Steele calls GOP “the party of no,” says health care reform will fail

I was really rather surprised how strong Steele was on MTP yesterday. Or maybe Kaine was so weak it made Steele seem strong?

Tim Kaine blocks funding for embryonic stem cell research

By GottaLaff

It's Tim Kaine Day... unfortunately. I just posted this. Now, sadly, I have to report this:

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, has signed a bill into law banning the use of state funds for embryonic stem cell research.

The move puts the DNC chairman at odds with President Obama, who signed an executive order earlier this month reversing the Bush administration's ban on federal funding for research on embryonic stem cells.

The move also puts him at odds with yours truly. Hugely at odds. It's a very good thing President Obama didn't choose him as his running mate.

Kaine approved the Virginia bill on Monday, according to the governor's office, the same day he enacted legislation that would permit "Choose Life" license plates in the commonwealth — an act that angered state and national abortion rights advocates. [...]

All three of the Democrats vying to replace Kaine as governor this fall — Terry McAuliffe, Brian Moran and Creigh Deeds — support using state money for embryonic research.

Welcome to the Kaine mutiny.

Tim Kaine Signs Bill Creating 'Choose Life' License Plate

By GottaLaff

The chairman of the DNC is calling it a freedom of speech issue. Will we see a license plate with a pro-choice message?

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine came under fire Monday for signing a bill to create a "Choose Life" license plate, a move that abortion rights activists say runs afoul of his obligations as chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

Kaine, a Catholic who personally opposes abortion, said he considers such license plate messages a matter of free speech and added that the move was "in keeping with the commonwealth's longtime practice of approving specialty plates with all manner of political and social messages."

"If Planned Parenthood . . . or another similar organization ever chooses to seek a specialty license plate in Virginia, I believe the constitution would require the state to approve that plate to protect against any viewpoint discrimination," he said.

Well then. Planned Parenthood? NARAL? Where's your plate design?

But the decision -- and the reaction that followed -- illustrated the challenge Kaine faces in trying to balance elected office with his new national political job.

"It is unfortunate that, even after receiving thousands of messages from Virginians and pro-choice activists across the country, Gov. Kaine has opted to sign a bill that advances a divisive political ideology at the expense of women's health," said Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America.

Victoria Cobb, president of the Family Foundation of Virginia, said "the Choose Life plate will provide private-sector funding, not tax dollars, to organizations that support families caught in crisis situations. Everyone should agree that is a good thing for the commonwealth."

After the first 1,000 plates are sold, $15 of the $25 annual fee would go to Heartbeat International, a Christian pregnancy resource organization, which would distribute the money to about 40 centers in the state that meet the group's standards.

Rush hour

By GottaLaff

They were all over the Sunday talk shows, those panic-stricken Rushpublicans. Try as they might to distance themselves from Boss Lardbottom while pushing it all onto Team Obama, the Desperate Four accomplished nothing more than coming off as possessed:

Top Republicans voiced a desire to get past the dust-ups involving Rush Limbaugh—and blamed the White House Sunday for orchestrating the conflict.

And blame they did:

• The Boehner: "This was a distraction created by the White House to divert people's attention from the spending binge they've been on the last six weeks."

• Newt Gingrich (desperately trying stay out of the headlines): Limbaugh is "not the leader of the Republican party [...] The president promised to focus on large things not small things. He promised to bring us together, not divide us. And I'm assuming here that he is not responsible for the Limbaugh game, I'm assuming it's Emanuel. [...] Rush Limbaugh is in the long run an interesting radio personality. That's like saying, 'Does Chris Matthews help or hurt the Democratic party?'"

• John "I'm still alive! Lookame! Lookame!" McCain: "Democrats have made a lot of hay out of this, let's move forward."

• House Minority Whip Eric Cantor: “People right now are desperate for leadership, are desperate for us and this party, as well as the other, to begin talking about ideas that deal with the relevant challenges that they're facing every single day. [...] It is not about individuals. It's not about Rush; it's not about Rahm Emanuel; it's not about any particular individual.”

Wowzers, they sure doth protesteth too mucheth. But Tim Kaine whipped them into shape in one sentence, in one measly little Fox appearance:

"We wouldn't even be talking about Rush Limbaugh at all had he not said he wanted the president to fail, and then he's found others in the party and party leaders who have either echoed that claim or, in the case of Chairman Steele, denounced the claim, which I thought was courageous, but then apologized to Rush Limbaugh."

Suh-napeth.

Chris Wallace defends Limbaugh's claim that he hopes Obama fails

Man, wonder if Chris had those talking points tattooed on the back of his hand.

