In a surprise Q&A today with reporters at the White House, President Barack Obama addressed health care, the economy, new energy policy, and coming sanctions on Iran.
** QUICK HITS. President Barack Obama’s pro-labor appointee to the National Labor Relations board, former SEIU lawyer Craig Becker, was blocked for confirmation today in the Senate when an attempt to block a Republican filibuster against his appointee fell short on a 52-33 vote. 60 votes are needed to stop a filibuster. The problem for Becker is his support of card check legislation. … Moderate Republican state Senator Abel Maldonado, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s appointee to replace Congressman John Garamendi as the state’s lieutenant governor, had his appointment moved to the state Assembly floor for a vote later this week on a unanimous vote by the Assembly Rules Committee. The committee, unlike last week’s Senate Rules Committee vote endorsing Maldonado’s appointment, took no position on the merits. I spoke to Maldonado today, and he’s optimistic about his chances. More about this later. …
** MEET THE BIGGEST CALIFORNIA POLITICAL CONTRIBUTORS OF THE NOUGHTIES. The California Fair Political Practices Commission has just compiled a list of the Top 10 donors to state campaigns in the decade just past. From January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2009, these 10 individuals collectively contributed over $266 million of their personal wealth to campaigns for state office and initiatives.
1. Steve Bing $58,050,783
Southern California Businessman
2. Steve Poizner $43,205,282
Insurance Commissioner; candidate for Governor (2010)
Poizner’s total includes personal spending on his 2004 race for the state Assembly and on various initiative campaigns, including his leading role in the defeat of the term limits reform initiative last year.
3. Steve Westly $41,728,277
Former Controller; candidate for Governor (2006)
Westly’s total includes spending on his race for state Controller and on inititiatives.
4. Arnold Schwarzenegger $25,871,398
Governor
Schwarzenegger’s total includes spending on his two campaigns for governor and on initiatives.
5. Jerry Perenchio $23,267,738
Former owner of Univision Communication
6. Meg Whitman $19,642,200
Candidate for Governor (2010)
Whitman’s total was all spent on her campaign for governor, and does not include another $20 million she put into her campaign for the Republican gubernatorial nomination last month.
7. Angelo Tsakopoulos $15,795,379
Sacramento Area Developer
8. John Doerr $15,347,847
Silicon Valley Venture Capitalist
9. Reed Hastings $13,412,315
Founder of Netflix
10. Bill Simon $10,308,214
Candidate for Governor (2002)
GRAND TOTAL $266,629,433
** GLOBAL PERCEPTIONS OF U.S. LEADERSHIP ARE UP. A Gallup survey has more evidence of the sharp improvement in international perceptions of U.S. leadership with Barack Obama replacing George W. Bush in the White House, even as Obama continues major U.S. roles in Iraq and Afghanistan and aggressively prosecutes intelligence and military action against Al Qaeda.
Perceptions of U.S. leadership worldwide improved significantly from 2008 to 2009. The U.S.-Global Leadership Project, a partnership between the Meridian International Center and Gallup, finds that a median of 51% of the world approves of the job performance of the current leadership of the U.S., up from a median of 34% in 2008.
Gallup has asked residents worldwide to rate the leadership of the U.S. since 2005, which enables a comparison of how perceptions of U.S. leadership have changed from the Bush administration to the Obama administration. The global median approval of U.S. leadership remained relatively steady from 2005 to 2008. In 2009, a bare median majority approves of the job performance of U.S. leadership (51%) — a first since Gallup began asking the question worldwide in 2005.
Significant improvements in sentiment toward U.S. leadership are evident in all four major global regions, with the largest year-over-year increase in approval measured in Europe. Median approval of U.S. leadership increased by 28 percentage points between 2008 and 2009 in this region. A median of 47% approves and a median of 20% disapproves — the first time disapproval has dropped below 50% in Europe since Gallup first asked the question.
** HEAVY WEATHER SHUTS DOWN THE HOUSE. Because of the inclement weather in and around Washington, the U.S. House of Representatives is shutting down business for the week.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer released this statement:
As a result of the inclement weather affecting Members’ ability to travel to Washington, DC this week, there will be no votes in the House for the remainder of the week. The change this week means that we will add two days to the schedule as we look to take action on a jobs bill and other critical measures. Therefore, the House will reconvene on Monday, February 22, one day earlier than previously scheduled. The House will now also be in session on Friday, February 26th.
