HotAirPundit

Dick Morris Says There's Not Way Obama's Gonna Win Relection

2012-03-06T00:47:00.002-05:00

Morris believes Barack Obama's chances to win reelection are slim. I do know that if this were a Republican running for reelection, will all these same economic numbers (debt, deficit, gas prices, unemployment) there wouldn't any chance whatsoever of another term in office and the media would make sure of it. Here's Morris on Fox Business with Tom Sullivan

Axelrod: I Was Shocked By Romney's Cowardly Response to Rush Limbaugh (Video)

2012-03-06T00:08:00.004-05:00

He can't make it through 2 sentences without mentioning Mitt Romney. Obama robot David Axelrod on CNN Anderson Cooper tonight to talk about the election and the comments by Rush Limbaugh about liberal activist Sandra Fluke

Netanyahu at AIPAC: "As Prime Minister, I Will Never Gamble With the Security of the State of Israel" (Video)

2012-03-05T22:32:00.004-05:00

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Iran

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Report: U.S. Officials Convinced Netanyahu Has Already Decided To Strike Iran

weaselzippers

Channel 2 in Israel, sourcing a “senior American official”, says that the decision has already been made by the Israeli government to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities.

“All U.S. intelligence officials are confident the Israeli leadership has already decided to attack Iran, unless a significant change happens in the coming weeks or months with the Iranian nuclear program,” Channel 2 reports.

The report comes just hours ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to AIPAC in Washington

CBS's Charlie Rose: Have GOP Leaders 'Gone Far Enough in Condemning' Rush Limbaugh?'

2012-03-05T20:29:00.005-05:00

newsbusters

On Monday's CBS This Morning, Charlie Rose hinted that Republicans needed to go further in decrying Rush Limbaugh's slam of radical feminist and law student Sandra Fluke. Rose asked Senator John McCain, "Are you satisfied that those Republican officials have gone far enough in condemning these statements?" McCain replied, "Oh, I'll leave that up to pundits like you, Charlie" [audio available here; video below the jump].

The morning newscast also highlighted how "seven companies have pulled commercials from Limbaugh's nationally syndicated show. Online data company Carbonite said the on-air attack crossed the line....Limbaugh had some defenders, but they were drowned out by those protests on the left, and critics on the right

Here's the video of Charlie Rose asking McCain if Republican leaders have gone far enough in condemning Rush Limbaugh

I've got one more flashback to demonstrate the double standard:

Remember this? September 5, 2011. James Hoffa at an Obama rally in Detroit. Prior to Obama taking the stage, Hoffa tells the crowd, "Let's take these son of a bitches out"

The next day, Jake Tapper grills WH press secretary Jay Carney on the violent language used by Hoffa at the Obama rally. Carney's response? "Mr. Hoffa speaks for himself." Does he condemn, criticize or distance himself from Hoffa's comments? Of course not. Yet every Republican has to come out and immediately distance themselves from Rush Limbaugh, even our GOP candidates. Why is the same standard not used? How come Rush doesn't speak for himself?

Bill Clinton Agrees to Join Obama at Fundraisers

2012-03-05T20:15:00.003-05:00

bloomberg

Former President Bill Clinton has agreed to make joint appearances with President Barack Obama at a series of fundraisers, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The 42nd and the 44th presidents will appear together at events in the coming months in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, according to one of the people. The New York fundraiser is aimed at donors in the financial services industry, said the person, who like the others spoke on the condition of anonymity because they hadn’t been authorized to talk about the events.

President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York.

Ben Labolt, a spokesman for the Obama campaign, said nothing has been put on the schedule. Clinton spokesman Matt McKenna declined to comment.

While Obama raised $5 million on his last fundraising trip to New York, including $2 million from a March 1 event with members of the financial services industry, he is collecting less money from Wall Street this year compared with four years ago, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

Wall Street was Obama’s biggest source of campaign cash in 2008. In this election, employees of the securities and investment industry and their families have given almost three times more money to Republican Mitt Romney, a former private equity executive, than Obama. Romney has collected $6.6 million compared with $2.3 million for Obama through Jan. 31, according to the Washington-based Center for Responsive Politics

George W. Bush Impersonator Steve Bridges Dies at 48

2012-03-05T19:00:00.004-05:00

latimes

Steve Bridges, 48, a comic actor and impersonator who was best known for his mimicry of President George W. Bush and appeared alongside the chief executive at the 2006 White House Correspondents' Assn. dinner, was found dead Saturday at his home in Los Angeles.

Bridges had recently returned home from China, where he had been performing, said his brother Phillip. He appeared to have died of natural causes. An an autopsy is scheduled, but the Los Angeles County coroner’s office said foul play was not suspected.

This is probably one of the best correspondents dinners I've seen. From 2006, Bridges side-by-side with W. You can see the how good he was from the crowd's reaction. One of a kind.

Chris Christie Endorses Scott Brown

2012-03-05T17:53:00.004-05:00

Brown currently slightly ahead in the polls. This can only help.

politicalticker

Republican Gov. Chris Christie on Monday threw his support behind Sen. Scott Brown, who's running to keep his seat in the highly-contested Senate race in Massachusetts.

"Scott Brown and I share a commitment to taking on today's most difficult challenges by reforming government, balancing budgets and making tough choices," the New Jersey governor said in a statement

The endorsement comes as a boost for Brown as he faces a heated campaign against the likely Democratic nominee Elizabeth Warren. Republicans frequently point to Christie, one of the GOP's biggest stars, as an ideal presidential candidate. Christie, however, has repeatedly shot down the idea and backs Mitt Romney for president.

"(Brown) is battling to bring the same kind of fiscal discipline to Washington that I am fighting for in New Jersey," Christie said. "Scott cuts through the baloney and calls the issues like he sees them, and I am proud to endorse his campaign."

Recent polls show Brown with a slight advantage over Warren, who served as President Barack Obama's adviser in the formation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

McCain Calls for US-led Airstrikes on Assad Forces in Syria

2012-03-05T17:31:00.002-05:00

McCain on the Senate floor today. Video

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

msnbc

Arizona Sen. John McCain called for American-led airstrikes on President Bashar Assad's forces in Syria. McCain says the goal of the U.S.-led air strikes should be to establish and defend safe havens for delivering humanitarian and military aid in Syria.

"Providing military assistance to the Free Syrian Army and other opposition groups is necessary, but at this late hour, that alone will not be sufficient to stop the slaughter and save innocent lives," McCain said. "The only realistic way to do so is with foreign air power."

McCain called for the airstrikes in a Senate floor speech on Monday afternoon.

The speech emphasized that "the United States should lead an international effort to protect key population centers in Syria, especially in the north, through airstrikes on Assad's forces."

To be clear: This will require the United States to suppress enemy air defenses in at least part of the country," McCain said.

The Arizona senator added that the mass atrocities that NATO intervened in Libya to prevent in Benghazi are now a reality in Homs. "Indeed, Syria today is the scene of some of the worst state-sponsored violence since Milosevic’s war crimes in the Balkans, or Russia’s annihilation of the Chechen city of Grozny," he said.

Americans Continue to Tilt Pro-Israel

2012-03-05T16:38:00.005-05:00

gallup
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The large majority of Americans continue to view Israel favorably, while far fewer say they view the Palestinian Authority or Iran very or mostly favorably

These data are from Gallup's annual World Affairs survey, conducted each February since 2001. The Feb. 2-5, 2012, survey asked Americans to rate a list of more than 20 countries. Iran ranked at the very bottom, the Palestinian Authority was several spots higher up, and Israel was much closer to the top of the list

By party

Jimmy Carter: Occupy Movement Has Been 'Relatively Successful'

2012-03-05T16:07:00.002-05:00

Former President Jimmy Carter, the second worst president in American history gave a rave review to the anarchists, socialists and flag-burning thugs who call for the destruction of capitalism.

breitbart.tv

Where Was the Outrage? And Why Didn't President Obama Call?

2012-03-05T14:33:00.008-05:00

Flashback October 8, 2010 Headline ABC News

Audio: Meg Whitman called "whore" by staffer for Jerry Brown, California's then Democratic candidate for governor, Brown was in the room and on tape prior to the staffer's comments. Does anybody remember any outrage on the left? I do not. Did "The View" invite her on to talk about how hurtful that term is to women? They did not. Did President Obama call Whitman? He did not.
video platform video management video solutions video player

Flashback 2:

And there's this man. Former Rep. Alan Grayson. He called Bernanke lobbyist Linda Robertson a "K-Street whore" during a radio interview when he was a congressman. Does anybody remember any outrage from his friend Debbie Wasserman Schultz? Any outrage from Pelosi? Did Obama call the woman? No, no, no.

Here's the audio of Grayson in a radio interview with Alex Jones, attacking Linda Robertson, a lobbyist for Ben Bernanke as a 'K-street whore'

Sandra Fluke Dismisses Rush Limbaugh Apology, Praises Media Matters On 'The View'

2012-03-05T14:20:00.008-05:00

The audience cheers when Sandra Fluke says, "I'd rather not have a phone call from him." She goes on to say Rush's apology doesn't change anything. She then says, "I would encourage everyone to go to Media Matters." Media Matters? WTH? How would she know about Media Matters? Here's the video of this left wing activist on The View
video platform video management video solutions video player

abcnews

The Georgetown law student who drew an apology from Rush Limbaugh this weekend after the conservative radio host called her a "slut" on his show said that his public apology wasn't sufficient during an appearance on ABC's "The View" today.

"I don't think that a statement like this issued, saying that his choice of words was not the best, changes anything, and especially when that statement is issued when he's under significant pressure from his sponsors who have begun to pull their support," said the 30-year-old student, Sandra Fluke.

