44, the Obama Presidency: Granholm's Visit Could Include a Job Interview

JOB INTERVIEW?

Granholm to Visit The White House

Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) will visit the White House on Tuesday, joining a group of industry and government officials for President Obama's expected announcement of new fuel-efficiency standards and emission regulations for cars.

She could also be sticking around for a job interview.

Granholm is widely reported to be on the president's shortlist to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Supreme Court, and White House press secretary Robert Gibbs left open the possibility that Obama could interview her for the job Tuesday. Asked about the prospect of an interview during her visit, Gibbs said Monday that her "primary objective" in coming is the announcement.

Granholm, 50, is a graduate of Harvard Law School. She served as a federal prosecutor and Michigan attorney general before being elected governor in 2002.

At least one conservative group has launched an early salvo criticizing her for, among other things, her stewardship of Michigan, where the economy was in steep decline long before the global economic downturn.

As the White House continues to winnow the list of candidates to replace retiring Justice David H. Souter, Obama has not yet interviewed any candidates, Gibbs said Monday -- something that is sure to change soon.

People close to the process say the White House has enlisted outside lawyers to help review the legal work and otherwise vet candidates under consideration, and some expect that an announcement could come next week.

-- Michael A. Fletcher

Kissinger, Shultz Return to Oval Office: Obama will meet Tuesday with former secretaries of state Henry A. Kissinger and George P. Shultz to discuss efforts to reduce the threat of nuclear weapons.

The talks in the Oval Office also will include former defense secretary William J. Perry and former senator Sam Nunn (D-Ga.), the White House said.

Obama last month outlined goals to eventually rid the world of its nuclear arsenal.