ThinkFast: February 3, 2009
ThinkFast: February 3, 2009
A new USA Today/Gallup polls finds that “Americans overwhelmingly want Congress to pass an economic stimulus bill.” Two-thirds say the package will boost the economy but regarding personal finances, half “say it either would have no effect or even make things worse.” Nevertheless, only 17 percent say “Congress should reject a stimulus bill altogether.”
Karl Rove will cooperate with a federal criminal probe of the U.S. attorney firings being led by Nora Dannehy, the Acting U.S. Attorney for Connecticut. Rove has also spoken to investigators in an internal DOJ investigation regarding the prosecution of former Alabama governor Don Siegelman.
Yesterday, the Senate confirmed Eric Holder as the nation’s first African American attorney general by a vote of 75 to 21, “opening a new chapter for a Justice Department that had suffered under allegations of improper political influence and policy disputes over and harsh interrogation practices.”
Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) said yesterday after meeting with Tom Daschle that he was “satisfied that Daschle’s failure to pay more than $120,000 in back taxes wasn’t intentional and he would vote in favor of the nomination at next week’s hearing.” Baucus said Daschle’s tax issues didn’t make him “less qualified” to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
President Obama is mounting a media offensive to promote passage of his $800 billion-plus economic recovery plan. He will sit for 10 minute interviews with ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and CNN anchors today between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m.
On Capitol Hill today, thousands of union members will deliver 1.5 million signatures in support of the Employee Free Choice Act, which would make it much easier for workers to unionize. The workers “are expected to be joined by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Rep. George Miller (D-CA),” who are both prominent supporters of the legislation.
The share of businesses with fewer than 10 workers that offer health benefits has declined by 16 percent since 2001 and “the economic downturn has only accelerated the pressure on small-business owners” to cut back on their employee health coverage. Rising premiums have prompted more than half of small businesses to make it more difficult for their employees to afford coverage, surveys say.
In a “symbolic” gesture to cooperate with Republicans, Senate Democrats have agreed to drop “two controversial spending programs in the Senate economic stimulus bill: $75 million dollars for anti-smoking programs, and $400 million for STD and HIV prevention.” As ThinkProgress has reported, despite right-wing objections, STD prevention funding could ultimately save the country billions.
In the last six months of 2008, eight companies that would benefit from the $700 billion bank bailout bill “spent roughly $366,000 on events and charities connected to members of Congress.” For example, the conservative Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute “will see its annual gala in May 2009 partly sponsored by a TARP recipient” that has received $935 million in Treasury funds so far.
First Lady Michelle Obama is “crafting a policy-driven agenda that will bring working-family issues into the White House.” A former speech writer for Nancy Reagan predicted, “This is not going to be a first lady focused on sleeveless designer dresses and puppy names but on serious and complex issues.”
And Finally: Looking for a souvenir commemorating one of the most famous personalities of the 2008 election? Patriot Portrait Collectibles of Indignico Inc. has your answer: an “authentic Mexican Black Velvet Painting” of Joe the Plumber. The portrait is titled “The Last of The Undecideds,” with the subheading, “A Republican Party Deep Thinker.” It’s yours for just $250.
Sign up here to receive our daily e-newsletter, The Progress Report.
Topic Cloud
ArchivesBlog Roll
Rove talking off the record is meaningless. Swear him in!
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:01 amEXCUSE ME?!? The “Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute” received bailout funds intended to save the financial industry from economic melt down? Nearly ONE BILLION DOLLARS in taxpayer money to a “Leadership Institute”?
How the hell was that expenditure of public funds designed to help those who are losing their homes and retirement savings?
Oh. Wait. It’s the “CONSERVATIVE Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute”. Well. That explains it.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:11 amA new USA Today/Gallup polls finds that “Americans overwhelmingly want Congress to pass an economic stimulus bill.”
If that’s not a wake-up call to the obstructionist Republicants, I don’t know what will ever be. Any Republican running for office in 2010 needs to take a long hard look at what their chances of re-election are going to be if they try to obstruct this bill.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:12 amKarl Rove will cooperate with a federal criminal probe of the U.S. attorney firings being led by Nora Dannehy, the Acting U.S. Attorney for Connecticut.
