INQUIRING MINDS

Darrell Issa leaks an email that inadvertently HELPS the White House case on Benghazi

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/issas-latest-benghazi-stunt-backfires 

Why is Guantanamo still open? 

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/why-guantanamo-remains-open

The VA blame game

http://prospect.org/article/daily-meme-whos-blame-va-crisis
Who's to Blame for the V.A. Crisis?

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2014/05/obamacare-ruined-va-or-something.html 

More: http://www.vox.com/2014/5/22/5739714/the-va-scandal-explained
 

The crazies in the Republican party

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/and-this-didnt-sound-crazy-because-what

More: http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/bad-worse-mississippi

Koch addiction

http://www.salon.com/2014/05/22/koch_brothers_detroit_abomination_stunning_avarice_and_cruelty_reaches_new_low/
Koch brothers’ Detroit abomination: Stunning avarice and cruelty reaches new low 

The kind of people they are

http://crooksandliars.com/2014/05/allen-west-doubts-legless-tammy-duckworths
Allen West Doubts 'Legless' Tammy Duckworth's 'Loyalty' To America

More: http://crooksandliars.com/2014/05/elijah-cummings-says-allen-west-should-be

Lazy . . . and shiftless too

http://crooksandliars.com/2014/05/sarah-palin-uses-problems-va-excuse-call
 

Bonus item: What liberals and conservatives think is funny

http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2014/05/what-makes-conservatives-laugh.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.***

VETERANS AFFAIRS

A real scandal 

http://wonkwire.rollcall.com/2014/05/21/veterans-affairs-debacle-authentic-scandal/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/05/21/a-guide-to-the-va-and-the-scandals-engulfing-it/?wprss=rss_politics&clsrd 

More: http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/first-read/obama-faces-feeding-frenzy-over-va-scandal-n110916

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/05/21/obama-let-the-va-scandal-become-a-political-circus.html 

http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2014/05/va  

The Dems decide to appoint members to the Benghazi panel

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/22/us/politics/bucking-deputies-pelosi-picks-5-democrats-for-benghazi-panel.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Representative Nancy Pelosi of California on Wednesday appointed a full slate of senior House Democrats to a special committee investigating the 2012 attack on the diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, surprising some in her party by giving legitimacy to an inquiry many had dismissed as a political stunt. . . . 

The Tea Party "gimmick" 

http://www.salon.com/2014/05/22/tea_party_gimmick_gets_exposed_why_it_was_always_a_tool_of_the_republicans/

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/05/rich-the-goptea-party-merger-is-complete.html

http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2014/05/tea-party-dead-long-live-tea-party 

Your daily Christie 

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/21/nyregion/ex-aide-tells-of-tabs-kept-on-mayor-of-fort-lee.html?_r=0
The administration of Gov. Chris Christie worked to cultivate Fort Lee’s mayor for at least a year and a half before lanes were closed at the George Washington Bridge in an act of political retribution, according to testimony from a former aide to the governor on Tuesday.  

The description of the efforts to woo the mayor seemed to run contrary to the governor’s statement after the lane closings exploded into a scandal in January that Mayor Mark Sokolich had never been on his “radar screen. . . . 

Koch addiction 

http://crooksandliars.com/2014/05/koch-brothers-exposed-damning-indictment 

The Grand Old Party 

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2014/05/its-not-your-imagination-republicans.html
It's not your imagination. Republicans are becoming more racist

More: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/05/22/the-roots-of-the-gop-s-race-problem.html

GOPer: the Common Core will make kids gay

http://americablog.com/2014/05/florida-republican-says-standardized-tests-make-gay.html

http://www.politifact.com/florida/statements/2014/may/20/charles-van-zant/common-core-testing-homosexual-possibly-can/

More on the Common Core: http://www.vox.com/2014/5/22/5739434/why-a-florida-lawmaker-thinks-common-core-tests-will-make-kids-gay

The problem with gerrymandering

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/05/21/what-60-years-of-political-gerrymandering-looks-like/

NRO: Women 'taught to believe they were raped'

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/05/21/1300880/-National-Review-Online-contributor-Women-are-being-taught-to-believe-they-were-raped

More: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/cafe/what-s-really-happening-with-rape-isn-t-brainwashing

Bonus item: Clean jeans?

