Chris Good
Recently by Chris Good
Nov 23 2009, 12:39PM
Huckabee Wins Iowa...Poll
Iowa is where Mike Huckabee catapulted himself into the upper echelon of GOP figures, and Iowa Republicans still like him--more than they like his chief 2012 rivals.
Almost 11 months after he surprised the Republican presidential field with a win in the 2008 Iowa caucus, Huckabee collected the highest favorable rating of all major 2012 contenders in a Des Moines Register poll with 70 percent, beating out (in consecutive order) Sarah Palin (68), Newt Gingrich (66), and Mitt Romney (58).
Almost 11 months after he surprised the Republican presidential field with a win in the 2008 Iowa caucus, Huckabee collected the highest favorable rating of all major 2012 contenders in a Des Moines Register poll with 70 percent, beating out (in consecutive order) Sarah Palin (68), Newt Gingrich (66), and Mitt Romney (58).
Nov 23 2009, 11:31AM
The Palin Crowds
Sarah Palin has been drawing massive crowds to her book signing events--averaging over 1,000 people per stop on the "Going Rogue" tour, with fans camping out, overnight and in the cold, for the chance to meet her.
This morning, over 1,000 people were reportedly waiting for Palin an hour before her scheduled appearance at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. It's the fourth consecutive stop that has drawn over 1,000 people, according to news reports.
This morning, over 1,000 people were reportedly waiting for Palin an hour before her scheduled appearance at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. It's the fourth consecutive stop that has drawn over 1,000 people, according to news reports.
Nov 23 2009, 10:17AM
Rep. Dennis Moore Retires; A Chance For The GOP
The Republican Party had been after Rep. Dennis Moore (D-KS)--a Blue Dog who represents a mostly conservative district, R+3 by the Cook Political Report's accounting--for some time. Now, it's being reported that Moore will retire after his term ends in 2010. In an election cycle that's generally expected to favor Republicans nationwide, Moore's retirement hands an added opportunity to the GOP--an open seat in a district that was considered winnable even with a Democratic incumbent.
Nov 20 2009, 3:11PM
What Giuliani 2012 Would Look Like
The New York Daily News suggested Thursday that, according to one source, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani might use a run for Senate--if he wins--as a launching pad for taking another stab at the White House in 2012.
Giuliani's 2008 presidential campaign went down in flames, more or less, but he remains a nationally recognized figure with a respectable support base. So, in light of this speculation, why not engage in some more, and ask what a Giuliani presidential campaign in 2012 would look like?
Giuliani's 2008 presidential campaign went down in flames, more or less, but he remains a nationally recognized figure with a respectable support base. So, in light of this speculation, why not engage in some more, and ask what a Giuliani presidential campaign in 2012 would look like?
Nov 20 2009, 2:22PM
SarahPAC Sells "Going Rogue"
In case your local Barnes & Noble is out of Sarah Palin's "Going Rogue: An American Story"...or in case you don't want to wait in line for a signature, don't worry: there's another way. Palin's political group, SarahPAC, is selling signed copies for donations of $100 or more. It just sent out an email notifying supporters that the offer ends Wednesday, Nov. 25 at noon Eastern.
This allows Palin to make extra money off the book for her political efforts, accruing some financial capital for SarahPAC along with any political capital she gets from her signing tour and media blitz.
This allows Palin to make extra money off the book for her political efforts, accruing some financial capital for SarahPAC along with any political capital she gets from her signing tour and media blitz.
Nov 20 2009, 2:08PM
Obama Dips To 49
President Obama's job approval rating has dipped to 49 percent in the most recent numbers from Gallup--the lowest number Gallup has given him since his inauguration. It makes him the fourth fastest president, since Gallup started keeping track of Truman, to fall below 50 percent--behind Ford (3 months), Clinton (4 months), and Reagan (also 10 months, but sooner).
It's not his lowest approval number--Zogby put him at 42 percent in August, and Harris reported him at 45 percent in October--but Gallup has usually given him the friendliest numbers of any polling agency, which is what makes this number significant.
It's not his lowest approval number--Zogby put him at 42 percent in August, and Harris reported him at 45 percent in October--but Gallup has usually given him the friendliest numbers of any polling agency, which is what makes this number significant.
Nov 20 2009, 1:43PM
Specter Thinks They'll Get To 60
Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA), who knows a thing or two about being a swing vote in the Senate on major pieces of legislation, says he thinks Democratic leaders will get the 60 votes needed to advance health care reform in its first vote on Saturday. "Getting 60 votes is never easy, but I believe we'll get the 60 votes. Frequently, senators will vote for cloture to start the debate, reserve judgment depending upon how the amendments go," Specter told MSNBC. But Specter has been considered a key swing vote--with margins equally narrow to those on health care--on both the stimulus and the Employee Free Choice Act, so he speaks from a position of some authority here.
Nov 20 2009, 12:55PM
Labor Vs. Chamber: Swine Flu Sick Days
It's the next round in the ongoing battle between organized labor and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce: paid sick leave in light of the swine flu epidemic.
Labor has long supported mandatory paid sick leave. Now, in light of the H1N1 flu epidemic, labor and labor-friendly Democrats are trying to pass legislation through Congress that would mandate paid sick leave for American workers--they could earn up to 7 days under a bill proposed by Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CA), the Senate analogue of which was introduced by Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT). DeLauro's bill would only apply to businesses that employ 15 or more workers.
