Obama: Tucson Shooting Reminds Us ‘Who We Really Are’
In this weekend’s YouTube address, President Obama reflected on the shooting in Tucson, Arizona, and the sense of community that members of both parties can derive from it.
“One of the places we saw that sense of community on display was on the floor of Congress, where Gabby Giffords, who inspires us with her recovery, is deeply missed by her colleagues,” said Obama. “One by one, Representatives from all parts of the country and all points of view rose in common cause to honor Gabby and the other victims, and to reflect on our shared hopes for this country. As shrill and discordant as our politics can be at times, it was a moment that reminded us of who we really are - and how much we depend on one another.”
Flake Salutes Giffords, Hernandez
In this weekend’s Republican address, Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) paid tribute to Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), and to the stories of heroism that occurred in the midst of the shooting — especially Giffords intern Daniel Hernandez.
“These violent acts have no place in our society. And we should honor those who stood up in defiance, for it was from the shadows of this evil that we saw true heroism emerge,” said Flake. “When shots began to fire, Daniel Hernandez - a young man who joined Gabby’s staff as an intern just days before the incident - rushed into harm’s way. As he checked the pulses of the wounded he noticed Gabby on the ground, injured. He ran to her aid, and amid the crisis, shielded and tended to her. His bravery and level-headedness during the crisis meant the difference between life and death — literally. Doctors have said that the actions Daniel took may very well have saved Gabby Giffords. ‘Of course you’re afraid,’ he said, but ‘you kind of have to do what you can.’ ‘People needed help.’”
McCain Praises Obama’s Tucson Speech
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has written a guest column in the Washington Post, praising his former presidential rival’s recent speech in Tucson: “President Obama gave a terrific speech Wednesday night. He movingly mourned and honored the victims of Saturday’s senseless atrocity outside Tucson, comforted and inspired the country, and encouraged those of us who have the privilege of serving America. He encouraged every American who participates in our political debates - whether we are on the left or right or in the media - to aspire to a more generous appreciation of one another and a more modest one of ourselves.”
Quick Return To Constituents, In Tribute And Also Defiance
The New York Times reports: “From Las Vegas to Connecticut, Congressional Democrats stepped into vegetable aisles, parking lots and office lobbies Friday to meet with constituents, less than a week after Representative Gabrielle Giffords was critically wounded in a shooting rampage at an informal gathering outside a supermarket in Tucson. In gentle defiance of the security fears — both for themselves and the voters who come to see them — some lawmakers made a special effort on Friday to schedule a ‘Congress on Your Corner’ event, designed to encourage free-ranging chatter with residents of their district. Others considered the future of these gatherings, with some trepidation.”
U.S. Further Eases Travel, Remittances To Cuba
Reuters reports: “President Barack Obama issued an executive order on Friday loosening more restrictions on U.S. travel and money remittances to Cuba, a further step in his efforts to reach out to the people of the communist-ruled country. The latest measures, which stop short of lifting a ban on tourist travel to the island by Americans, are aimed at developing ‘people-to-people’ contacts by allowing more travel for college professors and students, artists and church groups.”
Obama’s Record Is Ammunition In Chicago Mayoral Race
The Washington Post reports on the Chicago mayoral campaign, and how former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel’s rivals are making use of minority communities’ frustrations with President Obama. Said Rep. Bobby Rush: “For those who don’t feel comfortable criticizing the king, it’s the king’s counsel that you aim your wrath at.”
Senate Tea Party Caucus To Meet Jan. 27
Roll Call reports: “Sen. Rand Paul on Friday announced the launch of the Senate Tea Party Caucus, making good on an idea he floated during last year’s campaign. GOP Sens. Jim DeMint (S.C.) and Mike Lee (Utah) will join the Kentucky Republican as the first members of the caucus…The group’s first meeting will be on Jan. 27. The Senate group mirrors the House Tea Party Caucus, which Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) announced she was forming last year.”
Schwarzenegger: Governorship Cost Him $200 Million — But ‘It Was More Than Worth It’
Reuters reports: “Serving as California governor cost Arnold Schwarzenegger at least $200 million, the bodybuilding star turned actor and politician told a newspaper in his native Austria, insisting ‘it was more than worth it.’ Counting expenses and lost income from acting in Hollywood films, ‘in all it is probably more than $200 million,’ he told Krone when asked how much his two terms in Sacramento had cost. ‘But I’m not sorry. It was more than worth it,’ he said.”
Jeb Bush Blasts Heated Political Tone In U.S.
CNN reports: “Jeb Bush believes that the tone of political debate in America has gotten too hot so he’s urging a ‘restoration of civility across the board.’ And Bush is critical of those who, he thinks, are unnecessarily firing up heated rhetoric. He’s urging that ‘leaders have to lead,’ though Bush did not name any names.”
Eric Kleefeld
Eric Kleefeld joined TPM as an intern for the final months of the 2006 midterm elections, and then kept showing up for work. His other interests include guitars, old comic books and the politics of various English-speaking countries.
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