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Most Talked About Talking Points Memo Stories

Newt Gingrich To Appear On MSNBC's Hardball Tonight

Jeffrey Young Health Care Reporter, Huffington Post @JeffreyYoung_HC
Makes sense: Sweeps week ended yesterday. http://t.co/PfqM9G92 RT: @TPM: Gingrich to appear on MSNBC's Hardball tonight http://t.co/QHZxJiAW
Ethan Klapper Social Media Editor, Politics, Huffington Post @ethanklapper
RT @davidtaint: Newt Gingrich To Appear On MSNBC's Hardball Tonight http://t.co/6iFW4QBh via @TPMLivewire

Neil Armstrong gives rare interview

idealab.talkingpointsmemo.com — As the first person to walk on the moon, he is a man whose name will be remembered for generations to come. But one of the other well-known things about Neil Armstrong is that he hardly ever gives interviews.
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Neil Armstrong Breaks His Silence To Give Accountants Moon Exclusive http://t.co/9CspSebS via @TPM
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
RT @TPM: Neil Armstrong breaks silence to give rare interview http://t.co/8T3DzydW
David Taintor News Writer, Talking Points Memo @davidtaint
Moon exclusive http://t.co/xXMnsLHn

The Cracked Pipeline: How Redistricting Targeted Women Lawmakers In Statehouses Around The Country

2012.talkingpointsmemo.com — That Democrats became roadkill during the latest round of redistricting, mostly at the hands of Republican state legislatures, has been well documented. But less widely known is that the casualties at the state level often hit women lawmakers the hardest - eating into the slow but steady gains women have made in statehouses across the country.
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
The Cracked Pipeline: How Redistricting Targeted Women Lawmakers In Statehouses Around The Country http://t.co/2e535cTe via @TPM
Pema Levy News Writer, Talking Points Memo @pemalevy
RT @AdamSerwer: How redistricting targeted women lawmakers http://t.co/m11WnD1r via @saralibby

Why Congress Insists On Putting The Economic Recovery In Jeopardy

tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com — If Congress passed legislation to fund the federal government for a year, then scattered to the four winds, the United States would find itself in recession sometime in 2013. That's what the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office concluded in a Tuesday report, meant to alert elected officials to the dangers of allowing the country to fall off the "fiscal cliff."
Brian Beutler Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @brianbeutler
Business as usual http://t.co/x17qu9oN

Poll gives Obama small leads in three swing states

2012.talkingpointsmemo.com — Polls from a trio of crucial swing states show President Barack Obama with small leads over presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney, another sign that the 2012 campaign will be extremely competitive. The NBC/Marist surveys released Thursday polled registered voters in Ohio, Virginia and Florida - arguably the three most coveted states for both candidates.
Charles M. Blow Visual Op-Ed Columnist, New York Times @CharlesMBlow
RT @DestiGrace1: @edshow RT:NBC/Marist swing state polling shows the President up in Ohio, Virginia, and Florida http://t.co/3A4nExDs . ...

Poll: Strong Support For Maryland's Gay Marriage Law

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — A new poll released Thursday should serve as an encouraging sign for gay rights advocates in Marryland who are campaigning to keep a state law that legalized same-sex marriage on the books. The statewide poll, conducted by the Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling (PPP) on behalf of Marylanders for Marriage Equality,...
Pema Levy News Writer, Talking Points Memo @pemalevy
Maryland voters favor marriage equality law by whopping 20 points: http://t.co/3wFJ1TX1

Know Your Spokesmen: A Look At The Romney And Obama Staff

2012.talkingpointsmemo.com — With the general election firmly in its "non-stop shouting" phase, spokesmen and women for both candidates are flooding the zone with cable TV appearances, statements to the press and oh so many snarky tweets. If you follow the campaign closely, you'll likely see their names and faces hundreds of times before we hit November, so you might as well get acquainted now.
David Taintor News Writer, Talking Points Memo @davidtaint
RT @TPM: Cheat sheets for who's who among the Romney flacks http://t.co/dqFLN3t0 and the Obama flacks http://t.co/q2dCTART

Know Your Spox: Team Romney’s Top Talkers

2012.talkingpointsmemo.com — President Obama and Mitt Romney are the main attractions of the 2012 election, but it's their communications staff that fills the 24/7 news hole with an endless array of quotes, TV appearances and press releases. So who are these talking point specialists you'll be spending the next six months listening to?
David Taintor News Writer, Talking Points Memo @davidtaint
RT @TPM: Cheat sheets for who's who among the Romney flacks http://t.co/dqFLN3t0 and the Obama flacks http://t.co/q2dCTART

Poll gives Obama small leads in three swing states

2012.talkingpointsmemo.com — Polls from a trio of crucial swing states show President Barack Obama with small leads over presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney, another sign that the 2012 campaign will be extremely competitive. The NBC/Marist surveys released Thursday polled registered voters in Ohio, Virginia and Florida - arguably the three most coveted states for both candidates.
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
NBC/Marist Poll: Obama With Narrow Leads In Ohio, Florida And Virginia http://t.co/5ahhfJf9 via @TPM

Meet Mitt Romney | TPM Media

media.talkingpointsmemo.com — General Manager & General Counsel Millet Israeli VP, Ad Sales Mary Cadwallader Bob Edmunds Bruce Ellerstein Waldo Tibbetts Manager, Ad Operations and Sales Support Versha Sharma
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Pic of the Day: Going for the Gold -- Official TPM/Mitt Slideshow, updated for Mitt's winning the nomination http://t.co/vn6MGHGx via @TPM

The Cracked Pipeline: How Redistricting Targeted Women Lawmakers In Statehouses Around The Country

2012.talkingpointsmemo.com — That Democrats became roadkill during the latest round of redistricting, mostly at the hands of Republican state legislatures, has been well documented. But less widely known is that the casualties at the state level often hit women lawmakers the hardest - eating into the slow but steady gains women have made in statehouses across the country.
Benjy Sarlin Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @BenjySarlin
Must-read from @saralibby on female legislators getting cut out of redistricting http://t.co/QvJu11pq

The Cracked Pipeline: How Redistricting Targeted Women Lawmakers In Statehouses Around The Country

2012.talkingpointsmemo.com — That Democrats became roadkill during the latest round of redistricting, mostly at the hands of Republican state legislatures, has been well documented. But less widely known is that the casualties at the state level often hit women lawmakers the hardest - eating into the slow but steady gains women have made in statehouses across the country.
David Kurtz Managing Editor, Talking Points Memo @TPM_dk
The Cracked Pipeline: How Redistricting Targeted Women Lawmakers In Statehouses Around The Country http://t.co/NFbMA3sL

Romney Courts Rick

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — Mitt Romney will join Texas Gov. and former presidential candidate Rick Perry on a conference call with Perry's top donors Thursday morning to try to earn their support, reports the Dallas Morning News. "The purpose of the call -- and both Romney and Perry will be on -- is to...
Pema Levy News Writer, Talking Points Memo @pemalevy
Mitt Romney is courting Rick Perry's donors this morning: http://t.co/Qu67zR8l

Report: Zimmerman Criticized Sanford Police Department In 2011

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — George Zimmerman in 2011 criticized the Sanford, Florida, police force after a 12-hour ride along with an officer, according to documents obtained by the Orlando Sentinel. Zimmerman reportedly called the police force "lazy" and said what he saw was "disgusting." "The officer showed me his favorite hiding spots for taking...
David Taintor News Writer, Talking Points Memo @davidtaint
George Zimmerman reportedly called Sanford police force "lazy" in 2011 http://t.co/3tK4erx8

