Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Cheat Sheet

George Wenschhof

More analysis of the first presidential debate is sure to be on tap for the Sunday morning "talking heads".

Republicans will be touting a strong performance by Mitt Romney and Democrats will be pointing out all of the misinformation put out by Romney in the debate.

It is also likely, some discussion will take place on the upcoming vice president debate scheduled for Thursday night.  Republicans will be hoping Representative Paul Ryan delivers a strong performance against Vice President Joe Biden.

While, Democrats will be looking for Biden to stop whatever momentum Romney may have after the first debate.  Polls released Sunday will be the first to include three full days following the debate and will be more indicative of the impact of the first debate on undecided voters.

Also, sure to be discussed is the drop in the unemployment rate to 7.8%.  Republicans are crying the books were "cooked" and Democrats say the drop illustrates President Obama's economic plan is working and would have worked even better had there been Republican cooperation in Congress.

With a future foreign policy presidential debate, look to see Republicans bring up the tragedy in Libya which resulted in the death of U.S. Ambassador Stevens and three other Americans.  They will try to paint the president as weak on foreign policy and the Middle East in particular, also pointing to the U.S. policy toward Iran.

The scheduled guests follow below.

NBC "Meet The Press" - Arnold Schwarzenegger

Roundtable with Obama campaign adviser Rober Gibbs, Newt Gingrich, Hillary Rosen, mike Murphy and Chuck Todd. 

ABC "This Week" - Robert Gibbs, Ed Gillespie and Bill O'Reilly

Roundtable with James Carville and Mary Matalin, Peggy Noonan, Paul Krugman and Jonathan Karl.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Obama campaign adviser David Axelrod

Roundtable with John Dickerson, Norah O'Donnell, Michael Gerson, and John Fund

CNN "State of The Union" - Former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland (D) and Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine.

Fox News Sunday - Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley who is also chair of the Democratic Governors Association and Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.)

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Join Obama Campaign Kick-Off Call Tonight at 8:30 PM ET

George Wenschhof

Jim Messina, campaign manager for the Obama 2012 reelection campaign, sent supporters an email today inviting them to join in a telephone conference call tonight April 5th, with President Obama and Vice President Biden.

You can join in the conference call or listen live online with an RSVP here.

If tonight is not good for you, there will be another conference call with David Axelrod on Thursday April 7th, at 7:00 PM ET. You can RSVP to that call here.

This appears to be a continuation of the online strategy that worked so well for Obama in the 2008 election.

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Daily Political Wire 12-12-2010

George Wenschhof

President Obama to Host Business Leaders - on Wednesday, at the Blair House in D.C., the president will meet with about twenty corporate heads to discuss the economy. One of the subjects which will be discussed is an overhaul of the current tax system. The NY Times has more here.

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Axelrod says Tax Cut extension will Pass - on CNN's "State of the Union", White House senior adviser David Axelrod was confident the bill will pass. The Senate will take up the 856 billion bill tomorrow, where it is expected to pass and then move to the House. House Democrats have threatened to not vote on the bill. Stay Tuned... Reuters.com has more here.

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Cancun Climate Change Conference produces Agreement - from the 193 UN member delegation who attended. Wealthier nations will contribute to a fund which will help developing countries deal with the effects of global warming and to protect rain forests from destruction.

However, no agreement was reached on the reduction of greenhouse emissions. CNN.com has more here.

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Palin Visits Haiti, hope to improve her Foreign Policy Image - Tina Fey's impersonation and her words "I can see Russia from my house" is the image most voters have of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin when it comes to her knowledge of foreign policy.

In another sign she is seriously considering a presidential run in 2012, Palin traveled to Haiti, with Fox News in tow. The Huffington Post has more here.

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Daily Political Wire 11-23-2010

George Wenschhof

North and South Korea exchange Artillery fire - the latest in long standing differences between the countries. South Korea had been test firing artillery near the North Korea border when North Korea responded with shots to a island of South Korea, killing several soldiers. The NY Times has more here.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs issued a statement calling on North Korea to halt it's belligerent action and to honor the 1953 armistice agreement. The Washington Post has more here.

Another test for the Obama administration.

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Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad faces Impeachment - an interesting development as the parliament indicated they wished to impeach but have refrained from doing so due to the wishes of Supreme Leader Allatollah Ali Khamenei. The Wall Street Journal has more here.

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Kathleen Kennedy Townsend to chair "American Bridge" - a liberal counterpart to conservative groups such as "American Crossroads". David Brock, a Democratic political operative, has set up the group and former Maryland Lt. Governor Townsend has agreed to chair the committee. The committee will support Democratic candidates in the 2012 election and already has 4 million in pledges, including one million from George Soros. You can read more here.

