1) Americans are primarily concerned with the economy and job creation over reducing budget deficits.
2) Programs like Social Security, Medicare, education and job training are more popular among voters than cutting spending to reduce deficits.
3) A progressive tax policy that increases taxes on the wealthy is seen as acceptable by many voters.
2012 C A S H Case - Presidential ElectionTyrone Scott
This document provides an overview of the major issues in the 2012 U.S. presidential election between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney. It focuses on the economy, healthcare, debt and spending, taxes, and other domestic and foreign policy issues. The economy, and particularly unemployment, will likely be the dominant issue due to the slow recovery from the financial crisis. President Obama will be judged on his handling of the economy while Governor Romney argues his policies have failed. Other major issues include the Affordable Care Act, government spending and debt, and differing approaches to taxes and immigration between the candidates.
Annie Williams - Real Estate Market Trends - Oct/Nov 2013Jon Weaver
The real estate market in San Francisco remains very challenging for buyers, with the median home price rising 29.4% year-over-year in September. Mortgage rates have fallen to low levels but government shutdown is causing processing delays. Condo prices rose 7.1% year-over-year in September while sales were down slightly. Foreclosures decreased from a year ago with fewer properties owned by banks.
Americans are growing increasingly pessimistic about the state of the economy as unemployment remains high and consumer confidence declines. While reducing the budget deficit is viewed as important, there is no consensus on how best to achieve this. Opinions of President Obama's handling of the economy have weakened, with more Americans now trusting Republicans to do a better job on economic issues.
Public opinion landscape the economy - sept 8GloverParkGroup
Americans are growing increasingly pessimistic about the economy according to recent polls. While not blaming Obama directly for the current conditions, voters are frustrated that his policies have not improved the economy or led to more job growth. Obama's approval ratings have reached their lowest levels, driven by dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy and budget deficit. There is debate around how best to lower the deficit, with Americans wanting action but differing on whether spending cuts or tax increases on high earners are preferable.
1) Americans are primarily concerned with the economy and job creation over reducing budget deficits.
2) Programs like Social Security, Medicare, education and job training are more popular among voters than cutting spending to reduce deficits.
3) A progressive tax policy that increases taxes on the wealthy is seen as acceptable by many voters.
2012 C A S H Case - Presidential ElectionTyrone Scott
This document provides an overview of the major issues in the 2012 U.S. presidential election between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney. It focuses on the economy, healthcare, debt and spending, taxes, and other domestic and foreign policy issues. The economy, and particularly unemployment, will likely be the dominant issue due to the slow recovery from the financial crisis. President Obama will be judged on his handling of the economy while Governor Romney argues his policies have failed. Other major issues include the Affordable Care Act, government spending and debt, and differing approaches to taxes and immigration between the candidates.
Annie Williams - Real Estate Market Trends - Oct/Nov 2013Jon Weaver
The real estate market in San Francisco remains very challenging for buyers, with the median home price rising 29.4% year-over-year in September. Mortgage rates have fallen to low levels but government shutdown is causing processing delays. Condo prices rose 7.1% year-over-year in September while sales were down slightly. Foreclosures decreased from a year ago with fewer properties owned by banks.
Americans are growing increasingly pessimistic about the state of the economy as unemployment remains high and consumer confidence declines. While reducing the budget deficit is viewed as important, there is no consensus on how best to achieve this. Opinions of President Obama's handling of the economy have weakened, with more Americans now trusting Republicans to do a better job on economic issues.
Public opinion landscape the economy - sept 8GloverParkGroup
Americans are growing increasingly pessimistic about the economy according to recent polls. While not blaming Obama directly for the current conditions, voters are frustrated that his policies have not improved the economy or led to more job growth. Obama's approval ratings have reached their lowest levels, driven by dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy and budget deficit. There is debate around how best to lower the deficit, with Americans wanting action but differing on whether spending cuts or tax increases on high earners are preferable.
The article discusses how the once steady rise in immigrant entrepreneurship in the US has stalled in recent years, threatening economic recovery. Data from 2006-2012 shows the proportion of new companies founded by immigrants has declined slightly, and the decline is more pronounced in Silicon Valley. Stricter immigration laws are making it harder for immigrants to start businesses in the US, prompting some to return home after schooling. This could slow job growth and innovation as immigrant founders start less companies in the US. Economists are concerned this trend may continue without immigration reform to support high-skilled immigrant entrepreneurs.
The Robb Fleischer’s Real Estate Report – Local Market Trends San Francisco includes monthly updates regarding mortgage rates, market statistics, sales momentum, pricing momentum, trends at a glance, foreclosure statistics and more.
The Robb Fleischer’s Real Estate Report – Local Market Trends San Francisco includes monthly updates regarding mortgage rates, market statistics, sales momentum, pricing momentum, trends at a glance, foreclosure statistics and more.
