TEST CASE

Health care ruling: the Supreme Court’s own legitimacy is on the line

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2012_03/judicial_legitimacy036402.php

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2012/03/supreme_court_and_obamacare_will_the_court_s_conservatives_strike_down_the_affordable_care_act_.html

http://news.firedoglake.com/2012/03/30/the-supreme-courts-conservative-activist-judges/

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2012/03/30/most_conservative_supreme_court.html

More: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/30/1079070/-Court-observers-expected-consistency-from-Justice-Scalia-This-seems-odd-

http://my.firedoglake.com/bmann/2012/03/30/can-your-state-mandate-that-you-buy-broccoli-or-join-a-gym-and-why-the-excoriation-of-donald-verrilli-is-misplaced/

Trying to humanize Romney (it can’t be done)

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/30/1079175/-Republicans-want-more-personal-anecdotes-from-Mitt-Romney-Let-s-hope-he-delivers-

http://prospect.org/article/waiting-real-romney

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/03/romney-supporters-begging-for-proof-that-he-is-human.html

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2012/03/30/romney_struggles_to_connect.html

Romney doesn’t want to release any more tax returns

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/30/1079240/-Romney-No-more-tax-returns-unless-Obama-releases-transcripts-of-all-meetings-with-foreign-leaders

Santorum: the N word?

http://crooksandliars.com/diane-sweet/what-was-santorum-trying-say-about-oba

A look back: http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/little-white-slip-up-redux.html

The Ryan budget, and Republican priorities

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/romney-ryan-radicalism/2012/03/30/gIQAy2MLlS_blog.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/romney-ryan-radicalism-ctd/2012/03/30/gIQAtoRklS_blog.html

http://prospect.org/article/paul-ryans-smoke-and-mirrors

http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/30/10938733-paul-ryans-unbridled-chutzpah-on-defense-spending

http://www.salon.com/2012/03/30/the_paul_ryan_taint/

More: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/30/1079234/-How-the-Republican-budget-would-hurt-seniors-

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/30/1079233/-One-million-students-would-lose-Pell-Grants-under-Republican-nbsp-budget-

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/30/1079209/-House-Republican-budget-cuts-fall-predominantly-on-low-income-American-

The Republican war on women

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/single-minded-extremism.html

http://crooksandliars.com/nicole-belle/its-more-war-women

http://crooksandliars.com/nonny-mouse/gwen-moore-and-violence-against-women-

More: http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/30/10941061-as-gop-alienates-women-obama-reaches-out
As GOP alienates women, Obama reaches out


Ugh

http://www.americablog.com/2012/03/usda-undersecretary-for-pink-slime.html
What is Pink Slime? It's processed beef - and boy do I mean processed - that's added to 70% of the ground beef in America. . . . [read on]

http://www.americablog.com/2012/03/what-is-pink-slime-you-eat-it-in-your.html

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/14/1074084/-Let-them-eat-slime

More: http://www.emptywheel.net/2012/03/30/america-the-dystopian-reality-show-pink-slime-edition

http://crooksandliars.com/nicole-belle/fox-news-defends-pink-slime-hamburger

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/03/pink-slime-makers-not-pink-slime.html
Maker of Pink Slime Wants Public to Stop Calling It Pink Slime

It’s on

http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/walker-recall-election-officially-begins.php
Walker Recall Election Officially Begins

More: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/30/1079294/-WI-Gov-Milwaukee-mayor-Tom-Barrett-to-challenge-Scott-Walker-in-recall-election

http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/30/10941657-wisconsin-sets-recalls-for-walker-gop-state-senators-republican-majority-at-stake

“The Blacks” (thanks to JT for the link)

http://thinkprogress.org/media/2012/03/30/455955/fox-news-contributor-thinks-the-blacks-are-making-too-big-of-a-deal-about-trayvon-martin/
Fox News Contributor Thinks ‘The Blacks’ Are Making Too Big Of A Deal About Trayvon Martin

Honesty, at last

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/david/fox-news-host-urges-viewers-vote-republican
It's no secret that Fox News leans to the right, but one host may have crossed the line on Friday when he actively encouraged viewers to "vote Republican" . . .

Bonus item: “Funniest Supreme Court moments” is kind of like “the tallest mountain in Kansas”

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entries/funniest-supreme-court-health-care-moments-audio

***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.***

JUDICIAL ACTIVISM

Scalia’s way

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/scalia-echoes-gop-buzzwords-against-obamacare.php
Justice Antonin Scalia’s misgivings about President Obama’s health care law were evident to all observers during this week’s three days of Supreme Court arguments on its constitutionality.

