From NBC's Doug Adams
Things got a little testy this morning at the Senate Finance Committee mark-up, as the senators attempt to make their way through hundreds of amendments to Sen. Max Baucus' bill -- which in Senate lingo is called the "chairman's mark" because Baucus is the chairman.

It has been slow going, as debate dragged on for a third day, and tempers flared this morning. After more than a half hour of a nitty-gritty discussion of Medicare Advantage, Sen. Baucus lectured the Republicans that a vote against his bill is "a vote for the status quo!!" and for doing nothing. He said the allegation that millions will lose their current coverage is "a patently gross and inaccurate assumption."

Baucus lectured that "the status quo" is unacceptable when 14,000 people lose insurance every day, and rapped Republicans for not offering any comprehensive alternatives for reform.

GOP Sen. Jon Kyl took exception to the lecture, saying that Republicans oppose a "massive government takeover" -- which is what he said Baucus bill is. Instead, Kyl wants "targeted solutions." Baucus cut him off and accused him of delaying, and Kyl heatedly insisted he was not delaying or filibustering.

From NBC's Mark Murray
Other media outlets are reporting -- and First Read has now confirmed -- that Gov. Deval Patrick (D) will select Paul Kirk to temporarily fill Ted Kennedy's Senate seat.

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Ali Weinberg
*** Dems back at 60: That didn't take long, did it? Almost a month after Ted Kennedy passed away, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) is expected to name an interim successor at 11:00 am ET at the State House in Boston, according to NBC's Kelly O'Donnell. This move comes after the Democratic-controlled Massachusetts Legislature quickly changed its succession law to return to the Democrats their 60th Senate seat. All signs -- and reporting -- point to Patrick picking Paul Kirk, a former DNC chairman and Kennedy aide. Of course, as the news of Sen. Robert Byrd's (D) recent hospitalization reminded us, 60 sometimes seems like more of a mirage than a reality for the Democrats.

*** Obama's 'Steel City' obsession: President Obama begins his day at the United Nations, where he'll chair the U.N. Security Council meeting. Then he heads about 350 miles west to Pittsburgh to take part in the G-20 economic summit there. Pittsburgh has become a special place in Obama's heart. He campaigned there a bunch -- both in the primaries and general election. He developed a strong bond with the Rooney family, tapping Dan Rooney as ambassador to Ireland and rooting for his Steelers in the Super Bowl. He visited the city last week at the AFL-CIO's convention in the city. And he said this at a recent ceremony for the Stanley Cup-winning Pittsburgh Penguins: "As many of you know, I have a special place in my heart for Pittsburgh, and so if it can't be the [Chicago] Blackhawks, then the Penguins aren't a bad choice." Of course, it's perhaps no coincidence that Pittsburgh is the swing voting area of the part of the country -- Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio -- he has to keep to stay president. Regarding the G-20, remember that it was planned as an "in case of" summit if the economy was still in a deep, deep recession. Now that's not the case, it's all about regulation and an exit strategy for government intervention.

*** Who's the boss? During the presidential campaign, in his press conference from Jordan, Barack Obama made this point: that the president of the United States is the ultimate decision-maker on military matters, not the generals. "In terms of my conversations with Gen. Petraeus, there's no doubt that Gen. Petraeus does not want a timetable [in Iraq]," he said back then. "But keep in mind, for example, one of Gen. Petraeus' responsibilities is not to think about how could we be using some of that $10 billion a month to shore up a U.S. economy that is really hurting right now? If I'm president of the United States, that is part of my responsibility." That strong belief, however, is certainly being put to the test now that top U.S. military commanders seem to be backing Gen. Stanley McChrystal's request for more troops in Afghanistan. Speaking at the National Press Club yesterday, Petraeus said that both he and Joint Chiefs Chairman Mike Mullen endorsed McChrystal's recent assessment of the situation in Afghanistan, per NBC's Courtney Kube. 

*** Getting back on the same page: Interestingly, we are hearing a new spin from the White House about McChrystal's request. They are saying that his report was written BEFORE Afghanistan's questionable elections, which have raised doubts about whether the Karzai government can be a reliable partner. The bottom line: The White House knows the debate over Afghanistan has been too public, and it hopes to get back on same page with Defense Secretary Gates and Secretary of State Clinton from here on out. Notice from whom we may NOT hear on this: Vice President Biden, who reportedly is the most skeptical person in the administration on the subject on sending more troops to Afghanistan.

*** Rahm and the public option: Meanwhile, Charlie Rose conducted a fascinating interview with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel yesterday. In it, Emanuel didn't insist on a public option, which could enrage the left (then again, if the left didn't already know this, it hasn't been paying attention…) "ROSE: And it will not have a public option feature? EMANUEL: I'm not -- that should be what the conference has to negotiate. But I don think -- you know. ROSE: Can it pass with a public option feature? EMANUEL: I think the Senate's been clear about what -- the prospects there. That doesn't mean in the House that they're not going to come to the table and demand that…" Be sure to read the entire Rose interview. It provides a rare glimpse into Rahm's governing philosophy in general…

*** When acting like the victim doesn't help: David Paterson and Co. certainly aren't going down without a fight. Yesterday, Paterson's wife, Michelle, told the New York Post that it was "very unfair" for the White House to encourage "the first African-American" governor of the state not to run in 2010 (even though he didn't win election to the post). Then to NBC's New York affiliate, she noted that Paterson's poor poll numbers and political standing were due, in part, to his blindness. And also yesterday, the governor spoke at a luncheon organized by the AP, where he said he never envisioned being governor and admitted that he instead wanted Hillary Clinton's Senate seat -- if she won the presidency. "I wanted to be lieutenant governor," Paterson said. "I had this grand plan that Hillary Clinton was going to become president. Maybe the governor would appoint me to the Senate." While Paterson may have looked like a political victim on Monday and Tuesday, that isn't the case anymore. By the way, Paterson will appear on "Meet the Press" this Sunday.

*** 2009 watch: And in New Jersey, the Corzine campaign (D) released a TV ad yesterday that appears to refer to opponent Chris Christie's (R) weight. The ad goes, "If you drove the wrong way down a one-way street, causing an accident and putting the victim in a trauma center, would you get away without a ticket? Chris Christie did," adding later: "Christie threw his weight around as US Attorney and got off easy." Also, The New York Times writes about Christie's family relationship with a convicted member of the Genovese crime family, Tino Fiumara, who is the brother of Christie's aunt's husband. Which reminds us of this line from "Space Balls": "Lone Star, I am your father's brother's nephew's cousin's former roommate."

