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The Plum Line: January, 2013

Posted at 07:02 PM ET, 01/31/2013

Happy Hour Roundup
By Jonathan Bernstein
Our nightly wrap-up of news and opinion.

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  07:02 PM ET, 01/31/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:44 PM ET, 01/31/2013

All gimmicks, all the time (the GOP budget plan)

By Jonathan Bernstein
The Republican position on spending cuts grows ever more murky

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  05:44 PM ET, 01/31/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:23 PM ET, 01/31/2013

For Hagel, count to 60

By Jonathan Bernstein
Of course the Republicans will filibuster Chuck Hagel.

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  03:23 PM ET, 01/31/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  chuck hagel

Posted at 01:16 PM ET, 01/31/2013

Make strong case that spending cuts hurt economy, Mr. President!

By Greg Sargent
Obama must use his State of the Union speech to make a forceful case about the relationship between government spending and economic recovery.

By Greg Sargent  |  01:16 PM ET, 01/31/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  economy

Posted at 12:04 PM ET, 01/31/2013

We all agree that spending cuts hurt the economy. Right? Right.

By Greg Sargent
Republicans themselves previously admitted that the threatened sequestered cuts could deeply damage the recovery.

By Greg Sargent  |  12:04 PM ET, 01/31/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  sequester

Posted at 09:17 AM ET, 01/31/2013

The Morning Plum: GOP still can't shake that "47 percent" problem

By Greg Sargent
New anti-government comments from Virginia attorney general Ken Cuccinnelli, a rising star in the GOP, perfectly capture the reasons the party is struggling to remake itself.

By Greg Sargent  |  09:17 AM ET, 01/31/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Morning Plum

Posted at 07:06 PM ET, 01/30/2013

Happy Hour Roundup
By Jonathan Bernstein
Our nightly wrap-up of news and opinion.

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  07:06 PM ET, 01/30/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Happy Hour Roundup

Posted at 05:35 PM ET, 01/30/2013

Behind the histrionics, a consensus is forming on universal background checks

By Greg Sargent
A bipartisan group of Senators is quietly working on a background check proposal.

By Greg Sargent  |  05:35 PM ET, 01/30/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  guns guns guns

Posted at 03:50 PM ET, 01/30/2013

Puzzling GOP logic on the sequester
By Greg Sargent
It's hard to see how the news that deep defense cuts hurt the economy gives the GOP leverage in the sequester fight.

By Greg Sargent  |  03:50 PM ET, 01/30/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Republicans, sequester

Posted at 01:38 PM ET, 01/30/2013

Gabrielle Giffords' husband smacks down Wayne LaPierre

By Greg Sargent
Mark Kelly and Dick Durbin successfully unmask the "gun rights" argument as a total sham.

By Greg Sargent  |  01:38 PM ET, 01/30/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  guns guns guns

Posted at 11:27 AM ET, 01/30/2013

Deval Patrick chooses a replacement for John Kerry
By Jamelle Bouie
African Americans continue to be a rare presence in the Senate -- and things are unlikely to change anytime soon.

By Jamelle Bouie  |  11:27 AM ET, 01/30/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  United States Senate

Posted at 09:16 AM ET, 01/30/2013

The Morning Plum: Five questions for the NRA's Wayne LaPierre
By Greg Sargent
At today's hearing, Senators need to expose the NRA's extremism, and reveal for all to see that the organization's views are way out of step with the American mainstream.

By Greg Sargent  |  09:16 AM ET, 01/30/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Morning Plum

Posted at 06:31 PM ET, 01/29/2013

Happy Hour Roundup
By Jonathan Bernstein
Our nightly wrap-up of news and opinion.

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  06:31 PM ET, 01/29/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:28 PM ET, 01/29/2013

Immigration reform: The next chapter in the American story

By Greg Sargent
In his speech, the president laid down a marker for action on immigration reform, and cast it as the next logical step in the American story.

By Greg Sargent  |  04:28 PM ET, 01/29/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Immigration

Posted at 11:32 AM ET, 01/29/2013

Joe Scarborough and the Beltway Deficit Feedback Loop

By Greg Sargent
Paul Krugman is right about the deficit, and the Morning Joe host is wrong.

By Greg Sargent  |  11:32 AM ET, 01/29/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Beltway Deficit Feedback Loop

Posted at 09:14 AM ET, 01/29/2013

The Morning Plum: Confusion envelops Senate immigration plan
By Greg Sargent
The Gang of 8 still differs on the fundamentals of how to reform our immigration system.

By Greg Sargent  |  09:14 AM ET, 01/29/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Morning Plum

Posted at 06:30 PM ET, 01/28/2013

Happy Hour Roundup

By Greg Sargent
Our nightly wrap-up of news and opinion.

