TODAY IN POLITICS: Obama signs ‘don’t ask’ repeal (Sodom no longer worth fighting for, but worth fighting against)
1 Obama’s lame-duck victory lap
2 3rd Qtr Revised GDP Released Today
3 Senate to Wrap-up Work on START Treaty and 9/11 First Responders’ Health Bill
C-SPAN
Obama’s lame-duck victory lap
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Census results to spark map fights
By ALEX ISENSTADT | 12/22/10 2:03 PMGet ready to witness politics in its rawest form.
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Senate ratifies START arms-control treaty
By SCOTT WONG & SHIRA TOEPLITZ | 12/22/10 3:18 PM
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Senate Passes Sept. 11 health bill
By SIMMI AUJLA & MEREDITH SHINER | 12/22/10 3:13 PMThe bill will need to get a vote in the House to make its way to the president’s desk.
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Defense bill clears Congress
By JEN DIMASCIO | 12/22/10 3:16 PMThe fiscal 2011 defense authorization bill now heads to President Obama for a signature.
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Congress OKs year-end budget plan
By DAVID ROGERS | 12/22/10 6:13 AMThe move invites a bruising fight in 2011 over spending cuts demanded by Republicans.
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Sununu: ‘Nobody’s waiting’
By BEN SMITH | 12/22/10 2:48 PMContrary to the perception of a slow start, the race for the Republican presidential nomination is underway.
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Vitter: Don’t count illegal immigrants
By JENNIFER EPSTEIN | 12/22/10 6:15 AM
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Food safety bill sent to Obama’s desk
By MEREDITH SHINER | 12/22/10 12:52 AMThe long-delayed measure grants the FDA authority to issue recalls over contaminated products.
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Obama vows immigration push
By CARRIE BUDOFF BROWN | 12/22/10 6:27 AMObama tells Hispanic Caucus members that he’ll renew his push for immigration reform in 2011.
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Drilling review out of spending bill
By DARREN GOODE | 12/22/10 1:53 PMA provision would have extended the mandatory review for offshore oil and gas plans to 90 days.
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NBC U-Comcast merger delayed
By KEACH HAGEY | 12/22/10 2:42 PMA staff memo reveals the deal is on hold until the government gives the green light.
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Arlen Specter says goodbye
By SHIRA TOEPLITZ | 12/22/10 6:53 AM -
FCC approves Net neutrality rules
New rules stop providers from blocking lawful sites.
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Obama calls end-of-year presser
Plus: On closing Guantanamo, Gibbs says, “I don’t know the answer to when it’s going to happen.”
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The Arena
Barbour remarks ‘potentially fatal’?
Garry South: Mississippi governor’s “defense of the Citizens Councils is indefensible.”
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CLICK
Romney’s holiday card hints at 2012
Below a family photo, a message reads: “Guess which grandchild heard that Papa might run again?”
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GOP unveils strict new House rules
By JONATHAN ALLEN & JAKE SHERMAN | 12/22/10 1:49 PM
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Guy Cecil to lead DSCC
By DAVID CATANESE | 12/22/10 2:35 PMCecil will defend 21 incumbents, at least six of whom are in increasingly GOP-leaning states.
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Jim Bopp for Reince Priebus
By BEN SMITH | 12/22/10 2:22 PMThe RNC member’s chairman backing carries a particular anti-Steele cachet.
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Barbour: Councils ‘indefensible’
By JONATHAN MARTIN | 12/22/10 12:17 PMThe Mississippi gov. faces criticism over integration.
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Huck: Palin wrong, FLOTUS right
By JENNIFER EPSTEIN | 12/22/10 10:55 AMThe former Arkansas governor says Michelle Obama’s healthy eating campaign is ”on target.”
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Obama signs ‘don’t ask’ repeal
By MATT NEGRIN | 12/22/10 12:23 PM -
Poll: Most like Obama’s lame-duck role
By JENNIFER EPSTEIN | 12/22/10 12:08 PMA new poll shows 56 percent of Americans support the president’s record in the lame-duck session.
President to Sign Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
Updated 45 min. ago
President Obama will sign into law a repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” ban on gays and lesbians in the military today. Pentagon officials say the timeline to implement their plan to counter the 17-year-old policy is expected to take at least several months.
Over the weekend, the Senate voted 65-31 in favor of repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which lifts the ban against gays from serving openly in the U.S. military. The House approved the bill earlier last week by a vote of 250-174. More »
Senate to Wrap-up Work on START Treaty and 9/11 First Responders’ Health Bill
Lame-Duck Session Continues
Updated 1 hr., 45 min. ago
The Senate continues to work on major legislation to wrap up 111th session, including the START treaty and 9/11 first responders’ health bill.