Countdown to Election Day 2009: 40 days
Countdown to Primary to Replace Ted Kennedy: 75 days
Countdown to Special Election to Replace Kennedy: 117 days
Countdown to Election Day 2010: 404 days

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The Boston Globe on Obama's U.N. address yesterday: "In a speech punctuated at least eight times by applause -- rare at the United Nations -- Obama signaled a sharp break with the policies of President Bush and echoed the themes of his own presidential campaign. He exhorted world leaders to act together to combat global warming, nuclear proliferation, extreme poverty, and continuing conflict in the Middle East." 

The New York Times: "President Obama, in his first visit to the opening of the United Nations General Assembly, made progress Wednesday on two key issues, wringing a concession from Russia to consider tough new sanctions against Iran and securing support from Moscow and Beijing for a Security Council resolution to curb nuclear weapons." 

More: "Russian President Dmitry Medvedev opened the door Wednesday to backing potential sanctions as a reward for President Barack Obama's decision to scale back a U.S. missile shield in Eastern Europe. While U.S. and Russian officials denied a flat-out quid pro quo, Medvedev told the U.N. General Assembly that Obama's pivot on a missile defense plan long loathed by Moscow 'deserves a positive response.'"

The Washington Post looks at Obama's day at the UN. "President Obama will use the forum of the U.N. Security Council on Thursday to press his efforts to slow the spread of nuclear weapons and reduce global stockpiles."

Then, at the G-20, "Obama will tell world leaders that the global economy cannot continually rely on huge borrowing and spending by Americans and massive exports by countries such as China. In informal chats and fancy receptions at the two-day summit beginning Thursday, the buzz words will be 'balanced and sustainable.'"

The New York Times focuses on the city hosting the G-20, Pittsburgh. "'Since early August, journalists, dignitaries and safety officials have been visiting our city, eating at our restaurants, shopping in our stores and staying in our hotels," [Mayor Luke] Ravenstahl, 29, said. 'That's just the short-term gain. In the long-term, you really can't put a dollar value on the amount of free marketing we've received worldwide.' The mayor said Pittsburgh's story of economic transformation had helped to dispel 'our city's 'smoky' image and replace it with the real 'green' image, which tells the story of how you can reinvent and diversify your economy.'" 

Education Secretary Arne Duncan will lay out the administration's goals for No Child Left Behind. The administration, he will say, wants to revise it, but still keep the standardized testing methods of measuring student achievement. School districts have long complained that the accountability measured outlined in NCLB are not paid for by the federal government and that local school districts are expected to come up with the funds on their own to get in compliance. Duncan will say that there are some federal funds allocated for districts to come up with better assessments.

And it's not just Jimmy Carter… Walter Mondale now says race is a factor in some of the opposition to President Obama. "'I don't like saying it,' Mondale continued. 'Having lived through those years, when civil rights was such a bitter issue, and when we argued those things for years… I know that some of that must still be around.' More from Mondale: "I don't want to pick a person, say, he's a racist, but I do think the way they're piling on Obama, the harshness, you kind of feel it," he said. "I think I see an edge in them that's a little bit different and a little harsher than I've seen in other times."

The Baucus legacy: "With momentum building for health care reform and the process in the Finance Committee beginning to take on an air of inevitability, a Baucus victory will likely overshadow many of the missteps that some Democrats feel he made in pursuing a bipartisan bill that has yet to materialize. However, a failure would likely result in many of his Senate colleagues calling for his head. 'He's either the hero or the goat,' said one Democratic source familiar with the process."

"Health care legislation along the lines sought by President Barack Obama is moving methodically if slowly through the Senate Finance Committee, where Republicans are so far unable to force any significant changes and Democrats have yet to try." AP has the rest of what senators want.

Meanwhile, "Republicans hope to reverse that trend [of lost ground after the Joe Wilson incident] thanks to Baucus, who has asked Jonathan Blum, acting director of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Center for Drug and Health Plan Choice and a former Baucus Medicaid policy aide, to investigate a mailer by the insurance giant Humana that was critical of Baucus' health care reform bill," Roll Call writes. "Blum sent Humana a letter warning them to stop sending out the critical mailers and said the agency is investigating the company's activities." GOP aides are billing it as a warning about the ills of government and call it big-brother-like tactics."

The Wall Street Journal's editorial page focuses on the Humana issue: "Last week Mr. Baucus ordered Medicare regulators to investigate and likely punish Humana Inc. for trying to educate enrollees in its Advantage plans about precisely this fact. Jonathan Blum, acting director of a regulatory office in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), said that a mailer Humana sent its customers was 'misleading and confusing to beneficiaries, who may believe that it represents official communication about the Medicare Advantage program.'" The Journal also wonders why CMS hasn't asked AARP not to publicize its support for health-care reform.

Regarding Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick's expected pick today, "The next junior senator from Massachusetts will not get plum committee assignments, primo Capitol Hill office space, or the much-coveted 'hideaway' for private gatherings. The temporary fill-in for the late Edward M. Kennedy should not count on the perks -- or the respect -- that the 'Lion of the Senate' accumulated over nearly five decades in office," the Boston Globe writes.

"Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele has raised more money in the first seven months of his tenure than his Democratic counterpart, and he is spreading that wealth to Republicans around the country," The Hill writes. "According to Federal Election Commission (FEC) reports that run from Feb. 1, Steele's first full month as chairman, until the end of August, the RNC has a $6 million advantage, having raised $59.8 million. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) raised $53.5 million in the same period."

"ACORN, the embattled anti-poverty advocacy group, took another hit today. Joining the Census Bureau, the Internal Revenue Service announced it is severing its ties with ACORN, which had been included in a volunteer tax assistance program that offered free advice to about 3 million low- and moderate-income taxpayers. The IRS said ACORN, embroiled in a scandal after employees were captured on hidden-camera video giving advice to a couple posing as a prostitute and her pimp, provided help on about 25,000 returns. This afternoon, ACORN released a letter, dated Monday, from CEO Bertha Lewis to the IRS saying that it was suspending its tax assistance activities." 
 
ACORN though filed a lawsuit "suing conservative filmmakers James O'Keefe and Hannah Giles for secretly videotaping in their office." (Maryland, by the way, is what's called a two-party consent state when it comes to recording audio. In other words, both sides have to agree to allow recording to happen.) Here's the complaint.

