I think it’s fair to say that the White House has had a hard time previewing President Obama’s forthcoming economic speech, and Republicans are gleefully trolling the whole event as a result. Ok, they’d probably be trolling it anyhow. But because the remarks aren’t tied to a big event, or new administration initiative — won’t be a to-do list for Congress, but will supposedly have some policy heft to it — they’re not easily distilled in briefings with reporters, who understandably want to break some news.

It lacks an obvious hook. But the hook is there — it’s just one the president can’t dwell on too transparently. Read More

Yesterday, Brian Beutler explained how the House GOP is on a runaway train toward a world of hurt, as a new working majority in the Senate has simply tired of the nonsense and hirewire acts from the House. Now key conservatives are preparing for a sort of ‘Sons of Saddam’ last stand over Obamacare, threatening a government shutdown if the law isn’t repealed. I guess you could say Alamo-esque, depending on your preferred cultural reference. But Sen. Roy Blunt just said he doesn’t support this latest round of hostage taking.