By Greg Sargent  |  06:30 PM ET, 01/28/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Happy Hour Roundup

Posted at 04:39 PM ET, 01/28/2013

Will GOP really oppose efforts to limit gun trafficking?

By Greg Sargent
The relentless media focus on the assault weapons ban has allowed lawmakers to dodge the politically difficult question of whether they really oppose efforts to keep guns out of the hands of criminals.

By Greg Sargent  |  04:39 PM ET, 01/28/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  guns guns guns

Posted at 02:35 PM ET, 01/28/2013

Gay marriage opponents falsely claim Obama as an ally
By Greg Sargent
Another reason Obama should submit a brief in the SCOTUS case declaring Prop 8 unconstitutional.

By Greg Sargent  |  02:35 PM ET, 01/28/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  gay rights

Posted at 12:38 PM ET, 01/28/2013

What did Republicans win in the immigration deal?

By Greg Sargent
The enforcement commission -- which was presented as a major concession to GOP -- won't actually have any influence over the immigration process.

By Greg Sargent  |  12:38 PM ET, 01/28/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Immigration

Posted at 11:36 AM ET, 01/28/2013

Immigration reform: Great for the country, not for the GOP
By Jamelle Bouie
The Republican Party's problem with Latinos goes well beyond immigration; it's rooted in the party's ideological hostility towards government.

By Jamelle Bouie  |  11:36 AM ET, 01/28/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Immigration

Posted at 09:16 AM ET, 01/28/2013

The Morning Plum: The ground shifts on immigration

By Greg Sargent
The new immigration reform plan is a big step forward, but some major unanswered questions remain.

By Greg Sargent  |  09:16 AM ET, 01/28/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Morning Plum

Posted at 08:48 AM ET, 01/27/2013

Sunday Open Thread
By Greg Sargent
Enjoy.

By Greg Sargent  |  08:48 AM ET, 01/27/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  sound off

Posted at 07:42 AM ET, 01/26/2013

Open Thread
By Greg Sargent
All yours.

By Greg Sargent  |  07:42 AM ET, 01/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Open Threads, sound off

Posted at 06:52 PM ET, 01/25/2013

Happy Hour Roundup

By Greg Sargent
Our nightly wrap-up of news and opinion.

By Greg Sargent  |  06:52 PM ET, 01/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Happy Hour Roundup

Posted at 05:17 PM ET, 01/25/2013

Keep the threat of filibuster reform alive, Harry Reid

By Jonathan Bernstein
There is absolutely no reason for Democrats not to make it clear that if GOP obstructionism continues, they will revisit filibuster reform

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  05:17 PM ET, 01/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Filibuster

Posted at 03:26 PM ET, 01/25/2013

Don't write off GOP support for Obama's gun proposals
By Greg Sargent
Dems are quietly eying several dozen House Republicans who may be induced to support the less controversial aspects of Obama's gun reforms.

By Greg Sargent  |  03:26 PM ET, 01/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  guns guns guns

Posted at 01:42 PM ET, 01/25/2013

DNC slams GOP's electoral vote rigging scheme
By Greg Sargent
If Republicans really want to take this vote rigging scheme national, they may have a major fight on their hands.

By Greg Sargent  |  01:42 PM ET, 01/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  electoral college

Posted at 11:29 AM ET, 01/25/2013

There are no real "reformers" in the GOP
By Jamelle Bouie
Bobby Jindal, Marco Rubio, and Paul Ryan are posing as reformers, but they are unwilling to moderate or change their actual policies and priorities -- the same ones that doomed Mitt Romney in 2012.

By Jamelle Bouie  |  11:29 AM ET, 01/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Bobby Jindal, Republicans

Posted at 09:14 AM ET, 01/25/2013

The Morning Plum: What's next for filibuster reformers?

By Greg Sargent
A leading reformer, Tom Udall, vows to revisit the need for change "every two years," if necessary, and urges outside groups to remain on altert.

By Greg Sargent  |  09:14 AM ET, 01/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Morning Plum

Posted at 06:35 PM ET, 01/24/2013

Happy Hour Roundup

By Greg Sargent
Our nightly wrap-up of news and opinion.

By Greg Sargent  |  06:35 PM ET, 01/24/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Happy Hour Roundup

Posted at 05:02 PM ET, 01/24/2013

No price for unprecedented obstructionism and destructive governance

By Greg Sargent
The bipartisan filibuster reforms will fix everything accept the massive, overarching problem the push for reform was originally designed to address.

By Greg Sargent  |  05:02 PM ET, 01/24/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Filibuster

Posted at 03:09 PM ET, 01/24/2013

Why Senate reform fizzled (for now)
By Jonathan Bernstein
Real reform was not going to happen. There were two many factors lining up against it -- not least that Senators don't really want it.

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  03:09 PM ET, 01/24/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Filibuster

Posted at 01:04 PM ET, 01/24/2013

Real movement: Joe Manchin, NRA darling, comes out for universal background checks

By Greg Sargent
A key red state "gun rights" Dem comes out for the centerpiece of Obama's gun proposals.

