DAPAC Endorses Two Progressives in Open and Winnable Districts
This week, DAPAC made its first endorsements for the 2008 Congressional election. We are happy to announce our endorsement of Mary Jo Kilroy in Ohio's 15th district, and John Laesch in Illinois' 14th.
DAPAC endorsed Kilroy in 2004 when she narrowly lost the election by just 1,055 votes. The district is trending Democratic and the incumbent, Deborah Pryce, has announced she will not be seeking another term. This leaves the seat wide open for Mary Jo Kilroy to win.
John Laesch was also a 2004 DAPAC candidate, but lost the election to veteran Republican Dennis Hastert, who is not seeking reelection in 2008. Laesch is already running an aggressive campaign for this open seat, and hopes to use his experience as a military veteran and intelligence analyst in Congress.
Both candidates have pledged to support progressive causes once elected, such as pro-choice legislation, ending the Iraq War, supporting publicly funded universal healthcare, gay and lesbian rights, environmental protection, working families rights, and many others.
Financial Crisis Illustrates Republican Failings
News of financial difficulties continue to grow, and this week Freddie Mac, the second largest buyer of home mortgages in the country, reported a 45% decrease in profits for the second quarter of this year. This is especially telling because Freddie Mac buys what are considered high quality mortgages, illustrating that defaults are spreading beyond the subprime market. The subprime market continues to be a major focus of the financial discussion though, especially as mortgage companies like Countrywide have been exposed for granting mortgages that were largely designed to fail.
Overall, the credit crisis shows that the deregulation of business that Republicans have been pushing for years has failed to protect Americans. Representative Barney Frank, the chairman of the House Financial Service Committee, stated, “The financial markets have outgrown the current regulatory systems, and we need to do something about it.” The best way to do this is to gain back Democratic control of the White House, and increase Democratic power in Congress. DAPAC's candidates will fight to guard against big business abuse and protect all Americans. In fact, we screen candidates for endorsement on this basis – we ensure that our candidates will support loan restructuring programs to help avoid foreclosures, and will support legislation to end predatory lending practices.
This Week's Polls
The most recent presidential polling data from Gallup shows that Americans continue to prefer Hillary Clinton on the Democratic side, and Rudy Giuliani for the Republican nominee. First, Gallup asked Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents about their presidential preference. Here are the results:
Clinton: 48%
Obama: 25%
Edwards: 13%
Kucinich: 2%
Richardson: 2%
Dodd: 1%
Biden: 1%
None/no opinion: 6%
Among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, the results were as follows:
Giuliani: 32%
Thompson: 19%
Romney: 14%
McCain: 11%
Huckabee: 4%
Paul: 3%
Hunter: 2%
Hagel: 1%
Brownback: 1%
Tancredo: 1%
Other: 1%
None/no opinion: 11%
Friday, August 31, 2007
Scandals and Rats
In the last three years political appointees have fled the White House at an increasingly quickening pace. After the August one-two punch of Rove and Gonzales it seems appropriate to take a stroll down memory lane. These departures fall into two categories. The former being those who left under political pressure and disgrace, and the latter being those who, to use an overused simile, fled like rats from a sinking ship.
2004, Colin Powell: The former Secretary of State was disgraced in the international community by using false intelligence that connected Iraq to nuclear weapons and to Al Qaeda. His testimony was one of the main reasons Congress and the American public allowed the Iraq War to begin. Since then he has become increasingly critical of the Bush administration, especially concerning conduct of troops and the horrific treatment of detainees in Iraq and Guantanamo.
2004, John Ashcroft: Bush's first Attorney General, Ashcroft was a religious zealot and dangerously anti-abortion. His appointment was a reward to the religious right for their support in his 2000 victory. In addition, Ashcroft was a key supporter of the controversial Patriot Act, and the horrific treatment of detainees in American prisons such as Abu Ghraib. A highly controversial figure, Ashcroft would have likely faced Congressional hearings if he had remained in office.
2005, I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby: The Chief of Staff to Vice-President Dick Cheney, and former Bush aide, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for perjury and obstruction of justice. Libby lied about his involvement in the 2003 leak of information about CIA agent Valerie Plame to a New York Times journalist. Plame's husband, Joe Wilson, was a critic of the Iraq war and the move was seen as retaliation for his critique. Bush later pardoned Libby, angering the majority of Americans.