But his skepticism went beyond probing questions about Congressional power and interstate commerce. At various points, the justice’s questions echoed lines of attack you’d just as likely read on a conservative blog or in a Republican National Committee email blast. . . . [read on]

http://mydd.com/users/theyoungturks/posts/supreme-court-might-decide-their-second-election
Antonin Scalia is a complete fraud. He will bend any so-called principle to get to the political result he wants. . . . [read on]

More: http://www.americablog.com/2012/03/maddow-on-scotus-loss-of.html

http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/03/supreme-court-parties-its-1936

http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/29/10921700-putting-the-judicial-activism-talking-point-to-the-test

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/conservatives-struggle-with-key-anti-obamacare-argument.php

http://digbysblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/overconfidence-fatal-flaw.html

http://my.firedoglake.com/scarecrow/2012/03/29/justice-roberts-supreme-wrecking-crew/

It's what they do

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/03/republican-ad-uses-doctored-audio-to-slam-obamacare.html
Republican Ad Uses Doctored Audio to Slam Obamacare

http://go.bloomberg.com/health-care-supreme-court/2012-03-29/gop-ad-uses-doctored-scotus-audio/

More: http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/29/10922331-its-going-to-be-a-long-seven-months

11-dimensional chess? Or just overthinking it? Did the GOPers pick a losing fight over contraception simply in order to scare the Catholics on the Supreme Court over Obamacare?

http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/03/was-ghost-contraception-wandering-halls-supreme-court

The larger significance of the Trayvon Martin case

http://crooksandliars.com/cliff-schecter/unarmed-and-dangerous

The kind of people they are

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/28/1078580/-Primary-rival-s-campaign-reminds-voters-that-Maryland-Sen-Ben-Cardin-is-Jewish
Primary rival's campaign reminds voters that Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin is Jewish

The rise of the theocrats

http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/03/demographics-religious-right
A century ago, something like 10% of the country belonged to a conservative Protestant denomination. That's grown steadily ever since, and today it's around 30%. . . . [read on]

More: http://prospect.org/article/why-do-conservative-christians-feel-persecuted

Craven advertisers crawl back to Rush

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/29/1079004/-Some-advertisers-slinking-back-to-Limbaugh-others-leaving-

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/03/rush-limbaugh-is-back-in-action.html

Peeling back the onion at Rupert Murdoch, Inc.

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/murdoch_australia_scandal_twitter.php
A four-year investigation by The Australian Financial Review has revealed a global trail of corporate dirty tricks directed against competitors by a secretive group of former policemen and intelligence officers within News Corp known as Operational Security. . . .

More: http://firedoglake.com/2012/03/29/late-night-fdl-dementia-in-tweets/

Bonus item: Who said it?

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/29/1078860/-Humorous-anecdote-Mitt-Romney-made-fun-of-John-Kerry-having-a-big-house
“Now, there's a senator from my state that you may have heard that wants to get elected president. I don't know why he wants to do that, because of course if he won, he'd have to move into a smaller house.”

***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.***

HILARIOUS!

This guy has terrible political instincts

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/28/romneys-humorous-tale-of-a-factory-closing
Mitt Romney chuckled through a story about how his father, as an auto executive, relocated a plant from Michigan to Wisconsin. . . .

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/28/1078619/-Mitt-Romney-relates-to-the-locals-again

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/03/mitt-romney-makes-layoff-joke-hopes-humans-will-laugh.html
We all know that Mitt Romney has a weird, stilted sense of humor. . . .

More: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2012/03/old_habits_die_hard.php
Mitt Romney got pretzeled by Jay Leno of all people. The question: How would a President Romney address the problem of people who can’t get health insurance because of pre-existing conditions. The answer was very revealing . . .

http://www.americablog.com/2012/03/romney-has-no-idea-how-insurance-works.html

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/28/1078492/-Mitt-Romney-accidentally-makes-a-pretty-good-argument-for-Obamacare-s-responsibility-mandate

http://www.salon.com/2012/03/28/the_debate_the_gop_can%E2%80%99t_have/

I mean TERRIBLE

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/28/1078676/-Mitt-Romney-campaign-nixes-his-car-elevator-for-now
Mitt Romney campaign nixes his car elevator, for now

TERRIBLE!!!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/mitt-romney-has-weird-ideas-about-being-a-godparent/2012/03/28/gIQAjzr6gS_blog.html
Mitt Romney to Hugh Hewitt [on health care reform]:

“I can tell you one thing. If I’m the godfather of this thing, then it gives me the right to kill it.”

[Ezra Klein] Er, I don’t think that’s really how it works.

What happens if a highly politicized Supreme Court rules against health care reform?

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/03/conservative-judicial-activists-run-amok.html
In the morning session — in which the court weighed how much of the law should stand if the mandate is ruled unconstitutional — Scalia cited the horsetrading required to pass the bill — including the politically embarrassing, and failed, Cornhusker Kickback. He also admitted that he'd like to see the whole law fall if the mandate is ruled out of bounds.

In the afternoon, he took pains to remind the court of the unpopularity of the individual mandate.

The exchange occurred when Solicitor General Donald Verrilli Jr. rejected a hypothetical that relied on the notion of Congress passing a massive new tax. This, he argued, would have to overcome massive political constraints.

