House passes Dem spending plan, Rangel offers passionate appeal for justice and vows to stay in office, former Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens killed.
The News
Archives for August 2010
Primary Previews, Stevens Dies
University of Virginia political scientist Larry Sabato dissects today’s key primaries in Colorado, Connecticut and Minnesota. Are Republicans poised to gain or keep seats in these states, or are Democrats holding on strong? Can the GOP really win in Connecticut? And how might the problems of Republicans in the Colorado governor’s race spill over into the U.S. Senate race? Sabato also discusses the legacy of former longtime Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, who died in a plane crash in his home state.
Islam Must be Defeated
In condemning the murders of 10 medical missionaries in Afghanistan, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said “terrorism has no religion”. Is she right or is the Obama administration badly damaging the war effort by failing to properly understand and identify our enemy? What do we need to understand about what Islam really aims to achieve? And how must it be confronted? We ask Jed Babbin, deputy undersecretary of defense under President George H.W. Bush.
Dem Jobs Bill ‘Pure Fantasy’
The House of Representatives is in a special session today to consider a $26 billion Democratic bill designed to ship emergency aid to the states in order to save the jobs of teachers and public safety employees. So is this a good idea? How are Democrats paying for this spending? And why could this actually lead to the loss of jobs? We talk about it with Texas Rep. Michael Burgess, and we get his thoughts on Rep. Charlie Rangel’s floor speech regarding his 13 ethics charges.
The News
Secretary of State Clinton blasts Taliban for murders of medical missionaries, Pentagon calls for close of major military command in Virginia, House to take up jobs bill, California Rep. Maxine Waters facing ethics charges.
Much Activity, Little Impact
The government will be back in action on the economy this week. Democrats in Congress are pushing their latest version of a jobs bill – this one with a $26 billion price tag. And the Federal Reserve appears poised to declare a more negative condition of the economy. But what if anything should it do to help spur economic growth? We discuss it all with Rea Hederman, assistant director of the Center for Data Analysis at the Heritage Foundation here in Washington.
New Ethical Mess for House Dems
Just days after New York Rep. Charlie Rangel was slapped with 13 ethics charges, another longtime House Democrat is facing charges from her own colleagues. What are the accusations against California Rep. Maxine Waters? What is her defense? How could this become another midterm campaign headache? And are House Democratic leaders looking to avoid a public trial for Waters as much as they’re hoping to strike a deal for Rangel? We ask Susan Ferrechio, chief Congressional correspondent for The Examiner.
Health Care Votes in Crosshairs
In March, several supposedly pro-life Democrats voted for the health care bill, which includes the use of tax dollars to pay for abortions. Now the Susan B. Anthony List is reminding the constituents of six of those members in a 23-city tour over six days. So what is their message to voters in these key states and districts? How big of a difference will abortion be in this year’s midterm elections? We ask former Colorado Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, who is now program director of the SBA List’s “Votes Have Consequences” tour.