Republicans the Tea Party Hates, Loves

So far, only Joe Lieberman, Herman Cain interested

(NEWSER) - Glenn Beck can't seem to get much traction on his upcoming political rally in Israel. So far, not a single leading GOP presidential candidate has expressed interest in attending the pro-Israel demonstration organized by the ousted Fox mega-mouth. As of now only former Democratic vice presidential contender Joseph Lieberman and long-shot Republican candidate Herman Cain plan to participate, reports the Washington Post . Mitt Romney, Newt Gringrich, Michele Bachmann and Mike Huckabee don't plan to attend, even though an Israeli news publication has announced they'll be there. More»

From tea parties to budget proposals, GOP changes tune

(NEWSER) - It looks as though the GOP is turning libertarian, says Nate Silver of FiveThirtyEight.com. The tea parties it championed last week take their cue from libertarian movement shindigs, and participation was high in libertarian-leaning states like New Hampshire. The GOP’s alternative budget was a like-minded proposal, "dramatically slashing taxes while promising to balance budgets—an achievement that would only be possible if the size of the government were cut enormously." More»

Plus, John McCain, Michele Bachmann, Lindsey Graham, and Mitch McConnell

(NEWSER) - Add Hillary Clinton to the list of people not exactly choking back tears over Moammar Gadhafi's death: The secretary of state today said that while "no one wants to see any human being" meet such a grisly end, "I know what a great relief it was to millions of Libyans that the past was finished." Libyans can now "make up for lost time of 42 years" and develop the "democracy and prosperity" they deserve. But Clinton wants the Lockerbie bomber back in prison, notes Politico, saying, "I will raise it with the new Libyan government," and calling his release "a miscarriage of justice." Elsewhere on your Sunday dial, as per Politico: More»

Social security and Tea Party topics likely to be big issues

(NEWSER) - Yes, it’s debate time again. Here’s what to watch for when the 2012 GOP presidential candidates face off tonight in Florida, at an event sponsored by CNN and the Tea Party Express:

• Social Security will likely continue to be a flash point. At the last debate, Rick Perry attacked Mitt Romney’s record on jobs; this time around, he could take a swipe at his inconsistent social issues record, Politico notes. All of the candidates will be walking a “fine line” when it comes to Social Security, one strategist predicts.
• Rick Perry “did OK” at the last debate, one insider tells the Texas Tribune . “Not good, not poor.” The paper took a survey of insiders and found that 65% felt the governor’s performance was “good,” while 15% called it “great” and 8% said it was “poor.” But some note that he started out strong then began to fade—at this debate, he’ll have to prove he has stamina.

Candidates refuse to endorse budget compromise

(NEWSER) - Mitch McConnell's budget compromise plan has been met with either rejection or silence from the GOP's White House contenders. Newt Gingrich, Michele Bachmann, and Ron Paul have come out against the plan, and not a single candidate has endorsed it, reports AP . Bachmann and Paul have pledged to vote against raising the debt ceiling. "Republicans cannot take the bait and get fooled again," Paul said. More»