"Politically vulnerable Democrats say Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other House leaders aren't offering them the protection from tough votes that they did in the last Congress," The Hill reports. "Conservative Democrats fear that dozens of members could be swept out of their districts in the midterm election next year, and that fear has been intensifying in recent weeks. Between a tough vote on a climate change bill that many don't expect to become law and a leftward push on healthcare legislation, Pelosi's (D-Calif.) critics within her caucus say she's left the so-called 'majority makers' exposed."

MASSACHUSETTS: "Governor Deval Patrick huddled with a small group of trusted advisers last night to finalize his choice for an interim U.S. senator, with indications pointing to former Democratic National Committee chairman Paul G. Kirk Jr., who has the strong backing of the immediate family of the late Edward M. Kennedy, as the overwhelming favorite," the Boston Globe writes. "A person with knowledge of the process said last night that former governor Michael S. Dukakis, considered a leading candidate for the appointment, was unlikely to be chosen. At the same time, senior Democrats in Washington told The New York Times that they were certain Kirk would be the choice."

Meanwhile, Curt Schilling won't run for Kennedy's Senate seat. "Regardless of the amount of support and outreach that's been given to me, it just did not make sense," he said on HBO's Joe Buck Live. OK, well, there wasn't that much support, actually. According to a Suffolk poll, which we reported on a week ago, baseball's goodwill wasn't translating into political support. Just 29% viewed him favorably versus 39% who viewed him negatively.   

NEW JERSEY: "Chris Christie acknowledged yesterday he bought and sold stock in a travel and real estate company while it was under investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office he led at the time," the Star Ledger reports. "Christie purchased shares of Cendant Corp. in 2004 and sold them in 2005… In 2002, his office had renewed an investigation into Cendant, leading to fraud convictions of two of its former top executives in 2005 and 2007. Asked about the investment during a news conference yesterday, Christie acknowledged seeing it on his disclosure reports but said his financial adviser bought and sold the stocks without his knowledge." This comes as Republicans have slammed Democrat Jon Corzine for investing in TPG-Axon, a hedge fund whose founder is the corporate owner of four New Jersey casinos.

In what's being billed as a "Garden State Party," Corzine will head to the West Coast next week for a fancy fundraiser at the Beverly Hills home of Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman." Guests are being asked to pay between $1,000 and $10,000. And "the 'special guest' listed on the invitation is Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. It's an interesting choice for a highlighted guest," says NBC New York.

NEW YORK: It wasn't just the White House acting on its own to push Paterson out, Politico notes. New York Democrats want him out and told the White House as much. Check out this quote: "Clearly, the situation in New York is unusual and requires leadership at a greater level than anyone in New York can provide," said Rep. Dan Maffei, a first-term Democrat who occupies a seat in upstate New York. "I, for one, welcome the president's involvement." And: "It's hard to argue that he can excite a lot of voters at this point," said one New York House member. More: "Two senior Democratic officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said members of the House delegation had sent a strong message to White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel in closed-door meetings that it was time for Paterson to move on."
 
And Paterson for the first time acknowledged he might step aside. "I think if I got to a point where I thought my candidacy was hurting my party, obviously it would be rather self-absorbed to go forward," Paterson said at a Syracuse luncheon. He added, "I didn't say that anybody would have to convince me [to step aside]," he said. "I don't think anyone who is clearly hurting their party would [run] when it is going to make the party lose."

From NBC's Mark Murray
Well, it looks like New York Gov. David Paterson (D) and Co. aren't going down without a fight.

His wife, Michelle, gave an interview to the New York Post, in which she argued that it's "very unfair" for the White House to encourage "the first African-American" governor of the state not to run in 2010.

"David's the first African-American governor in the state of New York and he's being asked to get out of the race. It's very unusual and it seems very unfair," she said. "I never heard of a president asking a governor not to run ... so I thought it was very unusual that this would be asked of David and I don't think it's right."

Of course, it might not be that unusual if you've seen Paterson's poll numbers lately. But the governor's wife also had an explanation for that. In an interview with WNBC's Melissa Russo, she said that Paterson's low numbers were due, in part, to his blindness.

From Russo:

In a passionate defense of her husband, New York's first lady, Michelle Paterson, tells News 4 it's wrong for the White House to get involved in a local race. She admits there have been some very disappointing times recently where it seemed her husband might not be able to survive politically. But she said he's "a fighter" who is staying in the race. Mrs. Paterson says she believes David's blindness is contributing to his low poll numbers.

From NBC's Mark Murray
We missed this story yesterday, due in our part to our NBC/WSJ poll, but South Carolina GOP Rep. Joe Wilson -- of "You lie" fame -- is helping Virginia Republicans raise money. 

In an email solicitation yesterday for Republicans in Virginia's House of Delegates, Wilson writes:

In the last two weeks, I have learned what it's like to be the No. 1 target of liberal Democrats across the nation. After the President's address to Congress, liberal activists and bloggers raised over one million dollars for my opponent—in an election that's over a year away.

Virginia House Speaker Bill Howell knows what it's like to be a target too. Virginia is one of only two states with an election this year—in just a month and a half—so he and his House Republican colleagues need your help today.

Virginia's Democratic Party released this statement in response: "It's a disgrace that Virginia House Republicans thought it was appropriate to recruit a recently admonished Congressman to help them raise money. House Republicans' endorsement of Joe Wilson's disrespectful behavior will not only be rejected by voters, but their divisive political tactics and lack of civility have no place in our Commonwealth.

More: "I hope the Speaker recognizes his error in judgment and returns the money raised by this email, and if I were a candidate on the Republican ticket, I'd ask for him to give it back as well."

From NBC's Luke Russert
After a GOP caucus meeting today, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor argued that health-care reform was increasingly becoming a roadblock to Congress being able to address other important issues facing the country.

Cantor said, "Health care in this building has made it so that it seems we can't get anything else done. We have burning issues out there in this country. First and foremost, Americans want to see job security return; they want to see economic security return. Somehow, they are unable to deliver on that because of the intransigence on the majority's part on even discussing on ways for us to agree on health care.

He continued, "We have serious challenges as far as Afghanistan is concerned, that's being clouded by the rigidity by which this majority hangs on to H.R. 3200 [the House health-care legislation] and the imposition of a public option."

From NBC's Athena Jones
NEW YORK, N.Y. -- In his first address to the U.N. General Assembly, President Obama returned to his familiar theme of changing the world from the bottom up -- as he laid out his vision for a more peaceful world, re-committed the United States to help achieve the United Nations' goals, and encouraged members to re-double their efforts to strengthen the organization.

