Today's edition of quick hits:
* Keep suffering, Europe: "The European Central Bank left interest rates on hold as the debt crisis tightens its grip on the euro-area economy, increasing pressure on policy makers to deliver further stimulus."
* Syria: "Representatives from more than 55 countries pressing for the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad of Syria threatened on Wednesday to dramatically expand their financial pressure on his government because of the violent repression of an uprising there, and the United States Treasury secretary suggested that the use of military force was a possibility."
* White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters today President Obama "will not extend ... the Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthiest 2 percent." Pressed further about a short-term extension, Carney added, "He will not -- could I be more clear? -- he will not support extension of the upper-income Bush tax cuts."
* Former President Bill Clinton heard about Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) recent McCarthyism-like tirade about secret communists in the House Democratic caucus. His response was both compelling and amusing.
* House Republicans are poised to repeal the Affordable Care Act's medical device excise tax. The White House issued a veto threat today.
* The House is scheduled to take its ninth recess of the year next week. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) asked House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) today to cancel the break and get some work done.
* You're about as likely to get struck by lightning as you are to find actual voter fraud in Florida.
* It's not quite at the level of good news, but Jared Bernstein makes the case that recent developments in the housing market are a step in the right direction.
* A reporter passed along complaints to Jay Carney today that Obama is "cavorting with showbiz types." Asked for a response, the press secretary replied, "Two words: Donald Trump. Next question."
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.
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End the tax cuts?? Oh my, that means the average working stiff might pay, what another hundred bucks in order to get the rich to pay a few thousand or more? Next they'll end loopholes that give homeowners a break thus ending some of the needless no money down crap since your interest wont get twenty cents on the dollar back. All that suffering just to keep freedom and democracy working.
I think it is clear that if getting struck by lightning is such a prominent problem, we must make it mandatory that all citizens where medieval suits of armor while outside!
(in case it isn't obvious, suit of armor acts as a conduit for the electricity, without harming the person in side. IOW, acts just like a car or a metal cage)
I think Obama is holding the Bush tax cuts hostage and that his refusal to extend the cuts is just a bargaining position. This hostage will become more valuable if it appears Dems are going to gain control of the House and keep the WH. When Congress returns in September, Obama can force the House Republicans to extend the tax cuts without paying for them, or alternatively, extend the cuts with huge cuts in domestic and entitlement spending. Either way, Obama and the Dems get the issue for the elections. Failing to pay for the cuts will increase the deficit and paying for the cuts with massive domestic spending cuts puts Republicans in a box.
Talk is cheap, but the Koch's and their ilk pay big for it.
Jay Carney, who is perhaps the worst press guy, is spouting nonsense. Even if lame duck, the House will never agree to PBO's demand. And, PBO is just being unrealistic.
Well, the President can make sure the tax cuts expire ... he can refuse to sign the bill extending them. It seems unlikely that Congress could scrape together 2/3 to override.
True, but he won't
Has Bill Clinton been hanging out with John Boner? It looks like the orange has been rubbing off on him.
Seriously, though, check out Clinton's further remarks on the economy as shown on Hardball on 6/5. Great stuff!
I was gonna say, there's that fine line between spray-on tan and rolling in Doritos!
Conspiricy theory. Bill is so upset that Hillary lost to PBO, he is intent on undermining PBO. Any takers?
LOL
yes i know it just so unrealistic to want to help Americans.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/07/us/politics/talk-of-higher-office-swirls-around-wisconsins-scott-walker.html
Interesting little tidbit. Walker did so well, that maybe the Republicans will try to "foist" him on the rest of us. Remind you of what they did with Palin a little bit? And now we can't get rid of her.....
LOL
Romney/Walker???
What is the story with the House Republican leadership. They have been in the leadership position for fifteen months and are still insisting that they can't figure out how to do their job unless the President stops doing his job and comes to help them figure out how to do theirs. Criminy!
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.
Mr Benen , Maybe you and TRMS got this already , it seems it would be right up your alley , the DC GOP actively hate freedom for Americans
Media group: House GOP trying to ‘keep the public in the dark’
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/06/06/media-group-house-gop-trying-to-keep-the-public-in-the-dark/
House Republicans are trying to “keep the public in the dark” by blocking a new rule that requires broadcasters to post political ad data online, according to the media reform group Free Press.
An analysis by the Miami Herald found that Hispanic, Democratic and independent-minded voters were most likely to be targeted by the purge effort. Question ? Why are there no White voters being kick off the list of people to Vote right President Race in Nov.2012 Florida has some @!$%# with them they are trying to make this the 2000 race with Bush all over again if peoples let them Open ur Eyes