The Great Do-Over

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

January 22, 2009
President Obama awoke with a start. He had just had an extremely vivid dream. It showed people calling themselves the 'TEA Party', Mitch McConnell declaring that his #1 priority was to make him a one-term President, and finally Donald Trump becoming the President and then the storming of the U.S. Capitol. He knew what he had to do.
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President proposes $850 Billion stimulus bill.
-New York Times; January 23, 2009

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Total funds: $850 Billion

Changes v. OTL:
-Massive increases in infrastructure investment (to get Republican votes)
-Targeted tax relief for poor and middle-class Americans

Harry Reid to introduce a resolution to reduce the filibuster cloture limit to 55 votes.
-FiveThirtyEight; January 26, 2009

The stimulus bill (American Reinvestment and Recovery Act) passes the house. 18 Republicans vote in favor.
-Washington Post; January 28, 2009

President proposes tax reform bill.
-Roll Call; February 10, 2009

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2-8% cut for those making up to $50,000
No change for those making $50,001-$250,000
1-5% increase for those making more than $250,000

Mitch McConnell says that Obama tax plan is a 'burden on hard-working Americans'.
-MSNBC; February 11, 2009

Opinion: Mitch McConnell is a tool of the corporate monopolies.
-CNN.com; February 15, 2009

POLL: 69% of Americans support Obama tax plan.
-Gallup; February 17, 2009

Stimulus passes the Senate 64-36.
-FOX News; February 17, 2009

President Obama signs stimulus into law.
-WhiteHouse.gov; February 21, 2009

President to meet with Ted Kennedy to discuss Health Care reform.
-NBC News; February 28, 2009

Do you approve of President Obama?
YES: 65%
NO: 27%
UNSURE: 8%

Do you approve of Vice President Biden?
YES: 64%
NO: 16%
UNSURE: 20%

Do you approve of Speaker Pelosi?
YES: 33%
NO: 31%
UNSURE: 36%

Do you approve of Majority Leader Reid?
YES: 29%
NO: 29%
UNSURE: 42%

Do you approve of Minority Leader McConnell?
NO: 64%
YES: 10%
UNSURE: 26%

Reid lowers filibuster threshold to 55 votes. Liberal power grab!
-FOX News; March 1, 2009

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Very interesting, though I'm not sure his bills would receive so much support in Congress.

The infrastructure spending swung a large number of votes.

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Senator Kennedy to propose a healthcare bill on March 8.
-Boston Globe; March 3, 2009

Roland Burris resigns from office following Blagojevich scandal, reportedly pushed by Obama.
-Washington Post; March 4, 2009

Governor Quinn to appoint Tammy Duckworth as Burris's replacement.
-Chicago Tribune; March 4, 2009

Senator Kennedy proposes "Kennedycare".
-CNN; March 8, 2009

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-Canadian-style Universal Health Care

Tammy Duckworth is sworn in.
-Roll Call; March 10, 2009

Do you approve of Kennedycare?
YES: 38%
NO: 15%
UNSURE: 47%

"If we call it Kennedycare it will be more popular because Republicans subconsciously hate the Kennedy's less than Obama."
-WH Internal Memo; March 15, 2009

Final Kennedycare proposal is presented, more moderate than before.
-MSNBC; March 17, 2009

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-Protections for people with preexisting conditions.
-Increases minimum Medicaid limits to 150% of the poverty line.
-Creates a low-cost comprehensive public option (called 'Americare').
-Merges Medicare and Medicaid under the purview of Americare.
-Allows young people to stay on their parent's health coverage until age 25.
-Introduces minimum requirements so that companies can't undercut the Americare rate by offering bare-bones coverage options.
-Allows Americare to negotiate drug and medicine prices.
-Revokes exclusive patent rights for life saving drugs like Insulin.

Obama signs order mandating all government employees on the ES payscale to use a government e-mail.
-New York Times; March 21, 2009

REPORT: Obama was instrumental in moderating the Kennedycare bill.
-LA Times; March 22, 2009

Norm Coleman conceded to Al Franken
-Duluth News-Tribune; March 24, 2009

FiveThirtyEight Special Report: Senators on Kennedycare
Akaka (D-HI),  Aye
Alexander (R-TN), Nay
Barrasso (R-WY), Nay
Baucus (D-MT), Undecided
Bayh (D-IN), Undecided
Begich (D-AK), Undecided
Bennet (D-CO), Aye
Bennett (R-UT), Nay
Bingaman (D-NM),  
Bond (R-MO), Nay
Boxer (D-CA),  Aye
Brown (D-OH), Aye
Brownback (R-KS), Nay
Bunning (R-KY), Nay
Burr (R-NC), Nay
Byrd (D-WV), Undecided
Cantwell (D-WA),  Aye
Cardin (D-MD),  Aye
Carper (D-DE),  Aye
Casey (D-PA), Undecided
Chambliss (R-GA), Nay
Coburn (R-OK), Nay
Cochran (R-MS), Nay
Collins (R-ME), Nay
Conrad (D-ND), Undecided
Corker (R-TN), Nay
Cornyn (R-TX), Nay
Crapo (R-ID), Nay
DeMint (R-SC), Nay
Dodd (D-CT),  Aye
Dorgan (D-ND), Undecided
Duckworth (D-IL), Aye
Durbin (D-IL),  Aye
Ensign (R-NV), Nay
Enzi (R-WY), Nay
Feingold (D-WI),  Aye
Feinstein (D-CA), Undecided
Franken*(D-MN), Aye
Gillibrand (D-NY),  Aye
Graham (R-SC), Nay
Grassley (R-IA), Nay
Gregg (R-NH), Undecided
Hagan (D-NC),  Aye
Harkin (D-IA), Undecided
Hatch (R-UT), Nay
Hutchison (R-TX), Nay
Inhofe (R-OK), Nay
Inouye (D-HI),  Aye
Isakson (R-GA), Nay
Johanns (R-NE), Nay
Johnson (D-SD), Undecided
Kaufman (D-DE),  Aye
Kennedy (D-MA), Aye
Kerry (D-MA),  Aye
Klobuchar (D-MN),  Aye
Kohl (D-WI),  Aye
Kyl (R-AZ), Nay
Landrieu (D-LA), Undecided
Lautenberg (D-NJ), Aye
Leahy (D-VT),  Aye
Levin (D-MI),  Aye
Lieberman (ID-CT), Nay
Lincoln (D-AR), Nay
Lugar (R-IN), Nay
Martinez (R-FL), Nay
McCain (R-AZ), Nay
McCaskill (D-MO),  Aye
McConnell (R-KY), Nay
Menendez (D-NJ),  Aye
Merkley (D-OR),  Aye
Mikulski (D-MD),  Aye
Murkowski (R-AK), Undecided
Murray (D-WA),  Aye
Nelson (D-FL),  Aye
Nelson (D-NE), Undecided
Pryor (D-AR), Undecided
Reed (D-RI),  Aye
Reid (D-NV),  Aye
Risch (R-ID), Nay
Roberts (R-KS), Nay
Rockefeller (D-WV), Undecided
Sanders (I-VT),  Aye
Schumer (D-NY),  Aye
Sessions (R-AL), Nay
Shaheen (D-NH), Aye
Shelby (R-AL), Nay
Snowe (R-ME), Undecided
Specter (D-PA),  Aye
Stabenow (D-MI),  Aye
Tester (D-MT), Aye
Thune (R-SD), Nay
Udall (D-CO), Aye
Udall (D-NM), Aye
Vitter (R-LA), Nay
Voinovich (R-OH), Nay
Warner (D-VA), Undecided
Webb (D-VA), Aye
Whitehouse (D-RI), Aye
Wicker (R-MS), Nay
Wyden (D-OR), Aye
44 AYE, 39 NAY, 17 N/A

*=Al Franken was not sworn in by the time of the poll but will be by the vote.

