The right frequently seems genuinely mystified as to why so many Americans tell pollsters how unsatisfied they are with the economy. Bush and his allies frequently say, “Look at GDP and unemployment rates! You guys should be thrilled! What kind of idiots are you people?” Maybe news like this will help conservatives better understand the […]
Today’s installment of campaign-related news items that wouldn’t generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to political observers: * CNN: “A liberal blogger has filed a federal complaint against former Sen. Fred Thompson, the actor and unannounced Republican candidate for president, accusing him of violating election laws as he ponders his […]
You’ve no doubt heard quite a bit about toys manufactured in China reaching U.S. stores, despite the use of lead-based paints. McClatchy’s Kevin Hall reports today on the Bush administration’s role in the story. The Bush administration and China have both undermined efforts to tighten rules designed to ensure that lead paint isn’t used in […]
After the Michael O’Hanlon/Ken Pollack op-ed appeared in the NYT a few weeks ago, the political response was overwhelming. It was read, repeatedly, on the floor of Congress; it was cited frequently by administration officials and its ideological allies; and O’Hanlon and Pollack became fixtures on the talking-head shows. The piece, and the story behind, […]
Apparently, former Sen. Sam Nunn, a conservative Democrat from Georgia who voluntarily left politics more than a decade ago, is eyeing a return to the national stage. Maybe he’s hoping to join a Democratic president’s cabinet? Perhaps he thinks he can position himself as a credible running mate? No, Nunn is apparently chatting with Unity08. […]
Not only has the Bush White House strongly resisted a bipartisan congressional effort to expand the Children’s Health Insurance Plan to include 4 million uninsured American children, now our “compassionate conservative” president is forcing states to limit access for kids, too. The Bush administration, continuing its fight to stop states from expanding the popular Children’s […]
Today’s edition of quick hits. * Interesting timing: “The White House revealed today that General David Petraeus’ testimony before Congress on progress in Iraq has now been scheduled — and the chosen date just happens to be September 11, the sixth anniversary of the attacks. Why the timing? The White House said today that it’s […]
The Senate Judiciary Committee requested information from the Bush gang on the legal basis for the president’s warrantless-surveillance program. The White House stalled. The Judiciary Committee issued subpoenas; the White House delayed. Committee Chairman Pat Leahy (D-Vt.) was accommodating, extending the deadline for materials a few times. Today was the “final” deadline. Leahy told the […]
On Friday afternoon, CNN’s John King chatted with one-of-these-days presidential hopeful Fred Thompson at the Iowa State Fair. The actor-senator-lobbyist — who was mocked for wearing Gucci loafers to the fair — seemed a little confused about his position on gay marriage. KING: You met this morning privately with some conservative activists in this state, […]
Following up on this morning’s item, Noam Scheiber notes this amusing exchange between Karl Rove and Fox News’ Chris Wallace. WALLACE: But, Mr. Rove, there was tremendous opposition from your own party on immigration reform and, frankly, not much support on Social Security reform. ROVE: Well, look. On Social Security it’s a tough issue. This […]