Saturday, March 3, 2012
Forget about the Bill of Rights; from now on, we may as well call it the Bill of Wrongs — the wrongs that an oppressive government will impose on a compliant citizenry that has forgotten what used to be self-evident — that our rights are endowed in us by our Creator, not granted to us by a power-hungry legislature.
◼ Bill of Rights is now Bill of Wrongs - Daily InterLake
Labels:
Bill of Rights,
Freedom
Romney wins Washington state caucuses heading into Super Tuesday primaries
◼ Rick Santorum and Ron Paul battled for second place, while Newt Gingrich ran a distant fourth. - Washington Post
Returns from caucuses in 60 percent of Washington state’s precincts showed Romney with 37 percent of the vote, while Paul and Santorum each had 24 percent. Gingrich was drawing 11 percent.
Romney’s win was worth at least 12 of the 40 delegates at stake. Paul and Santorum each won at least three. The rest remained unallocated, pending final returns.
Returns from caucuses in 60 percent of Washington state’s precincts showed Romney with 37 percent of the vote, while Paul and Santorum each had 24 percent. Gingrich was drawing 11 percent.
Romney’s win was worth at least 12 of the 40 delegates at stake. Paul and Santorum each won at least three. The rest remained unallocated, pending final returns.
Latest Poll: Gingrich Leading in Georgia With 38%
◼ A new poll for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution shows Newt Gingrich with a double-digit lead in his home state of Georgia. - Newsmax
Georgia's 76 delegates are the most at stake in the 10 states that vote on Super Tuesday.
Georgia's 76 delegates are the most at stake in the 10 states that vote on Super Tuesday.
Obamacare's growing tab
◼ Obama's new budget projects that the law's subsidies to purchase health insurance on new exchanges would cost $111 billion more from 2012 through 2021 than projected a year ago. - Philip Klein/Washington Examiner
◼ White House Quietly Increases Budget for Obamacare's Exchange Subsidies by $111 Billion - Avik Roy/Forbes
◼ Cost estimate for insurance aid prompts questions - Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar/AP
◼ White House Quietly Increases Budget for Obamacare's Exchange Subsidies by $111 Billion - Avik Roy/Forbes
◼ Cost estimate for insurance aid prompts questions - Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar/AP
‘Die, Die, Foreigners!’
◼ Say what you like about Afghans, but they’re admirably straightforward. The mobs outside the bases enflamed over the latest Western affront to their exquisitely refined cultural sensitivities couldn’t put it any plainer: - Mark Steyn/National Review Online
“Die, die, foreigners!”
“Die, die, foreigners!”
Labels:
Afghanistan
Three Occupy Oakland protesters charged with hate crimes
◼ Three Occupy Oakland protesters accused of surrounding and taunting a woman before stealing her wallet were charged on Friday with robbery and hate crimes, authorities said. - Reuters
Michael Davis, 32, Nneka Crawford, 23, and Randolph Wilkins, 24, confronted the woman on the streets of Oakland in February after she told them not to riot in her neighborhood, the Oakland Police said in a written release.
"She was surrounded by three protestors and battered as they yelled vulgar epithets regarding their perception of her sexual orientation," Oakland Police spokeswoman Johnna Watson said.
The female victim was not identified except as a 20-year resident of the neighborhood.
...An Occupy Oakland organizer could not be reached for comment....
◼ ‘Her Perceived Sexuality’? Occupy Oakland Protesters Accused of Robbing Lesbian, Stealing Her Obama Pin - The Other McCain
Michael Davis, 32, Nneka Crawford, 23, and Randolph Wilkins, 24, confronted the woman on the streets of Oakland in February after she told them not to riot in her neighborhood, the Oakland Police said in a written release.
"She was surrounded by three protestors and battered as they yelled vulgar epithets regarding their perception of her sexual orientation," Oakland Police spokeswoman Johnna Watson said.
The female victim was not identified except as a 20-year resident of the neighborhood.
...An Occupy Oakland organizer could not be reached for comment....
◼ ‘Her Perceived Sexuality’? Occupy Oakland Protesters Accused of Robbing Lesbian, Stealing Her Obama Pin - The Other McCain
Friday, March 2, 2012
In Washington state, Ron Paul has a shot at first win
◼ Republicans caucus and vote in a straw poll Saturday, but a victory by any candidate could be fleeting. National delegates will be chosen later. - LA Times
He has the organization. He has the fired-up base. There are just two questions about Ron Paul's performance in Washington state's Republican caucuses.
Can he win? And will it matter?
He has the organization. He has the fired-up base. There are just two questions about Ron Paul's performance in Washington state's Republican caucuses.
Can he win? And will it matter?
Labels:
2012 Presidential Contenders,
Caucus,
Ron Paul,
Washington
Iran pastor: U.S. House calls for his release
◼ Adding pressure to Iranian officials, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a resolution calling for the immediate release of Iranian pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, who could be executed any day for his Christian faith. - sbcbaptistpress.org
The resolution passed Thursday (March 1) by an official vote of 417-1, although the one representative who voted "no" -- Lois Capps of California -- said she did so by mistake, and she corrected her vote minutes later and said in a floor speech she supports Nadarkhani.
The resolution passed Thursday (March 1) by an official vote of 417-1, although the one representative who voted "no" -- Lois Capps of California -- said she did so by mistake, and she corrected her vote minutes later and said in a floor speech she supports Nadarkhani.
Labels:
Congress,
International Issues,
Iran,
Religion
Is Something Happening Here?
◼ (A) movement for political change can only be sustained if it also comes from the bottom up. Creating a new party is highly unlikely. But changing the political landscape is possible. California could be a test case for a change in direction. - Joel Fox/Fox&Hounds
Is there a shifting in the political landscape or is this something that happens every election cycle? Dissatisfaction with the political parties by the electorate is nothing new. However, dissatisfaction by politicians with the parties and the political process in unusually high numbers makes one wonder: Is something happening here?
Is there a shifting in the political landscape or is this something that happens every election cycle? Dissatisfaction with the political parties by the electorate is nothing new. However, dissatisfaction by politicians with the parties and the political process in unusually high numbers makes one wonder: Is something happening here?
Labels:
California,
Partisan Politics
Deadline to File for Republican Central Committees is next Friday, March 9th.
The deadline to file for Republican Central Committees is next Friday, March 9th. CFRW President Hadley is encouraging all of our Republican Women Federated to get involved with the Republican Party and volunteer for their Central Committees. Republican Women do a lot for the Party and it’s time we are recognized for it! By sitting on your Central Committees you have a much greater chance to become a delegate to the California Republican Party and have a voice in how our party is run. Go down to your county elections office and find out what is needed to gather signatures! Find out when your next Central Committee meeting is and attend! Get involved today!
◼ Humboldt County's Central Committee ◼ meets first Thursdays. Stay in touch at ◼ humboldtgop.org (HRWF's "sister" site)
With redistricting, four of the five districts have changes to the number of seats available:
different district. If you have any doubt your own status, call the Elections Office, 445-7481.
You'll need the signatures of 20 Republicans from your own district (and they recommend 30, in case any are disallowed.)
◼ Humboldt County's Central Committee ◼ meets first Thursdays. Stay in touch at ◼ humboldtgop.org (HRWF's "sister" site)
With redistricting, four of the five districts have changes to the number of seats available:
1st --6 (from 9)It is possible that with changes in supervisorial district lines some members have been moved into a
2nd--5 (from 4)
3rd--3 (no change)
4th--3 (from 4)
5th--5 (from 3)
different district. If you have any doubt your own status, call the Elections Office, 445-7481.
You'll need the signatures of 20 Republicans from your own district (and they recommend 30, in case any are disallowed.)
Labels:
2012 Elections,
Humboldt GOP,
Redistricting
“Simply stated, talk is cheap when dealing with despots, dictators, autocrats, and theocrats”
◼ ALLEN WEST CALLS OUT OBAMA: ‘STOP WITH THE OSAMA BIN LADEN LINE’ - The Blaze
...In the same post, West also slammed Obama after he said in an interview with The Atlantic he doesn’t “bluff” when it comes to preventing a nuclear Iran.
“I agree with President Obama that he does not bluff, he prefers apologizing,” West said.
Earlier this week, West blasted Obama’s recent apology over the reported Koran burnings on a U.S. base in Afghanistan.
“Simply stated, talk is cheap when dealing with despots, dictators, autocrats, and theocrats,” West wrote Friday. “[Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu understands his neighborhood and we should defer to a former Israeli Commando on matters such as this instead of a community organizer.”
He continued, “I appreciate President Obama’s desire to seem tough but so far it has only resulted in the expansion of radical Islamist dominance in the Middle East.”
...In the same post, West also slammed Obama after he said in an interview with The Atlantic he doesn’t “bluff” when it comes to preventing a nuclear Iran.
“I agree with President Obama that he does not bluff, he prefers apologizing,” West said.
Earlier this week, West blasted Obama’s recent apology over the reported Koran burnings on a U.S. base in Afghanistan.
“Simply stated, talk is cheap when dealing with despots, dictators, autocrats, and theocrats,” West wrote Friday. “[Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu understands his neighborhood and we should defer to a former Israeli Commando on matters such as this instead of a community organizer.”
He continued, “I appreciate President Obama’s desire to seem tough but so far it has only resulted in the expansion of radical Islamist dominance in the Middle East.”
Labels:
Allen West,
Foreign Policy,
Iran,
Israel,
Middle East,
President/Candidate Obama
SARAH PALIN HITS BACK AT HBO WITH ‘GAME CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN’
◼ Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is hitting back at the upcoming HBO film “Game Change” with a video of her own, calling it “fiction” that “presents a history that never happened.” - The Blaze
Titled “Game Change We Can Believe In,” the nearly three-minute video zeroes in on actress Julianne Moore’s portrayal of Palin. It begins with Moore answering the phone, “This is Sarah,” and blasts back with the words, “No — this is Sarah” before moving to clips of Palin speeches and interviews.
◼ sarahpac.com
Labels:
Media bias,
Sarah Palin
Ann Romney adds personal touch to Mitt's campaign
◼ She is warm, composed, approachable and careful with her words. The mother of five and grandmother of 16 also has become the behind-the-scenes glue in Mitt Romney's well-organized campaign -- a trusted adviser who keeps a close eye on the news coverage about him and casts him as a personable family man. - Reuters
She is aware that her husband, Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney, has an image problem. Critics say he often seems stiff and reserved on the campaign trail, and has difficulty connecting with voters.
That isn't a problem for Ann Romney...
Last year, Ann Romney said, she told her husband that she would commit to a campaign in 2012 under one condition. "I'm not going to do all this unless you can get (to Washington) and fix it," she recalled. "And he said he would."
Labels:
2012 Presidential Contenders,
Mitt Romney
The Democrat's not-so-great Senate week
◼ (A)ll is not well in DSCC land. Three new polls out show voters are rapidly moving away from Democratic candidates in key races. - Conn Carroll/Washington Examiner
It should have been a banner week for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, retired, making an easy Republican hold into a lean-Democratic pick-up. And former-Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey, announced he would run in Nebraska, giving the Democrats a dream candidate and moving that seat from an easy Republican pick-up to a lean Republican seat.
But all is not well in DSCC land. Three new polls out show voters are rapidly moving away from Democratic candidates in key races.
It should have been a banner week for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, retired, making an easy Republican hold into a lean-Democratic pick-up. And former-Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey, announced he would run in Nebraska, giving the Democrats a dream candidate and moving that seat from an easy Republican pick-up to a lean Republican seat.
But all is not well in DSCC land. Three new polls out show voters are rapidly moving away from Democratic candidates in key races.
Labels:
2012 Elections,
Balance of Power,
Senate
Democrats have a message for American job creators: Nice business you have there. It would be a real shame if you donated to Republicans and something...unfortunate were to happen to it: Democrats on K Street are warning their corporate clients: Give to Republican challengers in the 2012 election, and you’ll regret it come tax reform time.
◼ Dems Threaten Tax Retaliation Over GOP Donations - Guy Benson/TownHall
...Ah yes, the ole' electoral "broad view." Allow me to summarize: "Republican X might represent your interests better than that Democrat Y -- who will probably vote to raise your cost of doing business, then demonize you in the press -- but we Democrats have long memories and will use our power to retaliate against any perceived affront, so act accordingly." Conservatives view tax reform as a necessary and long-overdue step to make the US tax code simpler and more predictable to foster economic growth. Liberals view it as the opportunity to enrich their friends and punish their enemies....
