Got several longer posts out of the way, w/ more to come, I fear. Here are some mid-day news treats:

* At TAP, Jamelle Bouie looks at promising new BLS data on jobless claims.

* ThinkProgress has rundown of conservative pols calling for Obama’s impeachment over gun issue.

* Voteview‘s analysis of votes in 112th Congress shows continuation of “asymmetric polarization.”

* Dep. National Security Advisor Denis McDonough reportedly slated to become White House Chief of Staff.

* On Times‘ op-ed page, former conservative Australian prime minister John Howard offers advice to Obama on how to enact new gun laws. But–but–American exceptionalism!

And in non-political news:

* Second-day Manti T’eo/imaginary girlfriend story just as confused as ever, though a lot of people aren’t buying the “victim of a hoax” line.

Back after dealing with some household repairs.

Our ideas can save democracy... But we need your help! Donate Now!

Ed Kilgore is a political columnist for New York and managing editor at the Democratic Strategist website. He was a contributing writer at the Washington Monthly from January 2012 until November 2015, and was the principal contributor to the Political Animal blog.