Clinton Foundation's 2009 donor list revealed
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/09/29/art.billclintongi.jpg caption="Clinton Foundation's 2009 donor list was revealed."]
Washington (CNN) - During Hillary Clinton's first year as secretary of state, some foreign governments again gave generously to the foundation of her husband, former President Bill Clinton - but others have not.
Norway gave again last year, with a cumulative total exceeding $10 million, as did Oman, whose total is between $1 and $5 million. But according to the list made public by the Clinton Foundation, other past foreign donors - including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, the Dubai Foundation and Brunei - did not give in 2009.
During Hillary Clinton's confirmation hearings to head the State Department, some lawmakers pressed her on whether she might face a conflict of interest if foreign governments or companies gave to her husband's foundation with an eye toward currying favor with her or influencing American foreign policy.
In the end, the Clintons agreed to make public their donor lists, and to have government ethics lawyers review new donations by foreign governments.
The Clinton Foundation's mission is to fight disease and poverty around the world.
Among companies receiving government bailout money, Bank of America again donated in 2009, but prior donors AIG, Citigroup, General Motors and Freddie Mac did not give in 2009.
One interesting entry on the list: Christopher Ruddy, who wrote some of the most scathing criticisms of Bill and Hillary Clinton in the 1990s on ethics matters, and founded the conservative news agency Newsmax.
Richard Mellon Scaife, who bankrolled some of the Clintons' toughest adversaries in the 1990s, has also given to the Clinton Foundation in the past, but was not listed as a donor for 2009.
Obama ties Nigerian terror suspect to al Qaeda
(CNN) - President Barack Obama linked the man behind a botched Christmas Day airline bombing to an al Qaeda affiliate based in Yemen on Saturday.
The president pledged that everyone involved in the attack would be held accountable. He also highlighted his administration's attempts to crack down on extremist enclaves in Yemen, and reiterated his longstanding promise to "disrupt, dismantle and defeat" al Qaeda.
Obama has been criticized by some political opponents for not responding more aggressively to a botched December 25 attempt to blow up a Northwest Airlines passenger jet en route from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Detroit, Michigan.
Authorities say 23-year-old Umar Farouk AbdulMutallab tried to ignite explosives smuggled aboard the plane in his underwear. Obama confirmed Saturday that AbdulMutallab recently traveled to Yemen and that "it appears that he joined an affiliate of al Qaeda."
The group "al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula" apparently trained AbdulMutallab, "equipped him with ... explosives and directed him to attack that plane headed for America," Obama said.
"This is not the first time this group has targeted us," Obama noted. Recently, he said, "they have bombed Yemeni government facilities and Western hotels, restaurants and embassies - including our embassy in 2008."
"I've made it a priority to strengthen our partnership with the Yemeni government - training and equipping their security forces, sharing intelligence and working with them to strike al Qaeda terrorists," he said.
New Year's resolutions from Washington and beyond
Washington (CNN) -Members of the Best Political Team on Television – and some of the politicians they "cover" told us what their New Year's resolutions are for 2010, including "relaxing more" and texting less.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney : "I need to relax more. I'm going to start by loosening my tie before I got to bed."
New York Gov. David Paterson: "My wish for this New Year is that people in government would realize that cutting now is less damaging than cutting later. Families are forced to make difficult decisions every day, and especially during this time of the year as families must decide between toys for the holidays and paying the rent. The responsible thing to do is pay the rent, and I believe the public understands this. But some people in government are afraid to look the public in the eye and say these are the tough choices we have to make."
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger:"You know, to me, I think jobs, jobs, jobs. That's the only thing that I can think of, because to me - you know, you can talk about all the details in the world but the people in California need jobs."
National Correspondent Jessica Yellin: "My resolution next year: more talking less texting."
Senior Political Analyst Gloria Borger: "One day this year I want to wake up this year earlier than Mike Allen."
CNN Anchor Wolf Blitzer: "I resolve to be a better friend by staying in closer touch with my friends - and not just by email or Twitter - but by actually talking to them and even seeing them in person. Can you imagine!"
CNN Senior White House Correspondent Ed Henry: "The first year of the Obama administration was too busy to take my son and Dad for a pilgrimage to the new Yankee Stadium, but we're going to get it done in 2010, especially since we're World Champs again.".
National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn: "To try to stop any more Washington takeovers."
Obama takes family for shave ice
(CNN)– President Obama took his family and friends for a New Year's treat Friday– shave ice.
Joined by a group of 19, Obama ordered the "Snowbama," from Island Snow in Kailua, Hawaii. The cone included LemonLime, Cherry & PassionGuava flavors, and he opted out of including azuki beans.
"I like my shave ice straight. No frills," Obama said.
First Lady Michelle Obama was not seen on the outing.
While vacationing in Hawaii, the president has made regular visits to the gym, played several rounds of golf, and has gone to the movies to see Avatar.
The President is expected to arrive back in Washington D.C. with a full plate of issues on Monday.
Obama promises justice for Christmas terror plotters
(CNN) - President Obama pledged Saturday that the United States will hold accountable all of the individuals involved in the failed Christmas Day terrorist attack aboard a U.S.-bound jetliner.
He also highlighted his administration's attempts to crack down on extremist enclaves in Yemen and reiterated his longstanding promise to "disrupt, dismantle and defeat" al Qaeda.
"All those involved in the attempted act of terrorism on Christmas must know you, too, will be held to account," Obama said in his weekly address.
"Our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred, and ... we will do whatever it takes to defeat them and defend our country."
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