Labor has long supported mandatory paid sick leave. Now, in light of the H1N1 flu epidemic, labor and labor-friendly Democrats are trying to pass legislation through Congress that would mandate paid sick leave for American workers--they could earn up to 7 days under a bill proposed by Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CA), the Senate analogue of which was introduced by Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT). DeLauro's bill would only apply to businesses that employ 15 or more workers.
Nov 20 2009, 11:31AM
How Clinton Came To Be Secretary Of State
Jonathan Van Meter profiles Hillary Clinton in the latest issue of Vogue, and he's got some nice tidbits about how Clinton came to be Secretary of State. With all the post-primary bitterness between the two camps, and all the speculation that she might be named VP, Clinton was apparently quite surprised to be offered the job at State:
"I was stunned after the election when President Obama asked me to consider this," she says. "I really was very unconvinced. I did not think it was the right thing to do. I didn't want to do it. I just really had a lot of doubts, and I kept suggesting other people: Well, how about this person! How about that person! This one would be really good! But then a friend of mine called me and basically said, 'How would you have felt if you'd been elected and you'd called him and asked him to do this?' And that really made a big impression on me. How do you say no? And so...I said yes. And here I am." She laughs and picks up her fork and stabs a kiwi out of her fruit salad and pops it in her mouth.
Nov 20 2009, 10:17AM
How Popular Is Palin?
The conventional wisdom on Sarah Palin is that she's a divisive figure, and, from what polls tell us, that's true: according to Pollster.com's average,
38 percent of Americans hold a favorable view of her, while 49.2
percent view her unfavorably. So she's in minus territory--11.2 percent
more Americans view her negatively than positively--which is bad for any politician running for office (if indeed she is).
That's worse than other top-tier 2012 contenders, too, whose favorable/unfavorable splits, according to the same average, are 36.9 / 27.3 for Mitt Romney and 44.6 / 23/9 for Mike Huckabee.
But among Republicans, she does quite well, outperforming her two chief rivals.
That's worse than other top-tier 2012 contenders, too, whose favorable/unfavorable splits, according to the same average, are 36.9 / 27.3 for Mitt Romney and 44.6 / 23/9 for Mike Huckabee.
But among Republicans, she does quite well, outperforming her two chief rivals.
Nov 19 2009, 3:50PM
Giuliani For Senate
A crazy day of news about Rudy Giuliani: after The New York Times' report that he won't run for governor in 2010, the New York Daily News now reports that Giuliani will run for U.S. Senate in 2010, taking on incumbent Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D) for Hillary Clinton's old seat.
And--perhaps more of a bombshell--a source said Giuliani could use a Senate campaign (and victory) as a stepping stone to run for president, again, in 2012.
And--perhaps more of a bombshell--a source said Giuliani could use a Senate campaign (and victory) as a stepping stone to run for president, again, in 2012.
Nov 19 2009, 3:30PM
How Important Is Abortion To Health Reform Opponents?
Abortion isn't the main reason most opponents of Democratic health care reform dislike the proposals currently before Congress, Pew finds in a new survey. In fact, only three percent of opponents listed abortion as their main reason for opposing them, though 56 percent of those opponents list abortion as a "major reason" they oppose Democratic reforms.
It's important to note, however, that the House and Senate bills deal with abortion differently, whereas Pew lumped them together, asking respondents why they opposed "the health care proposals being discussed in Congress."
It's important to note, however, that the House and Senate bills deal with abortion differently, whereas Pew lumped them together, asking respondents why they opposed "the health care proposals being discussed in Congress."
Nov 19 2009, 1:51PM
Giuliani Not Running For Governor; Cuomo Becomes The Frontrunner
So reports The New York Times, which has learned of Giuliani's decision from "people who have been told" of it. Giuliani hasn't announced it publicly, so this is all second-hand so far. This now makes Attorney General Andrew Cuomo the consensus frontrunner: Gov. David Paterson's (D) is very unpopular in the state, and former Rep. Rick Lazio of Long Island is the only Republican who has announced a bid. A Rasmussen poll released yesterday showed Cuomo beating Lazio 57 percent to 29 percent; against Giuliani, Rasmussen reported a much, much closer race, with Cuomo leading Giuliani by three percentage points, 49 to 46.
Nov 19 2009, 1:20PM
White House Says It's Confident Reid Bill Will Make It
As it has all along throughout Democrats' health care reform initiative, the White House is projecting confidence that it will get a bill to the president's desk. After Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid unveiled his bill yesterday (available in its entirety here), White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer praised it today on a conference call with reporters and said he's confident Reid's bill will make it through the Senate.
"We've come a long way; we've made a lot of progress. We're very confident that we're going to get this bill to the president's desk and have him sign it and prove, once and for all, that here in Washington we can still bring people together to solve the very big challenges facing this country," Pfeiffer said, trumpeting the bill's Congressional Budget Office score--which says it would cut the deficit by $130 billion and spend $848 billion over 10 years.
"We've come a long way; we've made a lot of progress. We're very confident that we're going to get this bill to the president's desk and have him sign it and prove, once and for all, that here in Washington we can still bring people together to solve the very big challenges facing this country," Pfeiffer said, trumpeting the bill's Congressional Budget Office score--which says it would cut the deficit by $130 billion and spend $848 billion over 10 years.