Arizona’s Ken Bennett Calls Birther Investigation ‘Closed’

tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com — This is what Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett has to show for two months of writing emails and nearly a week of nationwide ridicule in his investigation of President Obama's birth certificate: a single sheet of paper.
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Arizona’s Secretary Of State Finally Gets What He Asked For http://t.co/gGyzhZZU via @TPM
Nick Martin Reporter, Talking Points Memo @nickmartin
Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett considers birther case "closed" after getting Hawaii verification: http://t.co/ENwe8OMx
Paul Werdel Senior Associate Editor, Talking Points Memo @prwerdel
The birther movement loses another hero http://t.co/rOntUpv7
Dave Weigel Political Reporter, Slate @daveweigel
Love? RT @TPM: Arizona's secretary of state finally gets what he asked for: http://t.co/OHaRvCil

Hawaii's Verification Of President Obama's Birth

Matt Duss National Security Editor, Center for American Progress @mattduss
The conspiracy deepens... RT @TPM: Read it and weep, suckas http://t.co/qCSVktUj
Dave Weigel Political Reporter, Slate @daveweigel
BREAKING: The Hawaii Department of Health is on "Punchbowl Street." http://t.co/QMHuthBj
David Kurtz Managing Editor, Talking Points Memo @TPM_dk
Behold Hawaii's verification of Obama's birth: http://t.co/FGSeD0VG
Nick Martin Reporter, Talking Points Memo @nickmartin
Here's a copy of the "Verification of Birth" that Hawaii officials sent to Arizona's secretary of state: http://t.co/jhpHzMFn

Polltracker | Talking Points Memo

David M. Drucker Associate Politics Editor, Roll Call @DavidMDrucker
RT @PollTracker: WI-Pres 2012: Obama (D) 49.0% Romney (R) 43.0% (May. 22 - St. Norbert College/Wisconsin Public Radio ) http://t.co/jfWz3lpr
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
RT @PollTracker: WI-Pres 2012: Obama (D) 49.0% Romney (R) 43.0% (May. 22 - St. Norbert College/Wisconsin Public Radio ) http://t.co/BHepqR5b

CBO Says Coming Fiscal Cliff Will Devastate The Economy

tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com — A giant austerity bomb is timed to go off at the beginning of next year, and the threat of significantly higher taxes and lower spending has Republicans running around the Capitol sounding more like John Maynard Keynes than John Boehner.
Brian Beutler Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @brianbeutler
The economic chaos of the January fiscal cliff in chart form http://t.co/DvqgH4Gg
Joshua Green National Correspondent, Bloomberg BusinessWeek @JoshuaGreen
They're evolving RT @brianbeutler The coming fiscal cliff is bringing GOP Keynesians out of the closet http://t.co/RaNxBgjO
Brian Beutler Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @brianbeutler
The coming fiscal cliff is bringing GOP Keynesians out of the closet http://t.co/DvqgH4Gg
Benjy Sarlin Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @BenjySarlin
Republicans once again embrace Keynes over deficit-cutting -- when the defense budget is set for cuts http://t.co/xLmXj1ND
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
CBO: Coming Fiscal Cliff Will Devastate The Economy (CHART) http://t.co/p9w2UPFM via @TPM

The Facebook IPO: A Timeline

tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com — It is safe to say that the Facebook IPO has not gone as planned. A slumping stock price, and several sensational reports about what went on behind the scenes, have resulted in lawsuits, attention from regulators, and a lot of sniping and second-guessing from pundits.
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
From Investor Exuberance To Congressional Investigations: A Timeline of Facebook’s Rocky IPO http://t.co/WK6yWznS via @TPM
Ethan Klapper Social Media Editor, Politics, Huffington Post @ethanklapper
I see what you did there. RT @TPM: The Facebook IPO: A Timeline http://t.co/09cdwbko

Republicans Say Obama’s Debt Limit Bluff-Calling Is Untethered From Reality On Capitol Hill

tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com — House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) is once again insisting that Congress won't raise the debt limit this winter absent dollar-for-dollar spending cuts. The response from numerous White House officials amounts to calling Boehner's bluff. We're not going to replay last August again, they say, and we don't think you'll shoot the hostage - the politics, and the economic consequences are just too deadly.
Benjy Sarlin Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @BenjySarlin
WH: Say 'debt limit' again. I dare you. I double dare you. Say 'debt limit' one more goddamn time! http://t.co/Va0q9eCc
Brian Beutler Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @brianbeutler
"Votes aren’t there...to pass a ‘clean’ debt limit increase. Not last year, not now, not in the lame duck, not in 2013" http://t.co/dMGM06ck

Arizona’s Ken Bennett Calls Birther Investigation ‘Closed’

tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com — This is what Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett has to show for two months of writing emails and nearly a week of nationwide ridicule in his investigation of President Obama's birth certificate: a single sheet of paper.
Benjy Sarlin Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @BenjySarlin
It's Wednesday, but seriously just follow @nickmartin if you don't http://t.co/sanW4mBc
Kyle Leighton News Writer, Talking Points Memo @kyleleighton
RT @BenjySarlin: It's Wednesday, but seriously just follow @nickmartin if you don't http://t.co/Gc58cWuf

Obama Campaign Obama Pride, Reaches Out To LGBT Americans

2012.talkingpointsmemo.com — No one is sure what impact President Obama's newfound support for same-sex marriage will have on the election in November. But the Obama campaign isn't just going to sit back and wait and see. The Obama campaign on Wednesday announced the launch of Obama Pride: LBGT Americans for Obama, an outreach effort targeting the LGBT community.
Pema Levy News Writer, Talking Points Memo @pemalevy
No one knows what impact Obama's gay marriage position will have, but the Obama camp isn't waiting around to find out: http://t.co/KvTnHBl2
Laura Davis Legal and Cultural Issues Editor, Yahoo! News @laura_ynews
MT @pemalevy: No one knows impact of Obama's gay marriage position, but Obama camp isn't waiting around to find out: http://t.co/6OkYkkcR

Romney: Bain Capital Prepared Me To Be President

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — Mitt Romney sat down with TIME magazine's Mark Halperin Wednesday, where he discussed Bain Capital and why his time there makes him qualified to be president. My whole life has been learning to lead, from my parents, to my education, to the experience I had in the private sector, to helping...
Pema Levy News Writer, Talking Points Memo @pemalevy
Romney explains to Mark Halperin how Bain Capital prepared him to be president: http://t.co/wfcKFMCx
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Romney: Bain Capital Prepared Me To Be President http://t.co/C1fqhFSt via @TPMLivewire

Performance Art, Right?

talkingpointsmemo.com — It won't be easy. I know. But take a moment to plumb the depths of your memory and peer far back through the mists of time to ... last Friday, when CNBC was freaking out over Facebook's IPO. And then compare that to today, when CNBC was freaking out over Facebook's IPO for entirely different reasons.
Brian Lowry Columnist, Variety @blowryontv
Kudos to TPM for capturing what a clown college CNBC has been re: Facebook in a "Daily Show"-like montage: http://t.co/i4z0LgJT via @TPM

Pat Fitzgerald Resigns As U.S. Attorney

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Patrick J. Fitzgerald, one of the most high profile federal prosecutors in the country, is stepping down from his position after over a decade in the position. His resignation takes effect on June 30. Fitzgerald, 51, has no future employment plans and...
Erin Gloria Ryan Writer, Jezebel.com @morninggloria
Patrick Fitzgerald to resign?! What kind of fuckery is this!?! http://t.co/WR7iWOGr
Ryan J. Reilly Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @ryanjreilly
Includes statements from Fitzgerald, Holder RT @TPM: Pat Fitzgerald stepping down as U.S. attorney http://t.co/b8WKK2w2
Nick Martin Reporter, Talking Points Memo @nickmartin
Patrick Fitzgerald, the federal prosecutor who took down Rod Blagojevich and investigated CIA leaks, plans to resign: http://t.co/HydfeWO9

