So are voters ready to vote out dozens of Democrats or are they gunning for every incumbent in a remotely competitive district, regardless of party? Longtime USA TODAY White House Correspondent Richard Benedetto says the public is very anti-Washington right now. He says they are tired of the gridlock and many of the proposed solutions to serious problems. So how will incumbents campaign? Will Democrats be able to keep seats in districts where an unpopular incumbent is retiring? Will we see many more retirements before the primary season arrives?
Hole in the Ozone
Washington has taken a beating from winter weather over the past week and so has the global warming movement and its leading spokesman, Al Gore. One GOP senator even built an igloo on the Capitol lawn in honor of Gore. As a result of this week’s obsession with the weather here in Washington, the Capitol Steps break out a recent classic, starring the former vice president.
Snow, Jobs and Retirements
John Gizzi of Human Events describes how record snow has paralyzed Washington. He also explains why Congress will not pass a second jobs bill, remembers John Murtha and Charlie Wilson and discusses more retirements on both sides of the aisle.
The News
Ahmadinejad underwhelms in nuclear announcement, Bipartisan group of senators pushes for financial assets to be frozen in Iran in response to brutal repression of protesters, Biden draws shock by claiming Iraq as an Obama success, snow closes federal government for fourth straight day, bipartisan jobs bill unveiled.
Real Science vs. Climate Panic
In the wake of the snowiest winter in Washington history, climate change alarmists say this is actually proof the planet is warming. Really? Dr. Tim Ball takes us through the actual science behind the massive snowfall we’ve seen in recent days and explains why those activists are wrong – and why they get more desperate by the day to win over an increasingly skeptical public. Dr. Ball is a former professor of climatology at the University of Winnepeg.
Iranian Protesters Need U.S. Voice
The Iranian government continues its brutal crackdown against pro-democracy demonstrators. The increasing repression comes as the regime announced it is enriching uranium at higher levels. Why would clear, public U.S. support for the demonstrators be a huge boost towards regime change? What should that support NOT include? And how close is Iran to having a nuclear weapon? We ask Larry Haas, former communications director to former Vice President Al Gore and former spokesman for the Clinton White House budget office.
Who Deserves Credit for Iraq?
In 2007, Senators Barack Obama and Joe Biden strongly opposed President Bush’s call for a troop surge and new strategy in Iraq. But this week, Biden says Iraq’s vastly increased security and stability is a success for the Obama administration. Does Obama deserve much or at least some of the credit? What about President Bush? What is the greatest danger to Iraq’s future? What can Obama do continue the progress in Iraq? We ask retired U.S. Air Force General Tom McInerney.
The News
President Obama held talks with Congressional leaders of both parties on Tuesday. He says he’s hopeful that a bipartisan approach can get a second jobs bill through Congress and foster greater fiscal discipline. Obama also promised to consider Republican health reform ideas but also said the GOP had to stop being obstinate. Also, Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter criticizes the decision to mirandize the Christmas Day bomber.
The Crisis Is Here
Alireza Jafarzadeh first warned the West about Iran’s latest nuclear ambitions. Why does he believe the nuclear crisis with Iran has already begun? Why could vocal U.S. defiance towards Iran not only rally the Iranian people in their dissent but also bring Russia and China on board with crippling sanctions? And what does he expect on Thursday’s anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Recall in the Garden State?
Members of the Tea Party movement in New Jersey helped to oust Gov. Jon Corzine in November. They aren’t done yet. Now they are hoping to recall Sen. Bob Menendez on the November ballot. On what grounds? Why not wait until Menendez is up for re-election in 2012? Are any other members of Congress in their crosshairs? We ask Peter Ferrara, general counsel with the American Civil Rights Union, which is supporting the recall effort.