Obama Speaks To House Republicans

President Barack Obama took questions from House Republicans at a conference in Baltimore today, in an event that looked like something out of British Parliament. One by one, the president was able to address and refute the Republican talking points. It’s amazing to see these (mostly) little men getting schooled by our professor-president in such a calm and scholarly way.

Politically, it was a nice win for Obama, and the White House should focus on doing similar things. We’ve actually got a pragmatic president who is detail-oriented and understands policy. It’s wise to use that. Make it a monthly thing. At some point, Republicans are not going to be interested in engaging with Obama, once they learn that their attempts at political spin are thwarted.

It’s been fun watching MSNBC and CNN (plus most liberal/moderate bloggers) fawning over the president’s performance. That kind of thing can’t hurt, and I can’t wait to see more of it.

Now lets see if these words can translate to a real jobs bill and finally passing healthcare reform.

Originally posted on The Hill.

On Khalid Shaikh Mohammed’s Trial

I chimed in on today's Big Question on The Hill.

Where should the Obama administration move Khalid Shaikh Mohammed’s trial if it is not held in New York?

Khalid Shaikh Mohammed should face trial in New York City, where he murdered over 3,000 people. To say it's too "expensive" or "inconvenient" for the City to be a part of him getting justice is flabbergasting. Who do people think Mohammed is, Magneto from X-Men? Does anyone think he's really going to escape? Is it a remotely serious notion that his buddies will attempt to bust him out of prison? Try the coward downtown, stop pretending he's more powerful than he actually is, and bring him to justice in New York City.

On Democrats & Health Care Reform

I chimed in today for The Hill's Big Question.

Will Dems push ahead with healthcare reform?

I don't know if they will push forward with reform or not, but they certainly should. It's time for House Democrats to pass the Senate bill. Maybe they can add more reforms through budget reconciliation after, or maybe they can't. Either way, it's clear that the Senate bill is far better than the status quo. Failure to pass health care reform brings more than just electoral problems. We're talking about 30 million Americans who will finally gain access to health care because of this bill. Progressives need to hold their noses and vote for it. We don't have to lose this one.

On Safety In America

I chimed in on The Hill's Big Question today.

Has the Obama Administration made us safer? Explain.

To answer this question, you'd have to buy into the idea that the United States wasn't safe to begin with. Nate Silver looked at the airline stats over the last decade and found only a 1 in 10.5 million chance of dying in an act of air terror. On the other hand, it's a 1 in 500,000 chance of being struck by lightening. I'd say both events are rare, but hijackings fall in the extremely, rare category. Most pundits and people approach these issues with a startling lack of perspective.

I'd say America is safer when more of its citizens have health care, access to quality education and a decent standard of living. Obama is working towards those goals.

On Joe Lieberman

I chimed in on The Hill's Big Question today.

How will Lieberman's stance on healthcare affect him politically?

Impact Joe Lieberman politically? This is a guy who hasn't behaved responsibly politically in years. Remember his incredibly sad, ill-manged 2004 Presidential campaign? Where, after the New Hampshire primary, he said one of my favorite quotes of that race, "We are in a three-way split decision for third place!" Remember when he bucked his party and ran for Senate as an independent after being defeated in the Democratic Senate primary? Or, that time he supported Republican John McCain for President over Barack Obama. That didn't make any sense politically either, but he did it. Now, Joe decides to completely reverse his views on the Medicare expansion, just to be a jerk. Lieberman constantly surprises me with his ability to avoid any and all consequences for his actions. Why should this move be any different.

Gillibrand For New York

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) filled up a large room with gay activists at New York’s LGBT Community Center yesterday for a 45-minute town hall meeting that touched on many issues important to the community. Questions ranged from gay persecution in Iraq to repealing “Don’t ask, don’t tell.” Although she has been a vocal supporter of LGBT rights since her January appointment, this was the first time she faced an entirely gay audience for open questions. She did quite well.

