George Wenschhof
Today, President Obama is in Columbus, Ohio - where he will meet with a family in their home and also meet with families in a roundtable discussion. Later, he will speak at a fundraiser for Democratic Governor Ted Strickland. The president then travels to Florida where he will speak at a fundraiser for the state Democratic Party.
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Blagojevich found guilty on only one of 24 charges - after two weeks of deliberations, the jury could only agree on guilt relating to one charge of lying to the FBI by the former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. The prosecutor has vowed to retry the case and Blagojevich's attorneys have said they will appeal the guilty verdict on the single charge. The Washington Post has more here.
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Gore Shows frustrations with lack of action on Climate/Energy bill - in a recent Blog post, the former Vice President spoke of how activists need to protest and take to the streets. he was speaking in regard to the lack of action by the senate on a comprehensive Climate/Energy bill. TheHill.com has more here.
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Representative Barney Frank (D-Mass.) calls for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to be abolished - the chair of the House Financial Services Committee says they should be replaced by a single mechanism to help subsidize housing.
The two huge mortgage corporations were private with government assistance until taken over entirely by the government toward the end of the George W. Bush administration. Together, the two companies have receive 150 billion in bail out funds. Reuters.com has more here.
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Robert Murdoch's News Corporation donates 1 million to Republican Governors Association - among the news outlets owned by Murdoch are Fox News, The Wall Street Journal and the New York Post.
So much for "Fair and Balanced" reporting. MediaMatters.com has more here.
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Murray to face Rossi for U.S. Senate in Washington - the open primary held yesterday had the two top moving on to the general election. No surprises as Democratic candidate Patty Murray was the top vote getter with 46%, followed by Republican Dino Rossi with 34%. Clint Didier, a former tight end with the Washington Redskins who also received an endorsement by Sarah Palin, received on 12% of the vote and will not move on to the general election in November. MSNBC.com has more here.
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Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Daily Political Wire 8-18-2010
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests 3-15-2009
George Wenschhof Bio
Discussion of the ailing worldwide economy will be the focus of much of the discussion on Sunday morning and will continue to be so for some time. The Obama administration tried to give Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner some support as Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke and Lawrence Summers, the chair of the National Economic Council both gave public statements.
Geithner has been failing the public face test so look to see the Obama administration to continue to use others to be the public spokesman for the administration's efforts on reviving the economy. The good news is the Dow Jones gained over 700 points last week for the best weekly gain this year. The sobering news is the Dow is still at 50% of where it was 11/2 years ago.
Former Republican Vice President Richard Cheney will appear on CNN "State of the Union" with John King. Expect some discussion on allegations surfacing from NY Times reporter Seymour Hersch concerning "Hit Squads" operating out of the the Vice President's office during the George W. Bush administration.
Embattled chair of the Republican National Committee Michael Steele may receive some discussion. It appears with a two thirds vote of the members required to oust Mr. Steele, he will survive for a while longer in the position.
Below is the list of the Sunday morning "Talking Heads" political discussion shows with their scheduled guests. Remember to check your local listings for time and channel.
NBC "Meet The Press" - Dick Gregory will have Dr. Christina Romer who is chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers. Also appearing is Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) The roundtable discussion will include David Frum, Katty Kay, Travis Smiley and Steve Liesman.
ABC "This Week" - George Stephanopoulos will interview Lawrence Summers who is chair of the National Economic Council. Also appearing is Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) The roundtable discussion will include George Will, Jim Ellis, Robert Kutter, and Frank Rich.
CBS "Face The Nation" - Bob Schieffer will also interview Lawrence Summers. NY Times Thomas Friedman is his other guest.
Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace will have FDIC chairman Sheila Blair, Austan Goolsbee, Mark Zandi, Representative Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Senator Bob Corker (R- Tenn.).
CNN "State of The Union" - John King will interview former Vice President Dick Cheney.
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Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Democratic Chatter 3-10-2009
George Wenschhof Bio
Today, President Barack Obama will discuss his education plan - He will speak this morning at the annual legislative conference of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. One of the components of the education reform plan will include merit pay for teachers. ThePage.Time.com has the White House Fact Sheet on the President's Education proposal here.
Also today, the president will meet with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
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Yesterday, the President ordered the review of past Presidential Signing Statements - Presidential signing statements have been in use for some time as previous administrations while signing a bill into law, wanted to note questions pertaining to certain aspects of the bill. President George W. Bush is reported to use this practice more than any other president. Obama has sent a memo to all Agency heads informing them to refer previous signing statements to the Attorney General's office for guidance before relying on them. Bloomberg.com has more here.
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Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner meets with House Democratic Caucus - last night for nearly two hours Geithner described the administration's plan to end the economic crisis and answered questions from Representatives. Apprehension continues as to exact measures being taken and questions were asked as to when he intends to have his Department fully staffed. House Financial Services Committee Chair Barney Frank (D-Mass.) spoke in defense of Geithner. Politico.com has more here. It may not happen for another 6-12 months but the odds remain high that Geithner will become the first Obama Cabinet member to be replaced.
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Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke says financial system regulation needed - in a speech to the Council on Foreign Relations he spoke of how the financial regulatory system must be overhauled. Not a big surprise to many as we watch what deregulation of the financial institutions under the previous George W. Bush administration has done. You can read more here.
