[Posted 03/25 03:45 PM]

A reader writes in to say that the Republicans’ cozying relationship with Hillary Clinton may be ending as she edges closer to a 2008 presidential run.

"They can't keep praising her if she's going to run in 2008."

Yesterday Rick Perry’s camp admitted to filming Clinton with and for an ad against Kay Bailey Hutchison. In addition, Barbara Bush is stating her belief that Clinton will run – and lose in 2008.

[Posted 03/25 01:32 PM]

The Financial Times reports that some Sunni insurgents are seeking a political solution with the new Iraqi government. The Sunni representatives want a role in Iraqi affairs but fear the consequences of coming out in favor of the government. The FT says that most of the representatives here did not endorse or take part in suicide bombing attacks:

“Sharif Ali Bin al-Hussein, who heads Iraq's main monarchist movement and is in contact with guerrilla leaders, said many insurgents including former officials of the ruling Ba'ath party, army officers, and Islamists have been searching for a way to end their campaign against US troops and Iraqi government forces since the January 30 election.”

And:

“Sharif Ali said the success of Iraq's elections dealt the insurgents a demoralizing blow,”

[Posted 03/25 01:12 PM]

Newsweek writes that the pact agreement meetings between Bush, Vincente Fox and Paul Martin did not go as well as first reported.

Most outlets initially reported that Bush and Fox seemed on the same page when they met, but Newsweek says:

“Then the Mexican leader proceeded to smile ruefully and shake his head as Bush downplayed the differences that have divided the North American leaders.”

And on the substance of the pact:

“You only have to look at the partnership’s goals to see how poor things are. Either the partnership is full of meaningless aims, or the three neighbors have achieved precious little over the last several years.”

[Posted 03/25 11:19 AM]

The Los Angeles Times wonders if there will be 2006 electoral ramifications for either party after Terri Schiavo.

After ABC and the Washington Post reported a memo in circulation claiming Schiavo presents a tactical advantage for the GOP, the media has been hitting Congress, and to a lesser degree, the president, on the issue.

Responding to the memo, NRCC spokesman Carl Forti said:

"I think it's tough for anybody to use as an election issue. For a lot of these members, it's personal."

The Times notes Schiavo has become an issue in at least one campaign. Florida Democrat state senator Ron Klein is criticizing Clay Shaw for missing the House vote on Schiavo.

[Posted 03/25 10:11 AM]

According to a White House statement, the president this morning signed H.R. 1160, the "Welfare Reform Extension Act of 2005, which:

“Extends certain welfare and related programs that expire on March 31, 2005;”

[Posted 03/25 09:22 AM]

Today’s Washington Post editorial, entitled “Dishonest Debate” argues that Democrats’ refusal to enter the Social Security reform debate is evaporating any moral standing on the issue they might otherwise possess:

“Over the next 75 years, as the Social Security trustees reported on Wednesday, the program has a projected deficit of $4 trillion; the longer the nation waits to address this problem, the nastier the tax hikes or benefit reductions that will result. But that's not the impression conveyed by some Democratic leaders. The trustees' report, according to Senate Minority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.), ‘confirms that the so-called Social Security crisis exists in only one place: the minds of Republicans.’ The senator's desire to score political points is understandable. His willingness to do so by implying that Social Security is healthy is not.”

[Posted 03/25 08:36 AM]

David Kirkpatrick headlines his New York Times article today, “Conservatives Invoke Case in Fund-Raising Campaigns.”

Kirkpatrick accuses right-to-life organizations of using the Terri Schiavo case as an umbrella issue to fundraise for their own organizations.

However, those groups Kirkpatrick interviews note the funds they raise are spent on transportation and food costs for Schiavo supporters, not the organization.

Kirkpatrick completely ignores the other side of the political spectrum. On yesterday’s Beltway Buzz, we revealed Move-On.org, was using its anti-Schiavo letter-writing campaign as a link to fundraising and membership requests on its website.

The Beltway Buzz is a conservative outlet and we acknowledge our leanings. When will Kirkpatrick and the NYT acknowledge theirs?

[Posted 03/25 08:19 AM]

According to the Washington Post, House leaders have agreed to allow a vote on “modestly loosening” stem cell research restrictions in the next two to three months.

The piece speaks to both sides of the debate, noting House passage is not guaranteed. However, there does seem to be “growing support” for expanded research into discarded cell lines. Most analysts feel if a bill passes the House, the Senate would almost certainly take it up and pass it. However, the White House has repeatedly stated its position has not changed.

