I have to admit, several Senate Republicans really had me going there. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) sounded sincere when he decried Bush’s escalation plan and said he’s at “the end of [his] rope.” Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) seemed absolutely genuine when he expressed support for a resolution condemning escalation. Sen. John Warner (R-Va.) appeared serious […]
Monday’s Mini-Report
Today’s edition of quick hits. * Former House Majority Leader Dick Armey’s (R-Texas) new McClatchy interview included some pretty stunning responses from the far-right Republican. He bashed Tom DeLay (“I don’t believe he’s a good person”) and he lamented the 2002 Iraq war resolution (“Had I been more true to myself and the principles I […]
Stuck in the Swampland
I’ve resisted the temptation to turn bashing Joe Klein, blogging at Time’s Swampland blog, into a parlor game, but one of his items from today was just too breathtaking to ignore. McCain, whether you agree with him or not, has been entirely consistent about the war. I disagreed with him about going to war in […]
‘They stole our ideas’
Rep. Scott Garrett’s (R-N.J.) office, hoping to get a better sense of the House GOP caucus’ mood and perspective, conducted a wide-ranging, seven-page survey last month, the results of which were presented at the annual GOP retreat last week. Roll Call obtained a copy of the original survey, which ended up shedding some interesting light […]
Global warming gets worse — as does Republican understanding of the crisis
In April 2006, National Journal asked lawmakers on both sides of the aisle whether they believe the evidence shows that global warming is a man-made phenomenon. 98% of Dems said yes, as opposed to 23% of Republicans. Last week, the same magazine asked the same question. The results were not at all encouraging. National Journal […]
Taking conservative comedy seriously
Townhall’s Doug Giles noted in his newest column that when it comes to comedy, “Mr. and Mrs. Conservative, you must bow and kiss the Left’s ring. They slay us. You can count on one hand how many conservatives are making a semi-distinct blip on the comedic scene.” In the kind of piece one can only […]
Cheney’s energy policies face withering attack — from his own investment manager
For an investment manager to attack oil-based energy policies is unusual. For a successful investment manager with ties to the oil industry to do so is very unusual. But for Dick Cheney’s own investment manager to do so is kind of shocking. The oil-based energy policies usually associated with Vice President Dick Cheney have just […]
The president’s budget is ‘disconnected from reality’
It’s Budget Day in Washington, as the White House unveiled a brand new $2.9 trillion spending plan, which, according to the Bush gang’s rhetoric, will set the nation on course for a balanced budget by 2012. So, how’s it look? Take a wild guess. Bush’s spending plan would make his first-term tax cuts permanent, at […]
Monday’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: * Following up on our discussion from yesterday, Ralph Nader told CNN yesterday that he may run yet again in 2008 and will decide later this year whether to do so. He added […]
Edwards’ hits and misses on Meet the Press
It’s unfortunate, but whenever I think of John Edwards and Meet the Press, I think of the then-senator sitting down with Tim Russert in 2002. It didn’t go well. Edwards offered some pleasant rhetoric and clever turns of phrase, but Russert kept pushing to pin Edwards down on details and specifics. Edwards was unprepared and […]