THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2011/12/30/top_10_gop_moments_of_the_year.html
The Democratic National Committee relives the best moments of the Republican presidential campaign. . . .

Why won’t The Liar release his tax records?

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/12/whats_the_deal_with_romneys_taxes.php
[Josh Marshall] So what’s the deal with Romney’s tax returns? Or more specifically, what’s the deal with Mitt Romney letting himself get more and more nippy press by refusing to release his tax returns when virtually every serious presidential candidate of the last 40 years has done it? Allow me to explain. . . .

Romney’s son goes off message, badly

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/30/1049971/-Mitt-Romneys-son-goes-birther--to-defend-dads-refusal-to-release-tax-returns
Taking questions in Concord, New Hampshire, Mitt Romney's son says that his father won't release his income tax returns until President Obama releases his birth certificate, even though the president has already done just that . . .

More: http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/mitt-romneys-son-obama-should-release-birth-certificate-grades.php

The two Ricks fight it out over sodomy – and thus are GOP primaries won and lost

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/updates/3283

And, of course, we have to have this conversation too

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/david/bachmann-i-love-my-ar-15-assault-rifle
During a WHO-AM radio interview, Bachmann told host Jan Mickelson that she had planned to go pheasant hunting with Rep. Steve King (R-IA) on Friday.

"I'm a pretty good shot," the candidate admitted. "I learned how to hunt here in Iowa from my dad. I went through gun safety when I was 12."

"My favorite gun is an AR-15 . . . ."

"The AR-15, that's a combat weapon?" Mickelson asked.

"I love it," Bachmann declared. "It's a great gun."

Just fade away: http://politicalwire.com/archives/2011/12/30/bachmann_campaign_running_on_fumes.html
Michele Bachmann "is limping toward Tuesday's Iowa presidential caucuses," the AP reports. "She's losing staff. She's faced calls for her to abandon her bid. And she has no money." . . . [read on]

Dream on! http://politicalwire.com/archives/2011/12/30/why_bachmann_didnt_go_after_romney.html
Michele Bachmann's former campaign manager, Ed Rollins, tells Politico why she "repeatedly passed up opportunities to ding Mitt Romney in the debates."

Said Rollins: "There was some talk early on between her and her husband that she could end up as the vice presidential nominee."

Will Ron Paul hang around as a third party candidate?

http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/with-mixed-results-ron-paul-tries-to-terrify-small-town-iowa.php
Ron Paul stood before a crowded public library conference room here and warned the packed house that the United Nations is coming to take their land and that America is this close to riots in the streets against a government that is becoming more and more like a dictatorship. . . . This was vintage Paul, the kind of fear of the one-world government and terror over the Amero (North American currency conspiracy) that has been a fixture of Paul’s persona on the national stage. . . .

More: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/30/1049973/-Got-AIDs-Your-fault,-says-Ron-Paul-Boss-cant-keep-his-hands-off-you-Switch-jobs,-says-Ron-Paul

By the way, Paul’s association with racist newsletters hasn’t hurt him with one major Republican constituency. So I ask you, Correlation or causality?

http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/ron-paul-doesnt-appeal-to-evangelicals-polls-say-otherwise.php

Obama/Clinton 2012?

http://www.americablog.com/2011/12/reich-get-ready-for-obamaclinton-ticket.html

Bonus item: TPM “Golden Duke” winners announced!

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/the-winners-of-the-2011-golden-duke-awards.php

The nominees: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/your-nominees-for-the-2011-golden-duke-awards.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.***

THE LIAR

The latest lies

http://crooksandliars.com/jon-perr/mitt-romneys-big-promises-and-bigger-lies

Why we call him The Rock

http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/rick-perry-appears-to-forget-landmark-civil-rights-case-he-long-opposed.php
Rick Perry Appears To Forget Landmark Civil Rights Case He Long-Opposed

More: http://my.firedoglake.com/teddysanfran/2011/12/29/rick-perry-draws-another-blank/

The silly headline of the day – this is someone who MIGHT finish third in Iowa

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2011/12/santorum_surge_how_his_spiking_poll_numbers_change_the_race_.html
The Santorum Surge

http://www.salon.com/2011/12/28/the_rick_santorum_surge_is_here/
The Rick Santorum surge is here

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/inside-the-rick-santorum-surge/2011/12/29/gIQAz20ZOP_blog.html
Inside the Rick Santorum surge

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/omg_the_santorum_surge034375.php
OMG: The Santorum Surge?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/romney-and-santorum-surge-as-iowa-caucuses-near/2011/12/28/gIQA6HBNNP_story.html
Romney and Santorum surge

http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/29/the-santorum-surge-in-iowa-and-beyond
The Santorum Surge In Iowa and Beyond

Michele (One L, two N’s) Bachmann goes bye-bye

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/michele-bachmanns-campaign-flameout/2011/12/29/gIQAuydIPP_story.html
Michele Bachmann’s campaign flameout

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/bachmanns_bad_week034385.php
Bachmann’s Bad Week

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/bachmanns-iowa-chair-defects-and-endorses-r
Bachmann's Iowa Chair Defects and Endorses Ron Paul

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/29/1049667/-Michele-Bachmann-claims-Ron-Paul-bribed-co-chair-for-endorsement
Michele Bachmann claims Ron Paul bribed co-chair for endorsement

What Ron Paul stands for

http://crooksandliars.com/kenneth-quinnell/ron-pauls-racism-isnt-worst-thing
[Kenneth Quinnell] Anyone considering Paul as a candidate should certainly take into account his views on race, gender and the LGBT community -- all of which are atrocious -- but they should also take into account the vast array of other issues in which he is not only incredibly wrong, but where his policy prescriptions would make things worse. . . . [read on]

