The Note

Rep. Cao to Steele: You Need Me

ABCNews.com — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:58:43 -0500

ABC News’ Rick Klein reports: The decision by Rep. Joseph Cao, R-La., to vote for the Democrats’ health care bill last night would put him directly in the Republican Party’s firing line, under the standard enunciated by RNC Chairman Michael Steele last week.

On ABCNews.com’s “Top Line” last week, Steele said of Republicans who support President Obama on health care or the stimulus bill: “So candidates who live in moderate to slightly liberal districts have got to walk a little bit carefully here, because you do not want to put yourself in a position where you’re crossing that line on conservative principles, fiscal principles, because we’ll come after you.”

Asked about those comments on CNN today, Cao laughed and said he “would like to remind” Steele that Republicans celebrated his election to Congress last year -- in one of the most Democratic districts in the country -- as a symbol of GOP diversity. Cao is the first Vietnamese-American member of Congress.

He also pointed out that, if Republicans want to win back control of the House, they’ll need to control seats in Democratic-leaning districts.

“[Steele] has the right to come after those members who do not conform to party lines, but I would hope that he would work with us in order to adjust to the needs of the district and to hold a seat that the Republican Party would need,” Cao said.

Steele and his Democratic counterpart, Tim Kaine, were guests on “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” today -- where they engaged in a feisty (and touchy) debate.

Lieberman: Fort Hood Shooting Could Be 'Most Destructive Terrorist Act' Committed on U.S. Soil Since 9/11

ABCNews.com — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:45:57 -0500

ABC News' Kristina Wong reports: Today Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee Sen. Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., said he would begin a congressional investigation into whether the Army missed warning signs regarding the Nov. 5th Fort Hood shooter, Major Nidal Malik Hasan, that should have led to his being discharged earlier.

“Really, in the U.S. Army, this is not a matter of constitutional freedom of speech. If Hasan was showing signs, saying to people that he had become an Islamic extremist, the U.S. Army has to have zero tolerance. He should have been gone,” Lieberman said on “FOX News Sunday.”

Lieberman said it was clear Hasan was under personal stress, and that if third party reports of statements and acts he made are valid, Hasan had turned to Islamic extremism. Lieberman said those reports included Hasan making a series of statements justifying suicide bombing and comparing it to the bravery of an American soldier throwing himself on a grenade to save his colleagues; and supporting the June shooting in Little Rock, Arkansas, where a 24-year-old American-born convert to Islam fired on soldiers at a recruiting station, killing one and wounding another. Lieberman also said testimony of Hasan yelling “Allah Akbar” before firing raised genuine concerns that this was a terrorist act.

“If that is true, the murder of these 13 people was a terrorist act and, in fact, it was the most destructive terrorist act to be committed on American soil since 9/11,” Lieberman said. “There are very, very strong warning signs here that Dr. Hasan had become an Islamist extremist.”

Lieberman said although there were ongoing criminal investigations into what exactly happened, his investigation would specifically look into whether Hasan is a self-radicalized, home-grown terrorist – the type his committee said would be the “new face of terrorism in America” in a report two years ago.

House Dems Bask in Glory After Passing Health Care Reform Bill

ABCNews.com — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:28:59 -0500

ABC News' John R. Parkinson reports: “Oh what a night!” Speaker Nancy Pelosi proudly proclaimed at a press conference immediately following passage of the health care bill.

Amid much back-slapping, congratulatory handshakes and laughter, Speaker Pelosi revealed she and other leaders had just finished a congratulatory phone call from President Barack Obama, and she was quick to return the praise.

“I thank him for his leadership because of the White House this wouldn’t have been possible,” Pelosi said. “He gave us the momentum to get this done and we’re very proud of our success.”

The vote passed 220-215 with 39 Democrats voting against the bill, and one Republican supporting the sweeping plan. Asked by ABC News how Democrats were able to secure a Republican vote and whether that equates to bipartisan support, the Speaker was blunt: “The Democrats voted for the bill and a Republican voted a bill; that equals bipartisan,” Pelosi said. “But we are very proud to take responsibility and credit for this great victory because it was obviously largely with Democratic votes.”

“It’s not about us or questions of who did what, it’s about the American people, as they sit around the kitchen table trying to figure out what happens if they lose their insurance or jobs, that that worry is over for them,” Pelosi said.

Other Democrat leaders called Speaker Pelosi one of the greatest House Speakers in the history of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“The victory we experienced was a team effort,” Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee said. “But there’s only one team leader I want to single out and that is Leader Pelosi. When the President spoke to our caucus he said that she would emerge as one of the all-time greatest Speakers of the House. She is already at that point.”

Majority Leader Steny Hoyer called today’s vote a victory for the American people, saying the vote was more about them than members of Congress.

