The Note’s Must-Reads for Wednesday, Nov. 11, 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, KRISTEN RED-HORSE, CLAUDIA MORALES, CARRIE HALPERIN and JESSICA HOPPER

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 Article: LINK

Follow ABC News on Twitter: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

The Washington Post’s Blaine Harden: “North, South Korean ships exchange gunfire” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Peter Spiegel and Yochi Dreazen: “Obama Receives New Afghan Option” LINK

Bloomberg’s John Brinsley and Sachiko Sakamaki: “Obama Pushes Japan as Both Sides Work on Base Dispute” LINK

USA Today’s Ken Dilanian: “Problems plague Afghan power projects” LINK

The Boston Globe’s James F. Smith: “Obama nominates leader for USAID” LINK

The Hill’s Sam Youngman and J. Taylor Rushing: “W.H. denies Afghanistan decision; senators are split” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Alex Rodriguez: “Car bomb in Pakistan marketplace kills 34″ LINK

Politico’s Michael Falcone: “Rahm Emanuel keeps call for settlement halt” LINK

DOMESTIC AFFAIRS:

The Washington Times’ Stephen Dinan: “Airport Rules Changed After Paul Aide Detained” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION:

The Wall Street Journal’s Ruth Simon: “Mortgage Program Gathers Steam After Slow Start” LINK

USA Today’s Richard Wolf: “Some key Obama administration jobs still unfilled” LINK

The Washington Times’ Matthew Mosk: “Obama Looks To Avoid Pitfalls In Asia” LINK

Politico’s Staff: “Obama’s numbers drop” LINK

Politico’s Michael Calderone: “Murdoch doesn’t consider Obama racist: Spox” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA, VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN AND FORT HOOD MEMORIAL:

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “President Obama Honors Fallen at Fort Hood, Alludes to Alleged Assailant’s Faith” LINK

ABC News’ Karen Travers: “Vice President Biden Honors Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan at Ceremony at Fort Lewis” LINK

The New York Times’ Peter Baker and Clifford Krauss: “President, at Service, Hails Fort Hood’s Fallen” LINK

The Washington Post’s Carrie Johnson and Spencer Hsu: “Possible agency missteps debated” LINK

The Washington Post’s Ann Gerhart: “Goodbye to those who now belong to eternity” LINK

The Washington Times’ Jon Ward: “Obama: ‘No faith justifies’ Fort Hood Rampage” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Julian E. Barnes and Josh Meyer: “Military not told about Ft. Hood suspect’s e-mails” LINK

FEDERAL RESERVE/STIMULUS:

The New York Times’ Edmund Andrews: “Under Attack, Fed Chairman Studies Politics” LINK

USA Today’s Matt Kelley: “Despite monitoring, ‘dubious’ stimulus spending seen” LINK

The Boston Globe’s Jenn Abelson and Todd Wallack: “Stimulus job boost in state exaggerated, review finds” LINK

HEALTH CARE:

ABC News’ Bryon Wolf and Huma Khan: “Bill Clinton Visits Capitol Hill to Rally Democrats” LINK

ABC News’ Devin Dwyer: “Health Care Overhaul: Is Bipartisanship Dead?” LINK

ABC News’ Bryon Wolf: “Bill Clinton on Health Care: “Worst Thing We Can Do is Nothing” LINK

The New York Times’ David Herszenhorn: “Reid Says Health Bill Will Be Done by Christmas” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Naftali Bendavid and Janet Adamy: “Bill Clinton Presses Senators to Pass Health Bill” LINK

Bloomberg’s James Rowley and Kristin Jensen: “Clinton Warns Senate on Failure as Health-Bill Timeline Slips” LINK

The Washington Times’ Jennifer Haberkorn: “Kennedy’s Proposal Could Stall Health Bill” LINK

The Washington Times’ Jennifer Haberkorn: “Clinton Pushes Democrats To Pass Bill” LINK

The Hill’s J. Taylor Rushing: “Bill Clinton tells Senate Democrats to learn lessons from ’94″ LINK

Politico’s Alex Isenstadt: “Health vote pits Democrat vs. Democrat” LINK

CONGRESS:

The Wall Street Journal’s John D. Mckinnon: “Congress Has History of Reversing Cuts” LINK

The Washington Times’ S.A. Miller: “DeMint tries to ban ‘permanent politicians’” LINK

ENVIRONMENT:

The Wall Street Journal’s Stephen Power and Siobhan Hughes: “Venture Capitalist to Lead Energy Loan Programs” LINK

Bloomberg’s Kim Chipman: “Senate Working on ‘Framework’ for Climate Talks, Lieberman Says” LINK

The Hill’s Jim Snyder: “Climate bill critics battle over costs” LINK

OTHER MUST-READS:

The Washington Post’s David Montgomery: “In Congress, injured vets signing on for duty” LINK

Time’s Karen Tumulty: “Breaking News: Bill Clinton Ringtone Mystery Solved” LINK

Politico’s Charles Mahtesian: “10 most interesting showdowns in 2010” LINK

ABC NEWS’ VIDEOS:

“Obama Salutes the Fallen at Fort Hood” LINK

“Stupak Amendment: Surmountable Hurdle for Dems?” LINK

“Jake Tapper’s Full Interview With Obama’ LINK

“Protesters Storm Lieberman Office” LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Wednesday, September 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 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:

ABC News’ Lindsay Goldwert: “President Obama Declares American Samoa a ‘Mayor Disaster’” LINK

ABC News’ Sunlen Miller and Jake Tapper: “Obama On His Copenhagen Jaunt: Sleep, Land, Speak, Fly Back” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Neil King Jr.: “Schools Push Hits the Road” LINK

USA Today's Mimi Hall: “Number, role of Obama's policy 'czars' spark debate” LINK

VICE-PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN:

The Associated Press' Christine Simmons: “Biden commemorates Violence Against Women Act” LINK

IRAN:

The New York Times’ Scott Shane: “In Dispute With Iran, Path to Iraq Is in Spotlight” LINK

The Washington Post’s John Pomfret: “Oil, Ideology Keep China From Joining Push Against Iran” LINK

The Associated Press: “Swiss visit US hikers held in Iran” LINK

FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

ABC News’ Afghans Cool Prospect of More U.S. Troops” LINK

The Washington Post’s Karen DeYoung and Walter Pincus: “Success Against al-Qaeda Cited” LINK

The Washington Post’s Mary Beth Sheridan: “U.S., Cuba Held Extended Talks” LINK

USA Today's On Deadline: “AP: U.S., Cuban officials meet in high-level talks” LINK

The Boston Globe's Farah Stockman: “Don’t rush Afghan decision, Kerry cautions president” LINK

The Los Angeles Times' David Pierson: “China to display missiles that could hit American ships” LINK

The Los Angeles Times' David G. Savage: “Saudi Arabia-based charities still funding terrorists, GAO says” LINK

The Washington Times' Betsy Pisik: “United Nations focuses on Congo rape crisis” LINK

The AP's Staff: “U.S. holds hush-hush talks with Cuba” LINK

ARMED FORCES:

The Boston Globe's Bryan Bender: “Pentagon airs criticism of ‘don’t ask’” LINK

The Associated Press' Lara Jakes: “US to send 4,000 troops home from Iraq” LINK

ACORN:

The Washington Times' Stephen Dinan: “Effort to defund ACORN faces hurdles” LINK

GITMO:

The Wall Street Journal’s Evan Perez: “Retired Officers Rally to Close Gitmo” LINK

Politico’s Josh Gerstein: “Generals: Dick Cheney, Liz Cheney are scaremongering” LINK

IMMIGRATION:

The New York Times’ Julia Preston: “Immigration Crackdown With Firings, Not Raids” LINK

TERROR:

Bloomberg’s Edvard Pettersson: “New York Man Pleads Guilty to Helping Finance Terror Camp” LINK

The Associated Press: “N.Y. businessman pleads guilty to terror financing” LINK

HEALTH CARE:

ABC News’ Jonathan Karl and Z. Byron Wolf: “Senate Finance Committee Rejects Public Option in Health Care Bill” LINK

Politico’s Carrie Budoff Brown: “Public option fate in Obama’s hands” LINK

The New York Times’ Robert Pear and Jackie Calmes: “Senators Reject Pair of Public Option Proposals” LINK

The Washington Post’s Carl Shailagh Murray and Lori Montgomery: “Prospects for Public Option Dim in Senate” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Greg Hitt and Janet Adamy: “Public Plan Goes Down in Senate Health Vote” LINK

NY Daily News’ Michael McAuliff: “Senate Finance panel rejects 'public option' of government-run insurance into health care reform” LINK

Newsweek’s Katie Connolly: “New Poll Suggests Health Care Approval is on the Rise” President Obama heading to Denmark to pitch Chicago for 2016 summer Olympics” LINK

USA Today's Kathy Kiely: “GAO report: Millions in fraud, drug abuse clogs Medicaid” LINK

USA Today's John Fritze: “Senate panel votes place 'public option' on respirator” LINK

The Boston Globe's Lisa Wangsness: “Senate panel rejects public insurer option” LINK

The Associated Press' Erica Werner: “More thorny challenges ahead for health overhaul” LINK

The Hill's Jeffrey Young: “Finance panel rejects public option” LINK

ECONOMY/STIMULUS:

The New York Times’ David Leonhardt: “How a tax Can Cut Health Costs” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Louise Radnofsky: “Clinton Site Gets a Taste of the Stimulus Pie” LINK

Bloomberg’s Robert Schmidt: “Pro-Business ‘New Democrats’ Try to Shape Financial Regulations” LINK

Politico’s Eamon Javers: “Geithner makes case for quick reform” LINK

USA Today' Christine Dugas: “Financial worries dog older workers; confidence falls” LINK

USA Today's Kevin McCoy: “SEC proposes changes to prevent another Madoff” LINK

The Hill's Silla Brush: “Geithner says the Federal government needs more power to prevent bailouts” LINK

The Hill's Jim Snyder: “A fee fight” LINK

The Hill's Kevin Bogardus: “Building support for new stimulus” LINK

The Hill's Dave Wenhold: “New administration rules could trigger lobbying deregistration rush” LINK

The Los Angeles Times' Kate Linthicum and DeeDee Correll: “Census data show falling income” LINK

TAXES:

The Wall Street Journal’s John D. Mckinnon: “Group Tied to Obama Urges Tax Increase” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s John D. Mckinnon: “White House Tax Revamp Panel to Hold First Public Meeting Wednesday” LINK

CONGRESS:

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

The Boston Globe's Joseph Williams: “Kirk on key homeland security, armed services panels” LINK

DEMOCRATS / REPUBLICANS:

USA Today's On Politics: “Dems' ex-fundraiser gets 24 years in prison for fraud” LINK

The Boston Globe's Matt Viser: “Powerful women line up for Coakley” LINK

The New York Times’ Dan Frosch: “Colorado Democrats Brace for Senate Primary” LINK

2016 ELECTION:

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “Will Joe Biden Run for President 2016” LINK

SARAH PALIN:

Newsweek’s Holly Bailey: “Who is Advising Sarah Palin” LINK

Politico’s Michael Falcone and Zachary Abrahamson: “Republican base still wild about Sarah Palin” LINK

CLIMATE/ENVIRONMENTAL:

The New York Times’ John Broder: “Curtain Rises on Senate Struggle Over Climate Legislation” LINK

The Washington Post’s Juliet Eilperin: “Senators Ready a Bill on Greenhouse Gases” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Ian Talley and Stephen Power: “Senators to Unveil Draft Climate Bill” LINK

The Hill's Jim Snyder: “Just leave, shareholders tell Nike…” LINK

The Hill's Jim Snyder: “…The Chamber responds” LINK

2016 OLYMPICS:

ABC News’ Yunji de Nies, Maureen White and Huma Khan: “Going for Gold: Obama Ready to Bring Olympics to Chicago” LINK

Kenneth R. Bazinet: “President Obama heading to Denmark to pitch Chicago for 2016 summer Olympics” LINK

OTHER MUST-READS:

The Washington Post’s Dan Eggen: “A Cold War Man, a Hot War and a Legal Gray Area” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Chris Herring: “Democratic Donor Gets 24-Year Term” LINK

USA Today's William M. Welch: “Booming medical pot sales concern officials” LINK

The Hill's Roxana Tiron: “Northrop Grumman says Boeing given unfair edge” LINK

The Hill's Roxana Tiron: “BAE supporters fight contract” LINK

USA Today's Elizabeth Weise: “EPA gives Congress a heads-up on toxic chemicals” LINK

The Associated Press: “Judge blocks parts of new Arizona abortion law” LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“Afghanistan: What to Do?” LINK

“Obamas Go the Distance for Chicago” LINK

“Michael Moore to Dems: 'Find Your Spine'” LINK

“Obama Meets with NATO Secretary General” LINK

“Public Option Debate Causes Stir on Hill” LINK

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? 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

Clem's Chronicle: LINK

Follow ABC News on Twitter: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA, THIS WEEK'S HEALTH-CARE SPEECH AND HEALTH-CARE REFORM:

ABC News? George Stephanopoulos: ?Obama?s ?Last, Best Chance? on Health Care? LINK

ABC News? Sunlen Miller: ?Reid Says 90% Agreement on Health Care? LINK

ABC News? Katie Escherich: ?Obama Exclusive: ?We Intend to Get Something Done? on Health Care? LINK

Politico?s David Rogers: ?Has Barack Obama misused the House?? LINK

The New York Times? Sheryl Gay Stolberg: ?Despite Fears, Health Care Overhaul Is Moving Ahead? LINK

The New York Times? Carl Hulse and Robert Pear: ?Democrats Promise to Send Health Plan to Obama? LINK

The New York Times? Steven Greenhouse: ?Bristling at Health Plan to Cover Early Retirees? LINK

The Washington Post?s Michael Shear and Ceci Connolly: ?In Illinois, a Similar Fight Tested a Future President? LINK

The Washington Post?s Shailagh Murray and Lori Montgomery: ?Obama Speech Aims to Reenergize Effort? LINK