The president, who was interrupted repeatedly by applause, twice quoted Franklin Roosevelt in calling on world leaders to set aside old divisions and work together to solve the world's problems. While he said he bore a responsibility to act in America's interests and would "never apologize for defending those interests," he argued it was in the interests of all nations to spur a recovery from the global economic crisis, combat terrorism and global warming, eradicate extreme poverty, and work toward a world without nuclear weapons.

Video:  In his first speech to the U.N. President Barack Obama differentiates his international strategy from President Bush's approach while Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi stretches his 15 minutes to over an hour.

"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," he said. "We have sought -- in word and deed -- a new era of engagement with the world and now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges."

The president said the United States was ready to begin a new chapter of international cooperation. He spoke about steps his administration had taken to change direction from the previous eight years of American policy -- from banning torture and ordering the closure of the Guantanamo Bay prison facility, to joining the U.N. Human Rights Council and paying its U.N. bills.

"This institution will be what we make of it," he said near the end of his nearly 40-minute address. "The United Nations can be an institution that is disconnected from what matters in the lives of our citizens, or it can be an indispensable factor in advancing the interests of the people we serve."

Obama's maiden address before this world body came at a time when the United States faces serious challenges around the globe, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and ongoing efforts to dismantle al Qaeda. The U.S. also is trying to reach a consensus with other major powers on how to deal with the nuclear ambitions of Iran and North Korea and is pushing hard to restart peace negotiations in the Middle East.

On nuclear disarmament
Nuclear proliferation threatened to lead to arms races in every region, Obama said in making his argument for disarmament and for strengthening the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty. He said the next 12 months would be key in determining the future of the treaty and that the United States would work to ratify the Test Ban Treaty and get other countries on board. The president plans to host a summit next April to reaffirm each country's responsibility to secure nuclear material so that it cannot fall into the hands of extremists.

And he had a warning for Iran and North Korea, saying their actions threatened to take the world down a dangerous slope, but that the future must not belong to fear.

"If the governments of Iran and North Korea choose to ignore international standards; if they put the pursuit of nuclear weapons ahead of regional stability and the security and opportunity of their own people; if they are oblivious to the dangers of escalating nuclear arms races in both East Asia and the Middle East -- then they must be held accountable," he said. "The world must stand together to demonstrate that international law is not an empty promise, and that Treaties will be enforced."

On Middle East peace
The audience broke into applause several times as Obama addressed the issue of Middle East peace  and restated the U.S. commitment to a two-state solution that ends the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

"The United States does Israel no favors when we fail to couple an unwavering commitment to its security with an insistence that Israel respect the legitimate claims and rights of the Palestinians," he said. "Nations within this body do the Palestinians no favors when they choose vitriolic attacks over a constructive willingness to recognize Israel's legitimacy, and its right to exist in peace and security."

Libya's Moammar Khaddafy -- who was scheduled to speak after the president -- and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran were both present for Obama's speech. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not attend, according to the pool report.

In a return to the main themes of his presidential campaign -- themes that continue to appear in speeches since he took office -- Obama invoked "hope" and "change." Early in his remarks, he said the expectations that accompany his presidency around the world are rooted in "the hope that real change is possible, and the hope that America will be a leader in bringing about such change." Later, he said "real change can only come through the people we represent" and "the people of the world want change." He added, "They will not long tolerate those who are on the wrong side of history."

In closing, Obama made a rare mention of his race, saying his own experience as an African American demonstrated the possibility of change in nations and in attitudes.

"I will never forget that I would not be here today without the steady pursuit of a more perfect union in my country," he said. "And that guides my belief that no matter how dark the day may seem, transformative change can be forged by those who choose the side of justice. And I pledge that America will always stand with those who stand up for their dignity and their rights."

From NBC's Ken Strickland and Mark Murray
During the mark-up of the Senate Finance Committee's health-care bill this morning, Senate Democrats were successful in defeating a GOP-sponsored amendment that would have delayed the bill's passage.

The vote on the measure was 11-12. All the Democrats except Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas voted against the amendment. Republican Olympia Snowe of Maine voted for it.

There are about 500 amendments for the committee to get through. On this one amendment, they debated about two hours.

The amendment, sponsored by GOP Sen. Jim Bunning of Kentucky, would have required that the legislative language and the final cost analysis from the Congressional Budget Office be posted on the committee's Web site for 72 hours before the committee votes on the final bill.

While the amendment, on its face, may seem reasonable by providing transparency for Congress and the public to read the bill, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus said it would take at least two weeks for the staff to write the bill that way.

The practice at the Senate Finance Committee during the past 30 years -- under both the leadership of Democrats and Republicans -- is that the committee votes on bill using "conceptual language," or what some call "plain English." No other committee works under this practice. 

While conceptual language may have been the standard in the past, Republicans say this bill is too big, too important, and impacts too many people to handle it as business as usual.

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Ali Weinberg
*** Doubts on Afghanistan: Perhaps this is one of the reasons why the Obama administration is weighing alternatives to a troop increase in Afghanistan: The American public is increasingly pessimistic about the war there. According to the latest NBC/WSJ poll, 59% say they're less confident the war will come to a successful conclusion, and 51% oppose sending more troops to Afghanistan. On the other hand, 55% also oppose an immediate and orderly withdrawal from that war zone, and the public is split over whether the conflict there has been worth the costs and casualties. Not surprisingly, President Obama's Democratic base isn't in favor of sending more troops to Afghanistan, which presents a potential political problem for the president. Two-thirds of Democrats oppose a troop increase, versus 60% of Republicans who support it. "It is reverse coalitions here," NBC/WSJ co-pollster Peter Hart (D) says. The poll also shows a generational split: 52% of those who are 50 years old or older support the troop increase, while 62% of those under 50 oppose it. There are two ways to look at that divide: The more of a memory the public has about military interventions, the more trust they have; or perhaps, those who are in the age group of folks who could get SENT over to Afghanistan are leery considering the recent memory of Iraq.

*** Clogging things up: Given these numbers on Afghanistan and given the Obama's indecision about what to do there, one thing that has become increasingly clear is how the health-care debate has clogged up everything else. Health care is dominating the debate in Washington and the political pain is making it harder to deal with other tough issues. For instance, on energy, it's unlikely the White House is going to put its full weight to get something passed in the Senate THIS YEAR. That means we might not see something until 2011, because if the politics of getting enough votes on a major energy bill is difficult in an ODD number year, then why should we think an EVEN-numbered year is somehow easier.  Then there's the issue of unemployment -- the No.1 issue in our poll, but Washington is talking about health care. Bottom line: Passing any health care might serve as Drano of sorts and unclog the political system making way for other debates and decisions.