Iranian regime leaders are vowing a show of national solidarity and power on Revolution Day, February 11th. The Islamic republic risks tough new sanctions in pushing ahead with its nuclear program.
** OBAMA TODAY. President Barack Obama is in Washington today.
Washington continues to groan under the weight of extreme weather.
Obama was off to an early start this morning as First Lady Michelle Obama joined him and other administration officials in the Oval Office to sign an executive order targeting childhood obesity.
Obama and Vice President Joe Biden then received the daily intelligence briefing in the Oval Office.
Following that, Obama and Biden met with Democratic and Republican leaders of the House and Senate to discuss the economy and jobs in the Oval Office.
At 9 AM Pacific, Obama and Biden have a working lunch in the Private Dining Room.
At 11:30 AM Pacific, Obama receives the daily economic briefing in the Oval Office.
At 12 noon Pacific, Obama meets with senior advisors in the Oval Office.
In a major development, the Pakistani media reported today that both government and Taliban leaders are acknowledging that the principal leader of the Taliban in Pakistan was killed last month in a U.S. missile strike ordered by Obama.
The Taliban first claimed that Hakeemullah Mehsud survived the American attack, but refused to provide any proof of life. Later they were silent on the matter.
Assuming that the reports are correct, this is the second time in six months that a U.S. missile strike has killed the principal leader of the Pakistani Taliban. The Taliban denied that at first as well, until the succession fight could be worked through.
Perhaps Republican presidential frontrunner Sarah Palin will twitter again or post another Facebook status update about Obama being soft on terrorism.
** FROM THE ARNOLD FILE. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is in Los Angeles, Tulare, and Sacramento today.
Schwarzenegger tours the annual World Ag Expo this morning in Tulare with state Food and Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura. As the name suggests, this is the world’s largest agricultural exposition.
Schwarzenegger holds a media availability at 10:15 AM.
The event will be webcast live on www.gov.ca.gov.
His appointee as California’s new lieutenant governor, moderate Republican state Senator Abel Maldonado, has a confirmation hearing this afternoon before the Assembly Rules Committee.
Maldonado won approval from the Senate Rules Committee on February 3rd.
If he is not rejected by the Legislature by February 22nd, Maldonado takes office.
If he is approved by February 16th, Schwarzenegger will schedule the special election to replace him as part of the June primary election. This would aid Democratic efforts to win Maldonado’s swing district seat.
But while Maldonado has support in the Senate, where he was endorsed last week on a 4-0 vote by the Senate Rules Committee, his fate is less sure in the more fractious Assembly.
** LOST IN LOST. … From my February 4th essay.
** SELLING MEG WHITMAN: GLITCHES EMERGE IN THE BILLIONAIRE’S PLAN TO ACQUIRE THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNORSHIP. What would Don Draper do?
The selling of Meg Whitman has been underway for more than a year, the billionaire ex-eBay CEO and public affairs novice assiduously promoting herself as a potential governor of of the nation’s largest state even as she dodges debates and substantive interviews. After making no public appearances in California in January, but venturing back East last week to launch her CEO memoir, “The Power of Many,” she’s appearing up and down the state this week to promote her book, if not to discuss the pressing issues of the state she would presume to govern.
Meanwhile, her eighth radio ad to date (featuring her campaign chair, former Governor Pete Wilson) blankets the state, as the others have for months. All is “on plan” in the selling of Meg Whitman. Or is it?
There’s just one thing. Television.
Well-informed sources tell me that Whitman and her panoply of high-paid consultants are having trouble coming up with a way to introduce the would-be governor on television to her hoped-for constituents.
In January, Whitman’s consultants presented 22 potential introductory TV ads to a focus group in Sacramento. The ads didn’t fly. The reaction to Whitman’s TV presentation was particularly problematic with women. … From my February 2nd column.
** WHAT A DIFFERENCE TWO MONTHS MAKES AS THE FATE OF OBAMA’S PRESIDENCY PLAYS OUT FAR FROM WASHINGTON. … From my January 29th column.
