Missouri Gives Its Pols End of Year Polling Boost

DECEMBER BUMP
Missourians gave their leaders early Christmas presents this weekend, delivering a batch of bolstered approval numbers to their stockings, according to the latest SurveyUSA polling.

President Obama, Gov. Jay Nixon and Sen. Kit Bond all saw their approval ratings inch up over the past month. Sen. Claire McCaskill's approval number stayed stable at 48 percent.

December Approval Ratings:
Sen. Kit Bond 49% Approve
Gov. Jay Nixon 49% Approve
Sen. Claire McCaskill 48% Approve
President Obama 45% Approve

600 adults surveyed Dec. 11-13th/MOE 4.1%
***
But overall 2009 was a tough year for all four politicians.

Since January, Bond has lost 6 points and McCaskill has lost four points. Nixon and Obama saw more dramatic drops in their first year. The governor has lost 14 points since January and the president has experienced a 20 point decline.

Missouri Pols React Cautiously to Obama Surge Plan

REPUBLICANS EMBRACE SURGE, CRITICIZE TIMETABLE

MCCASKILL: "THOUGHTFUL STRATEGY"

SKELTON HAS QUESTIONS

*GET MORE KEY QUOTES HERE*

Missouri's leading Republicans praised President Obama's call to infuse Afghanistan with 30,000 additional troops but contended a timetable for withdrawal could undermine the goal of the mission.

The president said the troops would deploy in early 2010, but also allow the United States "to begin the transfer of our forces out of Afghanistan in July of 2011."

"It will be clear to the Afghan government – and, more importantly, to the Afghan people – that they will ultimately be responsible for their own country," Obama said.

That's where Republicans are breaking with the president.

"I am encouraged that the President has renewed his commitment to the strategy he outlined in March, a strategy that will allow our troops to return on success and put Afghanistan on the road to stability," said Sen. Kit Bond, who was briefed before the president's speech.

In a separate statement obtained by the Associated Press, Bond said more troops would've been better, "but this is what the president has recommended and that's what we'll support."

But the chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee quickly added, "We need a success strategy, not an exit strategy." According to Foreign Policy's blog, Bond made his concerns clear to the president in their meeting.

Bond's concern, that emphasizing the exit strategy will send the wrong message to U.S. allies and enemies, was echoed by Congressman Roy Blunt.

"The president tonight tried to walk a line between the political views of those who are ready to give up on the war in Afghanistan, and the real-world needs of both our troops on the ground and the Afghan people, all of whom need to have confidence that the U.S. is there to get the job done," Blunt said.

"While I’m pleased that he will take steps toward adopting General McChrystal’s troop level recommendations, setting a published timetable while announcing a troop increase will satisfy neither of those groups," Blunt added.

Blunt's likely U.S. Senate candidate Robin Carnahan's spokesman did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking reaction.

GOP Congressional candidate Ed Martin, who is waging a bid against Democrat Russ Carnahan, said Obama's "indecisiveness will be viewed by history as endangering our troops and for not furthering national security interests."

But the president is also facing opposition from the left, many who are skeptical that a troop surge will do much to solve the military and political problems on the ground. But that pressure is not coming from Missouri's prominent Democrats.

Several Senators, including Sen. Claire McCaskill, expressed skepticism about a proposed war surtax to pay for the military effort.

"I can't tell right now if it's a serious proposal, or just one that's been thrown out," McCaskill said to The Hill. "It's too early to judge whether it's serious."

In a carefully worded statement, McCaskill called Obama's approach "thoughtful" without fully endorsing it. She also said she would be looking closely at benchmarks for the new strategy.

"We cannot continue to allow the Taliban or Al Qaeda to gain ground in Afghanistan and therefore the Commander in Chief should be commended for establishing a thoughtful strategy that acknowledges that the war in Afghanistan is not a war of choice," McCaskill said.

"I will be looking closely at the benchmarks being set for this new strategy, including ensuring our allies and the Afghans are stepping up to do their part and that we are expending our nation’s resources responsibly," she added.

The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, who repeatedly encouraged the president to embrace a strategy with new troops, said he still had questions.

