Daily Political Wire

George Wenschhof

Grimes Begins Race to Unseat McConnell - Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes previewed the launch of her U.S. Senate campaign with a video posted online.

She says in the video, senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has "wasted decades blocking legislation that would have helped Kentucky and our country."



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Death Toll Rises to 72 as Egyptian Military Cracks Down on Protesters - The death toll from clashes between Egyptian security forces and supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi has risen to 72, the health ministry reported Sunday, as both sides appeared to harden their resolve and doubts grew about the chances for national reconciliation.
 
The bloodied and mangled bodies of dozens of Morsi’s Islamist supporters lined the floors of an improvised hospital in eastern Cairo after security forces launched an attack against demonstrators calling for Morsi’s reinstatement. The Washington Post has more here.

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Obama To Meet With Senate and House Democrats on Wednesday -President Barack Obama will make a rare trip to Capitol Hill to meet with House and Senate Democrats on Wednesday, according to several sources.

Obama is heading to Chattanooga, Tenn., on Tuesday, where he will appear at an Amazon facility. That speech, the second in a series of economic addresses by Obama, will cover manufacturing and the creation of high-wage jobs, the White House announced.

On Wednesday, Obama will travel down Pennsylvania Ave. to meet with Democrats on both sides of the Capitol, according to Hill sources. Topics for discussion are expected to include the economy and job growth, especially the president’s proposals to address both issues.  Politico.com has more here.

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Weiner's Campaign Manager Quits - Former Rep. Anthony Weiner’s (D-N.Y.) bid for New York City mayor faced another setback Saturday with reports his campaign manager quit the team.

The New York Times reported that Danny Kedem, the head of Weiner’s campaign, resigned following last week’s disclosures that the candidate had continued sending explicit sexual messages to young women on the internet long after the same revelations forced him to resign his House seat in 2011.

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Teresa Heinz Kerry Released from Hospital - Teresa Heinz Kerry, wife of Secretary of State John Kerry and heir to the ketchup company fortune, was released Saturday from Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, where she was treated for a seizure she experienced on July 7.

Doctors said they expect Heinz Kerry to complete a full recovery at home after some limited out-patient treatment, read a statement released by Kerry's spokesman Glen Johnson.
Heinz Kerry, 74, was admitted to the hospital following an experience of seizure-like symptoms at the family's Nantucket home.

"It was amazing, a miracle," Heinz Kerry said of her care and caregivers, according to the statement. "They are the kindest people, who love what they do and do it superbly well."attention of the group at Spaulding. I've always known Massachusetts is blessed to have some of the greatest health care in the world, but we've just lived it, and are grateful to all."  NBC News has more here.

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Cheat Sheet

George Wenschhof

A grab bag Sunday, with topics likely to include filibuster reform in the Senate, Texas abortion laws, immigration reform, Syria and the failed peace process between Israel and Palestine. 

NBC "Meet The Press" will have Senate leaders Harry Reid (D-Nev. and Mitch McConnell (R-KY) as guests and expect Reid to discuss the failure of Republicans to confirm President Obama nominees, causing him to consider the "nuclear" option for filibuster reform.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will appear on CBS "Face The Nation" and will likely discuss the latest efforts by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to restart the Israel-Palestine peace talks.

On ABC "This Week", George Stephanopoulos goes one-on-one with former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer on his decision to re-enter political life as he joins the race for New York City comptroller.

Also, the pending verdict in the George Zimmerman trial will be discussed with NAACP President Ben Jealous on CNN "State of The Union".

The scheduled guests follow below.

NBC "Meet The Press" - Senators Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Mitch McConnell (R-KY.), Rep. Tom Cotton (R-AZ)

Roundtable with Rich Lowry; Former Democratic Governor of New Mexico Bill Richardson; President of the Center for American Progress Neera Tanden; and Republican Strategist as well as former senior strategist to the McCain-Palin campaign Steve Schmidt.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu, Reps. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), Peter King (R-NY), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) and Sen. Dick Durbin

Roundtable with The Wall Street Journal's Peggy Noonan, TIME Magazine's Bobby Ghosh, The New York Times' David Sanger, POLITICO's John Harris and CBS News' State Department Correspondent Margaret Brennan.

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ABC "This Week - Eliot Spitzer, Sens. Orin Hatch (R-Utah), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Reps. Karen Bass (D-Calf.) and Tom Cole (R-Okla.)