By Greg Sargent  |  01:04 PM ET, 01/24/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  guns guns guns

Posted at 11:45 AM ET, 01/24/2013

On guns, no end to the skittishness from red state Dems
By Greg Sargent
Senator Joe Manchin won't say whether he is willing to even entertain the idea of universal background checks.

By Greg Sargent  |  11:45 AM ET, 01/24/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  guns guns guns, national rifle association

Posted at 09:17 AM ET, 01/24/2013

The Morning Plum: Obama as the anti-Reagan

By Greg Sargent
Obama is attempting to recast progressivism in the eyes of the nation in just as ambitious a way as Reagan did with conservatism.

By Greg Sargent  |  09:17 AM ET, 01/24/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Morning Plum

Posted at 07:07 PM ET, 01/23/2013

Happy Hour Roundup

By Jonathan Bernstein
Our nightly wrap-up of news and opinion.

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  07:07 PM ET, 01/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Happy Hour Roundup

Posted at 04:18 PM ET, 01/23/2013

Latest GOP budget scheme would slash federal government to ribbons

By Greg Sargent
If the GOP really thinks it can wipe away deficits in 10 years, that could require downsizing government by as much as one third.

By Greg Sargent  |  04:18 PM ET, 01/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling

Posted at 02:07 PM ET, 01/23/2013

GOP exchanges debt limit fantasy for budget fantasy
By Greg Sargent
Republicans release the debt limit hostage, but are now wedded to the political fantasy that they will wipe away the deficit in 10 years with only spending cuts.

By Greg Sargent  |  02:07 PM ET, 01/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling

Posted at 11:47 AM ET, 01/23/2013

Nancy Pelosi to Dems: Hold out for clean debt limit hike
By Greg Sargent
If John Boehner can't pass his temporary debt limit increase, that could increase Dem leverage for a clean debt ceiling hike.

By Greg Sargent  |  11:47 AM ET, 01/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling

Posted at 09:21 AM ET, 01/23/2013

The Morning Plum: GOP's magic debt ceiling plan won't solve the problem

By Greg Sargent
The primary reason we're having a governing crisis is that Republicans don't want to agree to more revenues from rich people.

By Greg Sargent  |  09:21 AM ET, 01/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Morning Plum

Posted at 06:46 PM ET, 01/22/2013

Happy Hour Open Thread
By Greg Sargent
Our nightly wrap-up of news and opinion.

By Greg Sargent  |  06:46 PM ET, 01/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Happy Hour Roundup

Posted at 05:45 PM ET, 01/22/2013

Keep letting Boehner twist in the wind

By Greg Sargent
House Dems should lay low and force Boehner to find the votes for his latest maneuver himself.

By Greg Sargent  |  05:45 PM ET, 01/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling

Posted at 03:03 PM ET, 01/22/2013

How Obama can turn words about gay marriage into action

By Greg Sargent
Obama's Justice Department should weigh in on whether Prop 8 is unconstitutional -- which could be a game changer.

By Greg Sargent  |  03:03 PM ET, 01/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  gay rights

Posted at 12:55 PM ET, 01/22/2013

Red state Dems squeamish about gun background checks

By Greg Sargent
Red state Dems squeamish about gun background checks

By Greg Sargent  |  12:55 PM ET, 01/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  guns guns guns

Posted at 11:31 AM ET, 01/22/2013

GOP isolated on abortion, too
By Jamelle Bouie
A new poll finds that a majority supports legal abortion -- yet another instance in which the GOP represents a minority position.

By Jamelle Bouie  |  11:31 AM ET, 01/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  abortion, Republicans

Posted at 09:17 AM ET, 01/22/2013

The Morning Plum: What Obama's Inaugural tells us about the next four years
By Greg Sargent
Obama's refusal to play the "bipartisan outreach" game is an important first step towards recognizing that the GOP has ceased to operate as a functional opposition party.

By Greg Sargent  |  09:17 AM ET, 01/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Morning Plum

Posted at 06:58 PM ET, 01/21/2013

Happy Hour Roundup
By Jonathan Bernstein
Our nightly wrap-up of news and opinion.

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  06:58 PM ET, 01/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Happy Hour Roundup

Posted at 05:08 PM ET, 01/21/2013

'A decade of war is now ending'
By Jonathan Bernstein
We don't know yet what Obama's intentions are on foreign affairs for his second term, but we know the theme he wants to frame it with.

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  05:08 PM ET, 01/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:08 PM ET, 01/21/2013

An expansive case for progressive governance, grounded in language of Founding Fathers

By Greg Sargent
Obama's second inaugural is squarely rooted in the tradition of progressive speeches from the past who appropriated the language of the Founding Fathers as their own.

