By Don | July 4, 2009
President Obama urges left wing groups to stop attacking liberal Democrats.
From the Washington Post
President Obama, strategizing yesterday with congressional leaders about health-care reform, complained that liberal advocacy groups ought to drop their attacks on Democratic lawmakers and devote their energy to promoting passage of comprehensive legislation.
In a pre-holiday call with half a dozen top House and Senate Democrats, Obama expressed his concern over advertisements and online campaigns targeting moderate Democrats, whom they criticize for not being fully devoted to "true" health-care reform.
"We shouldn't be focusing resources on each other," Obama opined in the call, according to three sources who participated in or listened to the conversation. "We ought to be focused on winning this debate."
Specifically, Obama said he is hoping left-leaning organizations that worked on his behalf in the presidential campaign will now rally support for "advancing legislation" that fulfills his goal of expanding coverage, controlling rising costs and modernizing the health system.
Obama expected nothing but hero worship from both the Democratically controlled congress and the left wing groups that supported him during his campaign. But he has disappointed the left and fellow Democrats by mainitaining some Bush era policies and not going far enough when it comes to climate change, health care etc... At this point it is unlikely that the left will listen to Obama which will only step up their activism in an attempt to force the president to toe the line and show his true colors.
Post #2159
By Don | July 4, 2009
Colin Powell who supported Barack Obama for president is grwoing concerned about his agenda.
From the Politico
Colin Powell, who has not been shy about criticizing his own party, reflects a bit of Washington CW in raising mild doubts about President Obama's agenda in an interview slated to air on John King's "State of the Union" this Sunday.
Per excerpts in this a.m.'s Playbook:
KING: So, it’s early but you're a little worried? Is that a fair way to put it?
POWELL: Yes, yes. I'm a little concerned. Concerned would be a better way. I'm concerned at the number of programs that are being presented, the bills associated with these programs and the additional government that will be needed to execute them.
KING: As you go forward — you say you talk to his people. What's your relationship with him?
POWELL: Very good.
KING: Talk to him much? Does he seek your advice?
POWELL: I have met with him not too long ago. I don't insert myself. But, we stay in touch.
Maybe Powell is concerned but Obama seems to ahve taken a "What, me worry?" attititude as the country sinks slowly into the abyss.
Post #2158
By Don | July 3, 2009
Freshmen Democrats hope their support for the climate change bill won't cost them their jobs in 2010.
From the Politico
Rep. Thomas Perriello relishes an energy fight with Republicans — even here in the rural Southside.
The freshman lawmaker understands the potential consequences that he and other vulnerable Democrats face for backing a sweeping climate-change bill, and rather than ducking the issue, he’s embracing what may have been the toughest vote of his young political career.
“There’s got to be something more important than getting reelected,” Perriello said in an interview with POLITICO. “If I lose my seat, and that’s the worst that happens, I could live with that.”
But the 34-year-old believes Democrats will win this fight.
“This is a gift,” Perriello said of the vote. “For the first time in a generation, we have the chance to redefine our energy economy. …This is a great moment for us.”
It’s unclear whether voters in this part of Virginia, where tobacco farms are shrinking, textile mills have shut down and unemployment remains well above the national average, will embrace Perriello’s optimism about green jobs and cap and trade. Like many Democrats from Republican-leaning districts, Perriello is back home this week defending what may be a game-changing vote with consequences for 2010.
Perriello is one of the top targets in a national barrage of attack ads by the National Republican Congressional Committee, which has paid for a rare off-year television ad campaign against Perriello and launched radio ads and automated phone calls against a handful of his fellow Democrats.
But Republican confidence may be a little premature.
“This is an issue that is very dependent on the overall state of the economy,” said Larry Sabato, who runs The Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, in an e-mail. “If the economy continues to be bad through 2010, then voters are more likely to give credence to the GOP charges.”
However, “if the economy improves,” Sabato continued, “voters won’t find the attacks credible. Really, how is anybody — even a professional economist — to know exactly what the effect of this bill will be? It’s so entangled with the rest of the economy.”
The president claimed that this was a jobs bill and after a lot of arm twisting the Democrats held forth with the support of some Republicans. With unemployment at a 25-year high and the stimulus not stimulating anything but a larger national debt the last thing we need is more government regulation.
Post #2157
By Don | July 2, 2009
The Washington Post repsonded to a story in the Politico earlier today that made it look like the paper was influence peddling.
Washington Post publisher Katharine Weymouth adddressed staff today over POLITICO's report on a non-canceled series of dinners in a memo obtained by POLITICO.
Weymouth, who's currently on vacation, wrote that "a flyer went out that was prepared by the Marketing department and was never vetted by me or by the newsroom. Had it been, the flyer would have been immediately killed, because it completely misrepresented what we were trying to do."
