VIDEO- McLaughlin Group: Bye-Bye Rahm Emanuel?

By GottaLaff



What do you think? Will Rahmbo go bye-bye in 2010?

Wishes for 2010

By GottaLaff

What are your wishes for 2010? Please share them in Comments. While you're mulling yours, here are a few from the L.A. Times. Their complete list is here:

As is traditional, our first wish is for even more wishes to come true. We also wish for:

* Global warming deniers to have a banner year as the Arctic ice pack returns to its normal size. Unfortunately, we're not holding our breath on this one.

* The U.S. Senate to pass a climate bill that puts a price on carbon emissions, a critical step in preventing a catastrophic rise in global temperatures. [...]

* Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform. (Another hardy perennial.) [...]

* A better response from banks to the relentless rise in mortgage defaults. Although the nature of the problem has shifted from poorly underwritten loans to high unemployment, the result hasn't changed: Too many homes are going into foreclosure. [...]

* Congress to close the "gun-show loophole," which allows sales of used guns without federal background checks. [...]

* The closure of the detention center at Guantanamo Bay.

* An end to "don't ask, don't tell." [...]

* A unanimous decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to enter the 20th century (that's right) and allow its arguments to be televised.

* Erstwhile Vice President Dick Cheney to return to a secure, remote location.

* Advancements in battery technology that would make electric cars a viable alternative to the internal combustion engine. [...]

* A reality show in which contestants compete to expand their knowledge rather than reduce their waistlines. Call it "The Biggest Reader." [...]

* Passage of a comprehensive healthcare reform bill that slows the increase in costs, sharply reduces the number of uninsured and improves the quality of care. [...]

* A spike in newspaper circulation.

One of my fervent wishes is for more truth and less sensationalism/propaganda on the Tee Vee Machine. In other words, real news reporting that educates the public in order to nourish democracy. No more dumbing down, no more tabloid infotainment.

Happy New Year, everyone!

To our readers: Happy, healthy new year!

By GottaLaff

I can't believe it. In only a few hours, it will be an election year. Hang onto your hats!

Meanwhile, I took a shine to this sparkly, clocky, balloony New Years gif:

(via)

Paddy and I wish you the best, happiest, healthiest, most prosperous New Year ever.

Thank you for sharing all the good news with us, and enduring all the bad. Thank you for coming up with amazing, pithy (yes, I just wanted to say "pithy"), hilarious, sweet, thoughtful, insightful comments.

We appreciate you more than you know, and can't wait to make a difference with you in 2010.

Shallow Thoughts: Best and Worst Lists edition

By GottaLaff

Today's Shallow Thought:

I was going to make a list of Best and Worst Lists of the Decade's Top 10 Lists, but thought the better of it.

That was today's Shallow Thought. Thank you for wading in.

Raw Video: Australia Welcomes in 2010

Jobless claims drop two weeks in a row

Bit by bit the sun is peeking thru, great way to head into 2010.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- First-time claims for U.S. unemployment insurance benefits dropped by 22,000 in the week ending Dec. 26, the U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday.

It was the second consecutive week of declines. A week ago, 28,000 fewer first-time claims were filed compared to the previous week.

In the latest report, the 432,000 initial claims contributed to a four-week rolling average of 460,250, which was a decrease of 5,500 from the previous week's average.

Cartoon of the Day

Via.

3 of 4 Americans Agree: 2010 Offers Hope

We may be willfully ignorant, but we're optimistic about it!!!

(AP) For all their differences, Americans largely agree on two things: 2009 was a lousy year for the nation, and 2010 is likely to be better.

Nearly three-fourths of Americans think 2009 was a bad year for the country, which was rocked by job losses, home foreclosures and economic sickness. Forty-two percent rated it "very bad," according to the latest AP-GfK poll.

(snip)

Fewer than half as many people, 16 percent, said their family had a "very good year" in 2009 as said that in 2006.

Behind the gloominess, however, are more hopeful views that seem to reflect Americans' traditional optimism or, perhaps, wishful thinking.

Even though most said it was a bad year for the country, three in five Americans said their own family had a good year in 2009, while about two in five called it a bad year.

Some 72 percent of Americans said they're optimistic about what 2010 will bring for the country. Even more, four in five, are optimistic about what the year will bring for their families.

John Birch Society Sponsoring CPAC

By GottaLaff

Look what Oliver dug up:

The John Birch Society announces it is cosponsoring the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) 2010, to be held in Washington DC, Feb. 18-20.

JBS will have a double booth with half dedicated to offering educational and promotional materials and the other half housing a TV studio that will stream live video from the booth and broadcast onto JBS LibertyNewsNetwork.tv, a website that will feature archived JBS video and live video streams.

