Clinton: Gingrich Overstating Role In Balancing Budget

Former President Bill Clinton accused his former adversary Newt Gingrich Tuesday of overstating his involvement in balancing the federal budget during the 90s.

When asked during an interview on NBC, Clinton explained that the major contributing factor for the surplus was opposed by then-Speaker Gingrich.

“I had a decent working relationship with him,” Clinton said. “But the vast lion’s share of balancing the budget was done in the budget of 1993 that he led the opposition to.”

Clinton did acknowledge however that the two politicians successfully crafted five budgets that “worked out pretty well for the American people.”

The interview can be seen here.

Obama Sends Hanukkah Message

President Barack Obama issued the following statement Tuesday marking the start of Hanukkah:

“Michelle and I send our warmest wishes to all those celebrating Hanukkah around the world. 

This Hanukkah season we remember the powerful story of a band of believers who rose up and freed their people, only to discover that the oil left in their desecrated temple – which should have been enough for only one night – ended up lasting for eight.

It’s a timeless story of right over might and faith over doubt – one that has given hope to Jewish people everywhere for over 2,000 years.  And tonight, as families and friends come together to light the menorah, it is a story that reminds us to count our blessings, to honor the sacrifices of our ancestors, and to believe that through faith and determination, we can work together to build a brighter, better world for generations to come.

From our family to the Jewish Community around the world, Chag Sameach.”

Scott Brown Takes Swipe At Boehner

Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) issued the following statement in response to House Speaker John Boehner’s (R-Ohio) newfound opposition to extending the current payroll tax holiday by two months:

“The House Republicans’ plan to scuttle the deal to help middle-class families is irresponsible and wrong. I appreciate their effort to extend these measures for a full year, but a two-month extension is a good deal when it means we avoid jeopardizing the livelihoods of millions of American families. The refusal to compromise now threatens to increase taxes on hard-working Americans and stop unemployment benefits for those out of work. During this time of divided government, both parties need to be reasonable and come to the negotiating table in good faith. We cannot allow rigid partisan ideology and unwillingness to compromise stand in the way of working together for the good of the American people.”

Supreme Court Will Hear Health Care Arguments Next March

The Supreme Court announced Monday that they will hear arguments regarding the constitutionality of the health care reform law March 26th through the 28th.

On March 26th, the court will determine whether or not they will even be able to take on the challenges to the law. Under the Anti-Injunction Act, Americans are not allowed to take legal action against a tax until it is actually levied. Since the bill’s most controversial provision, the individual mandate, slaps a tax on those who opt to not purchase health insurance, the Court may be barred for issuing a ruling until the tax goes into effect in three years. 

Presuming the Court will be able to proceed, they will hear arguments over the individual mandate on March 27th and new Medicaid requirements on March 28th.

Ron Paul Atop New Iowa Poll

A new Public Policy Polling survey out this morning reveals a potentially explosive new development in the Republican presidential primary race.

Texas Congressman Ron Paul has overtaken former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) as the party’s frontrunner, according to the poll.

At 23 percent, Paul leads former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney by three percentage points. Paul, who eschews mostly libertarian views on policy, has run the most organized campaign of anyone in Iowa. The first-in-the-nation Iowa Caucus takes place in a little over two weeks from today.

Meanwhile, the poll shows Gingrich slipping to 14 percent, followed by former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann and Texas Governor Rick Perry, who each tied at 10 percent apiece.

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