Political Grapevine
- Thread starter Master Capper
- Start date
fresh pickings:
Noting there are just 978 days to go, Chuck Todd picks the top five front runners in the 2008 presidential race for each party. "These rankings are based on a number of factors, including: organization, money, buzz and polling. The candidates in our two top spots may not surprise you, but they are the candidates who are doing well in all four categories."
Republicans:
Sen. John McCain
Sen. George Allen
Gov. Mitt Romney
Gov. Mike Huckabee
Newt Gingrich
Democrats:
Sen. Hillary Clinton
Mark Warner
John Edwards
Sen. Evan Bayh
Gov. Bill Richardson
According to the New York Times, it looks like New York Republicans are trying one more time to find a challenger to take on Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY). "To put it nicely, the Republican game plan is nowhere after a year of strategizing and overtures to at least six potential challengers."
"Republican critics are now coalescing around a late entry: Kathleen Troia McFarland, 54, a prot?g?e of Henry A. Kissinger who has not been in public service since working as a Pentagon spokeswoman under President Ronald Reagan.... In an interview this week, Ms. McFarland said for the first time that she would challenge Mrs. Clinton and run on a platform of national security and military issues, given her background. She also said she is forswearing mudslinging, saying her party erred by calling Mrs. Clinton angry."
The Education of the President: Bush On Pakistan
It was only a matter of time. While speaking in India prior to departing for Pakistan, Bush revealed his lack of familiarity with South Asia:
?I believe that a prosperous, democratic Pakistan will be a steadfast partner for America, a peaceful neighbor for India and a force for freedom and moderation in the Arab world,? the president added.
Later, White House press secretary Scott McClellan told reporters that Bush meant to say Pakistan would be a force for freedom and moderation in the Muslim world. Pakistan is not an Arab country.
Bush?s knowledge of Pakistan has advanced, however, over the years. In 2000, while campaigning for president Bush could not identify Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf by name:
QUESTION: Can you name the general who is in charge of Pakistan?
BUSH: Wait, wait, is this 50 questions?
QUESTION: No, it?s four questions of four leaders in four hot spots.
BUSH: The new Pakistani general, he?s just been elected?not elected, this guy just took over office. It appears this guy is going to bring stability to the country, and I think that?s good news for the Subcontinent.
QUESTION: Can you name him?
BUSH: General. I can?t name the general. General
Bush Free Fall Continues in New Polls
Following up on a dismal CBS News survey earlier this week, two new polls by Fox News and CNN/USA Today/Gallup bring more bad news for President Bush. From the Fox News poll:
- 39 percent of Americans approve of the job Bush is doing, only the second time Bush has fallen below 40 percent in Fox polling
- 81 percent believe Iraq is likely to end up in a civil war.
- 69 percent oppose allowing Dubai Ports World to manage U.S. ports.
From CNN/USA Today/Gallup:
- 38 percent approve of the job Bush is doing, a rating ?mired near its record low? of 37 percent.
- 47 percent approve how he is handling terrorism, ?down 7 points since early February and a record low.?
- 64 percent disapprove of Bush?s handling of Iraq, a record high.
- 52 percent do not find Bush ?honest and trustworthy,? tying November?s worst-ever mark.
UPDATE: Quinnipac:
Only 36 percent of voters approve of the job President Bush is doing, while 58 percent disapprove, his worst approval rating in a Quinnipiac University national poll and down 9 points from his 45 - 48 percent approval rating one year ago.
During his interview with Fox News today, Tom DeLay said his hands are clean of Abramoff?s malfeasance:
I?ve hired lawyers that look through everything that we?ve done, my relationship with Jack Abramoff, every contact we made with him, everything. And they?ve given me a complete bill ? clean bill of health.
DeLay might want new lawyers. From an ABC News report published today:
When Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas) and his wife flew from Houston to a golf resort in Scotland in June 2000, the first-class airfare cost $14,001, a big-ticket item for a public servant. But someone else paid.
