McCain Calls For ‘New Team’ In Af-Pak Embassies
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is calling upon President Obama to replace more top American officials in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region, following the resignation of Gen. Stanley McChrystal. “It’s completely understandable why the president made the decision that he did, based on the civilian-military relationship that goes a long way back,” the 2008 Republican presidential nominee said on ABC’s Good Morning America, also adding: “I also point out to the president, with my strong support of Petraeus, we also need a new team over there as well — perhaps at the embassy and other areas.”
Obama’s Day Ahead
President Obama will receive the presidential daily briefing at 9:30 a.m. ET. He will hold a bilateral meeting at 10:30 a.m. ET with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and an expanded meeting with Medvedev and Vice President Biden at 11 a.m. ET. Obama and Medvedev will hold a joint press conference at 1:45 p.m. ET. Obama and Medvedev will attend the U.S.-Russia Business Summit at 3:05 p.m. ET.
Biden’s Day Ahead
Vice President Biden will attend President Obama’s expanded bilateral meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at 11 a.m. ET. He will hold a planning meeting at 2:15 pm. ET with the Middle Class Task Force. He will meet at 3:45 p.m. ET with Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak.
Campaign Disclosure Bill Headed To House Floor
The House is set to vote today on the DISCLOSE act, which would respond to the Citizens United decision by increasing the disclosure requirements for political spending. The Associated Press reports: “Republicans oppose the bill, arguing the measure is unconstitutional and crafted to place corporations at a disadvantage. Even some Democrats balked in recent days at a last-minute change made to satisfy the National Rifle Association. But Democratic aides expressed confidence the measure would have enough votes to pass when it comes to an expected vote Thursday.”
Club For Growth Celebrating Record Wins — In Safe GOP Seats
CQ reports that the Club For Growth has been having a very successful cycle, winning key Republican primaries in safe GOP seats. A major difference between now and last cycle is that the Club has been mainly playing in safe seats, rather than dividing the GOP in swing races. Said a GOP operative: “The difference between this cycle and last cycle is that everyone appears to be singing from the same song sheet and keeping their eye on the prize — November.”
Groups Try to Gin Up Buzz Over Kagan
Roll Call reports on preparations that conservative activists have been making for the Elena Kagan Supreme Court confirmation hearings: “These activists have been digging through Kagan’s writings from her tenure in the Clinton administration and marshaling opposition from prominent conservatives, such as unsuccessful Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork, to build their case. At the same time, they are holding back on expensive advertising campaigns or grass-roots efforts until the hearings commence.”
Moderates, Blue Dogs Reaching Turning Point On Liberal Calls For Defense Cuts
The Hill reports that centrist Democrats are becoming increasingly open to liberal calls for cuts in defense spending, in order to rein in the deficit. “We are going to have to adopt the philosophy that nothing can be off the table,” said Rep. Walt Minnick (D-ID). “And that is increasingly becoming the dominant view of the Blue Dogs.”
