Criticism of Visit” LINK

The Washington Post’s Amy Goldstein and Neil Irwin: “Stagnant Prices Prevent Social Security Increase” LINK

The Boston Globe’s Michael D. Shear: “Residents of New Orleans losing patience with Obama” LINK

The Boston Globe’s Political Intelligence: “Obama calls for extra cash for seniors” LINK

AFGHANISTAN:

ABC News’ Jonathan Karl: “Sen. Robert Byrd Asks: ‘How Much American Blood?’” LINK

ABC News’ Martha Raddatz: “Is Bob Gates Leaning Towards a Troop Surge? Sure Seems Like It” LINK

Politico’s Michael Calderone: “Huff to Biden: Resign if Obama escalates Afghan conflict” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Henry Chu: “Gordon Brown pledges 500 more British troops to Afghanistan” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Julian E. Barnes and Christi Parsons: “U.S. officials look at scenarios for Afghanistan ‘middle path’” LINK

FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

The Washington Post’s Dan Eggen: “Darfur Advocates, Rep. Wolf Intensify Pressure on Obama” LINK

The Washington Post’s John Pomfret: “U.S. Hopes to Strengthen Ties With China’s Expanding Military” LINK

The Hill’s J. Taylor Rushing: “Graham amendment aims to keep 9/11 trials at Guantanamo” LINK

The Boston Globe’s Farah Stockman: “Former diplomat denies oil dealings influenced views” LINK

ECONOMY / FINANCIAL REGULATION / TAXES:

The Washington Times’ Sean Lengell: “Less than half of AIG bonuses returned” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Laura Saunders: “IRS Touts Its Amnesty, Trains Sights on Evaders” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s David Wessel: “Deficit Dilemma: How to Dig Out?” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s John D. Mckinnon: “Cost Concerns Surface Over Home-Buyer Credit” LINK

Bloomberg’s Ryan J. Donmoyer: “IRS Intensifies Global Hunt for Secret Offshore Bank Accounts” LINK

The Hill’s Silla Brush: “Financial regulations coming as Wall Street shows recovery signs” LINK

USA Today’s Adam Shell: “Here we are again: Dow 10,000” LINK

USA Today’s Kathy Chu: “Fed: Banks need customer OK to pay overdraft charges” LINK

CONGRESS:

The Washington Post’s Brady Dennis: “Master Classes in Teamwork” LINK

The Washington Post’s Ben Pershing: “Rep. Wexler Resigning for Think-Tank Job” LINK

The Hill’s J. Taylor Rushing and Jared Allen: “Congressional Democrats defend the White House’s snub of Fox News” LINK

DEMOCRATS / REPUBLICANS:

Bloomberg Commentary by Margaret Carlson: “Rockefeller Takes on Kennedy’s Liberal Cause” LINK

The New York Times’ Monica Davey: “G.O.P. Has a Lightning Rod, and It’s Not Palin” LINK

Politico’s Jonathan Allen and Jake Sherman: “Bipartisanship, C Street style” LINK

Newsweek’s David A. Graham: “Dems Might Be the Party of the Rich, But What About the Middle Class?” LINK

ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT:

ABC News’ Karen Travers: “Will President Obama Protect the Bluefin Tuna?” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Stephen Power: “Earmarks Sap Energy Chief’s Priorities” LINK

Bloomberg’s Stacie Servetah: “Corzine Can’t Count on Open-Space Bonds for Environmentalists” LINK

The Hill’s Jim Snyder: “CBO: Climate bill will impose ‘some cost’ to the economys” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Tina Susman: “A tree grows (and dies) in Brooklyn” LINK

Politico’s Lisa Lerer: “New twist in ‘astroturf’ coal campaign” LINK

Newsweek’s Katie Connolly: “Why It’s No Surprise Lindsey Graham Supports Climate-Change Legislation´LINK

OTHER MUST-READS:

The Wall Street Journal’s Stu Woo and Jim Carlton: “More Pain for State’s Taxpayers, Cities” LINK

USA Today’s Emily Bazar: “Some police agencies resist new immigration controls” LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“Sen. Byrd Challenges Gens. McChrystal, Petraeus” LINK

“Grijalva: Dems Should Not Cater to Snowe’s Vote” LINK

“Schumer Pushes Hard for Public Option” LINK

“Snowe, Health Care and Who’s Not Hot in DC” LINK

“Bottom Line on Health Care’s Future” LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Tuesday, October 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 Desk Assistants PETER MARTINEZ, JAYCE HENDERSON, KRISTEN RED-HORSE, CARRIE HALPERIN, CLAUDIA MORALES and DOMINICK TAO