International affairs deck version b - august 2011GloverParkGroup
This document provides an overview of public opinion in the United States and globally on international affairs issues in 2011, finding that most Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction and disapprove of President Obama's handling of the economy, while Kenyans and Japanese hold the most favorable views of the United States and American people according to global surveys. It also examines attitudes among Muslim Americans, finding that a majority reject extremism and are Democrats who are more satisfied with the country than the general public.
Case-Shiller Report Slowing Price Increases - Real Estate Report October/Nove...AMSI, San Francisco
The Robb Fleischer’s Real Estate Report – Local Market Trends San Francisco includes montly updates regarding mortgage rates, market statistics, sales momentum, pricing momentums, trends at a glance, foreclosure statistics and more.
This document summarizes recent trends in the US housing market, including interest rates, home prices, foreclosures, and short sales. It notes that interest rates have been kept artificially low by government intervention but are expected to rise in the coming years. Home prices nationally are projected to continue declining in 2010 before hitting bottom, and foreclosure and delinquency rates remain elevated. Short sales are increasingly seen as an alternative to foreclosure for distressed homeowners and the government has created incentives for short sales through programs like HAFA.
The document discusses Republican US Senate candidate Linda Lingle's alignment with the US Chamber of Commerce, which has been a harsh critic of President Obama and supporter of Republican candidates. The Chamber has endorsed Lingle and spent over $500,000 on her campaign. Both Lingle and the Chamber oppose major Obama priorities like the Buffett Rule, healthcare reform, and support privatizing Social Security. However, Lingle has avoided stating her position on the Republican Ryan budget.
The document is a report on the top state issues of 2015 according to reporters who cover state legislatures. Education, healthcare, budgets/taxes, and transportation/infrastructure were among the most prevalent issues discussed. Reporters cited budgets/taxes as the number one issue in 12 states and among the top five issues in 35 states. Education issues, dominated by funding questions, were also very common. Many states are struggling with tight budgets in the aftermath of the recession and are looking for ways to increase revenue through taxes or programs like marijuana legalization.
10 debate questions for president obama and mitt romneyannakrasna90
The document provides 10 potential debate questions for President Obama and Mitt Romney at their upcoming presidential debate. For President Obama, some of the questions focus on whether the 2009 stimulus package should have been larger, whether he overestimated his ability to unite Washington, why he hasn't done more to help with home foreclosures, how he can promise to protect entitlements when he's been open to changes, and why he hasn't shown more leadership on gun control. The questions are designed to get the candidates to address issues they have struggled with or to square past positions with current stances.
The Robb Fleischer’s Real Estate Report – Local Market Trends San Francisco includes monthly updates regarding mortgage rates, market statistics, sales momentum, pricing momentum, trends at a glance, foreclosure statistics and more.
The document provides an agenda for a class on writing news leads. It includes a quiz reviewing writing leads, with examples of leads written in both present and future tense. It also provides a scenario about allegations against the mayor of Valhalla, NY for misusing public funds during extramarital affairs. Students will review their writing leads individually and rewrite an earlier assignment. Finally, the class will watch a real newscast for examples of writing and delivery.
Government Shutdown to Put Brakes on Market - The Real Estate Report October/...AMSI, San Francisco
The Real Estate Report October/November, local market trends San Francisco: "Government Shutdown to Put Brakes on Market" by AMSI's Real Estate Broker Robb Fleischer
Median Home Price Stays Over $1MM - July/August Real Estate ReportAMSI, San Francisco
The San Francisco real estate market remains extremely strong. The median home price has stayed over $1 million for 15 of the past 17 months and homes are selling quickly within 26 days on average. In June, the median home price increased 8.5% year-over-year while home sales were up 11.6% from the previous June. The condo market also saw year-over-year growth, with the median price up 12.8% and sales gaining 1.9% from May. Inventory remains low contributing to high prices and competitive bidding situations.
Glosario de términos de Access por Salome Viteri salo_vite
Este documento describe los conceptos básicos de una base de datos de Access, incluyendo campos (datos con características específicas organizados en columnas), registros (conjuntos de información de campos), identificadores primarios (valores únicos para cada registro), tablas (conjuntos de información sobre temas específicos), e informes (elementos para dar formato, imprimir y resumir datos de tablas).
Dissertação de mestrado intitulada "Percepção dos alunos sobre uma própria (des)motivação: estudo comparativo em turmas intensiva e extensiva de graduação em Letras Língua Inglesa".
Este documento ofrece una variedad de productos para autos como faros delanteros y posteriores, luces LED, cintas LED, alternadores y arranques. La empresa se diferencia por precios bajos y alta calidad al importar estos productos directamente.
