IOWA
Had to do that in caps because Iowa was what news junkies were gunning for. Anyway, yesterday's results: Romney, Santorum, Paul, and then everyone else. Not to pat myself on the back, but I did predict that Santorum would be designated the official anti-Romney. The question remains, though, whether Santorum will have the money or the resources to run a campaign in New Hampshire or South Carolina. My guess, and what I'd tell Santorum is to skip New Hampshire, and go for South Carolina with gusto.
But, it appears that the race's other Rick, Rick Perry, isn't dropping out, but will campaign on in South Carolina. This is not a bad idea for two reasons: 1) With Bachmann out, Perry just has to contend with Santorum for the anti-Romney label; and 2) what the hell else is Perry going to do with the campaign literature and funds he has on hand? Yeah, he could get killed, but why not give it the ole' college try.
Romney remains the ever-unpopular establishment choice. After all, the vast majority of Iowans voted against Romney. That said, being the Establishment candidate has its perks, such as being able to compete for the long haul. But in the General Election, being an unpopular front-runner is a bad thing because independents tend to be swung by the general enthusiasm of one side or the other. Paul, on the other hand, remains popular among his 10-20%. My bet is that Rand Paul will probably be a Presidential player in the future because of his father.
Obama Throwing Elbows
After three years of trying to work with the GOP, Obama's current strategy seems to be "fuck those guys." Case in point, today he used his recess appointment power to appoint a guy to the Consumer Protection Agency and three guys to the NLRB, all of which were held up by filibustering GOP Senators. Now, Obama has the right to do this, and all recent Presidents have done so lots of times. The Constitution allows the President to appoint people to positions when Congress is not in session. Had he used the recess appointment power yesterday, there would be no issue. But today, Congress had a pro forma session - a guy showed up, called the Congress into order and then adjourned - specifically to prevent Obama from using his recess appointment powers. Now, its not entirely clear if Congress can legally do this, and by choosing to make recess appointments today, as opposed to yesterday, Obama is purposefully picking a fight with Congressional Republicans on this issue.* That's an interesting change, and a change that is long overdue.
Chargers Retain Norv Turner and A.J. Smith
San Diego's long nightmare continues - on Tuesday, Dean Spanos decided not to fire Norv Turner and A.J. Smith, the head coach and general manager of the San Diego Chargers. Ugh. What's interesting about this is the dynamic in the days leading up to the rehiring - the rumor was that Smith would stay, and Turner would be fired. The players, who can't stand Smith, all immediately stood up for Turner and pushed for him to stay. Turner, in the meantime, more or less openly attacked Smith, and Smith told Spanos that he could deliver Jon Gruden, an exceptional head coach, if Spanos didn't fire him. By keeping both, Spanos insures that this will be an interesting off-season for the Chargers.
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