GOP getting serious about meaningful cuts in federal spending?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The prospect of a federal government shutdown this Friday is hanging over the heads of lawmakers.
Again.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2011/images/04/04/art.fiscal.jpg caption="House Budget Committee chairman Paul Ryan."]
You see, they still can't agree on spending cuts for the 2011 fiscal year budget.
They've been pushing this off since October, and they're still not much closer to reaching an agreement.
President Obama has summoned congressional leaders to the White House on Tuesday, but don't hold your breath.
Meanwhile, a much, much bigger budget battle is shaping up.
Wisconsin Republican Paul Ryan, the new chairman of the House Budget Committee, is expected to release the House Republicans' 2012 budget resolution Tuesday.
Ryan's plan calls for cutting the federal deficit by $4 trillion over the next decade - far exceeding what President Obama's debt commission called for in December.
The Ryan plan calls for tax reforms and across-the-board spending cuts, returning discretionary spending to 2006 levels.
It will also dramatically change the Medicare program.
Ryan's plan is the first one to touch the so-called entitlement programs.
It's a politically dangerous move, but a necessary one.
By the end of this fiscal year, the national debt will exceed $15.4 trillion.
The necessity of cutting spending and addressing our debt crisis may finally be getting legs. A bipartisan group of senators known as the "Gang of Six" is also working on a proposal to cut the deficit by $4 trillion using recommendations made by President Obama's deficit commission - recommendations that have been ignored so far.
Here’s my question to you: Do you think Republicans are getting serious about making meaningful cuts in federal spending?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
House GOP breaking promises after only one day?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
That didn't take very long, did it? Republicans have officially been in control of the House of Representatives for a day now, and they're already backpedaling on some of the promises of transparency they made during the campaign.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2011/images/01/06/art.swear.in.jpg caption="Members of the 112th Congress are sworn into office on January 5, 2011 in Washington, DC."]
For starters, Republicans promised all bills would go through a regular committee process. Not exactly.
Wouldn't you know that the bill to repeal the health care law won't go through a single committee?
Republicans say it's because the committees haven't been fully formed yet and they want to move quickly. They also insist the repeal bill will be "a very straightforward document," whatever that means.
When Democrats were in charge, Republicans complained they didn't allow unlimited amendments and debate on a single bill. So they promised a more open amendment process for bills. Not exactly. With the bill to repeal health care reform, there will be practically no amendments.
You have to give the Republicans credit. It's not easy to break this many promises in a single day. House Republicans said they wanted to publish committee attendance lists - you know, so the people who elect them could see who was actually showing up for work.
That one never had a chance. They claim it wouldn't work since multiple committee hearings can happen at the same time.
Lastly, the Republicans had said they would include a constitutional justification with every bill. Not happening either.
All this comes after we learned that the estimate for how much the GOP would shave off the budget is now about half what it was in their "Pledge with America." So apparently that was a lie, too.
The more things change in Washington, the more they stay the same.
Here’s my question to you: What does it mean if House Republicans are breaking promises after only one day?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Tax cut deal damage Pres. Obama's reelection chances?
(PHOTO CREDIT: AFP/GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
By making the tax cut deal with Republicans this week, President Obama may be sealing his own fate in 2012.
Some Democrats say that agreeing to extend all of the Bush-era tax cuts – even for the wealthiest Americans – will cripple the president's chances of being re-elected.
For starters, the president has angered the Democratic base. The left wing of the Democratic Party is furious that he's refused to fight the GOP. Some think it would have been better to let all of the tax cuts expire rather than to roll over for the Republicans.
And, many Democratic lawmakers say they're shocked at the size and price tag of this deal. Some estimates top $900 billion. So much for deficit reduction.
Plus, by agreeing to a two-year extension, it guarantees that the debate over the Bush tax cuts will be raging once again just in time for the 2012 presidential campaign.
If the economy improves, the Democrats will be in a better position to argue for ending the tax cuts for wealthy Americans. However, that's a big gamble.
Speaking of gambling, the Daily Beast has a piece called "Obama's Lousy Bluffing Skills," in which they examine the president's poker habits and how they may have predicted his negotiating style.
Obama's former poker buddies describe him as a "very cautious" and "conservative" player who rarely won, or lost, big.
They say the president wasn't much of a bluffer and didn't call opponents on a bluff unless he had a strong hand.
Interesting when you consider poker is all about reading people and showing strength in order to get a desired outcome.
Here’s my question to you: Did President Obama damage his reelection chances by making the tax cut deal with Republicans?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Should Republicans to try to repeal health care law?
(FILE PHOTO) March 23, 2010: President Obama signed into law his historic health care insurance reform legislation, enacting the most sweeping social legislation in decades, ensuring coverage for almost all Americans. (PHOTO CREDIT: SAUL LOEB/AFP/GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Come January, President Obama's health care law will be on the chopping block.
The incoming Speaker of the House, John Boehner, says voters have given the GOP a mandate to cut government and roll back what he calls the health care "monstrosity."
