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Subscribe to RSSForget about Palin’s “dinner” last night and pay more attention to Chris Christie’s… The reason: He actually has the ability to put together an “A” campaign… After dinner with Iowa donors last night, Christie said he’s focused on remaining New Jersey governor… But guess what: He’s heading to Iowa later this summer… At 10:00 am ET, Obama meets with House GOP conference to discuss raising the debt ceiling… Weiner’s actions (and non-answers) raise additional questions… Huntsman pivots to the right in WSJ op-ed… It’s T-shirt time before Romney’s announcement tomorrow… Pawlenty remains in Iowa… Rudy Giuliani keynotes “Voices of Sept. 11” gala… And do Dems have the redistricting edge?
*** Pay more attention to Christie: Forget about Sarah Palin’s "dinner" last night with Donald Trump, one of whom isn’t running for president and the other of whom probably won’t run, either. The more important dinner -- at least as far as the “summer of speculation” goes -- took place across the river in New Jersey, where Gov. Chris Christie (R) met with Iowa Republican donors. In attendance: Christie Deputy Chief of Staff Bill Stepien, Communications Director Maria Comella, NJ RNC Committeeman Bill Palatucci, and NY-NJ Port Authority Chairman David Samson. And get this: Christie’s wife was present, too. She was a question mark, and it's a signal we're told that shouldn't be overlooked.
*** The reason: He has the ability to put together an “A” campaign: Christie told the donors he was focused on remaining New Jersey’s governor, the AP writes. “What we heard from him very clearly was the same response he has given publicly: that he made a commitment to New Jersey and continuing to work to solve their problems,” one of the Iowa donors said. And it’s still unlikely he ever gets in. But consider these things: 1) he took the meeting, 2) he has agreed to go to Iowa later this summer to keynote an education summit there, and 3) if he were getting in late, he wouldn’t say he was getting in right now. Of all the folks sitting on the 2012 sidelines -- including Palin -- Christie is the one who could put together an “A” campaign. Fundraising? Check (with Wall Street’s help). Elite enthusiasm? Check. Tea Party enthusiasm? Check. And then there’s this for Christie: the realization that 2012 could be easier than 2016, with a potential tough run for re-election in 2013.
*** Listening time: At 10:00 am ET, President Obama meets at the White House with the entire House GOP conference to discuss raising the debt ceiling. The meeting comes after yesterday’s symbolic (and staged) vote rejecting debt-ceiling increase without attached spending cuts. Expect the meeting to be more of a listening/venting session than actual negotiations. As the AP puts it, “Wednesday's meeting seems more of a listening session than earnest negotiations between Obama and the staunch conservatives who have taken back the House.” Still, the White House will make its case that it’s: 1) necessary to raise the debt ceiling, and 2) it’s willing to do something to cut spending. By the way, the unexpected COULD happen at this meeting during the Q&A portion. Still, the White House is very aware that anything said during this off-the-record meeting likely won't remain off the record.
*** Weiner’s actions raise questions: At first glance, it was easy to dismiss the story that a lewd photo to a young woman had come from Rep. Anthony Weiner’s (D-NY) Twitter account. The explanation: Weiner’s account was hacked, and that seems like a common thing these days. But the congressman’s actions over the past 24 hours have raised more questions than answered them. For one thing, he hired an attorney. Second, and more importantly, he refused to answer reporters’ simple question on whether or not he sent the photo. Question: Was it from you or not? Weiner’s non-answer: “If I were giving a speech to 45,000 people and someone in the back threw a pie or yelled out an insult, I would not spend the next two hours of my speech responding to that pie or insult.” Third, he refused to answer why he was following the young woman on Twitter. Here’s this truism about Washington scandals: If someone is guilty, it’s never an isolated incident. Weiner has now put himself in a position of having to prove innocence -- which is never a good place to be for a politician, especially one who resides in the media capital of the world.
