April 15, 2013 - Pensito

Rand Rewrites History

April 15, 2013 Buck Banks

At Howard U. Rand Paul waxed rhetorical,
As he explained the GOP’s role historical —
How it freed the blacks
And other pertinent “facts”
That the students deemed lies categorical.

Boston Marathon Explosions: News is Still Unfolding

April 15, 2013April 16, 2013 Trish

Update: This picture of a couple being reunited after the woman apparently completed the Boston Marathon is making the rounds on Twitter. Not sure who to credit for it.

Like you, we are glued to Twitter and to news outlets for more information about the two explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon that took place at about 2:50 p.m. today. Our thoughts are with the injured and the loved ones of the reported two dead.

Obama Explains Politics 101

April 15, 2013 Buck Banks

Here’s a general rule. You don’t put stuff on your head if you’re president. That’s politics 101. You never look good wearing something on your head.

— President Obama, after two Navy football players presented him with a helmet. USA Today reports someone in the crowd at the ceremony shouted “put it on.” But he refused, then explained why.

A Quarter of Republican Senators Favored the Assault-Weapon Ban in 1993

April 15, 2013 Buck Banks

10

Number of Republican senators who voted for the assault-weapons ban in 1993 — nearly a quarter of their caucus — according to Peter Beinhart of the Daily Beast. Today, by contrast, not a single Republican senator supports such a ban.

George W. Bush on His Art

April 15, 2013 Buck Banks

People are surprised. Of course, some people are surprised I can even read.

— George W. Bush, talking to the Dallas Morning News about his painting.

Can Marco Rubio Stand National Scrutiny?

April 15, 2013 Buck Banks

The enduring notion that the ‘Republican savior’ may have feet of clay has followed him since his arrival on the national stage three years ago. It’s been a subject of gossip among the chattering Miami politicos at The Biltmore, a talking point pushed by bloodthirsty Democrats eager to stop his ascent, and a constant source of frustration in the Senator’s orbit. … Rubio is just 41, but he has already served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. And his quick rise to national stardom, along with his long, varied career in state politics, well-known financial troubles, and ties to an embattled former congressman have combined to prompt many in the political class — including some of his most enthusiastic boosters — to speculate that the Senator’s pristine political brand will collapse under the weight of national scrutiny.

Day: April 15, 2013

Rand Rewrites History

Boston Marathon Explosions: News is Still Unfolding

Obama Explains Politics 101

Here’s a general rule. You don’t put stuff on your head if you’re president. That’s politics 101. You never look good wearing something on your head.

— President Obama, after two Navy football players presented him with a helmet. USA Today reports someone in the crowd at the ceremony shouted “put it on.” But he refused, then explained why.

A Quarter of Republican Senators Favored the Assault-Weapon Ban in 1993

10

Number of Republican senators who voted for the assault-weapons ban in 1993 — nearly a quarter of their caucus — according to Peter Beinhart of the Daily Beast. Today, by contrast, not a single Republican senator supports such a ban.

George W. Bush on His Art

People are surprised. Of course, some people are surprised I can even read.

— George W. Bush, talking to the Dallas Morning News about his painting.

Can Marco Rubio Stand National Scrutiny?

— McKay Coppins, writing on Buzzfeed.

Poetic Justice

Verbatim

“The man is afraid of the voice of the people and that the people understand and know what he’s doing. He’s trying to stifle the ability of journalists to let the people of America know what’s really going on with their government.”

— “Kamala Harris called President Donald Trump’s ban of CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House ‘absolutely abhorrent,’” The Wrap reports.

“Not one of them is trained in technical skills. Not one research PhD, as opposed to China, where half the cabinet is science and technology PhDs. We’re led by grifters and fools.”

— Columbia professor Jeffrey Sachs, on X, on President Trump’s 35-person cabinet.

“Mr. President, some of your immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far… The same Hispanics who helped you get to the White House in 2024 feel betrayed today.”

— Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), breaking with President Trump in a direct-to-camera video.

Numerati

1,000

10%

“The unprecedented spate of mid-decade redistricting for the U.S. House has changed the congressional districts for one-tenth of Americans and significantly altered the makeup of at least one-fifth of districts, according to a new study,” the Associated Press reports.

71%

A new Fox News Poll finds 71% of voters think the Trump administration lacks a clear strategy for ending the Iran War, including 95% of Democrats, 83% of independents, and 43% of Republicans. Sixty percent say U.S. military action against Iran was the wrong decision, while just 37% say it was right.

$9.5 billion

“The Trump administration last year spent $9.5 billion on paid administrative leave for federal workers as part of its plan to shrink the government and save taxpayers money, according to a new estimate by a congressional watchdog,” CNN reports.

470

Reuters has documented at least 470 targets of retribution under Trump’s leadership – from federal employees and prosecutors to universities and media outlets. The list illuminates the sweeping effort by the president and his administration to punish dissent and reshape the government.