At that point Scalia chimed in: He would've thought the individual mandate would also be too much of a political liability to ever pass Congress. [read on]

More: http://prospect.org/article/nine-circles-aca

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2012/03/a_nation_of_laws_or_of_men.php

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/conservative-justices-flirt-with-radical-obamacare-rulings.php

http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/28/10907412-there-is-no-cornhusker-kickback

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/supreme_court_dispatches/2012/03/the_supreme_court_and_obamacare_the_justices_don_t_seem_to_like_any_of_their_options_with_the_affordable_care_act_.html

Shocking!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/2chambers/post/bipartisan-plan-to-cut-deficits-gets-meager-support-in-house/2012/03/28/gIQAH9JhhS_blog.html
Bipartisan plan to cut deficits gets meager support in House

[NB: Who could have predicted?!]

Fox News makes you stupid

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/david/fox-news-reporter-temperature-hasnt-changed-
Fox Business Reporter: Temperature Hasn't Changed Much Since the Ice Age

Bonus item: Worst apology ever!

http://crooksandliars.com/blue-texan/geraldo-offers-worst-apology-history-ap

***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.***

TRAIN WRECK?

Analyses of yesterday’s Supreme Court debates – and a growing sense that the heart of Obamacare might really be in trouble

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entries/toobin-this-law-looks-like-its-going-to
Toobin: 'This Law Looks Like It's Going To Be Struck Down'

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/court-watchers-on-both-sides-speculate-about-health-care-mandate/2012/03/27/gIQAZgmBfS_story.html
By the end of Tuesday’s long-awaited oral arguments, the individual mandate at the heart of President Obama’s health-care law seemed to be in trouble. . . .

http://www.salon.com/2012/03/27/a_%E2%80%9Ctrain_wreck%E2%80%9D_for_obamacare/
A “train wreck” for Obamacare?

http://motherjones.com/mojo/2012/03/obamacare-supreme-court-disaster
Obamacare's Supreme Court Disaster

http://www.slate.com/articles/video/slate_v/2012/03/obamacare_individual_mandate_faces_hard_questions_at_the_supreme_court_.html
Obamacare on the Ropes?

http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/03/donald-verrilli-makes-worst-supreme-court-argument-all-time
Virtually everyone agrees that today's arguments before the Supreme Court were a disaster for the Obama administration. . . .

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/liberal-justices-pick-up-obama-lawyers-slack-in-defense-of-mandate.php
The Obama administration’s top legal advocate was pilloried Tuesday for offering a less-than-eloquent constitutional defense of the health care reform law’s individual mandate . . .

http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/03/supreme-court-shows-its-true-colors
[Kevin Drum] I'm still sticking with my guess that the individual mandate survives. . . .

http://mydd.com/2012/3/27/mandate-debate-day-2
SCOTUS arguments recap - Day two

http://crooksandliars.com/karoli/supreme-court-arguments-affordable-care-act
Supreme Court Arguments on Affordable Care Act, Day 2: Individual Mandate

http://prospect.org/article/verrillis-courage-under-fire
No one with an ideological map of the Court would have been surprised by a single question or questioner. . . .

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/fate-of-mandate-hangs-in-the-balance/2012/03/27/gIQAaBnNeS_blog.html
As far as I can tell, these are the two most important developments from today’s arguments before the Supreme Court about the individual mandate. . . .

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/after-rough-day-in-court-an-optimistic-view-for-supporters-of-obamacare.php
After Rough Day In Court, An Optimistic View For Supporters Of ‘Obamacare’

Coming up: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/why-wednesdays-supreme-court-health-care-arguments-may-actually-be-the-most-important.php
On Wednesday the court will weigh two very different, but extremely consequential issues. One will help determine how much of the health care law will stand if the court rules the individual mandate unconstitutional. The other, which has received far less attention, has the potential to upend decades of precedent that underlie scores of massive federal programs, from health care to transportation to civil rights. An adverse ruling by the court on either issue would be in many ways far more consequential for both policy and jurisprudence than a narrow ruling against the individual mandate. . . .

He has a list. . . .

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2012/03/27/romney_wont_detail_cuts_until_after_the_election.html
Mitt Romney tells the Weekly Standard that he'd eliminate some federal agencies if he's elected president, but he won't say which ones. . . .

How nice for him

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entries/romneys-ca-mansion-project-features-elevator-for-cars
At Mitt Romney’s proposed California beach house, the cars will have their own separate elevator. . . .

More: http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/27/10886235-who-among-us-does-not-have-an-elevator-for-our-cars

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/03/mitts-big-vacation-home-renovation-in-la-jolla.html

It’s getting worse

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2012/03/28/record_number_see_romney_unfavorably.html
Record Number See Romney Unfavorably

More: http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/03/mitt-romneys-probem-no-one-likes-him

Bonus item: Creepy old man

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/03/arlin-specter-on-palin-she-radiated-sensuality.html
“[Palin] was a total charmer, very friendly,” [Arlen] Specter writes. “The few things she said were intelligent.” He doesn’t mention what they were, maybe because he was distracted.

“We were sitting virtually knee to knee in the cramped bus,” he writes. "She radiated sensuality. Her skirt rode above her knees — not exactly short, but close.”

***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.***

READING TEA LEAVES

Can we begin to guess the direction the Supreme Court will take on health care reform?