*** Huntsman’s pivot to the economic right: Turning back to the 2012 race, Jon Huntsman writes an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, in which he fully embraces Paul Ryan’s overhaul of Medicare. “I admire Congressman Paul Ryan's honest attempt to save Medicare. Those who disagree with his approach incur a moral responsibility to propose reforms that would ensure Medicare's ability to meet its responsibilities to retirees without imposing an unaffordable tax burden on future generations of Americans.” The piece also mentions Ronald Reagan, Barry Goldwater, and tax cuts. This is Huntsman’s pivot to the economic right.
*** It’s T-Shirt Time! The day before Mitt Romney’s presidential announcement in New Hampshire, the state Democratic Party has printed T-shirts that read on one side: “Mitt Romney. Pro-Health Care Reform. Pro-Individual Mandate. Pro-Recovery Act. Pro-Immigration Reform. Pro-Cap and Trade. Pro-Gay Rights.” The other side reads: “Mitt Romney. Anti-Health Care Reform. Anti-Individual Mandate. Anti-Recovery Act. Anti-Immigration Reform. Anti-Cap and Trade. Anti-Gay Rights.”
*** On the 2012 trail: Pawlenty remains in Iowa for another day, hitting Council Bluffs.
*** “Summer of Speculation” watch: Rudy Giuliani keynotes tonight’s “Voices of Sept. 11” gala, which is emceed by NBC’s Brian Williams. By the way, Giuliani heads to New Hampshire on Thursday -- the same day Romney announces. But keep in mind: Some of the key Giuliani 2008 people are with Christie.
*** The Dems’ redistricting advantage: After the Democrats’ aggressive redistricting map in Illinois, as well as after the U.S. Justice Department gave initial clearance to Florida’s passed ballot amendments that stop congressional gerrymandering, you can see how Democrats could pick up 10 of the 24 seats they need to take back control of the House. On the other hand, it’s possible that states under GOP control can pass redistricting maps that benefit the Republican Party. Bottom line: The House has the POTENTIAL to be more in play for 2012 than we all thought a few months ago. Charlie Cook adds today, “If Democrats can continue to make his Medicare proposal an effective issue, it will represent an important test for the GOP. If the advantage stays with Democrats, it is a sure sign the Ryan proposal was a huge mistake. And if that happens, then you can say Democrats have a realistic chance of taking a majority in the House.”
*** Dem group trying to make more political hay out of the Ryan budget: Speaking of Medicare, the Democratic group Protect Your Care is hosting a 10:00 am ET conference call with reporters to unveil new polling data on the GOP efforts to overhaul Medicare.
Countdown to Iowa GOP straw poll: 73 days
Countdown to NV-2 special election: 104 days
Countdown to Election Day 2011: 160 days
Countdown to the Iowa caucuses: 250 days
* Note: When the IA caucuses take place depends on whether other states move up
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NEWS FLASH!
Barack Obama is still the President and GBII is NOT! (and there was much rejoicing).
Good morning kids. You must of all stayed up too late last night. You are ceratinly a cranky crowd today.
Don't worry, be happy, the sun is shining, the flowers are blooming and Governor Christie has decided to remain on the fence (poor fence) until 2016.
All good news and reason for celebration.
So, c'mon you big bunch of whiney babies, take off those cranky pants and put on your happy pants and let's enjoy a beeee-uuuu-tiful day.
Obama/Biden 2012 Another reason to be happy!
" Huntsman’s pivot to the economic right"
Here in MSNBC liberal la la land, all Republicans are labelled "Far Right". Even Jon Huntsman! The WSJ editorial was not 'right', it was common sense.
In MSNBC la la liberal land, there are no "Far Left" Democrats , the term is never used...the term 'liberal' is rarely used, and never in a negative sense.. President Obama and 'moderate' are used quite often .
Anything coming from WSJ is far right, deregulation-oriented globalist garbage.
The Wall Street Journal and "common sense" in the same sentence? LMFAO!
In the sense that FOX News is "Fair and Balanced", I guess.
Bob, that is because there are no (or very few) far left politicians.