The American Express bills of convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff show he footed the bill for the tickets, in an apparent violation of House ethics rules.
Noting there are just 978 days to go, Chuck Todd picks the top five front runners in the 2008 presidential race for each party. "These rankings are based on a number of factors, including: organization, money, buzz and polling. The candidates in our two top spots may not surprise you, but they are the candidates who are doing well in all four categories."
Republicans:
Sen. John McCain
Sen. George Allen
Gov. Mitt Romney
Gov. Mike Huckabee
Newt Gingrich
Democrats:
Sen. Hillary Clinton
Mark Warner
John Edwards
Sen. Evan Bayh
Gov. Bill Richardson
According to the New York Times, it looks like New York Republicans are trying one more time to find a challenger to take on Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY). "To put it nicely, the Republican game plan is nowhere after a year of strategizing and overtures to at least six potential challengers."
"Republican critics are now coalescing around a late entry: Kathleen Troia McFarland, 54, a prot?g?e of Henry A. Kissinger who has not been in public service since working as a Pentagon spokeswoman under President Ronald Reagan.... In an interview this week, Ms. McFarland said for the first time that she would challenge Mrs. Clinton and run on a platform of national security and military issues, given her background. She also said she is forswearing mudslinging, saying her party erred by calling Mrs. Clinton angry."
The Education of the President: Bush On Pakistan
It was only a matter of time. While speaking in India prior to departing for Pakistan, Bush revealed his lack of familiarity with South Asia:
?I believe that a prosperous, democratic Pakistan will be a steadfast partner for America, a peaceful neighbor for India and a force for freedom and moderation in the Arab world,? the president added.
Later, White House press secretary Scott McClellan told reporters that Bush meant to say Pakistan would be a force for freedom and moderation in the Muslim world. Pakistan is not an Arab country.
Bush?s knowledge of Pakistan has advanced, however, over the years. In 2000, while campaigning for president Bush could not identify Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf by name:
QUESTION: Can you name the general who is in charge of Pakistan?
BUSH: Wait, wait, is this 50 questions?
QUESTION: No, it?s four questions of four leaders in four hot spots.
BUSH: The new Pakistani general, he?s just been elected?not elected, this guy just took over office. It appears this guy is going to bring stability to the country, and I think that?s good news for the Subcontinent.
QUESTION: Can you name him?
BUSH: General. I can?t name the general. General
Bush Free Fall Continues in New Polls
Following up on a dismal CBS News survey earlier this week, two new polls by Fox News and CNN/USA Today/Gallup bring more bad news for President Bush. From the Fox News poll:
- 39 percent of Americans approve of the job Bush is doing, only the second time Bush has fallen below 40 percent in Fox polling
- 81 percent believe Iraq is likely to end up in a civil war.
- 69 percent oppose allowing Dubai Ports World to manage U.S. ports.
From CNN/USA Today/Gallup:
- 38 percent approve of the job Bush is doing, a rating ?mired near its record low? of 37 percent.
- 47 percent approve how he is handling terrorism, ?down 7 points since early February and a record low.?
- 64 percent disapprove of Bush?s handling of Iraq, a record high.
- 52 percent do not find Bush ?honest and trustworthy,? tying November?s worst-ever mark.
UPDATE: Quinnipac:
Only 36 percent of voters approve of the job President Bush is doing, while 58 percent disapprove, his worst approval rating in a Quinnipiac University national poll and down 9 points from his 45 - 48 percent approval rating one year ago.
During his interview with Fox News today, Tom DeLay said his hands are clean of Abramoff?s malfeasance:
I?ve hired lawyers that look through everything that we?ve done, my relationship with Jack Abramoff, every contact we made with him, everything. And they?ve given me a complete bill ? clean bill of health.
