McChrystal Asks For More Troops, Warns Against Failure In Afghanistan
The Washington Post reports that Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top American and NATO commander in Afghanistan, has urgently asked for more troops, warning against potential failure in the country. McChyrstal wrote in a confidential memo: “Failure to gain the initiative and reverse insurgent momentum in the near-term (next 12 months) — while Afghan security capacity matures — risks an outcome where defeating the insurgency is no longer possible.”
Obama’s Day Ahead
President Obama will depart the White House at 9:25 a.m. ET, arriving at 10:55 a.m. ET in Albany, New York. At 11:30 a.m. ET, he and Dr. Jill Biden will tour Hudson Valley Community College, and he will deliver remarks on the economy at 11:50 a.m. ET. He will depart from Albany at 1:05 p.m. ET, and will tape an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman at 3:55 p.m. ET, at CBS Studios in New York.
Biden’s Day Ahead
Vice President will spend the morning in Wilmington, Delaware, where he will attend a fundraising event for Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ). He will return to Washington in the afternoon, where he will meet with senior staff at the White House.
Jill Biden To Meet With National Guard Members
Dr. Jill Biden will travel to the Headquarters of the New York National Guard in Albany, where she will meet with top officers, the soldiers and airmen of the New York National Guard, their spouses, and program staff.
Lieberman Seeks To Rework Climate-Change Bill, Add Coal And Nuclear Support
The Politico reports that Sen. Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) is working to modify the climate-change bill in the Senate, seeking to attract Republicans and moderate Democrats by adding money for coal and nuclear power plants. “I don’t think we’re going to [pass a bill] without bipartisan support,” said Lieberman. “And without a nuclear title that’s stronger than in the House climate change legislation, we’re not going to be able to get enough votes to pass climate change.”
House Moving To Extend Unemployment Benefits
The House of Representatives will take up legislation to extend unemployment benefits for another 13 weeks, in states with unemployment rates of at least 8.5 percent. Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA), the lead sponsor, said that people from across the country “have been calling my office to tell me they still cannot find work a year or more after becoming unemployed, and they need some additional help to keep their heads above water.”
The Hill: Johanns’ Amendments Frustrate Dems
The Hill profiles Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE), who has quickly emerged as a thorn in Democratic leaders’ sides by offering up amendments that put Dems in a tough spot — most notably his recent victory in defunding ACORN. “This is a remarkable thing that a brand new member can come down with an idea, put that idea in an amendment and debate it and get a vote on it,” said Johanns, who was just elected in 2008.
Paterson Still Running, Even Without White House Support
Gov. David Paterson (D-NY) stood firm yesterday, and insisted that he will run for re-election — despite the Obama administration having now urged him to not do so, in light of his poor ratings. “I am running for governor right now,” he said, when asked how he will run without White House support. “I have no idea — I am a candidate for governor.”