President nominates Martha Coakley to the office of Solicitor General
-WH.gov; March 26, 2009

President Obama signs legislation raising the minimum wage to $8/hour.
-FOX News; March 30, 2009

Do you approve of President Obama?
YES: 64%
NO: 31%
UNSURE: 5%

Do you approve of Vice President Biden?
YES: 64%
NO: 17%
UNSURE: 19%

Do you approve of Speaker Pelosi?
YES: 34%
NO: 34%
UNSURE: 32%

Do you approve of Majority Leader Reid?
YES: 33%
NO: 30%
UNSURE: 37%

Do you approve of Minority Leader McConnell?
NO: 66%
YES: 11%
UNSURE: 23%

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Nothing bad ever happens to the Kennedy's

It's strategy. Is it easier to rile up rural, conservative voters with 'Obamacare' or 'Kennedycare'.

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Al Franken sworn in by Vice President Biden
-Roll Call; April 2, 2009

Senator McCaskill introduces the Small Business Support Act
-McCaskill.gov; April 7, 2009

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-Funding for small businesses to pay their employees and keep operating at a normal rate despite the minimum wage increase.
-Funding for small businesses hurt by the downturn that provide critical services (like grocery stores).

President Obama to meet with NATO Allies and Ukraine.
-WH.gov; April 10, 2009

House of Representatives to vote on Obama's tax plan.
-MSNBC; April 11, 2009

Secretary of State Clinton to meet with Ukrainian counterpart.
-CNN; April 15, 2009

BREAKING: House votes 285-148 to pass Obama tax plan.
-Fox News; April 18, 2009

Leaked Audio: McConnell calls Obama tax plan 'give away to the poor'.
-Washington Post; April 20, 2009

POLL: 70% of Kentucky residents disapprove of McConnell.
-Gallup; April 23, 2009

Senator McConnell doubles down, will filibuster tax plan.
-New York Times; April 24, 2009

Cloture invoked by 74-26 vote.
-CNN; April 28, 2009

Senate passes Obama tax plan 65-35.
-Senate.gov; April 30, 2009

President Obama signs namesake tax plan upon return from Europe.
-WhiteHouse.gov; April 30, 2009

Do you approve of President Obama?
YES: 62%
NO: 34%
UNSURE: 4%

Do you approve of Vice President Biden?
YES: 63%
NO: 20%
UNSURE: 17%

Do you approve of Speaker Pelosi?
YES: 36%
NO: 33%
UNSURE: 31%

Do you approve of Majority Leader Reid?
YES: 37%
NO: 29%
UNSURE: 34%

Do you approve of Minority Leader McConnell?
NO: 74%
YES: 13%
UNSURE: 13%

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Why is the Kennedycare vote taking so long: the filibuster.
-FiveThirtyEight; May 2, 2009

Akaka (D-HI),  Aye
Alexander (R-TN), Nay
Barrasso (R-WY), Nay
Baucus (D-MT), Aye
Bayh (D-IN), Aye
Begich (D-AK), Aye
Bennet (D-CO), Aye
Bennett (R-UT), Nay
Bingaman (D-NM),
Bond (R-MO), Nay
Boxer (D-CA),  Aye
Brown (D-OH), Aye
Brownback (R-KS), Nay
Bunning (R-KY), Nay
Burr (R-NC), Nay
Byrd (D-WV), Undecided
Cantwell (D-WA),  Aye
Cardin (D-MD),  Aye
Carper (D-DE),  Aye
Casey (D-PA), Aye
Chambliss (R-GA), Nay
Coburn (R-OK), Nay
Cochran (R-MS), Nay
Collins (R-ME), Nay
Conrad (D-ND), Aye
Corker (R-TN), Nay
Cornyn (R-TX), Nay
Crapo (R-ID), Nay
DeMint (R-SC), Nay
Dodd (D-CT),  Aye
Dorgan (D-ND), Undecided
Duckworth (D-IL), Aye
Durbin (D-IL),  Aye
Ensign (R-NV), Nay
Enzi (R-WY), Nay
Feingold (D-WI),  Aye
Feinstein (D-CA), Aye
Franken*(D-MN), Aye
Gillibrand (D-NY),  Aye
Graham (R-SC), Nay
Grassley (R-IA), Nay
Gregg (R-NH), Nay
Hagan (D-NC),  Aye
Harkin (D-IA), Undecided
Hatch (R-UT), Nay
Hutchison (R-TX), Nay
Inhofe (R-OK), Nay
Inouye (D-HI),  Aye
Isakson (R-GA), Nay
Johanns (R-NE), Nay
Johnson (D-SD), Aye
Kaufman (D-DE),  Aye
Kennedy (D-MA), Aye
Kerry (D-MA),  Aye
Klobuchar (D-MN),  Aye
Kohl (D-WI),  Aye
Kyl (R-AZ), Nay
Landrieu (D-LA), Undecided
Lautenberg (D-NJ), Aye
Leahy (D-VT),  Aye
Levin (D-MI),  Aye
Lieberman (I/D-CT), Nay
Lincoln (D-AR), Nay
Lugar (R-IN), Nay
Martinez (R-FL), Nay
McCain (R-AZ), Nay
McCaskill (D-MO),  Aye
McConnell (R-KY), Nay
Menendez (D-NJ),  Aye
Merkley (D-OR),  Aye
Mikulski (D-MD),  Aye
Murkowski (R-AK), Nay
Murray (D-WA),  Aye
Nelson (D-FL),  Aye
Nelson (D-NE), Undecided
Pryor (D-AR), Undecided
Reed (D-RI),  Aye
Reid (D-NV),  Aye
Risch (R-ID), Nay
Roberts (R-KS), Nay
Rockefeller (D-WV), Undecided
Sanders (I-VT),  Aye
Schumer (D-NY),  Aye
Sessions (R-AL), Nay
Shaheen (D-NH), Aye
Shelby (R-AL), Nay
Snowe (R-ME), Nay
Specter (D-PA),  Aye
Stabenow (D-MI),  Aye
Tester (D-MT), Aye
Thune (R-SD), Nay
Udall (D-CO), Aye
Udall (D-NM), Aye
Vitter (R-LA), Nay
Voinovich (R-OH), Nay
Warner (D-VA), Aye
Webb (D-VA), Aye
Whitehouse (D-RI), Aye
Wicker (R-MS), Nay
Wyden (D-OR), Aye
52 AYE, 42 NAY, 6 N/A
-Senator Durbin's Unofficial Whip Tally; May 5, 2009

Why is Kennedycare being held up? Racism.
-Mother Jones; May 6, 2009

Rush Limbaugh dead of heart attack.
-CNN; May 10, 2009

President submits treaty with Ukraine.
-FOX News; May 16, 2009

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-The U.S. will provide $1.5B in economic aid to Ukraine
-The U.S. will supervise the distribution of the aid
-The U.S. will build an air base at the Kiev Airport
-The U.S. will construct two army bases in the eastern part of the country
-The U.S. will station 1,000 permanent troops in the country, along with 3,000 support staffers and other personnel

Speaker Pelosi invites Obama to give speech on Health Care.
-Washington Post; May 19, 2009

Ukraine Treaty ratified by the Senate, 58-42.
-Senate.gov; May 24, 2009

"Representative Joe Wilson interrupts Obama, calls him a Socialist."
-CNN Live Feed; May 27, 2009

"POLL: Obama speech well received, bump in support for Kennedycare."
-Gallup; May 28, 2009

"House passes Kennedycare 249-183."
-New York Times; May 30, 2009

"Mitch McConnell: We will fight socialized medicine to the end."
-Blue Grass Journal; May 30, 2009

Do you approve of President Obama?
YES: 60%
NO: 35%
UNSURE: 5%

Do you approve of Vice President Biden?
YES: 61%
NO: 24%
UNSURE: 15%

Do you approve of Speaker Pelosi?
YES: 35%
NO: 34%
UNSURE: 31%

Do you approve of Majority Leader Reid?
YES: 38%
NO: 30%
UNSURE: 32%

Do you approve of Minority Leader McConnell?
NO: 75%
YES: 14%
UNSURE: 11%

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Senator McConnell proposes an alternate healthcare plan.
-CNN; June 2, 2009

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-Reduces Medicaid minimum limit to $12,000 per year
-Protections for people with pre-existing conditions
-Raises the Medicare age to 67

HELP Committee approves Kennedycare while Republicans boycott.
-Philidelphia Inquirer; June 6, 2009