DeLay might want new lawyers. From an ABC News report published today:
When Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas) and his wife flew from Houston to a golf resort in Scotland in June 2000, the first-class airfare cost $14,001, a big-ticket item for a public servant. But someone else paid.
The American Express bills of convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff show he footed the bill for the tickets, in an apparent violation of House ethics rules.
I must again ask you - if you are so concerned with the feelings of these "allies", then what was the point of invading Iraq? That single action has done more to jeopardize our war on terror than any blocked business deal could possibly do.DOGS THAT BARK said:--and in addition to UAE I would also prefer to keep Saudi-Kuwaitt-Pakistan-Jordan--and others that support war on terroras allies.
As a matter of fact they have given MUCH more support on war than liberals/media here and I believe everyone of them has done more in fight against terrorism than "our last admin" did?--am I correct ?--I could be persuaded to change my mind if someone could submits facts to the contrary.
I do not believe that you can be pursuaded to change your mind. Valuing these human rights nightmare countries as allies more than your own fellow Americans who happen to disagree with you is such an absurd notion that I think it puts you in a very stubborn category.
Your not making sense at all. You in favor of the port deal and use Clinton's UAE dealings as evidence? Well, you hate Clinton - so using him as evidence to support your case is very confusing.
F*k Clinton, f*k Bush and f*k all our leaders for compromising our security for the sake of their money relationships abroad.
And again you trumpet Bush as some kind of great anti-terror fighter by asking what Clinton did to fight terror. THIS IS SO STUPID! What did Bush do about the USS Cole attack? He had 8 months to deal with this before 9-11, that's more time than Clinton had on his way out. Bush didn't do a damn thing. Then 9-11 happens ON HIS WATCH and all of a sudden he's a great fighter of terror. If 9-11 never happened, he would have done NOTHING just like all previous administrations.
I think Wayne's having a hard time with this port thing. On one hand, the Pres says it's safe so it must be so. But so many repubs are against it. And Clinton comes down on his side, agreeing with Wayne that we should spare the feelings of the Arabs and let them run our ports. But even though he agrees with Clinton, Wayne still manages to get in shot on Clinton about the exact same issue. Or was that one post a shot at Hillary, who lands on the side of Hastert, Frist and Lott? But....must.....not.....go....against.......Bush.
It's hard to gain clarity of thought on an issue when there is a tornado of turmoil going on up in the 'ol noggin.
It's hard to gain clarity of thought on an issue when there is a tornado of turmoil going on up in the 'ol noggin.
Give in to the political reshuffling, Wayne. When all is said and done, you'll be a card carrying member of the WPF party created at Madjacks. You will join us in endorsing Hillary Rodham Clinton for president of the United States in 2008. Why? Because ultimately you love this country and want what's best for all of us.
"According to the New York Times, it looks like New York Republicans are trying one more time to find a challenger to take on Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY)."
If poll is correct that says 51% would not vote for her under any circumstance --it really doesn't make any diff who runs--does it.
For the record I would vote for Hilliary over Kerry-Gore-Kenedy-Reid and a few others-and would vote for Lieberman over all rebs on your list with exception of McCain--There was a time I thought Edwards would be decent till he got on his 2 america kick which totally discredited him.
"I must again ask you - if you are so concerned with the feelings of these "allies", then what was the point of invading Iraq? "
Exactly how do you explain anything about Iraq to a liberal who's fav president's attorny general is defending Saddam--you don't--however there are prob 50 or more posts on topics if you can tear yourself away from the liberal blog sights for a few minutes.
---and while on subject--will there ever be a time you get tired of being corrected on the bogus data you throw up from those sights??-I am still waiting for you to find 1st one on Britt Hume???
Matt My shot at Bill was not what on his opinion--but the fact he had contradictory opinions--depending what he thought those he was talking to wanted to here--or who was paying him --any doubts your way--what say you?--and yes the port deal as I said for the 3rd time is a no win situation to my thinking.
