ThinkFast: November 12, 2008
ThinkFast: November 12, 2008
Yesterday, Obama transition chief John Podesta unveiled “the strictest, the most far-reaching ethics rules of any transition team in history.” “I’ve heard the other complaint, which is we’re leaving all this expertise on the side, because we’re leaving all the people who know everything out in the cold. And so be it,” Podesta said.
A new poll from CNN/Opinion Research Corp states that “59 percent of those questioned said Democratic control of both the executive and legislative branches will be good for the country.” Furthermore, 62 percent said they have a “favorable opinion” of the Democratic party, while 54 percent said they have “an unfavorable view of the GOP.”
80 percent: “African-Americans questioned in [the] CNN/Opinion Research Corp. survey [who] said that Obama’s election was a dream come true,” compared with 28 percent of whites who shared that sentiment. Seventy-one percent of African-Americans also said “they never thought a black candidate for president would get elected in their lifetime.”
“President-elect Obama has hired former Senate Armed Services Committee chairman Sam Nunn to help shepherd his Pentagon transition.”
Just days after right-wing blogger John Hinderaker counseled Barack Obama to be as careful with his words as George W. Bush, the President said he “regrets saying some things I shouldn’t have said.” Bush added, “My wife reminded me that, hey, as president of the United States, be careful what you say.”
About 30 percent — or 90,000 — of the Alaska votes that will decide the fate of Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) haven’t been counted. Stevens leads Democrat Mark Begich by 3,257 votes.
“A number of influential congressional Democrats oppose keeping Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell and CIA Director Michael V. Hayden in their posts because both have publicly supported controversial Bush administration policies on interrogation and telephone surveillance.” Though these Democrats say a “consensus” has been formed about the matter, Obama transition officials say no decision has been made.
Yesterday, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined other top Democrats in saying that Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) should remain in their caucus. “Despite what Sen. Lieberman did in campaigning for Sen. McCain, speaking at the Republican convention, he has voted with the Democrats an overwhelming percentage of the time,” Durbin said. More here on why Lieberman is not a progressive.
On Friday, the leaders of 19 nations will meet in Washington for an “emergency economic summit,” but despite being invited, President-elect Barack Obama will not be in attendance and “will not meet and of the leaders separately.” Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs explained, “We firmly believe there is only one president at a time.”
And finally: Sweet nibblets! Malia and Sasha Obama may get the chance to appear on “Hannah Montana.” The stars of the popular Disney show, Billy Ray Cyrus and his daughter Miley, have made it clear that there is an open invitation to the girls to appear as guests whenever they would like. The two Obama girls have expressed interest in entering showbiz one day, and Cyrus has said that they are “kind of like me before I started my own career. You are kind of put in it because [of] their dad and because of my dad.”
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80 percent: “African-Americans questioned in [the] CNN/Opinion Research Corp. survey [who] said that Obama’s election was a dream come true,” compared with 28 percent of whites who shared that sentiment.
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I fully expect some troll to look at the “28% of whites” number and conclude that only 28% of whites voted for the man.
I don’t believe that’s true — Obama would never have won the election otherwise. But I think there are a lot of people (both black and white) who voted for Obama because he is the best person to lead our country at this difficult time, and the fact that he’s a person of color is a bonus.
But I can understand the euphoria of those who held this as a dream, especially since there are still many people alive in this country who recall Jim Crow laws and have personally faced (and still face) both subtle and overt discrimination because of their color.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:13 am…despite being invited, President-elect Barack Obama will not be in attendance and “will not meet and of the leaders separately.” Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs explained, “We firmly believe there is only one president at a time.”
_________
So? The current one’s really bad at it. And he doesn’t even want to be President anymore. I don’t think anyone in the G-20 would mind if you went instead.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:14 am“My wife reminded me that, hey, as president of the United States, be careful what you say.”
Which correlates DIRECTLY into “be careful what you DO.”
Stupid little Shrub.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:15 amright-wing blogger John Hinderaker counseled Barack Obama to be as careful with his words as George W. Bush
I may just have to start reading a couple of those right-wing blogs. It’s kind of amazing, you know. Before November 4, they were stupid and infuriating. Now they are just humorous and oddly irrelevant.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:15 amEthics Rule:
Ask yourself ‘what would a Republican do?’–and then do the opposite.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:16 amA new poll from CNN/Opinion Research Corp states that “59 percent of those questioned said Democratic control of both the executive and legislative branches will be good for the country.”