Senator McConnell begins filibuster on Kennedycare.
-C-SPAN; June 13, 2009

Senate invokes cloture 58-42.
-MSNBC; June 13, 2009

Kennedycare passes the Senate.
-Washington Post; June 18, 2009

President Obama signs the final version of the Health and Insurance Security Act of 2009, or Kennedycare.
-WH.Gov; June 20, 2009

President to allow Senator Kennedy access to the presidential clinic at Annapolis Naval Hospital for treatments.
-Boston Globe; June 21, 2009

First of 10,000 newly-recalled troops from Iraq arrive back in the U.S.
-Dover Sun; June 25, 2009

In a bow to Islamic terror, Obama brings troops home.
-FOX News; June 27, 2009

Unemployment at 9.1%, down 0.1% from last month.
-BLS; June 29, 2009

President attends ground-breaking of first new infrastructure project in West Virginia.
-WH.gov; June 30, 2009

Do you approve of President Obama?
YES: 59%
NO: 37%
UNSURE: 4%

Do you approve of Vice President Biden?
YES: 61%
NO: 26%
UNSURE: 13%

Do you approve of Speaker Pelosi?
NO: 36%
YES: 33%
UNSURE: 31%

Do you approve of Majority Leader Reid?
YES: 36%
NO: 35%
UNSURE: 29%

Do you approve of Minority Leader McConnell?
NO: 74%
YES: 14%
UNSURE: 12%

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Senator Reid proposes the 2009 Medicare Supplemental Expansion Act.
-Las Vegas Sun; July 1, 2009

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Expands Medicare to wounded veterans.

"Congress is hereby adjourned for the Fourth of July holiday."
-Speaker Nancy Pelosi; July 2, 2009

President celebrates holiday with veteran's families.
-WH.gov; July 4, 2009

President Obama meets with Russian counterpart.
-Chicago Tribune; July 7, 2009

Secretary of State Clinton meets with Italian PM.
-New York Times; July 8, 2009

President delivers remarks at the G-8 Summit.
-New York Times; July 9, 2009

Congress is reconvened.
-CNN; July 12, 2009

Speaker Pelosi assigns the Medicare Supplemental Expansion Act to a subcommittee.
-MSNBC; July 14, 2009

President Obama throws out the first pitch at the MLB All-Star Game.
-Washington Post; July 14, 2009

Senator Robert Byrd dead at 91, Governor Manchin to appoint Carte Goodwin.
-West Virginia Gazette; July 18, 2009

President Obama meets with Apollo 11 crew while signing order promoting space exploration.
-AP; July 21, 2009

Subcommittee passes Medicare expansion, sends to the full Appropriations Committee.
-LA Times; July 22, 2009

Unemployment on track to be 8.9% by the end of the month as the economy begins to grow.
-BLS; July 25, 2009

Former Senator Bob Graham to seek his old Senate seat.
-Miami Herald; July 26, 2009

The House Appropriations Committee approves Medicare Expansion with minor modifications.
-CNN; July 31, 2009

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-Expands Medicare to wounded veterans
-Expands Medicaid to all veterans regardless of health

Do you approve of President Obama?
YES: 58%
NO: 37%
UNSURE: 5%

Do you approve of Vice President Biden?
YES: 60%
NO: 29%
UNSURE: 11%

Do you approve of Speaker Pelosi?
NO: 35%
YES: 33%
UNSURE: 32%

Do you approve of Majority Leader Reid?
YES: 35%
NO: 35%
UNSURE: 30%

Do you approve of Minority Leader McConnell?
NO: 72%
YES: 15%
UNSURE: 13%

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Senator Reid proposes the 2009 Medicare Supplemental Expansion Act.
-Las Vegas Sun; July 1, 2009

Spoiler alert! Click Show to show the content.

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Expands Medicare to wounded veterans.

"Congress is hereby adjourned for the Fourth of July holiday."
-Speaker Nancy Pelosi; July 2, 2009

President celebrates holiday with veteran's families.
-WH.gov; July 4, 2009

President Obama meets with Russian counterpart.
-Chicago Tribune; July 7, 2009

Secretary of State Clinton meets with Italian PM.
-New York Times; July 8, 2009

President delivers remarks at the G-8 Summit.
-New York Times; July 9, 2009

Congress is reconvened.
-CNN; July 12, 2009

Speaker Pelosi assigns the Medicare Supplemental Expansion Act to a subcommittee.
-MSNBC; July 14, 2009

President Obama throws out the first pitch at the MLB All-Star Game.
-Washington Post; July 14, 2009

Senator Robert Byrd dead at 91, Governor Manchin to appoint Carte Goodwin.
-West Virginia Gazette; July 18, 2009

President Obama meets with Apollo 11 crew while signing order promoting space exploration.
-AP; July 21, 2009

Subcommittee passes Medicare expansion, sends to the full Appropriations Committee.
-LA Times; July 22, 2009

Unemployment on track to be 8.9% by the end of the month as the economy begins to grow.
-BLS; July 25, 2009

Former Senator Bob Graham to seek his old Senate seat.
-Miami Herald; July 26, 2009

The House Appropriations Committee approves Medicare Expansion with minor modifications.
-CNN; July 31, 2009

Spoiler alert! Click Show to show the content.

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-Expands Medicare to wounded veterans
-Expands Medicaid to all veterans regardless of health

Do you approve of President Obama?
YES: 58%
NO: 37%
UNSURE: 5%

Do you approve of Vice President Biden?
YES: 60%
NO: 29%
UNSURE: 11%

Do you approve of Speaker Pelosi?
NO: 35%
YES: 33%
UNSURE: 32%

Do you approve of Majority Leader Reid?
YES: 35%
NO: 35%
UNSURE: 30%

Do you approve of Minority Leader McConnell?
NO: 72%
YES: 15%
UNSURE: 13%

What will be the space policy of the Obama administration ITTL? 

Sunset the space shuttle program and invest in upgrading the systems (security or otherwise) of satellites, in addition to expanding the overall network itself. Money will also be focused on a return to the moon preferably by 2019 and some investment toward an eventual mars mission.

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

McConnell: "Veterans don't need to be coddled"
-CNN; August 4, 2009

Senator McConnell gets slammed for comments.
-CNN; August 5, 2009

Senator Reid slams McConnell while assigning bill to HELP Committee.
-MSNBC; August 8, 2009

REPORT: Internal DoD memo says that recruitment for the armed forces may go up 20%.
-Seattle Times; August 10, 2009

McConnell narrowly survives leadership challenge from Orin Hatch.
-New York Post; August 10, 2009

Bill Owens defeats Doug Hoffman 52-45 in special election.
-NY Secretary of State; August 14, 2009

DNC introduces BlueMap, a software to maximize gerrymanders in the next cycle.
-Fox News; August 15, 2009

Ted Kennedy announces retirement in late January of 2010.
-Boston Globe; August 17, 2009

Governor Patrick calls for a special election on January 4, 2010.
-Boston Globe; August 18, 2009

Senate HELP committee approves Medicare expansion.
-Roll Call; August 23, 2009

The Oakland A's select Mike Trout and Nolan Arenado with top two picks.
-MLB.com; August 24, 2009

Senate filibuster by McConnell is shut down 64-34.
-LA Times; August 27, 2009

Mitch gets DESTROYED by Senators.
-Brian Tyler Cohen (presumably); August 28, 2009

Unemployment goes below 8.8%.
-BLS; August 30, 2009

Ted Kennedy undergoing emergency surgery at Annapolis Naval Hospital.
-MSNBC; August 30, 2009

Do you approve of President Obama?
YES: 59%
NO: 38%
UNSURE: 3%

Do you approve of Vice President Biden?
YES: 59%
NO: 31%
UNSURE: 10%

Do you approve of Speaker Pelosi?
NO: 37%
YES: 32%
UNSURE: 31%

Do you approve of Majority Leader Reid?
YES: 37%
NO: 34%
UNSURE: 29%

Do you approve of Minority Leader McConnell?
NO: 77%
YES: 10%
UNSURE: 13%

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Ted Kennedy out of surgery, in critical condition.
-CNN; August 31, 2009

