TPMDC Saturday Roundup

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Obama: GOP Making Their Stand ‘On The Backs Of The Unemployed’
In this weekend’s YouTube address, President Obama attacked Senate Republicans for filibustering an extension of unemployment benefits.

“Now in the past, Presidents and Congresses of both parties have treated unemployment insurance for what it is – an emergency expenditure. That’s because an economic disaster can devastate families and communities just as surely as a flood or tornado,” said Obama. “Suddenly, Republican leaders want to change that. They say we shouldn’t provide unemployment insurance because it costs money. So after years of championing policies that turned a record surplus into a massive deficit, including a tax cut for the wealthiest Americans, they’ve finally decided to make their stand on the backs of the unemployed.”

Roberts: Is Donald Berwick The Person We Want Making Health Care Decisions For Us?
In this weekend’s Republican address, Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) blasted President Obama’s recess appointment of Dr. Donald Berwick as Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“Dr. Berwick has spoken very favorably about the British National Health Service, calling it ‘not just a national treasure, [but] a global treasure’ as well. Unfortunately, the British system rations care to contain costs,” said Roberts. “The following disturbing statement of Dr. Berwick speaks for itself: ‘most people who have serious pain do not need advanced methods; they just need the morphine and counseling that has been around for centuries.’ Now is this the person we want making health care decisions for us – for our parents- our grandparents – our children; grandchildren?

Cornyn: West Virginia Senate Race Will Be Competitive
Sen. John Corny (R-TX), the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, is warning that the GOP will make a competitive race of the expected West Virginia special Senate election, against Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin. “Even though the governor is a popular governor, I think the policies of this administration and Democrats in Washington [are] not,” Manchin said in an interview on C-Span’s Newsmakers program, also adding: “Gov. Manchin would have voted for the stimulus. He supported the health care bill. Those are unpopular policies in a state like West Virginia that has about a 35 percent approval rating for the president.”

Republicans Divided On The Importance Of An Agenda For Midterm Elections
The Washington Post reports: “Sometime after Labor Day, House Minority Leader John A. Boehner plans to unveil a blueprint of what Republicans will do if they take back control of the chamber. He promises it will be a full plate of policy proposals that will give voters a clear sense of how they would govern. But will Republicans actually want to run on those ideas — or any ideas? Behind the scenes, many are being urged to ignore the leaders and do just the opposite: avoid issues at all costs. Some of the party’s most influential political consultants are quietly counseling their clients to stay on the offensive for the November midterm elections and steer clear of taking stands on substance that might give Democratic opponents material for a counterattack.”

Hillary Clinton On Key Afghan Mission As U.S. War Fears Grow
The Associated Press reports: “As concerns grow about the war in Afghanistan, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is heading to South Asia on a mission aimed at refining the goals of the nearly 9-year-old conflict…Clinton will attend an international conference in Kabul on Tuesday where the Afghan government is expected to outline plans to improve security, reintegrate militants into society and crack down on corruption. She also plans to stop in Pakistan to push greater cooperation between Islamabad and Kabul.”

For Kenneth Feinberg, More Delicate Diplomacy
The New York Times profiles Kenneth Feinberg, who is heading up the administration of the $20 billion BP escrow account to compensate victims of the oil spill, during a series of town hall meetings in southern Louisiana. “If you think the lump sum payment is inadequate, don’t sign,” Feinberg told a crowd — also adding litigation carries with it uncertainty, delay, and a loss of money to lawyers. “I am determined to come up with a system that will be more generous, more beneficial, than if you go and file a lawsuit.”

Just How ‘Political’ Is Glenn Beck?
Politico looks at the relationship between Glenn Beck and the conservative movement, in light of Beck’s heavy public profile and his upcoming rally in Washington on August 28. “The conservative movement is still split on Glenn and whether he’s doing it for himself or doing it for the movement,” said Erick Erickson of RedState.com, who has offered his help to Beck. “Until that question is resolved, I think you’re going to see some groups hesitant to go all in with him.”

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