Nov 19 2009, 12:53PM
The Sarah Palin Quiz
Test your knowledge of Sarah Palin (your Palin-tology, if you will) with a new quiz we've posted here at The Atlantic, put together by Paul Slansky. Just to give you a taste, here's the first question:
1) Complete Sarah Palin's quote: "If God had not intended for us to eat animals, how come ___________________"
a) frankfurters are called hot dogs?
b) He made them out of meat?
c) they taste so darn good, especially moose. Sometimes I think if I could only eat one
food for the rest of my life it would be moose.
Nov 19 2009, 11:20AM
Hoffman Wants Recount, Blames ACORN, Unions For "Tampering" With Election
Conservative candidate Doug Hoffman has seen his chances slip away of overtaking Democrat Bill Owens in the vote tallies in New York's 23rd congressional district, but he's now circulating an email to supporters announcing he's revoked his concession and that "ACORN and the unions" tampered with election results to prevent him from winning.
The email, which is pretty long for a campaign fundraising note, lists all the regularities Hoffman has counted, and it reads sort of like a manifesto of all that's fishy about the election results, according to him.
The Washington Independent's David Weigel thinks this isn't the type of behavior that will help Hoffman in a potential 2010 rematch against Owens, who will have only served one year in Congress by then. (Weigel also reports that ACORN has said it had no volunteers in the district.) Nonetheless, Hoffman is blasting ACORN and trying to raise money for a re-canvass of the district.
The email, which is pretty long for a campaign fundraising note, lists all the regularities Hoffman has counted, and it reads sort of like a manifesto of all that's fishy about the election results, according to him.
The Washington Independent's David Weigel thinks this isn't the type of behavior that will help Hoffman in a potential 2010 rematch against Owens, who will have only served one year in Congress by then. (Weigel also reports that ACORN has said it had no volunteers in the district.) Nonetheless, Hoffman is blasting ACORN and trying to raise money for a re-canvass of the district.
Nov 19 2009, 10:35AM
More Palin Tour Dates: Larger Cities, Plus Ft. Hood
Sarah Palin released more dates for her book-signing tour last night, via Facebook. She'll make more stops in larger cities during the second leg of her tour, plus a stop in Ft. Hood.
The largest cities in the first leg are Cincinnati, Birmingham, Jacksonville, and Orlando. In the second half, she'll visit Phoenix, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Reno, and the Washington, DC suburb of Fairfax, Virginia. She'll appear at Fort Hood on December 4.
The largest cities in the first leg are Cincinnati, Birmingham, Jacksonville, and Orlando. In the second half, she'll visit Phoenix, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Reno, and the Washington, DC suburb of Fairfax, Virginia. She'll appear at Fort Hood on December 4.
Nov 19 2009, 10:20AM
Dream Ticket: Palin/Beck
Don't rule it out, because apparently Palin wouldn't either in an interview with Newsmax:
Palin initially chuckled when Newsmax broached the idea. But then she had some serious words of praise for the popular Fox personality.
"I can envision a couple of different combinations, if ever I were to be in a position to really even seriously consider running for anything in the future, and I'm not there yet," Palin tells Newsmax. "But Glenn Beck I have great respect for. He's a hoot. He gets his message across in such a clever way. And he's so bold -- I have to respect that. He calls it like he sees it, and he's very, very, very effective."
Nov 19 2009, 9:54AM
Quinnipiac: Americans Like Obama, Not His Policies
From a Quinnipiac poll released today:
Given four choices to describe their feelings about the President, American voters say:That's 74 percent who like Obama as a person, vs. 21 percent who don't--and 47 percent who like his policies, vs. 48 percent who don't. In political terms, that means he passes the "candidate I want to have a beer with" test...now, if only he can charmingly explain the merits of health care and energy reform over that beer.
• 46 percent like Obama as a person and like most of his policies;
• 28 percent like him as a person, but don't like most of his policies;
• 1 percent like his policies, but don't like him as a person;
• 20 percent don't like him or his policies.
Nov 18 2009, 4:31PM
Six Choice Moments Of Sen. Robert Byrd's Career
Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) will soon turn 92, and he's the longest serving member of Congress in U.S. history. Over at The Atlantic Wire, John Hudson has six memorable moments of Byrd's career, including his rant against Michael Vick, his taking on of Code Pink (he says he opposed the war "before you were ever born"), his use of the N word to refer to white people in a pitch for racial solidarity, falling asleep on the Senate floor, his telling of why he was wrong on civil rights in 1964, and his speech urging Congress not to authorize the invasion of Iraq.
Nov 18 2009, 4:10PM
Poll Check: Holder's Decision Is (Probably) Unpopular
Attorney General Eric Holder discussed and defended his decision to try the accused 9/11 conspirators in Manhattan today before the Senate Judiciary Committee, offering reasons for doing so that will be, and have been, parsed by analysts today and beyond.
But if public opinion comes to bear on this discussion, it's important to note that we don't really have polling on it yet. Holder made his announcement on Monday, and, since then, no major nationwide polls have been conducted. Marist polled 602 New Yorkers on Monday and found that they back the decision 45-41--but that's the most up-to-date survey we have.