Carney: Claims Of Obama Spending Binge Are 'BS,' Slothful, Lazy Reporting

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — Gaggling with reporters on Air Force One Wednesday morning, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney alerted the press corps to a new story reiterating the point that President Obama has actually demonstrated unusual fiscal restraint, and warned them that uncritically reporting GOP tax-and-spend claims to the contrary amounts to "BS"...
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Carney: Claims Of Obama Spending Binge Are 'BS,' Slothful, Lazy Reporting http://t.co/Qul1dE3x via @TPMLivewire
Brian Beutler Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @brianbeutler
RT @TPMLiveWire: Carney: Claims Of Obama Spending Binge Are 'BS,' Slothful, Lazy Reporting http://t.co/FX9EuSVw via @brianbeutler

Secret Service Director: 'Absurd' To Say Behavior Was Condoned

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — The director of the Secret Service said Wednesday that he's never heard of sexual encounters with residents of foreign countries being condoned on the road and encouraged anyone with evidence to the contrary to come forward. "The thought or notion that this kind of behavior is condoned or authorized is...
Nick Martin Reporter, Talking Points Memo @nickmartin
RT @TPMLiveWire: Secret Service Director: 'Absurd' To Say Behavior Was Condoned http://t.co/vcKoiQdK via @ryanjreilly
Ryan J. Reilly Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @ryanjreilly
RT @TPM: Secret Service director: agency doesn't have a cultural problem http://t.co/3l1sqsOJ

Poll: 5-Point Lead For Walker In Wisconsin Recall

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — The newest poll of the Wisconsin recall, from St. Norbert College/Wisconsin Public Radio, shows Republican Gov. Scott Walker with a 5-point lead over Democratic Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. Walker has 50 percent in the poll, against Barrett's 45 percent. The survey of 406 likely voters was conducted from May 17-22, and...
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Poll: 5-Point Lead For Walker In Wisconsin Recall http://t.co/JttD7V5X via @TPMLivewire

Romney Mum On Immigration In Address To Latino Business Group

2012.talkingpointsmemo.com — Mitt Romney addressed a luncheon hosted by the Latino Coalition Wednesday, a conservative group of business owners. Speaking in a lavish marble hall with flags celebrating America's great explorers on the walls and free tequila on the audience's lunch tables (the group's chairman, Hector Barreto, owns a liquor company), Romney's speech was notable for what it left out: Immigration was not mentioned once, either in the address or in a pre-screened Q&A session.
Benjy Sarlin Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @BenjySarlin
My dispatch from his speech today: Romney Silent On Immigration As Latino Vote Slips Away http://t.co/STLYpDoK

Obama And Romney Go Negative On The Economy

Kyle Leighton News Writer, Talking Points Memo @kyleleighton
Here's me on the web teevee, talking about the presidential candidates going negative on the economy already. http://t.co/nYUns0Us

An Obama Spending Spree? Hardly (CHART)

tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com — A dominant theme of the national political discourse has been the crushing spending spree the U.S. has ostensibly embarked on during the Obama presidency. That argument, ignited by Republicans and picked up by many elite opinion makers, has infused the national dialogue and shaped the public debate in nearly every major budget battle of the last thee years.
Raju Narisetti Managing Editor, WSJ.com, Wall Street Journal @rajunarisetti
Obama spending binge never happened in @MarketWatch on May 22 http://t.co/7Tilxzpj and on May 23 @TPM on Obama Spending http://t.co/jHR5nSbZ

An Obama Spending Spree? Hardly (CHART)

tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com — A dominant theme of the national political discourse has been the crushing spending spree the U.S. has ostensibly embarked on during the Obama presidency. That argument, ignited by Republicans and picked up by many elite opinion makers, has infused the national dialogue and shaped the public debate in nearly every major budget battle of the last thee years.
Arianna Huffington Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Huffington Post @ariannahuff
Chart of the day: rank of biggest federal spenders of last 5 pres: Reagan, Bush 2, Bush 1, Clinton, Obama: http://t.co/gIWYQA1r

Birtherism won’t die | TPMMuckraker

tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com — Like the monster at the end of a horror movie, birtherism refuses to stay down, no matter how many times it's left for dead. It has been over a year since the White House tried to shove a long-form stake through the heart of the conspiracy, and yet some Republican politicians continue to offer fodder for the fringe which refuses to accept that Barack Obama is the legitimate President of the United States.
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Undead Birtherism: The Zombie Conspiracy Can’t Be Killed http://t.co/8B5MvvJJ via @TPM
Nick Martin Reporter, Talking Points Memo @nickmartin
Birtherism is the conspiracy theory that just won't die. @ericlach looks at how it still manages to hang on: http://t.co/gRxcNq92

Still No Verdict In John Edwards Trial

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — The jury at the John Edwards trial has failed to reach a verdict after four days of deliberations and has gone home for the evening, the Associated Press reports.
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Still No Verdict In John Edwards Trial http://t.co/14lzOG65 via @TPM

Arizona Poll: Romney Up 7 Points, Obama Approval Down

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — A new poll of Arizona from Democratic-leaning firm Public Policy Polling (PPP) shows likly Republican presidential nominee and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney ahead by 7 points overall, 50 percent to 43 percent over President Obama in the southwestern state. President Obama's approval rating is well underwater, as only 41...
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Arizona Poll: Romney Up 7 Points, Obama Approval Down http://t.co/H8c7qtVB via @TPM

Know Your Spokesmen: A Look At The Romney And Obama Staff

2012.talkingpointsmemo.com — With the general election firmly in its "non-stop shouting" phase, spokesmen and women for both candidates are flooding the zone with cable TV appearances, statements to the press and oh so many snarky tweets. If you follow the campaign closely, you'll likely see their names and faces hundreds of times before we hit November, so you might as well get acquainted now.
Benjy Sarlin Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @BenjySarlin
So who are the talking heads for Team Obama you keep seeing all over the place? Take a look: http://t.co/JyLEvhjz
David Kurtz Managing Editor, Talking Points Memo @TPM_dk
Know Your Spox: A Look At The Obama Staff http://t.co/iGyedAmX

Senate Cybersecurity Bills Under Fire From CISPA Opponents

idealab.talkingpointsmemo.com — Two Senate cybersecurity bills, including one backed by the Obama Administration, have come under fire from Web freedom activists who argue that the bills will strip away privacy protections and too closely resemble the dreaded CISPA, which passed the House in April. A Senate vote is anticipated in early June.
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
RT @carlfranzen: Behind the "Privacy Is Awesome" movement http://t.co/pNNu1cFk via @TPM

Secretary of State Ken Bennett Backs Off Birther Threat, Aplogizes To Arizona

tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com — After days of ridicule for launching a conspiracy theory-fueled investigation into Barack Obama's birth certificate, Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett on Tuesday backed off his threat to keep the president off the ballot in November and apologized to his state.
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Secy of State Bennett Backs Off Birther Threat, Apologizes To State of Arizona http://t.co/NseuUpp7 via @TPM
Gilbert Zermeno Producer and Photojournalist, CBS 5 KPHO Phoenix @Photog5i
Bennett Backs Off Birther Threat, Apologizes To Arizona http://t.co/ps9dtCeS
Keith Olbermann Chief News Officer, Current TV @KeithOlbermann
RT @TPM: BREAKING: Bennett backs off birther probe. Apologizes to Arizona. http://t.co/JNkAIJ7S
Nick Martin Reporter, Talking Points Memo @nickmartin
Bennett: "If I embarrassed the state, I apologize, but that certainly wasn’t my intent." http://t.co/VUQaFayB
David Kurtz Managing Editor, Talking Points Memo @TPM_dk
AZ Sec of State abandons birther quest, apologizes if he embarrassed state http://t.co/DoOWXxwM
Show 3 more tweets from Ryan J. Reilly, Dave Weigel, Nick Martin

