2010 US Presidential Election

[Tim Thomason]

bbc.co.uk/news/world
World News
Friday, February 18, 2011

A quick rundown of international events:

• The Patriarch of Constantinople, Constantine VII, has finally returned to Phanar in Turkey as part of the ongoing ceasefire between Turkey, Greece, and Bulgaria. Patriarch Constantine gave stirring speeches to his followers before leaving his exile in Burgas, Bulgaria, and upon arrival in Istanbul, Turkey. Constantine is by law and tradition, a citizen of Turkey, although his family is Bulgarian. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Mehtas greeted the Patriarch upon his arrival and agreed with the sentiment that he hoped the sad events were behind them.
• The President of the United States, Glen Allen Walken, has a busy week ahead of him. He will make a brief appearance at this year's C-PAC (Conservative Political Action Committee), before spending much of the week entertaining a state visit by Japanese Prime Minister Arata Kanzaki, before traveling with Kanzaki to Seoul for tripartite trade talks between Japan, South Korea, China, and the United States. The trade deal, which the last President, Matt Santos, worked towards getting in December, was postponed and nearly derailed by events in North Korea. A representative from North Korea will attend, but not the leadership as was originally planned, and any agreements will likely be non-binding to North Korea.
• In Australia, Prime Minister Dean Kerry has continuously been attacked these last two months for what was seen as failure to properly contain bush fires throughout the state of Victoria. The once highly-popular leader is now facing approval ratings in the lower 30s.
• Growing anti-Laosian sentiment has risen in Thailand, with protests near the border and a growing "For the General" Movement. General Hang Thok, the former dictator of Thailand, was killed last April by unknown assassins, believed to be agents from Laos. The current Prime Minister of Thailand is Hang Hai Thok, son of the General, who was disfigured in 1988 during the last Laos-Thai War.
• After a second run-off, incumbent Qumari Prime Minister Zuben Ahmed has won election to retain his spot as Prime Minister, the first in modern Qumari history. Under Qumar's provisional Constitution, the Prime Minister is directly elected. Ahmed has sworn to enforce the new Constitution and has promoted continuing ties with the United States, a sore issue in the campaign. Protestors have asked the UN to look into the elections, and many have accused Ahmed of commanding too much power, with the Sultan being a puppet head of state.

 

[Tim Thomason]

An update of this, this, this, and this back in November.

 

[Marky Bunny]

Conservative Home.com

Saturday February 19th 2011

Breaking News Breaking News Breaking News

Sunday Times, Sunday Telegrapgh, and Mail on Sunday all call for Green to call an election

The first editions of the Sunday papers editorials are all calling for (apart from the Sunday Mirror. which describes PM Green as "one of the greatest PMS'S in history) to resign and call a General Election.
Headlines...
"GO NOW"
"THE GAME IS UP"
"GO GREEN NOW"
Of course we have the "Sunday Mirror"
"GREEN A GREAT PM"

 

[King Nazar]

Can we see President Walken's Approval Ratings?

 

[KahukuMan10]

Sunday Morning Talk Shows

NBC, Meet the Press: Former Governor Ray Sullivan (R-WV), Senator Llyod Russell (D-NM), and Congressman Marvin Hallifax (D-CA)

CBS, Face the Nation: (Full Presentation) Former President Matt Santos on his life after the presidency and what he has planned in his future.

ABC, This Week: Congressman Paul Chang (D-OR), House Minority Leader Jim Arkin, state Attorney General Lewis Clement (D-TX), and Budget Director Jim Hohner Jr.

CNN, State of the Union: Secretary of State Arnold Vinick, former Treasury Secretary Christopher Parker, Senator Mitch Bryce (D-IL), and former Vice-President Lewis Eisenhower (R-OH)

FOX News, FOX News Sunday: NRCC Chairman Riley Church (R-CA) debates with DCCC Chairwoman Claudia Greenwood (D-CA) over approach to electoral cycles, and Secretary of HUD Peggy Wade (R-OK).

