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Summit Watch: 257-111, But who's counting...

By GottaLaff

Photo via

Earlier today on Twitter, I made a prediction that one of the talking points after the health care summit would be that the poor GOP didn't get enough talk time. The big bad Democrats were hogging the conversation, as was stated during the meeting by the GOP, several times.

Okay, so that wasn't really much of a prediction, then.

But just the same, I did call it... and the ever dutiful CNN picked it right up and regurgitated it:

Democrats spoke for a total of 135 minutes while President Obama spoke for 122 minutes, for a total of 257 minutes. Republicans, meanwhile, spoke for just 111 minutes, about 30 percent of the total speaking time.

The time discrepancy did not go unnoticed by the top Republican in the Senate

Shortly after President Obama, Vice President Biden and legislators from both parties returned from a lunch break, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's office released a statement detailing how long President Obama had the floor, versus how much time members of each party were allotted during the nearly three-hour morning session.

Let's break it down: The Dems got 135 minutes and the GOP got 111. The president was moderating. And he's the president.

Now let's compare that enormous, terribly unfair 24 minute gap to this post of only 1 year ago:

In a new analysis, ThinkProgress has found that Republican lawmakers outnumbered Democratic lawmakers 75 to 41 on cable news interviews by members of Congress (from 6am on Monday 2/2 through 11pm on Thursday 2/5):

Some observations from our analysis:

– Last week, Fox News came the closest to balance with 8 Republicans and 6 Democrats. But the so-called “fair and balanced” network was not able to maintain such a ratio this week, hosting 24 Republicans and only 11 Democrats.

– The business news networks were particularly egregious this week. CNBC had more than twice as many conservatives, with 14 Republicans and 6 Democrats. Fox Business was even worse, hosting 20 Republicans for just 4 Democrats.

– In the previous study, the supposedly liberal MSNBC favored Republicans 15 to 9. This week, however, MSNBC became the only network to host more Democratic members of Congress than Republicans, with 17 Democrats and 12 Republicans.

[...] Some of the most frequent Democratic guests this week were outspoken critics of the proposed stimulus plans, such as Sens. Ben Nelson (D-NE) and Kent Conrad (D-ND).

Fortunately, the imbalance on the networks is not going unnoticed. A House Democratic leadership aide told Politico’s Michael Calderone yesterday that “what happened with cable last week is that Republican House members were the only show in town.” A “very senior” Democratic aide told The Washington Post’s Greg Sargent that the leadership is “aware of the problem and are taking steps to fix it.” The aide noted that “there is also an onus on producers to remedy this issue.”

Let's not forget this post. Or my post entitled "Mything In Action-- Librul Media. Network news coverage favored Republicans 1992-2004". Or this one.

Call me crazy, but I kinda think they owe us a few minutes.

VIDEO: Mitch McConnell breaks down and sobs on Senate floor

By GottaLaff



Um, alrighty then:

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is not known for his emotional outbursts, especially in public, but he wept openly on the Senate floor Thursday as he spoke about Kyle Simmons, his outgoing chief of staff.

"To me, he's been more than a staffer.... He’s made me look better than I am for 15 years."

Well, somebody had to.

H/t: Greg Skilling

Video- Kevin Madden says vacationing in Hawaii is worse for a president than vacationing in Texas

"With surfers behind them"? Ding Dong, people surf in Texas, Florida and pretty much (I think) any damn state with a coastline. Maybe to keep the hicks in Indiana happy the reporters should stand in front of a sewage facility? I really can't believe they think this line of attack will work after the utter fail they had with it during the election.

How Republicans Hope to Tie Up the Senate

Slaggy pieces of crap. Via Taegan-

Roll Call notes that Senate Republicans "may not have the physical numbers to filibuster the Democrats' health care reform bill, but they have wasted little time in using the Senate's rules to their utmost advantage in their quest to trip up consideration of the measure."

For instance, instead of offering a conventional amendment to the bill this week, Republicans used "an esoteric procedural tactic" that would send the bill back to committee with instructions to eliminate certain cuts. If successful, Republicans would force Democrats to "hold another filibuster-killing vote on whether to restart debate on the bill."

"Republicans said they are likely to use the procedural tactic repeatedly during debate this month as they seek to make the point that the Senate should go back to the drawing board on the health care bill."

VIDEO- Bill Maher: The Year in GOP

By GottaLaff

Beck: "Special needs cousin of Rush Limbaugh" indeed...




So Maher, so good, so annoying that he's off for three months.

Video- Bill Clinton on “virulent” right: GOP just wants Obama to fail

Mark Sanford 'humbled and broken', sniffle!

By GottaLaff

Mark Sanford is broken alright... more like damaged... more like wrecked... more like in ruins:

A self-described "more contrite" Sanford wrote an op-ed, published in newspapers around South Carolina, vowing to "begin the journey of trying to get things more right with you and others." [...]

"I realize this op-ed does not do justice to the process of saying I am sorry," the two-term Republican wrote. "A handwritten note or a phone call would ultimately be more appropriate."

