Yes, I'm still running late this weekend, sorry.
Let's see: Syria, Iran, Egypt, to begin with. For the economy, developments in Greece and Europe, and the passage of the extenders bill for payroll taxes and unemployment insurance.
Big week for same-sex marriage, with a law being signed in Washington, a veto in New Jersey, and advances in Maryland.
What else? What do you think mattered this week?
In addition to the same-sex marriage news, the administration refusing to defend DOMA in the context of military benefits is a big deal, albeit similar to the past DOJ position the administration has taken on DOMA.
ReplyDelete@ JB
ReplyDeleteI think that rounds it up pretty well. Though I have to ask, does the Mike Dewine switcheroo of endorsements from the mittster to Santorum count as a big coup, or just something some guy did? That is, I know you’ve pointed out that even though he’s won some states and is doing well in the polls, Santorum is way behind in endorsements and the fact that these important party actors aren’t coming out for Rick says something. So Dewine, does that count as something or not much? What do you guys think? (I think it’s an important indicator of dislike of Romney, but not a sign of significant changes in the way the most GOP actors are thinking about the race.)
It's certainly worth noting...but so far, that's it, as far as I know. Not only are there no other Romney->Santorum switchers, but there are basically no other Santorum endorsements after CO/MN. He did get the football player who is a longshot TX Senate candidate, and I wouldn't be surprised if there are a few other less prominent ones, but that's it.
DeleteIf DeWine is the start of a patter, then we'll be able to look back and say it mattered. But it could easily be just something some guy did.
I think the reversal of the GOP house and lack of full barriers from the GOP Senators on the payroll tax issue was a quite important. I think it tells one what their antenna is picking up in terms of how to address the current economic situation. Being overly explicit about obstructing things that so many Americans care so much about appears not to be good politics at the moment. One would expect this. But seeing it played out amongst a group that seemed to resist this conclusion in the not so recent past is revealing.
ReplyDeleteI think the presidential primary in Venezuela was sort of important, even though it was a foregone conclusion that Radonski would get the nomination. Turnout was a very strong 2.9 million, which seems to bode somewhat well for the opposition, though Im guessing there are all sorts of political sciencey reasons why this is the wrong conclusion to draw.
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