The latest: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/supreme-court-zeros-in-on-health-care-laws-centerpiece.php

http://prospect.org/article/pre-games-over-tomorrow-health-care-fight-begins

http://news.firedoglake.com/2012/03/26/supreme-court-unlikely-to-postpone-ruling-on-individual-mandate/

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/did-john-roberts-throw-a-wrench-in-major-argument-against-obamacare.php

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/26/supreme-court-health-care-reform-affordable-care-act-obamacare_n_1379805.html

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entries/legal-expert-survey-court-unlikely-to-declare-health
Legal Expert Survey: Court Unlikely To Declare Health Care Reform Law Unconstitutional

“Flexibility”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/president-obama-defends-flexibility-remarks-to-medvedev/2012/03/27/gIQA2GKZdS_story.html

http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/26/10871996-when-presidents-meet-a-hot-mic

I love watching the grudging, reluctant acceptance of the Liar as the inevitable GOP nominee

http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/romney-supported-everything-gop-hates-about-energy-and-then-some.php
Romney Supported Everything GOP Hates About Energy

[NB: Bring out the Etch-a-Sketch!]

Rick Santorum goes to eleven

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/scarce/santorum-blows-gasket
In directing what appeared to be a new level of vitriol toward Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum on Sunday described his rival as "the worst Republican in the country to put up against Barack Obama." . . .

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/rickys-nose-is-growing-before-our-very.html

http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/santorum-real-conservatives-criticize-new-york-times.php
Late Sunday night in Wisconsin, Rick Santorum lashed out against New York Times campaign reporter Jeff Zeleny for “distorting” his words. “It’s bullshit,” Santorum told the reporter. “Come on, man, what are you doing?”

Also collecting aluminum cans for resale

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/03/gingrich-campaign-50-for-photos-with-newt.html
Gingrich Campaign Begins Charging $50 for Photos With Newt

Buh-bye: http://politicalwire.com/archives/2012/03/26/reporters_stop_following_gingrich.html

ALEC and bad laws

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2012_03/alec_and_the_bad_law_industry036305.php

More trouble for Rupert Murdoch, Inc.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/mar/26/news-corp-ondigital-paytv-panorama

Bonus item: The GOP’s epistemological relativism

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/new-frontiers-in-political-dishonesty/2012/03/26/gIQAi0xScS_blog.html

http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/26/10873421-still-creating-their-own-reality

***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 KIND OF PEOPLE THEY ARE

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/24/1077258/-Saturday-hate-mail-a-palooza-I-am-your-Moron-King

Romney’s problems continue in the South

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2012/03/24/santorum_wins_in_louisiana.html
The AP reports Rick Santorum "is the winner of the Louisiana Republican presidential primary, defeating GOP front-runner Mitt Romney in yet another conservative Southern state." . . .

Here it comes

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2012/03/health_care_reform_on_the_line_next_week.php
The Health Care Reform law of 2010 goes before the Supreme Court Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. . . . [read on]

Clinton and Obama: a comparison

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2012/03/24/the_parallels_between_clinton_and_obama.html

Uh . . .

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2012/03/24/us/politics/ap-us-cheney-heart-surgery.html
Former Vice President Dick Cheney had a heart transplant Saturday, after five heart attacks over the past 25 years and countless medical procedures to keep him going. Cheney, 71, waited nearly two years for his new heart, the gift of an unknown donor. . . .

Let the jokes begin: http://www.samefacts.com/2012/03/watching-conservatives/yellow-brick-road-dept/

How is it that comedy shows have become our most substantive political outlets?

http://www.salon.com/2012/03/24/debating_assassinations_on_real_time/

The Sunday talk show line-ups

http://firedoglake.com/2012/03/25/sunday-talking-heads-march-25-2012/
ABC’s This Week: Obama senior advisor David Plouffe. Then, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN). Roundtable: ABC’s George Will and Cokie Roberts, Democratic strategist and ABC News contributor Donna Brazile, political strategist and ABC News political analyst Matthew Dowd, and “Nightline” co-anchor Terry Moran.

CBS’ Face the Nation: Rick Santorum. House Budget Chair Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI). Chair of the Democratic Policy Committee, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

CNN’s State of the Union: Obama senior advisor David Plouffe. Then, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Also, Gov. Rick Scott (R-FL). Roundtable: Time Magazine’s Mike Duffy and USA Today’s Susan Page.

NBC’s Meet the Press: Obama senior advisor David Plouffe. Rachel Maddow and her new book Drift. Roundtable: Fmr. Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour (R); head of the NAACP, Ben Jealous; NPR’s Michele Norris; presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin; and the New York Times’ David Brooks.

Bonus item: Nicely done

http://crooksandliars.com/bluegal-aka-fran/open-thread-267






***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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ACROSS THE FINISH LINE!

Good news/bad news

http://www.salon.com/2012/03/23/why_republicans_are_scared_of_mitt/
The good news for Mitt Romney is that the big names in conservative politics are starting to acknowledge the overwhelming likelihood that he’ll be the Republican presidential nominee and line up behind him. The bad news is that it’s taken them an excruciatingly long time to reach this point – and even now, their support seems reluctant, qualified, even grudging. . . [read on]

More: http://elections.firedoglake.com/2012/03/23/republican-base-slowly-move-to-support-romney/

Steve Benen adds his weekly list of the Liar’s lies

http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/23/10832032-chronicling-mitts-mendacity-vol-xi

More: http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/23/10828289-deciphering-opposition-to-health-care-reform

Little desperate for attention, Newt?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/post/obama-gives-people-reason-to-believe-hes-muslim-gingrich-says/2012/03/23/gIQArOBMWS_blog.html
Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich said Friday that President Obama gives people reason to believe that he’s a Muslim. . . .