Facebook Begins Testing Redesigned

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — Days after it first began offering stock in a rocky initial public offering, Facebook has quietly begun testing a new look for user profiles, or "Timelines," the company confirmed to TPM. Here is a view of the new Timeline view Facebook has begun testing on selected user profiles: Compare...
Jade Walker Editor, Front Page, Huffington Post @jadewalker
RT @ksablan: One fact of life. Facebook will always change. Facebook Begins Testing Redesigned "Timeline" View http://t.co/f8XIkJYS
Lauren Dugan Editor, AllTwitter.com @lauren_dugan
Facebook is testing a new Timeline look - what do you think? http://t.co/j3q6kyuQ via @TPMLiveWire
Robbin Simmons Weekend Anchor, WSVN 7News Miami @RobbinSimmons7
Prayers answered! RT@Slate: Facebook is testing a redesigned Timeline view--PHOTOS: http://t.co/7OztZAUP
Danielle Kost Managing Editor, Partnerships, The Street @daniellekost
Thoughts? Feels like ppl are still getting used to basic timeline -- Facebook tests new Timeline view--PHOTOS: http://t.co/fE8vWDSK via @TPM
Adrian Carrasquillo Web Producer, NBC News @RealAdrianC
RT @Slate: Facebook is testing a redesigned Timeline view--PHOTOS: http://t.co/hV1LX5Fy via @TPM
Show 9 more tweets from Katie Drummond, Jessica Guynn, Max Fisher, Nicholas Jackson, David Kurtz, Jenni Thompson, Sarah Millar, Anthony De Rosa, Matthew Keys

From Investor Exuberance To Congressional Investigations: A Timeline of Facebook’s Rocky IPO

tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com — It is safe to say that the Facebook IPO has not gone as planned. A slumping stock price, and several sensational reports about what went on behind the scenes, have resulted in lawsuits, attention from regulators, and a lot of sniping and second-guessing from pundits.
David Kurtz Managing Editor, Talking Points Memo @TPM_dk
From Investor Exuberance To Investigations: A Timeline of Facebook’s Rocky IPO http://t.co/tdM8lhiY
David Kurtz Managing Editor, Talking Points Memo @TPM_dk
The Facebook IPO: A Timeline http://t.co/72l8G6Pe

Secretary of State Ken Bennett Backs Off Birther Threat, Aplogizes To Arizona

tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com — After days of ridicule for launching a conspiracy theory-fueled investigation into Barack Obama's birth certificate, Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett on Tuesday backed off his threat to keep the president off the ballot in November and apologized to his state.
Andrew Kaczynski Politics Reporter, BuzzFeed @BuzzFeedAndrew
RT @nickmartin: Arizona secretary of state backs off his birther threat, apologizes to Arizona: http://t.co/Rf3sBw4J
Nick Martin Reporter, Talking Points Memo @nickmartin
Arizona secretary of state backs off his birther threat, apologizes to Arizona: http://t.co/vhAh8BBF

Jane Lynch Narrates Obama Campaign Video On LGBT Rights

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — The Obama campaign kicked off a new outreach effort to LGBT supporters on Wednesday, and actress Jane Lynch contributed narration to an accompanying video playing up the president's support for gay marriage, successful repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and condemnation of school bullying. Take a look:
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Jane Lynch Narrates Obama Campaign Video On LGBT Rights http://t.co/tNzmbyJ4 via @TPM
Benjy Sarlin Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @BenjySarlin
RT @TPMLiveWire: Jane Lynch Narrates Obama Campaign Video On LGBT Rights http://t.co/kQqikBNG via @benjysarlin

Hawaii Verifies Obama's Birth For Arizona Secretary Of State

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — A Hawaii official announced late Tuesday that the state gave Arizona's top elections official the verification he wanted showing President Barack Obama was indeed born there in 1961. The announcement came just hours after Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett backed away from his threats to keep Obama off the...
Nick Martin Reporter, Talking Points Memo @nickmartin
If you missed it last night, Hawaii verified Obama's birth for Arizona's secretary of state: http://t.co/08so1nbu
Kevin W. Glass Assistant Managing Editor, Washington Examiner @KevinWGlass
AND THE MATTER WAS PUT TO BED. Please? RT @nickmartin: Hawaii verified Obama's birth for Arizona's secretary of state: http://t.co/y48WZ4YE
George W. Russell Freelance Journalist @georgewrussell
RT @MichaelMathes: I was worried sick. Hawaii Verifies Obama's Birth For Arizona Secretary Of State http://t.co/6fXsS55H via @TPMLivewire
Nick Martin Reporter, Talking Points Memo @nickmartin
After Arizona secretary of state backs down, Hawaii verifies Obama's birth: http://t.co/08so1nbu
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Boom!! Hawaii Officially Verifies Obama's Birth For Arizona's Birther Secretary Of State http://t.co/3x803NI8 via @TPMLivewire

Mitt Romney’s Uninspiring New Benchmark For Economic Success

tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com — GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney has come a long way from insisting "anything over four percent [unemployment] is nothing to celebrate." That benchmark, which he set earlier in May, drew criticism from economists of every political persuasion, including GOP loyalists. On Tuesday, he set a new goal for himself - one that won't create a hoped-for contrast with President Obama.
Brian Beutler Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @brianbeutler
Romney's uninspiring new economic benchmark, and what it exposes about US politics & policy making http://t.co/aKILByhz

Romney Pledges 6% Unemployment -- Exactly What CBO Already Projects

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — Mitt Romney, who often chides President Obama for presiding over unenployment rates above 8%, told TIME that he would get that number down to 6% as president. Oddly enough, that's almost exactly where the Congressional Budget Office predicts unemployment will be at the end of the next presidential term. While...
Benjy Sarlin Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @BenjySarlin
Romney pledges to get America's year all the way up to 2017 by end of his first term http://t.co/hh3DB0xI
Benjy Sarlin Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @BenjySarlin
RT @TPMLiveWire: Romney Pledges 6% Unemployment -- Exactly What CBO Already Projects http://t.co/Q6eEEkSP via @benjysarlin

Stu Varney Says: Facebook!

David Kurtz Managing Editor, Talking Points Memo @TPM_dk
Stu Varney Says: Facebook! http://t.co/Fx06q8bV

Conservative Republicans Admits Keystone Pipeline Has Nothing To Do With Gas Prices

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — In a Tuesday interview with Washington's News Channel 8, conservative Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) acknowledged something most in his party are loath to admit. "If the Keystone pipeline comes down through our country, which I hope it does, that will not change the price of oil," Bartlett said. "The price...
Brian Beutler Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @brianbeutler
In that interview, Bartlett also says raising taxes leads to lower revenues. So he's not exactly batting 1.000 http://t.co/W7IEcmdt
Brian Beutler Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @brianbeutler
Times are so stupid that this is news: Roscoe Bartlett acknowledges that Keystone won't reduce gas prices http://t.co/W7IEcmdt

White Supremacist Dennis Mahon Sentenced To 40 Years In Arizona Bombing

tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com — Chances are, unless he lives to 102, a white supremacist who bragged about being a serial bomber will die in prison for his role in the 2004 mail bombing of a city office in Arizona.
Ryan J. Reilly Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @ryanjreilly
RT @TPM: White supremacist 'serial' bomber likely to die behind bars http://t.co/620mbwGI

Pelosi Presses Boehner To Extend Bush Tax Cuts On Middle Income

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — In a letter to John Boehner, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi presses the Speaker to abandon a key element of the GOP strategy, and extend for now the Bush tax cuts on middle- and lower income only. "Without further delay, the Majority Leadership should schedule a vote on extension of...
Brian Beutler Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @brianbeutler
Pelosi asks Boehner to give up his middle-class hostages. http://t.co/CustzZbR