The right has moved so far to the right (tea party) that the center and just left of center to the right seem far left because of the distance from the right. However most dems and the President are center to center left.
I just think it's sad how both the public and the media are more interested in good theater than in what's good for the country. These interviews, stump speeches, photo-ops, TV & radio ads, and even the debates are more like reality TV than an election.
I just hope people start to realize that wasting their votes on lesser candidates is a multi-year mistake. They seem to think that it would be a hoot to vote for someone based on whatever currently moves them (Tea Party, MILF factor, good hair, talking points, single issue, etc...) and not on the long term effects of the candidate and party's issues and policies. If this pattern continues, expect to see a lot of buyer's remorse, recalls as soon as allowed by law, and we may even adopt the European concept of no confidence votes to oust leaders nationally.
No crankiness here. I like Christie, but do believe he should wait until 2016 to run. Governor Christie, just focus on New Jersey. Being a governor is an important JOB, it is not merely a stepping stone.
Yes, you and Governor Christie are on the same page. He's going to wait until 2016, which is good news as far as I'm concerned. That means four more years of Barack Obama.
Most of the smart GOP/TP candidates have decided to wait until 2016 when the seat will be "open" and they will stand a better chance. It will also give them a chance to put some distance between them and Ryan's unpopular Medicare plan.
2016 will be interesting.
2012 is in the bag.
Obama/Biden 2012
Exactly what is it that you like about Gov. Christie in NJ? What has attracted you to him? What policies are you in favor of that appeals to you? Are those polls coming out of NJ merely hype? What do you see that it seems others don't. I'd like to know cause I'd like to know more about Mr. Christie.
I like the fact he's in New Jersey. I hope he stays there forever and ever.
"Dem group trying to make more political hay out of the Ryan budget"
First Read will breathlessly report this demagoguery, no doubt.
Followed by a predictable headline about "GOP trouble", followed by a predictable headline with positive spin for Obama.
MSNBC: a joke.
Well Bob, if MSNBC is such a joke we have to wonder why you stop by here so much and seem to want to share you opinions so generously. Could it be because you also are a joke?
Why not go somewhere else? You'll be happy. We'll be happy. It's a win-win situation.
Obama/Biden 2012
I like to think that Fox is the real joke.
Shhhhh, don't tell Bob, he thinks they are a new organization instead of a propaganda mill.
Obama/Biden 2012 Keep it on the down low, but it's in the bag.
No, Bob, the Republican Party is in trouble and its not just the Ryan Coupon Bill. Where are the dynamics? Where's the foresight? What's the plan (not the coupon one but the larger picture one). This is not a game of "Let spend all our time removing the President." This is about philosophy and direction. This isn't about flags, bells, whistles and the rest. This continuation of jockeying of position while holding the country hostage has got to stop. A mistake was made in Nov. that is seriously hampering moving the country forward. You think that the deficit is cause to change an America more in your liking bothers me. This isn't just your country. Its mine also. There is an imbalance in responsibility in who is going to pay the piper. The absolute mistake made with the removal of Medicare (and that's what it is, make no mistake nor ever think you'll wiggle your way out of it) means I can never trust you again. Walker/Koch is proving that in Wisconsin even as I write. Tackling the deficit is important and there are a million and one areas to address which will begin to address this issue. But, you don't stop going to work cause you can't afford the gas. You walk if you have to. You crawl if you have to but you absolutely do not just stop everything. Yeah, yeah, I know, it'll be bust in 10 years. Maybe so. But, then something will have to take its place. That's what we do. We figure out an answer to the problem. We don't just stop feeding the infant cause its a waste of money. You guys continually give wonderful street theatre but I certainly don't want you in charge of the country. God help us is that becomes real.
country/no party.stay in N.J.LOOKS LIKE YOU EAT TO MUCH AND I CAN IMAGE what the food bill would be if he was elected.i don't what my tax money going don't the toilet.thks 2012
Rumor has it the Gov. Christie will be hiring the Pillsbury Doughboy as his campaign manager...
