Calling the president "a master rope-a-doper," Noam Scheiber has an interesting take on what may have been Obama's strategy in dealing with the Republicans over the stimulus bill: For weeks now, Obama has soared above the fray -- inviting dour-looking Republicans to the White House for cookies and patiently hearing them out on Capitol Hill. Once again, the Republicans have … [Read more...] about Did Obama Play the GOP on the Stimulus Bill?
Stimulus Bills: Side by Side
If you're seeking, as I have been, a more detailed comparison of the competing House and Senate stimuli than is typically available in the MSM, check out this post at ProPublica. Reviewing that analysis, one would think the right leaners would be quite pleased with the compromise version, especially the increase in "Tax Cuts," the total for which is up nearly $76B in the … [Read more...] about Stimulus Bills: Side by Side
Stimulus Passes Senate In Round Two But Round Three Will Be Most Difficult
The Senate has passed President Barack Obama's economic stimulus bill with a smidgen of Republican support -- but Round Three could be the most difficult stage yet, as the Senate and House try to reconcile differences that some on each side consider irreconcilable. Or are they? The Washington Post reports: The Senate today passed an economic stimulus bill that President … [Read more...] about Stimulus Passes Senate In Round Two But Round Three Will Be Most Difficult
The Stimulus Is Unimportant Compared To The Real Mess
Until the bank situation is resolved the stimulus can't really help stimulate much at all. I have concerns about it specifically but everyone should recognize that it is just a drop in the bucket compared to the most pressing concern. So, how is their plan for that going? Let's turn to the esteemed Yves Smith at Naked Capitalism (emphasis mine): [Fiasco] That one word … [Read more...] about The Stimulus Is Unimportant Compared To The Real Mess
Obama’s (Not-Ready-For) Prime-Time Presser
Did you watch the big shindig last night? I did. It had a few high points, but a lot more of it was dark comedy. You can catch up with my impressions of it and what lessons we can take in my latest column at Pajamas Media today. … [Read more...] about Obama’s (Not-Ready-For) Prime-Time Presser
Republican Moderates Backing GOP Stimulus Threatened To Be Targeted By Republican Group
File this in your Here We Go Again Department file: A GOP group is putting Republican lawmakers "on notice," threatening to campaign against anyone who breaks ranks to vote for the more than $800 billion economic recovery package. The National Republican Trust PAC put out a statement Tuesday claiming it would provide financial support for primary challengers to any … [Read more...] about Republican Moderates Backing GOP Stimulus Threatened To Be Targeted By Republican Group
OH-Sen 2010 Open Seat Race Likely to Include Fierce, Expensive Democratic Primary
Chris Baker might come to owe me dinner, because wisely I didn't bet that Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher will not run against each other in a Democratic primary to be the party's nominee to fill retiring U.S. Senator George Voinovich's seat. I only wagered that Brunner and Ohio congressman, Tim Ryan, wouldn't be facing off. Still, I … [Read more...] about OH-Sen 2010 Open Seat Race Likely to Include Fierce, Expensive Democratic Primary
Rick Lazio for New York Governor?
I normally require some anti-depressants and vodka to think back on the New York Senate election of 2000, but enough time may have passed for me to now do so without breaking down sobbing and going to lie down in a dark room. At the time, I invested a fair amount of my time, energy and money in a futile effort to help Rick Lazio prevent our Senate seat from being carpetbagged … [Read more...] about Rick Lazio for New York Governor?
A-Rod, Juiced
Alex Rodriguez, aka A-Rod, aka A-Fraud, has admitted that he took "a banned substance." However, he claims that he didn't know what it was: "I am guilty of being negligent, naïve, not asking all the right questions." He claims further that he hasn't taken it, or anything like it, since 2003, when he tested positive (see SI's story for more). In other words, it wasn't his … [Read more...] about A-Rod, Juiced
A Porn Star For Senator?
Is the Stormy Daniels boomlet serious or a just publicity stunt? Will she really against run against Sen. David Vitter, a Louisiana Republican who was linked to the "D.C. Madam" scandal or not? The debate rages.... But it makes sense. She has experience: she has done on the screen what politicians do to voters. … [Read more...] about A Porn Star For Senator?
