The president gave the commencement address at Notre Dame earlier this afternoon after weeks of controversy and protest from pro-life groups. In classic Obama fashion, he didn't shy away from the opportunity to address the controversy head on, and called for people on both sides of the aisle to come together on solutions they can agree on, such as finding ways to reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies, supporting parents interested in adoption and social programs that help mothers in need support their children. Obama also called for impassioned people on both side of the aisle to address each other using "fair-minded" language.
Admirers of President Obama's campaign speeches may have found a little more hope and a little more lofty language in Obama's commencement speech today and also at the address he gave at Arizona State University last week. After 100 plus days of straight talk from the president, I think many people were touched by the inspiring message he gave to this year's college grads.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Wall to wall Pelosi
The embattled House Speaker has clogged up the news again for the third straight day this week as allegations continue to mount that she was either mislead or mislead herself over the issue of CIA intelligence briefings on Enhanced Interogation Techniques in 2002.
Whether she's telling the truth or not, it has given Republicans an opening to try and get their voice out to the American public that Democrats are back to their usual hypocritical, "soft on terror" ways, and that, coupled with the recent "outrage" over the Guantanomo Bay Detention Camp closing, they may finally have the chance to tout their favorite talking points about national security.
Pelosi was given a little bit of breathing room yesterday when a story broke that former Senator Bob Graham also claims to have been mislead by the CIA as well, claiming the briefings that they referenced, never even took place.
Regardless of what the final outcome may be, Pelosi has definitely raised the stakes on the torture debate, firing up a liberal base that still wants to prosecute top Bush-era officials, and reawakening a conservative base that wants to preserve the Bush legacy and remains convinced that his methods made America safe.
She's received only lukewarm defense from her fellow Democrats, who really want the issue to go away so they can focus on their more popular domestic legislative agenda, and already are facing a steep hill to climb.
Whether she's telling the truth or not, it has given Republicans an opening to try and get their voice out to the American public that Democrats are back to their usual hypocritical, "soft on terror" ways, and that, coupled with the recent "outrage" over the Guantanomo Bay Detention Camp closing, they may finally have the chance to tout their favorite talking points about national security.
Pelosi was given a little bit of breathing room yesterday when a story broke that former Senator Bob Graham also claims to have been mislead by the CIA as well, claiming the briefings that they referenced, never even took place.
Regardless of what the final outcome may be, Pelosi has definitely raised the stakes on the torture debate, firing up a liberal base that still wants to prosecute top Bush-era officials, and reawakening a conservative base that wants to preserve the Bush legacy and remains convinced that his methods made America safe.
She's received only lukewarm defense from her fellow Democrats, who really want the issue to go away so they can focus on their more popular domestic legislative agenda, and already are facing a steep hill to climb.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Dick Cheney goes public
After 8 years of being known for his extreme secrecy, former vice president Dick Cheney has been making the rounds in the media over the past few weeks criticizing President Obama, defending the War On Terror, calling Colon Powell a traitor, and getting in a public snit with the CIA for not de-classifying records he intends to use for his upcoming memoir.
While I don't think anyone is surprised by the antagonistic and sometimes controversial tone of Dick Cheney's attacks, I think there are people on both sides of the aisle scratching their heads over why he's decided to make himself so public. On Sunday's Face the Nation, Cheney himself mentioned that he felt compelled to speak out on behalf of the GOP because of a perceived void in leadership. But even if there is an apparent lack of leadership, is Cheney really doing the GOP any favors by dragging his mug out on the Sunday news shows?
The White House and the democratic party couldn't be more happy to link the GOP back to the Bush White House, as Robert Gibbs did in response to Cheney's comments this morning. The GOP knows that Cheney is one of the most negatively viewed heavyweights in the party, definitely not someone they want the public to continue associating as a face of the GOP, I wonder how long GOP leaders will allow Cheney to continue to be so outspoken.
While I don't think anyone is surprised by the antagonistic and sometimes controversial tone of Dick Cheney's attacks, I think there are people on both sides of the aisle scratching their heads over why he's decided to make himself so public. On Sunday's Face the Nation, Cheney himself mentioned that he felt compelled to speak out on behalf of the GOP because of a perceived void in leadership. But even if there is an apparent lack of leadership, is Cheney really doing the GOP any favors by dragging his mug out on the Sunday news shows?
