PBD - Progressive Blog Digest
Monday, February 20, 2012
BY THE NUMBERSTurns out, deficits are. . . . okay
http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/02/whos-afraid-little-inflation
More: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/you-know-the-deficit-hawks-now-meet-the-deficit-owls/2011/08/25/gIQAHsoONR_blog.html
By the numbers: bad news for the GOP
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/two-charts-that-terrify-republicans.php
More: http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/eric-cantor-cant-explain-congress-lousy-po
Will the next President get to appoint a Supreme Court justice?
http://www.emptywheel.net/2012/02/19/the-scotus-merrygoround-is-ginsburg-shuffle-coming/
Theocrat logic
http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entries/santorum-obamas-agenda-not-based-on-bible
Santorum: Obama's Agenda Not 'Based On The Bible'
http://crooksandliars.com/nicole-belle/what-hell-rick-santorum-thinking
What the Hell is Rick Santorum Thinking?
More: http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2012_02/gop_frontrunner_santorum_obama035511.php
http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/02/santorum-implies-hes-the-only-real-christian.html
http://pamshouseblend.firedoglake.com/2012/02/19/republican-ron-hill-taliban-rick-santorum-sinks-to-new-low-in-questioning-obama%E2%80%99s-faith/
Santorum compares Obama with Hitler, WP misses the headline
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/post/santorum-draws-world-war-ii-parallel-in-describing-threat-facing-the-nation/2012/02/19/gIQAzHcbOR_blog.html
Santorum draws World War II parallel
In case you missed the Sunday talk shows
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/19/tv-soundoff-sunday-talkin_n_1287405.html
Bonus item: Thomas Frankhttp://fdlbooksalon.com/2012/02/19/fdl-book-salon-welcomes-thomas-frank/
***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL (http://pbd.blogspot.com).
I don’t get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don’t run ads, etc). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a “mission,” it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***
Sunday, February 19, 2012
MONEY TALKSHow the new campaign funding system is ruining our democracy
http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/cui-bono-check-your-tv-listings.html
More: http://www.alternet.org/economy/154172/how_a_filthy_rich_196_people_will_buy_our_election/
How a Filthy Rich 196 People Will Buy Our Election
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/17/1065907/-Billionaire-bigot-bankrolls-Mitt-Romney-
Billionaire bigot bankrolls Mitt Romney
If Romney loses Michigan. . .
http://politicalwire.com/archives/2012/02/18/senator_predicts_panic_if_romney_loses_michigan.html
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2012_02/coming_closer_closer035501.php
The kind of people they are
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/18/romney-campaigner-in-arizona-resigns-after-accusation/
Paul Babeu, a staunch opponent of illegal immigration, stepped down after allegations that he threatened to deport a Mexican ex-boyfriend when the man refused to keep quiet about their relationship. . .
More: http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/iokiyar-even-if-youre-having-closeted.html
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/18/1066194/-AZ-04-Republican-Paul-Babeu-implicated-in-explosive-scandal
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2012/02/the_real_issue.php
I love how the theocrats like to dictate whose faith does and doesn’t count
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/post/santorum-stands-by-statement-that-obamas-theology-not-based-on-the-bible/2012/02/18/gIQAfXGAMR_blog.html
At a news conference after an address to a conservative Christian group here, former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum stood by his comments earlier in the day that President Obama supports “a phony theology, not a theology based on the Bible” . . .
What the Virginia ultrasound law is really all about
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/is-virginias-ultrasound-bill-the-future-of-abortion-regulation/2012/02/18/gIQAzqgvLR_blog.html
More: http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/im-all-for-government-making-women-feel.html
"I'm all for the government making women feel bad"
A lot of ways to read this, but. . .
http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/02/teen-pregnancy-higher-red-states-blue-states
Teen Pregnancy is Higher in Red States Than in Blue States
The Sunday talk show line-ups
http://firedoglake.com/2012/02/19/sunday-talking-heads-february-19-2012/
ABC’s This Week: Host Jake Tapper scores exclusive interview with John McCain to discuss the Michigan primary, can the Surger upset Romney?. Then, Obama campaign senior advisor and former White House press secretary Robert Gibbs. Roundtable: George Will, Jonathan Karl, Lou Dobbs, Dee Dee Myers, Clarence Page.
