Dem Strategists Hatched Plan to Target Limbaugh

Pre-9/11, Dem hoped Dubya didn't 'succeed'

(NEWSER) - Amid the hubbub over Rush Limbaugh’s open desire for the president to fail, Fox News is claiming a media double-standard: Democratic strategist James Carville made a similar comment referencing Bush 43, and no one heard about it. But the two situations are far from analogous, writes Dave Cook in the Christian Science Monitor. Carville’s statement was made early on September 11, 2001—and he retracted it as soon as he heard about the attacks. More»

(NEWSER) - Howard Dean didn't get the health cabinet post he wanted, and doesn't want the job that's open—surgeon general—but is pushing President Obama's health-care plan just the same, the Washington Times reports. "Democrats can’t cave," says the former doc. Obama’s plan is "perfect," and since it stresses choice it should be "right up the Republicans' alley." If the GOP wants to filibuster, he adds, "be my guest and let’s see how they do in 2010." More»

Obama's campaign manager takes a swipe at Republicans

(NEWSER) - The 2008 election sent many signals, but chief among them was that America is sick of partisan pettiness, writes President Obama’s former campaign manager David Plouffe in the Washington Post today, He faults the GOP for somehow missing that memo, joining Obama chief of staff Rahm Emanuel in declaring that “Rush Limbaugh has become their leader.” For hurting Americans, Rush's bellowing that he hopes Obama fails to rescue the economy "sounded like fingernails on a chalkboard.” More»

Emanuel, Carville, Begala, Stephanopoulos talk every day

(NEWSER) - Obama Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel may have his hands full these days, but not too full to touch base every single morning with three longtime pals: James Carville, George Stephanopoulos, and Paul Begala, reports Politico. The four Dems never skip the chance to trade information and gossip, often in shorthand, often as early as 6am. “I refer to it as the 17-year-long conference call,” says Emanuel. “You can tap into it anytime you want.” More»

A look at some of the more interesting entries from this year's list

(NEWSER) - Time has just released its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, and there are some perennial favorites (Barack Obama, Oprah), some recent newsmakers (Julian Assange, Mark Zuckerberg), some villains (Anwar al-Awlaki, Saif al-Islam Gadhafi, Kim Jong Un, all of whom get very brief write-ups), some entertainers (Justin Bieber, Patti Smith), and some offbeat choices (like “Tiger Mom” Amy Chua, who was photographed with actual tigers). More»