Bonus item: Ever vigilant

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/right-wing_fox_friends_warn_girl_scouts_promote_li.php
Right-Wing, Fox & Friends Warn Girl Scouts Promote ‘Liberal Agenda’

***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.***

DRONE WARS

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/national-security/under-obama-an-emerging-global-apparatus-for-drone-killing/2011/12/13/gIQANPdILP_print.html
In the space of three years, the administration has built an extensive apparatus for using drones to carry out targeted killings of suspected terrorists and stealth surveillance of other adversaries. . . . [read on]

More: http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2011/12/slippery-slope-drone-warfare

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/drone-planes-shiny-toys.html

http://news.firedoglake.com/2011/12/28/the-secret-extra-judicial-killing-program-paid-for-by-our-tax-dollars/
The Secret Extra-Judicial Killing Program Paid for By Our Tax Dollars

Do the House Repubs have it in for the Orange Man?

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/what-boehner-faces-in-2012-after-payroll-tax-debacle.php

Just a couple of days ago, Newt was passionately disavowing negative ads

http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/pro-newt-super-pac-goes-really-negative.php
Pro-Newt Super PAC Goes Really Negative

The Rock gives up on anything like an actual policy agenda, and just throws bloody red meat

http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/rick-perrys-increasingly-desperate-closing-argument-in-iowa.php
It may surprise you, but there was a time Rick Perry was supposed to be the jobs candidate. Remember the Texas Miracle?

Anyway, those days are long gone. . . . [read on]

More: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/28/1049394/-Rick-Perry-transforms-from-anti-choice-extremist-to-anti-choice-extremist

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/28/1049419/-Rick-Perry:-Affordable-Care-Act-has-to-go-because-a-random-person-says-it-will-kill-her

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/12/howdy_neighbor.php
“Every barrel of oil that comes out of those sands in Canada is a barrel of oil that we don’t have to buy from a foreign source.”

Err . . . cancel that!

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/12/paul_sends_pastor_down_memory_hole.php
This afternoon our Benjy Sarlin and Pema Levy published a story on how the Ron Paul campaign has touted the endorsement of a radical Nebraska pastor who says the United States should institute the death penalty as the punishment for homosexuality. This evening, evidence of Rev. Phillip Kayser’s endorsement disappeared from the Paul campaign website. No explanation from the Paul campaign.

Are we going to be talking about Rick Santorum now? Really? REALLY?

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/28/1049540/-Daily-Kos-Polling-Wrap:-Is-it-finally-the-GOPs-turn-to-embrace-Rick-Santorum

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/omg_the_santorum_surge034375.php

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/could-rick-santorum-win-the-republican-nomination/2011/12/27/gIQATp8OKP_blog.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/yup-were-really-going-to-be-talking-santorum/2011/12/28/gIQAryf1MP_blog.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.***

THEY GOT NUTTIN’

Looking back on the year Republicans have given us

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/a-year-of-living-dangerously----a-look-back-at-the-gops-2011-strategy-and-its-consequences.php
When the House GOP’s enormous freshman class arrived on Capitol Hill in January, it wasn’t uncommon to hear them sound off on the mistakes their predecessors made in 1995. Despite having shut down the government — twice! — House Republicans under Newt Gingrich had caved too easily, didn’t push hard enough, didn’t embody the true spirit of conservatism. . . . [read on]

More: http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/washingtons-year-of-drama-leaves-little-done-regarding-debt/2011/12/23/gIQAB6kRLP_story.html
Washington’s year of drama leaves little done regarding debt

The GOPers promise to “repeal and replace” Obamacare. . . except for the second part

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/the-replace-sham-one-year-out/2011/12/27/gIQA1hcfKP_blog.html

More: http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2011/12/if-tree-falls-forest-it-lie

It’s always fun watching candidates complain about negative campaigning – except when it works for them (thanks to AG for the link)

http://www.nationofchange.org/oh-please-hypocrisy-gingrich-and-romney-1324908511

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/frontrunners-stay-mostly-positive-as-super-pacs-go-negative/2011/12/27/gIQATfdXLP_blog.html

The Liar’s personal tax break

http://www.samefacts.com/2011/12/taxation/willards-carried-interest
[Mark Kleiman] Willard Mitt Romney pays a lower tax rate on the millions of dollars he continues to earn from his asset-stripping activities at Bain Capital than ordinary folks pay on their income. Sounds like an issue to me.

It’s what they do

http://www.salon.com/2011/12/27/how_the_media_made_ron_paul/
How the media made Ron Paul

Well, I guess there’s at least ONE person left desperate to get Sarah! back into the race

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/eric-bolling-asks-if-theres-some-way-get-s

Or anyone! http://politicalwire.com/archives/2011/12/27/still_hoping_for_another_candidate.html

I’m with Digby

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/good-riddance-to-ben-nelson.html
Good riddance to Ben Nelson

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/ben-nelsons-retirement-makes-life-hard-for-senate-democrats/2011/12/27/gIQAMlorKP_blog.html

Still screwing his party: http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/ben_nelson_to_retire034346.php
Nelson waited until after Democratic and allied groups had invested quite a bit of money to strengthen his standing in Nebraska, and then decided to retire. . . .

http://news.firedoglake.com/2011/12/27/dscc-wastes-1-million-in-ads-on-retiring-ben-nelson/
DSCC Wastes $1 Million in Ads on Retiring Ben Nelson

The legacy of de-unionization

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/factoid-o-year-50-percent-of-workers.html
50 percent of workers made less than $26,364 last year

The Vast Left-Wing Conspiracy

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/its-worse-than-you-thought-left.html

Bonus item: Credit where it’s due

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2011/12/27/quote_of_the_day.html
"I think he compared that to Pearl Harbor. I think its more like Lucille Ball at the chocolate factory."

