President Obama released this statement on the suicide bombings in Moscow: "The American people stand united with the people of Russia in opposition to violent extremism and heinous terrorist attacks that demonstrate such disregard for human life, and we condemn these outrageous acts.  My thoughts and prayers go out to those who lost loved ones, and I wish all who sustained injuries a succesful recovery."

"In his first visit as commander in chief to the war zone he has remade, President Obama on Sunday pushed for greater cooperation from the government of his Afghan counterpart, a stagnant and corruption-laced administration that poses perhaps the biggest threat to U.S. success against the Taliban insurgency," the Washington Post reports.

The New York Times adds, "President Obama personally delivered pointed criticism to President Hamid Karzai in a face-to-face meeting on Sunday, flying here for an unannounced visit that reflected growing vexation with Mr. Karzai as America's military commitment to defeat the Taliban insurgency has deepened."

The New York Daily News: "Making a surprise visit, his first as commander in chief, Obama arrived in the war-ravaged nation under the cover of darkness aboard Air Force One."

"'We are going to disrupt and dismantle, defeat and destroy al Qaeda and its extremist allies. That is our mission,' a tough-talking Obama told 2,500 US troops at Bagram Air Base in Kabul during his first trip to the Afghanistan war zone as commander in chief."

On Sunday, the Washington Post came out with a poll on health care after its passage last week. "Overall, 46 percent of those polled said they support the changes in the new law; 50 percent oppose them. That is virtually identical to the pre-vote split on the proposals and similar to the divide that has existed since last summer… But there are signs that Democrats have started to rally, with the party's base firming up after intense internal battles over a public insurance option and provisions covering abortion funding. Fifty-six percent of Democrats now 'strongly support' the recently enacted health-care changes; last month, 41 percent were solidly behind the proposals. Eight in 10 Democrats now approve of the way Obama is handling health care, the most since last summer."

More: "Obama's overall approval rating is at 53 percent in the poll, about the same as it has been in Post-ABC polls in the past several months; 43 percent disapprove."

"President Barack Obama on Saturday wielded his recess appointment powers for the first time, clearing 15 nominees to assume posts that have remained vacant for months due to insurmountable congressional roadblocks," The Hill writes, adding, "Obama attributed the need for recess appointments on the "unprecedented level of obstruction" in the U.S. Senate, led primarily by the chamber's Republicans." Obama said, "The United States Senate has the responsibility to approve or disapprove of my nominees. But if, in the interest of scoring political points, Republicans in the Senate refuse to exercise that responsibility, I must act in the interest of the American people and exercise my authority to fill these positions on an interim basis," Obama said, noting all of the appointments must still be confirmed after this year.

On "Meet the Press" yesterday, GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham said that health care's passage -- without Republican support -- will make it difficult for Democrats to win over members of the GOP for future immigration and climate change legislation, NBC's Andrew Rafferty notes. "Tough sledding lies ahead because of that, the acrimony around health care," Graham said. In his appearance, the Republican senator also railed against President Obama -- not only on health care -- but also for governing "from the left ditch in a right of center nation." Still, Graham did leave the door open for some future bipartisanship. "On financial regulations we'll get a bill. I hope it's a good bill, not some liberal bill with a few -- few Republicans," he said.

Meanwhile, "Sen. Chuck Schumer said the health care reform bill will grow on voters -- but a GOP detractor countered Sunday it will hold no appeal come November," the New York Daily News writes. " 'I would predict to you ...that as people learn about what's actually in the bill, six months from now, by election time, this is going to be a plus,' Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Sunday on NBC's 'Meet the Press.' But Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said the back-room finagling 'was sleazy.'"

"Democrats may want to pivot from their bruising, yet ultimately victorious, health care debate to the economy and jobs, but they also are faced with the arduous task of making sure their constituents understand exactly what it is they already did," Roll Call writes, adding, "Congressional leaders have told Members to highlight provisions that take effect this year, such as tax credits for small businesses that offer health insurance, prohibitions on denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions and the start of the effort to close the Medicare prescription drug "doughnut hole," among other things."

The New York Times covers how the debate is playing in members' congressional districts. "Around the country this weekend, members of Congress found a bewildering crosscurrent of political forces awaiting them, on-the-ground evidence of how the issue has divided the country by party, race and region… The receptions members of Congress received were a contrast to the seething anger visible immediately after the bill passed. Voters were more concerned and engaged than enraged."

Yes, mandates were once a GOP idea: "Republicans were for President Barack Obama's requirement that Americans get health insurance before they were against it," AP writes. "The obligation in the new health care law is a Republican idea that's been around at least two decades. It was once trumpeted as an alternative to Bill and Hillary Clinton's failed health care overhaul in the 1990s. These days, Republicans call it government overreach."

"Just days after President Obama signed the new health care law, insurance companies are already arguing that, at least for now, they do not have to provide one of the benefits that the president calls a centerpiece of the law: coverage for certain children with pre-existing conditions," the New York Times says.

The Hill takes a look back at the health care debate and the over-the-top rhetoric. Its headline: "Villains, liars and conspiracy theories marked the 2009-10 healthcare debate." 
 
"Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said Friday that lawmakers should consider attaching the climate change bill she co-sponsored with Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) to separate energy legislation on the Senate floor," The Hill reports. "Such a move would bypass the broad energy and climate plan that Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) plan to unveil next month." 

The Washington Post examines the role reversal between Sen. John McCain and his 2008 running mate Sarah Palin: "The understudy is now the star… Cable news was fixed on Palin as she delivered her introduction of McCain at a rally in Tucson on Friday afternoon. Minutes after McCain took the microphone, they cut away from the rally for other news."

The AP on the "Searchlight Showdown," a Tea Party rally held in Sen. Reid's birthplace: "At least 9,000 people [on Saturday] streamed into tiny Searchlight, a former mining town 60 miles south of Las Vegas, bringing American flags, 'Don't Tread on Me' signs and outspoken anger toward Reid, President Barack Obama, the health care overhaul and other Democrats who supported it. Palin told them the big-government, big-debt spending spree of the Senate majority leader, Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is over. 'You're fired!' Palin said."