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There was a time when the country preferred to have things balanced, and felt comfortable when one party had the White House, and the other had at least one of the houses of Congress.
I believe the Republicans poisoned the well on this one. When they grabbed control of Congress in 1994, they immediately went about setting up the rules as if they would never lose the control they just gained. They moved swiftly to reduce the power of the minority as much as they possibly could, including the institution of rules that effectively barred any legislator of the minority party from introducing legislation without some backing from a majority co-sponsor and have it get anywhere.
Then, when they lost control in 2006, their reaction was to obstruct as much as possible, to ensure the Democrats would accomplish as little as possible.
The Republicans have sent very clear signals that they have no interest in bipartisanship. They only want omnipotence, and will fight tooth and nail to get it.
If this is the case, and bipartisanship is not an option, then I would rather have the Democrats in the position of absolute power than the GOP. I can see that a mostly fed-up populace agrees with me on this one.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:21 amDubya had eight years to “watch what he said”, and still he suffered from self inflicted cases of diarrhea of the mouth.
The difference between Bush and Obama when it comes to “watching what you say” is this: Obama is well spoken and intelligent. Bush is not.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:24 amYesterday, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined other top Democrats in saying that Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) should remain in their caucus. “Despite what Sen. Lieberman did in campaigning for Sen. McCain, speaking at the Republican convention, he has voted with the Democrats an overwhelming percentage of the time,” Durbin said.
This sends a terrible message, at a time when we need solidarity. Now the Blue Dogs will be emboldened, because they know there is no price to pay for supporting “undemocratic” programs and causes.
Remembering how often Clinton was betrayed by them, if Obama doesn’t get a grip on this, his agenda is doomed.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:25 am“I’ve heard the other complaint, which is we’re leaving all this expertise on the side, because we’re leaving all the people who know everything out in the cold. And so be it,” Podesta said.
Personally I think it is a good thing. Getting some fresh blood and new ideas into government is what we need right now.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:28 amObama’s ethics rules are hardly progressive in nature. Lobbyists can still serve; they just have to take a yearly break.
http://www.sunstateactivist.org/ssablog/
November 12th, 2008 at 9:29 amSome humor to brighten the day:
January 21, 2009G
A dimunitve elderly black man dressed in his Sunday best shows up at the gate at The White House. The guard approaches him and asks what he is there for. The old man replies: “I’m here to see President George W. Bush, President of The United States. The guard smiles and says:”George Bush doesn’t live in The White House anymore, George Bush is not the President of The United States. The old man says: “Oh, thank you.” and walks away.
The next day at the same time the old man shows up again. “I’m here to see President George W. Bush, President of The United States.” Again the guard tells him:”George Bush doesn’t live in The White House anymore, George Bush is not The President of The United States.” The old man says:”Oh, thank you.” and walks away.
On the third day at the same time the old man returns and says again: “I’m here to se President George W. Bush, President of The United States.” The guard this time a bit perturbed repeats:”ThGeorge Bush doesn’t live in The White House anymore, George Bush is not The President of The United States!!” The old man says:”Oh, thank you.” and walks away.
On the fourth day as the old man approaches the guard yells:”Listen, George Bush doesn’t live in The White House anymore, George Bush is not the President of The United States. Do you understand!!??” To which the old man replied:”Fool, of course I understand, I just like hearing it!!!”
November 12th, 2008 at 9:31 amI believe the Republicans poisoned the well on this one. When they grabbed control of Congress in 1994, they immediately went about setting up the rules as if they would never lose the control they just gained. They moved swiftly to reduce the power of the minority as much as they possibly could, including the institution of rules that effectively barred any legislator of the minority party from introducing legislation without some backing from a majority co-sponsor and have it get anywhere.
And the Blue Dogs aided and abetted them, all along the way.
They are the ones who will either have to be placated, to move Obama’s agenda, or whipped into line with administrative threats. In this regard, Emanuel looks like a good choice.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:31 amA new poll from CNN/Opinion Research Corp states that “59 percent of those questioned said Democratic control of both the executive and legislative branches will be good for the country.”
Wow, that’s got to hurt the GOP! Perhaps Martin should quote this poll in an ad against Chambliss in GA since he seems to be running on the scare tactic that if the government is controlled by the Democrats bad things are going to happen.