In the shadow of Ted Kennedy's health crisis, the Senate passes Medicare Expansion by a 62-38 margin.
-Boston Globe; September 4, 2009

President Obama signs the Medicare Expansion at Joint Base Andrews.
-White House; September 6, 2009

DNC boxing out candidates from upcoming Massachusetts race, backing Elizabeth Warren.
-Fox News; September 9, 2009

The Senate Judiciary Committee begins hearings on the nomination of Sonya Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.
-New York Times; September 13, 2009

Ted Kennedy's condition lowered to 'Serious'.
-Boston Globe; September 18, 2009

Kentucky Democrats introduce the "Resign Mitch" petition and begin to gather signatures.
-Louisville Post; September 20, 2009

President Obama stumps for Jon Corzine in the upcoming Governor's race.
-NJ Times; September 24, 2009

Senate passes the Small Business Support Act by a huge bipartisan margin of 89-10.
-Roll Call; September 25, 2009

House passes the Small Business Support Act by a voice vote.
-MSNBC; September 30, 2009

President Obama signs the Small Business Support Act into law.
-White House; September 30, 2009

The "Resign Mitch" petition reaches 100,000 signatures.
-CNN; September 31, 2009

Do you approve of President Obama?
YES: 57%
NO: 38%
UNSURE: 5%

Do you approve of Vice President Biden?
YES: 60%
NO: 30%
UNSURE: 10%

Do you approve of Speaker Pelosi?
NO: 38%
YES: 32%
UNSURE: 30%

Do you approve of Majority Leader Reid?
NO: 36%
YES: 34%
UNSURE: 30%

Do you approve of Minority Leader McConnell?
NO: 79%
YES: 9%
UNSURE: 12%

Unemployment: 8.6% (down 0.2%)

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Ted Kennedy released from ICU.
-NBC News; October 2, 2009

President announces $5 Million grant to West Virginia clean energy companies.
-Charleston Gazette; October 5, 2009

Kennedycare to begin phase-in by the end of the month.
-White House; October 6, 2009

Sonya Sotomayor is confirmed 68-32.
-Roll Call; October 10, 2009

Report: 61% of Kentucky residents want Mitch McConnell to resign.
-Bluegrass Times; October 15, 2009

Elizabeth Warren wins the Democratic Senate primary.
-New York Times; October 17, 2009

MA Democratic Senate Primary, 100% In
✓Elizabeth Warren (D): 86.93%
Ted Kennedy (D,write-in): 12.51%


Why Republican candidates for Massachusetts's Senate race have been bankrolled by the DNC.
-FiveThirtyEight; October 20, 2009

MA Republican Senate Primary, 25% In
✓Scott Brown (R): 56.80%
Scott Lively (R): 42.34%

"I thought Lively was supposed to lose by 20..."
-Twitter user; October 22, 2009

"We have to retract our call for the Massachusetts senate primary..."
-NYT Elections Board; October 22, 2009

MA Republican Senate Primary, 50% In
Scott Brown (R): 51.03%
Scott Lively (R): 47.79%


"REPORT: MA Republicans in panic mode over primary."
-CNN; October 22, 2009

MA Republican Senate Primary, 75% In
Scott Brown (R): 50.10%
Scott Lively (R): 49.82%


"Midnight passes with no clear winner."
-Boston Globe; October 23, 2009

"This is all an impeachable offense."
-Jennifer Rubin; October 23, 2009

MA Republican Senate Primary, 98% In
Scott Lively (R): 49.96%
Scott Brown (R): 49.70%


"Pastor Lively has taken the lead."
-CNN; October 23, 2009

"Brown back in the lead by four."
-FOX News; October 23, 2009

MA Republican Senate Primary, 100%% In
Scott Brown (R): 49.826%
Scott Lively (R): 49.824%


"Counting ends with minor Brown lead, recount to be held."
-MSNBC; October 25, 2009

"Ted Kennedy released from hospital."
-LA Times; October 26, 2009

"President expresses 'Concern' over primary."
-Atlanta Journal-Constitution; October 29, 2009

"First recount ends, Brown lead shrinks to 19 votes."
-NPR News Boston; October 30, 2009

"Lively refuses to concede, requests additional recount."
-FOX News; October 31, 2009

"Ted Kennedy reappears on Senate floor to standing ovation."
-Roll Call; October 31, 2009

Do you approve of President Obama?
YES: 59%
NO: 39%
UNSURE: 2%

Do you approve of Vice President Biden?
YES: 59%
NO: 32%
UNSURE: 9%

Do you approve of Speaker Pelosi?
NO: 41%
YES: 34%
UNSURE: 25%

Do you approve of Majority Leader Reid?
NO: 39%
YES: 33%
UNSURE: 28%

Do you approve of Minority Leader McConnell?
NO: 81%
YES: 10%
UNSURE: 9%

Unemployment: 8.5% (down 0.1%)

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

MA Republican Senate Primary, 100%% In
Scott Brown (R): 49.826%
Scott Lively (R): 49.825%

Second recount ends- Brown's lead at 6 votes.
-Boston Globe; November 1, 2009

MA Secretary of the Commonwealth orders manual re-canvass of ballots.
-CNN; November 2, 2009

2009 Elections go Democrats way.
-CNN; November 4, 2009

2009 New Jersey Gubernatorial Election:
✓Jon Corzine (D): 50.72%
Chris Christie (R): 45.92%

2009 Virginia Gubernatorial Election:
✓Terry McAuliffe (D): 49.30%
Bob McDonnell (R): 49.04%

DNC staffers reportedly cheering after re-canvass announced.
-FOX News; November 4, 2009

REPORT: Lively received over $2,000,000 from Democrat-aligned outside groups.
-New York Times; November 5, 2009

President tours the revitalized Moraine assembly plant in Ohio, where GM announces a joint venture with several Asian companies.
-Dayton Post; November 8, 2009

"This isn't about policy. This is about if we break the Democrat's monopoly on power or suffer under government overreach and socialism."
-Anonymous MA State party official; November 10, 2009

MA Republican Senate Primary, 100%% In
✓Scott Brown (R): 49.8260%
Scott Lively (R): 49.8259%


Scott Brown certified as victor by 2-vote margin.
-soc.ma.gov; November 15, 2009

Lively announces intent to sue the state party.
-CNN; November 16, 2009

Judge throws out lawsuit, upholds certification of Brown.
-MSNBC; November 18, 2009

Scott Lively announces he will seek election as a member of the 'Conservative Party'.
-Lexington Gazette; November 20, 2009

REPORT: DNC staffers are cheering at the news.
-Washington Post; November 20, 2009

"He's helping the Democrats- and they know it."
-Scott Brown interview; November 20, 2009

Brown Campaign sues to stop Lively's ballot access.
-FOX News; November 21, 2009

In a non-precedent setting ruling, Democrat-appointed judge says that since the primary wasn't decided until after the original deadline, Lively is eligible to run.
-MA Online; November 24, 2009

President Obama meets with the Japanese PM in the Oval Office.
-White House; November 30, 2009

Do you approve of President Obama?
YES: 57%
NO: 40%
UNSURE: 3%

Do you approve of Vice President Biden?
YES: 58%
NO: 33%
UNSURE: 9%

Do you approve of Speaker Pelosi?
NO: 42%
YES: 32%
UNSURE: 26%

Do you approve of Majority Leader Reid?
NO: 40%
YES: 32%
UNSURE: 28%

Do you approve of Minority Leader McConnell?
NO: 82%
YES: 9%
UNSURE: 9%

Unemployment: 8.5% (no change)

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Warren campaign to donate 90% of campaign coffers to the DSCC.
-Boston Globe; December 3, 2009

Navy SEAL team detains Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab after the British government confirms that the person in an al-Qaeda training video is him. He is apprehended at the airport in Addis Ababa. The administration is praised for its skilled handling of international cooperation.
-CNN; December 5, 2009

President Obama signs a foreign aid package for Ethiopia worth $100 Million.
-White House; December 6, 2009

President announces increased funding for transport security overseas.
-MSNBC; December 9, 2009

