Here's video of me on Cavuto yesterday. Immediately after my spot former presidential candidate and actor, Fred Thompson, takes a shot at one of my comments. I don't know how to take it, on one hand my views were dismissed, on the other hand my views were acknowledged by a guy I have enjoyed in movies for years.... Watching the Hunt For Red October will never be the same.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Happy Birthday Medicare
I did a spot on Fox News Channel's Your World with Neil Cavuto today. The topic was Medicare's 45th Anniversary and it's comparison to health care reform. I am sure we all have relatives that have benefited greatly from the program, I know I do. It's amazing that more people haven't picked up on the fact that in the US if you live to 65 years old, the age you become eligible for Medicare, you have the longest life expectancy of any nation in the world. Between birth and 65 we have among the lowest life expectancy on the planet. Argument for affordable and accessible health care? I will have video of the Cavuto spot up soon. Let me know what you think.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Obama on The View, Sherrod, and Rangel
POTUS was on the View. Uhggg... I guess that politics in 2010. It's nice to know he doesn't know who Snookie is. I am not opposed to President Obama going on the View, I guess I am just upset I had to watch the View.
Shirley Sherrod say's she will file a lawsuit against conservative blogger Andrew Briegtbart. Ok. I guess that's an option. Will she also file against her former employer? Should she?
The House Ethics Committee announced 13 ethic charges against NY Congressman Charlie Rangel. I hate to say this about my fellow St, John's Law School Alumnus, but he needs to settle this even if it means his resignation and he should have done it last week. He has had a wonderful 40 year career in Congress and I would hate to see it end with his removal. The battle over the finer points of the law and whether or not he broke any rules will not be the determining factor here. At the end of the day, a vote will occur, in Congress, weeks if not days before an election. I find it hard to believe that many House members will view this on the substance of the legal arguments as applied to the facts of his case and not on how it will influence the election. The GOP will make Rangel a focus of their Fall campaign regardless of what comes out in the trial. Public opinion will determine how House members vote especially those in tough races.
At the end of the day, politics will win out even if Charlie makes his case. He knows this and this is why a deal will be struck soon.
Shirley Sherrod say's she will file a lawsuit against conservative blogger Andrew Briegtbart. Ok. I guess that's an option. Will she also file against her former employer? Should she?
The House Ethics Committee announced 13 ethic charges against NY Congressman Charlie Rangel. I hate to say this about my fellow St, John's Law School Alumnus, but he needs to settle this even if it means his resignation and he should have done it last week. He has had a wonderful 40 year career in Congress and I would hate to see it end with his removal. The battle over the finer points of the law and whether or not he broke any rules will not be the determining factor here. At the end of the day, a vote will occur, in Congress, weeks if not days before an election. I find it hard to believe that many House members will view this on the substance of the legal arguments as applied to the facts of his case and not on how it will influence the election. The GOP will make Rangel a focus of their Fall campaign regardless of what comes out in the trial. Public opinion will determine how House members vote especially those in tough races.
At the end of the day, politics will win out even if Charlie makes his case. He knows this and this is why a deal will be struck soon.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Does Anyone Care?
The Quinnipiac poll today says it all. http://www.scribd.com/doc/34984372/072810-NY-GOV-BP People are not paying attention to the primary in NY. Anything can happen. It's going to come down to organization even in statewide contests.
This poll reminds me of a funny incident I had a few weeks back with an elected official who was very concerned about going out in public. He asked if my national television appearances had led to people approaching me. I told him that the only people who know I have done the spots are people who know me already and I told I was on. The total benefit of 6 national and local tv appearances and 16 stints on the Strategy Room over the last three months is I got extra chocolate chips on my gelato at the shop I have been going to every week for 2 years. (they knew I was on because I told them).
I told the official that he needed to get over himself. No one knows him. No one knows AG candidates running state wide and spending millions of dollars. People outside of politics don't care as much about it as those of us junkies who live and breathe it. I advised the pol that chances are you can go out and grab a drink without worry that the paparazzi will publish a picture of you enjoying a draft. I believe he is looking for fake mustaches as we speak.
I was in the green room at Fox with John Kasich, the GOP candidate for Governor in Ohio. I am a political junkie but I did not know him by face. I introduced myself to him, he assumed I knew who he was and did not introduce himself. After all we are at Fox News Channel and Ohio is a swing state. It lead to an awkward moment thats all I will say about that encounter. John I don't usually give advice to GOP candidates but here's some. Introduce yourself to everyone you meet when you're running for office. Maybe it was a New York thing but we talked for 10 minutes and I didn't realize he was running for Governor until I saw his spot on the air. I was a little embarrassed.
Point is this poll is not unusual. There are few politicians who achieve the status as being known by the public at large. They may know their names but not much else. The Ag's race in NY is going to come down to organization and who can get out the vote.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
More Mid Term fun. Today's Strategy Room
On today's strategy room we talked about the mid terms and the Wiki Leaks. Again I pressed the argument that House seats are local affairs and candidates matter in statewide elections. Although the prevailing wind is pushing the GOP forward, they're facing major headwinds due to poor candidate selection and in part due to the Tea Parties influence.