CBS’ Face the Nation: Rick Santorum. Roundtable: CBS News’ Norah O’Donnell and John Dickerson, The Washington Post’s Karen Tumulty and The Detroit Free Press’ Todd Spangler.
CNN’s State of the Union: Ron Paul “has yet to win a GOP primary contest and is last in the delegate count. Is this a working long-term strategy? We’ll ask him.” Then, Gov. Mitch Daniels and Michele Bachmann on the possibility of a brokered convention. “turmoil in the Middle Eat” with former CIA director Michael Hayden and former ambassador to Egypt and Israel, Ed Walker. Finally, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz.
NBC’s Meet the Press: Rep. Paul Ryan, Chair, House Budget Committee. Rep. Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member, House Budget Committee. Roundtable: Ed Gillespie, Al Hunt, Helene Cooper, Andrea Mitchell.
Bonus item: Heh, hehhttp://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/18/10437443-just-a-suggestion-panel-chosen-to-discuss-viagra-distribution
***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL (http://pbd.blogspot.com).
I don’t get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don’t run ads, etc). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a “mission,” it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***
Saturday, February 18, 2012
RETURN OF THE CULTURE WARSAs noted here a couple of says ago, the GOP thought the 2012 campaign would be simple: run against a bad economy, high unemployment, and the old “are you better off?” question. Unfortunately for them, but fortunately for the rest of us, the economy is showing signs of recovery. So now what’s their plan?
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2012/02/the_search_for_plan_b.php
More: http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/conservatives-struggle-to-find-new-game-plan-for-improving-economy.php
But there’s another idea gaining traction fast on the right as well: ditch the economy entirely and instead return to the 2004 God/guns/gays plan that re-elected President Bush. . . . [read on]
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/17/10435059-the-wrong-war-at-the-wrong-time
First draft: the GOP 2012 platform
http://www.americablog.com/2012/02/gop-2012-platform-in-brief.html
The Theocrat
http://www.samefacts.com/2012/02/watching-conservatives/rick-santorum-really-really-hates-you-if
Rick Santorum really, really hates you if …
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2012_02/santorum_to_mainline_protestan035489.php
More: http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/intersection-where-gop-factions-all.html
The Liar
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/17/10436726-chronicling-mitts-mendacity
Payroll tax bill passes
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/senate-passes-payroll-tax-bill-over-broad-gop-opposition.php
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/house-passes-payroll-tax-cut-compromise.php
More: http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/17/10435941-congress-approves-payroll-deal
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/a-big-win-for-the-white-house-and-dems-but-an-imperfect-one/2012/02/17/gIQAnUu4JR_blog.html
http://news.firedoglake.com/2012/02/17/payroll-taxui-bill-passes-the-house-senate-vote-will-not-face-a-filibuster/
The Repubs have been arguing since the Bush admin that you need extra-judicial processes to handle terror investigations. The civilian courts can’t handle them. Well, guess what?
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/conservatives_quiet_after_saying_civilian_system_couldnt_handle_underwear_bomber.php
Increased drone use in US air space
http://crooksandliars.com/john-amato/keep-your-drones-outta-my-face
http://www.americablog.com/2012/02/drone-industry-wrote-legislation.html
More: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/319564
30,000?
Another big GOP screw-up in Maine
http://politicalwire.com/archives/2012/02/17/it_gets_worse_in_maine.html
Chris Christie (R-NJ) – the “good” Republican
http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entries/nj-gov-christie-vetoes-gay-marriage-bill
Christie Vetoes Gay Marriage Bill
Scott Walker (R-WI) – trying to stall the recall process
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/judge-tells-walker-no-more-extensions-on-the-recall.php
The kind of people they are
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/david/conservative-radio-host-accused-hit-and-run-
How they roll over at Fox News
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/17/1065898/-Fox-News-Host-to-Rep-Maxine-Waters-step-away-from-the-crack-pipe-
Mr. Viagra condemns “mindless sex”
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/lawrence-odonnell-slams-rush-limbaugh-hypo
Bonus item: Cognitive inequality
http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/02/internet-major-driver-growth-cognitive-inequality
[Kevin Drum] Moral of the story: the internet makes dumb people dumber and smart people smarter. . . . [read on]
***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL (http://pbd.blogspot.com).
I don’t get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don’t run ads, etc). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a “mission,” it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***
Friday, February 17, 2012
BOY’S CLUBA panel of experts on birth control . . . notice anything missing?
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/democrats-go-on-offense-over-contraception-issue-where-are-the-women.php
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/karoli/conservatives-horrible-hypocrisy-womens-hea
http://news.firedoglake.com/2012/02/16/the-war-on-lady-parts-continues-in-congress-states/
The GOP “explains”: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/birth-control-hearing-not-really-about-birth-control-says-gop.php
At the outset, Democrats and Republicans sparred over whether the Minority’s witness would be allowed to testify. Democrats had requested that Sandra Fluke, a third-year law student at Georgetown University Law School, should testify in favor of the administration’s rule to preserve contraception coverage at religiously-affiliated organizations. Committee Chairman Rep. Darrell Issa turned down their request, saying that her perspective on contraception was not relevant to a hearing on the subject of religious liberty.
To protest Issa’s decision, Rep. Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) left the room. . . .
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/meet-sandra-fluke-the-woman-you-didnt-hear-at-congress-contraceptives-hearing/2012/02/16/gIQAJh57HR_blog.html
Meet Sandra Fluke
An understatement
http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/doublex/2012/02/virginia_ultrasound_law_women_who_want_an_abortion_will_be_forcibly_penetrated_for_no_medical_reason.html
Virginia’s Proposed Ultrasound Law Is an Abomination
More: http://prospect.org/article/pre-abortion-sonograms-make-their-way-law
I love it when politicians say “it was just a joke” as an excuse for outrageous comments. It’s the fact that they think it WAS funny that is outrageous
http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entries/santorum-backer-laughs-off-birth-control-joke
http://www.emptywheel.net/2012/02/16/foster-friess-anachronistic-dumb-ass
Yes, it is
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/is-birth-control-fight-a-terry-schiavo-moment/2012/02/16/gIQAmYbFIR_blog.html
Is birth control fight a Terri Schiavo moment?
More pretty good news on the economy
http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/02/new-jobless-claims-hit-four-year-low.html
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/16/1065337/-First-time-jobless-benefits-claims-fall-again-Now-at-the-lowest-level-since-March-2008
Or not: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/dr-dooms-still-gloomy-about-the-us-economy/2012/02/16/gIQARCSoHR_blog.html
Even the GOP presidential hopefuls are sick of these debates
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/will-everyone-drop-out-of-cnns-georgia-debate-but-newt.php
A Republican debate that was set to be held on March, five days before Super Tuesday, now appears to be on ice — with Newt Gingrich the only candidate confirmed for it, and the others either turning it down or not accepting. . . .
“A tale of two Mitties”
http://crooksandliars.com/richard-rj-eskow/social-security-tale-two-mitties
Remember the Maine
http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/02/romneys-supposed-victory-in-maine-caucuses-in-jeopardy.html
Romney's Supposed Victory in Maine Caucuses in Jeopardy
More: http://www.salon.com/2012/02/16/mitt%E2%80%99s_ticking_maine_time_bomb/
Why we call him the Theocrat
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/16/1065178/-Rick-Santorum-preacher-in-chief
Rick Santorum, preacher-in-chief
Help!
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/16/1065596/-Sarah-Palin-eager-to-help-if-her-party-can-t-find-another-nominee
Sarah Palin eager to 'help' if her party can't find another nominee
More: http://tbogg.firedoglake.com/2012/02/16/i-want-you-to-want-me/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/a-brokered-convention-wont-save-sarah-palin/2011/08/25/gIQAXtkzHR_blog.html
Remember when Paul Ryan (R-WI) was the new GOP Golden Boy? There was even a move to push him for the presidential nomination. Now he’s, uh. . .
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/gops-tactful-pivot-from-ryan-medicare-plan.php
The GOP’s Tactful Pivot From Ryan Medicare Plan — And Why It’s Important
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/paul-ryan-yes-payroll-tax-fight-hurt-gop.php
Paul Ryan: Yes, Payroll Tax Fight Hurt GOP
The inside story on climate change denialism
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/leaked-docs-provide-insight-into-how-climate-skeptic-groups-operate/2012/02/16/gIQAn8BKIR_blog.html
MSNBC finally cuts loose Pat Buchanan
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/16/1065647/-MSNBC-and-Pat-Buchanan-part-ways-He-blames-everyone-else-
More: http://www.americablog.com/2012/02/pat-buchanan-is-gone-from-msnbc.html
Bonus item: Now THIS is how you make an apologyhttp://crooksandliars.com/nicole-belle/actress-hoekstras-racist-ad-apologize
"I am deeply sorry for any pain that the character I portrayed brought to my communities," Chan wrote on her Facebook page, as first reported by the Angry Asian Man blog. "As a recent college grad who has spent time working to improve communities and empower those without a voice, this role is not in any way representative of who I am. It was absolutely a mistake on my part and one that, over time, I hope can be forgiven. I feel horrible about my participation and I am determined to resolve my actions."
***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL (http://pbd.blogspot.com).
I don’t get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don’t run ads, etc). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a “mission,” it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***
Thursday, February 16, 2012
J.V.Does Santorum have a Plan?
http://prospect.org/article/rick-santorums-endgame
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2012_02/santorums_rhetorical_surge035438.php
More: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/15/santorum-tests-the-big-campaign-theory/
Santorum Tests the Big Campaign Theory
http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/02/how-jv-is-the-santorum-campaign.html
How J.V. Is the Santorum Campaign?
Romney’s big problem is that people know him well, after two presidential campaigns – and so their low opinion of him doesn’t seem very likely to turn around. In fact, it seems to be getting worse
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/15/10414987-romneys-hard-to-fix-unfavorable-problem
http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/02/mitt-romney-soon-be-americas-most-hated-man
Can Romney afford to lose Michigan?
http://politicalwire.com/archives/2012/02/15/gop_nomination_may_hinge_on_michigan.html
GOP Nomination May Hinge on Michigan
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/how-bad-would-a-michigan-loss-be-for-romney/2012/02/15/gIQAfNTKGR_blog.html
How bad would a Michigan loss be for Romney?
Losing the “electability” issue
http://politicalwire.com/archives/2012/02/15/is_romney_really_more_electable.html
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2012_02/mitt_losing_electability_too035407.php
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/14/1064735/-Mitt-Romney-s-electability-advantage-disappears
http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/02/rich-santorum-is-stronger-vs-obama-than-romney.html
Death by mockery
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2012/02/mockery_always_deadly.php
Sound familiar?
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/gopers-only-enraged-by-birth-control-rule-when-obamas-pushing-it.php
What do you do if your party’s marching behind an issue that your likely nominee for president has a spotty record on?
How the GOP wants to pay for highway construction
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/congress-braces-for-a-brutal-fight-over-highway-bills/2012/02/14/gIQAawMaFR_blog.html
More: http://www.rollcall.com/news/boehner_pulls_highway_package_will_break_up_measure-212405-1.html
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/15/1064849/-Today-in-Congress-House-transportation-bill-stuck-in-a-jam
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/15/10416399-a-uniquely-terrible-transportation-bill
http://news.firedoglake.com/2012/02/15/house-transportation-bill-draws-white-house-veto-threat/
House Transportation Bill Draws White House Veto Threat
The kind of people they are
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/did_the_rnc_consider_mailing_out_illegal_census_form_in_2011.php
A 2010 mailing from the Republican National Committee with the words “Census Document” was so controversial that Congress passed a law making such tactics illegal. In early 2011, the RNC was apparently planning to do it again. . . .
Heh
http://crooksandliars.com/kenneth-quinnell/wisconsin-gov-scott-walker-lookin
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker Looking More and More Likely to Be In Legal Trouble
Bonus item: Dumbing down
http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/koch-brothers-planning-effort-turn-ki
Internal documents acquired by ThinkProgress Green reveal that the Heartland Institute, a right-wing think tank funded by the Koch brothers, Microsoft, and other top corporations, is planning to develop a “global warming curriculum” for elementary schoolchildren that presents climate science as “a major scientific controversy.” This effort, at a cost of $100,000 a year, will be developed by Dr. David E. Wojick, a coal-industry consultant.
“Principals and teachers are heavily biased toward the alarmist perspective,” Heartland’s confidential 2012 fundraising document bemoans. The group believes that Wojick’s project has “potential for great success,” because he has “contacts at virtually all the national organizations involved in producing, certifying, and promoting scientific curricula.” The document explains that Wojick will produce “modules” that promote the conspiratorial claim that climate change is “controversial” . . .
More: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/14/1064831/-Documents-Heartland-Institute-plans-to-instill-climate-change-denialism-in-every-school-child
http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/wingnut-welfare-climate-con.html
***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL (http://pbd.blogspot.com).
I don’t get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don’t run ads, etc). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a “mission,” it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
BANKRUPTHere’s what a campaign looks like that doesn’t know what it stands for, doesn’t worry about the truth, and simply uses its endless buckets of money to smash anyone who questions them. You don’t know what Romney is FOR, but you know who he is AGAINST. And the GOP faithful and Independents keep telling us: they don’t want him.
Meanwhile, Romney’s campaign just can’t seem to get itself on the right track
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/surrogate-fail-romney-backer-attacks-santorum-for-same-voted-he-cast-himself.php
D’oh! Romney Backer Attacks Santorum For Same Votes He Cast Himself
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/14/1064798/-Mitt-Romney-adviser-Once-Rick-Santorum-is-gone-we-ll-stop-talking-about-birth-control-and-abortion
Another Romney adviser said the governor would spend just enough time on social issues to dispatch Santorum and then move on.
“He’s going to pivot back,” the adviser said. . . .
More trouble: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2012/02/michigan_man.php
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/13/1064439/-Mitt-Romney-refuses-to-comment-on-just-about-everything
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2012/02/earlier_this_evening_i_noted.php
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/14/10405572-santorum-romney-moving-in-opposite-directions
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/14/1064863/-Daily-Kos-Elections-Polling-Wrap-Santorum-and-Obama-continue-to-roll
In November of 2008, Romney wrote an op-ed entitled “Let Detroit Go Bankrupt.” Now that he’s running in a tight Michigan primary, I’ll bet he wishes he hadn’t said that
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/the-morning-plum-romneys-convoluted-claims-about-the-auto-bailout/2012/02/14/gIQA5x6FDR_blog.html
More: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/15/us/politics/romney-defends-stance-on-auto-bailout.html
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/14/10406236-romney-condemns-auto-industry-rescue
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/14/1064651/-Mitt-Romney-Obama-saved-the-auto-industry-the-wrong-way-so-pretend-he-didn-t-do-it
http://www.emptywheel.net/2012/02/14/mitt-doesnt-even-know-when-mis-recession-started/
http://news.firedoglake.com/2012/02/14/romneys-auto-rescue-double-down-favoring-banks-over-health-care/
Santorum?
http://www.salon.com/2012/02/14/why_everyone_is_still_writing_off_santorum/
He’s taken the lead in three national polls, but there are four reasons why it might not last . . .
Here come the attacks: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/14/1064710/-Presenting-Mitt-Romney-s-incredibly-lame-plan-to-destroy-Rick-Santorum
http://politicalwire.com/archives/2012/02/14/romneys_plan_to_take_out_santorum.html
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2012_02/liberal_rick035410.php
Calling a lie, a lie
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/14/10408283-an-argument-divided-against-itself-cannot-stand
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/14/1064750/-Mitt-Romney-repeats-Medicare-cuts-lie
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/14/10407234-hatchs-not-so-factual-statement
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/14/1064508/-Orrin-Hatch-claims-abortion-is-95-percent-of-what-Planned-Parenthood-does
Look: the Repubs thought they could run against Obama on a lousy economy and high unemployment. It was going to be easy. But, hey – the economy DID improve. So now they’re scrambling for the social hot-button issues that can still bring out their base. A fight over contraception is stupid, but right now it’s what they’ve got
http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/wearing-them-down-are-democrats-ready.html
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/14/1064729/-Republicans-double-down-on-having-a-birth-control-fight-
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/birth-control-as-wedge-issue-against-gop-ctd/2012/02/13/gIQAlQbdBR_blog.html
Jon Stewart: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/jon-stewart-mocks-gop-opposition-to-birth-control-rule.php
Deficit thinking
http://crooksandliars.com/jon-perr/why-bush-and-obama-couldnt-keep-deficit-promises
More: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/chart-dont-buy-gop-hype-on-obama-budget-deficits.php
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/14/1064890/-Open-Thread-for-Night-Owls-Obama-s-2013-budget-shifts-in-better-direction
Dems and GOPers work together!
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/lawmakers-strike-tentative-deal-on-payroll-tax-package.php
***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL (http://pbd.blogspot.com).
I don’t get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don’t run ads, etc). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a “mission,” it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***
Tuesday, February 14, 2012

CRY UNCLE
The Repubs give in on the payroll tax cut
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/dems-plot-payroll-tax-cut-end-game.php
After a few hours of thought, Democrats have decided the GOP’s blink on the payroll tax cut is an unvarnished good, not some devious trick. . . .
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/13/10398675-gop-backpedals-on-payroll-fight
Democrats learned a valuable lesson in December, during the payroll-tax fight that was going their way: when Republicans are losing, their negotiating posture can and will change. . . .
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/why-the-gops-payroll-tax-cut-cave-is-a-bigger-deal-than-you-think.php
Why The GOP’s Payroll Tax Cut Cave Is An Even Bigger Deal Than You Think
http://news.firedoglake.com/2012/02/13/republicans-cave-on-payroll-tax-cut-propose-full-year-extension-without-offsets/
http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/02/republicans-learn-lesson-tax-cuts
The smartest option for the payroll tax extension has always been to simply not pay for it. What's more, that's always been how Republicans have dealt with other tax cuts. . . .
The WH budget
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/13/10397775-white-house-unveils-budget-plan
White House unveils budget plan
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/how-obamas-budget-throws-a-big-punch-at-the-gop.php
How Obama’s Budget Throws A Big Punch At The GOP
http://crooksandliars.com/karoli/white-house-unveils-budget-99-percent
White House Unveils Budget For The 99%
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/13/10396971-what-drives-the-debt
What drives the debt
Is the GOP really going to stage a fight over birth control?
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/13/10395912-dropping-the-pretense-in-the-war-on-contraception
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/obamas-birth-control-shift-splinters-gop-coalition.php
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/birth-control-as-wedge-issue-against-gop-ctd/2012/02/13/gIQAlQbdBR_blog.html
More: http://thinkprogress.org/health/2012/02/13/423946/republican-women-senators-breaking-ranks-with-party-come-out-in-favor-of-obama-contraception-rule
Republican Women Senators Breaking Ranks With Party, Come Out In Favor Of Obama Contraception Rule
http://news.firedoglake.com/2012/02/13/snowe-collins-support-compromise-on-birth-control-access/
Is the “Santorum surge” the real deal? Or just another anti-Romney blip?
http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/02/rick-santorum-now-great-conservative-hope
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/13/10396252-the-santorum-surge
http://politicalwire.com/archives/2012/02/14/santorum_moves_ahead_of_romney_in_another_poll.html
Santorum Moves Ahead of Romney in Another Poll
More polls: http://politicalwire.com/archives/2012/02/13/romney_and_santorum_very_close_nationally.html
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/02/13/1064520/-Daily-Kos-Elections-Polling-Wrap-Data-hints-that-GOP-primary-is-now-truly-a-two-man-race
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/romneys-slide-among-independents-continues/2012/02/13/gIQAYYqGBR_blog.html
Romney’s slide among independents continues
The Cipherhttp://nymag.com/print/?/news/frank-rich/mitt-romney-2012-2/
http://punditwire.com/2012/02/13/is-mitt-romney-a-serial-liar/
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/12/opinion/sunday/bruni-romneys-missing-magic.html
http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/romneys-realness.html
http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/210167-romney-backers-in-congress-second-guess-campaign-strategy
Marriage equality happens in Washington state
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/13/10399085-marriage-equality-reaches-washington
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2012_02/oneandahalf_steps_forward_for035378.php
***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL (http://pbd.blogspot.com).
I don’t get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don’t run ads, etc). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a “mission,” it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***