*** Obama's health-care numbers: As for health care, Obama's numbers on this issue have slightly increased during and after his big media blitz to sell reform, although the increase remains within the margin of error. Per the poll, 39% believe Obama's health-care plan is a good idea, which is up three points since last month; 41% think it's a bad idea. In addition, the president's approval/disapproval on health care is 45%-46%, which is up from his 41%-47% score last month. Much of the improvement here is from Democrats -- in August, 62% of Dems thought Obama's health plan was a good idea; now 69% of them say that. As for Republicans on health care, just 26% approve of the GOP's handling of the issue.

Video: NBC's Chuck Todd discusses the latest NBC News/WSJ poll.

*** Fed up with Washington: Another takeaway from our new NBC/WSJ poll is just how angry the American public is at Washington right now. Only 22% approve of Congress' job, which is down two points from July; the Democratic Party's fav/unfav is 41%-39%, down from 49%-31% back in February; and the GOP's fav/unfav is 28%-43%, which is a slight uptick from its 26%-47% score back in February but still close to the party's ALL-TIME low. What about Speaker Nancy Pelosi? Her fav/unfav mirrors the GOP's, 27%-44% (a worse ratio than Glenn Beck's!). It's no wonder why the president is trying to flash anti-Washington rhetoric again. One question we have: Is the public fed up with the health-care debate and the tenor and tone, especially considering the conversation THEY are having around the kitchen table has to do with the economy?

*** We're huge in Belgium: Compared with those figures, Obama's numbers seem sky-high. But, in truth, they're decent -- and they've stabilized. Overall, Obama's job-approval rating is at 51%, which is unchanged from last month's poll. And the public continues to like him personally: A combined 77% say they like him, even if they don't agree with his policies, and his fav/unfav is 56%-33%. But just 45% are confident that Obama has the right goals and policies for the country, and only 40% are confident that he has the right policies to improve the economy. Still, go inside the crosstabs, and there are some potential problems, including the fact that independents -- for the first time -- are upside down on the president. The good news for him: His base keeps him at a floor, for now, at 51%... But some key swing voting groups have their questions.

*** Looking ahead to 2010: Perhaps the best news for Republicans in the poll is that they've narrowed the gap in the generic congressional ballot test, which could be a good sign for them come 2010. According to the poll, 43% prefer a Democratic-controlled Congress, versus 40% who want a Republican-controlled one -- which is the GOP's best performance in our ballot test since Oct. 2004, a year when Republicans picked up House seats. NBC/WSJ co-pollster Bill McInturff (R) says Republicans have gained ground with independents on this ballot test. Another good sign for Republicans: Obama has a net-negative among independents on his job approval, a first in our NBC/WSJ poll. 

*** More optimism on the economy? The most important results you won't hear a lot about: the public's growing confidence in the economy. It's still not great, but to borrow a phrase, this poll has some "green shoots" of confidence. On the question of satisfaction with the economy, 23% are at least "somewhat satisfied." Compare that to 13% in July and just 7% in February. Again, it's nothing to write home about -- since 76% are still "somewhat dissatisfied" with the economy. But it's a start. More importantly, 47% told us they believe the economy will get better, compared with just 38% who thought that back in April. And on the issue of personal job security, 66% are at least somewhat satisfied with it, which is a six- point jump from July.

*** Winning the legislative battle, but not the P.R. war: But while there's growing confidence about the economy, the public isn't giving much credit to the stimulus -- which is a lesson to the White House P.R. shop if/when Obama signs a health-care bill into law. Our NBC/WSJ poll shows that while Team Obama won the stimulus legislative battle, they have seemed to lose the P.R. war. Just 34% think the stimulus was a good idea, versus 45% who said it was a bad idea. Moreover, less than half of the public (47%) thinks the stimulus is beginning to help improve the economy or will improve it in the future. And Americans are essentially split whether the stimulus saved the U.S. from entering a greater economic downturn than it did, which has been one of Obama's big messages. Bottom line: The Republicans defined the stimulus after it passed. And trust us: How the Obama administration implements health care will be more difficult than the stimulus. It's one thing to get the legislative victory. But if the public doesn't believe it worked, then they won't see political benefit in 2010 or 2012.

*** Obama at the U.N.: President Obama's marquee event at the U.N. today will be his speech to the General Assembly at 10:00 am ET. As NBC's Andrea Mitchell reported on TODAY, Obama will call for international cooperation on nuclear disarmament, the Middle East, and climate change. He'll also outline his top economic priorities for the upcoming G-20 meeting in Pittsburgh. Also today, the president holds bilaterals with the new prime minister of Japan (at 9:00 am) and with Russian President Medvedev (at 3:30 pm). At 7:05 pm, Obama and the first lady host a reception for heads of state. But so far, it's worth pointing out, Obama's U.N. week has not been a productive one. Yesterday's Middle East photo-op was, well, just a photo-op. The U.S. also found itself the enviro bogeyman of the world -- again... And then there is the fact this U.N .opening week can sometimes resemble the bar scene from Star Wars.

Video: NBC's Savannah Guthrie gives a preview of President Obama's address to the U.N. General Assembly

*** Captain Kirk? Now that the Massachusetts Senate has passed a bill allowing Gov. Deval Patrick to make a temporary appointment to fill Ted Kennedy's Senate seat, we could get Patrick's pick as early as today. There are three names in the mix: Michael Dukakis, former DNC Chair Paul Kirk, and former Lt. Gov. Evelyn Murphy. Sources tell NBC News that Kirk is probably the front-runner, but there is a growing chorus of folks who would like to see Patrick appoint a woman. We continue to hear that Dukakis is probably less likely to get it, but who knows.

***
The man with the plan:

Finally, after being criticized by opponent Bob McDonnell (R) for not having a transportation plan, Creigh Deeds (D) pens a Washington Post op-ed entitled "My Transportation Plan." He writes, "The last time Virginia passed meaningful transportation funding was in 1986, under Gov. Gerald Baliles (D), who created a commission to provide recommendations and build support for financing. Since then, each time a governor has presented a proposal to the General Assembly to raise meaningful transportation revenue, it has failed. The day after I'm elected, I will begin assembling a bipartisan commission to craft a comprehensive transportation package." Also in the op-ed, he says he's open to raising taxes to pay for transportation. "I will sign a bill that is the product of bipartisan compromise that provides a comprehensive transportation solution. As a legislator, I have voted for a number of mechanisms to fund transportation, including a gas tax. And I'll sign a bipartisan bill with a dedicated funding mechanism for transportation -- even if it includes new taxes." 

