Robert Byrd Dies at 92

June 28, 2010

Sen. Robert C. Byrd died in a Virginia hospital early Monday morning, ending an extraordinary Senate career that began two years before President Barack Obama was born. Byrd was 92 — the longest-serving U.S. senator ever — and his life was a kaleidoscope of images that reflect his unique place in American history.

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Sweeping Changes to Consumer Finance

June 25, 2010

“The new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, while housed inside the Federal Reserve, would be fully independent of the central bank with a leader appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. It would take over most consumer-protection responsibilities that now rest with regulators across numerous federal banking agencies.”

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U.S. Economy Grew 2.7% in First Quarter, Less Than Forecast

June 25, 2010

“The U.S. economy grew at a 2.7 percent annual rate in the first quarter, less than previously calculated, reflecting a smaller gain in consumer spending and a bigger trade gap. The revised increase in GDP was smaller than the median forecast of economists surveyed by Bloomberg News and compares with a 3 percent estimate issued […]

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Australia: Gillard Breaks With Tax Policies That Doomed Rudd

June 24, 2010

Cap and Trade lesson? “Gillard’s ascension to the nation’s top job was welcomed by BHP Billiton Ltd., Rio Tinto Group and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd., which had led the fight against the 40 percent so-called super-profits tax. Melbourne-based BHP, the world’s biggest mining company, said in a statement it was ‘encouraged’ by the appointment.”

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Worst Poll Yet for Obama: 62% Say Country is On Wrong Track

June 24, 2010

“Americans are more pessimistic about the state of the country and less confident in President Barack Obama’s leadership than at any point since Mr. Obama entered the White House, according to a new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll.” Gulf at issue, but also the economy, foreign affairs.

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When Will Apple Sell the 100 Millionth iPad?

June 24, 2010

The dominant news paradigm is now a simple one: Americans expect to pay to be entertained or receive niche information, but not to gain access to breaking news. On both counts, the iPad and its inevitable competitors rapidly accelerate the pre-existing process.

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Petraeus to Replace McChrystal

June 23, 2010

[tweetmeme] The Associated Press reports that Petraeus will replace McChrystal in the lead up to the summer campaign. There’s no reason to question this move toward the adult in the room, and obviously Petraeus is a choice the media will love — it’s a polar opposite from McChrystal’s team in terms of adeptness at controlling […]

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Orszag Leaves OMB as Deficit Founders

June 23, 2010

“Peter Orszag brought to the White House sterling credentials as a deficit foe. But he will leave next month with the federal budget deficit stuck above $1 trillion.” Obama repeatedly promised during the 2008 debates to leave America with a net spending cut and upon arriving at the White House, promised to cut deficit in […]

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McChrystal Leaves White House, Position

June 23, 2010

So long: “Gen. Stanley McChrystal met for 30 minutes with President Barack Obama Wednesday morning, then left the White House abruptly, ahead of a planned national security meeting where he had been expected to attend. Ahead of the meeting with Obama, it was thought that McChrystal could save his job as U.S. commander in Afghanistan.”

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Who Should Replace McChrystal?

June 22, 2010

[tweetmeme] Thomas Ricks suggests James Mattis as a possible replacement for the presumably outgoing Stanley McChrystal. Mattis would be a truly dramatic shift, where in my view the goal should be making a transition which maintains current policy as much as possible (Ricks may not view this as the goal). This means it needs to […]

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