< Politics > Could the 2010 Political Storm Save America?

Alan Simpson, co-chair of the President's Fiscal Commission, answers reporter questions on the newly released plan to reduce the deficit.

After you listen, go to The New York Times Budget Puzzle to become the CEO of America and make the tough choices needed to shrink the deficit. Special thanks to The New York Times for putting the app together.

< Life > Daniel Pink's famous question: "What's your sentence?"

Here's a new rallying question for next generation leaders and thinkers. If you take even a few moments to reflect on this question, I'm sure you and those around you will benefit.


Two questions that can change your life from Daniel Pink on Vimeo.

Why Donald Trump Matters

In case you missed it, Donald Trump's name along with several questions about him in a political context were slipped into a phone poll that went through New Hampshire a few weeks back. 

New Hampshire = first presidential primary in the country and usually the launching pad for any candidate.

When questioned, Trump said he was not responsible for it; but that now would be a great time for him to consider running.

Cue the record scratch. Why does this matter to you? 

Hint: it's not necessarily because he's an ideal candidate...

(Beta) Week in Review Newsletter #1 10/3/2010

This week's Indie Majority Must-Reads - understand what's driving the dialog:

The Big Picture

Third Party Rising: Opinion Editorial by Thomas Friedman

"There is a revolution brewing in the country, and it is not just on the right wing but in the radical center. I know of at least two serious groups, one on the East Coast and one on the West Coast, developing “third parties” to challenge our stagnating two-party duopoly that has been presiding over our nation’s steady incremental decline."

Obama In Command: the Rolling Stone Interview

"I still remember going over to the Republican caucus to meet with them and present our ideas, and to solicit ideas from them before we presented the final package. And on the way over, the caucus essentially released a statement that said, "We're going to all vote 'No' as a caucus." And this was before we'd even had the conversation.

Being Glenn Beck: Where is He Coming From Really?: The NYTimes Magazine Interview

"At some point in the past few months, Beck ceased being just the guy who cries a lot on Fox News or a “rodeo clown” (as he has described himself) or simply a voice of the ultraconservative opposition to President Obama In record time, Beck has traveled the loop of curiosity to ratings bonanza to self-parody to sage. It is remarkable to think he has been on Fox News only since January 2009."

Election 2010
See what the man and the model, who predicted Obama's victory down to the electoral vote in 2008, see in the crystal ball for Nov 2010. As an independent, you are exected to stay home. Don't make them right! Get engaged!

Senate Data by State

House Data by State

Governor Data by State

Understand the Terrain

Democrats: disaffected, disengaged, disenfranchised (?)

The Atlantic: 5 ways Obama can ignite the Liberal Base

Republicans: enthusiastic, feeling good about their prospects, poised to gain some control (?)

Republican Pledge to America

Presidential Job Approval Via Gallup: http://www.gallup.com/poll/113980/Gallup-Daily-Obama-Job-Approval.aspx

Repeal: an utterly empty, unfulfillable promise

Do not believe the hype. In a possible scenario, Republicans can win 10 Senate seats in November 2010. That puts them at 51. Then, let's say they somehow muster to peel off 9 Democrats to side with them to break a filibuster and repeal the health insurance reform law. Do you believe that Obama would sign it? Not on your life.


Without 67 Senate votes, and 2/3 of the House, Republicans would hit a dead end, unable to override the veto. Even after 2013, with perhaps a Republican president, mustering 2/3 of Congress around giving everyone free donuts - let alone repealing health insurance reform - would be next to impossible. And by then, some of the benefits will be clearly understood and the American people will be loathe to throw out the totality of "good enough" legislation on the promise of a better plan.

Republicans will sadly be shilling "Repeal and Replace" as their slogan this Fall. They feel it speaks to their base and injects them with passion. But large victories for their party depend on you, the Independent voter. Go into the voter's booth informed. Repeal is not going to happen.

Better still for the Republicans would be to tell voters how they could improve upon the bill that exists. That would at least win the ear of an Independent voter.

Until then, stay informed, Indies!

Obama's Big Message In Iraq

Obama touched down in Iraq unannounced today, and said the words some Americans have been waiting 10 years to hear, ""It is time for us to transition to the Iraquis. They need to take responsibility for their country."

This is a huge departure from Bush's, "We'll stay until the job is done," line of rhetoric. However, it's not surprising. Nixon did the same thing in Viet Nam after taking the reigns of the presidency from Linden B. Johnson. However, it's a welcome relief to many of our troops who have been fighting over seas for longer and longer tours.

The big question is, when they get home, will they have a job outside of the military?

Open Primary Gaining Ground in CA

Here is something that Indie Majority could throw its weight behind - as part of the Democratic concessions on the new California budget deal, Republicans got an agreement to put an open primary initiative on the June 2010 election ballot.

It's being called the Voters' Choice Initiative because it would remove ideology from the process. Any voter could choose any candidate in the primary. The two top vote-getters, regardless of party, would square off in the November election.

I think this is a fantastic development, and if written correctly this initiative would get my full support. It's possible that you wouldn't see a major party on certain ballots, or that you wouldn't see a Democrat or a Republican in certain parts of California.

Certain elections wouldn't harp on the same old party-based issues. Normal, independent-minded people could run and stand a chance. It would all be based on how much support you could garner with your message. Politics could become regionalized.

“It's not good for politics,” Schwarzenegger said. “But remember, what is not good for politics is good for the people. That's the bottom line here.”