She continued:
I do not normally respond to stories but this one has created enough of a stir that I wanted to take the time to reaffirm our commitment, first and foremost, to our journalism and our integrity. There is nothing more important and no amount of money that would cause us to jeopardize that. We are always looking for new revenue streams but we will pursue only avenues that uphold our high standards of journalism.
We were planning to do a series of dinners and had requested newsroom participation but with parameters such that we did not in any way compromise our integrity. Sponsorship of events, like advertising in the newspaper, must be at arm's length and cannot imply control over the content or access to our journalists. At this juncture, we will not be holding the planned July dinner and we will not hold salon dinners involving the newsroom.
We do believe that there is a viable way to expand our expertise into live conferences and events that simply enhances what we do - cover Washington for Washingtonians and those interested in Washington. And we will begin to do live events in ways that enhance our reputation and in no way call into question our integrity.
The Post Ombudsman also chimed in.
Washington Post ombudsman Andy Alexander weighed in on POLITICO's report this morning, describing the fallout from a controversial flier as a "public relations disaster."
Alexander spoke not only to executive editor Marcus Brauchli -- who's said the newsroom hadn't seen the event flier, and if they had, wouldn't have agreed to such an event -- but also to Charles Pelton, who's listed as the event contact.
“There’s no intention to influence or pedal,” Pelton said this morning. “There’s no intention to have a Lincoln Bedroom situation,” referring to charges that President Clinton used invitations to stay at the White House as a way of luring political backing.
Pelton said newsroom leaders, including Brauchli, had been involved in discussions about the salons and other events.
“This was well developed with the newsroom,” he said. “What was not developed was the marketing message to potential sponsors.”
Brauchli acknowledged discussions, but said they had centered on “identifying events that we think are worthy of newsroom participation, whether it’s a conference or a smaller event.”
All I can say is it is a CYA situation.
Post #2156
By Don | July 2, 2009
The Washington Post has taken a page from politicians by offering access to Obama officials and its own reporters for a fee.
From the Politico
For $25,000 to $250,000, The Washington Post is offering lobbyists and association executives off-the-record, nonconfrontational access to "those powerful few" — Obama administration officials, members of Congress, and the paper’s own reporters and editors.
The astonishing offer is detailed in a flier circulated Wednesday to a health care lobbyist, who provided it to a reporter because the lobbyist said he feels it’s a conflict for the paper to charge for access to, as the flier says, its “health care reporting and editorial staff."
The offer — which essentially turns a news organization into a facilitator for private lobbyist-official encounters — is a new sign of the lengths to which news organizations will go to find revenue at a time when most newspapers are struggling for survival.
And it's a turn of the times that a lobbyist is scolding The Washington Post for its ethical practices.
"Underwriting Opportunity: An evening with the right people can alter the debate," says the one-page flier. "Underwrite and participate in this intimate and exclusive Washington Post Salon, an off-the-record dinner and discussion at the home of CEO and Publisher Katharine Weymouth. ... Bring your organization’s CEO or executive director literally to the table. Interact with key Obama administration and congressional leaders …
“Spirited? Yes. Confrontational? No. The relaxed setting in the home of Katharine Weymouth assures it. What is guaranteed is a collegial evening, with Obama administration officials, Congress members, business leaders, advocacy leaders and other select minds typically on the guest list of 20 or less. …
“Offered at $25,000 per sponsor, per Salon. Maximum of two sponsors per Salon. Underwriters’ CEO or Executive Director participates in the discussion. Underwriters appreciatively acknowledged in printed invitations and at the dinner. Annual series sponsorship of 11 Salons offered at $250,000 … Hosts and Discussion Leaders ... Health-care reporting and editorial staff members of The Washington Post ... An exclusive opportunity to participate in the health-care reform debate among the select few who will actually get it done. ... A Washington Post Salon ... July 21, 2009 6:30 p.m."
POLITICO has asked The Washington Post for a response, and will post it when it arrives.
Everyone knows that times are tough in the newspaper industry but this move by the Post while it may fatten its bank account seriously damages any notion that they are a serious and objective news organization if they are willing to sell access to the highest bidder.
Post #2155
By Don | July 2, 2009
The harsh advertising climate has forced one of New York City's leading gay and lesbian newspapers to lay of its staff and suspend publication.
From the New York Times
The New York Blade, one of the two major gay and lesbian newspapers in New York City, has laid off its editor in chief and suspended publication, the chief executive of its publishing company said on Wednesday.
“Everyone was let go, but the people on The Blade know that they may come back if The Blade is coming back,” said the executive, Matthew Bank, of HX Media, which was formed in 2005 by the merger of The Blade and HX Magazine.