The Washington Post?s Philip Rucker: ?On the Front Lines of the Health-Care Debate in Colorado? LINK

The Washington Post?s Jacqueline Salmon: ?Opposition to Health-Care Reform Revives Christian Right? LINK

The Wall Street Journal Op-Ed by Sarah Palin: ?Obama and the Bureaucratization of Health Care? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jonathan Weisman and Janet Adamy: ?Obama to Endorse Public Plan in Speech? LINK

Bloomberg?s Kristin Jensen and Julianna Goldman: ?Obama Takes on Health Care at ?Critical Moment? for Presidency? LINK

Time?s Michael Scherer and Karen Tumulty: ?Amid Signs of Movement on Health Care, Obama Readies His Speech? LINK

NY Daily News? Kenneth R. Bazinet: ?President Obama gives controversial education speech; Gets support from Laura Bush? LINK

NY Daily News David Saltonstall: ?President Obama says 'sin tax' on sodas is food for thought, despite Gov. Paterson's failed proposal? LINK

The Hill's Mike Soraghan, Alexander Bolton and Sam Youngman: ?Tide turns against public option on eve of President Obama's address? LINK

The Hill's Silla Brush, J. Taylor Rushing and Jeffrey Young: ?Sen. Chris Dodd to pass on health panel, and instead will retain banking gavel? LINK

The Los Angeles Times' Noam N. Levey and Janet Hook: ?Baucus presents healthcare overhaul plan? LINK

The Washington Times' Jon Ward: ?Report: House health care bill would balloon deficit? LINK

The Los Angeles Times' Peter Nicholas: ?More than healthcare rides on Obama's speech? LINK

USA Today's Richard Wolf: “Obama to detail health care vision” LINK

USA Today's John Fritze: “'Gang of Six' strives to wrap up health care bill” LINK

Boston Globe's Lisa Wangsness: “Stakes high for Obama?s health pitch” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND HIS SPEECH TO STUDENTS:

ABC News? Dan Harris: ?Obama?s School Speech Defuses Controversy? LINK

The New York Times? Sam Dillon: ?Presidential Pep Talk Kicks Off Year for Students? LINK

The Washington Post?s Michael Bimbaum: ?After Week of Fury, A Quiet Reception For Obama?s Speech? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s John Hechinger and Robert Tomsho: ?Speech to Students Puts Politics Aside? LINK

The Boston Herald?s Edward Mason: ?Kids get lifted up by President Obama? LINK

Boston Globe's Political Notebook: “Republicans set to offer rebuttals tonight” LINK

Boston Globe's Peter Schworm and Lisa Kocian: “Many listen; some districts tune out” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION:

ABC News? Jake Tapper: ?Obama?s School Speech and Health Care Push Highlights Challenges of Presidency? LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

The Washington Times' Sara A. Carter: ?Obama offers aid to Yemen for terrorism fight? LINK

The Washington Times' Jon Ward: ?China wary of 'trade wars'? LINK

AFGHANISTAN & VOTING:

ABC News? Kirit Radia: ?U.S. Calls For ?Rigorous Vetting? of Afghan Election Fraud Allegations? LINK

The New York Times? Mark Landler and Helene Cooper: ?U.S. in Delicate Spot as Fraud Claims Mount in Afghan Vote? LINK

Bloomberg?s James Rupert: ?U.S. Urges Rigorous Vetting of Afghan Vote as Fraud Claims Jump? LINK

The Los Angeles Times' M. Karim Faiez, Laura King and Paul Richter: ?Partial recount ordered in Afghanistan election? LINK

USA Today's Aamer Madhani: “Partial recount ordered in Afghan vote” LINK

Boston Globe's Farah Stockman: “An ambitious blueprint for Afghanistan” LINK

MASSACHUSETTS' SENATE SEAT:

Boston Herald Columnist Howie Carr: ?Joe Kennedy?s jilt leaves hacks ready to fight for seat? LINK

Boston Globe's Frank Phillips: “Senate race taking twists” LINK

PENTAGON:

The New York Times? James Dao: ?Pentagon Keeps Wary Watch as Troops Blog? LINK

JUSTICE SONIA SOTOMAYOR:

The Washington Post?s Robert Barnes: ?The Newest Justice Formally Takes her Seat? LINK

SARAH PALIN:

Politico?s Andy Barr: ?Palin: ?Shame on the AP?? LINK

Time?s Karen Tumulty: ?If you repeat a lie often enough? LINK

ECONOMY / STIMULUS / DEFICIT / BANKS:

Politico?s Victoria McGrane: ?Frank biography brings Barney to life? LINK

The Hill's Ian Swanson: ?Banks brace for tough battle in the Senate? LINK

The Hill's Silla Brush, J. Taylor Rushing and Jeffrey Young: ?Sen. Chris Dodd to pass on health panel, and instead will retain banking gavel? LINK

The Los Angeles Times' Noam N. Levey and Janet Hook: ?Baucus presents healthcare overhaul plan? LINK

USA Today's Paul Wiseman: “Proposed agency for consumer protection faces fierce debate” LINK

USA Today's Christine Dugas: “Bankruptcy filings up 22% in August vs. last year” LINK

AUTO INDUSTRY:

The Associated Press: “Taxpayers face heavy losses on auto bailout” LINK

GOP:

ABC News? George Stephanopoulos: ?Rep. Charles Boustany of LA to Deliver GOP Response on Health Care? LINK

Politico?s Alex Isenstadt: ?GOP rejects ?trigger? compromise? LINK

Politico?s Alex Isenstadt: ?Charles Boustany will deliver the Republican response to Barack Obama?s speech? LINK

CONGRESS:

Politico?s Victoria McGrane and John Bresnahan and Manu Raju: ?Dodd to stay as Banking Chair? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Corey Boles: ?Dodd to Remain Senate Banking Chairman? LINK

ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT:

The Los Angeles Times' Mark Gold: ?California's water reform legislation is all wet? LINK

OTHER MUST-READS:

USA Today's Kevin Johnson: ” Eight years after 9/11, al-Qaeda is weakened but still a threat” LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

?Obama Promises Clarity on Health Care? LINK

?Obama Warns Students About Facebook? LINK

?Major Fraud Suspected in Afghan Vote? LINK

?Congress Returns to Health Care? LINK

?Obama's Full Back to School Speech? LINK

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

Compiled by ABC News? PETER MARTINEZ, KRISTEN RED-HORSE, 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 app on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

SEN. TED KENNEDY DIES AT THE AGE OF 77:

ABC NEWS Online Special Edition: LINK

ABC News: ?Ted Kennedy Dies of Brain Cancer at Age 77? LINK

ABC News? Huma Khan and Caitlin Taylor: ?Ted Kennedy Legislative Accomplishments? LINK

USA Today’s Kathy Kiely: “Ted Kennedy: A lifetime of public service” LINK

USA Today’s Kathy Kiely: “Illness deprived Kennedy of seeing out ’cause of my life'” LINK

The Washington Post’s Joe Holley: “Mass. Sen. Ted Kennedy Dies at 77, After Cancer Battle” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Rich Simon and Claudia Luther: “Edward Kennedy dies at 77; ‘liberal lion of the Senate'” LINK