The New York Times adds, "Waving her 'poor man's teleprompter' as she called her hand, she hit all the Tea Party high notes about the need to bring the government back in line with the Constitution, as well as some of her now-standard punch lines. ('How's that hopey-changey thing working out for you?' and, 'We need a commander in chief, not a professor of constitutional law giving us a lecture.')"

With anger toward Washington high, Stu Rothenberg asks (and answers), "So is this the time for third-party candidates and Independents to show their political muscle and become serious players in the fall campaigns and in November? In a few places the answer is 'yes.' In most, it's still a thundering 'no.' There are really three types of Independent hopefuls: contenders, spoilers and pretenders."

FLORIDA: The St. Pete Times on yesterday's Crist-Rubio debate: "Fox News Sunday cast it as a 'rough and tumble battle,' and for 40 minutes, Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio gave a national audience just that, arguing about a lot of things that ultimately were about two: money and President Barack Obama. It was Gov. Crist, who has worked hard to cultivate a nice-guy image, immediately and aggressively questioning Rubio's character over reports he misused Republican Party money and a campaign 'slush fund' for 'personal enrichment.'"

The New York Times says the debate came down to dollars and cents. "The question posed to the state's Republican voters was which is worse: Mr. Rubio's use of campaign contributions for personal expenses when he served in the Florida Legislature, including as speaker of the House? Or Mr. Crist's support of the federal stimulus package?"

The Times also says there were surprises. "Mr. Rubio … said that, if elected, he would consider raising the age for Social Security benefit payouts and slowing the cost-of-living increases for recipients in his generation when they reach retirement age. Mr. Crist, 53, said repeatedly and almost unequivocally that although he was behind in the polls by double digits, he would stay in the Republican column and not run as an independent."

Politico: "Crist not only defended his embrace of the stimulus but said that he would have voted for it had he been in the Senate…  But, recognizing that discussing the merits of the stimulus won't help him make up ground in the primary, Crist used the session to take aim at Rubio's character."

Heard on the Hill in Roll Call "applauds a man who's man enough to indulge in some springtime grooming. Kudos, then, to Rep. Kendrick Meek, who got a pedicure at the Capitol Nails salon Thursday night. The Florida Democrat didn't seem embarrassed at all about his need to get his feet tended to, arriving at the popular salon in a suit with two staffers in tow. He sat in a pedicure station near a window overlooking Massachusetts Avenue, where the passersby included plenty of Hill aides, says an HOH spy who witnessed the exfoliation session firsthand. Meek, who's running for Senate, asked one of the fellows with him whether he had ever had a pedi. When the staffer answered in the negative, Meek joked, 'You never forget your first time.'"

ILLINOIS: Gov. Pat Quinn announced on Friday that his preferred running mate in his re-election bid is Sheila Simon, daughter of late Sen. Paul Simon. "First she and Quinn have to persuade the 38-member Democratic State Central Committee, which votes Saturday to fill the second-banana spot left vacant when embattled Chicago pawnbroker Scott Lee Cohen dropped out just days after his surprise Feb. 2 primary win," the Chicago Tribune writes.

MASSACHUSETTS: The Boston Globe looks at where the lives of Democratic incumbent Gov. Deval Patrick and GOP challenger Charles Baker intersected: "They were only a class apart at Harvard College. Their dorms shared a common kitchen. They both belonged to the Hasty Pudding Club. But Charles D. Baker and Deval Patrick did not forge a real relationship until three decades after they graduated, when Patrick called his fellow Harvard alum and suggested they run for governor and lieutenant governor on a 'bipartisan ticket.' It was an unusual proposition -- Patrick is a Democrat, Baker a Republican -- and Baker ultimately decided against a political partnership. Still, if the two were not exactly political allies, neither were they adversaries." 
 
NEW YORK: Gov. Paterson likened himself Sunday to people who have suffered unfair 'torment' throughout history - and said God would be his ultimate judge," the New York Daily News writes. " 'Many people who were undeserving have gone through all kinds of torment in history,' he said. 'When I look at it against that backdrop, I feel a little better.'"

A look at the Week Ahead in politics.

Health care's wrapped up. What's next? Financial reform. House if off; Senate's in session. Economy still tops concerns. Palin campaigns for McCain in AZ, Tea Party in Harry Reid's hometown. Romney's on the road again, heads to... Iowa. Crist-Rubio debate. And Meet the Press has Graham vs. Schumer.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL VIDEO.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

From NBC's Pete Williams
The Obama administration has offered an unusually public and
detailed justification for its expanded use of unmanned drones to kill
suspected al Qaeda and Taliban figures in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Some civil liberties groups have questioned the practice, arguing that
it amounts to illegal assassination. But Harold Koh, the State
Department's top lawyer, said in a speech Thursday night that the
accelerated use of drones complies fully with the law of war.

Koh said the decision to carry out a drone attack depends on who and
where the target is, how much of a threat that person is considered to
be, and whether the country in which the target is located has shown
willingness to suppress the threat.

Two principles guide each decision, Koh said -- that attacks be limited to military objective, and that attacks not be carried out if any incidental loss of civilian life or damage to civilian facilities "would be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated."

"Great care is taken to adhere to these principles," he said.

As for the suggestion that even the act of targeting an al Qaeda figure would be illegal, Koh said they are lawful targets. He noted that during World War II, U.S. pilots tracked and shot down the airplane carrying the architect of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. "This was a lawful operation then and would be if conducted today."

During the Bush administration, Koh was highly critical of the government's conduct of the war on terror.

From NBC's Pete Williams
The four men arrested in January for their stunt to embarrass staffers in the New Orleans office of Sen. Mary Landrieu (D) are prepared to plead guilty, legal sources say, in return for reduced charges.