** MAD MEN SWEEPS THE LATEST AWARDS AND LOSES A KEY CHARACTER. … From my January 27th column.
** SCOTT BROWN NEED NOT APPLY: CALIFORNIA REPUBLICANS IN THE POST-ARNOLD ERA. … From my January 26th column.
** WHAT SCOTT BROWN KNEW IN 2010 AND BARACK OBAMA KNEW IN 2008. … From my January 22nd column.
** 24 NATION.… From my January 19th column.
** THE LAST CLINTON MELODRAMA? (AND OTHER SENSATIONALIST GAME CHANGE GOSSIP) … From my January 14th column.
** OBAMA’S SECURITY PROBLEMS: THE MEDIA, CHENEY AND, OH YES, THE ISSUE. … From my January 12th column.
Ringo Starr received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on its 50th anniversary last night. The former Beatles drummer, whose son Zak Starkey was drummer for The Who at their Super Bowl half-time show, was introduced by his brother-in-law, Eagles lead guitarist Joe Walsh. L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was also on hand outside the iconic Capitol Records Tower.
** THE BAND OF THE DECADE: THE BEATLES?! What does it say that the biggest musical group of the first decade of this new millennium recorded its last album 40 years ago? … From my January 1st essay.
** THE COMMON THREADS OF AVATAR. Is Avatar the future of cinema? Probably. … From my December 22nd essay.
** HOW JERRY BROWN CLEARED THE DEMOCRATIC FIELD FOR GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA. … From my December 9th column.
** OBAMA: RIDING WITH HISTORY. (NOTE: As Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th president of the United States, this column was the featured column on the top of the front page of the Huffington Post.) … From my January 19th, 2009 Huffington Post column.
** HELP FOR HAITI.
You can donate to the new Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, www.clintonbushhaitifund.org, by clicking here.
** 24/7 LIVE TV NEWS FEED FROM RUSSIA TODAY. Russia has re-emerged as one of the world’s great powers. Click here for a live TV news feed on your computer, bringing you English-language, jargon-free, fast-paced coverage of global and Russian news from the Russia Today channel. You probably already know about CNN International, BBC World, and Al Jazeera. Russia Today, which also features culture, entertainment, and sports, is based in Moscow and is owned and operated by the TV Novosti division of Russia’s state news agency, RIA Novosti. While it’s quite foolish to expect to see, say, criticism of Vladimir Putin on Russia Today, the channel is very interesting nonetheless. With U.S. cable news chattering away as it does, this sort of respite can be informative. The NWN live link to RT does not constitute an endorsement of the channel’s views. It’s presented as an otherwise unavailable new media window.
** 24/7 LIVE TV NEWS FEED FROM AL JAZEERA. With the US entangled in two wars in the region, it’s valuable to keep up with news and perspectives from the leading Middle Eastern-based TV news network. Based in the Gulf Arab state of Qatar, Al Jazeera is very influential and more than a bit controversial. Click here for a live TV news feed on your computer. The NWN live link to AJ does not constitute an endorsement of the channel’s views. It’s presented as an otherwise unavailable new media window.
** TRACK GLOBAL AND NATIONAL ENERGY PRICES IN NEAR REAL TIME VIA BLOOMBERG ENERGY MARKET WATCH. Having crashed over $147 for yet another record on July 11th, 2008, crude oil closed is trading around $72 per barrel.
This is up about $38 from the low of $34 per barrel prior to enactment of the Obama economic recovery program, reflecting a low point in global economic activity.
Your posts are welcome in the Forum. You can send me a private tip by clicking on the “Contact” button in the upper right.
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| Comments (41) |
Iran sounds dangerous in that good Al Jazeera news video.
I always liked Ringo Starr.
Ringo!
What the heck are they going to do on February 11th?
Jonas Blane says:
February 9, 2010 at 8:51 am
Iran sounds dangerous in that good Al Jazeera news video.
Palin is a lying dummy.
BB: In a major development, the Pakistani media reported today that both government and Taliban leaders are acknowledging that the principal leader of the Taliban in Pakistan was killed last month in a U.S. missile strike ordered by Obama.
The Taliban first claimed that Hakeemullah Mehsud survived the American attack, but refused to provide any proof of life. Later they were silent on the matter.
Assuming that the reports are correct, this is the second time in six months that a U.S. missile strike has killed the principal leader of the Pakistani Taliban. The Taliban denied that at first as well, until the succession fight could be worked through.
Perhaps Republican presidential frontrunner Sarah Palin will twitter again or post another Facebook status update about Obama being soft on terrorism.
Obama has run out of town to put off Iran.
I meant time not town, sorry.
Where’s Schwarzeneger?
No webcast, evidently.
I expect some sort of show of defiance and force, probably around their rocketry program.
> Capitol Boy says:
February 9, 2010 at 9:09 am (Edit)
What the heck are they going to do on February 11th?
Jonas Blane says:
February 9, 2010 at 8:51 am
Iran sounds dangerous in that good Al Jazeera news video.
A very likable guy.
>#
Jonas Blane says:
February 9, 2010 at 8:53 am (Edit)
I always liked Ringo Starr.
#
Capitol Boy says:
February 9, 2010 at 9:08 am (Edit)
Ringo!
The plan was to have passed national health care by now …
>#
Len says:
February 9, 2010 at 9:32 am (Edit)
Obama has run out of town to put off Iran.
#
Len says:
February 9, 2010 at 9:33 am (Edit)
I meant time not town, sorry.
More video today?
And meanwhile all the usual far right suspects talk up plans to derail AB32 via initiative, even while admitting none of the money pledged is in hand and already fighting among themselves over strategy, etc.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ballot-warming6-2010feb06,0,5959308.story
Anyone else notice how quickly the Tea Party movement has devolved into various folks trying to leverage it as a career, fights breaking out over who calls the shots and money, etc. Similar feuds helped stall the Minutemen. Often when marginal types suddenly get access to prime time soon things tend to go south. Maybe the tinfoil hat types will soon also fizzle.
Hey, Whitman’s the only fat cat donor who’s only spent money on herself! I love it!
As a follow-up on the Tea Party “movement” — in reading Liz Sidoti’s commentary for AP trying to ascribe to it some significance I was struck she is unable to offer more than a one sentence description of what it is about: “need for limited government, less spending and an end to Obama’s policies”. It is incoherent anger that doesn’t take into account reality or even past history. The Republicans are horrible at delivering limited governement, much less fiscal responsibility. These folks are having convenienet amnesia just to justify blaiming someone else for their guy Bush blowing it and have an excuse to indulge in empty raging. Are we really suppose to take this nonsense as if it has any substance?
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/02/07/us/politics/AP-US-Tea-Party-Politics-Analysis.html
That sure fits the picture, doesn’t it?
Capitol Boy says:
February 9, 2010 at 11:47 am
Hey, Whitman’s the only fat cat donor who’s only spent money on herself! I love it!
Hey, my post showed up right away again, good.
Cat got your to tongue?
Excellent q and a by President Obama.
Barack is hitting the right tone.
Hey, Bill, do you have video of Gibbs nailing Palin for crib notes on her hand?
I do have the video but have not run it.
Very smart move by Obama …
> Jonas Blane says:
February 9, 2010 at 3:45 pm (Edit)
Excellent q and a by President Obama.
The conventional press is overrating the Tea Party scene.
> Dana says:
February 9, 2010 at 11:52 am (Edit)
As a follow-up on the Tea Party “movement” — in reading Liz Sidoti’s commentary for AP trying to ascribe to it some significance I was struck she is unable to offer more than a one sentence description of what it is about: “need for limited government, less spending and an end to Obama’s policies”. It is incoherent anger that doesn’t take into account reality or even past history. The Republicans are horrible at delivering limited governement, much less fiscal responsibility. These folks are having convenienet amnesia just to justify blaiming someone else for their guy Bush blowing it and have an excuse to indulge in empty raging. Are we really suppose to take this nonsense as if it has any substance?
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/02/07/us/politics/AP-US-Tea-Party-Politics-Analysis.html
You’re one ongoing anomaly, Jack …
> Jack Aubrey says:
February 9, 2010 at 12:09 pm (Edit)
Hey, my post showed up right away again, good.
Indeed she is.
> Capitol Boy says:
February 9, 2010 at 11:47 am (Edit)
Hey, Whitman’s the only fat cat donor who’s only spent money on herself! I love it!
Some of those folks have zero credibility.
They crowded around the recall and did nothing.