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/03/newt-goes-after-obamas-muslim-friends.html

http://www.politico.com/blogs/burns-haberman/2012/03/newt-why-does-obama-behave-the-way-that-people-would-118463.html

Bye-bye: http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/louisiana-looks-like-newts-last-stand.php

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2012/03/snatching_defeat_from_the_jaws_of_defeat.php

No connection?

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/03/the-shooting-range-pretend-its-obama.html
As Santorum Opens Fire at a Shooting Range, Supporter Yells ‘Pretend It’s Obama’

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/03/new-santorum-ad-superimposes-faces-of-obama-ahmadinejad.html
New Santorum Ad Superimposes Faces of Obama, Ahmadinejad

Hoodies kill?

http://mediamatters.org/blog/201203230002
Fox's Geraldo Rivera: "I Think The Hoodie Is As Much Responsible For Trayvon Martin's Death As George Zimmerman"

More: http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/david/geraldo-rivera-hoodie-allowed-george-zimmerm

http://prospect.org/article/geraldo-if-youre-black-and-wear-hoodie-expect-get-shot

http://prospect.org/article/hoodie

“Crisis management” for Rush

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/23/1076913/-Rush-Limbaugh-goes-to-crisis-management-mode

Bonus item: The state of our politics today: can you sum up each presidential candidate in just one word?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/the-republican-presidential-candidates-in-one-word/2012/03/23/gIQA5nWCWS_blog.html

http://elections.firedoglake.com/2012/03/23/mitt-romney-equals-rich/

***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 RESPECT

It’s hell to be John Boehner

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/quiet-season-on-capitol-hill-exposes-boehners-deep-challenges.php

More: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/boehner-backs-out-of-debt-limit-deal.php

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2012_03/undoing_the_undeal036223.php

Still a liar

http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/22/10815453-the-one-who-actually-needs-to-apologize
Mitt Romney, on the campaign trail, told voters it "just broke my heart" when he saw President Obama "go around the world apologizing for America."

Romney's lying. He knows he's lying. And yet he keeps telling this lie anyway. . . .

Because women are smarter

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2012/03/22/romney_faces_huge_gender_gap.html
The latest Economist/YouGov poll finds President Obama leading Mitt Romney among women by a whopping 17 points, 55% to 38%.

In contrast, Romney edges Obama among men by 45% to 43%. . . .

Wow. Santorum: better Obama than Romney

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/03/santorums-gaffe-pick-obama-over-romney.html

What would Karl Rove have said if George Bush had killed or captured Bin Laden?

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/22/1076773/-Karl-Rove-says-killing-of-Osama-bin-Laden-not-a-major-achievement-for-President-Obama

http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/22/10811275-rove-picks-the-wrong-fight-over-obl-killing

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entries/david-axelrod-slams-karl-rove-for-misleading-on

Damn these people who call themselves “Christians”

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/david/pat-robertson-manning-deserves-get-hurt-afte
Televangelist Pat Robertson says that Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning should be punished with an injury because the team traded devout Christian Tim Tebow. . . .

An all-out attack on Rush Limbaugh

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/rush-limbaugh-media-matters-radio-campaign.php

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/21/1076547/-Limbaugh-spokesman-attacks-Media-Matters-nbsp-truth-

***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.***

ETCH-A-SKETCH

Romney’s problem, in a nutshell

http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/03/romney-gaffe-demonstrates-romney-unbeatable
[Erik Fehrnstrom, a top aide to Mitt Romney, on whether his guy has tacked too far to the right to beat Obama in November] "Well, I think you hit a reset button for the fall campaign. Everything changes. It’s almost like an Etch-a-Sketch — you can kind of shake it up, and we start all over again."

http://prospect.org/article/etch-sketch-gambit

http://elections.firedoglake.com/2012/03/21/mitt-romney-as-the-political-etch-a-sketch/

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/03/mitt-romney-as-etch-a-sketch.html
[Jon Chait] There are two problems here. First, he’s giving the game away way too early. . . .

http://www.samefacts.com/2012/03/watching-conservatives/mitt-romney/riddle-me-this-3/
[Mark Kleiman] Q. What’s the difference between Mitt Romney and an Etch-a-Sketch?
A. You don’t have to shake Mitt Romney.

Comedy of errors: http://prospect.org/article/comedy-errors-0

http://prospect.org/article/recycled-jokes
“Ok. A liberal, a moderate and a conservative walk into a bar. And the bartender says...Hello Mitt.”

A gaffe?

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/22/us/politics/jeb-bush-endorses-romney-aide-makes-etch-a-sketch-gaffe.html
Aide Makes ‘Etch A Sketch’ Gaffe

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinsley_gaffe
[Michael Kinsley’s dictum] “A gaffe is when a politician tells the truth - some obvious truth he isn't supposed to say.”

