ABOUT FIRST READ

First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Political Reporter



First thoughts: New York state of mind

Posted: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 9:07 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under:

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro

*** New York state of mind: Ready or not, the campaign season -- for 2009, 2010, and 2012 -- essentially begins today with the first competitive race of Obama’s presidency: the special congressional election in upstate New York (NY-20) between Democrat Scott Murphy and Republican Jim Tedisco. As we’ve said before, this contest has it all. It has become a battle over the economic stimulus (Murphy supports it, while Tedisco opposes it); in some form or fashion, it has featured national figures (Obama, Michael Steele, Sarah Palin, even Pat Boone); it will be an early test of the GOP’s health in the post-Bush era (if Republicans can’t win this slightly GOP-leaning district, where else can they win?); and it will be an early test of Obama’s coattails (if the Democrats lose, Republicans will see it as a sign of the end of the president’s honeymoon). Oh, and one other thing: The race is about as close as it can get it. Analysts say it’s a toss-up, with a recent Siena Research Institute poll showing Murphy ahead by four points (47%-43%), after trailing Tedisco by four points in early March (45%-41%) and 12 points in February (46%-34%). Polling places open at 6:00 am ET and close at 9:00 pm ET. 

*** A little caution for pundits: Our gut tells us that a dead heat probably slightly favors the Dems, only because their turnout operation is probably better than the GOP’s. Then again, a super low turnout favors the GOP because the most reliable voters in this district skew Republican. But for all of us who will no doubt over-interpret tonight’s results, political analyst Charlie Cook gives some important advice in his CongressDaily column today: “Assuming that the margin in this upstate contest to fill the seat of newly-appointed Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is three or four points or less, my advice is to respond ‘that’s nice,’ then yawn, and walk away… What is more important is if there is a uniform direction to several odd-year elections. If, for example, Republicans were to win tonight and knock off Gov. Jon Corzine in New Jersey in November, and pick up the open governor seat in Virginia, then it is fair to say that they will have exorcised the demons of 2006 and 2008.” More Cook: “If Democrats hold NY-20 as well as New Jersey and Virginia, they can enter 2010 knowing that even if the wind isn’t at their backs, there also isn’t a headwind.”

*** A significant day: No doubt we’re all getting a bit numb to bailouts, emergency government action, and major announcements from this new president. But don't let this numbness obscure the fact that yesterday might be one of the five- or ten-most significant moments when the history of the Obama presidency is written in either 2013 or 2017. He didn't just fire any CEO; he fired the head of an American industrial icon. And let's not forget the decision to make the White House the center of auto policy for this country. Some on the left are hitting Obama for not firing more CEOs, while the right is hitting him for looking like a nationalist or a government interventionist. But it is also worth noting the critiques on this auto plan were somewhat muted. The reason: It was a very well-executed rollout. In fact, it's in stark contrast of all the other bailout announcements that have taken place so far. Here’s perhaps why: Every detail of this auto plan seemed to be communicated so well. There's an auto task force (is there one for AIG?); there's an auto czar (is there one for the banks?); there were more strings attached to GM and Chrysler (are there strings for the banks?); and there was the appointment of a disaster recovery czar (have we seen anything like that regarding, say, folks who have seen their 401ks disappear?).

Video: NBC’s Chief White House Correspondent Chuck Todd discusses the political significance of President Obama’s aggressive auto plan.

*** London calling: The big White House news today, of course, is President Obama’s trip to London for the G-20. The president and first lady already departed from Andrews Air Force Base earlier this morning, and they will arrive in London later this this afternoon (ET). And with his departure comes a brand-new Washington Post/ABC poll showing the president with a 66% approval rating, and a 60% approval rating on the economy. Also before Obama lands in Europe, NBC’s Andrea Mitchell reports that Moscow sent a message to Washington yesterday that President Medvedev is interested in a broad agreement with the Obama administration on the major disputed issues between Russia and the U.S. -- including missile defense and Iran. Medvedev has a Washington Post op-ed making the same point.

Video: The global economy tops President Obama’s agenda as he heads to the G20 Summit in London, his first trip to Europe as president. NBC’s Savannah Guthrie reports.