"I have a number of questions to which I hope we can get answers--for example, the role of Pakistan, how specifically we will measure progress over time, what additional resources we will need on the civilian side of the effort, how we will manage strain on our forces, and how we expect the government of Afghanistan to be reformed," said Rep. Ike Skelton.

Obama Falls To New Low in Missouri

COLD NOVEMBER RAIN

President Obama has fallen to his lowest approval rating in Missouri since taking office, according to the latest SurveyUSA tracking poll.

APPROVE 38%
DISAPPROVE 58%
UNSURE 4%
Nov. 20-22, 600 adults, 4% MOE

The president has dropped 27 points since inauguration, 13 points since June and ten points in the last month.

***
KEY NUMBERS:

• Just 27% of young people (18-34) approve, the lowest percentage of support of all age groups
• 25% of blacks disapprove
• 56% of singles approve compared to just 31% of those married (the bulk of the sample)
• Just 12% of Republicans approve/74% of Democrats approve
• He loses independents 33%-65%
• Just 22% approve in Southwest Missouri
  

Party Affiliation Demographic:
31 percent polled were Republicans, 30 percent Democrats, 32 percent independents

Decision 2009: Lessons Learned

AFTER THE PARTY
A level-headed attempt to make sense of what Nov. 3rd really means

1. MAYOR O'NEAL MOJO -- Jim O'Neal was able to accomplish what his predecessor could not -- convincing enough Springfield city voters to approve a sales tax hike during a difficult economic period. O'Neal, along with other top city officials, worked every civic group tirelessly over the past several months. And as a result he not only won, he achieved what could be viewed as a mandate for the future. Supporters swung 3,043 votes their way in a 9-month period. That's the power of persuasion. City skeptics beware, there's a new Sheriff in town.

2. SPRINGFIELD AIN'T AS CONSERVATIVE AS YOU MIGHT THINK -- For years Republicans have worried about the trend. They no longer can pile up the big margins in Springfield like they used to inside city limits. It's not that the demographics changed that much since February when the tax failed. But it shows that voters here are less tied to staunch ideology when a convincing case is made. A 10-point tax hike win is something to be said for amid a backlash against bailouts and the sustained effects of a recession. WATCH KY3 NEWS @ 10 COVERAGE HERE.

3. TEABAG MOVEMENT OVERBLOWN -- After all the hub bub about a revolution brewing in District 23 in New York, the Democrat prevailed. Sure, it was messy and complicated. But a loss surely can't be viewed as a start of a movement. All the top GOPers got involved, threw their marker down. Sarah Palin was a hero. The D.C./New York establishment was mocked for picking the wrong candidate. This isn't to say, their forces won't emerge in another state in 2010. But Doug Hoffman turned out to be a loser.

4. A WARNING SHOT -- GOP Governor wins in Virginia and New Jersey can not and should not be understated. New Jersey, in particular, is a huge win for Republicans. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's close race for another term was also notable. There's an anti-incumbency, anti-big money wave out there. But neither Chris Christie nor Bob McDonnell ran as part of the tea party movement. They were Republicans who fit their state, ran mostly positive campaigns and seized the moment. Virginia traditionally goes to the party opposite of the White House and Corzine had trouble long before there was even a teabag movement. Still, the Republican wins are a warning shot for overconfident Obama-ites who may be a little more skeptical about all that "change they can believe in."

5. IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT OBAMA -- The results on Tuesday are neither a repudiation or an endorsement of the president. Missouri Republicans would have you think that Obama couldn't win re-election tomorrow: "Obama’s coattails have all but disappeared, and tonight’s election results should put Democrats on notice. Supporting the liberal Obama-Pelosi agenda is dangerous, even in states that voted overwhelmingly for Democrats just one year ago," said Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder in a statement. "Today Americans overwhelmingly rejected President Obama and Speaker Pelosi’s radical agenda," said 7th District candidate Billy Long. "Tonight's election results show that Americans are fed up with the extreme liberal agenda of Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama," said 4th District candidate Bill Stouffer. But voters told exit pollsters that Obama did not factor much into their voting. Put up your best national Republican against Obama in the Garden State tomorrow, and does the GOP think it would achieve a mirror result? Nonsense. It's a lesson that the conservative movement is alive and kicking but that individual races are sometimes more about binary choices than overarching national themes.