By Greg Sargent  |  02:08 PM ET, 01/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  barack obama

Posted at 11:19 AM ET, 01/21/2013

How Obama made good on the promises of his first inaugural

By Jamelle Bouie
How Obama made good on the promises of his first inaugural

By Jamelle Bouie  |  11:19 AM ET, 01/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  barack obama, economy, health care, inauguration, Stimulus

Posted at 08:08 AM ET, 01/21/2013

Morning Open Thread
By Greg Sargent
All yours.

By Greg Sargent  |  08:08 AM ET, 01/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Open Threads, sound of, sound off

Posted at 07:45 AM ET, 01/20/2013

Sunday Open Thread
By Greg Sargent
Enjoy.

By Greg Sargent  |  07:45 AM ET, 01/20/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Open Threads, sound off

Posted at 08:39 AM ET, 01/19/2013

Open Thread
By Greg Sargent
All yours.

By Greg Sargent  |  08:39 AM ET, 01/19/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Open Threads, sound off

Posted at 06:57 PM ET, 01/18/2013

Happy Hour Roundup

By Greg Sargent
Happy Hour Roundup

By Greg Sargent  |  06:57 PM ET, 01/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Happy Hour Roundup

Posted at 04:00 PM ET, 01/18/2013

Dems to GOP: Thanks, but the debt ceiling is still your problem

By Greg Sargent
Democrats respond to the House GOP's debt ceiling offer by letting John Boehner continue to twist in the wind.

By Greg Sargent  |  04:00 PM ET, 01/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling

Posted at 01:45 PM ET, 01/18/2013

GOP takes off the suicide bomb vest

By Greg Sargent
By agreeing to a three month debt limit extension, the House GOP leadership has effectively taken the threat of default off the table -- total surrender.

By Greg Sargent  |  01:45 PM ET, 01/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, Republicans

Posted at 11:37 AM ET, 01/18/2013

Can the new, relaunched OFA help Dems in 2014?

By Jamelle Bouie
The reconfigured "Obama For America" could activate grassroots energy for the push to recapture the House.

By Jamelle Bouie  |  11:37 AM ET, 01/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Organizing For Action

Posted at 09:18 AM ET, 01/18/2013

The Morning Plum: No more games. Just release the hostage.

By Greg Sargent
A temporary debt ceiling hike won't solve the GOP's problem.

By Greg Sargent  |  09:18 AM ET, 01/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Morning Plum

Posted at 06:55 PM ET, 01/17/2013

Happy Hour Roundup
By Jonathan Bernstein
Our nightly wrap-up of news and opinion.

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  06:55 PM ET, 01/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Happy Hour Roundup

Posted at 05:13 PM ET, 01/17/2013

The GOP's real problem

By Jonathan Bernstein
The party lacks a well developed set of policy goals that have a chance of winning broad appeal.

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  05:13 PM ET, 01/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Republicans

Posted at 03:15 PM ET, 01/17/2013

Marco Rubio's 'reformer' mask slips
By Jamelle Bouie
The Florida Senator's absurd response to Obama's gun proposals belies his image as the face of Republican reform.

By Jamelle Bouie  |  03:15 PM ET, 01/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  guns guns guns

Posted at 01:22 PM ET, 01/17/2013

An easy way out for the GOP: Accept the inevitable

By Greg Sargent
The problem with the GOP's debt ceiling hostage strategy isn't in the execution. The problem is the strategy itself.

By Greg Sargent  |  01:22 PM ET, 01/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, Republicans

Posted at 11:13 AM ET, 01/17/2013

GOP intransigence won't hurt the party (much) in 2014
By Jamelle Bouie
Even if the GOP continues with its usual shenanigans, it is unlikely to translate into losing the House.

By Jamelle Bouie  |  11:13 AM ET, 01/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  2014 Congressional elections, Republicans

Posted at 09:13 AM ET, 01/17/2013

The Morning Plum: The question every member of Congress should answer
By Greg Sargent
Media outlets focusing only on the assault weapons ban are getting it wrong. The universal background check is at least as important -- and it could become law.

By Greg Sargent  |  09:13 AM ET, 01/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Morning Plum

Posted at 06:14 PM ET, 01/16/2013

Happy Hour Roundup
By Jonathan Bernstein
Our nightly wrap-up of news and opinion.

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  06:14 PM ET, 01/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:39 PM ET, 01/16/2013

Reagan's solicitor general dismisses right's fantasy about Obama "tyranny"

By Greg Sargent
Charles Fried says Obama's executive actions on guns are standard assertions of executive power.

By Greg Sargent  |  04:39 PM ET, 01/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  guns guns guns

Posted at 01:49 PM ET, 01/16/2013

Don't discount the possibility of action this time

By Greg Sargent
The relentless focus on the assault weapons ban is misguided. It's very possible some of the measures Obama proposed will pass -- and that would be a real achievement.