NY Daily News? Larry McShane: ?Sen. Ted Kennedy dies at age 77 after year-long battle with brain cancer? LINK

The Hill’s Reid Wilson: ?Senate loses liberal lion: Kennedy dead at 77″ LINK

The Washington Times’ Stephen Dinan: ?U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy dies at 77″ LINK

Politico?s Staff: ?Special election likely in January? LINK

Politico?s Staff: ?Remembering Ted Kennedy? LINK

Politico?s David Rogers: ?Ted Kennedy, 77, dies on Cape Cod? LINK

Politico?s Kathryn McGarr: ?The Kennedy Speeches? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Naftali Bendavid: ?Senator Edward Kennedy Dies after Battle with Cancer? LINK

Bloomberg?s Ed Rowley: ?Kennedy?s Legislative Legacy Will Be Hard to Replicate in Senate? LINK

Bloomberg?s Jonathan D. Salant: ?Edward Kennedy, U.S. Senator and Democratic Icon, Dead at 77? LINK

Boston Herald?s Dave Wedge: ?Sen. Edward M. Kennedy dies at age 77? LINK

HEALTH CARE REFORM:

The Hill’s Jared Allen: ?Connolly fends off criticism of ?death panels?” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Rich Simon and Claudia Luther: ?Connolly fends off criticism of ?death panels?” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA:

USA Today’s Richard Wolf: “Obama vacationing, but keeping busy” LINK

The Washington Post’s Ed O’Keefe: “GOP Senator Asks Obama To Drop Labor Dept. Pick” LINK

The Washington Post’s Dan Balz: “Obama Dances Awkwardly With Bush Policies” LINK

The Boston Globe’s Matt Viser: “In protesting the president, civility rules” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND BEN S. BERNANKE:

Time Magazine?s Michael Grunwald: ?Why Obama Reappointed Bernanke to the Fed? LINK

The Hill’s Silla Brush and Bob Cusack: ?Bernanke outreach to lawmakers key to reappointment” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jon Hilsenrath, Elizabeth Williamson and Jonathan Weisman: ?Calm in Crisis Won Fed Job? LINK

Bloomberg?s Julia Goldman and Robert Schmidt: ?April Thank You From Obama Started Embrace of Bernanke at Fed? LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

The Washington Post’s Scott Wilson and Joshua Partlow: “On Afghanistan, Political Test for Obama” LINK

CIA / TORTURE:

ABC News? Mathew Cole and Brian Ross: ?Deaths, Missing Detainees Still Blacked Out in New CIA Report? LINK

The Washington Post’s Joby Warrick, Peter Finn and Julie Tate: “CIA Releases Its Instructions For Breaking a Detainee’s Will” LINK

The Washington Post’s R. Jeffrey Smith: “Cheney Criticizes Widening Investigation of CIA Counterterrorism Program” LINK

The Washington Post’s Paul Kane and Carrie Johnson: “Key Members of Both Parties Criticize Holder Decision to Look Into Alleged CIA Abuse of Detainees” LINK

Newsweek?s Mark Hosenball: ?Did Waterboarding Actually Work?? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Siohman Gorman and Gary Fields: ?Probe of CIA Imperils Interagency Trust? LINK

ECONOMY / DEFICIT:

ABC News? Yunji de Nies, Karen Travers and Stephanie Z. Smith: ?Obama Nominates Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke to Second Term? LINK

ABC News? Karen Travers and Kate Barrett: ?Budget Blues: White House and CBO Release Summer Outlooks? LINK

USA Today’s Mimi Hall: “‘Historic’ deficit a political thorn” LINK

USA Today’s Keith Matheny: “States go head-to-head to lure businesses” LINK

The Washington Post’s Lori Montgomery: “Deficit Projected To Soar With New Programs” LINK

The Washington Post’s Thomas Heath: “Cupcakeries Emerge as Washington’s Sweet Spot in a Downturn” LINK

The Boston Globe’s Chris Reidy and Katie Johnston Chase: “Home market on the rise” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ James Oliphant: ?News on federal deficit likely to be used against Obama’s agenda” LINK

The Washington Times’ Patrice Hill: ?FDIC chairman sees new wave of big risks” LINK

The Washington Times’ David M. Dickson: ?$1.5 trillion deficits eyed for ’09, ’10” LINK

Politico?s Eamon Javers: ?Barack Obama doubles down on Ben Bernanke? LINK

DEMOCRATS/REPUBLICANS:

The Hill’s Mike Soraghan: ?Vocal minority greet Howard Dean at town hall” LINK

AFGHANISTAN & VOTING:

USA Today’s Jim Michaels: “Partial tally shows slight Karzai lead” LINK

The Boston Globe’s Bryan Bender: “Top officer offers a dire assessment on Afghanistan” LINK

Time?s Joe Klein: ?Early Afghan Results: Karzai Will Win? LINK

ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT:

USA Today’s Kathleen Gray: “Appliances get their own recycled clunkers programs” LINK

OTHER MUST-READS:

The Associated Press: “Supreme Court: Catholic abuse documents can’t stay sealed” LINK

Religion News Service’s Kristen May: “First Amendment battle: School officials face trial in prayer case” LINK

The Washington Post: “Who’s Sitting on the Federal Bench” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Robin Abcarian: ?Abortion foes turn on each other over the Operation Rescue name” LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

?Sen. Ted Kennedy Dies of Cancer? LINK

?Ted Kennedy Receives Medal of Freedom? LINK

?Kennedy the Young Politician? LINK

?Kennedy: ‘I Feel Change in the Air’? LINK

?Kennedy Stands Up for Disabled Workers? LINK

?Obama’s Major Economic Announcement? LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Wednesday, August 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? CARRIE HALPERIN, JAYCE HENDERSON, CLAUDIA MORALES, KRISTEN RED-HORSE, GEORGIA DAWKINS, AND VALENCIA WICKER

BOOKMARKS:

The Note: LINK

The Must-Reads Online: LINK

Top Line Webcast: 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 HIS ADMINISTATION:

Politico?s Mike Allen: ?Obama to hold call with supporters? LINK

The Washington Times’ Jon Ward: ?White House disputes Mubarak’s peace plan claim? LINK

The Washington Times’ Sara A. Carter: ?European defense company heeds Obama’s demands? LINK

USA Today?s Mimi Hall: ?Obama, Egypt?s Mubarak talk peace in Mideast? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Melanie Trottman: ?Labor Department to Tighten Scrutiny? LINK

The Boston Globe?s Foon Rhee: ?Obama, Clinton get together? LINK

HEALTH CARE:

ABC News? Lauren Cox: ??Public Option? or Co-Op? Experts Sound Off?? LINK

Politico?s Jonathan Martin & Carrie Buddoff Brown: ?Liberals revolt over public option? LINK

The Washington Times’ Jennifer Haberkorn: ?Filling in the blanks in health debate? LINK