Send a campaign contribution to Martin. Let’s show Chambliss that his party is over along with the rest of the GOP.
http://www.martinforsenate.com/
November 12th, 2008 at 9:32 amYesterday, Obama transition chief John Podesta unveiled “the strictest, the most far-reaching ethics rules of any transition team in history.” “I’ve heard the other complaint, which is we’re leaving all this expertise on the side, because we’re leaving all the people who know everything out in the cold. And so be it,” Podesta said.
This cannot be stressed enough. I don’t think TP did it justice with the blurb above. This is some of the change we can believe in. Controlling lobbying. Maybe we can begin to bring out congressional approval numbers up with these kind of rules.
From the article,
November 12th, 2008 at 9:32 am
About 30 percent — or 90,000 — of the Alaska votes that will decide the fate of Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) haven’t been counted. Stevens leads Democrat Mark Begich by 3,257 votes.
I hope that the Democrats have people in Alaska monitoring this situation. Something is definitely hinky here. Why is it that those 90,000 votes haven’t been counted. I have read for 4 days now that there were still 90,000 votes to be counted.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:34 am00mpp00 Says:
Obama’s ethics rules are hardly progressive in nature. Lobbyists can still serve; they just have to take a yearly break.
___________
Is it an improvement over the clusterph*ck we currently have in place?
YES…
Don’t forget to pick up a fresh pair of Depends on your way out. They’re free…
November 12th, 2008 at 9:37 amYesterday, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined other top Democrats in saying that Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) should remain in their caucus.
I really hate to see the Democrats doing this. One of the biggest things wrong with the GOP is that there are never any consequences for bad behavior. Now the Democrats are doing the same thing.
I am resigned to LIEberman being allowed to caucus with the Democrats, even though I think it is a big mistake. But, I am going to be furious if they allow him to keep the Chairmanship of Homeland Security.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:38 ammisshusseinmolly: “If this is the case, and bipartisanship is not an option, then I would rather have the Democrats in the position of absolute power than the GOP.”
Dems can’t exercise absolute power even if they had it. Philosophically it is not natural and because Democrats are inclusive by nature there will always be Blue-Dogs to temper such power (though not as noble guardians against despotism, but because its in their nature to be conservative and thus be at odds with progressives on certain issues or particulars).
November 12th, 2008 at 9:40 am“…right-wing blogger John Hinderaker counseled Barack Obama to be as careful with his words as George W. Bush…”
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And we all saw how careful Bush was with his words. Does this right-wing blogger just want the entertainment to continue?
November 12th, 2008 at 9:41 amBilbo Hussein Baggins Says
November 12th, 2008 at 9:38 am
I am resigned to LIEberman being allowed to caucus with the Democrats, even though I think it is a big mistake. But, I am going to be furious if they allow him to keep the Chairmanship of Homeland Security.
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I would hope that Lieberman loses his chairmanship. Or at the very least, chair a committee in an area where he still can support the progressive agenda (hmmm…I don’t know if there are any of those areas left for Joe, since he’s sold out on almost everything).
Perhaps, if Martin, Begich, and Franken all manage to win their tight races, Lieberman will resign from the Democratic Caucus just on general principle, since he is on record as saying what a disaster having a majority of 60 would be.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:45 amThe Republic of Stupidity Says:
00mpp00 Says:
Obama’s ethics rules are hardly progressive in nature. Lobbyists can still serve; they just have to take a yearly break.
___________
Is it an improvement over the clusterph*ck we currently have in place? YES…
It certainly is an improvement. The problem that Obama has is that it would be very difficult to hire 450 people with the expertise he needs who haven’t been involved in some form of lobbying. By setting these restrictions he will get people to work for him who are not coming into the job with an agenda.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:49 ammaybe i shouldn’t judge – having never watched her show – but what i have seen of miley cyrus makes me think “tramp”…
underage tramp.
seems to be a fad these days…
poor little girls… someday they will want to be taken seriously…
November 12th, 2008 at 9:50 amA new poll from CNN/Opinion Research Corp states that “59 percent of those questioned said Democratic control of both the executive and legislative branches will be good for the country.”
November 12th, 2008 at 9:51 am……………
This is a 2 edged sword .If the democrats fail to do what they have campaigned on they will have zero political cover and Obama will be faced with reprisals during the next mid term elections !This makes the new presidents first 100 days in office especially critical .
