An Affront

NBC's First Read, which has replaced The Note as a Village weathervane, is just awful depressed about the whole Joe Wilson saga coming up in the House today.

A Democratic House leadership aide confirmed to First Read that a resolution reprimanding South Carolina GOP Rep. Joe Wilson -- who shouted, “You lie” at President Obama during last week’s joint address to Congress -- will likely come this afternoon. NBC’s Kelly O’Donnell adds the official language of the resolution is expected to be "short, direct, non-partisan," and it will address the "breach of decorum." Yet after House GOP leaders reportedly urged Wilson to apologize on the House floor, Minority Leader John Boehner said he would oppose the resolution, the New York Times says, adding: “Democrats are likely to paint the [GOP] stance as evidence of a lack of Republican respect for the House as an institution and an outgrowth of the unruly and uncivil atmosphere that marked town hall meetings in August.” Folks, it could be a very ugly day on Capitol Hill -- one of those days that explains why Americans, no matter their ideology, have a negative view of Congress.

I don't remember this rending of garments when MoveOn.org was censured in Congress for using the words "General Betray-Us." There were probably some high fives among the Village elders for putting the hippies in their place. But now, when a Republican breaks a House rule and Democrats try to mildly take note of that fact, not with censure but a "resolution of disapproval," it's just sad and shows why all Americans should hate Congress.

Seems like a double standard at work.

Frickin' Hilarious

If this is true, I don't know who's sadder, Chris Matthews or NBC News:

TO BE ANNOUNCED TUESDAY, or soon: Chris Matthews signed to a long-term contract at “Hardball.” Last night, he was being affectionately called “Senator” at Linda Douglass’ chic holiday party.

The whole thing was part of a contract negotiation? Public service as a bargaining chip? What a tool. And NBC News fell for it! They actually believe they can't function without him, that his brand of gossip and warmed-over conventional wisdom is vital to the future of the news division. Puh-leeze.

Meanwhile, Rep. Patrick Murphy from my home region of Bucks County is looking at the seat. He's young and has proven to be a good fundraiser. Not to mention his experience as an Iraq war vet. Of course, he immediately joined the Blue Dogs and has a moderate voting record, though not reactionary. With Pennsylvania being a bellweather state we could do a lot worse than Murphy in the Senate.