2006, Andrew Card: Card had served Bush for over a decade when he resigned. He was the aide seen informing a bewildered and puzzled President about the 9/11 attacks during a visit to an elementary school. Card resigned his position as White House Chief of Staff after becoming disillusioned with the Iraq war, fearing it would become another Vietnam, which, coincidentally enough, Bush just compared it to.
2006, Donald Rumsfeld: The former Secretary of Defense, Rumsfeld was the mastermind behind the "shock and awe" strategy in the Iraq War. He was also Bush's most prominent ally in his war on terror. Following the Democratic victory in both houses of Congress and the failing Iraq War Rumsfeld felt it was a good time for him to resign.
2006, John Bolton: Bush used political trickery to appoint Bolton as the US envoy to the UN by doing so during a Congressional recess. He did this because Bolton was such a controversial figure that Democrats swore they would not allow his confirmation. Prior to his nomination, Bolton said there was "no such thing" as the UN and called the US the world's "only real power." Accused on numerous occasions of bullying his subordinates and abusing power, he stepped down once Democrats regained control of Congress, dashing any hopes of making his temporary appointment permanent.
2007, Harriet Miers: Bush's failed appointment to the US Supreme Court, Miers was viewed as widely unqualified for the position. She has served as Bush's senior legal counsel and was likely involved in the firing of nine US attorneys that Congress is currently investigating. She has failed to show up in Congress to answer questions regarding these firings, even under subpoena orders, and has resigned in disgrace.
2007, Paul Wolfowitz: A key architect of neoconservatism, Wolfowitz was one of the key supporters of the invasion of Iraq. He was appointed as President of the World Bank in 2005. In June he was forced to step down over awarding a huge pay-raise and promotion to his girlfriend, who just happened to be a former World Bank employee.
2007, Dan Bartlett: Bartlett first worked for Bush on his 1994 gubernatorial campaign. Rising through the ranks to become President Bush's communications director, Bartlett, resigned to spend more time with his family, or, in other words, to distance himself from a failing presidency. Bartlett is only 36 and has a long career ahead of him that he does not want to jeopardize by tarnishing his image by staying loyal to Bush until the end.
2007, Karl Rove: “Bush's brain,” or “Turd blossom,” Rove has been one of the most controversial people in Bush's long list of controversial appointments. As Deputy Chief of Staff he has been involved in many political scandals including, but not limited to, the outing of Valerie Plame, firing of the US attorneys, and using federal money, time, and resources to campaign. The totality of the scandals he is involved with in conjunction with his massive failure in the 2006 Congressional campaign left him with little choice but to retire, disgraced.
2007, Alberto Gonzales: Gonzales has been the Attorney General since 2005 and is the most recent appointee to leave in disgrace. A controversial figure for many reasons, including his authorization to use torture to interrogate prisoners, Gonzales has most recently become involved in a Congressional showdown over the firing of nine US attorneys. Calls for his resignation have been echoing through Congress for months and he has finally given in.
To sum up: in the last three years 11 major Bush appointees have resigned. Those that left in disgrace were Powell, Ashcroft, Libby, Rumsfeld, Bolton, Miers, Wolfowitz, Rove, and Gonzales. All nine of these people were involved in controversial decisions, or directly involved in a major scandal. The rats fleeing the sinking ship were Card, Bartlett, and it is too good an opportunity to pass on comparing Karl Rove to a rat as well, so let's include him.
2004, Colin Powell: The former Secretary of State was disgraced in the international community by using false intelligence that connected Iraq to nuclear weapons and to Al Qaeda. His testimony was one of the main reasons Congress and the American public allowed the Iraq War to begin. Since then he has become increasingly critical of the Bush administration, especially concerning conduct of troops and the horrific treatment of detainees in Iraq and Guantanamo.
2004, John Ashcroft: Bush's first Attorney General, Ashcroft was a religious zealot and dangerously anti-abortion. His appointment was a reward to the religious right for their support in his 2000 victory. In addition, Ashcroft was a key supporter of the controversial Patriot Act, and the horrific treatment of detainees in American prisons such as Abu Ghraib. A highly controversial figure, Ashcroft would have likely faced Congressional hearings if he had remained in office.