Phony through and through

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2012/03/oy_27.php
Romney himself now says that wasn’t about him shifting his positions. It was about changing the campaign’s org chart as he moves toward the general.

Is this really so hard to understand?

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/03/why-does-america-hate-mitt-romney.html
[Jon Chait] There’s something a little curious about Mitt Romney: Hardly anybody I’ve met really hates him, yet he is, objectively speaking, wildly unpopular. . . Why is this? Why is an essentially bland, scandal-free figure so unpopular? [read on]

Wow, now THAT’s a whopper

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/03/romney-credit-bush-not-obama-for-the-recovery.html
Romney: Credit Bush, Not Obama, for the Recovery

More: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/21/1076536/-Mr-Etch-A-Sketch-credits-Bush-with-saving-economy-praises-bank-bailout

http://crooksandliars.com/kenneth-quinnell/romneys-energy-plan-based-hypocri

There’s an “endorsement” for you

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/21/1076427/-Jeb-Bush-lost-any-hope-that-we-ll-have-anyone-better-endorses-Mitt-Romney-
Former Florida governor Jeb Bush announced his support for Mitt Romney’s presidential bid this morning. . .

“He’s lost any hope that we’ll have anyone better ,” said one senior Republican operative . . .

More: http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/21/10797325-jebs-underwhelming-praise

The end for Rick Santorum?

http://www.salon.com/2012/03/21/what_santorum_can_%E2%80%93_and_can%E2%80%99t_%E2%80%93_do_now/

http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/21/g-o-p-nomination-becoming-a-one-man-race/

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/21/1076612/-Daily-Kos-Elections-Polling-Wrap-Can-Rick-Santorum-still-shake-up-the-electoral-Etch-a-Sketch-

More: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/21/1076480/-Rick-Santorum-crappy-candidate

Healthy debate

http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/03/healthcare-might-be-healthier-shape-we-think
Healthcare Might be in Healthier Shape Than We Think

http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/democrats-woo-women-with-health-care-reform.php
Dems Go All In Touting Health Care Reform To Women

http://fdlaction.firedoglake.com/2012/03/21/how-the-future-of-health-care-could-affect-the-supreme-court/
How the Future of Health Care Could Affect the Supreme Court

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/the-glitch-that-allows-the-supreme-court-to-throw-out-all-of-obamacare.php
The Glitch That Allows The Supreme Court To Throw Out All Of Obamacare

More: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/why-health-law-challengers-face-an-uphill-battle-in-the-supreme-court.php

Bonus item: The kind of people they are

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/20/kyle-tasker-new-hampshire-legislator-gun_n_1367695.html
A Republican member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives who once posted a comment on Facebook about shooting at police officers accidentally dropped one of his guns on the floor at the start of a committee meeting Tuesday morning. . . .

***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.***

MEH

Not the headlines he wanted

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/a-mitt-romney-victory-but-a-long-road-ahead/2012/03/20/gIQAjOtgQS_story.html
A Mitt Romney victory but . . .

http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/on-the-record/2012/03/21/romney-inevitable-momentum-returns-illinois-win-ghost-romneycare-looms
Romney: 'Inevitable' momentum returns with Illinois win but. . .

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303812904577293903516749684.html
Romney Widens Lead, but . . .

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/mitt-romney-won-illinois-so-what/2012/03/20/gIQAOUrRQS_blog.html
Mitt Romney won Illinois. So what?

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/03/romney-grinds-forward-in-illinois.html
Romney Grinds Forward In Illinois

http://elections.firedoglake.com/2012/03/20/is-the-gop-finally-settling-for-mitt-romney/
Is the GOP Finally Settling for Mitt Romney?

More: http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/feelin-blue_634301.html
[Bill Kristol] Watching Mitt Romney's victory speech in Illinois didn't reassure me about his chances against President Obama. (Watch it yourself to see if I'm being unfair.) . . .

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2012/02/08/limbaugh_warns_gop_establishment.html
Limbaugh Warns GOP Establishment

Perfect

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2012/03/20/will_the_real_mitt_romney_please_stand_up.html
Will the Real Mitt Romney Please Stand Up?



The slick Ryan budget roll-out almost makes you think it isn’t really about the budget, but about. . .

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/2chambers/post/how-much-do-paul-ryans-videos-cost/2012/03/20/gIQAZQlLQS_blog.html

[NB: Romney/Ryan?]