El documento describe una escuela femenina en España. La escuela tiene una visión de formar a las estudiantes académica, social y valóricamente. Cuenta con instalaciones como biblioteca, laboratorios y canchas deportivas. Atiende a 731 estudiantes en total distribuidas en 4 cursos descritos.
The article discusses how the once steady rise in immigrant entrepreneurship in the US has stalled in recent years, threatening economic recovery. Data from 2006-2012 shows the proportion of new companies founded by immigrants has declined slightly, and the decline is more pronounced in Silicon Valley. Stricter immigration laws are making it harder for immigrants to start businesses in the US, prompting some to return home after schooling. This could slow job growth and innovation as immigrant founders start less companies in the US. Economists are concerned this trend may continue without immigration reform to support high-skilled immigrant entrepreneurs.
The Robb Fleischer’s Real Estate Report – Local Market Trends San Francisco includes monthly updates regarding mortgage rates, market statistics, sales momentum, pricing momentum, trends at a glance, foreclosure statistics and more.
The Robb Fleischer’s Real Estate Report – Local Market Trends San Francisco includes monthly updates regarding mortgage rates, market statistics, sales momentum, pricing momentum, trends at a glance, foreclosure statistics and more.
International affairs deck version b - august 2011GloverParkGroup
This document provides an overview of public opinion in the United States and globally on international affairs issues in 2011, finding that most Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction and disapprove of President Obama's handling of the economy, while Kenyans and Japanese hold the most favorable views of the United States and American people according to global surveys. It also examines attitudes among Muslim Americans, finding that a majority reject extremism and are Democrats who are more satisfied with the country than the general public.
Case-Shiller Report Slowing Price Increases - Real Estate Report October/Nove...AMSI, San Francisco
The Robb Fleischer’s Real Estate Report – Local Market Trends San Francisco includes montly updates regarding mortgage rates, market statistics, sales momentum, pricing momentums, trends at a glance, foreclosure statistics and more.
This document summarizes recent trends in the US housing market, including interest rates, home prices, foreclosures, and short sales. It notes that interest rates have been kept artificially low by government intervention but are expected to rise in the coming years. Home prices nationally are projected to continue declining in 2010 before hitting bottom, and foreclosure and delinquency rates remain elevated. Short sales are increasingly seen as an alternative to foreclosure for distressed homeowners and the government has created incentives for short sales through programs like HAFA.
The document discusses Republican US Senate candidate Linda Lingle's alignment with the US Chamber of Commerce, which has been a harsh critic of President Obama and supporter of Republican candidates. The Chamber has endorsed Lingle and spent over $500,000 on her campaign. Both Lingle and the Chamber oppose major Obama priorities like the Buffett Rule, healthcare reform, and support privatizing Social Security. However, Lingle has avoided stating her position on the Republican Ryan budget.
The document is a report on the top state issues of 2015 according to reporters who cover state legislatures. Education, healthcare, budgets/taxes, and transportation/infrastructure were among the most prevalent issues discussed. Reporters cited budgets/taxes as the number one issue in 12 states and among the top five issues in 35 states. Education issues, dominated by funding questions, were also very common. Many states are struggling with tight budgets in the aftermath of the recession and are looking for ways to increase revenue through taxes or programs like marijuana legalization.
10 debate questions for president obama and mitt romneyannakrasna90
The document provides 10 potential debate questions for President Obama and Mitt Romney at their upcoming presidential debate. For President Obama, some of the questions focus on whether the 2009 stimulus package should have been larger, whether he overestimated his ability to unite Washington, why he hasn't done more to help with home foreclosures, how he can promise to protect entitlements when he's been open to changes, and why he hasn't shown more leadership on gun control. The questions are designed to get the candidates to address issues they have struggled with or to square past positions with current stances.
The Robb Fleischer’s Real Estate Report – Local Market Trends San Francisco includes monthly updates regarding mortgage rates, market statistics, sales momentum, pricing momentum, trends at a glance, foreclosure statistics and more.
The document provides an agenda for a class on writing news leads. It includes a quiz reviewing writing leads, with examples of leads written in both present and future tense. It also provides a scenario about allegations against the mayor of Valhalla, NY for misusing public funds during extramarital affairs. Students will review their writing leads individually and rewrite an earlier assignment. Finally, the class will watch a real newscast for examples of writing and delivery.
Government Shutdown to Put Brakes on Market - The Real Estate Report October/...AMSI, San Francisco
The Real Estate Report October/November, local market trends San Francisco: "Government Shutdown to Put Brakes on Market" by AMSI's Real Estate Broker Robb Fleischer
Median Home Price Stays Over $1MM - July/August Real Estate ReportAMSI, San Francisco
The San Francisco real estate market remains extremely strong. The median home price has stayed over $1 million for 15 of the past 17 months and homes are selling quickly within 26 days on average. In June, the median home price increased 8.5% year-over-year while home sales were up 11.6% from the previous June. The condo market also saw year-over-year growth, with the median price up 12.8% and sales gaining 1.9% from May. Inventory remains low contributing to high prices and competitive bidding situations.
