Poll: Most Americans Wouldn’t Vote For Palin
A new Gallup poll finds that 54% of Americans say it is not too likely or not at all likely that they would vote for Sarah Palin if she ran for President in 2012, compared to 43% who say it is somewhat likely or very likely that they would support her. In addition, 70% say her resignation as Governor of Alaska has had no effect on their view of her, with 17% saying they now view her less favorably, and 9% more favorably.
Obama’s Day In Italy
President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama arrived in Rome, Italy, at about 4:20 a.m. ET (10:20 a.m. local time). At 5:10 a.m. ET, Obama met with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, and the two delivered brief statements to the press. At 6:45 a.m. ET, Obama arrived at the Guardia di Finanz School, greeted by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. There was a G-8 working lunch at 7 a.m. ET, and Obama will attend a G-8 session on global issues at 9:30 a.m. ET. At 11:45 a.m. ET, Obama and Berlusconi will tour L’Aquila historic center, and Obama will attend a G-8 working dinner at 2 p.m. ET.
Biden’s Day Ahead
Vice President Biden will make a major announcement on health care at 10:30 a.m. ET, joined by Sec. of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), and representatives of the hospital industry. They are expected to announce a deal, on health care, with the hospital industry offering up $155 billion in savings to finance health care reform. He will spend the remainder of the day in private meetings.
Nuke Treaty Gives GOP Opportunity On Missile Defense
The Hill reports that Senate Republicans have a rare opportunity exercise leverage on President Obama’s new agreements on arms reduction with Russia, which will require a two-thirds majority in the Senate in order to be ratified. Republicans are likely to apply pressure on missile defense, as explained by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC): “I don’t want the Russians to get something and we get nothing. I don’t know what we’re getting out of this.”
Senate GOP Preparing To Question Sotomayor On Bias
Republicans are gearing up for the Sotomayor hearings next week, with a plan to ask her pointed questions about whether she favors certain groups over others. “I think the Sotomayor strategy is pretty obvious,” said an unnamed GOP leadership aide. “Respectfully asking questions but very pointedly asking about the appearance of favoritism. Americans don’t like the idea that a judge might play favorites.”
Conservative Gun Activists Come Out Against Sotomayor
A group of 26 leaders of conservative gun-rights organizations have sent a letter to Senators, telling them to not confirm Sonia Sotomayor. “Judge Sotomayor has already revealed her views on these issues and we believe they are contrary to the intent and purposes of the Second Amendment and Bill of Rights,” said the letter.
CQ: Specter Has Become A Loyal Democrat Since Switch
CQ reports that in the time since Sen. Arlen Specter (PA) switched form the Republicans to the Democrats, he has become a loyal Dem — with a higher level of party unity in his votes than he’d displayed as a Republican. On the 20 votes that have pitted a majority of Dems against a majority of GOPers, Specter has voted with his new party 17 times, compared to his prior score in 2009 of only 56% loyalty to the Republican position.
