GOP "Poised for Strong Comeback" in 2010 Mid-term Elections - LA Times

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that the Republican Party stands to potentially make a big comeback in the 2010 Mid-term elections:

After losing the White House and nearly 70 congressional seats in the last two elections, Republicans are poised for a strong comeback in 2010, with significant gains likely in the House and a good chance of boosting their numbers in the Senate and statehouses across the country.

The results could hamper President Obama's legislative efforts as he prepares to seek reelection and reshape the political landscape for a decade beyond, as lawmakers redraw congressional and state political boundaries to reflect the next census.

All 435 House seats, 36 in the Senate and the governorships of 37 states will be on the ballot in November. Democrats are favored to retain the Massachusetts seat of the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy in a special election Jan. 19.

Some of the Democrats' most prominent figures, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut, are in serious danger as they seek reelection. Both would probably lose if elections were held today.

"It all adds up to a pretty bad year for the party in power," said Jennifer Duffy, an analyst with the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. "How bad? I'm not sure we know yet." . . . .

The problem for Democrats is evident in polling, which shows a precipitous slide in Obama's job approval rating, from a high of about 80% before he took office to 48% in the latest aggregation by pollster.com, a political website. The fortunes of the two major parties often rise or fall with their leader in the White House: Bill Clinton, bruised by his failed effort to pass healthcare reform, had a 46% approval rating in 1994 when Republicans took over Congress. Bush, plagued by the unpopular war in Iraq, was at 38% when Democrats won control in 2006.

More worrisome for Democrats is the likelihood that many of their voters will stay home. Turnout always falls in nonpresidential election years, and that is why strategists closely gauge voter interest. Repeated surveys have found Republicans much more animated than Democrats; a Wall Street Journal/NBC poll in mid-December found that 56% of Republicans were "very interested," compared with 46% of Democrats. . . . MORE

The LA Times is not exactly a conservative journal. But they recognize just how much things have changed in a year's time. Most of those on the Left would have never believed their outlook could change this much, this quickly.

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"Serious and Unacceptable" Security Breach Discovered at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport - Video

Here is a video report on a "serious and unacceptable" security breach that occurred in December at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Apparently, a security checkpoint was left unattended for at least 90 minutes on December 16:

The Transportation Security Administration has launched an internal investigation after a security checkpoint at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport was left unattended and unsecured for 90 minutes earlier this month.

Three agents have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

The agency said the agents left the checkpoint at Gate E8 from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Dec. 16. Personnel from the airport's Department of Public Safety discovered the gate was not secure during a routine patrol, the TSA said.

TSA spokeswoman Andrea McCauley called it a "serious and unacceptable security failure."

"An immediate review of closed-circuit television tapes verified that no passengers or items entered the sterile area while the gate was unsecure," the TSA said in a statement.

But Dallas-based aviation security expert Denny Kelly said an hour and a half is too long. It could have put thousands of travelers at risk, he said.

"When you leave a gate like that open, they can go anywhere they want all over the world and never have to be checked again," he said. . . . MORE

Three agents have reportedly been suspended as a result of the breach.

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Terrorist Attack in Pakistan Kills at Least 75 People Attending a Volleyball Game - Video 1/1/10

Here is a video report on a suicide terrorist bombing in Pakistan that has killed at least 75 people. The attack occurred in the Northwest of the country, where a terrorist drove a car onto a field where a Volleyball game was taking place. The blast killed at least 75 and wounded more than 60 people. The Taliban are suspected, and it may have been revenge against the community for organizing a local militia to keep the radical Islamists from controlling the area.

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Rush Limbaugh Tells Press they Found "Nothing Wrong" with his Heart; Praises U.S. Health Care as "Best in the World" - Video 1/1/10

Here is video of Rush Limbaugh speaking to the press today from the hospital in Hawaii where he said tests done on him show absolutely "nothing wrong" with his heart. Limbaugh said doctors do not know why he experienced chest pains on Wednesday.

Limbaugh took the opportunity to praise the medical staff, as well as first responders for their outstanding work, and said the United States has "the best health care in the world." Limbaugh said there is "nothing wrong with America's Health Care System."

Limbaugh was asked at the end if he is taking "pain killers" for a back condition, and Limbaugh said "No - Prednisone" - which is a steroid.

Rush looked and sounded strong, and was great as usual! This is great news!

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President Obama Ends 2009 with a -18 Rating in the Rasmussen Presidential Approval Index

President Obama has ended 2009 with a -18 rating in the Rasmussen Presidential Approval Index. In Rasmussen's final poll of the year, only 24% of those surveyed "Strongly Approved" of Obama's performance as President, while 42% "Strongly Disapproved."

