Speaker John Boehner Speech at the Economic Club of Washington

At New York Times, "Boehner, in Washington Speech, Reaffirms No-Tax-Increase Position."

After New York Race, G.O.P. Sees Ripple in Jewish Vote

Now get this, at New York Times:

WASHINGTON — Not since Jimmy Carter in 1980 has a Democrat running for president failed to win a lopsided majority of the Jewish vote. This has been true during times of peace or war, and even when there has been deep acrimony between the White House and the Israeli government.

Republicans see a chance to change that in 2012, with President Obama locked in a tense relationship with Israel’s leaders and criticized by many American Jews as being too tough on a close and favored ally. Tuesday’s Republican upset in New York’s Congressional election, they say, is a sign of bad things to come for Mr. Obama.

Sensing trouble, the Obama campaign and Democratic Party leaders have mobilized to solidify the president’s standing with Jewish voters. The Democratic National Committee has established a Jewish outreach program. The campaign is singling out Jewish groups, donors and other supporters with calls and e-mails to counter the Republican narrative that Mr. Obama is hostile to Israel.

More at the link.

And from the editors, who aren't please by developments, natch: "Israel and New York’s Ninth District."

Democrat Hopes Collapse Following Turner Win in New York Special Election

I've used the 1992 comparison previously. George H.W. Bush was defeated for reelection just 22 months after having record approval ratings of near 90 percent. With last night's breathtaking GOP win in NY-9, the left's utter freak out over 2012 has now hit gale force.

There's lots of stuff on this. See Caitlin Huey-Burns, at RealClearPolitics, "GOP Scores Major Upset in NY-9." Also David Seifman at New York Post, "Disaster looms for O in 2012" (via Memeorandum), and Peter Wehner at Commentary, "Panic, Then Rage Ahead for Democrats."

And at Politico, "Dems schvitzing over NY-9 results," and "Twin defeats spark Democratic fears."

BONUS: From Andrew Breitbart, "After Turner Earthquake in Weiner District, Democrats’ Civil War Against Obama Begins."

New York 9th Congressional District Special Election Results

The Other McCain's got a live blog going: "NY-9: Turner Time?"

Also, David Weigel's calling it:

11:20: There's simply not enough of a Weprin margin in Queens to let him overcome the coming Turner landslide in Brooklyn. This is over, even if the AP waits a while to call it.

Bob Turner (R) defeats David Weprin (D)

9:30pm PST: Now at Los Angeles Times, "Republican Bob Turner wins special election in New York."

I got a note this morning from my good from Norman Gersman in New York. Listening to local talk radio today, Norm reported that it "was wall to wall Democratic advertisements viciously attacking the Republican candidate." And that obviously had little effect. And Norm noted, importantly:

In Queens, there is a small but truly active group of patriots who fully engage themselves in every election for Republican and Conservative candidates. They have boundless energy setting up phone banks, handing out literature, putting out signs, and just doing whatever has to be done to win an election. In Democratic Queens, they usually lose...but that has never, ever deterred them from working on the next campaign. A win tonight is due to them...a great group of patriots. All Americans should stand up and applaud what they have accomplished in the past few months. Their hard work will effect every 2012 campaign because it sends the message that no Democrat, not one, is safe. They all can and will be beaten. So when you read about this election, or view a piece about it on TV, you know who deserves the credit. Great job guys.

That's great to hear. Congratulations to our GOP friends out in New York. The Dems have held the 9th district continuously since 1923. It's going to be a desperate attempt by the Obama-Dems to spin this loss as insignificant for 2012. Just remember: Whatever the White House says, the truth will be the exact opposite.

Democrats Give New Meaning to the Phrase 'Attack Ad'

James Taranto notes that the Democrats can't be over September 11 soon enough. Indeed, the DSCC ran an advertisement in the NY-9 special election (to replace the disgraced Democrat Anthony Weiner) that featured a jet swooping low over New York City. And here's the story, at NY Observer: "Anti-Bob Turner Ad Featuring Airplane Ominously Buzzing Manhattan: Slightly Terrorist-y?"

The ad without the New York skyline imaging:

Also from Jim Geraghty, "Why Do Stumbling Democrats Keep Tripping Up on 9/11 Images?"

Obama Proposes 'American Jobs Act' (VIDEO)

The main story's at New York Times, "Obama Exhorts Congress on Jobs Plan":

WASHINGTON — Faced with a stalling economy, a hostile Congress and a disenchanted public, President Obama challenged lawmakers in a blunt address Thursday evening to enact a sweeping package of tax cuts and new spending designed to revive the stagnant job market.

Speaking to a joint session of Congress, Mr. Obama ticked off a list of measures he said would put money in people’s pockets, encourage companies to begin hiring again, and jolt an American economy at risk of relapsing into recession. And he all but ordered Congress to pass the legislation.

“You should pass this jobs plan right away,” the president declared.

With Republicans already lining up to condemn the plan, Mr. Obama said, “The question is whether, in the face of an ongoing national crisis, we can stop the political circus and actually do something to help the economy.”

