On Monday’s Radio Show…

• Alan analyzes the latest attacks on President Obama’s handling of the crisis in Iran.

• Smokers’ rights advocate Audrey Silk tells Alan why she has smoke coming out of her ears over the new anti-tobacco law.

• Think Republican criticisms of Judge Sonia Sotomayor are based on principle? Think again. Alan exposes the real motivation behind the smears.…

Bama Bashed For Saying”Supreme Leader” Even Though GOP Uses It

Even though the title of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is “Supreme Leader,” Charles Krauthammer is outraged that President Obama would use this honorific.

“Supreme Leader”? Note the abject solicitousness with which the American president confers this honorific on a clerical dictator who, even as his minions attack demonstrators, offers to examine some returns in some electoral districts — a farcical fix that will do nothing to alter the fraudulence of the election.

Bill Bennett echoed this indignation.  But Steve Benen reminds us that no one seems to object when Republicans use the term.

The same days as Krauthammer’s column ran, …

President Who Smokes Signs Anti-Smoking Bill

Maybe this is his way to stop smoking.  The anti-smoking bill allows the FDA to reduce the amount of nicotine in smoking products.  Products will have to have large graphic labels, and “low tar” and “light” labels are banned, along with candy flavoring. Ingredients have to be made public, and marketing campaigns - especially to children - are forbidden.

It’s good for our health and good for the environment, but are smokers going to welcome it?…

GOP Disappointed That Oppo to Sotomayor Isn’t Bringing In the Bucks

Forget about whether the Sotomayor nomination is good for the court and for the country, the GOP is disappointed that she’s not a political lightening rod, as that’s what raises money.

“She doesn’t have the punch out there in terms of fundraising and recruiting, I think — at least so far,” said Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), who most likely will be elected as the No. 4 Republican in Senate leadership this week.

... Read more »

“I don’t think she’s the kind of person that invites that kind of reaction,” said Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) of the possibility of making major …

So THIS Is Why I Never Got That Rice Interview

Doonesbury

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When Republicans Attack

Republicans were in full force on the Sunday talk shows and, as predicted, they wasted no time bashing the president. In spite of Obama’s condemnation of Iranian hardliners, Republicans did what they have more and more become known for doing: They went on the attack.

RNC Chair Calls Obama A Liar

I have consistantly said that Michael Steele was the GOP’s best choice for party chair, and I genuinely like Michael.  He’s smart, candid, and likeable.  But, don’t take back the candor, Michael, like you did on Bill Bennett’s radio show after calling Obama a liar, taking it back, and then saying you didn’t take it back.  Think Progress has the audio.

OBAMA [audiotape]: I’ve made a firm commitment that health care reform will not add to the federal budget deficit over the next decade.

STEELE: [shouting] LIAR! Sorry, I had to get that off my chest. We need …

Why Obama’s Measured Tones Are The Right Course

Hoffmania links to salient comments by Fareed Zakaria (right), who explains clearly why Obama’s cautious approach toward Iran right now is appropriate.

CNN: What should the United States do?

Zakaria: I would say continue what we have been doing. By reaching out to Iran, publicly and repeatedly, President Obama has made it extremely difficult for the Iranian regime to claim that they are battling an aggressive America bent on attacking Iran. In his inaugural address, his New Year greetings, and his Cairo speech, there is a consistent effort to convey respect and friendship for Iranians. That is why …

Obama To Iran: “Stop All Violent And Unjust Actions”

After days of being criticized by the right for saying silent on Iran President Obama issued a statement Saturday.

The Iranian government must understand that the world is watching. We mourn each and every innocent life that is lost. We call on the Iranian government to stop all violent and unjust actions against its own people. The universal rights to assembly and free speech must be respected, and the United States stands with all who seek to exercise those rights.

As I said in Cairo, suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. The Iranian people will ultimately judge …

Bill Maher: We Have Two Parties: One Moved To The Right, The Other Into A Mental Hospital

Bill Maher’s New Rules explains what happened to the political spectrum in America (via Crooks and Liars)

Maher: Now people talk a lot about a third political party in America. We don’t need a third party. We need a first party. You go to the polls and your choices are the guy who voted for the first Wall Street bailout, or the guy who voted for the next ten. This week we’re hearing that a public option for health care is unlikely because it doesn’t have the support of enough Democrats. Even Ted Kennedy’s plan, Ted Kennedy, yeah, …

Suicide Bomber Explodes Himself At Khomeini Shrine

At the shrine of the father of Iran’s revolution, a suicide bomber blew himself up; eight people were injured. In southern Tehran supporters of Mirhossein Mousavi set a building on fire.

“If there is any bloodshed, leaders of the protests will be held directly responsible,” the white-bearded Khamenei told huge crowds thronging Tehran University for Friday prayers.

State media have reported seven or eight people killed in unrest since the election outcome was published on June 13.…