-- Mitt Romney, quoted by Politico, on Newt Gingrich not qualifying for the Virginia ballot.

***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.***

DON’T LOOK NOW

The state of the GOP race

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/12/full_circle_4.php
[David Kurtz] There’s no question that Romney is the best-positioned of anyone, but look at it from this perspective: the purported GOP frontrunner coming out of South Carolina could very well be a guy who finished second (third?) in Iowa, cruised to a predictable and therefore not especially impressive victory in New Hampshire and finished second (third?) in South Carolina.

Not a very overwhelming frontrunner. That’s why you had so many Republicans — how ya doing Haley Barbour? — who thought they could beat Mitt . . .

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/when-you-dont-have-the-a-team-around/2011/12/26/gIQAf0KvIP_blog.html
Conservatives are still upset about the GOP presidential field and even still thinking about drafting another candidate, although in fact it’s far too late for that. For example, over at National Review this morning Rich Lowry is pining for…someone, and quotes a conservative he talked to who said “we don’t have our A team on the field.” . . . [read on]

http://www.eschatonblog.com/2011/12/a-team.html
[Atrios] The A Team
There isn't one. The contemporary Republican party is pretty well represented by its presidential candidates.

More: http://whiskeyfire.typepad.com/whiskey_fire/2011/12/hurrah-for-the-god-damned-idiots.html

http://www.balloon-juice.com/2011/12/26/the-a-team/

http://firedoglake.com/2011/12/26/rich-lowrys-lost-that-tingling-feeling/

How ‘bout her, Rich? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/03/inris-rich-lowry-palin-se_n_131735.html
“I'm sure I'm not the only male in America who, when Palin dropped her first wink, sat up a little straighter on the couch and said, "Hey, I think she just winked at me." And her smile. By the end, when she clearly knew she was doing well, it was so sparkling it was almost mesmerizing. It sent little starbursts through the screen and ricocheting around the living rooms of America.”

It’s becoming clear that The Liar is going to be the GOP nominee. And it’s also pretty clear that his wealth and corporate background will be central themes as an out of touch member of the 1%. Given that, it’s surprising how eager he seems to be to play into that narrative

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/entitled-demagoguery-earl-of-romney.html

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/romneys_promise_to_college_gra034320.php

It’s really pretty amazing that someone with the multiple marriages, affairs, and divorce history of Newt is even being considered a serious candidate by the “pro-marriage” right

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/26/documents-appear-to-contradict-gingrichs-account-of-first-divorce/

http://tbogg.firedoglake.com/2011/12/26/he-needs-a-queen-to-satisfy-his-urgins/

I get the left libertarian appeal of some of Ron Paul’s positions. But you have to overlook an awful lot to get there

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/antebellum-libertarianism.html

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/12/plain_site_watch.php

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/scarce/ron-pauls-book-christmas-gift-makes-republi

The wealth of candidates

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/26/1049076/-Open-Thread-for-Night-Owls:-The-mothers-milk-of-politics-

***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.***

NO NEWS

What do they write about when there is NO news?

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/26/twofold-goal-in-iowa-for-g-o-p-hopefuls/
In Iowa, G.O.P. Hopefuls Aim to Win Converts

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/many-iowans-struggle-with-political-indecision/2011/12/20/gIQADyfSHP_story.html
Many Iowans struggle with political indecision

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/26/us/26iht-letter26.html
Don't Count Obama Out for Re-election Just Yet

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/26/us/goldwater-institute-an-aggressive-conservative-watchdog.html
Goldwater Institute an Aggressive Conservative Watchdog

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/44/post/obama-goes-golfing-on-day-one-of-hawaii-vacation/2011/12/24/gIQAwtHKGP_blog.html
Obama goes golfing

Sad, really

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/26/us/politics/ron-paul-disowns-extremists-views-but-doesnt-disavow-the-support.html
Paul Disowns Extremists’ Views but Doesn’t Disavow the Support

Sorry you said that?

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/26/us/politics/ads-let-candidates-speak-for-themselves-to-their-detriment.html
It is the attack-ad technique of choice for the 2012 election: anything you have said or done on film will be held against you. And its prevalence has helped make the Republican primary campaign a ferociously negative contest. Nowhere is that more obvious than in Iowa, where commercials that portray candidates in an unflattering light now account for two-thirds of the money spent on advertising for the caucuses. . . .

Bonus item: #OccupySanta

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/occupy-santa.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.***

DOH!

Newt and the Rock screw up big time, fail to get on the Virginia primary ballot

http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/nation/elections/presidential/20111224_ap_gopgingrichperrywillnotbeonvaballot.html

Newt tries to explain: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/12/signatures_that_will_leave_in_infamy.php

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2011/12/24/gingrich_write-in_campaign_hopes_dashed.html

Obama’s big hope: the tendency of the teabagged GOP to shoot itself in the foot

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/understanding_suicidal_politic034309.php

More: http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2011/12/why-obama-won

http://www.samefacts.com/2011/12/uncategorized/unleashing-obamas-inner-truman/

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/remember_the_mayberry_machiave034308.php

Desperate to stay relevant

http://www.americablog.com/2011/12/trump-changes-registration-now.html
[NBC] Billionaire businessman Donald Trump has changed his voter registration in New York state from Republican to unaffiliated to preserve his option of running for president as an independent. . . .

Remember all those people who predicted that letting gays serve openly would destroy the military? Where are they now?

http://pamshouseblend.firedoglake.com/2011/12/23/the-dire-and-false-predictions-of-opponents-of-dadt-repeal-will-the-homophobes-be-held-accountable/

The Sunday talk show line-ups

http://firedoglake.com/2011/12/25/sunday-talking-heads-december-25-2011/
ABC’s This Week: Jonathan Karl takes a look back at “The Year in Politics.” Roundtable: George Will, Cokie Roberts, Jonathan Karl, Ed Gillespie.Then, Arab Spring – Christiane Amanpour. Roundtable: Council on Foreign Relations president Richard Haass and U.S. Institute of Peace fellow Robin Wright, the author of “Rock the Casbah: Rage and Rebellion Across the Islamic World.”

