News Nuggets 135

Link to Economic Crisis is Vital to Obama Agenda from the New York Times

Interesting insight into the inner workings of the Obama WH.

"Over the Next 100 Days, the outcome may turn on how convincingly the White House preserves the link between Mr. Obama’s agenda and the painful recession he inherited."

Falling Wage Syndrome (Paul Krugman) from the New York Times

"Whatever the specifics, however, falling wages are a symptom of a sick economy. And they’re a symptom that can make the economy even sicker.  First things first: anecdotes about falling wages are proliferating, but how broad is the phenomenon? The answer is, very."

The Mellow Doctrine (Roger Cohen) from the New York Times

I LOVE IT!  I think Cohen is right on-the-mark here!

"Call it the mellow doctrine. Neither idealistic nor classic realpolitik, it involves finding strength through unconventional means: acknowledgment of the limits of American power; frankness about U.S. failings; careful listening; fear reduction; adroit deployment of the wide appeal of brand Barack Hussein Obama; and jujitsu engagement."

Prisoners of the White House from Newsweek

"Mindful of his predecessor, Barack Obama seems to be trying harder to make sure he hears all sides. On the night of April 27, for instance, the president invited to the White House some of his administration's sharpest critics on the economy, including New York Times columnist Paul Krugman and Columbia University economist Joseph Stiglitz. Over a roast-beef dinner, Obama listened and questioned while Krugman and Stiglitz, both Nobel Prize winners, pushed for more aggressive government intervention in the banking system."

Republicans All at Sea as Party Sinks (Clive Cook) from the Financial Times [of London]

The picture that goes with this editorial is a HOOT!

"How much trouble is the Republican party in? Plenty."

Obama Likely to Get Nominee He Wants for Supreme Court from the McClatchy News Service

"President Barack Obama's Supreme Court pick — the first by a Democratic president in 15 years — is likely to have a smooth path to confirmation, although it also gives both liberals and conservatives a fresh reason to mobilize."

Some Republican Leaders Prefer Not to Discuss Sarah Palin from Politico

The latest installment in the Palin Payback Project -- MAN! Do they have it in for her!  I wonder how her grassroots supporters are taking these attacks?  Conceivably, she could make some of these leaders eat MAJOR CROW in 2012.  We'll see.

"Romney’s quip reflects the deep unease among many in the GOP establishment about the continued high-profile of Limbaugh and especially Palin. There is almost a sense of exasperation among many party elites over the media coverage the two polarizing figures get – attention which, in Palin’s case, is widely seen as a product largely of her good looks and tabloid-fodder family troubles."

GM Bankruptcy Probable as Obama Shields UAW Benefits from the Bloomberg News Service

Again, interesting insight into how Obama & Co., are thinking about the recession and the role of bailouts.

"GM may be more likely to end up in bankruptcy based on the Obama administration’s willingness to place Chrysler LLC into court protection to safeguard union health-care benefits."

The In-Law is Finding Washington to Her Liking from the New York Times

VERY INTERESTING portrait of the First In-Law.

"Marian Robinson, Barack Obama's mother-in-law, moved into the White House “kicking and screaming,” said her son, Craig Robinson. She had never lived outside of Chicago and was reluctant to leave her beloved bungalow, her friends and family, her weekly yoga class and her familiar routines.  But after three months in the Executive Mansion, Mrs. Robinson is unexpectedly and decidedly savoring her new life."

MUSIC NUGGET!!

In honor of Pete Seeger's 90th birthday (May 3rd), NPR'S music label put together a 5-hour side stream of memorable Seeger classics covered by artists like Tom Paxton, Bruce Cockburn, Janis Ian, Natalie Merchant, Greg Brown, and, of course, Seeger himself.  It's really good!  CHECK IT OUT.