Biden's Bunker

If You Can't Beat 'Em...

Pants on Fire

Just because he was rude, doesn't mean Joe Wilson was wrong when he said: "You lie!"

From The Washington Examiner:

Obamacare won't cover illegal immigrants? Yes it will, says Congressional Research Service Among the many claims being made durng the August recess by Democrats from President Obama, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, to the lowliest back-bencher is that Obamacare absolutely, positively, cannot possibly ever in a million, zillion years provide coverage to illegal immigrants. ...Well, Mr. President, that idea must have been tucked under a stack of background briefing papers over there in the corner of the table because the Congressional Research Service (CRS) says this about H.R. 3200, the Obamacare bill approved just before the recess by the House Energy and Commerce Committee chaired by Rep. Henry Waxman, D-CA: "Under H.R. 3200, a 'Health Insurance Exchange' would begin operation in 2013 and would offer private plans alongside a public option…H.R. 3200 does not contain any restrictions on noncitzens—whether legally or illegally present, or in the United States temporarily or permanently—participating in the Exchange." CRS also notes that the bill has no provision for requiring those seeking coverage or services to provided proof of citizenship. So, absent some major amendments to the legislation and a credible, concrete enforcement effort in action, looks like the myth on this issue is the one being spread by Obama, Reid, Pelosi, et. al.

One

With apologies to Marvin Hamlisch.

Gag Order

The funny part of this story is that the White House wouldn't let Biden talk to the media. Maybe they were afraid he'd get questions on the ground rule double.

From The Sun Gazette:

‘One of our own’ Biden joins Little League Hall of Excellence Vice President Joe Biden took time Sunday to reflect on his own Little League Baseball experience as a youngster, while being inducted into the Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum's Hall of Excellence. ...Biden was not available to the media at the request of the White House, although he stayed for the entire game and congratulated players on the field after its conclusion.

Alone Again, Naturally

Looks like the Dems might be going for a "50% solution." Well, when they break it, they own it.

From The Christian Science Monitor:

How far will Democrats go to pass health reform? They're talking about using the budget reconciliation process for some parts, but it could be risky. Part 2 of two. It’s called “reconciliation,” and yes, it’s Washington jargon. But anyone who wants to understand where healthcare reform might be heading when Congress resumes next week needs to pay attention to that word. The last congressional panel working on healthcare legislation – the Senate Finance Committee – seems ready to give up on its bipartisan efforts. Two of the committee’s three Republicans working as part of the so-called Gang of Six have made disparaging comments lately about the outlines of reform, leading many Democrats to assume that the effort is effectively over.

What Could Go Wro...

Did anyone bounce this off of Al Gore?

From ZDNet:

White House not equipped to hold keys to the Internet A controversial proposal that would give the President the power to seize control of the Internet — essentially cutting off the private-sector in the event of a “cybersecurity emergency” — is still on the table in Washington, CNET reports. The idea, which first surfaced in a bill back in March, is largely in-tact in its revisions, according to a CNET review of the 55-page draft of the bill. (excerpt) Watchdog groups, tech companies and others are already waving red flags, warning that the bill’s vague wording is an issue, that the government isn’t equipped to be trusted with that sort of power and that the bill could have broader implications on the national economy.

Whose Stimulus Plan?

Don't they read these things before they implement them?  Oh wait. They don't.

From CNN Money:

Clunkers: Good for Detroit, better for Japan Under the Cash for Clunker rebate, foreign car sales beat domestic brands. While Detroit has benefited from Cash for Clunkers, foreign automakers have gained even more. Some critics of the program warned that because it let consumers buy domestic or foreign cars, Clunkers could end up spending more American tax dollars to help foreign companies than American ones. And in fact, foreign automakers -- and foreign auto factories -- have gained somewhat more from the program than domestic automakers have.

Sorry Charlie

Charles Rangle to voters: Do what I say, not what I do.

From The New York Post:

OOPS! CHARLIE FORGOT THIS $1M HOUSE REALTY BITES TAX-THEM-NOT-ME RANGEL Rep. Charles Rangel failed to report as much as $1.3 million in outside income -- including up to $1 million for a Harlem building sale -- on financial-disclosure forms he filed between 2002 and 2006, according to newly amended records. The documents also show the embattled chairman of the Ways and Means Committee -- who is being probed by the House Ethics Committee -- failed to reveal a staggering $3 million in various business transactions over the same period.

What Would Mary Jo Do?

It isn't just a Conservative talking point.

From The Huffington Post:

The Footnote Speaks: What Would Mary Jo Kopechne Have Thought of Ted's Career? Mary Jo wasn't a right-wing talking point or a negative campaign slogan. She was a dedicated civil rights activist and political talent with a bright future...Then she got in a car driven by a 36-year-old senator with an alcohol problem and a cauldron full of demons, and wound up a controversial footnote in a dynasty. We don't know how much Kennedy was affected by her death, or what she'd have thought about arguably being a catalyst for the most successful Senate career in history. What we don't know, as always, could fill a Metrodome. Still, ignorance doesn't preclude a right to wonder. So it doesn't automatically make someone (aka, me) a Limbaugh-loving, aerial-wolf-hunting NRA troll for asking what Mary Jo Kopechne would have had to say about Ted's death, and what she'd have thought of the life and career that are being (rightfully) heralded.

The Third Rail or Last Straw?

Senior citizens vote with their feet.

From USA Today:

AARP loses members over health care stance About 60,000 senior citizens have quit AARP since July 1 due to the group's support for a health care overhaul, a spokesman for the organization said Monday. The membership loss suggests dissatisfaction on the part of AARP members at a time when many senior citizens are concerned about proposed cuts to Medicare providers to help pay for making health care available for all. But spokesman Drew Nannis said it wasn't unusual for the powerful, 40 million-strong senior citizens' lobby to shed members in droves when it's advocating on a controversial issue.