BOOKMARKS:

The Note: LINK

The Must-Reads Online: LINK

Top Line Webcast (12noon EST M-F): LINK

ABC News Politics: LINK

The Political Punch (Jake Tapper): LINK

George’s Bottom Line (George Stephanopoulos): LINK

Clem’s Chronicle: LINK

Follow ABC News on Twitter: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News app on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

HEALTH CARE:

ABC News’ David Wright: “Obama Makes the Case for Health Reform with MD’s” LINK

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “Bloomberg Backs ObamaCare” LINK

The Associated Press: “Obama pitches health care plan to doctors” LINK

The Washington Times’ Jennifer Haberkorn: “Public-option backers press moderate Dems” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Janet Adamy and Greg Hitt: “Insurers Fight Bid to Ease Penalties in Health Bill” LINK

Bloomberg’s Kristin Jensen and Pat Wechsler: “Pfizer Wins While CVS Loses as Senate Weighs Obama Health Plan” LINK

Time’s Karen Tumulty: “Democrats Brace for the Hardest Part of Health-Care Reform” LINK

New York Daily News’ Michael McAuliff: “Public option is alive and well: Sen. Schumer insists it still has healthy chance of passing” LINK

The New York Times’ Robert Pear: “In Debate on Health, It’s Coverage vs. Cost” LINK

The New York Times’ David Herszenhorn and Carl Hulse: “Obama Reaches Past Congress for Heath Care Support” LINK

The Washington Post’s Ceci Connolly: “U.S. Losing Ground on Preventable Deaths” LINK

The Washington Post’s Shailagh Murray and Scott Wilson: “Vote on Key Heath Bill Delayed for Cost Report” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA:

The Hill’s Mike Soraghan: “GOP chides Obama over Dalai Lama” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Cam Simpson: “U.S. to Revise Detention Standards for Immigration Detainees” LINK

Bloomberg’s Mike Dorning and Nicholas Johnston: “Obama Weighs Spending to Stem Job Cuts Without Second Stimulus” LINK

The New York Times’ Jackie Calmes: “As Job Loss Rises, Obama Aides Act to Fix Safety Net” LINK

FORECLOSURE:

USA Today’s Brad Heath: “Lawyers scarce for poor facing foreclosure” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

The Washington Times’ Raza Khan: “Pakistan improves position to fight terrorists” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Evan Ramstad: “North Korea Says U.S. Key to Disarmament Talks” LINK

The Washington Post’s Anne Kornblut: “Obama Team Says Zazi Case Illustrates Balanced Approach to Terror Threat” LINK

The Washington Post’s Greg Jaffe: “They Feel Like Outsiders and They Don’t Want to be” LINK

ARMED FORCES / DEFENSE SEC. ROBERT M. GATES:

The Hill’s Roxana Tiron: “The soldier’s voice on Capitol Hill” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Christi Parsons: “U.S. military advisors told to keep remarks private” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Peter Spiegel and Anand Gopal: “Gates Silences Strategy Talk” LINK

The Washington Post’s Ann Scott Tyson and Scott Wilson: “Gates Wants Leaders’ War Advice Kept Private” LINK

IMMIGRATION:

Politico’s Devin Dwyer: “High-Stakes Census for Latinos Complicated by Fears” LINK

ENERGY & THE ENVIRONMENT:

The Hill’s Jim Snyder: “Apple leaves U.S. Chamber over climate change stance” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Jim Tankersley: “Obama uses L.A. program as a model for going green” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Marc Lifsher: “Coastal oil drilling backers aim to sidestep state’s barrier” LINK

The Washington Times’ Amanda DeBard: “Climate bill backers quit Chamber of Commerce” LINK

SONIA SOTOMAYOR / SUPREME COURT:

ABC News’ Ariane de Vogue: “Supreme Court Begins New Term After Unusual Start” LINK

USA Today’s Joan Biskupic: “Sotomayor adept at getting a few words in edgewise” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ David G. Savage: “Sotomayor takes vocal role on her first day” LINK

The Washington Post’s Robert Barnes: “Sotomayor Takes Active Role on Court’s First Day” LINK

IRAN:

Politico’s Laura Rozen: “Iranian nuclear know-how” LINK

AFGHANISTAN:

ABC News’ Kristina Wong: “Afghan War Causalities Raise Stakes on Troop Debate” LINK

ABC News’ Chris Cuomo, Nick Schifrin, and Devin Dwyer: “Afghanistan Attacks Among Deadliest of the War” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Yochi J. Dreazen: “Afghan War Units Begin Two New Efforts” LINK

