Tax Cuts, Not More Spending
Ohio Rep. Bob Latta says President Obama needs to shelve his health care reform plans and his massive energy tax proposals to focus instead on job creation. Latta says his constituents are 'hanging on by their fingernails' and more taxes and Washington spending is the last thing they need.
'Smuggling' Abortion in Health Plan
Doug Johnson, legislative director for the National Right to Life Committee, explains why an amendment is necessary to protect taxpayers from footing the bill for elective abortions in the new health plan. Do Democrats explicitly fund abortions? How do they do it in an indirect way? What does the pro-life Nelson amendment say? Will it pass?
Back from Afghanistan
Texas Rep. Ted Poe just returned from a trip to Afghanistan to view conditions and meet with troops. What did he learn? Does he still see Obama pushing a 'surge and retreat' strategy? Why are the troops optimistic about the new plan?
Dems Plan Gets Even Worse
Health policy expert Grace-Marie Turner explains why the so-called Senate compromise on the public option is just a ruse. Why would allowing the private insurers a greater role actually be an even worse idea than what is being proposed right now? Why is all of this 'compromise' really just a tactic to get the full-blown public option to become law?
The News
Mon, Dec 7
Harry Reid says Obamacare opponents are like those who fought to preserve slavery, EPA cracks down on carbon dioxide, Obama team waters down withdrawal definition, Baucus under fire for nominating girlfriend.
The Erosion of A Regime
Iranian expert Alireza Jafarzadeh says the ongoing protests in Iran show increasing dissatisfaction with the repressive regime. Would more progress be made if President Obama would identify with the demonstrators? And what should we make of Iranian President Ahmadinejad saying the U.S. is deliberately trying to thwart the return of the 'hidden imam' - a messianic figure in Islam?
Analyzing the Summit and the EPA
Former climatology professor Dr. Tim Ball explains why politicians at the climate summit will just kick the can down the road. He says the far more dangerous news is the EPA declaring greenhouse gases dangerous.
'A Huge Gigantic Risky Leap'
Nebraska Sen. Mike Johanns says 'tone deaf' Democrats are ignoring overwhelming public opposition to health bill. He also fears moderate in both parties will succumb to push to get something done, but says this is not a 'first step' in massive health changes - but a huge gigantic risky leap. We also ask how his Nebraska colleague Ben Nelson is likely to vote.
The News
Obama trumpets less dismal job numbers, claims he's a tax cutter, Boehner says Obama agenda is a jobs killer.
When Liberals Care About Debt
Texas Rep. Mac Thornberry says he's suspicious of 'anyone who only gets fiscal religion when it comes to national security issues'. Thornberry says Obama should remove withdrawal date and troop surge should be paid for with remaining stimulus and TARP dollars.
Obama's Job Killing Agenda
How good is the news that we almost broke even on jobs in November? What is the unemployment rate when we factor in part-time workers and those who have given up looking for work? What move by Congress can trigger consumer spending and job creation? What moves by Congress would kill hopes of new jobs?
Brady: Kill the Death Tax
Fri, Dec 4
As House Democrats try to make the estate tax permanent, Texas Rep. Kevin Brady, the top House Republican on the Joint Economic Committee, says Congress should kill the 'unfair death tax' once and for all. He also says the job picture is stabilizing, but the job creation outlook is not great.
The News
Obama and GOP focus on jobs, Afghan debate continues.
Jobs and Taxes
Why does Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan say the Obama 'jobs summit is nothing but a photo op? What moves on taxes, regulation and spending does he think would lead to tremendous job creation? Why is Jordan opposed to Democrats freezing the estate tax rate right where it is?
You Will Determine Obamacare Fate
Louisiana Sen. David Vitter says pressure from the people will determine whether Obamacare lives or dies. He also explains why the Dems are not telling the truth about what the Reid bill will do to your taxes and on Medicare spending. We'll also get his thoughts on the impact of 'climate-gate' on the cap and trade debate.
Momentum Shift in Climate Debate
John Gizzi of Human Events says Congressional reaction to the president's Afghan strategy is mostly about the withdrawal date and how to pay for the troop surge. What has he learned about 'climate-gate' and it's impact on the energy debate? Is the retirement of another moderate Democrat a sign that many vulnerable incumbents plan to leave town rather than face the voters? And what is the political impact for Mike Huckabee this week?
Poe Rejects 'Surge and Retreat Strategy'
Texas Rep. Ted Poe is on his way to Afghanistan to confer with troops and commanders and observe the conditions on the ground. What does he think of the president's strategy? What are his concerns? What more does he think the president should articulate? Will Congress give Obama what he wants?
The News
Obama team defends Afghan policy, McCain sees contradiction, Cheney slams Obama, marriage vote.
Who's Really Helping the Uninsured?
Rep. Dave Camp says GOP plan cuts costs for those without coverage at work, Dems would hike premiums.
'A Declaration of Defeat'
Mideast expert says Obama's surrender in Afghanistan and weakness on Iran paint horrific future in region.
'I'm Bothered By What I Heard'
Frequent embed reporter says Obama failed to inspire troops, timetables and strategy are troubling.
The News
Tue, Dec 1
Mixed reaction to details of Obama Afghan plan, debate over timetables for leaving, health debate rages on.
How Illegals Will Get Health Care
Loopholes and amnesty bill will cost us $30 billion in health costs, 'back of the line' means never leaving.
Tips for Obama
General explains why troop surge is good, timetables are bad and how Obama needs to define the war.
Wait 'Til 2010
NY Conservative Party says vote count problems didn't change outcome, Hoffman likely to run next year.
The News
Mon, Nov 30
Obama's Afghan strategy, should health debate be postponed, Biden urges action on health plan.
No Half Measures, No Taxes
Rep. Price worries Obama Afghan policy is aimed to appease, wants spending cuts to pay for more troops.
Joe Wilson on Afghanistan, Honduras
SC Rep. hails democracy in Honduras, wants Obama to implement all McChrystal advice in Afghanistan.
Getting It Right in Honduras
U.S. reverses course, decides to recognize winner of Sunday's election after backing ousted Chavez clone.
The News
Tue, Nov 24
Afghan decision next week, Cheney still critical, SEALS charged with hurting terrorist.