◼ The Internal Revenue Service is embroiled in battles with tea party and other conservative groups who claim the government is purposely frustrating their attempts to gain tax-exempt status. - Pulse
...Ah yes, the ole' electoral "broad view." Allow me to summarize: "Republican X might represent your interests better than that Democrat Y -- who will probably vote to raise your cost of doing business, then demonize you in the press -- but we Democrats have long memories and will use our power to retaliate against any perceived affront, so act accordingly." Conservatives view tax reform as a necessary and long-overdue step to make the US tax code simpler and more predictable to foster economic growth. Liberals view it as the opportunity to enrich their friends and punish their enemies....
◼ The Internal Revenue Service is embroiled in battles with tea party and other conservative groups who claim the government is purposely frustrating their attempts to gain tax-exempt status. - Pulse
Labels:
Intimidation,
IRS,
Tea Party
Olympia Snowe: Why I’m leaving the Senate
◼ link - Washington Post
...The great challenge is to create a system that gives our elected officials reasons to look past their differences and find common ground if their initial party positions fail to garner sufficient support. In a politically diverse nation, only by finding that common ground can we achieve results for the common good. That is not happening today and, frankly, I do not see it happening in the near future....
...The great challenge is to create a system that gives our elected officials reasons to look past their differences and find common ground if their initial party positions fail to garner sufficient support. In a politically diverse nation, only by finding that common ground can we achieve results for the common good. That is not happening today and, frankly, I do not see it happening in the near future....
Labels:
Bipartisan,
Olympia Snowe,
Partisan Politics,
Senate
Obama campaign lying about contraception mandates
◼ It’s hard to recall a political cause as dependent on dishonesty as the support for Kathleen Sebelius’s ObamaCare contraception mandate. - Timothy P. Carney/Washington Examiner @tpcarney
Labels:
Obamacare,
Power Grab
Andrew Breitbart described himself as an “accidental culture warrior.” For the few years Breitbart was given to fight the fight, his conversion from Hollywood guy to culture warrior was one of the most fortunate accidents ever to befall the conservative world.
◼ In politics fight, Breitbart knew culture is key - Byron York/Washington Examiner
...“There is an underground conservative movement,” he said in 2009. “I have more friends who are conservative in [Hollywood], with brand names, writers, directors, graphic artists, comedians, singers, song writers, rock and rollers, punk rockers, believe it or not, who love this country, most of whom are cultural conservatives, and who have existed in the closet for the last 40 years, because the conservative movement was, for the most part, based in the Northeast and kind of pooh-poohed the culture or just didn’t think that there was a cultural right out there.”
There really was a cultural right out there, and Breitbart made sure the country -- and those eastern conservatives -- knew it....
Breitbart knew conservatives would have to change, to pay more attention to the culture, to win. That’s what he tried to teach, every day.
Labels:
Andrew Breitbart,
Conservatives,
Culture
Wisconsin man faces 50 years in prison and a $90,000 fine on charges of forging signatures on recall petitions.
◼ Man facing charges for allegedly forging signatures on Wanggaard recall petitions - including dead man's - Journal Times
◼ Discussion at Althouse
Court records indicate Mark Demet, 59, of the 2400 block of Arlington Avenue, will face a 9-count complaint including two counts of election fraud and seven counts felony personal ID theft. All the charges are felonies and expose him to a potential 50 years in prison and a $90,000 fine....
Court documents say Demet admitted to an investigator that he circulated the petitions against state Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, in question and signed the names of other people, one of whom is dead. That was Ralph Petersen whose wife Violet was also fraudulently listed on a petition, according to the criminal complaint. Seven people listed on recall petitions told sheriff’s investigators they did not sign. The petition sheets also carried Demet’s signature. As the circulator of those pages he testified to the accuracy of the information they contained.
◼ Discussion at Althouse
Court records indicate Mark Demet, 59, of the 2400 block of Arlington Avenue, will face a 9-count complaint including two counts of election fraud and seven counts felony personal ID theft. All the charges are felonies and expose him to a potential 50 years in prison and a $90,000 fine....
Court documents say Demet admitted to an investigator that he circulated the petitions against state Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, in question and signed the names of other people, one of whom is dead. That was Ralph Petersen whose wife Violet was also fraudulently listed on a petition, according to the criminal complaint. Seven people listed on recall petitions told sheriff’s investigators they did not sign. The petition sheets also carried Demet’s signature. As the circulator of those pages he testified to the accuracy of the information they contained.
Labels:
Recall effort,
Voter fraud,
Wisconsin
In other words, folks, you are being played. She has been an activist all along and the Dems were just waiting for the appropriate time to play her.
◼ Stunner. Georgetown “Coed” Sandra Fluke Is a 30 Year-Old Women’s Rights Activist - Jim Hoft/Gateway Pundit
What a shock! It was all a BIG PRODUCTION!
The Democrat’s token abused college coed is actually a 30 year-old hardcore women’s rights activist. Unreal. This was all just a big dishonest Democrat ploy to take the attention off of Barack Obama’s assault on religious freedom. It figures.
◼ Obama calls Sandra Fluke, student dissed by Rush Limbaugh - to find out if she is OK. - Politico
Carney noted that the call was a “very good conversation” that lasted several minutes.
“This is not a quote from him (Obama), but I think he thinks they were reprehensible, they were disappointing,” Carney said. “It is disappointing that those kinds of personal and crude attacks could be leveled against someone like this young law school student who was simply expressing her opinion on a matter of public policy and doing so with a great deal of poise.”
◼ Sandra Fluke is not a “slut.” She’s a femme-agogue tool; DCCC, Emily’s list fund-raise off of Rush - Michelle Malkin
◼ Sandra Fluke’s Appearance Is No Fluke - JWF
What a shock! It was all a BIG PRODUCTION!
The Democrat’s token abused college coed is actually a 30 year-old hardcore women’s rights activist. Unreal. This was all just a big dishonest Democrat ploy to take the attention off of Barack Obama’s assault on religious freedom. It figures.
◼ Obama calls Sandra Fluke, student dissed by Rush Limbaugh - to find out if she is OK. - Politico
Carney noted that the call was a “very good conversation” that lasted several minutes.
“This is not a quote from him (Obama), but I think he thinks they were reprehensible, they were disappointing,” Carney said. “It is disappointing that those kinds of personal and crude attacks could be leveled against someone like this young law school student who was simply expressing her opinion on a matter of public policy and doing so with a great deal of poise.”
◼ Sandra Fluke is not a “slut.” She’s a femme-agogue tool; DCCC, Emily’s list fund-raise off of Rush - Michelle Malkin
◼ Sandra Fluke’s Appearance Is No Fluke - JWF
“Countdown to Tampa Bay and a Winning Republican Ticket”
◼ GOP LEADERS LAUNCH 2012 CALIFORNIA REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION DELEGATION COMMITTEE
California Republicans will send the largest and most diverse delegation to Tampa Bay, Florida in August to nominate the next President and Vice President of the United States of America. This effort begins today with the formation of the official California 2012 Republican National Convention Delegation Committee. Former Governor Pete Wilson, House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Congressman Darrell Issa and former Secretary of State Bill Jones will serve as Honorary Co-Chairmen of the committee that will ensure Golden State delegates from 53 congressional districts can champion a Republican vision to restore America’s economy, cut unemployment and put our nation back on the right track to prosperity and global leadership. A committee previously announced by the California Republican Party has been merged into this new committee.
California Republicans will send the largest and most diverse delegation to Tampa Bay, Florida in August to nominate the next President and Vice President of the United States of America. This effort begins today with the formation of the official California 2012 Republican National Convention Delegation Committee. Former Governor Pete Wilson, House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Congressman Darrell Issa and former Secretary of State Bill Jones will serve as Honorary Co-Chairmen of the committee that will ensure Golden State delegates from 53 congressional districts can champion a Republican vision to restore America’s economy, cut unemployment and put our nation back on the right track to prosperity and global leadership. A committee previously announced by the California Republican Party has been merged into this new committee.
Labels:
2012 GOP Convention,
CRNC,
RNC
Washington fairy tale of 'responsible' moderates: Like most folklore, this narrative bears no relationship to reality.
◼ Washington fairy tale of 'responsible' moderates - Philip Klein/Washington Examiner
It's an old yarn, and just like a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, it frequently gets updated to suit the times. In the most recent version, President Obama is the noble hero who came to Washington to rescue the country, only to be thwarted at every turn by sinister Tea Party Republicans....
Like most folklore, this narrative bears no relationship to reality. In the real world, Republican members of Congress who scoffed at ideology spent decades cutting corrupt deals, buying votes with pork barrel spending, and expanding government to unsustainable levels while sweeping our nation's long-term problems under the rug.
Traditionally, Republicans would complain about big government while collaborating with Democrats to augment its size and scope. Yet last year, the House of Representatives passed the first serious plan to reform entitlements and balance the long-term budget, with all but four Republicans voting for Budget Committee Chairman Rep. Paul Ryan's proposal.
That historic development would not have been possible were it not for those pesky Tea Party protesters getting principled Republicans elected and demanding action on the debt.
During the debt ceiling debate, Brooks reported that Obama was privately ready to reach a "grand bargain" with Republicans on entitlement reform, only to be thwarted by GOP unwillingness to raise taxes.
But it's hard to take this as sincere given that Obama has never introduced such a plan publicly, even when his party controlled both chambers of Congress.
It's an old yarn, and just like a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, it frequently gets updated to suit the times. In the most recent version, President Obama is the noble hero who came to Washington to rescue the country, only to be thwarted at every turn by sinister Tea Party Republicans....
Like most folklore, this narrative bears no relationship to reality. In the real world, Republican members of Congress who scoffed at ideology spent decades cutting corrupt deals, buying votes with pork barrel spending, and expanding government to unsustainable levels while sweeping our nation's long-term problems under the rug.
Traditionally, Republicans would complain about big government while collaborating with Democrats to augment its size and scope. Yet last year, the House of Representatives passed the first serious plan to reform entitlements and balance the long-term budget, with all but four Republicans voting for Budget Committee Chairman Rep. Paul Ryan's proposal.
That historic development would not have been possible were it not for those pesky Tea Party protesters getting principled Republicans elected and demanding action on the debt.
During the debt ceiling debate, Brooks reported that Obama was privately ready to reach a "grand bargain" with Republicans on entitlement reform, only to be thwarted by GOP unwillingness to raise taxes.
But it's hard to take this as sincere given that Obama has never introduced such a plan publicly, even when his party controlled both chambers of Congress.
Labels:
Conservatives,
Fiscal Responsibility,
Media bias,
Reform,
Tea Party
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Think BIG America. BIGheaven.com launches tomorrow, somewhere up there.
◼ If you're not reading Day-By-Day every day you should be.
◼ Breitbart: Who He Was, How He Was - RS McCain
“The idea that I could do for a living that which I would do in my free time, for free, is the single greatest thing on the planet,” he says.◼ Man against the mob - Le·gal In·sur·rec·tion
“I realize that my entire brain was meant to be connected to the Internet — it is my Ritalin. I don’t feel that I have a disease now. I really don’t. I’m like, ‘Oh, finally the device has been invented.’ That’s why I call it a panacea. The Internet is the greatest single invention, to me, ever.”
◼ Breitbart’s Last Laugh - Weekly Standard
◼ Stephen Bannon: We’ll release the tapes Breitbart has of Obama’s college years in the next 10 days - HotAir
Labels:
Andrew Breitbart
Breitbart’s Legacy: In His Own Words
Andrew Breitbart on his Legacy "I want the left to know they screwed with the wrong guy!"
Labels:
Andrew Breitbart
Andrew Breitbart
◼ @AndrewBreitbart - Wake up, Conservatives: Left is involved in 100% organized class & race warfare & you think you can sit this one out & not fight back?!?! - Le·gal In·sur·rec·tion
◼ "I'm so sick of having to be apologetic..." - Althouse
◼ BREITBART REMEMBERED ON FLOOR OF CONGRESS - Rep Louie Gohmert - Breitbart TV
◼ Andrew RIP - Jonah Goldberg/National Review
◼ Andrew Breitbart's Unfinished Quest for a Punk Rock Republican - Atlantic
◼ What Andrew Breitbart meant to politics - Chris Cillizza/Washington Post
Andrew Breitbart loved political combat.◼ Farewell to a Friend: Andrew Breitbart (1969-2012) - Matt Welch/Reason.com
Based in the liberal enclave of Los Angeles, Breitbart viewed himself as a one-man conservative gang and he took to the task of delivering rhetorical body blows — primarily via the web but also through television appearances — with a gusto rarely seen even in these hyperpartisan times.
“There was no stopping Andrew Breitbart from fighting the good fight with every fiber of his soul,” said Michigan Rep. Thad McCotter...
He was mischievous — rarely without a sly smile on his face. He was controversial. He was loved by conservatives and loathed by Democrats. And now, at 43, Andrew Breitbart, conservative journalist and provocateur, is dead.