The Senate plans to finish taking up amendments on the START treaty and take a final vote. Also, negotiations continue on the 9/11 first responders’ health bill. If the Senate is able to approve the legislation, the House is standing by to act on it. More »
Compliance’: The Word That Sunk a Million U.S. Jobs
by Jeff Pope
Costs not related to the quality of the end product — costs created entirely by overbearing government — have destroyed our manufacturing sector.
Strategy on the repeal: Derail the disrepect
Constitutional law expert Mat Staver says the new Congress must derail implementation of the law recently passed by the lame-duck Congress that is set to lift the ban on homosexuals serving openly in the military — a move one Christian activist claims proves Barack Obama doesn’t repect his own country’s troops.
‘Gays’ in military could hurt recruiting
A retired Army chaplain says that with the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell,” many patriotic Christians may discourage their children from joining the armed forces.
Muslims uneasy about nuclear threat
A Christian attorney and terrorism expert says the recent release of classified material from WikiLeaks vindicates Israel’s concerns about the Iranian nuclear threat.
‘Hard days’ for evangelicals in Belarus
A Dallas-based ministry is having a big impact in countries with limited religious freedoms by raising up new leaders in Belarus.
Stock market’s relation to charity
A recent survey from the American Red Cross shows that most Americans plan to give as much or more this Christmas than they did last year.
Burst ‘debt bubble’ = hyperinflation
A financial expert is warning that inflation and rising oil prices could mean higher gas prices than those of 2008.
Traveler tolls = gov’t control
The head of a grassroots organization that promotes conservative policies within the GOP says one California county’s proposal to charge commuter fees is a sign of big government.
Where DeVore could do more for GOP
A California tea party favorite has his eyes set on the 2012 presidential election, but one Republican thinks the former senatorial candidate could make a greater impact in another office.
Defending constitutional Christmas celebration
The Alliance Defense Fund is trying to encourage two locales that anti-religious groups have no constitutional standing to remove Christian aspects from Christmas.
Churches charged for attendance?
Churches in Mission, Kansas are fighting a property tax the city council is disguising as a “driveway fee.”
Parachutes, balloons getting gospel to closed countries
As persecution increases in highly restricted countries, one ministry is employing creative methods to reach the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Egyptian gov’t persecuting Christians
An organization that aids persecuted Christians hopes Americans will take action in response to a government-authorized attack in Egypt against a group of unarmed Christians.
Parents punished for disciplining child
Canada’s top court has punished a Christian couple for spanking their child, but an organization that works to ensure family-friendly policies does not think a court should tell parents how to punish their children.
Will new FCC rules protect free speech?
The head of an international association of Christian communicators says today’s vote from the FCC for “net neutrality” may jeopardize free speech in ways that have not yet been visualized.
Obama gets his repeal, troops pay the price
An advocate for America’s fighting men and women says those troops are going to pay a high price for the reckless decision of Congress to repeal the law that bans homosexuals from military service.
Hollywood ‘eager’ to sexualize young girls
The Parents Television Council has released a new report detailing the nature and extent of Hollywood’s obsession with sexualizing teenage girls.
Univ. of Wisconsin aborts abortion plans
A campaign against late-term abortions in Wisconsin has proved victorious, and one supporter of the effort feels it should be an encouragement to the rest of the country.
Senate shuts down DREAM Act
Immigration reform activist Ira Mehlman is pleased that the lame-duck session of the Congress has once again failed to pass the DREAM Act, which would have paved the way to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants.
‘No Labels’ Lacks Truth in Labeling
by Any organization that purports to oppose divisive labeling that doesn’t oppose racial labeling should be treated as the fatuous laughingstock it is.
Are Opioids the New Religion of the Masses?
by Could it be that one of the largest causes of chronic pain among 35- to 54-year-old Americans is access to opioid drugs?
The Darker Side of Facebook: Online Jihad
by Time to hold the social network to account for its terror-friendly users.
Animal Farm: The Harsh Rhetoric of Anti-Immigration Republicans
by Want to repair the breach between the GOP and America’s largest minority? Start by avoiding incendiary rhetoric comparing Latino immigrants to animals.
Reapportionment Favors the Red States
by The congressional delegation is bigger in Texas.
British Snowstorm Brings Out Moonbats and ‘Superheroes’
by The weather outside is frightful useful, if you’re Gaia Girl!
