Stories to Watch: 9/25/13

Ted Cruz's vote for budget debate completely blew Republican voters' minds. Hill staffers in GOP offices are fielding calls from wingnuts wondering what the hell is going on -- and, these being Republican voters, they're really being assholes about it. Tweets National Reviews' Robert Costa, "Back at the Capitol. Anger among Repub sens vs Cruz is simmering. One source says admn assts in 2 offices have cried due to neg Right calls." Clearly, Cruz has handed his party a disaster. He is probably close to friendless in that town right now; for example, John McCain on Cruz.


Still, that doesn't stop Republicans from playing the victim card on Cruz's behalf. For the GOP, it's never a bad time to whine.


This one is kind of hilarious: states where the feds set up Obamacare exchanges will have insanely cheap healthcare plans available -- some as low as $11 a month. Why is this hilarious? Because the states with the fed-designed exchanges include states where Republican governors refused to set up their own exchanges, thinking they were sabotaging the program. I think that exploding cigar just blew up in your own face, Scott Walker.


A Nevada Republican gets excited on a talk show over the prospect of fewer people voting and Democrats dive on the comment. Remember, the enemies of democracy are the enemies of freedom. The fact that Republicans wrap themselves in the flag changes nothing.


No, global warming has not "paused."


Newt Gingrich is a grifter.


Finally, California sets its minimum wage at $10/hr. You have to wonder how conservatives will explain it when the state doesn't turn into a third-world economy.


[cartoon via McClatchy Newspapers]