Justin Miller
Recently by Justin Miller
Nov 17 2009, 10:30AM
Lou Dobbs: The Anti-Palin
Three hours after Sarah Palin's interview on Oprah finished, Lou Dobbs was interviewed on Fox News. While both are called "populists," their appearances could not have been more different.
Palin spoke about the usual: complained about mistreatment by McCain staffers and the media, engaged in a spat with her almost-son-in-law, and defended herself all the way. She was retrospective, backbiting, and virtually silent about the trouble millions face during the worst economy in a lifetime. Dobbs could have come off the same way during his chat with Bill O'Reilly: slam his ex-boss, blame the media, say he did no wrong, and rip the president as a mortal threat to freedom in America as Palin has done everywhere but Oprah.
Palin spoke about the usual: complained about mistreatment by McCain staffers and the media, engaged in a spat with her almost-son-in-law, and defended herself all the way. She was retrospective, backbiting, and virtually silent about the trouble millions face during the worst economy in a lifetime. Dobbs could have come off the same way during his chat with Bill O'Reilly: slam his ex-boss, blame the media, say he did no wrong, and rip the president as a mortal threat to freedom in America as Palin has done everywhere but Oprah.
Sep 29 2009, 1:02PM
Paging Dr. Obama
When people like Ben Bernanke say the recession is over, they sound like doctors telling a patient who nearly died in a car accident that he's no longer bleeding. Some comfort.
That is how glib and detached pronouncements that the recession is over must be to the public, which is coping with high unemployment, evaporated equity, and shrunken investments. Even when Democrats acknowledge recovery is not complete and will be gradual they use spatial and temporal terms that are rather meaningless. President Obama has said the economy has been pulled "back from the brink"; Joe Biden has spoke of a new "trajectory" for the economy; New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, running for reelection, has likened fixing the economy to turning a large ship. If Democrats want to convince the public that the economy's improving, they must quit talking like pop economists and more like doctors. As the party in power they are largely responsible for helping heal the economy, and they need to diagnose its problems, treat them, and describe what recovery will bring -- and what it will not.
That is how glib and detached pronouncements that the recession is over must be to the public, which is coping with high unemployment, evaporated equity, and shrunken investments. Even when Democrats acknowledge recovery is not complete and will be gradual they use spatial and temporal terms that are rather meaningless. President Obama has said the economy has been pulled "back from the brink"; Joe Biden has spoke of a new "trajectory" for the economy; New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, running for reelection, has likened fixing the economy to turning a large ship. If Democrats want to convince the public that the economy's improving, they must quit talking like pop economists and more like doctors. As the party in power they are largely responsible for helping heal the economy, and they need to diagnose its problems, treat them, and describe what recovery will bring -- and what it will not.
Sep 27 2009, 1:33PM
Committees In The Coal Mine
Democrats' wallets are thinner than usual as their congressional committees are experiencing underwhelming fundraising this year.
Polls have detected slippage for Democrats for the 2010 elections, but the drop in donations should be much more worrisome because donations come almost entirely from the party faithful and people hold cash more precious than what they say to pollsters. Money talks, and what's being said is that people are not satisfied with the party. This could be either the beginning of a liberal backlash against a party that still hasn't passed health-care reform (not to mention with a public option) or further regulated banks. If this isn't the beginning of a revolt, it may be a sign of the kind of ambivalence that would keep Democrats home on Election Day.
Polls have detected slippage for Democrats for the 2010 elections, but the drop in donations should be much more worrisome because donations come almost entirely from the party faithful and people hold cash more precious than what they say to pollsters. Money talks, and what's being said is that people are not satisfied with the party. This could be either the beginning of a liberal backlash against a party that still hasn't passed health-care reform (not to mention with a public option) or further regulated banks. If this isn't the beginning of a revolt, it may be a sign of the kind of ambivalence that would keep Democrats home on Election Day.
Sep 21 2009, 3:35PM
Palin Can't Hide
You're probably going to hear what Sarah Palin has to say behind closed doors in China this week.
