Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 17, 2009, 9:03AM

Obama And Hu Vow Cooperation, But Produce Few Deals
At their press appearance today, President Obama and Chinese President Hut Jintao promised greater cooperation between the two countries on issues such as climate change and nuclear disarmament. During their appearance, however, Hu pointedly called on Obama to reject protectionism -- the U.S. recently imposed tariffs on Chinese-made tires and steel pipes -- and Obama called on China to relax controls that keep their currency artificially weak on the world market.

Obama's Day In China
President Obama participated in a welcome ceremony in Beijing at 9:45 a.m. local time (8:45 p.m. ET last night). He held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao at 10 a.m., and an expanded meeting at 10:45 a.m. They made joint press statements at 12:15 p.m. Obama toured the Forbidden City at 1:20 p.m. He met with U.S. Embassy employees and their families at 2:55 p.m. He held a bilateral meeting with Chairman Wu Bangguo at 5:55 p.m., and attended a state dinner at 6:30 p.m.

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Roundup

TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 14, 2009, 1:04PM

Obama: Fort Hood Shooting Will Be Fully Reviewed
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama said there will be a full investigation of the shooting at Fort Hood, and whether better steps could have been taken to prevent it:

"The purpose of this review is clear: We must compile every piece of information that was known about the gunman, and we must learn what was done with that information," said Obama. "Once we have those facts, we must act upon them. If there was a failure to take appropriate action before the shootings, there must be accountability. Beyond that - and most importantly - we must quickly and thoroughly evaluate and address any flaws in the system, so that we can prevent a similar breach from happening again. Our government must be able to act swiftly and surely when it has threatening information. And our troops must have the security that they deserve."

Kirk: Dem Health Care Bill Would Make Top Taxes Worse Than France
This weekend's Republican address is by Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL), a candidate for President Obama's former Senate seat in 2010. Kirk attacks the Democrats on health care -- and even says it would make some Americans worse off than if they were in France:

"The Pelosi health care bill has no significant lawsuit reforms and does not guarantee your medical rights from government waiting lines or restrictions," said Kirk. "In the teeth of the Great Recession, the Pelosi bill would impose ten new taxes on the American economy. The top combined tax rate for my state of Illinois would be four percentage points higher than France."

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Roundup

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 25, 2009, 1:02PM

Schumer: Dems 'Very Close' To 60 Votes
Appearing on Meet The Press, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said that Democrats are approaching 60 votes for a compromise public option: "The liberals, they like it stronger, but they're willing to live with level playing field, opt-out. The more moderate Democrats, there are some who actually like it. As long as it's a level playing field, they're comfortable with it. There are others who say that, 'I'm not sure I like it, but I won't hold up passage of the bill.' I think we're very close to getting the 60 votes we need to move forward, and my guess is that the public option level playing field with the state opt-out will be in the bill. But Leader Reid will make that decision after he talks to everybody several times.

Abdullah Calls For 'Dramatic Increase' In American Troops In Afghanistan
Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Afghan presidential candidate Dr. Abdullah called for a "dramatic increase" in the number of American troops in his country: "If the situation is not reversed from deteriorating further the security situation, so the future of this country will be at risk, and the future of the engagement of the international community will be at risk. So this situation requires a sort of dramatic increase in the number of troops in order to stop -- stop it from further deteriorating and reversing it. The permanent solution is in a road map that Afghanistan stands on its own feet in a few years down the road, troops -- number of troops could be decreased in Afghanistan, finally, and eventually will stand on its own feet."

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Sunday Shows

The Sunday Show Line-Ups

Eric Kleefeld | October 23, 2009, 5:34PM

Here are the line-ups for the Sunday talk shows this weekend:

• ABC, This Week: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO).

• CBS, Face The Nation: Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI).

• CNN, State Of The Union: Dr. , Afghan presidential candidate; Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE), Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA).

• Fox News Sunday: Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Afghan presidential candidate; Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI), Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ).