Some candidates around the nation are downright bizarre. We discussed Nevada's Sharron Angle who is clearly not ready for prime time. Here in NY, the likely GOP nominee for the 1st Congressional District is a guy who made his millions outsourcing jobs to India. That should play well in this economy.
In Colorado, former GOP congressman Tom Tancredo is promising to run on a third party line. This comes as today the Democratic candidate has inched ahead of his likely GOP opponent for the first time all year. If Tancredo joins the race and pulls the right wing of the party away from the GOP candidate, the Democrat can't lose. GOP Senate hopes are fading in Colorado as there leading candidate, Ken Buck, who claims to be a Tea Party member offended some when in a movement of honesty he referred to "Tea Party Birthers" as "dumb asses." He could have chose his words more carefully, but he's right. Of course, that remark could cost him the primary as it's now against the law of the Tea Party to ever agree with Obama even when it comes to where he was born. Colorado looks like it will join Nevada as a state where the GOP will fail to pick up a seats due to candidate selection.
We also talked about the Wiki Leaks story now dominating the news. In reality there is little that we have learned from this that the American public hasn't expected for some time. The war in Afghanistan is not going well and the Pakistanis at best aren't much help at worst are actively working against us. This complicates the decisions the President must make in the coming months. July 2011 is coming up fast.
I would love your thoughts.
Monday, July 26, 2010
News 12 from June on State Budget...
With the legislature back in Albany this week I thought I would post a clip up of an appearance on News 12 Long Island's LI Talks program from late June. Since nothing has changed since then I think this analysis holds up....
Sunday, July 25, 2010
The Week Ahead
This week should be fun. In New York, Governor Paterson has called the State Legislature back to Albany for an "Extraordinary Session" It's possible they will finalize the budget this week and tie up some of the loose ends left from June. One can hope.
Nationally its 100 days till the mid-term elections and there should be a flurry of activity this week. As I stated in an earlier post, the GOP should have a successful election season as is the trend, but the Tea Party has pushed the party so far to the right and forced so many primaries across the country that it will likely reduce the amount of seats they pick up. Even if this is a national referendum, House elections are local affairs and candidates matter.
I will be on Fox News Strategy Room Tuesday Morning at 10am talking politics. Log on to http://live.foxnews.com/strategy-room watch and send your questions and comments.
Nationally its 100 days till the mid-term elections and there should be a flurry of activity this week. As I stated in an earlier post, the GOP should have a successful election season as is the trend, but the Tea Party has pushed the party so far to the right and forced so many primaries across the country that it will likely reduce the amount of seats they pick up. Even if this is a national referendum, House elections are local affairs and candidates matter.
I will be on Fox News Strategy Room Tuesday Morning at 10am talking politics. Log on to http://live.foxnews.com/strategy-room watch and send your questions and comments.
Friday, July 23, 2010
My Column from today's LIBN....
Hahn: Break the stalemate
by Christopher Hahn
Published: July 23, 2010
Tags: Lighthouse, Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Town of Hempstead
Published: July 23, 2010
Tags: Lighthouse, Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Town of Hempstead
Yet another town decided to kill a promising project. The system ensures that it almost always comes down this way. The Lighthouse project is too big an idea for town government to process. We need a better way. Let’s have the state do it.
Ed Mangano should call Gov. Paterson and sell him the project’s property. Paterson and the Legislature should create the Nassau Coliseum Redevelopment Authority. Empower it with two key functions: zoning and bonding.
This authority’s board should be appointed by the governor and the Legislature with one seat from the Town of Hempstead and one from the county, and it should be chaired by the chairman of the Long Island Regional Planning Board.
The authority should determine what is economically viable and work with developers to build it. Turning this property over to the state allows the authority to bypass local zoning laws that are not equipped to deal with projects of this magnitude.
This project is too significant to the region to allow parochial interests to stop it. An authority appointed for a single term would not have to worry about getting re-elected and therefore would do the right thing. The only flaw in this plan? It would require the state to work quickly and leaders to agree on something, neither of which seems possible right now.
Town officials must be responsive to local concerns; that’s their job, even in towns as large as Hempstead. It’s good politics, but bad policy. You rarely lose an election by rejecting a project, even one as high-profile as the Lighthouse. The region loses thousands of jobs, millions in tax revenue and countless opportunities for new businesses to emerge.
This isn’t a criticism of the town. They took an overwhelming proposal and responded with something they felt their residents could stomach.
Communication among the town, the county and developers has been suspect throughout this process. Many town officials complained they had little opportunity to discuss components of the project. While the response from Hempstead is unfortunate, it wasn’t unexpected.
The area around the Coliseum is the last remaining place in Nassau for serious development.
Nassau needs accessible downtowns with housing options, entertainment, shopping and office space. Even if we ignore suggestions that this project is not viable without increased density, density equals smart growth. Greater density in a centralized area allows for the preservation of land outside that downtown. If this project fails it will be a lost opportunity and will mean tough choices in Nassau for years to come.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Mid-Terms
The conventional wisdom is that the GOP should come close to taking the majority in the House and pick up a few seats in the Senate in this year's mid-term elections. The party of the President almost always loses seats in the mid-terms. This year will likely similar with one major difference. The Tea Party movement has produced many candidates so outside the mainstream that it's possible, if not likely, the rising GOP tide will not lift their boats.