Countdown to Election Day 2009: 41 days
Countdown to Primary to Replace Ted Kennedy: 76 days
Countdown to Special Election to Replace Kennedy: 118 days
Countdown to Election Day 2010: 405 days

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Here's the Wall Street Journal's take on the new NBC/WSJ poll: "President Barack Obama faces significant doubts from the American public about the war in Afghanistan and his handling of foreign policy… At the same time, he has shored up support for his top domestic priority following this month's health-care speech to Congress." 

Here's our write-up: "As President Barack Obama weighs sending more U.S. troops to Afghanistan, the latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll finds that Americans are concerned about the progress of the conflict there. Nearly six in 10 say they're less confident the war will come to a successful conclusion, and a narrow majority of respondents (51 percent) oppose sending more troops to Afghanistan. However, a majority of Americans (55 percent) also oppose an immediate and orderly withdrawal from that war zone, and the public is split over whether the conflict there has been worth the costs and casualties." 

The Los Angeles Times previews Obama's speech to the U.N today. "President Obama will ask world leaders today to join him in confronting a range of vexing issues, including nuclear arms proliferation and climate change, and will appeal for the international cooperation he thinks will advance interests around the globe, aides said. In a morning address to the United Nations General Assembly, Obama will call for several specific commitments, including support for the major elements of a nonproliferation resolution he plans to introduce before the U.N. Security Council on Thursday." 

The New York Daily News calls it a "day of dictators" at the U.N. today. "By luck of the world body's draw, Libya's self-proclaimed 'king of kings' Moammar Khadafy will take the podium at the UN immediately following Obama's debut speech to the Assembly in the morning. Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, trailed by chants of "Death to the Dictator" aimed at him in the streets of Tehran, has the stage in the afternoon before the 192 member nations, or however many show up."

The New York Daily News also calls yesterday's meeting between Netanyahu and Abbas, orchestrated by Obama, "extraordinarily rare." "It was Obama's most direct involvement in the Middle East peace process to date and underscored that - unlike his predecessor, President George W. Bush - Obama is willing to be an active participant in Middle East talks, even if no major breakthroughs are guaranteed." More: "There were still plenty of symbolic steps forward yesterday, beyond the first-ever handshake between Netanyahu and Abbas -- an iconic image that will no doubt find a permanent spot in Obama's diplomatic scrapbook. Tuesday's meeting marked the first trilateral talks of Obama's presidency and the first high-level meeting between Israelis and Palestinians in nearly a year." 

The Kadafy tent on Donald Trump's property is tabloid fodder today.

Turning to health care… The Bipartisan Policy Center is hosting a breakfast this morning analyzing the health-care debate. Panelists include Tom Daschle, Families USA's Ron Pollack, John Rother of AARP, and PhRMA's Billy Tauzin. The event is moderated by the Atlantic Media's Ron Brownstein.

"With no end in sight to the country's job market woes, the House has agreed to give the jobless in a majority of states another 13 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits," the AP reports. "The bill, which passed the House 331-83, approves the extra three months of benefits for those jobless living in 27 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, with unemployment rates topping 8.5 percent. Similar legislation is pending in the Senate. The longtime unemployed in states with lower levels of joblessness would not get the extension."

Roll Call looks at the machinations among Senate Finance Committee members: "Since Baucus issued his original $856 billion health care proposal last week, Finance Democrats have held extensive discussions to plot their markup strategy. And while some progress was made, committee member and Democratic Conference Vice Chairman Charles Schumer (N.Y.) acknowledged Tuesday that no agreement was reached over whether to strip the co-ops in favor of a public insurance option." 

The Hill calls it more of the same: "At long last, the Senate Finance Committee began marking up a bill Tuesday that would overhaul the U.S. healthcare system. But little appeared to have changed. The opening statements delivered by 22 senators offered more of the same rhetoric that has characterized the healthcare reform debate for months." 

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer is reaching out to Republican leaders on health care, specifically Minority Whip Eric Cantor and Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA), who is a doctor and delivered the GOP response to President Obama's speech to the joint address of Congress. Boustany accepted Hoyer's offer to meet.

New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez is delivering the keynote address at the North American Strategic Leadership Forum this morning.

And the Ensign exodus continues...  His legislative director and  deputy chief of staff are both leaving, Roll Call reports.

"Former Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin used her first trip to Asia to attack the Federal Reserve for creating asset bubbles and encouraging excessive risk-taking that hurt working-class Americans," Bloomberg News says. "In a wide-ranging, 80-minute speech to fund managers in Hong Kong today, Palin spoke about issues ranging from Alaskan fishing to energy independence to U.S.-Sino ties. She repeated calls for 'market-oriented' health-care reform and said governments shouldn't regulate executive compensation."
 
More: "The Fed and the government sent a message to companies that 'the bigger that you are, the more problems that you get yourself into, the more likely the government is to bail you out,' Palin said in the closed door speech, according to a tape of the event given to Bloomberg News. 'Of course the little guys are left out then. We're left holding the bag, all the moms and pops all over America.'"

Palin also criticized Obama's decision to impose duties on Chinese tires, but had some harsh words for China: "We simply cannot turn a blind eye to China's policies and actions that could undermine international peace and security. China has some 1,000 missiles aimed at Taiwan and no serious observer believes that it poses a military threat to Beijing," she said. "Those same Chinese forces made our friends in Japan and Australia kinda nervous. China provides support for some of the most questionable regimes from Sudan to Burma to Zimbabwe." Palin said her comments did not show any hostility towards China. "We simply want them to rise responsibly," she said. 

Politico's Smith says former McCain campaign foreign policy adviser Randy Scheunemann advised Palin on her speech and was with her in Hong Kong. 
 
"House Minority Whip Eric Cantor thinks House Speaker Nancy Pelosi 'is in another world' if she believes raucous anti-health-reform demonstrations could lead to violence -- and he says he hasn't personally witnessed racist comments during a summer of passionate town hall demonstrations," Politico writes. And Cantor, who is Jewish, said on the day Obama met with Netanyahu and Abbas that he doesn't think Obama is a "true friend" of Israel. He also lamented that Obama wasn't coordinating strategy on Afghanistan with Congressional Republicans, who Cantor said are key to overcoming Democratic hurdles."