But if public opinion comes to bear on this discussion, it's important to note that we don't really have polling on it yet. Holder made his announcement on Monday, and, since then, no major nationwide polls have been conducted. Marist polled 602 New Yorkers on Monday and found that they back the decision 45-41--but that's the most up-to-date survey we have.
Nov 18 2009, 3:08PM
Health Care Ad Wars: Lots Of TV In A Few Swing Districts
TV ads are up and running--in a big way--in the districts of moderate House members, as interest groups either thank them for their votes on the House health care bill or attack them for voting the "wrong" way.
At least 17 House members will have ads running in their districts next week, as a couple new campaigns are getting underway. Here's what those members--most of whom are considered vulnerable in 2010--have to look forward to.
At least 17 House members will have ads running in their districts next week, as a couple new campaigns are getting underway. Here's what those members--most of whom are considered vulnerable in 2010--have to look forward to.
Nov 18 2009, 11:42AM
Giuliani: NYC Can Handle The Security, But Don't Make New Yorkers Relive Sept. 11
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani says New York can handle the security that will surround the trials of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and the 9/11 conspirators, but that he thinks the decision is "one of the worst decisions that the administration has made."
Giuliani called parts his reaction to the decision "almost personal" and said that "knowing many of the people who died that day," and having stayed in close touch with survivors, "there's no reason to put them through what will become a much more intense reliving of what happened with the terrorists getting an equal chance to explain their side of the story," in a setting "where their lawyers would be unethical if they didn't pursue every avenue of acquittal," which will probably include "putting the government on trial" and, potentially, creating an atmosphere "of moral equivalence, which will be very upsetting."
Giuliani called parts his reaction to the decision "almost personal" and said that "knowing many of the people who died that day," and having stayed in close touch with survivors, "there's no reason to put them through what will become a much more intense reliving of what happened with the terrorists getting an equal chance to explain their side of the story," in a setting "where their lawyers would be unethical if they didn't pursue every avenue of acquittal," which will probably include "putting the government on trial" and, potentially, creating an atmosphere "of moral equivalence, which will be very upsetting."
Nov 18 2009, 10:52AM
Holder Knows We Are At War
Attorney General Eric Holder is appearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee this morning for a hearing on oversight of the Justice Department--the second at which he's appeared since being sworn in in February--and, while a range of issues will come up, Holder jumped right into his decision to try the 9/11 conspirators in New York, during his opening statement.
And he was very deliberate in telling the committee that he knows the country is at war:
And he was very deliberate in telling the committee that he knows the country is at war:
Nov 17 2009, 4:20PM
Interview: DeGette On Abortion In The Health Reform Debate
Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), a co-Chairwoman of the House Pro-Choice Caucus, has been an outspoken critic of the abortion language included in the House health care bill.
In the interview that follows, she makes the case that current language in the House health care bill--proposed by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) and passed on the House floor shortly before the entire package was voted on--amounts to a massive expansion of abortion restrictions. In an interview last week, Stupak said his amendment amounts to no more than current law; in this interview, DeGette responds to his explanation.
The abortion debate in Congress has come down to a battle between two proposals--Stupak's, and one offered by Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) and supported (or, as they will point out, agreed to as a compromise) by pro-choice Democrats.
In the interview that follows, she makes the case that current language in the House health care bill--proposed by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) and passed on the House floor shortly before the entire package was voted on--amounts to a massive expansion of abortion restrictions. In an interview last week, Stupak said his amendment amounts to no more than current law; in this interview, DeGette responds to his explanation.
The abortion debate in Congress has come down to a battle between two proposals--Stupak's, and one offered by Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) and supported (or, as they will point out, agreed to as a compromise) by pro-choice Democrats.
Nov 17 2009, 2:32PM
Did Edwards Offer His Exit For The VP Slot?
According to Obama Campaign Manager David Plouffe, yes. According to Edwards campaign senior adviser Joe Trippi, no (or at least he didn't know about it.)
TPM's Chrinstina Bellantoni reported last night that, in his new book "Audacity to Win," Plouffe writes that a "senior Edwards adviser" called before the South Carolina primary to suggest that the two announce they were joining forces--with Edwards dropping out and becoming Obama's VP nominee--to effectively thwart Hillary Clinton. (Presumably, this wouldn't have happened without John Edwards himself having been part of the conversation.) Here's Plouffe, via TPM:
TPM's Chrinstina Bellantoni reported last night that, in his new book "Audacity to Win," Plouffe writes that a "senior Edwards adviser" called before the South Carolina primary to suggest that the two announce they were joining forces--with Edwards dropping out and becoming Obama's VP nominee--to effectively thwart Hillary Clinton. (Presumably, this wouldn't have happened without John Edwards himself having been part of the conversation.) Here's Plouffe, via TPM:
Nov 17 2009, 2:05PM
New Yorkers Narrowly Support Location of Terror Trials
With all the debate over whether it's right--or safe--to try Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and the alleged 9/11 conspirators in New York, we might as well take New Yorkers' opinions into account. According to Marist, they support the decision--narrowly. 45 percent like it, 41 percent don't, and 14 percent are undecided. In political polling, 14 percent undecided usually indicates that opinion is fluid, that those 14 percent could swing either way depending on a number of factors. This issue is not so much political as it is moral and instinctive, though we may see other polls with slightly different figures.
On the question of whether the trials will, 67 percent of New Yorkers say they are confident that law enforcement officials will be able to handle any potential risks. 22 percent say they're not, and 11 percent are unsure.