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/05/21/levi-s-ceo-chip-bergh-hasn-t-washed-his-jeans-in-a-year-and-that-s-perfectly-fine.html
On Tuesday, Chip Bergh, CEO of American denim pioneer Levi Strauss & Co. admitted that the jeans he was wearing while speaking at Fortune’s ‘Brainstorm Green’ conference hadn’t been washed since he purchased them over a year ago. . . .

http://www.vox.com/2014/5/21/5738014/sorry-levis-you-cant-clean-your-jeans-by-freezing-them
Sorry, Levi's: you can't clean your jeans by freezing them

***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.***

VETTING PROCESS

The shocking, shameful backlog of cases at the VA

http://tinyurl.com/np4gf3c

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/as-outrage-over-va-allegatons-grows-obama-and-aides-scramble-to-respond/2014/05/19/2b01ed3c-df71-11e3-810f-764fe508b82d_story.html?wprss=rss_politics
 
Jon Stewart: http://www.vox.com/2014/5/20/5735182/if-youre-not-angry-about-the-va-scandal-jon-stewart-will-fix-that

In Fox World: http://crooksandliars.com/2014/05/foxs-krauthammer-uses-va-scandal-push

That's what we've been saying

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014/05/20/boehner-theres-not-that-big-a-difference-between-tea-party-and-gop/?wprss=rss_politics&clsrd
Boehner: ‘There’s not that big a difference’ between tea party and GOP

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/dust-settles-theres-not-big

More: http://www.salon.com/2014/05/21/gop_establishment_is_officially_dead_the_real_lesson_of_tuesday_nights_primaries/

http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/206747-tea-party-takes-another-hit

Turn back the calendars

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/ted-yoho-voting-property-owners
GOPer Suggested Voting Should Be Limited To Property Owners

Koch addiction

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/05/20/17-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-koch-brothers/?wprss=rss_politics&clsrd
17 things you didn’t know about the Koch brothers

More: http://www.salon.com/2014/05/21/11_things_the_koch_brothers_dont_want_you_to_know_partner/

http://prospect.org/article/brothers-koch-family-drama-and-disdain-democracy 
 

In case there is any doubt that the GOPers are politicizing Benghazi

http://crooksandliars.com/2014/05/amendment-authorizing-war-over-benghazi

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/05/20/1300668/-The-GOP-s-Benghazi-Groundhog-nbsp-Day-nbsp-continues

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/05/20/1300752/-Hooray-C-SPAN-GOP-s-new-Benghazi-committee-adopts-rules-to-allow-members-to-ask-longer-questions

Bonus item: Why you should eat at Chipotle

http://www.vox.com/2014/5/20/5734184/chipotle-leave-the-gun-at-home-next-time-you-want-a-burrito

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/05/20/1300732/-Chipotle-asks-customers-to-not-wave-guns-around-their-stores-causing-gun-nuts-to-threaten-boycott

Extra bonus item: The way we work

http://www.vox.com/2014/5/20/5731692/the-surprising-history-of-the-cubicle-and-the-rest-of-the-modern
The surprising history of the cubicle and the rest of the modern office

***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.***

BRAIN SURGERY

The GOP's mindless outreach strategy

http://tinyurl.com/p4wrj6h
GOP’s new strategy to win over black voters: Fight with black journalists

Mitch McConnell's brain dead campaign

http://crooksandliars.com/2014/05/mitch-mcconnell-stumbling-towards
The National Journal details the fall of Mitch McConnell, the man who desperately wants to be senate majority leader but probably won't be . . . 

Conspiracy politics

http://www.vox.com/2014/5/19/5731464/how-conspiracy-theories-explain-political-parties

Progressive dementia in Mississippi

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/mississippi-senate-race-reaches-new-low
“Politics ain’t beanbag” is a tiresome cliche, but it persists because those involved in campaigns recognize how ugly fights for public office can become. Voters, candidates, staffers, and journalists have come to realize that election seasons often bring out the worst in people, and everyone adjusts their expectations accordingly.   

But once in a great while, a campaign hits the bottom of the barrel, drills a hole, and goes even lower. Take the recent developments in Mississippi, for example . . .

Rush Limbaugh's "logic"

http://www.salon.com/2014/05/19/rush_limbaugh_says_obama_is_like_lenin_stalin_hitler_and_castro/
Rush Limbaugh says Obama is like Lenin, Stalin, Hitler and Castro 

More: http://www.salon.com/2014/05/19/9_worst_right_wing_moments_of_the_week%C2%A0limbaughs_disgusting_bringbackourgirls_comments_partner/

Karl Rove scrapes bottom

http://www.salon.com/2014/05/19/karl_rove_digs_himself_deeper_how_former_gop_savior_became_damaged_goods/

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/karl-rove-starts-the-wrong-conversation

Good news on marriage equality

Oregon: http://americablog.com/2014/05/oregon-becomes-18th-state-legalize-gay-marriage-weddings-already-begun.html