My voice mail is still empty, Marko. Although a nice note on scented stationery would be so lovely.

Sanford again admitted, "I did wrong and failed at the largest of levels." He said "life is… about way more than public standing or political views, it is about recognizing that none of us of are the arbiters of truth, that there are moral absolutes and that there is a God to whom we will all report for our actions."

Well, maybe... unless you're a Commie atheist such as yours truly. Personally, I report to Paddy. She's much fiercer and almighty than any god. And she never makes me bow to her. That is so like Paddy.

"My failure has been more glaring on this front, where no public apology can make wrong right."

But Sanford wrote that he has been "humbled and broken as never before," and has "given up areas of control."

Um, Marko? You kinda gave up "areas of control" when you zipped off to Argentina and zipped down your pantalones.

"It is my belief this will make me a better father, husband, friend and advocate."

Yes, cheating always improves one's husbanding/paternal skills and standing with the ol' fam.

Sanford, a strong-willed political figure who often sparred with legislative leaders, said that he is "committing to you and to the larger family of South Carolinians to use this experience to both trust God in his larger work of changing me, and from my end, to work to becoming a better and more effective leader."

Now really, Marko-- can I call you Marko?-- think about this for longer than the time it takes to cry for Argentina. Wouldn't becoming a better and more effective leader be the thing to aspire to before you had an extramarital affair and joined the C Street Frat?

Trying to heal political wounds deepened by the scandal, Sanford said, "I think all that has transpired will be particularly relevant in the way I deal with the legislative body and other state leaders going forward… as I begin these steps into the last 18 months of this administration, it will be indeed with a more contrite and humble spirit."

Here's a better idea. Follow the example of your Fearless Leader, Sarah Palin, and quit.

GOP seeks to counter ABC healthcare programming

The special in question is here. When I read this I had a niggling memory of a law that we used to have? Something about opposing viewpoints on the public airwaves? Can't seem to remember what that was about...

WASHINGTON (CNN) – The Republican National Committee is urging GOP members of Congress to take to the local airwaves next week to discuss their approach to healthcare reform in an effort to counter an ABC News primetime special featuring President Obama speaking on the issue.

The RNC is informing GOP congressional offices this morning that it will pay for and help schedule the interviews with local television reporters in their states and districts.

The RNC tells the Republican lawmakers it is taking this step because they said their request to be included in the special “was denied.”

Yeah, ABC was totally fair and balanced with that masterpiece of cinema, The Path To 9/11. Uh huh.

Nevada Gov Gibbons (R) Rejects Offer to Greet Obama at Airport

Dude, you are taking this way too far. He said that they shouldn't use taxpayer money for junkets to Vegas.

Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons says he rejected a White House offer of a handshake meeting with President Barack Obama when he arrives in Las Vegas.

The Republican governor released a statement Monday saying he's not interested in a "momentary" greeting with the Democratic president.

Gibbons says he wants an apology and a promise to undo damage he says Obama caused with a February comment that corporations shouldn't use bailout funds for trips to Las Vegas.

Gibbons calls that comment an insult to Las Vegas and a message to companies to cancel corporate meetings and conventions in the tourism-dependent city.

Cheney to skip Bush administration reunion

By GottaLaff

I wonder if they'll wear name tags, like they do at class reunions? "Hi! My name is Condi!":

The New York Times reports that roughly 20 Bush administration all-stars — including Condoleezza Rice, Karen Hughes, and Dan Bartlett — are getting together next week for their first Bush administration reunion.

Hmmm. Someone's name is missing. Think... think. Who's refusing to go to the party? Could it be... "Hi! I'm (a) Dick!":

Not coming to next week’s session is former Vice President Dick Cheney, who in the final days of the administration argued with Mr. Bush about his failure to pardon Mr. Cheney’s former chief of staff, I. Lewis Libby Jr...

Aww, wittle baby Nation of Dick's feewings got hurt? He didn't get his way? That's okay, he won't be missed.

Cheney also broke with the President on a same-sex marriage ban, firing Donald Rumsfeld, overturning Washington DC’s gun ban, and removing North Korea from the list of state sponsors of terror.

Someone jam a pacifier (or a sock) in Nation of Dick's big fat crankypants mouth:

Glenn Beck: "I'm a cry baby...I am 90% chick..."

By GottaLaff

Via Politico, we get a couple of tasty quotes from one of Faux's nutcases-in-residence. Exerpts from New York magazine:

He’s called himself a “rodeo clown,” but he insists his own outrage is no act. [...] Last month, he gave a sobbing sermon of consolation to disenfranchised conservatives (“They don’t surround us. We surround them”) that’s now a YouTube classic. Is he afraid that crying might become his trademark? “Yes, it bothers me. I’m a crybaby. I cry at commercials. I am 90 percent chick in that territory. I’m such an easy target. I’m surprised 'SNL' hasn’t come after me.” (Sure enough, Stephen Colbert gets around to mocking Beck the next night, making him seem like a teary militia member.)