On the question of whether the trials will, 67 percent of New Yorkers say they are confident that law enforcement officials will be able to handle any potential risks. 22 percent say they're not, and 11 percent are unsure.
Nov 17 2009, 12:57PM
David Obey Is Not Happy With The Stimulus Reporting Problems
House Appropriations Chairman David Obey (D-WI) doesn't sound too happy about Recovery.gov's recent reporting errors on stimulus jobs created or saved. ABC News reported that a few jobs had been reported as created or saved in a non-existent congressional district--Arizona's 15th (Arizona actually has eight), and the Office of Management and Budget actually took 60,000 created-or-saved jobs off the national total due to "unrealistic data."
"Credibility counts in government and stupid mistakes like this undermine it," Obey said (via The Hill).
"Whether the numbers are good news or bad news, I want the honest numbers and I want them now."
"Credibility counts in government and stupid mistakes like this undermine it," Obey said (via The Hill).
"Whether the numbers are good news or bad news, I want the honest numbers and I want them now."
Nov 17 2009, 12:23PM
New Polling: Obama's Approval Slides
President Obama's approval rating is going down, according to CBS News--both in general, and on the war in Afghanistan. His overall approval/disapproval slipped from 56/43 percent last month to 53/36 percent this month (Pollster.com's major poll average puts him at 51.2 percent).
More specifically, it looks like the long decision-making process on Afghanistan strategy has taken its toll: only 38 percent approve of how he's handling the war, while 43 percent disapprove. Last month, CBS had that figure at 42/34 in favor of Obama. CNN reported a much bleaker 42/56 split two weeks ago, but what's significant about the CBS numbers is the directionality--his approval rating is going down with time.
More specifically, it looks like the long decision-making process on Afghanistan strategy has taken its toll: only 38 percent approve of how he's handling the war, while 43 percent disapprove. Last month, CBS had that figure at 42/34 in favor of Obama. CNN reported a much bleaker 42/56 split two weeks ago, but what's significant about the CBS numbers is the directionality--his approval rating is going down with time.
Nov 17 2009, 10:52AM
The Anger Chronicles
The Anti-Defamation League has put together a history of the conservative populist anger since President Obama took office, a report called "Rage Grows In America: Anti-Government Conspiracies." It takes a look at the "growing animosity" present in the Tea Party movement, and the anti-Obama movement more broadly, with a heavy focus on the accusations that Obama is a Nazi or a socialist, racism, and tinges of violent impulse.
When it comes to the mainstream media, the ADL singles out Glenn Beck exclusively as a purveyor of anger and conspiracy theories (as opposed to other commentators, who, they say, don't usually give a platform to the more outlandish claims of pitchfork wielders). Here's the section on "The Influence of the Mainstream Media"--aka the influence of Beck. See what you think of their summation:
When it comes to the mainstream media, the ADL singles out Glenn Beck exclusively as a purveyor of anger and conspiracy theories (as opposed to other commentators, who, they say, don't usually give a platform to the more outlandish claims of pitchfork wielders). Here's the section on "The Influence of the Mainstream Media"--aka the influence of Beck. See what you think of their summation:
Nov 17 2009, 6:00AM
The Rundown, 11/17
The Sarah Palin media frenzy really kicks into high gear today: her book is finally published. If your morning commute takes near a Barnes & Noble, we suggest you stay home.
Palin won't be signing books just yet (her signing tour starts tomorrow in Grand Rapids, Michigan) but her second major sit-down interview--a session with Barbara Walters--will air on Good Morning America this morning, and on other ABC news programs later in the day.
Palin won't be signing books just yet (her signing tour starts tomorrow in Grand Rapids, Michigan) but her second major sit-down interview--a session with Barbara Walters--will air on Good Morning America this morning, and on other ABC news programs later in the day.
Nov 16 2009, 6:26PM
Palin's Oprah Interview: Pick Your Scooplet
Sarah Palin's interview on Oprah started off newsy, with lots of talk about her McCain campaign handlers and how they restricted her, the Katie Couric interview, etc. There are a few headlines flying around this evening after it finally aired...so here are a few of them. You can pick the scooplet you think is most newsworthy. In no particular order:
1. Asked about 2012, Palin said, "It's not on my radar screen."
2. She dismissed the idea of having a talk show of her own: "Oprah, you're the queen of talk shows. there's nothing to ever worry about."
1. Asked about 2012, Palin said, "It's not on my radar screen."
2. She dismissed the idea of having a talk show of her own: "Oprah, you're the queen of talk shows. there's nothing to ever worry about."
Nov 16 2009, 3:01PM
Faux Rabble-Rousing In Minnesota
Twin Cities Indymedia reports that a "concerned citizen" infiltrated the speakers' list of an anti-immigration protest in Minnesota over the weekend and delivered a speech on the hazards of lax immigration policies--but, midway through, revealed he was talking about "European immigrants" who took over the country with genocide and brought "diseases like smallpox, which is responsible for the deaths of millions of Americans." (Skip to 2:15 in the video below to see it.)
"Let's round them up and ship them out. We need to hit them at home where they sleep," he says. "I don't care if we separate families, they should have known better when they came here illegally!"
The whole thing ends with a rousing chant of "Columbus go home!"