Tim Kaine responds to Michael Steele's neutering

By GottaLaff

Dontcha just love it when Republican geldings are made really, really public? But we're not gloating. Psh! We'd never do that:

Just out from Gov. Tim Kaine, Steele's counterpart at the DNC ...

"I was briefly encouraged by the courageous comments made my counterpart in the Republican Party over the weekend challenging Rush Limbaugh as the leader of the Republican Party and referring to his show as 'incendiary' and 'ugly.' However, Chairman Steele's reversal this evening and his apology to Limbaugh proves the unfortunate point that Limbaugh is the leading force behind the Republican Party, its politics and its obstruction of President Obama's agenda in Washington. Just this weekend, Rush Limbaugh repeated his claim that he is rooting for the President to fail. The last time Rush Limbaugh said he wanted the President to fail, virtually every single Republican in Congress followed his lead and voted against the President's plan to create or save 3.5 million jobs.

"As Congress works to pass the President's budget, Republicans need to stop following divisive figures like Rush Limbaugh, stop apologizing to him and put aside the failed politics of the past so we can put our economy back on track, reform our health care system, break our dependence on foreign oil, improve our schools, and lay the foundation for long-term growth in the 21st Century."

Whatnots and poll-itics

By GottaLaff

Here are a few odds and ends to chew on:

Kaine Takes Over DNC

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D) will be elected as the new chairman of the Democratic National Committee at 1:00 pm ET in Washington, D.C.

However, there's still no word on what the snubbed outgoing chairman Howard Dean will do next.

Whatever Dean does, let's hope he's as effective as he was during the election. Next:

Optimism Soars with Obama Taking Power

A new AP-Knowledge Networks poll shows that by a 3-1 margin, the American people feel more optimistic about the country's future now that Barack Obama has been inaugurated president.

And finally, President Obama read-- dun, dun, dun-n-n-- The Letter:

"At 8:35 AM, the President arrived in the Oval Office and spent 10 minutes alone in the office. He read the note left to him by President Bush that was in an envelope marked 'To: #44, From: #43'. At 8:45 AM, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel came in to discuss the schedule of today's events. The First Lady came into the Oval Office at 9:10 AM. We will release a picture shortly."

That picture will show the President and First Lady pointing and laughing heartily at the opened letter sitting on the desk.

As he exited, the photographer could be heard erupting in guffaws as he said, "There... omigod... there were a bunch of random crayon scrawls, and jelly stains and crumbs were embedded in a crumpled piece of glitter-studded construction paper! This is one time President Obama couldn't keep his cool... he was doubled over, the guy completely lost it."

He later added, "Obama's got a great laugh. The First Lady tried really hard to contain him, but finally gave up."

I made up that last part.

Deanless

By GottaLaff

Is it really that bad between Howard and Rahm?

"If he had been asked to go to that event, he would have been there."

-- Jim Dean, when asked by Politico if his brother, DNC Chairman Howard Dean, was snubbed by President-elect Obama.

Ouch.

President-elect Obama, Tim Kaine: No press conference: Liveblog

By GottaLaff

New DNC chair Tim Kaine shares Obama's temperament, per Washington Post's Jonathan Capehart on MSNBC just now.

And Howard Dean feels like he wants to scream, says Norah O'Donnell. Funny, Noron, you should be writing for Leno. That's about his speed.

Waiting for Obama and Kaine to make their entrance...

The personal chemistry has been very important to Obama with his appointments, says MSNBC Guy.

Obama:
He's talking about uniting the nation around a common purpose, a movement for change. He goes on:

And that's what we accomplished in an American victory, not just a Democratic one. But our work is not yet complete. The challenges are so vast... we can't abandon the movement we built.

We need to redouble our efforts in all 50 states. Shed our ingrained habits, taking from lobbyists, but rely on small donations from ordinary Americans.... Outstanding work by Howard Dean ... a visionary, effective leader...launched 50 state strategy... worked with Rahm Emanuel... Steered the Dems through two successful elections, he deserves enormous credit.

Time to build on Howard's acheivements... No one better suited than the new DNC chair, Tim Kaine of Virginia... He appeals to our common hopes... pursues policies that work for the people of Virginia... a pragmatic, progressive philosophy... that solves problems and makes a difference in lives. Reaching across party lines achieves progress for all Americans.

He built a model of good and responsible government in Va.... [He's listing Kaine's accomplishments]... He can win campaigns by bringing people together, and is pragmatic, but he also believes politics is not about enriching corporate friends, or getting your name in the papers, but dignity of service. Intros Kaine...