By Greg Sargent  |  01:49 PM ET, 01/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  guns guns guns

Posted at 11:41 AM ET, 01/16/2013

The NRA as 'insurgent outlier'

By Greg Sargent
The organization's new video about the President's daughters should alienate its Democratic allies.

By Greg Sargent  |  11:41 AM ET, 01/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  guns guns guns, national rifle association

Posted at 09:22 AM ET, 01/16/2013

The Morning Plum: The increasingly isolated GOP
By Greg Sargent
An increasingly fringe view is driving the GOP's approach to a fiscal debate that could have long term consequences for the country.

By Greg Sargent  |  09:22 AM ET, 01/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Morning Plum

Posted at 07:37 PM ET, 01/15/2013

Happy Hour Roundup
By Jonathan Bernstein
Our nightly wrap-up of news and opinion.

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  07:37 PM ET, 01/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Happy Hour Roundup

Posted at 06:23 PM ET, 01/15/2013

Another GOP Senator recognizes the inevitable

By Greg Sargent
Susan Collins joins Lisa Murkowski in coming out and saying the debt ceiling must be raised.

By Greg Sargent  |  06:23 PM ET, 01/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling

Posted at 05:11 PM ET, 01/15/2013

R.I.P., Emily Meier
By Greg Sargent
I'm sad to report that a longtime contributor to the site has lost her battle with breast cancer. She will be missed.

By Greg Sargent  |  05:11 PM ET, 01/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Condolences

Posted at 03:18 PM ET, 01/15/2013

How Hagel underscores the narrowness of discussion over Israel
By Jamelle Bouie
If he is confirmed, Chuck Hagel may well be able to broaden the boundaries of what constitutes acceptable rhetoric about the Mideast.

By Jamelle Bouie  |  03:18 PM ET, 01/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  chuck hagel, chuck schumer, defense

Posted at 01:39 PM ET, 01/15/2013

Debt ceiling endgame comes into view
By Greg Sargent
Senate Dems may be able to force the House to deal with the debt limit.

By Greg Sargent  |  01:39 PM ET, 01/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, fiscal cliff

Posted at 11:34 AM ET, 01/15/2013

Why gun politics are no longer dangerous for Democrats

By Greg Sargent
Opposition to gun law reform persists only among constituencies that are less and less important to the Democratic Party.

By Greg Sargent  |  11:34 AM ET, 01/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  guns guns guns

Posted at 09:15 AM ET, 01/15/2013

The Morning Plum: Conservatives surrendering in debt ceiling fight?
By Greg Sargent
An increasing number of Republicans and conservatives are acknowledging that they don't have the leverage they claim.

By Greg Sargent  |  09:15 AM ET, 01/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Mornign Plum, Morning Plum

Posted at 06:43 PM ET, 01/14/2013

Happy Hour Roundup

By Greg Sargent
Our nightly wrap-up of news and opinion.

By Greg Sargent  |  06:43 PM ET, 01/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Happy Hour Roundup

Posted at 05:39 PM ET, 01/14/2013

Maybe the 'blister' of GOP opposition really will get popped

By Jonathan Bernstein
The history of Newt Gingrich's losses against Bill Clinton suggests a decisive Obama victory in the debt fight really could matter over the long term.

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  05:39 PM ET, 01/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, fiscal cliff, Tea Party

Posted at 03:35 PM ET, 01/14/2013

The Tea Party's last stand?

By Greg Sargent
Obama is behaving like someone who is determined to break the Tea Party once and for all.

By Greg Sargent  |  03:35 PM ET, 01/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, Tea Party

Posted at 01:26 PM ET, 01/14/2013

Dems hold a trump card in debt limit showdown

By Greg Sargent
If Dems move to pass a clean debt limit hike, Republicans may be harder pressed to oppose it than you might think.

By Greg Sargent  |  01:26 PM ET, 01/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, Debt limit, fiscal cliff, Republicans

Posted at 11:15 AM ET, 01/14/2013

Memo to 'No Labels': To fix Congress, first fix the GOP
By Jamelle Bouie

By Jamelle Bouie  |  11:15 AM ET, 01/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  The Centrist Dodge

Posted at 09:10 AM ET, 01/14/2013

The Morning Plum: The debt ceiling is the GOP's problem. Lather, rinse, repeat.

By Greg Sargent
Again: If Republicans want to threaten to destroy the economy to get their way, it's their problem.

By Greg Sargent  |  09:10 AM ET, 01/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, guns guns guns, Morning Plum, platinum coin

Posted at 08:51 AM ET, 01/13/2013

Sunday Open Thread
By Greg Sargent
Enjoy.

By Greg Sargent  |  08:51 AM ET, 01/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Open Threads

Posted at 07:51 AM ET, 01/12/2013

Open Thread

By Greg Sargent
All yours.