The Hill’s Sam Youngman: ?Public health option bogs down White House? LINK

The Hill’s Susan Crabtree: ?PhRMA defends itself from Boehner criticism? LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Christi Parsons and Andrew Zajac: ?The next healthcare battle: cutting Medicare Advantage? LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Peter Nicholas: ?Obama’s evolution on a public option in healthcare reform? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jonathan Weisman: ?White House Rethinks How It Sells Health Overhaul? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Naftali Bendavid and Avery Johnson: ?Two House Democrats Seek Information From Insurers? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Naftali Bendavid: ?White House Reassures Allies? LINK

Boston Herald Op-Ed by Jonah Goldberg: ?Why ObamaCare is failing? LINK

The New York Times? Carl Hulse and Jeff Zeleny: ?Democrats Seem Set to Go It Alone on a Health Bill? LINK

The New York Times? Mark Lebovich: ?Baucus, and the Debate on Health Care, Go West? LINK

The Washington Post?s Michael D. Shear and Ceci Connolly: ?Debate?s Path Caught Obama by Surprise? LINK

The Washington Post?s Alexi Mostrous: ?White House Backs Right to Arms Outside Obama Events? LINK

The Washington Post?s Garance Franke-Ruta: ?White House Drops Health-Care Tip Line? LINK

The Washington Post?s Steven Pearlstein: ?It?s Time to Give Up On the Public Option? LINK

ECONOMY:

Newsweek?s Matthew Philips: ?Cutbacks on Campus? LINK

NATIONAL SECURITY:

ABC News? Jake Tapper: ?Will Bagram Be President Obama?s Guantanamo?? LINK

Politico?s Josh Gerstein: ?Security issues to steal health spotlight? LINK

FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

ABC News? Kirit Radia: ?U.S. and Egypt Push for Progress on Mideast Peace? LINK

The Hill’s Bridget Johnson: ?Pakistan still wants drones after successful U.S. strike? LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Borzou Daragahi: ?IRAN: Despite newspaper closure, rape allegations continue? LINK

USA Today?s Jim Michaels: ?Afghan election raising hopes? LINK

Newsweek?s Ron Moreau and Sami Yousafzai: ?Northern Exposure? LINK

Newsweek?s Niall Ferguson: ?Chimerica? is headed for Divorce? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jay Solomon: ?Mubarak Presses U.S. on Middle East Talks? LINK

Bloomberg?s Indira A.R. Lakshmanan: ?North Korea Moves May Show Sanctions Pressure Regime, U.S. Says? LINK

The New York Times? Mark Landler and Mark Mazzetti: ?In North Korea, Clinton Helped Unveil a Mystery? LINK

The New York Times? David Stout and Isabel Kershner: ?Obama Sees Positive Steps in Mideast? LINK

ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT:

The New York Times? Stephanie Strom: ?More Fake Letters to Congress on Energy Bill? LINK

The Washington Post?s Dana Hedgpeth and Peter Whoriskey: ?After Taking In the Clunkers, Car Dealers report an Extended Wait for the Cash? LINK

DEMS/GOP:

ABC News? Kristina Wong: ?Jenny Sanford to Vogue: Husband?s Trysts Were ?Punches to the Gut?? LINK

Politico?s Lisa Lerer: ?Lobbyists sent 13 fake letters to Hill? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Naftali Bendavid: ?Democrats’ Agenda Relies on Reid’s Role? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jake Sherman: ?Conservatives Take a Page From Left’s Online Playbook? LINK

The New York Times? Adam Nagourney: ?Democrats See Opportunity in the West? LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA, JUDGE SONIA SOTOMAYOR AND THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES:

Newsweek?s Daniel Stone: ?Guns at Obama Rallies: Where?s the Outrage?? LINK

The New York Times? Adam Liptak: ?Sotomayor Casts First Vote on Court? LINK

OTHER MUST-READS:

Time Magazine?s Scott W. Reed: ?Robert Novak: Missing the Prince of Darkness? LINK

Politico?s Andy Barr: ?Former Gov. Palin reports gifts: Gun case, statue? LINK

The New York Times? Natasha Singer: ?Senator Moves to Stop Scientific Ghostwriting? LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

?Obama Thanks Egyptian President? LINK

?WH: ‘Nothing Has Changed’ on Health Care? LINK

?Is the Economy Recovering?? LINK

?Governor’s Betrayed Wife Speaks Out? LINK

?Guns on the Health Care Battlefield? LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Wednesday, August 12, 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? JAYCE HENDERSON, KRISTEN RED-HORSE, CLAUDIA MORALES, CARRIE HALPERIN, VALENCIA WICKER and GEORGIA DAWKINS

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

Follow ABC News on Twitter: LINK

ABC News Mobile: LINK

ABC News on your iPhone/iPod Touch: LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION:

ABC News? Jake Tapper: ?White House Objects to ?School Lunch? Advocates? Poster Mentioning Obama Daughters? LINK

Politico?s Andy Barr: ?Rendell: ?Birthers are absolutely nuts? LINK

Politico?s Carol E. Lee: ?White House rebukes ad featuring first daughters, Sasha and Malia? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Neil King Jr. and Jonathan Weisman: ?A President as Micromanager: How Much Detail Is Enough?? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Sarah N. Lynch: ?Derivatives Overhaul Seeks to Reduce Risk? LINK

The Washington Post?s Joe Davidson: ?Obama Follows Clinton?s Lead On Creating Labor Council? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Alicia Mundy: ?Drug Chief at the FDA Is Accused Of Conflict? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Christopher Conkey: ?FAA Criticized Over Stimulus Projects? LINK

USA Today?s Matt Kelley: ?Report takes issue with FAA grants? LINK

HEALTH CARE:

ABC News? Huma Khan and John Berman: ?Obama: Health Care Critics Creating ?Boogeymen? That Aren?t Real?? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jonathan Weisman: ?Under Pressure, Obama Defends Health-Care Plan? LINK

Bloomberg?s Kristin Jensen and Hans Nichols: ?Obama Urges Public to Ignore ?Scare Tactics? in Health Debate? LINK

The Boston Herald?s Hillary Chabot: ?Critics: Prez?s health care meeting ?packed with supporters?? LINK

USA Today?s Richard Wolf: ?Obama takes on health care critics? LINK

USA Today?s Richard Wolf and Susan Page: ?Obama battles health care ?chatter?? LINK

Newsweek?s Katie Connolly: ?Health care Protest Déjà vu: Welcome to 1994? LINK

The Hill's J. Taylor Rushing: ?Dem healthcare talking points: Change over status quo? LINK

The Los Angeles Times' Christi Parsons and Janet Hook: ?Obama takes the stand on healthcare? LINK

New York Daily News? David Saltonstall: ?Town halls or town brawls? Protesters line up early to confront President Obama on health care? LINK

The New York Times? Helene Cooper: ?Obama Offers Reassurance on Plan to Overhaul Health Care? LINK

The Washington Post?s Dan Balz: ?What They?re Really Arguing About? LINK

The Washington Post?s Anne Kornblut and Michael Shear: ?Obama Faces Scare Tactics Head-On? LINK

The Washington Post?s David Montgomery: ?Going to the Mat On Health-Care Bill? LINK

