Texas Rep. Pete Olson says the latest jobless numbers are further proof that President Obama’s economic agenda has not worked. Olson also explains why he voted against the Democratic jobs bill in the House this week, what his plan for job creation would be and how the jobs debate is impacting this year’s midterm elections.
No Reason to Cheer Job Numbers
The Labor Department reports 36,000 additional job losses in February while the overall unemployment rate stands at 9.7 percent. Are we still in the economic dumps or is this a sign we are stabilizing and about to grow? What is the unemployment rate when factoring in those who have stopped looking? Why does the current GDP growth suggest the job numbers should be much better? We ask Diana Furchgott-Roth, former chief economist at the Department of Labor.
‘A Horrible Precedent’
Maryland Del. Donald Dwyer is launching an effort to impeach state attorney general Doug Gansler after Gansler unilaterally overturned Maryland law defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Gansler now says Maryland will recognize gay marriages performed elsewhere. So what precedent does this set? What is Dwyer’s plan? How are Democrats protecting Gansler and thwarting Dwyer at every turn? We ask Del. Dwyer.
Glory Paranoia
The Capitol Steps take comedic aim at the town hall and Tea Party protesters and their impact on the health care debate.
The Reconciliation Distraction
With so many people worried about what might get passed through the Senate via reconciliation, Phil Kerpen of Americans for Prosperity says the real fight has nothing to do with that parliamentary tactic. Why is an up-or-down vote in the House the real event that will determine the fate of our health care system? Why would pro-life Democrats be wise not to believe promises their concerns will be dealt with after the House vote? And are we seeing more backroom deals in an effort to win votes?
The News
Levin leapfrogs Stark to become Ways & Means chairman, Rep. Brady says Obama ‘almost obsessed’ with passing big government health plan despite public rejection, abortion fight could still doom Obamacare in House, Bunning explains his fight for fiscal discipline, another scandal strikes NY Dems.
Obama ‘Just Doesn’t Get This’
Texas Rep. Kevin Brady says Democrats don’t have the votes to pass the Senate health plan right now, or they would have passed it already. Brady says President Obama doesn’t understand the reasons the GOP and the public are rejecting his plan and will try to twist as many Democratic arms as possible to finish this debate. Brady also offer his thoughts on Rep. Charlie Rangel’s decision to step down as chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee and on the shuffle to replace Rangel. Brady also explains who has really been running the committee and why that concerns him greatly.
‘Simple Math’ Dooms Obamacare
John Gizzi says despite a final push from President Obama, the Democratic health plan will die in the House of Representatives. He says the abortion language and other flaws will doom the bill. Gizzi also discusses the chaos at the top of the House Ways & Means Committee, and the scandals surrounding two New York Democrats besides Charlie Rangel.
Another Scandal for NY Dems?
While New York Gov. David Paterson watches his grip on power crumble and Rep. Charlie Rangel is forced to step down as Ways & Means Committee chairman over multiple ethics issues, freshman Rep. Eric Massa is also calling it quits. Massa says he has suffered a recurrence of cancer, but a male staffer has alleged that the congressman made unwanted advances toward him. So what do we know for sure? What happens now? And which party – if either – has the ethical high ground in Congress? We talk about it with Susan Ferrechio, Chief Congressional Correspondent for The Washington Examiner.
The Devastation is Immense
Michael Black of World Vision joins us from the Chilean capital of Santiago. How does he describe the damage from Saturday’s massive earthquake? How many people are displaced and in need of the very basics? What is World Vision doing to meet the needs of those impacted by this disaster? And how can you help the relief effort?