Rumor has it he IS the Pillsbury Doughboy. Poke him in the tummy and he'll giggle.
Christie would be no different than Sarah-I-quit-to-go-make-money-Palin if he decides to jump in the race. Yes, he'd still be Governor when he loses, but the year+ campaigning would take away too much time from running NJ. He would also be running on his first year record as Governor, not on subsequent actions/broken promises. Now if you ask a lot of NJ residents who voted for him if they'd vote for him again, and you'll wind up with very different results. He's becoming less and less liked by the residents of NJ.
Heck I wish I could forget that either of these mouth breathers even exist.
My turn for Diet Coke to shoot through my nose! LOL
Thanks! I needed that! ;o)
DIET coke? BLECH! You're going to get cancer! lol ;) actually though did you know that it's easier for your body to process a beer than it is a soda? ESPECIALLY diet soda, I actually use Equal and Sweet N Low to keep bugs out of my house, I could use Boric Acid but I'm scared it'll hurt the gecko type lizards that come out at night to feast on the flying creepy bugs at my house (Texas is known for creepy crawlies) unfortunately I still haven't found a way to do away with the june bugs (those things freak me out, always getting caught in my hair!)
Anyway sorry for the off topic and glad I could give you a laugh! Have a great day! (ten bucks the next person calls me a lefty instead of a righty for even speaking to you)
I think Chris Christi realizes first, SLP is out there flapping her mouth. SLP is creating so much of her own wind. It helps her cash inflow tremendously. By associating and being seen in public she hopes to gain some status. All she wants to do is take the wind out of the sails of the other also runs currently vieing for position and traction. SLP is using the media to stoke her own flame as she flames out. SLP shouldn't get the exposure she's getting. She's telling FOX but none of the other major news outlets. I say let FOX cover her and the other candidates will have a better chance of winning in this Republican primary. This is truly going to be one great Republican primary!
To make a good president you first must know the problems that are facing not only the unit states but also the world and those with a job and money in the Bank have no idea how to solve it. So that old saying walk a mile in my shoes need To be highlight with those words of what hurt you also hurt me and if you can prove it to the American people and show them your heart and let them know where your coming from you will be the next president of these unite states
The most hated Gov. in NJ history and the GOP want him to run for president, this i like to see.
I live in New Jersey, and he is a disaster, except of course for his wealthy friends who are doing very nicely thank you.
And I get to pay for their Tax Breaks!
Look I can copy and paste too!!
DNC Chairwoman Can't Stop Lying About the Ryan Plan
Newly-appointed DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz is having quite a week. First, she falsely claimed that if Republicans had their way, the whole country would be driving foreign cars -- then drove off in her Japanese-made Infiniti. Then she warnedAmericans that Republicans believe that illegal immigration "should in fact be a crime." Such nuance. Now, she's officially flunked virtually every political fact-check entity known to mankind because she just won't stop lying her ass off about the House-passed entitlement reform plan. If you don't want to take my word for it; just ask theWashington Post:
Or Politifact:
Or Factcheck.org:
It may be impossible to cure Wasserman Schultz of her congential dishonesty, but still it would be fun to see how she might attempt to tackle this question: "You obviously oppose the Ryan plan so strongly that you're willing to make inaccurate statements about it in the press. Since you view the Republican proposal as unacceptable, where is your party's concrete, on-paper alternative to address a problem that President Obama has called unsustainable?" Wasserman Schultz may really struggle with that one.
Well, not sure whether Christie is A candidate or not. What I do know is this; he's not popular in NJ. He talks a mean game. Talk though is pretty cheap. So, I don't think it matters if he runs or not.........he won't be elected. I say this on so many levels. I suppose the street theatre is worth the price of admission.
Guess I mistakenly stepped into the "Liberals Only" room. Do you all simply validate what each other says? I'll excuse myself because no one would listen anyway.
Glo- no this is not a Liberals only room, we're all allowed to speak freely (for the most part) Republicans come in here too, as well as us Independents and Libertarians.
