1.) Debt-ceiling deal about to be sealed? — Can the Democrats and Republicans come together to screw over the taxpayers? Yes They Can! TheDC’s Amanda Carey reports: “Rumors swirled on Capitol Hill Thursday that President Barack Obama and congressional leaders were near a debt-reduction deal. The narrative that has emerged tonight is this: GOP leaders on the Hill are discussing a deal with the president that involves $3 trillion in spending cuts over ten years and an increase of the debt limit. Any deal appears, however, to be stalled, because of disagreements over whether or not to preserve the Bush tax cuts. The deal, as it is currently written, would allow the tax cuts to expire by the end of 2012 for those making over $250,000. The deal is also said to include an agreement to reform the tax code. Speaker of the House John Boehner reportedly wants for the Bush cuts to be made permanent, along with the commitment to further reforms like doing away with loopholes in the tax code. When contacted by The Daily Caller about the deal, Boehner spokesperson Michael Steel sought to downplay the rumors. ‘While we are keeping the lines of communication open, there is no deal and no progress to report,’ said Steel. ‘We are still focused on the Cut, Cap, and Balance bill that passed the House with bipartisan support, and hope the Senate will take it up as soon as possible.'” You can understand why the Party of No, AKA the Democrats, are reluctant to let their constituents get away with being successful without punishment. Some people actually believe the money they earn belongs to them, rather than the government. Isn’t that cute?

2.) Cut, Cap, and Cut the Crap — According a new CNN poll, America is saying Yes, Please, and Thank You to Cut, Cap, and Balance. Ed Morrissey at Hot Air writes: “Harry Reid might consider the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act the worst piece of legislation in the history of, well, legislation, but he doesn’t get much company among American adults. In the latest CNN poll, two-thirds of voters favor the idea of tying a raise in the debt ceiling to spending caps and a balanced budget amendment, and this isn’t a survey of conservative-leaning likely voters, either… The CCB/BBA approach wins majorities in every single demographic — including self-described liberals. Sixty-three percent of Democrats back the House bill. The least supportive age demographic is 50-64YOs at 62/37; the least supportive regional demographic is the Midwest at 61/39. Even those who express opposition to the Tea Party support it 53/47. In other words, it’s a clean sweep. Simply put, there is no political demographic at all where the CCB/BBA doesn’t get majority support.” Yeah, b-b-but… Dead grandmas! Big Oil!

3.) Who’s minding the store at the State Department? — Nobody! TheDC’s Matthew Boyle reports: “There’s a simple reason why the State Department has not had an inspector general since President Barack Obama took office in January 2009: Obama hasn’t nominated one. This raises questions about government accountability concerning matters like the $52 million that State Department contractor Kathleen McGrade diverted to a company her husband and daughter own and operate. Even though the State Department is selectively choosing which details to make public and which ones to keep secret, White House officials steadfastly maintain that they are committed to accountability. Administration spokesman Eric Schultz told The Daily Caller on Thursday that Obama is looking for an inspector general to investigate internal malfeasance at the State Department. ‘The Administration is committed to strong Inspectors General, and we are working diligently to identify highly qualified candidates to fill these important posts to ensure that taxpayers are getting the good government they deserve,’ Schultz said in an email.” Great job so far…

4.) God thanked — The Second Coming might not be doing so well in the polls lately (sorry, Barry!), but the Big Guy is still going strong. TheDC’s Alex Pappas reports: “Most Americans say they are pleased with the job God is doing these days. The Democratic polling outfit Public Policy Polling released the results of a poll Tuesday asking such questions as ‘If God exists, do you approve or disapprove of its performance?’ and ‘If God exists, do you approve or disapprove of its handling of natural disasters?’ For the record, 52 percent of Americans approve of God’s performance, while 9 percent disapprove. Forty percent aren’t sure.” Coincidentally enough, that 40% had just emerged from screenings of “Transformers: Dark of the Moon.” And yes, this poll intentionally referred to God as “it” to stay gender-neutral. That’s okay, He has better things to worry about.

5.) Sarah Connor wants to go to the ball — If you thought this year’s Marine Corps Ball was about as weird as it could get, guess again. TheDC’s Laura Donovan reports: “Like a wannabe princess, ‘Terminator’ actress Linda Hamilton just wants to be invited to a ball. Rather than wait and see whether a charming fellow will sweep her off her feet, Hamilton took matters into her own hands Tuesday, when she posted a YouTube video asking Sgt. Ray Lewis if she could be his date to the upcoming Marine Corps Ball. ‘Rumor has it that you like your actresses vintage,’ Hamilton said, alluding to Lewis’s initial invitation to Betty White. ‘So I thought I would just take a shot here and try to find you… Look, I know that I am no Betty White, but I would be really, really thrilled — if you can’t find anybody else, and I know that’s unlikely, but if you can’t find anybody else, to go to the ball with you. I could go!” Note to Sgt. Lewis: There is no fate but what you make. Just because a robot from the future didn’t kill her before she could ask, that doesn’t mean it’s inevitable. Do what you think is best, but just be ready when she comes at you with that syringe full of drain cleaner.

6.) Today’s words of wisdom from Alec Baldwin’s Twitter feed — “Concorde Limo in NY. worst car service I’ve ever had”

VIDEO: Giuliani says: “If we default, 90% of the blame falls on Obama”