Liberals Admit Dems Could Lose the Senate

Even the most staunch liberals are beginning to recognize that the President and his party are in serious trouble heading into the November elections. Albert Hunt agrees with Republican pundits that the midterms will be a landslide victory for Republicans and he says it is due to the economy. As he says, even in states with unemployment lower than the national average of 9.5%, Democratic economic policies such as the stimulus, bailouts and health care will sink the Democrats in 2010 and cause both houses to go red. 

At least the donkey party is finally tuning into the mood of America. Of course, that didn't stop Obama from planning his speech tonight around Iraq rather than the economy. Of course, if I'd created the mess he has, I would avoid the issue, too. 

GOP Holds Ten-Point Lead in Generic Poll

Republicans lead by 51% to 41% among registered voters in the newest Gallup tracking of voter preferences. This lead is the largest so far this year for Republicans as well as the largest in Gallup's history of tracking the midterm generic ballot. In fact, the leads, varying from 6 to 10 points this month, are all higher than any previous midterm Republican advantage in Gallup's history of tracking since 1942. The highest gap prior to 2010 was five points, registered in June 2002 and July 1994.

Will this year's Republican gains match 1994 and 2002, or will the double digit generic lead catapult Republicans to an historically unprecedented defeat of House and Senate Democrats? One pundit, Dick Morris, believes 2010 will dwarf 1994 because "we haven’t yet seen the full impact of the last minute party shift that will take place." According to Morris, voters who are now undecided "will transform a massive Republican win into an even more massive victory." He predicts this outcome because as he says, the uninvolved voters will decide to go with the rest of the country - away from Obama's Democrats since "surveys suggest that they share the disenchantment" of the decided voters with Obama’s performance.

Morris further warns Democrats that the undecided voters will not prove to be the less educated, young or minority voters on whom their party depends as the lack of enthusiasm in the Democratic base "indicates that these voters are likely to decide by staying home" since the Republicans have a two to one enthusiasm advantage about voting in the 2010 elections. If Morris is right, and untouchable states like California, Connecticut and Nevada go red, I will have renewed faith in our citizens. 

88% of ABC, CBS & NBC Executives Pitch in for Democrats in 2008 Elections

Anyone who argues that the media isn't liberal no longer has a leg to on which to stand. It turns out, 88% of the senior executive employees at ABC, CBS and NBC contributed more than $1 million to Democratic candidates and campaign committees in 2008, according to an analysis by The Examiner of data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics. In fact, a total of $1,020,816 was given by 1,160 employees of the three networks, with an average contribution of $880. Contrastingly, only $142,863 was given to Republican candidates by 193 of the employees, with an average contribution of $744.

Disclosure of the heavily Democratic contributions by influential employees of the three major broadcast networks follows on the heels of controversy last week when it was learned that media baron Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. contributed $1 million to the Republican Governors Association. The News Corp. donation prompted Nathan Daschle, executive director of the Democratic Governors Association and son of former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, to demand in a letter to Fox News chairman Roger Ailes that the cable news outlet include a disclaimer in its coverage of gubernatorial campaigns. 

Does Daschle think that people don't understand that Fox News favors conservative viewpoints? The fact is, it's still three against one.

Tea Partiers Fairing Well So Far

Rubio 40%

Crist 30%

Meek 21%

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/florida/election_2010_florida_senate

Angle 47%

Reid 47%

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/nevada/election_2010_nevada_senate

Note:  Reid has at least a 56% unfavorability rating, which almost ties Pelosi, who is at 59%.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/mood_of_america/congressional_favorability_ratings

Paul 49%

Conway 40%

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/kentucky/election_2010_kentucky_senate

Buck 46%

Bennet 41%

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/colorado/election_2010_colorado_senate

Boxed Out?

Could Democratic incumbent Barbara Boxer lose in deep blue California in November? The latest Rasmussen poll shows she and her Republican challenger Carly Fiorina tied in the senate race, which forced the website to move the state from leans Democratic to a toss-up. Boxer garnered 44% of the vote to Fiorina's 43% and the poll found that 8% were undecided. This shift is significant in such a Democratic stronghold with a lifer such as Boxer, especially when earlier this summer, she held between a five and eight-point lead. Significantly, 82% of those who support Fiorina say they are already certain how they will vote in November while only 77% of Boxer’s supporters say the same. This race will come down to the wire, and if lukewarm Democrats stay home, Boxer just might be out of a job this fall. 