The White House and the democratic party couldn't be more happy to link the GOP back to the Bush White House, as Robert Gibbs did in response to Cheney's comments this morning. The GOP knows that Cheney is one of the most negatively viewed heavyweights in the party, definitely not someone they want the public to continue associating as a face of the GOP, I wonder how long GOP leaders will allow Cheney to continue to be so outspoken.
Health care reform finds unlikely allies
When Bill Clinton's administration attempted health care reform in the 90's, his plans were successfully blocked by an oppositional wall of hostile Republicans, conservative Democrats, and powerful interest groups within the private health care sector. The public became skeptical as lobbying groups successfully branded the reform efforts as 'socialized' and 'dangerous.'
Almost 16 years later, the current white house, learning from those lessons, has banded together a powerful coalition of groups within the health care industry, the same groups that successfully killed reform before, to try and defang possible opposition before it can grow. Representatives from every spectrum of the health care industry including pharmaceutical and insurance company executives, prominent medical professionals, doctor's associations, and union groups will meet with Obama today and present a plan to reduce overall health care cost by almost $2 trillion over 10 years. This number will embolden reform activists inside and outside of congress, as well as give the administration momentum to push it's reform agenda without being attacked by beneficiaries of the 'medical-industrial complex.'
For once the white house wouldn't mind you read today's Paul Krugman op-ed in which he takes an uncharacteristically optimistic tone on how reform can actually happen, and how today's meeting should be seen as genuine progress.
Some liberals are skeptical though still and think maybe Obama is cozying up a little too much with the health care industry and thinks that in an attempt to compromise with the insurance giants he may leave out key provisions for universal coverage subsidized by the federal government. Provisions that these industries have long opposed.
Also, today's Washington Post profiles a former Hospital CEO that doesn't care of his colleagues are ready for reform, he's ready to fight Obama's plans tooth and nail. An indication that today's big meeting, touted by the white house as 'unprecedented' may merely be simply a first step in a series of first steps, heated debates, and a whole lot of money getting spent by people who want their way.
Almost 16 years later, the current white house, learning from those lessons, has banded together a powerful coalition of groups within the health care industry, the same groups that successfully killed reform before, to try and defang possible opposition before it can grow. Representatives from every spectrum of the health care industry including pharmaceutical and insurance company executives, prominent medical professionals, doctor's associations, and union groups will meet with Obama today and present a plan to reduce overall health care cost by almost $2 trillion over 10 years. This number will embolden reform activists inside and outside of congress, as well as give the administration momentum to push it's reform agenda without being attacked by beneficiaries of the 'medical-industrial complex.'
For once the white house wouldn't mind you read today's Paul Krugman op-ed in which he takes an uncharacteristically optimistic tone on how reform can actually happen, and how today's meeting should be seen as genuine progress.
Some liberals are skeptical though still and think maybe Obama is cozying up a little too much with the health care industry and thinks that in an attempt to compromise with the insurance giants he may leave out key provisions for universal coverage subsidized by the federal government. Provisions that these industries have long opposed.
Also, today's Washington Post profiles a former Hospital CEO that doesn't care of his colleagues are ready for reform, he's ready to fight Obama's plans tooth and nail. An indication that today's big meeting, touted by the white house as 'unprecedented' may merely be simply a first step in a series of first steps, heated debates, and a whole lot of money getting spent by people who want their way.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Obama v. Democrats
Well the first 100 days of the new administration and the new Democratic super congress are over, but it looks like the next 100 days will be even harder than the first. As Democrats continue to scuffle over details in passing the administrations sweeping agenda. Obama knows he has precious little time left to get big things accomplished, and has learned the lessons of both Reagan and Clinton whose political capital diminished greatly after their first two years in office.
The White House Climate Control bill that has been bouncing around various house committees didn't even need any full voiced Republican opposition, the bill has been stalling as Democrats are coming from every direction to protect the coal, steel, and manufacturing interests that got many of them elected in the first place. A move that has given climate change idealists inside and outside the white house a continuing headache.
There have been reported clashes between Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Wexler, who is pushing the bill and DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen. Van Hollen, who's job it is to protect freshman democratic house members, feels that many of them will become vulnerable to anti-business ads from Republicans, should the bill pass. Even House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer has said that no "consensus" has been reached on the bill, and that they're "hoping" to reach their end of May deadline.