The ex-governor of Alaska is slated to give a speech to a prominent investors club in Hong Kong on Wednesday and is catching grief for barring press coverage of the address. You can safely bet that some or all of Palin's speech will almost surely be revealed by someone's cell phone or digital recorder. Palin is too big, too controversial a figure to have her speech hidden.
The ex-governor of Alaska is slated to give a speech to a prominent investors club in Hong Kong on Wednesday and is catching grief for barring press coverage of the address. You can safely bet that some or all of Palin's speech will almost surely be revealed by someone's cell phone or digital recorder. Palin is too big, too controversial a figure to have her speech hidden.
Sep 17 2009, 12:37PM
Does Obama Need An Enforcer?
Could it be that the White House needs to watch more hockey and less boxing?
Boxing terms have been mostly used to describe President Obama's tactics in dealing with punches from the right: "rope-a-dope" and "counterpunching" namely. But reading a Washington Post report that said the administration has mostly tried to get above conflict reveals that they're treating Obama like a hockey center instead of a heavyweight.
Boxing terms have been mostly used to describe President Obama's tactics in dealing with punches from the right: "rope-a-dope" and "counterpunching" namely. But reading a Washington Post report that said the administration has mostly tried to get above conflict reveals that they're treating Obama like a hockey center instead of a heavyweight.
Sep 12 2009, 7:16PM
Glenn Beck = MSM
Glenn Beck's recent successes in getting Van Jones to
leave the White House, a member of the National Endowment for the Arts
reassigned, and pushing ACORN out of next year's census are more
examples that the "right-wing noise
machine" is no more. It is now part and parcel of the mainstream media.
Sep 11 2009, 4:48PM
Leaving -- And Return To -- Afghanistan
America may leave Afghanistan, but Afghanistan may not leave America.
As influential commentators push for immediate withdrawal, they need to answer a question about what may follow if their wishes become reality. Under what conditions should the United States ever return to fight on the ground in Afghanistan after leaving? After all, recent converts to the position that America should get out of Afghanistan haven't become pacifists. Instead they see our military's counterinsurgency strategy as nation building and believe it doesn't promote America's vital national security interests. The most prominent thinker in this regard is George Will who said he wants the United States to attack al-Qaeda mostly from air and sea, while leaving Afghans on their own to construct a state and civil society.
As influential commentators push for immediate withdrawal, they need to answer a question about what may follow if their wishes become reality. Under what conditions should the United States ever return to fight on the ground in Afghanistan after leaving? After all, recent converts to the position that America should get out of Afghanistan haven't become pacifists. Instead they see our military's counterinsurgency strategy as nation building and believe it doesn't promote America's vital national security interests. The most prominent thinker in this regard is George Will who said he wants the United States to attack al-Qaeda mostly from air and sea, while leaving Afghans on their own to construct a state and civil society.
Aug 26 2009, 12:29PM
On First Sept. 11 Of Obama Era, National Security Debate Will Rage
In about two weeks the country will experience its first anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks with Barack Obama as president. How will the distant but indelible memory affect the new commander in chief's efforts to undo some of his predecessor's national security policies?
The anniversary could roil Attorney General Eric Holder's first steps toward potential prosecution of Central Intelligence Agency employees for allegedly torturing terrorists. This September 11 is the only day of the year where the bloodshed of eight summers ago is splashed across all televisions, summoning the old "do whatever it takes" attitudes toward stopping another 9/11. At the same time Republicans will have been arguing for weeks that the administration's tolerance for CIA prosecutions threaten those who stopped the "next shoe" from dropping, and as a result, risk another attack.
The anniversary could roil Attorney General Eric Holder's first steps toward potential prosecution of Central Intelligence Agency employees for allegedly torturing terrorists. This September 11 is the only day of the year where the bloodshed of eight summers ago is splashed across all televisions, summoning the old "do whatever it takes" attitudes toward stopping another 9/11. At the same time Republicans will have been arguing for weeks that the administration's tolerance for CIA prosecutions threaten those who stopped the "next shoe" from dropping, and as a result, risk another attack.