Though Mr. Obama’s proposals were widely expected — an extension and expansion of the cut in payroll taxes; new spending on schools and public works projects; and an overhaul of unemployment insurance — the overall package was considerably larger than expected, with an estimated $447 billion in stimulus money.

Also at Los Angeles Times, "Obama to Congress: Americans want action now on jobs." The text is available via Memorandum.

All the "pass this jobs bill" agitation is Obama begging the Congress to act. What's interesting is how this sounds like just one more big porkulus, despite Obambi's denials and claims that "everything in this bill is paid for." Amazingly, he still announces that we need higher taxes!!

Jennifer Rubin has more, "Obama: Pay it now, pay for it later":

What was remarkable was the whiff of desperation conveyed by Obama, and the utter lack of interest by the Republicans. The speaker of the House looked bored. The Republicans neither booed nor applauded. No one thinks this grab bag, a mini son of the Stimulus Plan, is going to work. But Republicans must be relieved: Obama said nothing that would either win over independents or exert any pressure on them to pass it.

And back over to LAT, "Republicans' reaction to Obama speech is lukewarm -- and that's a start," and "Economists give Obama's jobs plan mixed reviews.

Added: See what I mean? From Associated Press, "FACT CHECK: Obama's jobs plan paid for? Seems not."

Happy Labor Day to Opus #6!

That's my friend Opus #6 of MAinfo. We met at the Michele Bachmann rally at Knotts Berry Farm in early 2009. Opus left a wonderful comment at the blog yesterday, at my essay, "Housing Downsizing!":

This housing downsizing post has to be my favorite American Power post of all time. Probably because I downsized in June. And the kids and I, though a little cramped in our 3-br rented condo, are enjoying the community pool with lots of friends to play with, way less stress worrying about bills and repairs, and extra money in the checking account. I also loved seeing your mom. You and I are in the same generation and our parents are on the same track. She looks lovely. And a sweet nurturing woman is a blessing to any family.

I pray that you and your family enjoy the new digs. That you have many happy days in your new place, lots less stress and building character as your kids observe you handing the changing nature of our society and economy not with bitterness but with courage.

I responded at the post.

It means a lot. I've met many wonderful people through blogging. We share our lives online and we meet in person as well. Have a great Labor Day, Opus!

Democrat Congressional Leadership Has No Comment on Rep. Andre Carson's 'Hanging on a Tree' Allegations Against the Tea Party

At Washington Examiner, "Reid, Pelosi silent on 'Jim Crow' accusations" (via Memeorandum).

Democratic Congressional leadership remains silent about a Democratic congressman's claim that Tea Party members of Congress would "like to see [black Americans] hanging on a tree."



The top-ranking Democrats in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives - Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., Sen. Dick Durbin, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., - have not responded to The Washington Examiner's requests for comment on this issue. They have not supported or contradicted, or even acknowledged, the accusation leveled by Rep. Andre Carson, D-Ind., that their Tea Party colleagues in Congress would like to see Carson murdered.



Repeated efforts to contact Minority Leader Pelosi about her caucus-member's claim produced no response, except that The Examiner was told that her press secretary would respond "at his discretion."

Well, they want us to go "straight to Hell," so I'm not surprised.



Also at The Blog Prof, "The 'New Civility'(Cont'd): Congressional Black Caucus: Racist Tea Party Wants Black Americans ‘Hanging On a Tree’."

Allen West on Libya, Egypt, etc.

Via Legal Insurrection:

Debbie Wasserman-Schultz Heckled Off the Stage at Iowa State Fair

Oh, this is the best!



At The Other McCain, "Debbie’s Very Bad Day in Iowa":

RTWT.



Great coverage from R.S. McCain in Iowa. The dude couldn't get all that stuff posted at the time.

'The Tea Party Can Go Straight to Hell'

Rep. Maxine Waters announces her post-civility tour:

'Off the Liberal Plantation'

Congressman Allen West is a great guy:

And at USA Today, "Waters bites back at West for 'plantation' comments."

Maxine Waters: Y'all 'Unleash Us' on Obama

This is the black mofos' "let my Congress-people go" moment, from James Taranto, "'Unleash Us'" (via Memeorandum).

John Kerry: Media Should Not Give Time to Tea Party

The left's elitist fallback position is authoritarianism and suppression of dissent, but you knew that already.

At The Blaze, "JOHN KERRY: MEDIA HAS ‘RESPONSIBILITY’ TO ‘NOT GIVE EQUAL TIME’ TO TEA PARTY." Also at Memeorandum.

Rep. Joe Walsh: 'I'm Not a Terrorist'

I like the video, but Rep. Walsh is an alleged deadbeat dad. I guess he's fighting it. See Chicago Tribune, "Walsh: I'll privately fight child support claims," and Northwest Herald, "Walsh tries to clear air at town hall-style meeting." (Added: A Memeorandum thread.)

