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1.) Rand so far the man — But not by much. TheDC’s Alexis Levinson reports:
“Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul is Republicans’ top choice to be their next presidential nominee, a poll released Thursday found. The Public Policy Polling poll found Paul leading with 16 percent of Republican primary voters saying they would vote for him if the election were today. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan tie for second place with 13 percent. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz is at 12 percent, and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio trails at 10 percent. Four percent of primary voters said they would vote for Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, four percent for former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, and two percent for New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez.”
Polling this far out from the GOP presidential primary is a little less than worthless. Nonetheless, Paul’s message seems to be resonating so far. But keep in mind that he is selling a somewhat different perspective than his other potential GOP contenders. Those supporting Jeb Bush, Paul Ryan, Marco Rubio, Rick Santorum, Susana Martinez and Bobby Jindal are probably out of reach for Paul if they aren’t supporting him already. Still, kudos to Paul for doing so well so early.
2.) The man with a plan to stop Obamacare — It’s pretty simple, really. TheDC’s Alex Pappas reports:
“Conservatives on Capitol Hill are drawing a line in the sand: they will not vote to stop the government from shutting down if Obamacare is not defunded. Led by Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee, a dozen senators sent a letter Thursday saying they will not support any resolution to continue funding the federal government if President Obama’s health-care law remains funded. Under current law, the government is funded until Sept. 30, meaning a continuing resolution needs to be passed to keep the government from shutting down.”
But do Americans really want another budgetary showdown? Yes, Obamacare is unpopular with the public and for good reason. But conservatives failed to stop Obama from being re-elected. Losing elections has consequences, no?
3.)Weiner shrinks — Apparently the new information about Anthony Weiner is even too creepy for most New Yorkers. TheDC’s Patrick Howley reports:
“New York City mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner has slipped from his front-runner position in the race, according to the first poll conducted after new revelations emerged this week about his sexting habits. Weiner’s favorability rating among Democrats has declined from 52 percent to 30 percent since June, while his unfavorability rating increased from 36 percent to 55 percent, according to an NBC 4 New York/Wall Street Journal/Marist poll. City Council speaker Christine Quinn, herself no stranger to scandal, now leads Weiner in the mayoral race 25 percent to 16 percent among registered Democrats. Weiner led Quinn in June, 25 percent to 20 percent.”
Perhaps America’s most humiliating candidate should consider fading away. Unfortunately, America’s most humiliating candidate is also in contention for America’s most arrogant. He’s probably not quite the type to seriously consider dropping out the race.
4.) Free O.J.? — Is O.J. going to be a free man soon? TheDC’s Patrick Howley reports:
“Football legend O.J. Simpson told a parole board Thursday that he is a model prisoner, and even noted that he coached a sports team of some kind to a championship within Lovelock Correction Center. Simpson is serving up to 33 years in prison for charges related to a failed 2007 attempt to steal his own sports memorabilia back from various characters in a Las Vegas hotel room after he was acquitted of two murder charges in 1994. Having served nearly five years at Lovelock, Simpson earned his first chance to make an impassioned plea for parole.”
5.) Tweet of Yesterday — Justin Green: How many people in Brooklyn will be voting for Weiner out of a commitment to an ironic lifestyle?
6.) Today in North Korean News — BREAKING: “Those Related to Anti-Japanese Revolutionary Struggle Here”
VIDEO: Mother of slain Benghazi victim Sean Smith says, “My son is dead. How could that be phony?”