2006 FIRINGS OF U.S. ATTORNEYS:

ABC News? Jason Ryan and Pierre Thomas: ?New Docs Show Effort to Oust U.S. Attorneys? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Evan Perez: ?Democrats Release Documents Related to Lawyer Firings? LINK

The Los Angeles Times' Tom Hamburger and David G. Savage: ?Karl Rove took active role in U.S. attorney's firing, documents show? LINK

The New York Times? Eric Lichtblau and Eric Lipton: ?E-Mail Reveals Rove?s Key Role in ?06 Dismissals? LINK

FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

ABC News? Kirit Radia and Dana Hughes: ?Clinton Visits Most Dangerous Place on Earth to Be a Woman? LINK

Politico?s Josh Gerstein: ?Israel invite clouds President Obama?s nuclear summit? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jay Solomon: ?Student's Nerves Are Cited in Clinton's Reply? LINK

Bloomberg?s Janine Zacharia: ?Clinton to Balance Oil Need, Anti-Graft Demands in Nigeria Stop? LINK

The Los Angeles Times' Peter Nicholas and Tracy Wilkinson: ?At Mexico summit, Obama says immigration reform will have to wait? LINK

The Washington Times' Sara A. Carter and Eli Lake: ?Kuwait, U.S. team up to halt plot? LINK

The Hill's Mike Soraghan: ?Liberals urge Obama to do more in Honduras? LINK

The Washington Post?s Karen DeYoung and Greg Jaffe: ?U.S. Ambassador Seeks More Money for Afghanistan? LINK

The Washington Post?s Mary Beth Sheridan and Stephanie McCrummen: ?Clinton Condemns Attacks on Civilians in E. Congo? LINK

IMMIGRATION:

The New York Times? Janie Lorber: ?U.S. Bares Alien Files Kept on Immigrants? LINK

The New York Times? James McKinley Jr.: ?Napolitano Focuses on Immigration Enforcement? LINK

DEMS/GOP:

Politico?s Mike Allen: ?White House irked by GOP tactic? LINK

Politico?s Jonathan Martin: ?Santorum dips toes in 2012 Iowa waters? LINK

ECONOMY:

USA Today?s Dennis Cauchon: ?Oklahoma City defies recession? LINK

USA Today?s Daniel Wagner: ??COP? Warns that bad assets still threaten banks? LINK

Bloomberg?s Shobhana Chandra and Kristy Scheuble: ?U.S. Enters Recovery as Stimulus Refutes Skeptics, Survey Shows? LINK

CONGRESS:

The Wall Street Journal?s Brody Mullins and August Cole: ?House Leaders Pare Pentagon Jet Order Amid Growing Outcry? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Brody Mullins and T.W. Farnam: ?Congress Retreats Over Jet Purchase? LINK

USA Today?s Kathy Kiely: ?Senate ?pillar? Edward Kennedy gets Medal of Freedom? LINK

OTHER MUST-READS:

The Washington Post?s Dana Hedgpeth: ?Clunkers Program Clears Out Car Lots? LINK

The New York Times? Ralph Blumenthal: ?Corruption Found at Waterfront Watchdog? LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

?Obama Debunks Health Bill's 'Death Panel' Rule? LINK

?Protesters Greet Obama in N.H.? LINK

?Clinton Stands Up for African Women? LINK

?Paying for Health Care Reform? LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Wednesday, July 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? CARRIE HALPERIN, JAYCE HENDERSON, CLAUDIA MORALES, GEORGIA DAWKINS, VALENCIA WICKER, AND KRISTEN RED-HORSE

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 HIS ADMINISTRATION:

Politico?s Carol E. Lee: ?Obama?s first pitch a success? LINK

Politico?s Carol E. Lee: ?Michigan gives President Obama mixed reaction? LINK

The Hill’s Roxana Tiron: “Obama?s veto threat over F-22 divides senior Dems” LINK

Newsweek?s Holly Bailey: ?As Obama heads to the All-Star Game, a Debate over what to wear? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jonathan Weisman: ?Obama’s Fiats Anger Lawmakers? LINK

Boston Herald Op-Ed by Michael Barone: ?…but not for legislative acumen? LINK

The New York Times? Jim Rutenberg: ?Obama Attacks on Economy and Seeks Billions for Community Colleges? LINK

The Boston Globe?s Foon Rhee: ?Top Pentagon weapons buyer to Congress: Justify not cutting programs? LINK

HEALTH CARE:

ABC News? Jonathan Karl, Avery Miller and Sadie Bass: ?Dems Introduce $1.5 Trillion Health Care Bill to Cover All Americans? LINK

The Hill’s Jeffrey Young and Mike Soraghan: “Healthcare reform advances” LINK

USA Today?s John Fritze: ?House Dems? health bill would tax rich? LINK

USA Today?s Susan Page: ?How much health care for $1 trillion?? LINK

USA Today?s Jack Gillum: ?Death rates in Puerto Rican hospitals higher than in states? LINK

Politico?s Chris Frates: ?Democrats unveil health care reform? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Janet Adamy and Laura Meckler: ?Small Business Faces Big Bite? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Alicia Mundy and Jane Zhang: ?Surgeon General Pick Boosts Primary Care? LINK

The New York Times? Robert Pear and David Herszenhorn: ?House Health Plan Outlines Higher Taxes on Rich? LINK

The Washington Post?s Lori Montgomery and Ceci Connolly: ?Health-Care Plan Would Add Surtax On Wealthy? LINK

ECONOMY:

ABC News? Karen Travers: ?Obama Expects Unemployment Figures to ?Tick Up for Several Months,? Despite Economy Stabilizing? LINK

ABC News? Jake Tapper and Sunlen Miller: ?POTUS tells Michigan Things Will Get Tougher As He Introduces New Plan for Community Colleges? LINK

The Hill’s Ian Swanson: “Tax vacancies ?a vacuum?” LINK

USA Today?s Matt Kelley: ?Officials worry stimulus could overwhelm groups? LINK

USA Today?s Mary Beth Marklein: ?Obama plans $12B boost to community colleges? LINK

Bloomberg?s Robert Schmidt: ?Investors Say ?Tarnished? Fed Shouldn?t Oversee Systemic Risk? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jessica Holzer: ?Republicans Criticize Agency for Consumers? LINK

CONGRESS:

The Los Angeles Times’ Richard Simon: “California could lose a House seat after 2010 census” LINK

Politico?s Vitoria McGrane and Manu Raju: ?Legal hurdles could still loom in John Ensign scandal? LINK

Politico?s Alex Isenstadt ?Cantorspeak? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jake Sherman: ?Taxes Sought to Fix Aged Infrastructure? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jessica Holzer: ?Republicans Criticize Agency for Consumers? LINK

The Washington Post?s Peter Whoriskey: ?Aid for Auto Dealers Gains Traction on Hill? LINK

SUPREME COURT NOMINEE SOTOMAYOR/SUPREME COURT:

ABC News? Ariane de Vogue and Theresa Cook: ?Supreme Court Nominee Sotomayor a ?Bully on the Bench??? LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ David G. Savage and James Oliphant: “Sotomayor answers her Senate critics in hearing” LINK

USA Today?s Kathy Kiely and Joan Biskupic: ?Sotomayor defends her legal record? LINK