CBS’ Face the Nation: Norah O’Donnell, Nancy Cordes, David Martin, Bob Orr, Anthony Mason, Elizabeth Palmer, and John Dickerson join Bob Schieffer for a look back at 2011 and to make predictions on 2012.

CNN’s State of the Union: Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Sen. Dick Lugar (R-IN) on the future of North Korea, congressional gridlock, and his own re-election struggles with the tea party. Roundtable: A.B. Stoddard, Ron Brownstein. Then some unaired footage with Condoleeza Rice.

NBC’s Meet the Press: Roundtable: Tom Brokaw, Thomas Friedman, Kathleen Parker, Marc Morial. Plus a special Christmas Day reflection from the Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, DC, Cardinal Theodore McCarrick.

***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.***

HO HO HO!

Christmas comes early

http://www.washingtonpost.com/senate-approves-deal-on-payroll-tax-cut/2011/12/23/gIQASUaVDP_story.html
Payroll tax fight leaves Hill Republicans divided and angry

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/23/1048257/-Tea-Partiers-whine-about-payroll-tax-cut-extension-but-dont-lift-a-finger-to-stop-it
Tea Partiers whine about payroll tax cut extension

The big fight ahead: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/house-and-senate-lock-in-new-higher-stakes-fight-over-the-payroll-tax-cut.php

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/the-morning-plum/2011/12/23/gIQAFJCODP_blog.html
I think Eugene Robinson is right to predict that Obama and Dems will conclude that it shows they can win when they unabashedly wield a big populist sledgehammer . . . [read on]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/will-democrats-revive-millionaire-surtax/2011/12/23/gIQAjpRgDP_blog.html
Will Democrats revive millionaire surtax?

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/23/1048264/-Harry-Reid-hints-that-millionaire-surtax-may-be-revived-in-conference-committee

A win is a win: but is the payroll tax cut bad policy?

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/art-of-possible-still-cramped-and.html

http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2011/12/does-cutting-payroll-tax-endanger-social-security

Some good news on the voting rights front

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/breaking_justice_department_blocks_south_carolinas_voter_id_law.php

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/23/1048365/-Justice-Department-blocks-South-Carolinas-voter-ID-requirements

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/12/note_well.php

The Liar

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/welcome_to_posttruth_politics034291.php
Paul Krugman, in his column today, highlights a series of blatant lies from Mitt Romney, and notes that the Republican presidential candidate “seems confident that he will pay no price for making stuff up.”

It’s what happens when we enter an era of “post-truth politics.” . . . [read on]

Ron Paul, as the current GOP flavor of the day, is getting his turn in the limelight. And it ain’t pretty

http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/10-shocking-quotes-from-ron-pauls-newsletters.php
10 Shocking Quotes From Ron Paul’s Newsletters

http://www.tnr.com/article/politics/98883/ron-paul-incendiary-newsletters-exclusive
A Collection of Ron Paul’s Most Incendiary Newsletters

More: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/12/deny_deny_deny.php

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/23/ron-paul-newsletter-interview_n_1167645.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/22/ron-paul-newsletter_n_1165877.html

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/ron_paul_had_racist_direct_mai034288.php

http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2011/12/yes-virginia-ron-paul-kook

http://www.samefacts.com/2011/12/watching-conservatives/teabaggery-and-gold-buggery/

Creationist theme park in financial trouble

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/is_kentuckys_ark_encounter_creationist_theme_park_sinking.php

Fox News slams all the hateful discourse from the Left – in their own hateful way

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/i-know-you-are-but-what-am-i.html
“How long do you think Sean Hannity’s show would last if four times in one sentence, he made a comment about, say, the President of the United States, and said that he looked like a skinny, ghetto crackhead? . . . Which, by the way, you might want to say that Barack Obama does.” [watch!]

More: http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/brent-bozell-obama-looks-skinny-ghett

It’s time for the end-of-the-year best and worst lists

http://www.slate.com/articles/life/the_spectator/2011/12/occupy_jokes_bad_sex_jargon_and_the_worst_catchphrases_of_2011_.html
It’s that time again. Time to review the year’s crop of stupid and annoying catchphrases. . .

Bonus item: Bo-gate!

http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2011/12/bo-gate-coverup-starts-unravel

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/bo-gate-where-will-it-end.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.***

UNCLE!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/boehner-2-month-tax-cut-would-hurt-small-businesses/2011/12/22/gIQA5ClZBP_story.html
Facing withering criticism from across the political spectrum and abandoned by Senate allies, House Republicans bowed to political reality Thursday and agreed to a two-month extension of a payroll tax cut for 160 million Americans.

The agreement represented a remarkable capitulation on the part of House Republicans . . .

http://www.nationaljournal.com/congress/house-republicans-agree-to-payroll-deal-20111222
House Republicans on Thursday crumpled under the weight of White House and public pressure and have agreed to pass a two-month extension of the payroll-tax cut . . .

Trying to save face: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/dems-win-one-as-gop-caves/2011/12/22/gIQAojW4BP_blog.html

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/orange-face-saver.html

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/boehner-takes-strong-hand-with-house-gop-after-payroll-tax-meltdown.php

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/what_to_expect_in_round_two034279.php

The Orange Man blurts the truth

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/12/boehners_words_for_the_ages.php
[John Boehner] You know, sometimes, it’s hard to do the right thing. And sometimes it’s politically difficult to do the right thing. But, you know, when everybody called for a one year extension of the payroll tax deduction, when everybody wanted a full year of extended unemployment benefits we were here fighting for the right things. May not have been the politically the smartest thing in the world, but let me tell you what. I think our members waged a good fight. . . . If you can get this fixed, why not uh, why not do the right thing for the American people - even though it’s not exactly what we want?

