UP-FRONT NEWS MEDIA NUGGET!!
Should The New York Times Be a Truth Vigilante? (Arthur Brisbane) from the New York Times
"I’m looking for reader input on whether and when New York Times news reporters should challenge “facts” that are asserted by newsmakers they write about."
That this is even a question for the NYT's public editor speaks volumes about why Americans are so uninformed and why so few people read newspapers (or even bother following the news very closely) any more. When did newspapers STOP being in the truth business? This article has understandably generated A LOT of response both at the New York Times and in the blogosphere. Here are some of the more thoughtful comments HERE, HERE and HERE.
A Covert Campaign is the Only Way to Stop Iran's Nuclear Ambitions (Andrew Cummings) from the Guardian [of the UK]
"The death of another Iranian scientist has led to criticism of such actions, but Tehran's refusal to co-operate leaves little alternative."
In Standoff With Iran, U.S. Allies Offer Oil for Asia from the New York Times
"Saudi Arabia and others said they would fill any gap in supply for countries that cut purchases of Iranian crude."
Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood Hails Ties with US from Agence France Presse via the Egyptian Gazette [in English]
"The head of the political arm of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood on Wednesday hailed US-Egyptian ties during talks with the US State Department's number two, but also said they must be "balanced.""
The Future of Sino-American Relations (David Gompert and Phillip Saunders) from the National Interest
"The United States is a superpower, and China is becoming one. But this does not make cold war, much less hot war, inevitable."
Amid Downturn, More Older Americans Employed Than Ever Before from the Washington Post
"Though the recession has thinned the ranks of other generations in the workforce, more people older than 55 are employed than ever before, according to the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics."
Obama Recess Appointments: Justice Department Says They Are Constitutional from Associated Press via the Huffington Post
"The Justice Department is defending the legality of President Barack Obama's recent recess appointment of a national consumer watchdog and other officials from criticism by Republicans. The department released a 23-page legal opinion Thursday summarizing the advice it gave the White House before the Jan. 4 appointments."
The Value of Teachers (Nicholas Kristof) from the New York Times
"A new study suggests a great teacher is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in increased earning power to students. It’s time to overhaul our education policy."
Is Microsoft’s “Avoid Ghetto” Smartphone App Insulting? from BET
"Some resent the newly patented GPS feature, which incorporates crime statistics into route planning."
OUR PUNDIT-OF-THE-DAY!!
The GOP's Blatant Racism (Gary Younge) from the Nation
"In the British original of The Office the main protagonist, David Brent (US reincarnation: Michael Scott), wistfully recalls a tender moment during his favorite war film, The Dam Busters, involving the hero pilot, Wing Commander Guy Gibson. “Before he goes into battle, he’s playin’ with his dog,” says Brent. “Nigger,” says his sidekick, Gareth (Dwight in the States), recalling with glee the name of the dog. Brent flinches, eager to mitigate the slur. “Yeah!… it was the ’40s,” he says, “before racism was bad.”"
A rich and insightful look at the GOP's mindset when it comes to race.
Given how many Romney stories we have today, I thought we could mark the occasion with my favorite Romney cartoon. It's from 2008 -- but it is as relevant today as it was then.
Mr. 1 Percent is Clueless about Inequality (Joan Walsh) from Salon
"As the country sees more conflict between rich and poor, Romney thinks we should talk about it in "quiet rooms"."
I think Walsh is on to one of Romney's critical weaknesses in this political season. I doubt if Romney has ever had to deal with this issue before in any of the professional political settings that he has occupied. It is completely alien territory for him. Speaking of clueless -- and I'm probably nit-picking here, but how could the candidate or his staff allow this picture to be taken?
Mitt Romney’s Dilemma: Picking a Running Mate if He’s the GOP Nominee (Howard Kurtz) from the Daily Beast
"It’s early, but who’s on the shortlist—Chris Christie, Marco Rubio, Nikki Haley? Howard Kurtz on the pluses and minuses of potential Mitt running mates after his decisive win in New Hampshire."
Dems Prepare To Hammer Romney With The REAL Bain Onslaught from Talking Points Memo
"Some pundits have thrown out the idea that because the Bain story is coming up sooner than expected, it will be that tougher for Democrats to go on the offensive later as per their original plan. ... Don’t buy it, Democrats say. Even while they acknowledge that they planned to roll out the Bain angle later for a reason, they find it pretty hard to contain their grins overall."
Yes, Romney Could Lose (Andrew Sullivan) from the Daily Beast
"I simply cannot imagine a worse narrative for a candidate in this climate; or a politician whose skills are singularly incapable of responding to the story in any persuasive way. This ad is powerful. ... And I suspect once the potency of this line of attack is absorbed by the GOP establishment, there will be some full, if concealed, panic."
Frustrations Mount As Conservatives Worry The Tea Party’s About To Blow It In 2012 from Talking Points Memo
"South Carolina’s primary isn’t just the presumed last stand for the candidates who hope to stop Mitt Romney. It could also be the last stand for the Tea Party movement that was created to stop a candidate like Mitt Romney from ever getting the nomination in the first place."