USA Today?s Joan Biskupic and Kathy Kiely: ?Sotomayor fields Senate panel?s volleys? LINK

Newsweek?s Howard Fineman: ?Sotomayor masterfully saps tension from hearings? LINK

Politico?s Roger Simon: ?No diversity with Sonia Sotomayor? LINK

Boston Herald Op-Ed by Jonah Goldberg: ?Jury can?t be out on eugenics? LINK

New York Daily News? James Gordon Meek: ?Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor defends ‘wise Latina’ comment during Senate hearings? LINK

Time Magazine?s jay Newton-Small: ?Sotomayor Keeps Her Cool on the Senate Hot Seat? LINK

The New York Times? Peter Baker and Neil Lewis: ?Nominee Says Identity Wouldn?t Distort Decisions? LINK

The New York Times? Sheryl Gay Stolberg: ?Sotomayor Leaves Passion Behind in Her Testimony? LINK

The Washington Post?s Amy Goldstein, Robert Barnes and Paul Kane: ?Sotomayor Emphasizes Objectivity? LINK

The Washington Post?s Ann Gerhart: ?Warming the Room With a Confident Touch? LINK

FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

The Washington Times’ Barbara Slavin: “EXCLUSIVE: U.S. held Iranians as ‘hostages'” LINK

USA Today?s Christina Holder: ?Americans lend a hand to new Liberia? LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Peter Spiegel: ?Obama Puts Arms Control at Core of New Strategy? LINK

ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT:

The Washington Times’ Kara Rowland: “EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Perlmutter has interest in ‘green’ bank” LINK

OTHER MUST-READS:

Politico?s John Bresnahan: ?Don Young?s sizable legal bills stack up? LINK

New York Daily News? Frank Lombardi and Greg B. Smith: ?Council’s slush fund probe claims its first culprit: Manhattan’s Miguel Martinez to plead guilty? LINK

The New York Times? Jon Hurdle: ?Ex-State Senator in Pennsylvania Is Sentenced for Fraud? LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

?Obama’s All-Star Pitch? LINK

?Sotomayor: Wise Latina Woman Joke ‘Fell Flat’? LINK

?House Dems Announce Health Care Bill Draft? LINK

?Sen. Jokes About His Ability to ‘Turn People On’? LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Wednesday, June 10, 2009

The Note's Must-Reads for Wednesday, June 10, 2009

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

Compiled by ABC News’ CARRIE HALPERIN, KRISTEN RED-HORSE, JAYCE HENDERSON, CLAUDIA MORALES, GEORGIA DAWKINS AND VALENCIA WICKER

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 HIS ADMINISTRATION:

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “President Obama, PAYGO, and the Deficit Hole” LINK

Washington Times' Jon Ward: “Obama touts $1.8 billion 'profit' on bailout” LINK

Bloomberg’s Jesse Westbrook, Robert Schmidt and Rebecca Christie: “U.S. Said to Seek New Powers for SEC Over Banks’ Executive Pay” LINK

The Boston Globe’s Lisa Wangsness: “Neal: Obama wants investments in primary care” LINK

The Boston Globe’s Foon Rhee: “Maine professor nominated for Army post” LINK

The New York Times’ Sheryl Gay Stolberg: “Obama Aims to Revive Pay as You Go” LINK

Time Magazine’s Jay Newton-Small: “ Not so fast” LINK

New York Daily News’ Staff: “Newt Gingrich, Sarah Palin and Jon Voight — yes, Jon Voight — go after Pres. Obama” LINK

ECONOMY:

ABC News’ Matthew Jaffe and Zunaira Zaki: “Treasury: 10 Banks Can Repay TARP Billions” LINK

The Hill's Silla Brush: “Bank PAC money keeps pace” LINK

Los Angeles Times' Ralph Vartabedian, Jim Puzzanghera and Walter Hamilton: “10 big banks given approval to return $68 billion in bailout money” LINK

Bloomberg’s David Mildenberg: “Banks Seeking to Escape TARP Focus on $5 Billion of Warrants” LINK

USA Today’s Matt Kelley: “Stimulus spending spawns requests” LINK

USA Today’s Matt Kelley: “Sen. Sent requests, then voted no on stimulus” LINK

Washington Times' Anne Flaherty and Jeannine Aversa: “Fed subpoenaed over Merrill” LINK

The New York Times’ Eric Dash: “10 Large Banks Allowed to Exit U.S. Aid Program” LINK

The Boston Globe’s Foon Rhee: “Biden to go on stimulus road show” LINK

CONGRESS:

The Hill's Aaron Blake: “Deeds shocker gives Dems safer centrist in Va.” LINK

The Hill's Ian Swanson: “Frank defends intervention to save GM facility in his district” LINK

The Hill's Jared Allen: “Dems grapple with GOP intel disclosures” LINK

Washington Times' Chuck Neubauer: “House quietly restricts ethics probes” LINK

Washington Times' S.A. Miller: “Gun control measure foils House voting bill” LINK

Washington Times' Tom LoBianco: “GOP senators seek to slow Sotomayor timeline” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Jonathan Weisman: “Democrats Mix Signals on Deficit” LINK

Politico’s David Rogers: “War bill tally could top $105B” LINK

The New York Times’ Robert Pear: “Democrats Nearing Consensus on Health Plan” LINK

The New York Times’ John Broder: “House Republicans Draft Energy Bill With Heavy Focus on Nuclear Power” LINK

The Washington Post’s Perry Bacon Jr.: “Left, Right Press Obama on War Funds” LINK

The Washington Post’s Anita Kumar: “Deeds Surges to Stunning Win in Va.” LINK

Time Magazine’s Jay Newton-Small: “Will Dems (and McAuliffe) Buck Tradition in Virginia?” LINK

HEALTH CARE:

ABC News’ Jonathan Karl and Kristina Wong: “Democrats Unveil Health Care Proposal, Republicans Balk” LINK

The Hill's Mike Soraghan: “House Dems show first draft of health reform bill” LINK

Los Angeles Times' Noam N. Levey: “A healthcare reform bill will affect nearly everyone” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Naftali Bendavid and Janet Adamy: “Health-Care Bills Begin to Crystallize” LINK

USA Today’s Rita Rubin: “FDA panel to vote on antipsychotic drugs for kids” LINK

USA Today’s John Fritze: “Moderates in congress feel health care push” LINK

The Washington Post’s Lori Montgomery: “Tax on Health Benefits Weighed” LINK

The Washington Post’s Shailagh Murray: “On Health Care, Congress Must Navigate Tricky Political Terrain” LINK

Time Magazine’s Karen Tumulty: “The House's Health-Care Plan: More Moderate Than Expected” LINK

AUTO INDUTRY:

Los Angeles Times' Ken Bensinger and David Savage: “Supreme Court won't block Chrysler merger” LINK

Bloomberg’s Mike Ramsey and Lizzie O’Leary “Fiat Said to Buy Chrysler Assets Today to Form New Automaker” LINK

SUPREME COURT:

ABC News' Lee Ferran: “Juan Sotomayor on Siste Sonia’s critics: ‘Angry Is Just the Beginning” LINK