Glosario de términos de Access por Salome Viteri salo_vite
Este documento describe los conceptos básicos de una base de datos de Access, incluyendo campos (datos con características específicas organizados en columnas), registros (conjuntos de información de campos), identificadores primarios (valores únicos para cada registro), tablas (conjuntos de información sobre temas específicos), e informes (elementos para dar formato, imprimir y resumir datos de tablas).
Dissertação de mestrado intitulada "Percepção dos alunos sobre uma própria (des)motivação: estudo comparativo em turmas intensiva e extensiva de graduação em Letras Língua Inglesa".
Este documento ofrece una variedad de productos para autos como faros delanteros y posteriores, luces LED, cintas LED, alternadores y arranques. La empresa se diferencia por precios bajos y alta calidad al importar estos productos directamente.
El documento describe una escuela femenina en España. La escuela tiene una visión de formar a las estudiantes académica, social y valóricamente. Cuenta con instalaciones como biblioteca, laboratorios y canchas deportivas. Atiende a 731 estudiantes en total distribuidas en 4 cursos descritos.
This kindergarten lesson plan aims to teach students to recognize and draw five basic shapes - rectangles, squares, circles, triangles, and octagons. Over the course of the week, the teacher will introduce one shape per day using a PowerPoint presentation, have students draw the shape and discuss where they see it in everyday life. The goal is for students to master recognition of the five shapes through a test at the end of the week with 100% accuracy.
El documento habla sobre los recursos digitales y las herramientas digitales. Los recursos digitales facilitan el almacenamiento y organización de grandes cantidades de datos. Las herramientas digitales se definen como la capacidad de usar el conocimiento y las destrezas relacionadas al desarrollo de elementos y procesos. Algunas ventajas son que nos permiten agilizar el trabajo y facilitar el intercambio de ideas, mientras que algunas desventajas son que no son completamente seguras y pueden conducir a una adicción o exponer información perturb
AquaGreen es un nuevo producto desarrollado por Perú Legal Corporation para ayudar al medio ambiente al condensar el vapor de agua del ambiente después del baño y reutilizar el agua. El producto tiene como objetivo promover un estilo de vida más sostenible alentando el ahorro de agua y dinero.
Este documento discute la importancia de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) en la educación infantil. Ofrece pautas para un uso apropiado de las TIC, incluyendo que las aplicaciones deben ser educativas, fomentar la colaboración, integrar el juego, dar control al niño y ser intuitivas. También señala que es importante la participación de los padres y que las aplicaciones no deben ser violentas o estereotipadas.
Verbs 1 15- teles- zona 18- rio bvo- v.hso- eus.Eliud Uresti
The document is a list of the name "Teacher Enrique Bonilla" repeated multiple times with the date "12/7/2013" below each repetition. It provides the name of the teacher Enrique Bonilla and indicates he was involved in an activity of some kind on 12/7/2013, but does not provide any other context or details.
El documento presenta un informe sobre el ensamble y mantenimiento de computadores. Describe los componentes hardware seleccionados para el ensamble de una PC, incluyendo el procesador Intel Core i5-4440, la placa madre Intel Desktop DQ87PG, 4GB de memoria RAM Samsung DDR3, y un disco duro WD Green de 500GB. El informe concluye que se han integrado los conocimientos sobre los dispositivos necesarios para ensamblar una computadora funcional de acuerdo a las especificaciones requeridas.
O documento apresenta uma série de padrões matemáticos interessantes e faz uma analogia entre esses padrões e conceitos como trabalho duro, conhecimento, atitude e amor de Deus. Ele argumenta que enquanto trabalho duro e conhecimento levam a pessoa a 98% e 96%, respectivamente, atitude leva a 100% e amor de Deus leva a 101%, que é o topo.
The document outlines a webquest activity for a group of students taking on roles at a newspaper during World War II. They must choose one of four topics to research and write an article about: women in the workforce, the Holocaust, the internment of Japanese Americans, or the atomic bombs. Group roles will include an editor, writer, and researcher. They will collaborate to write an accurate and well-organized article on a timely basis and present it along with a cover photo to their reader. Upon completion, they will receive group feedback on their work.
El documento discute varios temas relacionados con la dieta y la salud, incluyendo las dietas frecuentemente cambiantes, los riesgos de ganar y perder peso, y los factores internos y externos que influyen en los hábitos alimenticios. También aborda temas como los trastornos alimenticios como la anorexia y la bulimia, sus causas y tratamientos.