*** With friends like these…: Turning to the current budget battle, President Obama met behind closed doors with House Democrats yesterday, and Obama’s visit went pretty well, according to NBC’s Mike Viqueira and other news accounts. But writing in the New Republic, Jon Chait raises this interesting question: Why have recent Democratic presidents (Carter, Clinton, and now Obama) received less deference from congressional Democrats than GOP presidents have received from congressional Republicans? “George W. Bush came to office having lost the popular vote, with only 50 Republicans in the Senate… [Still,] Bush managed to enact several rounds of tax cuts that substantially exceeded those in his campaign platform, along with two war resolutions, a Medicare prescription drug benefit designed to maximize profits for the health care industry, energy legislation, education reform, and sundry other items.” Meanwhile, “Obama has come into office having won the popular vote by seven percentage points, along with a 79-seat edge in the House, a 17-seat edge in the Senate, and massive public demand for change. But it's already clear he is receiving less, not more, deference from his own party.”

*** Just what the doctor ordered? Besides the work on the budget, the other big news on Capitol Hill today will be HHS nominee Kathleen Sebelius’ appearance before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pension Committee (which is a courtesy hearing because it doesn't approve her nomination; the Senate Finance Committee does). In her opening statement, Sebelius will say that health-care reform must occur this year. “Inaction is not an option. The status quo is unacceptable, and unsustainable.”

*** That’s “special”: Turning back to NY-20… With tonight’s Murphy-Tedisco contest being the first competitive House race of Obama’s presidency, our friends at the Cook Political Report and Rothenberg Political Report take us on a trip down memory lane. The first special congressional election in Bush 41's term was to fill Dan Coat's (R) seat in Indiana, after Dan Quayle became VP and Coats filled his Senate seat. Jill Long (D) won that contest, so the seat flipped. The first special congressional election in Clinton's term was for Mike Espy's seat, but the first competitive one was in Wisconsin, where Peter Barca (D) barely beat Mark Neumann (R) to replace Les Aspin (D) in Congress; Neumann beat Barca in the '94 general. And the first special in Bush 43's term was when Bill Shuster (R) took his dad's seat in Pennsylvania in a surprisingly close race against Scott Conklin (D). The Cook Political Report’s David Wasserman makes this other point about recent special elections: What made Herseth/Diedrich ('04), Schmidt/Hackett ('06), Foster/Oberweis ('08), Childers/Davis ('08) so notable is that these districts were so heavily D or R, and the seat flipped or the race was surprisingly close. By contrast, NY-20 is pretty competitive (registered Republicans outnumber Democrats, but Obama won 51% there in November), and probably won't tell us much about the national climate -- at least not yet.

*** Show me the money: And just to give you an idea how much activity has taken in this special election for the NY-20 congressional seat, ad-tracker Evan Tracey notes that nearly $2 million have been spent on TV ads. Interestingly, Democrats have slightly outspent the Republicans -- $1,053,141 for the Dems ($716,731 by Murphy, $336,410 by DCCC, DNC, SEIU) vs. $924,112 for the Republicans ($485,697 by Tedisco and $567,444 by other GOP entities and groups). It’s striking that the GOP outside groups have outspent Tedisco’s campaign. Also worth pointing out, the DCCC says it has spent nearly $600,000 versus $817,000 for the NRCC, and the DNC has spent some $20,000 versus $280,000 for the RNC.

Countdown to Obama’s 100th day: 29 days 
Countdown to NJ GOP primary: 63 days
Countdown to VA Dem primary: 70 days
Countdown to Election Day 2009: 217 days
Countdown to Election Day 2010: 581 days

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Comments

RE: With friends like these...

I think that just shows that the Dems are a heterogeneous, independent party.  There are liberal, conservative, and moderate Dems.  With the Republican party, if you don't toe the line on touchstone cultural issues, you're a RINO and likely targeted for replacement (see: Arlen Specter).  Having some pushback from his own party isn't necessarily a bad thing, though.  After all, if you already have to make the compromises with your own party, why do it with the other?


And as for the special election, I'm not buying the recent polls.  I think turnout will be lower than expected.  Tedisco by five or more percentage points.  It will be just as expected, which will baffle the media more and likely give them more to yak about!
The media is making more of NY-20 than it should.  If the Republican wins, its not a big deal or a blow to Obama since the district is heavily republican. If the Dem wins, its not a big blow to republicans because it was already in Dem hands for a while.  The winner today doesn't really say much at all about Obama or his influence.  That's my opinion.
NY-20 is far more important as bellwether for the GOP than it is for Obama. This i a Republican district that only went for a very conservative Dem in '06. This is not some referendum on Obama or his agenda.  

http://www.political-buzz.com/
66% Approval and a Russian President that wants to sit down and come to agreement on missile defense and Iran, among other things.  The defense rests.
WONDERFUL NEWS from the NY Times !!