I remember going to the market with my mom when I was teeny tiny, and she wouldn't buy Welch's products (grape jelly!) because of Robert Welch's John Birch Society. I had no idea what she meant, but I understood enough to know that she thought they were the bad guys.

If you are unaware of who they are, here's a hint from Oliver: The John Birch Society is one of America’s original right-wing conspiracy groups.

Here's more:

The society was established in Indianapolis, Indiana on December 9, 1958 by a group of 12 men led by Robert Welch, Jr., a retired candy manufacturer from Belmont, Massachusetts. One founding member was Fred Koch, founder of Koch Industries, one of the largest private corporations in America. [...]

The society states that it is anti-totalitarian, particularly anti-socialist and anti-communist, and leans libertarian. It seeks to limit the powers of government and defends what it sees as the original intention of the U.S. Constitution, based on its perception of Judeo-Christian principles. It opposes collectivism, including wealth redistribution, economic interventionism, socialism, communism, and fascism. In a 1983 edition of Crossfire, Congressman Larry McDonald (D-Georgia), then its newly appointed chairman, characterized the society as belonging to the Old Right rather than the New Right.^[7] A few months after this interview, McDonald, a passenger aboard Korean Air Lines Flight 007 would be shot down by the Soviets with its 268 other passengers and crew on Sept. 1. 1983.

The society stated it opposed aspects of the civil rights movement in the 1960s because of concerns that the movement had communists in important positions. It opposed the 1964 Civil Rights Act, saying it was in violation of the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and overstepped the rights of individual states to enact laws regarding civil rights.

The society is against "one world government", and has an immigration reduction view on immigration reform. It opposes the United Nations, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), and other free trade agreements. [...]

Society influence on U.S. politics hit its high point in the years around the failed 1964 presidential campaign of Republican candidate Barry Goldwater, who lost to incumbent President Lyndon B. Johnson. Welch had supported Goldwater over Richard Nixon for the Republican nomination, but the membership split, with two-thirds supporting Goldwater and one-third supporting Nixon. A number of Birch members and their allies were Goldwater supporters in 1964^[22] and some were delegates at the 1964 Republican National Convention. The Goldwater campaign brought together the nucleus of what later became known as the New Right.

In April 1966, a New York Times article on New Jersey and the society stated, in part, a concern for "the increasing tempo of radical right attacks on local government, libraries, school boards, parent-teacher associations, mental health programs, the Republican Party and, most recently, the ecumenical movement."^[23] It then characterized the society as, "by far the most successful and 'respectable' radical right organization in the country. It operates alone or in support of other extremist organizations whose major preoccupation, like that of the Birchers, is the internal Communist conspiracy in the United States." [...]

he sensationalism of Welch's charge that Eisenhower was possibly a Communist dupe led many conservatives and Republicans, most prominently Goldwater and intellectuals of Buckley's circle, to renounce outright or quietly shy away from the group.

They're ba-a-ack.

‘Tea party’ conservatives prep for 2010 elections

Go Republicans GO!!!! They're eating their own.

The energized "tea party" movement, which upended this year's political debate with noisy anti-government protests, is preparing to shake up the 2010 elections by channeling money and supporters to conservative candidates set to challenge both Democrats and Republicans.

Buoyed by their success in capsizing a moderate Republican candidate this fall in Upstate New York, tea party activists and affiliated groups are unveiling new political action committees and tactics aimed at capitalizing on conservative opposition to health-care reform, financial bailouts and other Obama administration policies. The goal is to harness the anger that led to hundreds of protests around the country from spring to fall, including a gathering of tens of thousands of protesters on the Mall in September.

The strategy poses both an opportunity and a risk for the beleaguered Republican Party, which is seeking to take advantage of conservative discontent while still fielding candidates who appeal to independent voters. Fundraising efforts are just beginning, but tea party activists have already inspired serious challenges to establishment GOP Senate candidates Carly Fiorina in California and Charlie Crist in Florida; a similar insurgency in last month's House race in New York splintered local Republicans, leading to a Democratic victory.

Books by Paulson, Rumsfeld, Rove, G.W. and Laura Bush in 2010

By GottaLaff

I had no idea Boy Georgie could write. Oh wait, he can't. His book will be a batch of mangled construction paper stuck together randomly with the paste he didn't eat. The dried macaroni and glitter cover will reflect his creative side, and the scrawl of crayon-resist lettering will undoubtedly serve his legacy better than his foreign policy ever could.

