Today’s edition of quick hits. * I sure am glad Bush came around to accepting Clinton’s policy on North Korea: “North Korea pledged Wednesday to detail its nuclear programs and disable all activities at its main reactor complex by the end of the year, its firmest commitment to disarm after decades seeking to develop the […]
GOP lawmakers balk at Ramadan recognition
One of the most common elements of a day in Congress are votes on non-binding, symbolic resolutions that honor some person or event. They’re harmless votes, which are generally ignored. Yesterday, however, the House took up a resolution recognizing the commencement of Ramadan and “demonstrat[ing] solidarity with and support for members of the community of […]
Do Republicans really like Giuliani on ‘social issues’?
Given all the attention on the latest Washington Post poll on the state of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, it’s only fair to note that the WaPo polled on the race for the Republican nomination, too. There hasn’t been too much fluctuation in the race of late. Rudy Giuliani still leads the field […]
Bush’s S-CHIP veto based on errors of fact and logic
Following up on an earlier item, the president’s decision to veto a bipartisan bill to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program is scandalous, but it’s not without a foundation. Bush didn’t just reject the expansion out of some kind of craven disgust for children’s health; he’s offered specific policy rationales for rejecting the legislation. […]
Media believes Clinton’s chuckles are no laughing matter
Following up an item from the weekend, media scrutiny of Hillary Clinton’s marriage, hairstyle, clothing, and cleavage has apparently grown stale, leading reporters to turn their attention to the Democratic frontrunner’s laugh. The New York Times has labeled it “The Cackle” — and yes, the paper of record really did capitalize it. Perhaps not surprisingly, […]
Chris Matthews to Jon Stewart: ‘This is a book interview from hell’
About three years ago, The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart appeared on CNN’s Crossfire to tell the hosts that the show is “hurting America.” Depending on one’s perspective, Stewart was either being pompous or delivering a much-needed wake-up call to the political/media establishment (I vote for the latter), but either way, it became something of a […]
Rudy runs ’round religious right leaders
Rudy Giuliani may think he can fool voters at large about his positions on social issues, but the former mayor isn’t stupid — he knows conning religious right leaders is impossible. Dobson & Co. are well aware of Giuliani’s background, and won’t fall for “strict constructionist” talking points. It’s precisely why some of this crowd […]
Wednesday’s political round-up
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: * John Edwards’ presidential campaign has criticized Hillary Clinton’s campaign for stealing the former senator’s ideas, and yesterday, Team Edwards went after Barack Obama for the same reason. “If you need any more […]
Bush balks at children’s health, vetoes S-CHIP bill
The president was very anxious to make his case against expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program in a very public way, complete with a press conference, a radio address, and a fairly aggressive media press. But when it came time to reject the bipartisan measure to provide access to care for millions of low-income […]
Stuck in a hole, Limbaugh keeps digging
When MoveOn.org’s “Betray Us” ad drew a firestorm of attention, the progressive group stood by the advertisement, but it didn’t take out another, even more provocative ad. When Rush Limbaugh drew the ire of Dems and veterans’ groups for attacking soldiers who support withdrawal from Iraq as “phony,” he decided to dive right back in. […]