Gallup reveals the Top 10 Most Conservative and Most Liberal states in America.
Bills, Bills, Bills: Highlights from the State Capitols
A selection of some of the more unusual and divisive bills on state dockets. This week: decreeing college football games by law, gun safety for first graders and regulating drones.
Fatal Blast Near U.S. Embassy in Turkey
A suicide bomber detonated an explosive device in Ankara, Turkey right outside the U.S. embassy, killing himself and an embassy guard. UPDATE: White House responds, calling it “an act of terror.”
157,000
— Number of jobs the U.S. economy added in January. For all of last year, the economy added an average of 181,000 jobs a month, according to updated figures, better than the 153,000 pace originally reported, according to the Wall Street Journal. To keep up with population growth, the economy needs to add 150,000 jobs every month.
Morning Must Reads
In the news: Hillary Clinton, online gun sales, Marco Rubio, immigration, Geraldo Rivera, and former NYC Mayor Ed Koch
Chuck Hagel’s Third Purple Heart
Chuck Hagel, who earned a pair of Purple Hearts as a grunt in Vietnam, all but earned a third during his confirmation hearing to become Defense Secretary.
Inhofe Asks Hagel Why Iran Endorses His Nomination
Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK) asks Chuck Hagel when he stopped beating his wife during the SecDef confirmation hearing.
Hagel’s Confirmation, and the Return of Sam Nunn
John McCain to Chuck Hagel: I Told You So
During his confirmation hearing to become the next Defense Secretary, Chuck Hagel locks horns with old friend Sen. John McCain over the 2006 Iraq troop surge. (Transcript included.)
In the ArenaCabinet
McCain v Hagel
John McCain’s first round interrogation of Chuck Hagel was more about personal pique and histrionics than it was about elucidating Hagel’s views. It was a foolish and demeaning exercise.
Understanding The NRA Skittishness Over The Gun Show Loophole
Of all the gun control issues, head of the NRA Wayne LaPierre has the least power over non-dealer gun show background checks, which is precisely why Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy began the Senate hearing there.
U.S. Purchases Fuel for Afghanistan, Possibly Undermines Own Iran Oil Sanctions
A new report shows that America did not have a method for accurately sourcing at least a billion dollars worth of fuel purchased by America for Afghanistan’s Army and security forces. Policy changes were undertaken in November.
Morning Must Reads: We’re Back!
After a brief hiatus, Swampland’s “Morning Must Reads” have returned.