Aug 20 2009, 2:30PM
Romney Breaks His Silence
Until a media spree on Thursday Mitt Romney has been nowhere to be seen. This is surprising given the past few weeks' focus on health care should be the perfect moment for Romney to speak out.
The former Massachusetts governor is the only Republican to deliver universal health insurance coverage. Romney's status as a once-and-possibly-future presidential candidate keeps him relevant to the press. Not to mention he's well suited for TV because he's good looking and well spoken.
The former Massachusetts governor is the only Republican to deliver universal health insurance coverage. Romney's status as a once-and-possibly-future presidential candidate keeps him relevant to the press. Not to mention he's well suited for TV because he's good looking and well spoken.
Aug 17 2009, 11:32AM
Why Support For Health Care Has Fallen
Why has health care reform's public support fallen despite its push among a popular president and significant Democratic majorities in Congress?
It would have been hard to believe several months ago that the high flying president and the liberals in Congress would have had multiple provisions in different bills stripped out and that the public insurance option would be seemingly on the ropes.
Given the particular trouble the health care agenda is in, now is a good time to study the recent past to give some answers to how we arrived here.
It would have been hard to believe several months ago that the high flying president and the liberals in Congress would have had multiple provisions in different bills stripped out and that the public insurance option would be seemingly on the ropes.
Given the particular trouble the health care agenda is in, now is a good time to study the recent past to give some answers to how we arrived here.
Aug 7 2009, 10:26AM
The Birthers' Unrealized Damage to the GOP
Despite the attention paid to "Birthers," their lasting legacy on the Republican Party has probably been overlooked: the mass alienation of voters from the GOP.
Two main thoughts have circulated about the finding that most Republicans deny or are unsure about President Obama's birthright citizenship. First, these people show how insane and insular the GOP is. Second, the more this is talked about, the fewer Democrats have to defend their agenda and the crazier Republicans look. (Caution to all: this edifice is built on a single survey.)
Two main thoughts have circulated about the finding that most Republicans deny or are unsure about President Obama's birthright citizenship. First, these people show how insane and insular the GOP is. Second, the more this is talked about, the fewer Democrats have to defend their agenda and the crazier Republicans look. (Caution to all: this edifice is built on a single survey.)
Aug 4 2009, 11:52AM
The Shoe That Didn't Drop
A scandal didn't force Sarah Palin to resign from office.
That's at least the facts as we know them today about the former Alaska governor's resignation in July. One month ago Palin shocked the world -- as she has a penchant for doing -- by announcing she would leave office after only 32 months as the state's chief executive.
Palin critics were almost unified in their belief that she was getting out of office ahead of a mammoth scandal. A leading anti-Palin blogger, Shannyn Moore, said she was holding her breath for the other shoe to drop after weeks of rumors of a criminal investigation. Anonymously sourced reports alleged that nothing less than federal indictments of Palin over embezzling money from her days as Wasilla mayor were in the offing. All the talk was of an "iceberg scandal" that was huge but undercover.
That's at least the facts as we know them today about the former Alaska governor's resignation in July. One month ago Palin shocked the world -- as she has a penchant for doing -- by announcing she would leave office after only 32 months as the state's chief executive.
Palin critics were almost unified in their belief that she was getting out of office ahead of a mammoth scandal. A leading anti-Palin blogger, Shannyn Moore, said she was holding her breath for the other shoe to drop after weeks of rumors of a criminal investigation. Anonymously sourced reports alleged that nothing less than federal indictments of Palin over embezzling money from her days as Wasilla mayor were in the offing. All the talk was of an "iceberg scandal" that was huge but undercover.
Jul 31 2009, 2:04PM
Seniors Sour on Health Care Reform, Just Like Social Security Changes
Democrats are running into the same trouble with health care reform as Republicans did with Social Security several years ago: senior citizen support.
A Gallup poll released Friday shows adults age 65 and older are the least likely of any age group to think health care reform will benefit them personally -- by a three-to-one margin. As many think reform will reduce their access to health care as do think it wouldn't change their access. Almost 40 percent said reform would worsen their own medical care.