The State of the Union and The 2012 Presidential ElectionPatton Boggs LLP
The document discusses President Obama's 2012 State of the Union address and the upcoming presidential election. It provides context on the historically unproductive 112th Congress and challenges facing Obama's reelection campaign due to the economy. While the economy shows signs of improvement, unemployment remains high, posing difficulties for Obama similar to those Reagan faced in 1982. However, Obama may follow the models of Clinton in 1996 and Bush in 2004 by focusing on his base and small issues to bolster his candidacy.
The document discusses the potential policy outlook and market implications following the 2016 US elections. It summarizes that the presidential election and Senate control are too close to call, but Republicans will likely maintain House control. Regardless of election outcomes, tax and trade reform are likely in 2017 due to pressure from central banks. A negotiated bipartisan deal on tax cuts and infrastructure spending could boost GDP growth.
Rand Paul gave a speech at UC Berkeley criticizing the CIA for potentially spying on Congress. He said the CIA director's denials of wrongdoing are not reassuring. Meanwhile, legislation in Kentucky would allow Paul to run for reelection to the Senate and for president simultaneously in 2016. Paul also said President Obama should be more concerned about abuses of domestic spying given the history of spying on civil rights leaders.
Republicans gained control of the Senate in the 2014 midterm elections, giving the GOP majority control of both houses of Congress for the first time in Obama's presidency. Obama and the new Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, pledged to work together to advance bipartisan legislation, though warned there would still be disagreements that could lead to veto showdowns. Key issues that may see compromise include trade deals and infrastructure spending, while immigration and repealing parts of the Affordable Care Act face more opposition between the two parties. The shift in power dynamic means Obama will have less ability to advance his agenda for his last two years as president.
Dissection 1As technology continues to develop and advance, we are.docxlefrancoishazlett
The document discusses how media outlets cover political issues differently based on their audiences and biases. It analyzes coverage of issues like immigration, healthcare, and military spending under the new presidential administration. While some issues like immigration receive extensive coverage, others like infrastructure receive little. The coverage of these policies also varies between more liberal and conservative outlets. There is a lack of agreement within the administration and between federal and state governments on objectives, making successful policy implementation difficult according to criteria discussed in the Pal text.
The document discusses how the United States has become a socialist republic through incremental changes over the past century that have established a strong social welfare system. It argues that while Americans support these social programs, the country cannot afford the costs of these programs given demographics like declining birth rates. The system needs reform to control costs, like reducing future benefit increases, or these programs risks becoming unsustainable and benefits being reduced drastically.
The document provides information and rules for entering a contest to win tickets to Super Bowl XLIII. It states that entering the contest is easy and involves picking the team that will have the most passing yards, rushing yards, and return yards each week. The contest closes on January 10, 2009. Some legal restrictions apply to entering and winning is dependent on the number of eligible entries received.
The document summarizes Robert Reich's view that Charles and David Koch, along with other wealthy billionaires, are undermining American democracy through their vast political spending. While the Koch brothers have a right to their wealth and views, their use of money to influence rules and laws to fit their politics is compromising the political system. Along with other billionaire donors, the Kochs are creating super PACs and political groups to fund candidates and sway elections, making politicians beholden to them over ordinary citizens. This new political reality threatens to turn America into an oligarchy controlled by a few wealthy elites if left unaddressed.
The document discusses the recent debt ceiling battle in the United States. It summarizes that:
The debt ceiling issue was temporarily resolved by postponing negotiations until 2014. However, the underlying political divisions remain, as the Tea Party faction continues pushing for minimal government spending while being responsive to their constituents. Future budget battles are likely as political gamesmanship continues for re-election purposes. Investors should prepare for periodic market volatility around coming budget deadlines but remain calm, as politicians will ultimately compromise to avoid economic catastrophe.
The Washington Post's Coverage of the Financial Crisisagrand905
The document summarizes The Washington Post's coverage of the financial crisis from 2004-2008. It discusses how the Post provided early warnings of the housing bubble and recession. It also covers the Post's analysis of the crisis's impact on Wall Street, Main Street, government policy responses, and key events like the use of TARP funds to bail out automakers. The document examines the Post's balanced and fact-based approach to explaining the complex financial issues facing the economy.
The Post provides comprehensive coverage of the financial crisis through its location in Washington D.C. and partnerships with other major news organizations. It analyzes the crisis from its early signs in 2004 through the present day recovery. During the crisis, it covered the effects on markets, housing, jobs and Main Street. It also closely tracked government policies and debates around regulating Wall Street and aiding struggling industries. In the post-crisis period, it has reported on the challenges of economic recovery and how growth has not benefitted all workers.