An early question focused on her positive change of heart on gay marriage, but Gillibrand argued that she has always been “100 percent in favor of gay rights” and her gay congressional voting record is spotless. HRC actually gave her an 80 percent rating, but her current commitment seems passionate and real.

Gillibrand was very optimistic about what could be accomplished legislatively over the next year. She hopes to include gay couples in comprehensive immigration reform, which she believes could be voted on by March. She spoke of a “clear strategy” to end “Don’t ask, don’t tell” and pass an inclusive Employee Non-Discrimination Act. All great things, none very easy.

Over the last several months I’ve worried that Gillibrand was using gay issues primarily to excite the left and ward off a primary challenge. But that primary isn’t a concern anymore. New York Democrats’ main concern is recent polls showing Gillibrand trailing Republicans Giuliani and Pataki in general-election match-ups.

It’s time for New Yorkers to rally around their new senator, regardless of their feelings on lame-duck Paterson. Gillibrand seems ready to provide us with progressive leadership. She has quickly engaged herself in important issues in the Senate, and the last thing we need is some regressive like Pataki taking the seat because voters didn’t feel confident in Kirsten.

Originally posted on The Hill. Photo taken on my iPhone.

The Disgraceful Mr. Dobbs

Pressure is building for CNN to do something about their resident conspiracy-theorist-in-chief Lou Dobbs. His nightly "reporting" on Obama's birth certificate drew fire today from the Southern Poverty Law Center, which called on CNN to take Dobbs off the air for "fanning the flames of racism." None of this should be surprising; for years, Dobbs has used his program to spread misinformation and paranoia.

In 2006, Dobbs ran several segments on the Amero, an imaginary currency that he believes will be shared by North America and replace the U.S. dollar. That same year he called for a new Sept. 11 investigation, vaguely citing the many "9/11 lies" told to Americans. Another favorite myth Dobbs reported on in 2008 is the NAFTA Superhighway, which (according to Lou's reporting) would extend from Mexico to Canada. None of these stories had a factual basis, and CNN repeatedly failed to exercise any editorial judgment.

Lou Dobbs has even appeared as a guest on leading Sept. 11 Truther and "Birther" Alex Jones's radio program and was sympathetic to Alex's rants. Knowing Lou, he probably believes the pressure to fire him is coming from the Illuminati and the New World Order. CNN needs to move quickly and remove Dobbs from their lineup to prevent further embarrassment. It's been a long time coming.

Originally posted on The Hill's Pundit Blog. Crossposted on The Huffington Post.

Gay Marriage: Stunning -- Though Not Shocking -- Setbacks

Yesterday's decision by the California Supreme Court to uphold Proposition 8's ban on gay marriage is a sad, though expected, decision.

Now gay Californians have no way legally to protect themselves; they have zero legal recognition. All these couples have are California state domestic partnerships, which provide every single legal protection that marriage provides. The difference being the use of that dreaded (antiquated) "M" word.

The gay movement, seeing the Prop 8 decision as the end of the world, had rallies all around the country. These are the same type of reactionary rallies that have been staged by gay activists in the New York area over the last several months. I've expressed my view that these rallies were counterproductive and wouldn't change any hearts or minds. New polling in New York shows that I was right.

Over the last month, gay marriage support in New York has fallen 14 percent. This is a fairly stunning turnaround, with drops among independent voters, New York City voters, young voters, women and African-Americans.

Not that any of this is shocking, exactly. New York Gov. David Paterson's (D) job approval is a pathetic 18 percent. It's not helping gay marriage that Paterson has made it one of his major issues — it's actively hurting our chances at marriage equality in New York.

The gay movement needs proper focus and fresh ideas, not more rallies, if we want to keep our forward momentum.

Originally Posted on The Hill & The Huffington Post.

The GOP and Gay Marriage: Let's Get it Straight

Maine leaped to the right side of history today with the passage of a gay-marriage bill through legislative channels. I'm impressed with the momentum of the LGBT movement post-Iowa, and it looks likely that advocates will reach their goal of marriage equality throughout New England by 2012.