Federal prosecutors today filed misdemeanor charges against the four. James O'Keefe, who became a media sensation last year for his videos involving ACORN employees, and three others were charged with entering federal property under false pretenses. Two of them went to her office pretending to be telephone repairmen. The charges said all four were in on the plan.

Because the charge is a misdemeanor -- and not a felony -- the maximum sentence is six months in prison and a $5,000 fine.

The government dropped its earlier, more serious, charges of tampering with government phone lines.  

From NBC's Ali Weinberg
Violence factors heavily into the cyber commentariat today, as conservatives downplay comparisons between outbursts this week and past acts fueled by anti-government sentiment. And -- field day alert -- liberals point to police reports that the bullet fired near House Minority Whip Eric Cantor's Virginia office was not, in fact, directly aimed at his window.

AMERICAblog's John Aravosis reacts to a report that the bullet, claimed by Cantor to have been aimed at his window, actually "had been fired into the air," according to Richmond police, and "finished its random arc back to earth at a sharp downward trajectory, breaking a window pane on the bottom floor of the two-story brick building where Cantor's campaign leases the top floor." Aravosis writes that Cantor's version of the story reaffirms the narrative that "Teabaggers are the only ones menacing members of Congress, and the targets are Democrats."

Jed Lewison at Daily Kos relates Cantor's exaggeration of the incident to that of Hillary Clinton, who during the Democratic presidential primary race spoke of dodging sniper fire in Bosnia, when in fact she had walked calmly across a tarmac after landing in the war zone: "It's Tuzla sniper fire, only worse, because Eric Cantor cried wolf about something that actually matters, all in a pathetic, dishonest attempt to smear Democrats." 

Red State's Erick Erickson weighs in on the Democrat/Republican contretemps on reports of threats and violence in the fallout of the health care vote. He debriefs readers on an interview he did with WNYC's Brian Lehrer, writing that Lehrer "just could not believe the anger, rhetoric, and hate directed at George Bush and the Republicans in 2003-2008 and during the Patriot Act debate were anywhere near as hateful, harmful, or inciting of violence" as conservatives' outbursts of late.

Erickson also dismissed parallels made to the Oklahoma City bombing, executed by Timothy McVeigh, a member of an anti-gun control militia movement angered over the federal siege and subsequent fire at a Waco cult compound which he viewed as an act of an increasingly oppressive government: "the militia movement was never as widespread [or] as feared and however bad the Oklahoma City bombing was, it was the result of the feds handling of the Branch Dividian compound, which is a different issue from passing legislation. Thus ended the conversation," Erickson writes.

Responding to queries as to why Sen. Bob Bennett is facing so difficult a re-election challenge, NRO's Jim Geraghty has to look no further than the Senator's fellow Utahans, including what he sees as "faint praise" from Republican Gov. Gary Herbert: ""Sen. Bennett is a good friend of mine. I think he's served us well. But I know the other contestants, too. They're all good friends. They all have strengths, and they all have weaknesses. I'll let that play out without taking a hand in it."

Liberal outlets like AMERICAblog shun midterm predictions in favor of applauding what they see the past week's milestones. "It's like the Democrats finally beat up the schoolyard bully," Joe Sudbay writes. "And, it turns out the bully is all talk and really a wimp. Winning seems to have inspired Obama and the Hill Democrats." Sudbay hopes that Democrats return from their two-week recess with the energy to "keep that momentum going til November. Passing more progressive legislation -- and being bold about it -- will help."

From NBC's Norah O'Donnell
TUCSON, AZ -- A senior McCain adviser says Sarah Palin will deliver a "meaty" speech -- the bulk of which is about the Arizona senator -- at today's McCain-Palin rally here. 

The adviser estimates the event will start at 3:15 pm ET. Cindy McCain will intro Palin, and Palin will speak about 10-12 minutes, while John McCain will speak for about five minutes.

From NBC's Athena Jones
Calling it the most comprehensive arms control agreement in nearly two decades, President Obama today announced a new START Treaty with Russia that would cut the number of nuclear weapons each country deploys by roughly a third.

Under the new agreement, which would bring these weapons levels "significantly below" those agreed to in the 1991 START Treaty or the 2002 Moscow Treaty, each country will be limited to 1,550 deployed warheads; 800 deployed and non-deployed intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, submarine launched ballistic missile launchers, and heavy bombers equipped for nuclear weapons; and 700 for deployed ICBMs, SLBMs, and heavy bombers equipped for nuclear weapons.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Mike Mullen joined Obama at this morning's announcement, each delivering a brief statement.

Ridding the world of nuclear weapons has long been a goal for Obama, albeit one he said might not happen in his lifetime. The new treaty, which he and Russian President Dmitri Medvedev will sign in Prague on April 8, brings that goal one step closer. This morning's conversation between the two presidents was their 14th direct meeting or phone call to discuss the topic. And both Obama and Clinton stressed that today's agreement was a result of efforts to strengthen the "very complex" U.S.-Russia relationship. Obama also touched on the two country's work together on issues including Afghanistan, the economy, and Iran.

"Today, we have reached agreement on one of my administration's top national security priorities -- a pivotal new arms control agreement," Obama said. "With this agreement, the United States and Russia -- the two largest nuclear powers in the world -- also send a clear signal that we intend to lead. By upholding our own commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty, we strengthen our global efforts to stop the spread of these weapons, and to ensure that other nations meet their own responsibilities."

The president is hosting a nuclear security summit in Washington in April, which will bring together leaders from more than 40 nations in what Clinton called "the largest gathering of international leaders probably since the end of World War II in the United States".

The new START Treaty is set to last for 10 years unless superseded by a subsequent agreement, and it may be extended by five years. It must be ratified by the Senate, but the administration expressed confidence that it would get bipartisan support.

"There is a long tradition of bipartisan leadership on arms control," Obama said. "Presidents of both parties have recognized the necessity of securing and reducing these weapons. Statesmen like George Shultz, Sam Nunn, Henry Kissinger, and Bill Perry have been outspoken in their support of more assertive action."

Did Democrats get their groove back?... The most important thing to watch post-health care: the middle of the electorate… The House last night approved final passage of the reconciliation bill, which now goes to Obama's desk… Obama and Russia prez to verbally agree to new START treaty by phone today at 10:00 am ET… It looks like we're about to have another SCOTUS nomination fight… McCain and Palin -- reunited and it feels so good… Palin then heads to Searchlight, NV… What about Bob (Bennett)?... And First Read's Top 10 primaries.

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Ali Weinberg
*** The week that was: Did Democrats get their groove back after this week's passage of the most expansive social legislation in decades? It sure looks like it. President Obama had a pep in his step in Iowa yesterday; Democratic members of Congress have looked downright giddy; the Internet Left, despite its disappointment over the past year, appears more energized; and Democratic candidates are playing offense on health care. (Paul Hodes' campaign for New Hampshire Senate fired off this email on Wednesday: "If elected, would Kelly Ayotte tell New Hampshire's small businesses to give their tax credits back?") Of course, one week doesn't erase the Democratic Party's problems, and the biggest news for Dems could very well come next Friday, when the March job numbers are released. But party energy is important. The hallmark of the last three change elections -- in 1994, 2006, and 2008 -- was not just enthusiasm inside the party OUT OF POWER, but a depressed base for the party IN power. 

*** Stuck in the middle with you: Yet the biggest political question might be this: How is the middle viewing all of this -- not only the legislation, but also the reported death threats/vandalism and yesterday's back-and-forth over the threats/vandalism? Much of Obama's speech in Iowa yesterday appeared directed at the center. "Leaders of the Republican Party, they called the passage of this bill 'Armageddon,'" the president said yesterday. "Armageddon. End of freedom as we know it. So after I signed the bill, I looked around to see if there [were] any asteroids falling or some cracks opening up in the Earth. It turned out it was a nice day. Birds were chirping. Folks were strolling down the Mall. People still have their doctors." Indeed, if they had to do it all over again, would GOP leaders have described the health legislation in such apocalyptic terms (Armageddon, socialism, the death of freedom)? Because what if those things don't happen? GOP strategist Steve Lombardo says Republicans should not take the Democratic bait right now and continue this health care debate; instead, he advises them to focus on the economy.

*** Final passage: Around 9:00 pm ET last night, the House approved final passage of the reconciliation "fixes" bill by a 220-207 vote. The controversial (but also entertaining) Rep. Alan Grayson (D) cast the final 220th vote, NBC's Shawna Thomas notes. House Speaker Pelosi actually kept the roll call open so Grayson could cast his vote. And in true form, Thomas adds, Grayson came running down the aisle extremely late looking like Big Bird to a loud ovation from his colleagues. He then cast his vote, Speaker Pelosi closed the call, and health-care reform passed the House for the final time. Now what? An enrollment ceremony takes place on Capitol Hill this morning, and then the legislation heads to the White House for Obama's signature. The president will sign the bill sometime early next week.

*** Let's get it START-ed…: Breaking news: The new START nuclear disarmament treaty will be verbally agreed to by President Obama and Russia's president by phone at 10:00 am ET, sources tell NBC News. Signing will take place in Prague in early April. More details to come…

*** Let's get ready to rumble … again: Well, it looks like we might have another SCOTUS nomination fight on our hands soon. The New York Times: "Although Justice Stevens has not disclosed his intentions, he has suggested he may announce as soon as next month plans to step down after 35 years on the bench, providing President Obama his second opportunity to shape the nation's highest court. A new nomination could set off another charged ideological battle heading into the fall midterm campaign." By the way, will Obama make his first recess appointment, with NLRB pick Craig Becker? 

*** Reunited And It Feels So Good: John McCain and Sarah Palin are back together again. Today, Palin attends a rally for McCain in Tucson at 3:00 pm ET. According to the AP, they'll also "hold a fundraiser on Friday at the same Phoenix hotel where they conceded the presidential election on Nov. 4, 2008." And they will campaign again on Saturday in Mesa at noon ET. McCain's GOP primary opponent, J.D. Hayworth, appears on MSNBC's "Andrea Mitchell Reports," which airs at 1:00 pm ET. 

*** Searchlight, here we come: Also on Saturday, Palin will speak at a Tea Party Express rally in Searchlight, NV, Harry Reid's hometown, in an effort to drum up support to defeat Reid in November. (USA Today reports that this is part of a 44-stop tour.) Reid spokesman Jon Summers tells First Read that Reid will be at the Clark Country Shooting Park in Las Vegas that day, so he'll miss the event. "Wayne LaPierre of the NRA will also be joining him as his guest," Summers adds. "Reid helped get the land and the $60 million needed to build this facility, which is the largest facility of its kind." The Reid campaign also will be serving tea and donut holes (har, har) to the Tea Party activists.

*** What about Bob? While McCain vs. Hayworth and Crist vs. Rubio (the two men debate on Sunday) have gotten most the political world's attention, the GOP senator who looks to be in the most trouble is Utah Sen. Bob Bennett, who gets front-page treatment in the New York Times. "For all the anger directed at President Obama and his party from the right, especially after the passage of health care legislation, the first opportunities for Tea Party members and the groups seeking to channel their antigovernment energy into electoral politics are in Republican primaries. Mr. Bennett is especially exposed to the grass-roots anger." Bennett's biggest offense, in the eyes of Club for Growth and other conservative activists? Reaching across the aisle to work on a bipartisan health plan.

*** First Read's Top 10 Primaries: If it's Friday, it's another First Read Top 10 list -- this time our look at the Top 10 primaries this midterm season.
1. FL SEN -- R (1): This remains No. 1 on our list -- due to all the back-and-forth -- but we're probably not the only ones who feel it might be moving down a spot or two next month
2. AR SEN -- D (unranked): A new Research 2000 poll shows Bill Halter trailing Blanche Lincoln by double digits, but this is now the Dem primary to watch
3. KY SEN -- R (4): Establishment (Trey Grayson) vs. the grassroots (Rand Paul), Duke (where Paul went to med school) vs. Kentucky, what's not to like?
4. UT SEN -- R (6): Tuesday's caucuses were not good news for incumbent Bob Bennett
5. PA SEN -- D (3): Joe Sestak has failed to catch on in the polls, and it falls to our second-best Dem primary
6. KY SEN -- R (unranked): Another KY primary where Duke (Jack Conway's alma mater) vs. Kentucky (Dan Mongiardo's) has played a role, and Conway is now trying to make health care the issue in the race
7. SC GOV -- R (7): Front-runner AG Henry McMaster got plenty of press with his lawsuit against health care, so did Nikki Haley with her Romney endorsement
8. AZ SEN -- R (5): John McCain -- right now -- has done everything right so far, including today's campaigning with Palin, and Hayworth has yet to hang on.
9. CO SEN -- D (unranked): Has Andrew Romanoff found a reason for Colorado Dems to fire Michael Bennet?
10. NV SEN -- R (unranked): The Senate field is still lackluster, but both Sue Lowden and Danny Tarkanian are still leading Harry Reid in general-election hypotheticals

Countdown to IN, NC, and OH primaries: 39 days
Countdown to NE and WV primaries: 46 days
Countdown to AR, KY, OR and PA primaries: 53 days
Countdown to Election Day 2010: 221 days

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"President Obama took his new health-care law into the heartland yesterday and dared Republicans to run campaigns this fall pledging to repeal it," the New York Post writes. "Go for it,' the president taunted, insisting that the bill will become more popular with time. 'This is a common-sense bill,' Obama told the wildly supportive crowd gathered in a field house at the University of Iowa."

The New York Times: "The Obama administration on Friday will announce broad new initiatives to help troubled homeowners, potentially refinancing several million of them into fresh government-backed mortgages with lower payments."

What's next for health care? The New Republic's Jon Cohn says the Obama administration now faces the hard part on health care -- delivering the deliverables, educating the public, handling the insurers, and bending the cost curve. "Much as the Iraq war wasn't over when American forces conquered Baghdad, so health care reform didn't end when President Obama signed the bill. If carrying out the legislation doesn't get the same sustained attention that passing it did, then this week's historic victory will lose much of its luster."

"Insurgents are preparing a campaign of suicide bombings and other high-profile attacks in the bustling but poorly protected Afghan capital of Kabul this summer, posing a new threat to the fragile Afghan government and the recent military gains of the American-led counterinsurgency, according to several US officials and advisers briefed on recent intelligence reports," the Boston Globe says.

Simply put: "The Congressional Democratic push to overhaul health care is finally, at very long last, done," Roll Call writes. So what did they pass in this package of changes? "The package makes a number of changes to the Senate-authored health care overhaul demanded by House Democrats. It dramatically scales back and delays until 2018 a tax on high-cost "Cadillac" insurance plans, strikes some special deals cut with individual Senators, boosts affordability credits, and adds a revamp of the student-loan industry."

The Boston Globe adds, "Congress put the final touches on a sweeping health care package last night, but the historic votes were clouded by the growing drama over threats to congressmen who voted for the package and the reaction from colleagues who tried to stop the bill. While Democrats reported harassment and threats -- including a coffin that showed up on the lawn of Russ Carnahan, Democrat of Missouri -- a senior Republican leader went on the offensive, accusing the majority party of using the behavior for political gain."

"Amid reports of vandalism and threats directed at House Democrats, a dispute has arisen between Rep. Russ Carnahan, D-Mo., and a local conservative activist over the meaning of a protest that occurred Sunday at the congressman's home," USA Today writes. "A Carnahan spokesman criticized health care bill opponents who carried a coffin as part of a non-violent protest outside the congressman's office and home on Sunday. Carnahan spokesman Jim Hubbard called the demonstration 'over the line.'" More: "Video of the protest taken by television station KDSK shows protesters gathered peacefully around the coffin, lighting candles and praying. 'This represents death to part of what we grew up with: our freedom,' conservative activist Jim Hoft told the television station at the protest."

Here's video from a local affiliate. 
 
And Roll Call has this headline: "Police Concerned About Parliamentarian's Safety." The story: "Tea party protesters are reportedly planning a protest at the home of Senate Parliamentarian Alan Frumin later this week, prompting Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Terrance Gainer to work with local law enforcement officials to ensure Frumin's safety."

"New York City police are investigating an envelope containing white powder that was sent to a Queens district office of Rep. Anthony Weiner (D), the lawmaker said in a statement." 
 
"Republican Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite received a death threat via voicemail Thursday at her district office in Brooksville, Fla., according to the Congresswoman's office. 'Just wanna let you know that I have 27 people that are going to make sure this b**** does not live to see her next term. Good-bye,' the caller said, according to a release from Brown-Waite's office." 
 
"A photograph of a noose was faxed to one of House Majority Whip James Clyburn's (D-S.C.) district offices Thursday," The Hill reports, adding, "News Channel 15 reports that Clyburn's staff also said that the congressman's wife answered threatening phone calls to their home." 

Lindsey Graham talks about the impossibility of bipartisanship and calls Obama a "partisan politician." "The process that led to the passage of this bill was sleazy," Grahama said, per Roll Call, after the reconciliation package of fixes passed. "It did not represent the best of the United States Senate… The consequences of passing this bill, this way, will last for a very long time… One of the collateral damages of this process and this bill is that, in my view, the president has lost some moral authority to lead this nation in the future to make hard decisions. He [Obama] has become, in my view, a partisan politician in the worst sense of the term."

"Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Wash.) on Wednesday underwent surgery to address a chronic subdural hematoma, according to a statement from his office," Roll Call writes.

The New Hampshire Union Leader covers Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty's (R) stop in New Hampshire yesterday. "Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty told state Republicans last night that just because you're a conservative candidate in a left-leaning state, doesn't mean you can't win. Pawlenty told the more than 200 people who came to hear him speak at the Manchester Republican Committee 2010 Lincoln-Reagan Day dinner that he hails from the state that produced liberal Democratic Sens. Paul Wellstone and Al Franken, but was elected on a conservative platform of lower taxes and smaller budgets."

"'In eight months, conservatives all over the country and Republicans all over this country are going to get elected and turn around the mistakes of this administration,' said Pawlenty."

ARIZONA: AP tees up today's McCain-Palin rally: "John McCain helped Sarah Palin launch her national political career two years ago. Now, she's trying to help McCain save his. The former running mates will campaign together Friday for the first time since losing the presidential race in 2008… McCain is fighting for his political life. Fending off a primary challenge from the right, the four-term Arizona senator is facing the toughest re-election campaign of his Senate career… Palin will help McCain tout his conservative credentials at rallies in Tucson on Friday and the Phoenix suburb of Mesa on Saturday. They'll hold a fundraiser on Friday at the same Phoenix hotel where they conceded the presidential election on Nov. 4, 2008."
 
ARKANSAS: A new Daily Kos/Research 2000 poll shows that "the gap has been closing" between Sen. Blanche Lincoln and primary challenger Lt. Gov. Bill Halter, the liberal blog Talking Points Memo reports. "With Halter gaining on Lincoln, who holds a 44%-31% margin "it's also possible that Halter could be the stronger Democrat for the general election."  
 
NEVADA: Republican Senate candidate Danny Tarkanian is up with his first two ads, one touting his conservative endorsements and the other targeting government waste in the form of turtle tunnels. 
 
Tea Party Express renounces declared Tea Party Senate candidate Scott Ashjian, telling him to "get lost."

UTAH: Sen. Bob Bennett, facing one of the toughest Republican primaries of the cycle, gives the New York Times an incumbent's take on the race: "If the anti-incumbent tide is as strong as some people think it is, I will be swept out, despite all my efforts," Mr. Bennett said in an interview. "If the anti-incumbent tide is a lot of conversation, but has no center of gravity as a true political movement, then I'll be just fine. There's no way to know."   

WASHINGTON: "Sen. Patty Murray (D), thought to be facing a tougher re-election fight than she might have expected a year ago, receives more than 50% support against all four Republicans tested against her in a new Daily Kos/Research 2000 poll," Real Clear Politics reports. 

From NBC's Courtney Kube
Despite Secretary Gates' announcement this morning that the changes to Don't Ask," Don't Tell" are "unanimously supported" by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, one three-star general has expressed his disagreement publicly -- and now it may cost him his uniform.

Lt. Gen. Benjamin Mixon, the commander of U.S. Army Pacific, wrote a letter to the Army newspaper Stars and Stripes recently that outlined his opposition to repealing the law. (Full letter after the jump.)

When asked about Mixon's letter this morning, both Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen called Mixon's actions "inappropriate" because in his leadership position, Mixon has great influence on other men and women in uniform.

The chairman went on to say that Mixon is "obliged to certainly follow the direction of leadership right up to the president," and to abide by the president's "strategic intent." He said if Mixon or anyone else feels "so strongly about it," then "the answer is not advocacy; it is in fact to vote with your feet." 

Mullen said that the Army issued specific guidance about dealing with the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" issue during the review period and that Mixon's case is now "being addressed" in the Army chain of command.

Mullen dodged a question about whether he is calling for Mixon to resign, saying, "That's a decision that would certainly be up to him."

But one Army official said that this highly decorated Army general did nothing wrong and was simply expressing his own opinion. The official said that the February 2010 guidance on dealing with the DADT issue directed Army leaders to continue to implement and execute the law during the review period ... and said nothing about keeping your opinions to yourself. 

The official said that the Army is not likely to fire Mixon, but that the chairman's comments will force him to resign. He has been a three-star general since Feb. 1, 2008, so Congress will have to approve his retirement and determine whether he will retire as a two-star or three-star general.

The Army will release a statement later this afternoon, saying that Mixon was expressing his own opinion and not that of the larger Army.

Here is a copy of the letter Mixon sent to Stars and Stripes:

Let your views be known
Stars and Stripes
Letters to the Editor, Monday, March 8, 2010

The recent commentaries on the adverse effects of repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy were insightful.

It is often stated that most servicemembers are in favor of repealing the policy. I do not believe that is accurate. I suspect many servicemembers, their families, veterans and citizens are wondering what to do to stop this ill-advised repeal of a policy that has achieved a balance between a citizen's desire to serve and acceptable conduct.

Now is the time to write your elected officials and chain of command and express your views. If those of us who are in favor of retaining the current policy do not speak up, there is no chance to retain the current policy.

Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon
Fort Shafter, Hawaii

From NBC's Athena Jones
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- This is the state where Barack Obama's quixotic quest for the presidency began and this is the city where, seven months before the caucuses, he laid out his plan for overhauling the nation's health care system. Two facts the president touched on here, during his first trip since signing the landmark health care bill into law.

Today's visit was part victory lap, part sales pitch as the president tries to reassure voters who are still skeptical about the law that it will help not hurt their health coverage. The White House is well aware that many of the Democrats who supported the legislation did so at some political cost and that it's imperative for them to try to frame the debate over the law as a victory for ordinary Americans over insurance companies.

"Today, health insurance reform is the law of the land all across America," he told the crowd packed into a field house at the University of Iowa. "This is your victory, because when the special interests sent an army of lobbyists to Congress, they blanketed the airwaves with million of dollars of negative ads, you mobilized and you organized and you refused to give up."

With Republicans planning their November campaigns around a platform to repeal and replace the bill -- a long shot given the president's veto power -- administration officials have gleefully dared the opposition to try to win votes by promising to take away the benefits the new law grants -- like a ban on lifetime coverage limits, a requirement that insurance companies cover people with pre-existing conditions, prescription drug help for seniors and tax credits for small businesses that provide health coverage for their employees.

"They're actually going to run on a platform of repeal in November," Obama said. "My attitude is go for it. If these congressmen in Washington want to come here to Iowa and tell small business owners that they plan to take away their tax credits and essentially raise their taxes, be my guest."

The administration is trying to counter the steady drumbeat of messaging from Republicans who say the plan, which expands coverage to 32 million people, is too costly, that it will raise premiums and taxes, kill jobs and reduce the quality of care -- all points House Minority Leader John Boehner raised in an op-ed published in the Des Moines Register ahead of the president's arrival. At one point, Obama mocked Republicans for suggesting the passage of the bill would lead to "the end of the world".

"So after I signed the bill, I looked around to see if there were any asteroids falling or some cracks opening up in the earth," he said to laughter and applause. "Turned out it was a nice day; birds were chirping, folks were strolling down the mall, people still had their doctors. From this day forward, all of the cynics and the naysayers they're going to have to finally confront the reality of what this reform is and what it isn't."

The president was interrupted at one point in his speech by a man who shouted a question about why the so-called public option was not included in the bill. Obama said the public option could not get through Congress and that while the law he signed on Tuesday wasn't perfect, it was a start.

"What this is is a historic step to enshrine the principle that everybody gets health care coverage in this country, every single person," he said. "This is a common sense bill that doesn't do everything that everybody wants, but it moves us in the direction of universal health care coverage in this country and that's what everybody here fought so hard for."

From NBC's Mark Murray and Pete Williams
As we mentioned earlier today, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor told reporters that a "bullet was shot through my campaign office in Richmond this week."

The Richmond Police Department just released a statement on the shooting. The skinny, per a preliminary investigation: A gun was fired into air; a bullet struck window in down direction; it broke a windowpane but did not cause any additional damage.

March 25, 2010

The Richmond Police Department is investigating an act of vandalism at the Reagan Building, 25 E. Main St., Richmond, Virginia. A first floor window was struck by a bullet at approximately 1 a.m. on Tuesday, March 23.  The building, which has several tenants including an office used by Congressman Eric Cantor, was unoccupied at the time.

A Richmond Police detective was assigned to the case.  A preliminary investigation shows that a bullet was fired into the air and struck the window in a downward direction, landing on the floor about a foot from the window.  The round struck with enough force to break the windowpane but did not penetrate the window blinds.  There was no other damage to the room, which is used occasionally for meetings by the congressman.

The Richmond Police Department is sharing information about the incident with appropriate law enforcement agencies.

At this time there are no suspects.

From NBC's Mark Murray
After criticizing Republican Party leaders for their total opposition to President Obama's health-care plans, former Bush speechwriter David Frum announced that his relationship with the conservative American Enterprise Institute think tank was terminated. 

From Frum's blog:

I have been a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute since 2003. At lunch today, AEI President Arthur Brooks and I came to a termination of that relationship.

Below is the text of my letter of resignation.

Dear Arthur,
This will memorialize our conversation at lunch today. Effective immediately, my position as a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute is terminated. I appreciate the consideration that delays my emptying of my office until after my return from travel next week. Premises will be vacated no later than April 9.

I have had many fruitful years at the American Enterprise Institute, and I do regret this abrupt and unexpected conclusion of our relationship.

Very truly yours,
David Frum

*** UPDATE *** Greg Sargent spoke with Frum, who dismisses the perception that he was angrily fired over his criticism (despite his use of the word "termination"):

He claims AEI president Brooks at lunch today actually lauded him for making so much noise with that post.

"He said the thought might occur to me that this had to do with that," Frum says. "He wanted to ally my anxieties on that score. He was very empatic." Frum adds that Brooks "welcomed and celebrated" the debate he'd stirred up.

"He asked me if I'd like to work for AEI on a non salary basis," Frum added. "He said it had nothing to do with my work and that after all these are hard times."

"Big bad conservative think tank axes writer for criticizing GOP intransigence" is a seductive storyline for our times, but according to Frum, it's false.

From NBC's Mark Murray
Breaking News at the very time President Obama is talking health care in Iowa: "Senate passes bill reshaping new health care law; House final approval is next," the AP reports.

NBC's Ken Strickland said the vote was 56-43. Three Democrats voted no: Blanche Lincoln (AR), Ben Nelson (NE), and Mark Pryor (AR). One Republican, Georgia Sen. Johnny Isakson, didn't vote.

From NBC's Kelly O'Donnell
GOP Sen. Judd Gregg just announced that Republicans have offered their LAST AMENDMENT on the health care reform reconciliation bill. That will be followed by more "points of order" or the procedural challenges that gave Republicans their one victory of sorts last night. 

By the way, Vice President Biden is presiding today in the Senate.

From NBC's Shawna Thomas
Minority
Leader John Boehner's weekly news conference today was
shorter than usual. It clocked in around eight minutes; he took seven
questions -- all on the threats to members of Congress and then left.

VIDEO:
House Minority Leader John Boehner discusses the heated rhetoric around
the health care debate, and distinguishes it from threats against
lawmakers, which he condemns.

He began by railing against the health care law. "It's been a
somber week for the American people," he said. "With the stroke of a
pen, President Obama signed away another share of
American's freedom."

He called the threats against some members of
Congress "unacceptable" and asked people to find other ways to make
their voices heard. "Find your candidate," he said. "Call your
Congressman. Go out and register people to vote. Volunteer on a
campaign. Make your voice heard, but do it the right way."

But when faced with the first question about whether his invoking the term "Armageddon" was helping to incite some of the threats he said, "There's been a lot of words said in this political debate and many political debates in this institution over the last 220 years. The fact is that this bill in my view is really going to harm our country."

On threats to Democratic members of Congress:

And he also cited that there were harsh words from the opposition for President George W. Bush when he was in office, particularly from anti-war liberals.

When asked whether the "Kill the Bill" signs some members of Congress held up on the Speaker's Balcony this past weekend were appropriate, the minority leader said he didn't see it.

Interestingly, in between condemning the health care law and condemning the threats, he condemned the White House on it's hand-ing of Israeli-U.S. relations.

"With all the uncertainty in the world, we can and should do better by our friend then taking every opportunity to embarrass them, said the Minority Leader when talking about his meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. "It's a dangerous time and we need to be focused on real security threats and obstacles to peace in the Middle East. How Israel has been treated by this administration is not how you should treat a friend."

From NBC's Mark Murray
As House Minority Leader John Boehner did just minutes earlier, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor said that all threats of violence and vandalism against members of Congress are wrong.

Like Boehner, Cantor mentioned that Republicans had been targets of these threats and vandalism, too (Cantor said he had received threatening calls because he is Jewish, adding that a gun had been fired outside his Virginia office).

But unlike Boehner, Cantor accused DNC Chairman Tim Kaine and DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen of "dangerously fanning the flames" of the reported threats and vandalism against Democrats and using them "as a political weapon."

"To use such threats as political threats is reprehensible," Cantor added. "Enough is enough. It has to stop."

Cantor didn't take any questions from the press.

*** UPDATE *** DNC Communications Director Brad Woodhouse responds to Cantor: "We disagree with the charge made by Rep. Cantor today that Democrats are using acts of violence for political gain. Let's be clear: calling on Republican leaders who have contributed in part to this anger by wildly mischaracterizing the substance and motives of health reform to condemn these acts is entirely appropriate. Instead of distracting from the issue with more attacks, we would again ask Mr. Cantor and other Republicans, as we did yesterday, to join Chairman Kaine in working to ratchet down the rhetoric, condemn deplorable behavior and find ways to disagree on these issues without the charged rhetoric that we've been hearing from Republican leaders." 

*** UPDATE 2 *** Here's the full video of the press conference.

A brief clip is below:

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*** UPDATE 3 *** Doug Thornell, spokesman for Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), issued this response to House Minority Whip Eric Cantor's charge that Van Hollen and DNC Chairman Tim Kaine were fanning the flames on the reported threats/vandalism: "Yesterday, Congressman Van Hollen called upon Republican leaders to condemn the harsh rhetoric that is fanning the flames of extremism around the country. Today, Mr. Cantor had the opportunity to join Mr. Van Hollen in calling for restraint. Instead, he chose to use his press conference to level false accusations. This is straight out of the Republicans' political playbook of deflecting responsibility and distracting attention away from a serious issue."

From msnbc.com's Carrie Dann and NBC's Kelly O'Donnell
Senate Republicans won a minor victory early Thursday morning, when they successfully forced two small changes to the health-care "fixes" bill that will send it back the House for a re-vote. But Democratic leaders indicated today that they are aiming for the House to take up the legislation this afternoon, readying a final version of the reconciliation bill for the president's signature before the day is over.

If all goes as planned, Senate Republicans have until around 2:00 pm ET -- when a final vote is expected in that chamber -- to continue searching for amendments and points of order that could force further modifications to the reconciliation bill.

After the Senate votes to approve the bill -- and it will take 51 votes to do so -- the bill returns to the House for final approval. "If [the Senate] finishes their work later today as planned, the House will take up the improvements bill with technical corrections this evening," House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said in a statement this morning.

Democrats expect to then bring the measure to the House floor for debate this afternoon, with a final vote between 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm. Lawmakers are eager to skip town after the vote for a two-week spring recess.

One Republican House member has officially retired since Sunday's climactic vote on the health care bill, putting the total number of House members at 430.

Rep. Nathan Deal, R-Ga., had delayed his resignation date in order to ensure an additional GOP vote against the health reform bill. (Deal left Congress to run for governor.)

But because bills in the House require a majority (50% plus one) to pass, 216 votes will still be needed to pass the reconciliation legislation.

The changes to the reconciliation bill so far are very minor -- they don't even deal with health reform but with an attached college grant measure -- so the House is expected to easily reach the 216 threshold and pass the fixes.

From NBC's Mark Murray
Today, President Obama returns to Iowa City, where he unveiled his health-care plan as a presidential candidate nearly three year ago (on May 29, 2007).

Revisiting some of the lines from that Iowa City speech is instructive to see where Obama fulfilled his promises on health care -- and where he didn't.

People who watch as every year, candidates offer up detailed health care plans with great fanfare and promise, only to see them crushed under the weight of Washington politics and drug and insurance industry lobbying once the campaign is over.

Unlike his predecessors, Obama passed health-care reform, although the debate came at a cost for the president. And while the insurance industry campaigned against the reform, the drug industry (PhRMA) backed it after extracting concessions from the administration.

We can do this. The climate is far different than it was the last time we tried this in the early nineties.

He was correct.

My plan begins by covering every American… If you are one of the 45 million Americans who don't have health insurance, you will have it after this plan becomes law.   

The law is estimated to insure an additional 32 million Americans, but it will not cover every American.

No one will be turned away because of a preexisting condition or illness. Everyone will be able buy into a new health insurance plan that's similar to the one that every federal employee… If you cannot afford this insurance, you will receive a subsidy to pay for it. If you have children, they will be covered. If you change jobs, your insurance will go with you.

All of that, in some form or fashion, is covered in the legislation. However, the health exchanges -- where people can purchase insurance plans -- are available mainly to just individuals and small businesses. Also, not everyone will be able to buy on the exchange; illegal immigrants are prohibited from doing so.

Never forget that we have it within our power to shape history in this country. It is not in our character to sit idly by as victims of fate or circumstance, for we are a people of action and innovation, forever pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Now is the time to push those boundaries once more.

The bill that Obama signed into law -- as well as the fixes that he will soon sign into law -- represents one of the most significant pieces of legislation in the last 50 years.

Additional note: Two of the biggest departures from Obama's health plan in 2007 and the legislation that was signed into law were the inclusion of a mandate to buy health insurance and an excise tax on expensive health plans.