COVERITLIVE.COM

11:00

Fred Barbash-Moderator - POLITICO's Jonathan Martin will be with us at noon. You're welcome to submit some questions in advance. Please use a name, rather than a handle or "guest."
For Jonathan's most recent stories click here and here.

11:19

11:57

Fred Barbash-Moderator - Jonathan Martin will be with us at noon. Wanna bash the media? James Carville will be our guest at 2 pm on June 4...

12:00

Fred Barbash-Moderator - Jonathan...Welcome. And welcome to all our readers. Thanks for participating.

12:00

[Comment From Jen]
Jonathan. Thanks for doing this. Why do you think Obama chose Sotomayor, considering that he knew there would be a fair amount of controversy at a time when he's already got plenty?

12:02

Jonathan Martin - Because there is far more upside than controversy.

12:03

[Comment From Stefan]
Jonathan: Robert Samuelson had a piece this week in which he said "the press has become Obama's silent ally and seems in a state of denial..." Do you think reporters are still basically fawning over him?

12:05

Jonathan Martin - Readers always love to ask reporters media questions instead of questions about the stuff we actually cover. In any event, I think there is great reporting done every day by my WH colleagues. These assertions usually focus on commentary and ignore the day-to-day reporting by tough, aggressive reporters actually on the beat.

12:05

[Comment From Arianna]
Do you think Steele will last as RNC chair?

12:07

Jonathan Martin - Is this THE Arianna? I think that Chmn Steele's future depends on two things: what he says and does in the months ahead and whether the GOP wins the gubernatorial races in NJ and VA this fall.

12:07

[Comment From Clement]
Are you prepared to say who the next Governor of Virginia will be? How bout New Jersey?

12:09

Jonathan Martin - Well, we'll know who the NJ candidates will be after today. Former Us Attny Chris Christie is the GOP frontrunner in today's primary to take on Gov. Jon Corzine.

12:09

[Comment From Nate]
AIPAC just obtained the signatures of 329 members of Congress for a letter calling on the Obama administration to work "closely and privately" with Israel. With such a powerful Israel lobby, what are the chances of Obama being able to successfully initiate real policy change?

12:11

Jonathan Martin - As for VA, the Dem primary is next Tues. Terry McAuliffe has raised far more money than his Dem rivals, but Creigh Deeds seems to be coming on a bit, helped in party by the Wash Post endorsement. The Republicans officially nominated former AG Bob McDonnell last Saturday. Both off-year races could be very competitive. Great salve for political junkies in the off-year and both within easy driving distance of DC. I did a long piece on the Va Dem primary last week, that we'll try to link.

12:11

[Comment From Olivia]
How does Obama differ in style and substance from other Presidents you have covered? And does it matter?

12:15

Jonathan Martin - This is the first prez i've covered, tho i've studied Obama's successors quite closely. I think most of you smart readers know how he differs from Clinton and Bush. Here's how he's similar: he and his top aides are very, very political. This is natural --- after all, they're politicians. But just look at today's move to appoint longtime Rep. John McHugh, GOPer from upstate NY, as Army Secretary. There goes another Republican to the admin, and one whose seat could now be in play. For those keeping score at home, there are now TWO GOPers in the 29-member NY House delegation. Wonder if Pete King's phone is ringing today....

12:15

[Comment From Elise]
Jonathan: This morning you excerpted from Richard Wolffe's new book about how Michelle Obama was going to stop campaigning after the Ohio/Texas loss unless they came up with a new strategy. Is there any hints that Michelle is an under the radar adviser in light of this?

12:17

Jonathan Martin - I was very struck by that and pulled it out of the Wolffe book bc she has previously been seen as much closer to laura bush than hillary clinton as far as political strategizing goes. That item does suggest she has been more involved in the campaign than previously known but i think we've known for some time that is an adviser

12:17

[Comment From Chuck]
I'm an Obama supporter and I liked Robert Gibbs on the campaign trail. However, I find him a little flip in the briefing room. What is your take?

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