‘...The official said that it was “highly probable” that the case would go forward and could lead to arrest warrants...’

‘.... It bases its case on the 1984 Convention Against Torture, which is binding on 145 countries including the United States...’


‘...including former Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales,...’
‘...names John C. Yoo, the former Justice Department lawyer who wrote secret legal opinions saying the president had the authority to circumvent the Geneva Conventions, and Douglas J. Feith, the former under secretary of defense for policy...’
‘...The other Americans named in the complaint were William J. Haynes II, former general counsel for the Department of Defense; Jay S. Bybee, Mr. Yoo’s former boss at the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel; and David S. Addington, who was the chief of staff and legal adviser to Vice President Dick Cheney...’


LITTLE WORMS !!
You thought you got away with it, huh ??

‘...Last October, when the Miami court handed down the conviction, Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey applauded the ruling and said: “This is the first case in the United States to charge an individual with criminal torture. I hope this case will serve as a model to future prosecutions of this type.”...’




From the NYT:


‘...Spanish Court Weighs Inquiry on Torture for 6 Bush-Era Officials

Published: March 28, 2009

LONDON — A high-level Spanish court has taken the first steps toward opening a criminal investigation against six former Bush administration officials, including former Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales, on whether they violated international law by providing a legalistic framework to justify the use of torture of American prisoners at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, an official close to the case said.

The case was sent to the prosecutor’s office for review by Baltasar Garzón, the crusading investigative judge who indicted the former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. The official said that it was “highly probable” that the case would go forward and could lead to arrest warrants.

While the move represents a step toward ascertaining the legal accountability of top Bush administration officials for allegations of torture and mistreatment of prisoners in its so-called war on terror, some American experts said that even if warrants are issued their significance could be more symbolic than practical, and that it was likely that they would not lead to arrests if the officials do not leave the United States.

The complaint under review also names John C. Yoo, the former Justice Department lawyer who wrote secret legal opinions saying the president had the authority to circumvent the Geneva Conventions, and Douglas J. Feith, the former under secretary of defense for policy.

The move was not entirely unexpected as several human rights groups have been asking judges in different countries to indict Bush administration officials. One group, the Center for Constitutional Rights, had asked a German prosecutor for such an indictment, but the prosecutor declined.

Judge Garzón, however, has built an international reputation by bringing high-profile cases against human rights violators as well as international terrorist networks like Al Qaeda. His issuing of an arrest warrant for General Pinochet led to his arrest. He has also been outspoken about the treatment of American detainees at Guantánamo Bay.

Judge Garzón has been able to take jurisdiction of such high-profile cases because of a 1985 law that gives Spanish courts “universal jurisdiction” in crimes against humanity if they can be linked somehow to Spain.

In the case against the former Bush administration officials, last week Judge Garzón linked it to an earlier case in which he indicted five former Guantánamo Bay prisoners who were citizens or residents of Spain. The Spanish Supreme Court had overturned a conviction of one of them, saying that Guantánamo was “a legal limbo” and no evidence obtained under torture could be valid in any of the country’s courts.

The complaint was filed by a Spanish human rights group, the Association for the Dignity of Prisoners, to the National Court, which assigned the case to Judge Garzón. After the complaint is reviewed by the prosecutor, a criminal investigation would be likely to begin, the official said. If the case proceeds, arrest warrants could still be months away.

The 98-page complaint, a copy of which was obtained by The New York Times, was prepared by Spanish lawyers who have also relied on legal experts in the United States and Europe. It bases its case on the 1984 Convention Against Torture, which is binding on 145 countries including the United States.

Gonzalo Boye, the Madrid lawyer who filed the complaint, said that the six Americans cited had had a well-documented role in approving illegal interrogation techniques, redefining torture and abandoning the definition set by the 1984 Torture Convention.

Secret memorandums by Mr. Yoo and other top administration lawyers helped clear the way for aggressive policies like waterboarding and other harsh interrogation techniques, which human rights groups say amount to torture.

The other Americans named in the complaint were William J. Haynes II, former general counsel for the Department of Defense; Jay S. Bybee, Mr. Yoo’s former boss at the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel; and David S. Addington, who was the chief of staff and legal adviser to Vice President Dick Cheney.

Mr. Yoo declined to comment on Saturday, saying that he had not seen or heard of the petition.

The other former officials either could not be reached on Saturday or did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Their defenders have said their legal analyses and policy-making on interrogation practices, conducted under great pressure after the 2001 terrorist attacks, is now being unfairly second-guessed after many years without a terrorist attack on the United States.