The republicans have managed to destroy their party over the last 8 years , it now remains to be seen if the Dems will do the same .
The end of the 2 party system ? Stay tuned …….
Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans Join The Homeless
by Anne Sussman
SAN FRANCISCO – Ethan Kreutzer joined the Army at the age of 17 and fought with the 19th Airborne in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. When he retuned home, he had no money, no education and no civilian job experience. He soon became homeless. He slept in an alley off Haight Street, behind two trash cans…
…Sean McKeen, a hardy, broad-shouldered 21-year-old with a wide smile, went to Iraq to clear land mines, and to get money for college. When he returned home, he became homeless in less than a week. He found himself sleeping in a cot in a crowded homeless shelter in San Francisco…
…One of the symptoms of PTSD is isolation and withdrawal, according to Amy Fairweather, director of the Iraq Veterans project at Swords to Plowshares. “So that interferes with your ability to get a job. People sit in the dark by themselves,” she said
… “We are seeing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, who are homeless, coming in very quickly. After Vietnam, it generally took about five to 10 years to end up on the streets. We’re seeing people on the streets three months after they come home.”
“Hearthless and homeless, they must take their wives and families and tramp the roads like beggars…. They fight and fall to serve no other end but to multiply the possessions and comforts of the rich. They are styled masters of the world but they possess not a clod of earth that is truly their own.” – Tiberius Gracchus 133?BC
November 12th, 2008 at 9:52 amTo hear Lieberman describe it, you would think that party leadership is being unfair to him and suggesting unprecedented punishment (how very “republican” of him to play the victim card). However, he is wrong.
In 1964, Rep. John Bell Williams (D) of Mississippi and Rep. Albert Watson (D) of South Carolina both endorsed Barry Goldwater’s presidential campaign, and both were punished by losing their seniority. Four years later, Rep. John Rarick (D) of Louisiana endorsed George Wallace’s presidential campaign, and the party stripped him of his committee seniority, too.
In other words, what Lieberman is asking for here is special treatment. Worse, he’s asking for special treatment he hasn’t earned, as evidenced by his awful two-year tenure as the chairman of the committee he wants to keep.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:52 amAwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Pop Quiz: Have children of sitting presidents ever done sit com appearances before?
The only First Lady TV star i can think of is Nancy Reagan on Different Strokes.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:52 amBilbo Hussein Baggins Says:
By setting these restrictions he will get people to work for him who are not coming into the job with an agenda.
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At least it starts to slow down that revolving door. Weren’t there GOOPers leaving office one day and going to work for lobbying firms the next? And prolly more than one Dem too. At least they’re now TRYING to not be so blatantly crooked.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:55 am“because we’re leaving all the people who know everything out in the cold”
Horse hockey! Knowledge exists outside the political lobbying world. Profound knowledge is more than a year old. It turned eighteen and Barack would do well to learn and apply the teachings of management guru, Dr. W. Edwards Deming.
Our political and business leadership are responsible for the heavy losses. Debacles in the financial and auto sectors are readily apparent.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:05 amTony Perkins sends out fund-raising letter wherein he revelas FRC’s plans to thwart the new administration’s initiatives:
“FRC is launching a plan to help expose our liberal leaders’ radicalism to America even as we short-circuit their agenda in Washington. ”
http://www.tips-q.com/content/tony-perkins-new-agenda
November 12th, 2008 at 10:07 amNot all lobbyists are registered. Obama’s rule applies to registered lobbyists. At least the NYT reported such.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:10 am“I’ve heard the other complaint, which is we’re leaving all this expertise on the side, because we’re leaving all the people who know everything out in the cold. And so be it,” Podesta said.
…………….
This article from the LA times says otherwise .
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-transition12-2008nov12,0,2131827.story
November 12th, 2008 at 10:11 amIt does behove the new administration to depend on savvy operators like Emmanuel who is known as a hardball player and an insider to the political landscape in Washington , despite the fact that he comes with a lot of baggage and is a worry to much of the progressive community.
For the same reasons help garnered from lobbyists is necessary to get things done quickly and get the legislature on board to pass Obama’s agenda as quickly as possible in order not to meet the same fate as Bill Clinton and Carter as Washington outsider rookies did and face a hostile congress after the Mid term elections . Achieving this and yet not abandoning his pledge to reign in lobbyists during his tenure will be a difficult task .
