TPMDC Morning Roundup
Omnibus Could Pass Today
The Senate is expected to vote today on the omnibus spending bill, with the Democratic leadership claiming they now have enough crossover Republican support -- and assurances from some wavering Democrats -- to cross the 60-vote threshold. Notably, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) said that Treasury officials have compromised on proposed changes to Cuba policy.
Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama is speaking at 9:45 a.m. ET to the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's 19th Annual Legislative Conference. At 3:30 p.m. he will be meeting with the New Democrat Coalition, the caucus of centrist Democrats in Congress. Then at 5:30 p.m. ET he will meet with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Biden Meeting With NATO, European Leaders
Vice President Biden has been spending the day in Brussels, Belgium, meeting with NATO and European leaders. He met at 4 a.m. ET with Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer; at 4:30 a.m. ET he met with a NATO session; and at 7:20 a.m. ET he and de Hoop Scheffer held a press conference. At 8:35 a.m. he met with members of the European Union; at 10:05 a.m. ET he will meet with Belgian Prime Minister Prime Minister Herman van Rompuy; and at 11:05 a.m. he will meet with the Non-NATO International Security Assistance Force.
Dean Challenges GOP: "Be My Guest" And Filibuster Health Care
In an interview with the Washington Times, Howard Dean warned Republicans that serious political backlash will await if they block President Obama's health care plan: "They called Medicare socialized medicine. If they want to filibuster this to death, be my guest and let's see how they do in 2010." He also had this to say about the Rush Limbaugh controversies: "You expect people to have fun, and it was fun, but enough is enough. The reason it's fun is because it's true."
Poll: Dodd Trails By One Point
A new Quinnipiac poll in Connecticut shows Chris Dodd down by one point against former GOP Rep. Rob Simmons, with a high undecided number: Simmons 43%, Dodd 42%, within the ±2.8% margin of error. Against right-wing economist/pundit Larry Kudlow, who is reportedly looking at the race, Dodd leads 46%-34%.
Shuler Not Running For Senate
Rep. Heath Shuler (D-NC) has announced through his spokesman that he is not running for U.S. Senate against incumbent Republican Richard Burr in 2010. Burr has proven to be a strong vote-getter in a conservative region of his state, but has also clashed with Democratic leaders and voted against the stimulus bill.
McCain Doesn't Want Obama To Fail, But Says White House Is "Lurching"
In an interview with the Politico, John McCain said these are "terrible, perilous" times for the economy, and that "I don't want him [President Obama] to fail in his mission of restoring our economy." However, he also continued to criticize the administration's policies thus far: "There is no clear message. They're just sort of lurching from one crisis to another, and that's the perception the American people have."
Vogel Named DCCC Executive Director
The DCCC has announced that political strategist Jon Vogel has been named as the organization's new Executive Director. Vogel previously led the DCCC's independent expenditure arm in 2008, running ad campaigns that helped pick up 24 seats, and in 2006 he served as Northeastern and Florida Regional Political Director.
Josh
Elana
Matt
Eric
Ok, I don't want to hear another speech or press conference until this issue is dealt with:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/mcclatchy/20090309/pl_mcclatchy/3184724;_ylt=Ap.O5CAgenF8fyWJc_01k1myFz4D
All five of the biggest banks are insolvent. They are trading at like a dollar on the stock exchange. The fact that they are insolvent is dragging down the entire financial system and economic system. This issue has to be addressed and dealt with before there is more carnage in the country. Please deal with it one way or another asap. The fact that this is being ignored and all these other things are going in is troubling to say the least as this is the most critical issue.
March 10, 2009 9:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
You may not like the banking plan but there will be a banking plan and according to WaPo the plan will be unveiled within two weeks, perhaps even next week.
March 10, 2009 9:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Was that in today's paper? It really is freaking me out that this is dragging on so long. I'd like to read the article.
March 10, 2009 9:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
Here is the article and it was also announced on ABC News last night.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/09/AR2009030902627.html?hpid=topnews
"The administration hopes to find the right balance and announce the details within the next two weeks, possibly as soon as next week, according to people familiar with the matter."
March 10, 2009 11:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you very much. I was trying to find it.
March 10, 2009 11:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
"You may not like the banking plan but there will be a banking plan and according to WaPo the plan will be unveiled within two weeks, perhaps even next week."