It was always funny to many of his friends that Andrew Breitbart, after he became famous, was probably most famous for being a 100 percent polarizing political lightning rod. The reason that was funny was two-fold: He didn't actually have strong philosophical/policy beliefs - at all - and he was always perfectly comfortable and perfectly welcome in ideologically and culturally diverse settings. Like my L.A. backyard, dozens of times.
That doesn't mean the guy stumbled accidentally into politcal conflict. He lived for it. He was genuinely, convincingly, overwhelmingly outraged at the workaday biases of liberal media, academia, and entertainment, and always positioned himself smack dab in the center of it. He'd be in the middle of some hilarious story about trying to do unspeakable things at some Irvine Meadows concert in the 1980s, and then if the conversation got steered toward the media, his eyes would narrow and redden, his face would go purplish, and Breitbart-Hulk would take over.
Labels:
Andrew Breitbart,
Remembrance
In Memoriam: Andrew Breitbart (1969-2012)
◼ With a terrible feeling of pain and loss we announce the passing of Andrew Breitbart. - Breitbart's Big Hollywood
Andrew recently wrote a new conclusion to his book, Righteous Indignation:
I love my job. I love fighting for what I believe in. I love having fun while doing it. I love reporting stories that the Complex refuses to report. I love fighting back, I love finding allies, and—famously—I enjoy making enemies.◼ Andrew Breitbart: A Whirlwind Dies - Roger L. Simon/PJM
Three years ago, I was mostly a behind-the-scenes guy who linked to stuff on a very popular website. I always wondered what it would be like to enter the public realm to fight for what I believe in. I’ve lost friends, perhaps dozens. But I’ve gained hundreds, thousands—who knows?—of allies. At the end of the day, I can look at myself in the mirror, and I sleep very well at night.
Andrew is at rest, yet the happy warrior lives on, in each of us.
◼ There are few people who are irreplaceable, but Andrew may have been one of those few. - Le·gal In·sur·rec·tion
◼ DEVASTATING: Andrew Breitbart, R.I.P. - Michelle Malkin
I’m stunned. He was kinetic, brash, relentless, full of fight, the bane of the Left, and a mentor to the next generation of right-wing activists and citizen journalists.DEAR READER: In the first decade of the DRUDGEREPORT Andrew Breitbart was a constant source of energy, passion and commitment. We shared a love of headlines, a love of the news, an excitement about what's happening. I don't think there was a single day during that time when we did not flash each other or laugh with each other, or challenge each other. I still see him in my mind's eye in Venice Beach, the sunny day I met him. He was in his mid 20's. It was all there. He had a wonderful, loving family and we all feel great sadness for them today... MDRUDGE
Please keep his family in your prayers.
Labels:
Andrew Breitbart,
Remembrance
BREAKING: Romney wins Wyoming caucuses, CNN projects
◼ Based on straw-poll results compiled and released by the Wyoming Republican Party, Romney won 39% of the votes cast in straw polls conducted at county-level caucuses. - CNN
Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum came in second with 32% of the straw poll vote, followed by Texas Congressman Ron Paul with 21% and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich with 8%.
The delegate count may be closer. Of the 26 delegates at stake, CNN estimates Romney will pick up 10 delegates, while Santorum will take in nine delegates, Paul will receive six, and Gingrich one.
Labels:
2012 Presidential Contenders,
Caucus,
Mitt Romney,
Wyoming
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Obama: I’ll veto bill that will provide water to California’s Central Valley
◼ Rep. Nunes Turns On California Spigot - investors.com
◼ Nunes’ Sacramento-San Joaquin Water Reliability Act goes to a vote in the House Wednesday and if it passes, it will guarantee that water the farmers paid for finally gets to the parched Central Valley. It will put an end to the sorry stream of shriveled vineyards, blackened almond groves and unemployed farm workers standing in alms lines for bagged carrots from China. - HotAir
I’ve called the judicially-imposed drought in California’s Central Valley “the Dust Bowl Congress created” through its creation of the Endangered Species Act, invoked in this case by the Delta smelt, a fish that’s not suitable for eating. Once a breadbasket for the nation, the cutoff of irrigation water to the Central Valley has destroyed agriculture and tens of thousands of jobs as a tradeoff for the endangered fish. Now, however, voices of sanity in Congress have begun to speak on the man-made economic and agricultural disaster, as Rep. Devin Nunes builds support for his Sacramento-San Joaquin Water Reliability Act
◼ Awful… Barack Obama Promises to Veto Bill That Will Provide Water To Central California Drought Region - Jim Hoft/Gateway Pundit
The Administration strongly opposes H.R. 1837, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act because the bill would unravel decades of work to forge consensus, solutions, and settlements that equitably address some of California’s most complex water challenges....
◼ Nunes’ Sacramento-San Joaquin Water Reliability Act goes to a vote in the House Wednesday and if it passes, it will guarantee that water the farmers paid for finally gets to the parched Central Valley. It will put an end to the sorry stream of shriveled vineyards, blackened almond groves and unemployed farm workers standing in alms lines for bagged carrots from China. - HotAir
I’ve called the judicially-imposed drought in California’s Central Valley “the Dust Bowl Congress created” through its creation of the Endangered Species Act, invoked in this case by the Delta smelt, a fish that’s not suitable for eating. Once a breadbasket for the nation, the cutoff of irrigation water to the Central Valley has destroyed agriculture and tens of thousands of jobs as a tradeoff for the endangered fish. Now, however, voices of sanity in Congress have begun to speak on the man-made economic and agricultural disaster, as Rep. Devin Nunes builds support for his Sacramento-San Joaquin Water Reliability Act
◼ Awful… Barack Obama Promises to Veto Bill That Will Provide Water To Central California Drought Region - Jim Hoft/Gateway Pundit
The Administration strongly opposes H.R. 1837, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act because the bill would unravel decades of work to forge consensus, solutions, and settlements that equitably address some of California’s most complex water challenges....
Labels:
Business,
California,
Environment,
President Obama,
Regulation
California Rep. David Dreier becomes latest lawmaker to announce retirement
◼ Dreier's departure is not entirely unexpected. Due to the 2010 Census, California drew new maps, and Dreier's new district would have been the 32nd District, where only a quarter of all registered voters are Republicans. About half are registered as Democrats and many are Latino. - FOX
All total, 21 Democrats and 16 Republicans in the House have announced that they would retire or seek another office.
All total, 21 Democrats and 16 Republicans in the House have announced that they would retire or seek another office.
Labels:
2012 Elections,
Congress,
David Dreier
Highlighting this country’s chief domestic and international problems, Ailes cited “the worst economic slump since the Great Depression"
◼ Roger E. Ailes, CEO and Chairman of Fox News in an introspective presentation to the 2012 National Security and New Media Conference of the Center for Security Policy
Highlighting this country’s chief domestic and international problems, Ailes cited “the worst economic slump since the Great Depression,” noting the high rate of unemployment (with minority unemployment at 16% and the migration of jobs overseas), China’s ownership of $1.1 trillion of American debt, the self-generated decline of our space program, an incoherent energy policy, a 96% increase in gas prices in the last two years, and the rise of radical Islam in Egypt are among the latest developments.
Ailes went on to heavily criticize what he calls the overregulation of government. “In the last year, we have passed 80,000 regulations,” he declared, “which is something that America simply cannot put up with. We have a one-party country, and the top ten poverty centers in the USA have one thing in common – they are all in a one-party city.”
Highlighting this country’s chief domestic and international problems, Ailes cited “the worst economic slump since the Great Depression,” noting the high rate of unemployment (with minority unemployment at 16% and the migration of jobs overseas), China’s ownership of $1.1 trillion of American debt, the self-generated decline of our space program, an incoherent energy policy, a 96% increase in gas prices in the last two years, and the rise of radical Islam in Egypt are among the latest developments.
Ailes went on to heavily criticize what he calls the overregulation of government. “In the last year, we have passed 80,000 regulations,” he declared, “which is something that America simply cannot put up with. We have a one-party country, and the top ten poverty centers in the USA have one thing in common – they are all in a one-party city.”
Labels:
Economy,
Regulation,
Unemployment
Fox News CEO: Iran and the Middle East Will Determine Future of America and Democracy
◼ Painting a seemingly bleak picture of both the domestic and international challenges facing America in 2012, Ailes stated that he has “grave concern for our country - America is an endangered species. In comparison to the rest of the world, America is a small place, and many people in the world, if given the opportunity, would crush us if they had the chance.” - jewishvoiceny.com
“The guy in Iran (Ahmadinejad) said a number of years ago that not only must Israel be wiped off the face of the earth, but we should imagine a world without America,” Ailes noted. “Around the globe, they are trying to figure out innovative ways how to crash our economy, kill us, kill freedom and make America a memory.”
......The Fox News chairman brought his presentation to a conclusion by describing what America means to him. “Racism, anti-Semitism and terror are present in every country in the world,” he asserted, “but this country has done more to confront these issues than any other country.” Stating that “We are a great nation that has freed more people than any other nation on this earth,” Ailes pointed to the enduring vitality of the Constitution as a symbol of America’s ultimate strength. “Americans are smart, tough, optimistic and honorable people,” he declared. “It is our job to educate our citizens to our history, so that they can contribute to our future.”
While making it clear that his comments specifically represented his own views and not necessarily those of Fox News, Ailes briefly described his vision of the popular broadcast entity. “At Fox News, we do not get up every morning assuming our country is guilty. We insist upon innocence before guilt, and we give that right to our country because America has earned it.”
“The guy in Iran (Ahmadinejad) said a number of years ago that not only must Israel be wiped off the face of the earth, but we should imagine a world without America,” Ailes noted. “Around the globe, they are trying to figure out innovative ways how to crash our economy, kill us, kill freedom and make America a memory.”
......The Fox News chairman brought his presentation to a conclusion by describing what America means to him. “Racism, anti-Semitism and terror are present in every country in the world,” he asserted, “but this country has done more to confront these issues than any other country.” Stating that “We are a great nation that has freed more people than any other nation on this earth,” Ailes pointed to the enduring vitality of the Constitution as a symbol of America’s ultimate strength. “Americans are smart, tough, optimistic and honorable people,” he declared. “It is our job to educate our citizens to our history, so that they can contribute to our future.”
While making it clear that his comments specifically represented his own views and not necessarily those of Fox News, Ailes briefly described his vision of the popular broadcast entity. “At Fox News, we do not get up every morning assuming our country is guilty. We insist upon innocence before guilt, and we give that right to our country because America has earned it.”
Labels:
Foreign Policy,
Iran,
Israel,
Middle East
Geithner and the 'Privilege' of Being American
◼ The Founders argued that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were rights that preceded government—not things to be granted by it. - Lawrence B. Lindsey/Wall St. Journal
Last week Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner said that the "most fortunate Americans" should pay more in taxes for the "privilege of being an American." One can debate different ways of balancing the budget. But Mr. Geithner's argument highlights an unfortunate and very destructive instinct that seems to permeate the Obama administration about the respective roles of citizens and their government. His position has three problems: one philosophical, one empirical, and one logical....
...the third problem with Mr. Geithner's argument, a fundamental logical inconsistency. If being governed, or over-governed, is a privilege for America's citizens, shouldn't everyone pay for the privilege? Why are more than half of all American workers paying nothing at all in income taxes? And if the issue is the need to "pay more" for our privilege, why should only those making over $250,000 be the ones who pay more? If being an American really is a privilege, then certainly all who are thus privileged should pay something.
Still, the real problem with this whole privilege argument goes back to what the Founding Fathers were thinking. Being an American is a right, not a privilege. The privilege belongs to those who are temporarily allowed to serve this great nation in a decision-making capacity. When they turn this privilege into a right to distribute government largess in ever larger quantities—and in ways, to use Jefferson's phrase, a "wise and frugal government" would not—it is those in government, and not the governed, who bear the responsibility for our budgetary problems. Read it all at WSJ>.
Last week Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner said that the "most fortunate Americans" should pay more in taxes for the "privilege of being an American." One can debate different ways of balancing the budget. But Mr. Geithner's argument highlights an unfortunate and very destructive instinct that seems to permeate the Obama administration about the respective roles of citizens and their government. His position has three problems: one philosophical, one empirical, and one logical....
...the third problem with Mr. Geithner's argument, a fundamental logical inconsistency. If being governed, or over-governed, is a privilege for America's citizens, shouldn't everyone pay for the privilege? Why are more than half of all American workers paying nothing at all in income taxes? And if the issue is the need to "pay more" for our privilege, why should only those making over $250,000 be the ones who pay more? If being an American really is a privilege, then certainly all who are thus privileged should pay something.