2005, I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby: The Chief of Staff to Vice-President Dick Cheney, and former Bush aide, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for perjury and obstruction of justice. Libby lied about his involvement in the 2003 leak of information about CIA agent Valerie Plame to a New York Times journalist. Plame's husband, Joe Wilson, was a critic of the Iraq war and the move was seen as retaliation for his critique. Bush later pardoned Libby, angering the majority of Americans.
2006, Andrew Card: Card had served Bush for over a decade when he resigned. He was the aide seen informing a bewildered and puzzled President about the 9/11 attacks during a visit to an elementary school. Card resigned his position as White House Chief of Staff after becoming disillusioned with the Iraq war, fearing it would become another Vietnam, which, coincidentally enough, Bush just compared it to.
2006, Donald Rumsfeld: The former Secretary of Defense, Rumsfeld was the mastermind behind the "shock and awe" strategy in the Iraq War. He was also Bush's most prominent ally in his war on terror. Following the Democratic victory in both houses of Congress and the failing Iraq War Rumsfeld felt it was a good time for him to resign.
2006, John Bolton: Bush used political trickery to appoint Bolton as the US envoy to the UN by doing so during a Congressional recess. He did this because Bolton was such a controversial figure that Democrats swore they would not allow his confirmation. Prior to his nomination, Bolton said there was "no such thing" as the UN and called the US the world's "only real power." Accused on numerous occasions of bullying his subordinates and abusing power, he stepped down once Democrats regained control of Congress, dashing any hopes of making his temporary appointment permanent.
2007, Harriet Miers: Bush's failed appointment to the US Supreme Court, Miers was viewed as widely unqualified for the position. She has served as Bush's senior legal counsel and was likely involved in the firing of nine US attorneys that Congress is currently investigating. She has failed to show up in Congress to answer questions regarding these firings, even under subpoena orders, and has resigned in disgrace.
2007, Paul Wolfowitz: A key architect of neoconservatism, Wolfowitz was one of the key supporters of the invasion of Iraq. He was appointed as President of the World Bank in 2005. In June he was forced to step down over awarding a huge pay-raise and promotion to his girlfriend, who just happened to be a former World Bank employee.
2007, Dan Bartlett: Bartlett first worked for Bush on his 1994 gubernatorial campaign. Rising through the ranks to become President Bush's communications director, Bartlett, resigned to spend more time with his family, or, in other words, to distance himself from a failing presidency. Bartlett is only 36 and has a long career ahead of him that he does not want to jeopardize by tarnishing his image by staying loyal to Bush until the end.
2007, Karl Rove: “Bush's brain,” or “Turd blossom,” Rove has been one of the most controversial people in Bush's long list of controversial appointments. As Deputy Chief of Staff he has been involved in many political scandals including, but not limited to, the outing of Valerie Plame, firing of the US attorneys, and using federal money, time, and resources to campaign. The totality of the scandals he is involved with in conjunction with his massive failure in the 2006 Congressional campaign left him with little choice but to retire, disgraced.
2007, Alberto Gonzales: Gonzales has been the Attorney General since 2005 and is the most recent appointee to leave in disgrace. A controversial figure for many reasons, including his authorization to use torture to interrogate prisoners, Gonzales has most recently become involved in a Congressional showdown over the firing of nine US attorneys. Calls for his resignation have been echoing through Congress for months and he has finally given in.
To sum up: in the last three years 11 major Bush appointees have resigned. Those that left in disgrace were Powell, Ashcroft, Libby, Rumsfeld, Bolton, Miers, Wolfowitz, Rove, and Gonzales. All nine of these people were involved in controversial decisions, or directly involved in a major scandal. The rats fleeing the sinking ship were Card, Bartlett, and it is too good an opportunity to pass on comparing Karl Rove to a rat as well, so let's include him.
Weekly Update (8/24/07)
Bush Uses Faulty Logic Again to Defend Iraq Plans
This week in a speech at the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) convention, President Bush compared the Vietnam War to the war in Iraq in explaining why US troops should not be withdrawn from Iraq. His comments, which come after he has rejected such comparisons for years, drew criticism from many Democrats. Senator John Kerry stated, “Invoking the tragedy of Vietnam to defend the failed policy in Iraq is as irresponsible as it is ignorant of the realities of both of those wars.”
