A Christmas Poem for the Post's Virginia Politics Blog

In response to this poem by Rosalind "Roz" Helderman, I humbly present the following reply. Merry Christmas! :)

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the blogs
Not a reporter was stirring, except one named Roz
She was waxing poetic with rhymes in her head
Hoping somehow next year that her paper wouldn’t be dead
With the industry reeling and red ink by the barrel
Post reporters were in no mood for a jolly Chrismas carol
Amy Gardner was dreaming of her fave politicos
And how in all her stories Gerry always smells like a rose
Anita Kumar wondered why the bloggers were so mean
Why bad boy Ben Tribbett always makes her want to scream
Oh and what ever happened to Tim Craig anyway?
He fled the mean Virginia blogosphere for DC they say
"Why do bloggers all hate us?" the reporters did think
"Maybe something to do with the fact we don’t link?"
"How on earth do we compete with new media?" they asked
"We’re already overworked, underpaid and multitasked
It’s not easy to compete with people working for free
My J-school degree should be worth more to me!
It’s a scary new world and we need money badly
Which has turned us into bloggers, we must report sadly
Our wish for 2010 is that layoffs stay out of sight
So Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Whipple Clip Dozen: Christmas Day

Thanks to Tom Whipple for the Christmas "Clips." Now that's dedication!

1. IMPASSE OVER TRANSPORTATION FUNDING KAINE'S BIGGEST REGRET
2. GOVERNORS CURRENT AND FUTURE PREPARE FOR CHRISTMAS
3. WARNER, WEBB VOTE WITH FELLOW DEMOCRATS ON HEALTH-CARE BILL
4. AS PROMISED: JIM WEBB'S STATEMENT ON HEALTH-REFORM VOTE
5. WEBB RAISES NEW CONCERNS ABOUT NAVY'S FLA. CARRIER PLAN
6. A HOLIDAY NOTE FOR OUR VIRGINIA READERS
7. LONGEST-SITTING CIRCUIT JUDGE IN VIRGINIA WILL RETIRE NEXT MONTH
9. TWT SATURDAY E-EDITION TO CEASE
10. PASSENGERS SEE VALUE IN NEW TRAIN
11. REGION'S SCHOOLS FACE PROGRAM CUTS, INCREASE IN CLASS SIZES
13. WYTHEVILLE STANDOFF SUSPECT ALLEGEDLY WAS ANGRY AT GOVERNMENT
14. ACCUSED VIRGINIA HOSTAGE TAKER HAD CRIMINAL PAST

Best of YouTube: Merry Christmas From the MonaLisa Twins and Justin Bieber

I had previously posted the "MonaLisa Twins'" superb cover of California Dreaming. Now, check out their rendition of "Leise rieselt der Schnee" ("Snow Falls Softly at Night") by the same musicians. Enjoy!


Also, since this is a political blog after all, how about this?

Video: President Obama Statement on Health Reform Passage

In a historic vote that took place this morning, members of the Senate joined their colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass a landmark health insurance reform package. Legislation that brings us toward the end of nearly a century-long struggle to reform America's health care system.

I agree that this vote was "historic," but I definitely do not agree that it "brings us to the end" of the fight for health care as a fundamental, universal right of all Americans. On that score, we've got a loooong way to go, even after the passage of this round of health reform.

UPDATE: Jim Webb has issued a statement.

I voted today in favor of health care reform legislation in the Senate. I did so despite my disappointment with some sections of the bill, which I will continue to address in the future. But the final package presented by the majority leader reflects many improvements that take into consideration the concerns that I and others brought forward during the debate.

Most importantly, the status quo of our present system, which is damaging our national economy at many levels, is unacceptable. The spiraling costs for health care have become economically unsustainable at every level, from corporate America to our small businesses to individual policy holders. In addition, the billions of dollars spent on medical care for the uninsured is a burden borne not only by government at all levels, but also by tens of millions of others through higher taxes and insurance rates.

Over the past year, the process of debating this issue often overwhelmed the substance of fixing the problem. The Obama administration declared health care reform to be a major domestic objective, but they did not offer the Congress a bill. Nor did they propose a specific set of objectives from which legislation could be derived. Consequently, legislation was developed independently through five different Congressional committees, three in the House and two in the Senate. This resulted in a large amount of contradictory information and a great deal of confusion among our public.