6. KRIS BAREFIELD = KING PUNDIT -- In our Decision 2009 pundit challenge, Kris Barefield picked the police and fire pension tax result within .2%. Barefield said the pension tax would pass 54.3% to 45.7%. The final result: 54.5% YES, 45.4% NO. Barefield was closest of all our participants and gets mega props from The Notebook. He's King pudit, at least for a day. If we think of a reasonable, responsible prize, we'll let ya know.

Talent: Obama Admin. Behind Bioterror Threat Curve

"They haven't fully come to grasp with it."

*LISTEN TO EXCERPTS OF PHONE INTERVIEW ABOVE*

Former U.S. Senator Jim Talent said President Obama's administration is behind the curve on the threat of bioterrorism, which he considers a bigger challenge to the United States than nuclear proliferation.

The findings came in a new report by the bipartisan Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism, in which Talent serves as vice-chair.

"What we've seen in the last several administrations is they come in without really recognizing the bio threat and then they sort of learn over time. We don't have time for that kind of learning curve," Talent warned in an interview with The Notebook Wednesday.

The Commission report cited a range of problems and Talent said they mostly boiled down to lacking experienced members in government and a basic organizational structure that could adequately deal with a bioterror attack.

USA Today summarizes the report's findings HERE.

Talent noted that the Obama administration currently has no senior official dedicated to bioterrorism and criticized a lack of funding for such countermeasures like stockpiling vaccines and distribution planning, if such an attack were to occur.

"They don't have the right people. They're not funding at the level that makes anything close to sense given the urgency of the threat," Talent said.

Talent said bioterrorism is a bigger potential problem than nuclear because "it's easier to weaponize and easier to stockpile." He said a bioterror attack in an American city could net a similar result to a nuclear attack.

The progress report is available at www.preventwmd.gov. The Commission will release a more formal report card in January 2010.

Bond to Obama: No More Excuses

Sen. Kit Bond said progress towards resolving Afghanistan's disputed presidential election should prompt President Obama to make a decision on sending more troops to the country.

President Hamid Karzai has agreed to a runoff election after a commission found that Karzai had not garnered 50% of the valid votes cast back in August.

"The clear message for the President is 'no more excuses'," Bond said in a statement.

"Delay leads to defeat, not victory; it’s critical for the Commander-in-Chief to support his commander-on-the-ground now," he said.

But despite Karazi's announcement, a "resolution" to the Afghan election is far from clear. A runoff is set for Nov. 7th, but there's no guarantee there won't be more problems or a fair election.

"Unbelievably, the Obama Administration is still calling a decision on whether to support General McChrystal’s winning strategy for Afghanistan weeks away," Bond's statement reads. Bond said in addition to the delay on the decision, the lack of resolve in Washington is a "public diplomacy disaster."

"The wavering in Washington is disheartening American troops, demoralizing the people of Afghanistan, and emboldening our terrorist enemies," said Bond.

McCaskill Defends Obama's Nobel Prize

"I think the rest of the world has breathed a sigh of relief . . ."

Sen. Claire McCaskill defended President Obama's Nobel Peace prize on multiple accounts, blasting the GOP via Twitter for living in an "alternative universe" and issuing a more measured statement touting Obama's international appeal.

THE RAW: McCASKILL'S TWITTER POST:

"I feel that I’m in an alternative universe. For eight years some people called anyone who disagreed with the President’s foreign policy or war in Iraq unpatriotic. Then in the course of two weeks, those same people cheer when the United States does not get selected for the Olympics and boo when our President is the unanimous choice for the Nobel Peace Prize. Go figure."

THE MEASURED: MCCASKILL'S STATEMENT:

"Today is an interesting moment for America to reflect on how the world view of our country has changed because of this president. I think we need to realize that a part, maybe a key part, of our national security is that while countries around the world see our leadership as someone who is strong, confident, and not going to be pushed around, they also recognized Obama meant what he said in his inaugural address: ‘we will extend our hand, if you will unclench your fist.’ I think the rest of the world has breathed a sigh of relief that America has a leader that is not going to lead with a 2” x 4” but rather with the strength and confidence of diplomacy.

