News Today is Gone Tomorrow

We no longer have news; instead, we have trends. And, one thing we can be sure of -- what is trending today, no matter how earth-shattering or horrific, will most likely not be trending a few days later.

We can select our news: what we want to follow, see, and hear. Not only that, we can create our news. With social media, we each have our own private newspaper where we post and display highly-edited versions of our lives for all to see. News - both the personal and the external - is an ever changing slide-show. Big pictures, small headlines. Next.

In the meantime, stuff happens.

Each event is just another Wikipedia entry. Nothing lasting comes from it. Few people even have a 'cause' these days. Unless we are personally involved, nothing seems to make a lasting imprint on us.

I discovered this a few weeks ago during the Santa Barbara shooting rampage (remember that?). During the TV reporting of the incident, it was mentioned that it was nearly a year after a prior shooting in which several were killed at Santa Monica College. Huh? I couldn't remember it. I asked several friends and they too had a hard time remembering. Only my brother, who lives in Denver, could recall a story of two of the victims -- a dad taking his daughter to register for school and both getting caught in the melee.

Some of my Southern Cal friends went back to their calendars to see what they were doing or what else was going on in the world at the time of the tragedy (June 7, 2013). Was there something that trumped it? A reality star wedding?

Next.

We live in a world where too many would rather keep up with celebrities than the news of the day. We would rather be entertained than informed. We know more about fake 'real' housewives than about our neighbors.

Our news stories, no matter what they concern, just don't get much time to grab our attention. Sure, if there is a trial involved with many salacious details, we just might tune-in. Media rewards us for this by giving continuous coverage, similar to preempting programs for car chases.

Not only do we forget....we don't act. Columbine, Aurora, Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook, the Arizona shootings -- after each we hear the righteous indignation and calls for gun control and more mental health services. But these calls fall on deaf ears. Our government today is too dysfunctional and too partisan to accomplish anything. So we go back to the fantasy of reality TV and wait for the next episode of real life. If Sandy Hook produced nothing...and has been forgotten...is there any hope for us?

Next.

Anyway -- who has time for causes when there are endless ways for us to be entertained? Not to mention the substances we have to provide escapism from the world's problems.

If something does grab our attention (probably involving cats or zombies) -- we can always 'like' or 'favorite' the story and even 'share' it with others. Or, maybe we'll just save it to read later? Yeah right.

Next.

There is no shortage of people who are writing and reporting on the news. But they are just voices in the wind. Each story blown away by the next storm. Even with our 'reality' shows, the antics are screaming louder and louder for attention.

Next.

Real life is not a hashtag and news is not a trend.

BTW.....where is that Malaysian plane that disappeared? (#WheresThePlane) and where are the Nigerian girls? (#BringBackOurGirls) and why are there so many murders in Chicago? (#MurderCityChicago) and #Gaza and #Ukraine and #Syria and #Iraq and #ClimateChange and #Drought and #Obamacare and #DoNothingCongress and #BorderChildren and #################.

#Next.

First Published Huffington Post -- 7/23/2014 6:39 pm EDT

"2012-2014-2016 -- What about the Moms?"

An interview from the 2012 Democratic National Convention. It was for CNN and Headline News. This was a HARD interview for me and my hat goes off to those who do this on a regular basis. I had to be careful with what I said and how I said it because I represented not only my area and California delegates, but also African-Americans and last but not least -- suburban moms. These issues will continue to be important in the 2014 and 2016 elections.

The O.J. Case: "Wink, Wink"

(reprint from the Huffington Post -- 6/18/2014)

I had seen him working the grounds of the Orlando resort property where I was staying with my mom and my then year-old son. He never acknowledged us. He didn't even look our way although I was sure he saw us on numerous occasions.

I thought this was odd because there were very few African-Americans at the resort and there is an unspoken rule in the black community that in these situations we acknowledge each other... even a nod would do.

I recently thought of that long-ago time at the resort in Orlando because it was there that I heard the verdict in the O.J. Simpson case. We are at the 20-year anniversary of what has been called the "crime of the century" and there is much in the media these days on the murders, the trial, and that infamous car chase. For those too young to remember, they are getting an introduction to the circumstances surrounding the case, albeit with hindsight.

For me, another memory from that resort is of a newspaper headline. One morning, as we waited at the shuttle stop for a ride to the theme park, I glanced at the nearby newsstand. When you spend a few days in the parks with a 4-year-old you can lose track of the outside world, so I was glad to see a newspaper. That is until I took a good look at the cover.