News Ratings

The title-linked article, which stated that last week the "CBS Evening News with Katie Couric" tied its all-time low in viewers of 4.89 million viewers compared to 7.42 million for NBC and 6.51 for ABC, is no surprise. Does anyone save elderly individuals living in remote areas watch non-cable news anymore? The better measure of success compares cable news ratings, which prove that CBS isn't the only channel in need of a makeover. Here are the ratings for yesterday in total viewership numbers:

FNC – 1,147,000 viewers

CNN – 345,000 viewers

MSNBC – 396,000 viewers

CNBC – 172,000 viewers

HLN – 266,000 viewers

Source: http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/08/24/cable-news-ratings-for-monday-august-23-2010/60958#more-60958

Frankly, Obama Doesn't Give a Damn

With public sentiment building in opposition to the Ground Zero mosque that Obama supports as well as the growing suspicion that President Obama is Muslim, one would think his handlers, as clumsy as they are, would insist that take a page out of the Clinton Bible and attend as much church as humanly possible. But once again, as this article points out, while vacationing yesterday, he was once again, far removed from any buildings adorned with stained glass or topped with steeples. Instead, he took to the links in a move, that when viewed in conjunction with his comments and actions in past months, seems to show that Obama doesn't give a damn what the public thinks of him. People keep pondering whether he cares if he wins a second term. I think the answer to that question is obvious.   

White House Concedes Money-Saving Health Care Claims Were False

According to a presentation (http://www.politico.com/static/PPM153_pp.html) written by consultants that surfaced yesterday, the White House is reformulating its health care strategy in the face of its extreme unpopularity and calls for repeal. Most notably, they are abandoning claims that it will reduce costs and the deficit, and stressing a promise to "improve it" later.

They presentation urged Democrats to "use personal stories coupled with clear, simple descriptions of how the law benefits people at the individual level to convey critical benefits of reform." It cautioned them to "keep claims small and credible; don’t overpromise or ‘spin’ what the law delivers," and to tell constituents they will "work [to] improve it.” 

It was obvious that a certain point they would have to concede that their math was completely bogus, but I am shocked that they are admitting it at this early a stage, even before the midterms. I suppose they believe a change in message at this stage could help improve their image with the voters, but admitting you lied about  a very unpopular, wildly expensive, massive piece of legislation that you shoved through congress is once again,  very bad politics.

There's That Word Again

Again, reporters are saying that claims for unemployment benefits "unexpectedly" rose last week according to the latest report. Whether they expected it or not, it is the reality which will be the final nail in the coffin of the Democrat's attempt to hold onto power in November. After all, claims for unemployment benefits are now at a nine-month high, the highest since mid-November of 2009, and probably only decreased this year due to the employment of census workers.

With the overspending and general policies employed by the Democrats, it is hard to see how the numbers could go anywhere but up as businesses are weary of new regulation and the invariable tax hike that is all but certain for 2011. One analyst said that the trend of unemployment claims indicates that the economy "ran into a wall in August." Democratic candidates won't be able to go over, under or through this wall they created in November. 

Paul Ahead, Angle Tied: So Much for Painting the Tea Party Candidates Negatively

Jack Conway and Harry Reid have launched an advertising campaign to paint their November foes, Republican primary winners, Rand Paul and Sharron Angle as extreme right, fringey, Tea Party candidates that were out of touch with their state's voters. The latest Rasmussen Reports polls show that tactic isn't working. A poll of likely voters shows Paul earning 49% to Conway's 40% while Angle and Reid are tied at 47% apiece, which represents a gain of 2% for Angle. When leaners are included in the new totals, Paul attracts 51% of the vote, while Conway picks up 41% and Angle attracts 50% of the vote, while Reid grabs 48%. 

More importantly, not only are the "fringe" candidates gaining ground, but the polls also indicate that the voters see the candidates as mainstream. Specifically, 47% of Kentucky's voters believe Paul’s views are mainstream, compared to 43% who think that about Conway’s. So much for negative ads.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/kentucky/election_2010_kentucky_senate

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/nevada/election_2010_nevada_senate

White House Incoherence Causing Trouble for Democrats in November

President Obama cannot seem to make peace with the liberal representatives of his party since the passage of health care reform. This weekend Obama stupidly made the construction of the Ground Zero mosque front and center, forcing his party's members to take a position on the issue in which 70% of Americans disagree with him.

Obama isn't the only divisive tongue. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs is as much to blame as the President himself in dividing him from his base. A few weeks ago Gibbs acknowledged on a morning talk show that the Dems could potentially lose the house in November, much to Nancy Pelosi's chagrin. A week ago, he stated that the "professional left" were in no way representative of liberals (http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20013227-503544.html).