• NBC, Meet The Press: SEn. John Cornyn (R-TX), Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY.

Roundup

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 11, 2009, 12:58PM

Liz Cheney: Obama Given Nobel Prize For Opposing American Dominance
Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Liz Cheney attacked President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize. "Well, I think what the committee believes is they'd like to live in a world in which America is not dominant. And I think if you look at the language of the citation, you can see that they talk about, you know, President Obama ruling in a way that makes sense to the majority of the people of the world," said Cheney. "You know, Americans don't elect a president to do that. We elect a president to defend our national interests. And so I think that, you know, they may believe that President Obama also doesn't agree with American dominance, and they may have been trying to affirm that belief with the prize. I think, unfortunately, they may be right, and I think it's a concern."

McCain: Palin 'Energized Our Party'
Appearing on State of the Union, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) defended his former running mate Sarah Palin, against the criticism of his former campaign manager Steve Schmidt. "There are fundamental facts ... that cannot be denied," McCain adds. "When we selected or asked Sarah Palin to be my running mate, it energized our party. We were ahead in the polls, until the stock market crashed. And she still is a formidable force in the Republican Party, and I have great affection for her."

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Sunday Shows

The Sunday Show Line-Ups

Eric Kleefeld | October 9, 2009, 1:35PM

Here are the line-ups for the Sunday talk shows this weekend:

• ABC, This Week: Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), Retired Gen. Jack Keane.

• CBS, Face The Nation: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI).

• CNN, State Of The Union: Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).

• Fox News Sunday: Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D-MI), Gov. Mitch Daniels (R-IN), Moody's economist Mark Zandi, National Transportation Safety Board Chair Deborah Hersman.

• NBC, Meet The Press: Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Retired Gen. Barry McCaffrey, Retired Gen. Richard Myers.

John McCain

Fly On The Wall: Details Emerge On Obama's Exchanges In WH Afghanistan Meeting

Christina Bellantoni | October 6, 2009, 10:35PM

Details are still emerging about President Obama's 90-minute closed-door session with 31 members of Congress today about his plan for Afghanistan, but mentioned in some stories is that Sen. John McCain had a terse exchange with his onetime rival.

Both the New York Times and Politico are reporting tonight that McCain (R-AZ) suggested Obama was making the decision about whether to send a surge of troops at a "leisurely" pace and was rebuffed.

While disputing the suggestion of a tense moment, sources confirmed the general sense of the exchange -- and that Obama assured everyone that he was moving as quickly as he believes prudence allows.

TPMDC checked in with McCain spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan, who said the senator was "astonished" by early reports characterizing the exchange as an argument because they aren't accurate. The White House also suggested there weren't any fireworks.

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James Jones

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 4, 2009, 1:04PM

James Jones Hits Back At McCain: I Don't Play Politics With National Security
Appearing on State of the Union, National Security Adviser James Jones fired back at Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), who said on the Senate floor that Jones doesn't "want to alienate the left base of the Democrat [sic] Party." Jones responded: "I've known him for many, many years. And he knows that I don't play politics with national - I don't play politics. And I certainly don't play it with national security. And neither does anyone else I know. The lives of our young men and women are on the line. The strategy does not belong to any political party and I can assure you that the President of the United States is not playing to any political base. And I take exception to that remark."

Greenspan: Economic Growth To Be 3%, Unemployment To Go Over 10%
Appearing on This Week, former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan predicted that the third-quarter economic growth figure will hit 3% -- but that this won't be enough to prevent an increase in the unemployment rate. "But remember, the end of the job loss is not the same thing as if the unemployment rate is going to start down," said Greenspan. "My own suspicion is that we're going to penetrate the 10 percent barrier and stay there for a while before we start down."

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Afghanistan

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 2, 2009, 8:58AM

Obama Meets With McChrystal
President Obama met today with Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the head of American and NATO troops in Afghanistan. McChrystal flew to Copenhagen from London, and the two met for 25 minutes on Air Force One.