Utah: http://www.vox.com/2014/5/19/5732444/court-orders-utah-to-recognize-same-sex-marriages
 

Bonus item: An expert on brain damage?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014/05/19/sarah-palin-mocks-media-liberals-over-hillary-clinton-health-questions/?wprss=rss_politics&clsrd

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/05/palin-mocks-dems-hypocrisy-on-hillarys-brain.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.***

OPEN SEASON

It's all-out Hillary attack season, from the left and right

Karl Rove: http://crooksandliars.com/2014/05/rove-stuns-fox-news-panel-continuing-push
Rove Stuns Fox News Panel By Continuing To Push Hillary's 'Brain Injury' 

http://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/politicsnow/la-pn-hillary-clinton-health-republicans-20140518-story.html
Republicans say comments on Hillary Clinton's health are 'fair game' 

RNC head Reince Priebus: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014/05/18/rnc-chairman-priebus-hillary-clinton-trying-to-sweep-benghazi-under-the-rug/?wprss=rss_politics&clsrd
RNC Chairman Priebus: Hillary Clinton trying to ‘sweep Benghazi under the rug’

More: http://crooksandliars.com/2014/05/reince-priebus-full-frontal-hillary

Dick Cheney: http://crooksandliars.com/2014/05/dick-cheney-hillary-should-be-held
Dick Cheney: Hillary Should Be 'Held Accountable' For Benghazi Terror Attacks

And from the left: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/05/18/1299770/-Glenn-Greenwald-s-blind-spot-on-racism-and-sexism
[Glenn Greenwald] Hillary is banal, corrupted, drained of vibrancy and passion. I mean, she's been around forever, the Clinton circle. She's a fucking hawk and like a neocon, practically. She's surrounded by all these sleazy money types who are just corrupting everything everywhere. But she's going to be the first female president, and women in America are going to be completely invested in her candidacy. Opposition to her is going to be depicted as misogynistic, like opposition to Obama has been depicted as racist. It's going to be this completely symbolic messaging that's going to overshadow the fact that she'll do nothing but continue everything in pursuit of her own power. They'll probably have a gay person after Hillary who's just going to do the same thing. 

In case you missed the Sunday talk shows -- all about Hillary

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/05/19/the-sunday-shows-this-week-were-all-about-hillary-clinton-hillary-clinton-and-hillary-clinton-they-will-probably-be-about-hillary-clinton-next-week-too/?wprss=rss_politics&clsrd

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/05/18/the-sunday-shows-were-all-about-hillary-clinton-watch-these-clips-and-get-caught-up/?wprss=rss_politics&clsrd

Koch addiction

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2014_05/the_omen050400.php

Bonus item: The dumbest man on television?

http://crooksandliars.com/2014/05/tucker-carlson-its-racist-attack-point-out
Tucker Carlson: It's A 'Racist Attack' To Point Out My 'White Privilege'

***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.***

INEQUALITIES

Still lots of work to do

http://tinyurl.com/mlwcbo8
Income inequality is the hot topic of conversation in left-leaning circles right now, and for good reason. . 

http://www.vox.com/2014/5/17/5725190/racial-segregregation-60-years-after-brown-v-board
How racial inequality in education persists 60 years after Brown v. Board of Education

http://fdlbooksalon.com/2014/05/17/fdl-book-salon-welcomes-june-carbone-and-naomi-cahn/
How Inequality Is Remaking the American Family

Koch addiction

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2014/05/must-read-o-day-koch-history.html

Rising star of the Dems?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/05/17/what-you-need-to-know-about-julian-castro-the-potential-next-head-of-hud/ 

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/18/us/politics/san-antonio-mayor-to-lead-hud.html

Couldn't happen to a nicer guy

http://crooksandliars.com/2014/05/dinesh-d-souza-loses-dismissal-motion-will
Dinesh D'Souza

Okay, so now we know what WASN'T the issue in her firing. So . . .

http://www.vox.com/2014/5/17/5727270/new-york-times-addresses-gender-question-in-abramson-firing
In Abramson firing, Times says gender not an issue

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/05/sulzberger-denies-abramson-was-fired-over-pay.html
Arthur Sulzberger Again Denies That Jill Abramson Was Fired Over Salary Complaints

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/05/18/the-hypocrisy-behind-the-new-york-times-s-abrupt-decapitation-of-jill-abramson.html
It’s sad and sickening to see The New York Times stoop to the kind of obfuscation and evasiveness it usually calls out in others.

