Greg Corombos of Radio America and Jim Geraghty are pleasantly surprised to see CNN vigorously challenging the Democratic Super Pac Priorities USA on its ad contending that Mitt Romney’s callousness led to a woman dying of cancer. They’re also stunned to see MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski scolding the Obama campaign for not denouncing the ad. And they groan as Romney spokeswoman Andrea Saul says the woman mentioned in the ad would have had access to medical care if she lived under Romney’s plan in Massachusetts.
Archives for August 2012
Stopping More Solyndras
Since regaining control of the House of Representatives in 2011, Republicans have closely probed the loss of $535 million in taxpayer dollars on the failed green energy firm known as Solyndra. Now the man who chaired most of the Congressional hearings tells us about the report released by Republicans. Florida Rep. Cliff Stearns chairs the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversights and Investigations. Stearns details how taxpayers were supposed to be first in line to get their money back but private investors got their money back while taxpayers got nothing. He also discusses what he sees as the problems with the Energy Department’s loan program that Stearns says tried to pick winners and losers and failed miserably. moreover, Stearns says government should not be trying to artificially control the energy sector. The congressman contends that market forces should be allowed to dictate winners and losers and federal interference needs to be rooted out. As a result, Stearns is sponsoring the ‘No More Solyndras Act’. It would codify that taxpayers are always the first to be reimbursed when a firm receiving taxpayer dollars goes bankrupt. But it would also the type of investments government makes and encourage a market-oriented approach to the energy sector and beyond.
Three Martini Lunch 8/8/12
In a special edition of the Three Martini Lunch, Greg Corombos of Radio America and Jim Geraghty of National Review discuss who they think would be good, bad and crazy running mates for Mitt Romney. They consider the upsides and drawbacks of several names being reported as being under consideration by the Romney campaign.
‘White Girl Bleed A Lot’
One of the least reported and most alarming trends in recent years is the rise of flash mob racial violence that leaves battered victims and results in the media and political figures consistently downplaying the severity of the attacks. That’s the focus of the new book, “White Girl Bleed A Lot,” by acclaimed author Colin Flaherty, who was also speechwriter for the first black head of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Flaherty explains why he decided to document this surge in mob violence and reacts to contentions from black leaders that this violence has always been part of the inner city and is only getting attention now because it is spilling into the wealthier parts of town. Flaherty tells us to what extent the media and city leaders across the country try to avoid or downplay the racial component. He says admitting the facts in these cases would force liberal activists and politicians to admit decades of racial policies have not been successful. Flaherty also explains why he focuses on mob violence by blacks as opposed to other races.
Three Martini Lunch 8/7/12
Greg Corombos of Radio America and Jim Geraghty of National Review are encouraged that President Obama seems to have no vision for a second term other than to raise taxes. They also urge calm among Republicans worried about the lineup of convention speakers. And they wonder about the curious political timing of a Justice Department probe of prominent Republican donor Sheldon Adelson.
Showdown in the Show Me State
On Tuesday, Republicans in Missouri will choose their nominee to face Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill. The tight, three-way race features six-term U.S. Rep Todd Akin, former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman and businessman John Brunner. Rep. Akin joins us to discuss the impact of his time in Congress, as he points to his record as evidence he is a true conservative while his opponents claim 12 years in Washington makes Akin part of the problem. Akin explains why he believes he will win the primary and why he decided not to engage in any negative campaigning. He also describes the fight for the conservative voters, as several Tea Party groups have endorsed Akin while Sarah Palin and others are backing Steelman.
Bloomberg’s Latest Crusade
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has targeted tobacco, salt and large sodas in his pursuit of a healthier population. Now the mayor is targeting a new alleged threat to public health – baby formula. Mayor Bloomberg has decided that breastfeeding is far preferable to formula, so unless new mothers have a medical reason they cannot breastfeed, he wants hospitals to hide the formula and send experts to explain to moms why they need to breastfeed. And dozens of hospitals in the Big Apple are already complying with Bloomberg’s wishes. Cherlyn Harley Lebon of the Project 21 Black Leadership Council says Bloomberg is going way too far this time. She tells us that how to feed a newborn baby is a very personal choice that should be left to the mother. Lebon says this type of push will force women who have just delivered babies to justify their choice of food for their babies and have to negotiate with nurses to get their hands on some formula. She says this is just the latest example of Bloomberg’s “nanny state” approach to his job.
Three Martini Lunch 8/6/12
Greg Corombos of Radio America and Jim Geraghty of National Review are encouraged that Mitt Romney has easily raised more money than President Obama for the third straight month. They also lament the latest spike in gas prices as the average price for regular unleaded reaches $3.60 per gallon. And they comment on Obama political guru David Plouffe reportedly giving speeches for a firm with ties to Iran.
Senate Sinks Law of the Sea Treaty
Adam Ulbricht of Radio America reports on the Republican opposition to the United Nations Law of the Sea Treaty. Thirty four Republican Senators have pledged to oppose the treaty that could add new regulations to American businesses. Critics say the treaty is similar to other cap and trade, redistribution policies. Utah Senator Mike Lee and Jeremy Carl of the hoover Institute weigh in on the issue.
‘That’s Just Not Acceptable’
On Friday, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that a net 163,000 jobs were created in July. That number beat the meager expectations, but the report also says the official unemployment rate is up to 8.3 percent and 195,000 fewer people were working than there were the month before. If seems contradictory, some 150,000 people left the labor force and are not counted in the official unemployment number. Texas Rep. Kevin Brady is chairman of the Joint Economic Committee. He says the numbers are better than the really weak figures we saw in May and June but show no sign of significant growth. Brady also criticizes President Obama for having no new ideas to spur job growth and for bringing back his call for higher taxes on wealthier Americans. Brady says business owners cite federal spending, a weak economy and burdensome regulations as the real reasons they are not hiring. He also worries some that America may accept this sluggish economy as the “new normal”, but Brady says the American people will not accept Obama’s “You lose your job, I keep mine” job plan.