As the debate moved forward in the Senate, I and my staff worked through thousands of pages of legislation, and did our best to shape the bill as well as to bring proper focus to key areas. I repeatedly took a number of difficult votes, often breaking with my party, in order to strengthen the bill.

The managers' package negotiated in the past week addresses a number of the most troubling concerns. The new language demands greater accountability from health insurers. It reins in excessive overhead costs that go strictly to administration instead of patient care. It immediately makes available a health care tax credit for small businesses. It forces competition through a multi-state, government-administered insurance option. It immediately bans 'pre-existing condition' exclusions for children. It incorporates a measure that I sponsored to reward quality, instead of quantity, of Medicare services offered to patients.

Significantly, the independent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) now estimates that the reforms contained in this legislation will lower the federal budget deficit by $133 billion over the next ten years, and by more than $1 trillion over the decade following.

Now that two different pieces of legislation have successfully emerged in each house of Congress, I intend to examine closely the conference report produced at the next stage of the legislative process. Significant deviations from the core principles I insisted upon in the Senate compromise will lead me to withhold my support.

R.I.P. George Michael

Sad news.

George Michael, the longtime NBC4 sports anchor known nationally for his syndicated sports highlights show “The George Michael Sports Machine,” passed away early Thursday morning at Sibley Hospital.

Known for his boisterous and energetic style, Michael anchored the sports desk for WRC-TV, NBC’s D.C. affiliate, for more than 25 years, beginning in 1980. Started as a local program in the early ‘80s, “The Sports Machine” was syndicated in 1984.

George Michael was 70 years old.

"Republicans gambled and lost"

Quick, somebody call a "waaaaaaaaaaaambulance" for Mitch McConnell, Eric Can'tor et al. Ha.

Cantor, Kaine, McDonnell Make NBC's "Top 10 Risers" List

MSNBC's "First Read" has named Eric Cantor, Tim Kaine and Bob McDonnell to its "Top 10 Risers of the Decade" list. In addition, Jim Webb and Mark Warner make the "Honorable Mentions" list. Here are the entries for Cantor, Kaine and McDonnell:

7. Eric Cantor: No current Republican congressman has risen so far, so fast. Elected just nine years ago, Cantor now serves as the No. 2 figure in the House leadership. He is just 46.

8. Tim Kaine: Kaine began the decade as a little-known mayor of Richmond and as then lieutenant governor. But his 2005 gubernatorial victory in Virginia ended up serving as a model for future Democratic campaigns in 2006 to 2008. And that win -- as well as his three-plus years as governor -- catapulted him as VP finalist last year. He's now the chairman of the Democratic National Committee. What's next?

9. Bob McDonnell: As was the case with Kaine's gubernatorial victory in Virginia in 2005, Republican Bob McDonnell -- who won this year's VA Gov contest -- has become an instant star in his party. And assuming he enjoys success as governor, McDonnell will be an automatic VP possibility (or higher?), given that Virginia is a must-win presidential battleground state for Republicans.

As far as Cantor is concerned, what amazes me is that someone so completely clueless and airheaded can possibly be a "riser" in American politics. As far as Tim Kaine is concerned, I agree that he's come a long way in just a few years, from mayor of Richmond to governor (for a few more weeks) and DNC chair. Where he goes from here is hard to see, however, unless he thinks he has a shot at the White House in 2016. I'm skeptical. Finally, Bob McDonnell certainly has risen quickly, but now he's got to demonstrate he can get things done as governor, despite the disastrous budget situation caused by the Republican Recession. Good luck.

Regarding the "Honorable Mentions," I definitely agree about Jim Webb, who went from being a writer, journalist, and former Reagan Navy Secretary to defeating George Allen in one of the most exciting, surprising political races in many years. Where does Webb go next? Hopefully, to reelection in 2012, to reforming the U.S. criminal "justice" system, etc. As far as Mark Warner is concerned, he's certainly been a star in Virginia, but not so much so far in terms of his national ambitions. We'll see if Warner runs for president in 2016, as he was gearing up to do in 2006 before he pulled his hat out of the ring. We'll also see whether he carves a distinctive niche for himself in the U.S. Senate and/or notches a major legislative accomplishment (or two or three) for himself in the next few years. If Warner does that, he'll definitely qualify for the "riser" list.