"We had to go it alone in Iraq for so long, but since he took office President Obama has spent a lot of time building the involvement of NATO and instructing Secretary Gates and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mullen to make sure that NATO is as involved in Afghanistan as we are. That’s a huge change from the mentality of ‘we don’t need anybody else, we can go it alone.’ I try very hard not to look back, but clearly there has been a change in leadership and a change in attitude. President Obama is not going to lose grip for a moment. No one is going to push us around. No one is going to be an aggressor to the United States of America. Our strength rests on our principles, the example we set for the world, and our alliances along with the excellence and strength of our military, rather than exclusively the latter."

Bond: Obama Won't Return to Counter Terror Approach

Sen. Kit Bond dishes to The Cable about insider details on Tuesday's strategy meeting about Afghanistan at the White House.

From the post: The meeting was heavy on strategy, light on specifics, and generally had a positive and bipartisan tone, Bond reports. His main takeaway was that Obama pledged not to return to a counterterrorism approach, where troops "shoot and then fall back to the base," Bond said.

Obama told the lawmakers that "nobody on his team was proposing that," Bond reported, which lawmakers took to mean that the president was leaning toward a strategy heavily focused on counterinsurgency, which is of course more manpower intensive.

Read it ALL HERE.

ALSO: Obama made no commitment of 40,000 new troops, but said additional funding would need to be approved quickly by Congress if he chooses that route.

The President called a bipartisan group of Congressional leaders to the White House Tuesday to review Afghanistan policy.

VIDEO: Wilson: "I Truly Was Perplexed Myself"

WHAT HE WAS THINKIN'

Congressman Joe Wilson said he regrets the outburst that propelled him onto the national scene as a conservative hero, but explains it as a town hall moment.

"I would've never done this on purpose," said Wilson in an interview with The Notebook.

WATCH Q & A ABOVE

Wilson was in Springfield this past weekend to speak to the Missouri Republican Assembly

ALSO BELOW: WILSON ON PRESIDENT OBAMA'S OLYMPIC EFFORT

"I believe these should've been a focus on jobs and national defense."

Obama Birther Infomercial Airs in Springfield

Almost nine months into his presidency, there are still groups questioning whether Barack Obama is a natural born citizen of the United States.

And now the so-called "birther" movement has taken to the airwaves right here in the Ozarks.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

BELOW:

INTERVIEWING THE BOSS

WHY KY3 INC. OK'D IT TO AIR ON SISTER STATION KSPR

"Obviously, the opinions in this particular program may be a minority of our viewers, but certainly I think this group has the right to express themselves. I don't think it's libelous in any fashion," explained Ky3 Inc. General Manager Mike Scott.

EXCERPTS OF MY PHONE INTERVIEW WITH U.S. JUSTICE FOUNDATION LEADER GARY KREEP:

"I'm saying that his family was probably trying to cover up something -- not the fact that he was born in Africa," said USJF executive director Gary Kreep in an interview from California.

LivePrayer's website has a video comparing President Obama to Hitler.

HERE is FactCheck.org's findings that Obama is a U.S. citizen.

HERE is PolitiFact's Final Chapter on the matter.

Bond, Skelton Urging Action on Afghanistan

At a time when skepticism is growing about the country's longest war, Congressman Ike Skelton is the highest ranking Democrat in Congress to support sending more troops into Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Missouri's top serving elected official fears President Obama is going wobbly on his pledge for a build-up.
***
"After asking for General Stanley McChrystal’s Afghanistan assessment, it now appears President Obama has buyer's remorse," said Sen. Kit Bond. "Congress needs to hear directly from General McChrystal to ensure political motivations here in Washington don't override the needs of our commanders on the ground."

In a letter to the president, Skelton is also urging him to "waste no time in providing a clear direction" on the Afghan front.

"I am convinced that there is no strategy short of a properly-resourced counter-insurgency campaign that is likely to provide lasting security. But, time is not on our side. Coming from Harry Truman country, I ask myself, ‘What would Harry Truman do?’ And this leads me to urge you to waste no time in providing a clear direction to our commanders and civilian leaders, along with the resources necessary to achieve their mission—and to do so with an understanding that the American and Afghan people, as well as our allies, must see progress in the next 12 months," wrote Skelton in a letter to the president.