After his "Wild Thing" performance on Dancing with the Stars, Tom DeLay Tweeted: "Last night was so much fun! The adrenalin [sic] started pumping and the crowd got into it which was so exciting. And Cheryl was fantastic #dwts"

ILLINOIS: Roll Call's Toeplitz sees shades of 1992 in the Illinois Democratic Senate primary: "Although state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is still considered the frontrunner in the February primary, the official entrance of Chicago Urban League President Cheryle Jackson and former Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman last week ensures a competitive primary for Democrats. The race also has striking similarities to the 1992 Democratic primary for the same Senate seat. In that race, Carol Moseley Braun came from behind to defeat then-Sen. Alan Dixon with 38 percent of the vote. A third Democrat, Al Hofeld, ran millions of dollars in negative advertisements against Dixon that backfired and helped to grease the way for Braun's victory."

MASSACHUSETTS: "The state Senate approved a bill yesterday that would let Governor Deval Patrick appoint an interim successor to Edward M. Kennedy, paving the way for the appointment of a new US senator as early as tomorrow and providing Democrats in Washington the potential 60th vote they have been seeking to pass a health care overhaul," the Boston Globe writes. "The state Senate approved the measure by a 24-to-16 vote, just five days after the House had voted 95 to 58 to change Massachusetts election law and allow the appointment of an interim US senator. Both chambers are planning to give a final procedural endorsement to the measure and to send it to the governor's desk today; the only potential hurdle is that Republicans are contemplating a last-ditch legal challenge in an effort to derail the legislation."

The New York Times says that Paul Kirk -- not Mike Dukakis -- might have the inside track to getting this interim appointment. "[S]enior Democrats in Washington said Tuesday that Paul G. Kirk Jr., a former aide to Mr. Kennedy and chairman of the Democratic National Committee, was a likely choice. The Democrats, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they believed that Michael S. Dukakis, the former governor and 1988 presidential nominee, said to be under consideration, was out of the running and would not be named. Other possibilities include Evelyn Murphy, a former lieutenant governor; and Charles Ogletree, a professor at Harvard Law School."

The Boston Globe's Lehigh thinks Rep. Michael Capuano had the best launch of the candidates running in the special election for Kennedy's seat. "Capuano gave a shrewd speech, too, portraying himself as a liberal fighter in the Ted Kennedy tradition, a claim he buttressed by citing his votes and voice against the Iraq war and the Patriot Act as well as his consistent support for a robust public health care option. In the Q&A, Capuano contrasted his outspokenness with Coakley's caution… To be sure, this wasn't a stunningly graceful dive - more like a Capuanian cannonball. Still, his forceful, attention-getting B-plus event made it clear Capuano is a candidate to be reckoned with."

NEW YORK: In NY-23, "one day after attorney Bill Owens became the first candidate to go on the air in the special election to replace former Rep. John McHugh (R-N.Y.), the National Republican Congressional Committee returned fire with new radio and TV spots attacking the Democrat. The 30-second TV ad attempts to tie Owens to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), before touting Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava (R) as a better alternative."

VIRGINIA: At last week's debate in front of Northern Virginia business leaders, Republican nominee Bob McDonnell brandished an empty sheet of paper that he said represented opponent Creigh Deeds' transportation plan: "Not a thing on it." Today in a Washington Post op-ed, Deeds lays out a plan, advocating for high-speed rail, using bus rapid transport, and encouraging telecommuting to reduce rush-hour traffic. "All funding options are on the table except taking money from education and other obligations met by Virginia's general fund," Deeds wrote, adding, "I'll sign a bipartisan bill with a dedicated funding mechanism for transportation -- even if it includes new taxes."  
 
Both gubernatorial nominees "wooed the all-important African-American vote at a candidate's forum" at historically black Virginia Union University in Richmond last night. Both answered the same ten questions about felons' voting rights, abortion and urban issues, "while avoiding attacking each other." The Washington Post's Anita Kumar adds: "in case you were wondering, [former VA Gov.] Doug Wilder did not show up to hear Deeds and McDonnell speak as he contemplates who may endorse." Several weeks ago, President Obama called Wilder to "[make] clear that he would like the former Democratic governor to get off the fence and endorse Democrat Creigh Deeds."

From NBC's Mark Murray
Here's another tease of our new NBC/WSJ poll: According to the poll, the president's health-care numbers have slightly increased, although that increase remains within the margin of error. Thirty-nine percent believe Obama's health-care plan is a good idea, which is up three points since August. Forty-one percent say it's a bad idea.

In addition, 45% approve of Obama's handling of health care, while 46% disapprove, which is up from his 41%-47% score last month. By comparison, just 21% approve of the Republican Party's handling of the issue.

And who will get blamed if health care doesn't get passed this year? Per the poll, 10% say Obama, 16% say congressional Democrats, and 37% say congressional Republicans.

The poll was conducted Sept. 17-20 and has an overall margin of error of plus-minus 3.1%. The full poll comes out beginning at 6:30 pm ET.

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
On the road to 2012 there are several steps.

One is adjusting your tone to suit your base. Check.

Another is upping your profile -- with a new national position (check), hitting the cable and speaking circuits (check and check), and starting a political action committee (and now, that's a check).

Gov. Tim Pawlenty, widely rumored to be eyeing a presidential run in 2012 has done all of the above, including today launching a shiny, new PAC.

"Governor Pawlenty is in the process of starting the 'Freedom First' PAC," wrote Alex Conant, a Pawlenty adviser and former RNC official, in an e-mail. "I expect it will launch within the next few weeks. When the Governor said he wouldn't seek re-election, he said in addition to finishing his term strong, he would help other Republicans candidates, and obviously a PAC is one key way to do that. In recent weeks, he has spoken to various groups, campaigned with various candidates, and been elected vice-chair of the Republican Governors Association. Starting a PAC is a logistical next step, and one that he has talked about on the record several times."

It certainly is a logical next step.

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
For anyone wondering why the White House would possibly approach Gov. David Paterson, look no further than the fresh evidence from the latest statewide poll.

Rudy Giuliani beats Paterson 52%-35% in a general election in the latest Siena poll. Attorney General Andrew Cuomo beats Giuliani 52%-39%. Cuomo wallops Paterson in a primary, 66%-20%.

Pretty dreadful stuff. But Paterson does beat Rick Lazio 39%-35%. So is Paterson's only hope that Giuliani decides against a run, and Lazio is the best the Republican Governors Association and the state GOP can find?

The White House can read polls too.

From NBC's Kelly O'Donnell
Senior aides to the Sen. Robert Byrd say the senator "has been admitted to the hospital and is expected to remain there for a few days."

Byrd was taken to the hospital this morning as a precautionary measure following a fall at his home which aides say "was likely caused by standing up too quickly."