What's overblown is all this talk, from Meghan McCain to Jon Huntsman, of the Republican Party "embracing" gay marriage. Not taken into account is what is sure to be a brutal 2012 primary decided largely by Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. In a recent poll, only 3 percent of Iowa Republicans found candidates who favored gay marriage appealing. And does anyone seriously think Huntsman has a shot at the GOP nomination? Republican primary voters in early 2012 states are too conservative for him, and he's the governor of Utah!

More likely than the GOP endorsing gay marriage is that 2012 candidates will be racing to support "traditional families" the most. (Huckabee may get super-duper-married, instead of just super-married.) It's gonna get really ugly, further regionalizing the party and peeling away young voters.

Lead by the Huckabees, Palins and Gingriches of the party, opposing gay marriage will be a cornerstone of the 2012 Republican candidates. We haven't heard the worst yet.

Originally posted on The Hill's Pundit Blog.

On Obama and Pot

Barack Obama was asked about legalizing marijuana yesterday at his online town hall meeting and laughed the question off. Which is fine. I agree with John on Americablog, that we should understand what's politically possible. "No president of the United States, today, can come out in favor of such a thing. It's political suicide. I can't even believe some people are upset with Obama over this."

What I am upset at Obama about is his administration's failure to end federal raids on medical marijuana dispensaries. Attorney General Eric Holder said last week that he'd halt these raids, but on Wednesday DEA Agents raided a San Francisco dispensary.

Efforts being made locally and statewide to legalize or decriminalize marijuana are seriously threatened if Obama's administration continues these unnecessary raids on licensed businesses. He should keep his promise and end them. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it's politically popular — 72 percent of Americans favor ending the raids.

It's also important to remember that these Puritan laws have impact outside our border as well. In Mexico, the ongoing war between drug cartels has killed 1,000 people so far this year. It's believed that 75 percent of their business is marijuana. If pot were legalized, the free market would cripple these gangs.

Campaigning for president in New Hampshire, Obama said, "I would not have the Justice Department prosecuting and raiding medical marijuana users. It's not a good use of our resources."

Agreed — now keep your promise.

Originally Posted on The Hill.

The Hill: Legalize It! (Or at Least Decriminalize It)

Can we finally start talking about marijuana decriminalization?

Boston voted to do it in November. There was a bill just introduced in California to legalize and tax it; after all, it's their largest cash crop and would bring in $1 billion in taxes per annum. President Obama is certainly open to it.

Public Opinion is catching up. Recent polls have support for legalization at all-time highs, 40 percent, which means, in some ways, that pot is more popular than the Republican Party. Nate Silver did the math, and if support keeps growing at these rates we'll have 60 percent nationwide for legalization by 2022.

Since Obama has taken office, there have been five DEA raids on medical marijuana dispensaries in the state of California. Barack Obama should order the immediate halt of federal intervention in states like California that allow for the use and distribution of medical marijuana. Seventy-two percent of the American people would be behind him, and he pledged to do it during the campaign. These raids should be halted immediately by Attorney General Eric Holder, but the White House says they will wait until a new DEA head is named.

Once Obama clears the ways for the states to move on marijuana legislation, who knows what could happen?

Originally posted on The Hill.

David Paterson: With Democrats Like These...

I was a fan of David Paterson when he became governor of New York. He seemed like an interesting, unique guy who would make a solid governor. Boy, was I wrong -- Paterson has been a total and complete failure who is in entirely over his head.

After weeks and weeks of whining about how "Saturday Night Live" treats him unfairly, Paterson defended the New York Post for its racist chimp-shooting carton. Paterson tells us to "move on." One doesn't need to be a genius to see how self-serving his defense of the Post is, after an op-ed of theirs supported the return of the tax-cheating ex-priest Charles O'Byrne as his chief of staff. Because what Albany needs are more cheats and con artists. (O'Byrne's lawyers claimed he had a condition known as "non-filer syndrome," which causes people to not be able to file their tax returns. Not a joke. That was really what they said.)