If poll is correct that says 51% would not vote for her under any circumstance --it really doesn't make any diff who runs--does it.
For the record I would vote for Hilliary over Kerry-Gore-Kenedy-Reid and a few others-and would vote for Lieberman over all rebs on your list with exception of McCain--There was a time I thought Edwards would be decent till he got on his 2 america kick which totally discredited him.
"I must again ask you - if you are so concerned with the feelings of these "allies", then what was the point of invading Iraq? "
Exactly how do you explain anything about Iraq to a liberal who's fav president's attorny general is defending Saddam--you don't--however there are prob 50 or more posts on topics if you can tear yourself away from the liberal blog sights for a few minutes.
---and while on subject--will there ever be a time you get tired of being corrected on the bogus data you throw up from those sights??-I am still waiting for you to find 1st one on Britt Hume???
Matt My shot at Bill was not what on his opinion--but the fact he had contradictory opinions--depending what he thought those he was talking to wanted to here--or who was paying him --any doubts your way--what say you?--and yes the port deal as I said for the 3rd time is a no win situation to my thinking.
There to get anyone to run and feed money there way. Why? So Hillary will have to spend some of her cash. They just don't want her to get off to easy. Im not sure what happen to other two the Reb's were pushing. They both walked away. This is about cash not if there is a chance.
DOGS THAT BARK said:
That part of MC's 'grapevine' was talking about finding a challenger in the 2006 elections, not the 2008 Pres elections. Obviously, spending money on that race for republicans would be akin to burning it. Just like the Katherine Harris 'race' down here.
I agree with all that, except I would never have voted for Edwards under any circumstances. He has no qualifications whatsoever to be president or vice-president for that matter.
Hell yeah. Bill pocketed, what, 3 or 4 hundred thousand for making a one hour speech in Dubai a few years ago?
No question what position he's taking, and why.
Any opinion on why the actual current president promised his first and only veto in his five years in office would be on this topic, even though he claimed not to know the first thing about it?
You know damn well that you'd be in a frenzy if it was a dem president that pushed this.
I don't expect you to pubically address this, but just lean back in your chair, pretend it was Clinton pushing this 4 1/2 years after 9/11 and think about your reaction.
Be fair.
Are you talking to me? I'm not a blogger of any site. ...And are you inferring that Clinton was my favorite president? If so, your innacuracies are mounting rapidly. So you resort to just calling me a "liberal" yet again. You just have no idea, do you? Regarding Brit Hume - we already destroyed him on the Roberts wife crying thing. Honestly, I don't even read those things of his you put up anymore. They are too often irrevelant.DOGS THAT BARK said:
So - would you like to answer my question? Once again - if the feeling of supposed Muslim allies are of such importance, then why did we invade Iraq?
I'll ask you a bonus one too. If Pakistan in particular is such a good ally, why did we just sell a bunch of weapons to India? Of course this will only infuriate those noble Pakistanis even further and make it that much more difficult to get them to cooperate with us. Right? Certainly more destructive in relations with them then a UAE port deal.
....For the record, I'm not saying we shouldn't sell warplanes to India. Have at it. I don't give a crap about the feelings of Pakistan or India or any government really.
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Yes - please DTB - just acknowledge this. The whole world knows it, just admit it. You really and truly will only only look foolish denying this.kosar said:
Just admit it. Come on now, you can do it. You'll be my hero again if you just drop all partisan bullshlt and admit this.
If your referring to would I be behind Bill if he invaded Iraq and Afgan? That would be an unquestional yes. I would back him as far as war--but not remotely as a person given that other quality traits were the same. I was all for him going into Somolia--but loathed his coming out under the circumstances.
and it was just not the 3 to 4 hundred thousdand he pocketed from speach--that was just tip of iceberg--
November 22, 2004 Edition > Section: Nationa
Saudis, Arabs Funneled Millions to President Clinton's Library
By JOSH GERSTEIN - Staff Reporter of the Sun
November 22, 2004
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. - President Clinton's new $165 million library here was funded in part by gifts of $1 million or more each from the Saudi royal family and three Saudi businessmen.