Mr. Boye, however, said that lawyers should be held accountable for the effects of their work. “This is a case from lawyers against lawyers,” he said. “Our profession does not allow us to misuse our legal knowledge to create a pseudo-legal frame to justify, stimulate and cover up torture.”

He said that Spanish citizens were tortured and Spain, as a signatory of the Torture Convention, was obliged to pursue such a case.

Prosecutions and convictions under the Torture Convention have been rare. In recent years, France has convicted a Mauritanian and a Tunisian citizen and The Netherlands convicted a military officer from Congo.

Reed Brody, a lawyer at Human Rights Watch who has specialized in this issue, said that even though torture was widely practiced, there were numerous obstacles, including “a lack of political will, the problem of gathering evidence in a foreign country and the failure of countries to pass the necessary laws.”

The United States for the first time this year used a law that allows for the prosecution in the United States of torture in other countries. On Jan. 10, a Miami court sentenced Charles Taylor, the former Liberian leader, to 97 years in a federal prison for torture, even though the crimes were committed in Liberia.

Last October, when the Miami court handed down the conviction, Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey applauded the ruling and said: “This is the first case in the United States to charge an individual with criminal torture. I hope this case will serve as a model to future prosecutions of this type.”

"if Republicans can’t win this slightly GOP-leaning district, where else can they win"
-------------------------------------------------
A Democrat won this seat in 2006 and 2008.  I think it's time we let go of the 'GOP-leaning district' line.   If this were Texas, I'd say the GOP has a reason to be concerned.  But this is hardly a Republican stronghold as evidenced by the last 2 elections.  
Chucky T. you show your true color's ( Republican) with trying to Pin new phrases, such as President Goodwrench. You're so disrespectable of President Obama, with such Adolescant BS. Sadly, I expected better of YOU !


Hey 1st Read, why no mention of how President Obama sent the parade of loser's out the front door on friday, & did'nt letem get away with leaving out the backdoor. He wanted thier faces to be seen across the World for all to see! By doing this, they had to face Question's from the pool of reporter's always picnicing at the Whitehouse. Our President has a way of getting his Point across, not just telling America that he's the Decider.

Last week's talking point was that the Obama Administration did not exercise enough governmental authority over and showed too much deference to AIG.

This week's talking point is that the Obama Administration is excercising too much governmental authority over and not showing enough deference to GM.

Is this hypocrisy, selective amnesia, or political gamesmanship?

I guess it's easier to take pot shots from behind  the trees than roll up your sleeves and actually try to build something from scratch.

When Obie arrives in London this afternoon, along with wife Michelle, he'll hear BOOOOOO! He's not very used to that but he'll GET used to it. The honeymoon is over and Obie's created quite a mess for himself. That's right, Obie's mess, not Bush's.

The world is not happy with Obie these days. He wants to bankrupt the world's economy the same way he's bankrupting that of the United States.

BOOOOO!
A trip to the dentist for a root canal took priority over FR posts.

I am pleased to see Rick Wagnor discharged.  GM was failing under his leadership.  The Government has a major stake in GM so they can expect a change. Any company that is failing should have a change in leadership.  That is how it is supposed to work.

McCain, Corker, McDonnell called the dismissal of Wagoner unprecedented. It is not!  When the government first bailed out AIG: the AIG CEO left.  When the govt. bailed out Fannie: the Fannie CEO left. when the govt bailed out Freddie: the Freddie CEO left.

David Shuster tried to make the case on Hypocrisy Watch that President Obama was treating Wall Street CEOs different thaan Rick Wagoner.  It revealed a "stunningly superficial" analysis of David's part as he seems to have dismissed the departure of AIG, Freddie, and Fannie's CEO.

Wall Street CEOs who have taken govt money know that they could be next to go.  Wagoners departure will do more to change Wall Street than a dozen speeches and congressional hearings.  Wagoners dismissal was a good move.  When CEO's jobs are at risk, that changes the company's culture.  You can take that to the bank (pun intended).

What is President Obama's stragegy?  It is very clear and pundits should be focusing on it. First, Brief government take-over, Second, Replace key management. Third, Make the company solvent again. and Four (the most important) give it back to the private sector.  That is not socialism...It is regulated capitalism.
Now repeat after me :

Osama, Drill Baby Drill, Socialism, The Teleprompter,now repeat after me, Osama,  drill baby Drill, Socialism, The Teleprompter

O yeah & don't forget, Tax Cuts for the Wealthy, Abortion & gay marriage !

