CALIFORNIA YANKEE

Merry Christmas

Obama approval plummets to -21 as Senate Dems near approval of partisan Obamacare

Rasmussen reports Tuesday's Obama's Presidential Approval Index plummets to -21.

Obama's Strongly Disapprove numbers have risen dramatically since the Senate Democrats found 60 votes to move forward with their partisan Obamacare legislation:

• Most voters (55%) oppose the health care legislation and senior citizens dislike the so-called reform even more.
• Fifty-three percent of men Strongly Disapprove along with 39% of women. 
• Most white voters (53%) Strongly Disapprove.
• Seventy-four percent of Republicans Strongly Disapprove as do 52% of unaffiliated voters.

Nelson caves, Reid introduces 400 page amendment to Obamacare bill

The lone Democratic holdout, Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson, has agreed to support Obamacare -- one of the crown jewels of Obamaism.

According to Ed Morrissey, Nelson's capitulation is a "complete cave on abortion." The abortion language contained in the new Obamacare amendment is essentially the same language as it was a few weeks ago. One wonders what price Nelson's received for agreeing to support Obamacare.

Now that the Democrats have the 60 votes they need to quash Republican-led filibusters against Obamacare, Reid has introduced his 400 page amendment this morning. You can read the huge amendment here [pdf].

To accomplish the six votes necessary to rush the unpopular Obamacare bill through the Senate by Christmas, Reid finds it necessary to vote on it in the dead of the night. It does not matter to the Democrats that they promised the bill would be available for 72 hours before a vote. Nor does it bother the Democrats that the we are still waiting to see the CBO's cost  estimate for this bill.

Obamaism: Worse than socialism.

Dems schedule unpopular Obamacare vote for dead of night

The Senate version of the Democrats' so-called health care reform is so unpopular,  Nevada's Harry Reid finds it necessary to vote on it at 1:00 a.m.

David M. Herszenhorn reports the Democrats must conduct six votes to pass their Obamacare -- one of the crown jewels of Obamaism:

• 1 a.m. MONDAY – To end debate on “a manager’s package” that includes all the latest changes to the bill. 60 votes required.
• 7 a.m. TUESDAY – To approve the manager’s package. Simple majority required. 
• Also TUESDAY – To end debate on Mr. Reid’s original health care proposal, as amended by the manager’s package. 60 votes required.
• 1 p.m. WEDNESDAY – To approve Mr. Reid’s original proposal. Simple majority required. 
• Also WEDNESDAY – To end debate on the finalized health care legislation. 60 votes required. 
• 7 p.m. THURSDAY, Christmas Eve (or anytime after the prior vote if all senators agree) – To approve the final bill. Simple majority required. 

The legislation the Democrats are rushing through the Senate has yet to be revealed, so vote the Democrats scheduled for the middle of the night will come less than 40 hours after it is made available -- well short of the 72 hours Democrats promised the bill would be available before any vote:

The Senator mentioned, I note, having in mind the managers' amendment, which he has not seen and, frankly, this Senator has not seen either. I have some ideas what is in it, but I have not seen it myself. I think as a practical matter this will be available for 72 hours, as the Senator suggests. Why do I say that? I say that because it is my expectation that Senator Reid's managers' amendment will be filed very quickly, maybe in a day or two [emphasis added]. (Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), Congressional Record, S.13289, 12/16/09)

What are the Democrats trying to hide?

House retirement watch

Interest in the recent spat of Democrat retirements from the House of Representatives has highlighted interest in a House Retirement Watch. So far, 23 members of the House -- 11 Democrats and 12 Republicans, have announced plans to leave the House by the January 3, 2011 end of the 111th Congress:

DEMOCRATS 

1. Neil Abercrombie (HI) Resigning to run for governor of Hawaii.
2. Brian Baird (WA) Retiring.
3. Artur Davis (AL) Running for governor of Alabama.
4. Bart Gordon (TN) Retiring.
5. Paul Hodes (NH) Running for U.S. Senate.
6. Kendrick Meek (FL) Running for U.S. Senate.
7. Charlie Melancon (LA) Running for U.S. Senate.
8. Dennis Moore (KS) Retiring.
9. Joe Sestak (PA) Running for U.S. Senate.
10. John Tanner (TN) Retiring.
11. Robert Wexler (FL) Resigning effective in January of 2010. There will be a special election to replace Wexler on April 13, 2010.

