Defenders of the controversial new TSA security screenings and pat-downs say the new intrusive measures are necessary to preserve the security of the traveling public. But Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz, the sponsor of legislation against the new TSA policies that has passed the House, says that is a ‘false choice’. What does he mean by that? What security strategy does he believe would be more effective? And will Congress actually do anything about all of this? We ask Rep. Chaffetz.
Bolton on START, Terror Verdict
President Obama is pressing the U.S. Senate to ratify a new START agreement concerning the levels of the U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals. But former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton says this is a ‘poorly negotiated treaty across a wide range of issues’. So what are his main objections? Why does he see an agreement premised upon fairness as much worse for us than the Russians? And why does he think this deal would only encourage Iran’s nuclear ambitions? Bolton also reacts to Guantanamo detainee and terrorism suspect Ahmed Ghailani being acquitted in civilian court of all but one of 284 charges related to the bombings of U.S. embassies in 1998. Why does Bolton see this as a ‘catastrophe’ for those favoring civilian trials for terror suspects? And what does he think of the Obama administration saying the one conviction shows civilian courts was the right venue? We discuss these two major issues with former Ambassador John Bolton.
Remaining Liberals Like Pelosi
John Gizzi of Human Events explains why Democrats remained loyal to Nancy Pelosi despite massive midterm losses. He also weighs in on a bizarre week for New York Rep. Charlie Rangel, who has now been convicted of 11 ethics violations. And Gizzi offers his predictions on which issues will get addressed in the lame duck session of Congress and how they will be settled.
Three Martini Lunch 11/18/10
Greg Corombos and National Review’s Stephen Spruiell discuss Nancy Pelosi’s bewildering arrogance in the face of historic election losses, the government’s poor showing in trying a terrorist suspect in civilian court and West Virginia Sen. Jay Rockefeller wishing the FCC would shut down FOX News and MSNBC.
DeMint Talks GOP Goals, Lame Duck
Fresh off a resounding win within Republican ranks over earmarks, South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint tells us what we can expect from the larger GOP numbers in the new Congress. Can we really expect major differences in Washington when both parties in both the House and Senate re-elected the same leadership? How will Republicans try to rein in spending? What will they do on health care? What does the Tea Party expect from all of these new members? And how Congress deal with lame duck issues like taxes, immigration, gays in the military and more. Greg Corombos discusses all of these issues and more with Sen. Jim DeMint.
Three Martini Lunch 11/17/10
Welcome to Wednesday’s Three Martini Lunch featuring Radio America’s Greg Corombos and National Review’s Dan Foster filling in for Jim Geraghty. Today, Greg and Dan discuss the gift to conservatives of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid being re-elected as Democratic leaders in the House and Senate, the apparent victory of Lisa Murkowski in the Alaska U.S. Senate race and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood’s call for new technology to prevent the use of cell phones by anyone in a moving vehicle.
Three Martini Lunch 11/16/10
Tuesday’s Three Martini Lunch done in conjunction with National Review. NR’s Stephen Spruiell fills in for Jim Geraghty. Spruiell and Greg Corombos discuss Mitch McConnell’s change of heart on earmarks, the possibility of some bad bills getting passed in the lame duck Congress and Lisa Murkowski suggesting America succeeds when President Obama succeeds.
Joe Miller Updates Senate Fight
The vote counting continues in Alaska, with Lisa Murkowski and Joe Miller locked in a very tight race. What does state law say about what qualifies as a valid write-in vote? What standard did Murkowski allies in the elections division adopt AFTER Election Day? Which side will win in court? Can Miller win if the existing state law is the standard? And how does Miller react to Sen. Murkowski now saying America succeeds if President Obama succeeds? We discuss all of these questions and more with GOP Alaska Senate nominee Joe Miller.
The Three Martini Lunch 11/15/10
Here is Monday’s edition of ‘The Three Martini Lunch’ with Greg Corombos and National Review’s Dan Foster filling in for Jim Geraghty. The martinis today include Charlie Rangel dominating the start of the lame-duck Congress, Republicans sparring over whether to ban earmarks and the intense fight over the new TSA screening methods at America’s airports.
‘It Absolutely Has to Stop’
Airline passengers are vehemently opposed to new TSA screening methods – including very revealing body scans and very invasive pat-downs. But New Jersey State Senator Michael Doherty is among the first to bring forth legislation demanding that Congress rescind tactics that many believe amounts to government-sanctioned groping. What can his legislation accomplish? Can states take action apart from the federal government? What is his advice for passengers? And where does he draw the line between security and privacy? We discuss it all with State Senator Michael Doherty.