After all they are the only ones who have gotten any legislation through in the last 6 years.  The only "people powered/public opinion" thing I can think of is a, now not funded, border fence (agree or no, the polls are about 80% for).

That is amazing that the big tax giveaways to big oil and their repeal would not be more popular...

but I'm thrilled that a 100 hour agenda is not only critical things (9/11 commission recommendations) but on where the overall public overwhelmingly agrees.  Very hopeful start.

Dare I suggest, after the election victories and this poll, that we have a mandate for nine of 11?  

Bush is still lecturing us on morality and duty to the nation after he was gotten us into a bloody war just to get himself reelected.  

We ought to remind Bush that the burden of duty is on him.  

The United States is not the Bush/Cheney fiefdom.  The voters have spoken and Bush needs to join the American people.

Agree with you on the Repubs and PayGo but I don't understand why the public opposes it.  Probably the idea of raising taxes, any taxes.  

There is no free lunch which is why I always supported PayGo.  You want to cut taxes or expand programs, figure out how to finance it.

Word! It's about time.

I agree that the problem on tax breaks for oil companies may be its phrasing.  "Reducing some federal tax breaks for oil companies."  The word "some" is potentially devisive.  Some people may say they oppose it because they want to reduce all (not some) tax breaks on oil companies.  I wonder how the question would poll if the word "some" was removed.

The main thing to notice is that WE represent a SUPERMAJORITY of Americans on the issues.  Think about that.  

Conservatism is a fringe ideology ranging from the 7-33% on their ACTUAL positions.

The oil question is flawed.

Some people may want to reduce ALL tax breaks for oil companies and see the inclusion of the word some as still supporting oil tax breaks.

A better question might be:

Should we eliminate government handouts to Big OIl companies like Exxon/Mobil?

I suspect we get a yes from over 70%.

The public is for it, but after the snow job, they will be against it.  I hope that along with the legislation there is also a PR effort to remind the public that they are in favor of these things before they are spun by the GOP.

The only thing I'm concerned about is the independent ethics review panel. It may have unexpected consequences and no one expects the Spanish Inquisition! I think transparancy and publicity should serve us better. If everyone knew where "Dollar Bill's" cold cash came from and how it got there he might be unemployed now.

Despite calls for greater bipartisanship, centrism, and civility, I think progressives must thoroughly reject and aggressively counter those appeals that actually promote the right's narrow and destructive agenda. In particular, we should be alert to ongoing conservative efforts to exploit Americans' core concerns about issues of vulnerability, injustice, distrust, superiority, and helplessness. Below I've put together a list of ten appeals to watch for, and I provide details and specific examples of their use in an online video entitled "Dangerous Ideas: How Conservatives Exploit Our Five Core Concerns" available at http://www.eidelsonconsulting.com/blog/2 006/09/how_conservatives_exploit_our.htm l

In the weeks and months immediately ahead, many right-wing leaders in Washington (and elsewhere) will continue to claim that:

1. Their current or future actions are necessary in order to protect the public from dire threats. (Vulnerability)
   
2. The policies promoted by others will create new dangers and thereby make the public less safe. (Vulnerability)
   
3. Their actions are necessary as a response to others' wrongdoing and in order to prevent even greater injustices from occurring. (Injustice)
   
4. Criticism of their policies is unjust and their critics are therefore the ones guilty of wrongdoing. (Injustice)
   
5. Their actions are required by the opposition's dishonesty and reflect their own integrity. (Distrust)
   
6. Those opposed to their policies are disloyal, misguided, or lacking in good judgment. (Distrust)
   
7. The people they represent are special, and their policies are based on high moral principles. (Superiority)
   
8. Those disadvantaged by their actions are contemptible and undeserving of consideration. (Superiority)
   
9. They persevere and succeed when faced with obstacles and their actions empower the people. (Helplessness)
   
10. Their setbacks and failures could not have been avoided, and they are therefore blameless. (Helplessness)

Boy, if it weren't for prejudice and fear, we'd be a one party country.