If that’s the case, then what is his problem with honoring the subpoena issued to him by Congress?
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:13 amSen. Max Baucus (D-MT) said yesterday after meeting with Tom Daschle that he was “satisfied that Daschle’s failure to pay more than $120,000 in back taxes wasn’t intentional…
I heard on Countdown last night that this oversight in paying taxes on the vehicle available to him wasn’t nearly as bad as it looks. Apparently Daschle, once he knew that he should have paid taxes on the use of the vehicle, paid taxes based on his having 24×7 use of the car, rather than the limited time he actually used it.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:15 amPresident Obama is mounting a media offensive to promote passage of his $800 billion-plus economic recovery plan.
This is something I think he really needs to do. Even though 66% of the people out there want this bill to pass, most really don’t know what it is all about. Many think it is nothing more than a bill to create jobs so when the Republicants start whining about birth control and Pell grants, people think this is pork in the bill. President Obama needs to stress that this is an “economic recovery” bill not a jobs bill. On the other hand, I’m not sure that 10 minute interviews is enough time to convey this concept. But, it’s a start.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:18 amFirst Lady Michelle Obama is “crafting a policy-driven agenda that will bring working-family issues into the White House.”
I am looking forward to the contributions Michele Obama will make to this country. She is one smart savvy lady and I believe she will be an inspiring figure.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:21 amBnF,
It’s not as bad as it sounds:
“Another group affiliated with Republican Hispanic lawmakers, the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI), will see its annual gala in May 2009 partly sponsored by a TARP recipient. Popular Inc., a bank based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has spent $7,500 on the dinner, according to records and CHLI’s executive director, Octavio Hinojosa. Popular has received $935 million in Treasury funds so far.”
CHLI only got $7500 spent on them. It’s way down the article on the second page.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:23 amOf course Dirty Max Baucus is happy with corpse sucking Daschle. They’re both in the pocket of for-profit health care.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:25 amThe Clean Coal Energy group is using Obama as a shill. Their ads ran on Rachael Maddow last night and the Weather Channel this morning.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:26 amWe should all pitch in and buy that there O-fficial Mexican Velvet Portrait of Joe the Plummer and hang it in the Wonk Room!!
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:27 amI tried to forget to pay taxes once.
Didn’t work out so well.
Why do elected officials behave like laws are merely for lower class ‘common folk’?
When Texans are arrested on suspicion of DWI, about half refuse to provide a breath or blood sample. Among elected officials, practically all do.
A review of public records and published reports turned up more than a dozen elected officials in Texas — among them representatives, senators, judges and commissioners — who in recent years were arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. In each instance, police on the scene asked for a blood or breath sample to determine whether the driver’s blood-alcohol concentration exceeded the legal limit of 0.08.
LINK
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:28 amNora Dannehy needs to GO!
bush appointee investigating bushco possible crimes.
It’s bu!!shit!
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:29 amFirst Lady Michelle Obama is “crafting a policy-driven agenda that will bring working-family issues into the White House.” A former speech writer for Nancy Reagan predicted, “This is not going to be a first lady focused on sleeveless designer dresses and puppy names but on serious and complex issues.”
Speaking of puppies in the White House: Did I miss it? Where is that new puppy that’s coming with them to the White House?
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:30 amBe sure to check out The Carlyle Group’s Dov Zakheim on CSPAN. The ex-DOD CFO is on the President’s Panel on Wartime Contracting. They interviewed Stuart Bowen of the Office of Iraqi Reconstruction and State Department officials.
Dov represents the worst in American leadership. He’s a major consultant to the Obama administration in his role as Booz, Allen, Hamilton’s VP for Defense Industry.
“There will be more wars my friend.”
Israel and the U.S. will be behind them. Dov loves both.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:30 amBilbo Hussein Baggins Says:
If that’s not a wake-up call to the obstructionist Republicants, I don’t know what will ever be.