Bloomberg’s Viola Gienger: “Afghan Insurgents Seek Defeat of Second Superpower, Gates Says” LINK

Bloomberg’s Viola Gienger: “Afghan Forces Must Be Boosted, Jones Says as 8 Soldiers Killed” LINK

ACORN:

The New York Times’ Campbell Robertson: “Amount Embezzled From Acorn Is Disputed” LINK

The Washington Post’s Carol Leonnig: “Some Criticize SEIU for Its ACORN Connections” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Kris Maher: “Acorn Woes Hit Union, Democrats” LINK

CONGRESS:

Politico’s Lisa Lerer and Jonathan Allen: “Charlie Rangel rides out storm – so far” LINK

DEMOCRATS / REPUBLICANS:

Politico’s Andy Barr: “Newt Gingrich: Tim Pawlenty ‘should run’” LINK

Politico’s Manu Raju and Jonathan Martin: “GOP leaders to Michael Steele: Back off” LINK

Politico’s Glenn Thrush: “Democrats: Republicans are rooting against America” LINK

ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT:

The Wall Street Journal’s Stephen Power: “Political Alliances Shift in Fight Over Climate Bill” LINK

OTHER MUST-READS:

USA Today’s Steve Sternberg: “Behind the scenes, system sniffs for biological attacks” LINK

Time’s Jay Newton-Small: “What Happens in Nevada Doesn’t Seem to Stay in Nevada” LINK

Newsweek’s Katie Connolly: “The Case for Outing Politicians, Sometimes” LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“Frist Flip Flops on Health Bill?” LINK

“Obama: Doctors Support of Reform Is ‘Telling’” LINK

“The Second Amendment Descends on Chicago” LINK

“Turmoil in Afghanistan: 8 Soldiers Killed” LINK

“Greenspan on the Economy” LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Monday, October 5, 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 Desk Assistants KRISTEN RED-HORSE, JAYCE HENDERSON, CLAUDIA MORALES, DOMINIK TAO AND CARRIE HALPERIN

BOOKMARKS:

The Note: LINK

The Must-Reads Online: LINK

Top Line Webcast (12noon EST M-F): LINK

ABC News Politics: LINK

The Political Punch (Jake Tapper): LINK

George’s Bottom Line (George Stephanopoulos): LINK

Clem’s Chronicles: LINK

Follow ABC News on Twitter: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News app on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

HEALTH CARE:

The Washington Post’s Shailagh Murray: “States Resists Medicaid Growth” LINK

The Washington Post’s Ceci Connolly: “Democrats Wyden, Rockefeller Withhold Support of Panel’s Bill” LINK

USA Today’s Mimi Hall: “Health care bills tackle gender gap in coverage” LINK

The Boston Globe’s Foon Rhee: “Obama gets back to health care” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Alicia Mundy and Martin Vaughan: “Medical-Device Makers Push to Cut New Fees in Health Bill” LINK

The Associated Press: “New health care still out of reach” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA & HIS ADMINISTRATION:

ABC News’ Huma Khan: “Health Care Reform, Unemployment Top Obama’s Domestic Agenda” LINK

Politico’s Carol E. Lee and John Bresnahan: “Joe Biden: Patron saint of House freshman” LINK

Newsweek’s Katie Connolly: “GOPers Snicker Over Obama’s Loss” LINK

Newsweek’s Katie Connolly: “Losing the Olympics Bid Is Good for Obama “LINK

AFGHANISTAN:

ABC News’ Kristina Wong: “Eight U.S. Troops Killed in Afghanistan, as White House Debates Sending More” LINK

Politico’s Harry Siegel: “Zinni: W.H. close to ‘dithering’ on troop request” LINK

Politico’s Harry Siegel: “Jones: ‘Important’ Karzai ‘seen as legitimate’” LINK

The Washington Times’ Tom LoBianco: “Afghan attacks add to call for more troops” LINK

The Hill’s Michael O’Brien: “House liberals float bill to bar ‘surge’ of troops for Afghanistan” LINK

The Washington Post’s Joshua Partlow and Greg Jaffe: “Deadly Attack By Taliban Tests new Strategy” LINK

The Washington Post’s Scott Wilson:”McChrystal Faulted On Troop Statements” LINK

USA Today’s Susan Page: “Security adviser downplays call for additional Afghan Troops” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Matthew Rosenberg in Islamabad and Siobhan Gorman in Washington: “Al Qaeda’s Diminished Role Stirs Afghan Troop Debate” LINK

