Correcting the media's lazy and dishonest "both sides are just as bad" BS: Gerrymandering is a mostly Republican-caused problem. The math doesn't lie. This is actually part one of a three part series on the subject by Sam Wang. I'll keep an eye out for the other installments, since he doesn't say when to expect them.
You probably know this from the Wisconsin labor fight, but state Senator Glenn Grothman is a complete asshole. This time, with added racism.
Darrell Issa is also a jerk.
House Republicans may be America's most dangerous enemies.
Somewhat related: a USA Today/Gallup poll finds that 77% of Americans believe that the way politics currently works is hurting the nation. That means 77% of Americans are right.
As expected, Senate Democrats say they'll reject any changes to the fiscal cliff agreement by the House, which would put a stake through its heart.
The good news: if congress doesn't get it's act together and do something about the fiscal cliff by noon Thursday, a lot of the people involved will be out of congress and a lot of new people will be sworn in in the 113th congress. The bad news: if that happens, it almost certainly means starting all over, mostly from scratch.
On the bright side, that may give liberals another crack at a better deal. They don't like this one.
However, Nancy Pelosi believes the Senate bill would pass the House if given an up or down vote. If she's right, Boehner could put it up and pass it. As is so often the case, the weight of the world lies on John Boehner's weak, inadequate, orange shoulders. You 77% who say government is broken? Here's why, people. John Boehner is a figurehead, the House GOP is leaderless, and they're all just wandering around in circles, like camels separated from their caravan. UPDATE BEFORE PUBLICATION: it looks like that up or down vote will happen.
And speaking of the new congress critters, the Wisconsin State Journal has a nice -- and fairly brief -- write up of what to expect from Senator-elect Tammy Baldwin after she's sworn in this week. It's part of a "Five People to Watch" piece, so scroll down to the second entry. Two words: "tax fairness."
Finally, Joe Biden seems to be an unusually influential and effective Vice President, historically speaking. At least, outside of the White House and in the real world. Most influential within the White House bubble itself would have to be Cheney.
[photo via Reuters]