By Greg Sargent  |  07:51 AM ET, 01/12/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Open Threads

Posted at 06:55 PM ET, 01/11/2013

Happy Hour Roundup
By Greg Sargent
Our nightly wrap-up of news and opinion.

By Greg Sargent  |  06:55 PM ET, 01/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Happy Hour Roundup

Posted at 05:17 PM ET, 01/11/2013

Where are the women?
By Jonathan Bernstein
Obama has blown too many chances to appoint women to top positions.

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  05:17 PM ET, 01/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  white house

Posted at 02:55 PM ET, 01/11/2013

Top Senate Dems to White House: If you unilaterally raise debt ceiling, we've got your back

By Greg Sargent
In a letter to the White House, top Senate Dems tell Obama that they will support whatever unilateral move it decides to make to raise the debt ceiling.

By Greg Sargent  |  02:55 PM ET, 01/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling

Posted at 01:45 PM ET, 01/11/2013

Business leaders to GOP: No more debt limit hostage taking!
By Greg Sargent
The GOP's threat of leverage takes yet another hit.

By Greg Sargent  |  01:45 PM ET, 01/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, Republicans, us chamber of commerce

Posted at 11:38 AM ET, 01/11/2013

A small crack in wall of GOP opposition to gun reform?

By Greg Sargent
GOP Rep Phil Gingrey of Georgia says he's open to certain specific gun control measures.

By Greg Sargent  |  11:38 AM ET, 01/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  guns guns guns, Republicans

Posted at 09:21 AM ET, 01/11/2013

The Morning Plum: The NRA's Big Lies

By Greg Sargent
The organization's Second Amendment alarmism, extreme views on sensible gun regulation, and outright dishonesty render it less and less credible.

By Greg Sargent  |  09:21 AM ET, 01/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, gun control, Morning Plum, nra, platinum coin

Posted at 06:35 PM ET, 01/10/2013

Happy Hour Roundup
By Greg Sargent
Our nightly wrap up of news and opinion.

By Greg Sargent  |  06:35 PM ET, 01/10/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Happy Hour Roundup

Posted at 05:39 PM ET, 01/10/2013

GOP spirals deeper and deeper into obstructionism
By Jonathan Bernstein
Republican opposition to Jack Lew as Treasury Secretary is not business as usual.

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  05:39 PM ET, 01/10/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Filibuster, Jack Lew, Republicans, Treasury

Posted at 03:52 PM ET, 01/10/2013

A swift end to an ugly mess

By Greg Sargent
The resolution of the Giglio mess shows how big a swing we've seen in public attitudes towards gay rights in only four short years.

By Greg Sargent  |  03:52 PM ET, 01/10/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  gay rigths

Posted at 01:44 PM ET, 01/10/2013

Another blast in the gun wars

By Jamelle Bouie
Can Andrew Cuomo's tough package of gun reforms serve as a model for national gun law reform?

By Jamelle Bouie  |  01:44 PM ET, 01/10/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  gun control. Andrew Cuomo

Posted at 11:47 AM ET, 01/10/2013

Karl Rove accidentally unmasks the GOP's debt ceiling ruse
By Greg Sargent
The GOP strategist admits that Republicans will never allow default -- which means the debt ceiling doesn't give them leverage, after all.

By Greg Sargent  |  11:47 AM ET, 01/10/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, karl rove, Republicans

Posted at 09:17 AM ET, 01/10/2013

The Morning Plum: Will any Republicans support sensible gun law reforms?

By Greg Sargent
Perhaps some moderate Republicans can be induced to resist the increasing southernization of the GOP.

By Greg Sargent  |  09:17 AM ET, 01/10/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, gun control, Morning Plum, platinum coin

Posted at 06:27 PM ET, 01/09/2013

Happy Hour Roundup
By Jonathan Bernstein
Our nightly wrap-up of news and opinion.

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  06:27 PM ET, 01/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Happy Hour Roundup

Posted at 04:30 PM ET, 01/09/2013

Did White House really leave "platinum coin" option open? Doubtful.
By Greg Sargent
All Jay Carney did today was refuse to take a position on whether such an option is even legal or viable.

By Greg Sargent  |  04:30 PM ET, 01/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, fiscal cliff, platinum coin

Posted at 02:42 PM ET, 01/09/2013

Hang tough on guns, Dems. It's gonna get ugly.

By Greg Sargent
Congressional Democrats will need a tremendous amount of support from the left to beat back the NRA.

By Greg Sargent  |  02:42 PM ET, 01/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  gun control, joe biden

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 01/09/2013

Business leaders: Failure to raise debt ceiling will drive markets "haywire"

By Greg Sargent
The pressure to raise the debt ceiling is about to get a good deal more intense.