Leap and Microsoft Kinect in race for motion control computing

idealab.talkingpointsmemo.com — In a few months, you may be not be clicking on this or any other article online, but instead gesturing in the air to navigate your way around the Web. That's the promise of Leap, a $70 motion control device for Mac and Windows PCs that was unveiled by the San Francisco-based startup company Leap Motion earlier this week.
Katie Drummond Reporter, Wired.com and Contributing Editor, The Daily, Wired @katiedrumm
Great piece from @carlfranzen "Motion Control Computing Wars Get Real" @tpm http://t.co/e18VbWRj

Polltracker | Talking Points Memo

Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
PollTracker Avg, FLA Prez: Romney 46.5, Obama 41.6% ... http://t.co/Yxt3btuy

Gutiérrez Says Democrats WIll Support Rubio’s DREAM Act - But Will Republicans?

tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com — An election-year effort by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) to advance a scaled-back DREAM Act is drawing praise from Rep. Luis Guti&#233;rrez (D-IL), the Democrats' most vocal crusader for comprehensive immigration reform. "The problem [on immigration reform] has never been the Democratic Party. The problem has been Republican votes," Guti&#233;rrez told TPM in an interview Tuesday.
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Key Democrat Praises Rubio’s ‘Sincere Conversion’ On Immigration Reform http://t.co/0rGCbZ40 via @TPM

Colin Powell Condemns Romney's Foreign Policy: 'Come On Mitt, Think'

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, who endorsed President Obama in 2008 and is currently unaligned, accused Mitt Romney of harboring dangerously wrongheaded views on foreign policy on Wednesday. Powell warned on MSNBC that some of Romney's advisers were "quite far to the right" and should be monitored carefully. He...
Benjy Sarlin Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @BenjySarlin
RT @TPMLiveWire: Colin Powell Condemns Romney's Foreign Policy: 'Come On Mitt, Think' http://t.co/Tnl5jcZS via @benjysarlin

Reuters: Shareholders Sue Facebook, Zuckerberg And Banks Over IPO

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — Shareholders are suing Facebook, its founder Mark Zuckerberg and banks led by Morgan Stanley, accusing them of concealing from investors a "severe and pronounced reduction" in Facebook revenue forecasts, Reuters reports. The suit was filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan.
Aki Soga Editorial Page Editor, Burlington Free Press @asoga
Reuters: Shareholders Sue Facebook, Zuckerberg And Banks Over IPO http://t.co/x8xhYPk5 via @TPMLivewire

Birtherism won’t die | TPMMuckraker

tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com — Like the monster at the end of a horror movie, birtherism refuses to stay down, no matter how many times it's left for dead. It has been over a year since the White House tried to shove a long-form stake through the heart of the conspiracy, and yet some Republican politicians continue to offer fodder for the fringe which refuses to accept that Barack Obama is the legitimate President of the United States.
David Kurtz Managing Editor, Talking Points Memo @TPM_dk
Zombie Birtherism: The Conspiracy That Doesn’t Know It’s Dead http://t.co/UwgpOBOA

Ken Bennett, Arizona Secretary Of State, Has No Plans To Probe Romney’s Birth

tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com — In case there was any doubt about it before: The man in charge of running Arizona's elections has no plans to investigate Mitt Romney's birth certificate the way he's been looking into President Obama's. "No, we haven't contacted Michigan," a spokesman for Secretary of State Ken Bennett told TPM in an email on Tuesday.
David Taintor News Writer, Talking Points Memo @davidtaint
Arizona Secretary Of State’s Birther Probe Ridiculed http://t.co/R0mK9OnQ via @TPM
David Kurtz Managing Editor, Talking Points Memo @TPM_dk
Arizona Sec of State has no plans to investigate Romney’s birth certificate the way he’s been looking into Obama’s http://t.co/1PJjAWG0
Ryan J. Reilly Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @ryanjreilly
"While Roberts said he hadn’t seen the unicorn petition, he’s heard about it through a litany of nasty emails..." http://t.co/kppWhXTi
Nick Martin Reporter, Talking Points Memo @nickmartin
Arizona's Ken Bennett faces ridicule for his birther probe. People want him to check whether Mitt Romney is a unicorn: http://t.co/VdCCZaQT
Stuart Millar Deputy Editor, Guardian America, Guardian @stuartmillar159
RT @cschweitz: THIS: Is Mitt Romney A Unicorn? Arizona Secretary Of State’s Birther Probe Ridiculed http://t.co/SvReRS52
Show 1 more tweet from Ryan J. Reilly

Reuters: Facebook Encouraged Underwriters To Lower Estimates Ahead Of IPO

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — Reuters reports: Facebook itself had urged analysts working for some of the 33 underwriters to lower their estimates ahead of the IPO, according to four sources with direct knowledge of the conversations that were held during the week prior to the IPO. "Facebook changed the numbers. They didn't forecast...
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Reuters: Facebook Encouraged Underwriters To Lower Estimates Ahead Of IPO http://t.co/q4PFOI6z via @TPMLivewire

Chart Shows Obama Spending Slower Than Bush, Reagan

tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com — A dominant theme of the national political discourse has been the crushing spending spree the U.S. has ostensibly embarked on during the Obama presidency. That argument, ignited by Republicans and picked up by many elite opinion makers, has infused the national dialogue and shaped the public debate in nearly every major budget battle of the last thee years.
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
The must-see, must-readchart of the day http://t.co/7cIABMpg via @TPM

Rattner: Romney 'Foolishly Reweaving History' On His Bain Record

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — Steve Rattner, a veteran of Wall Street who served as President Obama's "car czar" and helped oversee the auto-industry bailout, goes after Mitt Romney's characterization of his time at Bain Capital in a strongly-worded op-ed in the New York Times. Rattner was dragged into the debate over whether or not...
Pema Levy News Writer, Talking Points Memo @pemalevy
Rattner: Romney "trots around the country erroneously calling himself a 'venture capitalist.'" http://t.co/x3poNfnE

Vial Of Reagan’s Blood Up For Auction

tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com — It's the stuff presidents are made of. A British auction website has put up for sale a vial which it says was used to hold a sample of President Ronald Reagan's blood, drawn after Reagan was shot by John Hinckley Jr. on March 30, 1981, as the president was leaving the Washington Hilton Hotel.
Randy Krehbiel Reporter, Tulsa World @rkrehbiel
Auction Site Claims To Have Vial Of Reagan’s Blood For Sale http://t.co/BZ17aSoJ via @TPM
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
New product for Movement Conservative vampires http://t.co/MTsBhfz1 #microtargeting
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Calling Grover Norquist: Auction site is offering some small of Ronald Reagan's blood for sale. http://t.co/MTsBhfz1 via @TPM
Nick Martin Reporter, Talking Points Memo @nickmartin
RT @TPM Auction site claims to have vial of Reagan’s blood for sale http://t.co/cMb83xGH
Kyle Leighton News Writer, Talking Points Memo @kyleleighton
RT @BenjySarlin: Gentleman, we can rebuild him. http://t.co/CRovqQ1j
Show 2 more tweets from Nick Baumann, Benjy Sarlin

Know Your Spokesmen: A Look At The Romney And Obama Staff

2012.talkingpointsmemo.com — With the general election firmly in its "non-stop shouting" phase, spokesmen and women for both candidates are flooding the zone with cable TV appearances, statements to the press and oh so many snarky tweets. If you follow the campaign closely, you'll likely see their names and faces hundreds of times before we hit November, so you might as well get acquainted now.
David Taintor News Writer, Talking Points Memo @davidtaint
Know Your Spox: A Look At The Obama Campaign Staff http://t.co/jDajzDHH via @TPM

Poll: Romney Leads By Six In Florida

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — Mitt Romney leads President Obama by six points in Florida, 47 percent to 41 percent, according to the latest Quinnipiac poll out Wednesday. Adding Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to the ticket increases Romney's edge by two points, 49 percent to 41 percent. Romney's lead represents a five-point shift since the...
Matt Seaton Comment is Free Editor, Guardian America, Guardian @mattseaton
RT @TPM: Romney leads by six in Florida, new poll finds: http://t.co/NibBuMxu