Fully expect the repugs to conflate the (unpopular) banking bail-out with the (popular) stimulus package.
They aren’t all stupid. They know they are taking a big risk by obstructing the signature bill of Obama’s first 100 days, and the only way they can pull this off is by superimposing a giant turd on something that will otherwise be hugely popular.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:33 amIt’s yours for just $250
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:33 amlol
Americans overwhelmingly want Congress to pass an economic stimulus bill.
Yet, the Rethuglic party, goose-stepping to Blush Limpdick’s marching orders is 100% opposed to it. Willfully marching into oblivion.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:35 am(an “authentic Mexican Black Velvet Painting” of Joe the Plumber.)
Just what I need for my collection…
…should I hang it next to the Tupac Shakur giant pot leaf, or beside the rearing stallion?
Sorry, Elvis has his own room…
Maybe I should hold out for the Saruh Palin blacklight edition…
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:43 amIt’s yours for just $250.
Capitalism lives. No prizes for originality, but clearly this entrepreneur has done his market research.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:43 amI still don’t understand the advantage of Judd Gregg at Commerce, when the NH Gov. will appoint another R. for Senator. I hear about looking at 2010, NH is going blue, I hear lots of speculation, but I don’t see the advantage. What does Gregg bring to Commerce?
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:45 amThe NH governor is a Democrat, and likely to appoint same.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:47 amIf that happens, and Norm Coleman would STFU, we’d have a 60 vote majority.
Regarding Daschle…
Let’s have the IRS do a complete audit of every Congress Critter.
Period.
Then, those that are guilt free can cast stones; those that aren’t can just STFU.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:47 amNevar, the news I heard was the NH governor agreed to appoint another Republican, a condition that Gregg wanted for his acceptance of the job as Commerce Secretary. I’m not really opposed to this because I think it supports the people’s decision, even though I would personally like to see the majority for the Dems increased. The fundamental fairness of this should not be lost but promoted in our branding of the Democratic party.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:52 amNevar Says:
The NH governor is a Democrat, and likely to appoint same.
Probably not actually:
‘Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, who has emerged as the front-runner for Commerce secretary, assured fellow Republicans that he would not take the job unless he was certain his replacement would line up with the GOP caucus, the Senate’s Republican leader said Sunday.’
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:53 amOOps, my error Marie, I didn’t know about this development….
“Cabinet deal is set for Gregg – 9 hours ago
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:53 amJohn Lynch, New Hampshire’s Democratic governor, strongly implied yesterday he would appoint a Republican to replace Gregg. Lynch said that Gregg would only …
Boston Globe – 6929 related articles »”
Thanks folks, I’ll go back and get up on the other side of the bed….
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:55 amWhy do we have to put up with people like Daschle and Geithner in high places in Obama’s admin. Why do we have to have a lobbyist for military contracts in charge of the DoD contracts office? Are there no untainted people available in this country? What are Gregg’s special talents other than being a gooper? It looks as if Lynch will appoint a repub place holder in the Senate, and then Lynch will run for Senate in 2010.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:58 amDumb Fox the Average Golfer Says:
Bilbo Hussein Baggins Says:
If that’s not a wake-up call to the obstructionist Republicants, I don’t know what will ever be.
Fully expect the repugs to conflate the (unpopular) banking bail-out with the (popular) stimulus package.
They are already doing it. They have the troops out saying that a majority of Americans do not support the bailout, conflating it with the Economic Recovery Act (I refuse to call it the “stimulus” because that isn’t really what the bill is). I spend a lot of time correcting that error.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:01 amBearCountry Says:
Why do we have to put up with people like Daschle and Geithner in high places in Obama’s admin. Why do we have to have a lobbyist for military contracts in charge of the DoD contracts office?
I guess you don’t trust President Obama, do you. He chose these people for a reason. Just because two of them have made mistakes on their income taxes does not disqualify them from serving.
Why is it such a hard concept for people to get that Obama is the one who will be making policy and these people are there to carry it out. If you trust Obama, then you need to trust that he will do the right thing. Cabinet members don’t make policy, the President does.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:03 amPatrioticLiberalChristian Says:
Nevar, the news I heard was the NH governor agreed to appoint another Republican, a condition that Gregg wanted for his acceptance of the job as Commerce Secretary.