In all these situations, the White House attempted to backtrack, which only made matters worse. Gibbs was only trying to energize the base. Gibbs may have spoken "inartfully." Obama only stated that Muslims had the right to construct a mosque anywhere in America. He did not state that they should build it there. 

No amount of spin can hide the fact that at a time when Democrats are desperately trying to localize the midterm election by talking about their very conservative opponents, the White House is making it increasingly difficult for them. Of course, this is extremely heartening to Republicans, who will continue to highlight the disastrous national economic policies, health care debacle as well as any unpopular, divisive comment the White House throws their way.

Democrats Chastise Obama for Mosque Views

It seems Democrats up for reelection in November are clamoring to disagree with Obama's position on the mosque at Ground Zero. Harry Reid was the first to speak out. Today, Florida Senate hopeful Jeff Greene said, "President Obama has this all wrong and I strongly oppose his support for building a mosque near Ground Zero especially since Islamic terrorists have bragged [about] and celebrated destroying the Twin Towers.” “Freedom of religion might provide the right to build the mosque in the shadow of Ground Zero, but common sense and respect for those who lost their lives and loved ones gives sensible reason to build the mosque someplace else.” Similarly, Jason Altmire, a Pennsylvania Democratic representative said that “there should be some discussion about what is right morally, as well as just what you’re allowed to do.” 

Do these politicians really think they can pull a blend-to-the-middle routine and fool the American voters after Obama's recent bait and switch? That is as bad a strategy as the one employed by the White House to make the race about the Republican challengers' foibles rather than the economy, jobs and big government.

The C States Turning Red in Senate Races?

Rasmussen just moved Connecticut from "Solid Democrat" to "Leans Democrat" as a result of the first tally taken since Senate-hopeful Republican Linda McMahon won the primary Tuesday. According to the poll, Democrat Richard Blumenthal slipped below the 50% mark against McMahon. Blumenthal, the state's longtime attorney general, picked up 47%  to McMahon's 40% while 5% prefer some other candidate, and 7% remain undecided. This result reflects a 6 point drop in support for Blumenthal as previously held a 56% to 33% lead over McMahon.

Similarly, Rasmussen reports that in Colorado, also fresh off a couple of close primaries, Republican challenger Ken Buck snags 46% of the vote while incumbent Democratic Senator Michael Bennet grabs 41% and 7% remain undecided. The Republican leads by just five points among voters not affiliated with either party.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/colorado/election_2010_colorado_senate

Unemployment Claims are Again on the Rise

Stocks are tanking, new applications for jobless benefits are on the rise, hiring remains weak and it appears employers may return to staffing cuts. Given all this, plus the rapid decline in consumer confidence, why was Jim Kramer on The Today Show this morning saying that companies are not poised to layoff anymore workers? I know the guys is on NBC, but is he totally delusional? 

I suppose he is no more delusional than Obama, who told us the government could spend and tax us out of the recession. I think the American people would have swallowed the giant stimulus bill, but when he piled on with the enormous costs of Obamacare, no one save his blind followers believed he was interested in economic recovery. Everyone knew his aim was to reshape America into his ideal no matter what the economic cost. 

Unfortunately, we cannot turn back to November of 2008, but I hope we will never be lulled into repeating it. As Ajami eloquently states, "There is a widespread sense of unstated embarrassment that a political majority, if only for a moment, fell for the promise of an untested redeemer—a belief alien to the temperament of this so practical and sober a nation."

http://online.wsj.com/article/NA_WSJ_PUB:SB10001424052748704164904575421363005578460.html

70% Think Congressmen are Bribed Thieves

A Rasmussen Reports poll found that 70% of people believe that most members of congress trade votes for cash or campaign contributions. This outcome is no surprise as Waters and Rangel are not the first to come under the microscope of the ethics committee. Those two were just the most flagrant violators of the rules this year. If any real, bipartisan audits were conducted, I think at least 85% would be found guilty of ethics violations involving compensation for consideration on the floor.

Rangel's Senseless Rant

No one understands why Charles Rangel stood before the House despite admonishments from both his counsel and friends not to take the floor. It seems as if he simply wanted to paint himself a martyr and attempt to force the ethics committee to hold his trial before the November elections despite the further damage it could do to his party in the elections. Most congressmen, after serving 40 years, would think of their party and duck away without a public trial, but not ego-bloated Charlie, who, like a five-year-old, used the word "me" at least five times in his speech.   