The governments of Dubai, Kuwait, and Qatar and the deputy prime minister of Lebanon all also appear to have donated $1 million or more for the archive and museum that opened last week.
Wonder why M Moore forgot to mention any of this in his doc
To be fair there was also Shiek from UAE that gave a million to Bush Libray fund but believe it was for GW's father--however not much diff.
and it was just not the 3 to 4 hundred thousdand he pocketed from speach--that was just tip of iceberg--
November 22, 2004 Edition > Section: Nationa
Saudis, Arabs Funneled Millions to President Clinton's Library
By JOSH GERSTEIN - Staff Reporter of the Sun
November 22, 2004
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. - President Clinton's new $165 million library here was funded in part by gifts of $1 million or more each from the Saudi royal family and three Saudi businessmen.
The governments of Dubai, Kuwait, and Qatar and the deputy prime minister of Lebanon all also appear to have donated $1 million or more for the archive and museum that opened last week.
Wonder why M Moore forgot to mention any of this in his doc
To be fair there was also Shiek from UAE that gave a million to Bush Libray fund but believe it was for GW's father--however not much diff.
Now you are starting to get it DTB. I have been trying to tell you that this is not a Decocrat-Republican or Liberal Conservative thing. We have to be very careful who we place our trust in. Basically, no one that has ant connection to the Cargyle Group or the Saudis can be trusted. Yes that includes Bush, Clinton and even some senators like Fiengold.
Wayne is a master tap dancer. It's very hard to get a straight answer out of him a lot of times. He likes to ignore, change the subject and/or deflect. Sometimes you have to keep poking him with a stick as he's playing dead like a possum.
Clearly talking about the port deal:
Response:
Clearly talking about the port deal:
kosar said:
Response:
Wayne said:
"Sometimes you have to keep poking him with a stick as he's playing dead like a possum"
Now that I know what your question is I'll try and answer. Given same situation I'd like to think I would think the same since the reason is war related--however I despise Clinton so much there is chance you'd be correct considering i'm border line as is--however couldn't see myself being slanted to extreme on either side on this issue.
Now that I know what your question is I'll try and answer. Given same situation I'd like to think I would think the same since the reason is war related--however I despise Clinton so much there is chance you'd be correct considering i'm border line as is--however couldn't see myself being slanted to extreme on either side on this issue.
Bush to Make Quick Stop in Texas
The Dallas Morning News: "President Bush added a side trip to his Texas ranch to vote in Tuesday's Republican primary after aides apparently forgot to order an absentee ballot."
In Florida, Harris Goes Into Hiding
"Already trying to avoid the media," Rep. Katherine Harris (R-FL) "is now canceling campaign stops in Southwest Florida as questions swirl about her ties to a Washington, D.C., defense contractor at the center of an ongoing national bribery scandal," the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports.
"It's another sign that Harris' struggling campaign is now in full crisis mode. Political consultants say that shying away from the public right now is also a bad strategy."
Bush Approval Fades in South
A new Elon University Poll shows support for President Bush stands at 43% in five Southeastern states -- Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia -- while 52% of citizens disapprove or strongly disapprove of the job Bush is doing.
Meanwhile, in Indiana an Indianapolis Star poll shows Bush's approval at just 37%.
Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) today on CBS?s Face the Nation:
Let me tell you, the only people who want us in Iraq is Iran and al-Qaeda. I?ve talked to a top-level commander the other day, it was about two weeks ago, and he said China wants us there also. Why? Because we?re depleting our resources ? our troop resources and our fiscal resources.