“This was about people not party,” Hoyer said. “This was about making sure every American has access to quality, affordable healthcare.”

Obama's Favorite Republican?

ABCNews.com — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:51:09 -0500

ABC News' Jonathan Karl reports:

House Republicans are united in their opposition to the health care bill, but when the vote comes this evening, there is one House Republican to watch: Rep. Joseph Cao of Louisiana.

ABC News has learned that the White House is making an 11th-hour push to convince Cao to be the sole Republican to vote “yes” on the Democratic health care bill. Cao has been promising presidential support for additional financial aid for his New Orleans district. The sources say Cao has had several conversations with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and health care advisor Nancy-Ann Deparle

Congressional sources tell ABC News that Republican Whip Eric Cantor is also making a big push, trying to convince Cao to join all other House Republicans in voting no. Cantor has met with Cao several times today.

Cao is telling his colleagues that he is still undecided.

Cao’s New Orleans district is one of the most Democratic in America. He was elected in a something of a fluke last year, defeating William “Cold Cash” Jefferson, who is about to go to jail following his conviction on multiple corruption charges.

Coa is pro-life, so the only way he could be in play is if the Stupak amendment banning abortion funding passes.

One other thing: He claims to have actually read the bill … as you can see in this entertaining video put out by his office: Click Here.

Pelosi Confident She Has the Votes for Health Care Reform

ABCNews.com — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:21:08 -0500

ABC News' John R. Parkinson reports: Speaker Nancy Pelosi just appeared on the House floor, indicating Democrats have the votes to pass health care reform tonight.

“Today the call will be answered, today we will pass the Affordable Health Care for America Act,” Speaker Pelosi said. “This legislation is founded on key principles for a healthier America. Innovation, competition and prevention. it improves quality, lowers cost, expands coverage to 36 million more people and retains choices.”

A final vote on the health care bill is expected after 930pm tonight.

Pelosi noted the lifetimes of work that Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) and the late Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) devoted to the cause of health care reform.

“A poignant moment occurred when Chairman Dingell took over the beginning of the debate for health care,” Pelosi said. “When he was a young man as a member of congress, he gaveled Medicare into law. As one of our colleagues said, he perceived health care for all Americans. His father introduced the bill over and over when he was in congress and as his successor, he continued that great legacy. Today, he will see a lifelong dream come true as we begin the process of making this a reality.”

The speaker said of Sen. Kennedy: “Is it impossible to talk about health care reform in America without talking about Senator Edward Kennedy. His leadership and his contribution to this debate is boundless. Health insurance reform was the cause of his life. He called it the great unfinished business of our society. On this issue, he said, what is at stake is the character of our country,” Pelosi said.

She also praised President Barack Obama, who came up to Capitol Hill this morning for a closed-door meeting with House Democrats, for his efforts in bringing a bill to pass.

“President Obama’s leadership gives our nation hope. Today with this legislation, we will give them help,” Pelosi said. “President Obama has said, we will measure our success by the progress made in America’s working families. Today with the passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act, we will make history and we will also make progress for America’s working families.”

Dems Face Tough Choice – Abortion Rights or Health Reform?

ABCNews.com — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:33:41 -0500

ABC’s Z. Byron Wolf reports:

President Obama lobbied House Democrats behind closed doors on Capitol Hill during a rare weekend session of Congress, trying to help leaders cobble together enough votes to pass a sweeping health reform bill through the House of Representatives.

Democratic leaders emerged from the meeting confident that they would pass the bill later Saturday, three years from the day they retook control of Congress.

“We are making history with our vote and progress for the American people,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in front of TV cameras.

The Democratic leaders said today’s vote on a health reform bill would be among the most important that any member would cast.

But in order to pass a reform bill through the House and move toward providing health coverage for millions of Americans, the liberal base of the party, particularly those who support abortion rights, are faced with making deep concessions to bring Democrats who oppose abortion rights on-board.

An amendment to the bill by Rep. Bart Stupak will get a vote later today. It would bar insurance coverage of abortions not only for people insured by a government-run insurance plan envisioned by the bill, but also by private companies that participate in a new insurance exchange that is envisioned as a way to pool individuals and drive down health care costs.

Pelosi, who supports abortion rights and has been described as “furious” about having to allow a vote on the Stupak amendment, denied to reporters that she was frustrated.

“I was part of recommending that we allow it to the floor for amendment ,” she said.

But she did not talk about her feelings on the amendment. And President Obama ignored shouted questions from reporters after the meeting on whether he would sign a bill that restricted abortion rights.

Stupak was able to get a vote on the amendment because he claims to have 40 Democrats ready to oppose the leaders’ health reform bill without additional assurances that not only keep federal dollars from paying for abortions but also to keep federal dollars from going to plans that provide abortions.