Case in point Sharron Angle. If you asked me in January what would happen to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in this years election I would have told you he would have plenty of time to enjoy Vegas come 2011. A funny thing happened on the way to the GOP victory party. They selected Tea Partier Sharron Angle in a contentious GOP primary. Angle is among the most conservative Senate candidates running this year. She is incredibly anti-government and has stated publicly on the record that Social Security should be eliminated. Now I know she is new to politics, but the first thing I was taught about the business is that Senior Citizen's always vote. They also collect Social Security. In Nevada, Seniors make up 30% of the electorate, their children and grandchildren make up the other 70%. She has also suggested that if conservatives don't win this year, they should consider "2nd Amendment Remedies." Sharron if you're saying what I think you are saying you're suggesting treason. The Constitution has a remedy for that. This woman is so unprepared for the race that she refuses to meet with the press, local, national or otherwise. Senator McConnell, the minority leader, announced today that he will not go to Nevada to campaign for Angle. I am starting to like Senator Reid's chances and I think Vegas will have to wait another 6 years for his retirement party.
All in all, the GOP is having an identity crisis when it comes to the Tea Party. We know what the Tea Party is against, but what are they for? If you're a Republican candidate with an innovative idea for government, dare you campaign about it? I mean, its a new government program that may actually require government spending. What if you are an incumbent Congressman who secured an appropriation for a project? It's going to be a tricky year. I know the GOP will pick up seats, but not as many as you think.
Thoughts?
Case in point Sharron Angle. If you asked me in January what would happen to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in this years election I would have told you he would have plenty of time to enjoy Vegas come 2011. A funny thing happened on the way to the GOP victory party. They selected Tea Partier Sharron Angle in a contentious GOP primary. Angle is among the most conservative Senate candidates running this year. She is incredibly anti-government and has stated publicly on the record that Social Security should be eliminated. Now I know she is new to politics, but the first thing I was taught about the business is that Senior Citizen's always vote. They also collect Social Security. In Nevada, Seniors make up 30% of the electorate, their children and grandchildren make up the other 70%. She has also suggested that if conservatives don't win this year, they should consider "2nd Amendment Remedies." Sharron if you're saying what I think you are saying you're suggesting treason. The Constitution has a remedy for that. This woman is so unprepared for the race that she refuses to meet with the press, local, national or otherwise. Senator McConnell, the minority leader, announced today that he will not go to Nevada to campaign for Angle. I am starting to like Senator Reid's chances and I think Vegas will have to wait another 6 years for his retirement party.
All in all, the GOP is having an identity crisis when it comes to the Tea Party. We know what the Tea Party is against, but what are they for? If you're a Republican candidate with an innovative idea for government, dare you campaign about it? I mean, its a new government program that may actually require government spending. What if you are an incumbent Congressman who secured an appropriation for a project? It's going to be a tricky year. I know the GOP will pick up seats, but not as many as you think.
Thoughts?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
The Sherrod Charade...
When a ridiculous right wing blog put up a highly edited tape accusing a long time federal official of racism against white people someone in the administration should have looked for the entire tape. I just watched it. In fact it's the exact opposite of racism and its disgusting what happened to her. Mark Twain once said "a lie can travel half way around the world before the truth can put its boots on." This was a lie and it traveled fast... Thank God the truth caught up to it.
Shirley Sherrod grew up in a South I pray is much different then it is today. Her father was murdered by a white supremacist and his killer never brought to justice. The speech was about how she reached an epiphany that whites and blacks share the problems of poverty and how she dedicated her career to help poor southern farmers regardless of race. No one who watches the entire speech can think anything else. The farmer and his wife were all over the news praising her work and how she saved their farm.
The blogger (who I won't even name)is a race baiter and should never be taken seriously. Secretary Vilsack made a huge mistake by not taking a deep breath before they reacted to the reports. He and the administration are doing the right thing by admitting they got it wrong and apologizing to her.
Shirley Sherrod grew up in a South I pray is much different then it is today. Her father was murdered by a white supremacist and his killer never brought to justice. The speech was about how she reached an epiphany that whites and blacks share the problems of poverty and how she dedicated her career to help poor southern farmers regardless of race. No one who watches the entire speech can think anything else. The farmer and his wife were all over the news praising her work and how she saved their farm.
The blogger (who I won't even name)is a race baiter and should never be taken seriously. Secretary Vilsack made a huge mistake by not taking a deep breath before they reacted to the reports. He and the administration are doing the right thing by admitting they got it wrong and apologizing to her.
Lindsay in Jail
I don't know what how you feel about Lindsay but Drinking and Driving is a serious crime. I have lost an aunt and a H.S. friend to it. She is lucky that no one got hurt by her behavior. That said, I hope Lindsay comes out of jail and makes a comeback. She should follow the Robert Downey Jr. model. Get her life together and focus on her work. Some doubt her acting chops. I don't... Mean Girls was a pretty good movie and she was good in it. She will play 70's porn star Linda Lovelace in an upcoming biopic that will get tons of attention (probably more now that she's going to jail) If she hits a home run it would be great for her career. There is nothing I love more then a comeback, so I am rooting for her. What do you think?