New Yorkers are aghast at the miserable budget Paterson has proposed. A majority support a progressive millionaire tax, but Paterson would rather put the burden on the middle class. Does he know anything about tax policy? Who is making these terrible decisions for him?

While Illinois's Senate replacement disaster has gotten the most press, Paterson completely bungled finding a replacement for Clinton's Senate seat. He picked an unpopular, Sarah Palin-esque figure from upstate who actually keeps rifles under her bed. I'm serious, it's not a joke. Kirsten Gillibrand's appointment is so un-serious that she's already down 10 points in 2010 primary election polls.

Paterson's poll numbers make congressional Republicans look popular. The same poll showing the weakness of his Senate pick shows him down an astonishing 32 points to New York's popular Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

If another Hudson Miracle happens and Paterson somehow manages to get the nomination again, he'll almost certainly be beaten in the general by Rudy Giuliani. Paterson may single-handedly revive the New York Republican Party.

Thankfully, he doesn't have nearly enough political skill to actually be elected governor. At this point, it's unlikely he could win a middle-school race for Student Council.

Originally posted on The Hill.

The Hill: Killing RENT - Behind the Times and Beyond the Pale

Fal Asrani, the principal of Corona del Mar High School in Newport Beach, Calif., either doesn't like gay people or is an extremely slow reader.

The school was scheduled to perform “Rent,” a Pulitzer- and Tony Award-winning rock musical (and, arguably, the only culturally relevant musical produced on Broadway in the ’90s), as its spring show. Asrani, apparently a huge fan of censorship, wanted approval over the script — already gutted for the high school edition — but needed more than a month to review.

Even so, she had already made her decision on the show, according to drama instructor Ron Martin — "she had already told me that she would not let it proceed because of the homosexuality in it."

Asrani has begun backpedaling, claiming that Martin canceled the show himself and that gay people deserve the same respect as straight people. But her actions clearly reflect her bigotry and ignorance. “Rent” is an important show, and the students should be exposed to its universal themes of love, friendship and tolerance. Asrani, for her part, needs to see this show more than anyone in California.

“Rent” was a huge part of my high school experience; I went to see a national tour in Washington with a local public high school in Maryland in 1998. That was 11 years ago. Just how behind the times in Asrani? A pretty pathetic story — and one you'd expect out of Alabama, not California.

Originally posted on The Hill.

The Hill: Can Bill Clinton Go Away, Please?

Bill Clinton is one of my least favorite people. He's arrogant, classless and was recently on Time magazine's list of people responsible for the economic crisis. Plus, during the primary campaign he was trying to win the World's Most Racist Man Award. Oh, and NAFTA … and welfare reform.

Here are two very recent things Clinton has done to make me dislike him even more:

• Talking about the Fairness Doctrine yesterday on Mario Solis Marich's radio show. Clinton suggested, "We either ought to have the Fairness Doctrine or more balance on the other side." Worrying about the fairness of talk radio in 2009 is absurd. Hey, Bill, when you're done cleaning up talk radio, let’s promote liberal papyrus rolls.

• He's crossing a picket line to speak at a hotel owned by an anti-gay bigot. Look Bill, I know your history with gay people is pretty miserable, from the Defense of Marriage Act (ironic, since you care so little for your own) and Don't Ask, Don't Tell — but it is 2009; you can be more tolerant now.

Go away, Bill. Retire. The Democratic Party will do just fine without you.

Originally posted on The Hill.

The Hill: Bad Science

The past few days haven't been good for vaccine-autism conspiracy theorists.

Earlier today, the Special Court of Federal Claims ruled that no evidence existed that the MMR vaccine contributes to autism. One of the judges said that the parents had been misled by physicians pushing the theory, who were guilty of "gross medical misjudgment."

The ruling comes on the heels of The Times of London's report that Andrew Wakefield, M.D, the chief charlatan behind the anti-vaccination movement, fudged his data to reach his discredited conclusion.