Obama's Day: Campaigning For The Olympics
President Obama arrived in Copenhagen at 2:10 a.m. ET (8:10 a.m. local time). He delivered remarks at the Chicago 2016 presentation at 2:50 a.m. ET, and he and other Chicago 2016 panel members participated in a 3:40 a.m. ET question and answer session with IOC members. Obama and the First Lad attended an informal IOC reception at 4 a.m. ET, and they were greeted at 4:45 a.m. ET by Queen Margrethe II and Prince Consort Henrik. Obama met at 5:20 a.m. ET with Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen. They departed from Copenhagen at 6:55 a.m. ET, and are scheduled to arrive back at the White House at 3:30 p.m. ET. Obama will deliver brief remarks at 4 p.m. ET.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 1, 2009, 8:57AM

WaPo: Obama May Have To Seek GOP Support On Afghanistan
The Washington Post says that the emerging Democratic opposition to a heavily increased troop presence in Afghanistan could put President Obama in an awkward situation: "The emerging Democratic position could compel Obama, whose domestic agenda is facing stiff Republican criticism in Congress, to rely on those same opposition lawmakers for support if he decides to send more combat troops to Afghanistan."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will deliver remarks at a 1:50 p.m. ET fundraiser for the Democratic Governors Association. He will meet at 3:30 p.m. ET with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and at 4 p.m. ET with Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner. He will depart form the White House at 6:35 p.m. ET, headed to Copenhagen, Denmark, to lobby for the 2016 Olympics to be held in Chicago.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | September 27, 2009, 1:05PM

Obama: World Leaders Don't Understand The American Right's Hitler References
President Obama spoke last night to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's annual dinner, and he discussed an amusing moment with an unnamed world leader at the G-20: "One of the leaders -- I won't mention who it was -- he comes up to me. We take the picture, we go behind. He says, 'Barack, explain to me this health care debate.' He says, 'We don't understand it. You're trying to make sure everybody has health care and they're putting a Hitler mustache on you -- I don't -- that doesn't make sense to me. Explain that to me.'"

Bill Clinton: Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy Not As Strong, "But It's As Virulent As It Was" In the 1990's
Appearing on Meet The Press, former President Bill Clinton said that the "vast right-wing conspiracy" of the 1990's is still there: "It's not as strong as it was, because America's changed demographically, but it's as virulent as it was. I mean, they're saying things about him--you know, it's like when they accused me of murder and all that stuff they did. He--but it's not really good for the Republicans and the country, what's going on now. I mean, they may be hurting President Obama. They can take his numbers down, they can run his opposition up. But fundamentally, he and his team have a positive agenda for America. Their agenda seems to be wanting him to fail, and that's not a prescription for a good America."

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | September 23, 2009, 9:01AM

Obama To Tell U.N.: Don't Wait For America To Solve World's Problems Alone
In his upcoming speech to the United Nations today, President Obama will call for international cooperation -- and declare that America can't fix the world's problems alone. "Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility," Obama will say, also adding: "Those who used to chastise America for acting alone in the world cannot now stand by and wait for America to solve the world's problems alone."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet at 9 a.m. ET with Prime Minister Hatoyama of Japan. At 10 a.m. ET, he will address the U.N. General Assembly. At 12 p.m. ET, he will attend a meeting with leaders of peace-keeping troop contributing countries. At 1:05 p.m. ET, he will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony for fallen U.N. staff members. At 1:15 p.m. ET, he will attend a lunch hosted by U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, for heads of state and government. At 3:30 p.m. ET, he will meet with President Medvedev of Russia. AT 7:05 p.m. ET, the President and First Lady will host a reception for heads of state and government.

