Check out Coke’s new commercial to reduce the country’s waistband.
In the ArenaForeign Policy
Bill Kristol’s Very Bad Day
Ah, the wages of extremism! Bill Kristol writes yet another editorial trying to scuttle the Chuck Hagel nomination–and even criticizes AIPAC for eschewing public denunciations of Hagel. And then the neocons’ last best hope, Chuck Schumer, weighs in.
Schumer: I Support Hagel for SecDef
In a 90 minute Chuck to Chuck, Hagel convinces a prominent pro-Israel Senator to forgive his past follies. It may all but clinch the nomination for the Defense Secretary hopeful.
Inside Obama’s Presidency with Michael Grunwald
In a live discussion starting at 11a.m., TIME’s Michael Grunwald will join panelists from the Atlantic, New York Times, Guardian, Slate, and PBS to discuss the question “Is Obama a truly transformative president?”
“Based on several key assurances provided by Senator Hagel, I am currently prepared to vote for his confirmation. I encourage my Senate colleagues who have shared my previous concerns to also support him.”
— In a statement released Jan. 15, Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) endorses Obama's nominee for Defense Secretary, Chuck Hagel. Schumer met with Hagel for 90 minutes Monday, and his concerns about Hagel's record on Israel and Iran were alleviated.
Policy vs. Politics at Obama’s Press Conference
Like a streetlamp that blocks the stars, Obama’s latest press conference shed light on the immediate- the politics of the debt ceiling- to the exclusion of more illuminating subjects. Here are three important policy questions …
“Have You No Sense of Decency, Sir?”
It’s strange how rancid our politics have become. It’s shrill, vile and not befitting this country. Groups like Move America Forward accelerate the process.
The Trillion Dollar Coin Fantasy: GOP Extremism Can’t Be Wished Away
Platinum coins can’t make congressional Republicans disappear, and platitudes won’t make them cave. If Obama wants a debt ceiling deal, he’s going to have to pay a ransom.
Fear of Earmarks Sparks Split in Sandy Aid Bill
House Republicans’ cost-cutting fervor imperils money for Hurricane Sandy relief.
“We are not a deadbeat nation.”
— In his last press conference of his first term, President Obama today rejected the use of executive action granted through the 14th Amendment to solve the debt ceiling crisis. Obama wants Congress to raise the debt ceiling, so "we can pay our bills."
At the Inauguration Dress Rehearsal: Pretend Parades and Faux-Bamas
Inaugurations don’t just happen. They are painstakingly scripted and practiced. On Sunday, the dress rehearsal was staged in Washington, D.C.
Goodbye John Kerry, Hello Bob Menendez
Senator Bob Menendez, an Iran hawk, Iraq dove, pro-immigration, pro-embargo Cuban American, will most likely be the next chair of the Foreign Relations Committee.
“Second inaugurals are always like second weddings. The first time brings excitement, great expectations, in fairy tale settings. The second time, reality sets in.”
— Bob Schieffer on Face the Nation on January 13, 2013. President Obama's second inauguration is a week from today.