Bond wants McChrystal to testify before Congress because he believes the Obama administration has delayed the general's request for more troops. Skelton wrote that he believes McChrystal has "the right plan."

In his letter, Skelton advocates a counter-insurgent strategy: "Carrying out a real population-protection counter-insurgency plan – is not without risks and costs, and victory is not guaranteed . . . Undertaking a counter-insurgency campaign is complex, and it will require additional resources, both civilian and military, and hopefully not all from the United States."

"But we should not conclude yet that all is hopeless – it is not, and I believe the team you recently sent to Kabul, General McChrystal and Ambassador Eikenberry, would agree. We must not refuse to give this stellar team the time and resources it needs to succeed," Skelton said.
***
THE PENTAGON has said General McChrystal likely won't be wading into the political debate over troops just yet -- and will instead be focusing on managing the war on the ground.

The Best Offense Is A Good . . .

BLUNT, MCCASKILL LEERY OF OBAMA SHIFT ON MISSILE DEFENSE

Sen. Claire McCaskill joined Congressman Roy Blunt in raising questions about President Obama's plan to scrap a missile defense system for eastern Europe.

CONGRESSMAN ROY BLUNT STATEMENT:

“Seventy years ago today, the Soviet Union invaded Poland. And, today, at the Russians’ request, the Obama Administration has agreed to abandon the missile defense shield developed to protect our close allies in Eastern Europe. The administration’s decision to scrap the missile defense plan is incredibly shortsighted and comes at the expense of our allies in the War on Terror," said Blunt in a statement.

"At the same time, the vice-president is defending this thoughtless decision by claiming that Iran does not pose a threat to our security or to that of our allies. That statement could not be farther from the truth. Iran has refused to discuss its nuclear program, but it is clear that Iran’s missile and nuclear activities are true threats to the United States and our allies. Appeasement of dangerous nations does not inspire peace. We must stand firm and send the signal that we will not back down when the safety of Americans and our allies is at stake," Blunt added.

***

SEN. CLAIRE MCCASKILL STATEMENT:

"I am concerned about the Administration’s abrupt decision today to cancel the long-planned missile defense deployment to two important allies, the Czech Republic and Poland. In July, the Senate unanimously adopted the Lieberman-Sessions amendment that stated that the U.S. missile defense system in Europe should be capable of protecting the United States and Europe. I urge the Administration to explain to the American people and our European allies why this decision is in the best interest of our collective security against the Iranian threat – right now we have been given too little information to be sure that this is the best path forward," McCaskill said.

Ike Is Top Obama Ally on Afghanistan

Congressman Ike Skelton has quickly become one of President Obama's top allies and advocate for continuing the mission in Afghanistan and sending additional combat troops.

"It's a tough fight," said Skelton, chairman of the Armed Services Committee, after emerging from a closed door meeting with the White House about benchmarks in Afghanistan.

"But this is a true national security effort, and that's why we need a way to show progress toward a solid outcome," Skelton continued in an interview with the New York Times.

Skelton also seems inclined to support whatever amount of troops that General Stanley McChrystal ultimately requests. "I want to underline the fact that this is a matter of national security. We ought to listen to General McChrystal, and I’m of the opinion to give him what he needs."

"We need to give the general and our military and civilian counterparts time necessary to show that progress is being made," Skelton told the Associated Press. "We actually have a strategy that, if given time and resources and good leaders, which I know we have, we'll have a solid conclusion."

PLUS: PERUSE IKE'S RECOMMENDED READING LIST HERE

Congressman Wilson Coming to Springfield

IT'S NO LIE

Congressman Joe Wilson is coming to Springfield next month to speak to the Missouri Republican Assembly.

Wilson, now famous for his 'You Lie' outburst during President Obama's address to a joint session of Congress, will speak at University Plaza on Saturday, Oct. 3rd.

The event is part of the conservative group's annual state meeting. The Missouri Republican Assembly (MRA) is part of a larger umbrella organization that touts itself as "The Republican Wing of the Republican Party."

"It's fortuitous and the timing was just really good," said Missouri Republican Assembly president William Scott Magill. "He sort of just fell into our lap." When asked how Magill helped book Wilson's visit, he declined to go into details. "It's a hot topic. He probably has got something to say. It's timely," Magill added.