Snubbed: No Obamas at Britain’s Royal Wedding
by Barack and Michelle earn themselves a tempest in a Wedgwood teapot.
Rewarding Misbehavior with Presidential Nominations
by How does Obama treat a political appointee who may have helped suborn perjury and obstruct an investigation? By nominating him to a higher office.
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POLITICO44
‘Overwhelmed,’ Obama ends policy
The president proclaims a “very good day” as he signs a bill repealing “don’t ask, don’t tell.”
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The Arena
Barbour getting a bad rap?
Mississippi governor’s “heart is in the right place and the rest of us should move on.”
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CLICK
Georgetown unhappy with McCain
When the senator took a swipe at “the salons of Georgetown,” he upset some residents.
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START appears set for final approval
By MANU RAJU | 12/21/10 7:21 PM
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Barbour: Councils ‘indefensible’
By JONATHAN MARTIN | 12/22/10 6:24 AMThe Mississippi gov. faces criticism after minimizing the difficulty surrounding integration.
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Huck: Palin wrong, FLOTUS right
By JENNIFER EPSTEIN | 12/22/10 9:19 AMThe former Arkansas governor says Michelle Obama’s healthy eating campaign is ”on target.”
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Repeal blues: McConnell tactic fails
By JOSH GERSTEIN | 12/22/10 1:25 AMHis last-ditch amendment was meant to complicate the repeal of “don’t ask.”
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Obama vows immigration push
By CARRIE BUDOFF BROWN | 12/22/10 6:27 AMObama tells Hispanic Caucus members that he’ll renew his push for immigration reform in 2011.
The Ultimate Troll: Democrats Plan For Media Management
by David Solway
The federal government must never be given control of the internet and the airwaves.
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Census results show shift westward
By ALEXANDER BURNS | 12/22/10 7:47 AMData unveils an old political message: Go West.
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GOP unveils strict new House rules
By JONATHAN ALLEN & JAKE SHERMAN | 12/22/10 9:12 AM -
Congress OKs year-end budget plan
By DAVID ROGERS | 12/22/10 6:13 AMThe move invites a bruising fight in 2011 over spending cuts demanded by Republicans.
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Drilling review out of spending bill
By DARREN GOODE | 12/22/10 7:10 AMA provision would have extended the mandatory review for offshore oil and gas plans to 90 days.
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Food safety bill sent to Obama’s desk
By MEREDITH SHINER | 12/22/10 12:52 AMThe long-delayed measure grants the FDA authority to issue recalls over contaminated products.
by Muslim Student Files Complaint Against Teacher … for Talking About Ham
by When parody becomes reality in Spain.
Kim Jong Il Hangs Out His Christmas Stocking
by Hey, all you American taxpayers! Maybe North Korea’s Kim Jong Il isn’t on your Christmas list. But watch out—the way things are going, Uncle Sam might be getting ready to send him presents on your behalf.
Hugo Chavez: CommuNazi
by Ron Radosh
Chavez passes his “Enabling” act, giving him near-dictatorial power in Venezuela. Sure to make the American far left ecstatic!
Does the Fourth Amendment Apply to Emails?
by Dan Miller
Yes, says the Sixth Circuit. But the consequences remain murky.
Meet the Candidates for RNC Chairman
by Plus, a look at each candidate’s social media presence.
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W.H. mulls detention reviews
By JOSH GERSTEIN | 12/22/10 6:13 AMOrder could spark a review process for detainees who are neither released nor sent to trial.
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House awaits Senate for adjournment
By JAKE SHERMAN | 12/21/10 3:06 PMSteny Hoyer: The closer to Christmas, the less likely lawmakers will stick around for business.
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Hill staff pay frozen in time
By ERIKA LOVLEY | 12/21/10 5:08 PMEven with inflation adjustment, 2009 staffers made within a few thousand of 1990s levels.
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McConnell plans to make Dems sweat
By MANU RAJU | 12/21/10 4:11 PMThe senator tells POLITICO, “If they think it’s bad now, wait till next year.”
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Bill complicates Air Force contract
By JEN DIMASCIO | 12/22/10 9:21 AM
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Liquid gold: Donations questioned
By CHRIS FRATES | 12/21/10 11:10 AMThe timing of beer and liquor sellers’ contributions has ethics watchdogs crying foul.
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Holder warns of homegrown terror
By JENNIFER EPSTEIN | 12/21/10 9:38 AMThe attorney general says the number of Americans becoming radicalized keeps him up at night.
