Ex-WH press sec. Joe Lockhart, on Obama probably not releasing the information himself: "We're at the level of nitpicking now. ... I think that somehow that the Obama team and the U.S. attorney conspired to make it a time when he would be in the 50th state is a little silly" ("1600," MSNBC, 12/17).

CNN's Brown: "I get that there's a request from [U.S. atty Patrick] Fitzgerald, but Fitzgerald, as powerful as he is, is not as powerful as the president-elect and there certainly could have been pushback from Obama, who could have said, look, I want to get this out sooner, so that people are aware of all that we know, everything is on the table. I don't want to do this during Christmas week, so let's get it done quicker" ("No Bias, No Bull," 12/17).

Ex-NRCC comm. dir. Karen Hanretty: "The real danger for Obama is not necessarily whatever statement Blagojevich goes out with. It will be the Q & A. I'm really curious to see how Blagojevich handles the pressure of ... what I suspect is obviously a very skeptical press corps who are going to be hammering with question after question. ... He will slip up, and Obama is going to have to answer for it after this press conference. That's when the real drama is going to begin" ("Hannity & Colmes," FNC, 12/17).

Newsweek's Isikoff: "The important thing for when the Obama people do make this public release next week is that they not say anything that could later be contradicted by evidence brought out in a Blagojevich trial by the playing of the tapes" ("Hardball," MSNBC, 12/17).

After the jump, Bush seeks to preserve his legacy.

(KATHERINE LEHR)

Continuing the TV rounds, Pres. Bush spoke with FNC's Baier about the big three automakers.

Bush: "I am looking at all options with two principles by which I'm making this decision. You know, one, a disorganized failure, or disorganized bankruptcy, or disorderly bankruptcy could cause great harm to the economy beyond that which we're now witnessing. And that concerns me. And the other point is that I'm not interested in really putting good money after bad, so it's an issue that I'm thinking through."

Bush, asked if he's worried about being the Herbert Hoover of the 21st century: "No. I will be known as somebody who saw a problem and put the chips on the table to prevent the economy from collapsing. ... We made a lot of very strong moves, and it's been painful for a lot of people."

Bush, asked if there hasn't been a terrorist attack on U.S. soil in more than seven years because of the policies his admin. implemented: "I believe the policies that we worked with Congress on to better protect America are paying off. Now, the problem is is that there's still an enemy, and they still want to attack. But we have been successful, thanks to a lot of people."

Baier: "And you've heard the critics of the administration. ... The policies on interrogation techniques amounted to torture, and the policies for surveillance amounted to a legal wiretapping and that America's image was hurt around the world and that made us less safe. How do you respond now looking back to all of that?"

Bush: "We always stay within the law that we consulted with members of Congress. And that we have an obligation to put tools in place so that future presidents can better protect the country. ... There's a lot of urban myths about certain decisions I have made. But when the truth comes out and people will say, 'Oh, I see what he did.'"

Bush, asked if he's worried that the incoming admin. will undo some of the things he thinks have kept the U.S. safe: "Well, I think the incoming administration is going to have to fully analyze the risks and the tools and come to their own conclusion. But one thing is for certain, I'm confident that President-elect Obama knows that one of his most solemn duties is to protect the American people."

Bush, on Obama's nat'l security team: "A solid team. For example, Secretary Gates, I know him well. I trust him. I admire him. He's agreed to stay on at President-elect Obama's request, but I'm impressed. This may come as a shock to people, but I really want President-elect Obama to succeed. I want him to be able to say that we prevented further attacks" ("Special Report," 12/17).

You can finally put the 2008 House election to bed. After a recount that ended today, officials in the Charlottesville-based VA-05 declared atty Tom Perriello (D) the winner over Rep. Virgil Goode (R). That result had been widely expected, as recounts in VA have historically yielded just minor changes.

Indeed, going into the recount, Perriello maintained a 745-vote lead. Final results show Perriello with a 727-vote win, meaning Goode picked up just 18 votes in the recount.

Perriello's victory means Dems gained a total of 21 seats this cycle, and with no other '08 House races outstanding, it's time to close the book on the cycle.

(TIM SAHD)

"I have never spoken to the governor on this subject," Obama said, adding that he has asked his staff to collect the facts about their contact with Blagojevich on the matter.

"This Senate seat does not belong to any politician to trade," Obama said. "It belongs to the people of Illinois."

Obama's comments came at the outset of a Chicago press conference announcing former SD senator Tom Daschle as head of the Department of Health and Human Services. Obama called Daschle one of "America's foremost health care experts." He said that the senator, who had served as a close campaign adviser to Obama, brings the respect he earned during years in Congress.

"A gifted manager, Tom is the orginial no drama guy," Obama said.

Daschle said he will endeavor to "make health care reform an open and inclusive process that goes from the grassroots up."

"I'm honored by your trust, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve our nation once again," Daschle said.

(JENNIFER SKALKA)

There was mixed signals out of Carmouche's camp as to whether he'd seek a recount, but tonight's statement puts an end to this race. Only a recount in VA-05 (where atty Tom Perriello (D) is almost certain to hold his 700+ -vote lead) remains to be decided in this fall's House contests. If that result does hold, Dems will have picked up 21 seats this fall. That would give Dems 257 seats to the GOP's 178.

(TIM SAHD)