Rick Warren’s record of public statements isn’t holding up very well under scrutiny. The latest: his praise for Syria’s tolerance and moderation.
His original conviction was overturned on appeal, but another jury has now convicted David Safavian on retrial, on all four counts of obstruction of justice and making false statements.
Greg Sargent explores what the Rick Warren pick does — and doesn’t — say about Obama’s so-called new politics.
Blagojevich: “I have done nothing wrong.”
Goes on to quote Kipling …
(Yes, We’ll have video soon.)
(ed.note: Special ed.note Deep Thought: Rod Blagojevich may be insane.)
Sen. Shelby (R-AL) releases statement about auto bailout …
“The plan the President announced today gives the taxpayer no upfront assurances that these companies will take the steps necessary to become efficient and competitive. In fact, the only assurance the taxpayer has is that these companies will be back for more money soon. It is unrealistic to think that companies who have failed to make tough choices over decades will get their act together now that they have received a down payment from the taxpayer.”
“Congress was wrong to grant the Administration the authority to bail out the financial industry through the TARP in the first place. The President is wrong to use this authority to bail out GM and Chrysler. Instead of pursuing the more responsible course to ensure that these companies restructure through Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the President chose to stick the taxpayer with the tab as he walks out the door. I believe it is a shameful attempt by the President to protect his own legacy. The taxpayer will surely remember him for it.”
Policy statement from Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church …
“Because membership in a church is an outgrowth of accepting the Lordship and leadership of Jesus in one’s life, someone unwilling to repent of their homosexual lifestyle would not be accepted at a member at Saddleback Church.”
(ed.note: Special thanks to John Aravosis’ Americablog.)
From TPM Reader DM …
Bill Simmons, a sportswriter for ESPN, coined the term “Tysonic”. It refers to Mike Tyson, and applies to anyone who has entered a sphere of existence so bizarre, you will believe any news you hear about them, no matter how absurd. Aside from Mike Tyson, Britney Spears is Tysonic. After the turkey interview, I classify Sarah Palin as Tysonic.
As a native Chicagoan, I say Blogo is definitely Tysonic. If someone told me, “Hear about Blogo? He dressed himself up as Elvis, highjacked an Air Yugo flight from O’Hare to Belgrade, and is now living under the protection of Serbia… And he’s formed an exploratory committee for 2016.”
I’d pause for a moment and say, “Yeah, that sounds right.”
A little recount trickery from Norm Coleman ends up netting more votes for Al Franken.