Limbaugh called Fluke a "slut" and a "prostitute" on his show last week after hearing her testify to Congress arguing that her university's health insurance should cover contraception for female students.

On Saturday, he wrote an apology after several sponsors pulled their advertising from his program in response to the Fluke comments.

"My choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national stir," Limbaugh wrote in a released statement. "I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word choices."

"The statements he's made about me over the air are personal enough, so I'd rather not have a personal phone call with him," Fluke said.

On his show today, his first on-air appearance since advertisers began dropping out, Limbaugh said that "those two words were inappropriate" and that he didn't think Fluke "was either of those two words."

"The apology to her over the weekend was sincere," he said. "It was simply for using inappropriate words in a way I never do."

"Mr. Limbaugh's recent comments went beyond political discourse to a personal attack and do not reflect our values as a company," the Internet-based flower delivery company wrote in a statement on its Facebook page Sunday afternoon. "As such, ProFlowers has suspended advertising on The Rush Limbaugh radio program."

Fluke didn't take a stand directly on whether advertisers should abandon Limbaugh, but she said that "Americans have a long tradition of supporting companies that share the values that they have."

Barbara Bush Robo-Calls For Mitt Romney in Ohio

2012-03-04T23:39:00.003-05:00

The former first lady has recorded a message for automated calls to Ohio voters urging them to support Romney in Tuesday's Republican presidential primary. Two decades after she and her husband, George, left the White House, top Republicans here say, Bush maintains a strong following among GOP voters

(Audio)

Left Wing Demonstrators Disrupt Santorum Speech in Oklahoma City

2012-03-04T21:06:00.003-05:00

Santorum is here on the steps of the state capitol giving a speech when demonstrators start chanting

Video.These libs are loud and obnoxious. There are Santorum supporters who come over and try to put 'Rick Santorum' signs in front of them. They end up clashing

Ron Paul: Limbaugh's Apology Not Sincere, It Was His Bottom Line He Was Concerned About

2012-03-04T20:09:00.003-05:00

Ron Paul on CBS News' Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer. You have to wonder if Paul has actually read the apology on Rush Limbaugh's website. Here's video of him taking a swipe at Rush

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Toddler Found Alive In An Indiana Field After Tornadoes Dies At the Hospital

2012-03-04T18:30:00.007-05:00

Angel Babcock (photo NBC) dies after being taken off life support. Her entire family (mom, dad, sister, brother) were killed in the Indiana tornadoes that hit Friday

The 14-month-old girl found in a field after Friday's tornadoes passed away after being taken off life support on Sunday, her grandparents told NBC News.

The grandparents and doctors had earlier decided to remove Angel Babcock from life support due to the severity of her injuries.

Angel was found alive about 150 yards from where her family's home had stood. Her parents, Joe and Moriah Babcock, died instantly; so too did her brother Jaydon, 2 years, and sister Kendall, 2 months.

More at msnbc...
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Mitt Romney Tells Georgia Crowd, "If Barack Obama Gets Re-elected Iran Will Have a Nuclear Weapon"

2012-03-04T18:19:00.005-05:00

Romney warns that an Obama reelection means Iran goes nuclear and I would have to agree...

foxnews

Snellville, Ga. -- Mitt Romney took President Obama to task Sunday, calling his foreign policy a failure and warning that if he's reelected "Iran will have a nuclear weapon."

"This president has failed," Romney told a crowd of more than 1,200 at a pancake brunch. "It's pretty straightforward in my view -- if Barack Obama gets re-elected Iran will have a nuclear weapon and the world will change if that's the case. ...

"This president failed to speak out when the dissidents took the streets in Tehran," Romney continued. "This is a president who has failed to put in place crippling sanctions against Iran. He's also failed to communicate that military options are on the table and in fact in our hand."

Romney's criticisms came after Obama took a swipe at the Republican presidential hopefuls, declaring in a speech to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee -- or AIPAC -- there's been too much "loose talk" of war with Iran.

Republicans, including all four candidates running for president, remain skeptical of the Obama administration's foreign policy, saying it has allowed Iran to take steps toward nuclear proliferation.

They also accuse the president of not supporting America's strongest ally in the region -- Israel -- unconditionally. But the president pushed back on that Sunday, declaring emphatically, "When the chips are down, I have Israel's back."

Fomer Netanyahu Chief of Staff: "Obama's Words Are Very Tough, But His Actions Aren't"

2012-03-04T17:06:00.002-05:00

"As we speak right now, the current sanctions are too slow and too soft to actually stop Iran. Iran is racing towards acquiring a nuclear weapon, they've recently tripled the pace of their uranium enrichment program...They are in the process of transferring their facilities underground...What we need now is not crippling sanctions, we need paralyzing sanctions to bring Iran's economy to the brink of collapse, we're nowhere near that right now"

He [Obama] talked about Teddy Roosevelt holding a big stick? Right now we're seeing big words but a very, very small stick" -Netanyahu Chief of staff on Fox News following Obama's speech on U.S.-Israeli relations

Venezuela's Hugo Chavez Needs More Treatment, New Tumor Cancerous

2012-03-04T16:19:00.004-05:00

New tumor removed from his pelvic region according to the report

usatoday

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez revealed Sunday that a new tumor recently removed from his pelvic region was of the same type of cancer as a baseball-sized growth extracted from that part of his body about eight months ago.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez speaks during a TV program in Havana recorded on In his first TV appearance in nine days, Chavez said the surgery and follow-up tests showed the tumor was "a recurrence of the initially diagnosed cancer."

He said "the tumor was totally extracted" and noted "the absence of lesions suggestive of cancer neither locally, neither in nearby organs, neither far away … neither metastasis, none of this thanks to God, to the diagnosis and rapid intervention."

The 57-year-old president said he would spend several weeks recovering and then "we are going to do radiation treatment in the area … without discarding other treatment options."

"There isn't fever nor any other sign, neither infection, hemorrhage," he said. He called the post-surgery healing "perfect in relation to the time that's passed, and we are already doing physical therapy

more at reuters...

Official: 61 Dead in Al-Qaeda Attack on Yemen Base

2012-03-04T15:29:00.004-05:00

Al-Qaeda militants overran an army base in southern Yemen on Sunday, capturing heavy weapons and turning them on soldiers in intense clashes that left 61 dead, a military official said

Associated Press

The battle near the town of Zinjibar in the southern province of Abyan killed 36 government troops and 25 of the militants, he said. A medical official confirmed the death toll. Scores were wounded from both sides, they said, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to talk to the media.

The official said the fighting was taking place west of Abyan's provincial capital of Zinjibar. Militants seized control of the town in May, taking advantage of political turmoil linked to the uprising against then-President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Saleh stepped down last month in a U.S.-backed power transfer deal that Washington hoped would allow Yemen's new leaders to move against al-Qaida. But the fighting highlights the difficulties faced by his successor Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi in combatting the militant movement and restoring state authority in the lawless south.

The military officials said the militants were able to seize armored vehicles, artillery pieces, assault rifles and rockets from the stores of an army base they attacked. Some of the heavy weapons were later used against the troops, causing most of the casualties

Pro Flowers Pulls Advertising From Rush Limbaugh Program

2012-03-04T15:07:00.004-05:00

I wonder what part of "I sincerely apologize to Mrs. Fluke" did PF not get?

This is what they posted on their facebook a short time ago.
facebook

At ProFlowers, our mission is to delight our customers with fresh and long lasting flowers, and that is our singular focus each and every day. We do not base our advertising decisions to align with any particular political view or opinion as our employees and customers are as diverse as the USA. Mr. Limbaugh’s recent comments went beyond political discourse to a personal attack and do not reflect our values as a company. As such, ProFlowers has suspended advertising on The Rush Limbaugh radio program.

Newt: Obama's Apology Over Burning of Korans Didn't Save Lives

2012-03-04T11:27:00.004-05:00

Newt on CNN State of the Union is asked by Candy Crowley if he would issue an apology "if it would save American lives?" Newt gets into a testy exchange with Crowley here but he hits the nail on the head saying Obama's excuse is 'baloney'

Ron Paul: No Federal Financial Aid for Tornado Victims

2012-03-04T10:35:00.003-05:00

nationaljournal

Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, stood by his libertarian beliefs on Sunday, saying that victims of the violent storms and tornadoes that have battered a band of states in the South and Midwest in recent days should not be given emergency financial aid from the federal government.

"There is no such thing as federal money," Paul said, on CNN’s State of the Union. "Federal money is just what they steal from the states and steal from you and me."

"The people who live in tornado alley, just as I live in hurricane alley, they should have insurance," Paul said.

Paul said there was a role for the National Guard to restore order and provide care and shelter in major emergencies, but that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) led to nothing but "frustration and anger."

"To say that any accident that happens in the country, send in FEMA, send in the money, the government has all this money—it is totally out of control and it's not efficient," Paul said

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor Endorses Mitt Romney (Video)

2012-03-04T09:45:00.005-05:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Cantor endorses Romney on Meet the Press

Eric Cantor, the second-ranking House Republican, endorsed Mitt Romney for president on Sunday, saying he is the candidate best suited to handle the issue of the economy.

Cantor, the House Majority Leader, announced his support on "Meet the Press," just two days before the primary on Tuesday in Virginia.

"What I have seen is a very hard-fought primary. And we have seen now that the central issue about the campaign now is the economy," Cantor told moderator David Gregory. "I just think there's one candidate in the case who can do that, and it's Mitt Romney."