Stupak said people with insurance offered through the exchange would have to either pay out of pocket for an abortion or obtain supplemental coverage.

It is unclear if his amendment has the votes to pass, although Stupak told reporters today (off camera) he expects it to.

“I believe the Stupak amendment will pass and therefore I would support the bill,” he said.

But asked if he would still support the health reform bill if his amendment fails, he said, “I haven’t decided. That’s something I’m struggling with.”

Stupak praised Pelosi for allowing the vote, saying Democrats are a “rambunctious caucus” and “the speaker is getting it from both sides on this.”

The Democrats’ main vote counter, Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina, did not say if he thought Stupak’s amendment would pass.

“We’ll see,” Clyburn said.

Abortion Deal Clears Way for Health Care Vote

ABCNews.com — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:11:21 -0500

ABC News’ Rick Klein reports:

House Democrats reached an agreement on a contentious abortion provision overnight that appears to clear the way for a final vote on health care legislation today.

The agreement will allow a vote on an amendment, authored by Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., and Rep. Brad Ellsworth, D-Ind., that would bar funds going toward abortion under both the public option and any private plans that participate in the new insurance exchange.

A similar amendment was rejected in committee earlier this year. But a group of roughly 40 Democrats who oppose abortion rights threatened to sink the entire health care bill without the provision, which explicitly extends the so-called “Hyde amendment” barring taxpayer dollars going toward abortions to the new entities created under the health care measure.

“From day one, my goal has been to ensure federal tax dollars are not used to pay for abortions and to provide Americans with pro-life options on the exchange. And I am proud to be part of an effort to make this goal a reality,” Ellsworth said in a statement.

Democratic leadership aides say the agreement puts them in striking distance of securing a majority for the health care reform bill. But, with at least 15 Democrats already saying publicly they’ll vote “no,” the tally will be close.

In a critical boost, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops endorsed the amendment today, after a series of meetings with top House leaders last night.

The Stupak-Ellsworth amendment goes further than House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other abortion-rights supporters wanted, but House leaders desperately want to pass the bill today. Planned Parenthood put out a scathing statement early this morning condemning the amendment.

“This amendment would violate the spirit of health care reform, which is meant to guarantee quality, affordable health care coverage for all, by creating a two-tiered system that would punish women, particularly those with low and modest incomes. Women won’t stand for legislation that takes away their current benefits and leaves them worse off after health care reform than they are today,” said Cecile Richardson, Planned Parenthood’s president.

Dem Defections Pile Up on Health Care

ABCNews.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:22:40 -0500

ABC News’ Rick Klein reports: Could the health care bill be in real trouble in the House?

The Democratic defections are starting to pile up in advance of a vote scheduled for tomorrow on sweeping health reform efforts. (That schedule could slip to Sunday or beyond, if the votes aren’t there.)

According to the National Republican Congressional Committee -- which, of course, has an interest in watching this vote particularly closely -- 15 House Democrats and counting are saying publicly that they’ll oppose the measure when it reaches a vote.

Democrats can afford only 40 such defections to squeak the bill through. They’d prefer to win with room to spare.

The Democrats who’ve said -- either in interviews or press releases -- that they’re opposing the bill include: Rep. Travis Childers (Miss.); Rep. John Adler (N.J.); Rep. Walt Minnick (Idaho); Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (S.Dak.); Rep. Suzanne Kosmas (Fla.); Rep. Frank Kratovil (Md.); Rep. Larry Kissell (N.C.); Rep. Bart Gordon (Tenn.); Rep. Dan Boren (Okla.); Rep. Jim Matheson (Utah); Rep. Michael McMahon (N.Y.); Rep. John Tanner (Tenn.); Rep. Brian Baird (Wash.); Rep. Harry Teague (N.M.); and Rep. Collin Peterson (Minn.).

House Democratic aides say the list contains no surprises so far.

Some of the Democrats’ statements leave a bit of wiggle room. Plus -- as ABC’s George Stephanopoulos is reporting -- Democratic leaders are working behind the scenes to answer concerns among conservative Democrats about how the bill would handle funding for abortions.

But -- keeping in mind that many members of Congress prefer to announce their intentions with their votes, not press releases -- the defections suggest that reaching 218 remains a serious challenge for Democrats on the eve of the vote.

“If this bill is the political winner Nancy Pelosi claims it is, then why are Democrats fighting over who gets to vote against it?” NRCC spokesman Ken Spain said in a statement.

‘Top Line’ Book Corner -- ‘I Am Martin Eisenstadt’ and Adventures in the Fake Punditocracy

ABCNews.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:25:46 -0500

ABC News’ Rick Klein reports: Washington has no shortage of pundits who pretend to know what they’re talking about. But there’s a real dearth of pretend pundits -- and even fewer who will talk about why they’re pretending in the first place.