A Gallup poll released Friday shows adults age 65 and older are the least likely of any age group to think health care reform will benefit them personally -- by a three-to-one margin. As many think reform will reduce their access to health care as do think it wouldn't change their access. Almost 40 percent said reform would worsen their own medical care.
Jul 22 2009, 1:15PM
Waterloo Or Verdun?
The Republican Party has found a model to base its restoration upon: the British Army.
Last week Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) said defeating the Democratic health care agenda would be President Obama's "Waterloo," the epic battle that between the British and Germans against the French that ended Napoleon's reign.
But Obama is committed to making this battle his Verdun - a miraculous victory from what looks like certain defeat.
Last week Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) said defeating the Democratic health care agenda would be President Obama's "Waterloo," the epic battle that between the British and Germans against the French that ended Napoleon's reign.
But Obama is committed to making this battle his Verdun - a miraculous victory from what looks like certain defeat.
Jul 21 2009, 9:31AM
Pollsters, Put Ron Paul In
The political world can't stop speculating on the next presidential race, but as it continues to daydream about 2012 it should include room for U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R). Two surveys [here and here] this month of Republican voters sought to size up the potential GOP field but did not include Paul. This is a mistake because Dr. No's philosophy is closer to the Republican mainstream than it was last year when he ran for president.
When the primaries began, Paul's warnings against inflationary money printing, an unaccountable Federal Reserve and an ever-expanding federal government seemed overheated to most Republicans. That was before the Fed printed $1 trillion this spring; the Treasury bought major shares in banks and automakers that are lynchpins in their respective economic sectors, and Democrats announced big plans for health care.
Now you hear conservatives worried about the Fed and inflation, and railing against the government's quasi-control of private businesses.
Republicans in Congress have been voting more like Paul since the primaries ended, namely on economic policy. First, half of the House GOP and Paul voted against the final version of the bailout authorization last October. Then, every single representative voted with Paul against the stimulus bill this year. (However, Paul and the GOP are still at odds on staying in Iraq and Afghanistan much longer.)
Furthermore, more than 150 House Republicans are now co-sponsoring Paul's bill to audit the Federal Reserve.
Paul's primary election results were not great, but they weren't inconsequential either: he won 10 percent of the votes in Iowa and 8 percent in New Hampshire.
If the economy isn't growing well in three years and the government has maintained its expanded economic role, it should only reason to stand that Paul would do better among Republicans than he did in the primaries, at least based on how Republican politicians are voting and conservative leaders are speaking. (For what it's worth, Paul won third place in the Conservative Action Political Committee's 2009 straw poll of activists' choices for president.)
Paul is just as plausible a candidate to run for the Republican nomination as are Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin, or Mike Huckabee who were tested in polls this month. Like them, Paul's run for the White House (twice) before and has said he isn't opposed to doing it again, albeit he said it's "unlikely." What's more likely, based on the circumstantial evidence, is that the Republican voters would receive Paul better than they did last year. Feature him in polls from now on and we can test this hypothesis.
Jul 15 2009, 2:17PM
How to Defeat and Defend the Surtax
The health care debate is about to become a tax debate now that House Democrats have unveiled their health care plan that would levy a new tax on 2 million Americans.
Politically, this means Democrats are proving the stereotype true as the tax-raising party, and it will give the GOP a chance to strike and Democrats the need to fight back. At risk is landmark health care reform and part of the voter coalition President Obama rode into office.
Republicans may argue against the bill on the basis that it simply raises taxes on individuals that gross more than $280,000 or households that gross $350,000. That's a necessary but insufficient argument against the tax because Democrats are arguing this isn't just a tax, but a fee to be paid in return for a service: health care.
Politically, this means Democrats are proving the stereotype true as the tax-raising party, and it will give the GOP a chance to strike and Democrats the need to fight back. At risk is landmark health care reform and part of the voter coalition President Obama rode into office.
Republicans may argue against the bill on the basis that it simply raises taxes on individuals that gross more than $280,000 or households that gross $350,000. That's a necessary but insufficient argument against the tax because Democrats are arguing this isn't just a tax, but a fee to be paid in return for a service: health care.