Ouch! http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/house_republicans_cave_in_payr034271.php
[Steve Benen] If Boehner were a stronger, more effective House Speaker, this fiasco could have been easily avoided. He could have told his caucus this was a fight they were likely to lose, so passing the Senate bill quickly was the smart course of action. But he couldn’t — Boehner takes orders; he doesn’t give them.

It’s what helps make this story a disaster, not only for Republicans in general, but also for John Boehner personally. As he surrenders this afternoon, Boehner becomes The Speaker Who Has No Clothes.

He stuck out his neck, vowing not to cave, knowing he’d likely have to cave anyway. Boehner than waited until the pressure became unbearable — after he’d lost face and friends — and walked away with his tail between his legs.

Neither party has had a Speaker this feeble in modern times. His instincts told him to take the deal over the weekend, but Boehner allowed himself to be pushed around by his unhinged caucus, then get pushed around by Democrats, then get pushed around by his allies, then get pushed around by Senate Republicans.

How big a disaster was this for Boehner? Keep an eye on whether Eric Cantor’s travel schedule changes over the holidays . .

Lots more: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/23/1048184/-Abbreviated-Pundit-Roundup:-John-Boehners-terrible,-no-good,-very-bad-day

Good news on cleaner air

http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2011/12/president-obamas-christmas-present-america
Christmas is only a couple of days away, and this week the Obama administration delivered a last-minute Christmas present to all of us, one that's been 20 years in the making. On Wednesday, following a tortured history, the EPA finally released new standards that sharply reduce the emissions of mercury and other airborne toxins from power plants. David Roberts is jubilant . . . [read on!]

Happy New Year!

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/scarce/military-first-same-sex-couple-kisses-ships

http://www.americablog.com/2011/12/two-female-sailors-share-traditional.html


Not Ron Paul’s finest moment

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/ron-paul-gets-testy-gloria-borger-over-que

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/22/1047902/-Pestered-about-his-racist-newsletters,-Ron-Paul-walks-out-of-CNN-interview-Still-wont-come-clean

http://news.firedoglake.com/2011/12/22/ron-pauls-newsletter-problem-re-emerges/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/22/ron-paul-newsletter_n_1165877.html

Dolt

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/22/1047896/-Mitt-Romney-stops-claiming-to-be-unemployed,-claims-to-understand-what-its-like-to-be-unemployed
Mitt Romney stops claiming to be unemployed, claims to understand what it's like to be unemployed

Unintentionally hilarious: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/22/1047898/-Mitt-Romneys-greatest-tweet-ever
[Romney] This is a time when we look beyond who we are today and ask who we will become tomorrow. . . .

He will HAVE to, eventually

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/22/mitt-romney-money_n_1165595.html
Mitt Romney Declines To Release Tax Returns

More: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/22/1047985/-Mitt-Romney-doesnt-want-voters-to-know-whats-in-his-tax-returns

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/romney_to_keep_his_tax_returns034266.php

Bonus item: How they blog

http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2011/12/my-little-dog-bo
[Right-wing blogger] “Now, this may not be the biggest story of the year, and in all likelihood, it probably isn’t even true. But did the President really order the first dog back from Hawaii to the White House to be a prop for a Petsmart photo op? According to a report . . .” [read on]

[Kevin Drum] So let me get this straight. First, we don't even know if this is true. Second, even if it is true, it didn't cost taxpayers anything. Nevertheless, someone should be fired over it. . .

***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.***

EXIT STRATEGY?

The Wall Street Journal!

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204791104577110573867064702.html
GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell famously said a year ago that his main task in the 112th Congress was to make sure that President Obama would not be re-elected. Given how he and House Speaker John Boehner have handled the payroll tax debate, we wonder if they might end up re-electing the President before the 2012 campaign even begins in earnest.

The GOP leaders have somehow managed the remarkable feat of being blamed for opposing a one-year extension of a tax holiday that they are surely going to pass. This is no easy double play. . . . [read on]

More editorials around the country: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/payroll-tax-backlash-follows-gop-home-to-districts.php

Analysis: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/12/reality_what_a_concept_2.php
[Josh Marshall] No one disagrees at this point that the politics of the payroll tax stand-off is awful for Republicans. But in the midst of that realization there is chatter from folks at the Journal and a lot of flotsamy pundits to the effect that it is a dramatic political failure that Republicans have managed to make President Obama into the champion of tax cuts for average Americans. . . . [read on]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/the-increasing-isolation-of-the-house-gop/2011/12/21/gIQArwof9O_blog.html
The increasing isolation of the House GOP

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/21/senate-republican-frustration-mounting-with-house-gop/
"The House Republicans have painted themselves into a corner. They are on their own," a Senate GOP leadership aide told CNN. . . . [read on]

http://www.samefacts.com/2011/12/watching-conservatives/shamelessness-and-incompetence/
Jonathan Karl of ABC News reports that the House Republicans are planning to climb down as soon as they figure out a face-saving way to do it. . . . [read on]

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/helping-out-john-boehner.html
[Dave Weigel] The cynic’s bet is that the story of GOP dysfunction won’t matter, so long as there’s eventually some compromise. Eyes on the prize: If the other side blinks, and it always does, what can Republicans get out of them? . . . [read on]

Exit strategy? http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/the_republicans_payroll_tax_fi034233.php
With the tax break poised to expire in 10 days and 16 hours, what’s the end game? The New York Times sketched out the remaining options. . . .