Enter into this space Dan Mirvish and Eitan Gorlin, a pair of filmmakers who hatched the plan to create a pundit last year.

Before they were done, Marty Eisenstadt had lobbied for a casino in Baghdad’s “Green Zone”; was hanging out with Joe the Plumber at a “Saturday Night Live” after-party; and was a former top McCain adviser taking credit for leaking the tidbit that had Sarah Palin thinking Africa was a country. Everyone from the Los Angeles Times to MSNBC fell for the hoax.

Now, Eisenstadt is an author, too -- since what would a pundit be without a memoir? The book is “I Am Martin Eisenstadt: One Man's (Wildly Inappropriate) Adventures with the Last Republicans.”

Mirvish and Gorlin give their fake pundit a Zelig-like role in significant political developments that stretch from Ehrlichman to Lieberman. It’s a send-up of insular Washington and the media madness of the 24-hour news cycle, where sometimes it seems as if anyone can hang up a consulting shingle or take a role at an important-sounding think tank and suddenly become a certified pundit.

On ABCNews.com’s “Top Line” today, Mirvish and Gorlin talked about why they created the character, and how and why he’s living on even after being exposed as a hoax.

Said Mirvish: “There was this golf blogger in Brazil who was on to us and kept trying to oust us to other blogs, but the problem is -- as you guys well know -- is that the news cycle is so fast that every now and again people just wouldn’t do that extra Google search. They wouldn’t see that third hit or the sixth hit on Marty’s last name that says ‘hoax, hoax, hoax’ or ‘satire, satire, satire. And it was plausible enough -- I mean he had that plausibility of being a senior fellow at a think tank, or being a former this, a former that.”

Added Gorlin (the on-camera “Eisenstadt,” though always sans-glasses): “We used to joke, because the resume was very much modeled on sort of a combination of neocon resumes. And even if somebody were to expose something specific that didn’t end up being true, it’s probably true of the real pundit to, I mean real necon -- that’s the whole point in watching these people kind of embellish.”

Who knows -- Sarah Palin may have a senior adviser in place if she runs in 2012. And in Washington this week, Eisenstadt/Gorlin got to meet the man who was (but, of course, really wasn’t) his in to the McCain campaign: Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn.

Click HERE to see the full interview with Marty Eisenstadt, the man who’s two men but really doesn’t exist at all.

'Top Line' -- Does Pelosi Have the Votes for Health Care?

ABCNews.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:18:44 -0500

ABC News’ Rick Klein reports:

Just hours before tomorrow's scheduled vote on a sweeping health care measure, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has yet to lock down the 218 votes she'll need to ensure the measure's passage, several congressional leadership aides tell ABC News.

Yet while House leaders are making noises about pushing the vote into early next week, the general consensus is that Democrats will ultimately get the votes they need. http://abcnews.go.com/WN/HealthCare/health-care-bill-vote-overshadowed-abortion-illegal-immigrant/story?id=9013981

On ABCNews.com's "Top Line" today, ABC Chief Washington Correspondent George Stephanopoulos told us that Democratic leaders are close to assuaging concerns inside the Congressional Hispanic Caucus over coverage for immigrants. But they still have work to do to mollify abortion-rights opponents, who want a concrete pledge that no federal funds will pay for abortions.

"They think they've got this mini-revolt over immigration by the members of the Hispanic caucus -- they think they've got it contained," Stephanopoulos said. "Bigger problem now is still abortion -- the 40, 41 House Democrats holding back their votes on health care because they don't want any public funding on abortion."

One big incentive for cutting a deal: Democrats don't want to force the bill through by the narrowest of margins.

"They don't want to squeak by here leaving the vote open for three hours, twisting that final arm, and getting to 218. I think they would like a cushion [of] 10-20 votes," Stephanopoulos said.

We also chatted about this week's election results, and the uptick in jobless claims that has the unemployment rate in double digits.

"The Democrats who are on the fence on health care … didn't need anything to make them a little more nervous," he said. "They were nervous going in, but this doesn't help, there's no question about that. I think the unemployment numbers today are particularly bad timing given the fact that the speaker hoped to vote on health care tomorrow."

Watch the full discussion with George Stephanopoulos HERE. George's guests Sunday include RNC Chairman Michael Steele, and DNC Chairman Tim Kaine.

We also chatted with filmmakers Dan Mirvish and Eitan Gorlin about their life as Marty Eisenstadt, surely one of the most famous pundits never to have existed.

They've got a new book out, "I Am Martin Eisenstadt," filling in the biographical details of Eisenstadt, the former McCain adviser and senior fellow at the Harding Institute for Freedom and Democracy -- who, we hasten to mention, does not actually exist.

Watch the interview with Dan Mirvish and Eitan Gorlin HERE.