Cantor is the highest-ranking Republian member of Congress to make an endorsement in the primary. Moreover, Cantor has emerged as a national political figurehead for conservatives on Capitol Hill; he's generally seen as the informal leader of the faction of anti-establishment conservatives to have been elected in 2010. To that end, he is one of three House Republicans considered the party's "Young Guns," along with Reps. Kevin McCarthy (Calif.) and Paul Ryan (Wis.), neither of whom have endorsed in the presidential race (firstread)

Newt Hits Obama on Gas Prices at Lincoln Day Dinner: "Would you like $10 a Gallon and Algae? Or Would You Like $2.50 a Gallon and Drilling?"

2012-03-04T00:45:00.006-05:00

Newt Gingrich at the Ohio 5th Congressional District Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio

Newt Gingrich slammed Obama Saturday night

Newt: "The president says, 'The Republicans will tell you drill, drill, drill,' First of all, I want to reassure the president, we should 'drill, drill, drill. He then goes on to say that will not work...

In Florida, in the great tradition of the modern left, he unveiled his solution. Does anybody remember what it was? Algae..You have over here, Newt Gingrich as president drill here, drill now, pay less. You have over here Barack Obama as President -Algae...Americans get to decide: Would you like $10 a gallon and algae? Or would you like $2.50 a gallon and drilling?

Tweet of the Day

2012-03-03T22:49:00.002-05:00

Laura Ingraham on twitter

"It's a Systematic Slaughter, It's Not a War." Wounded Photographer Describes Situation in Syria (Video)

2012-03-03T21:55:00.007-05:00

The photographer, Paul Conroy -wounded in the attacks in Homs that killed British journalist Sunday Times reporter Marie Colvin is treated at a London hospital. He speaks to a an ITN reporter about what he left behind in Syria. He describes the streets a something that looks like the first world war.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Mitt Romney At Town Hall Tells Woman With Daughter in Afghanistan, "How Can The Commander-in-Chief Sleep at Night?" (Video)

2012-03-03T18:52:00.004-05:00

Mitt Romney town hall in Dayton, Ohio this afternoon gets question from mother who has a daughter in the 82nd Airborne serving in Afghanistan that wants to come home. Romney responds

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Friday's Tornado in Southern Indiana Was an EF-4, With Sustained Winds of 166-200 MPH -National Weather Service

2012-03-03T18:16:00.003-05:00

Rush Limbaugh Apologizes To Sandra Fluke

2012-03-03T17:35:00.004-05:00

Rush Limbaugh apologized to a Georgetown University law student on Saturday in a written statement posted on his website

rushlimbaugh.com ,

"For over 20 years, I have illustrated the absurd with absurdity, three hours a day, five days a week. In this instance, I chose the wrong words in my analogy of the situation. I did not mean a personal attack on Ms. Fluke.

I think it is absolutely absurd that during these very serious political times, we are discussing personal sexual recreational activities before members of Congress. I personally do not agree that American citizens should pay for these social activities. What happened to personal responsibility and accountability? Where do we draw the line?

If this is accepted as the norm, what will follow? Will we be debating if taxpayers should pay for new sneakers for all students that are interested in running to keep fit?In my monologue, I posited that it is not our business whatsoever to know what is going on in anyone's bedroom nor do I think it is a topic that should reach a Presidential level.

My choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national stir. I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word choices"

Pat Buchanan: George Will Ought to Have His Pundit's License Suspended (Video)

2012-03-03T13:50:00.005-05:00

"When you go for the presidency of the United States that is the way to win the House and win the Senate, they are all up for grabs. If Obama wins the White House, he could very well hold on to the Senate and really take a lot of seats in the House” Buchanan said on Fox News Hannity responding to columnist George Will who said the primary goal of conservatives should be to retain control of the House and win the Senate so Congress can restrain President Barack Obama while the GOP grooms its talent for the 2016 election.

(Basically, Will says it's unlikely Romney and Santorum will not be elected prez in 2012) Pat Buchanan is exactly right and George Will could not be more wrong here. Here's the video from last night's Hannity

"Take It Away From Us Lord" Woman Prays As Tornado Approaches (Video)

2012-03-03T11:59:00.003-05:00

West Liberty, Ky. Woman is heard praying as the storm approaches overhead. I think I'd be doing the same thing. Look at this dramatic video

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Chris Christie: I'd Consider a VP Run With Mitt Romney

2012-03-03T11:26:00.002-05:00

No doubt in my mind he would say yes if asked to be VP

newsmax

Chris Christie, New Jersey’s first-term Republican governor, said he’d consider a request from Mitt Romney to become his vice presidential running mate, if the former chief executive of Massachusetts were to ask.

Christie, 49, said voters in his party are “shopping around” for the best challenger to face President Barack Obama in the general election in November. His comments came in response to questions about the primary race between Romney, 64, and challengers including Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania.

“They’re going to come back to Mitt Romney as the Republican nominee and then he’s going to have a battle on his hands with the president this fall,” Christie told host Steve Adubato today during a “Christie on the Line” broadcast on public television and radio stations from Montclair State University.

Christie said he would consider being Romney’s running mate, if the former Bain Capital LLC chief executive asked him. The New Jerseyan has endorsed Romney and made campaign appearances on his behalf since ruling himself out of the race last year. Romney won primaries in Michigan and Arizona Feb. 28.

Christie said he doubted that running for vice president was “something I would want to do.” Still, he added, “I won’t rule it out.”

Obama: Fuel-Efficient Cars An Answer to Gas Prices

2012-03-03T11:10:00.004-05:00

Raising fuel efficiency standards is not the answer

(AP) President Barack Obama says higher auto mileage standards set under his administration and better cars built by a resurgent U.S. auto industry will save money at the gas pump over the long term, a counterpoint to Republican criticism of his energy policy.

In his weekly radio and online address Saturday, Obama said Detroit automakers are on track to build cars that average nearly 55 miles per gallon by 2025, doubling current mileage standards.

"That means folks will be able to fill up every two weeks instead of every week, saving the typical family more than $8,000 at the pump over time," he said. "That's a big deal, especially as families are yet again feeling the pinch from rising gas prices."

During the past several weeks, Obama has been eager to appear aggressive in the face of rising gasoline prices even as he reminds audiences that there is no simple, immediate solution that will reverse the current spike in prices.

"What's happening in Detroit will make a difference. But it won't solve everything," Obama said. "There's no silver bullet for avoiding spikes in gas prices every year."

By drawing attention to the auto industry, Obama looked to highlight both his efforts to improve fuel efficiency as well as his role in helping rescue General Motors and Chrysler. He also reiterated his call to end oil and gas company tax breaks and government subsidies that average about $4 billion a year

Mark Levin: Sandra Fluke Got a Phone Call From Obama. Did The Parents of Brian Terry Ever Get a Phone Call From The President?

2012-03-02T21:51:00.005-05:00

Mark Levin took to the airwaves tonight to expose Sandra Fluke and defend Rush Limbaugh over the attacks from Democrats and the leftist media. He points out that Sandra Fluke got a phone call from the president.............

therightscoop

Ted Nugent Endorses Mitt Romney

2012-03-02T19:45:00.004-05:00

But would probaby supporting Rick Perry if he were still in the race

mlive

The Motor City Madman has made it known who he’d like to see win the Presidential Election in November.

Ted Nugent endorsed fellow Michigan native and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney by way of Twitter on Friday.

“after a long heart&soul conversation with MittRomney today I concluded this goodman will properly represent we the people & I endorsed him,” Nugent’s Twitter account, @TedNugent, read.

Nugent, a staunch conservative, is never shy about speaking his mind on political issues.

Just last month, he was quoted by the Springfield (Ill.) State Journal-Register calling President Barack Obama an “America-hating punk” at a Republican Party fundraiser in Springfield.

Chevy Volt Production Halted, 1,300 Laid Off

2012-03-02T18:04:00.003-05:00

Production of Chevrolet Volts is on hold for five weeks because of unsold inventory. Even after the government increased the rebate from $7,500 to $10K they can't move this dud. Just 603 were sold in the month of January

bottomline

Facing a significant backlog of unsold inventory, General Motors will shut down production of the Chevrolet Volt for five weeks.

The maker has notified 1,300 workers at the GM plant in Detroit that they will be idled from March 19 through April 23 while assembly operations are idled. But the maker insists the latest setback is not a sign of long-term problems for the plug-in hybrid, noting that Volt sales in February jumped 70 percent over the prior month.

“We’re going to do what we need to the keep production in line with what the market demands,” said GM spokesperson Michelle Malcho.

She noted that demand has been recovering in the wake of reports, late last year, that several Volt battery packs had caught fire following federal crash tests. After briefly opening an investigation into the problem, the National Highway

Traffic Safety Administration gave the Chevy Volt a clean bill of health when GM announced it would take several steps to further reduce the risk of battery problems. The maker has stressed there have been no such incidents involving Volts in real-world use.

Video: Tornadoes Ravage Indiana

2012-03-02T17:29:00.005-05:00

New video. Henryville and Marysville Indiana. This looks a lot like the Joplin did last year. One town is "completely gone" according to the sheriff

Video is aerial footage a short time ago from Henryville, Indiana

wlky

Authorities say tornadoes have left widespread damage in southern Indiana and a sheriff's official says at least one town is "completely gone."

National Weather Service coordinator Bill Whitlock says the agency is tracking "extreme damage" in the Henryville area, about 20 miles north of Louisville.

Clark County Sheriff's Department Maj. Chuck Adams says the nearby town of Marysville is "completely gone."

Authorities have not confirmed any injuries or fatalities.

WLKY has crews in several southern Indiana towns taking shelter until severe weather passes. Stay with WLKY and WLKY.com for the latest information as it becomes available.

Severe weather watches and warnings have been issued for the WLKY viewing area. The warnings are coming in quickly. For the quickest updates, follow along our Live Wire or watch live

According to the report, this is a photo of the Henryville High School, it is destroyed

White House: Limbaugh's Comments "Reprehensible, Disappointing"

2012-03-02T14:38:00.003-05:00

The attack on Sandra Fluke 'personal and crude.' From the White House press briefing earlier today. President Obama actually picked up the phone and called this woman over this according to Carney.