Still, the real problem with this whole privilege argument goes back to what the Founding Fathers were thinking. Being an American is a right, not a privilege. The privilege belongs to those who are temporarily allowed to serve this great nation in a decision-making capacity. When they turn this privilege into a right to distribute government largess in ever larger quantities—and in ways, to use Jefferson's phrase, a "wise and frugal government" would not—it is those in government, and not the governed, who bear the responsibility for our budgetary problems. Read it all at WSJ>.
Labels:
Class Warfare,
Constitution,
Taxes,
Timothy Geithner
Last week, Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom argued at a San Francisco Chronicle editorial board meeting that the position of Lt. Governor should either be dissolved or reformed. The major reform he suggested was to have the Lt. Gov run on a ticket with the governor saying that would empower the position and make it more effective.
◼ Newsom May be on to Something – if not Something New - Joel Fox/Fox&Hounds
Labels:
California,
Gavin Newsom
"I think they have a really good feeling that this is the guy who goes into a room on Sunday night as kind of the 'Daddy of California' with a checkbook to pay all the bills."
◼ SEIU president tells Jerry Brown's tax-plan rivals to step aside - Sacramento Bee
Powerful labor leader David Kieffer says proponents of tax measures competing with Gov. Jerry Brown's measure should get out of the way.
Kieffer, head of Service Employees International Union California, has begun breaking his union's silence on Brown's tax plan after the group had quietly pledged support weeks ago.
"I think people do really feel like he's the adult in the room who would take the resources that the state voters have given him and be prudent with it," Kieffer said in a recent interview. "I think they have a really good feeling that this is the guy who goes into a room on Sunday night as kind of the 'Daddy of California' with a checkbook to pay all the bills."
Brown has proposed raising income taxes on the wealthy and hiking the sales tax by a half-cent to help balance the budget and avoid school cuts. He has tried to discourage proponents of two other multibillion-dollar tax measures from qualifying their initiatives for the November ballot, but those groups have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to gather signatures and shown no sign of stepping aside.
Keiffer said that SEIU, which represents government workers and home care providers, sees Brown's plan as the best one to raise money for the entire state budget. The other proposals mostly raise funds outside the state budget to benefit education and county programs.
Powerful labor leader David Kieffer says proponents of tax measures competing with Gov. Jerry Brown's measure should get out of the way.
Kieffer, head of Service Employees International Union California, has begun breaking his union's silence on Brown's tax plan after the group had quietly pledged support weeks ago.
"I think people do really feel like he's the adult in the room who would take the resources that the state voters have given him and be prudent with it," Kieffer said in a recent interview. "I think they have a really good feeling that this is the guy who goes into a room on Sunday night as kind of the 'Daddy of California' with a checkbook to pay all the bills."
Brown has proposed raising income taxes on the wealthy and hiking the sales tax by a half-cent to help balance the budget and avoid school cuts. He has tried to discourage proponents of two other multibillion-dollar tax measures from qualifying their initiatives for the November ballot, but those groups have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to gather signatures and shown no sign of stepping aside.
Keiffer said that SEIU, which represents government workers and home care providers, sees Brown's plan as the best one to raise money for the entire state budget. The other proposals mostly raise funds outside the state budget to benefit education and county programs.
Labels:
Budget,
California,
Governor Jerry Brown,
SEIU,
Spending,
Taxes,
Unions
Fundraiser-in-chief: Obama's 100 vs. Bush's 56 donor events
◼ President Obama has many names, but this week, as he reaches 100 donor events since announcing for reelection last April, he’s the “fundraiser-in-chief.” - Paul Bedard/Washington Examiner
Obama may be working fundraisers as hard as former President Bill Clinton, but the numbers aren’t fantastic. In January, he didn’t raise as much as he did in 2008, with contributions to Obama and the Democratic National Committee down 30 percent, according to a Boston Globe analysis. After those numbers came out, Obama flip-flopped and pushed donors to give to his “super PAC.”
Obama may be working fundraisers as hard as former President Bill Clinton, but the numbers aren’t fantastic. In January, he didn’t raise as much as he did in 2008, with contributions to Obama and the Democratic National Committee down 30 percent, according to a Boston Globe analysis. After those numbers came out, Obama flip-flopped and pushed donors to give to his “super PAC.”
Bombshell: Olympia Snowe to retire; Update: The plot thickens
◼ Olympia Snowe to retire - HotAir
◼ BREAKING: Senator Snowe not running for re-election - bangordailynews.com
◼ With Olympia Snowe's retirement, the center crumbles - Politico
◼ ‘Snowe Tires’ - Ed Driscoll/PJM
◼ BREAKING: Senator Snowe not running for re-election - bangordailynews.com
This throws the entire race into chaos, as Maine’s two Democratic House members will have to take a fresh look at a promotion, and the Maine Republican Party will have to desperately grope for a new candidate to run in her stead....◼ Snowe Fall(out) - bangordailynews.com
There is very obviously something going on here behind the scenes, since Senator Snowe was so aggressively campaigning for re-election, and in full campaign mode for the last year. Decisions like this – being so very much running (and winning) to very much not – do not happen this abruptly in politics. Ever.
Snowe’s reason for taking a pass on re-election, especially when she was so enthusiastically running up to this point, and especially as close to the filing deadline as this is, are mysterious. As I said before, this kind of thing does not happen in politics.◼ Snowe's Gift To Obama - Althouse
I am told her own staff was unaware of this decision until just hours before the statement went out – just long enough to actually work on the release and send it out.
◼ With Olympia Snowe's retirement, the center crumbles - Politico
◼ ‘Snowe Tires’ - Ed Driscoll/PJM
Labels:
Maine,
Olympia Snowe,
Senate
Georgetown co-ed: Please pay for us to have sex … We’re going broke buying birth control
◼ At a hearing of the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee yesterday, a single witness — Georgetown law student and “reproductive rights activist” Sandra Fluke — told sympathetic policy-makers that the administration’s so-called contraception mandate should stand … because her peers are going broke buying birth control. - HotAir
“Forty percent of the female students at Georgetown Law reported to us that they struggled financially as a result of this policy (Georgetown student insurance not covering contraception),” Fluke reported.Craig Bannister at CNSNews.com did the math — and discovered that these co-eds, assuming they’re using the cheapest possible contraception, must be having unprotected sex about three times a day every day to incur that kind of expense.
It costs a female student $3,000 to have protected sex over the course of her three-year stint in law school, according to her calculations.
“Without insurance coverage, contraception, as you know, can cost a woman over $3,000 during law school,” Fluke told the hearing.
◼ Sex-Crazed Co-Eds Going Broke Buying Birth Control, Student Tells Pelosi Hearing Touting Freebie Mandate - CNS News
...maybe, these female law students could cut back on some other expenses to make room for more birth control in their budgets, instead of making us pick up the tab. With classes and studying and all that sex, who's got time for cable?
And, let's not forget about these deadbeat boyfriends (or random hook-ups?) who are having sex 2.74 times a day. If Fluke's going to ask the government to force anyone to foot the bill for her friends' birth control, shouldn't it be these guys?
Gallup: Gingrich on the Rise
◼ #250gas - Backyard Conservative
◼ What’s up with Newt Gingrich? Gallup’s daily tracking poll, for one thing - HotAir
Gingrich has a comfortable lead in Georgia; the RCP poll average puts him nine points ahead of his competitors in his home state. He doesn’t, however, fare nearly so well in the other states he’s supposedly targeting. In Ohio, for example, Gingrich polls at an average of 18 percent, behind Santorum’s 34.3 percent and Mitt Romney’s 26 percent. In Tennessee, Gingrich polls in fourth place, according to the Vanderbilt poll. Oklahoma looks similarly unconquerable for Gingrich.
Yet, today, Gingrich has at least one bit of poll improvement to tout: His Gallup support rating jumped two points today. With his personal life out of the limelight and his ideas about energy policy front-and-center, at least a few folks apparently have remembered Gingrich ain’t all bad.
Newt Gingrich has engineered two comebacks already. Is a third out of the realm of possibility? Never say never.
◼ What’s up with Newt Gingrich? Gallup’s daily tracking poll, for one thing - HotAir
Gingrich has a comfortable lead in Georgia; the RCP poll average puts him nine points ahead of his competitors in his home state. He doesn’t, however, fare nearly so well in the other states he’s supposedly targeting. In Ohio, for example, Gingrich polls at an average of 18 percent, behind Santorum’s 34.3 percent and Mitt Romney’s 26 percent. In Tennessee, Gingrich polls in fourth place, according to the Vanderbilt poll. Oklahoma looks similarly unconquerable for Gingrich.
Yet, today, Gingrich has at least one bit of poll improvement to tout: His Gallup support rating jumped two points today. With his personal life out of the limelight and his ideas about energy policy front-and-center, at least a few folks apparently have remembered Gingrich ain’t all bad.
Newt Gingrich has engineered two comebacks already. Is a third out of the realm of possibility? Never say never.
Labels:
2012 Presidential Contenders,
Georgia,
Newt Gingrich,
Ohio,
Oklahoma,
Polls,
Tennessee
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Michigan and Arizona primary results: Mitt Romney re-established himself as the Republican front-runner Tuesday night with his win in Michigan’s pivotal primary, fending off what would have been a crushing defeat by rival Rick Santorum.
Mitt Romney's Speech on Michigan Primary Win: 'We Won by Enough'
◼ Michigan and Arizona primary results - Le·gal In·sur·rec·tion
◼ Mitt Romney swept to victory in the Arizona primary and led Rick Santorum in a close, hard-fought contest in Michigan Tuesday night, bidding for a two-state sweep and fresh momentum in the race for the Republican presidential nomination. - AP
Romney's Arizona triumph came in a race that was scarcely contested, and he pocketed all of the 29 Republican National Convention delegates at stake.
◼ Romney-Santorum Locked in Tight Michigan Race – 9% of Voters Are Democrats - Gateway Pundit
◼ Exit polls: 1 in 10 voters was a Democrat in Michigan primary - LA Times
Initial exit polling in the Michigan primary suggests that in a tight battle between Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum, the votes of Democrats could prove decisive in the key Republican presidential skirmish -- and more of those votes are going to Santorum.
According to CNN, 10% of those who voted in the primary identified themselves as Democrats, representing a larger share of the electorate than in the 2008 vote. Of that group, 50% said they voted for Santorum, 19% for Ron Paul and 15% for Romney, exit polling showed.
That result would suggest that the combined efforts of the Santorum campaign and state Democrats to appeal to the left were successful, though their motivations were different.
◼ Open thread: Michigan and Arizona; Update: Romney projected winner in both states - Michelle Malkin
◼ After tough race, Romney beats Santorum in Michigan primary - The Hill
◼ Romney Wins in Michigan, Arizona - Wall St. Journal
◼ Santorum fails to stop Romney in Michigan - Susan Ferrechio/Washington Examiner
Congress can halt eminent domain abuse - Politicians must be stopped from using law to reward developer friends
H.R. 1433, the Private Property Rights Protection Act, will likely be considered by the House of Representatives this week. It was reported out of the House Judiciary Committee earlier this month. It is critical that you contact your representatives TODAY and tell them to vote for H.R. 1433. You may remember that this bill passed the House of Representatives overwhelmingly in 2005 by a vote of 376 – 38, but has been stonewalled in the Senate since.
You can find your representative’s contact information ◼ here.
This reform is long overdue. H.R. 1433 will strip any municipality that abuses eminent domain of federal economic development funds for two years. You can read the text of the bill ◼ here. It’s time that Congress stop being complicit in the abuse of eminent domain.
Read IJ’s op-ed in the Washington Times on federal eminent domain reform efforts ◼ here...
Please forward this alert onto your friends, colleagues and e-mail lists, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Best,
Christina Walsh
Director of Activism and Coalitions
Institute for Justice
◼ www.ij.org
◼ www.castlecoalition.org
◼ Calls Needed Now: Federal Eminent Domain Reform Needs Your Help
◼ WALSH: Congress can halt eminent domain abuse - Christina Walsh -The Washington Times
You can find your representative’s contact information ◼ here.
This reform is long overdue. H.R. 1433 will strip any municipality that abuses eminent domain of federal economic development funds for two years. You can read the text of the bill ◼ here. It’s time that Congress stop being complicit in the abuse of eminent domain.
Read IJ’s op-ed in the Washington Times on federal eminent domain reform efforts ◼ here...
Please forward this alert onto your friends, colleagues and e-mail lists, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Best,
Christina Walsh
Director of Activism and Coalitions
Institute for Justice
◼ www.ij.org
◼ www.castlecoalition.org
◼ Calls Needed Now: Federal Eminent Domain Reform Needs Your Help
◼ WALSH: Congress can halt eminent domain abuse - Christina Walsh -The Washington Times
Labels:
ACTION ITEM,
Property Rights
Obama policies threaten America's energy boom
◼ During our historically slow economic recovery, the energy industry has been a bright spot amid otherwise gloomy economic news. Domestic energy production is increasing, and jobs are beginning to spring up around new energy construction. - Politico
President Barack Obama likes to take credit for this energy boom, but in reality, recent U.S. energy growth is largely a result of private-sector investment and policies put in place by his predecessors. The energy policies this president has adopted are jeopardizing the progress we have made, and if he continues them, the U.S. energy boom could soon be over.
