So the President’s going to show up in the White House briefing room at 5:45 EST, though it’s not quite clear why, since reports are spreading there’s nothing like a fiscal deal just yet. I wouldn’t hold my breath.
In other remainders of the day:
* Wonkbook unveils its second annual “Wonky” awards, and they are way too good to be released on a Friday afternoon when hardly anyone will read them. If you’re reading this, go there and consume the whole interesting and sometimes hilarious feast.
* Senate approves FISA renewal after quashing amendments on grounds that no time for House to consider them before law expires on Monday. For a thorough and very angry reaction, check out Glenn Greenwald.
* Bipartisan filibuster reform bill emerges in Senate with limited GOP support; mainly differs from main Dem proposal in failing to require “talking filibusters.”
* At Ten Miles Square, Andrew Gelman unearths an old Irving Kristol article that shows a lot has changed in politics during the last quarter-century.
* At College Guide, Daniel Luzer expresses skepticism that a new service run by NYU students to facilitate hookups is of equal interest to both genders.
And in non-political news:
* Steve Jobs’ mega-yacht impounded after payment dispute.
I’ll be back Monday to help give 2012 a final fond and not-so-fond farewell. Tomorrow Jesse Singal will blog at PA, and Sunday Kathleen Geier will have the controls.
Selah.