MSNBC, The Weekend Edition: Congressman Travis Hoyt (R-PA), Senate minority leader Arthur Breech (D-HI), liberal filmmaker Michael Moore, and Governor Michael Jack (R-MI)

NBS, Sunday Roundtable: Senators Sam Seaborn and Nicole Kershaw (D-CA) vs. Senators Seth Randall and Eric Swenson (R-FL)

 

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.CO.UK/News

Monday February 21st 2011

Breaking News Breaking News Breaking News

Two cabinet Members resign

In the last few minutes we are getting news that two members of the Cabinet have resigned.
We understand that both the Secretary of State for Transport, Ed Miller and Secretary of Health, Andrea Benn have both written to the Prime-Minister to resign.
These two resignations clearly leave the Government in a crisis.

 

[President_Gore]

Mail Online
22nd February 2011

Government in crisis as Miller and Benn resign

Ed Miller pictured leaving Downing Street after resigning

Andrea Benn pictured delivering a resignation statement outside the Department of Health.

AT LEAST TWO MORE PREPARED TO WALK OUT AS WELL

CARTER: NOW SEEING LAST DAYS OF GREEN'S GOVERNMENT

CORBETT: SURELY GREEN NEEDS TO GO NOW FOR GOOD OF COUNTRY

RUMOURS THAT A SENIOR BACKBENCHER WILL CHALLENGE

 

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.CO.UK/News

Tuesday February 22nd 2011

Number Ten Communications Director resigns

Oliver Laws, the Number Ten Communications Director has resigned. The man who was heavily involved in "Smeargate" against two members of the Conservative Shadow Cabinet Nigel Jay and Richard Samuels finally left this morning.
Yesterday evening two members of the Cabinet Ed Miller and Andrea Benn both resigned, citing "smeargate" as a major reason and the fact that Laws was still in a job. It is widely understood by the BBC that two further members of the Cabinet told the Prime-Minister that unless Laws was gone with the day, they to would resign.

This may take a little pressure off Prime-minister Green, but he is facing an unsual by-election in two days time in Newport East where the Conservatives have withdrawn and endorsed the Liberal Democrat candidate in the attempt to force in the event of winning forcing an vote of no confieance in the Government and if sucessfull a General Election.

 

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.CO.UK/News

Tuesday February 22nd 2011

Breaking News Breaking News Breaking News

Government reshuffle

Gary Harrison the Chief Secretary to the Treasury promoted to Transport Secretary.

Michael O'Brien International Development Secretary to be new Health Secretary.

Ronald Turner, Minister of State at the Foreign Office for Europe & Nato is new International Development Secretary.

Claire Coleman, Minister of State at Education & Skills is new Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

 

[Marky Bunny]

Ronald Turner on his mobile, minutes after being told of his promotion as International Development Secretary this afternoon.

 

[Marky Bunny]

Politics home.com

Tuesday February 22nd 2011

Rumours that Rachel Lilburn is leading the plot to oust Green

There strong rumours tonight that Rachel Lilburn, the Former Foreign Secretary is leading the backbench plot to oust the Prime-minister. Lilburn who was sacked by the Prime-Minister in September 2009 just months after a failed terrorist attack on her.
Lilburn has we understand today had meetings with Ed Miller and Andrea Benn both whom resigned from the Cabinet last night.
A source from the within the party said tonight "If the Prime-Minister manages to hold on after Thursday night, or survives a vote of no confidence, then he could still be removed by a leadership challenge".

 

[disputed]

politico.com, Tuesday February 22nd

Clarkson On The Brink As California Verges On Bankruptcy

Governor Kevin Clarkson was under intense fire tonight as California stared into the abyss of a total shutdown of state services.

With the state unable to balance their budget and the Governor refusing to make cuts to what he describes as “essential services” commentators from both sides of the political divide are calling on President Walken to intervene to break the impasse.

The California situation has been spiraling out of control over the past few weeks since Clarkson announced his State Health Care plan, as the costs came to light his cross party coalition collapsed. Clarkson doubled down and said he would not cut spending unless his healthcare plan was passed - the result now appears to be a total shutdown of state services unless an agreement is reached by tonight at midnight.