> Dana says:
February 9, 2010 at 11:33 am (Edit)
And meanwhile all the usual far right suspects talk up plans to derail AB32 via initiative, even while admitting none of the money pledged is in hand and already fighting among themselves over strategy, etc.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ballot-warming6-2010feb06,0,5959308.story
Anyone else notice how quickly the Tea Party movement has devolved into various folks trying to leverage it as a career, fights breaking out over who calls the shots and money, etc. Similar feuds helped stall the Minutemen. Often when marginal types suddenly get access to prime time soon things tend to go south. Maybe the tinfoil hat types will soon also fizzle.
Thank You.
Politics is full of phonies with their hands extended.
Bill Bradley says:
February 9, 2010 at 5:31 pm
Some of those folks have zero credibility.
They crowded around the recall and did nothing.
> Dana says:
February 9, 2010 at 11:33 am (Edit)
And meanwhile all the usual far right suspects talk up plans to derail AB32 via initiative, even while admitting none of the money pledged is in hand and already fighting among themselves over strategy, etc.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ballot-warming6-2010feb06,0,5959308.story
Anyone else notice how quickly the Tea Party movement has devolved into various folks trying to leverage it as a career, fights breaking out over who calls the shots and money, etc. Similar feuds helped stall the Minutemen. Often when marginal types suddenly get access to prime time soon things tend to go south. Maybe the tinfoil hat types will soon also fizzle.
I read this as ignorant cranks and Astro Turf.
Bill Bradley says:
February 9, 2010 at 5:29 pm
The conventional press is overrating the Tea Party scene.
> Dana says:
February 9, 2010 at 11:52 am (Edit)
As a follow-up on the Tea Party “movement” — in reading Liz Sidoti’s commentary for AP trying to ascribe to it some significance I was struck she is unable to offer more than a one sentence description of what it is about: “need for limited government, less spending and an end to Obama’s policies”. It is incoherent anger that doesn’t take into account reality or even past history. The Republicans are horrible at delivering limited governement, much less fiscal responsibility. These folks are having convenienet amnesia just to justify blaiming someone else for their guy Bush blowing it and have an excuse to indulge in empty raging. Are we really suppose to take this nonsense as if it has any substance?
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/02/07/us/politics/AP-US-Tea-Party-Politics-Analysis.html
Bill, why are California’s top 3 fat cats of the last decade named Steve? Inquiring mind(s) want to know.
Marcos -
A lot of similarities between Steve’s “Poizner” and “Westly.”
Stanford. Stints as teachers. Brief tours of duty in DC. Made money in Tech. Ran for downballot statewide office to position for Governor. Don’t look quite right in jeans.
What new video today?
Obama and congresional leaders and a new look at 9/11.
Nice.
> Tommy Boy says:
February 9, 2010 at 10:36 pm (Edit)
Marcos -
A lot of similarities between Steve’s “Poizner” and “Westly.”
Stanford. Stints as teachers. Brief tours of duty in DC. Made money in Tech. Ran for downballot statewide office to position for Governor. Don’t look quite right in jeans.
I think there’s a joke in this …
> marcos leon says:
February 9, 2010 at 6:57 pm (Edit)
Bill, why are California’s top 3 fat cats of the last decade named Steve? Inquiring mind(s) want to know.
I just saw a “major” newspaper calling somebody who did nothing the leader of the recall …
> marcos leon says:
February 9, 2010 at 6:52 pm (Edit)
Politics is full of phonies with their hands extended.
Bill Bradley says:
February 9, 2010 at 5:31 pm
Some of those folks have zero credibility.
They crowded around the recall and did nothing.
> Dana says:
February 9, 2010 at 11:33 am (Edit)
And meanwhile all the usual far right suspects talk up plans to derail AB32 via initiative, even while admitting none of the money pledged is in hand and already fighting among themselves over strategy, etc.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ballot-warming6-2010feb06,0,5959308.story
Anyone else notice how quickly the Tea Party movement has devolved into various folks trying to leverage it as a career, fights breaking out over who calls the shots and money, etc. Similar feuds helped stall the Minutemen. Often when marginal types suddenly get access to prime time soon things tend to go south. Maybe the tinfoil hat types will soon also fizzle.
Greatings, Thank you! I would now go on this blog every day!
Thanks
Miato
Incidentally, NWN passed 93,000 comments sometime in the past week or so.
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