Elizabeth Warren debates Scott Brown and Scott Lively.
-Boston Globe; December 11, 2009

MA-SEN Poll (12/11/09):
Warren (D): 45%
Brown (R): 19%
Lively (C): 15%
Undecided: 21%

"As we can see, Warren has an excellent chance of winning 45% of the undecided vote."
-Chris Cillizza; Political blogger, guest appearance on CNN

"You're an idiot. The undecided vote in Massachusetts in a large demographic, and the decision will generally come down to the administration's popularity at the time of the election. Many of these people will stay home, however, as our analysis indicates Warren has a chance of winning close to 100%."
-Steve Kornacki; Political blogger, guest appearance on CNN

America in 7th place globally in infrastructure, up two places.
-World Economic Forum; December 14, 2009

Americare website launches, President reportedly concerned about potential capacity issues.
-MSNBC; December 16, 2009

"I'd rather die than get health insurance regulated by the Muslim socialist Obama!"
-Rush Limbaugh; December 17, 2009

AHIP announces that it will not sue Kennedycare, clearing a major hurdle.
-NBC News; December 21, 2009

The Connecticut legislature overrides the veto of Governor Rell, abolishing the death penalty.
-Connecticut Post; December 22, 2009

Justice John Paul Stevens announces his retirement effective July 1, 2010.
-Roll Call; December 24, 2009

President celebrates Christmas and New Year's holiday with his family in Hawaii.
-White House; December 24, 2009

Do you approve of President Obama?
YES: 59%
NO: 39%
UNSURE: 2%

Do you approve of Vice President Biden?
YES: 62%
NO: 30%
UNSURE: 8%

Do you approve of Speaker Pelosi?
NO: 41%
YES: 32%
UNSURE: 27%

Do you approve of Majority Leader Reid?
NO: 43%
YES: 30%
UNSURE: 27%

Do you approve of Minority Leader McConnell?
NO: 84%
YES: 8%
UNSURE: 8%

Unemployment: 8.2% (down 0.3%)

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Good timeline!

Obama needs to do a few things

-Speed up the recovery. For most Americans, the recession didn't end until 2015. Millions of young people with no work

-Stop the bleeding of industrial jobs

-Stop the complete collpase of the Democratic Party at the state/local level

-Immigration Reform

-Gun control

-Union support

He's working on the economy, and thanks to a bigger stimulus package, the unemployment rate (while still high) is like 1.5 points lower than OTL. The large amount of infrastructure spending throughout the country and more supports for small businesses ensures that the rural and Appalachian areas get at least some stuff thrown their way. A dedicated infrastructure bill (including rural infrastructure, renewables, clean coal transitional stuff, domestic industry supports and tax credits, and job retraining) is also on the docket.

The administration is also working with the DNC to promote the legislation to ensure that rural residents know what the legislation is really about, not whatever Fox News says. This will help downballot dems more than direct contributions, which don't really mean as much in poorer areas.

Cap & Trade is also scrapped, compared to a moderate Universal Health Care the priority isn't really there, and it would make dozens of Blue Dogs DOA in the midterms.

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Will you be killing of Limbaugh sooner

Different people may be living different lengths of time. Limbaugh doesn't need insurance since he's rich, but the cackling chickens following him do need it.

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Rush Limbaugh dead of heart attack.
-CNN; May 10, 2009

"I'd rather die than get health insurance regulated by the Muslim socialist Obama!"
-Rush Limbaugh; December 17, 2009

Lol

oh yeah... The first part is retconned.

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

President begins the year with net +20 approval ratings.
-Gallup; January 1, 2010

Elizabeth Warren holds rally with President Obama, Vice President Biden and Ted Kennedy.
-Boston Globe; January 2, 2010

"Polls have now closed in Massachusetts"
-Anderson Cooper; January 4, 2010 (7:00 PM)

"We can now project that Elizabeth Warren has won the Senate election"
-Anderson Cooper; January 4, 2010 (7:02 PM)

2010 Massachusetts Senate Special Election (100% IN):
✓Elizabeth Warren (D): 1,189,159 (52.3%)
Scott Brown (R): 679,844 (29.9%)
Scott Lively (C): 386,530 (17.0%)


Lively: large amounts of voter fraud occurred, will seek re-count.
-CNN; January 5, 2010

Elizabeth Warren to be sworn in on January 28, 2010.
-Roll Call; January 6, 2010

Lively challenge thrown out by Massachusetts supreme court.
-Boston Globe; January 9, 2010

Marco Rubio announces primary challenge to Mel Martinez.
-NBC News; January 11, 2010

REPORT: Evan Bayh considering retirement.
-Indianapolis Star; January 14, 2010

President Obama announces that all discretionary funding will be cut by 20%.
-White House; January 18, 2010

Evan Bayh to run for re-election, reportedly at President's urging.
-MSNBC; January 19, 2010

McConnell: Our only goal is to make Barack Obama a one-term President.
-CNN; January 21, 2010

DNC delivers "Resign Mitch" petition to McConnell's office with 600,000 signatures.
-CNN; January 24, 2010

REPORT: Donald Trump under investigation for tax fraud.
-FOX News; January 30, 2010

Do you approve of President Obama?
YES: 61%
NO: 35%
UNSURE: 3%

Do you approve of Vice President Biden?
YES: 62%
NO: 29%
UNSURE: 9%

Do you approve of Speaker Pelosi?
NO: 39%
YES: 36%
UNSURE: 25%

Do you approve of Majority Leader Reid?
NO: 41%
YES: 31%
UNSURE: 28%

Do you approve of Minority Leader McConnell?
NO: 86%
YES: 7%
UNSURE: 7%

Unemployment: 8.0% (down 0.2%)

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Senator Duckworth introduces bill that would introduce tax brackets for corporations.
-MSNBC; February 1, 2010

Following certification delays, Elizabeth Warren is sworn into the Senate.
-Roll Call; February 4, 2010

Donald Trump indicted on multiple counts of tax evasion and other crimes.
-New York Post; February 6, 2010

Final Kennedycare provisions take effect.
-New York Times; February 10, 2010

Americans support healthcare bill by a 54-42 margin, up three points since December.
-Pew Research; February 11, 2010

President Obama visits a new clean coal plant in West Virginia, which he says is the future of the coal industry.
-CNN; February 12, 2010

BREAKING: Osama Bin Laden either killed or heavily injured.
-CNN; February 14, 2010

CONFIRMED: Administration announces the death of Bin Laden.
-MSNBC; February 15, 2010

Obama approval rating breaks 70%.
-Gallup; February 15, 2010

President announces partial repeal of PATRIOT Act.
-White House; February 18, 2010

Spoiler alert! Click Show to show the content.

Show

-Near-complete repeal of Title II and minor repeals of other section's most controversial parts.

"As usual, Kenyan Muslim Obama wants to sell out to his terrorist buddies!"
-Glenn Beck via Twitter; February 20, 2010

#FireGlennBeck
-Trending Twitter hashtag; February 21, 2010

FOX News cancels Glenn Beck's contract.
-New York Times; February 24, 2010

Duckworth-Miller Tax Reform Act passes the House Appropriations Committee.
-Roll Call; February 25, 2010

Moderate Republicans announce support for PATRIOT Act partial repeal.
-CNN; February 28, 2010

Who is Al Gross, the Independent running against Lisa Murkowski?
-MSNBC.com; February 28, 2010

Do you approve of President Obama?
YES: 68%
NO: 30%
UNSURE: 2%

Do you approve of Vice President Biden?
YES: 65%
NO: 25%
UNSURE: 10%

Do you approve of Speaker Pelosi?
NO: 42%
YES: 33%
UNSURE: 25%

Do you approve of Majority Leader Reid?
NO: 40%
YES: 30%
UNSURE: 30%

Do you approve of Minority Leader McConnell?
NO: 85%
YES: 9%
UNSURE: 7%

Unemployment: 7.9% (down 0.1%)

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Deputy AG Doug Jones to prosecute Trump case.
-Washington Post; March 1, 2010

Trump pleads "Not Guilty" to charges in a court hearing.
-CNN; March 3, 2010

NBC cancels The Apprentice, citing legal proceedings.
-MSNBC; March 4, 2010

Inequality in recovery: How unemployment ranges by state.
-New York Times; March 8, 2010

Duckworth-Miller passes the House of Representatives.
-Roll Call; March 10, 2010

White House to unveil infrastructure proposal on Monday.
-LA Times; March 11, 2010

Ukraine submits application to join NATO.
-Foreign Policy; March 12, 2010

President proposes massive infrastructure bill worth over $850 Billion.
-Chicago Tribune; March 15, 2010

Spoiler alert! Click Show to show the content.