The MRA will hold its state meeting at University Plaza at 1 p.m. on Oct. 3rd. The dinner, which will begin around 7 p.m., is open to the public for a price, according to Magill. Ticket prices are not yet set.

Magill said he thinks Wilson violated House rules when he yelled 'You Lie,' but added that Wilson expressed "what a large part of the country is feeling."

When asked if Wilson should have apologized on the House floor, Magill said, "I think he should've said, I'd be happy to apologize if you have the others come and stand beside me and apologize for booing President Bush during his State of the Union back in 2004."

Conservative columnist and FOX NEWS contributor Dick Morris will join Wilson at the MRA dinner. Both are expected to deliver speeches following the dinner.

Emerson Votes To Reprimand Wilson

SKELTON VOTES 'PRESENT'

Rep. Jo Ann Emerson was one of just seven Republicans who voted to officially rebuke Rep. Joe Wilson for his 'You Lie' outburst during President Obama's speech last week.

Democratic Rep. Ike Skelton was just one of five members to vote "present."

The rest of Missouri's delegation fell along party lines.

Get the full vote tallies HERE.

TIME's THE PAGE provides the full text of the resolution.

Bill Kristol: Obama Should Look To Ike On Afghan War

The Weekly Standard's Bill Kristol writes that President Obama should look to Congressman Ike Skelton for advice on how to proceed in Afghanistan.

The suggestion, of course, comes because Skelton's position lines up with the neo-conservative commentator's.

"Of course this wing of the Democratic party--the dominant McGovern-Carter wing--has been wrong about just about everything in foreign policy over the last three decades. So maybe President Obama should look for guidance to another kind of Democrat. House Armed Services chairman Ike Skelton would be a good choice," Kristol writes. "He is a 77-year-old Missourian in the Harry Truman tradition (indeed, his father was a good friend of Truman's). Last week, on the eve of the anniversary of 9/11, Skelton put out a statement titled "Americans Must Not Forget Why We Are In Afghanistan," he continues.

"Skelton reminded the president that "Now is not the time to lose our resolve. We must give our forces the time and resources they need to show progress in the fight against the enemies responsible for the attacks of 9/11," Kristol goes on.

He slso states, "The president must understand that this war is eminently winnable."

Bond: Success in Afghanistan Best Way To Honor 9-11

On the eighth anniversary of the September 11th attacks, Senator Kit Bond said that the best way to honor the victims is "finishing the job in Afghanistan."

As some key Democrats line up against a surge of troops into the increasingly dangerous war zone, Sen. Bond is urging Republicans to support President Obama's call for more troops.

Bond said the Afghan army does need to expand, but more U.S. troops and resources also are needed. "It is critical that, in my own party, Republicans support President Obama in the fight against terrorists," Bond said.

"While the President has used this week to pitch health care reform, I hope that, after reflecting on the anniversary of the September 11th attacks, he will refocus his attention and that of the American people on achieving victory in Afghanistan," Bond added. "We Republicans must demonstrate that politics ends at the water’s edge and strongly support the strategy the President laid out for victory in Afghanistan. Let us avoid the politics we too often saw in Iraq – declaring defeat where our troops in theatre were fighting for their lives and our freedom; undercutting our President while he tried to help rally allies to join us in the battle," Bond went on.

***

ALSO: SKELTON URGES DEMS TO STAY COURSE

Democratic House leaders are rumbling about widespread opposition to a new troop build-up, but in a statement, Congressman Ike Skelton urged his colleagues to "give our forces the time and resources they need to show progress in the fight against the enemies responsible for the attacks of 9/11."

Rahm Asked Roy To Get Wilson to Apologize

The Washington Post reports that White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel asked Congressman Roy Blunt to tell Rep. Joe Wilson to apologize for his outburst during President Obama's address to Congress.

"An incensed White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel went up to GOP Reps. Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Paul Ryan (Wis.) to complain about the outburst. "No president has ever had that happen," Emanuel said. "My advice is he apologize immediately. You know my number." reports The Post.

Blunt's Deputy Chief of Staff Burson Snyder didn't discount the account.

"While I can't comment on conversations Congressman Blunt has on the House floor, Congressman Blunt believes that Congressman Wilson's actions were inappropriate and that he was right to apologize, as he did last night," Snyder told The Notebook.

