Reliable Politics

Obama to Reverse Stem Cell Restriction

2009-03-07T14:33:00.004-05:00

President Obama will sign an Executive Order on Monday to reverse the ban of federal funding for stem cell research.

Scientist hope stem cells could one day repair failing organs, and possibly present a cure for Alzheimer and Parkinsons.

Social Conservatives claim that embryonic stem cells are human life and thus using embryonic stem cells for research will result in the destruction of human life.

The question is do with put science above politics, or do with put science above values.

The route of Executive Order is a reverse from Obama who said he would like to reserve the ban via Congressional legislation.

More on the order on Monday.

Weekly Presidential Address

2009-03-07T14:29:00.002-05:00

Here is the new presidential address. You can either click on the link or watch the video on the right.

Weekly Address: Toward a Better Day

In his March 7th weekly address, the President capped off a busy week in Washington remarking on new lending guidelines aimed at lowering mortgage payments; an initiative to generate funds for small business and college loans; the release of his administration's first budget which includes $2T in deficit reduction, and the start of long overdue health care reform.

Obama Responds to Holder's "Coward" Comment

2009-03-07T14:19:00.004-05:00

It took awhile, but in an interview with The New York Times, Obama responded to Attorney General Eric Holder's comments that we are a nation of "cowards" when it comes to race.

"I think it’s fair to say that if I had been advising my attorney general, we would have used different language...

"We’re oftentimes uncomfortable with talking about race until there’s some sort of racial flare-up or conflict,” he said, adding, “We could probably be more constructive in facing up to sort of the painful legacy of slavery and Jim Crow and discrimination.

...

"I’m not somebody who believes that constantly talking about race somehow solves racial tensions,” Mr. Obama said. “I think what solves racial tensions is fixing the economy, putting people to work, making sure that people have health care, ensuring that every kid is learning out there. I think if we do that, then we’ll probably have more fruitful conversations."

I'm in the minority who actually believe Holder is right. We are a nation of cowards when it comes to race. We may have elected our first African-American President, but when it comes down to talking about the nuts and bolts of race, most people can't help but cower into a shell that is unrepresentative of their ideas. Some people are very sensitive to the topic and often have a difficult time conveying their ideas.

Franken Loses Bid to be Seated

2009-03-07T00:56:00.003-05:00

If you have forgotten, there is still one more race yet to be decided.

The Minnesota Supreme Court refused to order state officials to seat Al Franken, citing an unresolved election.

Currently Al Franken leads by 225 votes among 2.4 million. No decision will be made on the election until a three-judge panel concludes hearings on Coleman's challenges. The Franken camp is now presenting their case after Coleman rest his case this week.

Considering the razor tight votes on the Stimulus package and the recent vote postponement on the $410 billion omnibus, Democrats could not need Franken more, while Republicans are desperately trying to keep Democrats from gaining an extra seat in the Senate. If Franken is certified the winner, Democrats will control 59 seats, one short of a filibuster proof majority.

Controversy Follows Rush...Again

2009-03-07T00:54:00.001-05:00

This time it involves a remark Rush Limbaugh made concerning Senator Ted Kennedy and the new push for Health Care reform. Here is his remarks.

"Before it's all over, it'll be called the Ted Kennedy memorial health care bill."

The statement clearly implies that Kennedy would not live to see the passage of Health Care reform.

Kennedy was hospitalized after he experienced a seizure in 2008. Doctors diagnosed Kennedy with a malignant brain tumor. Kennedy suffered another seizure after President Obama's inauguration during the inaugural luncheon.

Here is a statement from DCCC Executive Director:

"Rush Limbaugh’s reprehensible remark that, ' before it's all over, it'll be called the Ted Kennedy Memorial Health Care bill' is truly outrageous. Leader Limbaugh minimizes the struggle of hardworking Americans without access to affordable health care and demonizes a patriotic Senator who has spent his life fighting so that every person has the opportunity to live the American dream. Leader Limbaugh crossed the line. National Republicans must stand up to their leader, Rush Limbaugh, and tell him that enough is enough."