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Barack Obama

Obama Gives Shout-Out To McCain, Borrows Idea On Health Care

Eric Kleefeld | September 9, 2009, 8:40PM

President Obama just reached out to Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), his Republican opponent in the 2008 general election -- by borrowing one of his ideas as part of the health care package:

"For those individuals and small businesses who still cannot afford the lower-priced insurance available in the exchange, we will provide tax credits, the size of which will be based on your need. And all insurance companies that want access to this new marketplace will have to abide by the consumer protections I already mentioned. This exchange will take effect in four years, which will give us time to do it right. In the meantime, for those Americans who can't get insurance today because they have pre-existing medical conditions, we will immediately offer low-cost coverage that will protect you against financial ruin if you become seriously ill. This was a good idea when Senator John McCain proposed it in the campaign, it's a good idea now, and we should embrace it."

The cameras then showed a close-up on McCain, smiling and giving a double thumbs-up. McCain certainly seemed impressed and grateful. So what's the chance that McCain actually votes for the final bill?

Dick Cheney

DNC Ad Blasts Cheney On Torture, Uses Video Of McCain

Eric Kleefeld | September 2, 2009, 3:39PM

The Democratic National Committee has a new TV ad on national and D.C. cable, firing back at former Vice President Dick Cheney's continued advocacy of torture techniques. The ad says that Cheney's insistence, "Enhanced interrogation techniques were absolutely essential," is about as reliable as his past pronouncements that the Iraq War would go well and that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction:

Note that the ad uses a TV clip of none other than John McCain, the 2008 Republican candidate for President, saying that the internal conventions against torture were violated. When was the last time we heard Democrats favorably citing him?

John McCain

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | August 23, 2009, 1:00PM

McCain Defends Palin, Also Says: "I Don't Think They Were, Quote, 'Death Panels'"
Appearing on This Week, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) defended his former running mate Sarah Palin on her claim that President Obama's health care plan would create "death panels," though he did admit her wording was off. "Look, I don't think they were, quote, 'death panels,' don't get me wrong," said McCain. "I don't think - but on the best treatment procedures part of the bill, it does open it up to decisions being made as far - that should be left - those choices left to the patient and the individual."

Grassley: End-of-Life Provision "Just Scares The Devil Out of People"
Appearing on Face The Nation, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) explained that he used the phrase "pull the plug on grandma" while trying to assuage fears that people have about the health care bill: "It won't do that, but I wanted to explain why my constituents are concerned about it, and I also want to say that there is an $8 billion cost with that issue, and if you're trying to save money and you put an $8 billion of doctors giving you some advice at the end of life, doctors are going to take advantage of earning that $8 billion and constituents see that as an opportunity to save some money. It just scares the devil out of people."

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John McCain

McCain Opposes Sotomayor, Attacks Her As Activist Judge

Eric Kleefeld | August 3, 2009, 3:26PM

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), who was of course President Obama's Republican rival in the 2008 general election, has announced that he will vote against Sonia Sotomayor, Obama's first nominee to the Supreme Court.

In his floor statement, McCain harshly criticized Sotomayor as an activist judge who does not respect the legislative branch, the written law, or the will of the people -- and who is now trying to hide from that record:

I know of no more profoundly anti-democratic attitude than that expressed by those who want judges to discover and enforce the ever-changing boundaries of a so-called 'living Constitution.' It demonstrates a lack of respect for the popular will that is at fundamental odds with our republican system of government. And regardless of one's success in academics and government service, an individual who does not appreciate the common sense limitations on judicial power in our democratic system of government ultimately lacks a key qualification for a lifetime appointment to the bench.

Though she attempted to walk back from her long public record of judicial activism during her confirmation hearings, Judge Sotomayor cannot change her record.

John McCain

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | August 2, 2009, 1:07PM

McCain: I Respect Palin, Am Saddened By Attacks On Her
Appearing on State of the Union, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) said he respects Sarah Palin and her decision to resign as Governor of Alaska. "I think she will continue to play a major role in the future of the Republican Party. And I have to respect the decision she made," said McCain, who also added that he is "saddened by the fact that there are still such vicious attacks on her and her family."