Moreover, the president’s policies are driving up energy prices for consumers. Gasoline prices have already doubled under Obama — the 2011 average of $3.50 per gallon was the highest annual average ever recorded — and they are expected to increase even further in 2012, with some predictions suggesting $5 per gallon by the end of May. If the president continues to restrict access to domestic energy resources and drive up the cost of production, energy prices will continue to worsen.
Over the past three years, the president has systematically discouraged new energy exploration and development. More...
President Barack Obama likes to take credit for this energy boom, but in reality, recent U.S. energy growth is largely a result of private-sector investment and policies put in place by his predecessors. The energy policies this president has adopted are jeopardizing the progress we have made, and if he continues them, the U.S. energy boom could soon be over.
Moreover, the president’s policies are driving up energy prices for consumers. Gasoline prices have already doubled under Obama — the 2011 average of $3.50 per gallon was the highest annual average ever recorded — and they are expected to increase even further in 2012, with some predictions suggesting $5 per gallon by the end of May. If the president continues to restrict access to domestic energy resources and drive up the cost of production, energy prices will continue to worsen.
Over the past three years, the president has systematically discouraged new energy exploration and development. More...
Labels:
Economy,
Energy,
President Obama
John Stossel's Illegal Everything
The producer of Stupid in America, John Stossel, broadcasts another outstanding documentary "Illegal Everything" which shows how nearly everything is (or may soon be) illegal - including lemonade stands, raw milk, drugs, fast food, prostitution, recording police, and more. 42:02
Labels:
Regulation
As they emerge from Convention, GOP is "California's Party of Yes"
◼ California Republicans gathered in the Bay Area over the weekend to strategize for the 2012 Elections. - CRP
The Party welcomed 2012 Presidential candidate and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, who received national attention as he launched an attack on President Obama's lack of a plan to stop rising gas prices. Gingrich brought with him former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza and Tea Party activist Herman Cain and Republican Strategist Michael Reagan, son of President Ronald Reagan, whom Chairman Del Beccaro called "the keeper of the flame."
The convention's Friday lineup included Majority Whip of the United States House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy, Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Darrell Issa, and Republican National Committee Co-Chair Sharon Day. RNC Chairman Reince Priebus and Former Governor of Minnesota Tim Pawlenty also made an appearance at the convention, where they spoke at the Saturday night dinner banquet, sharing their insights on building successful campaigns and the 2012 political landscape.
The party also launched a few "firsts" - including their first-ever Asian Voters Town Hall led by the highest ranking Asian official in California Michelle Steel, which was covered by 35 media outlets, a first-ever Youth Town Hall featuring California's youngest mayor Jeremy Yamaguchi (a Republican), and back by popular demand the Latino Voters Town Hall moderated by Univision.
The weekend also featured a panel discussion on the 2012 Presidential Election with national pollster Brian Smith, Republican National Committee Political Director for the Western States Chris Carr and National Media Strategist for Karl Rove’s American Crossroads Steve Grand.
Other strategy sessions included a “Ground Game” GOTV workshop, led by former CRP Chairman Ron Nehring, and a Social Media workshop led by CEO of Election Mall Ravi Singh. During the Social Media workshop the CRP revealed its revamped website, powered by cloud technology from Microsoft, which is a part of an on-going effort to rebrand itself in the digital arena and attract young voters. Convention goers also had the opportunity to relax and converse inside the CRP's digital lounge, a completely wired location with access to the latest web technologies.
The California Republican Party used convention weekend as an opportunity to boost the infrastructure of Republican county party organizations and candidates, by providing affiliate websites supported with cloud technology and a candidate "Tool Box" designed to support Republican office-seekers at all levels.
__________________
◼ California's party of yes - LA Times
A series of Republican bills aimed at enacting Gov. Jerry Brown's proposals to reform public employee pensions is more than politically smart. It's right for the state.
The Party welcomed 2012 Presidential candidate and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, who received national attention as he launched an attack on President Obama's lack of a plan to stop rising gas prices. Gingrich brought with him former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza and Tea Party activist Herman Cain and Republican Strategist Michael Reagan, son of President Ronald Reagan, whom Chairman Del Beccaro called "the keeper of the flame."
The convention's Friday lineup included Majority Whip of the United States House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy, Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Darrell Issa, and Republican National Committee Co-Chair Sharon Day. RNC Chairman Reince Priebus and Former Governor of Minnesota Tim Pawlenty also made an appearance at the convention, where they spoke at the Saturday night dinner banquet, sharing their insights on building successful campaigns and the 2012 political landscape.
The party also launched a few "firsts" - including their first-ever Asian Voters Town Hall led by the highest ranking Asian official in California Michelle Steel, which was covered by 35 media outlets, a first-ever Youth Town Hall featuring California's youngest mayor Jeremy Yamaguchi (a Republican), and back by popular demand the Latino Voters Town Hall moderated by Univision.
The weekend also featured a panel discussion on the 2012 Presidential Election with national pollster Brian Smith, Republican National Committee Political Director for the Western States Chris Carr and National Media Strategist for Karl Rove’s American Crossroads Steve Grand.
Other strategy sessions included a “Ground Game” GOTV workshop, led by former CRP Chairman Ron Nehring, and a Social Media workshop led by CEO of Election Mall Ravi Singh. During the Social Media workshop the CRP revealed its revamped website, powered by cloud technology from Microsoft, which is a part of an on-going effort to rebrand itself in the digital arena and attract young voters. Convention goers also had the opportunity to relax and converse inside the CRP's digital lounge, a completely wired location with access to the latest web technologies.
The California Republican Party used convention weekend as an opportunity to boost the infrastructure of Republican county party organizations and candidates, by providing affiliate websites supported with cloud technology and a candidate "Tool Box" designed to support Republican office-seekers at all levels.
◼ California's party of yes - LA Times
A series of Republican bills aimed at enacting Gov. Jerry Brown's proposals to reform public employee pensions is more than politically smart. It's right for the state.
Labels:
CAgop,
California,
CRP,
Ron Nehring
Is sanity finally coming to California's Central Valley? UPDATED
◼ Rep. Nunes Turns On California Spigot - Investor's Business daily
Is sanity finally coming to California's Central Valley? America's breadbasket has long been victim of capricious water cutoffs to "save" the environment. A bill in Congress puts an end to this man-made drought. It should pass.
Rep. Devin Nunes of Visalia, Calif., has come forward with a legislative remedy for the policies that have turned fertile fields into hollowed-out dust bowls in the name of "being green."
Nunes' Sacramento-San Joaquin Water Reliability Act goes to a vote in the House Wednesday and if it passes, it will guarantee that water the farmers paid for finally gets to the parched Central Valley. It will put an end to the sorry stream of shriveled vineyards, blackened almond groves and unemployed farm workers standing in alms lines for bagged carrots from China.
The insanity of the current policies against some of America's most productive farmers in one of the world's richest farm belts is largely the work leftist politicians from the wealthy enclaves of the San Francisco Bay Area. This group has exerted its political muscle on the less politically powerful region that produces more than half the fruits and vegetables consumed in the U.S. — with $26 billion in annual sales.
"The bill restores the flow of water and establishes a framework for meaningful environmental improvements. It is a repudiation of the left's assault on rural communities, which began with the decimation of the West's timber industry and now is focused on Central Valley agriculture," Nunes told IBD.
UPDATE:
◼ Obama: I’ll veto bill that will provide water to California’s Central Valley - HotAir
◼ Awful… Barack Obama Promises to Veto Bill That Will Provide Water To Central California Drought Region - Jim Hoft/Gateway Pundit
Is sanity finally coming to California's Central Valley? America's breadbasket has long been victim of capricious water cutoffs to "save" the environment. A bill in Congress puts an end to this man-made drought. It should pass.
Rep. Devin Nunes of Visalia, Calif., has come forward with a legislative remedy for the policies that have turned fertile fields into hollowed-out dust bowls in the name of "being green."
Nunes' Sacramento-San Joaquin Water Reliability Act goes to a vote in the House Wednesday and if it passes, it will guarantee that water the farmers paid for finally gets to the parched Central Valley. It will put an end to the sorry stream of shriveled vineyards, blackened almond groves and unemployed farm workers standing in alms lines for bagged carrots from China.
The insanity of the current policies against some of America's most productive farmers in one of the world's richest farm belts is largely the work leftist politicians from the wealthy enclaves of the San Francisco Bay Area. This group has exerted its political muscle on the less politically powerful region that produces more than half the fruits and vegetables consumed in the U.S. — with $26 billion in annual sales.
"The bill restores the flow of water and establishes a framework for meaningful environmental improvements. It is a repudiation of the left's assault on rural communities, which began with the decimation of the West's timber industry and now is focused on Central Valley agriculture," Nunes told IBD.
UPDATE:
◼ Obama: I’ll veto bill that will provide water to California’s Central Valley - HotAir
◼ Awful… Barack Obama Promises to Veto Bill That Will Provide Water To Central California Drought Region - Jim Hoft/Gateway Pundit
The Administration strongly opposes H.R. 1837, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act because the bill would unravel decades of work to forge consensus, solutions, and settlements that equitably address some of California’s most complex water challenges....
The Race to Define Rick Santorum
◼ The Michigan primary, and possibly the Republican presidential nomination, may come down to this one question: Who is Rick Santorum? - Wall St. Journal
◼ With everything at stake, Santorum wings it - Byron York/Washington Examiner
Is he, as the former Pennsylvania senator avers, a consistent "full-spectrum" conservative, a pioneer on tough policy, and the only candidate who can provide a clear contrast with Barack Obama? Or is he, as his opponent Mitt Romney argues, little more than a Bush-era big-spender, a political insider?◼ Romney, Santorum Represent Different White Americas - Michael Barone
Michiganders will make that choice Tuesday, as an estimated 1.7 million voters go to the polls. Mr. Romney may be Michigan's native son, but the state has become Mr. Santorum's to lose. His early-February victories in Colorado, Minnesota and Missouri vaulted him to the top of national polls and to a double-digit lead by mid-February in the Great Lake State. Yet Mr. Santorum has been steadily losing ground and enters in a dead heat.
◼ With everything at stake, Santorum wings it - Byron York/Washington Examiner
Mitt Romney: 'Not willing to light my hair on fire' in GOP race
◼ “It’s very easy to excite the [Republican] base with incendiary comments. We've seen throughout the campaign that if you're willing to say really outrageous things that are accusative and attacking of President Obama, that you're going to jump up in the polls” - LA Times
Romney said he prefers to promote himself as “a person with extensive experience in the private sector and the economy. I understand job creation, from a personal standpoint and from a theoretical standpoint. I want to use those skills to help the country, and if I get selected, great, and if I don't, I can live with that too.”
◼ People who look to Mitt’s faith for clues about how he’d govern as president usually miss the target by a wide margin. - S. Cornell
◼ I think Romney has a nice demeanor. A nice sense of humor. Ever notice that when he talks, he always seems to be sort of chuckling? - Althouse
Labels:
2012 Presidential Contenders,
Michigan,
Mitt Romney
Polls Show Dead Heat as Michigan Primary Polls Open
◼ Mitt Romney is neck-and-neck with-Rick Santorum in Michigan but has pulled far ahead in Arizona on the eve of key primary contests in both states, according to new polls. - FOX/Detroit
The Public Policy Polling (PPP) final survey of likely Michigan primary voters, conducted Sunday and Monday, found Santorum edging Romney by a margin of 38 percent to 37 percent -- a difference within the poll's margin of error....among those polled Monday who had not yet voted in the primary, Santorum's lead over Romney was even bigger -- 41 percent to 31 percent. But the pollsters said late Monday night that while momentum was swinging to Santorum, Romney held a massive 56 percent to 29 percent lead among the Michigan voters who have already cast their votes -- nearly one in five voters.
The Public Policy Polling (PPP) final survey of likely Michigan primary voters, conducted Sunday and Monday, found Santorum edging Romney by a margin of 38 percent to 37 percent -- a difference within the poll's margin of error....among those polled Monday who had not yet voted in the primary, Santorum's lead over Romney was even bigger -- 41 percent to 31 percent. But the pollsters said late Monday night that while momentum was swinging to Santorum, Romney held a massive 56 percent to 29 percent lead among the Michigan voters who have already cast their votes -- nearly one in five voters.
