Daily Political Wire

George Wenschhof

Obama Requests 1.2 Trillion Increase in Debt Limit - the expected move, a result of an earlier negotiated debt ceiling increase. Republicans in congress forced this one to come in an election year, hoping it would damage the president. TheHill.com has more here.

Under, the earlier reached deal, this increase can only be blocked if both the House and Senate reject it. Unlikely, with a Democratic controlled Senate. If, Congress blocked it, President Obama can veto.

In spite of Republican bluster, do not look to see this debt ceiling increase stopped.

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Obama Proposes To Shrink Government - In a move timed to overshadow the request for a 1.2 Trillion debt ceiling raise. The president wants to merge six trade and commerce agencies resulting in savings of 3 Billion over ten years. One thousand jobs would be lost if the merger took place. The Washington Post has more here.

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Americans Want Obama, Not Republicans To Set Course For U.S. - the latest Gallup poll shows Americans want Obama to set the direction the country takes over the next year. Obama received 46% and Republicans 42%. Gallup.com has more here.

This comes after a Gallup poll showing 40% of Americans viewed themselves as conservatives, 35% as moderates and only 21% as liberal.

The two polls would seem to indicate moderates are breaking for Obama. Voters the president will need to win reelection.

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U.S. Warns Iran on Straight of Hormuz - the Obama administration has communicated with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that closing the Hormuz straight is a red line and would provoke a response. The NY Times has more here.

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Pakistan Prime Minister Fears Army Coup - the political situation in Pakistan is as bad as it gets with a panicked Prime Minister Yousuf Reza Gilani asking Britain for help. You can read more here.

The Supreme Court, defying orders from the government has also opened charges against President Asid ali Zardari. All of which has led former President Musharraf, in self imposed exile in Britain, to announce he will return to Pakistan for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Stay tuned...

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