Immigration Reform Continues to Move Forward

The controversial Immigration Reform bill cleared a major hurdle as it passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee on a 13-5 vote.  The New York Times has written a great piece about the bills progress and next steps to getting the legislation passed.  Both Ashley Parker and Julia Preston worked on the piece.

To read the New York Times article, click on the link below.

Immigration Overhaul Wins Panel's Backing in the Senate

American People to GOP: We don't care about the Scandals

Charlie Cook at The National Journal wrote a great little piece about the GOP's intense reaction to the recent scandals that have broken out in the Obama Administration.  Citing recent polling, Mr. Cook surmises that, despite their constant ravings about the IRS scandal, the AP/DOJ scandal, and their continued interest in Benghazi, the American People don't seem to care about any of it.

To read Mr. Cook's article, click on the link below.

Republicans' Hatred of Obama Blinds Them to Public Disinterest in Scandals

The 'Weiner' has Risen... Again

I generally stick to national political stories, but this one is both funny and somewhat nationally relevant.  We've already seen a redemption story in former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford and his impressive victory in SC's 1st Congressional District.  Now, it appears another disgraced politician is going to make a bid to return to public life.

Former Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY) has decided to make a bid for New York City Mayor.  Mr. Weiner resigned in 2011 after sending lewd photos of himself to several women via Twitter.  The folks at the Huffington Post have a great article and video about the announcement.  To read the article, click on the link below.

Anthony Weiner enters 2013 Mayoral Race

Apparently, it's not just REDMAP

Sean Trende at RealClearPolitics is becoming one of my new favorite political commentators.  He wrote a fascinating article about how he believes the Republicans were able to maintain control of the U.S. House of Representatives despite losing the popular vote nationally.  His theory goes well beyond the REDMAP conspiracy I wrote about some weeks ago.  He thinks, in addition to gerrymandering the redistricting of Congressional Districts, there are more issues at play.

To read Mr. Trende's article, click on the link below.

Why Republicans Lost the Vote But Kept the House

It's Scandal Time!!!

Eleanor Clift at The Daily Beast wrote a very on-point piece about the tsunami of scandals that have rocked the Obama Administration over the past week.  She rightly points out that President Obama is playing out this situation differently than President's of yesteryear. In fact, it's mostly been up to White House Press Secretary Jay Carney to explain the various narratives of the scandals.  

As a self-professed liberal, I take most offense to the scandal about the Justice Department spying on AP reporters and editors for several months.  However, the IRS issue makes me nervous, and the Benghazi issue, though I believe it's been politicized, could have real consequences for the 2014 and 2016 elections.  Scandals are never a good thing, particularly when they surround the politicians you like.

To read Ms. Clift's article, click on the link below.

“Imagine the Story on Fox”–Jay Carney Holds on as Winds Buffet White House

IRS Ooops!

Conservative columnist George Will wrote a scathing op-ed in the Washington Post about the recent IRS scandal involving biased scrutiny towards Tea Party groups.  Mr. Will makes connections that give the scandal a 'Watergate-esque' feel.  Now, I'm not exactly buying into everything Mr. Will alleges, but there is no doubt that the situation is very damaging to the IRS's reputation for being nonpartisan.  It is also not good for the Obama Administration.

To read Mr. Will's article, click on the link below.

IRS scandal, echoes of of Watergate

Here's How The GOP Can Win Again

Peter Wehner at RealClearPolitics wrote an interesting piece about how the Republican Party can find its way back to a winning party platform.  He focuses on modernizing the existing conservative mantra and emphasizing reform and modernization of everything from entitlements to schools to infrastructure to immigration.  Noticeably absent from Mr. Wehner's plan is any mention of social issues, an area where I believe the GOP is woefully behind the tide of the majority of public opinion.

Other than that omission, his other ideas have some merit and are worth a look.  I feel if the GOP could figure out how to bring this message forward AND tackle their problems with social issues, the party could again become a national force to reckon with.

To read Mr. Wehner's article, click on the link below.

The Republican Party's Road Back To Victory

The GOP and the Benghazi 'Conspiracy'

Eugene Robinson wrote a clever little piece for the Washington Post about the GOP's obsessive harping about the Benghazi attacks last September.  He theorizes that the only reason Republican lawmakers keep bringing it up is that they hope to create a scandal that will sully Hillary Clinton, in the event she runs for President in 2016.  His reasoning is sound, and surprisingly non-partisan, despite Mr. Robinson's self-professed liberalism.  

To read Mr. Robinson's article, click on the link below.

Republicans' Benghazi Witch Hunt

The National Organization for Marriage is Clueless

Brian Brown, the President of The National Organization For Marriage sat down with USA Today to discuss his organization's mission, and its reaction to Rhode Island becoming the 10th state to legalize same-sex marriage and the changing tide of public opinion.  He believes academia and mainstream media are falsely promoting the idea that a majority of Americans support marriage equality.

Seriously?  He seems to have lost his mind with some of the ignorant comments he makes.  However, it is important to listen to all sides of the debate, despite my and anyone else's personal opinions.  I've posted a link to the article.  To read it, click on the link below.

Opponent denies a tide as R.I. latest to OK gay marriage

The Left is Unhappy with Obama

I don't generally post things from FOX News.  Their tagline 'fair and balanced' is laughable to me.  However, every once in a while, a gem of truth comes out of that 'news' organization that I think deserves to be examined.