Labels:
2012 Presidential Contenders,
Arizona,
Michigan,
Mitt Romney,
Polls,
Primary,
Rick Santorum
Michael Moore: 'My Democratic Friends Will Vote For Santorum'
◼ Video at the link - Real Clear Politics
"I have to tell you a lot of my Democratic friends will vote for Santorum in something they are calling Operation Hilarity," Michael Moore said at the end of an interview with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow.
According to the Daily Kos, who launched this campaign, Operation Hilarity is "an opportunity for Democrats to actually help prolong this election a little bit longer because we’ve seen that the longer this drags out, the worse it is for Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum and the best it is for Barack Obama."
"I have to tell you a lot of my Democratic friends will vote for Santorum in something they are calling Operation Hilarity," Michael Moore said at the end of an interview with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow.
According to the Daily Kos, who launched this campaign, Operation Hilarity is "an opportunity for Democrats to actually help prolong this election a little bit longer because we’ve seen that the longer this drags out, the worse it is for Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum and the best it is for Barack Obama."
Labels:
Democrats,
Primary,
Rick Santorum
Madoff-invested charities contributed $365k to Media Matters
◼ Media Matters for America accepted funding from at least three foundations whose money “grew” under the fraudulent stewardship of the now-incarcerated Bernard Madoff. One of those foundations was backed by a man many believe was in cahoots with the legendary financial criminal. - Daily Caller
Among those institutions that saw their fortunes evaporate were foundations that had placed their trust and investments in Madoff’s surreal enterprise. Three of those philanthropies contributed money to Media Matters in 2008, at least one of which may have even been complicit in Madoff’s scheme.
The Picower Foundation, which The New York Times referred to as “one of the nation’s leading philanthropies,” shuttered its $1 billion enterprise after Madoff’s arrest. Barbara Picower, who co-founded the charity with her late husband, investor Jeffry M. Picower, told the Times in December 2008 that Madoff’s “act of fraud has had a devastating impact on tens of thousands of lives as well as numerous philanthropic foundations and nonprofit organizations.”
But Jeffry Picower was one of Madoff’s single largest beneficiaries, and many believe he was hardly an unwitting victim of the Madoff scheme. According to Rick Stone, an attorney representing a purported class of Madoff victims, Picower could even be seen as a more nefarious actor than Madoff.
Picower was “a bigger fraudulent actor than Madoff himself because Madoff — at best estimate — he and his family, took $800 million out of the scheme,” Stone told The Daily Caller. ”And we know that Picower took at least $7 billion out of this scheme.” Get the whole story at The Daily Caller... Media Matters won't say if it will return the money
Among those institutions that saw their fortunes evaporate were foundations that had placed their trust and investments in Madoff’s surreal enterprise. Three of those philanthropies contributed money to Media Matters in 2008, at least one of which may have even been complicit in Madoff’s scheme.
The Picower Foundation, which The New York Times referred to as “one of the nation’s leading philanthropies,” shuttered its $1 billion enterprise after Madoff’s arrest. Barbara Picower, who co-founded the charity with her late husband, investor Jeffry M. Picower, told the Times in December 2008 that Madoff’s “act of fraud has had a devastating impact on tens of thousands of lives as well as numerous philanthropic foundations and nonprofit organizations.”
But Jeffry Picower was one of Madoff’s single largest beneficiaries, and many believe he was hardly an unwitting victim of the Madoff scheme. According to Rick Stone, an attorney representing a purported class of Madoff victims, Picower could even be seen as a more nefarious actor than Madoff.
Picower was “a bigger fraudulent actor than Madoff himself because Madoff — at best estimate — he and his family, took $800 million out of the scheme,” Stone told The Daily Caller. ”And we know that Picower took at least $7 billion out of this scheme.” Get the whole story at The Daily Caller... Media Matters won't say if it will return the money
Labels:
Media bias,
Media Matters
“Exaggerated” in this case serves as a synonym for “flat-out lie.”
◼ The story was too good to be true.
A wealthy banker runs up a three-figure bill, only tips 1% (!), and writes a note to the server to “get a real job” as a parting insult. CNN, Huffington Post, and other media outlets ran with the story of the arrogant banker and his miserly recompense to the help. There was only one thing wrong — it really was too good to be true...
HuffPo later posted a statement from the restaurant that said that the photo had been “altered and exaggerated.” How exaggerated? Well, according to the local CBS affiliate — who actually asked the restaurant about the bill — the meal was just over $30 instead of $133, the tip was 20% and not 1%, and the customer didn’t write any note to the server on the bill. “Exaggerated” in this case serves as a synonym for “flat-out lie.”
A wealthy banker runs up a three-figure bill, only tips 1% (!), and writes a note to the server to “get a real job” as a parting insult. CNN, Huffington Post, and other media outlets ran with the story of the arrogant banker and his miserly recompense to the help. There was only one thing wrong — it really was too good to be true...
HuffPo later posted a statement from the restaurant that said that the photo had been “altered and exaggerated.” How exaggerated? Well, according to the local CBS affiliate — who actually asked the restaurant about the bill — the meal was just over $30 instead of $133, the tip was 20% and not 1%, and the customer didn’t write any note to the server on the bill. “Exaggerated” in this case serves as a synonym for “flat-out lie.”
Labels:
#Occupy,
Hoax,
Media bias
Monday, February 27, 2012
Jerry Brown advised not to 'talk too much' about Medi-Cal
◼ After meetings this afternoon with Obama advisers at the White House and, later, with members of California's Congressional delegation at the U.S. Capitol, Brown aide Nancy McFadden suggested he stop. - Sacramento Bee
As he lobbied the Obama administration for four days for authorization to enact further cuts to Medi-Cal to help balance California's budget, Gov. Jerry Brown talked frequently about his frustration, the administration having recently turned down his request to charge co-payments for doctor visits, prescription drugs and other services.
As he lobbied the Obama administration for four days for authorization to enact further cuts to Medi-Cal to help balance California's budget, Gov. Jerry Brown talked frequently about his frustration, the administration having recently turned down his request to charge co-payments for doctor visits, prescription drugs and other services.
Labels:
California,
Medicare,
Obama Administration
Two ethicists working with Australian universities argue in the latest online edition of the Journal of Medical Ethics that if abortion of a fetus is allowable, so to should be the termination of a newborn.
◼ ETHICISTS ARGUE IN FAVOR OF ‘AFTER-BIRTH ABORTIONS‘ AS NEWBORNS ’ARE NOT PERSONS’ - The Blaze
The two are quick to note that they prefer the term “after-birth abortion“ as opposed to ”infanticide.” Why? Because it “[emphasizes] that the moral status of the individual killed is comparable with that of a fetus (on which ‘abortions’ in the traditional sense are performed) rather than to that of a child.” The authors also do not agree with the term euthanasia for this practice as the best interest of the person who would be killed is not necessarily the primary reason his or her life is being terminated. In other words, it may be in the parents’ best interest to terminate the life, not the newborns.
...Giubilini and Minerva believe that being able to understand the value of a different situation, which often depends on mental development, determines personhood. For example, being able to tell the difference between an undesirable situation and a desirable one. They note that fetuses and newborns are “potential persons.” The authors do acknowledge that a mother, who they cite as an example of a true person, can attribute “subjective” moral rights to the fetus or newborn, but they state this is only a projected moral status.
Jesse Jackson: It’s an honor to be a food-stamp president
◼ Those comments represent a reversal of sentiment for Mr. Jackson, who initially accused Gingrich of “name calling” for pointing out the facts about the president’s food stamp record. - HotAir
Jackson also misses some crucial facts about what leads to human flourishing (hint: it’s not handouts!). But at least his remarks represent an attempt to stand by liberal policies; I’ve actually gotta hand it to him for that.
Jackson also misses some crucial facts about what leads to human flourishing (hint: it’s not handouts!). But at least his remarks represent an attempt to stand by liberal policies; I’ve actually gotta hand it to him for that.
Labels:
Food-Stamp President,
Jesse Jackson,
Poverty-Pimp,
Race-baiting,
Welfare
GOP Governors to GOP White House Hopefuls: Talk Economics, Please
◼ The governors want their presidential contenders to cut the social issues talk and get back to basics.
“When I’m talking to people in Virginia … about what bothers them and their children and grandchildren, it’s, ‘How am I going to get the cost of college education down?’” said Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, who has endorsed Mitt Romney and is often mentioned as a possible vice presidential pick. “How am I going to get Johnny out of debt before he goes out into the world? Is Johnny going to get a job when they graduate or are we still going to have this horrible job environment? Is Johnny going to be saddled with $50,000 in national debt because we can’t pay it off in this current generation.
“I mean, that’s what families are talking about,” he added. “They’re not as much talking about these other issues.”
...Most of Republican governors were reluctant to rebuke their presidential trail compatriots directly about their wavering focus, but they made it clear it’s not how they would attack Obama. When asked how they would prepare to go up against him in November, their answers dealt exclusively with fiscal matters.
“We know, you just can’t increase national debt $1.3 trillion year after year after year,” said Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad. “He has no plan to really bring federal spending under control. And I think it should be beneath the president of the United States to spend time attacking the very people we need creating jobs. The banks, the entrepreneurs, the people we need to invest and create jobs.”
Who is responsible for the shift in discussion from economic to social issues is a matter of debate among the governors;many of them blame the media for focusing on cultural topics and dragging the candidates along with them. “I’m concerned about people that asking about them in the debates,” said McDonnell. “The press are asking more about social issues.”
“When I’m talking to people in Virginia … about what bothers them and their children and grandchildren, it’s, ‘How am I going to get the cost of college education down?’” said Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, who has endorsed Mitt Romney and is often mentioned as a possible vice presidential pick. “How am I going to get Johnny out of debt before he goes out into the world? Is Johnny going to get a job when they graduate or are we still going to have this horrible job environment? Is Johnny going to be saddled with $50,000 in national debt because we can’t pay it off in this current generation.
“I mean, that’s what families are talking about,” he added. “They’re not as much talking about these other issues.”
...Most of Republican governors were reluctant to rebuke their presidential trail compatriots directly about their wavering focus, but they made it clear it’s not how they would attack Obama. When asked how they would prepare to go up against him in November, their answers dealt exclusively with fiscal matters.
“We know, you just can’t increase national debt $1.3 trillion year after year after year,” said Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad. “He has no plan to really bring federal spending under control. And I think it should be beneath the president of the United States to spend time attacking the very people we need creating jobs. The banks, the entrepreneurs, the people we need to invest and create jobs.”
Who is responsible for the shift in discussion from economic to social issues is a matter of debate among the governors;many of them blame the media for focusing on cultural topics and dragging the candidates along with them. “I’m concerned about people that asking about them in the debates,” said McDonnell. “The press are asking more about social issues.”
OBAMA TO CUT HEALTHCARE FOR TROOPS
◼ The Obama administration’s proposed defense budget calls for military families and retirees to pay sharply more for their healthcare, while leaving unionized civilian defense workers’ benefits untouched. - Free Beacon
Administration officials told Congress that one goal of the increased fees is to force military retirees to reduce their involvement in Tricare and eventually opt out of the program in favor of alternatives established by the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare.
...According to congressional assessments, a retired Army colonel with a family currently paying $460 a year for health care will pay $2,048....
The proposal is causing a major rift within the Pentagon, according to U.S. officials. Several congressional aides suggested the move is designed to increase the enrollment in Obamacare’s state-run insurance exchanges.
The disparity in treatment between civilian and uniformed personnel is causing a backlash within the military that could undermine recruitment and retention.
Administration officials told Congress that one goal of the increased fees is to force military retirees to reduce their involvement in Tricare and eventually opt out of the program in favor of alternatives established by the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare.
...According to congressional assessments, a retired Army colonel with a family currently paying $460 a year for health care will pay $2,048....
The proposal is causing a major rift within the Pentagon, according to U.S. officials. Several congressional aides suggested the move is designed to increase the enrollment in Obamacare’s state-run insurance exchanges.
The disparity in treatment between civilian and uniformed personnel is causing a backlash within the military that could undermine recruitment and retention.
Labels:
Cost of Living,
Healthcare,
Military,
Obama Administration
MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski, in an attempt to defend President Obama’s recent apology for the accidental Koran burnings that set off riots in Afghanistan, equated his response to what a foreign leader would be required to do if his military inadvertently burned an American flag. Morning Joe co-host Willie Geist correctly replied, “No because Americans wouldn’t go in the streets and start killing people”
Survey Says: Santorum’s Social Views Killing Him in Michigan
◼ There’s a chance Rick Santorum may still scrape out a win in Michigan tomorrow. - Commentary Magazine
This morning’s ◼ Public Policy Polling survey has Mitt Romney leading him by just a few points, 39 percent to 37 percent. But the internal numbers look worse for Santorum, and his ongoing slide in the state seems to be due to his focus on social issues:
One place Santorum may have hurt himself in the last week is an overemphasis on social issues. 69 percent of voters say they’re generally more concerned with economic issues this year to only 17 percent who pick social issues. And with the overwhelming majority of voters more concerned about the economy, Romney leads Santorum 45-30. Santorum’s winning those more concerned about social issues 79-12 but it’s just not that big a piece of the pie.