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Senator Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) to face stiff challenge in 2010? - Dodd is the current Senate Banking committee chair and was also a candidate for the Democratic Party nomination for president last year. He has faced criticism for receiving favorable refinancing on homes he owns. A new Quinnipiac poll shows him trailing a former Republican Representative Bob Simmons by 1 point, 43-42. Still way early, but an interesting development. Stay tuned.. TheHill.com has more here.
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Saturday, February 14, 2009
Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests 2-15-2009
George Wenschhof Bio
Hard to believe with all that has been going on, this Sunday will only be the fourth Sunday since Barack Obama was sworn in as President of the United States. As always, expect lively discussion on the issues with the "Talking Heads" on television Sunday morning.
You can count on the Stimulus bill receiving the bulk of the attention. The 787 billion compromise bill that came out of conference committee was passed by the House on Friday with a vote of 246-183, once again receiving not one Republican vote. The senate passed the bill Friday night with a vote of 60 to 38. It is expected to be signed into law by President Obama on Monday.
Expect discussion to focus on the strategy employed by the President, the content of the bill, and whether it can be expected to help pull the country out of a severe depression. Is there enough money for needed infrastructure improvements? Were there too many "pork' projects included in the bill? Is the aid to the states enough? Will the programs funded in the bill create enough jobs in a quick enough manner to have a positive impact on unemployment? How about the tax cuts - were they big enough to have any impact?
When the pundits finish dissecting the America Recovery and Reinvestment Act, expect the shift of focus to zero in on the Cabinet appointments by the President. Just when everyone thought the withdrawal by Tom Daschle from consideration for Secretary of Health and Human Services was a severe blow to the President, Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) made it 0-2 in Obama nominations for Commerce Secretary. Expect the vetting process by the Obama administration to receive attention this morning. White House counsel Larry Craig has now assumed control of the vetting process so let's see if there will be improvement.
On the foreign policy front, the President has sent special envoys and the Secretary of State all across the globe. So discussion could range from Pakistan/Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran, to the Middle East and Asia.
So grab your coffee or tea and settle in for some good political discussion this morning. Remember to check your local listings for time and channel. Following is a list of the morning shows with their scheduled guests.
NBC "Meet The Press" - Dick Gregory will interview Senior White House Adviser, David Axelrod. The roundtable will include Ron Brownstein, Eugene Robinson, Roger Simon, and Kimberly Strassel.
ABC "This Week" - George Stephanopoulos will interview Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Also appearing will be Representatives Maxine Waters (D-Calf.) and Peter King (R-NY).
The roundtable discussion will include Donna Brazile, George Will, Cokie Roberts, and Sam Donaldson.
CBS "Face The Nation" - Bob Schieffer will interview White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs. Also appearing will be Senator Richard Shelby (R-Al) and Representative Barney Frank (D-Ma.).
Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace will also have Senior White House Adviser David Axelrod. He will also interview Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Economist Mark Zandi.
CNN "State of The Union" - John King will also interview White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs. He will also have on his show Senator John McCain (R-Az.) and Gwen Ifill.
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Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Democratic Chatter 1-7-2009
George Wenschhof Bio
President-elect Barack Obama will hold a press conference this morning - he will be discussing the need for fiscal restraint in addition to the massive stimulus program that is needed to get the economy back on track. He is expected to also name a new White House position, the chief performance officer. This position would help to set performance standards for government agencies which would hold managers accountable. Time.com has more here. Those of us who live in Maryland, have seen a similar system put in place by Governor Martin O'Malley.
Obama will also have lunch today at the White House today with President George W. Bush, and former Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter.
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Blagojevich pick of Burris to fill vacant Illinois Obama Senate seat may stand - the initial move by Senate Democratic Leaders to block the swearing in of Burris yesterday may be losing support. Politico.com has more here. It is unfortunate that a Governor who has been arrested picked Mr. Burris but there has been no indictment by U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, who recently requested a 90 day extension before issuing an indictment. California Senator Diane Feinstein (D) also said yesterday that Burris should be seated. Today, Burris is meeting with democratic senate Leaders Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). One rumor has it that if Burris would agree to serve the remaining two years of the term and not run for reelection in 2010, he would be seated. Looks like the pendulum is swinging and Burris may not have to agree to any compromise.
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In Minnesota, Coleman files suit challenging the election - the state canvassing board certified Democrat Al Franken the winner by 225 votes over Republican incumbent Norm Coleman. However, Minnesota law allows a candidate to file suit challenging the election within seven days of the certification. The Coleman campaign's move to file suit means the Senate seat will remain vacant until the suit is decided. It is anticipated it will take weeks and possibly months before an outcome. TheHill.com has more here.
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Dr. Sanjay Gupta under consideration for U.S. Surgeon General - we know him as the medical correspondent for CNN. He is also a practicing neurosurgeon. His impressive medical experience along with his communication skills would make him a excellent pick for this position. Stay Tuned. CNN.com has more here.
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Conditions for the release of the additional 350 Billion TARP funds being negotiated - Bloomberg.com has more here. You may recall the first 350 Billion from the Trouble Assets relief Program went directly to financial institutions without any accountability. We still do not know how those funds were spent. Representative Barney Frank (D-Mass.), the head of the House Financial Services Committee has been negotiating terms for the release of the additional 350 Billion which would include more of what the plan initially called for including relief on foreclosures. Also requiring more loans to be made available and to restrict bonuses to executives.
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