Daily Political Wire

George Wenschhof

Zardari Pushes Back Against Critics - The President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, in an op-ed published in the Washington Post today, defended his country's actions against al-Qaeda and terrorism. Even, claiming to be victims themselves. Zardari, who earned the nickname "Mr. Ten Percent", as a result of graft when he served as Prime Minister, knows he has a lot of explaining to do after Osama Bin laden was killed in a huge compound, less than an hour from Islamabad, the nations capitol, where he apparently resided for the last 5-6 years. You can read more here.

---

Meanwhile U.S. Congressional Leaders Call for Inquiry on U.S./Pakistan Relations - Senator Carl Levin (D-Mich.) who chairs the Armed Services Committee, says Pakistan has a lot of explaining to do. Pakistan has received billions in aid from the U.S. over the last decade. TheHill.com has more here.

---

Obama Calls Cabinet Meeting - you can be sure the killing of Osama Bin Laden will be at the top of the list of topics discussed today. Also, sure to receive attention is the continued sluggish economy, which saw the stock market slip again yesterday, in spite of the news of Bin Laden's death.

Later in the day, the president and vice president will meet with outgoing defense secretary Robert Gates.

---

How Much of an Approval Bounce Will Obama Receive? - Gallup, which conducts daily presidential approval polling, says Thursday's numbers will be the one to watch as it will be three days of polling following the news of Bin Laden's death which was announced late Sunday night. As of Sunday, Obama had a 46% approval and 46% disapproval rating.

Republicans, who like to criticize Democrats as weak on foreign policy, have to be gnashing their teeth after a Democratic President was responsible for the death of Bin Laden. To make matters worse for Republicans, the news comes as the 2012 presidential election gets underway.

President Obama will visit Ground Zero in New York on Thursday.

---

Release of Bin Laden Photos Still Under Debate - photos were taken of the dead Bin Laden who had been shot through the left eye. Another report indicated he was also shot in the chest. The photos are gruesome and some question the release, fearing the photos would inflame terrorists. Also, under debate is release of photos of the burial at sea. You can read more here.

Senator Joe Lieberman (I-Conn. is calling for the release of photos so no one can say the operation was ruse. You can read more here.

---

To receive "Daily Email Updates" from Air-it-out with George Wenschhof", click on "Subscribe to this feed' below.