[Posted 03/25 08:02 AM]

In the new Carville/Greenberg/Shrum Democracy Corps poll, registered voters were asked their preference for 2008 candidates. In an election featuring Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush, Clinton outpaced Bush 50 to 47.

The numbers are obviously positive for Clinton, though there are a few points worth remembering. First, Bush is unlikely to run. Second, this poll was conducted by a liberal organization. Third, results were not published testing Clinton against other possible Republican candidates. Nonetheless, any poll that shows a presidential candidate hitting fifty percent or above is a good sign for that candidate. Perhaps it is time for Republicans to stop lauding Clinton’s efforts in the Senate.

[Posted 03/24 04:00 PM]

Arnold Schwarzenegger won a significant victory in the California courtroom that could have an impact on national campaign finance laws.

The court ruled in Schwarzenegger’s favor, declaring that statewide politicians can raise “unlimited amounts of money” to promote ballot initiatives. Schwarzenegger is campaigning on behalf of a number of statewide initiatives.

Sacramento Superior Court Judge Shelleyanne Chang ruled that forcing Schwarzenegger to comply with state campaign finance restrictions would “unfairly trample on his right to free speech” and not “subdue the demons” of political corruption.

[Posted 03/24 02:43 PM]

As the Washington Post reports, whatever anti-Wolfowitz critics existed, they did not have an impact on the nomination of Wolfowitz to head the World Bank:

“Deputy Defense Secretary Paul D. Wolfowitz virtually sealed his election as World Bank president yesterday after meeting with members of the bank's board, who were impressed and reassured by his answers to their questions, according to bank sources.”

However, the WP insinuates that any effort Wolfowitz has exerted in meeting with foreign leaders resulted from the “controversy that erupted” after his nomination. Is the implication that Wolfowitz would not have otherwise made an effort to interact with his future colleagues?

[Posted 03/24 01:36 PM]

The web organization that helped launch the presidential campaign of DNC Chair Howard Dean has sent out a missive on its “two fronts” against Social Security reform:

“One is taking on right-wing front groups like USA Next, and holding media outlets accountable if they air their political hate speech. But the other front is just as important: making a clear, positive case for Social Security.”

Democracy for America believes the lead front in a two-front battle over Social Security is to accuse reform advocates of “hate speech.” Is that an over reaction? In the next paragraph they say:

“USA Next uses bigotry and hate to distract people from the real issues. And other conservatives like George Bush play fast and loose with numbers so that people can't make sense of reality.”

[Posted 03/24 01:12 PM]

According to this Bloomberg report on the Soros verdict, his fine comes only to $2.9 million in damages with no ensuing penalties from the French government.

Bloomberg’s “Soros History” is a good read, leading with:

“The hedge fund manager has been no stranger to controversy … In 1992, he correctly bet $10 billion that the British government would let the pound slide in value; in a headline, the Times of London called him `The Man Who Broke the Bank of England.’”

[Posted 03/24 11:26 AM]

The White House has put out an announcement that President Bush will travel to Latvia, the Netherlands, Russia and Georgia 5/6-5/10 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. From the statement:

“His visit will honor the shared sacrifice of millions of Americans and Europeans to defeat tyranny, and mark the growth of democracy throughout the continent. Building on the President’s February visit to Europe, this trip will underscore the common commitment of the United States and our European allies and partners to work together to advance freedom, prosperity, and tolerance in Europe, its neighborhood, and beyond.”

Along with meeting several other European leaders, President Bush will meet with Russian President Putin during his trip.

[Posted 03/24 10:53 AM]

A new Battleground poll has been released. The poll shows improving public approval for President Bush’s job performance and a drop-off in so-called “Bush haters,” that gives him a higher combined personal/job approval rating than Bill Clinton had at the same point in his second term, before impeachment.

The poll also shows President Bush with a 19-point advantage over Democrats on dealing with Iraq and a 34-point advantage on keeping America safe. President Bush and Republicans have a 19-point edge for “holding the line on taxes” but trail Democrats by 3 points on “holding the line on spending.” Democrats hold an 11-point advantage on Social Security, but President Bush has a 7-point advantage on values.

[Posted 03/24 10:28 AM]

A reader writes in today to note that yesterday’s trustees report on Social Security clearly wasn’t what the Washington Post editors were hoping for. The headline and article all but ignore the updates on Social Security and instead focus on problems with Medicare:

“It’s like Weisman himself is personally incensed that the WH is focusing on Social Security right now, so he goes out and fishes for quotes from Chuck Grassley and Bruce Bartlett to demonstrate that conservatives are against Bush’s priorities. I say he’s the new Milbank.”