White House Press Secretary Bill Bradley said that President Walken would not intervene and again urged Clarkson to “make the right decision” and to “walk back from the edge”. Bradley added “The President has called Governor Clarkson today and suggested that he follow the lead of outstanding Governors like James Ritchie, Simon Halley of Ohio, Matthew Lewis of New York and Randy Broughton of Nevada who are taking tough spending decisions to balance their budgets.”

Former California Senate candidate Richard Lassiter told Fox News that “Clarkson is prepared to trash the city so he can pass his pet policy, it’s beyond irresponsible.”

 

[disputed]

nbs.com, Tuesday February 22nd

Walken Approval Rating at 62% As Budget Battle Begins

As President Walken’s first budget prepares to make it’s way through Congress the White House team will be encouraged with his continuing high approval ratings.

The budget that proposes significant reductions in discretionary spending, introduces as federal sales tax and substantially reduces business tax. The President has also indicated his intention to follow the budget with a series attack on entitlements, all of which are likely to eat into his early popularity.

The bill has caused serious ramifications on Capitol Hill with both Republicans and Democrats, with the budget finding both bi-partisan support and cross party opposition. The Senate’s newest Senator Haydn Straus accused the President of “a clear attack on all state mechanisms for the support of the poor and unfortunate” whilst his two leading Democrats, North Carolina’s Eric Bennett and South Carolina’s Tim McCord appeared together on “Morning Joe” to say they would support the President’s plans.

The White House will be less pleased with apparent opposition from Kansas Senator Sam Wilkinson who said that “whilst I support the direction, I can’t support a new tax - of any kind”.

What is clear is that Walken’s promise not to shirk the big decisions was no idle threat.

 

[disputed]

timesonline.co.uk, Tuesday February 22nd

Vultures Circle As Green Hangs By A Thread

Conservative Leader Andrew Carter used an interview tonight with Jeremy Paxman to once again call on Prime Minister John Green to dissolve parliament and call an immediate General Election.

The interview, the first in a series of interviews with the major party leaders, was broadcast at 9pm on BBC2 and saw Carter discuss numerous subjects with Paxman but the majority centred on the crisis engulfing the Government.

Carter said “The government has lost his authority, the Prime Minister can no longer lead. The British people deserve better.”

Paxman asked the Tory leader if he expected to win a subsequent election in spite of polls pointing to a hung parliament. “Jeremy, I think when faced with the choice of this chaos, or a sensible, modern and forward thinking Conservative Party - the British people will choose correctly.”

Next weeks interview is scheduled to be with The Prime Minister, though there was intense speculation tonight that he intended to cancel it.

 

[Marky Bunny]

Conservative Home.com

Tuesday February 22nd 2011

Another dramatic day in Westminster as Green's days look numbered

We had the resignation of two members of the cabinet, both from the "Meyer" wing of the Labour Party. We have a former Foreign Secretary believed to be plotting a coup against her Former Boss.
If Labour lose on Thursday at the Newport East by-election then the game must be up for the PM.
We may be biased but if the Prime-Minister had any guts, he would call a General Election in the morning.
The cabinet reshuffle looks just like to us, as one member of the shadow cabinet put it tonight like "shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic"!!!

 

[Marky Bunny]

The Labour Cabinet after todays reshuffle:

Prime Minister & First Lord of the Treasury: John Green
Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Regions: Peter Kennedy
Chancellor of the Exchequer: Daniel Lamont
Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs: Malcolm Cutter
Secretary of State for Justice: Chris Greenway
Secretary of State for the Home Department: Jonathan Mosley
Secretary of State for Health: Michael O'Brien
Secretary of State for the Constitution: Luke Sharp
Secretary of State for Trade and Industry: Rudolf James
Secretary of State for the Enviroment: Jack Kennedy
Secretary of State for International Development: Ronald Turner
Secretary of State for Defence: Nicholas Renard
Leader of the House of Commons: Keith Baker
Secretary of State for Local Government: Julia Bridges
Secretary of State for Transport: Gary Harrison
Secretary of State for Education and Skills: Kate Johnson
Secretary of State for Energy: Lord Thompson
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: Nicola Woodward
Leader of the House of Lords: Lord Cooper
Secretary of State for Culture and Heritage: Richard McMartin
Chief Secretary to the Treasury: Claire Coleman

 

[JoeMulk]

Politico.com*Another round of dynasty politics?