REPUBLICANS

1. Gresham Barrett (SC) Running for governor of South Carolina.
2. Roy Blunt (MO) Running for U.S. Senate.
3. Mike Castle (DE) Running for U.S. Senate.
4. Nathan Deal (GA) Running for governor of Georgia. 
5. Mary Fallin (OK) Running for governor of Oklahoma.
6. Jim Gerlach (PA) Running for governor of Pennsylvania.
7. Pete Hoekstra (MI) Running for governor of Michigan.
8. Mark Kirk (IL) Running for U.S. Senate.
9. Jerry Moran (KS) Running for U.S. Senate.
10. Adam Putnam (FL) Running for agriculture commissioner of Florida.
11. Todd Tiahrt (KS) Running for U.S. Senate.
12. Zach Wamp (TN) Running for governor of Tennessee.

We will do our best to keep the House Retirement Watch updated as we learn about additional House departures.

From Right Side Politics.

Obama approval in free fall - reaches minus 19

Rasmussen reports Sunday's Obama's Presidential Approval Index, fell to -19. Only yesterday, we noted Obama's approval index fell to -16.

There is no good news, but lots of bad news, for Obama in the collapse of his approval numbers:

• Among those who consider fiscal policy issues the most important, only 1% Strongly Approve and 81% Strongly Disapprove.

• Among those who consider the economy to be the most important issue, just 26% Strongly Approve of the President’s performance while 39% Strongly Disapprove.

• Among young voters Obama’s Approval Index rating is -2.

• Among senior citizens Obama's Approval Index rating is -29.

• Obama's 23% Strongly Approve matches the lowest level of Obama enthusiasm yet recorded.

• Only 41% of Democrats and 21% of Independents now Strongly Approve of Obama.

Yesterday's numbers were also nothing but bad news for Obama:

• Obama's falling popularity is partly the result of declining enthusiasm among Democrats - only 43% of whom strongly approved of Obama's performance.

• Only 36% of all voters believe that the Obama is doing a good or an excellent job handling the economy, while 45% rate his economic performance  as poor.

• On national security matters, only 39% rate the Obama's performance as good or excellent while, 36% say poor.

Rasmussen's Presidential Approval Index is calculated by subtracting the number who Strongly Disapprove from the number who Strongly Approve. Rasmussen's presidential job approval ratings are based upon a sample of likely voters, rather than samples of all adults. Obama’s numbers are always several points higher in a poll of adults rather than likely voters because some of Obama's most enthusiastic supporters, such as young adults, are less likely to turn out to vote.

It's not just Rasmussen that finds Obama has lost support, a week ago even CNN found Obama's job approval rating fell 48%, confirming similar results from Gallup, Quinnipiac, and Hawkeye a week earlier.

Obama approval index falls to -16

Rasmussen reports Saturday's Obama's Presidential Approval Index, fell to -16. Yet another record low for Obama.

Only 25% of the nation's voters still Strongly Approve of the way Obama is performing his role as President. Obama's falling popularity is partly the result of declining enthusiasm among Democrats - only 43% of whom now strongly approve of Obama's performance.

Only 36% of all voters believe that the Obama is doing a good or an excellent job handling the economy, while 45% rate his economic performance  as poor.

On national security matters, only 39% rate the Obama's performance as good or excellent while, 36% say poor.

Rasmussen Reports presidential job approval ratings are based upon a sample of likely voters, rather than samples of all adults. Obama’s numbers are always several points higher in a poll of adults rather than likely voters because some of Obama's most enthusiastic supporters, such as young adults, are less likely to turn out to vote.