[Posted 03/24 10:00 AM]

Harry Reid yesterday led a bipartisan delegation of senators to Iraq. Democrats on the trip had a surprisingly positive response to what they saw and heard on the ground.

Harry Reid “all but ensured” passage of the $81 billion funding requests for Iraq/Afghanistan funds, stating, “Everyone understands that reconstruction is an important part of the U.S. mission here.”

Even Barbara Boxer added, “We got a very, very upbeat report,” from U.S. commanders on the ground.

Longtime war critic Dick Durbin said, “One of the people we met with today called Iraq 'an infant democracy,' and we can't leave this infant alone. I believe what we are seeing here is good.”

[Posted 03/24 09:38 AM]

The Wall Street Journal reports (subscription required) that the White House is considering changing its tentative Social Security reform proposal to make it “more attractive to workers, though potentially more costly to the government.”

Under the current plan, personal accounts would be a “better deal” for workers than the current plan so long as investment accounts earn at least 3 percent a year above inflation. Under the proposed new plan, that mark would be lowered, allowing workers who invest to earn more. National Economic Council director Allan Hubbard said yesterday the White House is “open-minded” about a lower percentage.

[Posted 03/24 09:26 AM]

The Coalition for the Modernization and Protection of America’s Social Security (Compass), has released a new poll showing that 60 percent of union members support personal accounts as part of Social Security reform.

The poll surveyed 600 union members, with a margin of error of four points and was conducted by GOP polling firm Ayres, McHenry & Associates. Compass executive director Derrick Max:

"Why are big-labor bosses doing everything in their power to deny their members the option of personal retirement accounts when rank-and-file members clearly want to make this choice on their own?"

AFL-CIO spokeswoman Denise Mitchell claims her group has conducted its own polls showing 60 percent of union households “oppose” Bush’s “proposal.”

[Posted 03/24 09:15 AM]

Move-On sent out a petition letter late last night to its members accusing Republicans of using Terri Schiavo for political gain. The letter urges members to sign a petition protesting congressional action.

“There's no legislative purpose here, just a blatant attempt to play politics with someone's life.”

“We need to tell the Republican leaders in Congress that this kind of pandering and demagoguery will not stand. Will you sign our urgent petition to Congress to tell them they must stop using one person's tragedy for their own political gain, and move on to the important business facing our country?”

However, where does Move-On’s petition link take you? Yes, there is a small box to write your petition on the corresponding site, right next to the Move-On fundraising form and membership registration. Again, who is using Schiavo for political gain?

[Posted 03/23 05:04 PM]

In this afternoon’s write-up of the pact between the U.S.-Mexico-Canada to “broaden cooperation on security and economic issues”, the AP notes President Bush and Mexican President Vincente Fox had a cordial meeting:

“Bush greeted Fox with a hearty handshake and said ‘Hola’ as the Mexican president stepped out of his limousine at a Baylor University library, adorned with the flags of the three nations.”

However, when it came to meeting Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin:

“The reception Bush offered Martin was only slightly less effusive.”

In the next sentence, the article notes Martin addressed reporters in French.

[Posted 03/23 03:42 PM]

Earlier today, the Children’s Defense Fund released their so-called nonpartisan Congressional scorecard.

A source writes in with some notes on the scores:

“As with most partisan scorecards, they chose to use primarily amendments, not legislation, for the ‘key votes.’ Nearly all votes hand-picked for the scorecard were Democrat-sponsored legislation, whereas legislation that passed with bipartisan support was largely ignored. Out of more than 700 votes in the 108th Congress, they chose only 12 votes in relation to five underlying bills or resolutions. The votes included a proposed budget rule and a corporate tax revision—one of the ‘key votes’ wasn’t a vote at all.”

In addition, these bills that were passed with bipartisan support were excluded, skewing the scorecard results:

The Relief for Working Families Tax Act of 2003: Extended the Child Tax Credit and passed 92-3

The DeWine Amendment to regulate tobacco products: Passed 78-15

The Brownback Amendment to increase the penalties for violations by television and radio broadcasters of the prohibitions against transmission of obscene, indecent, and profane language: It passed 99-1

Finally, the Laci and Conner's Law; the Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2003, which passed 61-38

[Posted 03/23 02:16 PM]

There’s a lot happening in PA politics today. Lynn Swann has formed an exploratory committee for a possible gubernatorial candidacy.