In the overall numbers, 46% approved of his performance and 53% disapproved.

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President Obama Says This is a "Hopeful Time" in New Year's Message - Video

Here is video of President Obama's "New Year's" Message, where he said this is "a hopeful time" as we begin 2010. Obama wished everyone "Happy New Year" in the brief message.

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Danish Newspaper Declares "Obama is Greater than Jesus"; "Red Eye" Mocks Fawning Obama Media - Video 1/1/10

Here is video from "Red Eye" last night where they discussed a Danish Newspaper - Politiken - that has declared President Obama to be "greater than Jesus."

Politiken's editorial said:

He comes from humble beginnings and defends the weak and vulnerable, because he can identify himself with their conditions. And no we are not thinking of Jesus Christ, whose birthday has just been celebrated - - but rather the President of the United States Barack Hussein Obama. . . .

Obama is, of course, greater than Jesus – if we have to play that absurd Christmas game. But it is probably more meaningful to insist that with today’s domestic triumph, that he has already assured himself a place in the history books – a space he has good chances of expanding considerably in coming years. . . . MORE

In keeping with this editorial's opinion about Obama - which is a total joke - "Red Eye" also played a cartoonish spoof of Chris Matthews and others fawning about Obama!

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Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin "Most Admired Women in America"; Michelle Obama a Distant Fourth - Video

Here is video of Shannon Bream (filling in for Greta Van Susteren) and Byron York discussing a new Gallup Poll which shows Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin are virtually tied for being America's "Most Admired Woman."

Interestingly, Sarah Palin was most admired by both Republicans AND Independents. Oprah Winfrey was third, and Michelle Obama came in fourth.

It is also interesting to note, York pointed out when Laura Bush was First Lady, she was the most admired woman during the first year of Bush's Presidency. Michelle comes in fourth at the end of Obama's first year, and even came in second among Democrats.

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CBS News' Harry Smith Interrupts Sen. Jim DeMint to Defend Homeland Security Dir. Janet Napolitano - Video

Here is video of CBS News anchor Harry Smith interrupting Sen. Jim DeMint during an interview the other day to defend Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. DeMint had started to point out Napolitano's statement following the attempted terrorist attack on Northwest Airlines Flight 253 that "the system worked," when Smith interrupted to clarify what she said. Smith told DeMint, "I don't want to defend what she said" - and then went on to defend what she said!

Smith then dismissed it all by telling DeMint, "That's ancient history - let's move on."

No, Harry. It is not "Ancient History." The whole thing happened only a week ago, and Napolitano's statements immediately after the event - even though she has walked them back - are relevant. DeMint was classy through it all, hearing Smith out, and then continuing with his line of thought.

DeMint hammered Obama for not focusing on "terrorism" as a threat, but said he is glad Obama is now focusing on the need for increased security.

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Venezuelan Dictator Hugo Chavez Responds to Newsweek Prediction he Will be Ousted in a Coup during 2010 - Video 12/31/09

Here is a brief Fox News report on Venezuelan Dictator Hugo Chavez's reaction to Newsweek Magazine's prediction that he will be ousted in a coup during 2010. Chavez accused Newsweek of being an arm of the "imperialist" state. He also scoffed at Newsweek's prediction that Fidel Castro would die during 2010.

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President Obama "Immersing Himself" in Details of Security Lapse Report - Video 12/31/09

Here is a video report by CBS News' Chip Reid on the report President Obama received regarding what went wrong that allowed Umar Farouk Abdumutallab to get on board Northwest Airlines Flight 253 and attempt to blow it up on Christmas Day.

Reid said Obama is "immersing himself" in the details of the reports from various agencies, and has already ordered increased security measures be taken on flights bound for the U.S. - including increased "pat downs" and the use of more "bomb-sniffing dogs."

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911 Tape Released in Florida Coach Urban Meyer Health Scare - Audio

Here is audio of a 911 call made by the wife of Florida Gator Coach Urban Meyer back on December 6, 2009, just after the SEC Championship Game which Florida lost to Alabama.

Meyer's wife called and asked for help when Coach Meyer was having chest pains and had gone to the floor. Meyer recently announced he would leave Florida, but then decided to take an indefinite leave of absence instead to deal with his health issues.

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Video of New York's Times Square "Ball Drop" Bringing in 2010

Here is video of the "Ball Drop" in New York's Times Square to signal the beginning of the new year - 2010. Happy New Year, everyone!

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