Roundtable with Wall Street Journal editorial page editor Paul Gigot; Politico senior political reporter Maggie Haberman; New York Times Magazine chief national correspondent Mark Leibovich, author of the new book “This Town”; and television and radio host Tavis Smiley.

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CNN "State of The Union" - Texas Governor Rick Perry and Illinois governor Pat Quinn (D), Reps. Raul Grijalva  (D-Ariz.), Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.), and NAACP President Ben Jealous

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Fox News Sunday - Reps. Peter King (R-NY), Steve Israel (D-NY) and Michael McCaul (R-Tex.)

Roundtable with Bill Kristol, Jane Harman, Karl Rove and Charles Lane.

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Republican Weekly Response 10-2-2010

George Wenschhof

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) criticizes Democrats for adjoining to campaign for the mid term elections without voting on the extension of the former Bush administration tax cuts.



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Sunday morning "Talking Heads" Lineup for 8-22-2010

George Wenschhof

Some foreign policy discussion will join domestic issues on the Sunday morning "Talking Heads" this weekend. The withdrawal of all combat troops from Iraq took place this past week while the struggle in Afghanistan continues.

The announcement Friday by Secretary of state Hillary Clinton of Israel/Palestine direct peace talks to take place in Washington D.C. beginning September 2 does not appear to be receiving a lot of discussion this coming Sunday.

U.S. General Ray Odierno will appear on both CNN "State of The Union" and CBS "Face The Nation" and share his thoughts on the future of Iraq and the mission of the remaining 56,000 U.S. troops within Iraq.

Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai will be a guest on ABC "This Week" - look to see if some hard questions are ask of him; such as what is he doing to rid the wide spread corruption in his government. Expect Karzai to be critical of the u.S. use of Drones to launch missile attacks which have resulted in civilian deaths.

NBC "Meet the Press" gets back to speculation of the mid term elections with guests Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Tea Party founder Dick Armey, and Governor Jennifer Granholm (D-Mich.)

The construction of a Mosque near ground zero in New York City receives some continued scrutiny on ABC "This Week" with the executive director of American Society of Muslim Advancement Daisy Khan and Jewish Community Center Rabbi Joy Levitt.

President Obama's statement pertaining to the importance of freedom of religious belief within the U.S. has become a lightening rod for those who oppose the building of the Mosque at this location.

Former DNC chair Howard Dean who has publicly disagreed with the president on the building of the Mosque, will also be on CNN "State of The Union". Dean has also angered members of Democracy for America (DFA) with his position on this issue. DFA was started by Dean after his loss in the Democratic primary for president in the 2004 election.

The failure of the government prosecutors to obtain a conviction on 22 of the 23 counts of corruption against former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich will be the topic of discussion on Fox New Sunday who will have Blagojevich as their guest. Look to see Blago continue his colorful comments with claims of persecution against him and his family.

NBC "Meet The Press" - House Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), former House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Tex.) and Governor Jennifer Granholm (D-Mich.)

ABC "This Week" - Hamid Karzai, Joy Levitt, and Daisy Khan.

Roundtable discussion with Al Hunt, Robert Reich, Judy Woodruff, and George Will.

CBS "Face The Nation" - General Ray Ordierno and Senator Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.)

CNN "State of The Union" - General Ray Ordierno and Howard Dean

Fox News Sunday - former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich

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White House Schedule

From: http://thepage.time.com/

The Political Schedule

*all times Eastern

Wednesday, August 4

• • 9:30 am
  • President Obama receives the presidential daily briefing
• • 10:00 am
  • President Obama meets with senior advisers
• • 11:05 am
  • President Obama delivers remarks at the AFL-CIO Executive Council Meeting in D.C.
• • 12:00 pm
  • President Obama lunches with Senators at the White House
• • 1:00 pm
  • Press Secretary Gibbs delivers the daily press briefing
• • 12:30 pm
  • President Obama and Vice President Biden have lunch
• • 2:15 pm
  • President Obama delivers remarks and presents the 2010 Citizens Medal to 13 winners
• • 3:10 pm
  • President Obama meets with Senator McConnell in the Oval Office
• • 4:15 pm
  • President Obama departs Andrews Air Force Base en route Chicago, Illinois
• • 6:00 pm
  • President Obama arrives in Chicago, Illinois

Sunday morning "Talking Heads" Lineup for 8-1-2010

George Wenschhof

Expect debate and discussion on the information provided by www.Wikileaks.org on the United States foreign policy in regard to Afghanistan/Pakistan. The stunning disclosure that Pakistan intelligence agencies have been aiding the Taliban in their efforts against the United States in Afghanistan will feed the discussion.

