Threat Assessment: December 12th – 16th
AGAINST US
Newt pulls a Lazio on Michele Bachmann
By way of grimaces and eye-rolls, Gingrich made it clear he thinks the Minnesota congresswoman is a dummy during last night's GOP debate, reminding some of the moment, 11 years ago, when New York senatorial candidate Rick Lazio bullyingly invaded Hillary Clinton's space during a debate. [The Atlantic Wire]
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WITH US
America slowly turning against the death penalty
The number of new death sentences issued dropped to 78 this year, the first time in over three decades the number has fallen below 100, and the 43 prisoners executed this year represent a 75 percent decline from 1996. A recent poll found public support for the death penalty at a 39-year low. [ThinkProgress]
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AGAINST US
Boehner doubles down on Keystone XL
GOP insists on slipping provision to greenlight environmentally hazardous oil pipeline in payroll tax bill. [Politico]
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WITH US
New Banksy Graffiti Tweaks Consumerism
The shadowy street artist added three new works to his London oeuvre, including a repurposed no stopping sign featuring a rat on a treadmill. [Treehugger]
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AGAINST US
Christian Bale beaten trying to visit Chinese activist
The actor, in China to promote his new film, was barred from visiting a famous human rights activist living under house arrest. [CNN]
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WITH US
SEC Sues Former Freddie, Fannie CEOs
Claims they misled investors about risks of subprime-mortgage loans.[Bloomberg]
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WITH US
GOP Senator says Dems "more intellectually honest" than GOPers
"When I talk to my colleagues on the other side," said Oklahoma Republican Senator Tom Coburn on C-Span, discussing the current budget deficit debate, "and some of my closest colleagues are the most liberal, I find them more intellectually honest oftentimes." [ThinkProgress]
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AGAINST US
1 in 5 women has been sexually assaulted
18.3 percent of women and 1.4 percent of men say they've been victims of rape or attempted rape, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control. [Bloomberg]
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WITH US
Gary Busey withdraws Gingrich endorsement
"It is not time for me to be endorsing anyone at this time! When there are the two final candidates, then I will endorse," the actor said Wednesday [The Hill]
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AGAINST US
BP Back in the Gulf of Mexico
The company has been awarded $27 million in leases for deep water exploration.[National Journal]
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WITH US
Loud Commercials Have to Tone it Down
The Federal Communications Commission has come out with new rules requiring cable and TV companies to keep volume levels constant, instead of cranking up the volume on ads. (Loud ads are the No. 1 consumer complaint to the FCC.) [The Week]
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AGAINST US
Radical Anti-Abortion Gains Ground
Ohio measure would allow doctors to perform abortion only if a woman is in mortal danger.[ThinkProgress]
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AGAINST US
Islamophobes Protest Show For Depicting Muslims As Regular People
"… while excluding many Islamic believers whose agenda poses a clear and present danger to the liberties and traditional values that the majority of Americans cherish. [Mother Jones]
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AGAINST US
Americans Hate Congress
Big majority rate the honesty and ethical standards of members of Congress as either "low" or "very low." [The Atlantic]
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WITH US
Awkward Moment for Mitt
Gay veteran gets in Romney's face on campaign stop.[Washington Post]
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AGAINST US
Jon Corzine Was Way Hands-On
Former NJ governor played bigger role in MF Global risk-taking than thought. [New York Times
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WITH US
IOWA GOV GETS SLAP FROM COURT
Terry Branstad’s push to shutter 36 unemployment offices is declared unconstitutional. [ThinkProgress]