Just your daily Diatribe from your friendly GOP !handbook
The Three Stooges: Reagan, Bush & Bush


From Salon.com:

‘.... Of the roughly $11 trillion in federal debt accumulated to date, more than 90 percent can be attributed to the tenure of three presidents: Ronald Reagan, who used to complain constantly about runaway spending; George Herbert Walker Bush, reputed to be one of those old-fashioned green-eyeshade Republicans; and his spendthrift son George "Dubya" Bush, whose trillion-dollar war and irresponsible tax cuts accounted for nearly half the entire burden....’


More than 90% of our NATION DEBT was accumulated by the Three Stooges !!

Supply Side Economics, anyone ?

How about the Laffer Curve ?
That still works, doesn't it ?

Many Americans, especially Democrats, will freak when they realise that President Obama will be meeting in London certain Members of Parliament and House of Lords who have fallen under the spell of Todd Bentley, Rick Joyner and Peter Wagner. These Lakeland controversial ministers could not get to him in The USA, but do so in London. How Ironic.
See:
http://endtimespropheticwords.wordpress.com/2009/03/26/rick-joyner-and-peter-c-peter-wagner-narzies-much-closer-to-uk-parliament/
Someone needs to do a poll and find out what the American people think about the state of media in this country . . . now THAT is a number that I would love to know.
=================================================
In terms of the the amount of "deference" the Congress shows to President Obama, I don't know if that is the proper term. I don't know that we need a Congress to "defer" to the President.

I think what the American people would like is for the Congress to spend as much time thinking about what is best in the LONG TERM for the people they represent as they do thinking about what is best in the SHORT TERM for themselves.

It's not that no one foresaw the problems that we are currently facing, it is that no one had the political COURAGE to do anything about it. And apparently, many still don't.

So much of what Congress is doing right now can be catergorized as covering their collective a$$e$ as it becomes apparent that they have put their own interests ahead of the people's.
Two points.

First Cook has it right about the 20th. The best voter turn out effort wins. The fact that Tedesco is in a race is already news. Murphy should have been an easy target in this Republican district.

Second on bailouts. There has been an over focus on who gets paid what, with the comparison between auto workers and wall street hedge fund managers. Lets step back and think, folks.

The two auto companies, as structured are not viable. If they don't change, someone will have to supply money for a very long time. Think Chrysler who Daimler walked away from GM has two good brands about 3 of so so value and the rest loosers. Also, at stake is not only union workers but the bond holders who are holding out for far too much money. If they continue to balk,then GM is dead.

On the other side, AIG has 2 real problems but about 7 other companies in the group that provides insurance to all of us. If they went under, many of us would be without home insurance, life insurance and many other types. The big banks are out of control and need to be broken up but they are not terminal as are the two car companies.
Michael Steele is so pathetic, he is so jealous of President Obama.  Then he tries to compare his 10 cent job to the President of the United States-- so sad for him.
Time for some 'Tough Love'

Bad news from the War Machine !!


From Yahoo News via WashingtonMonthly:


'...Nearly 7 in 10 major U.S. arms programs over budget

By Jim Wolf Jim Wolf – Mon Mar 30, 4:14 pm ET

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Nearly 70 percent of the Pentagon's 96 major weapons-buying programs were over budget in 2008 for combined cost growth of $296 billion above original estimates, congressional auditors said in an annual report released on Monday.

The total estimated development cost for 10 of the largest acquisition programs, commanding about half the overall arms- purchasing dollars in the portfolio, has shot up 32 percent from initial estimates, from about $134 billion to more than $177 billion, the Government Accountability Office said.

The two largest programs -- Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and the Boeing Co-led Future Combat Systems Army modernization -- "still represent significant cost risk moving forward" and will dominate the portfolio for years, the survey said.

Ashton Carter, the Obama administration's choice to become the Pentagon's top arms buyer, told his Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday he would go program by program to crack down on cost overruns if confirmed.

Of those reporting relevant cost data, 69 percent, or 64 programs, chalked up increases in total acquisition costs, the GAO said.

A total of 75 percent, or 69 programs, reported increases in research and development costs and these were 42 percent above their original estimates in 2008, up from 40 percent above the year before.

At the same time, the average delay in delivering weapons' "initial operating capabilities" rose to 22 months from 21 months, the seventh annual survey of its kind showed.

Cumulative cost overruns for major U.S. Defense Department acquisition programs, or $296 billion, were down slightly from 2007 when adjusted for inflation, the auditors said.