How Fox World has made the racial divide worse

http://www.salon.com/2014/05/17/fox_news_divisive_race_strategy_how_oreilly_hannity_and_coulter_intentionally_tore_america_apart/

The Sunday talk show line-ups

http://my.firedoglake.com/elliott/2014/05/17/sunday-talking-heads-may-18-2014/
ABC’S THIS WEEK: Roundtable: Bill Kristol, Peggy Noonan, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), Jennifer Granholm. Privacy with Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and Berin Szoka, the president of Tech Freedom. Then, campus sexual assault epidemic with TIME’s Eliza Gray and University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto. Finally, A Tribute to Barbara Walters.  

CBS’ FACE THE NATION: Major Garrett interviews White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough on the VA scandal. Then, Dan Dellinger of the The American Legion. The 9/11 memorial with former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg and other lawmakers. Next up is former Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. Then Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ), who Bob “spoke with Thursday at the Peter G. Peterson Foundation’s 2014 Fiscal Summit. We’ll bring you the best segments of that interview with the governor, who continues to remain a star of the Republican Party and possible presidential contender.” Roundtable: Jackie Calmes, Jerry Seib, Katrina vanden Heuvel, John Dickerson.  

CNN’S STATE OF THE UNION: Sixty years after the historic Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court, a discussion with Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. Senate Intelligence Committee chair Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) on surveillance. Roundtable: Anita Dunn, Newt Gingrich, Amy Walter. Finally, California Governor Jerry Brown.

MOYERS & COMPANY: The War on Climate Scientists. In part two of his interview, scientist David Suzuki says there’s still hope for the planet, despite the obstruction and greed of politicians and corporations.  

NBC’S MEET THE PRESS: VA scandal with Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), “an Air National Guard pilot and Iraq war veteran who has lambasted the VA and called for staffers to be jailed, specifically those involved with allegations in Phoenix that 40 veterans died awaiting treatment.” Pete Williams interviews Glenn Greenwald. Then, RNC Chair Reince Priebus and Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) on discuss Karl Rove’s recent comments on Hillary Clinton’s health.

Bonus item: 50 Things the Working Poor Never Say

http://my.firedoglake.com/davidcox/2014/05/17/50-things-the-working-poor-never-say/

***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.***

IDAHO

Scenes from the wackiest primary debate in the country

http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2014/05/idaho_governor_debate_video_biker_harley_brown.html

http://www.salon.com/2014/05/16/that_viral_idaho_debate_was_not_the_best_ever/ 

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/05/16/idaho-s-freakshow-debate.html

Video: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/republican-primary-candidates-idaho-governor-reveal-bizarre-views-article-1.1794585

GOP conservatives are very unhappy that they haven't turned their party right-wing ENOUGH

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/05/16/1299847/-If-conservatives-don-t-control-the-GOP-s-agenda-then-who-does
 
http://www.salon.com/2014/05/16/conservatives_huddle_to_recommit_to_their_own_imagined_victimization/

A party that can't govern

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/senate-gop-filibusters-tax-cut-bill-it
Senate GOP filibusters tax-cut bill it supports

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/fight-looming-military-immigration-measure-23750966
House Republican leaders intervened Friday to prevent a vote on immigration legislation, dealing a severe blow to election-year efforts to overhaul the dysfunctional system. . . .

Problems at the VA

http://www.vox.com/2014/5/14/5714574/what-the-hell-is-happening-at-the-va/in/5488789

More: http://www.vox.com/2014/5/16/5724748/what-the-hell-is-happening-at-the-va-storystream

The new way of war: the problem with drones

http://www.vox.com/2014/5/16/5720196/15-funsettling-facts-about-drones

An election in India - and why it matters

http://www.vox.com/2014/5/16/5723394/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-narendra-modi-indias-next-leader

http://www.newrepublic.com/article/117783/narendra-modis-election-and-future-india

http://www.vox.com/2014/5/16/5723664/indias-election-in-one-stunning-map

MERS (yikes!)

http://www.vox.com/2014/5/16/5721150/mers-camels-viruses-sars

Koch addiction

http://crooksandliars.com/2014/05/david-brock-painting-target-koch-brothers

The kind of people they are

http://crooksandliars.com/2014/05/new-hampshire-town-s-residents-want-police
Wolfeboro, NH police commissioner Robert Copeland (pictured in the pink shirt) admits he used the word while dining in a restaurant and says, “‘I do not apologize — he meets and exceeds my criteria for such.’ . . .