On the cover of the newspaper, there was a large photo of one of the cutest black kids ever, maybe around 5 or 6 and sporting a wide grin. The headline in large letters said something to the effect that this was a portrait of a KILLER! Apparently, he was an adult charged with murder and the paper had used his childhood photo.

The message wasn't even subliminal -- it was like being hit with a freight train. It brought me back to reality quickly, even on the pristine grounds of the resort. I wondered what the black groundskeeper, the man who ignored us, thought about the paper. I'm sure it was not an opinion he could openly express, especially there.

I also understood the reason the groundskeeper didn't feel the need to acknowledge us. He just kept his head down and did his work. He couldn't relate to me, or any of the guests at the resort. It was not a racial slight, it was economic.

Today, 20 years later, most of the articles and stories on the O.J. case still focus on reactions according to race. A few dig deeper to describe the role money, fame, and privilege played in the case and the outcome. However, the common refrain remains: "Your reaction to the verdict depends on your race." Not entirely true, but not entirely false either. As so many recent analyses have told us (as if we don't know this) there has historically been a lack of trust in the black community concerning law enforcement and this affected viewpoints on the case.

We waited in our hotel room at the resort to hear the verdict. Yes, I will admit I was shocked. As we walked through the lobby and toward the shuttle stop there seemed to be a lot of shocked people. I may be wrong, but their glances toward us seemed to be a little unfriendlier.

Once we were outdoors, walking through the lavish greenery, I saw the black groundskeeper. He was not looking down or ignoring us this time. As a matter of fact, he was looking right at us. Still, he did not speak as I approached him and we were face-to-face. Instead, he winked.

"Summertime and Condoleezza for President?"

Presidential?  Former Secretary of State Condeleezza Rice

After a relatively quiet Spring, things are heating up in Washington even though it's not officially summer yet. As we move toward the 2014 mid-term elections in November, and Republicans aim to take control of the Senate, we can be assured there will be no shortage of accusations, investigations, resignations, and recriminations. And of course, the GOP-controlled House will vote to repeal Obamacare a few more times. Also in their sights: inflicting political damage on presumed Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

In the meantime, our conservative-leaning ACTIVIST Supreme Court will be issuing some major rulings by the end of this month. Think Progress summarizes here with a list of the expected rulings and their repercussions in the article:
Seven Big Cases The Supreme Court Will Decide In June That Could Change America

One of the major civil rights issues we are facing -- Voter I.D. laws, are not going away, especially in swing and southern states with large numbers of minority and young voters. Voting rights will remain an issue as America's demographics shift toward youth and people of color. Maybe the GOP will come up with a successful outreach effort to reach these groups, but it doesn't appear to be the case now. Where are we with Immigration Reform?

There is a high likelihood that there will be a Hispanic on the ticket for the 2016 Presidential race.  (Don't you wish Justice Sotomayor could run??) Probably Julian Castro will get the call from Clinton (or whoever is the Democratic front-runner for President). Castro, the Mayor of San Antonio has recently been nominated to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.  This will give him more national experience and visibility. He had a high profile at the last Democratic National Convention in 2012 -- becoming the first Hispanic to give the keynote address to the body. Here is his inspirational 'the American dream lives' speech. (As I recall, at the end his young daughter stole the show.)

An interesting prospect is -- Will the GOP put Condoleezza Rice on the ticket? She is a darling on the right and might even get Southern Conservatives on board (because they will be in an "anybody but Clinton" mode).

African-American women are a key and consistent voting-bloc within the Democratic Party, and at the heart of many campaign volunteer efforts across the country. (However, I would wager that few of the campaign expenditure funds -- and we're talking multi-millions here that are spent on workers, consultants, lawyers, media, etc., make their way to black women or black men!).

But back to Condeleezza Rice on the GOP 2016 Presidential ticket -- her policies are not in step with the majority of black women, although she would most certainly move to the center after the primaries. Nevertheless, I expect if Clinton runs she will get the African-American vote. Her spouse will make sure of that. Remember his DNC 2012 speech in support of candidate Obama - masterful - here it is again:

I can still remember sitting on the Convention floor amazed and getting a text from my son, who I didn't expect to be watching at his college, saying, "Mom...he is killing it." And, he did. Bill Clinton, more so than any other speaker summed up the reasons to vote for Obama. And then he got out on the campaign trail and campaigned for the President. His appeal remains massive in minority communities.