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Dems fear absentees will kill 9/11 bill
By SIMMI AUJLA | 12/22/10 6:30 AMBackers of the responders measure worry too many Democrats will be out of town for the vote.
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EPA to double down on climate
By ROBIN BRAVENDER | 12/22/10 6:26 AMThe administration is expected to roll out a greenhouse gas policy for plants and refineries.
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FCC approves Net neutrality rules
New rules stop providers from blocking lawful sites.
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Manchin apologizes for missed votes
By DAVID CATANESE | 12/21/10 6:16 PMSenator says he will make adjustments next time.
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Arlen Specter says goodbye
By SHIRA TOEPLITZ | 12/22/10 6:53 AM -
Pelosi: No regrets
By DAVID ROGERS | 12/21/10 3:04 PM“We came here to do a job, and we did the job,” the outgoing speaker tells POLITICO.
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Where is umbrage when you need it?
By MICHAEL KINSLEY | 12/21/10 11:18 PMOpinion: The news that Kissinger told Nixon to ignore another Holocaust ought to provoke outrage.
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Congress displeases on DREAM
By ROGER SIMON | 12/21/10 7:30 AMSimon says that while lawmakers accomplish some things, they play at others.
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Will tea party debate really hurt CNN?
By KEACH HAGEY | 12/22/10 5:18 AMThe nonpartisan network has been co-sponsoring debates with groups and partisan entities for years.
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Murmurs of ‘Alaska’ season 2
By KARIN TANABE | 12/22/10 5:38 AM
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Engler to head Business Roundtable
By CHRIS FRATES | 12/22/10 6:33 AMThe GOP partisan leader now heads one of the few business groups with good White House ties.
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Durbin, Kirk push EPA on safe water
By PATRICK REIS | 12/21/10 11:24 PMConcerns over contaminated drinking water bring the EPA administrator to the Senate.
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GOP freshmen-to-be shared wealth
By ALEX ISENSTADT | 12/21/10 12:00 PMSome all-but-certain 2010 victors cut checks to other candidates in the election’s final weeks.
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Richardson hopeful on N. Korea
By JENNIFER EPSTEIN | 12/21/10 9:20 AMThe New Mexico governor believes Pyongyang is ready to consider drawing down tensions.
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Napolitano: Working ’364′ days a year
By JENNIFER EPSTEIN | 12/21/10 5:47 PMThe Homeland Security secretary might want to take another look at her department’s schedule.
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U.S. diplomats: A vanishing species?
By KENNETH WEISBRODE | 12/22/10 9:26 AMOpinion: Diplomats are powerful figures working largely behind the scene for American interests.
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O’Reilly receives Behar’s holiday card
By KARIN TANABE | 12/22/10 9:14 AM
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Pirro to host Fox News show
By KEACH HAGEY | 12/21/10 2:28 PMThe longtime Westchester County DA is getting her own weekend show on Fox News.
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Former Rep. James Mann dies at 90
By ASSOCIATED PRESS | 12/22/10 1:01 AMThe South Carolina Democrat helped craft the articles of impeachment against Richard Nixon.
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Gibbs seeks help from Jon Stewart
By MATT NEGRIN | 12/22/10 5:12 AMPaging Jon Stewart: The White House needs your help on a 9/11 health bill.
The Great Tea Party Express/CNN Alliance: Who’s Sorry Now?
by How does the Tea Party Express justify an alliance with a network that ten minutes ago was making a mockery of the tea party?
by The Small-Business Hiring Outlook? Two More Years Wandering in the Desert
by Jeff Pope
Small businesses, like my 53-person outfit, see no reason whatsoever to do anything but hold tight to our cash for the next two years.
by Missing the California of My Youth
by Tim Daniel
California has been fundamentally transformed. The results stand as a warning to the rest of America.
Time to End the $422 Million Subsidy for Public Television
by Adam Graham
A key gut-check for fiscal conservatives.
ranian Chaos: Spontaneous Revolt Against the Regime
by What we already see is confirmation of what I have been saying for some years: the Iranian people do not like their regime, and they are prepared to confront it. Maybe even the feckless Western leaders will see it and support the Iranian people.
3rd Qtr Revised GDP Released Today
Updated Tuesday at 9:02pm (ET)
The Commerce Department is scheduled to release this morning it’s latest measure of U.S. economic activity, the revised report on third-quarter gross domestic product (GDP). Analysts expect a 2.8 percent pace of growth from the earlier estimated 2.5 percent which was released in November. This is the third and final revision of GDP data for the quarter.
The GDP represents the amount of goods and services that people consume. More »