President Obama injected himself Friday into the controversy over Rush Limbaugh's comments about a Georgetown University student who testified on contraceptive coverage -- effectively elevating the issue, with some Democrats even trying to raise money off it.

The president called the student, Sandra Fluke, on Friday afternoon to express his disappointment in the "personal attacks" against her, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said.

Limbaugh, on his radio show earlier this week, had called Fluke a "slut" following her comments in favor of mandatory contraceptive coverage

Woman Says She Was Humiliated At Airport After TSA Asks Her To Prove Her Breast Pump is Real

2012-03-02T12:31:00.005-05:00

Once again, the TSA is keeping us safe because we all know the threat posed by a breast-feeding mom at the airport with her 9-month-old daughter

"I had to stand in front of the mirrors and the sinks and pump my breast in front of every tourist that walked into that bathroom"

kitv

A Hawaiian mom says she was humiliated when asked to prove her breast pump was real at an airport.

The woman says she was flagged for additional screening at the Lihue Airport Wednesday because of her electric breast feeding pump.

She claims agents told her she couldn't take the pump on the plane because the bottles in her carry-on were empty.

"I asked him if there was a private place I could pump and he said no, you can go in the women's bathroom. I had to stand in front of the mirrors and the sinks and pump my breast in front of every tourist that walked into that bathroom. I was embarrassed and humiliated and then angry that I was treated this way.

When the bottles were full, she was allowed back on the plane. The TSA is apologizing, saying the agent made a mistake.

The agency released a statement, saying in part: "We accept responsibility for the apparent misunderstanding and any inconvenience or embarrassment this incident may have caused her."

The TSA recently changed screening procedures to allow women to carry breast milk onto planes without testing it. However, breast pumps may require additional screening

**UPDATE** Here's the mom with her 9-month-old daughter Eva

Here's is a photo of the breast pump that had empty bottles

Obama Compares Himself to Gandhi, Nelson Mandela at NYC Fundraiser (Video)

2012-03-02T11:19:00.002-05:00

You know, change takes time..." Around the world, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, what they did was hard. It takes time, it takes more than a single term. It takes more than a single president"

.

Ann Romney hits back at Bill Clinton: "Mitt's Father Would Be Cheering and Would Be With Mitt 100%"

2012-03-02T10:19:00.003-05:00

Ann Romney asked about Clinton's statement on Fox and Friends with Gretchen Carlson

politicalticker

Ann Romney defended her husband Friday against former President Bill Clinton who said Mitt Romney's stance on the auto bailout has his father "turning over in his grave."

"Mitt's father would be cheering and would be with Mitt 100%," Ann Romney said on Fox News. "What Mitt suggested, what's finally what happened, is that they just went through a structured bankruptcy. It's exactly what ended up happening. Mitt just said to do that before they spent $17 billion."

During a speech this week to the United Auto Workers National Community Action Program Conference, Clinton said "Every time I hear Mr. Romney talk about this, I think his daddy must be turning over in his grave."

But Ann Romney was defiant in her stance.

"No, Mitt's father would be cheering, cheering with Mitt," she added.

Romney's father, the late George Romney was an American Motors executive and three-term governor of Michigan

PM David Cameron: "One Day, No Matter How Long It Takes There Will Be a Day of Reckoning For This Dreadful Regime" in Syria (Video)

2012-03-02T10:11:00.004-05:00

U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron is calling the situation in Syria "appalling." He also described the Syrian government as "criminal" and said it must face a day of reckoning

BBC

Prime Minister David Cameron has accused Syria's "criminal regime" of "butchering its own people".

He warned supporters of President Bashar Assad to turn their backs on their leader or face "a day of reckoning" for their involvement.

Speaking in Brussels, he also urged Russia and China to look hard at the suffering in Syria and reconsider their support for the Syrian government.

Both countries vetoed an Arab-backed peace plan last month.

At a media conference held after an EU summit, Mr Cameron told reporters: "The Assad regime is butchering its own people.

"The history of Homs is being written in the blood of its citizens."

New Republican Ad Calls Democrat Bob Kerrey a "New York Liberal"

2012-03-02T09:57:00.004-05:00

Republican John Bruning who is running against Bob Kerrey for Ben Nelson's seat in Nebraska hits Kerrey as a New York liberal in his first web ad titled 'clear choice'

Nebraska- Attorney General John Bruning, the frontrunner in the Republican primary for the open Senate seat, comes out swinging against newly-declared-candidate Bob Kerrey with a strong contrast spot.

The initial week-long flight, which starts today, is for $70,000 on broadcast and cable. Bruning hits Kerrey for saying President Obama’s health care law should have gone further, for being the deciding vote on the Balanced Budget Amendment and for voting to support more than $50 billion in earmarks

Fundraiser-in-Chief Raises $5 Million in 7 Hours

2012-03-02T01:38:00.002-05:00

New York City "like a political ATM." Obama hit 4 fat-cat fundraisers in 7 hours in NYC raking in $5 million from the one percenters. Obama has raised $136 million so far in the 2012 presidential race according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Here's video. You'll see Obama briefly heckled during his speech at Union Square in the middle of the video

Gingrich Ad: $2.50 Gas, Join us to Make it Happen

2012-03-02T01:33:00.003-05:00

New from Newt Gingrich.

Breitbart.com Editor-in-Chief: Sites Will Continue, It's Business As Usual

2012-03-01T23:34:00.005-05:00

Editor Joel Pollak: We are moving forward and we have bigger and better plans...At the beginning of next week, you will see the new Breitbart.com. We're gonna continue his legacy and build on it. It's gonna run as it did before. Video from Current TV earlier tonight

Obama Heckled on Iran at NYC fundraiser

2012-03-01T22:52:00.001-05:00

politico44

As President Obama spoke to hundreds of 20- and 30-somethings packed into a steamy home furnishings showroom in New York Thursday, a woman in the crowd apparently felt it important to air her views.

"Use your leadership!" she yelled out, according to a pool report. "No war in Iran!"

The president, smiling, responded, "Nobody's announced a war, young lady. You're jumping the gun a little bit."

The exchange occurred at a star-studded campaign fundraiser at ABC Carpet & Home, where the hosts included Deepak Chopra and Russell Simmons, among others, and the program included performances by The Roots, Ben Folds and Ingrid Michaelson. Some 900 people paid at least $1,000 each to attend the event

92% Say Economy Extremely/Very Important in the 2012 Presidential Election

2012-03-01T20:28:00.002-05:00

20 points higher than terrorism/national security

gallup

PRINCETON, NJ -- More than 9 in 10 U.S. registered voters say the economy is extremely (45%) or very important (47%) to their vote in this year's presidential election. Unemployment, the federal budget deficit, and the 2010 healthcare law also rank near the top of the list of nine issues tested in a Feb. 16-19 USA Today/Gallup poll.

Voters rate social issues such as abortion and gay marriage as the least important

The high ranking of economic issues in the list is no surprise in a down economy. The rank order also mirrors the priority given to the economy, unemployment, and the deficit when Americans are asked to name the most important problem facing the country

Importance of issues to 2012 Presidential vote

Bomb Squad Called Out To Rush Limbaugh's Home in Palm Beach

2012-03-01T19:43:00.003-05:00

Developing...
**UPDATE** below

wptv

PALM BEACH, Fla. - The bomb squad has been called to the Palm Beach home of Rush Limbaugh.

Officials say security found a suspicious package and called for assistance.

The conservative talk-show host lives on the northern end of the island.

The Palm Beach Daily News reports Palm Beach police blocked off North Ocean Boulevard and are re-routing northbound traffic onto North Ocean Way.

Obama Administration Rules Out Military Action in Syria

2012-03-01T19:05:00.004-05:00

Over 7,500 civilians have been killed in Syria since the beginning of the uprising in March

usnews

U.S. military intervention in Syria appears unlikely, with Obama administration officials and lawmakers worried about spurring a bloody civil war and assisting al Qaeda.

National security officials are still trying to untangle a thick web of political, strategic, and religious issues--including some that span centuries--as regime forces and opposition fighters continue to clash. With over 7,500 people dead there, a senior State Department official Thursday said "conditions in affected areas of Syria are dire and worsening."

As forces loyal to embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad continue using artillery and tanks to pound rebel targets and allegedly even civilians, some hawkish Republicans and Syrian opposition officials have called for U.S. military action.

But Obama administration officials have--so far, at least--closed the door to that option.

"At this point, we do not believe that the further militarization of the situation is the best course," senior State Department officials said Thursday.

Santorum’s Fundraising Is on the Upswing

2012-03-01T18:32:00.002-05:00

February numbers 10 times what he raised in the entire 4th quarter

weeklystandard

Rick Santorum reportedly raised $9 million in February. That’s almost ten times what he raised in the entire fourth quarter of 2011 ($917,000), twice what he raised in January ($4.5 million), and 40 percent more than Mitt Romney raised in January ($6.2 million).

The Santorum campaign reports that one of its “best fundraising days” of the month was yesterday (the 29th), the day after Santorum won 15 of the 30 electoral votes in Romney’s native state of Michigan.