This document contains contact information for various elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels who represent the area that includes Florence, Oregon. It lists the names, addresses, phone numbers, and websites for President Obama, Governor Kate Brown, US Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, US Representative Peter DeFazio, State Senator Arnie Roblan, State Representative Caddy McKeown, and West Lane County Commissioner Jay Bozievich. It also provides information about subscriptions and deadlines for the Siuslaw News newspaper.
This summary provides an overview of Timothy Noah's book "The Great Divergence: America's growing inequality crisis and what we can do about it":
- Noah argues that long-term trends in factors like immigration, education, outsourcing, and government policies have contributed to growing income inequality in the U.S. over the past 30 years.
- He claims Republican-led government policies, such as tax cuts that disproportionately benefit the wealthy, have exacerbated inequality. However, some of Noah's arguments lack proper citations.
- Noah also links the rise of corporate lobbying to inequality, though his analysis of this is more impressionistic than comprehensive.
- The chapter on the decline of labor
1. Paul Ryan, Statesman or Sellout?
Scott Applewhite, File/AP Photo
By RICK KLEIN ( @rickklein )
Just about everything you need to know about the position and predicament of the Republican Party
is laid bare by the reaction to the budget deal cut by House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan.
The hero/heartthrob of fiscal conservatives - the author of principled budgets, a numbers guru and a
rising star, the policy heart of a disappointing presidential ticket - is being pilloried for caving to
Democrats and catering to the establishment, at a moment that Republicans feel stronger than at
any time in the last 13 months.
That makes him a sellout. Unless he's a statesman.
From Paul's perspective - and he's got the backing of House leadership, if not top Senate
Republicans - this is the price of fiscal peace. The unexpected image of Ryan and Senate Budget
Chair Patty Murray announcing a joint agreement breaks a bad cycle for Democrats and President
Obama, but it also forecloses the possibility of a disastrous repeat of the early fall for Republicans.
Lurking behind this week's floor debate is this question: With new tea party challengers still popping
up by the day, does the Republican Party feel equipped to let spending fights dominate the winter
and spring - and beyond?
As for Ryan's own role and prospects, this is the equivalent of him raising his hand on that long-ago
GOP debate stage, with the famous question about who would accept a budget deal that's 10-1 in
Republicans' favor. (And here's betting that Ryan will be alone in this among 2016ers, as he would
have been if he'd actually been on that stage to raise his hand at the time.)
As the deal hits, FIVE new national polls hit the news cycle, all with President Obama well
2. underwater on job approval. (More on them below.)
The numbers aren't too dissimilar, but they provide alternate reads on political realities nonetheless.
Yes, the president is at a weak point - hardly a time for Republican concessions, under one line of
thinking. But he's sitting where he is because of the focus on the botched rollout of Obamacare - the
kind of focus that risks getting lost if January and February are consumed by budget showdowns.
Fret not - Wednesday brings its dose of Obamacare, too, with HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius back
on Capitol Hill answering questions for the first time in more than a month.
NOTABLES
TWO YEARS OF PEACE - IF IT PASSES. "A modest deal, but given what we have seen over the past
two years, this is what counts as a major breakthrough in Washington," ABC's JONATHAN KARL
reported on "Good Morning America." INSIDE THE DEAL : "A bipartisan budget agreement reached
tonight by House and Senate negotiators would avoid a government shutdown in January and help
break a fiscal stalemate that has caused gridlock in Washington, but it would stop far short of
tackling the underlying causes of the national debt," ABC's JEFF ZELENY and ARLETTE SAENZ
report. "The deal would raise military and domestic spending over the next two years, while avoiding
the continuation of deep across-the-board spending cuts. Taxes will not go up under the plan, which
will be paid for by raising fees on some airline tickets. "While modest in scope, the compromise
represents the first budget agreement in two years. It could pave the way to a broader debate to
deal with the root causes of the national debt, the rising costs of entitlement programs like Social
Security and Medicare." http://abcn.ws/IP7fpI House Budget Chairman PAUL RYAN : "In divided
government, you don't always get what we want. That said we can still make progress to our goals."
http://abcn.ws/IP7fpI PRESIDENT OBAMA , in a written statement: "This agreement doesn't include
everything I'd like - and I know many Republicans feel the same way. That's the nature of
compromise. But it's a good sign that Democrats and Republicans in Congress were able to come
together and break the cycle of short-sighted, crisis-driven decision-making to get this done." SEN.