Yesterday also, Obama introduced a plan to close offshore tax loopholes, a proposal that should've been a slam dunk for Democrats trying to raise new revenue for their spending programs, as well as encourage investment within the United States, but Sen. Max Baucus, the powerful finance committee chairman, has been cool to the tax crackdown, worried about multinational banks in New York that employ thousands.
House Appropriations chairman David Obey generously gave Obama all that he asked for and more for the continuing war in Afghanistan, but had strong words for Obama's plan, should there continue to be no signs of relief for a conflict now going into it's 8th year. He was quoted as saying he was "very dubious" about the chances of success in the region. Words that further frustrate The Administration's plans for the war weary country, should the confilct there intensify, especially after the August elections and the continuing escalations in Pakistan. Also missing from Obey's appropriation, money to move forward on closing The Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba, the administrations first victory, but now a continuing thorn as complaints are raised that Obama has no clear plan to move forward with closing the infamous prison, or relocating the 100 or so detainees still imprisoned there.
Sen. Chris Dodd today, bucking the administration, has said he was open to waterboarding trials of former Bush officials, maybe trying to take attention away from his floundering poll numbers in his home state of Connecticut.
There is something to be said with having too much of a majority: the more congressman you supposedly have on your side, the more egos, agendas, and outsized personalities there are that need to be consistently assuaged and assured.
The White House Climate Control bill that has been bouncing around various house committees didn't even need any full voiced Republican opposition, the bill has been stalling as Democrats are coming from every direction to protect the coal, steel, and manufacturing interests that got many of them elected in the first place. A move that has given climate change idealists inside and outside the white house a continuing headache.
There have been reported clashes between Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Wexler, who is pushing the bill and DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen. Van Hollen, who's job it is to protect freshman democratic house members, feels that many of them will become vulnerable to anti-business ads from Republicans, should the bill pass. Even House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer has said that no "consensus" has been reached on the bill, and that they're "hoping" to reach their end of May deadline.
Yesterday also, Obama introduced a plan to close offshore tax loopholes, a proposal that should've been a slam dunk for Democrats trying to raise new revenue for their spending programs, as well as encourage investment within the United States, but Sen. Max Baucus, the powerful finance committee chairman, has been cool to the tax crackdown, worried about multinational banks in New York that employ thousands.
House Appropriations chairman David Obey generously gave Obama all that he asked for and more for the continuing war in Afghanistan, but had strong words for Obama's plan, should there continue to be no signs of relief for a conflict now going into it's 8th year. He was quoted as saying he was "very dubious" about the chances of success in the region. Words that further frustrate The Administration's plans for the war weary country, should the confilct there intensify, especially after the August elections and the continuing escalations in Pakistan. Also missing from Obey's appropriation, money to move forward on closing The Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba, the administrations first victory, but now a continuing thorn as complaints are raised that Obama has no clear plan to move forward with closing the infamous prison, or relocating the 100 or so detainees still imprisoned there.
Sen. Chris Dodd today, bucking the administration, has said he was open to waterboarding trials of former Bush officials, maybe trying to take attention away from his floundering poll numbers in his home state of Connecticut.
There is something to be said with having too much of a majority: the more congressman you supposedly have on your side, the more egos, agendas, and outsized personalities there are that need to be consistently assuaged and assured.
Monday, May 4, 2009
You can't always get what you want. . .
. . .But sometimes, you get what you need.
A new Quinnipiac poll released today shows newly minted Democratic Senator Arlen Specter's gamble may be paying off, at least for now. Going head to head statewide against his two most formidable Republican opponents, Former Rep. Pat Toomey, and former Governor Tom Ridge, he now leads by 10 points and 3 points resepctively.
Many have speculated that Specter's flight from the Republican Party as a way to avoid a blistering primary campaign in a state that has seen huge voter defections towards democrats as well as a rightward drift in the ideology of republicans statewide.
Although it's still early, and democrats can collectively take a sigh of relief, there is an unseen variable here, and that is a challenge from the left. So far, there has been little opposition, with Philadelphia Rep. Joe Sestak putting his toes in the water but not committing either way.
With the full backing of President Obama, plus popular Governor Ed Rendell, it may be hard for anyone on the left to mount such serious opposition in the primary to the well funded Democratic establishment in the state.
A new Quinnipiac poll released today shows newly minted Democratic Senator Arlen Specter's gamble may be paying off, at least for now. Going head to head statewide against his two most formidable Republican opponents, Former Rep. Pat Toomey, and former Governor Tom Ridge, he now leads by 10 points and 3 points resepctively.