McCain: Stimulus Has Had Effect, But Still "Generational Theft"
Also during his State of the Union appearance, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) conceded that the stimulus program has had some positive effect, though he still does not think it is worth the high price-tag in national debt. "I think it's very clear that the stimulus has had some effect," said McCain. "But, what I worry more than anything about is the long-term effects, because we are committing generational theft."

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John McCain

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 12, 2009, 1:20PM

Palin Plans To Stay Involved In Politics
Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) told the Washington Times that she'll be staying involved in politics: "I will go around the country on behalf of candidates who believe in the right things, regardless of their party label or affiliation." She did not rule out a presidential campaign in the future. "I'm not ruling out anything - it is the way I have lived my life from the youngest age," she said. "Let me peek out there and see if there's an open door somewhere. And if there's even a little crack of light, I'll hope to plow through it."

McCain: Palin Will Continue To Be A Major Factor
Appearing on Meet The Press, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) was asked about Sarah Palin's resignation. "Obviously I was a bit surprised, but I wasn't shocked," said McCain. "I love and respect her and her family, I'm grateful that she agreed to run with me." He added: "I'm confident that she will be a major factor in the national scene and in Alaska as well."

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 5, 2009, 12:56PM

Palin Attacks "Main Stream Media" Not Understanding Her Resignation
Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) released a statement yesterday to comment further on her decision to resign -- and again, she attacks the media for going after her. "The response in the main stream media has been most predictable, ironic, and as always, detached from the lives of ordinary Americans who are sick of the 'politics of personal destruction,'" Palin writes. "How sad that Washington and the media will never understand; it's about country. And though it's honorable for countless others to leave their positions for a higher calling and without finishing a term, of course we know by now, for some reason a different standard applies for the decisions I make."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will depart from the White House tonight at 8:15 p.m. ET, leaving for Obama's overseas trip this week starting with Moscow, Russia.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Fourth Of July Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 4, 2009, 1:04PM

Obama Recognizes Fourth Of July -- And Goes After His Naysayers
In this weekend's Presidential YouTube Address, President Obama paid tribute to the Independence Day Holiday, and the spirit of those who built America. Furthermore, he tied this into his own agenda on energy, health care and other issues, and against his critics who say he's doing too much:

"These naysayers have short memories," said Obama. "They forget that we, as a people, did not get here by standing pat in a time of change. We did not get here by doing what was easy. That is not how a cluster of 13 colonies became the United States of America. We are not a people who fear the future. We are a people who make it. And on this July 4th, we need to summon that spirit once more."

McCain Stands With Iranians In GOP's Independence Day Address
In this week's Republican Address we have President Obama's rival in last year's general election, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), who also paid tribute to the founding ideals of the United States. For his part, McCain took the opportunity to stand with the dissidents of Iran

"They do not ask us to arm them or come to their assistance with anything other than public declarations of solidarity, and public denunciations of the tyrants who oppress them. We have a moral obligation to do so," said McCain. "There are those among us who warn that a strong and unequivocal declaration of moral support for Iranians would be used by the cruel regime in power there to convince their subject people that the United States is behind the civil unrest they have attempted to hide from the world. But the regime will make that claim no matter what we say or do."

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Mark Sanford

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 3, 2009, 8:59AM

Sanford's Book Deal Falls Through
Gov. Mark Sanford's (R-SC) book publisher, Sentinel, has released him from his contract. Sanford had been set to write a book on fiscal conservatism, entitled Within Our Means, to be released in March 2010. However, the deal fell through after Sanford got in trouble for disappearing to Argentina to visit his mistress, and he and publisher have agreed to part ways.

Obama At Camp David Today
President Obama has no public events scheduled, but is spending the day at Camp David. He will return to the White House tomorrow.

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Ted Kennedy

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | June 21, 2009, 12:50PM

Ted Kennedy Records TV Ad For Dodd
Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) has recorded this TV ad for Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT), a friend and ally on health-care issues, whose popularity has fallen sharply back in his home state going into the 2010 election:

"Quality health care as a fundamental right for all Americans has been the cause of my life," says Kennedy, "and Chris Dodd has been my closest ally in this fight."

