2013 - Page 24 of 106

I Really Want to Buy Into This Slate Pitch, But …

September 25, 2013September 25, 2013 Buck Banks

I’m not sure I can swallow the assertion that Barack Obama is the shrewdest political tactician since LBJ, but David Corn does make a compelling case, and I really do want to believe that all this time Obama knew exactly what he was doing on Syria, Putin and the debt showdown.

I suppose he’s just being Lincoln-esque. Again …

Do you buy the pitch?

Dry Tortugas?

September 24, 2013September 25, 2013 Trish

I want Mitch McConnell to read “Yertle the Turtle.”

Pensito Review’s own Jon Ponder, reacting on Facebook to Sen. Ted Cruz’s reading of the Dr. Suess classic, “Green Eggs and Ham.” Another FB friend dubbed the C-Span broadcast, “Tea Party porn.”

Sen. Cruz Reads ‘Green Eggs and Ham’ on Senate Floor

September 24, 2013September 24, 2013 Jon Ponder

As a headline at the National Journal put it, “Ted Cruz Is Talking Until He Can’t Stand Anymore.” The lowest point in his fake filibuster came when he compared his opponents, including fellow Republicans, to Nazi appeasers. But the most telling moment — the moment that will be repeated in comedy sketches and campaign ads against him for years to come — was his dramatic reading of “Green Eggs and Ham,” by Dr. Suess. Enjoy!

What It Takes to Be a Republican These Days

September 24, 2013September 25, 2013 Buck Banks

“Here’s a clue people and Courier editorial staff: Will McAvoy is a fictional character on HBO’s ‘The Newsroom’ series. The GOP Requirements letter is a direct quote from Sunday night’s episode. As a former Republican I tend to agree with the script.”
— Louisville Courier-Journal reader Mike Hammond

GOP Playing Russian Roulette in Debt Ceiling Debate

September 24, 2013 Buck Banks

An approach to the debt ceiling that says one will not vote for its extension unless ObamaCare is defunded is the political equivalent of playing Russian roulette with all the chambers of the gun loaded. It is the ultimate no-win strategy.

— Former Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH), writing for The Hill.

One Trader Lost Big Betting On Romney Near End of 2012 Campaign

September 24, 2013 Buck Banks

$4 million to $7 million

Amount that a single trader lost in the final weeks of the 2012 election placing 1.2 million Intrade bets on Mitt Romney, according to a new academic paper examining presidential betting — perhaps to “make the Republican nominee’s chance of victory appear brighter,” the Wall Street Journal reports.

A Majority Believes the Federal Government Has Too Much Power

September 24, 2013 Buck Banks

60%

Of Americans believe the federal government has too much power — a record high — while 32% now say the government has the right amount of power, a new Gallup poll finds.

Bush Says It’s OK for Obama to Golf

September 24, 2013 Buck Banks

I think he ought to play golf… Because I know what it’s like to be in the bubble. And I know the pressures of the job. And to be able to get outside and play golf with some of your pals is important for the president. It does give you an outlet.

— Former President George W. Bush, telling the Golf Channel that President Obama should not be criticized for playing golf.

The Clintons Don’t Discuss Politics

September 24, 2013 Buck Banks

We’re not nearly as political as everyone thinks we are. We don’t sit around all the time talking about this. We swim in the late afternoon every day. And if either one of us even mentions a political topic we will stop the other one and just talk about the weather or whatever.

— Bill Clinton, in an interview on PBS, about life with Hillary Clinton.

Home Prices Rising, Mostly

September 24, 2013 Trish

7.1%

The rate at which home prices have risen over the past quarter, but not all markets are doing well. “Walkable urban” is hot, while “drivable suburban” lags. Overbuilding in the latter category was largely responsible for the recent mortgage meltdown.

I want Mitch McConnell to read “Yertle the Turtle.”

Pensito Review’s own Jon Ponder, reacting on Facebook to Sen. Ted Cruz’s reading of the Dr. Suess classic, “Green Eggs and Ham.” Another FB friend dubbed the C-Span broadcast, “Tea Party porn.”

An approach to the debt ceiling that says one will not vote for its extension unless ObamaCare is defunded is the political equivalent of playing Russian roulette with all the chambers of the gun loaded. It is the ultimate no-win strategy.

— Former Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH), writing for The Hill.

$4 million to $7 million

60%

Of Americans believe the federal government has too much power — a record high — while 32% now say the government has the right amount of power, a new Gallup poll finds.

I think he ought to play golf… Because I know what it’s like to be in the bubble. And I know the pressures of the job. And to be able to get outside and play golf with some of your pals is important for the president. It does give you an outlet.

— Former President George W. Bush, telling the Golf Channel that President Obama should not be criticized for playing golf.

We’re not nearly as political as everyone thinks we are. We don’t sit around all the time talking about this. We swim in the late afternoon every day. And if either one of us even mentions a political topic we will stop the other one and just talk about the weather or whatever.

— Bill Clinton, in an interview on PBS, about life with Hillary Clinton.

7.1%

The rate at which home prices have risen over the past quarter, but not all markets are doing well. “Walkable urban” is hot, while “drivable suburban” lags. Overbuilding in the latter category was largely responsible for the recent mortgage meltdown.

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%

$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.