It is clear by the statement that Democrats intend to make Limbaugh the face of the Republican Party and run against him in 2010, much like they ran against Bush in 2008. The dilemma for Republicans is do they stick with Limbaugh or denounce him.

Clinton invites Iran to UN Afghanistan Conference

2009-03-05T15:22:00.001-05:00

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton proposed a UN-led conference on Afghanistan during her trip to Brussels. The proposal comes as the war in Afghanistan has taken a turn for the worst over the last two years as the U.S. military and political arms focused on the Iraq war. Clinton called for NATO members, countries with troops in Afghanistan and political and economic powers to attend the conference on March 31 to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and formulate a political plan forward. Among the nations invited is Iran, which the U.S. is at odds with over their nuclear program.

"If we move forward with such a meeting, it is expected that Iran will be invited as a neighbor of Afghanistan…

"We presented the idea of what is being called a big-tent meeting with all the parties who have a stake and an interest in Afghanistan," Clinton said.

German Foreign Ministers Steinmeier and French Foreign Minister Kouchner praised the idea saying that there needs to be a political solution to the violence in Afghanistan.

With the invitation of Iran, this only enhances the prospects of a new direction in foreign policy. Instead of exclusion, the U.S. looks to turn to inclusion. This is more evident with the U.S. opening up talks with Syria, a close ally of Iran. Still, the question remains if Iran would attend. Iran did not attend a similar conference last year and recent remarks from Clinton criticizing the Iranians for interfering in Palestine and not having an interest in discussing their nuclear program may put a hamper on the prospects of their inclusion.

Is Limbaugh the Democrats New Bush?

2009-03-05T00:44:00.008-05:00

The recent kerfuffle between Chairman Michael Steele and Rush Limbaugh is an omen of things to come for the Republican Party. Like every party that suffers a blow at the polls, there is a bout of identity crisis and no leader to coalesce around. Recently, the GOP made history by electing its first African-American leader, but with Limbaugh’s speech at CPAIC and his vast reach on radio, Limbaugh has quietly ascended to be the central figure in the Republican Party—much to the pleasure of Democrats. This is not necessarily a bad thing—at least in the short run. In a time when Republicans are demoralized, disliked around the country and in small numbers in Congress, Limbaugh provides a rallying cry for the conservative voice. Limbaugh stands out today as one of the few Republicans with the gravitas to challenge the President and any Republican who differ from his principles and ideology. Recently Limbaugh challenged the President to a debate on the issues while his vast influence on radio forced Steele to apologize to Limbaugh after claiming he was simply an “entertainer” with an “incendiary” talk show. Steele went on to acknowledge Limbaugh as a national conservative leader. Needless to say, all eyes are on Limbaugh these days.

But with Limbaugh’s national prominence and his knack for controversy, Limbaugh has provided the Democrats with a central figure to run against in the 2010 midterms. Much like the 2008 election was all about Bush who did not run, 2010 could shape up to be all about Limbaugh who is not running. A recent Gallup poll showed just 28% have a favorable opinion of Limbaugh while 45% have an unfavorable opinion. Among Republicans, 60% have a favorable opinion while 23% have an unfavorable. Independents and Democrats just don’t like him. In fact, we have seen the beginnings of this operation to tie Limbaugh to Republican’s with Democrats acknowledging Limbaugh as the de facto leader of the GOP and the White House tipping its toes in the water. Still one can wonder if the same strategy can work two election cycles in a row. With the economy expected to get worst before it gets better, President Obama will become increasingly responsible for what happens in this country. If the economy remains in the gutter throughout the 2010 midterms it will be the Democrats who will have to answer to the voters while Limbaugh remains a tough and controversial voice.

[UPDATE 1]:

Meanwhile, only 29% believe Limbaugh is the Republican leader. This includes just 11% of GOP voters, 27% of Independents and 44% of Democrats.