Jul 14 2009, 12:12PM
Obama The Lefty To Throw Out First Pitch
Tonight the world will know Barack Obama is a lefty.
That's because the president will throw the ceremonial first pitch for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in St. Louis. Obama is left-handed, like most recent presidents, but unlike most successful pitchers.
Nothing less than Obama's pride and manhood are at stake for the millions of mostly male baseball fans who will watch him try to throw a strike. (I exaggerate, but only slightly).
That's because the president will throw the ceremonial first pitch for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in St. Louis. Obama is left-handed, like most recent presidents, but unlike most successful pitchers.
Nothing less than Obama's pride and manhood are at stake for the millions of mostly male baseball fans who will watch him try to throw a strike. (I exaggerate, but only slightly).
Jul 8 2009, 9:46AM
Grading Obama On A Curve In Ohio
Marc asked yesterday whether the Quinnipiac Poll showing President Obama's approval rating well below the national average was an outlier. Without more polls from Ohio or similar states that's tough to answer, but Quinnipiac polls Ohio from last year were outliers--in favor of Obama.
Quinnipiac pegged Obama's approval rating in Ohio at about the same level where it stood nationally back in May. Since then his national approval rating has declined, but according to Quinnipiac, it's dropped like a stone in Ohio.
Quinnipiac pegged Obama's approval rating in Ohio at about the same level where it stood nationally back in May. Since then his national approval rating has declined, but according to Quinnipiac, it's dropped like a stone in Ohio.
Feb 13 2009, 4:12PM
Media Shields Up!
While the stimulus debate consumes all attention, a bill
to enhance journalists' rights has been introduced in Congress.
Feb 12 2009, 4:55AM
Don't Bail
Republican primaries in three competitive 2010 U.S. Senate races may see attacks from the right on candidates who voted for the financial bailout last year. The bailout was never particularly popular among Republicans, even when nominee John McCain supported it. Now just 35 percent of Republicans say that passing the $700 billion bailout was a good thing, according to a December
In
In
As for the newly competitive
Having seen that plan's roll-out go over like a lead balloon with the stock market and Republicans' low approval of bailouts, Blunt, Kirk and other Republicans who supported the original bailout may decide to revise their stances for fear of primary challenges.
Feb 11 2009, 1:30PM
Behind The Palin Pull Out
Sarah Palin is pulling back from her post-election media spree by withdrawing from CPAC, a move that can only help her if she wants a national political role.
Feb 10 2009, 11:11AM
Dems Find Their Man For Ohio
Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher (D) has made public what's been known privately for months: his desire to run for U.S. Senate. Fisher filed paperwork to form an exploratory committee for the race to replace retiring Sen. George Voinovich (R) late Monday. Fisher's demonstrated interest will likely clear the Democratic field of primary challengers given virtually assured support from Gov. Ted Strickland. Barring scandals before the primaries, the Senate race is now set between Fisher and ex-Rep. Rob Portman (R).
Feb 9 2009, 12:58PM
What's Ron Paul Up To?
It's an economic crisis he largely predicted -- so what's former presidential candidate / Rep. Ron Paul up to these days? He's thinking about the long-term. His campaign for Liberty will start training activists at eight regional summits this year while it continues to urge followers to work against the stimulus and bailout measures in Congress.
Feb 5 2009, 9:28AM
Michigan's Clout
Next week, Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) will become the longest-serving House member in history, but that doesn't mean his home state won't continue to lose power in Congress.
Dingell and Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) are the two longest-serving House members in the chamber today but their powers as committee chairmen aren't likely to last for more than a few terms with each man in his eighties. In addition, Michigan is poised to lose a House seat after the 2010 census. This coming triple whammy for the Wolverine State in the House will greatly diminish its power.
Dingell and Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) are the two longest-serving House members in the chamber today but their powers as committee chairmen aren't likely to last for more than a few terms with each man in his eighties. In addition, Michigan is poised to lose a House seat after the 2010 census. This coming triple whammy for the Wolverine State in the House will greatly diminish its power.
Feb 4 2009, 11:55AM
Liberals, Lieberman and 2012
We're going to look way into the future here, when Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) is up for re-election.
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