"Let's round them up and ship them out. We need to hit them at home where they sleep," he says. "I don't care if we separate families, they should have known better when they came here illegally!"
The whole thing ends with a rousing chant of "Columbus go home!"
Nov 16 2009, 12:53PM
Abortion Activists Squaring Off Before Senate Health Bill
With the passage of Rep. Bart Stupak's (D-MI) abortion amendment in the House just over a week ago, debate over abortion in Democratic health care reform has been reignited. And with it, both sides are planning new grassroots lobbying around the future or that amendment in the Senate.
Today, the pro-choice Center for Reproductive Rights is launching the first (as far as multiple sources could tell) abortion-related TV ad since the new wave of abortion debate arose:
Today, the pro-choice Center for Reproductive Rights is launching the first (as far as multiple sources could tell) abortion-related TV ad since the new wave of abortion debate arose:
Nov 16 2009, 11:32AM
The Sarah Palin Media Storm Is Here
It's officially Sarah Palin Day. The former Alaska governor's book, "Going Rogue: An American Story" will be published tomorrow, and with it we'll get the media blitz we've all been waiting for: her much-talked-about interview with Oprah Winfrey will air today, plus a pre-taped interview with Barbara Walters will air tomorrow on "Good Morning America."
The book tour begins Wednesday (dates listed on her Facebook page). It'll take her mostly through small towns--one could perhaps call it a "real America" tour--kicking off with an appearance at a Barnes & Noble in Grand Rapids, Michigan, then continuing with stops in Ft. Wayne and Noblesville, Indiana; Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio; Washington, Pennsylvania; Rochester, New York; Roanoke, Virginia; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Birmingham, Alabama; and the Jacksonville area, The Villages, and Orlando, Florida.
The book tour begins Wednesday (dates listed on her Facebook page). It'll take her mostly through small towns--one could perhaps call it a "real America" tour--kicking off with an appearance at a Barnes & Noble in Grand Rapids, Michigan, then continuing with stops in Ft. Wayne and Noblesville, Indiana; Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio; Washington, Pennsylvania; Rochester, New York; Roanoke, Virginia; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Birmingham, Alabama; and the Jacksonville area, The Villages, and Orlando, Florida.
Nov 16 2009, 10:17AM
Obama Goes There: Talking Human Rights In China
President Obama held a town-hall forum with Chinese students at the Museum of Science and Technology in Shanghai, and, during lengthy opening remarks, he touched on a topic that has given consternation to American diplomats in China before: human rights.
At the end of some discourse on American principles and belief in freedom around the world, Obama said: "America will always speak out for these core principles around the world...These freedoms of expression and worship -- of access to information and political participation -- we believe are universal rights. They should be available to all people, including ethnic and religious minorities -- whether they are in the United States, China, or any nation."
At the end of some discourse on American principles and belief in freedom around the world, Obama said: "America will always speak out for these core principles around the world...These freedoms of expression and worship -- of access to information and political participation -- we believe are universal rights. They should be available to all people, including ethnic and religious minorities -- whether they are in the United States, China, or any nation."
Nov 13 2009, 5:30PM
Does Voting For Health Reform Hurt Conservative Dems? Democratic Polling Says No.
39 Democrats voted against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (D-CA) health care reform package last Saturday, and conventional wisdom says this was a good move, campaign-wise. These lawmakers represent conservative districts--31 of 39 of which backed McCain in 2008--and the Democratic health care reform (whatever that may be, exactly) is opposed, on average, by most Americans--even though some reputable polls have shown strong, some would say overwhelming, support for the public option.
It stands to reason that, in the most conservative districts held by Democrats, voters are at least as cool on reform.
Democratic polling, however, says this isn't the case, and, while partisan-commissioned polling should always be looked at with a suspect eye, that doesn't mean it isn't worth looking at.
It stands to reason that, in the most conservative districts held by Democrats, voters are at least as cool on reform.
Democratic polling, however, says this isn't the case, and, while partisan-commissioned polling should always be looked at with a suspect eye, that doesn't mean it isn't worth looking at.
Nov 13 2009, 2:46PM
The Other "Going Rouge"
Americans won't go wanting for Sarah Palin parody books this November: while most of us have heard, by now, of "Going Rouge: An American Nightmare," the spoof of Palin's own "Going Rogue: An American Life" hatched by The Nation editors Richard Kim and Betsy Reed, lesser known is that there's another Palin spoof book--also called "Going Rouge"--that will arrive on bookshelves November 17, the publishing date shared by its two near-namesakes. It's a coloring book, put together by cartoonist Julie Sigwart, the full title of which is "Going Rouge: The Sarah Palin Rogue Coloring & Activity Book."
Nov 13 2009, 11:31AM
Death Penalty Sought For Detainees
There was some talk of whether it would be a good idea to seek the death penalty for terrorism suspects, because it could make martyrs of them--perhaps something they would want, something the U.S. should deny them, and something that could provide some gratification, if not a rallying point, to jihadists who support them. But Attorney General Eric Holder said that he will seek the death penalty for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and the four other Guantanamo detainees who will be transferred to New York for trial in a federal court for masterminding and helping to carry out the 9/11 attacks:
Nov 13 2009, 10:29AM
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed Decision: Republicans Blast It, ACLU Celebrates
News broke this morning that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other Guantanamo detainees will be tried in federal court in New York. Civil liberties groups have been very critical the Obama administration's handling of terrorism detainees, blasting the use of military commissions and accusing Obama of condoning a policy of indefinite detention, but today's announcement is a big victory.