Bloomberg’s Viola Gienger: “Afghan Forces Must Be Boosted, Jones Says as 8 Soldiers Killed” LINK

IRAN:

Politico’s Laura Rozen: “Iranian nuclear know-how” LINK

Politico’s Kenneth P. Vogel: “Rice on Iran: tough talk, few specifics” LINK

Newsweek’s Fareed Zakaria: “Containing a Nuclear Iran” LINK

The New York Times’ David Sanger and Nazila Fathi: “Iran Agrees to Allow Inspectors on Oct. 25” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Joe Lauria and Jay Solomon: “U.N. Inspectors to Examine Nuclear Site in Iran” LINK

FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

The Los Angeles Times’ Melissa Healy: “War injury leads to advances at home” LINK

Newsweek’s Jorge Castañeda: “Obama must split Caracas from Cuba” LINK

The New York Times’ Elisabeth Bumiller: “Clear Vice of Bush’s Pentagon Becomes Harder to Hear” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Gina Chon: “Iraq Vote on Pullout Put on Back Burner” LINK

Bloomberg’s Bomi Lim: “China Pledges Strong North Korea Ties as Wen Meets Kim Jong Il” LINK

ECONOMY/BAILOUT:

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “Greenspan Predicts: 3% Growth, 10% Unemployment”

The Note’s Must-Reads for Thursday, October 1, 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 Desk Assistants JAYCE HENDERSON, PETER MARTINEZ, KRISTEN RED-HORSE, CLAUDIA MORALES, CARRIE HALPERIN and DOMINICK TAO

BOOKMARKS:

The Note: LINK

The Must-Reads Online: LINK

Top Line Webcast (12noon EST M-F): LINK

ABC News Politics: LINK

The Political Punch (Jake Tapper): LINK

George's Bottom Line (George Stephanopoulos): LINK

Clem's Chronicle: LINK

Follow ABC News on Twitter: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

IRAN AND AFGHANISTAN:

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “High Stakes: Obama to Take Time to Decide Afghanistan Strategy” LINK

Politico’s Laura Rozen: “Iranian Foreign Minister makes rare visit to Washington” LINK

Politico’s John Bresnahan: “House Dems’ Afghan anxieties” LINK

The Washington Post’s Scott Wilson: “On War, Obama Could Turn to GOP” LINK

The Washington Post’s Colum Lynch and Pamela Constable: “Diplomat Fired in Clash Over Addressing Afghan Vote Fraud” LINK

The Washington Post’s Thomas Erdbrink: “Iranian Opposition Warns Against Stricter Sanctions” LINK

The Washington Post’s Glenn Kessler: “U.S. Opens Door to Bilateral Talks With Iranians” LINK

The Washington Post’s Edward Cody: “France Toughens Stance on Iran” LINK

The Boston Globe's Political Intelligence by Foon Rhee: “Obama convenes high-stakes Afghanistan meeting” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Yochi J. Dreazen: “Gates Doubts U.S.'s Afghan Strategy” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Joe Lauria and Matthew Rosenberg: “U.N. Fires U.S. Envoy at Afghan Mission” LINK

Bloomberg’s Hans Nichols and James Rowley: “Afghan Strategy Decision Weeks Away as Obama Convenes Advisers” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Jay Solomon and Farnaz Fassihi: “U.S. and Iran Make Offers on Nuclear Talks” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

ABC News’ Viviana Hurtado: “Florida Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Traveling to Honduras” LINK

The Associated Press' Paul Haven: “US diplomat met dissidents in Cuba after official talks” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Indira A.R. Lakshmanan: “U.S. Opens Talks With Myanmar Military Junta to Push Democracy” LINK

The Washington Times' Matthew Mosk and S.A Miller: “GOP: Let generals testify on Afghan war” LINK

The Los Angeles Times' Mark Magnier: “Afghanistan's people have advice for Obama and the U.S. military” LINK

TERRORISM/INTELLIGENCE:

Newsweek’s Paul Cruickshank: “With a surge in the number of American residents joining Al Qaeda, its menace to Homeland Security is now more acute than at any time since September 11” LINK

The Hill's Jordy Yager: “DHS: Intel-sharing on terror lacking” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION:

Politico’s Ben Smith: “PhRMA, allies broadcast Obama” LINK

HEALTH CARE:

ABC News’ Jay Shaylor and Mark Abdelmalek: “Special Health Care for Congress: Lawmakers’ Health Care Perks” LINK

The Washington Post’s Keith Richburg: “What Makes a Health Plan a Cadillac?” LINK