...and they've been saying that for a month. Maybe if the "Chosen One" would concentrate on the economy instead of pushing progressive wish list projects through and calling it "emergency stimulus" we might find the bottom of this pit and start moving back in the right direction.
March 10, 2009 9:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
Or perhaps if "the Decider" hadn't driven us straight into that pit while all of the Repubs stood back and waved, then maybe Obama wouldn't have to be juggling several different crises at once.
March 10, 2009 10:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
Right...because no Democrat had any hand in any of this...(even if that were true, it still doesn't change the fact that Obama's team is exploiting the crisis...just like Rhambo predicted...it's obviously become policy).
http://blogs.reuters.com/frontrow/2009/03/09/the-waste-not-want-not-method-of-crisis-handling/
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/a-crisis-is-not-always-bad--it-can-be-a-catalyst-for-change-20081124-6g3r.html?page=-1
March 10, 2009 10:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's been dems and republicans for 30 years now. Who cares about the blame? Let's get the answer as to how to deal with the problem. That is what is freaking me out.
March 10, 2009 10:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
That's my point...but Obama isn't targeting the economy...he isn't worried about the market...he's pushing through liberal project spending hoping it helps the economy, as opposed to programs specifically designed to stimulate the economy.
March 10, 2009 10:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, all government spending stimulates the economy. That's a red herring. I do agree about addressing the meltdown more directly though. That's bothering me.
March 10, 2009 10:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
All spending stimulates the economy in some way when the money is spent. Gohmert's idea of a six month tax holiday is one idea that puts money straight back into the economy. I know you guys hate tax cuts, but you can't argue against the stimulus effects of eliminating payroll and income taxes for 6 months. http://gohmert.house.gov/?sectionid=44§iontree=4,44&itemid=362
March 10, 2009 11:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
1. Nope, I don't hate tax cuts. I just hate tax cuts for the super-rich, who make so much money off the economy and people that they should pay more. Even adam smith adhered to that concept. The father of capitalism? Oh, my gosh, he was a liberal.
2. I actually might agree on a temporary tax holiday that you described, in addition to spending. However, the arguments against are easy. The problem is that people are not spending either. They are saving the money because they are scared or they are paying off debts. Neither of those things stimulate the economy. Also, that only effects the employed who are paying taxes. What about the millions of unemployed?
March 10, 2009 11:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
But apparently you can argue against the stimulative effects of direct government spending, despite the fact that even Republican economists like Zandi acknowledge they're more stimulative than tax cuts. Hello, double standard...
March 10, 2009 12:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
I haven't argued against "direct government spending." I have argued that much of Obama's spending plan isn't "direct government spending" targeted at the economy now, that's the problem.
March 10, 2009 12:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good point. I think part of the problem was that there is only so much that can be spent "immediately," so they had to stretch it out a bit. The idea was they wanted a big bill for psychological effect as well as some immediate effect. Unfortunately, it is not panning out quite as they forcast at this point. I still think the biggest problem is the uncertainty in the financial sector, as well as the fact that it is frozen solid. Once that is alleviated, I will guess, and hope, that the economy will start to turn around.
March 10, 2009 12:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
a tax holiday is a reckless and absolutely stupid idea.
it would stimulate savings and paying down debts instead of spending, providing nearly zilcho economic stimulus.
and it would benefit least those hurt most by the recession.
pull yer head out of yer ideology and focus on what works and what's needed. and don't listen to the people who are putting the republican party and political messaging wars ahead of honest policy considerations. going nowhere ideas like a tax holiday are just grandstanding and conservative porn for the base. but then i guess they've got your number. you and the plumber too.
March 10, 2009 1:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
"...and it would benefit least those hurt most by the recession."
Dude, y'all can't argue the regressive aspects of the payroll tax one day, then state stopping the payroll tax wouldn't help the working poor the next. Pick an injustice and rail against it.
March 10, 2009 1:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, yes, yes....how dare Obama exploit this crisis and try to get people back to work. Doesn't he know that the only acceptable exploitation of a crisis involves handing no-bid contracts to your political contributors and friends? Do you think Reagan was "exploiting" the economy in 1981 when he instituted his economic policies? Hurry quick.....say something about earmarks and 'beaver management'...