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
18 months
Today's Strategy room focused on the first 18 months of Obama and, of course, the Con's on the show deemed them among the worst in recent Presidential history. They of course ignore the fact that this President inherited the worst economy in since the 1930's, 2 costly wars and a swelling deficit. They ignore the fact that when President Obama took office, the economy was bleeding over 700,000 jobs per month and now the economy is producing jobs. Time will tell. Obama's numbers are almost identical to where Regan's were at this point in his presidency and if the GOP could they would carve him into Mt. Rushmore today. Obama will recover in the same way Regan did. What do you think?
NPR Story
Here I am on NPR earlier today talking about the NYS Senate and Marriage equality
WSHU PUBLIC RADIO
WSHU PUBLIC RADIO
Today in the Strategy Room
Hey all... I am in the Fox News Strategy Room live on-line... http://live.foxnews.com/strategy-room log on and get in on the discussion live on the site... I am on at 3pm with Monica Crowley... Let me know what you think here...
Sunday, July 18, 2010
New York City Triathlon
Today I competed in the New York City Triathlon. The event was great. I thought friends had exaggerated how quick the Hudson River current was but it was shockingly fast and it really helped me out. The race was amazingly well organized. The City of New York and the Tri's organizers did a great job putting on an amazing event. The logistics that go into things like this are mind blowing. Add to that doing the event in the largest, busiest city in the world and disasters can easily occur. I was amazed at how easy it was to register, pick up my race package, and even get my chip on race morning. By all accounts the race went off without a hitch. Even finishing my run in 90 degree heat in the hills of Central Park (yes, there are many hills in Central Park... many) couldn't put a damper on the experience... I hope to do it again sometime... my final time was 2:41:13 a personal best for me in an Olympic Distance Tri by over 30 minutes.
Back to politics tomorrow should be a good week... Doing Fox News Strategy Room on Tuesday 3pm with Conservative Host Monica Crowley... Log on, tune in and get in on the conversation online. http://live.foxnews.com/strategy-room Send some comments live on that site while you watch....
Back to politics tomorrow should be a good week... Doing Fox News Strategy Room on Tuesday 3pm with Conservative Host Monica Crowley... Log on, tune in and get in on the conversation online. http://live.foxnews.com/strategy-room Send some comments live on that site while you watch....
Friday, July 16, 2010
Lazio Has $688K On Hand, Loaned Himself $200K (Updated)
Lazio Has $688K On Hand, Loaned Himself $200K (Updated)
GOP Primary now all but certain.... Lazio's spending faster then he raises....
GOP Primary now all but certain.... Lazio's spending faster then he raises....
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Thoughts on Thursday
I had a blast on Hannity. Joe Piscipo was a riot and it's always fun to meet a former SNL cast member...
Here in NY, campaign finance reports were released and there was one major absentee, GOP Nominee Rick Lazio. His Democratic opponent raised over $9 million during the past 6 months and has more cash on hand then any candidate in the history of the state. Lazio may have mailed his filling in to avoid a story today which either means he did really well and wants his own spotlight or really poorly and wan't no one to notice. We will see soon.
For all the talk about this being the year of the challenger, here in NYS, incumbents out-raised challengers by a total of 8 to 1 up from 6 to 1 two years ago. I think this just means incumbents are working harder to save their jobs. They know its a tough year.
I probably won't post too much over the weekend I am competing in the New York City Triathlon on Sunday morning and I can't wait. I'm on Fox's Strategy Room Tuesday at 3pm with my Monica Crowley... This show is on the web and you can watch it by clicking this link http://live.foxnews.com/strategy-room. There's a live chat feature so you can post questions during the show... Have a great weekend, try to stay cool...
Here in NY, campaign finance reports were released and there was one major absentee, GOP Nominee Rick Lazio. His Democratic opponent raised over $9 million during the past 6 months and has more cash on hand then any candidate in the history of the state. Lazio may have mailed his filling in to avoid a story today which either means he did really well and wants his own spotlight or really poorly and wan't no one to notice. We will see soon.
For all the talk about this being the year of the challenger, here in NYS, incumbents out-raised challengers by a total of 8 to 1 up from 6 to 1 two years ago. I think this just means incumbents are working harder to save their jobs. They know its a tough year.
I probably won't post too much over the weekend I am competing in the New York City Triathlon on Sunday morning and I can't wait. I'm on Fox's Strategy Room Tuesday at 3pm with my Monica Crowley... This show is on the web and you can watch it by clicking this link http://live.foxnews.com/strategy-room. There's a live chat feature so you can post questions during the show... Have a great weekend, try to stay cool...
Tonight on Hannity
I will be on the Great American Panel with comedian Joe Piscopo of SNL fame and GOP strategist Karen Hanretty. We will be discussing BP's ties to the release of the Lockerbie Bomber and a variety of other topics.... Tune in at 9pm Fox News Channel...
Sienna Poll
This is a re-post from the Daily Politics. 0% of voters polled would give the legislature an "A" for their budget work and an overwhelming number of voters give them a failing grade. I guess summer school is in order then. Maybe they should get back to Albany and re-take this class. The poll also gives Democrats a huge advantage in the upcoming statewide elections. Today is filling day so I expect we will be seeing who's been doing the fundraising work.
