Happy Monday!
Hello everybody and welcome to the Shuster "Daily Briefing" for March 2, 2009. In our effort to bring you the most compelling, informative, and watch cable TV program possible, we are making a few minor changes. You will notice some of them right from the start in tonight's 6 p.m. show. As always, your feedback is welcome and appreciated. Plus, if you have story ideas or suggestions, please e-mail us or send them via Twitter.
The big story we are looking at today involves the number of Republicans, led by radio host Rush Limbaugh, who are saying publicly they want President Obama to fail. Limbaugh said it on Saturday night at a conference here in D.C. just as he was being sharply criticized by RNC chair Michael Steele.
The rhetoric of Rush Limbaugh puts the GOP in a tough spot. Do key GOP lawmakers agree/disagree with Limbaugh's view? We will ask Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo.
Today delivered another dose of sobering economic news. The insurance giant AIG is requesting another $30 billion in federal bailout money.
And the Dow, at this hour, is over 200 points down from the close on Friday. If it finishes below 7,000, it would be the lowest close in 11 years. All of this comes amidst growing questions over CEO pay and accountability for the dollars our government is pouring into the banks. Also, I've been talking to several Democrats today who are extremely nervous about the economic "projections" the Obama administration is relying upon in their budget estimates. The Obama budget relies on substantial economic growth starting three years from now. If the economy has not recovered in robust fashion, most of the deficit figures will be way off.
How many of you remember the speech Gov. Bobby Jindal, R-La., gave a week ago following President Obama's address to Congress?
Gov. Jindal hammered the government spending in the stimulus bill President Obama signed. Jindal criticized in particular the $8 billion for high speed rail. I was surprised, therefore, to read on Saturday that Jindal's own department of transportation is submitting bids to get some of that money to establish rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
Yes, Jindal is in our spotlight tonight for "Hypocrisy Watch."
In our back half, we've got a fascinating look at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She apparently keeps a list of people/lawmakers she "favors" and those who she "disfavors." The "disfavor" includes Rep. Kanjorski. He got a ton of help from Pelosi last fall while hanging on to re-election in Pennsylvania. But, Kanjorski just defied Pelosi's lobbying and voted against the stimulus bill.
Our panel tonight includes Ed Schultz, Michelle Bernard, and Ryan Grim.
We will talk about Pelosi and take a closer look at President Obama's nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, D-Kan. The health care reform proposals will be "rolled out" starting at the end of this week.
"Quote of the Day" comes from Dr. Seuss since today is national Dr. Seuss day.
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”
Thanks in advance for watching tonight's show. "1600" airs each weeknight at 6 p.m. in Washington, D.C.; 5 p.m. in Chicago; 4 p.m. in Denver; and 3 p.m. in Silicon Valley, Calif.
Shuster