MUST-READ ROMNEY NUGGET!!
If you were only going to read one of all these Romney stories, this long-form story is the one to read.
The Tea Party’s Not-So-Civil War (Matt Bai) from the New York Times Sunday Magazine
"Then our conversation turned to Mitt Romney, and Martin’s sunny countenance darkened. “I don’t know a single Tea Party person,” she said, slowly drawing out her words, “who does not despise Mitt Romney to the very core of their being.” I searched her face for levity or compassion, but found neither. ... After months of confusion and bickering over whom to support, a kind of unraveling has occurred at the upper reaches of the movement, in some cases causing friendships to fray and giving rise to charges and countercharges on Facebook. Officers have resigned. Angry statements have been issued. Reputations have been damaged."
Will Mitt Romney Follow Candidates Who Failed to Connect (and Failed to Win)? (Michael Leahy) from the Washington Post
"“But there is something missing,” Giuliani said of Romney’s social and political skills, adding, “There’s some kind of personal connection that doesn’t get made that the other candidates probably do a better job at.” Events this week revealed just how dangerous that apparent disconnect could be to Romney’s bid for the presidency."
I think Leahy is on to something here. In the modern media age, candidates who can't connect with average voters almost always lose. Let's look. Let's start with the 1948 election (Truman v Dewey) when TV was spanking new. Thomas Dewey was NOTORIOUSLY ice cold on the campaign trail. Next, 1952 & 1956 (Eisenhower v Stevenson), Adlai Stevenson was aloof and cerebral, Eisenhower the affable grandpa type. Next, 1960 (Kennedy v. Nixon): no comment necessary. Next, 1964 (Johnson v Goldwater) - neither had a clear advantage in voter connectivity but the edge would probably go to Johnson's back-slapping, good-old-boy style. Next, 1968 (Nixon v Humphrey) -- this is the one case that one might point to where the fish-out-of-water Nixon defeated by an inch the happy warrior Humphrey -- although it might be argued (as Rick Perlstein has in Nixonland) that Nixon connected perfectly with white, working-class anger -- and that it was Humphrey who was out of touch. It is certainly debateable given how close the election was. Next 1974 (Nixon v McGovern) -- there was SO MUCH about McGovern that was anathema to blue-collar America, it more than offset Nixon's awkwardness. Next, 1976 (Carter v. Ford) -- this was the happy, up-beat Carter verses the verbal stumbler Ford, advantage Carter. On to 1980 (Carter v. Reagan) -- this was the sullen, gut-kicked-by-four-years-of-mediocre-leadership Carter verses the ebullient Reagan. Reagan wiped the floor in the voter connection department. Same in 1984 against the less-than-personable Mondale. On to 1988 (Bush I v Dukakis), it's hard to believe that H.W. Bush was actually MORE personable than Dukakis (must have been the fried pig skins, ah but those came later) but it certainly was the case. In contrast, Bush didn't stand a chance against Clinton's "I can feel your pain" style in 1992. Same with the even chillier Dole in 1996. In 2000, you had Bush II v. Gore -- no comment necessary (sigh). In 2004 (Bush II v Kerry), sorry, no contest. In 2008 (McCain v. Obama), while McCain was not without some flinty charm on the stump, he was SO out-of-step with what was going on while Obama was on fire with "Hope" and Change" Obama won going away. SO what about now? While not the let's-have-a-beer kind of guy, Obama is much more connected with and speaking to the real concerns of a majority of voters. Moreover, when Obama is hot, he is HOT! Romney is much more reminiscent of the icy Tom Dewey -- and, who knows, maybe I've missed it, but I've never seen a HOT Romney. Indeed, if The Iceman Cometh was a musical, it could be the theme for his campaign so far. Advantage: Obama!
Wisconsin Dems To Deliver Walker Recall Petitions Next Week from Talking Points Memo
"Wisconsin Democrats have announced they will submit the petition signatures in their effort to recall Gov. Scott Walker next Tuesday, January 17 — with a massive drop-off of boxes at the state’s election administration agency, the Government Accountability Board:"
WORLD WAR II PHOTO NUGGET!!
The Fuehrer and his Frauleins: Extraordinary Color Photographs Emerge of Nazi Leader Celebrating his 50th Birthday from the Daily Mail [of the UK]
"He was given unique access to Adolf Hitler at massive, public rallies across Europe and also in more intimate moments with colleagues. The colour images bring Nazi Germany to life - in one image Hitler salutes crowds at a rally under a dazzling blue sky, while the backdrop is awash with the red of the swastika. "
CAMPAIGN BOOK NUGGET!!
Old Page Turners for a New Presidential Campaign from the New York Times
"Norman Mailer, Hunter S. Thompson, Garry Wills and Michael Lewis are some of the authors who have provided peeks behind the curtain of American presidential campaigns."
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