GAO said new programs in the portfolio were performing better than older ones.

Last year, GAO reported total acquisition cost growth for the 2007 portfolio was $295 billion in fiscal 2008 dollars. Now expressed in 2009 dollars, this figure was put at $301 billion in the new report.

Since 2003, the Pentagon's portfolio of major acquisition programs has grown from 77 to 96, with investment in them swelling from $1.2 trillion to $1.6 trillion in fiscal 2009 dollars, the GAO said.

The change in the makeup of the 2008 portfolio is one of the reasons for the $5 billion decrease in total acquisition cost growth over the last year.

Three programs left the mix, knocking $15.6 billion off total cost overruns, the GAO said. The three were the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle, which involves rockets built by Lockheed Martin Corp and Boeing; Northrop Grumman Corp's E-2C Hawkeye battle-management aircraft; and Raytheon Co's Land Warrior infantry modernization project.

The cost of the new and remaining programs in the 2008 portfolio has increased by about $10.7 billion since last year, even though quantities have been cut 25 percent or more for 15 of the programs, GAO said.

"The time for change is now," Gene Dodaro, the acting U.S. Comptroller General said in a cover letter to Congress.

He said it was essential to eliminate underperforming or lower-priority programs by completing or canceling them...'



Worried about deficits ?

HERE'S where to CUT

Most of these programs are BOONDOGGLES !!

CUT 'EM ALL !!!
Palomino can tell him/herself whatever he/she has to to get through each day.  It's pretty clear that the world is ready for a Proactive U.S. President, even if some nations want to throw temper tantrums.
"Why have recent Democratic presidents (Carter, Clinton, and now Obama) received less deference from congressional Democrats than GOP presidents have received from congressional Republicans?"
--------------------------------------------------

The answer is obvious: the Democrats have always been a fractious coalition of competing interests and free thinkers who don't always act according to party dictates. The Republcans put party above all else, including America.

That's why the Senate Repubs are threatening "World War III" if the Democratic majority tries to seat Sen. Franken,  the guy who won the Minnessota election. Most Republicans will gladly risk destroying America to regain power. Most Democrats would not.
"if Republicans can’t win this slightly GOP-leaning district, where else can they win"
-------------------------------------------------
A Democrat won this seat in 2006 and 2008.  I think it's time we let go of the 'GOP-leaning district' line.   If this were Texas, I'd say the GOP has a reason to be concerned.  But this is hardly a Republican stronghold as evidenced by the last 2 elections.  
Arthur Spooner (Sent Tuesday, March 31, 2009 9:25 AM)

-------------------------------------

I disagree...it is still very much a Republican stronghold.

A win for Democrats in the district in the last 2 elections is all well and good, but the GOP won the 14 elections in the district prior to 2006.

2-14...how would you feel if your favorite NFL team had that record?
"... guess it's easier to take pot shots from behind  the trees than roll up your sleeves and actually try to build something from scratch. ..."
Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, March 31, 2009 9:28 AM)

LOL...yeah, just like it's easier to TALK-TALK-TALK (like Obama-The-Lip does) than it is to actually FIX the problem.

Isn't it ironic that Tedisco looks like Bernie Madoff's brother?  Come on NY-20 don't vote for a Madoff clone who's just scamming you.  Vote for Murphy and bring a younger smarter man to Congress.

I found it laughable that yesterday McNasty is in the Senate whining about the unprecedented ouster of Wagoner as CEO of GM.  Too bad Alzheimer McNasty can't remember back just 6 months to when his pal Bush ousted the AIG CEO.  The more he opens his mouth the more ignorant he makes himself sound.

Finally we get to see an intelligent president make the Europe scene.  It is so wonderful to not see that moron Clueless George making our country look and sound stupid.

In Obama We Trust!
In Murphy We Trust!
Wow, almost 10:00 am eastern and no baseless rantings about a teleprompter.  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SI4qAfykngY

History tends to teach us our mistakes..all we can do is be bound to laugh at and or repeat them...

Just don't sign on to any lies with liars...
Why does the media continue to gloss over the treasonous acts of former Vice President Cheney?

The punditry better not make a premature victory call for the repugnant ones if Tedisco fools the voters of NY-20.  Even if the Irrelevant Elephants were to win this one seat it is not a sign that they are on the comeback trail because NY-20 is one of their districts by voter registration.  If they lose then well break out the shovels and let's bury the Dead Elephant before it stinks up our country more than it already has.

