Scott Walker Steps Out

Jan 28, 2015 8:28am

By MICHAEL FALCONE (@michaelpfalcone)

NOTABLES

THE ROUNDTABLE

ABCs RICK KLEIN: Indiana Gov. Mike Pence drew headlines this week for his odd if not just plain ill-conceived state news service, sparking enough Pravda and Kim Jong Un Tweets to power a Seth Rogen movie. But the most consequential thing Pence may have done this week, at least when it comes to 2016, is the deal he cut to expand Medicaid using funds available under Obamacare. If Pence winds up running, his move will become a major point of contention; if he doesnt, hes given some other key candidates a strong talking point, maybe even precious cover. This is shaping up as one of the biggest fault lines inside the Republican presidential race. Possible candidates will run the range of outright rejection of Obamacare funds (Jindal, Perry), through special state-specific deals for some expansion (Walker, and now Pence), right up to accepting the money and the coverage expansion that was designed as a key piece of President Obamas healthcare overhaul (Christie, Kasich). And, of course, well have the senators in the field, who can and almost surely will take the clean stance that any acceptance of Obamacare funds is abetting a fatally flawed program.

ABCs SHUSHANNAH WALSHE: Scott Walkers launch of his Our American Revival political committee Tuesday could not have happened at a better time, fresh off his well-received speech last weekend at the Iowa Freedom Summit. Whether the roll-out was long planned or not, using the momentum from his star turn is a perfect way to keep the 2016 story on him over his potential opponents. Its a 527 not a leadership PAC, like possible rivals Jeb Bush and Chris Christie have recently set up, but he will still be able to use the funds to travel to early states or donor meetings. And speaking of donors, like a PAC, it gives a spot for early supporters to place funds ahead of a full-fledged campaign.

ON THE ROAD WITH POTUS

FIRST LADYS VISIT TO SAUDI ARABIA SENDS STRONG MESSAGE ABOUT WOMEN. In a country where women have few rights, First Lady Michelle Obama yesterday seemed to lead by example. There she was, standing side-by-side with her husband as he stepped off Air Force One in Riyadh Tuesday, where, during a brief visit, the president offered condolences for the recent death of King Abdullah and met with his successor, King Salman. According to ABCs MARY BRUCE, the first lady accompanied the president throughout the stay, embodying some of the reforms that her husband is pushing the country to adopt. Wearing pants and her head uncovered, Mrs. Obama stood dutifully beside her husband as he shook hands with the Saudi delegation on the airport tarmac Tuesday morning and again at Erga Palace on the outskirts of Riyadh. Due to the cultural constraints, the first lady purposely stood slightly behind her husband and waited for a gesture to be made to her by the men in the receiving line. If one of the men initiated a handshake she returned, if not then she simply smiled or nodded politely. http://abcn.ws/1JC1iqO

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Scott Walker Steps Out