MARCO RUBIO (and will other 2016ers be far behind?): "The American people should not be asked
to choose between a strong military and responsible budgets that encourage job creation and reduce
debt. They deserve better than this." READ BETWEEN THE LINES . Senate Minority Leader Mitch
McConnell: "I have said in the past I remain convinced that the Budget Control Act has done what it
was supposed to do." http://bit.ly/1e4Zs5T WHAT THE RIGHT'S RESPONDING TO . "The deal, which
goes to the House and Senate for approval in the coming days, marks a major change in the
landmark 2011 budget-cutting law, which set in motion 10 years of fiscal austerity, including across-
the-board spending cuts known as sequestration. The annual discretionary spending target will be
raised to $1.012 trillion in 2014 and $1.014 trillion in 2015 under the accord," THE WALL STREET
JOURNAL's JANET HOOK reports. http://on.wsj.com/18BfvAz ' REMAKING THE PARTY.' Not
everyone thinks forgoing new showdowns is a good thing. "The dynamics have changed since
September when Ted Cruz stood up and made the case against Obamacare," Madison Project
political director Drew Ryun told me and YAHOO! NEWS' OLIVIER KNOX, in the latest episode of
our "Top Line" Power Players series. "If you guys as Republicans are not going to fight when the
stage is set, then it's time for us as Republicans to go back and gradually begin remaking the party."
http://yhoo.it/1cAELeM GET YOUR SCORECARDS. "FreedomWorks is planning to oppose the deal 'in
its current reported form,' while Heritage Action and CATO have also announced their disapproval of
the agreement," reports TIME's ALEX ROGERS. http://ti.me/1jMLpSq TIM PHILLIPS , Americans for
Prosperity: "This budget compromise is not just bad policy, it is bad politics. ... The American people
remember hard-won bipartisan spending limits set by the sequester, and are not pleased to see their
conservative representatives so easily go back on their word to rein in government over-spending."
PILING ON RYAN. "That's the problem with Paul Ryan. In his run of the mill voting record, there is
3. no question Paul Ryan is a conservative. It's just he sees fit to lose his conservative bona fides when
high profile votes are on the line," writes REDSTATE's ERICK ERICKSON. "So his friends can cast
aspersions on those who suggest he might not be what he appears while he goes on to prove he is
not what he appears to be in these big votes." http://bit.ly/1gZ3WbO BEHIND HIS PLAY. "In
abandoning his years-long quest to re-imagine American society and settling for a bipartisan deal,
the Wisconsin Republican took the first steps to emerge as a House power center - a Republican
willing to take baby steps to curb the nation's trillions in debt, normalize the budget process and
protect a Pentagon pilloried by cuts," POLITICO's JAKE SHERMAN writes. http://politi.co/18lN0fe
POLLING LINES . The presidential approval/disapproval split in those five new polls, in descending
order of how likely it is to be cited by a Democrat: QUINNIPIAC: 38 -57 - a new low in their polling
for Obama's approval rating. WHY PASSAGE IS LIKELY. "Democrats acknowledged that checks are
likely to be cut off at the end of the month for more than a million people, potentially undercutting
the strengthening economic recovery," THE WASHINGTON POST's LORI MONTGOMERY writes.
"But the agreement could provide an offsetting boost to the economy by returning a degree of
normalcy to the Washington budget process and restoring confidence in the ability of Republicans
and Democrats to work together after years of destabilizing strife." http://wapo.st/1hMdJVD
WHAT WE'RE WATCHING
MORE FROM 'TOP LINE,' with the Madison Project's Drew Ryun. "Big punches" will be thrown
within the GOP as groups like his gear up for primary challenges in the 2014 elections against
Republicans who they view as not conservative enough, Ryun told us. "I think the 2014 primary cycle
is going to be unlike anything that we've seen," he said. "This is going to be the equivalent of a bar
room brawl." More: "I think it's going to come down to a battle of tactics," Ryun said. "They're going
to have more money; we're going to have more people. And, basically, who employs the best tactics
is going to come out on top of these primaries." http://yhoo.it/1cAELeM
VIRAL VIDEO . Rep. Ann Kuster, D-N.H., is getting Internet famous for a clip where she's asked a
question about Benghazi. She begins her answer, incorrectly, by telling the audience that the
measure is being crafted in the Senate so she doesn't want to get into a discussion about it, ABC's
JOHN PARKINSON reports. "Um, I don't have - uh, it's a Senate, I think ahhh," she stammers. "I
don't think we have anything about that in the House." Pressed for an answer, Kuster says the forum
should stay focused on the Middle East. "Well, I'm certainly not here to talk about it," Kuster
answers. "We're here to talk about the Middle East." Then, several people in the audience exclaim,
"Benghazi is in the Middle East!" http://abcn.ws/1hL2z3r
SEN. LISA MURKOWSKI , R-Alaska, takes a stroll to work in the "snow." http://bit.ly/1e53FGs
BUZZ
PREVIEWING WEDNESDAY'S HILL EVENT. "Kathleen Sebelius isn't going anywhere - but the White
House isn't exactly pulling out all the stops to defend her work. That's the reality of Sebelius's
uncomfortable status as she returns to the Hill on Wednesday to catch more arrows over
Obamacare," POLITICO's DAVID NATHER reports. http://politi.co/1goyGFD
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS. From the House Energy and Commerce Committee: "How much has
the administration spent on the health care exchanges? ... Who made the decision to not allow
'window shopping' on HealthCare.gov? Did insurance companies ever recommend a delay of the
start of open enrollment? How many people have enrolled in a plan on HealthCare.gov?"