I believe the 1 year waiting period will go along way in avoiding the appearance of climbing back into bed with the same old Washington politics. But It is a high stakes game and with the inherited and monumental problem left to the country by the Presidency of George Bush it is going to be very difficult to keep the American people on board through the next election cycle .
100 days and counting down …..
we’re leaving all the people who know everything out in the cold….
But weren’t the lobbyists experienced in the style of govt that we want to undo ?
So why doesn’t Obama choose the most experienced person in foreign policy for a post? I hear that Sarah Palin is available.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:14 amAnother problem Obama faces is the massive exodus of qualified professionals from government service.
These were the experienced experts who keep the country running under all administrations. But the Bush gang has driven them out in unprecedented numbers, replacing them with incompetent cronies and religious wingnuts with degrees from cereal boxes.
In other words, thanks to the Repubklicans, the government is now staffed with complete nincompoops. Obama will have to clean the incompetent Bush people out of the government and virtually re-build the whole system, even as he tries to clean up the mess the wingers have made of our country.
“De-reg-u-la-tion”:
November 12th, 2008 at 10:14 amhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aypMFARJW84
Bush added, “My wife reminded me that, hey, as president of the United States, be careful what you say.”
This is exactly why that ignoramus shouldn’t have been president. His wife had to remind him to watch what he says as president. Damn! That’s just common sense, which isn’t common at all in his case.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:15 amdeebaser Says
November 12th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Pop Quiz: Have children of sitting presidents ever done sit com appearances before?
The only First Lady TV star i can think of is Nancy Reagan on Different Strokes.
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Add Betty Ford to the list — she made a cameo appearance on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. And like Nancy Reagan, she appeared as herself (also like Nancy Reagan, she had acting experience from her life before being FLOTUS).
The only presidential children (who were still children) during the television age were Caroline and John Kennedy Jr., Amy Carter, and Chelsea Clinton. I don’t recall any of them making any appearances on established television shows. I also don’t recall any time where the grown-up presidential children appearing on television shows, with the possible exception of the Reagan kids (most of whom were in the entertainment business in one form or another).
But if Malia and Sasha want to do this, and their role is vetted by their parents, I don’t see the harm in it.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:15 amtips-q.com Says:
“FRC is launching a plan to help expose our liberal leaders’ radicalism to America even as we short-circuit their agenda in Washington. ”
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Righto, Tony. No matter what… you’re out to sabotage it. Period.
Hey Tony, FFFFFFFFFFFFFFF-U!
November 12th, 2008 at 10:17 amI don’t think anybody seriously cares whether Lieberman remains in the Democratic Caucus. I wish Democrats would stop talking about whether kicking him out is even a prospect or that anyone has called for it. Lieberman should be stripped of his chair at the Senate Homeland Security Committee. That would be a fitting punishment for somebody who said such ill advised things about the incoming Democratic President, particularly in the sphere of national defense, while campaigning for the Republican candidate.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:17 amJohn Podesta: best Obama appointment yet! What a way to ensure a progressive government — straight from the chief of the best progressive think tank on the planet!
November 12th, 2008 at 10:28 amJohn Breaux-Patton Boggs & The Breaux Lott Leadership Group–registered lobbyist for wide range of industries
Tom Scully-Alston & Bird–registered lobbyist for healthcare
Tom Daschle-Alston & Bird–unregistered lobbyist
Each would be treated differently by the Obama transition team, yet all work for lobbying, influence peddling firms.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:31 amDoesn’t set the bar too high, does it?
November 12th, 2008 at 10:45 amHank Paulson proposed expanding TARP to non banks and partnering with private investors.
The federal rescue program (FRP) expands to more corporations. The taxpayer clears the deck for private investors, like The Carlyle Group to get back on track with those 30% annual returns.
Corporafornication continues…
November 12th, 2008 at 10:54 amPerry logan Says:
In other words, thanks to the Repubklicans, the government is now staffed with complete nincompoops. Obama will have to clean the incompetent Bush people out of the government and virtually re-build the whole system, even as he tries to clean up the mess the wingers have made of our country.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:14 am
_______
Not entirely. Although some technical folks have left government for the private sector, plenty of civil service staff have survived the Bush years – including scientists and engineers and economists and physicians. Their brains may have been dormant during the past eight years of anti-science administration, but they’ll be firing up the neurons easily.
