THURSDAY’S MINI-REPORT…. Today’s edition of quick hits:
* Despite threats from the Taliban, Afghans voted today in a national election. Vote-counting is underway.
* The Cash-for-Clunkers program will wrap up on Monday at 8 p.m.
* Scottish authorities freed Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, the Libyan convicted in the Pan Am 103 bombing, today. The Obama administration was not pleased with the move.
* Speaker Pelosi believes the only way to pass health care reform in the House is to include a public option in the bill.
* In 2004, the CIA contracted with Blackwater to target al Qaeda operatives. The program was canceled before being implemented.
* American support for the war in Afghanistan continues to fall. A majority now see the conflict as not worth fighting, only one-in-four want to see more U.S. troops sent to the country.
* Confusion about health care reform among rank-and-file Republicans keeps getting worse.
* The conservative approach to health care reform in a nutshell: “Limbaugh tells caller who can’t afford $6,000 to treat broken wrist: ‘Well, you shouldn’t have broken your wrist.'”
* If Rick Scott insists on lying about reform, the least he could do is come up with more plausible nonsense.
* E.J. Dionne urges Americans attending public policy debates to leave their guns at home. That seems reasonable.
* Harold Meyerson explains why negotiating with Republicans on health care reform is folly.
* Media Matters documents the “myths and falsehoods about health care reform.” Clip and save.
* Corrupt-politician-turned-TV-dancer Tom DeLay wants Chris Matthews to ask the president to “show me his gift certificate.” Maybe the poor guy has spent a little too much time around bug spray?
* Michael J.W. Stickings weighs in with a hearty defense of Ontario’s health care system. (Hint: conservatives are wrong.)
* I have no idea why President Obama’s choice in neckwear, or lack thereof, is of any interest to anyone.
* I have no idea why the length of First Lady Michelle Obama’s pants is of any interest to anyone.
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.
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