TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Obama Slams Citizens United Ruling
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama excoriated the Supreme Court's decision in the Citizen's United case, which overturned a century of previous law to allow corporations to directly spend money to campaign in elections:

"We don't need to give any more voice to the powerful interests that already drown out the voices of everyday Americans," said Obama. "And we don't intend to. When this ruling came down, I instructed my administration to get to work immediately with Members of Congress willing to fight for the American people to develop a forceful, bipartisan response to this decision. We have begun that work, and it will be a priority for us until we repair the damage that has been done."

Boehner Hails 'Political Rebellion' Against Democrats
In this weekend's Republican YouTube, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) celebrated the victory of Sen.-elect Scott Brown (R-MA), as part of a "political rebellion" against the Democrats' agenda:

"For months now, a political rebellion has been brewing - one born from the American people's opposition to greater government control over our economy and their lives," Boehner said. "That rebellion propelled Republican Scott Brown to victory in this week's Massachusetts special election. Scott's win in the bluest of blue states gives us new hope that common sense will prevail. That maybe now, the hard work and entrepreneurship of the American people will no longer be stifled by Washington Democrats' costly, job-killing agenda, an agenda Republicans have stood on principle and fought tooth and nail against."

Plouffe To Democrats: 'Fight Like Hell'
In a new guest column in the Washington Post, former Obama campaign manager David Plouffe urges Democrats to get tough, going into this year's elections: "TInstead of fearing what may happen, let's prove that we have more than just the brains to govern -- that we have the guts to govern. Let's fight like hell, not because we want to preserve our status, but because we sincerely believe too many everyday Americans will continue to lose if Republicans and special interests win."

Hayworth Will Challenge McCain In GOP Senate Primary
Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ) has announced that he will challenge Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) in the Republican primary: "Arizonans have a clear choice -- a clear, commonsense, consistent conservative, or they can remain with a moderate who calls himself a maverick." A recent Rasmussen poll gave McCain a 53%-31% lead over Hayworth among likely GOP primary voters.

Biden: U.S. To Appeal Dismissal Of Blackwater Charges
Vice President Biden visited Iraq Saturday, and announced that the U.S. government will appeal the dismissal of manslaughter charges against Blackwater security guards accused of killing 14 Iraqi civilians in 2007. "The United States is determined, determined to hold accountable anyone who commits crimes against the Iraqi people," Biden said. "While we fully respect the independence and integrity of the U.S. judicial system, we were disappointed by the judge's decision to dismiss the indictment, which was based on the way in which some evidence had been acquired."

Biden Visits Iraq, Endorses Ban On Baath-Linked Candidates
Also during his Iraq visit, Vice President Biden endorsed the ban on candidates linked to Saddam Hussein's Baath Party, during a controversy over banned candidates who were suspected of such connections. "I want to make clear I am not here to resolve that issue (of the banned candidates). This is for Iraqis, not for me," said Biden. "I am confident that Iraq's leaders are seized with this issue and are working for a final, just solution. The United States condemns the crimes of the previous regime and we fully support Iraq's constitutional ban on the return to power of Saddam's Baath party."

Pence To Decide Whether To Challenge Bayh
Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) said he will decide this weekend whether to challenge Democratic Sen. Evan Bayh this year. "Whether it be fiscal responsibility or traditional moral values or a strong defense, the fact that conservatives could get control of one chamber of the Congress in 2010 and begin to restore those principles to government is a very significant opportunity and a serious opportunity," said Pence. "So we're weighing those things. ... Karen and I are going to take the weekend, take a hard look at it, commit the matter to prayer and try and make a decision in the near future."

Coakley: 'I Wasn't Successful In This Race, And I Do Feel Very Bad About That'
Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley (D) reflected on her loss to Republican Sen.-elect Scott Brown in this past week's Massachusetts special Senate election, in an interview with the Boston Globe. "In the end, I know who I am," said Coakley. "I'm very comfortable with what I care about and what I work for. The bad news is ... I wasn't successful in this race, and I do feel very bad about that for the work that needs to go on."