Show

-$200 Billion for the repair of roads and bridges.
-$50 Billion for the construction of new roads and bridges.
-$100 Billion for the repair and construction of airports.
-$50 Billion for the repair of the rail network.
-$50 Billion for the construction of new rail lines.
--incl. $10 Billion Acela expansion to Charlotte and the purchasing of top-notch AVE Class 103 trains modified to be slightly wider and to be built in America.
--incl. $5 Billion for the construction of a line between San Diego and LA using the soon-to-be unused Acela trains.
-$50 Billion for the renovation and expansion of military facilities.
-$10 Billion for the cleanup and revitalization of old infrastructure.
-$90 Billion for targeted tax breaks and subsidies to underserved communities.
-$100 Billion for miscellaneous items, ranging from clean coal investments to beautification.
-$250 Billion for R&D.

Illinois Senate primary results in.
-IL Secretary of State; March 16, 2010

2010 Illinois Senate Election (D-Primary):
✓Tammy Duckworth*: 68.3%
David Hoffman: 19.2%
Other: 12.5%


2010 Illinois Senate Election (R-Primary):
✓Mark Kirk: 55.2%
Patrick Hughes: 39.4%
Andy Martin: 5.0%
Other: 0.4%

Duckworth-Miller passed by the Senate, 63-37.
-Roll Call; March 18, 2010

Duckworth-Miller signed by President Obama.
-White House; March 19, 2010

New legislation gives small businesses a break while still raising $700 Billion by 2020.
-CNN; March 23, 2010

President arrives in China for a summit with leadership.
-MSNBC; March 28, 2010

Infrastructure Development Act introduced to the House.
-Washington Post; March 31, 2010

Do you approve of President Obama?
YES: 65%
NO: 31%
UNSURE: 4%

Do you approve of Vice President Biden?
YES: 65%
NO: 27%
UNSURE: 8%

Do you approve of Speaker Pelosi?
NO: 45%
YES: 31%
UNSURE: 24%

Do you approve of Majority Leader Reid?
NO: 42%
YES: 29%
UNSURE: 29%

Do you approve of Minority Leader McConnell?
NO: 84%
YES: 9%
UNSURE: 7%

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Why Democrats are spending almost all donations on defending seats.
-Chris Cillizza article on CNN.com; April 1, 2010

Justice John Paul Stevens announces retirement.
-Washington Post; April 2, 2010

Obama shortlist: Kagan, Garland, Katzmann, and Koh.
-CNN; April 5, 2010

House infrastructure bill clears key procedural hurdles.
-MSNBC; April 8, 2010

President Obama visits the brand-new Kawasaki Industries factory in Wood County, WV.
-White House; April 10, 2010

Trump's Head Counsel Michael Cohen resigns after threatened indictment.
-New York Times; April 14, 2010

President signs memorandum directing DoD to review Don't Ask Don't Tell.
-SF Chronicle; April 15, 2010

Uninsured rate reaches record low while health care costs reach a five-year low.
-BLS; April 19, 2010

Poll: 58% of Americans support Kennedycare.
-Gallup; April 20, 2010

Trump trial begins with first arguments after a small delay.
-CNN; April 21, 2010

New infrastructure bill includes $5 Billion for anti-pandemic measures.
-White House; April 23, 2010

"Kenyan Muslim Obama is throwing away more money at unnecessary things!"
-Rush Limbaugh; April 26, 2010

"I thought Rush Limbaugh was dead."
-Twitter user; April 27, 2010

House passes infrastructure bill.
-CNN; April 28, 2010

Do you approve of President Obama?
YES: 62%
NO: 33%
UNSURE: 5%

Do you approve of Vice President Biden?
YES: 65%
NO: 29%
UNSURE: 6%

Do you approve of Speaker Pelosi?
NO: 46%
YES: 28%
UNSURE: 26%

Do you approve of Majority Leader Reid?
NO: 42%
YES: 28%
UNSURE: 30%

Do you approve of Minority Leader McConnell?
NO: 83%
YES: 9%
UNSURE: 8%

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Obama selects Merrick Garland as his supreme court nominee.
-CNN; May 2, 2010

Far-right state legislator Marlin Stutzman wins Indiana Republican US Senate primary, backed by over $5,000,000 in funding by Democratic groups.
-Indiana Today; May 5, 2010

Senate version of the infrastructure bill contains over $50 Billion in pork spending.
-Citizens Against Government Waste; May 5, 2010

Harry Reid may use budget reconciliation to pass the infrastructure bill.
-MSNBC; May 6, 2010

Lawyers in United States Federal Government v. Donald J. Trump present final arguments.
-New York Times; May 11, 2010

Unemployment reaches 7.4%.
-BLS; May 15, 2010

Jury: Trump is guilty on all 6 charges.
-New York Post; May 17, 2010

Senate Appropriations Committee passes the infrastructure bill.
-Roll Call; May 18, 2010

NC State Senator Josh Stein advances to face Richard Burr in the general election.
-Charlotte Times; May 21, 2010

LEAKED: Insiders think Trump will face the following sentence:
-MSNBC; May 24, 2010

Spoiler alert! Click Show to show the content.

Show

Over $40,000,000 in back taxes.
A $10,000,000 IRS fine.
$25,000,000 in other fines.
3 month's imprisonment
1 year's probation

President Obama attends G8 summit in Istanbul.
-White House; May 30, 2010

Do you approve of President Obama?
YES: 60% (-2)
NO: 34% (+1)
UNSURE: 6% (+1)

Unemployment: 7.3% (down 0.3%)
Poverty: 13.8% (down 0.1%)

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Senate approves infrastructure bill by a 56-44 margin.
-CNN; June 4, 2010

President Obama signs the infrastructure bill.
-MSNBC; June 5, 2010

President signs executive order to study possible gun control measures.
-Washington Post; June 8, 2010

John Hoeven easily fights DNC-backed lunatic Duane Sand 64-31.
-CNN; June 8, 2010

Eliot Cutler receives Democratic endorsement for Maine Governor.
-August Times; June 9, 2010

DNC Passes reform setting the term of DNC Chairs at five years.
-New York Times; June 10, 2010

Tim Kaine resigns as DNC Chair pending confirmation of a successor.
-CNN; June 15, 2010

President Obama nominates David Axelrod as DNC Chair.
-White House; June 15, 2010

Obama up by 10 against Romney, 14 against Gingrich, and 22 against Palin.
-Gallup; June 18, 2010

America no longer most expensive nation in the world for healthcare, drops below Switzerland.
-UN; June 20, 2010

David Axelrod confirmed as DNC Chair.
-MSNBC; June 23, 2010

Why is the RSCC having fundraising troubles?
-CNN; June 23, 2010

Donald Trump sentenced to one year of house arrest, will pay over $50 Million to the IRS.
-New York Post; June 25, 2010

Why Democrats can gain as many as ten Senate seats in the upcoming election.
-Chris Cillizza; June 28, 2010

FOX News reportedly under audit.
-NBC; June 30, 2010

Do you approve of President Obama?
YES: 57% (-3)
NO: 39% (+5)
UNSURE: 4% (-2)

Unemployment: 7.1% (down 0.2%)
Poverty: 13.5% (down 0.3%)

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Secretary Gates announces withdrawal timetable for Iraq. All troops to be withdrawn by 2015.
-CNN; July 1, 2010

President signs order promoting domestic manufacturing.
-White House; July 3, 2010

Obama holds a massive rally for Senator Bennet. Over 250,000 people attend. Other speakers include Bill and Hillary Clinton, Jimmy Carter, and First Lady Michelle.
-MSNBC; July 4, 2010

