Who exactly are the Blue Dogs trying to appease?
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Blue Dog Democrats got elected to office on the strength of progressive party activists and union members walking, phone banking, and contributing money and material to their campaigns (often suppressing their concerns over supporting a Democrat who self-identifies as "conservative"). You don't show gratitude to your supporters by biting the hand that … Read more
John McCain, then and now
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: What a difference a year makes. And the electorate to which he is trying to appeal (in this case, rabid GOP primary voters in Arizona). BarbinMD at Daily Kos posts this helpful reminder That Was Then, This Is Now, McCain Edition: [On Monday] John McCain said: … he'll oppose Supreme Court nominee … Read more
Health care reform in Giffords’, Grijalva’s words
by David SafierI've spend a fair number of words criticizing Giffords, both for her vague stand on health care reform and for some of the roadblocks she and other Blue Dogs have erected in its path. So in fairness, I'm going to give Giffords a chance to speak for herself, though a column that just … Read more
Not-very-shameless self promotion
by David SafierSince this bit of self promotion is also much-deserved promotion of regular BfA reader and commenter Steve Gall, I do it without even a twinge of shame. After I wrote a short post about Steve Gall and his quest for recess a few weeks ago, I got together with Steve and Mariana, learned … Read more
Special Session Update: Come back next week
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Tuesday kicks off the fifth week of the Special Session with a pledge and pray session, followed by Senate President Bob "Bluto" Burns trying to find two more Republican senators to get to 16 votes for the GOP budget in the Senate. Burns has stated that he will continue to try to … Read more
Special Comment: Legislators for Sale
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: "We know what you are, sir, we are arguing about the price…" Keith Olbermann calls out and publicly shames legislators who are bought and paid for by lobbyists for insurers and big pharma in the health care debate. Where is the rest of the "fourth estate" in fulfilling its duty to hold … Read more
UPDATE: Cash for Clunkers
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Keith Olbermann takes on Arizona's embarrassment, Sen. John McCain, who wants to filibuster more money for the "cash for clunkers" program because it is a stimulus program that is popular with Americans and is actually working. July's auto sales were best in nearly a year ("In fact, some automakers, dealers and government … Read more
