Morning Buzz: Dec. 17, 2007

After months of the president and members of Congress bickering over the federal budget, the White House said today it was encouraged by concessions Democrats made over the weekend in crafting a $500 billion-plus catchall spending bill. While the bill mainly sticks with the president's proposed budget, it also shifts money to social programs the president wanted to cut.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would become prime minister and not make the position more powerful if his chosen successor, Dmitry Medvedev, is elected to the presidency.

Sen. Joe Lieberman, the former Democratic vice presidential nominee and current independent senator who caucuses with the Democrats, endorsed GOP Sen. John McCain for president. Lieberman said no Democrat had asked for his support, so he decided to back his longtime Senate colleague because McCain has the best shot of breaking partisan gridlock in Washington.