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Four House Races still Undecided - Republicans added another win yesterday when Democrat Representative Solomon Ortiz conceded to Blake Farenthold in Texas. Two races in New York and two in California remain to be decided. Democrats lead in 3 of the remaining races. Republicans have now picked up a total of 62 seats. TheHill.com has more here.

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Miller Sues to Halt Murkowski Senate Victory - Joe Miller backed by Sarah Palin and a tea party favorite, has filed another lawsuit challenging the write in victory of Senator Lisa Murkowski. At issue, the legal definition of the state statute which spells out what is acceptable for a write-in. His argument will be the name has to be spelled correctly and intent is not good enough. Stay tuned... Reuters.com has more here.

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Axelrod to Leave White House after "State of The Union" - the senior adviser to President Obama will be replace by David Plouffe. Plouffe is expected to arrive soon and work for the next month or more with David Axelrod before he leaves. Axelrod will essentially be changing roles with Plouffe, who was the Obama campaign manager in 2008. Politico.com has more here.

One of the problems with the Obama administration is there has been no good spokesperson after the president. Axelrod is one of a long list; a smart individual, but poor appearance and delivery of positions on issues. Don't look to see Plouffe be the answer.

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Jurors Deliberating in Tad DeLay Money Laundering Case - a long time coming in the case involving the former Republican House Majority Leader. CNN.com has more here.

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Sunday morning "Talking Heads" Lineup for 9-12-2010

George Wenschhof

This Sunday morning the political discussion will again focus on the economy and the upcoming mid term elections. Former Republican House and Senate Leaders; Dick Armey and Trent Lott will be guests on CNN "State of The Union". Armey and his "Freedom Works" organization helped to seed the rise of the tea party grassroots activist movement.

Austan Goolsbee was announced Friday as the replacement for outgoing Christina Romer as chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers. Reportedly, he is much more camera friendly, a requirement these days with twenty-four hour news. Romer came across as a grade school teacher and failed at delivering a succinct message of the Obama administration's economic policies. However, until unemployment begins to decline and the economy improves, Goolsbee will remain on the hot seat. Goolsbee will be on ABC "This Week" and on Fox News Sunday.

Whether or not more changes will take place within the Obama team is likely to receive some discussion when White House Senior Adviser David Axelrod appears on NBC "Meet The Press". Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel is likely to step down after the mid term elections to run for the Mayor of Chicago. Who may replace him should be a topic with Maryland Democratic Representative and chair of the DCCC; Chris Van Hollen the latest addition to the rumor mill.

Also, the attention grabbing announcement of planned Quran burning by Florida preacher Terry Jones will get attention. New York Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf will appear on ABC "This Week". The latest on the on again, off again, planned burning of the Quran by the Reverend Terry Jones has been one of the wackiest stories of the last week. Rauf has said he has no plans to meet with Reverend Jones and has no plans to move the location of the new Mosque planned near ground zero in New york City. The latest announcement by Reverend Jones is there will be no Quran burning on Saturday and that he was heading to New York with hopes to meet with Imam Rauf.

With the anniversary of 9-11 falling on Saturday, Tom Kean who co-chaired the 9-11 commission will be a guest on CBS "Face The Nation".

NBC "Meet The Press" - David Axelrod, Rudi Giuliani

ABC "This Week" - Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, Austan Gollsbee

CBS "Face The Nation" - House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio), Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), Tom Kean; co-chair of the 9-11 Commission.

CNN "State of The Union" - Dick Armey, Trent Lott

Fox News Sunday - Austan Goolbee, Newt Gingrich

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Sunday morning "Talking Heads" Lineup for 7-11-2010

George Wenschhof

Senior White House Adviser David Axelrod makes the rounds this morning appearing on four of the morning political discussion shows. While he was masterful in his advise in the campaign for the presidency, he has been only average in his appearances in front of the television camera. He is not overly effective as a public speaker and as a face for the white House policies.

In fact, that is one area the Obama administration has failed in, regardless of the issue being addressed, is to have an administration spokesman be effective and connect with the public. The best, to date, has been Thad Allen, who is overseeing the BP Gulf oil spill containment and cleanup effort. Of course, President Obama is in a class of his own when it comes to communicating with voters.

You have stories like the "spy swap" with Russia, the continuing BP Gulf coast oil spill disaster, the U.S. suit against Arizona and it's immigration law, the long awaited recent White House visit by Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the lagging economy on tap for discussion on Sunday.

NBC "Meet The Press" - White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs

ABC "This Week" - David Axelrod, Representatives Luis Guiterrez (D-Ill.) and Brian Gilbray (D-Calf.)