While having no broken bones or bruises, upon examination, doctors found an elevated white-blood cell count which can be an early sign of an infection. Therefore, his doctors have determined that Byrd should remain in the hospital for antibiotic treatment and observation.

Aides say, "Senator Byrd is in good spirits and expressed his disappointment that he was unable to join all his Senate colleagues this afternoon for the biennial Senate photo."

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
AP reports that the "Mass. Senate approves bill allowing governor to name interim successor to late Sen. Kennedy."

Reuters reports that the vote was 24-16.

The House approved the measure 95-58 last week.

But "the bill goes back to both chambers for a final procedural vote
on Wednesday before heading to Gov. Deval Patrick, who has said he
would sign it."

The Boston Globe on possible replacements: "Among the names frequently mentioned by observers are Michael S. Dukakis, the former governor; Paul G. Kirk Jr., the former Democratic National Committee chairman and an aide to Kennedy; Charles J. Ogletree, Harvard Law School professor; and Evelyn Murphy, former lieutenant governor."

From NBC's Athena Jones
NEW YORK -- The first trilateral meeting between President Obama, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas since the American president took office eight months ago began with a handshake of symbolic importance.

The leaders on both sides of the long-simmering Israeli-Palestinian conflict grasped each other's hands after each shook hands with Obama. 

The show of goodwill came after Obama announced that he had asked former Sen. George Mitchell, special envoy to the region, to meet with Israeli and Palestinian negotiators next week, had called on both leaders to send their negotiating teams back to Washington next week to continue these "intensive discussions" and had requested that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to report to him in mid- October on that status of negotiations.

"Simply put, it is past time talk about starting negotiations, it is time to move forward," he said. "It is time to show the flexibility and common sense and sense of compromise that's necessary to achieve our goals. Permanent status negotiations must begin and begin soon, more importantly we must give those negotiations the opportunity to succeed."

Peace has eluded the region for decades, even centuries, but successive U.S. presidents have sought to play an important role in trying to bring about a lasting end to the conflict. There have been varying degrees of progress, but no ultimate success. 

"Despite all the obstacles, despite all the history, despite all the mistrust, we have to find a way forward," Obama said. "We have to summon the will to break the deadlock that has trapped generations of Israelis and Palestinians in an endless cycle of conflict and suffering.  We cannot continue the same pattern of taking tentative steps forward and then stepping back.  Success depends on all sides acting with a sense of urgency."

As he reiterated America's commitment to a two-state solution, Obama said the Palestinians had made progress on security issues, but need to do more to stop incitement, that Israelis had facilitated greater freedom of movement for Palestinians and restraining settlements, but must transform words into action and that Arab states must promote peace.

The president met separately with each leader before bringing them together, along with top officials from each country, in this small room at the Waldorf Astoria. 
 
The three leaders and top officials -- including Mitchell, Gen. James Jones, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Chief Palestinian Negotiator Saeb Erekat and Secretary Clinton -- were gathered around a U-shaped table, with two American flags, one Israeli flag and one Palestinian Authority flag in the background.

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
See what speaking at President Bill Clinton's Global Initiative will get you?

On the same day President Obama is set to appear at CGI with Clinton today in New York, the former president lends his name to a fundraising appeal for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

He says those criticizing Obama "simply can't accept that America has entered a new era, where the same old political rules just don't apply."

And he has some praise for his wife: "Today, we have a president, a Congress, and, if I may be so bold, a pretty darn impressive Secretary of State, who are committed to improving our standing in the world and our economy here at home."

He says Republicans are employing "fear mongering," "misinformation," and "scare tactics."

Here's the full letter:

Dear Friend,

Like you, I'm a bit shocked at the anger and resentment coming from Republicans these days. It seems they'll do anything to bring down President Obama and distract us from the important work at hand.

They simply can't accept that America has entered a new era, where the same old political rules just don't apply.

But we have. Today, we have a president, a Congress, and, if I may be so bold, a pretty darn impressive Secretary of State, who are committed to improving our standing in the world and our economy here at home.

Under their leadership, we can not only bring lasting change to America, we can secure lasting majorities for Democrats. 

But if we falter - if we hesitate - if we blink - in the face of Republican fear-mongering and misinformation, we'll have not only lost our momentum; we could lose the movement. 

That's why I'm asking for [you] (sic) to join me in supporting the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. The DSCC is coming up on a crucial end-of-quarter deadline, and it needs the help of all its grassroots supporters to raise $3 million. Reaching this goal is so important that a group of Democratic senators will match your gift, doubling your impact.

Click here to contribute $5 or more to the DSCC. Every dollar will help us win in 2010!

Today, we have a president who knows the importance of strengthening relationships and alliances around the world. 

We have Democratic legislators who have worked with President Obama to bring our economy back from the brink of depression, prevent thousands of Americans from losing their homes, cut taxes for working families, stop credit card companies from abusing consumers, ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work, and extend health insurance to millions of children. 

And I believe, in the weeks ahead, we will achieve the health care reform our country so desperately needs.  

But this progress is not inevitable, and electoral success isn't guaranteed. Republican scare tactics have taken us off course, and, right now, our progressive vision is under more stress than ever before.

That's why we need your help. Giving to the DSCC will allow us to recruit great candidates, build winning campaigns and make sure President Obama has the votes he needs to enact the policies that will make a real difference in the lives of all Americans. And if you give by Sept. 30, every dollar you give will be matched.

Click here to contribute $5 or more to the DSCC. Every dollar will help us win in 2010!

President Obama said it best when he said, "We did not come to fear the future. We came here to shape it."

Please join me in supporting the DSCC, and building a brighter future for our party and our country.

Sincerely,
Bill Clinton

From NBC's Mark Murray
With President Obama appearing on five Sunday-morning news programs and with him sitting down with David Letterman last night, the political chattering class has asked this question: Is Obama overexposed?

According to a new NBC/WSJ poll, the answer is mostly no -- although it depends on whether you're a Democrat or Republican.

In the poll, 34% say they see and hear Obama too much, 9% say they see/hear him too little, and 54% say it's the right amount. 

Among McCain voters, however, 63% say they're seeing too much of the president. That's compared with only 8% of Obama voters who say that.

Among independents, 52% say Obama's exposure is the right amount, versus 40% who say it's too much.

The NBC/WSJ poll was conducted Sept. 17-20, and this question has a margin of error of plus-minus 4.4%. The rest of the poll will be released -- beginning at 6:30 pm ET -- on NBC Nightly News and on MSNBC.com.