AND: The New York Times snaps a shot of Blunt with Wilson outside the House chamber Thursday morning.

PLUS: OUTRAGE (?) FROM DEMS (!)

"It is appalling that Congressman Blunt did not immediately condemn his friend’s actions and utter disrespect for the President of the United States," said Missouri Democratic Party Executive Director Brian Zuzenak.

"Now Is The Season For Action"

CALL TO ARMS

President Barack Obama rallied a skeptical Congress and a conflicted country to support a health care plan that would cover most of the uninsured, as Republicans continued to show strong opposition.

"I am not the first President to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last," said the president.

*WATCH THE NOTEBOOK VIDEO MISHMASH ABOVE*

(Includes reaction from Young Democrat Stephen Eisele and Missouri State College Republican Nate Gueltzau)

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

PLUS: OFFICIAL REACTION (IN ORDER OF RECEPTION):

Billy Long, 7th District Congressional Candidate: "I was disappointed to watch President Obama continue to promote his misleading health care plan, which will not improve access to quality health care for people in southwest Missouri. Instead of a government takeover of health care filled with mandates, we should be promoting policies that can work such as issuing tax credits to allow people to purchase health care, allowing small businesses to pool together to purchase insurance at lower rates, reforming medical malpractice laws, making it easier for people to transfer their health insurance when leaving a job or moving to another state, and ensuring that patients and doctors are in charge of their health care."

Sen. Kit Bond: "The American people want health care reform that lowers costs, increases access and improves care, not a government takeover of health care that will increase costs, force millions of Americans off their current health care plan, raise taxes, increase the deficit and put medical decisions in the hands of a government bureaucrat. In short, they do not want government to over-reach, over-manage, over-spend."

Donn Sorensen, Executive Vice President, St. John's Hospital: "Whatever the federal government does for reform, they should look closely at the demonstration projects already underway to increase quality while reducing costs. St. John's has been participating in the national Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services Physician Group Practice Demonstration (PGP) project and in the last three years, documented better Medicare patient care measures while lowering costs. As a result of improved efficiency by better medically managing patients St. John’s was one of five participants to share performance payments as part of savings generated for the Medicare Trust Fund. Patients in this project consistently followed treatments in a coordinated manner proven to give the best outcomes, which improved care and decreased costs. Whatever takes place in the weeks ahead, Congress should not lose sight of the fact that these types of activities have already been demonstrated and could be replicated across the country."

Sen. Claire McCaskill: "After hosting town halls throughout Missouri, I think the President did a good job correcting all the misinformation that has been spread. Now with the stakes made clear, it’s time to work on reasonable health insurance reform that will bring down the cost of health care, improve the way care is provided, and do it in a way that doesn’t saddle our grandchildren with our debt. He did a great job of explaining that the price of doing nothing is much too steep and those who are blocking health care reform are engaged in very risky behavior."

Lloyd Smith, Mo. Republican Party: "Attempting to salvage his fading hopes for radical health care reform and reverse his plummeting approval ratings, President Obama has resorted to yet another prime-time televised address. But instead of using the opportunity to present new ideas, Obama simply rehashed his discredited arguments and platitudes about bipartisanship without adding anything substantive to the debate. President Obama’s ubiquity is quickly wearing thin with the American people, who have made it clear that a government takeover of our health care system is unacceptable. It is time for President Obama and Democrats to scrap their current bloated, costly, and burdensome legislation and start from scratch—because the American people are demanding a new plan, not a new speech."

Bond Not 'Trigger' Happy Either

Senator Kit Bond said Wednesday that he won't support any bill with a public option or "trigger" component."

"Only if it's truly bipartisan," Bond said of his support, according to The Hill. "Only if we get rid of all this junk. I mean, I don't want to see government-controlled co-ops or triggers anything like that. It's a gateway drug to a public option."

The Hill speculated that Bond could be a Republican deal maker on healthcare because of his retirement next year and his recent vote for Sonia Sotomayor.

The President addresses the nation tonight at 7 p.m.

Later: A FULL WRAP OF THE PRESIDENT'S SPEECH . . .

AND REACTION . . .

Tonight on Ky3 News @ 10