Still, it is intriguing to ponder -- inside the voting booth, when faced with an African-American woman choice for President, or Vice-President, will black women (some of whom might be considered conservative to moderate) vote for Condoleezza Rice? If so....would the numbers be enough to push the GOP over the top and back into the White House?

Oh..the machinations of summer!

Washington Watch: Week 22 - "What a Week"

"What a Week" -- Major Supreme Court Rulings, Senate Passes Immigration Reform, Obama and family in Africa.

Supreme Rulings

The Voting Rights Act (from 1965) was gutted and southern states quickly reacted to suppress the minority vote. The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California's Prop 8 were struck down and gay marriages immediately resumed in California.

Nan Aron, President of The Alliance for Justice, got it exactly right with her HuffPo piece: "The Supreme Court Takes With One Hand, Gives With the Other."

Says Ms. Aron:

"It's been a bittersweet week in the Supreme Court. On the one hand, the Court's decisions on same-sex marriage left many of us profoundly hopeful, while its voting rights opinion was deeply disappointing. By simultaneously moving in opposite directions on fundamental principles of civil rights, this Court has torn a hole in our political fabric, and once again left the nation part equal and part unequal."    Read More

Before the ink had settled on the Voting Rights ruling, Republicans in Texas got busy. From The CS Monitor:

"Shortly after the decision on Tuesday, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announced that the state’s new voter ID law would immediately take effect. He also said that the state’s challenged redistricting maps “may” also take effect without prior approval from Washington."  Read More

Supporters of voting rights, such as Democratic Strategist Donna Brazile, are calling on Congress to restore provisions of the act. However, even Ms. Brazile realizes this will be difficult given the current climate in Washington. From her CNN op-ed: "Congress Give us new Voting Rights Act,"

"Don't expect the conservative-controlled House of Representatives to jump at the chance though. Just last year, during the 2012 election cycle, Republican elected officials in states across the country pushed deeply hostile voter ID laws that disproportionately limit minority voters. Sometimes, the Republicans were even explicit that the purpose of these laws was to put victories in the "R" column. And all that took place with a full and complete Voting Rights Act still on the books."  Read More

In brighter news... with the decisions on DOMA and Prop 8, weddings are free to resume in those states which allow gay marriage. As a matter of fact, two of the plaintiffs in the historic ruling--Kris Perry and Sandy Stier, from Berkeley, were the first to be married with California Attorney General Kamala Harris officiating.


Btw.......Did Chris Christie just lose 2016 with this stance on gay marriage?

"New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) blasted the Supreme Court ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act, calling it "wrong."   Read More"

Maybe this is his stance going into the GOP primaries (which depend on the right-wing vote) however, should he become the Presidential candidate I predict he will "see the light" on this issue.

Will the Immigration Bill be Stalled?

The Senate passed a bi-partisan immigration bill this week, now it goes to the House. President Obama has called on Congress to pass the bill before their August recess. (We talked about this likely STALL in our post from week 20.)

Student Loan Rates set to Double

Rates on new student loans will DOUBLE on Monday.  Still, no action from Congress to prevent this.

**********************

President Obama's First Term

A Look Back at Week 22 - 2009:

(Excerpts from my blog National Scene -- Week 22)

National Scene 6/24-6/30/2009
By Linnie Frank Bailey

As the first half of the year ends, the Administration can look back on significant efforts to get America back on track, including -- an economic stimulus, a revamped energy policy, the beginnings of health care reform, and a new approach to international relations. Moreover, the following legislation has been passed and signed by President Barack Obama in 2009:

1. Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act – (fair pay for women) Signed: January 29, 2009
2. Children’s Health Insurance Reauthorization Act –(continue state program SCHIP) Signed: February 4, 2009
3. DTV Delay Act – (delayed implementation of digital TV until June 2009) Signed: February 11, 2009
4. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – (major economic stimulus bill) Signed: February 17, 2009
5. Small Business Act Temporary Extension – (temporarily extends SBA programs) Signed: March 20, 2009
6. Omnibus Public Lands Management Act – (public land conservation) Signed: March 30, 2009
7. Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act – (increases and manages community service programs and funding) Signed: April 21, 2009
8. Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act – (steps to end mortgage fraud and predatory lending) Signed: May 20, 2009
9. Helping Families Save Their Homes Act – (steps to prevent foreclosures and rewrite mortgage loans) Signed: May 20, 2009
10. Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act – (defense procurement reform) Signed: May 22, 2009
11. Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009 – (consumer credit protection) Signed: May 22, 2009
12. Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act – (steps to prevent children and teens from smoking) Signed: June 22, 2009

...Read More on Week 22, 2009  -- Immigration Reform...Pell Grants Extended...FAFSA Simplified

**********************

And Finally.....back to 2013:

The Obamas in Africa:

View the video for a behind the scenes with the President & The First Lady at Gorée Island -- including a visit to the Masion des Esclaves (House of Slaves) Museum. Below Barack Obama stands at the "door of no return" where countless Africans were forced to board ships to the Americas where they were enslaved.
Watch and Listen -- an eloquent narrative by the First Lady.