Romney’s fundraising tallies for February have not yet been released. At the least, however, the gap between the two candidates’ fundraising efforts seems to have narrowed dramatical

Video: Gizzly Bear Caught on Camera Charging at Tour Group

2012-03-01T18:25:00.005-05:00

The tour group were visiting Katmai National Park in Alaska when the large grizzly charged towards them. They had no choice but to sit perfectly still while the creature came within inches of their party. At one stage the 8ft-tall animal came so close to the group that they could smell fish on its breath. From MSNBC

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

President Obama Kept Air Force One in the Air Extra Half Hour to Watch Knicks Game – Costing Taxpayers $90,000

2012-03-01T18:13:00.004-05:00

It costs $185K an hour to fly Air Force One

gatewaypundit

The President lives a lavish lifestyle and loves his expensive luxury vacations, at a time while Americans are hurting. He is frequently seen eating burgers and fatty foods while in public at a time that the First Lady is promoting healthy eating by others.

This Administration seems to have a “Let Them Eat Cake – but make it a Diet Low Carb Cake” mentality.

President Obama flew to Florida this past week to explain high gas prices. According to the Washington Post, on his way to Florida this past Thursday, reporters were “perplexed” at the President’s 41 minute flight from Washington, DC to Orlando, Florida taking 1 hour and 15 minutes.

The flight was in the air an extra 30 minutes, burning precious fossil fuels.

It does not seem a coincidence that the President landed right at half time of an NBA basketball game between the star studded Miami Heat and New York Knicks. Some theorized that the President delayed his flight in the air to watch more of the basketball game.

Obama's Numbers Lie: "We've Got Only 2% of the World's Oil Reserves" (Video)

2012-03-01T16:14:00.004-05:00

Not true. On Fox Business, host Gerri Willis runs the numbers on the Obama line of "we've use 20% of the world's oil and have only 2% of the world's oil reserves." The truth is, Obama's mythical 2% is only proven oil reserves. The amount of proven reserves is around 20B barrels in the US, the amount of "technically recoverable oil" is 145B barrels, more than 7 times that, according to the government's own figures. Fox Business reports on Obama's numbers lie

Number of Americans Who Call Themselves Democrats Falls To New Low

2012-03-01T15:36:00.002-05:00

The number of Republicans in the country was virtually unchanged in February, while the number of Democrats fell to a new low for the third month in a row. During February, 36.0% of Americans considered themselves Republicans. That’s up from 35.9% in January and the highest number of Republicans measured since December 2010. The number of Americans who consider themselves Democrats fell to just over 32%

Rasmussenreports

Detained Americans Leave Egypt After Posting $5 Million Bail

2012-03-01T15:01:00.003-05:00

Their plane departed the Cairo Airport and is flying to an undisclosed location in Europe

A convoy of white vans carrying the sign of U.S. Embassy arrived at Cairo airport carrying the seven Americans, who include the son of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood

cbsnews

Egyptian officials say seven American and eight other foreign democracy workers facing trial on charges of fomenting unrest have left the country after they posted bail.

The departure of the Americans eases the worst crisis in Egypt-U.S. relations in 30 years. The U.S. posted nearly $5 million in bail to win their release.

CBS News' Alex Ortiz reports from Cairo that the workers made no comment as they were ushered into the capital's airport.

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said the plane was flying to an undisclosed location in Europe. She said the decision to lift the travel ban was made by Egypt's judicial system, but she cautioned the case is not over.

Nuland also said no decision has been made on $1.5 billion in aid the U.S. wanted to provide Egypt. The money was jeopardized by Egypt's decision to charge the Americans.

In Washington, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., told reporters he was "obviously very pleased" at the news of the Americans' departure. "There's a lot more to say about it, but our ambassador in Cairo, Miss Anne Patterson, did a fantastic job. All of our Americans are now on the way out."

The plane took off around 7:00 p.m. Cairo time, Egyptian airport officials said

Lib Media 2012: Romney, Santorum Tearing Each Other Apart. Lib Media 2008: Obama-Hillary The "Dream Ticket" (Video)

2012-03-01T12:41:00.004-05:00

Remember this? You won't be hearing any of this from the media about our 2 leading candidates, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum

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77 Percent of Illegals Caught on Mexican Border Were Not Prosecuted

2012-03-01T12:36:00.002-05:00

Only around 23 percent were prosecuted

cnsnews

About 77 percent of the 327,577 illegal aliens caught along the Mexican border by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during fiscal 2011 were not prosecuted, according to government data analyzed by the office of Rep. John Culberson.

The Texas Republican, whose district includes parts of Houston, submitted a document containing the data for the record at a Wednesday hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. The hearing focused on the budget for CBP.

Culberson gave CNSNews.com a copy of the document, which contains prosecution rate figures for illegal aliens apprehended by CBP between FY2007 and FY2011.

According to figures made public by CBP, 327,577 illegal aliens were caught along the southwest border during fiscal year 2011 (Oct. 1, 2010 thru Sept. 30, 2011).

Of those 327,577, only 74,975 (about 22.9 percent) were prosecuted, according to Justice Department data obtained by Culberson, while 252,602 (77.1 percent) were not prosecuted

Biden Hits Santorum Over 'Snob' Comment

2012-03-01T11:29:00.002-05:00

Plugs responds to Rick

politicalticker

Vice President Joe Biden turned his fire on Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum Thursday, saying his recent "snob" comment about college represents a disconnect with the American people.

"I think there's an ideological divide between Rick Santorum and all of America on this. I don't think it's between the parties," Biden told Radio Iowa.

"It's not about snobbery. It's about allowing people to live a life like their parents lived, in a middle-class environment, decent home, good school, a promise to send their kids to college and being able to take care of their parents and not have to be taken care of themselves by the time they're their parents' age."

Santorum recently categorized President Barack Obama as a "snob" for calling on every American to attend college.

"Oh, I understand why he wants you to go to college. He wants to remake you in his image," Santorum said last week. "I want to create jobs so people can remake their children into their image, not his."

Santorum has said he supports different types of higher education, not just four year degrees, saying education should vary based on an individual's strengths.

RNC: 100 Fundraisers Later, What Did Obama Forget?

2012-03-01T11:25:00.003-05:00

Obama has set a record fundraising pace this election cycle, and tonight is his 100th fundraiser for re-election. But along the way, Obama forgot a few things.

Afghan Gunmen Kill 2 U.S. Troops

2012-03-01T10:55:00.003-05:00

President told ABC News yesterday that his apology helped calm things down.

Associated Press

KABUL, Afghanistan - Two U.S. troops were shot dead in southern Afghanistan when three assailants, two of whom were believed to be Afghan soldiers, turned their weapons against American troops on Thursday.

Afghan and U.S. military officials confirm to CBS News that the dead were U.S. troops, and that a third American servicemember was wounded in the attack. U.S. forces responded with gunfire and killed the two assailants in Afghan army attire, wounding a third Afghan shooter in civilian clothing. The wounded shooter was identified as a teacher and is in custody.

CBS News correspondent Mandy Clark reports the shooting occurred inside a joint Afghan-U.S. base in Kandahar province.

Thursday's shooting is the latest case of Afghan policemen or soldiers -- or militants disguised in their uniforms -- killing NATO troops.

Romney Jumps To a 16 Point Lead Over Santorum

2012-03-01T10:26:00.004-05:00

Romney 40%, Santorum 24%, Two weeks ago, Santorum led by 12 points

rasmussenreports

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, coming off his primary wins in Arizona and Michigan, has jumped to a 16-point lead over Rick Santorum in the battle for the Republican presidential nomination.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely Republican Primary Voters shows Romney with 40% support to 24% for the former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania. This is Romney's biggest lead to date and the highest level of support any GOP candidate has earned in regular surveying of the race. Two weeks ago, it was Santorum 39%, Romney 27%.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich earns 16% support, closely followed by Texas Congressman Ron Paul at 12%. Two percent (2%) prefer some other candidate, and six percent (6%) are undecided. The new findings mark virtually no change in national support for Gingrich and Paul

USA Today/Gallup Poll: Republicans More Excited to Vote

2012-03-01T10:11:00.002-05:00

Important

politico

Republicans hold an enthusiasm advantage over Democrats, as a majority of them say they are “more enthusiastic than usual about voting” for president, according to a new poll Thursday.

Among registered Republicans and independents who lean Republican, 53 percent say they are excited to vote this year, compared with 45 percent of Democrats who feel the same way, according to a USA Today/Gallup poll.

The enthusiasm gap has widened recently. In December 2011, Republicans had a 5-percentage-point advantage on this measure (49 percent to 44 percent). It now stands at 8 percentage points.

Further, Republicans are more excited to vote now than they were in February 2008, when Mike Huckabee and John McCain were dueling it out in that electoral cycle’s primaries. At that time, only 44 percent said they were more excited than usual about voting.

Among all Americans, 47 percent say they are more enthusiastic about voting than usual, compared with 42 percent who say they are less enthusiastic.

GOP in much better position in 2012 than in was in 2008 when Dems led by 35 points in voter enthusiasm

McCain: I Didn't Get Along With Santorum in the U.S. Senate

2012-03-01T10:04:00.002-05:00

McCain on the NBC Tonight Show

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said he and Rick Santorum didn't get along as U.S. senators.

"I'm not sure that he's too extreme, but I did not get along with him when I was in the United States Senate," said McCain on NBC's "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" Wednesday.

The Arizona senator, who is supporting Mitt Romney for president, told Leno that he had "strong differences" with the former Pennsylvania senator. He accused Santorum of supporting earmarks and pork barrel spending, including the so-called "Bridge to Nowhere."

"My favorite was I think we spent about $50,000 one time to study the effect on the ozone layer or flatulents in cows — now, I always wondered about the testing procedures," he said

Andrew Breitbart Dead at 43

2012-03-01T09:33:00.006-05:00

Big Journalism reports

Andrew passed away unexpectedly from natural causes shortly after midnight this morning in Los Angeles.

We have lost a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a dear friend, a patriot and a happy warrior.