Another Democrat in Hot Waters

Rangel isn't the only House member in trouble of late. Today, the House ethics committee released three ethics charges against Democratic Representative Maxine Waters of California. The charges accuse Waters of aiding a bank with which she was personally connected in getting federal bailout assistance. Specifically, Waters organized a meeting between officials within the Treasury Department and executives from OneUnited Bank, where her husband was once a board member and had large investments. The bank then received a $12 million bailout from the federal government's Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).  

Obviously, Waters should have recused herself from the treasury's dealings with OneUnited to avoid the appearance of impropriety. Instead, she and her staff remained intimately involved and took official action for her and her family's personal benefit. She was also charged with receiving compensation for exerting improper influence from her position as her husband's investments constituted compensation.

Waters, unsurprisingly, just as indignant as Rangel, defended her assistance to OneUnited as an effort on behalf of minority-owned businesses. She said she was innocent, and like Rangel, has vowed to face a public trial rather than settle and admit, at the least, an egregiously stupid lapse of judgment. 

I wonder if she'll be attending Rangel's 80th birthday party on Wednesday at the Plaza? 

Americans Vote Congressmen as Least Respected Professionals

Rasmussen found that Americans continue to view being a member of congress as the least favorable of nine professions as just 23% of adults share a favorable opinion and 72% an unfavorable opinion of members of congress. On the other hand, entrepreneurs are the most respected professionals in the country, gaining 89% favorability. Pastors enjoyed a 74% favorability rating and lawyers a 45% favorability showing, along with stock brokers and bankers, in terms of the most respected professions. Journalists were viewed 39% favorably (by people who must not watch MSNBC). 

Unemployment Expected to Remain Stable or Rise Slightly Tomorrow

Analysts are projecting that unemployment will remain flat this month at 9.5%, and may even rise slightly. The report will be revealed tomorrow but the government said today that first-time claims for unemployment benefits rose last week to their highest level in four months. Specifically, they rose by 19,000 to a seasonally adjusted 479,000 and did not drop slightly, as analysts expected. This is the first time experts have predicted a potential increase in the overall unemployment numbers since the crisis began, suggesting the possibility of a double dip situation. However, most economists are denying such a scenario, while still admitting that businesses are not hiring and the recovery is in serious jeopardy.

Democrats Admit that the Number of Agencies, Boards and Commissions Created Under Obamacare is "Unknowable"

A recent Congressional Research Service report admitted that it had no way of determining the number of agencies, boards and commissions created under the new health care law. "The law says a lot about some of them and a little about many, and merely mentions a few. Some have been authorized without any instructions on who is to appoint whom, when that might happen and who will pay." Republicans count at least 47 new bureaucratic entities in the hurried legislation, but the bill itself admits the precise number is "unknowable.” 

The bureaucratic morass boggles the mind and makes it more probable that this bill will either be repealed or starved of cash as the public opposition grows. 

http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_c847dc7c-564c-5c70-8d90-dfd25ae6de56.html

Feds Release Illegal Immigrant After Two DUIs Who Kills Nun and Injures Two Others

Carlos Montano, an illegal alien, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and drunken driving for hitting and killing a nun and injuring two others critically this weekend. Montano was arrested two other times for DUIs, and the police reported him to federal authorities, namely, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who were in the process of deporting him. Unfortunately for Sister Denise Mosier, the feds let this two-time offender out on his own recognizance after two major offenses. 

Not surprisingly, calls made to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security were not returned. It is this type of mishandling of  illegal immigrants by federal authorities that forced Jan Brewer and other governors to enact legislation to protect their populace. This story, and as many others as the Republicans can find, should be fodder for election commercials over the next few months. The GOP should fully expose the Obama administration's policy of failing to enforce the law and allowing "virtual amnesty" as it results in waste, abuse and even tragedy. 

58% Say Raising Taxes Damages the Economy

Forty-four percent of voters expect their taxes to eventually rise under President Obama, according to a Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey which also reported that 9% think their taxes will go down and 39% expect them to remain stable. That number has risen 8% since Obama took office and has been as high as 48% since polling began. Of those polled, 58% say an increase in taxes damages the economy while tax cuts help the economy compared to an average of 18% who disagree on both fronts.

Most interestingly, but not surprisingly, the survey also found a sharp difference between mainstream voters and what they deemed the "political class." "While 73% of mainstream voters think tax increases hurt the economy, 48% of the political class believe they are good for the economy."