Washington Watch: Week 20 - "The Stall"

"The Stall"
Will GOP delaying tactics torpedo Immigration Reform? Will student loan interest rates be allowed to double? Will the 'stall' last until the 2014 mid-terms..or the 2016 presidential election? Also this week -- MSNBC 'gets it' and will broadcast live from the annual festival hosted by Essence Magazine this July in New Orleans.

Immigration Reform Delay Game

Washington Watch: Week 18 - 'The Bromance'

"How far will this Obama-Christie thing go? The term 'bromance' was used this past week almost as often as the word 'scandal' was used the weeks before. Should Hillary be jealous?" 

President Barack Obama and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie talk with local residents at the Brigantine Beach Community Center, which is serving as a shelter for those displaced by Hurricane Sandy, in Brigantine, N.J., Oct. 31, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

That's What Friends Are For

The President visited the Jersey Shore to see Hurricane Sandy recovery progress and was joined by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. The two interacted like old friends and as a result the term 'bromance' was used this week almost as often as the word 'scandal' was used the weeks before. 

Truthfully, after so much partisan gridlock, it is good to see people from the opposite sides of the aisle who seem to like each other and enjoy each other's company.

A Wall Street Journal article on the 'friendship' said:

With handshakes, a little ribbing and a few tosses of a football along the Jersey shore on Tuesday, President Barack Obama and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie showed they still put a lot of faith in bipartisan chumminess.                   Read More

One big photo op? Sure. Obama helping Christie out for his 'support' during the Presidential campaign? Maybe. 

Doesn't look like Christie needs any help in his reelection campaign for Governor. Some reports have him leading by as much as 30 points over his Democratic challenger, State Senator Barbara Buono. In addition, it appears he has the support of some of the state's Democratic leaders.

Both Christie and Obama understand the importance of 'likability' in any campaign. Because when it's all said and done, after nearly a billion is spent...it comes down to who's the most likable, personable, and friendly (at least on the outside). As evidence:

Clinton vs Bush 1
Clinton vs Dole
Bush 2 vs Gore
Bush 2 vs Kerry
Obama vs McCain
Obama vs Romney

So how far will this Obama-Christie thing go? 

As with any potentially treacherous relationship, at some point the lines will have to be drawn. The President is holding the cards right now....Christie will continue to bask in Obama's limelight to help with independent, minority, and women voters. Again, the question is...what is Obama getting out of this? Obamacare implementation support from a Republican Governor?

There is doubt the relationship will last. The Christian Science Monitor reports in the article, 
"Obama-Christie bromance, Part 2: A win-win for both,"

"....But the Obama-Christie lovefest may not last forever. Christie is widely expected to win a second term in November, and after that, he may well turn his attention to the 2016 presidential race. Obama isn’t allowed to run again, but will naturally want to be replaced by a Democrat.

If Christie runs, and can make it through the primaries – a big “if,” considering the muscle-flexing of the GOP’s right wing, and his controversial, gushing praise of Obama during Sandy on the eve of the 2012 election – he could be a formidable challenger. Already, Christie has shown major crossover appeal. Polls of the gubernatorial race show him winning a sizable portion of Obama’s 2012 voters in New Jersey and crushing Senator Buono."                             Read More

Even Mitt Romney, still trying to be relevant (see below)...yet STILL out of touch, chimed in by saying: 

"I don't believe Chris is trying to project an image of being close to President Obama," adding,  "But if the president is willing to pay attention to what's happening to the reconstruction of his state, that's a good thing for the governor."

To be clear, both Christie...AND Obama...are politically astute enough to recognize the votes that come with an Obama pat on the back. Not the conservative, right-wing votes....but the votes Christie would need to win the Presidency (if he can get past the primaries.)

Could it be these guys, Obama and Christie, just like each other and don't care what people think? Nah -- this never happens in politics. 