Murtha?s concerns are grounded in fact. The war in Iraq has allowed a historic expansion of Iranian influence westward, created a new haven and terrorist training ground for al Qaeda, and strained our military into a ??thin green line? that could snap unless relief comes soon
Today on Fox News Sunday, Weekly Standard Editor Bill Kristol said that conservatives have come to believe the Bush administration is incompetent:
BILL KRISTOL: I think it?s become in people?s minds an emblem of the administration that just isn?t as serious about the competent execution of the functions of government as it should be. And even ? I?m struck talking to conservatives and Republicans ? they agree with the president on basic political philosophy, the they agree with his basic policy agenda, but they are worried that they just don?t seem to be able to execute as well as they should be.
O?Reilly threatens radio caller with ?a little visit? from ?Fox Security.? His crime? Mentioning Keith Olbermann
The Dallas Morning News: "President Bush added a side trip to his Texas ranch to vote in Tuesday's Republican primary after aides apparently forgot to order an absentee ballot."
In Florida, Harris Goes Into Hiding
"Already trying to avoid the media," Rep. Katherine Harris (R-FL) "is now canceling campaign stops in Southwest Florida as questions swirl about her ties to a Washington, D.C., defense contractor at the center of an ongoing national bribery scandal," the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports.
"It's another sign that Harris' struggling campaign is now in full crisis mode. Political consultants say that shying away from the public right now is also a bad strategy."
Bush Approval Fades in South
A new Elon University Poll shows support for President Bush stands at 43% in five Southeastern states -- Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia -- while 52% of citizens disapprove or strongly disapprove of the job Bush is doing.
Meanwhile, in Indiana an Indianapolis Star poll shows Bush's approval at just 37%.
Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) today on CBS?s Face the Nation:
Let me tell you, the only people who want us in Iraq is Iran and al-Qaeda. I?ve talked to a top-level commander the other day, it was about two weeks ago, and he said China wants us there also. Why? Because we?re depleting our resources ? our troop resources and our fiscal resources.
Murtha?s concerns are grounded in fact. The war in Iraq has allowed a historic expansion of Iranian influence westward, created a new haven and terrorist training ground for al Qaeda, and strained our military into a ??thin green line? that could snap unless relief comes soon
Today on Fox News Sunday, Weekly Standard Editor Bill Kristol said that conservatives have come to believe the Bush administration is incompetent:
BILL KRISTOL: I think it?s become in people?s minds an emblem of the administration that just isn?t as serious about the competent execution of the functions of government as it should be. And even ? I?m struck talking to conservatives and Republicans ? they agree with the president on basic political philosophy, the they agree with his basic policy agenda, but they are worried that they just don?t seem to be able to execute as well as they should be.
O?Reilly threatens radio caller with ?a little visit? from ?Fox Security.? His crime? Mentioning Keith Olbermann
Some more fresh pickings
Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) "is locking up some of the Democratic Party's top fund-raisers, in a move that party officials and strategists say seems intended to complicate the efforts of any potential rivals in the 2008 presidential contest," the New York Times reports.
"The effort comes as Mrs. Clinton has embarked on a nationwide fund-raising spree herself, enabling her to collect cash while appearing before audiences outside New York. Democrats say her goal is to raise at least $40 million for her Senate race, money that could be used for a national run after this year's Senate re-election bid, for which she faces minor opposition."
?Efforts by the White House to hold off legislation challenging a Dubai-owned company's acquisition of operations at six major U.S. ports collapsed yesterday when House Republican leaders agreed to allow a vote next week that could kill the deal,? reports the Washington Post.
?A House vote on the measure next week will set up a direct confrontation with President Bush, who sternly vowed to veto any bill delaying or stopping Dubai Ports World's purchase.?
The reason: A Rasmussen Reports survey finds that the Administration's effort to build support for the deal has failed with just 19% agreeing with their position.
Quote of the Day
?Tom DeLay is who all of us want to be when we grow up.?
-- Jack Abramoff, in the new documentary The Big Guy: How Tom DeLay Stole Congress, as reported by Roll Call.