March 10, 2009 10:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
If he was spending to fix the economy and get people back to work it would be another story (I might not agree with how he was doing it, but at least he'd be doing it). The point is, he's not.
March 10, 2009 10:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
Sure thing. NONE of the stimulus bill is putting anyone back to work. Right. I'll agree that the tax cuts in the stimulus package probably won't do a whole lot to put people back to work, but it's patently absurd for you to make such a blanket statement about the rest of it. Now, quick....tell me how restoring the upper marginal tax rate to 1.1% higher than it was during Reagan's tenure is going to squash all semblence of capitalism and entrepaneurship in this country and plunge us into a socialist nightmare.
March 10, 2009 12:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is how you argue like SFCWallace:
I don't have any evidence or proof, but the point is that up is down and the sky is always neon pink on a clear afternoon.
March 10, 2009 12:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
"tell me how restoring the upper marginal tax rate to 1.1% higher than it was during Reagan's tenure is going to squash all semblence of capitalism and entrepaneurship"
I don't recall stating that, but I'll run back through my comments and check. Of course I don't remember stating that "NONE of the stimulus bill is putting anyone back to work" either.
March 10, 2009 1:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, the point is that you're just pulling right-wing fantasies from your ass and ignoring the opinion of mainstream economists, both conservative and liberal. There's not a single credible study that says the stimulus bill was not stimulative across the board. Even the work of McCain's former economic adviser refutes your baseless assertions.
March 10, 2009 12:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is "beaver management" what I think it is? That's funny if it is. I hope you don't mind if I borrow the phrase in the future.
March 10, 2009 10:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm afraid Krugman was right about the GOP turning into Beavis and Butthead.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/244/story/581995.html
March 10, 2009 12:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
It must have been hard on you to have to ride the small bus to school for all those years.
March 10, 2009 10:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yep...and all your years of debate practice have obviously paid dividens.
March 10, 2009 10:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
Did you mean dividends? Proofreading, darling; it's a lovely tool when you are trying to one up someone.
March 10, 2009 10:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
Good point. For some reason I refuse to use the "Preview" tool our hosts have provided us with.
P.S. It's the "short bus" not the "small bus."
March 10, 2009 10:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
Good point ;).
March 10, 2009 11:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
There are actually several departments of the executive branch, and one working on something doesn't "distract" another. Of course, things might go a little quicker all around if the Republican Senators would stop placing arbitrary holds on nominees. Silly, uninformed comments like yours indicate that you're not interested in serious criticism of policy, just disingenuous whining.
March 10, 2009 12:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Silly, uninformed comments like yours indicate that you're not interested in serious criticism of policy, just disingenuous whining."
So silly and uninformed that they are not worthy of comment from one as inciteful as yourself; so feel free not to.
March 10, 2009 12:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
My biggest disappointment with Obama so far is the weakness of his economic team, most notably its (primarily Geithner's and Summers') blind devotion to the failed "free-market" (e.g., deregulation) policies of the past.
March 10, 2009 9:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
I vassilate between wondering if it's weakness or if they are just taking the time to come up with a strong plan to an enormous problem. I don't know for sure, yet.
March 10, 2009 10:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's the uncertainty that is killing me. Who knows? And, the more that I dwell on it, the more it freaks me out.
March 10, 2009 10:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
It is scary when you think too much about it. We are no doubt in pretty dire straits. But I think we need to all employ a modicum of patience. It took time to get to where we are and it will take time to get out (and even when we get there I don't think it be the same as it was before, which may be a good thing in the long run). I would rather wait a little while for a good solution than have a hurried solution that doesn't work. Think of how we went into Iraq. Think about the first TARP bill. We hurried on those and are spending a lot of time doing clean up.
March 10, 2009 11:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
I agree with all your points and I am trying to be patient and have been. I am just freaking out at this point and am really, really scared. Call me a whimp or whatever, but I am scared sh*tless right now.
March 10, 2009 11:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
I have to admit that I am, too (scared shitless, that is). I think it has to do with the fact that EVERY part of the economy seems screwed up and NO ONE seems to know what to do about it.
March 10, 2009 12:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
The only cause I have for optimism is that it would seem that if Obama and team were going to do what's required, it will take a whole lotta' work beforehand and we will not know about any of it until it is all done.
