• Jodi Kantor, politics domestic correspondent for “The New York Times” and collaborative author of “Obama: The Historic Journey” calls in at 6:30am Pacific to talk about her new book.
• Rep. Diana Degette (D-CO) calls in at 8:30am Pacific to talk about the return of stem cell research and about the omnibus spending bill.
• President Obama yesterday signed the omnibus spending bill passed through Congress, but called for a reform of the much-maligned earmarking process. The president maintained that earmarks can serve a useful purpose, but he said it’s time for Congress and the White House to embrace a new set of guiding principles.
• House Dem aides denied yesterday that work is already underway on a second stimulus package. The pushback came a day after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested more stimulus spending might be needed. Dem leaders believe they need time to assess whether the first recovery package is effective before taking up another bill.
• First lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton marked International Women’s Day with the presentation of the International Women of Courage award to seven women from all over the world who have fought against discrimination and inequality in their countries. President Obama also signed an executive order creating the White House Council on Women and Girls to ensure women “have no limits on their dreams.”
REMINDER: Be sure to join Producer Chris Lavoie in the StephSpace chat room tomorrow right after the show – 12 Noon Eastern / 9am Pacific. He’ll be there answering your questions about how the show is put together, what it’s like to work with Steph, and more!