Poll: Overwhelming Support For Public Option
A new CBS/New York Times poll finds overwhelming support for a government-run health plan that would compete with the private sector -- also known as the public option -- at 72% in favor to only 20% against. Also, 57% are willing to pay higher taxes in exchange for health insurance for all, to 37% against, with support falling to 43%-49% when a specific price tag of $500 is attached.

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Alan Keyes

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | May 22, 2009, 9:00AM

WaPo: White House To Steer G.M. Into Bankruptcy
The Washington Post reports that the Obama Administration is preparing to send General Motors into a planned bankruptcy as the end of next week, with the intention to give the company nearly $30 billion more in aid to help them restructure.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will sign the Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act, at 9 a.m. ET in the Rose Garden. At 10 a.m. ET, he will deliver the commencement at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. At 3 p.m. ET, he will return to the Rose Garden to sign the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure (CARD) Act.

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FL-SEN

McCain Endorses Crist For Florida Senate Race

Eric Kleefeld | May 20, 2009, 12:09PM

The Republican establishment is continuing to line up for Gov. Charlie Crist's (R-FL) bid for the open GOP-held Senate seat in Florida, with John McCain now endorsing Crist's candidacy.

Crist was endorsed by the NRSC right after he declared his candidacy, and he has a wide lead right now in the latest poll against his more conservative primary challenger, former state House Speaker Marco Rubio. Crist endorsed McCain shortly before the 2008 Florida primary, in which McCain's win solidified his momentum for the nomination.

"Now more than ever, we need leaders who are committed to lower taxes, limiting government spending, and fighting for the people are needed in Washington," McCain said in the statement -- a bit ironic, in light of Crist's vocal support for the stimulus bill that McCain and the overwhelming majority of Republicans have opposed.

John McCain

Goldfarb: My McCain-Campaign Colleague Is A 'Tree-Hugger, Dead To Me'

Brian Beutler | May 11, 2009, 4:51PM

Earlier today, Ben Smith reported that McCain research director-cum-press secretary Brian Rogers will begin working as the research director for Al Gore's Alliance for Climate Protection. On the campaign trail, Rogers worked alongside deputy communications director Michael Goldfarb, who responded to today's announcement with poise and professional courtesy. "Everybody knew Rogers was a tree-hugger," Goldfarb noted by email, "but I didn't think he'd take it this far. He's dead to me."

This has been today's edition of "fun quotes from people who wanted to run the country." But thinking critically for a moment it's not clear how accurate Goldfarb's charges are. Notwithstanding all the 'Drill Here, Drill Now' strangeness, McCain--though nowhere near Al Gore territory--has generally been more progressive on the climate change issue than has the rest of his party. So on the one hand it's not all that surprising that he'd have an environmentalist on his staff.

On the other hand, though, this is the same Brian Rogers who, in an earlier edition of "fun quotes from people who wanted to run the country" once said of Barack Obama, "In terms of who's an elitist, I think people have made a judgment that John McCain is not an arugula-eating, pointy headed professor-type based on his life story." Tree-huggers are traditionally believed to enjoy arugula as much as pointy-headed professors, and there is, of course, significant overlap between the two groups. Perhaps he's super green after all.

Dick Cheney

The Sunday Show Line-Ups

Eric Kleefeld | May 8, 2009, 2:54PM

Here are the line-ups for the Sunday talk shows this weekend:

• ABC, This Week: Gen. David Petraeus, Commander of CENTCOM; Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

• CBS, Face The Nation: Former Vice President Dick Cheney.

• CNN, State Of The Union: Gen. David Petraeus, Commander of CENTCOM.

• Fox News Sunday: Gen. David Petraeus, Commander of CENTCOM; former Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA).

• NBC, Meet The Press: Hamid Karzai, President of Afghanistan; Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan.