On Tuesday’s Radio Show…

• Alan speaks with Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL), who recently called Democrats “socialist” on the House floor.

• Club for Growth President Chris Chocola explains why he believes fiscal conservatives should not support Donald Trump for president.

• “Let me finish”: Alan weighs in on a Texas reporter’s contentious interview with President Obama.

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My Interview With Russell Simmons

I have long admired Russell Simmons both for his political advocacy and for his message of social and personal consciousness. As someone who worked for the election of President Obama and who wants him to succeed, Simmons is the perfect person to, as he puts it, “tug at his coattails” to motivate a progressive vision. In particular, there is a need to create awareness for the needs of the poor, as Simmons wrote in a letter to the president.

The rich are already at the table, as are the Democrats, the Republicans, the Tea Party and the unions, the business …

Michele Bachmann’s Son Turns Down Offer To Pose For Playgirl

It’s a good move for psychiatry resident Lucas Bachmann not to pose for Playgirl. Rob Shuter at PopEater spoke with the magazine.

“I’m reaching out to Lucas because when I researched him I was struck by how absolutely adorable he is,” Playgirl spokesman Daniel Nardicio tells me. “Plus, I think his political ties make him even sexier. We’ve made initial contact, so let’s see how it goes from there.”

But the skin mag will have to move on to another politician’s son (Mitt Romney has five to choose from!) because Bachmann, 28, has officially quashed the idea.

The young …

LA Governor Bobby Jindal Would Sign Birther Bill

Unlike Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, who came to her senses and rejected a bill stating that all candidates on the ballot in Arizona would have to present a birth certificate, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal says he’d sign such a bill. Two Republican lawmakers filed House Bill 561 that isn’t yet slated to land on the governor’s desk.

The bill by state Rep. Alan Seabaugh, R-Shreveport, and Sen. A.G. Crowe, R-Slidell, would require federal candidates who want to appear on Louisiana ballots to file an affidavit attesting to their citizenship, which would have to be accompanied by an “original or …

Trump Referred To Ronald Reagan As Con Man And Questioned “Whether There’s Anything Beneath That Smile”

Reborn conservative Donald Trump is praising Ronald Reagan these days, but that wasn’t the case in  his book The Art of the Deal. (via Think Progress). Trump told Sean Hannity how much he admired Reagan, and how smart he was.

HANNITY: Who are our past presidents that you admire most?

TRUMP: Well, I really like and knew a little bit Ronald Reagan, and I really liked him. You know, not only his policies, smart guy and so much smarter, you know, I always sort of have to laugh to myself when people try and criticize that …

Headline Schmooze For April 19, 2011

GOP insiders embrace Trump’s presidential bid
In hopes of getting a shot on “Celebrity White House Apprentice”

Five Reasons Not to Count Sarah Palin Out in 2012
Ego, Ambition, Ignorance, Short Skirts and Dirty Old Men

Trump plays down Romney’s business credentials
“I’ve got far more Chapter 11′s” says The Donald

The ‘hidden tax’: Report estimates regulation costs economy $1.75 trillion
Whereas deregulation only caused an entire economic meltdown

Economic anxiety threatens Obama in 2012, but in poll he edges GOP rivals
2012:  The choice between bad …or worse…

The Independent: Secret Memos Show Iraq Invasion Linked To Big Oil Companies

The Independent reports that government documents reveal that plans to exploit Iraq’s oil reserves were discussed between the British government and big oil companies in the run-up to the war.

The papers, revealed here for the first time, raise new questions over Britain’s involvement in the war, which had divided Tony Blair’s cabinet and was voted through only after his claims that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction.

The minutes of a series of meetings between ministers and senior oil executives are at odds with the public denials of self-interest from oil companies and Western governments at the time……

Trump Tells Stephanopoulos He’s Being “Co-opted” By “Obama And His Minions”

Donald Trump told George Stephanopoulos on GMA that he is being co-opted by the president and that he’d release his tax returns when Obama releases his birth certificate. Of course, presidential elections don’t work that way, and the president has already released his birth certificate. (h/t TV Newser)

“George, I know exactly what you’re getting at,” said Trump as the ABC News anchor brought up the issue. Stephanopoulos fired back: “The facts!” Trump then went on to say Stephanopoulos was being “co-opted” by “Obama and his minions.”

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With 3 Vetoes, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer Breaks From Her Far Right-Wing Supporters

by toma

I don’t imagine too many people saw these events coming. Having previously shilled for far right-wing Tea Party-ers in order to hold on to her appointed position, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer broke decisively with those supporters on Monday. With three consecutive vetoes of their extremist bills, she probably dealt fatal blows to all of them.

‘Birther bill’

HB 2177, the “birther” bill, “creates significant new problems while failing to do anything constructive for Arizona,” Brewer said . .

“In addition, I never imagined being presented with a bill that could require candidates for President of the greatest …

Who Doesn’t Love A Good Game Of ‘Spot The Republican Fail’?

by toma

How about a little late night fun? Sure, why not, we could use it. Watch this video clip and see if you can catch Georgia Republican Rep. Tom Graves accidentally stuffing a fiscal whoopee cushion in his big-boy pants.

Last week, MSNBC’s Contessa Brewer challenged Graves over the alleged panacea-power of tax cuts. Given Rep. Paul Ryan’s “serious” budget proposal that balances massive tax cuts for the rich by decimating Medicare and Medicaid, it’s about time that somebody did.

Gee, Tom: George W. Bush slashed taxes like crazy, but America only ended up crazy-bleeding jobs. How do you …

The Musical Stylings Of…Sharron Angle

At a tea party event in Las Vegas, failed Senate and current congressional candidate Sharron Angle took to the mike to render her version of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.”

After a 10-minute speech that The Las Vegas Sun said “channelled British Prime Minister Winston Churchill,” Angle ended her appearance with an impromptu sing-along to “God Bless The USA.”

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