Nooners is concerned that our political parties are too slavish to their respective bases.

I guess the Whip Count deities must be smiling on us this morning. I’m counting 32 “No” votes for the supplemental, and 15 “leaning no.” We need 39 votes.

These calls are having a big effect.  Members are hearing that “Cash for Clunkers” is chump change, and not a satisfactory reason for switching their votes on an issue like war funding.  They’re being heavily pressured by Rahm Emanuel to abandon their principles, and the only support they’re getting for doing the right thing are your calls.

Please let members of congress know that you stand by them in opposing this bill  — your call is important..

Will he or won’t he? Did he or didn’t he? Will they or won’t they? Monserrate, Paterson and the NYS Appellate Division

The American Constitution Society recently held a discussion regarding SCOTUS nominee, Judge Sonia Sotomayor. It was moderated by the wonderful Dahlia Lithwick of Slate, who had her hands full.

I’ve been speaking with people in Rep Jan Schakowsky’s office about the new War Supplemental and I have to say I am sorely disappointed.

Many representatives have said they didn’t know how they’d vote on the war funding supplemental until they saw the conference report.

Well, now they’ve seen it. And we know that “Cash for Clunkers” is supposed to make progressives abandon their commitment to vote against any war funding that doesn’t have a timetable for troop withdrawal. Call them and tell them that you supported them for 8 years because of that commitment. They should take it as seriously as you did and shouldn’t throw it away for chump change.

• But…but…elections only happen in countries we bomb.
• 538′s got some numbers.
• He’s Hitler, he’s Stalin — now he’s Putin.
• Does the Red Cross have a branding problem?
• Saying no to Big Tobacco.
• Publish the partisan hit job designed to make Republicans feel bad.
• But…but…the public option will destroy private insurance. 
• Hilzoy wants a piece of Erickson.

Chaz Bono, the only child of singers Sonny and Cher famously came out of the closet as a lesbian two decades ago. Today Chaz’s spokesperson Howard Bragman announced, as reported by TMZ:

Yes, it’s true — Chaz, after many years of consideration, has made the courageous decision to honor his true identity. He is proud of his decision and grateful for the support and respect that has already been shown by his loved ones. It is Chaz’s hope that his choice to transition will open the hearts and minds of the public regarding this issue, just as his ‘coming out’ did nearly 20 years ago.

Harptallica – The Unforgiven.

What’s on your mind tonight?

It’s only going to get hotter this summer.