This morning’s ◼ Public Policy Polling survey has Mitt Romney leading him by just a few points, 39 percent to 37 percent. But the internal numbers look worse for Santorum, and his ongoing slide in the state seems to be due to his focus on social issues:
One place Santorum may have hurt himself in the last week is an overemphasis on social issues. 69 percent of voters say they’re generally more concerned with economic issues this year to only 17 percent who pick social issues. And with the overwhelming majority of voters more concerned about the economy, Romney leads Santorum 45-30. Santorum’s winning those more concerned about social issues 79-12 but it’s just not that big a piece of the pie.
Labels:
Michigan,
Polls,
Rick Santorum,
Social Issues
Jake Tapper, the White House correspondent for ABC News, pointed out that the administration had lauded brave reporting in distant lands more than once and then asked, “How does that square with the fact that this administration has been so aggressively trying to stop aggressive journalism in the United States by using the Espionage Act to take whistle-blowers to court?”
◼ Obama using Espionage Act to 'silence and prosecute federal workers' - NYT
He then suggested that the administration seemed to believe that “the truth should come out abroad; it shouldn’t come out here.”
Fair point. The Obama administration, which promised during its transition to power that it would enhance “whistle-blower laws to protect federal workers,” has been more prone than any administration in history in trying to silence and prosecute federal workers....
He then suggested that the administration seemed to believe that “the truth should come out abroad; it shouldn’t come out here.”
Fair point. The Obama administration, which promised during its transition to power that it would enhance “whistle-blower laws to protect federal workers,” has been more prone than any administration in history in trying to silence and prosecute federal workers....
Labels:
Jake Tapper,
Obama Administration
Why is Rick Santorum the only GOP candidate talking seriously about Obamacare?
◼ Santorum and the Silence of the Shams - David Catron/American Spectator
Santorum has not merely explained why Obamacare must be repealed but has repeatedly declared it the most important issue of the campaign. In fact, he did so during the most recent GOP debate in Arizona, where he called it "the biggest issue in this race" and later went on to explain why: "The real fundamental issue here is government coercion." Likewise, during the Florida debate, he implored Republican primary voters not to "give this issue away in this election [by supporting Romney]. It is about fundamental freedom." And Santorum doesn't reserve such comments for big events with large television audiences. He delivers precisely the same message in the smallest of town hall meetings.
The reluctance of the other GOP candidates to follow suit is odd. It certainly can't be explained by the popularity of Obamacare. The latest Rasmussen survey shows 53 percent of likely voters favoring repeal while finding only 38 percent who oppose sending it to the death panel. A CNN poll indicates that half of all Americans oppose the latest of Obamacare's assaults on individual liberty -- the anti-conscience mandate -- and Gallup finds that nearly half of America's small businesses are deliberately not hiring new workers because of worries "about the potential cost of health care." And yet Santorum continues to be the only Republican presidential candidate left who has made Obamacare's repeal central to his campaign.
Santorum has not merely explained why Obamacare must be repealed but has repeatedly declared it the most important issue of the campaign. In fact, he did so during the most recent GOP debate in Arizona, where he called it "the biggest issue in this race" and later went on to explain why: "The real fundamental issue here is government coercion." Likewise, during the Florida debate, he implored Republican primary voters not to "give this issue away in this election [by supporting Romney]. It is about fundamental freedom." And Santorum doesn't reserve such comments for big events with large television audiences. He delivers precisely the same message in the smallest of town hall meetings.
The reluctance of the other GOP candidates to follow suit is odd. It certainly can't be explained by the popularity of Obamacare. The latest Rasmussen survey shows 53 percent of likely voters favoring repeal while finding only 38 percent who oppose sending it to the death panel. A CNN poll indicates that half of all Americans oppose the latest of Obamacare's assaults on individual liberty -- the anti-conscience mandate -- and Gallup finds that nearly half of America's small businesses are deliberately not hiring new workers because of worries "about the potential cost of health care." And yet Santorum continues to be the only Republican presidential candidate left who has made Obamacare's repeal central to his campaign.
Democrats: Americans Who Dislike ObamaCare Are Stupid
◼ Democrats used to say the more people knew about ObamaCare, the more they'd like it. Well, the public has had almost two full years to soak it in, and more want it repealed than ever. - Investors.com
A Quinnipiac University poll last week found 52% of Americans want ObamaCare scrapped. That's up from 44% last May. Meanwhile, just 39% want to keep it, down from 45%. Even one in five Democrats now says Congress should repeal the law.
That hasn't kept liberals from calling ObamaCare foes idiots, which is what Democratic party head Debbie Wasserman Schultz did when asked about the poll.
...Turns out, the more Americans know about ObamaCare, the less they like it. And for good reason.
They now know that ObamaCare will, for the first time ever, force Americans to buy a government-approved product merely because they have a pulse.
They know ObamaCare means the stark politicization of health care — as witnessed most recently by Obama's brazen attempt to use the law to force the Catholic Church to pay for "free" contraception.
They know it will mean endless benefit mandates, driving up insurance premiums for everyone.
They know that once ObamaCare takes effect in 2014, their employers will likely dump them into government-run "exchanges" to avoid those higher premiums.
Most of all, they know the meager benefits ObamaCare provides will be crushed under the weight of higher costs, worse quality, a massive expansion in government dependence, and bureaucratic bloat.
What Americans may not know, however, is that there is no chance ObamaCare will ever be repealed unless they vote Obama out of office in November. This and more at Investors.com
A Quinnipiac University poll last week found 52% of Americans want ObamaCare scrapped. That's up from 44% last May. Meanwhile, just 39% want to keep it, down from 45%. Even one in five Democrats now says Congress should repeal the law.
That hasn't kept liberals from calling ObamaCare foes idiots, which is what Democratic party head Debbie Wasserman Schultz did when asked about the poll.
...Turns out, the more Americans know about ObamaCare, the less they like it. And for good reason.
They now know that ObamaCare will, for the first time ever, force Americans to buy a government-approved product merely because they have a pulse.
They know ObamaCare means the stark politicization of health care — as witnessed most recently by Obama's brazen attempt to use the law to force the Catholic Church to pay for "free" contraception.
They know it will mean endless benefit mandates, driving up insurance premiums for everyone.
They know that once ObamaCare takes effect in 2014, their employers will likely dump them into government-run "exchanges" to avoid those higher premiums.
Most of all, they know the meager benefits ObamaCare provides will be crushed under the weight of higher costs, worse quality, a massive expansion in government dependence, and bureaucratic bloat.
What Americans may not know, however, is that there is no chance ObamaCare will ever be repealed unless they vote Obama out of office in November. This and more at Investors.com
Labels:
Debbie Wasserman-Schultz,
Democrats,
Obamacare,
Polls
Rasmussen: Mitt Romney leads Obama: 45% to 43% - Ron Paul leads Obama: 43% to 41%
◼ Daily Presidential Tracking Poll - Rasmussen
For the first time since late December 2011, Mitt Romney leads the president in a hypothetical 2012 matchup. Romney earns 45% of the vote, while the president attracts support from 43%. Romney holds a nine-point advantage among unaffiliated voters.
For the first time ever, Texas Congressman Ron Paul also leads the president. In that matchup, 43% prefer Paul and 41% Obama. Ten percent (10%) would vote for some other option, a figure that includes 17% of Republicans.
For the first time since late December 2011, Mitt Romney leads the president in a hypothetical 2012 matchup. Romney earns 45% of the vote, while the president attracts support from 43%. Romney holds a nine-point advantage among unaffiliated voters.
For the first time ever, Texas Congressman Ron Paul also leads the president. In that matchup, 43% prefer Paul and 41% Obama. Ten percent (10%) would vote for some other option, a figure that includes 17% of Republicans.
Labels:
2012 Presidential Contenders,
Mitt Romney,
Polls,
Ron Paul
The Administration has already started to undermine Israel's case for defending itself by claiming, dontchaknow, that the Iranians are not making nukes after all. They are just making highly enriched uranium, folks. Nothing to worry about. False alarms, all you fools! It's just that Zionist plot again.
◼ Here Comes Obama's 3 AM Phone Call - James Lewis/American Thinker
...On or about April 1 of 2012, that 3 AM phone call will reach the White House. We know what it will be -- which is itself a sign of stunning incompetence in this White House. None of this information should ever be public. Ever.
But this administration has chosen its Secretary of Defense to publicly leak the most closely guarded secret of Israel's back-against-the-wall defense against Iranian nuclear weapons.a...
No American president has ever allowed an international crisis to come so close to the brink. Obama has now allowed the Middle East to deteriorate so far that he has lost control. He now owns whatever is going to happen. His fingerprints are all over it.
...On or about April 1 of 2012, that 3 AM phone call will reach the White House. We know what it will be -- which is itself a sign of stunning incompetence in this White House. None of this information should ever be public. Ever.
But this administration has chosen its Secretary of Defense to publicly leak the most closely guarded secret of Israel's back-against-the-wall defense against Iranian nuclear weapons.a...
No American president has ever allowed an international crisis to come so close to the brink. Obama has now allowed the Middle East to deteriorate so far that he has lost control. He now owns whatever is going to happen. His fingerprints are all over it.
Labels:
Foreign Policy,
Iran,
Israel,
Nuclear War,
President Obama
#Occupy ‘Revolutionary Scholar’ Begins to Openly Discuss Use of Violence
◼ A prominent scholar supporting the Occupy movement is now openly dialoguing about the morality of whether or not violence should be embraced as a political tool. - Brandon Darby/Breitbart's Big Government
Kevin Carson, an American scholar of political theory and economy, recently published his latest work Should Occupy Use Violence in a far left-of-center newsletter named counterpunch. Carson stops short of directly calling for violence, however, his essay furthers the pro-violence argument by claiming moral-equivalency between the sanctioned use of force by law enforcement and anarchistic, far-Left violence.
Kevin Carson, an American scholar of political theory and economy, recently published his latest work Should Occupy Use Violence in a far left-of-center newsletter named counterpunch. Carson stops short of directly calling for violence, however, his essay furthers the pro-violence argument by claiming moral-equivalency between the sanctioned use of force by law enforcement and anarchistic, far-Left violence.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
PROFESSOR DERSHOWITZ: MEDIA MATTERS WILL BE A RE-ELECTION ISSUE
◼ Vows crusade against Obama for anti-Fox News group's rhetoric on Israel - WND
Left-leaning Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz is vowing to begin a campaign to personally make the Media Matters for America controversy into a re-election issue for President Obama.
A series of reports has exposed the embattled Media Matters’ purported illicit tactics, including compiling a de facto enemies list; announcing an all-out campaign of “guerrilla warfare and sabotage” aimed at the Fox News Channel; and reportedly seeking to investigate the personal lives of reporters and news personalities.
The information came amid reports White House staffers held regular meetings and even a weekly conference call with Media Matters.
Dershowitz took particular issue with Media Matters coverage of Israel, including rhetoric from Media Matters Action Network senior fellow M.J. Rosenberg, who is known for his extreme anti-Israel views.
Rosenberg has been pushing the phrase “Israel Firster,” implying those who support the Jewish state put Israel’s needs before those of the U.S.
“Not only will [the Media Matters controversy] be an election matter, I will personally make it an election matter,” said Dershowitz.
◼ Dershowitz declares war on Media Matters - HotAir
Media Matters for America took a big hit to its credibility when Tucker Carlson and the Daily Caller ran a multiple-installment exposé of the political non-profit, which laid bare the group’s hypocrisy on gun control and, more problematically, their close coordination with the Obama White House. MMFA has managed to find itself in another bruising political battle, this time with Alan Dershowitz, a man normally inclined to support the Left. Dershowitz has pledged to personally make Media Matters an issue in the election by actively campaigning against anyone supporting the group...
Left-leaning Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz is vowing to begin a campaign to personally make the Media Matters for America controversy into a re-election issue for President Obama.
A series of reports has exposed the embattled Media Matters’ purported illicit tactics, including compiling a de facto enemies list; announcing an all-out campaign of “guerrilla warfare and sabotage” aimed at the Fox News Channel; and reportedly seeking to investigate the personal lives of reporters and news personalities.
The information came amid reports White House staffers held regular meetings and even a weekly conference call with Media Matters.
Dershowitz took particular issue with Media Matters coverage of Israel, including rhetoric from Media Matters Action Network senior fellow M.J. Rosenberg, who is known for his extreme anti-Israel views.