Bush argued that when US troops left Vietnam millions of innocent citizens in the region were killed, and he linked the withdrawal of troops to the massive number of Vietnamese refugees and to genocide in Cambodia. The situation in Iraq and the greater Middle East could be similar, Bush argued, or even worse because the enemy would follow us home.
In truth, Bush should have been more responsive to Vietnam parallels much earlier. As David Gergen, advisor to four previous presidents stated, “By invoking Vietnam he raised the question, 'If you learned so much from history, how did you ever get us involved in another quagmire?'” Most see Vietnam and Iraq as similar because both were wars that the US should not have gotten into, and that proved to be major strategic mistakes. Using Vietnam, a war where over 58,000 Americans were killed, not to mention the aftereffects of the war on countless others, to advocate for more military action is unfathomable. Actually, the number of Americans killed would be a better indicator that the time to end the Iraq war is now.
In the same speech, Bush also continued to argue that the surge in Iraq is working, and claimed that he, “made a decision to send more troops into Iraq to provide enough security for reconciliation to have a time to take place.”
Bush Seeks to Limit Child Healthcare Coverage
The Bush administration is continuing to fight the expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and this week it set new standards which will make it much more difficult for states to extend coverage. Bush sees the program as a threat to the private insurance industry, and his priorities could jeopardize coverage for thousands. Bush has proposed that before states can expand benefits to children above 250% of the poverty level, they must have a 95% participation rate for children in the state below 200% of the poverty level. Health officials are outraged, saying that no states have this type of enrollment rate, and that such restrictions would make healthcare expansion basically impossible.
This Week's Polls
As Karl Rove leaves the White House, Gallup looked this week at how successful he had been at achieving what he had set out to do years ago: creating a long-lasting GOP majority. The findings show that today the Republican party is at a low point across America.
First, the number of Americans who identify themselves as Republicans is at the lowest point that it has been during Bush's presidency. Currently, 29% identify as Republicans, 33% as Democrats, and 37% as independents. The favorability rating of the GOP is also at one of its lowest points. Of those polled, 36% had a favorable opinion of the Republican party, while 56% had an unfavorable opinion; for the Democratic party, 51% were favorable and 41% were unfavorable. Additionally, Bush's approval ratings are continually low, and all of these factors seem to point to Rove's failure to meet his goal.
This week in a speech at the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) convention, President Bush compared the Vietnam War to the war in Iraq in explaining why US troops should not be withdrawn from Iraq. His comments, which come after he has rejected such comparisons for years, drew criticism from many Democrats. Senator John Kerry stated, “Invoking the tragedy of Vietnam to defend the failed policy in Iraq is as irresponsible as it is ignorant of the realities of both of those wars.”
Bush argued that when US troops left Vietnam millions of innocent citizens in the region were killed, and he linked the withdrawal of troops to the massive number of Vietnamese refugees and to genocide in Cambodia. The situation in Iraq and the greater Middle East could be similar, Bush argued, or even worse because the enemy would follow us home.
In truth, Bush should have been more responsive to Vietnam parallels much earlier. As David Gergen, advisor to four previous presidents stated, “By invoking Vietnam he raised the question, 'If you learned so much from history, how did you ever get us involved in another quagmire?'” Most see Vietnam and Iraq as similar because both were wars that the US should not have gotten into, and that proved to be major strategic mistakes. Using Vietnam, a war where over 58,000 Americans were killed, not to mention the aftereffects of the war on countless others, to advocate for more military action is unfathomable. Actually, the number of Americans killed would be a better indicator that the time to end the Iraq war is now.
In the same speech, Bush also continued to argue that the surge in Iraq is working, and claimed that he, “made a decision to send more troops into Iraq to provide enough security for reconciliation to have a time to take place.”
Bush Seeks to Limit Child Healthcare Coverage
The Bush administration is continuing to fight the expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and this week it set new standards which will make it much more difficult for states to extend coverage. Bush sees the program as a threat to the private insurance industry, and his priorities could jeopardize coverage for thousands. Bush has proposed that before states can expand benefits to children above 250% of the poverty level, they must have a 95% participation rate for children in the state below 200% of the poverty level. Health officials are outraged, saying that no states have this type of enrollment rate, and that such restrictions would make healthcare expansion basically impossible.