Andrew lived boldly, so that we more timid souls would dare to live freely and fully, and fight for the fragile liberty he showed us how to love.

Andrew recently wrote a new conclusion to his book, Righteous Indignation:

I love my job. I love fighting for what I believe in. I love having fun while doing it. I love reporting stories that the Complex refuses to report. I love fighting back, I love finding allies, and—famously—I enjoy making enemies.

Three years ago, I was mostly a behind-the-scenes guy who linked to stuff on a very popular website. I always wondered what it would be like to enter the public realm to fight for what I believe in. I’ve lost friends, perhaps dozens. But I’ve gained hundreds, thousands—who knows?—of allies. At the end of the day, I can look at myself in the mirror, and I sleep very well at night.

Andrew is at rest, yet the happy warrior lives on, in each of us

**Tucker Carlson on Fox News said he just talked to Breitbart last night and everything was fine.

**Lt. Larry Dietz of the Los Angeles Coroner's Office tells website TPM that Breitbart died last night at UCLA Medical Center
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Allen West: We Cannot Look to the Military As the Bill Payer For Fiscal Irresponsibility (Video)

2012-02-29T23:59:00.004-05:00

Allen West goes on the Record about cuts to the military budget and the impact it would have.

MSNBC Misspells ‘Tuition’ Twice While Discussing Education Problems

2012-02-29T20:54:00.003-05:00

On Wednesday's Dylan Ratigan Show during a lengthy segment about a "free tuition competition" being held at the University of New Haven's College of Business.
Some genius at the "Lean Forward" network actually spelled "tuition" wrong in two different on-screen graphics
Video via newsbusters

President Obama To ABC News: Koran Apology 'Calmed Things Down' (Video)

2012-02-29T20:29:00.002-05:00

You've got to be kidding. Obama in an interview with ABC's Bob Woodruff is asked about his apology to Afghistan over the burning of the Korans. He believes it calmed things down. Here's the video, Woodruff questions him at the end.
video platform video management video solutions video player

(ABC) President Obama said his formal apology to Afghan President Hamid Karzai for the burning of Korans by U.S. troops last week has "calmed things down" after the incident sparked an outbreak of violence across the country.

"We're not out of the woods yet," Obama said in an exclusive interview with ABC News' Bob Woodruff at the White House. "But my criteria in any decision I make, getting recommendations from folks who are actually on the ground, is what is going to best protect our folks and make sure that they can accomplish their mission."

The president's comments came just hours before a formal White House dinner to honor Iraq War veterans, some of whom have also served in Afghanistan and may be redeploying there to assist ongoing U.S. military operations. Woodruff was the only journalist invited to attend the dinner.

Obama said his letter to Karzai aimed to curb further danger to U.S. troops on the ground. It reportedly expressed regret for the apparently inadvertent burning of the Korans, the sacred text of Islam, on a U.S. military base in Afghanistan.

Still, the president's critics and some members of the military have questioned the appropriateness of the move, given the subsequent murder of two U.S. military officers at the hands of an Afghan inside one of the capital's secure ministry buildings.

Former President Clinton: ‘We Should Embrace’ The Keystone Pipeline [VIDEO]

2012-02-29T18:58:00.006-05:00

"One of the best things about being a former president is that you can say whatever the heck you want." This is at the energy innovation summit in Washington. Here's the video
dailycaller

Former President Bill Clinton said the federal government should embrace the Keystone XL pipeline that the Obama administration rejected last month. Clinton also said that one of the “best things” about being out of office is “you can say whatever the heck you want.”

“One of the most amazing things to me about this Keystone pipeline deal is that they ever filed that route in the first place since they could’ve gone around the Nebraska Sandhills and avoided most of the danger, no matter how imagined, to the Ogallala with a different route, which I presume we’ll get now, because the extra cost of running it is infinitesimal compared to the revenues that will be generated over a long period of time,” he said Wednesday at the Energy Innovation Summit.

“So, I think we should embrace it and develop a stakeholder-driven system of high standards for doing the work.”

Clinton’s wife, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, would have to approve the pipeline since it crosses international borders.

Poll: Senator Scott Brown Jumps to 10-point Lead in Massachusetts

2012-02-29T18:25:00.004-05:00

Boston Herald

The campaign camp of U.S. Sen. Scott Brown just tweeted the junior Bay State senator has blasted ahead of Democratic rival Elizabeth Warren in a new poll.

“New poll shows Scott Brown leading Elizabeth Warren by 10 points,” top adviser Eric Fehrnstrom tweets.

The tweet links to a report of the survey — by Opinion Dynamics for Mass Insight Global Partnerships of Boston — that places Brown ahead of Warren 52 to 42 percent, respectively

Ohio School Shooting: Parents of Slain Student Forgive Suspected Shooter

2012-02-29T18:06:00.006-05:00

"I would tell him I forgive him" -Mother of shooting victim

abcnews

The parents of Ohio school shooting victim Demetrius Hewlin said today they forgive suspected gunman T.J. Lane for shooting their son, noting sadly that Demetrius was often late for school but not late enough that day.

"I don't know what [his] final moments were like, but I can't worry about it," Demetrius' mother Phyllis Ferguson told ABC News in an exclusive interview. "You have to accept things done and move on."

When asked what she would say to the suspected shooter, Ferguson said, "I would tell him I forgive him because, a lot of times, they don't know what they're doing. That's all I'd say."

"I taught Demetrius not to live in the past, to live in today and forgiveness is divine. You have to forgive everything. God's grace is new each and every day," she said. "Until you've walked in another person's shoes, you don't know what made him come to this point."

Hewlin was one of three teens killed following a deadly shooting rampage at Chardon High School on Monday.

Ferguson said her son as a "huggy, kissy boy" who was a "computer nerd," liked to read and did not like getting up early. Hewlin was good friends with Russell King Jr., 17, and Daniel Parmertor, 16, the other two teens who died after the shooting spree. His stepfather Tim Ferguson remembered playing pee-wee football with the boys

Vanden Heuvel: "Fringe" Rick Santorum "More Theocratically Fundamentalist Than Pat Robertson"

2012-02-29T15:14:00.004-05:00

The Nation editor Katrina Vanden Heuvel on MSDNC with a bunch of other libs. The topic is Rick Santorum. "We have seen this in our history...The demagogues"

Bob Kerrey Will Run For Senate Seat in Nebraska

2012-02-29T14:48:00.004-05:00

He will probably lose.

Associated Press

Former Sen. Bob Kerrey said Wednesday that he will seek the Democratic nomination for the Nebraska seat he once held, reversing course just weeks after publicly opting out of the race.
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Kerrey's announcement comes after he earlier this month rejected a run to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson, saying not getting into the race was in his and his family's best interest. It's also just one day before Nebraska's candidate filing deadline.

"It just felt wrong. I wasn't happy with the decision," Kerrey, 68, said of his earlier announcement during a telephone call to declare his candidacy.

The latest decision from the 1992 presidential candidate and former Nebraska governor gives new hope to national Democrats desperate to stop Republicans from netting four Senate seats this fall and regaining control of the chamber.

But it's also sure to create state party friction, starting with fellow Democrat Chuck Hassebrook. Hassebrook stepped into the race after Kerrey bowed out, giving up a chance to run again for a University of Nebraska regent seat he's held for nearly 18 years, and has said Kerrey promised as late as last Friday to help Hassebrook win election

He's got an uphill climp. This poll from Magellan Strategies 1/16/12 last month shows him trailing in a head-to-head against the Republican candidates (Nebraska senate)

Romney’s New Web Ad Says Obama's 'Kill Romney' Strategy Failed

2012-02-29T14:27:00.002-05:00

They had this video waiting.

Mitt Romney's campaign released a blistering new Web ad Wednesday claiming Democrats had tried to sway the results of the Michigan primary and failed.

The commercial is filmed from the perspective of an Obama campaign official frustrated over Romney's win in the Arizona and Michigan primaries. As a television on a desk shows a montage of news outlets calling the primaries for Romney, the "staffer" is shown emailing colleagues with concern.

"What happened? We spent a lot of money in Michigan — clearly not enough," one message reads.

The point-of-view shot then shows the staffer pulling up articles — on expensive Apple Iphones and computers, a subtle and no doubt intended framing — about a pro-Obama super-PAC spending money on commercials in Michigan, and autoworkers rallying to protest Romney's candidacy.

"Time to step it up in Ohio," one "Obama team" email reads.

"Time to take the ‘Kill Romney’ strategy to the next level," reads another

Monkees Singer Davy Jones Dead at 66

2012-02-29T13:40:00.004-05:00

tmz

Davy Jones -- lead singer of The Monkees -- died after suffering a heart attack this morning ... TMZ has learned.

An official from the medical examiner's office for Martin County, Florida confirmed with TMZ they received a call from Martin Memorial Hospital informing them that Jones had passed away.

A rep for the singer tells us Jones suffered a heart attack at his home this morning ... and was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Jones is survived by his wife Jessica and 4 daughters from previous marriages. He was 66-years-old. Jones was married to Jessica Pacheco -- his 3rd wife.

Jones joined The Monkees in 1965 ... along with Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork ... and together they churned out a bunch of hugely popular songs including 3 number 1 hits -- "Daydream Believer," "Last Train to Clarksville" and "I'm a Believer

State GOP Releases Ad Mocking Elizabeth Warren: "The New Hollywood It Girl"

2012-02-29T12:42:00.007-05:00

"Elizabeth Warren Is: The Elitist" is the new web video from the Massachusetts Republican Party

Boston Globe

State Republican Party, which has been ridiculing Elizabeth Warren for fundraising in Hollywood, released a video today that mocks the Democratic US S
enate candidate.