A Keystone poll has former Lt. Gov. Bill Scranton leading Swann in a GOP primary, 25 to 17 percent. 50 percent remain undecided.

Meanwhile, Keystone has an updated poll on the possible showdown between Rick Santorum and Democrat State Treasurer Bob Casey Jr. The new poll has Casey up by a point, which is a four-point swing in Santorum’s favor from the last polling. 13 percent remain undecided.

[Posted 03/23 01:54 PM]

Here are some thoughts on today’s Social Security report from the Free Enterprise Fund.

From FEF Senior Fellow for Social Security, Peter Ferrera:

“The most important thing to recognize is that the program’s insolvency can, in fact, be eliminated by personal retirement accounts alone, without tax increases or benefit cuts.”

And from FEF chief economist Larry Hunter:

“Reading the Social Security Trustees’ report today, I was reminded of 1975 when Spanish dictator Francisco Franco lingered near death for weeks before finally dying, and on slow news days the US media would flash the ‘breaking news’ that Franco was ‘still alive’ or ‘not yet dead.’”

[Posted 03/23 01:38 PM]

As we announced earlier today, the annual report on Social Security has been released. Critics will move to accuse the administration of presenting the numbers in a way that benefits reform advocates. The shift in forecasts is subtle, but illustrates the need for reform now.

The report shows the date for Social Security’s insolvency under the current system was moved up one year to 2041.

The report also shows the 75-year unfunded liability of Social Security increased from $3.7 trillion last year to $4.0 trillion today.

The present value unfunded liability over an infinite horizon increased by $700 billion from $10.4 trillion in 2004 to $11.1 trillion today.

[Posted 03/23 12:44 PM]

Factcheck.org says the AARP’s new advertisement opposing Social Security reform doesn’t stick to the facts. From there report:

"AARP's latest TV ad shows a suburban home being flattened to repair a clogged kitchen sink, and claims that the creation of individual accounts would 'dismantle Social Security' and 'lead to huge benefit cuts.' The ad is intended to be humorous but presents a distorted picture. It both understates Social Security's financial problems and misrepresents the effect that individual accounts would have."

[Posted 03/23 10:59 AM]

A reader and CNN's "Inside Politics" watcher writes in this morning:

“Gee, what does Dana Bash think Bush should do?”

“Bash: ‘AARP says they'll work with the White House, but not until they give up private accounts. And listening to the president in the 20 states he's pitched his plan, he's not ready to do that, at least not yet.’”

Most of the mainstream press appears committed to seeing Bush’s reform push fail. At least that’s how they are playing it now. Will the story angle shift as the president and polls continue to put the pressure on Democrats lawmakers who are standing by the sidelines?

[Posted 03/23 10:44 AM]

Under the headline, “Cheney Defends Bush Appointments,” the Washington Post interviewed the vice president about John Bolton, Paul Wolfowitz and other prominent figures in the conservative movement who are moving into new posts.

Cheney says their nominations give greater urgency to reform advocates in international institutions and will improve the image of the U.S. abroad. Discussing Bolton and the U.N., Cheney observed, “There is clearly a lot that needs to be done at the United Nations. There is ample evidence here at home a great many Americans are not happy with the performance of the United Nations.”

The WP reports Cheney had a significant influence in moving “three of the most influential women from Bush's first-term White House” Condoleezza Rice, Karen Hughes and Dina Powell to the State Department, creating a new “power center” in Bush’s second term.

Finally, the WP adds there may be additional changes, including Scooter Libby replacing Wolfowitz at the Defense Department. Though when asked, Cheney responded, “I need Scooter.”

[Posted 03/23 09:55 AM]

Today, the new report on Social Security numbers by the trustees on Social Security and Medicare will be released. Democrats are already throwing accusations that the White House will “fudge the numbers” to make the system’s insolvency appear more imminent.

The numbers will be “in the spotlight this year more than ever,” with the Social Security reform debate in full swing.

The six-member board of trustees for both Social Security and Medicare is headed by Treasury Secretary John Snow and includes Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, Labor Secretary Elaine Chao and Social Security Commissioner Jo Anne Barnhart.

[Posted 03/23 09:40 AM]

The Los Angeles Times has a different spin on McCain appearing with President Bush to support Social Security reform. The LAT describes McCain as one, “who has a better working relationship with Democrats than does the White House.”

The piece also describes President Bush having a “conversation” (their quotes, not mine) with individuals about the system’s solvency.