Ok, this one I really don’t get. Why is Obama doing this? Is Gregg really the only person qualified to take the helm at Commerce? The only thing I can think of that Obama is getting out of this is another push for bipartisanship. When is he going to realize that it is never going to happen with the Republicants?
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:04 amZimzone Says:
Regarding Daschle…
Let’s have the IRS do a complete audit of every Congress Critter.
Right you are!
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:08 amThinking about Lynch and appointing someone to the Senate. It would be really sweet if Lynch punked the Republicans and appointed a Democrat anyway. That surely would be a poke in the eye to the Republicants.
Personally, I think that Lynch will damage the possibility of his ever running for Senate as a Democrat if he appoints a Republican to that seat. I know if I lived in NH and he did that, I wouldn’t ever be voting for him again.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:09 amAnother thought about the “deal” for Gregg’s seat. How is this any different than what Blago did? The only difference is that it is not about cash, but about power.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:09 amBilbo Hussein Baggins Says: The only thing I can think of that Obama is getting out of this is another push for bipartisanship. When is he going to realize that it is never going to happen with the Republicants?
I’ve been wondering if it’s worth it too. But I keep thinking that Obama is right to keep trying, keep proving that he’s an adult that cares more about doing what’s best for the country. If he keeps trying and keeps trying, at some point doing the right thing over and over again has just got to pay off for the country and for his presidency.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:12 amPLC and Nevar, thanks for your replies, but I just don’t see a big upside to Gregg. I fully support Obama’s bipartisan efforts, and I think he plays a good poker hand in his decision making, but this one really throws me. It doesn’t advance the Dems in the Senate and it puts another Rep in the cabinet; we have already seen that the republicans spit on bipartisanship — they accept the nods and the attention, but they continue to obstruct. I don’t get it.
Franken is being held up in MN – Coleman now wants a re-do.
When R’s were in power they only needed 51 to do everything they wanted — when D’s are in power they need 60 to accomplish anything.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:13 amBearCountry
Apparently the “errors” with McCain’s taxes were not too problematic for his candidacy.
As for Geithner and Daschle — who among us knows that an error won’t be found on a tax audit. I think my taxes are in order, but if I received a letter from the IRS, I would certainly feel nervous.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:17 amAs it turned out both men paid their obligations and then some.
Let’s include Dynamo in that complete IRS audit, please.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:24 amDynamo Says:
What a horrible vetting job on the side of the more than perfect uhhhhhhbama administration.
________________
Awww… chilled white whine… this early in the day? I detect a note of self-pity and envy in your comment. No doubt if this were a GOOPer getting lambasted, you’d be defending him like crazy and creaming in your… over the prospect of a big-time, pro-business lobbyist in the position.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:28 amZimzone Says:
Let’s include Dynamo in that complete IRS audit, please.
___________
Are you suggesting he lied about the number of bottles and cans he picked up last year, and the year before, and the year before that, and…
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:29 amHouse of Roberts Says:
BnF,
It’s not as bad as it sounds:
Thanks. That was a pre-caffeine post. I stand corrected.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:30 amDynamo says “He threw his grandmother under the bus to win this election. Why is this even a story? ”
Why are you even here? What a load of crap.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:33 amI really hope that Obama will be much more aggressive and maybe even less likable in these interviews. Those stupid Republicans needs to be put firmly in place. If they want to be on board, fine. If not, pass the bill without them and let them object a recovery plan for the American people. Enough is enough.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:43 amyes rummy was a terrible choice for bush and it was embarrassing when he was fired in disgrace. What a circus that was…..oh yeah, it hasn’t been fun at all.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:18 amKarl Rove will cooperate with a federal criminal probe…
Under what conditions? Is he demanding to not be put under oath? Closed-door? Taped? Limited areas of questioning? What’s the deal, if any?
.