Recovery Summer? Stocks Crash After Debt Deal, Raising Fears Over Economy

I wrote on the economy yesterday, and the hits keep coming.

At Los York Times, "Dow down more than 400 points as market plunge continues."

Also at The Hill, "Dow plunges after debt deal, raising anxiety over economy." (At Memeorandum.)

Deficit Battle Shifts to Panel

At WSJ:

WASHINGTON—The Senate approved—and President Barack Obama immediately signed—the long-awaited deal to raise the nation's debt limit Tuesday, as the battle shifted to how a special committee created by the measure will cut the deficit by $1.5 trillion.

The Senate voted 74-26 for the package, which raises the government's borrowing limit by $2.4 trillion and cuts $917 billion in federal spending. A fiery debate is likely over the next step, the bipartisan panel, and how much of its $1.5 trillion in deficit reductions will come from tax increases and how much from cuts in safety-net programs.

Meanwhile, Democrats in particular were eager to move beyond the debt-limit fight and tackle the issue of jobs, which they consider friendlier political turf. Mr. Obama signed the bill in private but used his public comments to try to shift the focus to the economy.

The president could send a stronger signal of defeat than a private bill-signing. Jimmy Carter is smiling somewhere.

Gabrielle Giffords's Recovery

I promised to update on Representative Giffords.

Here's this report at WaPo, "Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’s road to recovery includes stop on House floor":

On Monday, the Arizona Democrat flew on a commercial jet from Houston to Washington, where she surprised her colleagues by showing up to vote — her first vote since the Jan. 8 shooting. After a meal with her staff Tuesday, Giffords boarded a plane back to Houston, where she is
still undergoing five days a week of intensive outpatient physical therapy.

The simple one-day journey provided new insights into her progress since the incident that left her with a significant brain injury, friends and specialists said Tuesday.

“In the beginning she could hardly get one word out,” recalled Richard Carmona, a family friend and former surgeon general who is not treating Giffords but has kept tabs on her recovery. Now, “she can speak and put a sentence together. Sometimes, she’s a little slower and a little more thoughtful.”

The mobility on the right side of her body was damaged, much like a stroke patient’s, he said. But she can now walk largely un­assisted. Her improvement has been “really quicker and better than anybody expected,” he said.

Giffords is undergoing three types of rehabilitation, Carmona said: physical therapy to strengthen her right side, occupational therapy to help her with day-to-day tasks such as using a knife and fork, and cognitive therapy including reading and word games. All are “meant to strengthen all the functions that were diminished or lost,” he said.

Giffords still struggles to communicate, a limitation that sometimes leaves her frustrated, friends said. But they said they do not doubt her cognitive abilities and are confident that she understood the debt issue when she voted Monday.

“I guess the most astonishing thing has been how her cognitive abilities seem never to have been affected in the first place. Her ability to know what is going on around her is complete,” said Michael McNulty, her friend and campaign chairman, who has visited with Giffords about every few weeks since she moved from her district in Tucson to Houston, where her husband is based. “She continues to have a lot of speech therapy. And she will continue to until she returns to her eloquent self.”

Still more at that top link.

Timeline of Gabrielle Giffords' Recovery

See Telegraph UK, "Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has voted in the US House of Representatives for the first time since she was shot in Arizona in January. Here is a timeline of her remarkable recovery..."

I'm really fascinated by this. She looks so alert and able. I read a lot about her surgery and medical prospects at the time. I recall just a couple months ago reports indicating the Giffords' speech was still halting. But as much as we can see here, she's chatting up a storm on the floor of the House.

I'll update if I find more information. It's truly is remarkable and a testament to the human spirit. I'm very proud and happy for her.

Tea Party Sees No Triumph In Compromise

At report at Wall Street Journal:

The agreement to cut deficits and raise the debt ceiling hammered together in Washington caps a remarkable two-year surge by the tea-party movement—forcing Republicans and Democrats alike to refocus on spending and, at the same time, proving the political power of the tea party.

Yet, a chorus of tea-party activists and leaders across the country denounced the agreement on Monday, saying it included little in the way of the change they actually sought.

"People are saying, 'These tea partiers, aren't they wonderful, they are changing the conversation,'" said Ellen Gilmore, a leader of the LaGrange Tea Party Patriots in Georgia. "Well, we got absolutely squat—except for the conversation."

However, the deal struck Sunday falls far short of many tea-party groups' stated goals of no increase in the debt ceiling, vastly larger budget cuts and passage of a balanced-budget amendment. The central question facing the loose-knit tea-party movement today, two years after it sprang into existence, is whether its organization and leadership can grow to match its ideological force.

Actually, the tea party is stronger than I thought it'd be after the election. Members of Congress have really taken the limited government message to heart, and that goes all the way to Speaker John Boehner. I think activists should be patting themselves on the back and mobilizing to get more grassroots representatives elected in 2012. And the GOP presidential field sure is taking the tea partiers seriously. See Los Angeles Times, "Almost all GOP presidential hopefuls oppose debt deal."