Daily Political Wire

George Wenschhof

More Air Strikes hit Libya - as questions increase as to what is the mission. The Arab League, Russia, China and India all spoke out against the bombing that has resulted in some civilian deaths. Reuters.com has more here.

Expect the definition of the mission and the exit strategy for the U.S. receive added attention by Congress. Defense secretary Robert Gates is in Russia to discuss the long planned U.S. missile shield for Europe.

Josh Marshall of Talking Points Memo, has a good read here on why the U.S. intervention is a bad idea.

President Obama is expected to address the press today from Chile at 3:00 PM ET.

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Voters in Egypt Approve Constitutional Changes - yesterday, 77% of the voters approved the changes which will lead to open elections. The turnout was estimated at 41%, the largest turnout ever in an election in Egypt. Among the eight changes which were approved to the constitution was one which limited the term of the president to two, four year terms. The NY Times has more here.

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Obama in Chile Today - the president will continue his Latin American visit focusing on improving trade and relations with the United States. The U.S. is Chile's second largest trade export after China and the total trade value with the U.S. in 2010 was 14 billion. You can read more here.

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Manchin, a "No" on Raising the Debt Ceiling - West Virginia Democratic Senator Joe Manchin, who won a close election last year, is saying he will not vote to raise the debt ceiling unless major cuts to the budget take place. TheHill.com has more here.

Machin won a special election to fill the seat of the deceased Robert Byrd last year and will face reelection in 2012.

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Damage To Japan To exceed 250 Billion - this is the estimate from the World Bank from the earthquake and tsunami. Meanwhile, work continues to stabilize the damaged nuclear reactors with conflicting reports being released as to the success of the effort. Smoke has been detected coming from one of the reactors and radiation has been found in water, milk and spinach near the site of the reactors. The Washington Post has more here.

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Vice President Joe Biden to Boston Today - he will attend a fundraising event for the Democratic National Committee. The DNC raised 6.9 million last month compared to 5.2 million by the Republican National Committee which remains heavily in debt. CNN.com has more here.

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