First Contact
The TPM reporting team at CPAC reports making first contact with former RNC Chief Michael Steele. Continuing updates in our TPM CPAC Wire. The encounter seems to have taken place at roughly 10 PM at the GOProud event.
--Josh Marshall
House GOP: We Got a Deal
GOP leaders say they've reached agreement with their members on spending cuts.
--Josh Marshall
Zen Koan of the Day
Presidential candidate Donald Trump tells me Ron Paul can't be elected president.
--Josh Marshall
Beyond Their Control
The White House has been in tough spot all day on the developments in Egypt, trying to let events run their course without conceding that events are largely beyond U.S. control. But the President will be releasing a written statement shortly.
--David Kurtz
Into the Twilight Zone
Egypt's ambassador to the United States, Sameh Shoukry, was on CNN just now and emphasized that Mubarak transferred all of his powers as president to Vice President Omar Suleiman: "The de jure head of state is Hosni Mubarak, the de facto head of state is Omar Suileman."
Asked by Wolf Blitzer if it was fair to say Mubarak now has no power, Shoukry replied: "That is certainly an interpretation you can make."
--David Kurtz
The Donald at CPAC
They say history always repeats itself, the first time as tragedy, the second time as farce. But sometimes it's all at the same time. With tragedy unfolding in one place (Egypt), and farce unfolding in another (CPAC). Watch the video of Donald Trump bringing his boffo Donald show to CPAC this afternoon. What could go wrong?
--Josh Marshall
Mubarak Staying?
This could be a case of the essence getting lost in the translation, but Mubark's speech right now to the Egyptian people is coming off as the kind of long, rambling, unself-aware self justification that authoritarians lapse into.
For most of the speech it didn't sound like Mubarak was going anywhere -- then several minutes into it he announced he was delegating the powers of the presidency to Vice President Omar Suleiman. Whether he delegates all the powers or some of them -- or core or ancillary powers -- remains uncertain.
Not exactly clear where that leaves things, but it appears that Mubarak will serve out his term as head of state while Suleiman conducts the day to day business of the state.
--David Kurtz
The Donald Goes After Ron Paul
Donald Trump went into the Ron Paul lion's den at CPAC and declared that Paul cannot win the presidency. A somewhat obvious statement, but one that unleashed boos from the Paul-friendly crowd. Watch.
--David Kurtz
Not Good Enough!
Evan McMorris-Santoro shot this NumbersUSA flyer at CPAC today. For the true anti-immigration diehards, the best that the current crop of GOP presidential hopefuls do on the issue is a C+:
--David Kurtz
Mubarak To Speak Soon
Hosni Mubarak is expected to address Egypt on state TV shortly. The expectation for most of the day has been that he will step down. That could still happen but Reuters is reporting: "Mubarak is 'definitely not going to step down,' information minister tells Reuters shortly before Mubarak is to speak to the nation."
You can watch Mubarak here.
--David Kurtz
"Right of First Refusal"
A Democratic insider in Arizona tells our Eric Kleefeld there may be some delay in the Dems coming up with a candidate for the now open seat from Sen. Kyl because Gabby Giffords should have "right of first refusal" for the run.
--Josh Marshall
Palin Won't Let Go
After mildly criticizing Sarah Palin, former Sen. and fantasy campaigner Rick Santorum tried going the abject apology route. But it wasn't enough. She's back, paradoxically, calling him Santorum a "knuckle-dragging neanderthal." Watch.
--Josh Marshall
CIA Thinks Mubarak On Way Out, Too
CIA Director Leon Panetta told the House intelligence committee a short time ago: "There's a strong likelihood that Mubarak may step down in Eqypt tonight."
--David Kurtz
TPM CPAC 2011 Wire
As you've probably heard, CPAC, the big annual conservative conference in DC, kicked off today. And we've got our reporters there on the scene following every bit of it. Be sure to check out our TPM CPAC 2011 Wire for minute to minute updates. Either click the link or see the most recent updates just below the feature on the right side of the page.
--Josh Marshall
Mubarak Out Soon?
Put this in the category of more than speculation but less than confirmed: Word is filtering in that Hosni Mubarak may step down as early as today.
The BBC tweets: "Egypt's Mubarak 'may step down.'"
Reuters tweets: "Developing: Egyptian PM tells BBC that Mubarak may step down and the situation in the country will be clarified soon."
MSNBC reports: "Mubarak to step down as Egypt's leader, Suleiman to take over, sources tell NBC News"
Stay tuned ...
--David Kurtz
Kyl The Next To Go
It looks like Arizona Sen. John Kyl will be announcing his decision not to seek reelection next year at a Phoenix press conference at noon ET.
--David Kurtz
Invited or Not, Here I am!
Pictures from Orrin Hatch's really awkward night at the DC Tea Party town hall.
--Josh Marshall
Fantasy Campaign Craze Grows
The ultimate fantasy campaign player, Donald Trump, is a last minute addition to the speakers list at CPAC today.
--Josh Marshall
Recent Archives
February 6, 2011 - February 12, 2011
January 30, 2011 - February 5, 2011
January 23, 2011 - January 29, 2011
January 16, 2011 - January 22, 2011
Mubarak Refuses To Step Down
But Delegates Some Powers To VP
WATCH: Mubarak Says 'Day After Day We Will Continue The Transfer Of Power From Now Until September' ... Some Powers Transferred To Vice President ... Furious Protesters In Tahrir Square Hold Their Shoes In The Air ... Opposition Leader ElBaradei Tweets: 'Egypt Will Explode. Army Must Save The Country Now' ...
McCain Urges Mubarak To Listen To His People ...
Obama Urges Mubarak To Explain His Actions
Taking The High Road?
Palin: I Won't Call Santorum A 'Knuckle-Dragging Neanderathal'
TPM Live Updates
CPAC 2011 Wire
- ryanjreilly via twitter Thu. 10:01 PM EST — Andrew Breitbart and Michael Steele at GOProud party #cpacwire Read more » RT
- jillrayfield via twitter Thu. 09:57 PM EST — TPM cpac team meets the man himself michael steele at GOProud party. Says he's not speaking at cpac, just enjoying. #cpacwire Read more » RT
- evanmc_s via twitter Thu. 09:55 PM EST — At GOProud party, TPM chills with Michael Steele. He says he's not interested in any candidate in particular at CPAC. #cpacwire Read more » RT
- evanmc_s via twitter Thu. 05:26 PM EST — Video of Ron Paul supporters heckling Donald Rumsfeld #cpacwire Read more » RT
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