WEDNSDAY’S MINI-REPORT…. Today’s edition of quick hits:
* When Senate Republicans block votes on Obama administration nominees, it’s routine. When Senate Republicans block votes on about 100 Obama administration nominees, all on the same day, it’s a reminder of how just absurd the GOP’s obstructionism can be.
* No, the president didn’t intervene to sic the SEC on Goldman Sachs.
* On a related note, the new, far-right conspiracy theory about Goldman, the DNC, and Google really doesn’t make sense.
* The administration was thrilled: “General Motors Co. has repaid the $8.1 billion in loans it got from the U.S. and Canadian governments, a move its CEO says is a sign automaker is on the road to recovery. GM CEO Whitacre announced the loan paybacks Wednesday at the company’s Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kan., where he said GM is investing $257 million in that factory and the Detroit-Hamtramck plant, both of which will build the next generation of the midsize Chevrolet Malibu.”
* Bold approach: “Sens. Sherrod Brown (right), Ted Kaufman, Robert Casey and Sheldon Whitehouse are introducing a new financial-reform bill, the Safe Banking Act of 2010, to limit the size of the banks — and, in the process, break up existing firms.”
* Rescind that invitation: “The Army is considering whether to rescind an invitation to evangelist Franklin Graham to appear at the Pentagon amid complaints about his description of Islam as evil, a military spokesman said Wednesday.”
* American women are now apparently outpacing American men in higher education achievement. And yet, women still earn less than men.
* This NYT op-ed on anti-trust policy provides further support for the thesis of the Monthly‘s latest cover story.
* As it turns out, there really are some unhinged nutjobs in the House Republican caucus.
* On a related note, Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) forgets that it’s best to read magazine articles before condemning them.
* Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) changes his story a bit on illegal immigrants deliberately causing auto accidents.
* I haven’t seen RNC Chairman Michael Steele popping off as much lately, but he’s back today, lying about Wall Street reform. Can he go back into hiding now?
* And finally, the Embassy of Kenya will throw a real tea party on Capitol Hill next week, celebrating Kenya’s new status as the world’s top exporter of tea. I don’t imagine Dick Armey and Fox News will be there.
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.