Wonder how the 'family' is taking this relationship? Should Hillary (or Joe) be jealous?

And the real question...because it is inevitable.....is who will dump the other one first?

Bye, Bye Bachmann

Folks seems to be standing in line to say goodbye to Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann (R-Minn), and wish her godspeed to wherever. Few believe she is leaving the public limelight and it's only a matter of time before we see her again...probably doing something more lucrative...cable news? radio? reality show? heading an 'official' tea party organization? leading the charge against the implementation of Obamacare? or, investigating the President's birth certificate?  

She's not done....bet on it.

Also Not Done with the Limelight

Surprise, surprise...seems losing Presidential candidate Mitt Romney is not happy with President Obama's first 100 days of his second term.  Maybe because they weren't HIS 100 days?  You think?

Reporting on Romney's interview with the Wall Street Journal, a recent HuffPo article entitled: "Mitt Romney 'Disappointed' With Obama's Second Term" says:

Romney lamented that he wasn't able to implement his own planned agenda for the first 100 days, which included proposals to get "legislation filed, regulations rewritten, executive orders rewritten."

Sounds like Romney's agenda for his first 100 days was to undo everything Obama did in his first term. Then what? Still waiting to hear. Maybe he's getting his binders ready.

Could Romney really be thinking about another shot at the BIG prize? He would probably have to use a lot of his own money...but he's got it, and what else does he have to do?

The 2016 Republican primaries could really be fun if Romney's ego won't let him sit on the sidelines and he dukes it out with Jeb Bush and Obama buddy Chris Christie. Then there's the second tier of Ryan and Paul (who would never consider themselves second-tier). Not to be outdone, the far right will return with their offering, which might include some retreads ... Bachmann, Perry, Palin, and Herman Cain again? (Don't laugh Anthony Weiner is running strong for NYC mayor.)

**********************

President Obama's First Term

A Look Back at Week 18 - 2009:

(Excerpts from my blog National Scene -- Week 18)

May 27-June 1, 2009: The Administration began the week addressing right-wing concern over his candidate for the U.S. Supreme Court – Judge Sonia Sotomayor. It is expected that Sotomayor will win confirmation in the Senate, despite the protests. In other news, the President commented on the bankruptcy of General Motors by assuring Americans a new, stronger GM will emerge. 

Celebrating Solar Power in Nevada. President Obama visited Nellis Air Force Base, in Las Vegas, Nevada to highlight what he called “the largest solar electric plant of its kind in the entire Western Hemisphere!”

The President Addresses the End of an American Icon.  Automobile manufacturer General Motors, thought to be one of the bedrock companies of American culture, filed for bankruptcy today, however the President assured us that the company would begin again.

....Read More

For more on Week 18, 2009 CLICK Here

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And Finally.....back to 2013:

First Lady Michelle Obama harvests vegetables with students in the White House Kitchen Garden on the South Lawn, May 28, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

Washington Watch: Week 16 - "The 'Scandals'"

Week sixteen of the Obama second-term Presidency found the administration playing 'whack-a-mole' and the term 'Scandal' being thrown around even when it came to the President asking Marines to hold umbrellas for himself and a visiting head-of-state during a rainy-day press conference. 

Critics of the Administration, many of them in Congress, are chomping at the bit to cast aspersion on the man they couldn't beat at the polls. (And then there are those southern ultra-conservative school board members who are probably looking for ANY reason to keep President Obama's name out of future textbooks.)

Where's Olivia Pope When You Need Her?

Olivia Pope (played by actress Kerry Washington) is the lead character in ABC's juicily-delicious drama Scandal. She runs a crisis management firm that specializes in restoring reputations...or hiding the facts that could destroy them. She calls herself a fixer.

Week sixteen of the Obama Administration's second term needed a fixer.

I hate to add to the media outcry by calling all of the revelations that were brought into the public eye recently 'scandals.' When that kind of feeding frenzy starts everything is questioned. Hence an article in the Washington Post:  Even Obama’s umbrellas are a scandal now.

These 'scandals' will be on-going political battles that won't go away because....What else does the Republican-led Congress have to do? Certainly not GOVERN!

Instead of scandals, let's call these, "Items that need fixing."

Item #1 -- The revelation that the IRS targeted conservative groups for added scrutiny when they applied for tax-exempt status. Apparently, these included 'tea party' activist groups. 