By Greg Sargent  |  01:00 PM ET, 01/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  business community, debt ceiling, fiscal cliff

Posted at 11:30 AM ET, 01/09/2013

If Republicans want to choose the Cabinet, they should win an election
By Jamelle Bouie
Republicans are already moving to block Obama's pick of Jack Lew for Treasury Secretary, opening up a new front in their effort to obstruct the President's agenda.

By Jamelle Bouie  |  11:30 AM ET, 01/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Jack Lew, Republicans, Treasury

Posted at 09:15 AM ET, 01/09/2013

The Morning Plum: Clever GOP spin on debt ceiling

By Greg Sargent
Republicans are painstakingly defining the debt ceiling hike as a concession they will be making to Obama, rather than as something that must be done to protect the country from financial disaster. And news orgs are playing along.

By Greg Sargent  |  09:15 AM ET, 01/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, fiscal cliff, gun control, Morning Plum, platinum coin

Posted at 06:26 PM ET, 01/08/2013

Happy Hour Roundup
By Greg Sargent
Our nightly wrap-up of news and opinion.

By Greg Sargent  |  06:26 PM ET, 01/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, fiscal cliff, gun control, Happy Hour Roundup, platinum coin

Posted at 03:45 PM ET, 01/08/2013

GOP disarray over debt ceiling

By Greg Sargent
More signs that Republicans don't have the leverage in the debt ceiling fight they claim.

By Greg Sargent  |  03:45 PM ET, 01/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, john boehner, Mitch McConnell, Republicans

Posted at 01:22 PM ET, 01/08/2013

Senator Elizabeth Warren gears up

By Greg Sargent
Her castigation of AIG is noteworthy for its populist tone and suggests her crusade for Wall Street accountability will continue in the Senate.

By Greg Sargent  |  01:22 PM ET, 01/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Elizabeth Warren, Senate, Wall Street

Posted at 11:17 AM ET, 01/08/2013

Why Hagel is a smart pick for the Pentagon

By Jamelle Bouie
Obama's choice is just the guy to cut defense spending.

By Jamelle Bouie  |  11:17 AM ET, 01/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  chuck hagel, defense

Posted at 09:26 AM ET, 01/08/2013

The Morning Plum: Job one for the White House -- isolate the NRA

By Greg Sargent
The White House and Democrats appear to be fully engaged for the fight to come. They will have to be.

By Greg Sargent  |  09:26 AM ET, 01/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, fiscal cliff, gun control, Morning Plum, nra

Posted at 05:20 PM ET, 01/07/2013

Debt ceiling hostage taking is far more absurd -- and destructive -- than "mint the coin" is
By Greg Sargent
The "mint the coin" campaign is greeted with derision, even as the GOP's threat to blow up the economy is greeted with yawns.

By Greg Sargent  |  05:20 PM ET, 01/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, fiscal cliff, platinum coin

Posted at 03:17 PM ET, 01/07/2013

Brennan nomination should ignite debate about drones, torture
By Greg Sargent
Senators should use his confirmation hearings to press for a full accounting of Bush era torture and Obama era drone strikes.

By Greg Sargent  |  03:17 PM ET, 01/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  chuck hagel, CIA, John Brennan, national security

Posted at 12:10 PM ET, 01/07/2013

Republicans getting weak-kneed about debt ceiling fight
By Greg Sargent
Still more signs emerge that the debt ceiling doesn't give Republicans the leverage they've claimed.

By Greg Sargent  |  12:10 PM ET, 01/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, fiscal cliff, john boehner, Mitch McConnell

Posted at 11:16 AM ET, 01/07/2013

Hagel pick challenges bipartisan national security consensus
By Jamelle Bouie
Hagel represents a nod towards bipartisanship -- even as it also challenges the bipartisan national security consensus.

By Jamelle Bouie  |  11:16 AM ET, 01/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  chuck hagel, defense

Posted at 09:25 AM ET, 01/07/2013

The Morning Plum: No, we are not 'finished' with the tax debate

By Greg Sargent
Republicans will have to agree to more in revenues, whether they like it or not.

By Greg Sargent  |  09:25 AM ET, 01/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling platinum coin, fiscal cliff, Morning Plum

Posted at 08:26 AM ET, 01/06/2013

Sunday Open Thread
By Greg Sargent
Enjoy.

By Greg Sargent  |  08:26 AM ET, 01/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Open Threads

Posted at 08:09 AM ET, 01/05/2013

Open Thread
By Greg Sargent
All yours.

By Greg Sargent  |  08:09 AM ET, 01/05/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Open Threads

Posted at 07:00 PM ET, 01/04/2013

Happy Hour Roundup
By Greg Sargent
Our nightly wrap-up of news and opinion.

By Greg Sargent  |  07:00 PM ET, 01/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  fiscal cliff debt ceiling, Happy Hour Roundup

Posted at 05:51 PM ET, 01/04/2013

Ignore bogus polling on debt limit

By Jonathan Bernstein
Despite what internal polls say, the GOP would lose a political battle over the debt ceiling.