LEAKED MEMO: Democrats have 'given up' on Blanche Lincoln.
-FOX News; July 8, 2010

Senator Boxer proposes bill to expand food stamp programs to cover more children.
-CNN; July 10, 2010

McConnell: We need to get rid of this unnecessary spending.
-FOX News; July 11, 2010

OPINION: McConnell is anti-poor people.
-CNN; July 12, 2010

OPINION: McConnell hates children.
-MSNBC; July 12, 2010

OPINION: Evil Senator McConnell (R-Koch) is a neo-fascist.
-Mother Jones; July 12, 2010

Rush Limbaugh dies from a heart attack (or does he...).
-CNN; July 13, 2010

South Carolina legislators declare July 13 Rush Limbaugh day.
-MSNBC; July 15, 2010

Terrorist Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi killed by Navy SEALs.
-White House; July 19, 2010

President Obama proposes expansion of money given to spouses of killed military personnel.
-Washington Post; July 20, 2010

McConnell: gOvErNmEnT sPeNdInG iS tOo HiGh.
-Mother Jones; July 22, 2010

McConnell hates veterans.
-DNC Ad; July 24, 2010

President tours new GM Plant in Ohio.
-CNN; July 25, 2010

President opens the US-Taiwan Trade office to facilitate trade with the ROC.
-FOX News; July 28, 2010

Do you approve of President Obama?
YES: 58% (+1)
NO: 37% (-2)
UNSURE: 5% (+1)

Unemployment: 6.9% (down 0.2%)
Poverty: 13.0% (down 0.5%)

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

ALABAMA:

Incumbent: Richard Shelby (R)
Challenger: William Barnes (D)

RCP: SAFE-R
SCP: SAFE-R
538: >99% Shelby

Incumbent Richard Shelby is popular and most importantly, a Republican in Alabama. His opposition, William Barnes, has received just $5,000 from the DSCC.

Polling Average: Shelby +17

ALASKA:

Incumbent: Lisa Murkowski (R)
Challengers: Al Gross (I/D), Joe Miller (R)

RCP: TILT D
SCP: TOSSUP
538: 52% Gross

Normally this race would be SAFE-R, but Lisa Murkowski (who barely won her primary) made herself unpopular and is facing conservative Joe Miller's write-in campaign. Her biggest threat, however, is Al Gross, a doctor and professional fisherman who is running an excellent campaign and is favored to win the race.

Polling Average: Gross +5

ARIZONA:

Incumbent: John McCain (R)
Challenger: Rodney Glassman (D)

RCP: LIKELY R
SCP: SAFE R
538: 98% McCain

Despite unpopularity with the Republican base (and coming within 5,000 votes of losing to a far-right primary opponent who received millions from Democratic groups in Kelli Ward), John McCain is popular with the general electorate and faces weak opposition in the general.

Polling Average: McCain +14

ARKANSAS:

Incumbent: Blanche Lincoln (D)
Challenger: Asa Hutchinson (R)

RCP: LEAN R
SCP: LEAN R
538: 84% Hutchinson

While not the safest R pickup of the cycle, incumbent Blanche Lincoln (and fellow Senator Byron Dorgan) has been given up on by the DSCC and is likely to lose to the popular congressman Asa Hutchinson.

Polling Average: Hutchinson +9

CALIFORNIA:

Incumbent: Barbara Boxer (D, Retiring)
Candidates: Tom Steyer (D), Carly Fiorina (R)

RCP: SAFE D
SCP: LIKELY D
538: 99% Steyer

Barbara Boxer is retiring, citing her age (70). The Democratic candidate and therefore presumptive Senator-elect is billionaire hedge-fund manager Tom Steyer. The Republicans have their own candidate in former Hewett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina. Fiorina is a strong candidate, and by that we mean she'll only lose by 20.

Polling Average: Steyer +16

COLORADO:

Incumbent: Michael Bennet (D)
Challenger: Ken Buck (R)

RCP: LEAN D
SCP: TILT D
538: 78% Bennet

Appointed Senator Michael Bennet was originally in a lot of trouble, although the TEA Party and Democrats nationwide threw a ton of money at the worst candidate, who then won. Bennet is also helped by the relative success and popularity of the Obama administration, but may be held back by conservative turnout over Kennedycare.

Polling Average: Bennet +5

CONNECTICUT:

Incumbent: Chris Dodd (D, Retiring)
Candidates: Richard Blumenthal (D), Linda McMahon (R)

RCP: LIKELY D
SCP: LIKELY D
538: 93% Blumenthal

Unpopular incumbent Chris Dodd is retiring. Fighting to replace him are Richard Blumenthal and Linda McMahon. Blumenthal has attacked McMahon over her business record and that of her husband, while McMahon has attacked Blumenthal as a tax-and-spend liberal. Connecticut is liberal enough that we know the victor.

Polling Average: Dodd +12

DELAWARE (S):

Incumbent: Ted Kaufman (D)
Challenger: Christine O'Donnell (R)

RCP: SAFE D
SCP: SAFE D
538: 99% Kaufman

Appointee Ted Kaufman was originally thought to be stepping down, but has declared his intention to finish the full term. He is facing minimal opposition from Republicans after the top recruit, U.S. Representative Mike Castle, opted to retire.

Polling Average: Kaufman +20

FLORIDA:

Incumbent: Mel Martinez (R, Retiring)
Candidates: Marco Rubio (R), Kendrick Meek (D)

RCP: LEAN R
SCP: TILT R
538: 80% Rubio

Despite the efforts of Democrats nationwide, Mel Martinez was defeated in his primary. The handsome and relatively moderate Marco Rubio is favored to win against the Democratic nominee, Kendrick Meek.

Polling Average: Rubio +9

GEORGIA:

Incumbent: Johnny Isakson (R)
Challenger: Denise Majette (D)

RCP: LIKELY R
SCP: SAFE R
538: 95% Isakson

Denise Majette is mostly known for her crazy comments, which is not good for a Senate candidate (unless you're a Republican). Johnny Isakson is relatively popular in ruby-red Georgia, which will never vote for a Democrat until hell freezes over.

Polling Average: Isakson +18

HAWAII:

Incumbent: Daniel Inouye (D)
Challenger: Campbell Cavasso (R)

RCP: SAFE D
SCP: SAFE D
538: >99% Inouye

Senate President Pro Tempore Daniel Inouye, despite being literally a thousand years old, is massively favored to win re-election.

Polling Average: Inouye +33

IDAHO:

Incumbent: Mike Crapo (R)
Challenger: Unopposed

RCP: SAFE R
SCP: SAFE R
538: >99% Crapo

Republican. Idaho. End of discussion.

Polling Average: Crapo +90

ILLINOIS:

Incumbent: Tammy Duckworth (D)
Challenger: Mark Kirk (R)

RCP: LIKELY D
SCP: SAFE D
538: 97% Duckworth

Tammy Duckworth is highly popular and visible. She is facing the popular and moderate congressman Mark Kirk, who is being backed by massive sums of money from Republicans who want to take Obama's old seat.

Polling Average: Duckworth +17

INDIANA:

Incumbent: Evan Bayh (D)
Challenger: Marlin Stutzman (R)

RCP: SAFE D
SCP: SAFE D
538: 97% Bayh

Democrats successfully secured this race by convincing Senator Bayh to run for re-election and by throwing millions at the least qualified and most extreme candidate for the Republicans in Sarah Palin-backed Marlin Stutzman.

Polling Average: Bayh +20

IOWA:

Incumbent: Chuck Grassley (R)
Challenger: Unopposed

RCP: SAFE R
SCP: SAFE R
538: >99% Grassley

Chuck Grassley is popular in Iowa, despite the Democratic lean of the state (which will next vote for a Republican when hell freezes over). The Democrats couldn't get the one person who could possibly defeat him (Tom Vilsack) to run, so they ceded it to the Republicans.

Polling Average: Grassley +95

KANSAS:

Incumbent: Sam Brownback (R, Retiring)
Candidates: Jerry Moron (R), Paul Davis (D)

RCP: LIKELY R
SCP: LIKELY R
538: 96% Moran

Jerry Moran is succeeding Sam Brownback, who is retiring to run for Governor. His coronation is being halted by State Senator Paul Davis, who may cut his margin down to a mere 60-40 victory.