Siena: Voters Give Legislators A Big Fat "F" On State Budget Work »
BY CELESTE KATZ
Here's the latest from the Siena Research Institute:
"Nearly half of New Yorkers give the State Legislature an “F” for its work on the state budget this year, while about one-quarter say Governor David Paterson deserves a failing grade, according to a Siena College poll of registered New York voters released today. The Governor is supported by about half of voters for his vetoes of legislative member items, but strongly opposed on his veto of additional education spending."
“Voters are not impressed - to say the least - with state leaders’ handling of this year’s budget. Forty-seven percent of voters say the Legislature deserves a failing grade, with another 24 percent grading its effort as a ‘D.’ Fewer than one percent gave the Legislature an ‘A’ and only seven percent offered a ‘B.’ If your children came home from college with a grade point average of less than 1.0 you might think about not paying for them to go back to school the next semester,” said Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg. “Will voters return legislators to Albany this November after flunking them for their most important job? It’s going to be a fascinating election to watch.”
Some other highlights for you:
* Andrew Cuomo leads Rick Lazio 60-28%, down from 60-24% in June. Cuomo’s lead over Paladino rose to 64-23% , up from 60-23%.
*In a three-way race, Cuomo garners 54% to Lazio’s 23% and 10% for Paladino. In a Republican Party primary, Lazio’s lead over Paladino fell to 40-20%, down from 45-18% last month, although 40% of Republicans remain undecided.
* By a margin of 61-25% , voters have an unfavorable view of the New York State Assembly. Things are even worse for the State Senate, with an identical 25% favorable rating and a 66% unfavorable rating.
* Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has a two-to-one negative favorability rating, 20-40 percent and Senate Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson is unknown to 83% of voters.
* Voters, by a margin of 54-36%, support giving SUNY greater flexibility on how much tuition they charge. Support is much stronger upstate than in New York City.
* About 34% percent want to see a larger majority for the Democrats in the state Senate; 26% want to see the GOP retake control and 35% of voters, including a plurality of independent voters, want to see the Senate continue to be closely divided.
* Comptroller Tom DiNapoli leads GOP challenger Harry Wilson 48-24% , up from 42-23 percent in June. DiNapoli is still unknown to nearly two-thirds of voters and Wilson is unknown to 85%.
* Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand leads Bruce Blakeman 51-28%, Joseph DioGuardi 51-29% and David Malpass 50-27%. In a GOP primary match-up, it's 24% DioGuardi, 7% Blakeman and 5% Malpass with 64% of Republicans undecided.
* Gary Berntsen and Jay Townsend, who both want to unseat Sen. Chuck Schumer, remain unknown to at least 80% of all voters and Republicans. Schumer has a 60-28% favorability rating and 55% percent of voters say they are prepared to re-elect him.
* President Obama is viewed favorably by 60% of voters and unfavorably by 37%, the largest percentage ever in a Siena College poll.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/07/siena-voters-give-legislators.html#more#ixzz0tlUzXxqK
Siena: Voters Give Legislators A Big Fat "F" On State Budget Work »
BY CELESTE KATZ
Here's the latest from the Siena Research Institute:
"Nearly half of New Yorkers give the State Legislature an “F” for its work on the state budget this year, while about one-quarter say Governor David Paterson deserves a failing grade, according to a Siena College poll of registered New York voters released today. The Governor is supported by about half of voters for his vetoes of legislative member items, but strongly opposed on his veto of additional education spending."
“Voters are not impressed - to say the least - with state leaders’ handling of this year’s budget. Forty-seven percent of voters say the Legislature deserves a failing grade, with another 24 percent grading its effort as a ‘D.’ Fewer than one percent gave the Legislature an ‘A’ and only seven percent offered a ‘B.’ If your children came home from college with a grade point average of less than 1.0 you might think about not paying for them to go back to school the next semester,” said Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg. “Will voters return legislators to Albany this November after flunking them for their most important job? It’s going to be a fascinating election to watch.”
Some other highlights for you:
* Andrew Cuomo leads Rick Lazio 60-28%, down from 60-24% in June. Cuomo’s lead over Paladino rose to 64-23% , up from 60-23%.
*In a three-way race, Cuomo garners 54% to Lazio’s 23% and 10% for Paladino. In a Republican Party primary, Lazio’s lead over Paladino fell to 40-20%, down from 45-18% last month, although 40% of Republicans remain undecided.
* By a margin of 61-25% , voters have an unfavorable view of the New York State Assembly. Things are even worse for the State Senate, with an identical 25% favorable rating and a 66% unfavorable rating.
* Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has a two-to-one negative favorability rating, 20-40 percent and Senate Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson is unknown to 83% of voters.
* Voters, by a margin of 54-36%, support giving SUNY greater flexibility on how much tuition they charge. Support is much stronger upstate than in New York City.
* About 34% percent want to see a larger majority for the Democrats in the state Senate; 26% want to see the GOP retake control and 35% of voters, including a plurality of independent voters, want to see the Senate continue to be closely divided.
* Comptroller Tom DiNapoli leads GOP challenger Harry Wilson 48-24% , up from 42-23 percent in June. DiNapoli is still unknown to nearly two-thirds of voters and Wilson is unknown to 85%.
* Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand leads Bruce Blakeman 51-28%, Joseph DioGuardi 51-29% and David Malpass 50-27%. In a GOP primary match-up, it's 24% DioGuardi, 7% Blakeman and 5% Malpass with 64% of Republicans undecided.
* Gary Berntsen and Jay Townsend, who both want to unseat Sen. Chuck Schumer, remain unknown to at least 80% of all voters and Republicans. Schumer has a 60-28% favorability rating and 55% percent of voters say they are prepared to re-elect him.
* President Obama is viewed favorably by 60% of voters and unfavorably by 37%, the largest percentage ever in a Siena College poll.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/07/siena-voters-give-legislators.html#more#ixzz0tlUzXxqK
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Scott Brown and the Tea party
My Text blog got all chopped up. I will save the texting for short bites... Here's the full text... Happy Wednesday everyone. It looks like Financial Reform will pass the Senate today with the help of 3 Republicans from New England including the once poster child of the Tea Party Scott Brown... Will the Tea Party no longer approve of Mr. Brown? Does he care? He is the most popular pol in mass and he acted responsibly and came to a compromise that will benefit his constituents. Compromise is what the founders wanted and it's why are system doesn't change radically. Regardless of what the right wing says we have not had radical change in this nation nor will we. Our system is defined by slow incremental change and always will be. You can change the players in DC but the system will alway work slow...
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Hannity Thursday Night 9pm
I will be part of the Great American Panel Thursday night on Hannity. Show starts at 9:00 on Fox News Chanel.... Tune in if you can and get in on the conversation here on my blog....
RIP George Steinbrenner
Just heard that the Boss "George Steinbrenner" passed this morning at the age of 80. Just days after Bob Sheppard, the long time Yankee announcer known as the "Voice of God" passed. Steinbrenner bought the Yankees for just over $8 million in the early 1970's. Then they were a bumbling franchise that had long strayed from their glorious past. George had a win at all costs attitude that brought the Yankees 7 World Series titles during his tenure, today the team is worth 1.6 billion.
George had a colorful history with Major League Baseball. His hiring and firing of managers like Billy Martin are legendary. His relationships with players and the city of New York was historic. His beloved Yankees gave him one last championship in 2009 making his final months fulfilling for sure. He will be missed and Baseball won't be the same with out him.
George had a colorful history with Major League Baseball. His hiring and firing of managers like Billy Martin are legendary. His relationships with players and the city of New York was historic. His beloved Yankees gave him one last championship in 2009 making his final months fulfilling for sure. He will be missed and Baseball won't be the same with out him.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Missionary Work....
I am back on Fox in the strategy room tomorrow at 3pm Log on to watch it live... Speaking of my Fox appearances, I was at a Democratic Party event last night and got my first negative comment from a fellow Dem. It wasn't about what I had said on Fox, the person who delivered the rebuke had never seen me on Hannity, Cavuto or in the Strategy room, no she feels that all Dems should boycott the channel, never watch it... and for God's sakes never appear. You legitimize it she said to me....
I told her it's easy to preach to the choir, it's a lot harder to be a missionary... Furthermore, Fox doesn't need me to legitimize it, it's the most watched cable news network and much bigger Democratic names then me have appeared on it. Bill and Hillary Clinton and President Obama to name a few.
She also suggested that Fox must be telling me what to say when I appear and editing my appearances if I get too good a point across... Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact quite the opposite, all but one appearance has been live and nothing I ever said was cut. Early on a producer told me not to hold back no one will be offended by anything you say about policy.
This woman is in the minority, most of my Democratic friends are tickled pink about my recent appearances. They know I love a good debate, and Fox has provided me a forum to debate some of the top Conservatives in the nation. I regularly go toe to toe with them and anyone who has seen my work would tell you I more then hold my own. Off camera everyone is friendly and cordial. We need more comity in this nation, we need more spirited debates about public policy, we can't close our eyes and pretend that the other side doesn't exist and hope that they will just go away. I may not agree with most conservative principles, but we can't simply ignore them.
I go on Fox and I bring a Progressive Democratic message. It's an opportunity to convince their viewers that Democrats aren't socialist hippies but that we actually have some good ideas for America. I welcome the debate, I think we win it with most voters every time. I am thankful that I have a forum... what do you think?
I told her it's easy to preach to the choir, it's a lot harder to be a missionary... Furthermore, Fox doesn't need me to legitimize it, it's the most watched cable news network and much bigger Democratic names then me have appeared on it. Bill and Hillary Clinton and President Obama to name a few.
She also suggested that Fox must be telling me what to say when I appear and editing my appearances if I get too good a point across... Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact quite the opposite, all but one appearance has been live and nothing I ever said was cut. Early on a producer told me not to hold back no one will be offended by anything you say about policy.
This woman is in the minority, most of my Democratic friends are tickled pink about my recent appearances. They know I love a good debate, and Fox has provided me a forum to debate some of the top Conservatives in the nation. I regularly go toe to toe with them and anyone who has seen my work would tell you I more then hold my own. Off camera everyone is friendly and cordial. We need more comity in this nation, we need more spirited debates about public policy, we can't close our eyes and pretend that the other side doesn't exist and hope that they will just go away. I may not agree with most conservative principles, but we can't simply ignore them.