John Edwards Trial Players

media.talkingpointsmemo.com — A Who's Who For The Campaign Finance Case
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Fascinating, aghast-making look at the players in the John Edwards trial http://t.co/3eyMfxVH via @TPM

Obama Campaign To Roll Out New Organizing Tool

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — The Obama campaign is expected to release its new online organizing tool, dubbed Dashboard, on Wednesday, reports the Wall Street Journal: The program, known as Dashboard, has been in development since last year and builds off technology used by the campaign in 2008. It is meant to replicate a campaign...
Ethan Klapper Social Media Editor, Politics, Huffington Post @ethanklapper
RT @joshtpm: Obama Campaign To Roll Out New Organizing Tool 'Dashboard' Tomorrow http://t.co/8FhEHAIq via @TPMLivewire

Hawaii Wants Arizona’s Ken Bennett To Prove His Birther Credentials

tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com — One of the more amusing things revealed last week when Arizona's secretary of state came out as birther curious was that Hawaii officials just simply don't believe he's qualified to investigate Barack Obama's birth certificate.
Adrienne LaFrance Reporter, Nieman Lab @AdrienneLaF
Huh. Arizona's secretary of state goes with "thanx" in his emails seeking the president's birth certificate. http://t.co/FCUOV5IV
Katy Vine Senior Editor, Texas Monthly @Katy_Vine
Email correspondence between AZ and HI offers some comic relief to the birthers' return. http://t.co/80khXsxR
Nick Martin Reporter, Talking Points Memo @nickmartin
If you missed it yesterday: Emails show how Hawaii turned the tables on Arizona secretary of state's birther probe: http://t.co/RthHcDpd
Ben Smith Editor-in-Chief, BuzzFeed @BuzzFeedBen
Some impressive bureaucratic sparring MT @joshtpm: AZ Birther Secy of State getting shut down by Hawaii state officials http://t.co/mLXoze3p
Irin Carmon Writer, Salon @irincarmon
To top it all off, the AZ secretary of state signed his email "Thanx." http://t.co/tgSBVRQO
Show 16 more tweets from Josh Marshall, Josh Marshall, Andrew Cohen, Josh Marshall, Gilbert Zermeno, Melissa Davis, Ryan J. Reilly, Nick Martin, Igor Bobic, Stuart Millar and others...

Sheriff Joe Arpaio Sends Birther Investigators To Hawaii

tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com — Not to be outdone by the Arizona secretary of state's recent flirtation with birtherism, Sheriff Joe Arpaio escalated his probe into President Obama's birth certificate this week by dispatching a deputy from his "threats unit" to Hawaii.
Nick Martin Reporter, Talking Points Memo @nickmartin
If you missed it earlier, Sheriff Joe Arpaio sends investigators to Hawaii to probe Obama's birth certificate: http://t.co/LK6qnCIX
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Speed Record in teh Crazy Derby: AZ sends investigators to Hawaii to investigate Obama's eligibility http://t.co/jFyPCmTL via @TPM
Nick Martin Reporter, Talking Points Memo @nickmartin
Sheriff Joe Arpaio escalates the birther probe, sending a "threats unit" deputy to Hawaii to investigate: http://t.co/LK6qnCIX
Nolan Hicks Reporter, San Antonio Express-News @ndhapple
Umm... RT @TPM: Sheriff Joe Arpaio sends "threats unit" investigator to Hawaii to escalate birther probe: http://t.co/WRKp7KSp

Romney Close To 1,144 Delegates Necessary For Nomination

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — After winning the Kentucky and Arkansas primaries on Tuesday, Mitt Romney is within striking distance of taking the Republican nomination outright. According to the Associated Press, Romney only needs 120 delegates in order to reach 1,144, the number necessary to win the nomination. Romney is likely to hit the threshold...
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Romney Close To 1,144 Delegates Necessary For Nomination http://t.co/vW0oXz5Z via @TPMLivewire

Republican Convention Cuts Ties With Strategist Mentioned In Rev. Wright Ad Proposal

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — The Republican National Convention committee has abruptly cut ties with Rebecca Donatelli, a Republican strategist who was retained by the convention to work on their website and digital strategy, after Donatelli was mentioned in a proposal to use the Rev. Jeremiah Wright to attack President Obama, reports the New York...
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Republican Convention Cuts Ties With Strategist Mentioned In Rev. Wright Ad Proposal http://t.co/xiO7j61O via @TPMLivewire
Andrew Kaczynski Politics Reporter, BuzzFeed @BuzzFeedAndrew
RT @pemalevy: Republican Convention Cuts Ties With Strategist Mentioned In Rev. Wright Ad Proposal http://t.co/UyRYmiLY
Pema Levy News Writer, Talking Points Memo @pemalevy
Republican Convention Cuts Ties With Strategist Mentioned In Rev. Wright Ad Proposal http://t.co/WCaLrD0s

White House Says Boehner Won’t Get His Way On Debt Limit

tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com — Ever since House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) signaled a return to debt limit brinksmanship this coming winter, White House officials have been adamant that the administration's not going to countenance a repeat of last August. "[W]e're not going to recreate the debt ceiling debacle of last August," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney insisted from the podium last week.
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
White House: Debt Limit Brinksmanship Is Political Suicide … For Republicans http://t.co/EXwDEVX1 via @TPM
Brian Beutler Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @brianbeutler
Sr admin officials break down Boehner's unsustainable debt limit threat & insist he won't get his way http://t.co/e4w0N8TV

PA Poll: Obama Up 8, Doubles Romney With Independent Voters

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — A new poll of Pennsylvania from Democratic-leaning firm Public Policy Polling shows President Obama with an 8 point overall lead, 50 percent to 42 percent, built on large leads with women and independent voters. Obama leads women by 20 points in the poll, while Romney takes men by 5. Among...
Kyle Leighton News Writer, Talking Points Memo @kyleleighton
Obama is doubling up Romney with independent voters in @ppppolls new survey http://t.co/EDzoFQS7
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
PA Poll: Obama Up 8, Doubles Romney With Independent Voters http://t.co/7D3dB7po via @TPMLivewire

Poll: 69 Percent Support 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' Repeal

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — A new poll sponsored by the National Journal shows Americans are solidly behind the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the former Defense Department policy that banned gay and lesbian service members to serve openly in the military. President Obama and Congress reached a deal to repeal the policy in...
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Poll: 69 Percent Support 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' Repeal http://t.co/7fYvwcLE #numericirony
Kyle Leighton News Writer, Talking Points Memo @kyleleighton
#DADT repeal enjoys wide support http://t.co/7QeAf4BT

Sheriff Joe Arpaio Sends Birther Investigators To Hawaii

tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com — Not to be outdone by the Arizona secretary of state's recent flirtation with birtherism, Sheriff Joe Arpaio escalated his probe into President Obama's birth certificate this week by dispatching a deputy from his "threats unit" to Hawaii.
Jeffrey Feldman Freelance Journalist and Blogger @JeffreyFeldman
Khal Arpaio sends his Birthriders over the Dothraki Sea to rain vengeance on the Free City of Honolulu http://t.co/JZ4zWHGK

GOP Tries To Invent Another Cory Booker With Misleading Mark Warner Excerpt

2012.talkingpointsmemo.com — Republicans gleefully quoted Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) on Tuesday, saying in press releases that he had joined Democrats like Cory Booker and Harold Ford in defending Bain Capital from campaign attacks. But the "remarks" in question were just one sentence in a forceful defense of Obama by Warner that echoed a speech the president himself made Monday.
Benjy Sarlin Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @BenjySarlin
Mark Warner spox says no daylight between Senator and President on Bain, despite GOP claims otherwise http://t.co/GI0P3LbP
Benjy Sarlin Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @BenjySarlin
GOP tries to invent another Cory Booker with misleading single-sentence excerpt: http://t.co/GI0P3LbP
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
GOP Tries To Invent Another Cory Booker With Misleading Excerpt http://t.co/WEqvRAFI via @TPM

Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC): Romney

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) told MNSBC Tuesday that he took issue with Mitt Romney's work at Bain Capital, because it involved "raping companies." "This is not an attack on free enterprise," he said. "I want say to you, I don't take contributions from payday lenders. I refuse to do that....
Jim Geraghty Campaign Correspondent, National Review @jimgeraghty
Rep. Clyburn, D-S.C., accidentally uses his "war on women" talking points while rattling off ominous financial terms. http://t.co/AEF6ISpO
Maggie Haberman Senior Political Writer, Politico @maggiepolitico
RT @TPM: Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC): Romney "raping companies" http://t.co/O4qChCXt

CBO Says Fiscal Cliff Will Slash Deficit -- And Probably Cause Recession

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — A Tuesday CBO report concludes that automatic spending "sequestration," the expiration of the Bush tax cuts, and other fiscal tightening scheduled for the beginning of 2013 will result in tremendous deficit reduction ... but will also threaten a new recession. In response, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid put the onus on...
Brian Beutler Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @brianbeutler
RT @TPMLiveWire CBO Says Fiscal Cliff Will Slash Deficit -- And Probably Cause Recession http://t.co/6gAaz53p

Craven Is As Craven Does

talkingpointsmemo.com — Before you write off Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett as another one of those fringy state officials diving deep into the birther waters of Hawaii, consider this: He is one of the co-chairs of the Romney campaign in Arizona. Then again, that honorary position already comes with a few smudge marks.
Stuart Millar Deputy Editor, Guardian America, Guardian @stuartmillar159
I'm shocked, shocked RT @TPM: Arizona's birther Sec of State is one of the co-chairs of Romney's campaign in Arizona: http://t.co/aAJbHBb7
Pema Levy News Writer, Talking Points Memo @pemalevy
RT @TPM: Arizona's birther Sec of State is one of the co-chairs of Romney's campaign in Arizona: http://t.co/cblS58sM

Treasury: JPMorgan Inquiries Will Inform Volcker Rule

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — After a meeting of the Treasury's Financial Stability Oversight Council, Departmentspokesman Anthony Coley said the results of ongoing inquiries into major trading losses at JPMorgan will figure in the final shape of forthcoming regulations, including the Volcker Rule, meant to prevent banks from speculating with depositor funds. "As part of...
Brian Beutler Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @brianbeutler
Treasury spox says JPMorgan Inquiries will figure in forthcoming regs, Volcker Rule http://t.co/wNdFE9gT

Dems Aim To Exploit Emerging GOP Rift On Citizenship Tax-Dodging Bill

tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com — Sensing a political opportunity, Democrats are working to back Republicans into a corner on legislation designed to punish Americans who renounce their citizenship to avoid paying taxes, as Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin did . The legislation, unveiled last Thursday by Sens.
Jesse Drucker Investigations Team Reporter, Bloomberg News @JesseDrucker
Dems Twist Knife In Battle Over Forsaking Citizenship To Dodge Taxes http://t.co/OcqIKIFq via @TPM #facebook #saverin

Sunlight Foundation study: Congress speaking at a lower grade level

tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com — Members of Congress aren't sounding any smarter. In fact, the 112th Congress speaks collectively at a 10th grade level, down from that of a high school junior in 2005, according to a Sunlight Foundation study released this week. Congress' conservative members speak, on average, at the lowest grade level.
David Taintor News Writer, Talking Points Memo @davidtaint
Study: Congress speaking less good http://t.co/tPYpmH0r via @TPM
Pema Levy News Writer, Talking Points Memo @pemalevy
RT @davidtaint: Study: Congress speaking less good http://t.co/5sNRa1N9

Sheriff Joe Arpaio Sends Birther Investigators To Hawaii

tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com — Not to be outdone by the Arizona secretary of state's recent flirtation with birtherism, Sheriff Joe Arpaio escalated his probe into President Obama's birth certificate this week by dispatching a deputy from his "threats unit" to Hawaii.
Joshua Holland Senior Writer and Editor, AlterNet @JoshuaHol
Sheriff Joe wastes tax dollars sending a deputy to bug officials in Hawaii... http://t.co/dAXmXOC0
David Kurtz Managing Editor, Talking Points Memo @TPM_dk
Sheriff Joe Arpaio Sends ‘Threats Unit’ Investigator To Hawaii To Escalate Birther Probe http://t.co/6ldajg4q

Feds Say 'Occupy' Bridge Bomb Suspects Are Flight Risks

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — Five individuals affiliated with the "Occupy" movement in Cleveland arrested earlier this month in a FBI sting operation for allegedly plotting to blow up a bridge are flight risks and "pose a danger to the community," federal prosecutors said in a court filing Tuesday. Authorities are opposing requests by four...
Ryan J. Reilly Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @ryanjreilly
Feds Say 'Occupy' Bridge Bombers Are Flight Risks http://t.co/wXoHFNPp

Republicans Urge FBI To Include White House In Leak Inquiry

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — Two Republican lawmakers are urging the FBI, which is looking into the leaks related to the recent Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula underwear bomb plot, to be sure and include the White House in the inquiry. Rep. Peter King (R-NY), chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, and Sen.
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Republicans Urge FBI To Include White House In Leak Inquiry http://t.co/Dt1GqPyA via @TPMLivewire

Biden: Making Money For Investors Is Not The

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — Vice President Joe Biden today referred to Mitt Romney's tenure at Bain Capital, questioning the former governor's business success as a qualification for being president. Making money for your investors is not the president's job, Biden said. "It's totally legitimate for the president to point this out," he added.
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Biden: Making Money For Investors Is Not The President's Job http://t.co/RDvRNvfv via @TPMLivewire

Biden: We Will Not Go Back To 1950s On Social Policy

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — Vice President Joe Biden said Tuesday the U.S. will "not go back to the 50s in our social policy" or the Cold War on foreign policy. "We will not do it their way again," Biden added.
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Biden: We Will Not Go Back To 1950s On Social Policy http://t.co/xM80fpxC via @TPMLivewire

McConnell On Obama: At Least Jimmy Carter Was Incompetent!

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell declined an opportunity to attack the Obama campaign for scrutinizing Mitt Romney's record at Bain Capital. Instead, at his weekly Capitol briefing, he provided GOP surrogates everywhere a textbook example of how to change the subject, and then damn with faint praise. Campaigns are a...
Brian Beutler Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @brianbeutler
McConnell sets new record in damnation with faint praise: Unlike Obama, at least Carter was incompetent. http://t.co/zftxDhjY

Cory Booker Spoke With DNC Following Meet The Press

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — Newark, New Jersey mayor spoke with an official at the Democratic National Committee following his appearance last sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press," according to CNN. "As Mayor Booker has said, the campaign did not reach out and ask him to record a video. Campaign officials also had not reached...
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Cory Booker Spoke With DNC Following Meet The Press http://t.co/qWnaKsbg via @TPMLivewire

Microsoft Bing Engineers’ Side Project ‘Leafully’ Wins Energy Dept. App Contest

idealab.talkingpointsmemo.com — The U.S. Energy Department announced the winners of its first "Apps for Energy" contest, a competition to create apps that will easily allow users to see and conserve on their household energy usage. The Grand Prize went to Leafully, a Web app created as a side project by two engineers at Microsoft's Bing search engine.
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Microsoft Engineers’ Side Project Wins Energy Dept. App Contest http://t.co/g4LNwfVW via @TPM