Senate Passes Health Reform Bill

The U.S. Senate just passed (about 7:15 am, Christmas Eve Day) the health care reform bill, 60-39, with all "aye" votes from the Democratic caucus (including Mark Warner and Jim Webb, of course) and all "nay" votes from...you guessed it, the "Party of Nay." Or is it the "Party of No?" :) Anyway, you get the point.

P.S. Only a simple majority (what a concept - democracy!!) was required on this vote, but the bill received a filibuster-proof 60 votes, meaning that health reform is highly likely to become law in early 2010. My hope is that Congress will revisit this issue in 2010 (or, more likely, 2011) and add a public option to the insurance exchange.

P.P.S. Robert Byrd said, "Mr. President, this is for my friend Ted Kennedy. Aye." Also, there was applause at the end, which Vice President Biden gaveled to order.

UPDATE: Senator Warner has issued a statement.

I voted in support of the Senate health care bill. While this legislation is far from perfect, I believe it will start to curb soaring health care costs for consumers and businesses, reduce our federal budget deficits over time, and extend the life of the Medicare program.

In addition, a dozen of my freshman colleagues worked together to successfully add significant cost containment measures to the Senate proposal, and we have expanded programs that deliver higher-quality care at lower cost. Our amendments, which encourage innovation, broaden transparency and aggressively attack inefficiency and fraud, have received bipartisan support, as well as endorsements from AARP, the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, and major businesses that make-up The Business Roundtable.

Rising medical costs are strangling the American economy, hurting American families, and killing our ability to compete globally. This legislation represents a strong start, and includes almost every approach suggested by leading experts to try to tackle medical costs that have more than doubled in the past decade.

As this bill moves to conference, the focus must remain on the goals of reducing health care costs, increasing efficiency and accountability, and incorporating private-sector solutions to our health care challenges.

UPDATE #2: Barack Obama sends an email to Organizing for America.

Although it's Christmas Eve, I wanted to share some exciting news: The Senate just passed a historic health reform bill.

In all the back and forth, it's easy to lose sight of what this incredible breakthrough really means. But consider this: This Christmas, there are millions of Americans without health insurance who risk losing everything if they get sick.

There are mothers and fathers who wonder how they'll provide for their children because an illness has wiped out their savings. There are small business owners who worry that they'll have to lay off a long-time employee because the cost of insurance is rapidly rising.

If we finish the job, all this can change. We will have beaten back the special interests who have for so long perpetuated the status quo. We will have enacted the most important piece of social policy since the Social Security Act in the 1930s, and the most important health reform since Medicare in the 1960s.

In Decembers to come, millions more will have access to affordable coverage. Parents will have the security and stability of knowing their insurance can't be revoked at a moment's notice. And the skyrocketing costs plaguing our small businesses will be brought under control.

When you make calls, write letters, organize, this is the change you're making -- a better life for your family and for men and women in every state.

There is still more to do before I can sign reform into law -- a last round of negotiations and final votes in the Senate and the House -- and I'm counting on your help every step of the way. But for now, I hope that as you celebrate this holiday season, you remember that the work you are doing is making our union more perfect, one step at a time. For that, I am grateful to you.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays,

President Barack Obama

Whipple Clip Dozen: Thursday Morning

Thanks to Tom Whipple for the Christmas Eve "Clips."

1. KAINE DEFENDS URGING TAX HIKE IN FINAL BUDGET
2. LEGISLATION TO WATCH: A MESSAGE TO THE FEDS
3. VA. BUSINESS GROUP WANTS "BUY LOCAL" PLATES
4. ARMSTRONG CREATES INTRICATE TRAIN SETUP WITH HOLIDAY THEME
5. GEORGE ALLEN: 'PERHAPS' A REMATCH VS. WEBB IN 2012?
7. LOOK TO VIRGINIA FOR RISING POLITICAL STARS
9. DOMINION DISPUTES STATE REVIEW, SAYS IT NEEDS HIGHER RATE
10. U.S. PAYS BACK VIRGINIA $421,700 FOR INAUGURATION DAY BUS SERVICE
11. ACHIEVEMENT GAP STILL HARD TO CLOSE
12. WELCOME BACK, MR. CONNAUGHTON
13. A STROKE OF BUDGETARY BRILLIANCE, OR MADNESS
14. DANVILLE TEA PARTY NEEDS MORE LOCAL FOCUS

Happy Holidays From Governors Past and (Possibly) Future

UPDATE: Bob McDonnell opts for the traditional, religious Christmas (NOT "holiday" or "seasons greetings") card.