By all means, if you are frightened, go to
www.redstate.com
There you will find people who will tell you what you want to hear regardless of the truth.
Look what you people did! Are you proud of yourselves now? You scared off Glo-850104- how do we know this person couldn't bring something valuable into the conversation?? Y'all should be ashamed of yourselves!
It's a smart move--staying out for now. The array is a bowl of soup. Running around campaigning and spending money on primaries makes no sense for him. Let them sort it out, and retains the option to jump in at any point. Reality: now, the GOP needs him more than he needs them.
My guess: It's 2016. BUT: In the meantime, if he's drafted at a dead-locked convention, what's a feller to do? Hs is one of the very few with any charisma.
Obama is probably unbeatable, even though jobs and economy will be big issues. But matters much more is the almost unimaginable GOP orchestra of almost unanimous Ryan-care votes (Big Insurance guarantees), tax cuts for the rich, continue Big Oil subsidies, and the GOP climate of "shut it down or else",-- which scares more and more people along the way and regardless of the outcome, won't work, and will produce "results" that are puny if any. (Maybe a tidbit now and a promise by Obama to take things seriously in the future--that is Weak 1).
There is also the little detail that the GOP thinks insulting Hispanics and African-Americans is a career move; all they're left with is to try to figure out any conceivable way to disenfranchise them and students (even the GOP doesn't believe the haughty, self-righteous and transparent "voter fraud" gimmick.
Christie knows he lacks experience, strong name recognition, and any organization or bankable backing now. But he can grow all 4 as time goes on. He can comfortably cultivate gently and graciously his contacts with party leaders and key constituencies and jurisdictions, will be on a first-name and old friends basis the playmakers in 2016, he's not a kook, but "keeps his word" to govern New Jersey. Very un-Palin.
Prediction: 2012--no (unless drafted). 2016--maybe.
I think after the helicopter ride heard round the world, he's finished as a presidential contender.
Lard Ass says he is not going to run until he can find a public financed stealth helicopter to haul is insensitive body politic around the country so he can proclaim his "conservative values" to blind teabaggers.
If, by some chance Christie were to become President, anyone who is not wealthy, prepare to be taken to the cleaners.
I live in New Jersey. The first thing Christie did upon taking office was to give a tax break to anyone making $250K or more. The second thing he did was to defund education, taking the tax money I paid for public schools and using it elsewhere. The municipalites were then forced to raise property taxes in order to pay for public education, so my property taxes went up by 23%.
Then he defunded public transportation.
Now he plans to take still more money from the best public school system in the country (because it doesn't work), and start funding Charter Schools. And he thinks it is ok for the schools to teach Creationism as science.
Unemployment is at 9.1%, even after the tax breaks were given to the wealthy to create jobs (a concept that has never once produced jobs).
Christie is a disaster.
You might want to check with the Jersey people hes seen as another Walker
"Republicans are now trying to make Democrats vote to kill Medicare, just like they did, thus erasing the huge competitive advantage Democrats hope have over the Republicans now...."
Hey Dems, where are Obamas proposals for how to save Medicare, since it is going to be bankrupt if nothing is done. OH WAIT, he was too busy on another vacation in Europe. Paul Ryan for President !!!
A G8 Summit isn't a vacation, dumbass.
(With Wall Street's Help) - Did BHO take any money from Wall Street? Did Christie's predecessor as Gov. NJ take money from/have any ties to Wall Street? Annoying.
Christie won't run in 2012. He's in Iowa looking for campaign money for the governor's race. That's what Obama did initially before announcing his candidacy. He was trying to get his name out there and raise money, but then a turn of events happened.
Christie has to prove he's a two term governor before he will run again. If he declares his presidency, he will turn into Palin -- you know, she quit the governorship in mid-term. Won't happen, he's not running.
Chris Christie should have told the folks from Iowa to ask again WHEN he has actually done something for the state of NJ. Because right now all he has done is emanizing teachers, police officers, and firefighters. Not presidential material.
OBAMA/BIDEN 2012!