Americans United Continues Ad Campaign Against Limbaugh
The pro-Obama labor group Americans United For Change has this new ad on national cable, continuing to link Republican opposition to the stimulus bill to Rush Limbaugh’s desire for President Obama to fail:
“I want Barack Obama to fail,” we see from Limbaugh’s CPAC speech, followed by the announcer: “Tell Rush and the Republicans, America won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.”
Obama To Lift Ban On Stem-Cell Funding Today
President Obama will be speaking from the White House at 11:45 a.m. ET, where he will discuss the importance of scientific integrity against political interference, and then sign an executive order lifting the Bush-era ban on government funding of embryonic stem-cell research. Then at 2:15 p.m. ET he will meet the finalists of the Intel Science Talent Search, a science research competition for high school students.
Biden Heading To Brussels, To Consult With NATO
Vice President Biden is leaving today for Brussels, Belgium, where he will meet with the North Atlantic Council. Biden will be consulting with allies on Afghanistan and Pakistan, will meet with NATO’s Secretary General, senior officials of the European Union, Belgian government officials, and with leaders from non-NATO countries who are contributing to Afghanistan.
Omnibus Could Pass Tomorrow
The Senate is expected to vote Tuesday to end debate and pass the omnibus spending bill, after debate and votes tonight on four Republican amendments. Harry Reid came one vote short of 60 on Thursday night, necessitating the delay.
Obama Makes Surprise Appearance At Ted Kennedy Salute
President Obama put in a surprise appearance last night at the Kennedy Center’s tribute to Ted Kennedy. Obama appeared on stage toward the end of the event, leading the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” to Kennedy.
NYT: Axelrod Still Close At Hand
The New York Times profiles Obama White House adviser David Axelrod, examining how he has transitioned from the role of a campaign strategist to working on policy in Washington — for example, he reportedly signed off on the recent attacks against Rush Limbaugh. However, Axelrod rejects any comparison to Karl Rove: “I’m not sitting here moving pieces around from the White House. I’m not trying to run the Democratic Party. I’m not trying to supplant the brilliant policy makers who are here.”