Rosenberg has been pushing the phrase “Israel Firster,” implying those who support the Jewish state put Israel’s needs before those of the U.S.
“Not only will [the Media Matters controversy] be an election matter, I will personally make it an election matter,” said Dershowitz.
◼ Dershowitz declares war on Media Matters - HotAir
Media Matters for America took a big hit to its credibility when Tucker Carlson and the Daily Caller ran a multiple-installment exposé of the political non-profit, which laid bare the group’s hypocrisy on gun control and, more problematically, their close coordination with the Obama White House. MMFA has managed to find itself in another bruising political battle, this time with Alan Dershowitz, a man normally inclined to support the Left. Dershowitz has pledged to personally make Media Matters an issue in the election by actively campaigning against anyone supporting the group...
Bipartisan Group of Over 200 Representatives Urge White House to End Job-Killing Junk Science Climate Regulations
◼ A group of over 200 US representatives, including 14 democrats, sent a letter to the Obama White House this week urging the administration to end their job-killing junk science regulations.
◼ The Hill reported:
More than 200 House Republicans and about a dozen conservative Democrats called on the White House Thursday to kill pending climate regulations, arguing they will impose huge costs on consumers.
“Affordable, reliable electricity is critical to keeping growing jobs in the United States and such a standard will likely drive up energy prices and threaten domestic jobs,” the 223 lawmakers, including 14 Democrats, wrote in a letter to White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) acting director Jeffrey Zients....
◼ The Hill reported:
More than 200 House Republicans and about a dozen conservative Democrats called on the White House Thursday to kill pending climate regulations, arguing they will impose huge costs on consumers.
“Affordable, reliable electricity is critical to keeping growing jobs in the United States and such a standard will likely drive up energy prices and threaten domestic jobs,” the 223 lawmakers, including 14 Democrats, wrote in a letter to White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) acting director Jeffrey Zients....
Labels:
Bipartisan,
Jobs,
President Obama,
Regulation
'Valor' Secures Win at Box Office
◼ An action film featuring active-duty Navy SEALs captured the weekend box office crown, earning $24.7 million in North America, according to early estimates. - WSJ
"Act of Valor," distributed by Relativity Media LLC and produced for $12 million, opened on 3,039 screens in its first weekend in theaters. The film, about a Navy SEAL team on a mission to rescue a kidnapped Central Intelligence Agency officer, was a hit with men, drawing a 71% male audience.
"Act of Valor," distributed by Relativity Media LLC and produced for $12 million, opened on 3,039 screens in its first weekend in theaters. The film, about a Navy SEAL team on a mission to rescue a kidnapped Central Intelligence Agency officer, was a hit with men, drawing a 71% male audience.
Gallup Poll: Obama Should be Worried
◼ Gallup has released their state-by-state Presidential approval polling. The results do not look good for the President. - Mark B. Lowe/Race42012
If you take the simple analysis that any state with a negative rating will go to the Republican, and any state with a positive rating will go to Obama, November promises to be a bloodbath for the incumbent.
If you just add up electoral votes in that manner, you have the Republican winning 323 to 215.
Here is the projected electoral map courtesy of the Washington Examiner:
◼ Americans Say Obama’s Presidency Has Been A Failure - RNC Research:
◼ “Americans Are More Likely To Say His Presidency Has Been A Failure Than A Success, 50%-44%.” - (Susan Page, “Poll: Optimism On The Economy Doesn’t Lift Views Of Politics,” USA Today, 2/23/12)
◼ Quinnipiac University Poll: 49 Percent Of Americans Disapprove Of President Obama’s Job Performance, Compared To Just 45 Percent Who Approve. - (Quinnipiac University Poll 2,605 RV MoE 1.9% 2/14-2/20)
◼ Quinnipiac University Poll: 50 Percent Of Voters Say Obama Doesn’t Deserve Re-Election While Just 45 Percent Say He Deserves It. -(Quinnipiac University Poll 2,605 RV MoE 1.9% 2/14-2/20)
Quinnipiac University Poll: 48 Percent Of Independents Do Not Believe Obama Deserves To Be Re-Elected, Compared To Just 43 Percent Who Do. (Quinnipiac University Poll 2,605 RV MoE 1.9% 2/14-2/20)
Quinnipiac University Poll: “A Full Majority — 55 Percent — Of Voters Disapprove Of His Handling Of The Economy, While 41 Percent Approve.” (Quinnipiac University Poll 2,605 RV MoE 1.9% 2/14-2/20)
Quinnipiac University Poll: Independents Disapprove, 56 To 37 Percent, Of Obama’s Handling Of The Economy. (Quinnipiac University Poll 2,605 RV MoE 1.9% 2/14-2/20)
Quinnipiac University Poll: 61 Percent Of Voters Disapprove Of Obama’s Handling Of The Budget Deficit. (Quinnipiac University Poll 2,605 RV MoE 1.9% 2/14-2/20)
Quinnipiac University Poll: 65 Percent Of Independent Voters Disapprove Of Obama’s Handling Of The Budget Deficit. (Quinnipiac University Poll 2,605 RV MoE 1.9% 2/14-2/20)
Quinnipiac University Poll: Voters Support 64-23 Percent The Proposed Keystone Pipeline. (Quinnipiac University Poll 2,605 RV MoE 1.9% 2/14-2/20)
And Americans See Him As “Too Liberal”
“A 51% Majority Say Obama Is Too Liberal, And Americans Are Inclined To Say They Disagree With Him On The Issues That Matter Most To Them.” (Susan Page, “Poll: Optimism On The Economy Doesn’t Lift Views Of Politics,” USA Today, 2/23/12)
50 Percent Of Americans Say They Disagree With Obama On The Issues That Matter Most To Them. (Gallup, 1,014 A, MoE 4%, 2/16 -19/12)
Obama Is Even Losing His “Favorability” Factor
At 50 Percent, Obama’s Favorability Rating Is Lower Than Every Nominee In The Past Five Presidential Contests Except Republican Bob Dole. “His favorable rating is 50%, higher than the GOP presidential contenders but lower than every nominee in the past five presidential contests at this point except Republican Bob Dole, who lost in 1996.” (Susan Page, “Poll: Optimism On The Economy Doesn’t Lift Views Of Politics,” USA Today, 2/23/12)
Obama Continues To Struggle In Key Battleground States
NBC News/Marist Poll: 51 Percent Of Arizona Voters Disapprove Of Obama’s Job Performance, Compared To Just 38 Percent Who Approve. (NBC News/Marist Poll, 2487 RV, MoE 2%, 2/19-2/20)
Des Moines Register Poll: “Obama Is In Trouble In Iowa Today, Hampered By Negative Perceptions Of The Job He Is Doing As President.” (“Obama Trails Three Of Four Republican Candidates In Latest Iowa Poll,” Des Moines Register, 2/18/12)
Des Moines Register Poll: 48 Percent Of Iowa Adults Disapprove Of Obama’s Job Performance. (“Obama Trails Three Of Four Republican Candidates In Latest Iowa Poll,” Des Moines Register, 2/18/12)
Des Moines Register Poll: Iowa Voters Have A 51 Percent Unfavorable Opinion Of Obama. (Des Moines Register: Iowa Poll, 800 Iowa Adults, MoE 3.5% 2/12-2/15/12)
Des Moines Register Poll: 58 Percent Of Iowa Adults Disapprove Of Obama’s Handling Of The Economy. (Des Moines Register: Iowa Poll, 800 Iowa Adults, MoE 3.5% 2/12-2/15/12)
Des Moines Register Poll: 64 Percent Of Iowa Adults Think The Country Is On The Wrong Track, Compared To Just 30 Percent Of Iowans Who Think The Country Is On The Right Track. (Des Moines Register: Iowa Poll, 800 Iowa Adults, MoE 3.5% 2/12-2/15/12)
If you take the simple analysis that any state with a negative rating will go to the Republican, and any state with a positive rating will go to Obama, November promises to be a bloodbath for the incumbent.
If you just add up electoral votes in that manner, you have the Republican winning 323 to 215.
Here is the projected electoral map courtesy of the Washington Examiner:
◼ Americans Say Obama’s Presidency Has Been A Failure - RNC Research:
◼ “Americans Are More Likely To Say His Presidency Has Been A Failure Than A Success, 50%-44%.” - (Susan Page, “Poll: Optimism On The Economy Doesn’t Lift Views Of Politics,” USA Today, 2/23/12)
◼ Quinnipiac University Poll: 49 Percent Of Americans Disapprove Of President Obama’s Job Performance, Compared To Just 45 Percent Who Approve. - (Quinnipiac University Poll 2,605 RV MoE 1.9% 2/14-2/20)
◼ Quinnipiac University Poll: 50 Percent Of Voters Say Obama Doesn’t Deserve Re-Election While Just 45 Percent Say He Deserves It. -(Quinnipiac University Poll 2,605 RV MoE 1.9% 2/14-2/20)
Quinnipiac University Poll: 48 Percent Of Independents Do Not Believe Obama Deserves To Be Re-Elected, Compared To Just 43 Percent Who Do. (Quinnipiac University Poll 2,605 RV MoE 1.9% 2/14-2/20)
Quinnipiac University Poll: “A Full Majority — 55 Percent — Of Voters Disapprove Of His Handling Of The Economy, While 41 Percent Approve.” (Quinnipiac University Poll 2,605 RV MoE 1.9% 2/14-2/20)
Quinnipiac University Poll: Independents Disapprove, 56 To 37 Percent, Of Obama’s Handling Of The Economy. (Quinnipiac University Poll 2,605 RV MoE 1.9% 2/14-2/20)
Quinnipiac University Poll: 61 Percent Of Voters Disapprove Of Obama’s Handling Of The Budget Deficit. (Quinnipiac University Poll 2,605 RV MoE 1.9% 2/14-2/20)
Quinnipiac University Poll: 65 Percent Of Independent Voters Disapprove Of Obama’s Handling Of The Budget Deficit. (Quinnipiac University Poll 2,605 RV MoE 1.9% 2/14-2/20)
Quinnipiac University Poll: Voters Support 64-23 Percent The Proposed Keystone Pipeline. (Quinnipiac University Poll 2,605 RV MoE 1.9% 2/14-2/20)
And Americans See Him As “Too Liberal”
“A 51% Majority Say Obama Is Too Liberal, And Americans Are Inclined To Say They Disagree With Him On The Issues That Matter Most To Them.” (Susan Page, “Poll: Optimism On The Economy Doesn’t Lift Views Of Politics,” USA Today, 2/23/12)
50 Percent Of Americans Say They Disagree With Obama On The Issues That Matter Most To Them. (Gallup, 1,014 A, MoE 4%, 2/16 -19/12)
Obama Is Even Losing His “Favorability” Factor
At 50 Percent, Obama’s Favorability Rating Is Lower Than Every Nominee In The Past Five Presidential Contests Except Republican Bob Dole. “His favorable rating is 50%, higher than the GOP presidential contenders but lower than every nominee in the past five presidential contests at this point except Republican Bob Dole, who lost in 1996.” (Susan Page, “Poll: Optimism On The Economy Doesn’t Lift Views Of Politics,” USA Today, 2/23/12)
Obama Continues To Struggle In Key Battleground States
NBC News/Marist Poll: 51 Percent Of Arizona Voters Disapprove Of Obama’s Job Performance, Compared To Just 38 Percent Who Approve. (NBC News/Marist Poll, 2487 RV, MoE 2%, 2/19-2/20)
Des Moines Register Poll: “Obama Is In Trouble In Iowa Today, Hampered By Negative Perceptions Of The Job He Is Doing As President.” (“Obama Trails Three Of Four Republican Candidates In Latest Iowa Poll,” Des Moines Register, 2/18/12)
Des Moines Register Poll: 48 Percent Of Iowa Adults Disapprove Of Obama’s Job Performance. (“Obama Trails Three Of Four Republican Candidates In Latest Iowa Poll,” Des Moines Register, 2/18/12)
Des Moines Register Poll: Iowa Voters Have A 51 Percent Unfavorable Opinion Of Obama. (Des Moines Register: Iowa Poll, 800 Iowa Adults, MoE 3.5% 2/12-2/15/12)
Des Moines Register Poll: 58 Percent Of Iowa Adults Disapprove Of Obama’s Handling Of The Economy. (Des Moines Register: Iowa Poll, 800 Iowa Adults, MoE 3.5% 2/12-2/15/12)
Des Moines Register Poll: 64 Percent Of Iowa Adults Think The Country Is On The Wrong Track, Compared To Just 30 Percent Of Iowans Who Think The Country Is On The Right Track. (Des Moines Register: Iowa Poll, 800 Iowa Adults, MoE 3.5% 2/12-2/15/12)
Labels:
2012 Presidential Campaign,
Blue State,
Delegates,
Polls,
Red State
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