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/why_boehner_wants_a_conference034243.php
Why Boehner wants a conference committee

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2011/12/21/why_house_republicans_wont_win.html
First Read gives three reasons why the House GOP is unlikely to win this fight. . .

As amply discussed here, the myth of bipartisanship is just one more political trope used as a rhetorical strategy by both parties, not an actual aspiration or ideal. But even so, being seen literally as walking away from the conversation is really damaging. Watch!

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/hoyer-denied-chance-to-push-payroll-tax-cut-while-gop-holds-photo-op-videoo.php
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for unanimous consent that we bring up the bill to extend the tax cut to 160 million Americans, as you walk off the floor Mr. Speaker, you’re walking away, just as so many Republicans have walked away from middle-class tax payers, the unemployed, and very frankly as well from those who will be seeking medical assistance from their doctors — 48 million senior citizens.”

The Speaker Pro Temp, Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA), was just following orders. But the optics for Republicans — who were, again, just down the hall for a media spray — were terrible. . . . [watch!]

More: http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/cornered-tea-partiers-are-dangerous.html

Make him cry (again)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/harry-reid-to-john-boehner-game-over/2011/12/21/gIQAVlIO9O_blog.html
Harry Reid to John Boehner: Game over.

http://twitter.com/#!/LukeRussert/statuses/149606410148257792
SenateDems now coining the term "Boehner Tax Hike"

http://www.americablog.com/2011/12/john-boehner-worst-speaker-ever.html
John Boehner: Worst. Speaker. Ever.

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/the_speaker_is_boxed_in_a_corn034259.php
‘The Speaker is … boxed in a corner’

The panderer

http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2011/12/mitt-romney-worlds-worst-panderer-0
[Jon Chait] The thing I’ve always found endearing and (to some degree) comforting about Mitt Romney is that his flip-flops betray pure contempt for the Republican base. . . . [read on]

http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2011/12/romneys-plan-say-anything
Romney's Plan: Say Anything

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/the_point_at_which_mitt_romney034234.php
Romney, allegedly the responsible one in the Republican field, has been reduced to lying uncontrollably. . . .

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/the-method-behind-mitt-romneys-big-lie-strategy/2011/12/21/gIQA7o9Y9O_blog.html
The method behind Mitt Romney’s Big Lie strategy

Insane

http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/nyc-investigation-finds-illegal-gun-s
Illegal Gun Sales Are Thriving Online

More and more drones fly over the U.S.

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/one_nation_under_the_drone.php

http://news.firedoglake.com/2011/12/21/drone-surveillance-comes-to-the-us-mexico-border/

Bonus item: Always fun – TPM’S “Golden Duke” awards!

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/your-nominees-for-the-2011-golden-duke-awards.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.***

PLAYING GAMES

The House GOPers didn’t want the word “reject” in the headlines, so they came up with a ridiculously Orwellian way of dumping the Senate’s bipartisan tax cut bill

http://news.firedoglake.com/2011/12/20/house-republicans-find-smarmiest-way-possible-to-reject-payroll-tax-deal/
House Republicans Find Smarmiest Way Possible to Reject Payroll Tax Deal

http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/fox-news-everything-you-know-about-the-payroll-tax-is-wrong.php
In Gamed Vote, GOP ‘Rejects’ Senate Payroll Tax Cut Compromise

Didn’t work: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/21/us/politics/house-republicans-move-closer-to-rejecting-payroll-tax-cut-deal.html
[NYT] Republicans in House Reject Deal Extending Payroll Tax Cut

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/house-republicans-defeat-two-month-payroll-tax-cut/2011/12/20/gIQAj8RI7O_story.html
[Wa Po] The House on Tuesday rejected a bipartisan Senate compromise to extend a payroll tax cut for two months, along with unemployment benefits . . .

CNN plays along: http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/20/politics/congress-payroll-tax-cut/index.html
After the Republican-controlled House passed a measure calling for more negotiations. . . The House motion, passed Tuesday with no Democratic support on a 229-193 vote, expressed the chamber's disagreement with the Senate plan and called for the dispute to be immediately taken up by a House-Senate conference committee . . .

The Fox News version: http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/fox-news-everything-you-know-about-the-payroll-tax-is-wrong.php

More: http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/fixing-it-in-conference-and-other-lies.html

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/gop-fractures-further-over-payroll-tax-mess.php
GOP Fractures Further Over Payroll Tax Mess

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/what-its-all-about-a-recap-of-how-the-payroll-tax-fight-descended-into-chaos.php
How The Payroll Tax Fight Descended Into Chaos

On the Senate side

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/senate-gop-aide-house-gop-has-no-leverage-in-payroll-tax-cut-fight/2011/12/20/gIQAwwg86O_blog.html
Senate GOP aide: House GOP has `zero leverage’ in payroll tax cut fight

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/200647-mccain-payroll-tax-fight-harming-the-republican-party
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said the failure of the House to approve the bipartisan Senate bill to extend the payroll-tax cut is “harming the Republican Party.” . . .

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/20/scott-brown-payroll-tax-cut-republicans_n_1161411.html
Sen. Scott Brown (R- Mass.) denounced House Republicans for rejecting a payroll tax cut deal on Tuesday, and accused his colleagues of putting politics before the needs of American families. . . .

The real reason the House didn’t want a direct vote on the Senate bill wasn’t because they were afraid it would be “rejected” – it’s because they were afraid it would pass

http://crooksandliars.com/kenneth-quinnell/john-boehner-kills-payroll-tax-ex

John Boehner says that the purpose of the new negotiations is to extend tax cuts for a year, not just two months. But here’s the tell

http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011/12/20/393463/boehner-appoints-payroll-tax-negotiators-who-have-voiced-opposition-to-cut/
Boehner and the Republican leadership say they want a full year extension of the payroll tax holiday, but as Senate Democratic aide Brian Fallon pointed out, many of the members Boehner appointed to the conference committee have voiced opposition to the concept of a payroll tax cut in the past . . .