It's not just Rasmussen, a week ago even CNN found Obama's job approval rating fell 48%, confirming
similar results from Gallup, Quinnipiac, and Hawkeye a week earlier.

Happy Hanukkah

Hanukkah began at sundown and continues for 8 days.

Paul Greenberg explains Hanukkah's heritage of hope. Writing in the Washington Times in December 2003, Greenberg asks what does this eight-day celebration celebrate? His answer, Hanukkah isn’t about ancient military victories, Hanukkah celebrates miracles and hope.

The central metaphor of all religious belief — revealing light — now blots out all the imperial intrigues and internecine warfare. And that may be the greatest miracle of Hanukkah: the transformation of that oldest and darkest of human activities, war, into a feast of illumination.

The historical message changes from age to age. The past we choose to remember may be the best reflection of any present.

But if there is one constant message associated with this holiday, it can be found in the weekly portion of the Prophets chosen to be read on the Jewish Sabbath. And over the centuries, the scripture for the Sabbath of Hanukkah has remained unchanged: Zechariah 4:1-7, with its penultimate verse:

"Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts."

Happy Hanukkah!

Rob Simmons remains Dodd's toughest opponent

Rasmussen finds former GOP Congressman Rob Simmons is still Dodd's toughest opponent, leading Dodd by 13% -- 48% to 35%.
 
The newest candidate in the race, Linda McMahon -- the ex-CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, also leads Dodd 44% to 38%. But Dodd is now so unpopular, even "long-shot" candidate Peter Shiff, president of Euro Pacific Capital, leads Dodd -- 40% to 39%.

What is most notable about the Rasmussen poll is McMahon’s high disapproval rating. More voters have a very unfavorable opinion of McMahon. While Simmons is seen very favorably by 12% and very unfavorably by 8%, McMahon's very favorables total 14% and her very unfavorables are 17%. These findings comes on the heels of McMahon’s expensive promotional advertising campaign conducted in the absence of any other candidate advertising. Rasmussen considers the number of people with strong opinions more significant than the total favorable/unfavorable numbers "at this point in a campaign."

This is a big problem for McMahon and evidence that a major block of voters is already predisposed against her. The recent string of negative news stories about her will only feed that sentiment.

Amanda Carpenter reports that under McMahon's tenure, the WWE signed porn actresses, such as Jillian Beyor and Candice Michelle, and featured other "divas" like Torrie Wilson in sexy WWE scenarios. During one match, available on YouTube, Miss Wilson strips off her skimpy bikini to reveal an even skimpier, nude-toned bikini and caresses and kisses another female wrestler.

In addition to its porn star divas, the WWE now targets 6-14 year olds in a youth initiative, which offers youngsters "age-appropriate content." The initiative is so successful it reaches more than 2.6 million young fans each week.

Matt Lewis reports that some Dodd loyalists believe a McMahon nomination may be the key to Dodd's salvation:

Dodd and the Democrats would try to use her involvement in the seedy business of pro-wrestling against her ... In addition, it is likely that some social conservatives who would be turned off by McMahon – and decide stay home in a general election.

According to Erika Lovley at Politico, an angry group of famous pro wrestlers who once worked for McMahon are now attacking her:

The fact that we were out there experiencing trauma and drawing in untold millions for the company [means] we should have at least had some sort of health insurance.

[. . .]

The issue is of no small concern for the former athletes, a number of whom are battling debilitating injuries or ailments related to their careers in the ring. As independent contractors, pro wrestlers are not offered health insurance or pensions from WWE, according to several of the former stars and industry experts.

Lorie Byrd covered the attacks from high profile, successful former members of the WWE, an organization McMahon led but does not mention by name in her campaign ads or brochures:

A week ago, Jesse Ventura spoke out against the WWE calling it "a joke" and "still in the stone age" due to pro wrestlers not having any form of organized union protection.