What I am talking about is nationalizing the banks as necessary. (Pick whatever term you want in place of "nationalizing" if this makes you free marketeers squeamish.) To be done effectively, this will have to be accomplished all at once and with no real foreshadowing that it is about to occur.
Can this be the reason we are now seemingly so adrift? Is it because this is truly the lull before the storm that just might finally clear the air? Let's say i hope so!
March 10, 2009 10:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
Geithner's unstaffed team does have the perhaps unintended benefit of eliminating leaks and maintaining the indispensable tight secrecy, a situation which must certainly be driving the rest of Washington nuts.
March 10, 2009 11:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
My guess is its a clever plan to stimulate demand for over-the-counter stress-relief meds, leading up to a bill to legalize pot to help people cope. It was a conspiracy all along! Don your tinfoil hats!
March 10, 2009 11:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
That's funny.
March 10, 2009 11:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
Seems to me they've only been dealing with one crisis. And if that's really the perception of the American people, how high does he think his approval rating would be if they didn't have that perception?
March 10, 2009 9:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
McCain is a real snake in the grass. His comments about lurching are quite comical when you look back on his deranged campaign.
March 10, 2009 9:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
Word!
March 10, 2009 9:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
Well said!
March 10, 2009 10:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
I was going to say something similar but you said it better. Clearly McCain is projecting here.
March 10, 2009 10:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
"And by 'the American people' I mean Jav..Jose? No, Pedro, my groundskeeper's secretary at my cast..vill..house in..Utah? No, the one in Arizona. No no, the other one in Arizona. Yeah. What I told him to say if someone asked,"
Continued Sen. McCain, stating further that:
"Sorry, it appears that Pedro is in fact the livery boy of my secretary's groundskeeper. And this is not the kind of change we can believe in! Does anyone have any nickles?"
March 10, 2009 9:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
Here, here, K the M. If John McCain spoke for the American people, he would probably be President right now. I don't think he has a clue what the American people think or want. He's grasping for relevancy right now and can't seem to get a grip on it.
March 10, 2009 10:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
If Jon Vogel is the guy responsible for targeting NE Illinois with robocalls against Biggert and Kirk I'm all for it. More of that please, especially next year when broad swipes at policies all Rs adhere to in Chicago's tv market can help not just one House candidate but at least half a dozen from IN almost to WI.
With Durbin and Obama so strong in the state some of our best, hardest working candidates were left hanging last cycle. The DCCC has to realize that a lot of Is and Rs hedged their bets in the area after voting for Obama and Durbin by diversifying, balancing their portfolio and voting for Rs downballot. If the DCCC ad guys recognize that and run ads attacking the party of "NO" in general in this market in 2010 we can pick up many more seats and solidify others.
March 10, 2009 9:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hey McCain the only one lurching is you. Based on the pathetic campaign McCain ran he is the expert at lurching. These jackass republicans only offer criticisms of Obama for the monstrous task he is undertaking of fixing all the horrid messes the republicans created. The hole Bush and republicans dug goes to the center of the earth and it’s going to take awhile to dig out. The only thing McCain and republicans offer is another shovel. Hey Johnny put up or shut the fuck up.
March 10, 2009 10:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
The Republicans want Obama to go slower so they have more time to denounce each policy and get massive news coverage. I hope Obama keeps throwing it at them. Probably McCain's problem is that he can't keep up.
March 10, 2009 10:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
They want Obama to go slower so they can catch up. It's all very hard to understand, you see, because they were on that same small school bus with Wallace. It was for the "slow" kids, remember?
March 10, 2009 10:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
I want to know why the media continues to give McShame so much play. I don't recall Kerry getting anywhere near as much coverage in 2005, though he came much closer to winning than McShame. I guess this is just further proof of what Josh says about DC being wired for the Repugnuts.
March 10, 2009 11:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
Why, its obviously due to J-Mac's dashing youthful good looks and cutting edge ideas of course!
March 10, 2009 11:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe Kerry didn't get as much coverage because he didn't put himself out in front of the media as much; he had the decency to lick his wounds in private.
March 10, 2009 12:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, who wants to get left off the guest list for the next BBQ?
March 10, 2009 12:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
You wrote "Barr has been a strong vote-getter in a conservative region of the state". I think you meant Shuler.
March 10, 2009 12:50 PM | Reply | Permalink