During the Bush Administration, it was liberal groups like the NAACP that received scrutiny from the IRS.  Alex Seitz-Wald reminds us of this in a couple of articles in SALON this past week. The first takes MSNBC host Joe Scarborough to task for his hypocrisy with this matter, and the second piece examines "When the IRS Targeted Liberals." 

The IRS itself, should be non-partisan and non-political.  So...heads are rolling, including the acting Director of the IRS, and investigations are starting.
  
The President's response? (I think Olivia Pope would approve.) .....expressing righteous indignation right along with those who will try to mire him in the muck with this.

Not only that...the President suggested that the law for determining if these 'activist' organizations should be tax-exempt is vague and should be looked at.

The Los Angeles Times summed up the problem the Federal Election Commission is having in monitoring the activities of such groups in an article entitled, IRS problem started with vague tax exemption rules, which says:

"At the heart of the issue is the murky role occupied by nonprofit "social welfare" organizations, set up under Section 501(c)4 of the tax code, which are allowed under IRS regulations to engage in a certain amount of campaign activity, as long as politics is not their "primary" purpose. The groups pay no tax on the money they bring in. They can accept unlimited donations and, unlike political committees, can keep their contributors secret.

That status became especially valuable three years ago with the Supreme Court's decision in the Citizens United case, which lifted the ban on direct campaign spending by corporations, including many nonprofit groups. The ruling triggered the boost of applicants to the IRS."

The potential fallout from this?

1. Republicans will try to link it to the President's 2012 election campaign and see how high they can take the 'Who knew what, when' link. 
2. Smearing the IRS will help them to try and repeal Obamacare...which they voted to derail for the 37th TIME last week!!  The IRS is tasked with overseeing portions of health care reform, including implementing the mandate that everyone purchase coverage or pay an income-based fee.
3. 2014. Republicans will most likely hold on to the House and will make a major grab for the Senate by suggesting the Administration is corrupt and the country would be in better hands with the GOP.
4. Overreach...some think the GOP will go too far...even conservative Newt Gingrich is warning Republicans not to make the same mistakes they made during the Clinton impeachment process. However, chances are they will because they are tone deaf to what Americans...everyday Americans, are concerned with....their families, their jobs, and thriving, safe communities.

Still...the IRS is not popular with Americans and the President is right to jump on the side of those expressing 'outrage.'

Item #2  -- The seizing of phone records from Associated Press (AP) journalists. The Attorney General, Eric Holder, in a testy exchange at a House Committee meeting, implied the action was a matter of National Security...determining the source of a leaked CIA operation.

More 'righteous indignation'  from all sides, but Holder's tact was to stand his ground at a Congressional hearing which covered The AP action, the IRS, and even the nomination of 

the Justice Department's Thomas Perez as Secretary of Labor.

"In one of the sharpest exchanges, Holder defended Thomas Perez's tenure as head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division and said he would make a great secretary of the Labor Department.

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., was critical of Perez and repeatedly pressed Holder, who at one point refused to stop talking and accused Issa of repeatedly mischaracterizing the work of the Justice Department.

"That is inappropriate and is too consistent with the way in which you conduct yourself as a member of Congress. It's unacceptable and it's shameful," Holder told Issa."

He wasn't done....

"Toward the end of the hearing, in another fierce exchange with a Republican lawmaker, Holder said that despite any personal animosity toward him, the office of attorney general deserved some respect.

He bemoaned the "toxic partisan atmosphere" and said "a level of civility doesn't exist."

The fallout from this?  The AP story appears to be losing interest already -- remember the media seems to only push one major story at a time these days and the IRS controversy is getting the majority of the press.

Item #3 -- The Benghazi tragedy, and again-- 'Who knew what, when?' The major point seems to be, when was it called a 'terrorist' activity? This 'controversy' may be more directed at Hillary Clinton's presidential ambitions. I doubt anyone believes the Administration knowingly put diplomats in harm's way or didn't try to protect them. 

So these are the items that had Washington abuzz this past week. 

The DC pundits led the chorus on using the word 'Scandal' (I wonder if the TV show is causing the frequent use of the word these days.)  

Some say this was the worst week of the Obama Presidency, however Chris Cilizza of The Fix says no...there were others in a piece, called "The Worst Week of Obama's Presidency? Close, But No.  

The question is -- where will all of this go?  'Derailed agenda' is a phrase some are using to describe the President's second term....as if there is anything getting done is Washington anyway!

Keep in mind, while some perch upon their pedestal of manure and start throwing stones, there are real issues that need fixing, including:

1. The sequester -- budget cuts are still happening. Workers are still being furloughed and Congress is nowhere near a solution on this debacle.