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  05:51 PM ET, 01/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, fiscal cliff

Posted at 04:19 PM ET, 01/04/2013

Washington's 'Blazing Saddles' moment
By Greg Sargent
The debt ceiling mess is deeply unhinged, even by Washington standards.

By Greg Sargent  |  04:19 PM ET, 01/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, fiscal cliff, Republicans

Posted at 01:56 PM ET, 01/04/2013

A veteran hostage negotiator's advice on handling the GOP
By Greg Sargent
Obama needs to be willing to use a trump card to resolve the situation without the GOP's help -- and make the GOP understand it's not in control of the situation.

By Greg Sargent  |  01:56 PM ET, 01/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, fiscal cliff, Republicans

Posted at 11:50 AM ET, 01/04/2013

The debt ceiling isn't Obama's problem. It's the GOP's problem.

By Greg Sargent
What if Republicans don't have the leverage in the debt ceiling fight they think they have?

By Greg Sargent  |  11:50 AM ET, 01/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, fiscal cliff

Posted at 09:17 AM ET, 01/04/2013

The Morning Plum: What does 'not negotiating' look like?

By Greg Sargent
Obama and Dems vow not to negotiate with the GOP over the debt limit, but it's not clear they have any choice.

By Greg Sargent  |  09:17 AM ET, 01/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, fiscal cliff, immigration reform, Morning Plum

Posted at 06:49 PM ET, 01/03/2013

Happy Hour Roundup
By Jonathan Bernstein
Our nightly wrap-up of news and opinion.

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  06:49 PM ET, 01/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  affordable care act, Debt limit, fiscal cliff, Happy Hour Roundup

Posted at 04:30 PM ET, 01/03/2013

What to expect from the 113th Congress
By Jonathan Bernstein
It may seem unlikely, but the prospects for cooperation and legislative action may marginally improve in the next two years.

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  04:30 PM ET, 01/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  congress, gun control, health care, immigration reform, Republicans

Posted at 02:23 PM ET, 01/03/2013

Weakened Speaker Boehner means tough governing road ahead

By Greg Sargent
Weakened Speaker Boehner means tough governing road ahead

By Greg Sargent  |  02:23 PM ET, 01/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  House of Representatives, john boehner, Republicans

Posted at 11:46 AM ET, 01/03/2013

Tea Party Republicans favor spending taxpayer money on anti-gay discrimination
By Greg Sargent
How many supposedly fiscally conscious, Constitution-loving Tea Party Members of the House favor spending money battling DOMA?

By Greg Sargent  |  11:46 AM ET, 01/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  gay rights, john boehner, Republicans

Posted at 06:30 PM ET, 01/02/2013

Happy Hour Roundup
By Greg Sargent
Our nightly wrap-up of news and opinion.

By Greg Sargent  |  06:30 PM ET, 01/02/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  debt ceiling, fiscal cliff, gun control, Happy Hour Roundup, john boehner

Posted at 05:38 PM ET, 01/02/2013

In (partial) defense of John Boehner
By Jonathan Bernstein
The problem isn't the House Speaker. It's House Republicans.

By Jonathan Bernstein  |  05:38 PM ET, 01/02/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  john boehner, Republicans

Posted at 03:46 PM ET, 01/02/2013

Chris Christie's frustration with GOP boils over

By Greg Sargent
The New Jersey Governor's real problem isn't just with John Boehner, it's with his party.

By Greg Sargent  |  03:46 PM ET, 01/02/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Chris Christie, Republicans

Posted at 01:03 PM ET, 01/02/2013

Filibuster reform is in serious trouble

By Greg Sargent
The current bipartisan package of reforms being considered is so weak as to be meaningless.

By Greg Sargent  |  01:03 PM ET, 01/02/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Filibuster, Senate

Posted at 09:11 AM ET, 01/02/2013

The Morning Plum: GOP can't put Tea Party genie back in bottle

By Greg Sargent
Yesterday's events confirm again that House conservatives may no longer be capable of being part of the conversation over how to move the country forward.

By Greg Sargent  |  09:11 AM ET, 01/02/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Bush tax cuts, fiscal cliff, gun control, Morning Plum, Republicans, Tea Party

Posted at 10:38 AM ET, 01/01/2013

Fiscal deal leaves central question of Obama presidency unresolved

By Greg Sargent
The battle over the future of the American welfare state was not settled by today's outcome, and that fight is the crucial one.

By Greg Sargent  |  10:38 AM ET, 01/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  barack obama, fiscal cliff, Medicare, Social Security

Posted at 08:29 AM ET, 01/01/2013

New Year's Day Open Thread
By Greg Sargent
Have a great holiday, everybody!

By Greg Sargent  |  08:29 AM ET, 01/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Open Threads

 

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