Tim Kaine:
Obama is a very persuasive individual... and I accept. I signed on early in 2007, to Obama's campaign... I'm so proud of that campaign and his policies... Virginia supported a Dem for the first time in 44 years... I pledge to keep his trust. I want to do 3 thikngs: Promote the president's agenda, carry the proud banner of a proud party (equality for all, dignity of work, education, responsibilities to each other, strong internationally, diplomatically; we're problem solvers, not dividers, rejecting politics of negativity in Virginia), and engage Americans in new ways in politics.

Chairman Dean did a remarkable job, recognizing that we must be a party that plays everywhere. I have huge shoes to fill. And Sen. Obama campaigned in a different way. He's more than just inspirational... it's about organization. Organization around the principle that everyone matters. If we can engage people in remarkable ways... we can do the same thing in politics, not just in election cycles.

I'll call him Barack until January 18th then there will be a different title.

Ooops... no press conference. Just the announcement. I changed the post title to reflect that.

Kaine was on the short list for vice president. He said Obama was persuasive, so he is now in this important job, says MSNBC Guy.

Obama and Kaine press conference tomorrow

By GottaLaff

Just a heads up for you:

The president-elect is expected to meet with the newly tapped Democratic National Committee Chair Thursday in Washington, D.C.

They'll hold a media availability from the DNC offices at 3:30 pm ET.

Report: Tim Kaine to head the DNC

By GottaLaff

Yes, that's Howard Dean on the left.

Extra, extra:

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine has been selected to lead the Democratic National Committee, according to the Washington Post.

The Post cites Democratic officials, who say Kaine will stay on governor as he leads the DNC. [...]

Kaine's selection comes as Virginia continues to turn blue; Obama carried the state in November, and Kaine's predecessor, former Gov. Mark Warner, easily won election to the Senate. Now Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) also narrowly defeated then Sen. George Allen in 2006. [...]

Kaine will replace Howard Dean, who recently announced he was leaving the DNC.

I wish Dean would have stayed on. 50 state strategy and all. I'm already feeling nostalgic.

UPDATE: Politico is reporting this too.

No cabinet post for Tim Kaine

By GottaLaff

Kaine wants to be gov, only the gov, and nothing but the gov:

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine says he will not be joining the Obama administration. [...]

Sources tell ABC News Kaine expressed his feelings directly to the president-elect during a phone conversation over the weekend. During the call, Kaine told Obama he will finish his term as governor and will not leave his executive office in Richmond for a Cabinet-level post in Washington.

Speculation recently swirled in political circles Kaine might be tapped as attorney general. [...]

She said Kaine was not offered a Cabinet-level position during the call.

Who would you choose for A.G.?

Bayh-Bayh, Bayh and Kaine

By GottaLaff

From NBC's Andrea Mitchell

As reported in her Nightly News spot, Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, according to sources, were told they're out of the running.

From the First Read team, just asking, so which news organization is going to irresponsibly go with Biden without confirmation from Biden or the Obama campaign -- even though they all have the same information we do? Some news org who loves credit and hits has to be itchin'...

Tidbits

MSNBC is reporting that both Bayh and Kaine have been told they are not it, activity is up outside Biden's house (family members and flowers).

Saw this just now-

Who Will Introduce Obama?

and after reading this wonderful article about Obama's growing up years, I have a question. How about his grandmother introducing Obama via satellite or video? That would rock.

The whereabouts of potential veep picks

Get your final predictions in, and yes, you will be ridiculed.

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine and his staff had a 15-minute meeting with Obama at a hotel in Richmond, Va. The governor later joined Obama at a campaign event in Chester, Va., and said he would let the campaign speak about whether he's been asked to be the No. 2. Kaine planned to fly late Friday night directly from Virginia to Denver, where the Democratic National Convention begins Monday, according to three people with knowledge of his travel plans.

-Sen. Joe Biden had no public events Thursday, his staff said. He spent most of the day at his home in northern Delaware with his wife, Jill; son, Beau, who is Delaware's attorney general; and his niece, Missy Owens, who has worked in his campaigns.

-Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius participated Thursday morning in a U.S. Energy Department contest for students at a Topeka-area high school. She later flew to Iowa to campaign for Obama in the afternoon.

-Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh was working and spending time with his family at his home in Washington, said his spokesman, Eric Kleiman.

-Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed was working and spending time with his family at his home in Jamestown, R.I., Reed spokesman Chip Unruh said. Reed told an Associated Press reporter late Thursday that he was not Obama's choice and had not been asked for any background information.

