By ABC News

The Note
Jan 7, 2013 6:19pm

Republicans and Democrats React to Obama Nominations

Politicians react to the nomination by President Obama of Chuck Hagel as Defense Secretary. PRO HAGEL Colin Powell, Former Secretary of State “I wholeheartedly endorse President Obama’s nomination of former Senator Chuck Hagel to be the next Secretary of Defense. Chuck Hagel has been a… Read More »

The Note
Jan 7, 2013 5:51pm

Bloomberg Working With Biden’s Task Force On Gun Control

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, one of the country’s most outspoken proponent of new gun laws, told reporters today his office is advising Vice President Joe Biden’s task force on gun control legislation. “We sent some of our people down to Washington, and we… Read More »

By Kaye Foley

The Note
Jan 7, 2013 4:56pm

Greta Van Susteren Goes ‘On The Record’ With ABC News

ABC News’ Kaye Foley reports: Fox News’ Greta Van Susteren has interviewed some of the biggest names in U.S. politics on her show, “On The Record,” but you’ll never guess who her dream guest dream political guest is. Van Susteren, who appeared on the “This… Read More »

The Note
Jan 7, 2013 4:18pm

Oops: Ticketmaster Mixup Sells Out Obama Inaugural Ball Early

WASHINGTON – After an inadvertent early sale of tickets to events surrounding President Obama’s second inauguration, some of the celebration festivities sold out even before they were supposed to go on sale. Public sales for the inaugural ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center… Read More »

The Note
Jan 7, 2013 2:22pm

McCain: Google Delegation to NKorea ‘Useful Idiots’

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., joined in the disapproval Monday of Google executive Eric Schmidt, who has drawn criticism for a trip he’s making this week to North Korea, home to one of the world’s most repressive regimes.  To describe Schmidt and former New Mexico Gov. Bill… Read More »

National Security OTUS The Note
Jan 7, 2013 12:28pm

Hillary Clinton Photo Shows Her Back at Work

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton got a standing ovation from colleagues as she returned to work today. She was also the subject of some office ribbing as colleagues presented her with a football helmet and jersey. Clinton had been away from work while recovering from… Read More »

The Note
Jan 7, 2013 9:11am

Cabinet Shakeup: No Such Thing As A ‘Slam Dunk’ (The Note)

By MICHAEL FALCONE (@michaelpfalcone) and AMY WALTER (@amyewalter) NOTABLES: CHUCK HAGEL GETS THE DEFENSE NOD… After weeks of rumors that former Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., will be nominated for Secretary of Defense, President Obama will make it official today. ABC’s Matthew Larotonda, David Kerley, and… Read More »

The Note
Jan 7, 2013 8:40am

Afghanistan US Troop Exit May Be Rapid

At first the military hoped there might be as many as 20,000 U.S. troops left behind after combat operations in Afghanistan officially cease at the end of 2014. But now an administration official is saying that number will not exceed 10,000 and could be even… Read More »

The Note
Jan 7, 2013 8:00am

Supreme Court Returns Today With Gay Marriage, Affirmative Action, Voting Rights in View

The Supreme Court is poised to take the bench today and begin the second half of a term laced with hot button issues such as affirmative action, gay marriage, voting rights and government secrecy. The justices will hear two potentially blockbuster cases in March concerning… Read More »

By Amanda VanAllen

The Note
Jan 7, 2013 3:43am

The Note’s Must-Reads for Monday, January 7, 2013

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 www.abcnews.com Compiled by ABC News’ Jayce Henderson, Amanda VanAllen and Carrie Halperin DEFENSE SECRETARY ABC News’ By Matthew… Read More »