2. Health care for all is coming soon...which is a good thing...BUT people need to know what's coming and what to sign up for.

3. The economy IS improving but many are still out of work.

And what about immigration reform!

Thinking about it -- this might be a good time to play some offense for the Administration and Democrats.  Harry Reid's got the right idea by saying he just might go the 'nuclear option' to change filibuster rules. He will use a simple majority to bring about reform and therefore make it easier to get some of the President's judicial nominees approved.

HuffPo reports Reid is looking at July to implement his plan:

"Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has told top advisers that he is prepared to take action if Senate Republicans block three upcoming nominations, the Washington Post reported on Friday.

Reid is reportedly focusing on the month of July to approach filibuster reform and possibly execute the "nuclear option," which would change the Senate rules and no longer require 60 votes to overcome a filibuster.

“This would take away the right to filibuster on nominations,” a senior Senate Democratic aide told the Washington Post. “All executive branch and judicial nominations would be subject to majority votes. He would not do it on legislative items.”

Go Harry!!

Should be a 'fun' hot summer in DC, while the TV show Scandal is on hiatus.

**********************

President Obama's First Term

A Look Back at Week 16 - 2009:

(Excerpts from my blog National Scene -- Week 16)

• Poetry Jam at the White House -- In the East Room of the White House, the President and the First Lady hosted an evening celebrating poetry, music and the spoken word. With a coffeehouse, jazz-club-like, atmosphere – the East Room was transformed for the event with small, candle-laden tables and dim lights. Speakers and musicians included, Joshua Bennett, Eric Lewis, Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio, Mayda Del Valle, Esperanza Spalding, and James Earl Jones—who gave a mesmerizing speaking performance from “Othello.”
• "Healthcare Reform This Year" --The President met with members of Congress, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, House Education and Labor Committee Chair Rep. George Miller, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Rep. Henry Waxman, and House Ways and Means Committee Chair Rep. Charlie Rangel—to discuss his desire to pass healthcare legislation in the House by July 31, before their August recess. Calling the meeting encouraging, the President stressed that “urgency and determination” are needed to achieve “what I believe will be historic legislation!”
• "Protecting the Country Comes First" -- Stating, "This is the best way to protect our country, while upholding our deeply held values,” President Obama restarted a Bush-era military trial system for a small number of Guantanamo detainees.
• Joined by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as auto industry executives, President Obama announced new auto emissions and mileage rules designed to combat pollution from greenhouse gasses. The National emissions standard is patterned after policies in California sought by the Governor.

For more on Week 16, 2009 CLICK Here

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And Finally.....back to 2013:

Surrounded by portraits of Washington and Lincoln, and busts of Lincoln and King.......

The President

President Barack Obama gestures during a meeting in the Oval Office, May 14, 2013.
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Washington Watch: Week 7

An Olive Branch or a Hammer?

Much is being made of the President's gestures toward House Republicans...he's had them over at the White House for a meal and took a trip to the Capitol to meet on their turf. (Presidents don't usually do this.) 

Democrats are worried that the President may 'give' too much to get a budget compromise - especially when it comes to Social Security and Medicare. Others suggest he may be wasting his time because Republicans will never compromise with him.

So is it just a photo opportunity?  Maybe...but Obama doesn't have to run for office anymore. We know what that means as far as the GOP is concerned....but what about Democrats? Does he have to be as beholding to his party as he was the first term? 

Maybe he's just trying to get something done! He will need support from both parties to get this budget deal and the American people want to see this.

Still, Progressive Democrats don't want to see the poor and the needy abandoned when it comes to America's signature entitlements (unsustainable as they currently are) ...Social Security and Medicare.

The Huffington Post describes a meeting between the President and Senate Progressive Democrats who expressed concerns over what his 'entitlement reform' might look like.

"A top administration official noted that increasing Medicare's eligibility age, which the president was willing to do in 2011, has been repeatedly ruled out of current negotiations. But Obama is scheduled to meet with House Republicans on Wednesday, and Senate Republicans on Thursday. The GOP members are expected to push Obama to broach the subject again.
Heading into those discussions, some Democrats said they lack a clear picture of exactly what Obama will and won't negotiate."

Read the rest of the article here

Sequester, or no Sequester, (notice we didn't hear the word as much this week?), the GOP continues its strategy of no cooperation with the White House. Not only that, there is movement (and probably a plan) to roll back Obama's most significant achievement -- health care reform, or 'Obamacare' as they call it.