More: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/20/1047349/-Democrats:-Speaker-Boehners-picks-show-conference-committee-is-a-sham

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/what_the_house_gop_conferees_h034227.php

Obama: this is not a game

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/updates/2988

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/obama-directly-calls-out-boehner-stop-the-games/2011/12/20/gIQA0ZPU7O_blog.html

Ya think?

http://www.americablog.com/2011/12/ap-tax-cut-fight-ends-ugly-year-for.html
AP: "Tax cut fight ends ugly year for Boehner"

Wow. Congressional approval: 11%, and dropping . . .

http://fdlaction.firedoglake.com/2011/12/20/least-popular-congress-ever/

Ron Paul: the dark side

http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2011/12/ron-pauls-shaggy-defense/250256/
[Ta-Nehisi Coates] The Times notes that Ron Paul's racism newsletters are, again, becoming an issue. The standard defense has generally been Paul didn't write the newsletters. I think an honest reckoning with that defense would have someone question the faculties of an adult who would allow a newsletter filled--by Paul's own admission--with bigotry to be published under one's name. . . . [read on]

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/20/us/politics/bias-in-ron-pauls-newsletters-draws-new-attention.html
A 1992 passage from the Ron Paul Political Report about the Los Angeles riots read, “Order was only restored in L.A. when it came time for the blacks to pick up their welfare checks.” A passage in another newsletter asserted that people with AIDS should not be allowed to eat in restaurants because “AIDS can be transmitted by saliva”; in 1990 one of his publications criticized Ronald Reagan for having gone along with the creation of the federal holiday honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which it called “Hate Whitey Day.” . . . [read on]

Discuss: http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2011/12/racism-and-tolerance-racism

http://www.samefacts.com/2011/12/watching-conservatives/ron-pauls-bigoted-newsletters-the-wench-is-not-dead/

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2011/12/20/pauls_newsletter_draws_attention.html

Newt revealed

http://firedoglake.com/2011/12/21/truer-words-never-spoken/

Gone is the tag “Willard.” Welcome the new tag: The Liar

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/the-morning-plum/2011/12/20/gIQA9P4v6O_blog.html

Bonus item: Ahem!

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/20/1047232/-PolitiFacts-Lie-of-the-Year-is-true
PolitiFact's 'Lie of the Year' is true

http://news.firedoglake.com/2011/12/20/politifact-disgraces-themselves-with-lie-of-the-year-award/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/20/politifact-lie-of-the-year_n_1160576.html

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/politifact_ought_to_be_ashamed034211.php

Rigged results: http://www.americablog.com/2011/12/politifact-wins-own-lie-of-year-after.html

[NB: Better headline: PolitiFact's 'Lie of the Year' is a lie]

***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.***

KILLING THEMSELVES

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/house-gop-coalesces-around-plan-to-reject-bipartisan-payroll-tax-compromise.php
House Republicans are aware of the political peril that will come with killing a bipartisan plan to extend the payroll tax cut, and they know they’ll likely be held responsible if the tax holiday expires. So they’re structuring the votes in a manner that’s designed to give their members cover from that charge and, perhaps, preserves their right to reconsider the Senate bill in the coming days.

Specifically, they’re not actually going to vote down the Senate bill directly. Instead they will vote on a single measure that rejects the Senate’s plan and simultaneously calls for a conference with Senate negotiators . . . [read on]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/house-republicans-place-a-big-political-bet-on-the-payroll-tax/2011/12/19/gIQA6y7q4O_blog.html
Just when one of the least popular Congresses in modern memory seemed to have cut a deal to extend the payroll tax cut and end a session that almost everyone would like to forget, House Republicans decided to stay a little bit longer. . . .

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/tempest-in-a-tea-party-gop-goes-to-war-with-itself-over-payroll-cut.php
GOP Goes To War With Itself

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/the-morning-plum/2011/12/19/gIQAw55I4O_blog.html
This latest impasse reveals just how extreme, intransigent, self-indulgent and hostile to basic norms of governing the Tea Party wing has become. It’s as if compromise itself must be opposed, for its own sake, regardless of what any particular compromise contains. This is another case in which the public is seeing with total clarity the disastrous results of giving the Tea Party a seat at the governing table. . . . [read on]

More: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/republicans-in-disarray/2011/12/19/gIQAv0ww4O_blog.html

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/12/19/1047058/-House-leadership-blocks-vote-on-payroll-tax-cut-extension

It’s not easy being Orange

http://www.salon.com/2011/12/19/the_pointlessness_of_being_a_republican_house_speaker/
The problem for Boehner, as has been amply demonstrated this year, is that he’s a speaker who lacks the muscle typically associated with his title. . . [read on]

More: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/has-john-boehner-lost-control/2011/12/19/gIQAW0Gc4O_blog.html

Harry Reid says “no” to reopening negotiations

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/19/harry-reid-payroll-tax-cut_n_1158198.html

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/reid_for_now_wont_play_boehner034196.php

Willard’s big vulnerability: the Bain years

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/how-vulnerable-is-romney-on-bain/2011/12/19/gIQAw0p94O_blog.html

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/romney_still_profiting_from_ba034188.php

It’s always dangerous when you’re convinced you’re smarter than everyone else

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/jurisprudence/2011/12/what_logic_could_possibly_be_behind_newt_gingrich_s_crazy_attacks_on_the_federal_courts_.html
For a self-confessed epic character, Newt Gingrich has stage-managed himself into an epic piece of political stupidity. . . . [read on]

I know there’s some appeal to Ron Paul from the libertarian left. He’s good on anti-war issues, privacy, drug legalization, etc. He has a certain integrity and consistency that the other national GOPers seriously lack. But . . .