Many have speculated that Specter's flight from the Republican Party as a way to avoid a blistering primary campaign in a state that has seen huge voter defections towards democrats as well as a rightward drift in the ideology of republicans statewide.
Although it's still early, and democrats can collectively take a sigh of relief, there is an unseen variable here, and that is a challenge from the left. So far, there has been little opposition, with Philadelphia Rep. Joe Sestak putting his toes in the water but not committing either way.
With the full backing of President Obama, plus popular Governor Ed Rendell, it may be hard for anyone on the left to mount such serious opposition in the primary to the well funded Democratic establishment in the state.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Justice David Souter announces retirement, sets off court battle
NPR broke the story last night that is putting Washington in a tizzy and starting off what will most likely become a full scale partisan war on capitol hill.
As if the financial crisis, banking meltdown, swine flu, Chrysler bankrputcy, defense spending overhaul, budget battle, a senatorial party switch, and two expensive wars weren't enough to keep the new administration and congress more than busy into the foreseeable future; the announced retirement of Supreme Court Justice David Souter, 69, at the end of the summer has dropped a bomb on a city that is already humming at or past capacity.
Although he was appointed to the court by George H.W. Bush in 1990 and was once declared a "home run" for conservatism, Souter has tended to vote with the liberal wing of the court. At 69, he is well below the usual age that justices tend to retire, and the timing of his announcement will cause more and more speculation, and will continue to keep all eyes on the Obama administration's plans well into the summer and could also inadvertantly sidetrack some of Obama's legislative agenda. The new choice could also reinvigorate a depressed GOP, as well as burnish or tarnish Obama's bipartisan credentials either depleting or replenishing precious political capital.
Republicans have already started sniping at potential replacements and the cry of "activist judges" by an angry conservative base could become a possible headache for Democrats eager to get to their domestic agenda while the wind remains at their back.
The Vice President, who, as chairman of the judiciary committe, has presided over 6 confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justices and is a veteran of these capital hill slugfests will carry the administration's banner into battle and will be the go to guy and coach for a young administration eager to avoid a nomination fight.
Despite a hefty packing of friendly democrats in the Senate, especially after the switch of Sen. Arlen Specter and the not-if-but-when swearing in of Al Franken possibly by summer, it could still be an uphill battle for Obama if he wants to avoid a cultural war with Republicans. Especially at a time he's trying to mount huge legislative accomplishments and continue to maintain goodwill amongst the majority of the America public going into his second 100 days, despite one of the most crowded political environments in modern history.
Fox News has a list of possible nominees HERE
As if the financial crisis, banking meltdown, swine flu, Chrysler bankrputcy, defense spending overhaul, budget battle, a senatorial party switch, and two expensive wars weren't enough to keep the new administration and congress more than busy into the foreseeable future; the announced retirement of Supreme Court Justice David Souter, 69, at the end of the summer has dropped a bomb on a city that is already humming at or past capacity.
Although he was appointed to the court by George H.W. Bush in 1990 and was once declared a "home run" for conservatism, Souter has tended to vote with the liberal wing of the court. At 69, he is well below the usual age that justices tend to retire, and the timing of his announcement will cause more and more speculation, and will continue to keep all eyes on the Obama administration's plans well into the summer and could also inadvertantly sidetrack some of Obama's legislative agenda. The new choice could also reinvigorate a depressed GOP, as well as burnish or tarnish Obama's bipartisan credentials either depleting or replenishing precious political capital.
Republicans have already started sniping at potential replacements and the cry of "activist judges" by an angry conservative base could become a possible headache for Democrats eager to get to their domestic agenda while the wind remains at their back.
The Vice President, who, as chairman of the judiciary committe, has presided over 6 confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justices and is a veteran of these capital hill slugfests will carry the administration's banner into battle and will be the go to guy and coach for a young administration eager to avoid a nomination fight.
Despite a hefty packing of friendly democrats in the Senate, especially after the switch of Sen. Arlen Specter and the not-if-but-when swearing in of Al Franken possibly by summer, it could still be an uphill battle for Obama if he wants to avoid a cultural war with Republicans. Especially at a time he's trying to mount huge legislative accomplishments and continue to maintain goodwill amongst the majority of the America public going into his second 100 days, despite one of the most crowded political environments in modern history.
Fox News has a list of possible nominees HERE
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