Lisa Miscaro of the LATimes reported this week:

"Republicans in Congress are renewing their political assault on the nation’s new healthcare law, trying to repeal President Obama's signature domestic achievement as part of the next battle over the federal budget."

Read more of the article here

The President had lunch Thursday with Paul Ryan, the Republican chairman of the House Budget Committee -- not sure it helped.  The Washington Post reports Ryan's playing the same tune (the one that didn't help him win the national election or his home state.)  

On Tuesday, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) rolled out a 10-year spending plan that would revive the most controversial prescriptions from last year’s GOP budget, including a partial privatization of Medicare and a repeal of the health-care law that is Obama’s signature policy achievement.

Read more of the article here 

Dinner with Bill and Hillary...or is it Hillary and Bill?

President Obama had a private dinner with the Clintons this past week.  Yeah..I know, who wouldn't want to be a fly on the wall for that meeting.  And, not just because of the political talk of a possible Hillary 2016 run --no, I think most of us recognize that these are three extremely bright people who have fascinating opinions on our country and where it's headed.  So many topics they could cover -- climate change, hunger in America, the Arab Spring, immigration, education reform...three of our nation's greatest minds...leading the country, leading the world. I think there is much mutual respect among these three.


Who's on the Export Council?

This past week the President met with his export council to discuss trade and export-related issues. Here's a video of the excerpts:

Wonder who's on the council?  Look below (from the International Trade Administration website)

Private Sector Members (Appointed by the President)

• W. James McNerney, Jr., PEC Chair, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Boeing Company
• Ursula M. Burns, PEC Vice Chair, Chief Executive Officer, Xerox Corporation
• Mary Andringa, President and Chief Executive Officer, Vermeer Corporation
• Stephanie A. Burns, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dow Corning
• Scott Davis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, UPS
• Richard L. Friedman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Carpenter & Company, Inc.
• Gene Hale, Founder and President, G&C Equipment Corporation
• William Hite, General President, United Association
• Robert A. Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company
• Charles R. Kaye, Co-President, Warburg Pincus
• Andrew N. Liveris, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Dow Chemical Company
• Gary W. Loveman, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Caesars Entertainment Corporation
• Denise Morrison, President and Chief Executive Officer of Campbell Soup Company
• Alan Mulally, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ford Motor Company
• Raul Pedraza, Founder and President, Magno International L.P.
• Ivan Seidenberg, Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Verizon
• Glenn Tilton, Non-Executive Chairman, United Continental Holdings, Inc. and Chairman of the Midwest, JPMorgan Chase
• James S. Turley, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ernst & Young
• Patricia A. Woertz, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Archer Daniels Midland Company

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President Obama's First Term

A Look Back at Week 7 - 2009: 

(Excerpts from my National Scene blog, March 12, 2009)

• As Barack Obama completes his first 50 days in office—and while critics are suggesting his agenda is too ambitious—the President continues to tackle the major issues of our time.  Introducing new proposals for health care reform, stem cell research, and an overhaul of the education system, Obama stressed the need for government leaders to multitask. Acknowledging a change from business-as-usual in Washington, Obama insists all of these issues, as well as the economic crisis, need to be addressed simultaneously to move America forward. 
• Happy Birthday to Ted Kennedy. In a surprise appearance, President Obama led a chorus of “Happy Birthday” for Senator Ted Kennedy at the Kennedy Center, celebrating the senator's 77th birthday this past February.  The event featured dignitaries from the world of politics and entertainment, including Bill Cosby, Lauren Bacall, and members of Senator Kennedy’s family.  Kennedy was presented the  Profile in Courage Award.
• Ban on Stem Cell Research Reversed.
  Fulfilling a campaign promise, President Barack Obama removed restrictions on the federal funding of embryonic stem cell research put in place by the Bush administration. 
• First Lady Honors Courageous Women.
  First Lady Michelle Obama joined Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in honoring women from around the world who lead the fight for women’s rights. Eight women were presented with the State Department’s International Women of Courage Award. Mrs. Obama saluted the women saying, “The women we honor today teach us three very important lessons. One, that as women, we must stand up for ourselves. The second, as women, we must stand up for each other. And finally, as women, we must stand up for justice for all.”

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And, Finally....

'Tweet This'
The First Lady takes to Twitter to answer questions about her "Let's Move" program.

Follow @FLOTUS and@LetsMove on Twitter for updates and news about the Let’s Move! initiative and how you can get involved.