FRIDAY’S MINI-REPORT…. Today’s edition of quick hits:
* Bloodshed in Baghdad: “A bomb mounted on a motorcycle exploded in an outdoor market in Baghdad on Friday, killing nearly a dozen people and wounded scores more in a third straight day of violence in the capital ahead of the Tuesday deadline for American troops to withdraw from Iraqi cities…. Nearly 200 people were killed and hundreds wounded in attacks over the past week in Baghdad and elsewhere in the country, with the deadliest attacks aimed at Shiites.”
* More signs of trouble out of Iran: “An influential Iranian cleric told worshipers Friday that those stirring unrest in connection with the recent election should be punished ‘ruthlessly and savagely’ and convicted for waging war against God, a crime that under Shiite Islamic law is punishable by death.”
* The CIA’s declassification of that 2004 report we’ve been waiting for will happen … someday.
* For all the recent complaints about “apology tours,” South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) seems to be in the middle of one.
* At this point, some of the Democratic fence-sitters on Waxman-Markey appear to be announcing their support for the bill, and the leadership seems confident that the bill will pass.
* House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers’ (D-Mich.) wife, Monica Conyers, the president pro tem of the Detroit city council, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit bribery.
* Sen. Kay Hagan’s (D-N.C.) opposition to a public option is a major stumbling block, so MoveOn.org is putting the pressure on.
* One of these days, conservative Republican lawmakers are going to learn to stay away from comparing American leaders to Iranian’s authoritarian regime. It’s not only insulting; it makes them appear ridiculous.
* Given how very, very wrong she is, and how often her arguments fall apart upon scrutiny, it’s disturbing that Betsy McCaughey is given major media platforms as often as she is.
* Sarah Palin’s comeback insults are about as fresh and creative as her policy agenda.
* Vice President Biden spoke at a party fundraiser with gay and lesbian donors yesterday, and reiterated the administration’s commitment to gay rights. He added that he doesn’t blame supporters for their “impatience.” Despite recent tensions, Biden reportedly drew “repeated standing ovations.”
* The Senate’s impeachment trial against U.S. District Judge Sam Kent was cut short when he resigned yesterday.
* I’m familiar with the notion that “sex sells,” but Burger King’s ad campaign in Singapore is wildly inappropriate.
* Michael Savage is apparently no longer threatening the staff of Media Matters.
* And Rhode Island’s official name is “State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.” Policymakers are moving towards dropping the last two words in the long name. Seems like a good idea.
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.