While it’s true McCain has aligned himself with moderates more now than in the past, he has more than once offered himself as a strong ally to the White House on a number of significant issues. McCain has shown on issues like the war and Social Security, that his loyalty is with Republicans and Bush.

[Posted 03/23 08:53 AM]

While Howard Dean has been visiting Nashville the past two days he’s been welcomed by Tennessee Republicans in a way that might make Governor Phil Bredesen unhappy. The state GOP has been running an ad that describes the two as “peas in a pod”

Dean and Bredesen will not meet during his visit, citing scheduling conflicts. However, both parties note they have met at “other meetings” in the past several weeks.

State GOP Chair Bob Davis said, ''I wonder why Phil Bredesen won't meet with Howard Dean?'' I'm guessing that even Bredesen wants to distance himself from Dean's liberal agenda.''

[Posted 03/23 08:39 AM]

Nearly every proposal President Bush mentions concerning Social Security reform includes assurances that “all ideas are on the table.” The New York Times takes this and frames an argument that the White House may be on the verge of accepting a so-called compromise that does not include personal accounts.

The NYT is correct in noting some stylistic changes in the town hall event presentations. But doesn’t it make more sense that the White House is adjusting to increase their chances of success rather than to brace them for failure?

[Posted 03/23 08:18 AM]

A Rhode Island NBC affiliate is reporting that Democrat Congressman Jim Langevin will not challenge Lincoln Chafee in 2006. From the report:

“News Channel 10 has learned that U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin will not run for U.S. Senate in 2006."

“The Democrat was considering a run for the seat now held by Sen. Lincoln Chafee. A Brown University poll in February indicated that Langevin could have beaten Chafee, a Republican.”

“Chafee has confirmed he will seek re-election in 2006. Rhode Island Secretary of State Matt Brown has already begun his campaign for the seat.”

[Posted 03/23 08:09 AM]

Traveling in New Mexico yesterday, President Bush warned Democrats “will suffer political consequences” if they do not offer a Social Security plan of their own while continuing to criticize the White House push.

While appearing with Pete Domenici and John McCain, President Bush said, “I believe there will be bad political consequences for people who are unwilling to sit down and talk about the issue.”

McCain has been an exceptionally strong ally for Bush on this trip. At least twice in the past three days, McCain has challenged the AARP in the same way Bush is challenging Democrats. McCain said, “Some of our friends, who are opposing this idea, say, 'Oh, you don't have to worry until 2042.' We wait until 2042, when we stop paying people Social Security?”

[Posted 03/22 03:52 PM]

How tumultuous will the budget showdown between the House and Senate be? Now that moderate GOP Senators, led by Gordon Smith, have won approval for an entitlement-enriching budget, we’re waiting for the House response. I’ve talked with a number of House Republican sources whose feelings can be summed in a particular quote:

“It’s going to be bloody.”

A Democrat source on the Senate side tells it like this:

“We may not be able to get our agenda through, but the moderate Republicans are stopping the White House and conservatives from getting what they want too. It’s almost like the Senate was split 50-50 again.”

That may be an exaggeration, but fiscal conservatives must now look to the House for discipline in their budgetary response.

[Posted 03/22 02:15 PM]

An administration source has a funny story for Beltway Buzz readers. While traveling through the Southwest a few weeks ago promoting Social Security reform, the White House team encountered a group of about a dozen protestors outside an event in Albuquerque.

“There were twelve to fifteen of them outside. They were holding signs and heckling us as we went into the event. I didn’t think much of it, because you see this sort of thing happens almost anytime you are traveling for town hall type events.”

But what happened next is what caught our source’s attention:

“I was walking through the Dallas airport with some colleagues and one of them recognized two of the same protestors we had seen outside the event in Albuquerque. We had some extra time, so we decided to talk to them. They were very polite and explained to us they had just come from protesting an event nearby. One of them very quickly identified themselves as professional protestors.”

“Not that they just liked to protest, but that they actually got paid by liberal interest groups to travel the country protesting. Here they were, sitting in the airport TGI Friday’s having a burger and getting ready to travel to New Orleans for another protest. They were good kids and wanted to talk. We tried discussing some of the benefits of Social Security reform. They listened, but weren’t too interested. Not because they had opposing views, they just said they weren’t too educated on the details. They even admitted they didn’t know who it was they were going to protest in New Orleans.”