The web-only video is in black and white, and edited to look like an old fashioned news reel/movie trailer. Warren is attending a Hollywood fundraiser tomorrow hosted by liberal producer Norman Lear and entertainer Barbara Streisand.

Warren has raised lots of money from celebrities and campaign finance reports have shown a greater reliance on out-of-state money than Republican US Senator Scott Brown over the past year. Democrats have pointed out that Brown has also raised money from wealthy out-of-state donors, including Wall Street financiers, and that he attended a fundraiser last week in West Palm Beach with Florida Senator Marco Rubio.

The Republican video calls Warren the new Hollywood “it girl,” while text on the screen shows the title “Ms. Warren Goes To Washington: A True Hollywood Story.” It ends with text designed to look like the the movie is a film festival winner: “Elizabeth Warren Is: The Elitist.”

Here's the ad. This is great.

Network Snowe Job: ABC World News Mourns Retirement of Maine Senator as "Principled Voice of Reason" (Video)

2012-02-29T12:17:00.004-05:00

On Tuesday, ABC World News anchor Diane Sawyer praised Maine senator Olympia Snowe as, "The principled voice of reason in some of the most contentious debates in Washington..." and noted how fellow Maine Senator and Republican moderate Susan Collins was "absolutely devastated by this decision"

On Wednesday's NBC Today, NBC's Chuck Todd was looking for any excuse to be an Obama spokesman as made this declaration about the announced retirement of Maine Senator Olympia Snowe: "...she's serving as a personal testimonial to the President, who says there's no more centrist coalition inside the Republican Party."

newsbusters

New DNC Ad: "President Obama Has Stood Shoulder-to-Shoulder with The Israelis"

2012-02-29T11:39:00.006-05:00

The ad features PM Netanyahu praising Obama on Israel and the 2 leader shaking hands at the end. Here's a screen grab

New today from the DNC. This is odd, they must have some internal polling showing Obama slipping in some area. Here's the video

Obama Fundraising Nearly Twice As Much As President Bush

2012-02-29T11:23:00.003-05:00

Obama's 100 vs. Bush's 56 Donor Events at the same time running for reelection

washingtonexaminer

President Obama has many names, but this week, as he reaches 100 donor events since announcing for reelection last April, he’s the “fundraiser-in-chief.”

According to several counts, the Big 100 will come Thursday when he does four fundraisers enroute to collecting and spending $750 million to $1 billion for his reelection. So far since April 2011, he has raised an estimated $82 million to $100 million at those events.

Former President George W. Bush, who in May 2003 announced his reelection campaign a month later than Obama at this stage of his presidency, had attended 56 fundraisers at this time, according to CBS White House Correspondent Mark Knoller, the unofficial keeper of White House statistics.

In a tweet Tuesday, he added: “Pres Obama will do four reelection fundraisers in NYC Thursday, bringing fundraising total to 100 since filing for reelection last April.”

The Republican National Committee, which also closely charts the president’s totals, said that Knoller’s numbers are correct. And, they added, the total number of White House fundraisers is much higher when factoring in those hosted by first lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. Both did a few last week alone

Rick Santorum on Fox News: "This Was a Huge, Huge Win For Us in the State of Michigan"

2012-02-29T10:46:00.007-05:00

Rick Santorum on Fox News America's Newsroom this morning is asked about last night's results

Some Michigan Democrats Backed Santorum

usatoday

While some Democrats didn't get their wish to deny Mitt Romney a victory in Michigan, there is evidence that Rick Santorum was supported by crossover voting.

According to exit polling Tuesday night, 9% of Michigan voters identified themselves as Democrats. More than half of those voters, or 53%, said they voted for Santorum while 18% picked Romney.

Four years ago, about 7% of Michigan GOP primary voters were Democrats. That share was 17% in the 2000 primary -- the year John McCain won Michigan over George W. Bush and the oft-cited example of crossover voting that had impact.

Romney and Santorum traded personal barbs on Tuesday during voting in Michigan, with Romney denouncing an automated call by his rival encouraging Democrats to vote as "the dirty tricks of a desperate campaign.

Republican Rep. David Dreier, Chairman of House Rules, Announces Retirement

2012-02-29T10:41:00.005-05:00

washingtonpost

Rep. David Dreier (R-Calif.), the chairman of the House Rules Committee, announced his retirement on the floor of the chamber Wednesday morning.

Rep. David Dreier: “I take the unusual step of announcing this from the floor of Congress for two reasons,” Dreier said of his surprise announcement. “First, this is where my fellow Californians sent me to represent them. Second, I am a proud institutionalist, and I believe that this institution is as great as it has ever been.”

Dreier’s San Dimas-area 26th congressional district is being dismantled by redistricting, going from a swing seat to one that overwhelmingly favors Democrats.

The 59-year-old congressman first took office in 1981. He said he considered retiring last cycle but chose to stay in order to tackle government spending, pass free trade agreements, work on the bipartisan House Democracy Partnership and adjust the House rules so that members of both parties can offer amendments.

It Could Take 5 years To Get Down to 6 Percent Unemployment: Fed Official

2012-02-29T00:29:00.004-05:00

Car still in the ditch.

reuters

The U.S. economic recovery is "frustratingly slow" and it could take four to five years to ratchet the unemployment rate down to about 6 percent, from more than 8 percent now, a top Federal Reserve official said on Tuesday.

The recovery is held back by the housing market and Europe's debt crisis among other headwinds, but monetary policy is now appropriately positioned to eventually achieve this "maximum employment" level, said Cleveland Fed President Sandra Pianalto.

"We do not have a good deal of concrete history for monetary policy to fit our current circumstances, but I am confident the Federal Reserve is making the most of its tools to move the economy in the right direction," the Fed official said at an economic development meeting in Westfield Center, Ohio.

Pianalto, a voter this year on the Fed's policy-setting panel, is a moderate dove in line with Chairman Ben Bernanke's core of policymakers who have taken aggressive action to bring down unemployment, which stands at 8.3 percent after rising above 9 percent last year.

NFL Moves Opening Day For Obama Speech

2012-02-28T23:26:00.003-05:00

NFL moves first game to the day before Obama's Convention speech. It does however fall on the same night Biden is scheduled to give his speech.

CBS News

National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Tuesday that the NFL is holding its opening game of the 2012-2013 season on Wednesday, September 5 in order to avoid conflict with President Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention, scheduled for the next night.

The game, hosted by the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants, will begin on September 5 at 8:20 p.m. Eastern Time. The opposing team has yet to be determined. Mr. Obama's speech on September 6 is set to be held at Charlotte, North Carolina's Bank of America Stadium.

A Democratic official told Hotsheet that Democrats did not request the change.

"The decision to move the NFL season opener was made by the league alone, not at the request of the [Democratic National Convention Committee] or Obama Campaign," said the official.

While the NFL season opening game will not conflict with Mr. Obama's remarks, it will clash with the second night of the three-night Democratic National Convention -- traditionally when the vice president speaks. The Democratic official said that because the schedule had not been worked out, it's not yet known if the game will take place as Vice President Biden is making his remarks at the convention.

In the 2008 election cycle, the NFL moved its opening game one hour earlier so that it would not conflict with prime time coverage of the party conventions on Thursday night. The Democratic official said Democrats had hoped that the game would once again be moved to an earlier time on Thursday.

Mitt Romney Wins Michigan Primary

2012-02-28T22:18:00.006-05:00

**Rick Santorum conceded the state of Michigan in phone call to Mitt Romney before he went on stage tonight**- -Report

Huge win for Mitt Romney

Michigan GOP 2012
Romney 41%
Santorum 38%
Paul 12%
Gingrich 7%

Blabbermouth doesn't waste any time taking to twitter to attack Romney

A little later she had this. Stupid.

**UPDATE** OMG is she gonna stop?

Dem Strategist: We Have 14,000 That Are Voting For Santorum in Michigan

2012-02-28T20:46:00.002-05:00

"Every single person said they were voting for Santorum"

Some Remains of September 11th Victims Went To Landfill (Video Report)

2012-02-28T20:28:00.002-05:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

nypost

The Pentagon revealed on Tuesday that some partial, incinerated remains of 9/11 victims that could not be identified were sent to a landfill.

The number of victims involved was unclear, but the report said the remains were from people killed when a terrorist-hijacked airliner struck the Pentagon, killing 184 people, and another crashed in Shanksville, Pa., killing 40, in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

There was no indication that remains from the attack on the World Trade Center in New York were involved
The report was by an independent committee that had been asked to examine practices at the military's mortuary at Dover, Del., the first stopping point for fallen troops coming home from war overseas

The panel was formed after an investigation last November revealed "gross mismanagement" at the Dover facility and found that body parts had been lost on two occasions. After that investigation, news reports revealed that some cremated partial remains of at least 274 American war dead were dumped in a Virginia landfill until a policy change halted the practice in 2008.

Tuesday's report was explaining the old policy, which, it said, "began shortly after Sept. 11, 2001, when several portions of remains from the Pentagon attack and the Shanksville, Pa., crash site could not be tested or identified

Romney in Michigan: "I'm Running Against an Economic Lightweight"

2012-02-28T18:28:00.003-05:00

NOVI, Mich. (AP) — Mitt Romney is calling Republican rival Rick Santorum “an economic lightweight” as the candidates make last-minute pitches to voters in Tuesday’s Michigan and Arizona presidential primaries.

Romney says voters recognize that November’s election will “come down to a race about the economy,” and says Santorum is not the right candidate to challenge President Barack Obama. Appearing on Fox News Channel, Romney said he doesn’t think Republicans “want to nominate an economic lightweight to go up against the president, who also is an economic lightweight.”