CBS "Face The Nation" - U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder

CNN "State of The Union" - David Axelrod, Governor Bill Richardson (D-N.M.), Representative Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), Kenneth Feinberg

Fox News Sunday - David Axelrod, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

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Daily Democratic Wire 3-7-2010

George Wenschhof

Iraq vote for members of Parliament unfolding amidst explosions - Iraqi insurgents are trying to disrupt the elections with mortar fire and road side bombs exploding across the country. The NY Times has more here.

It has now been seven years since the U.S. led invasion of Iraq. U.S. troops are scheduled to withdraw from Iraq by December if all goes well following this election. Leading up to the election, there were no sectarian or political blocks that appeared to be set to win a majority in the 325 member Parliament. How the various groups work together following the election, will largely determine the success of democracy in Iraq.

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Israeli - Palestine Talks on again? - Middle East Envoy George Mitchell arrived in Israel yesterday accompanied by a full U.S. foreign policy team. He met with Israel Foreign Minister Ehud Barak and today will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On Monday, Mitchell will meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmood Abbas. Politico.com has more here.

It is expected the finishing touches will be made on the resumption of Israel-Palestinian talks prior to the arrival on Monday of Vice President Joe Biden. Biden will be giving a speech at Tel Aviv University. The hopes are he will be able to announce the resumption of talks.

Continued Israeli building of settlements on the West Bank have long hampered any serious discussion between Israel and Palestine.

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Senator Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) continues to push forward on Financial regulatory Reform - the chair of the Senate Banking Committee has been locked in discussions with Republican Senators and committee members Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Richard Shelby (R-Ala.). The Republicans do not want a new Consumer Finance Protection Agency which was proposed by the Obama administration and passed by the House. TheHill.com has more here.

The two Republican Senators have suggested this agency be placed in the Federal Reserve to which Barney Frank (D-Mass.) chair of the House Financial Services Committee says he would be ok if it was placed in the Treasury Department.

For Dodd, the criteria is the head must be appointed by the president and confirmed by the senate, have an independent budget and the authority to write and enforce regulations. Dodd nails what is important. It is way past the time to pass this needed and expected legislation following the near collapse of the U.S. financial system.

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Is Senior White House Adviser David Axelrod suited for the Job? - he was the mastermind behind the message as the Obama campaign moved forward to victory in November 2008. He was credited along with David Plouffe as running a campaign that stayed on message.

Today, as President Obama struggles with health care reform and falling poll numbers, some are wondering if he is the right man to be handling the message coming out of the White House today. The NY Times has more here.

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests 4-5-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

The past week has been an incredible week for President Barack Obama. He continues to ride a wave of popularity in both domestic and international issues. The week began with the announcement of a new auto bailout plan with conditions. One of those conditions was the ouster of Richard Wagoner, the CEO of General Motors. Tongues will move on that move this Sunday morning with some wondering why the White House has been tougher on the auto industry than the financial industry. New GM CEO Fritz Henderson will appear on NBC "Meet The Press".

In spite of unemployment hitting 8.5%, the highest in 26 years, the Dow Jones registered gains for the last four straight weeks and closed above 8000. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, perhaps bolstered by this news will be the guest on CBS "Face The Nation".

On Thursday, the House and the Senate voted to approve the President's 3.55 trillion budget in non-binding resolutions. The final approval is expected by the end of this month

President Obama has wowed them overseas so far and the first leg of his trip was agreement by the G-20 to provide over 1 trillion to the IMF along with adding new regulations to the financial markets. Along the way he met with Russian president Dimitry Medvedev and they agreed to a meeting in Moscow to discuss further nuclear arm reduction. Not satisfied with that, Obama also met with Chinese President Hu Jintao and the two agreed to a meeting in China by the end of the year.

Stops in France and Germany continued the positive vibes for Obama and the NATO summit in Prague is up next where cooperation in rebuilding Afghanistan will be discussed. Dr. Susan Rice, U.S. UN ambassador will be the guest on ABC "This Week".

It appears the Talking Heads" are a little weak with guests with foreign policy experience and that is a disappointment. However, that may be because everyone is overseas with the President. Nonetheless, the discussion will be great. So plan to tune in and watch.

The guests are listed below. Remember to check your local listing for time and channel.

NBC "Meet The Press" - Dick Gregory will interview new GM CEO Fritz Henderson. The roundtable discussion will include John Harwood, Katty Kay, Dr. Bill Rogers, and Joshua Cooper Ramo.

ABC "This Week" - George Stephanopoulos will have as his guest Dr. Susan Rice, the U.S. UN ambassador. The roundtable discussion will include George Will, David Frum, Richard Haas, and Martha Raddatz.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner will sit down with Bob Schieffer.

Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace has Senior White House Adviser David Axelrod, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Governor Mark Sanford (R-SC), and Representative Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-Fla.)

CNN "State of The Union" - John King also has new GM CEO Fritz Henderson and Senior White House Adviser David Axelrod. Also appearing will be Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.)

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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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