-New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton spent Thursday in Florida. She addressed sheet metal workers in Lake Buena Vista and campaigned for Obama in Boca Raton and Taramac.

Tim Kaine blasts Rove

By GottaLaff

Paddy, go take a nap. And thanks a million for holding down the fort while I had my 20 hours away, and for that absolutely scrumptiously adorable birthday video! And thanks to all of you for making my day better than ever!

In the meantime, this is how to slap down that puffed up piece of chickenfat named Rove (Hey Anon, see that link on the word "this"? If you click on it, you might figure out how it works. I report, you embarrass yourself):

It was a tough retort from Gov. Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia.

Kaine responded Sunday to comments made by Republican strategist Karl Rove earlier this month criticizing Kaine's potential vice presidential credentials.

On CBS' "Face the Nation," Rove jabbed at the governor, saying "again no disrespect to Gov. Kaine. He's been a governor for three years. He's been able but undistinguished. I don't think people could really name a big, important thing that he's done."

The Democratic governor — who is rumored to be on Barack Obama's potential VP list — pointed out that his state was voted best for business three years in a row by Forbes.com and said "maybe Karl Roves and the Republicans don't care about business climate, that would explain why we're in the situation that we're in".

"Governing Magazine was also named Virginia as the top governed state in America," Kaine told reporters, "maybe to Karl Rove that isn't an achievement that would explain a federal government that couldn't respond to a hurricane a Katrina and couldn't figure out how to start and manage a war."

Ohhh, suh-NAP and a half! If Tim Kaine ends up being the V.P. choice, we now know he can fend for himself and then some.

Obama-Kaine trivia: El Dorado, KS, via Harvard

My computer is being difficult- apologies. The stars seem to be aligning for Kaine.

Mike Allen notes one:

Barack and Michelle Obama + Tim Kaine and wife Anne Holton = four Harvard law grads.

And here's another: Their mothers grew up, not just in Kansas, but in the town of El Dorado, KS (pop. 12,718).

Kaine said last May: “I was really liking this guy. When I found out his mother grew up in the same town as my mom, El Dorado, Kansas, I knew we knew we were separated at birth and I had to support him.’’

Kaine "very, very high" up on Obama's V.P. short list

By GottaLaff

L.A. Times, July 7, 2008, on Tim Kaine:

Appeals to: Virginians (or so it's claimed), Catholics
Alienates: Nobody.
Risk factor: No foreign policy experience, short resume
Bottom Line: First-term governor who won on former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner's coattails — a meh candidate

Politico, today:

As Senator Barack Obama turns to the choice of his running mate, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine has emerged as one of the campaign’s potential finalists, sources familiar with conversations in Richmond and in Chicago said.

Kaine, an early Obama supporter whose biography nicely dovetails with the Illinois senator’s, "ranks very, very high on the short list," said a source who has spoken recently to senior Obama aides about Kaine.

Kaine "is getting a critical examination," the source said. [...] Kaine's position as governor of a state the Obama campaign hopes to make a key battleground and his background as a Spanish-speaking former Catholic missionary and civil rights lawyer make him a strong potential pick.

Kaine could serve as ambassador, his proponents say, to four key groups: Virginians, Catholics, working-class white voters, and Hispanics. (Kaine can be seen in one YouTube video endorsing Obama in proficient Spanish.)

The obvious stumbling block: a lack of foreign policy and Washington experience.

But Kaine’s political base of operations – some 100 miles south of Washington – seems to fit Obama's hint, in an NBC interview taped Saturday, that he'd prefer a Beltway outsider. [...]

Two Virginia Democrats close to Kaine, however, said Kaine and his staff believe that he is being very seriously considered, and that he and his staff had met with lawyers and submitted piles of documents to the campaign.

Another source familiar with Kaine's vetting said, however, that he hasn't personally spoken to Caroline Kennedy who, with Holder, heads Obama's search team.

Kaine's circle is "under the impression that he's being looked at very, very seriously but he's not the only one," said one of the two Democrats close to Kaine. [...]

Beyond Kaine's demographic appeal and his early support – dating back to February of 2007 – he and Obama are "simpatico" said Larry Sabato, a professor of political science at the University of Virginia. "They are two of a kind."

"He would arguably add a point or two" in Virginia, Sabato said, adding that Kaine's downside is his relatively short tenure in a state that limits governors to one term.

"He's been governor of Virginia for two and half years and putting him on the ticket reinforces the argument of lack of experience," he said.

He's anti-choice, has a record of cutting taxes, anti-death penalty... more here, but not much.