It comes with a bit of a political risk: it's has already drawn criticism from the likes of Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH), who called the decision "irresponsible" and suggested it presents a security risk. Earlier this year, House Republicans made Guantanamo a big part of their platform (see this video)--the message being that closing the prison, as Obama plans to do, makes America less safe, and that we shouldn't bring terrorists to U.S. soil--and they succeeded in knocking some Democrats off their support for the prison's closure, throwing into question whether Congress would provide the funds to shut it down.
It comes with a bit of a political risk: it's has already drawn criticism from the likes of Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH), who called the decision "irresponsible" and suggested it presents a security risk. Earlier this year, House Republicans made Guantanamo a big part of their platform (see this video)--the message being that closing the prison, as Obama plans to do, makes America less safe, and that we shouldn't bring terrorists to U.S. soil--and they succeeded in knocking some Democrats off their support for the prison's closure, throwing into question whether Congress would provide the funds to shut it down.
Nov 13 2009, 9:59AM
"Block Her If She Tries To Go Back"
The Drudge Report has posted an excerpt from Sarah Palin's new book, and now we've got our first taste of its juicy, red-meat, insider accounting of the McCain-Palin campaign's inner machinations--how Palin was handled by the handlers sent to handle her, and who those principal handlers were.
In the excerpt, Palin describes how the McCain campaign kept up a media blackout after she was named as the VP candidate, despite the criticisms of the press. When she was on a plane with reporters and wanted to talk to them, Palin says, the headquarters would say "block her if she tries to go back."
In the excerpt, Palin describes how the McCain campaign kept up a media blackout after she was named as the VP candidate, despite the criticisms of the press. When she was on a plane with reporters and wanted to talk to them, Palin says, the headquarters would say "block her if she tries to go back."
Nov 12 2009, 4:25PM
South Park Does Glenn Beck
If you didn't happen to catch the new episode of South Park last night, it was a parody of Glenn Beck. Cartman lands a job as the school's morning announcements reader...and, with the power of the microphone, takes it upon himself to lambaste the "socialist" regime undertaken by Wendy as president of the student council. (Watch it here. Warning: it starts off quite violently, with a shooting at the school that resonates a bit differently in the wake of Ft. Hood.)
Cartman wonders if school money is going to drugs...he doesn't know that it's the case, but how would we know if it wasn't? He's just asking questions.
Cartman wonders if school money is going to drugs...he doesn't know that it's the case, but how would we know if it wasn't? He's just asking questions.
Nov 12 2009, 3:44PM
As Pawlenty Goes To Florida, Dems Ask The Rubio/Crist Question
With Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) traveling to Florida for a speaking engagement tomorrow in Naples, Florida Democrats are looking to put him on the spot with a question that's sure to divide many Republicans in 2010: Rubio or Crist?
The Florida Democratic Party will send out a press release this afternoon (full text below), asking who Pawlenty will choose to endorse in the state's GOP Senate primary--Gov. Charlie Crist, a centrist with statewide recognition and a wide appeal to voters, or Marco Rubio, the upstart who has become an inadvertent standard bearer for the conservative movement.
It can be a touchy question.
The Florida Democratic Party will send out a press release this afternoon (full text below), asking who Pawlenty will choose to endorse in the state's GOP Senate primary--Gov. Charlie Crist, a centrist with statewide recognition and a wide appeal to voters, or Marco Rubio, the upstart who has become an inadvertent standard bearer for the conservative movement.
It can be a touchy question.
Nov 12 2009, 1:58PM
Stupak On The Stupak Amendment
Rep. Bart Stupak's (D-MI) abortion amendment, which passed Saturday night just before the House approved its comprehensive health care reform legislation, has set off a firestorm of criticism from pro-choice lawmakers and interest groups, and it's being viewed as a coup for pro-lifers in Congress.
In an interview today, Stupak said his amendment does nothing more than apply current abortion law (the annually renewed Hyde amendment) to health care reform, that pro-choicers are "distorting the hell" out of it, that he's confident his language will be included in the Senate bill, and that pro-choice Democrats have only themselves to blame for its passage on the House floor Saturday night.
The amendment itself (which you can read here) prohibits federal subsidies from being used to purchase insurance plans that cover elective abortions, on any of the regional exchanges set up under the House bill for low-income individuals, and other Americans who don't have access to coverage to shop for health insurance. It specifies that subsidized individuals can purchase supplemental coverage, out of pocket, that covers abortions. It does not restrict coverage of abortions in the case of rape, incest, or saving a woman's life.
What follows is a lightly edited transcript of an interview with Rep. Stupak today.
In an interview today, Stupak said his amendment does nothing more than apply current abortion law (the annually renewed Hyde amendment) to health care reform, that pro-choicers are "distorting the hell" out of it, that he's confident his language will be included in the Senate bill, and that pro-choice Democrats have only themselves to blame for its passage on the House floor Saturday night.
The amendment itself (which you can read here) prohibits federal subsidies from being used to purchase insurance plans that cover elective abortions, on any of the regional exchanges set up under the House bill for low-income individuals, and other Americans who don't have access to coverage to shop for health insurance. It specifies that subsidized individuals can purchase supplemental coverage, out of pocket, that covers abortions. It does not restrict coverage of abortions in the case of rape, incest, or saving a woman's life.