Congress will be taking their August recess shortly with the Senate the last to leave on Thursday evening. Republicans have stuck with their obstructionist action in using an unprecedented number of filibusters and just saying "No" to whatever legislation the Democrats propose, including a Democratic sponsored bill to aid small business. Aid for states for help with Medicaid and teacher layoffs is another bill languishing in the senate.

Other topics will be the confirmation vote on Supreme Court Justice nominee Elena Kagan that will take place on Thursday, the gutting of the Arizona immigration law by a federal law, the dismal economy, the upcoming Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY) Ethics Trial, whether a watered down energy bill has any success in passing before the recess and speculation on the outcome of the upcoming mid term elections.

Sure to get some mention is the legislative theatrics which took place in the House and resulting Republican opposition to a bill providing health care to the first responders of 9/11 who have suffered debilitating illnesses as a result of their efforts on that day.

NBC "Meet the Press" - Former Federal Reserve chair Alan Greenspan - see if he repeats what he said earlier about supporting allowing the former George W. Bush administration tax cuts for the wealthy to expire.

Admiral Mike Mullen, chair of the Joints Chief of Staff who will surely add his comments to the AfPak leaks. New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg, and Governor Ed Rendell (D-Pa.).

ABC "This Week" - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calf.) and Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Will the Rangel Ethics trial hurt the Democrats? Expect Pelosi to praise the system Democrats were responsible for implementing in dealing with ethics issues in the House.

Gates will talk about the suspected individual who leaked the classified information to WikiLeaks and try to spin the fact the Obama administration has been refocusing the effort in Afghanistan. A tough sell in light of the information being disclosed.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Senator Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) - expect him to bemoan the federal judge ruling in regard to the state's immigration law. Also sure to express opinion will be, Thomas Saenz; President Mexican American Legal and Education Fund.

Admiral Mike Mullen will be joined with Richard Haass, president of Council on Foreign Relations. More discussion on U.S. policy in Afghanistan and Pakistan. CFR is known to be more conservative in their thought.

CNN "State of The Union" - Senators Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Levin has to be happy with the trip by President Obama to Detroit, highlighting the comeback of the auto industry. Graham has to be sick over the fact a strong energy/climate bill he stuck his neck out to support with Senators Kerry and Lieberman, has now died a natural death and been replaced with an offering of a bill that basically bashes BP and does little else.

Fox News Sunday - Sarah Palin is their darling and headliner today. Rounding out their Republican leanings will be guests; Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Oh.).

Think they will be bashing Democrats, with Palin talking about is the most recent "mama grizzly" to receive her endorsement? You bet ya - Now, listen closely to see if they offer any concrete proposals in regard to any single issue - don't bet on it.

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Lineup for 7-18-2010

George Wenschhof

Expect a lot discussion on the upcoming mid term elections this Sunday morning. Republican and Democratic chairs of committees to elect their Representatives and Senators will be guests on NBC "Meet the Press". Also Fox News Sunday has Representatives Mike Pence (R-Ind.) and James Clyburn (D-S.C.).

The Immigration debate will heat up with New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and Republican Senate candidate J.D. Hayworth appearing on CBS "Face The Nation".

Vice President Joe Biden, who always seems to provide a good sound bite for the main stream media, has the spotlight on him as he is the only guest on ABC "This Week"

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell gets to explain what he meant by his recent statement that Congress should place a moratorium on passing legislation on CNN "State of The Union". There is already a lot of voters who have not seen anything positive being offered from their Republican Representatives in Congress. Instead, the Republican strategy in Congress has simply been to say "No".

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu (D) gets to add his two cents on the BP oil spill in the Gulf and how it affecting his city which is still rebounding from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. He will also be appearing on CNN "State of The Union".

NBC "Meet the Press" - NRSC chair John Cornyn (R-Tex.), DSCC chair Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), NRCC chair Pete Sessions (R-Tex.) and DCCC chair Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.)

ABC "This Week" - Vice President Joe Biden

CBS "Face The Nation" - Governor Bill Richardson (D-N.M.), Senate candidate J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.)

CNN "State of The Union" - Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu (D)

Fox News Sunday - Representatives James Clyburn (D-S.C.) and Mike Pence (R-Ind.)

