FRIDAY’S MINI-REPORT…. Today’s edition of quick hits:
* Both sides have claimed victory in Iran’s closely-watched presidential election. Iranian officials, for what it’s worth, claim Ahmadinejad is well ahead.
* President Obama had some interesting things to say about the Iranian election today, noting that administration officials are “excited to see what appears to be a robust debate taking place in Iran.” He added that the debate itself may “help advance our ability to engage them in new ways.”
* The U.N. Security Council unanimously passed a resolution today to “tighten sanctions targeting North Korea’s nuclear and missile development programs, including encouraging United Nations members to inspect cargo vessels and airplanes suspected of carrying weapons and other military materiel.” The inspections are not, however, mandatory at this point.
* The House today approved the Senate’s version of the bill regulating tobacco products. The measure now heads to the president’s desk, where it will be singed into law.
* After some White House prodding, House and Senate negotiators agreed last night on the $105.9 billion supplemental spending bill.
* Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) once again raised the prospect of Republicans boycotting the Sotomayor confirmation hearings. I’ve lost track of Kyl’s latest justification for whining, but I’m sure it’s riveting.
* The BBC has a very helpful report explaining how Iran is ruled.
* The administration came under fire today from the left for its defense in court of the Defense of Marriage Act. The Justice Department insists it didn’t have any choice; the agency’s attorneys are required to defend current law. Obama is on record supporting a repeal of DOMA.
* Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) is headed back to rehab.
* The House ethics committee is taking up a PMA Group probe.
* This is a White House that takes picket lines seriously.
* Some Republicans now want to see David Letterman fired.
* Other Republicans are blaming the president for Letterman’s Palin jokes.
* And finally, if Pat Buchanan would at least pretend to be respectful of people who aren’t white Christian men, I’d appreciate it.
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.