No Hole Card | TPM Editors Blog

talkingpointsmemo.com — You have to step back for a moment to grasp the sheer preposterousness of the suggestion that Mitt Romney's time at Bain Capital might really be off-limits in the presidential campaign. Think about it. Romney's presidential campaign, in the sense of his case for himself, is almost entirely based on his experience at Bain Capital.
Ryan Chittum Staff Writer, Columbia Journalism Review @ryanchittum
RT @joshtpm: Just to be clear: the premise of Romney campaign for president is off-limits to his opponent? really? http://t.co/7B2AWUn6 ...
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Cld Dems really fall for the bluff that Bain should be off limits in the campaign? http://t.co/7B2AWUn6 via @TPM
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Just to be clear: the premise of Romney campaign for president is off-limits to his opponent? really? http://t.co/7B2AWUn6 via @TPM

GOP Sen. Ayotte: 'Debating Joe Biden Would Be Quite Enjoyable'

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — The Boston Herald's Joe Battenfield asked Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), widely thought to be a possible running mate for Mitt Romney, a key question: Could she take Joe Biden in a debate? Ayotte laughed. "Certainly, debating Joe Biden would be quite enjoyable," she said. "Because let's face it, he's got...
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
#OverEager >>> GOP Sen. Ayotte: 'Debating Joe Biden Would Be Quite Enjoyable' http://t.co/ktlXIbJV via @TPMLivewire

Polltracker | Talking Points Memo

Kyle Leighton News Writer, Talking Points Memo @kyleleighton
RT @PollTracker: PA-Pres 2012: Obama (D) 50.0% Romney (R) 42.0% (May. 20 - PPP (D)) http://t.co/DIAsROpd

John Wolfe Challenges Obama In Arkansas Democratic Primary

2012.talkingpointsmemo.com — Earlier this month, President Obama suffered a morning of embarrassing headlines after 42 percent of Democratic voters in West Virginia chose Texas prison inmate Keith Judd over the president in their state's primary. Tuesday's Arkansas primary may add insult to injury.
Pema Levy News Writer, Talking Points Memo @pemalevy
Meet The Anti-Wall Street Tennessee Lawyer Taking On Obama In Arkansas http://t.co/Wmc81cKj

Vial Of Reagan’s Blood Up For Auction

tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com — It's the stuff presidents are made of. A British auction website has put up for sale a vial which it says was used to hold a sample of President Ronald Reagan's blood, drawn after Reagan was shot by John Hinckley Jr. on March 30, 1981, as the president was leaving the Washington Hilton Hotel.
David Kurtz Managing Editor, Talking Points Memo @TPM_dk
Auction Site Claims To Have Vial Of Reagan’s Blood For Sale http://t.co/jUyPg9wX

Andrea Mitchell calls Rush Limbaugh a “bully”

tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com — Andrea Mitchell didn't mince words when alluding to Rush Limbaugh in a recent magazine interview. He's a "bully with a megaphone," the NBC reporter and MSNBC host told More magazine in a wide-ranging interview on politics and women's rights. Mitchell has scored some high-profile interviews on the topic of reproductive politics, including Susan G.
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Andrea Mitchell: Rush Limbaugh Is A ‘Bully With A Megaphone’ http://t.co/YQxlVH6m via @TPM

Crossroads GPS Ad Targets Swing States With $9.7 Million Buy

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — The conservative group Crossroads GPS has announced a new $9.7 million ad buy in their campaign against President Obama. The ad will run on network affiliates in Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia, according to the group's press release. The ad is part...
Benjy Sarlin Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @BenjySarlin
$10 million in 100% anonymously funded ads in swing states -- just as God and George Washington intended http://t.co/T7KJ0fL4

Sen. Warner: Bain Capital Is 'Valid Topic Of Debate'

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — On MSNBC's "Daily Rundown" Tuesday morning, Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) echoed President Obama's comments from Monday by arguing that what takes place in private equity is different from best practices in the public sector. Warner said that Bain and private equity were "a valid topic of debate." "One of the...
Pema Levy News Writer, Talking Points Memo @pemalevy
Sen. Warner: Bain Capital Is 'Valid Topic Of Debate' http://t.co/TTPdVGtW

Newt Gingrich: It's OK To Attack Bain, It Just Won't Work

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — Newt Gingrich's attacks on Bain Capital in the GOP primary made President Obama look tame. Now the former Speaker says Obama is making a terrible mistake my going the same route. "I think it's perfectly reasonable for the news media, the president, anybody who wants to to look at Bain...
Benjy Sarlin Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @BenjySarlin
Oh hey, look who's back RT @TPM: Newt Gingrich: It's OK to attack Bain, it just won't work http://t.co/JrDmNx6b

How Far Will The Obama Administration Go To Tighten The Volcker Rule?

tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com — The Obama administration will likely tighten rules to prevent federally insured banks from speculating with their money after financial giant JP Morgan lost billions of dollars -- and continues to hemorrhage -- on a risky bet intended to pad the firm's profits.
Brian Beutler Political Reporter, Talking Points Memo @brianbeutler
Obama admin walks Volcker Rule tightrope http://t.co/LeIp6IyV

University Of Notre Dame Sues Obama Administration For Contraception Mandate

tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com — The University of Notre Dame has filed a lawsuit against the Obama administration over its requirement that employer-provided insurance plans include birth control coverage. The issue was the subject of a heated firestorm earlier this year. The administration tweaked its rule to accommodate religious nonprofits like Catholic universities and hospitals.
Libby A. Nelson Congress, Federal Policy, and Religious Colleges Reporter, Inside Higher Ed @libbyanelson
Notre Dame suing Obama administration over contraceptive mandate. http://t.co/LIrOz2Ql Biggest college name by far to do so.
Libby A. Nelson Congress, Federal Policy, and Religious Colleges Reporter, Inside Higher Ed @libbyanelson
Notre Dame has joined the lawsuit over contraceptive insurance coverage and religious employers. http://t.co/LIrOz2Ql
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
University Of Notre Dame Sues Obama Administration For Contraception Mandate http://t.co/nnWWJ85o via @TPM
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
University Of Notre Dame Sues Obama Administration For Contraception Mandate http://t.co/nnWSbxWe via @TPM
Liz Goodwin National Affairs Reporter, Yahoo! News @lizcgoodwin
RT @TPM: BREAKING: University of Notre Dame sues Obama admin for contraception mandate http://t.co/gQHTObmJ
Show 4 more tweets from David Kurtz, Anthony De Rosa, McKay Coppins, Matthew Keys

Poll: Voters Think Romney And Bain Were Driven By Profit, Not Job Creation

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — Amid renewed scrutiny of his time at Bain Capital, a new poll examines how voters view presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney's career at the private equity firm. The poll, conducted by the Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling (PPP) on behalf of Daily Kos and the SEIU, found that 57 percent of...
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Poll: Voters Think Romney And Bain Were Driven By Profit, Not Job Creation http://t.co/BzvqE8Dn via @TPMLivewire

SpaceX Dragon Launch Succeeds; Now Comes The Hard Part

idealab.talkingpointsmemo.com — Dreams of a new era of commercial space exploration took flight on early Tuesday morning as private company SpaceX successfully launched a rocket it hopes will become the first commercial vessel ever to dock with, and deliver cargo to, the International Space Station.
David Kurtz Managing Editor, Talking Points Memo @TPM_dk
SpaceX Launch Succeeds — Now Comes The Hard Part http://t.co/Qh5sqe5a

Archbishop Dolan: Obama Administration 'Strangling' Catholic Church

livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com — Archbishop Timothy Dolan took aim at the Obama administration Tuesday, arguing that the president's contraception policies are "strangling" the Catholic Church. "They tell us if you're really going be considered a church, if you're going to be really exempt from these demands of the government, well, you have to propagate...
Josh Marshall Editor and Publisher, Talking Points Memo @joshtpm
Archbishop Dolan: Obama Administration 'Strangling' Catholic Church http://t.co/Kihaw61C #hyperbolemuch