This Week's Polls
As Karl Rove leaves the White House, Gallup looked this week at how successful he had been at achieving what he had set out to do years ago: creating a long-lasting GOP majority. The findings show that today the Republican party is at a low point across America.
First, the number of Americans who identify themselves as Republicans is at the lowest point that it has been during Bush's presidency. Currently, 29% identify as Republicans, 33% as Democrats, and 37% as independents. The favorability rating of the GOP is also at one of its lowest points. Of those polled, 36% had a favorable opinion of the Republican party, while 56% had an unfavorable opinion; for the Democratic party, 51% were favorable and 41% were unfavorable. Additionally, Bush's approval ratings are continually low, and all of these factors seem to point to Rove's failure to meet his goal.
Weekly Update (8/17/07)
GOP Retirements Leave Openings for Progressive Democrats
This week, exciting announcements revealed that Republicans will not run for reelection in two districts that DAPAC has targeted for 2008. First, Dennis Hastert, former Speaker of the House, announced that he will retire from his seat in Illinois' 14th district. There are already strong Democratic candidates running in the district, and this announcement should only make their chances for election stronger.
It has also been reported that Deborah Pryce, the Republican from Ohio's 15th district and the former Chairwoman of the Republican Conference, will retire in 2008. Pryce won by a very slim margin in 2006, barely defeating DAPAC-endorsed Mary Jo Kilroy. Kilroy is already working on her 2008 campaign, and is a strong progressive candidate. Running for an open seat, Democrats in both districts now have a very good chance at being elected.
Karl Rove to Leave the White House
Another prominent Republican announced his more immediate resignation this week. Karl Rove, Bush's closest advisor, will leave his post as Deputy White House Chief of Staff at the end of August. Rove has been widely cited as the political mastermind behind Bush's victories, as well as successful 2004 congressional Republican campaigns, but his 2006 attempts were seen as failures when the Democrats took back both houses. In the past months, Rove has been under scrutiny related to the CIA leak involving Valerie Plame and the firing of US attorneys. The official announcement of his resignation explained that Rove would spend more time with his family, but what is truly next for him remains to be seen.
Increased Army Suicides – Yet Another Reason to End the War
On Thursday, the US Army reported that 99 soldiers committed suicide in 2006, which is the highest number of suicides since the Gulf War in 1991. Almost one-third of last year's suicides occurred in military zones, and overall the number of suicides increased 15% from 2005. Additionally, there have been 44 suicides already this year.
The Army cites failed relationships, legal and financial problems, and “occupational/operational” issues for the increased number of suicide, but many are pointing to additional studies that show increased mental health problems within the military with the ongoing war in Iraq. The military has also been accused of not providing adequate mental healthcare resources to the men and women serving our country. With the stress that soldiers are under after multiple and extended deployments, it is no wonder that increased numbers are reaching desperation. It is clearly time to bring our troops home and away from immediate danger, and also time to make their healthcare a top priority.
This Week's Polls
This week, Gallup released a report detailing Americans' top financial concerns. When asked, “What is the most important financial problem facing your family today?” the top answer was healthcare costs. The cost of healthcare was the top concern for all groups when the results were divided into three income brackets, while other concerns varied with income levels. Overall, the most common responses were:
Healthcare costs: 19%
Lack of money/low wages : 15%
Cost of owning/renting home : 8%
Energy Costs/oil and gas prices :8%
Too much debt/not enough: 7%
money to pay debts
This week, exciting announcements revealed that Republicans will not run for reelection in two districts that DAPAC has targeted for 2008. First, Dennis Hastert, former Speaker of the House, announced that he will retire from his seat in Illinois' 14th district. There are already strong Democratic candidates running in the district, and this announcement should only make their chances for election stronger.
It has also been reported that Deborah Pryce, the Republican from Ohio's 15th district and the former Chairwoman of the Republican Conference, will retire in 2008. Pryce won by a very slim margin in 2006, barely defeating DAPAC-endorsed Mary Jo Kilroy. Kilroy is already working on her 2008 campaign, and is a strong progressive candidate. Running for an open seat, Democrats in both districts now have a very good chance at being elected.