Last week, in a Miami Herald report about his autobiography, Bruno Sammartino strongly criticized the organization Linda McMahon led on various grounds including the rising use of drugs, vulgarity and scantily clad women.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), which landed in hot water for endorsing Florida Gov. Charlie Crist for 2010 over former state House Speaker Marco Rubio, and seeming to back Carly Fiorina over Chuck Devore in California, has not endorsed anyone in the Connecticut race.

But, McMahon is meeting with GOP leaders in Washington, D.C., this week. McMahon claims the meetings are not intended to seek endorsements, but after the Crist and Fiorina episodes one has to wonder.

Perhaps some of McMahon's past political behavior and positions will dissuade the NRSC from pulling another Crist or Fiorina with McMahon:

• In 2006, McMahon donated money to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, when it defeated two Connecticut Republican congressmen.

• McMahon told the Washington Post's The Fix, she would have supported the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and didn't have a clear answer on whether she would have voted for the Bush tax cuts.

• Asked about the Obama Administration's decision to try 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammad in a New York federal court rather than a military court in the Gitmo terrorist detention facility, McMahon hedged her bets, noting New York "has certainly tried other terrorists before."

• McMahon would not rule out running as an Independent if she did not get the Republican nomination in remarks before the Connecticut Union of College Republicans, at Fairfield University. McMahon's Spokesperson subsequently said McMahon will stick with the GOP.

On taxcuts, an issue that should be no brainier for any Republican seeking high public office, McMahon failed to even articulate a position. On other important issues, her positions left much to be desired. Hopefully, McMahon's campaign not-ready-for-prime time campaign will be enough to keep the NRSC from endorsing McMahon and let the Connecticut Republican voters pick the nominee to defeat Dodd.

 

Boston Globe falsely claims Koch Industries astroturffed Obamacare protests

Over the weekend, the Boston Globe ran an op-ed falsely stating that David Koch, co-owner and an executive vice president of Koch Industries, is behind a lot of the Obamacare protests.

The author of the Globe's hatchet job, Lee Fang, is on a crusade against David Koch, writing hit pieces going after Koch time, after time, after time. As part America's radical left funded by wealthy left-wing political activists like George Soros, Fang simply cannot accept that the Obamacare protesters constitute a true grassroots movement of regular people upset by President Obama and his Democrats attempt to pass a government takeover of health care.

There is a big problem with the Globe's shot at Koch, which is framed as an attack on Koch's art donations. The Globe failed to fact check this hit piece. There is no mention that Koch has denied giving money to support the Obamacare protests:

Not every issue focused on by AFP or AFP Foundation receives support from Koch Industries or a Koch foundation. For example, neither Koch companies, the Koch foundations, Charles Koch or David Koch have contributed funds to AFP's and AFP Foundation's efforts on the health care issue, which have included town-hall meetings and citizen rallies around the country [emphasis added].

Americans for Prosperity and the Americans for Prosperity Foundation are legally separate organizations with two separate governing boards. AFP Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) organization, focuses on citizen education about economic policy and the roles outlined for the federal government in the U.S. Constitution. AFP, a 501(c)(4) entity, focuses on citizen advocacy. Koch foundations provide no funding to AFP.

It is unconscionable that the Globe's attack on Koch did not include the denial. The author was aware Koch denies supporting the tea party protests. Koch's denial was included and discussed in an update to Fang's hit piece published at Think Progress on September 9, 2009. Nevertheless, the denial was unprofessionally ignored in the Globe's hatchet job. The omission of the denial violates the Globe's ethics policy, which includes this duty to paper's audience:

16. As journalists we treat our readers as fairly and openly as possible. We tell our audience the complete, unvarnished truth as best we can learn it. We correct our errors explicitly as soon as we become aware of them....

Not even the Globe, nor Fang, can consider the withholding the Koch denial to be telling their audience the "complete, unvarnished  truth."

Sadly, we have come to expect the left to smear the good name and works of people they disagree with. Too bad they no longer seem able to engage in civil debate. Still, is it really too much to expect a little fact checking from the Boston Globe.