Fox World's deceptive editing

http://mediamatters.org/research/2014/05/15/foxs-the-five-smears-obama-with-deceptively-edi/199328
 

Bonus item: Right-wing myths are totally unresponsive to the facts

http://www.salon.com/2014/05/16/5_conservatives_delusions_that_are_getting_more_insane_every_day_partner/

More: http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/the-anti-science-party
 

***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.***

CARE

Is Medicare the issue Dems can use to win in the Fall?

http://www.vox.com/2014/5/15/5717258/can-medicare-save-this-southern-democrats-career

More: http://on.msnbc.com/1nQcp7x

Now the House has TWO Benghazi committees

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/05/15/1299634/-Darrell-Issa-to-Republican-base-Hey-don-t-forget-about-me

Condi Rice weighs in: http://crooksandliars.com/2014/05/queen-embassy-attacks-condi-rice-has

The Dems' plan C: http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/the-dems-possible-plan-c-the-republicans

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2014/05/15/so-republicans-want-a-benghazi-freak-show-give-them-a-freak-show/
So Republicans want a #Benghazi freak show? Give them a freak show

Is Obama winning on Ukraine?

http://www.vox.com/2014/5/16/5717674/obamas-plan-to-let-putin-hang-himself-is-working 

Trouble for Chris Christie

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/stepien-christie-bridgegate-plans

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/05/15/1299580/-Former-aide-claims-key-part-of-Christie-s-bridgegate-spin-is-untrue

Koch addiction

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/05/15/1299577/-Liberal-group-launches-Koch-nbsp-project

Losing net neutrality: this time, it's real

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/05/15/1299587/-FCC-moves-forward-with-rule-gutting-net-neutrality

Gerrymandering is a political plague

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/05/15/americas-most-gerrymandered-congressional-districts/

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2014_05/meandering_manders_a_gop_speci050361.php

Fox World systematically misinforms everyone

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/adventures-fox-news-polling-part-vi

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/05/15/1299593/-In-fine-Politburo-tradition-Fox-News-tries-to-skew-reality-and-fails

http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2014/05/fox-news-really-needs-its-push-polling-game
 

Bonus item: Get-out-the-vote, in Denmark

http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2014/05/14/this_is_the_greatest_get_out_the_vote_video_ever_made

***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.***

BRAIN DAMAGE

Please tell me this isn't going to become the next version of "Release your birth certificate!"

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/fox-guest-hillary-clinton-should-release-health-records-end-speculation
Fox Guest: Hillary Could End Health Speculation By Releasing Her Records

A tale of two parties

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/15/upshot/democrats-are-unified-gop-is-unified-only-in-opposing-obama.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Democrats Are Unified; G.O.P. Is Unified Only in Opposing Obama

The Repubs just can't figure out what to do on immigration and the minimum wage

http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/first-read/political-bomb-amnesty-looms-large-gop-primary-fights-n105121

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2014_05/the_bigger_political_problem_b050343.php

What's going on with Nigeria and Boko Haram?

http://www.vox.com/2014/5/14/5713604/9-questions-about-nigeria-you-were-too-embarrassed-to-ask

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/05/14/how-nigeria-s-stupidly-brutal-cops-botch-the-hunt-for-boko-haram.html

Your (almost) daily Christie

http://news.firedoglake.com/2014/05/14/bridgegate-testimony-of-governor-christies-press-chief-raises-more-questions/
Whether it was previously disclosed or not, that testimony under oath makes it clear that Governor Christie misled the public in his December 13th presser regarding his claims that he had no knowledge of any of his staff being involved in what would become known as Bridgegate. Christie had previously mocked members of the press for suggesting otherwise.  

Drewniak’s testimony also blew a hole in another claim Governor Christie made at his December 13 presser – that Bill Baroni and David Wildstein were not pushed out but had always planned to step down at that time. Drewniak testified that he knew previous to the press conference that Wildstein and Baroni were going to be “Asked to leave.” . . .

An Obama court nominee is being blocked by Democrats -- and you can see why

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/05/14/1299361/-With-Reid-saying-he-s-a-no-vote-Michael-Boggs-s-federal-court-nomination-appears-to-be-in-trouble

Theocracy watch

http://www.creators.com/opinion/jill-lawrence/republican-science-rejection-syndrome-is-hurting-all-of-us-.html
Republican Science-Rejection Syndrome Is Hurting All of Us 

News you can use

http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2014/05/how-to-win-your-next-political-argument.html
How to Win Your Next Political Argument

Bonus item: The decline and fall of a "boy genius"

http://tinyurl.com/n26z8w9

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/05/15/karl-rove-may-be-evil-but-he-s-no-genius.html

Jon Stewart: http://theweek.com/speedreads/index/261532/speedreads-jon-stewart-turns-the-tables-on-karl-rove-for-his-hillary-clinton-conspiracy

***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.***