Romney also objected to Santorum’s use of “robocalls” encouraging Democrats to vote in Michigan’s Republican contest. Romney called it a “terrible, dirty trick

Video

Later in the day, Rick Santorum called Mitt Romney a "bully"

Maine Senator Olympia Snowe to Retire

2012-02-28T17:52:00.004-05:00

Snowe becomes the third Republican senator to decline to run for re-election in 2012, following Senators Jon Kyl of Arizona and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas

Fox News

Senator Olympia Snowe, a Republican of Maine, announced Tuesday that she will not run for re-election, blaming "an atmosphere of polarization and 'my way or the highway' ideologies" in the US Senate for her decision.

Snowe, 65, a moderate Republican who was often a key swing vote on partisan issues, was first elected to the US Senate in 1994. Previously, she represented Maine's second congressional district in the US House for sixteen years.

In a statement released Tuesday, Snowe said she was frustrated "that an atmosphere of polarization and 'my way or the highway' ideologies has become pervasive in campaigns and in our governing institutions."

"Unfortunately, I do not realistically expect the partisanship of recent years in the Senate to change over the short term," she added. "So at this stage of my tenure in public service, I have concluded that I am not prepared to commit myself to an additional six years in the Senate, which is what a fourth term would entail."

Guantanamo Bay Detainees To Receive Brand New $750,000 Soccer Field

2012-02-28T16:04:00.003-05:00

This is stunning.

Accused terrorists at Guantanamo Bay will be getting a brand new $750,000 soccer field. This news comes the same day that the Pentagon is talking about where to cut billions of dollars from the defense budget. Chief Intelligence correspondent Catherine Herridge reported from Guantanamo Bay with more on this story

foxnews

On the tour, Reporter Catherine Herridge was told that one of the reasons they wanted to build a soccer field was because in encourages detainees to follow the rules and they also felt it was in keeping with the number of detainees who like communal style living.

She said officials weren’t able to answer who signed off on this project, especially with the amount money involved, whether that was a local decision at Guantanamo Bay or approved in Washington D.C

Chuck Todd: "I Don't Know If Romney is the Nominee" If He Loses Michigan (Video)

2012-02-28T15:43:00.003-05:00

Chuck Todd: "It will be like a bomb went off inside the Republican party establishment if Romney blows this tonight...I don't know if Romney's is the nominee is he loses." From MSNBC this afternoon

RNC: Obama's Failed Promises in Michigan

2012-02-28T14:11:00.001-05:00

WASHINGTON - The Republican National Committee is out with a new web video "Obama's Failed Promises In Michigan" as Republicans across Michigan cast ballots for a replacement to Barack Obama this fall. After four years of failed promises from reducing the price at the pump to growing the economy to cutting the deficit in half, the people of Michigan are ready for new leadership in the White House

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Hospital Says a Third Student Wounded in Ohio School Shooting Has Died

2012-02-28T13:11:00.002-05:00

reuters

Hospital officials in Cleveland said on Tuesday that another student shot on Monday at Chardon High School has died.

In a statement, a spokesman for MetroHealth Medical Center said Demetrius Hewlin died of his wounds on Tuesday morning.

"We are very saddened by the loss of our son and others in our Chardon community," Hewlin's family said in the statement the hospital released.

"Demetrius was a happy young man who loved life and his family and friends. We will miss him very much but we are proud that he will be able to help others through organ donation. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time."

Obama to UAW: "5 Years From Now, When I'm Not President Anymore" I'll Buy a Chevy Volt (Video)

2012-02-28T12:12:00.005-05:00

Obama speech at UAW convention today

Pro-Gingrich Super PAC Gets More Cash From Billiionaire Adelson

2012-02-28T11:33:00.003-05:00

Sheldon Adelson has already given nearly $11 million and today he has announced that he's given a 'substantial' donation to the Gingrich Super PAC. You know, I think all the full-time bloggers who are making 5 bucks for a 17 hour day behind the computer band together and form a super PAC. How hard could it be to cut a 30-second ad?

reuters

A "Super PAC" supporting Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich received a new cash infusion from billionaire casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, according to a source familiar with the donation.

The Las Vegas tycoon and his family have given nearly $11 million to the group already, almost single-handedly funding the "super" political action committee (PAC), Winning Our Future.

The new contribution, which came in a few days ago, is "substantial" and comparable to previous ones, the source said, although declining to specify the amount. The source spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a specific private donation.

The money comes at a critical moment for Gingrich, whose struggling campaign is hoping to do well enough on March 6 in several conservative states - including his home state of Georgia - to justify staying in the race.

Super PACs - which can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to help candidates but are not supposed to coordinate with their campaigns - have spent millions of dollars on advertising, much of it negative.

Winning Our Future played a pivotal role for Gingrich just weeks ago, funding a media blitz against Mitt Romney and helping Gingrich win South Carolina's vote in the state-by-state contest to choose the Republican candidate to challenge Democratic President Barack Obama in the November 6 election

Only 19% Support Increased U.S. Involvement In Syria

2012-02-28T11:25:00.003-05:00

56% say leave Syria alone

rasmussenreports

With violence escalating in Syria, few U.S. voters believe a change in the government there would be bad for America or Israel, but most continue to think the United States should not get involved.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely U.S. Voters shows that only 19% believe the United States should get more directly involved in the Syrian crisis. That’s up from 12% last August and nine percent (9%) in May.

However, 56% say the United States should leave the situation in Syria alone. Twenty-five percent (25%) are undecided. Opposition to increased U.S. involvement in Syria is down from 66% last August.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 26-27, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports

Dems Target Likely Veep Pick Marco Rubio

2012-02-28T10:59:00.006-05:00

Dems intensifying their attacks on Rubio believing that the Republican nominee will tap the senator for the VP spot. I do not believe he will be the VP of Romney or Santorum. Not because he wouldn't be a great conservative choice but because in the interviews I've seen of him, he has made it clear (multiple times) that he's not interested in the job. Things can change but if I had to bet today, I'd say he won't be on the ticket.

thehill

Democrats have started to wage a political assault against Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and the intensity of their attacks will intensify in the coming weeks.

Senior officials in the Democratic Party anticipate that Mitt Romney will win the Republican presidential nomination and then tap Rubio to be his running mate.

The former Massachusetts governor has a long way to go before he secures the GOP nod, but that hasn’t stopped Democrats from launching early salvos at the freshman senator.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (Nev.), who has not been shy in lambasting GOP White House hopefuls in prior election years, has questioned whether Rubio really stands with the Hispanic voters with whom he is so popular on the issues most important to them.

Meanwhile, Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Fla.) tried to drive a wedge between Rubio, who is Cuban-American, and Hispanic voters.

Democratic operatives have turned their attention in recent months to Rubio’s personal finances and his family background, going on digging missions that are usually reserved for presidential candidates.

Intrade: Rubio still leading as likely VP nominee with Chris Christie second

Romney Calls Santorum Mighigan Robo-Call a “New Low in This Campaign”

2012-02-28T10:46:00.007-05:00

Romney asked about the robo-call from the Santorum campaign on last night's Hannity

freedomslighthouse

Earlier Monday, Santorum's campaign confirmed it was using robo calls rallying Democratic voters to come out to the polls Tuesday and cast their ballots against Romney.

"On Tuesday, join Democrats who are going to send a loud message to Massachusetts Mitt Romney," says an unidentified voice in a Santorum robo call to Michigan voters.

Organized efforts by Democrats have also been under way to encourage Michigan Democrats to vote for Santorum in the state’s open primary, with the premise that the former Pennsylvania senator would be a weaker candidate against President Barack Obama in the fall.

Romney said he wasn’t “too concerned” about Democratic-led efforts, saying it “wouldn’t have much impact.”

As for the Santorum campaign's robo calls, however, Romney said his rival’s strategy is “confusing” and a “new low in this campaign

Rick Santorum Robo-call in Mighigan (Audio)

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Michael Moore: My Friends Are Voting For Santorum

2012-02-28T10:40:00.003-05:00

Moore on Rachel Maddow

waexaminer

Last night on MSNBC, Rachel Maddow hosted Michigan "native son" Michael Moore on her show last night to talk about the Republican primary.

Moore said that a defeat of the "Romney legacy" in Michagan would be a "death knell" for the campaign.

"The people have to understand this and please understand this as coming from us Michiganers," said Moore, "If Romney does not win tomorrow or he wins by a small margin, in other words he's lost, you can't overstate the importance of this in the state of Michigan, the Romney name, the Romney legacy in Michigan, it would be like voting against a Kennedy in Massachusetts." he said.

Moore added that a lot of his Democratic friends were voting for Rick Santorum.

"I have to tell you a lot of my Democratic friends will vote for Santorum in something they are calling Operation Hilarity." Moore delightedly reported, referring to the left-wing plot to disrupt the Republican primary

Video: Wisconsin Democrats Cast Governor Scott Walker as Richard Nixon in TV Ad

2012-02-28T10:24:00.003-05:00

'Walkergate'

This is pretty bad

natjournal

The Wisconsin Democratic Party is pulling no punches against Republican Gov. Scott Walker right out of the gate with its first TV ad, likening him to Richard Nixon in a rough spot debuting on Monday.

The 30-second spot is a rapid-fire splicing of reporters discussing the John Doe investigation into former and current Walker aides and reporters from decades ago discussing the Watergate scndal that led to Nixon's resignation.

The party would not comment on the size of the ad buy, but a source tracking the buy said it was for cable.

During 2011's state Senate recalls, Democrats introduced arguments into the campaign that were broader than those just involving Walker's controversial budget repair bill that curbed collective barganing for public employees. This ad signals they are ready to put more paid advertising toward more of the same in the recall campaign against Walker.

The ad comes the same day that the Walker campaign announced that it would not challenge any of the recall signatures that were submitted to the state, a decision Democrats immediately seized on