That part about SNL sounds like a very self-serving, self-indulgent child begging for more attention and exposure on the Tee Vee Machine.

As for calling himself "90% chick"? Hey, if the gender fits...

Judiciary Republicans Boycott Hearing on Obama Court Pick

Dammit, this is Roll Call which is subscription only, but just read what you can for free.

Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans on Wednesday boycotted a confirmation hearing for a federal appeals court judge over concerns that the panel is moving “at an unreasonable pace” on President Barack Obama’s nominations.

An "unreasonable pace"? WTF is that supposed to mean? They bitch when there are openings not filled, they bitch when we try and fill them. Will no one just admit that they are a failed, and I mean failed party? Bring back the damn Whigs.

Go back into hiding, GOP begs Dick Cheney

Hey, he's your Frankenstein!!

Congressional Republicans are telling Dick Cheney to go back to his undisclosed location and leave them alone to rebuild the Republican Party without his input.

Displeased with the former vice-president's recent media appearances, Republican lawmakers say he's hurting GOP efforts to reinvent itself after back-to-back electoral drubbings.

(snip)

Rep. John Duncan Jr. (R-Tenn.) said, “He became so unpopular while he was in the White House that it would probably be better for us politically if he wouldn’t be so public...But he has the right to speak out since he’s a private citizen.”

Another House Republican lawmaker who requested anonymity said he wasn’t surprised that Cheney has strongly criticized Obama early in his term, but argued that it’s not helping the GOP cause.

The legislator said Cheney, whose approval ratings were lower than President Bush’s during the last Congress, didn’t think through the political implications of going after Obama.

Cheney did “House Republicans no favors,” the lawmaker said, adding, “I could never understand him anyway.”

Get out the Kleenex: Sarah Palin's Legal Bills Pile Up

By GottaLaff

Anchorage Daily News is reporting that Sarah Palin is in debt up to her earmarks... but c'mon! None of this is her fault! It's a witch hunt, that's what it is! And... and... ::sniffle:: now how's she supposed to ::snerfle:: come up with all that money to pay off her legal fees? Waaah!

Gov. Sarah Palin owes more than a half million dollars to an Anchorage law firm that has defended her against ethics complaints, and she may create a legal fund to pay the bill, she said Friday.

Legal bills have mounted fighting complaints that she called partisan, false and frivolous, starting with "the politically motivated Troopergate probe," Palin said in a written response to questions.

She said the legal bills all stem from her actions as governor.

"I must defend against these baseless ethics accusations out of my own pocket as the use of public monies to do so could itself violate state law," Palin wrote.

"On August 29, it seems the political landscape changed in Alaska. Now, it seems in order to do this job as Governor, with the political blood sport some are playing today, only the independently wealthy or those willing to spend their income on legal fees to defend their official actions in office ... can serve," Palin said in the written response to Daily News questions.

On Friday in the written statement, attorney Thomas Van Flein wouldn't give a precise number but said it was "a substantial debt." Palin said she didn't have an exact figure yet but "the debt is over a half a million dollars." [...]

In all, Palin said, there have been 10 ethics complaints, counting Troopergate, though she did not provide a list. [...] Out of the 10 complaints, Palin said six have been dismissed, one had "concluded," and three are pending. [...]

Palin made $131,891 last year, counting her $125,000 salary and expense payments she collects when she's away from Juneau, according to the disclosure. Todd Palin made $86,150 from his two jobs, as a commercial fisherman and a BP production operator.

"Obviously we cannot afford to personally pay these bills -- and really no future governor should feel the sense of financial vulnerability at the hands of those with a political vendetta bent on personal destruction," Palin wrote. "Some have suggested a legal fund to pay these bills. We'll have to pursue that."

Republicans read polls?

Seems like it. Taegan gathers the evidence with a snap from Nate-

First Read: "Republicans must have read the same polls we have because, overall, their tone in responding to Obama's speech last night was much softer than we've seen in the past several days...

"As for Gov. Bobby Jindal's official GOP response, it appears someone gave him bad advice last night, whether it was his awkward entrance or his way-too-casual delivery. The Louisiana governor, a Rhodes scholar, is a serious guy who's known for sometimes being too wonky and even somewhat humorless. Well, he tried too hard NOT to look wonky and humorless. But it didn't work; he wasn't the Bobby Jindal we've seen before. Also, his speech seemed to be too much of a brochure about himself rather than about his party and its ideas."

Nate Silver: "If it sounds like Jindal is targeting his speech to a room full of fourth graders, that's because he is. They might be the next people to actually vote for Republicans again."

Republicans Party Like 1994

Let's take bets on how this will work out.

"Republicans are hatching a political comeback by dusting off a strategic playbook written nearly two decades ago," Politico reports.

Three key themes: "Unite against Democrats' economic policy, block and counter health care reform and tar them with spending scandals."

In 1994, Republicans used this same strategy to complete a historic takeover of Congress.