[Posted 03/22 11:11 AM]

RNC Chair Ken Mehlman today discussed polling trends regarding Social Security reform. Mehlman pointed out statistics cited at the Beltway Buzz and reported by Gallup showing that Americans now think Social Security is the most important domestic issue facing the country today.

This week’s Battleground 2006 poll also showed Social Security (17 percent) as the “number one problem for the President and Congress to deal with.” In addition, a recent Harris poll showed 37 percent of Americans think reform is the most important issues to deal with, up from just 4 percent last October.

Even as most news outlets continue to paint negative forecasts for Social Security’s prospects, polling trends are indicating otherwise.

We’ve already cited polls by the Winston Group showing that more Americans trust President Bush on the issue than Democrats. Well, polling conducted by NPR concurs and by greater margins. In NPR’s polling, President Bush holds an 18-point advantage on the issue.

[Posted 03/22 10:12 AM]

Sam Beard, a Democrat serving on President Bush’s Social Security commission, has an op-ed in today’s Santa Fe New Mexican (registration required):

"As a Democrat who has worked with leaders ranging from Bobby Kennedy to Bill Clinton, I’m worried that Social Security reform is becoming a partisan political issue at a time when we need a bipartisan effort to save Social Security and improve retirement savings for all generations. Social Security needs to be fixed and we also must also address a severe problem of two-thirds of Americans having limited or no savings."

[Posted 03/22 09:43 AM]

USA Next Chair Charlie Jarvis has sent an open letter to AARP members. It concerns the AARP’s failure to oppose taxes on Social Security benefits. The letter reads as follows:

“Dear AARP Members,

Sometimes the things you DON’T do hurt people more than the things you do. …

So it is with the AARP. While the AARP loves to use their multi-million dollar spin machine to brag about all the things they supposedly do to help America’s seniors, it’s what they don’t do that reveals the real AARP agenda.

For many years, AARP could have, with the mere wave of a hand (or the political equivalent of a swift kick to the derriere of a few select Congressmen), ended the onerous and immoral seniors-only taxes on Social Security benefits. Here you have millions of retirees who paid into Social Security their whole working life.

Now their benefits are being taxed at exorbitant rates. That retirement they worked for seems a lot less golden.

Why hasn’t AARP sided with seniors?

Because it is AARP that allowed the taxes in the first place! Yep, they actually made it possible, first in 1984 and again in 1993, for seniors to be punished for saving during their working years or working in their retirement years. America’s retirees should be outraged—their families too!

For the AARP to sit back and allow this immoral senior-only tax on Social Security benefits is no different than actually cutting those very benefits.

The AARP knows that supporting benefit cuts would be political suicide. But they think they can get away with doing the same by simply remaining quiet when Social Security benefits are taxed – like they did in 1984 and again in 1993.

That's why so many Americans are looking to USA Next as the free market alternative to the AARP. If you are looking for an organization that will work to lower your taxes -- not raise them -- I invite you to take a look at USA Next. USA Next is a champion for hardworking American taxpayers and their families -- not an enemy of them.

Sincerely,
Charles Jarvis, Chairman & CEO
USA Next”

[Posted 03/22 09:03 AM]

The Associated Press looks into the “allegations of questionable ethics” surrounding Tom DeLay and notes, “the House majority leader finds himself a target of a great Washington sport: tearing down the titans.”

The piece does a fair job of examining both sides of the issue and keeping the truth in context: DeLay has not been found guilty of anything and Democrats are mixed up in most of the very accusations they throw at DeLay. As the piece concludes, “Even with Democratic pressure, the collection of small charges against DeLay won't necessarily add up to a big one.”

[Posted 03/22 08:38 AM]

The Beltway Buzz has been reporting for weeks now on organized labor’s attempt to use possibly illegal means to intimidate Wall Street groups away from supporting Social Security reform.

Today’s Wall Street Journal (subscription required) has a profile of labor’s lead advocate on this front. William Patterson, who runs the AFL-CIO Office of Investment “from a sunny corner two blocks from the White House”, has been “warning financial firms” that supporting reform “could become an issue when pension trustees review fund managers.”

That’s because, as we’ve reported here before, the AFL-CIO invests $400 billion in collectively bargained assets taken from its members into the stock market. If the program went national under the president’s plan, the AFL-CIO’s profits would surely be hurt. Needless to say, if they opposed this plan in those honest terms, members might have something to say about it.

In the meantime, House Republicans have asked the Labor Department to investigate whether Patterson’s lobbying violates labor and pension laws.