Boehner says the American people are concerned about the government takeover of health care. He says Republicans want to repeal it and replace it with "common-sense reforms" that will bring down health care costs.
Throughout the campaign, Republicans blasted the president's signature issue of health care reform, with many promising to repeal it if the GOP won control of Congress.
For his part, Mr. Obama says it would be a "misreading" of the election results to think Americans want to spend the next two years trying to "re-litigate" health care reform and other major pieces of legislation.
The president called the process of passing the bill "an ugly mess" and something he regrets, but insists the outcome was a good one.
A new USA Today/Gallup Poll shows Republicans' top priority for the new Congress is repealing the health care law and cutting federal spending.
As for Democratic voters, they want Congress to pass a new stimulus bill to create jobs.
Meanwhile it's worth noting that even if Republicans make the repeal of health care reform a priority, it may not go anywhere.
While Republicans will control the House in the next Congress, the Democrats will still remain in control of the Senate.
What that means is likely - you guessed it - more gridlock.
Here’s my question to you: Should Republicans try to repeal President Obama's health care law?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Lame-duck Congress' first order of business?
(PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Despite the fact that the Democrats took a real beating yesterday, the Democratic-led Congress will soon be back in Washington for a lame-duck session. Heavy emphasis on the word, "lame."
Because this Congress allowed so much unfinished business to pile up before the elections, there'll be no shortage of things to do should they actually decide to tackle some of the people's business.
There are the Bush tax cuts, which are set to expire at the end of this year. If nothing is done, the biggest tax increase in American history will land on our doorsteps January 1.
There's the issue of expiring unemployment insurance for two million Americans.
And don't forget about the budget. Lawmakers need to either pass another temporary measure to keep the government funded - or pass the remaining spending bills for fiscal year 2011. The second won't happen, the first has to.
Other pending issues include the estate tax and the alternative minimum tax.
Don't hold your breath on any of this stuff. Congress will only be in session for a few weeks before the Christmas recess.
Plus, insiders say this lame-duck session could be more unpredictable than most since the balance of power is shifting. They say Republicans could spend at least a week figuring out who will take leadership roles in the next Congress.
More importantly, it's likely the Republicans won't be in the mood to do much cooperating, since they'll be running the show come January.
Here’s my question to you: What should be the lame-duck session of Congress' first order of business?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Would promise to undo health care get you to vote for a Republican?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Much like the Democrats themselves, President Obama's signature issue of health care reform might get quite a beating in the midterm elections.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/10/06/art.xray.jpg caption=""]
For starters, three states will vote on proposed constitutional amendments that would let them opt out of key provisions in the health care law.
Arizona, Colorado and Oklahoma are all hoping to follow the lead of Missouri - which has already passed a similar initiative with a whopping 71 percent of the vote.
The idea of these measures is to ban the federal government from forcing people to buy health insurance.
Supporters say it's unconstitutional. Whether it is or not, there is a lot of opposition to this law which was cobbled together out of public view, contains no public option, and so far hasn't done a single thing to bring down health care costs.
A lot of Republicans are latching on to the discontent over this issue; pledging to repeal the health care law if they win control of Congress.
Democrats who voted against the bill are also making sure their constituents know it, and a lot of those who voted for the bill are keeping quiet.
It's unlikely Republicans will be able to repeal the measure while President Obama is still in office. And it's unclear if moderate Republicans and Independents will support efforts to undo the law.
A recent CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll shows 47 percent of those surveyed want Congress to repeal and replace the health care law; and fewer than one in five think the law will personally help them or their families.
Here’s my question to you: Would a promise to undo health care reform be enough to get you to vote for a Republican?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Why do Palin and O'Donnell attract so much attention?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
It feels like Sarah Palin all over again.
Delaware Republican Senate nominee Christine O'Donnell burst onto the national stage with her upset win in the primaries; and suddenly everyone can't seem to get enough of her.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/09/22/art.odonnell.jpg caption=" U.S. Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell smiles at supporters before doing a television interview at her Senate primary night party on September 14, 2010 in Dover, Delaware. "]
This is despite the fact that O'Donnell has some big question marks on her resume - just like Sarah Palin. She's come under fire for allegedly misusing campaign funds for personal expenses-just like Sarah Palin.
O'Donnell has also been in the spotlight for saying years ago she "dabbled in witchcraft" and had one of her first dates with a witch "on a satanic altar." And she's used her views on abstinence to rule out masturbation.
After her last-minute cancellation of two Sunday show appearances over the weekend, O'Donnell announced Sarah Palin advised her not to do any more national media interviews, and instead focus on local media.
Based on Sarah Palin's disastrous interviews with Katie Couric, that's probably not bad advice. I wonder if it means O'Donnell is as poorly informed on the issues as Sarah Palin was.
It all sounds so familiar. Palin's resume is littered with goofy comments like saying you can see Russia from Alaska or not being able to name a single newspaper she reads.
