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That Wacky, Wacky John McCain
democracyarsenal.org —
During the 2008 Presidential campaign I used to joke that John McCain apparently does not understand the first thing about economics. At the time, I wondered if perhaps it was just political posturing, but if his statement today about the stimulus package is any indication . . . it was not an act. "The American people are figuring it out," Mr. McCain said. "This is not a stimulus bill; it is a spending bill." ...
Senators Reach Deal on Stimulus Package
Taegan Goddard's Political Wire —
Senate Democrats "were near a deal Friday to win passage of their economic recovery plan, as White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel came to the Capitol to meet with moderate Republicans and Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) called a Democratic caucus for the evening," Politico ...
Stimulus Vote Not Till Tuesday
The Page by Mark Halperin —
The Senate will bring Obama's economic recovery bill to a vote Tuesday afternoon, where it's expected to pass.
Comes after senators reach a $780 billion bipartisan plan late Friday.
Paying a high price -- to get a lower price
Political Animal —
PAYING A HIGH PRICE -- TO GET A LOWER PRICE.... I don't imagine I'll ever really understand their motivation, but "centrist" Republicans agreed to support the economic stimulus package after making it worse . ...Obama's signature tax cut for middle-class Americans was scaled back as part of the deal. Under the new plan, tax credits of up to $500 for individuals and $1,000 for couples would begin to phase out at lower income levels than first proposed, saving the government $2 billion. The biggest cut, roughly $40 billion in aid to states, was likely to spur a fierce fight in ...
On the Stimulus
Booman Tribune —
The details are still sketchy, but here's what we know about what was cut from the House version of the stimulus bill. In addition to the large cut [$40 billion] in state aid, the Senate agreement would cut nearly $20 billion proposed for school construction; $8 billion to refurbish federal buildings and make them more energy efficient; $1 billion for the early childhood program Head Start; and $2 billion from a plan to expand broadband data networks in rural and underserved areas. Plus... Even Mr. Obamas signature tax cut for middle-class Americans was scaled back as part ...
Obama: Guilty of Bush’s Alleged Sins
GayPatriot —
Once again, President Obama appears to be guilty of the sins of which his predecessor was accused, in many cases by those who would come to support the Democrat.
Commenting on the president’s praising the “patriotism” of Republicans backing a compromise “stimulus” package, John Hinderaker asks:
So, if the three Republicans who sided with the Democrats in the Senate are “patriotic,” what does that make the rest of the Senate Republicans, or the House Republicans who unanimously voted against the Democrats’ pork-fest? Unpatriotic? Isn’t that a natural ...
Senate Stimulus Compromise Deals a Blow to Cash-Strapped States
TPM Election Central —
... The state already has eliminated temporary health benefits for the disabled, hiked public university tuition by 9.5%, and instituted a hiring freeze. Meanwhile, McCain and Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) are almost certain to vote against even the compromise cuts to state stabilization aid, with McCain thundering that the stimulus will "mortgage the future of our children [with] fiscally profligate spending." ...