Ross Newman 48, son of former president D Wire Newman and a political science professor at the University of Alabama is reportedly considering a run for the senate against incumbent Cody Riley in 2012. Reports have surfaced that Democratic party officials are now pressing him to run in what they see as a potential pickup opportunity in a state that has strongly leaned Republican over the past several decades. The Newman name still holds tremendous weight in the state and the last Democrat that won there was D Wire Newman which would give Democrats a serious fighting chance. It would also derail the career of Riley, a rising Republican star who many suspect is a potential future presidential candidate. The dynamic would be somewhat similar to the Lassiter vs Seaborne race in California this past year, only with the parties reversed and one candidate an incumbent.

 

[disputed]

nbs.com, Wednesday February 23rd

California Crisis Continues As Clarkson Refuses To Back Down

The California budget crisis continued last night with Governor Kevin Clarkson refusing to back down in his battle with state legislators over the spending cuts in the state’s budget.

Clarkson, who has been promoting what he described as “an agenda of economic populism”, allowed his self set deadline of midnight last night to expire and his spokesman made clear last night that he was prepared to shut down state run services if required.

The Governor met last night with California Senators Nicole Kershaw and Sam Seaborn to see if a compromise could be reached but the meeting ended shortly after 11pm last night with no movement.

Republicans continued with their onslaught on Clarkson last night. State Senator Alvin Calloway accused the Governor of “staggering arrogance” and of “attempting to push through an unpopular policy at the expense of the state’s long term health”.

There will be further talks today but with both Republicans and the more moderate Democrats seemingly abandoning the Governors side, it will require nothing short of a miracle to avoid some form of shutdown now.

 

[disputed]

politico.com, Wednesday February 23rd

Rand To Caucus With Republicans; Quigley “Never in doubt”

Louisiana Senator Judi Rand confirmed this evening that she intends to caucus with the Republican Party stating that “she looked forward to working with both parties to get government spending under control.”

In the first indications of the former Judge’s political goals she said that she is focused on improvements in education and on getting the nation’s debt under control. Rand held a press conference with Republican Majority leader Robert Royce who said that he and Rand shared “a great many objectives” and that they were both keen to work on a number of initiatives.

Rand’s decision had ramifications in Louisiana where Governor Cole Quigley, who has found high praise and wide spread antagonism resulting from his decision. The Governor told reporters this morning that Rand’s policy positions were “never in doubt” and that he was far more interested in “having a talented and dynamic Senator than a box ticking Republican.”

 

[disputed]

order-order.co.uk, Wednesday February 23rd

Right Wing Press Savage Green

The traditional right wing press has jumped on Conservative Leader Andrew Carter’s interview with Paxman last night as the signal to launch a savage attack on Prime Minister John Green.

The Sun led the charge, leading with the headline “Dead Man Walking” and saying that Green had “run out of rope”. The papers editorial called Green “a coward hiding behind procedure to cling to power”.

The Daily Mail likened the current situation to the bloodless coup in Qumar saying that “even Sharif knew when his time was up” and adding that Green was behaving like “a tin pot dictator”.

The pressure on Green continues to mount with resignations from his front bench and his majority effectively dependent on the Newport by-election.

Downing Street this morning moved to dismiss claims that Green was seeking to withdraw from his scheduled prime-time interview with Jeremy Paxman next Tuesday night. A spokesman said “The Prime Minister is looking forward to the interview and having the opportunity to redress the balance and make it clear to the British people that their government are focused on important matters and not political rumour mongering.”