Senate Confirms John Bryson As Commerce Secretary

By Andrea Salazar

The Senate Thursday approved John Bryson to head the Department of Commerce.

Obama made the nomination five months ago, but Republican objections to Bryson’s views on the environment delayed his confirmation.

Following the Senate’s 74-26 vote, the president released a statement touting Bryson’s experience in the public and private sectors.

“John Bryson will be a key member of my economic team, working with the business community to promote job creation, foster growth, and help open up new markets around the world for American-made goods,” Obama said.

Obama To Put Freeze On Gulf Drilling

After the fallout from the BP oil spill, President Obama has vowed to put a hold on any drilling the eastern side of the Gulf of Mexico for the next seven years, according to a report out by CNN.

Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior, is set to hold a press conference at 1:30 to shed more light on the subject. 

Former Presidential Candidate Bashes Palin's Brains

Sarah Palin will run for President in 2012, but her lack of intellect will prevent her from winning the Republican nomination, said former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel (D).

“Oh, there’s no question about that,” Gravel told ABC News’ Rick Klein today in response to his question of whether or not Palin will run.

Gravel, a longshot presidential candidate in 2008 who served in the U.S. Senate from 1969 through 1981, elaborated on his initial statement.

“I don’t think she’ll get the nomination, but she’ll be a meaningful candidate in 2012. She’s a very talented political person. Intellectually, I think that leaves to be desired. But from a political, outright, gifted person — I don’t know of anybody better on the scene other than Obama.”