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests for 3-29-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

The economy will continue to be the focus of discussion by pundits this coming Sunday morning. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner will appear on "Meet The Press" and "This Week". Perhaps Mr. Geithner feels buoyed by the third straight week of gains on the Dow Jones. This is the first time that has happened in almost a year.

Geithner is not exactly a good front man so we will all get to see how he does explaining his latest public-private partnership plan to rid banks of their toxic assets. In addition, he will be asked about his request from Congress of new regulations on financial institutions.

On Monday, the president's auto industry task force will be announcing their recommendations to the automakers on how to restructure their companies. These changes will be monitored and tied to the receipt of the additional 22 billion that has been requested by GM and Chrysler. Let's see if anyone brings this up for discussion.

The president appears on "Face The Nation" so expect him to receive the same financial questions as Mr. Geithner. Another subject that will receive attention Sunday morning is the war in Afghanistan. President Obama announced an additional 4000 troops to be deployed and 1.5 billion in yearly aid to Pakistan for the next five years. It will be interesting to see if the president receives tough questions regarding sending this amount of aid to the unstable government in Pakistan. Getting the U.S. out of Iraq and into a quagmire in Afghanistan also deserves tough questions.

Perhaps, that is why Defense Secretary Robert Gates will be appearing on "Fox News Sunday" and General Petraeus and U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke will appear on "State of The Union".

As always, remember to check your local listings for time and channel. Below is a list of the guests appearing on the Sunday Morning "Talking Heads". Tune in and enjoy.

NBC "Meet The Press" - David Gregory will interview Senator John McCain (R-Az.) and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.

ABC "This Week" - George Stephanopoulos also interviews Timothy Geithner. The roundtable will include Matthew Dowd, Paul Krugman, George Will, and Cokie Roberts.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Bob Schieffer will lead the ratings this Sunday morning as his guest is President Barack Obama.

Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace will interview Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

CNN "State of The Union" - John King lands General David Petraeus and Richard Holbrooke who is the U.S. special envoy for Afganistan and Pakistan. Also appearing will be Senators Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). Representative John Spratt (D-SC) is also on the show.

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Sunday Morning "Talking Heads" Guests 2-22-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

The economy continues to be the number one issue facing the Obama administration and Americans. The Dow Jones losses for the week left the close at 7365.67 on Friday, a six year low. So the 787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan (Stimulus bill) and the restructuring of the remaining 350 billion portion of the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) will be the main focus this morning.

Expect a discussion on how all the billions in the Stimulus bill will be spent and on what - there are many Governors appearing as guests today, so how the states will spend their share will receive attention.

Sure to be mentioned at some point is the continuing saga surrounding Senator Roland Burris (D-Ill.) who was appointed to the vacant Barack Obama Senate seat by impeached Governor Rod Blagojevich. Recent revelations by Burris of previously undisclosed contacts with the Governor's staff and his brother concerning the appointment to the Senate seat has led to perjury inquiries in the state of Illinois and a investigation by the Senate ethics committee. Will Burris survive or will he resign will be the question?

On the foreign policy front, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and special envoys have been busy traveling all over the world meeting with foreign leaders. Clinton is in the middle of a trip to Asia, Richard Holbrooke has been to India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and George Mitchell has visited the Middle East. All have current pressing issues so there is a possibility any or all will be discussed this morning. Sure to be mentioned is the 17,000 troop build up in Afghanistan announced by President Obama earlier in the week.

So make sure your coffee is made and plan to settle in for some interesting discussion Sunday morning. The following is a list of the "Talking Heads" shows and their scheduled guests. Remember to check your local listings for the time and channel.

NBC "Meet The Press" - David Gregory will interview Republican Governors Bobby Jindal (LA) and Charlie Crist (FL). The roundtable discussion will include Michelle Norris, Becky Quick, and Al Hunt.

ABC "This Week" - George Stephanopoulos will talk with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. California just passed their budget after heated debate. The roundtable discussion will include George Will, Suzy Welch, Nouriel Roubini and Paul Krugman.

CBS "Face The Nation" - Bob Schieffer will have HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan along with Governors Jon Corzine (D-NJ), Mitch Daniel (R-IN), and Ted Strickland (D-OH).

Fox News Sunday - Chris Wallace will interview Governors Ed Rendell (D-PA), Jennifer Granholm (D-Mich), Mark Sanford (R-SC0, and Tim Pawlenty (R-MN).

CNN "State of The Union" - John King will also have California Governor Schwarzenegger (R). Additional guests are Governor Haley Barbour (R-Miss.), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) and HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan.

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