New Jersey Assemblyman Peter Biondi (R) wants to ban anonymous online speech. Biondi has introduced a bill ?that would require Internet forum operators to register their users? real names and addresses or face liability for defamatory posts.? One problem: NJ?s Supreme Court has ruled banning anonymous online speech unconstitutional.
More than 9,000 truckers are given cards to handle cargo at the ports of New York and New Jersey, giving them access to all areas of the ports. But a new Homeland Security report found that more than half of the truckers had criminal records and nearly 500 had bogus driver?s licenses
65. Percentage of Americans who don?t have confidence in President Bush to improve the U.S. health care system, according to a new WSJ/Harris poll. 76 percent don?t believe he will be able to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for health insurance
The latest Washington Post/ABC News poll finds that a majority of Americans (52 percent) think that the number of U.S. military forces in Iraq should be decreased ? up 14 points since last summer.
President Bush continues to say there is progress in Iraq, but fewer and fewer Americans believe him.
Only 43 percent say the United States is making significant progress in Iraq in this latest poll, down a whopping 17 points from mid-December, when the Bush administration started its failed public relations campaign pushing its National Strategy for Victory in Iraq.
The country?s debate on Iraq must continue, and leaders in Congress need to look closely at the problems with the Bush administration?s Iraq strategy and consider serious alternatives.
Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) "is locking up some of the Democratic Party's top fund-raisers, in a move that party officials and strategists say seems intended to complicate the efforts of any potential rivals in the 2008 presidential contest," the New York Times reports.
"The effort comes as Mrs. Clinton has embarked on a nationwide fund-raising spree herself, enabling her to collect cash while appearing before audiences outside New York. Democrats say her goal is to raise at least $40 million for her Senate race, money that could be used for a national run after this year's Senate re-election bid, for which she faces minor opposition."
?Efforts by the White House to hold off legislation challenging a Dubai-owned company's acquisition of operations at six major U.S. ports collapsed yesterday when House Republican leaders agreed to allow a vote next week that could kill the deal,? reports the Washington Post.
?A House vote on the measure next week will set up a direct confrontation with President Bush, who sternly vowed to veto any bill delaying or stopping Dubai Ports World's purchase.?
The reason: A Rasmussen Reports survey finds that the Administration's effort to build support for the deal has failed with just 19% agreeing with their position.
Quote of the Day
?Tom DeLay is who all of us want to be when we grow up.?
-- Jack Abramoff, in the new documentary The Big Guy: How Tom DeLay Stole Congress, as reported by Roll Call.
New Jersey Assemblyman Peter Biondi (R) wants to ban anonymous online speech. Biondi has introduced a bill ?that would require Internet forum operators to register their users? real names and addresses or face liability for defamatory posts.? One problem: NJ?s Supreme Court has ruled banning anonymous online speech unconstitutional.
More than 9,000 truckers are given cards to handle cargo at the ports of New York and New Jersey, giving them access to all areas of the ports. But a new Homeland Security report found that more than half of the truckers had criminal records and nearly 500 had bogus driver?s licenses
65. Percentage of Americans who don?t have confidence in President Bush to improve the U.S. health care system, according to a new WSJ/Harris poll. 76 percent don?t believe he will be able to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for health insurance
The latest Washington Post/ABC News poll finds that a majority of Americans (52 percent) think that the number of U.S. military forces in Iraq should be decreased ? up 14 points since last summer.
President Bush continues to say there is progress in Iraq, but fewer and fewer Americans believe him.
Only 43 percent say the United States is making significant progress in Iraq in this latest poll, down a whopping 17 points from mid-December, when the Bush administration started its failed public relations campaign pushing its National Strategy for Victory in Iraq.
The country?s debate on Iraq must continue, and leaders in Congress need to look closely at the problems with the Bush administration?s Iraq strategy and consider serious alternatives.