The Washington Post’s Lori Montgomery and Ceci Connolly: “Senate Finance Panel Has Votes To Pass Health Bill, Baucus Says” LINK

The Associated Press' Ben Evans: “Democrat says GOP wants sick to just 'die quickly'” LINK

The Associated Press' David Espo: “Health bill survives attacks – vote by week's end?” LINK

The Associated Press' Julie Pace: “Obama sees many jobs in $5b medical grant” LINK

The Boston Globe's Kay Lazar: “Compliance uneven on health care law” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Greg Hitt: “GOP Antiabortion Provision in Health Bill Defeated’” LINK

Time’s Kate Pickert: “Health Reform's Public Option: Down, but Not Yet Out?” LINK

Newsweek’s Jeremy Herb: “Health Industry Throws Cash at Senators” LINK

The Hill's Mike Soraghan: “Caucuses counting their votes on chances for public option for healthcare” LINK

ECONOMY:

The Hill's Jim Snyder and Silla Brush: “Bernanke to encourage regulation of large firms posing high risk” LINK

OLYMPICS/FIRST FAMILY:

ABC News’ Yunji de Nies, Karen Travers and Sunlen Miller: “In Copenhagen, First Lady Michelle Obama Campaigns for Chicago’s 2016 Olympic Bid” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Kevin Helliker and Phred Dvorak: “Olympic Opponents Don't Make the Cut” LINK

Bloomberg Commentary by Margaret Carlson: “Obama Chases Olympic Bauble While U.S. Burns” LINK

The New York Times’ Juliet Macur: “In Copenhagen, Michelle Obama Gets Busy” LINK

McCAIN:

The Boston Globe's Sasha Issenberg: “McCain a booster as Romney works to win over skeptics” LINK

SARAH PALIN:

Politico’s Ben Smith: “Palin co-author: Evangelical, partisan” LINK

SOTOMAYOR / SUPREME COURTS:

USA Today's Joan Biskupic: “Sotomayor's impact on trial as high court returns to work” LINK

USA Today's Joan Biskupic: “Court case will test extent of gun rights” LINK

The Los Angeles Times' David G. Savage: “Supreme Court decision may open up other gun laws to challenges” LINK

ENVIRONMENT:

ABC News’ Huma Khan: “Senate Democrats Unveil Climate Change Bill” LINK

The New York Times’ John Broder: “E.P.A. Moves to Curtail Greenhouse Gas Emissions” LINK

The Washington Post’s Juliet Eilperin: “EPA, Senate Take Aim at Greenhouse Gases” LINK

USA Today's Traci Watson: “EPA rule aims to cut facilities' emissions” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Siobhan Hughes and Ian Talley: “EPA Proposes Tough Greenhouse-Gas Rules for Big Industries” LINK

The Hill's Jim Snyder: “EPA moves to regulate greenhouse gases” LINK

The Hill's Jim Snyder and J. Taylor Rushing: “Kerry and Boxer launch climate debate” LINK

The Los Angeles Times' Jim Tankersley: “EPA proposes regulations on biggest greenhouse-gas emitters” LINK

CONGRESS:

ABC News’ Huma Khan: “Senate Committee Rejects Anit-Abortion Amendment” LINK

Politico’s Glenn Thrush: “Harry situation: What if Reid loses?” LINK

Politico’s David Rogers: “C-17, Post Office win Senate Scramble” LINK

The New York Times’ Robert Pear: “Senate Panel Rejects Tightening of Abortion Restrictions” LINK

The New York Times’ Jackie Calmes: “House Leaders Trying to Give All Democrats a Say” LINK

The Los Angeles Times' Richard Simon: “In bipartisan vote, Senate protects funding for Boeing C-17 cargo planes” LINK

CENSUS:

USA Today's Sharon Jayson: “Census offers snapshot of stay-at-home moms” LINK

OTHER MUST-READS:

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “Hillary: ‘I kind of Like Being a President’” LINK

The New York Times’ Charlie Savage: “White House Proposes Changes in Bill Protecting Reporters’ Confidentiality” LINK

USA Today On Deadline: “Senate panel rejects abortion-insurance mandate” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Jess Bravin: “High Court Agrees to Hear Gun-Rights Case” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Douglas Belkin: “Gov. Pawlenty Paves Way for a 2012 Run” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Christopher Rhoads: “U.S. Eases Grip Over Web Body” LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“Oprah and Michelle Lobby for a Chicago Olympics” LINK

“Government Control of Health Care, Climate Change” LINK

“What to Expect When U.S. Talks to Iran Thursday” LINK

“Afghanistan: What to Do?” LINK