Karl Rove to Leave the White House
Another prominent Republican announced his more immediate resignation this week. Karl Rove, Bush's closest advisor, will leave his post as Deputy White House Chief of Staff at the end of August. Rove has been widely cited as the political mastermind behind Bush's victories, as well as successful 2004 congressional Republican campaigns, but his 2006 attempts were seen as failures when the Democrats took back both houses. In the past months, Rove has been under scrutiny related to the CIA leak involving Valerie Plame and the firing of US attorneys. The official announcement of his resignation explained that Rove would spend more time with his family, but what is truly next for him remains to be seen.
Increased Army Suicides – Yet Another Reason to End the War
On Thursday, the US Army reported that 99 soldiers committed suicide in 2006, which is the highest number of suicides since the Gulf War in 1991. Almost one-third of last year's suicides occurred in military zones, and overall the number of suicides increased 15% from 2005. Additionally, there have been 44 suicides already this year.
The Army cites failed relationships, legal and financial problems, and “occupational/operational” issues for the increased number of suicide, but many are pointing to additional studies that show increased mental health problems within the military with the ongoing war in Iraq. The military has also been accused of not providing adequate mental healthcare resources to the men and women serving our country. With the stress that soldiers are under after multiple and extended deployments, it is no wonder that increased numbers are reaching desperation. It is clearly time to bring our troops home and away from immediate danger, and also time to make their healthcare a top priority.
This Week's Polls
This week, Gallup released a report detailing Americans' top financial concerns. When asked, “What is the most important financial problem facing your family today?” the top answer was healthcare costs. The cost of healthcare was the top concern for all groups when the results were divided into three income brackets, while other concerns varied with income levels. Overall, the most common responses were:
Healthcare costs: 19%
Lack of money/low wages : 15%
Cost of owning/renting home : 8%
Energy Costs/oil and gas prices :8%
Too much debt/not enough: 7%
money to pay debts
Karl Rove's New Job: Gravedigger
Karl Rove finally joins the growing list of Bush staffers to unexpectedly leave the White House. His stated reason for leaving is that he wishes to spend more time with his family. This possibility is too mundane, banal, and cliché for someone of Rove's character.
More cynical people believe that Karl Rove is retreating from the current Congressional hearings regarding the firing of US attorneys, the Valerie Plame scandal, and other charges. Bush can therefore avoid a constitutional showdown with Congress about executive privilege, and if Rove is found guilty of any wrongdoing Bush may pardon Rove, as he did with Libby. This possibility is too far-fetched, even for the Bush administration.
The optimistic believe that Rove is retiring from political life because of his massive failure with the 2006 Congressional election. Rove had stated that the GOP would retain majorities in both houses of Congress, and he was the architect behind many of the failed Republican reelection campaigns. This possibility is unlikely because it would mean that Rove would be admitting his own fallibility.
The skeptical believe that Rove will reenter politics for the 2008 election, helping either the Republican presidential candidate or trying to swing Congress back to the GOP by focusing on a variation of his leaked 2008 targeted districts (A list that confirms much of DAPAC's own independent research on our 2008 targeted districts). This possibility is also unlikely because of Rove's humiliation in the 2006 election.
Many predict Rove is leaving to write his memoirs, casting himself as a favorable force in American politics amidst recent controversy. Rove has always been a student of American history and cares deeply about both his and President Bush's lasting place in American politics: their legacies. He will, no doubt, want to reshape their standings in posterity against the constant bashing they are receiving, and extraordinarily low approval ratings. However, his efforts will not be aimed at changing current public opinion but will be targeted at the future, when historians sort out what the Bush presidency's lasting effects were. This possibility for Rove's future is the most probable outcome.
My suggestion is that Karl Rove recruit former Attorney General Donald Rumsfeld and both of them should become gravediggers at American soldiers' funerals in order to come face to face with what their legacies meant to thousands of American families. This possibility would only happen if people were truly held accountable for their actions and forced to confront the consequences, or in other words, it's not going to happen.
More cynical people believe that Karl Rove is retreating from the current Congressional hearings regarding the firing of US attorneys, the Valerie Plame scandal, and other charges. Bush can therefore avoid a constitutional showdown with Congress about executive privilege, and if Rove is found guilty of any wrongdoing Bush may pardon Rove, as he did with Libby. This possibility is too far-fetched, even for the Bush administration.
The optimistic believe that Rove is retiring from political life because of his massive failure with the 2006 Congressional election. Rove had stated that the GOP would retain majorities in both houses of Congress, and he was the architect behind many of the failed Republican reelection campaigns. This possibility is unlikely because it would mean that Rove would be admitting his own fallibility.