[Posted 03/22 08:24 AM]

As the Beltway Buzz reported last week, any token opposition to Paul Wolfowitz heading the World Bank is fading fast. This time, the word comes from none other than German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who said that not only will Germany not attempt to block Wolfowitz’s candidacy, but that "I even think that people will be positively surprised" by Wolfowitz's leadership.

[Posted 03/22 08:09 AM]

In Gallup’s new polling data, Condoleezza Rice has a 61 percent approval rating. Only 24 percent disapprove of her job as Secretary of State, with 15 percent undecided.

[Posted 03/22 07:59 AM]

Today’s Washington Post headline reads, “Analysts: GOP May Be Out of Step With Public”

The piece concerns Terri Schiavo. The WP argues GOP lawmakers have pursued the Schiavo case with “such fervor” leading lawmakers to “trump their traditional calls for a limited federal judiciary and respecting the sanctity of marriage.”

According to the WP, protecting Schiavo could cost the GOP House seats in next year’s elections. The WP quotes a Democratic pollster, a Democrat House aide and Democrat Congressman Barney Frank. The GOP is given one sentence to respond in the 13th paragraph. It is a quote from White House adviser Dan Bartlett, noting President Bush could have signed the Schiavo bill in Texas instead of the White House.

[Posted 03/21 07:31 PM]

RNC Chair Ken Mehlman has put out a statement in response to Jon Corzine comparing Vice President Dick Cheney to Saddam Hussein:

“Comparing the Vice President to a tyrannical despot who murdered thousands of his own people is rhetoric you would expect to hear from Michael Moore but not a United States Senator. Instead of focusing his time making desperate and outrageous comparisons, Senator Corzine should focus his energy on bipartisan solutions to save Social Security.”

[Posted 03/21 04:14 PM]

The Associated Press is reporting that in a conference call with reporters yesterday, Jon Corzine described Vice President Cheney as having “a virtual career of disdain for Social Security,” and compared Cheney’s appearances this week to “sending Saddam Hussein to campaign for democracy in Iraq.” More from Corzine, "He's certainly not being sent on the road to convince Democrats, moderates or Baby Boomers.”

Not that Move-On is directly coordinating with the Democratic Party, they must have instructed liberal lawmakers to not limit their fascist dictator comparisons to Hitler.

[Posted 03/21 02:35 PM]

A new organization featuring some prominent conservatives is about to start protesting the Patriot Act. The group, which calls itself “Patriots to Restore Checks and Balances,” says it wants to “educate policymakers and the public” about elements of the Patriot Act that are “out-of-line with the Constitution and violate Americans’ Fourth Amendment freedoms.”

The group is chaired by former congressman Bob Barr and includes Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist and American Conservative Union Chair David Keene. Other members include ACLU Washington Director Laura Murphy and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms Public Affairs Director John Snyder.

[Posted 03/21 12:40 PM]

During today’s gaggle aboard Air Force One, White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan responded to accusations from Florida Congresswoman Deborah Wasserman Schultz that while he was governor of Texas, President Bush signed legislation favoring right to die in disputed cases like Terri Schiavo’s.

McClellan: “That's absolutely incorrect. The legislation he signed is consistent with his views. You know, this is a complex case and I don’t think such uninformed accusations offer any constructive ways to address this matter. The legislation that he signed into law actually provided new protections for patients. He had previously vetoed legislation in 1997, when he was governor, which essentially would have sanctioned current law in Texas that allowed hospitals to stop providing life-sustaining treatment -- because under Texas law, prior to the passage of the '99 legislation that he signed, there were no protections … So it's just an uninformed accusation.”

[Posted 03/21 12:02 PM]

In their latest memo, Free Enterprise Fund President Steve Moore and FEF Chief Economist Larry Hunter write, “The smoldering smell of a sell-out on personal retirement accounts is hovering in the air.” Moore/Hunter continue the debate is sounding “more and more” like the “Medicare fiasco” of two years ago, and will create “another new tax-and-transfer entitlement program.” And then there is this:

“In our opinion, doing nothing on Social Security this year would be far preferable to another sell-out like that.”

On President Bush’s strategy, they say:

The more the president concedes to his critics, the louder the outcry becomes for him to make further concessions … One marvels at the rush among Bush's supporters to undercut the president's ownership society vision with more big-government, entitlement delusions.”

And in Congress:

“The House no longer has the luxury of waiting on the Senate to act. In the event the Senate fails to act, inaction by the House will not inoculate Republican Members against Democratic attack in the mid-term elections.”

