Daily Democratic Wire 1-30-2010

George Wenschhof

Yesterday, President Barack Obama excelled as he addressed the Republican Retreat meeting in nearby Baltimore - Republicans are going to be wishing they never asked the President if the question and answer period following his address could also be televised. In a scene similar to British parliament but never seen here, President Obama took questions from the over 140 Republican members of Congress attending the retreat and more than held his own. It was clear he knew what he was talking about, regardless of the topic which was put before him.

The President again asked for bipartisan cooperation as we move forward to solve the problems facing Americans today. The Republican "party of no" would be well served to do just that. The Independent voters in Massachusetts were who elected Scott Brown to the Senate; not Republicans. Continuing to be obstructionists in Congress will not bode well for Republicans in the upcoming mid term elections.



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GOP trails Democrats significantly in campaign funds for House races - The National Republican Campaign Committee reported only 2.7 million cash on hand with no debt. Meanwhile, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee reported 17 million cash on hand with no debt. Maryland Representative Chris Van Hollen chairs the DCCC and you can be sure they will field competitive races this Fall. CNN.com has more here.

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NY Trial for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed cancelled - after objections from NY City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the trial will be moved from a federal courthouse in lower Manhattan. it appears likely the trial will now take place on a military base. Politico.com has more here.

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Tea Party Convention scheduled for early February in Nashville losing interest and Speakers - Republican Representatives Michelle Bachman (Minn.) and Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.) have both cancelled their previously scheduled speaking engagements. The one who is still attending; former Governor Sarah Palin is doing so for $100,000, which has caused a split among activists aligned with the "tea party movement" - so much for fiscal responsibility. MSNBC.com has more here.

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This Sunday, the "Talking Heads" guests will include newly elected Senator Scott Brown (R-Mass.) - he will appear on ABC "This Week" with guest host Barbara Walters - yes, I said Barbara Walters - I guess they have been unable to find a replacement for George Stephanopoulos. White House senior adviser David Axelrod will be on NBC "Meet the Press". For a complete rundown of the guests, click here.

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