The skeptical believe that Rove will reenter politics for the 2008 election, helping either the Republican presidential candidate or trying to swing Congress back to the GOP by focusing on a variation of his leaked 2008 targeted districts (A list that confirms much of DAPAC's own independent research on our 2008 targeted districts). This possibility is also unlikely because of Rove's humiliation in the 2006 election.
Many predict Rove is leaving to write his memoirs, casting himself as a favorable force in American politics amidst recent controversy. Rove has always been a student of American history and cares deeply about both his and President Bush's lasting place in American politics: their legacies. He will, no doubt, want to reshape their standings in posterity against the constant bashing they are receiving, and extraordinarily low approval ratings. However, his efforts will not be aimed at changing current public opinion but will be targeted at the future, when historians sort out what the Bush presidency's lasting effects were. This possibility for Rove's future is the most probable outcome.
My suggestion is that Karl Rove recruit former Attorney General Donald Rumsfeld and both of them should become gravediggers at American soldiers' funerals in order to come face to face with what their legacies meant to thousands of American families. This possibility would only happen if people were truly held accountable for their actions and forced to confront the consequences, or in other words, it's not going to happen.
Weekly Update (8/10/07)
Right-Wing Democrats Help Bush Pass Surveillance Bill
It is a huge disappointment to report that this week the so-called “Protect America Act” was passed into law. This bill will expand the National Security Agency's (NSA) ability to eavesdrop, without warrants, on phone calls and email with foreign parties. This bill is not even limited to individuals suspected of terrorism, and is clearly a threat to our civil liberties and the freedoms established by the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution. This act in effect legalizes the wiretapping that the NSA, under the Bush administration, had been questioned for doing.
The Democrats who capitulated to Bush and voted for this bill are a disgrace to their party. In all, 16 Democratic Senators and 41 Democrats in the House helped Bush pass this law. All of DAPAC's endorsed members of Congress voted against this act. When we help elect more progressive members of Congress in the future, dangerous bills like this will not become law, and American liberties will be protected.
Democrats and Republicans Debate
The Presidential race continues to be in full swing, with both parties engaging in debates this past week. The Democrats participated in a debate sponsored by the AFL-CIO in Chicago, where key issues included union loyalty, support of big business, and opinions on NAFTA. With all of the candidates touting their support for unions and labor, the AFL-CIO has put off endorsing any candidate for the time being.
Foreign policy was another major point of debate, especially in the wake of Senator Obama's remarks that he would consider sending American troops to Pakistan if the Pakistani government did not fight terrorists on its own.
Obama drew criticism from some of his fellow Democrats, but fired back by saying it was ironic that those criticizing him “helped authorize and engineer the biggest foreign policy disaster in our generation.” Obama's statements were also attacked during a Republican debate held on Sunday morning. Republicans also debated abortion, especially how loyal each has been to the anti-choice cause. Rudy Giuliani skirted the issue, but on his website waffles on choice, supporting restrictions, and avoids taking a strong stance by proclaiming he wants to lower the number of abortions. Giuliani also takes credit for lowering crime in New York when crime rates went down by the same proportion in cities across the country. Third, he touts his tough stance on terror, although on his watch the World Trade Center was attacked and destroyed a second time.
This Week's Polls:
Americans Want Bridges Fixed:
In a Gallup poll released Tuesday, Americans stated their views on the bridge disaster in Minneapolis. A majority (57%) feel that the event is an indication that the nation's transportation system has serious problems, while 37% view it as an isolated incident. To remedy the situation, 70% of those polled want Congress to spend more than $100 billion to repair the nation's bridges, while only 22% oppose such spending.
Voters Name Top Issues: In a New York Times/CBS News poll published this week, Americans ranked the issues that will be most important to them when they vote in the coming election. Of those that said they would vote in the Democratic primary or caucus, the three most important issues were Iraq, health care, and the economy/jobs. Of Republicans, the most important issues were terrorism/national security, immigration, and Iraq.
It is a huge disappointment to report that this week the so-called “Protect America Act” was passed into law. This bill will expand the National Security Agency's (NSA) ability to eavesdrop, without warrants, on phone calls and email with foreign parties. This bill is not even limited to individuals suspected of terrorism, and is clearly a threat to our civil liberties and the freedoms established by the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution. This act in effect legalizes the wiretapping that the NSA, under the Bush administration, had been questioned for doing.