But seriously: http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/20/10780200-the-opposite-of-seriousness
The opposite of seriousness

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/paul-ryans-budget-is-not-serious/2012/03/20/gIQAwX4fPS_blog.html
Paul Ryan’s budget is not serious

http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/03/very-non-serious-paul-ryan
The Very Non-Serious Paul Ryan

A closer look at the numbers

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/ryans-tax-plan-62-trillion-short/2011/08/25/gIQAtZS7PS_blog.html
Ryan’s tax plan: $6.2 trillion short

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/tax-expert-paul-ryans-smoke-and-mirrors-budget-would-increase-deficit/2012/03/20/gIQAQ0cyPS_blog.html
Tax expert: Paul Ryan’s ‘smoke and mirrors’ budget would increase deficit

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/what-paul-ryans-budget-actually-cuts--and-by-how-much/2012/03/20/gIQAL43vPS_blog.html
What Paul Ryan’s budget actually cuts — and by how much

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/the-unrealistic-assumptions-behind-paul-ryans-budget-numbers/2011/08/25/gIQAEZrePS_blog.html
The unrealistic assumptions behind Paul Ryan’s budget numbers

CAN’T get their act together

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/gop-conservatives-gripe-about-new-ryan-budget.php
GOP Conservatives Gripe About New Ryan Budget

http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/20/10778002-why-the-house-gop-may-not-love-its-own-budget-plan
Why the House GOP may not love its own budget plan

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/gop-sparks-new-battle-over-agreed-upon-defense-cuts.php
GOP Sparks New Battle Over Agreed-Upon Defense Cuts

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/deja-vu-house-gop-reignites-the-medicare-fight-with-in-budget.php
GOP Reignites The Medicare Fight

http://prospect.org/article/medicare-republicans-continue-be-admirably-foolish
On Medicare, Republicans Continue to Be Admirably Foolish

Saying out loud what we already know

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/feds_florida_early_voting_third_party_registration_laws_may_have_been_passed_with_discriminatory_purpose.php
DOJ: Florida Voting Restrictions May Discriminate Intentionally

Yeah, all those Messicans down there

http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/rick-santorum-says-president-obama-shouldnt-let-daughters-go-to-mexico.php
Rick Santorum: President Obama Shouldn’t Let Daughter Go To Mexico

Bonus item: Calling Dr. Freud. . .

http://lafiga.firedoglake.com/2012/03/20/late-night-gop-candidates-go-phallic-with-code-names/

***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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SELF-DESTRUCTING

They’re doing it to themselves

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/gop-leaders-take-conservative-fire-for-strategy-on-health-care-repeal.php
GOP Leaders Take Conservative Fire For Health Care Repeal Strategy

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/tea-party-cries-foul-on-constitutionality-of-gops-obamacare-repeal-approach.php
Tea Party Questions Constitutionality Of GOP Bill Repealing Medicare Reform Provision

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/dems-to-gop-no-cover-from-us-on-your-new-medicare-privatization-plan.php
Dems To GOP: No Cover From Us On Medicare Privatization Plan

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/paul-ryans-budget-is-bad-politics-just-ask-republicans/2012/03/19/gIQADIIFOS_blog.html
Paul Ryan’s budget is bad politics. Just ask Republicans.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/mccain-gop-needs-to-give-up-on-contraception.php
McCain: GOP Needs To Give Up On Contraception

NYT calls the Liar a liar

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/19/romney-misleads-on-obama-and-energy-prices/

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/19/1075743/-Mitt-Romney-lies-media-continues-to-ignore-it

More: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/19/1075843/-Mitt-Romney-blames-President-Obama-for-Bush-era-law-that-doesn-t-do-what-Romney-claims-it-does

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/19/1075724/-Mitt-Romney-s-proposal-for-Pentagon-spending-is-a-joke-

Sunshine is the best disinfectant

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/romney_super_pac_accepts_legally_dubious_contribut.php
Romney Super PAC Accepts Legally Dubious Contributions From Federal Contractors

More: http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/despite-36-year-ban-political-contrib

The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Obamacare, but may not settle the issue

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/whats-in-a-mandate-why-the-supreme-court-may-take-a-pass-on-obamcare.php
What’s In A Mandate? Why SCOTUS May Take A Pass On ‘Obamacare’ — For Now

More: http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2012_03/judicial_premonitions036149.php

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/the-supreme-courts-health-care-challenge-in-one-chart/2012/03/19/gIQAnTn6MS_blog.html

Neo-nazis and other supremacist groups prepare for war on the US/Mexico border

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/extremists_go_to_war_in_the_arizona_desert.php

More: http://prospect.org/article/are-conservatives-getting-crazier
Are Conservatives Getting Crazier?

31 more advertisers dump Rush

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/19/1075807/-Second-group-of-advertisers-blacklist-Rush-Limbaugh-

Bonus item: the future of journalism

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/03/print-still-slowly-dying-pew-reports.html

http://idealab.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/mobile-devices-spur-more-news-consumption.php

http://firedoglake.com/2012/03/19/late-night-fdl-the-internet-continues-to-kill-journalism/

***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 SUPREMES

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/supreme-court-prepares-to-determine-fate-of-us-health-care-system.php
In one week, the Supreme Court will hear arguments on a legacy-defining case for President Obama as it determines whether a crucial piece of his signature legislative achievement meets constitutional muster. The health care reform law’s path to the high court has underscored a climate of supercharged partisan politics, and the highly anticipated decision expected this summer, in the dead heat of presidential election season, will help determine the trajectory of the nation’s health care system. . . . [read on]

Good-bye!

http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/03/employer-based-health-insurance-going-way-dodo
Employer-Based Health Insurance is Going the Way of the Dodo

Why the budget deal failed

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obamas-evolution-behind-the-failed-grand-bargain-on-the-debt/2012/03/15/gIQAHyyfJS_story.html
[John Boehner] “probably could not deliver a pizza,” was one administration aide’s skeptical assessment. [read on!]