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#45731401

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/paul-fever-entering-our-precious-bodily.html
Oh look, here's Ron Paul speaking at the 50th Anniversary of the John Birch Society in 2008. . . .

Sarah! thinks she’s relevant again

http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/palin-not-ready-to-endorse-yet.php
Sarah Palin: Not Ready To Endorse Yet

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/19/palin-says-its-not-too-late-for-folks-to-jump-in
Palin Says It’s Not Too Late for ‘Folks’ to Jump In

Bonus item: Remembering Vaclav Havel

http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/rip-vaclav-havel-international-intell

http://crooksandliars.com/richard-rj-eskow/havel-dissident-legacy-worth-clai

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/you-say-you-want-velvet-revolution.html

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/foreigners/2011/12/vaclav_havel_dead_the_czech_leader_s_greatest_achievement_was_an_essay_the_power_of_the_powerless_.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).

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LONG TIME COMING

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/12/sic_transit_3.php
The last convoy of US soldiers leaves Iraq.

Can we celebrate now? http://firedoglake.com/2011/12/17/celebrating-us-withdrawal-from-iraq-shame-on-us/

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/thats_it_the_war_is_over034172.php
There is, of course, no shortage of caveats. . . .

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/those_who_deserve_scorn_and_di034175.php
[Steve Benen] With the U.S. war in Iraq coming to its overdue end, it’s worth noting those who got the policy wrong — and continue to ignore the error of their ways. . . . [read on]

Pauline conversion

http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/2011/12/paul-leads-in-iowa.html
Newt Gingrich's campaign is rapidly imploding, and Ron Paul has now taken the lead in Iowa. He's at 23% to 20% for Mitt Romney, 14% for Gingrich, 10% each for Rick Santorum, Michele Bachmann, and Rick Perry, 4% for Jon Huntsman, and 2% for Gary Johnson.

More: http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2011/12/newest-anti-romney-takes-stage
[Kevin Drum] Seriously? Ron Paul is now going to take a turn as the GOP's reigning not-Romney? Republicans are just bound and determined to figure out some way to lose next year, aren't they? . . . [read on]

Crazy talk!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/post/gingrich-send-us-marshals-to-arrest-uncooperative-judges/2011/12/18/gIQAlYUg2O_blog.html
Gingrich suggested the president could send federal law enforcement authorities to arrest judges who make controversial rulings . . . [read on]

http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/gingrich-capitol-police-could-arrest-radical-judges.php

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/18/gingrich-judges_n_1156405.html

http://crooksandliars.com/nicole-belle/gingrich-capitol-police-could-arrest-

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/quote_of_the_day_28034177.php
[Steve Benen] Just so we’re clear, this week, a leading presidential candidate articulated his belief that, if elected, he might (1) eliminate courts he doesn’t like; (2) ignore court rulings he doesn’t like; and (3) take judges into custody if he disapproves of their legal analyses.

I hope it’s unnecessary to note that Gingrich’s vision is stark raving mad. . . . [read on]

More: http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2011/12/newt-gingrich-and-god
When pressed as to whether a president could ignore any court decision he didn’t like . . . Gingrich said the standard should be “the rule of two of three,” in which the outcome would be determined by whichever side two of the three branches of government were on. . . [read on]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/newt-gingrichs-assault-on-activist-judges-draws-criticism-even-from-right/2011/12/17/gIQAoYa80O_story.html
Newt Gingrich’s assault on ‘activist judges’ draws criticism, even from right

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/political-relativism-rule-of-law-is-in.html
[Digby] If you're expecting philosophical consistency from this person, you'll be disappointed. . . . [read on]

Middle class dude?

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/19/us/politics/retirement-deal-keeps-bain-money-flowing-to-romney.html
Almost 13 years ago, Mitt Romney left Bain Capital, the successful private equity firm he had helped start . . . In what would be the final deal of his private equity career, he negotiated a retirement agreement with his former partners that has paid him a share of Bain’s profits ever since, bringing the Romney family millions of dollars in income each year and bolstering the fortune that has helped finance Mr. Romney’s political aspirations. . . . [read on]

Feeding the narrative: http://politicalwire.com/archives/2011/12/18/quote_of_the_day.html

John Boehner can’t control his caucus

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/boehner-faces-key-test-after-gop-mutiny-over-payroll-tax-cut.php
Long, long ago - well, on Friday night to be exact - it looked like a two month extension of the expiring payroll tax cut was on a glide path to passage in both the House and Senate — preventing an automatic tax increase on 160 million workers on January 1 . . .

But as soon as the deal was announced, House GOP aides privately speculated that the deal wouldn’t fly with the majority of their caucus despite buy in from Speaker John Boehner, Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell, all of his deputies and the vast majority of Senate Republicans.

Sure enough, they were right. The deal collapsed in spectacular fashion early Saturday. After passing the Senate with an overwhelming majority, Boehner presented the deal to his members, many of whom — including Boehner’s top lieutenants — rejected it. Sunday morning, he appeared on NBC to declare it dead on arrival. . . .

More: http://www.americablog.com/2011/12/boehner-tries-to-derail-bipartisan.html

http://news.firedoglake.com/2011/12/18/hold-everything-house-republicans-oppose-2-month-payroll-tax-deal/

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/republicans_may_yet_kill_middl034176.php
Republicans may yet kill middle-class tax cut

Bonus item: We’re gonna miss you, Barney

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/barney-frank-makes-argument.html

http://firedoglake.com/2011/12/18/sunday-late-night-barney-frank-gets-no-answers-about-pot-sex-from-will-ryan/

***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 esbelow) 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.***