The Democrats who capitulated to Bush and voted for this bill are a disgrace to their party. In all, 16 Democratic Senators and 41 Democrats in the House helped Bush pass this law. All of DAPAC's endorsed members of Congress voted against this act. When we help elect more progressive members of Congress in the future, dangerous bills like this will not become law, and American liberties will be protected.
Democrats and Republicans Debate
The Presidential race continues to be in full swing, with both parties engaging in debates this past week. The Democrats participated in a debate sponsored by the AFL-CIO in Chicago, where key issues included union loyalty, support of big business, and opinions on NAFTA. With all of the candidates touting their support for unions and labor, the AFL-CIO has put off endorsing any candidate for the time being.
Foreign policy was another major point of debate, especially in the wake of Senator Obama's remarks that he would consider sending American troops to Pakistan if the Pakistani government did not fight terrorists on its own.
Obama drew criticism from some of his fellow Democrats, but fired back by saying it was ironic that those criticizing him “helped authorize and engineer the biggest foreign policy disaster in our generation.” Obama's statements were also attacked during a Republican debate held on Sunday morning. Republicans also debated abortion, especially how loyal each has been to the anti-choice cause. Rudy Giuliani skirted the issue, but on his website waffles on choice, supporting restrictions, and avoids taking a strong stance by proclaiming he wants to lower the number of abortions. Giuliani also takes credit for lowering crime in New York when crime rates went down by the same proportion in cities across the country. Third, he touts his tough stance on terror, although on his watch the World Trade Center was attacked and destroyed a second time.
This Week's Polls:
Americans Want Bridges Fixed:
In a Gallup poll released Tuesday, Americans stated their views on the bridge disaster in Minneapolis. A majority (57%) feel that the event is an indication that the nation's transportation system has serious problems, while 37% view it as an isolated incident. To remedy the situation, 70% of those polled want Congress to spend more than $100 billion to repair the nation's bridges, while only 22% oppose such spending.
Voters Name Top Issues: In a New York Times/CBS News poll published this week, Americans ranked the issues that will be most important to them when they vote in the coming election. Of those that said they would vote in the Democratic primary or caucus, the three most important issues were Iraq, health care, and the economy/jobs. Of Republicans, the most important issues were terrorism/national security, immigration, and Iraq.
Protect America?
This weekend Congress approved, and Bush signed into law, S 1927, known as the Protect America Act. President Bush had urged Congress to pass this legislation. In an effort to appear tough on terrorism, and in the name of protecting America, Congress passed this Orwellian titled bill.
In fact, this new law does anything but protect America and Americans; it further erodes our civil liberties, giving police-state powers to the Executive branch and the Attorney General. The Protect America Act broadly expands the government's authority to eavesdrop on phone calls and e-mail messages without issuing warrants. Consequently, this new law legalizes the controversial and secretive National Security Agency program that so many had called into question once it became public information, and grants even more power to embattled Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
In the face of this development DAPAC can claim a small victory by stating that none of our endorsed members of Congress voted in favor of this legislation, while 9 of the newly elected Democratic freshmen supported it, clearly proving that DAPAC-endorsed candidates are far more progressive than the average Democrat.
If your representatives voted for this legislation let them know how upset you are about it. Check by clicking here. These cowardly Democrats who supported this anti-freedom bill must be held accountable for their actions.
In fact, this new law does anything but protect America and Americans; it further erodes our civil liberties, giving police-state powers to the Executive branch and the Attorney General. The Protect America Act broadly expands the government's authority to eavesdrop on phone calls and e-mail messages without issuing warrants. Consequently, this new law legalizes the controversial and secretive National Security Agency program that so many had called into question once it became public information, and grants even more power to embattled Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
In the face of this development DAPAC can claim a small victory by stating that none of our endorsed members of Congress voted in favor of this legislation, while 9 of the newly elected Democratic freshmen supported it, clearly proving that DAPAC-endorsed candidates are far more progressive than the average Democrat.
If your representatives voted for this legislation let them know how upset you are about it. Check by clicking here. These cowardly Democrats who supported this anti-freedom bill must be held accountable for their actions.
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