http://1.usa.gov/18CmdJy
4. IN ADVANCE - BUT WHAT TOOK THIS LONG? Ahead of her testimony on the Hill today - and
anticipating a grilling over accountability for the website fiasco - Sebelius has ordered an inspector
general review of the development and roll out of HealthCare.gov, per ABC's DEVIN DWYER. She's
also ordering the creation of a new 'chief risk officer' at CMS to ensure better management of
taxpayer dollars and is instituting new training procedures. http://1.usa.gov/1d7RfbN
ABOUT THE CASH. "President Barack Obama's health agency said it has spent $319 million building
an online health-insurance marketplace through October. More than three years after the passage of
Obama's signature health-care law in 2010, it's almost impossible to verify and track that spending
through public records," BLOOMBERG's KATHLEEN MILLER and ALEX WAYNE report.
http://bloom.bg/JdZ6My
JUST A HANDSHAKE? President Obama's unprecedented handshake with Cuban President Raul
Castro at the Mandela memorial service was not a pre-planned encounter, a White House official
told ABC's MARY BRUCE. "Above all else, today is about honoring Nelson Mandela, and that was the
President's singular focus at the memorial service," the official said. The leaders of the long-
estranged Cold War foes had a brief encounter at a memorial service honoring the life and legacy of
former South African leader Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg. Obama and Castro, who both
delivered remarks at the ceremony, shook hands and spoke to one another on the podium - and a
range of critics, including Sen. John McCain and Sen. Marco Rubio, were none too pleased.
http://abcn.ws/1gWCICK
CHANGING HISTORY, OR NOTHING AT ALL? The United States has not had diplomatic relations
with Cuba for the more than 50 years since the Communist revolution, led by the current president's
brother, Fidel Castro. ABC's NICKI ROSSOLL and ANNETA KONSTANTINIDES note that the
handshake at a memorial honoring the life and legacy of Mandela comes at a time when there have
been glimpses of diplomatic reconciliation between the two countries. But as history has shown, a
handshake can indicate a momentous shift in geopolitics, or it can simply be a polite, or unavoidable,
gesture. http://abcn.ws/JbXB1B
NUCLEAR FALLOUT . The Senate confirmed one of President Obama's stalled judicial picks for the
D.C. Circuit Court, the first judicial nominee confirmed since the Senate changed the rules to
effectively end the use of the filibuster on most judicial nominees. ABC's ARLETTE SAENEZ reports
that the Senate voted 56 to 38 to confirm Patricia Millett. "I'm pleased that in a bipartisan vote, the
Senate has confirmed Patricia Millett to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia Circuit, filling a vacancy that has been open since 2005," President Obama said in a
statement. Two Republicans, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, voted
in favor of Millett's confirmation. http://abcn.ws/1bU6KaW
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
BIPARTISAN PHOTOGRAPHY. Obamas, Bushes, and Clintons all on a plane together - and the White
House has released photos. (No selfies, but it's not hard to guess which president was showing off
his artwork.) http://1.usa.gov/19BvLlk
WHAT WE'RE READING
"Tea party threat again hangs over Republicans' efforts to take Senate," by THE WASHINGTON
POST's PAUL KANE. Don't miss: "They're really undermining everything we're trying to do here,"
said Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah (saying something he couldn't have said last year). "You can't do it by
destroying sitting [GOP] senators." http://wapo.st/IETMBp
5. IN THE NOTE'S INBOX.
ESCALATION . "Wednesday morning MoveOn.org will announce they are doubling down on their
campaign to expand Social Security and escalating their fight with Third Way on the issue with the
release of a new 30-second television ad. You can see the ad here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfEuNTEbQCs
WHO'S TWEETING?
@TIME : Pope Francis is TIME's Person of the Year for 2013 ti.me/18lOjuP #TIMEPOY
pic.twitter.com/xO9K2lDxxf
@ThisWeekABC : Yuletide Gift for Pope Francis: Vast Popularity Among Catholics bit.ly/1kz2I6Z
@mlevenson : . @KClarkCongress elected with record low turnout in a recent MA congressional
race. b.globe.com/18BvxO3
@GMA : Nelson Mandela ceremony interpreter called a "fake": abcn.ws/Je1zqs