Isn't it sad that the repugnant ones are trying to block the nomination of Dawn Johnston for a judicial position?  The repugnant ones are scared she'll investigate the crooked bushwacker administration for torture abuses.  Time for the criminals of the bushwhacker's administration to pay for their crimes against humanity, and not in a Spanish court but in our own.

Let's hope that the repugnant ones end up wasting a lot of money losing NY-20.  Nothing could be better than to see them waste their precious resources on losing causes.

In Obama We Trust!
In Murphy We Trust!
Far too much emphasis is being placed on the NY-20. We are talking about upstate NY and Gillibrand is about as Repub as you can get and still call yourself a Dem. I would give the edge to Murphy due mostly to Michael Steele's involvement in the race. Please don't stop talking, Mr. Steele, you are truly the gift that keeps on giving.

And "With Friends Like These": The Dems have historically been a party that like to play it safe and they quickly forget about the abuses of the Repubs.  The Repubs have been a party that can be tricked and mesmerized into believing anything if you use buzzwords/phrases such as raise taxes, socialist, terrorist, or any sentence that contains guns, gays and the Bible. They are easily led.
"...The Three Stooges:
Reagan, Bush & Bush
From Salon.com: ‘.... Of the roughly $11 trillion in federal debt accumulated to date, more than 90 percent can be attributed to the tenure of three presidents: Ronald Reagan, who used to complain constantly about runaway spending; George Herbert Walker Bush, reputed to be one of those old-fashioned green-eyeshade Republicans; and his spendthrift son George "Dubya" Bush, whose trillion-dollar war and irresponsible tax cuts accounted for nearly half the entire burden....’
More than 90% of our NATION DEBT was accumulated by the Three Stooges !!
Supply Side Economics, anyone ?
How about the Laffer Curve ?
That still works, doesn't it ? ..."
MSierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, March 31, 2009 9:34 AM)

Obama promised "change" and bi-partisanship.
Repeatedly telling us how bad Bush was, is nothing more than excuse-making for Obama's inability to fix our problems.
Obama needs to fix the problems or step aside.
LEAD, FOLLOW or GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY!
We need LEADERSHIP not SHOWMANSHIP.
So far, all I see is the latter, and a lot of "excuse-making" from obaMANIACS like you.
Hey MSierra - Love your post on the three stooges - Reagan, Bush and Bush.  I say we name the national debt after them - the Reagan, Bush & Bush National Debt.  The only way to get rid of the name is to pay the debt off completely.  Since the repugnant ones are so fond of naming everything after their deadbeat three stooges let's give them what they want by naming the national debt after the three stooges!

I'm glad that Kathleen Sebelius is going to win her nomination as HHS head.  I'm sure the repugnant ones will whine as they always do about something inconsequential.

In Obama We Trust!
In Murphy We Trust!
The President's First 100 Days is rapidly coming to a close and in my area, we still don't have the pictures of the President and VP in the Federal Buildings. What's up with that?

Even though there are those that continue to have heartburn because he is the POTUS may find it easier if they see his picture representing the change that has come to America.
To OBAMA'S IN OVER HIS HEAD AND EVERYBODY KNOWS IT :

So are you J. Merle, so are you.

Let's wait a year, and then rant.

(And that's OBAMA RAMA DING DONG to you.)

lol
President Obama will do very well in Europe, and the European Leaders are willing to work with an intellectual President. The leaders of Europe had better understand that our new President can speak clearly, thinks ideas through, rationally comes to solid conclusions, and can multi-tash on many issues at one time. The European Leaders already are aware that this is not. "Brainless Bush" and his evil master "Chump-Change-Cheney!" Is the Holder Justice Department aware yet that "Darth Cheney" continues admitting too committing War Crimes?? As for the elections in NY. Hey! Hey! Ho! Ho! The GOP has got to go!! Time to move forward America!!

Obama promised "change" and bi-partisanship.
Repeatedly telling us how bad Bush was, is nothing more than excuse-making for Obama's inability to fix our problems.
Obama needs to fix the problems or step aside.
LEAD, FOLLOW or GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY!
We need LEADERSHIP not SHOWMANSHIP.
So far, all I see is the latter, and a lot of "excuse-making" from obaMANIACS like you.
=================================================
Well then, that puts you in the minority with about 33% of the rest of the country.  I guess that means 66% of the country counts as "ObaManiacs" because they aren't willing to forget that he's trying to fix what was done over the past 8 years.  If this was a company and Obama was a new CEO, you wouldn't demand his resignation because he couldn't fix the rampant corruption and unsustainable business activities of his predecessor of 8 years.  But then again, that's what the lunatic fringe does.  And yes, at 33%, you're definitely in the "fringe" category.
Once again I see FIRST READ picks and chooses which posters get unrestricted access to the board, and which posters are censored.
The Obama-Rama-Ding-Dongs get unlimited posts and free speech...the rest of us aren't allowed to express our concerns and opinions.
I'm beginning to think the right wing-nuts are correct. The media IS leftist-leaning and has an extreme liberal agenda.
...and this is coming from a moderate-liberal-leaning Democrat.
Bob in PA