I also wouldn’t be surprised if many of the NASA and NOAA and NIH and other folks who left their jobs in frustration will be looking to come back to the government as the loyal Bushies leave.
November 12th, 2008 at 11:03 amI am not one who holds a grudge, but in Lieberman’s case, because he was so nasty and disloyal and slanderous toward Obama, I would not feel bad if he were gone from the scene.
I personally would like to see Lieberman stripped of his chairmanship and frog-marched (?) out of the Democratic party, but I think I can see something of the logic behind his remaining in the caucus, and even in his present position as chairman. I am not changing my mind, but maybe something else is going on here, that is not readily apparent.
Lieberman will owe the Dems – he may use his position to block Republican efforts against Obama. Obama does not want to alienate Lieberman — the philosophy to keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
Durbin was strongly against Traitor Joe until this week — something must have caused him to change his stance.
But they all had better watch their collective back!
November 12th, 2008 at 11:07 amGay Couples Can Start to Marry in Connecticut
November 12th, 2008 at 11:22 amABC News – 1 hour ago
By JOHN CHRISTOFFERSEN AP Writer AP A judge cleared the way Wednesday for gay marriage in Connecticut, a victory for advocates stung by California’s referendum that banned same-sex unions in that state.
Gay couples can start to marry in Connecticut The Associated Press
1 of first gay marriage licenses issued in Conn. Boston Globe
USA Today – Turn to 10.com – eFluxMedia – AHN
all 661 news articles »
http://news.google.com/?ncl=1269337870&hl=en&topic=h
marie… i agree with you… however -
Lieberman will owe the Dems -
i don’t trust him. (period)
he may use his position to block Republican efforts against Obama.
randi pointed out that he may also use that position to
FORWARD repug efforts against obama.
i think that is his plan, actually…
he promised in 06 to work to assure a democratic president…
his word is NO good.
November 12th, 2008 at 11:33 amIn re: McConnell and Hayden, my vote would be to keep McConnell and scrap Hayden–who turned out to be the complete “yes” man. McConnell, in my experience, has been rational and as even-handed as possible in a bad situation. McConnell is very sharp.
November 12th, 2008 at 11:36 amYes, Katy, I am willing to consider that there is more here than meets the eye regarding Traitor Joe, but I still remain highly suspicious of him and his motives.
November 12th, 2008 at 11:37 amfletc3her Says:
I don’t think anybody seriously cares whether Lieberman remains in the Democratic Caucus.
I’m not sure who you are referring to as “anybody,” but I’m one person who does care are whether Lieberman remains. He’s going to be a spy and a mole. Lots of legislative strategy is discussed in the caucus. You don’t think Lieberman won’t be reporting back to the Republicans?
November 12th, 2008 at 11:37 am“A number of influential congressional Democrats oppose keeping Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell and CIA Director Michael V. Hayden in their posts because both have publicly supported controversial Bush administration policies on interrogation and telephone surveillance.” Though these Democrats say a “consensus” has been formed about the matter, Obama transition officials say no decision has been made.
They should both go. If Obama intends to keep his “change” promises, people like this should be replaced ASAP.
November 12th, 2008 at 11:42 amTreasury drops plan to buy mortgages, will fund non-banks
MarketWatch – 39 minutes ago
By Greg Robb WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — The White House has shelved plans to purchase troubled mortgage assets from banks and other financial institutions, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said Wednesday.
AP Top News at 10:00 am EST The Associated Press
It’s About the Mortgages New York Times
November 12th, 2008 at 11:54 am
It looks like Hank Paulson pulled a bait and switch on Congress with the TARP.
The Bush Three Stooge administration is now the contractor doing America’s financial home remodeling.
November 12th, 2008 at 12:01 pmShow Lieberman the door then kick his wrinkly pious ass THROUGH IT. He didnt just endorse McLoser he attacked and smeared the Dem nominee. Time for Dems to beg, borrow, or steal a SPINE and show they arent putting up with this abuse anymore. Joe was beyond disloyal he needs to go not just out of the chairmanship but out of the Dem caucus. Tell him he is not wanted, needed, or respected, GTFOut
November 12th, 2008 at 12:28 pm