The moves came on Tuesday after HX was sold to undisclosed buyers. The Blade, a biweekly paper with a free circulation of 22,000, was left with an uncertain future.
“It doesn’t have an issue scheduled until a week from Friday.” Mr. Bank said. “There are a lot of things that can happen between now and then.”
The decision to suspend publication comes at a particularly active period for journalism concerned with gay issues: the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots and the gay pride parade on Sunday, the proposed same-sex marriage bill in the State Senate and discontent over the Obama administration’s performance on gay-rights issues.
“It is an incredibly exciting time for gay journalism,” said Kat Long, who had been editor in chief of The Blade since February. “It’s important that gay papers are around to document it.”
Paul Schindler, editor in chief of Gay City News, the rival New York City gay newspaper, said The Blade had “made good contributions over the years.”
While a minority owner in HX Media has gone into receivership, Mr. Bank said that had little to do with the decision to sell the magazine.
Instead, he pointed to the advertising climate: “The economy and the future of print media being more difficult was definitely weighing on us.”
The Blade’s recent gay pride issue had been a relatively slim 28 pages.
“Gay pride is to gay publications what Christmas is to retail,” Mr. Schindler said. “When I pick up The Blade and it’s in 28 pages, then this is a business that is in serious problems.”
The Blade isn't the first and certainly won't be the last newspaper to fold, but considering the relatively high income demographic that it catered to it only underscores how deep this recession is.
Post #2154
By Don | July 2, 2009
News honchos struggled for answers on how to save journalism at a recent Aspen Instutte panel.
From the Politico
“At any given moment, there is a panel taking place somewhere in the world discussing the future of journalism,” Aspen Institute president and longtime journalist Walter Isaacson said at the end of Tuesday night’s panel discussion titled, “What’s the News Worth to You?”
Isaacson’s panel at the Institute’s Ideas Festival in Colorado was just the latest example of such a discussion and featured Washington Post publisher Katharine Weymouth, ABC News’s David Westin, Bloomberg L.P.’s Norman Pearlstine, Time's Josh Tyrangiel and Journalism Online’s Steven Brill.
As is usually the case with such discussions, the group didn’t break any serious ground in determining how to save a troubled journalism industry. In fact, many had to admit that they had no idea what to do.
“We will look at anything and are taking a wait-and-see approach,” said Weymouth. “We think about a ton of things. Everything is open.” When asked whether print papers will always be around, Weymouth said, “I don’t know. I don’t predict. Nobody knows.”
What everybody did know, however, is that the old days of journalism are long gone
“We got spoiled,” said Weymouth.
“We used to be really fat and bloated,” said Tyrangiel.
“There’s been a lot of journalism that’s been done over the years that’s not worth a whole lot,” said Westin. “You could have gotten it anywhere.”
Although Westin and others struggled to agree on a successful business model for news organizations going forward, they all agreed that specialization was going to play a crucial role.
“Basically, news organizations have had a strategy of covering the same news that everyone else does but trying to do it better,” said Westin. “That strategy is no longer a successful one. Half to two-thirds of evening newscasts are basically the same.”
Westin cited ABC News’s coverage of 2008’s Hurricane Gustav as a classic example. “We spent over a million dollars and sent 20 people,” said Westin. “And to be honest? We could have played the same footage from the last hurricane and no one would have noticed.”
Traditional journalism is doomed if the people running newsapapers and television networks can't agree on the best way to save their industry before it's too late. Then again maybe it is too late.
Post #2153
By Don | July 1, 2009
Employees of the New York Times Co. received more bad news with the announcement of their retirement fund investment losses.
From the Boston Business Journal
The 401(k) retirement plan for New York Times Co. employees, including workers at The Boston Globe and Worcester Telegram and Gazette, suffered $154 million in investment losses in 2008, according to a regulatory filing.
Net assets of the plan for the Times, which owns the Globe and T&G, fell to $417.7 million.
The plan was particularly hard hit by some $171.5 million in losses within several mutual funds. For example, the plan’s largest holding, the Vanguard 500 Index Investment fund, suffered a nearly 40 percent loss in value. Another fund in the Times’ portfolio, the Vanguard Asset Allocation Investment fund, dropped nearly 32 percent year-over-year.
Only one of its major fund holdings, the Dodge & Cox Income Fund, posted a positive return in 2008.
Investments in fixed income and insurance assets generated $5.3 million in income. Dividend income of $11.6 million also helped offset losses.
Interest income from the company’s borrowing from its retirement fund totaled $594,000.
The Times has traditionally matched a fraction of Globe employees’ contributions to their 401(k) accounts, however a proposal in front of Boston Newspaper Guild leadership would eliminate the program.
The Times wasn't the only company that suffered investment losses last year, but for employees of the paper it only adds insult to injury.