[Posted 03/21 10:54 AM]

The Winston Group has new polling numbers out on a broad range of topics. Some interesting points stand out. 56 percent of respondents say they do not approve of the Democrats’ refusal to allow personal accounts to be discussed as part of Social Security reform. 38 percent approve.

When respondents were asked whom they trust more to make changes to Social Security, 49 percent chose President Bush, compared with 42 percent for Democrats.

On who is offering the “right kind of ideas,” 48 percent chose President Bush while 40 percent chose Democrats.

Finally, on who is willing to work with both parties to find a solution, 52 percent chose President Bush, while 36 percent chose Democrats.

[Posted 03/21 10:08 AM]

Newsweek polled respondents on the threat from Democrats to shut down Senate business if a vote is passed to end filibusters over judicial nominations. 40 percent of voters say they approve of Harry Reid’s threat, 46 percent disapprove and 14 percent remain undecided.

[Posted 03/21 09:52 AM]

USA Today has an editorial entitled, “All opposition, no ideas cast Democrats in poor light”

From the editorial:

“Social Security requires a fix. … [I]t's impossible to deny that Social Security will be in a bind as baby boomers retire and live longer than previous generations. In 2018, it will begin paying out more than it's taking in. And by mid-century, it will have spent its savings. Doing nothing is not a viable option. Without a plan, Democrats risk looking unconcerned about future retirees. What's more, they risk ceding to the GOP an issue that they've dominated for 75 years.”

[Posted 03/21 09:33 AM]

Multiple outlets are now reporting that William Rehnquist will be on hand for oral arguments at the Supreme Court this morning.

UPDATE: The first wire report is now up.

[Posted 03/21 09:21 AM]

Pete Williams of MSNBC just reported that the Justice Department has filed a statement of interest with the federal court, urging them to reinsert Terri Schiavo’s feeding tube while they decide whether or not to hear her case. The statement also urges the court to keep the tube in while they are deciding the case. As the statement points out, there would be no point in considering the case if Schiavo were to die before a decision could be made. On the other hand, reinserting her tube would not result in any harm, as Schiavo has been on the feeding tube for over a decade.

[Posted 03/21 09:06 AM]

Ron Brownstein of the Los Angeles Times writes the odds are mounting the Social Security debate will continue into the 2006 elections and beyond.

Brownstein has been heavily reporting on, if not just short of advocating for, so-called add on accounts instead of personal accounts. Brownstein claims support for add-on accounts is rising, but not enough to bridge the divide between Democrats and Republicans.

[Posted 03/21 08:36 AM]

From the Florida Democrats who have led the opposition against reinserting Schiavo’s feeding tube:

Jim Davis:

"These actions today are a clear threat to our democracy.”

Robert Wexler:

“The issue before this Congress is not an emotional one. It is simply one that respects the rule of law.”

Debbie Wasserman-Schultz:

"No one felt it essential that I file legislation to stop it. This type of end-of-life, gut-wrenching decision happens every day."

And from Nancy Pelosi:

“Michael Schiavo is faced with a devastating decision, but having been through the proper legal process, the decision for his wife's care belongs to him and to God.”

[Posted 03/21 08:24 AM]

The Washington Post has a recap of last night’s congressional debate over the Schiavo bill.

Tom DeLay addressed critics who say Congress is overstepping their bounds by getting involved:

"We, as Congress, have every right to make sure that the constitutional rights of Terri Schiavo are protected, and that's what we're doing. It has nothing to do with state's rights. We aren't overriding state law."

And Bill Frist addressed the heavily criticized memo that has circulating calling Schiavo a “great political issue” for the GOP:

"I condemn the content of the memo and reaffirm that the interest in this case by myself, and the many members of the Senate on both sides of the aisle, is to assure that Mrs. Schiavo has another chance at life."

[Posted 03/21 07:58 AM]

ABC News has new polling data on Terri Schiavo this morning. Respondents “broadly and strongly disapprove” of federal intervention, saying Congress is “overstepping its bounds for political gain.”

By a 63-28 percent margin, respondents favor the removal of Schiavo’s feeding tube. 67-19 percent believe Congress is acting for “political advantage” rather than the principles involved.

However, Schiavo’s case has prompted an “enormous level of personal discussion,” with half of respondents saying as a direct result of the case they have spoken with family or friends about what they’d want done if in a similar condition. According to the poll, 8 in 10 say they would not want to be kept alive.

This ABC News poll was conducted by telephone March 20, 2005, among a random national sample of 501 adults. The results have a 4.5-point error margin.