Does a pro-active president have to be a stupid, moronic, arrogant, big-eared socialist?
The Repubs have been a party that can be tricked and mesmerized into believing anything if you use buzzwords/phrases such as raise taxes, socialist, terrorist, or any sentence that contains guns, gays and the Bible. They are easily led.
J. Ellis, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, March 31, 2009 9:54 AM)
=====================================================
Don't forget teleprompter, muslim, arab, anything about ACORN(even though most of them don't know what it means) Bill Ayers, the rant that he would take our guns away or, if you really want to laugh, ask almost any republican exactly why they "like" Sarah Palin and watch them fumble around for a legitimate sounding reason or say  "I just do."

Booooo?  Looks like someone is having an attack of sour grapes this morning.  Or maybe pink grapefruit.  Sheesh.  

Ding, dong, the Bush is ... well, gone ... long live Obama.      
Obama is stuck in the mud but apparently loves the attention. He's writing American checks that will bounce. The Brits will take care of his ego this afternoon. I just hope it doesn't get too ugly.

Not a good time to visit overseas. Obama saw to that.
it will be an early test of the GOP’s health in the post-Bush era (if Republicans can’t win this slightly GOP-leaning district, where else can they win?); and

it will be an early test of Obama’s coattails (if the Democrats lose, Republicans will see it as a sign of the end of the president’s honeymoon
...................>>>>>>>>>>.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>....................................
The test is whether they win or lose is communicating with people in respect to their differences,"
We can no longer use the term "war on terror."

Hillary has become an embarrassment. Rice was much better. Hillary kisses too much butt. She's an international groupie. Another bad choice for Obie.

The term "war on terror" was coined by President Bush so they obviously want to eradicate it like it doesn't exist. More Dem political insanity.
I was very disappointed in David Shuster last night. David said several times that President Obama had lunch with bank CEO's, this is a false statement.There was NO FOOD at the meeting, only water. I suggest that David check his facts and offer an apology to his audience.
Does a pro-active president have to be a stupid, moronic, arrogant, big-eared socialist?
Moon Dawg (Sent Tuesday, March 31, 2009 10:05 AM)

====================================================
I knew it wouldn't take long to see this sort of behavoir.
Question:  Why is a "dawg" complaining about the size of the president's ears?  Envy, perhaps?  
Promise me, Palomino Sheep, that when Obama gets cheered in Europe this week, that you'll STFU! Really.
issued March 25 by the New York State Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Cabinet,

entry in the massive, 774-page Second Draft List - Project Proposals (PDF),



http://www.recovery.ny.gov/assets/pdf/internet_20090325
For Sale:  Teleprompter.  Formerly used by George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Sarah Paling and John McCain.  (didn't work, but may be able to repair.)
I would like to know the demographics of the people being polled.

I would also like to know why these people are being so easy on President Obama.

As far as I can see, the guy has done nothing of value for this country...he hasn't even feigned an interest in bipartisanship (i.e., blaming Bush at every turn), and this is evident by the posts of Obama supporters on this blog (especially Eric in Salinas).  I think he deserves a chance, but I also think that he shouldn't always get the benefit of the doubt.    

The sooner everyone realizes that Obama is politics as usual, the better off we will all be!!  He's not above the fray, as you all would like to think...he is right in the middle of all of this mess.  How else do you think he got to where he is so quickly?  Just keeping it real!  
Palomino and Moonshadow need to sit on their couches, sucking their thumbs and drooling over Fox News. That's about as intelligent as they can get. What a pair of losers.
Dottie ~  Maybe the bankers all agreed to give up food as penance and the water WAS lunch.  

On second thought, maybe not. ;)
I was very disappointed in David Shuster last night. David said several times that President Obama had lunch with bank CEO's, this is a false statement.There was NO FOOD at the meeting, only water. I suggest that David check his facts and offer an apology to his audience.
-----------------------------------------------
Were you at the meeting?  And by the way, WHO CARES?


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