Post #2152
By Don | June 30, 2009
The Securities and Exchange Commission celebrated its 75th anniversary with lavish gala largely paid for by law firms and lobbyists.
From the Politico
By all accounts, it was an excellent evening. For the 75th anniversary of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the SEC’s Historical Society — an independent, nonprofit organization — threw a lavish dinner for 950 at the National Building Museum.
Critics, though, might gawk at the spectacle of a commission that’s been criticized as too close to industry celebrating itself in a dinner paid for largely by firms that have business before it.
Earlier this year, fraud investigator Harry Markopolos called the SEC “both a captive regulator and a failed regulator” for its failure to detect fraud by Bernard Madoff, who had been in the close orbit of the SEC before being unmasked as possibly the most corrupt money manager of all time.
But none of that, apparently, was on the minds of the industry attendees and SEC staffers who began their meal Thursday night with fennel-spiced prawns and five-citrus salad and heard tributes to current and past SEC chairmen and a speech by the current top regulator, Mary Schapiro.
“Her remarks were clearly intended to convey that despite the media hits the SEC has taken over Madoff, that the SEC is here to stay and we are as important as ever,” said one attendee. “It was like Braveheart’s speech before going into battle.”
A giant screen projected images of SEC luminaries over the diners, who savored main course selections that included port wine and orange-glazed rock Cornish game hen. Each attendee was given a hardcover, elaborately produced book commemorating the occasion with photos from the commission’s history, including Joseph P. Kennedy giving a press conference in 1934 and the all-female 1939 SEC bowling league.
The dinner was financed by donors to the Historical Society who purchased tables ranging in price from $3,500 to $7,500 and placed notices in the bound book congratulating the commission on its achievements. (“Each new day presents an opportunity to celebrate,” read the ad from Fidelity Investments. “A blue ribbon achievement? It certainly is!” gushed a full-page ad by the accounting firm Ernst & Young.)
Tickets cost $250 per person but $50 for SEC staffers or government employees.
“This was not an SEC-sponsored event,” the SEC said in a statement to POLITICO. “The event was organized by the nonprofit SEC Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) organization which is not in any way affiliated with the SEC. The SEC staff who attended the event all paid their own way.”
Transparency in the age of Obama.
Post #2151
By Don | June 30, 2009
President Obama moved swiftly to try to repair relations with gays and lesbians by hosting the first ever Pride month celebration at the White House.
From ABC News' Jake Tapper
ABC News' Yunji de Nies reports: ABBA's "Dancing Queen" filled the East Room, as more than 200 prominent gays and lesbians gathered for the first ever celebration of Pride month at the White House. The President and First Lady entered to thunderous applause. President Obama told the group he is committed to equality for their community.
"This struggle continues today, for even as we face extraordinary challenges as a nation, we cannot and will not put aside issues of basic equality," he said, "We seek an America in which no one feels the pain of discrimination based on who you are or who you love."
Many gay and lesbians believe the President has been slow to act on major issues like the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, and the Defense of Marriage Act. The President asked the group to focus on what has been accomplished so far.
"I know that many in this room don't believe that progress has come fast enough, and I understand that," he said, "But I say this: We have made progress. And we will make more."
The President spoke about his recently signed memorandum, guaranteeing benefits to same sex partners of federal workers. While those include benefits like relocation and emergency evacuation - health care, retirement and survivor benefits are left out.
"There are unjust laws to overturn and unfair practices to stop," Mr. Obama said. Among those, the President said, the Defense of Marriage Act. Mr. Obama also said he has called on Congress to a domestic partners law, which would guarantee a range of benefits, most notably healthcare, to same sex couples. The President also vowed to pass a hate crimes bill that would include protections for gays and lesbians, and said the bill will be named for Matthew Shepard. The gay University of Wyoming student, whose parents were in the audience today, was tortured and killed near Laramie in 1998. His attackers were not charged with a hate crime. The President also said he is committed to ending the ban on entry to the U.S. based on HIV status.
As to Don't Ask, Don't Tell, the President said he believes the policy works against America's national security.
"My administration is already working with the Pentagon and members of the House and the Senate on how we'll go about ending this policy, which will require an act of Congress," he said. "I've asked the secretary of defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to develop a plan for how to thoroughly implement a repeal."
Still, the President said government can only do so much. "Even as we take these steps, we must recognize that real progress depends not only on the laws we change, but, as I said before, on the hearts we open," he said.
He ended his speech with a promise to champion their cause in the days to come.
"I want you to know that, in this task, I will not only be your friend; I will continue to be an ally and a champion and a president who fights with you and for you," he said.
Maybe next he can repaint the White House a nice shade of pink and hang the rainbow flag in front tos how his commitment to the gay cause.
Post #2150
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