Palin quit as governor of Alaska midway through her first term. She often refuses to talk about lots of issues with the media, unless it's with the F-word network - which pays her.
But none of that seems to matter. Sarah Palin has become a huge celebrity who is seriously being talked about as a possible presidential contender. Just what we need. Remember the McCain campaign?
Here’s my question to you: Why do people like Sarah Palin and Christine O'Donnell attract so much attention?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Is the Tea Party for real?
Tea Party backed Christine O'Donnell. (PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The Tea Party movement might just be the best thing that ever happened to the Democrats - raising questions about internal divisions among Republicans.
Two Tea Party favorites defeated more mainstream Republicans in yesterday's primaries. In Delaware, Christine O'Donnell easily won over nine-time U.S. Rep. Mike Castle in the Senate primary.
Castle, who held elected office in Delaware for more than 40 years, had the entire national GOP establishment behind him while O'Donnell was endorsed by Sarah Palin.
Many believe O'Donnell's win means the Democrats now have an unexpected chance to keep the Delaware Senate seat once held by Vice President Joe Biden. One Republican strategist described the Delaware primary results as "straight out of Harry Reid's dream journal."
Meanwhile, another Tea Party victory came in New York, where Carl Paladino beat Rick Lazio in the primary for governor. Paladino will run against the heavily favored Democrat, Andrew Cuomo.
Although some question the ability of Tea Party candidates to win in the general election, others insist it is one of the most powerful movements in recent American history.
A piece in the Washington Examiner headlined "One nation under revolt" says that while many have ignored or belittled the Tea Party, it has only grown stronger - showing an unprecedented level of activism and enthusiasm.
And here's part of the reason for the Tea Party's success: a new CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll shows only one in four Americans say they trust the government to do what is right always or most of the time.
Here’s my question to you: Is the Tea Party for real?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 5pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
Should Dems pop out champagne if Palin most popular in GOP for 2012?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
There are five Republicans generally viewed as the most likely contenders for the 2012 presidential nomination.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/07/16/art.s.palin.jpg caption=""]
Bobby Jindal, governor of Louisiana. Mitt Romney, a former governor of Massachusetts - who actually finished his term of office and was a hugely successful businessman. Mike Huckabee, a former governor of Arkansas, who actually finished his term of office.
See where this is going?
Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House.
But the most popular of the Republicans seen vying for the nomination in 2012 is... you guessed it... Sarah Palin. And it's not even close.
Palin, who describes herself as a mama grizzly bear, has a whopping 76 percent favorable rating among Republicans, according to a new Gallup poll.
Compare that to Huckabee, who gets a 65 percent favorable rating, Gingrich 64 percent followed by Romney with 54 percent and Jindal with 45 percent.
Palin, who quit her job as governor of Alaska midway through her first term so she could run out and capitalize on her failed bid to be John McCain's vice president, is the darling of the GOP.
If anything could overcome the increasingly sour view of the Obama presidency, it might be this. The Democrats should be positively euphoric.
You see, the problem with Palin is that while Republicans adore her - the rest of the country just doesn't. According to Gallup, Palin has a 44 percent favorable rating among all Americans; and a 47 percent unfavorable rating. And numbers like this don't bode well for the general election.
Here’s my question to you: Should Democrats pop out the champagne if Sarah Palin is the most popular Republican contender for 2012?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Would you vote for or against candidate endorsed by Sarah Palin?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
While Sarah Palin has been helping rack up primary wins for Republican candidates - it looks like she may be the kiss of death in a general election.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/06/25/art.palin.jpg caption=""]
A new Wall Street Journal/NBC News Poll shows a majority of Americans would respond negatively if they knew Palin backed a candidate.
37 percent of those surveyed say they would be "very uncomfortable" about a candidate endorsed by the former Alaska governor, while 15 percent say they would have "some reservations."
Only 25 percent say they would be "comfortable" or "enthusiastic" about Palin's support.
What's more - this poll finds there are only two attributes that a candidate could have that would be worse than a Sarah Palin endorsement. They are: support for Bush's economic policies - and support for getting rid of various federal agencies and Social Security.
In other words, this poll seems to confirm the conventional wisdom about Palin: She's a hugely divisive politician. The base loves her... but, the rest of the country? Well, not so much.
Republicans seemingly can't get enough of her. Almost every candidate Palin has supported in the Republican primaries this season has won; she's especially credited with helping long shot Nikki Haley win the Republican primary for South Carolina governor.
But the rest of Americans aren't buying what she's selling. Of course, if you look closely, what she's selling is Sarah Palin.
A recent CNN poll shows nearly 70 percent of Americans say Sarah Palin is unqualified to be president.
And while Palin is popular in the South and in rural areas, her unfavorable rating is about 60 percent among women, suburbanites, independents and in the west and north east.
Here’s my question to you: Would you vote for or against a candidate who was endorsed by Sarah Palin?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
@jackcafferty on Twitter
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