I go on Fox and I bring a Progressive Democratic message. It's an opportunity to convince their viewers that Democrats aren't socialist hippies but that we actually have some good ideas for America. I welcome the debate, I think we win it with most voters every time. I am thankful that I have a forum... what do you think?
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The week ahead
This should be an interesting week. In New York we will find out how much candidates have in the bank for there campaigns. Expect Cuomo to have around $20 million. Lazio is anyones guess... There are 5 Democratic candidates for AG... This week we find out which of them are serious...
As for me I will be back in the fox strategy room on Tuesday at 3pm talking national politics with my conservative friends.... to view log on to http://live.foxnews.com/strategy-room and email questions to strategyroom@foxnews.com I will have a post about what we discussed after the show and hope to continue the conversation here.
On a personal note, I will compete in the NYC Triathlon I hit the water around 7:30 am. 1 mile swim, 25 mile bike and a 6.2 mile run... I hope its not too hot....
As for me I will be back in the fox strategy room on Tuesday at 3pm talking national politics with my conservative friends.... to view log on to http://live.foxnews.com/strategy-room and email questions to strategyroom@foxnews.com I will have a post about what we discussed after the show and hope to continue the conversation here.
On a personal note, I will compete in the NYC Triathlon I hit the water around 7:30 am. 1 mile swim, 25 mile bike and a 6.2 mile run... I hope its not too hot....
Friday, July 9, 2010
The Economy
I was on Fox News Channel today talking about Business and the President. Some thoughts: This mess took years to develop and will take years to fix. Are we there yet? Absolutely not. Are we better off now then we were in January 2009? Of course we are just look at the Dow and your 401k statements. Look at the fact that the economy is no longer bleeding 700,000 jobs per month and is slowly starting to add private sector jobs. Do we need tougher regulation on banking and securities? Of course we do. Clearly the old system didn't work and there needs to be significant change to make sure this never happens again. We can debate what the change will be but it's insanity to argue that the lax regulations that brought us to the brink of a depression should continue.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
LeBron James' Great Mistake
I don't care if he wins 10 titles in Miami he would have been a king in a city that really loves the game. The Garden is the home office of B-Ball and if he had brought 1 ring to NYC he would have been a hero forever... Another missed opportunity for the Knicks... LeBron good luck in Miami but why man why....
Arizona
Was on with Alan Colmes today, had a blast talking about immigration and Lebron James....
So the Conservatives are claiming that the US Dept of Justice's failure to challenge the Arizona law on racial profiling grounds means that the law will not cause racial profiling. Let me give them a Con Law 101 lesson (which they are well aware of but they are counting on the public to keep eating whatever they feed them)
The Arizona Law does not take effect for 2 weeks. For the DOJ to bring a case on profiling they would need a victim who has been profiled under this law to have STANDING. Standing is required to bring a case unless the law violates the Supremacy Clause of the US Constitution, in which they can bring a preemptive challenge before the law takes effect. That is what they did here.
Immigration is within the preview of the Federal Government. The United States Constitution is absolutely clear about this. I find it hilarious that all these members of the Federalist Society are running around pretending that the states have the right to legislate here. One of the main reasons we abandoned the Articles of Confederation in the 1780's was to have a unified policy on immigration and commerce.
Do we need comprehensive immigration reform. Yes! Is this the way to get it. No, but it sure has got everyone talking about it. Like I said yesterday, its an election year and I would be shocked if real reform happens this year. Piecemeal actions by individual states, however, will only make the problem worse. The courts will not allow it. Even Justice Scalia will vote this law down.
So the Conservatives are claiming that the US Dept of Justice's failure to challenge the Arizona law on racial profiling grounds means that the law will not cause racial profiling. Let me give them a Con Law 101 lesson (which they are well aware of but they are counting on the public to keep eating whatever they feed them)
The Arizona Law does not take effect for 2 weeks. For the DOJ to bring a case on profiling they would need a victim who has been profiled under this law to have STANDING. Standing is required to bring a case unless the law violates the Supremacy Clause of the US Constitution, in which they can bring a preemptive challenge before the law takes effect. That is what they did here.
Immigration is within the preview of the Federal Government. The United States Constitution is absolutely clear about this. I find it hilarious that all these members of the Federalist Society are running around pretending that the states have the right to legislate here. One of the main reasons we abandoned the Articles of Confederation in the 1780's was to have a unified policy on immigration and commerce.
Do we need comprehensive immigration reform. Yes! Is this the way to get it. No, but it sure has got everyone talking about it. Like I said yesterday, its an election year and I would be shocked if real reform happens this year. Piecemeal actions by individual states, however, will only make the problem worse. The courts will not allow it. Even Justice Scalia will vote this law down.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Today's strategy room Lindsay and Arizona
So today we talked about Lindsay Lohan and the Arizona Immigration Law. The conversation was fast and furious. I feel for Lindsay and I hope she knows she is lucky that no one was hurt as her abuse got worse. My advice to her is to get a driver. Second I hope she decides to get her life turned around ala Robert Downey Jr. There is nothing the world loves more then a comeback.