As for Rove, invisible ink will suffice as his medium, since he can't seem to utter a credible word, so why would anything he says require visibility? Paulson's and Rummy's books will be written last page first, backwards, to reflect the direction that they took this country, with Rummy including a series of mazes to illustrate his verbal skills.

Pickles' efforts will only be available via public library:

"For Republicans looking forward to the first Bush-free election in a decade, the book publishing schedule is the bearer of bad news: Between New Year's Day and next November, as many as five Bush administration officials -- including the former president himself -- will rehash history in hardback," Politico reports.

Democrats Hold Near Lock on House

Lots of other things to worry about...

According to CQ Politics, there's very little chance Republicans can retake control of the House of Representatives in next year's midterm elections.

"Democrats have a virtual lock on 198 seats for November 2010, and in another 31 districts the opportunities for a GOP upset are tenuous at best. Put those groups together and you have 229, well above the 218-seat majority threshold."

Harry Reid Hopes Cash Will Head Off Challenge

Bah. If it was plausible I'd heartily back a primary challenge to that wet freaking noodle. Greg says he's afraid of looking too "liberal".

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), in an interview with the New York Times, "said he would raise $25 million for his campaign, a record-breaking figure for a Senate candidate in Nevada. Aides said that sum, which Republicans did not dispute, was intended to give pause to any Republican thinking of taking him on."

Said Reid: "I'm telling you about what I'm planning to do. I don't know what effect it will have on anybody, but that's what I'm planning to do."

A poll last week showed Reid on very shaky ground and vulnerable to a challenge.

Murkowski Viewed More Favorably Than Palin

Awww, that's okay Sar, just keep on refusing money for the poor and children, they'll get over it. Seems she's not that popular other places also, and such.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) is in a strong position should Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) try to challenge her in a Republican primary in 2010, according to a new Hays Research Group poll.

A stunningly high 72% of Alaska residents view Murkowski favorably while 60% view Palin the same way.

Poll Tracker: "The two lawmakers are up for re-election to their respective offices in 2010. Palin, widely regarded as a potential 2012 presidential candidate, has yet to officially confirm whether she will run for a second term as governor in 2010. Political observers in the state continue to speculate on whether Palin will challenge Murkowski in the GOP primary in the hopes of winning a seat that will boost her profile in Washington."

Top Florida Democrat Will Not Run for Senate

By GottaLaff

2010 watch:

Florida CFO Alex Sink (D) today announced she won't run for the U.S. Senate in 2010, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.

"Sink, elected in 2006, apparently also ruled out a challenge to Gov. Charlie Crist. She said she plans to seek re-election to her Cabinet post."

Democrat Carnahan Would Beat Potential Rivals for Missouri Senate

By GottaLaff

Dem Dems are Demonstrably Demolicious:

Robin Carnahan (D) would be the early favorite for Missouri's open U.S. Senate seat in 2010 if she decides to run, according to a new Public Policy Polling survey.

Carnahan leads three potential Republican opponents in hypothetical contests. She has a 45% to 44% edge over Rep. Roy Blunt (R-MO), a 47% to 43% lead over former Sen. Jim Talent (R-MO), and a 47% to 36% advantage over former Treasurer Sarah Steelman (R).

A Filibuster Proof Senate in 2010?

By GottaLaff

Aw, what a cryin' shame this would be:

CQ Politics: "There doesn't seem to be any rest for weary Senate Republican strategists, who are trying to plot a comeback in 2010 for their party after two election cycles in which they lost ground."

Think of all the Dem infighting! I can almost feel the frustration now...

Pete King May Run For NY Senate In '10

Oh what fun that would be. Video above is of King talking about how Baghdad is just like Manhattan.

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Republican Congressman Peter King, who was a visible and outspoken supporter of Rudy Giuliani during the 2008 campaign, said he’s interested in running for Hillary Clinton’s Senate seat when it comes up in 2010.

“I am seriously considering the race for Hillary Clinton's seat," King told AP. "I'm very serious about it."

Specter Vulnerable to Matthews Challenge

Oh boy. If it does happen, I'm betting there will be tons to blog about. Via Taegan-

A new Rasmussen survey shows Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) "is potentially vulnerable" in his 2010 bid for re-election.

In a much-rumored match up, Specter leads talk show Chris Matthews (D) by just three points, 46% to 43%.

Chris Matthews Denies Staffing Up for Probable 2010 Senate Run

By GottaLaff

Nate the Great posted that Chris Matthews is hiring staff for a run at the Senate. However:

Chris Matthews flatly denied our report indicating his active hiring for the Pennsylvania Senate seat currently held by Arlen Specter.

"It is absolutely not true," said Matthews, in a statement.

That doesn't mean he's not seriously thinking about it, though.