In a “symbolic” gesture to cooperate with Republicans…
Why? Can anyone in government just give a coherent explanation of what is to be gained by “cooperating” with them? There’s no point in cooperating if they won’t cooperate back. That’s just capitulation.
.
Patriot Portrait Collectibles of Indignico Inc. has your answer: an “authentic Mexican Black Velvet Painting” of Joe the Plumber…
Ahem, it’s Joe the economics consultant now, thankyouverymuch!
.
DNFP Says:
I tried to forget to pay taxes once.
Uh huh. Did you ever make a mistake on your tax return? What if you did and didn’t know? The only way you’d find out is if you had all past returns audited, either by the IRS or as part of the vetting process Obama’s been conducting for his nominees. If they found an error and you paid the difference, that’s not the same thing as “trying to forget to pay” taxes.
.
DNFP Says:
When Texans are arrested on suspicion of DWI, about half refuse to provide a breath or blood sample. Among elected officials, practically all do.
Weird, in most states I’ve been, in refusal counts as admission of guilt. The legal argument is that you agree to that by accepting a driver’s license. Of course Texans seem to believe that driving a pickup is a God-given right, like breathing.
.
Zimzone Says:
Regarding Daschle…
Let’s have the IRS do a complete audit of every Congress Critter.
Period.
Then, those that are guilt free can cast stones; those that aren’t can just STFU.
That is a very good idea!
I find it was odd that Congress had no problem with him when he sat among them and chaired their committees, but nominate him for a Cabinet post and all of a sudden he’s a dirty cheat? What does that say about them? And, I’d think that a Senator is more a important position than an HHS Director, in the grand scheme of things anyways.
.
BearCountry Says:
Are there no untainted people available in this country?
After eight years of Bush, and how different everything is now from how it was in 2000, pretty much no. Not unless you hire people with no experience. Either they’re recognized experts, in which case they’ve been paid to be (hence “recognized”), and who do you think would be paying for the expertise if not industry interests? Or, they’re not recognized experts, in which case they’re not qualified.
.
Marie Says:
I just don’t see a big upside to Gregg. I fully support Obama’s bipartisan efforts, and I think he plays a good poker hand in his decision making, but this one really throws me.
I don’t see a big downside. The Cabinet is not a voting body. They do what they’re told. It was worth a shot; maybe he could have gotten the Senate flipped, and he looks good for doing so. It’s becoming increasingly clear who the real “partisans” are as long as Obama keeps holding his hand out for them to bite.
.
Dynamo Says:
He threw his grandmother under the bus to win this election.
Exqueeze me? What bus? Where? What are you gibbering about? And gimme links.
.
Dynamo Says:
What a horrible vetting job on the side of the more than perfect uhhhhhhbama administration.
I’m thinking they shouldn’t have audited their nominees taxes. It wasn’t required, but they did it anyways, just to be more thorough and transparent, and look what it gets you.
Also, Daschle’s connections to the health care industry have always been well documented. There’s no point in pretending it’s a surprise.
Every time you say “uhhhhhhhbama,” it forces me to picture you drooling out the corner of your mouth.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:25 amDynamo Says:
Another terrible and embarrassing scandal for the uhhhhhbama admin. What a circus.
You do realize that the only reason previous administrations didn’t have this problem was because they refused to release full tax records for nominees, right? What you see here is just the cost of doing it right. It’s not evidence of “scandal,” it’s evidence of transparency.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:28 amHmmmm. The IRS would get out the bloodhounds to chase *ME* down for 49 cents.
How do rich people get away with this shite??
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:00 pmI understand that tax mistakes CAN happen, but if you are going for a high office, you should be prepared to be scrutinized. Besides, he didn’t even have to pay any fees on his missed taxes. Now THAT’s an executive privilege! Let you or me try that, and prepare to get drug over the coals!
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:13 pmI would like to encourage Congress to increase funding for fighting global poverty. The Borgen Project (www.borgenproject.org) has some great facts and ideas to help global poverty.
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:20 pm$30 billion to eliminate global poverty.
$522 billion on the U.S. defense budget.
There are 800 million people that go to sleep hungry every day, 300 million are children.