Wakefield's lies have made well-meaning parents question vaccinations. The U.S. has experienced large outbreaks of measles in recent years. "What concerns me is the trend of more and more people not vaccinating their children because of fears that vaccines cause autism -- although no studies have proven this to be true," said Dr. Joseph Rahimian, an infectious-diseases specialist at St. Vincent's Hospital in New York City. Kids don't have to get measles; it's outrageous in 2009.

On Tuesday night, Keith Olbermann correctly named Andrew Wakefield the worst person of the day for lying to the world. I was shocked to see him backpedal on the story last night, citing conflicts of interest in The Times's reporting. A bizarre move, more worthy of Rush Limbaugh than Keith Olbermann.

Perhaps Keith got a call from conspiracy theorist RFK Jr. that made him change his mind, or maybe he just hates science. Either way, shame on you, Keith -- you're my worst person of the day for questioning solid and important reporting. (Unlike anything on your entire hour last night.)

Obama has promised to restore science to its rightful place. That means opposing nonsense like creation science, global-warming denial and autism-vaccination links. It's all the same kind of bad science.

Originally posted on The Hill.

The Hill: Howard Dean for HHS

Tom Daschle's withdrawal leaves an opening at Health and Human Services. Howard Dean is the man for that job.

Dean isn't given enough credit for his expert chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee. His "50 State Strategy" is as responsible for Obama's large victory in 2008 as any other factor. Not to mention the 2006 congressional gains. He rebuilt the grass roots of the Democratic Party from the ground up, organizing a whole generation of young leaders.

His record as a five-term governor of Vermont is strong, including providing near-universal heath coverage. During his gubernatorial reelection bid, he had to wear a bulletproof vest because of death threats he'd received due to his support for gay civil unions.

Personally, Dean inspired me enough in 2003 that I moved to Vermont to work for him. He was one of the early voices of reason (followed by Gore and Obama) in the Democratic Party, opposing the war in Iraq. His 2004 campaign's use of the Internet changed the face of American politics forever.

Dean, also a medical doctor, would be an inspired choice for secretary of Health and Human Services. His knowledge of the issues plus his openness to innovation make him uniquely qualified. Join us on Facebook in support of the good Doctor!

Originally posted on The Hill.

The Hill: President Petraeus?

The Republicans’ prospects for 2012 are pretty grim. A new Rasmussen poll shows that 55 percent of them think the party should become more like Sarah Palin. Her star continues to shine brightly in Republican circles, while most of the country doesn't take her seriously.

Someone who may see a 2012 opening is Gen. David Petraeus — who, I've read, sees President Petraeus when he looks in the mirror. Petraeus is reportedly pressuring Obama on his commitment to withdraw troops from Iraq. On Jan. 21, after a meeting with Obama, the general looked "visibly unhappy when he left the Oval Office."

Petraeus would have a great shot at the Republican nomination. Especially against 2008 rehash like Palin, Romney or Huckabee. Obama shouldn't count on him to stay long in his administration.

Originally posted on The Hill.

The Hill: Gillibrand: An Elephant in Donkey’s Clothing

My latest from The Hill:

Gov. David Paterson (D) has shocked progressive New York today with his pick of Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) to replace Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate.

Gillibrand's conservative credentials may have been neatly scrubbed off Wikipedia (more than 50 edits in the last 24 hours), but they won't remain hidden. She has called her own record "one of the most conservative in the state," and has voted for such right-wing legislation as the repeal of the D.C. semiautomatic weapon ban. Her positions on immigration, gay marriage and the Iraq war are all questionable. And that's just to name a few.

Gillibrand may represent her conservative district fairly, but she has no place holding statewide office in a state like New York, which voted 62 percent for Obama. Paterson has guaranteed a contested Senate primary in 2010 and is continually opening himself up for a primary challenge.

The Next Two Weeks

I've got quite a bit going on over the next two weeks and wanted to let everyone know what's happening.

Broadway For Barack

I'm Executive Producing a benefit for Senator Obama's Presidential Campaign on Monday, February 11th.