What follows is a lightly edited transcript of an interview with Rep. Stupak today.
Nov 12 2009, 11:18AM
Obama Applies The Patented Summit Approach To Jobs
It's the patented Obama leadership style: if you've got a problem that needs solving, hold a forum.
Obama today announced that he'll hold a summit on job creation at the White House, as the economy has begun to grow again but unemployment, which typically lags behind economic indicators like GDP, is still on the rise.
"[I]n in December, we'll be holding a forum at the White House on jobs and economic growth. We'll gather CEOs and small business owners, economists and financial experts, as well as representatives from labor unions and nonprofit groups, to talk about how we can work together to create jobs and get this economy moving again," Obama announced today during brief remarks before departing for Alaska en route to his week-long Asian trip.
Obama today announced that he'll hold a summit on job creation at the White House, as the economy has begun to grow again but unemployment, which typically lags behind economic indicators like GDP, is still on the rise.
"[I]n in December, we'll be holding a forum at the White House on jobs and economic growth. We'll gather CEOs and small business owners, economists and financial experts, as well as representatives from labor unions and nonprofit groups, to talk about how we can work together to create jobs and get this economy moving again," Obama announced today during brief remarks before departing for Alaska en route to his week-long Asian trip.
Nov 12 2009, 10:46AM
SEIU Launches New Health Care Attack Group
The Service Employees International Union has put together a new group to launch health care ad campaigns targeting specific members of Congress who voted against Democratic reform plans--the Foundation for Patients Rights. So far, they're going after four lawmakers, spending $400,000 on the first week of TV ads against Reps. Patrick Tiberi (R-OH), Mike Castle (R-DE), Mark Kirk (R-IL), and Mary Bono-Mack (R-CA). With Castle and Kirk, the new group might be getting more bang for its buck, as those two are the leading GOP candidates in their states' respective Senate races. See the Castle ad here.
Nov 11 2009, 4:43PM
Jenny Sanford Endorses
Jenny Sanford, the wife of South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, has endorsed in the state's 2010 gubernatorial race. Sanford backed state Rep. Nikki Haley over some bigger Republican names, including U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett (R-SC), state Attorney General Henry McMaster, and Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, a political rival of her husband's. Mark Sanford won't be running, as he's term-limited at the end of 2010.
Nov 11 2009, 3:39PM
County GOP Censures Lindsey Graham On A Host Of Issues
The Republican Party of Charleston, South Carolina has voted to censure Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) for working with Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) on cap-and-trade emissions legislation. This is getting a fair amount of play, as the whole notion of purging moderates and bipartisan sympathizers from the GOP is a big deal these days.
But it's a whole range of positions that the Charleston GOP hits Graham for taking: support for TARP and John McCain's comprehensive immigration bill (which failed in the Senate last year, though Graham gave an impassioned speech on its behalf, telling his colleagues, "we're not gonna get it any better than this!") are both thrown in as well.
But it's a whole range of positions that the Charleston GOP hits Graham for taking: support for TARP and John McCain's comprehensive immigration bill (which failed in the Senate last year, though Graham gave an impassioned speech on its behalf, telling his colleagues, "we're not gonna get it any better than this!") are both thrown in as well.
Nov 11 2009, 2:12PM
"Going Rogue" Preview: Five Chapters Of Palin
Sarah Palin's memoir won't be published until November 17, but Time's Mark Halperin has talked to some Palin associates who have seen copies or been briefed on its contents ahead of time. Based on those interviews, he gives a preview: only five (long) chapters; score-settling and naming of names with regards to McCain staffers she believes to have crossed her; bashing of the national news media (a staple for Palin since she entered the national spotlight); an account of how her upbringing shaped her as a maverick; the importance of faith in her life; and a "warm and personal tone, written in Palin's own voice."
Nov 11 2009, 12:15PM
Progressives Hit Stupak For Abortion Language
It only took four days. Rep. Bart Stupak's (D-MI) anti-abortion provision, added to the House Democratic health care bill at the last minute, drew the ire of pro-choicers across the Democratic coalition, and now it's translated into an ad campaign against him: the Progressive Campaign Change Committee announced today that it's spending $10,000 on an online ad campaign in Michigan attacking Stupak for the amendment.
PCCC is also raising money through ActBlue to purchase more ad space and asking members to sign a petition supporting the 40 House Democrats who have pledged to vote against health care reform if it includes Stupak's language, which would prevent insurance plans offered on an exchange, or any plan purchased with the help of government subsidies, from covering abortion.
PCCC is also raising money through ActBlue to purchase more ad space and asking members to sign a petition supporting the 40 House Democrats who have pledged to vote against health care reform if it includes Stupak's language, which would prevent insurance plans offered on an exchange, or any plan purchased with the help of government subsidies, from covering abortion.
Nov 11 2009, 11:14AM
Obama Thanks His Veteran Supporters
The president has a busy day of honoring veterans, with a breakfast at the White House and a ceremony, plus a speech, at Arlington National Cemetery. But he also put somewhat of a personal touch on thanking veterans who supported him in the 2008 campaign, sending an email out to veterans on his campaign email list of supporters, via Organizing for America.
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