The Wall Street Journal’s Nathan Koppel: “Ruling on 'Probable Bias' Spotlights Political Reality” LINK

Newsweek’s Katie Connolly: “Sotomayor: Woman of Steel?”LINK

The New York Times’ David Herszenhorn: “Hearings on Sotomayor Are Set to Begin on July 13” LINK

The New York Times’ John Schwartz: “Uncertainty in Law Circles Over New Rules for Judges” LINK

FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

ABC News' Richard Esposito and Aaron Katersky and Jason Ryan: “Gitmo Detainee Pleads Not Guilty to Embassy Bombing Charges” LINK

Boston Herald Editorial Staff: “From Gitmo to Big Apple” LINK

Newsweek’S Jessica Ramirez: “Children of Conflict” LINK

Los Angeles Times' Robyn Dixon: “People of Niger Delta see new beginning in settlement for executions” LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEO:

“789 Chrysler Dealerships Bite the Dust” LINK

“Dems Unveil Healthcare Plan; GOP” LINK

“Palin vs. Gingrich: Clash of the GOP Titans” LINK

The Note’s Must-Reads for Wednesday, April 8, 2009

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

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

BOOKMARKS:

The Note: LINK

The Must-Reads Online: LINK

Top Line Webcast: LINK

ABC News Politics: LINK

The Political Punch (Jake Tapper): LINK

Radar: 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 FINANCIAL SYSTEM AND THE STIMULUS:

ABC News’ Charles Herman and Alice Gomstyn: “Financial Crisis ‘Far From Over,’ Panel Says” LINK

USA Today’s Brad Heath: “Housing agencies faulted in audits to get $300M of stimulus” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Marc Lifsher: “California to use $415 million from stimulus to aid the unemployed” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos: “President Obama’s First Overseas Trip” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Jonathan Weisman In Istanbul and Yochi J. Dreazen In Washington: ?In Iraq, Obama Pushes for Political Solutions? LINK

Time Magazine?s Bobby Ghosh: ?Obama’s Visit to Iraq: A Page from Bush’s Playbook? >LINK

LINK

The Washington Times? Jon Ward: ?Obama presses leaders in Baghdad visit? LINK

The Washington Times? Jon Ward: ?Obama sells America to Turkish youth? LINK

The New York Daily News’ Staff: “Turkey dismisses reports of Obama assassination plot” LINK

The New York Times’ Steven Lee Myers and Helene Cooper: “In Baghdad, Obama Presses Iraqi Leader to Unite Factions” LINK

PRESIDENT OBAMA AND HIS SURPRISE VISIT TO BAGHDAD:

ABC News’ Jake Tapper, Sunlen Miller and Karen Travers: “Troops in Baghdad Cheer President Obama’s Surprise Visit” LINK

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “President Obama?s Surprise Visit to Iraq” LINK

USA Today’s Richard Wolf and Aamer Madhani: “Obama praises troops for progress in Iraq” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Ned Parker and Christi Parsons: “Obama, in a visit to Iraq, stresses transition of control” LINK

The New York Daily News’ Michael Mcauliff: “‘Obama makes unannounced visit to Iraq at end of first overseas trip” LINK

DEFENSE BUDGET:

The Wall Street Journal?s August Cole: ?Fight Over F-22’s Future to Test Defense Overhaul? LINK

The Hill’s Roxana Tiron: “On Defense Cuts, Obama Holds Cards” LINK

Politico’s Ben Smith: “A Note from the Front” LINK

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION:

ABC News’ Karen Travers: “Biden: Cheney is “Dead Wrong” on Obama Foreign Policies” LINK

ABC News Nightline: “Closing Arguments: Your Take on Chia Obama?” LINK

The Associated Press: “U.S. to buy spy satellites, use more pics from private sector” LINK

USA Today’s Steve Sternberg: “Obama administration putting AIDS ‘back on nation’s radar'” LINK

USA Today’s Bill Keveney: “Kal Penn hangs up ‘House’ coat for government job” LINK

The Associated Press’ Eric Gorski: “Obama brings rivals to faith-based advisory panel” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Peter Nicholas and Mike Dorning: “Obama’s travels may give voters jet lag” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Paul Richter: “Biden warns Israel off any attack on Iran” LINK

Bloomberg?s Hans Nichols and Edwin Chen: ?Obama Ends Trip Pledging ?New Chapter? of Global Engagement?? LINK

The Hill’s Sam Youngman: “0bama Strengthened for Domestic Battles” LINK

Politico’s Alexander Burns: “Helen Thomas: Obama Plays it Safe” LINK

ECONOMY/HOUSING & MORTGAGES/AUTO INDUSTRY/JOBS:

USA Today’s Judy Keen: “After layoffs, many workers go back to school” LINK

USA Today’s Barbara Hagenbaugh: “CEOs expect more job cuts through year’s end” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Roger Vincent: “Apartment rents fall in Southern California” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Hugo Martin: “Hawaii, suffering tourism drop, appeals to Obama” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Lingling Wei: ?Real-Estate Industry Pushes Fed to Lengthen TALF Terms? LINK

Bloomberg?s Scott Lanman and Sarah Mulholland: ?Fed Sees 64% Drop in Requests for TALF Loans as Investors Balk? LINK

Time Magazine?s John Curran: ?Is the Stock Market Headed Back Down?? LINK

The New York Times’ Don Van NattaJr.: “Firm Acted as Tutor in Selling Towns Risky Deals” LINK

CONGRESS:

The Wall Street Journal?s Naftali Bendavid: ?Latest Tally Extends Franken’s Lead? LINK

Bloomberg?s Robert Schmidt: ?Congressional Panel Suggests Firing Managers, Liquidating Banks? LINK

The Hill’s Susan Crabtree: “Stevens Redeemed, Prosecution Probed” LINK

The Hill’s Jared Allen: “Earmarks: Online Hide and Go Seek” LINK

The Hill’s Walter Alarkon: “House and Senate Face $8 billion Gap Over Budget Plans ” LINK

The Hill’s Jordy Yager: “Schumer Wants States Sued Over Voter Registration” LINK

FORMER SENATOR TED STEVENS:

The Los Angeles Times’ James Oliphant: “Former Sen. Ted Stevens’ prosecutors face criminal investigation” LINK

The Wall Street Journal?s Evan Perez: ?Judge Orders Probe of Prosecutors? LINK

OTHER MUST-READS:

The Associated Press’ Gillian Gaynair: “White House Invites Gay Families to Easter Event” LINK

The Associated Press’ Don Babwin: “What’s Behind Door Number Number One?” LINK

USA Today’s Mimi Hall: “Push for digital health records sparks debate” LINK

The Washington Times?: ?D.C. to recognize state gay marriages? LINK

Politico’s John Bresnahan: “DOJ Mistakes May Hinder Other Cases” LINK

The New York Times’ Abby Goodnough: “With Victories, Gay Rights Groups Expand Marriage Push” LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEOS:

“Obama Praises Troops in Iraq” LINK

“George: Obama Passed International ‘Test'” LINK

“Michelle Obama Enters House of Wax” LINK

“Obama Lands in Baghdad” 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