Playbill Says:

Jenn Colella, Kate Rockwell and Manoel Felciano are among the performers to appear at Broadway for Barack: The Voices of Hope, a benefit concert at Off Broadway's Zipper Theatre.
Ryan J. Davis and Adam Wagner produce the one-night-only event scheduled to play the New York City venue Feb. 11 at 9:30 PM.
...
Performers currently scheduled include Aaron J. Albano (Bombay Dreams, Spelling Bee), Jenn Colella (High Fidelity, Urban Cowboy), Manoel Felciano (Sweeney Todd, Brooklyn), Adam Halpin, Kate Rockwell ("Grease! You're the One That I Want"), Caesar Samayoa (Hot Feet, Carmen) and Marty Thomas (Xanadu, Wicked).
They will sing tunes by Nick Blaemire (Glory Days), Joe Drymala (White Noise), Felciano, Kait Kerrigan and Brian Lowdermilk (Henry and Mudge), Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Edges), Eric Svejcar (Caligula), Jeffrey Thomson and Jordan Mann as well as Zachary Dietz and Adam Wagner.

Broadway World covers the premier of Joe Drymala's new musical Street Lights as well:

Street Lights, a new R&B/Hip-Hop musical by Joe Drymala will receive its first public preview during the evening. "Barack Obama's been talking about the same things that inspired me to write Street Lights -- community organizing, fixing public education, bringing the promise of the American Dream to every American, and healing the divisions between us," author Joe Drymala said. "Watching his campaign catch fire all over the country has been the most extraordinary political event of my lifetime." Street Lights will feature performances by Timothy Anderson, Andrew Arrington, Krystal Brown, Kevin Curtis, Domonique Porter, Alessia Thompson, Dwayne Washington, & Natalie Weiss.

My Life On The Craigslist

Jeffery's hilarious one man show about finding love (or sex) on Craigslist returns to NYC for three performances only.



Broadway World covers it:

After a sold-out performance at Off-Broadway's New World Stages, My Life On The Craigslist returns to New York for three performances only! My Life On The Craigslist, a solo show written and performed by Jeffery Self (Mr. Broadway, Big Tent) and directed and developed by Ryan J. Davis (White Noise, Breaking In), will be performed Off-Broadway at The 45th Street Theater (354 W. 45th Street) for three Fridays: February 15, 22 & 29 at 11PM. Lights by Solomon Weisbard & Co-Presented by Chris Ryan.
"Jeffery Self plays Jeff Miller, who is sexually frustrated, terribly self-conscious and willing to do anything to spice up his life. After finding the "Men 4 Men" section, his sordid dreams become reality and he begins to live life 'On The Craigslist.' Dirty, sleazy, and funny - this is a one night stand you don't wanna miss," explain press notes.

Tickets are only $10, come check it out!

Tammy Faye Sings

The Tammy Faye Musical, Big Tent, that I directed a big reading of in May is returning for a night at New York's The Metropolitan Room.

Playbill has the details:

Tammy Faye Sings is the title of a Feb. 18 concert at the Metropolitan Room, which will feature songs from the musical Big Tent, which is tagged "The Tammy Faye Bakker Musical."

The 9:30 PM concert at the Manhattan nightspot will feature the talents of Wicked's Stephanie J. Block and Jersey Boys' Sebastian Arcelus as well as Leah Hocking, Jim Stanek, DB Bonds, Kate Rockwell, Jenny Hill, Natalie Douglas, Quiana Parler, Linda Balgord, Jodie Langel, Eric Briarley, Casey Clark, Ryan Driscoll and Hedi Weyhmueller. Jeffery Self, who penned the book for the Tammy Faye musical, will host the evening.

The band will feature Big Tent composers Ben Cohn and Sean McDaniel on, respectively, piano and drums as well as Ric Molina on guitar and Dave Kuhn on bass.

That's all the theater for the next couple of weeks.

Off topic - I've also become a political pundit for The Hill, a widely read political D.C. daily paper. Check out my post here.