Still fighting for voting rights

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/the_voting_wars_could_get_bloody.php

Liar!

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/david/romney-no-question-obama-wanted-higher-gas-p
Romney: 'No Question' Obama Wanted Higher Gas Prices

Wrong: http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2012_03/the_zombie_lie_that_wont_die_g036128.php

Mr. Fiscal Responsibility spends like drunken sailor

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/03/gop-candidate-spending-per-vote-romney-santorum.html
Romney Spending at Least Four Times As Much Per Vote As Santorum

Fox doesn’t think there’s a war on women – and they demonstrate there is just by saying so

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/fox-news-watch-host-asks-if-war-women-just

Sarah Palin’s party

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/18/1075233/-Sarah-Palin-s-legacy-is-Mitt-Romney-s-problem

More: http://www.americablog.com/2012/03/rick-perlstein-conservatives-have.html

More framing advice for Dems

http://crooksandliars.com/jill-w-klausen/5-words-and-phrases-democrats-shoul
5 Words And Phrases Democrats Should Never Say Again

The plot against Rush

http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2012/03/15/anti-rush-campaign/

In case you missed the Sunday talk shows

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/18/tv-soundoff-sunday-talkin_n_1356758.html

Bonus item: “Game Change” in 43 seconds

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/scarce/hbos-game-change-less-minute

***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.***

BEEFCAKE

Scott Brown (R-MA)

http://www.cosmopolitan.com/celebrity/news/scott-brown-nude-in-cosmo









Willard (Mitt) Romney (R-??)

http://decoded.nationaljournal.com/2012/03/romney-gets-his-own-pecsontheb.php









Rick Santorum (R-PA)

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/03/rick-santorum-shirtless-puerto-rico.html
Rick Santorum Photographed Shirtless During a Campaign Break in Puerto Rico

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2012/03/17/bonus_quote_of_the_day.html
[Santorum] 'I apologize to all of us, because I'm sure it's not a pretty sight."




NO! the GOP isn’t engaged in a war against women’s rights – no, not at all

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/alright-girls-thats-enough.html

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/mary-matalin-pretends-republicans-arent-wag

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/17/1075332/-This-week-in-the-War-on-Women-Who-s-ready-to-go-on-offense-

Broken promises from the Repubs

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/16/1075076/-As-expected-deal-breaking-Republicans-will-take-defense-spending-cuts-off-the-table-in-new-budget
Deal-breaking Republicans will take defense spending cuts off the table

More Bain trouble for Willard

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/17/romney-reacts-to-criticism-over-bain-purchase-in-china/
Romney Brushes Off Criticism Over Bain Purchase in China

Unbearable outrage

http://niles.patch.com/articles/santorum-8aa0e42c
Two men who kissed one another were kicked out of presidential candidate Rick Santorum’s rally Friday evening at Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights.

Santorum was 15 minutes into his speech when the two men shouted and got the attention of the crowd. They exchanged a kiss, prompting guards to eject them and the crowd to chant “U-S-A” while they were leaving the gym. . . .

[NB: I like that – “USA, USA!” Because we are the land of the free and the home of the homophobes. Love it or leave it, boys.]

More: http://crooksandliars.com/diane-sweet/crowd-santorum-rally-horrified-when-tw

Wisconsin GOP loses control of Senate

http://crooksandliars.com/karoli/wisconsin-lawmaker-resigns-ending-gop-major

An outline of Obama’s 2012 campaign?

http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/03/five-big-takeaways-from-obamas-documentary.php

The Sunday talk show line-ups

http://firedoglake.com/2012/03/18/sunday-talking-heads-march-18-2012/
ABC’s This Week: Host: Jonathan Karl. Rick Santorum. Roundtable: George Will, Haley Barbour, Priorities USA co-founder Bill Burton, Washington Post national political reporter Nia-Malika Henderson, and Washington Post columnist and associate editor David Ignatius.

CBS’ Face the Nation: RNC Chair Reince Priebus and senior Obama campaign adviser, David Axelrod. Roundtable: Former Republican National Committee Chairman and Mitt Romney supporter, Ed Gillespie, National Review editor and Time Magazine Columnist, Rich Lowry and CBS News Chief White House correspondent Norah O’Donnell. Online Interview with Romney backer Vin Weber, “Brokered convention would be chaos.”

CNN’s State of the Union: Afghan Ambassador to the United States, Eklil Hakimi. Then, Rick Santorum. Roundtable: former Obama White House Communications Director Anita Dunn and former Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie.

NBC’s Meet the Press: John McCain. Then, George Clooney. Roundtable: Author and Afghanistan War veteran Wes Moore; author of the bestselling book “Where Men Win Glory” about the death of Pat Tillman, Jon Krakauer; Founder and Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Paul Rieckhoff; the Washington Post’s Bob Woodward; and the New York Times’ Helene Cooper.

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