Will Barack Obama Have A Beer With Sean Hannity?
President Barack Obama has left himself open to the idea that he could sit down and have a beer with conservative talker Sean Hannity. And on Fox News the Prez' Press Secretary Robert Gibbs left the suggestion open...and apparently Hannity is open to the idea. Here's the video: Question one: Does this mean Obama will later have a pizza with Rush Limbaugh? Question … [Read more...] about Will Barack Obama Have A Beer With Sean Hannity?
Public Service and Replacing Lost Jobs: Two For One Solution (Guest Voice)
So what should the government do now to try and boost employment? In this Guest Voice, TMV reader Marc Pascal, an independent business and management consultant in Phoenix, offers some specific ideas which include reinstituting the draft. Guest Voice posts do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TMV or its writers. Public Service and Replacing Lost Jobs: Two For One … [Read more...] about Public Service and Replacing Lost Jobs: Two For One Solution (Guest Voice)
Quote of The Day: Learning From Icon Ronald Reagan’s Mistakes
Today's political Quote of the Day is actually more like a MUST READ of the day -- policy analyst David Adesnik's column "Reagan As Statesman: Learning From An Icon’s Mistakes" on Doublethink Online: Ronald Reagan embodies the ideal to which conservatives aspire. Yet Reagan has transcended his status as simply a conservative giant and has become an American icon. On the … [Read more...] about Quote of The Day: Learning From Icon Ronald Reagan’s Mistakes
Solving the Debt
Nate Beeler, The Washington Examiner This cartoon is copyrighted and licensed to run on TMV. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. … [Read more...] about Solving the Debt
Strength For Those on the Front Lines, Australia Fires
As I put up on TMV yesterday, whole families were lost by being trapped in their houses or trying to run away in their cars or on foot. The fires chased them and killed them. Entire towns have streets with blackened bodies lying where they were caught by the fire... and the nurses, doctors, civilians and soldiers who are doing search and rescue... please pray for them … [Read more...] about Strength For Those on the Front Lines, Australia Fires
In Order to Help Australian Fire Victims: Do NOT Respond to Solicitations…
Last night in my article about the Australian fires, I promised I'd let you know how to help. Little did I realize I'd be cautioning you how not to help. But the Australian governments and news agencies have broadcast that we ought NOT respond to solicitations for money to help Australian fire survivors... from persons we don't know or who say they represent groups that sound … [Read more...] about In Order to Help Australian Fire Victims: Do NOT Respond to Solicitations…
Obituary: Anastasia Baburova (1983-2009)
In our cynical times, there are also instances of young and old people bravely taking up professional/public causes and not fearing the consequences of the dangers inherent in such a step. The 25-year-old Anastasia Baburova, a Russian journalist who died on January 19th, would be remembered as a valiant fighter for a cause that was close to her heart --- freedom of … [Read more...] about Obituary: Anastasia Baburova (1983-2009)
Save Us From Religion
Aislin, The Montreal Gazette This cartoon is copyrighted and licensed to appear on TMV. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. … [Read more...] about Save Us From Religion
Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics
The following graph has been getting a lot of play on the web. It was put out by the Office of Speaker Nancy Pelosi: As you can see, it shows that in comparison to the two most recent recessions, we have lost a bunch of jobs. The graph has "focused the mind" of some bloggers like Andrew Sullivan: This graph sure does concentrate the mind and reveals, to my mind, the … [Read more...] about Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics
GOP’s “Pharmaceutical” View of the Stimulus Plan: Rebuttal
David at The Unreligious Right had some good comments on my "The GOP’s Pharmaceutical View of the Stimulus Plan." I say good because, although David obviously disagrees with my views, he is very civil and perceptive in his arguments.This is quite refreshing these days when one sees so many personal attacks between people of differing political, and other, opinions. As … [Read more...] about GOP’s “Pharmaceutical” View of the Stimulus Plan: Rebuttal