As for Arizona. I think the national debate this has sparked clearly points out the need for comprehensive immigration reform. This being an election year I wouldn't hold my breath. 1 point I must make again is that immigration is a federal power. The supremacy clause of the US constitution would not allow the states to present a law that is in conflict with federal policy. Let's see what the courts decied.
I am back on the strategy room tomoorrow at 1 with Alan Colms. Tune in if you can.
As for Arizona. I think the national debate this has sparked clearly points out the need for comprehensive immigration reform. This being an election year I wouldn't hold my breath. 1 point I must make again is that immigration is a federal power. The supremacy clause of the US constitution would not allow the states to present a law that is in conflict with federal policy. Let's see what the courts decied.
I am back on the strategy room tomoorrow at 1 with Alan Colms. Tune in if you can.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Steele and Barton
I am blogging from the train so excuse any typos. Today's strategy room was interesting. We talked about Isreal, US Dept of Justice and other issues. It was the very brief conversation about GOP Chairman Mike Steele that was interesting. I brought up the point on how Republicans are all over Steele for his recent gaffe about Affganastan which was a slip up at a private event yet they let Joe Barton keep his job as ranking member of te Energy Com. Barton's got real power and would have more if the GOP takes the House... He made his comments in at an official hearing yet the calls for him to resign have ceased. I wonder why? Could it be they agree with Barton?
Strategy Room today
I will be live in the strategy room today at 1pm http://live.foxnews.com/strategy-room. We will be talking jobs, immigration reform and whatever else the viewers request.... continue toe conversation with me here after the show....
Friday, July 2, 2010
Happy 4th of July...
Well its my second day blogging and I am writing one of those I probably wont be posting for a few days posts. Its the 4th of July weekend and things will probably be slow unless Lebron signs with the Knicks... But before I sign off to go BBQ etc a word about our founders.
For the past year or so there has been a group of people running around this country claiming to know what the founders thought when the embarked on the "great experiment" that became our nation.... Let me say this in no uncertain terms they have ignored a basic reason as to why we have a Constitution. The Constitution created by Madison, Hamilton, Jay and the other founders is a living breathing document designed to expand federal power. It took power away from states and local government and handed it to the feds. The reason for this was simple, the patchwork of laws created under the Articles of Confederation made it all but impossible to do business in the United States and one thing all the founders had in common was they wanted to do business.
So those people running around with tea bags stapled to their hats are greatly mistaken. The founders wanted the federal government to take a strong hand in commerce. Energy, banking and healthcare make up a large part of our economy. The federal government should create policy in those areas. We can disagree on what exactly the feds should or shouldn't do but it's the job of Congress and the President to set policy in these areas. A favorite chant of the tea-party set is to call President Obama and Congress Tyrants... Calling elected officials tyrants because they are doing what they said they would do when they were elected show a complete lack of understanding for what a tyrant is. They really should have watched the Tudors (Henry the VIII now he was a Tyrant (or maybe just a Despot but the show was great))or check out the definition at dictionary.com
For the past year or so there has been a group of people running around this country claiming to know what the founders thought when the embarked on the "great experiment" that became our nation.... Let me say this in no uncertain terms they have ignored a basic reason as to why we have a Constitution. The Constitution created by Madison, Hamilton, Jay and the other founders is a living breathing document designed to expand federal power. It took power away from states and local government and handed it to the feds. The reason for this was simple, the patchwork of laws created under the Articles of Confederation made it all but impossible to do business in the United States and one thing all the founders had in common was they wanted to do business.
So those people running around with tea bags stapled to their hats are greatly mistaken. The founders wanted the federal government to take a strong hand in commerce. Energy, banking and healthcare make up a large part of our economy. The federal government should create policy in those areas. We can disagree on what exactly the feds should or shouldn't do but it's the job of Congress and the President to set policy in these areas. A favorite chant of the tea-party set is to call President Obama and Congress Tyrants... Calling elected officials tyrants because they are doing what they said they would do when they were elected show a complete lack of understanding for what a tyrant is. They really should have watched the Tudors (Henry the VIII now he was a Tyrant (or maybe just a Despot but the show was great))or check out the definition at dictionary.com
Thursday, July 1, 2010
My New Blog
I have been making the pundit rounds lately and I thought I needed a place where people can join the discussion. So here we are. My next appearances are Tuesday July 6th 1pm on the Fox Strategy Room and Wednesday July 7th 1pm same place. Here's the link you can watch live on line... http://live.foxnews.com/strategy-room
I should be back on News 12 as soon as the state budget is passed... while we are on the subject of the state budget, Albany has been a mad house the last few months even by Albany standards. I think to the outside observer this seems like politicians who have no clue what they are doing but in fact its the exact opposite. The deadlock is deliberate and no one is innocent. The Governor and the Legislature, majority and minority all have a stake here. The governor is trying to salvage a legacy and is putting his stamp on the process. He has gained approval of a majority of the budget through the extender bills needed to keep the government operating. This will forever be known as a Paterson Process...
The legislature is up for re-election. The majority has its own vision of how the state should close the $9 billion deficit, and the minority state senators, are trying to regain a foothold in state government.... Well the pain of the state budget should be over soon and I am sure we will get a chance to re-cap....
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