Polling Average: Moran +11

KENTUCKY:

Incumbent: Jim Bunning (R, Retiring)
Candidates: Rand Paul (R), Jack Conway (D)

RCP: LEAN D
SCP: TOSSUP
538: 59% Conway

Kentucky Democrats have gotten incredibly lucky in that their top recruit (AG Jack Conway) agreed to run. Even better, libertarian Rand Paul received the Republican nod, and has promptly alienated Kentucky Republicans by not being racist or fiscally liberal enough. This might be one of the rare midterm gains.

Polling Average: Conway +4

LOUISIANA:

Incumbent: David Vitter (R)
Challenger: Charlie Melancon (D)

RCP: LEAN R
SCP: LIKELY R
538: 91% Vitter

David Vitter, who has been caught in a prostitution scandal he claimed didn't happen, is facing Representative Charlie Melancon, who has hammered him on this. Vitter has positioned himself as the candidate of evangelicals, who are going to vote for him thanks to his campaign's leaked overall plan, entitled 'God, Guns, and Gays'.

Polling Average: Vitter +8

MARYLAND:

Incumbent: Barbara Mikulski (D)
Challenger: Michael Steele (R)

RCP: LIKELY D
SCP: SAFE D
538: 99% Mikulski

Michael Steele has announced his run, which means Republicans got their best recruit to lose in a landslide to popular incumbent Barbara Mikulski.

Polling Average: Mikulski +19

MISSOURI:

Incumbent: Kit Bond (R, Retiring)
Candidates: Eric Greitens (R), Robin Carnahan (D)

RCP: LEAN R
SCP: LEAN R
538: 77% Greitens

Former Navy SEAL Eric Greitens is running against Robin Carnahan. This will pit the ideological lean of the state against one of the main political dynasties. Greitens is considered likely to win.

Polling Average: Greitens +5

NEVADA:

Incumbent: Harry Reid (D)
Challenger: Sharron Angle (R)

RCP: LIKELY D
SCP: SAFE D
538: 90% Reid

Harry Reid isn't very popular, but has a lot of money, which is the only thing that matters in politics. Sharron Angle, a candidate backed by the whole gang of far-right commentators and pundits, is almost certain to lose.

Polling Average: Reid +11

NEW HAMPSHIRE:

Incumbent: Judd Gregg (R, Retiring)
Candidates: Kelly Ayotte (R), Ann McLane Kuster (D)

RCP: LIKELY R
SCP: TILT R
538: 85% Ayotte

Democrats have basically given up on this race after #1 recruit John Lynch declined to run. Therefore, expect Senator Ayotte next January.

Polling Average: Ayotte +9

NEW YORK:

Incumbent: Chuck Schumer (D)
Challenger: Jay Townsend (R)

RCP: SAFE D
SCP: SAFE D
538: >99% Schumer

Chuck Schumer is basically running unopposed. Nothing to see here.

Polling Average: Schumer +35

NEW YORK (S):

Incumbent: Kristen Gillibrand (D, Primaried)
Candidates: Sean Patrick Maloney (D), Chele Chiavacci Farley (R)

RCP: SAFE D
SCP: SAFE D
538: >99 Maloney

Kristen Gillibrand was favored to win her primary until she made several anti-Semitic jokes, which is not a good thing to do as a Democrat in New York. She lost renomination to Sean Maloney, who is projected to destroy his Republican opponent.

Polling Average: Maloney +29

NORTH CAROLINA:

Incumbent: Richard Burr (R)
Challenger: Josh Stein (D)

RCP: TILT D
SCP: TILT D
538: 52% Stein

State Senator Josh Stein is battling incumbent Richard Burr in what is expected to be the closest race of the election. Burr is unpopular, but has the benefit of Incumbency. The DNC and RNC are already preparing lawyers for a possible recount battle.

Polling Average: Stein +1

NORTH DAKOTA:

Incumbent: Byron Dorgan (D)
Challenger: John Hoeven (R)

RCP: SAFE R
SCP: LIKELY R
538: 98% Hoeven

This may be the most lopsided defeat for an incumbent ever. Byron Dorgan is not unpopular, but he is facing Governor John Hoeven, who is very much popular. If you are a Republican this will be a fun race to watch.

Polling Average: Hoeven +22

OHIO:

Incumbent: George Voinovich (R, Retiring)
Candidates: Rob Portman (R), Lee Fisher (D)

RCP: LEAN R
SCP: TILT R
538: 63% Portman

Rob Portman is the Republican nominee, despite Democratic primary-rigging efforts. The Congressman and former OMB director is extremely qualified, but that may prove to be his downfall. Incumbent Lt. Governor Lee Fisher has used the fact that Portman was OMB director under Bush quite effectively, and Portman's lead has halved since the beginning of the year.

Polling Average: Portman +6

OKLAHOMA:

Incumbent: Tom Coburn (R)
Challenger: Unopposed

RCP: SAFE R
SCP: SAFE R
538: >99% Coburn

Tom Coburn is unopposed and will win. End of discussion.

Polling Average: Coburn +94

OREGON:

Incumbent: Ron Wyden (D)
Challenger: Jim Huffman (R)

RCP: SAFE D
SCP: SAFE D
538: 99% Wyden

Despite Republican efforts to convince Rep. Greg Walden to run, Ron Wyden will face a weak nominee and will likely win a landslide.

Polling Average: Wyden +22

PENNSYLVANIA:

Incumbent: Arlen Specter (D, Retired)
Candidates: Joe Sestak (D), Pat Toomey (R)

RCP: LEAN D
SCP: TILT D
538: 77% Sestak

Under the threat of a primary challenge and general distrust by Democratic voters over perceived flip-flopping on issues, Senator Arlen Specter has retired. The Democratic nominee is Admiral and U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak, who is heavily favored over TEA Party-backed lunatic Pat Toomey

Polling Average: Sestak +10

SOUTH CAROLINA:

Incumbent: Jim DeMint (R)
Challenger: Vic Rawl (D)

RCP: LEAN R
SCP: LIKELY R
538: 91% DeMint

South Carolina is a very conservative state, but Jim DeMint is not the most popular Senator ever and is hated by top Republicans due to his backing of candidates who are 'true conservatives' aka far-right unelectable lunatics. Still, he will win.

Polling Average: DeMint +12

SOUTH DAKOTA:

Incumbent: John Thune (R)
Challenger: Tom Daschle (D)

RCP: LIKELY R
SCP: LIKELY R
538: 96% Thune

Senator John Thune was expected to cruise to re-election in a landslide until former Senator and majority leader Tom Daschle announced his candidacy. Now he is expected to cruise to re-election in a landslide.

Polling Average: Thune +14

UTAH:

Incumbent: Bob Bennett (R)
Challenger: Unopposed

RCP: SAFE R
SCP: SAFE R
538: >99% Bennett

Bob Bennett fought a TEA Party challenger off in the primary, and will cruise to re-election unopposed for another term.

Polling Average: Bennett +97

VERMONT:

Incumbent: Patrick Leahy (D)
Challenger: Unopposed

RCP: SAFE D
SCP: SAFE D
538: >99% Leahy

Batman will be re-elected.

Polling Average: Leahy +99

WASHINGTON:

Incumbent: Patty Murray (D)
Challenger: UNBEATABLE PERENNIAL CANDIDATE Dino Rossi (R)

RCP: LIKELY D
SCP: SAFE D
538: >96% Murray

Everyone's favorite meme special olympics chair who always loses every election by 2 to 5 points is running again, and this time might lose an election by (gasp) 6 to 10 points.

Polling Average: Murray +11

WISCONSIN:

Incumbent: Russ Feingold (D)
Challenger: Ron Johnson (R)

RCP: LIKELY D
SCP: LEAN D
538: >93% Feingold

Despite a minor scare, Democrats threw several hundred grand at various dumb candidates to confuse Ron Johnson into actually having to campaign in the primary. Now he is favored to lose to Russ Feingold.

Polling Average: Feingold +11