George Bush's latest powers, courtesy of the Democratic Congress  —  (updated below - Update II - Update III)  —  CQ reports (sub. req.) that “a final deal has been reached” on FISA and telecom amnesty and “the House is likely to take up the legislation Friday.”  I've now just read a copy of the final “compromise” bill.

Obama, telecoms and the Beltway system  —  (updated below - Update II)  —  As noted yesterday, Blue Dog Rep. John Barrow of Georgia has been one of the most enthusiastic enablers of the radical and lawless policies of the Bush administration.  When running for re-election …

ACLU Condemns FISA Deal, Declares Surveillance Bill Unconstitutional  —  Contact: (202) 675-2312 or media@dcaclu.org  —  Washington, DC - With news that a surveillance bill may be voted on in the House of Representatives as early as tomorrow, the American Civil Liberties Union sternly warned members against voting for the legislation.

Obama Cuts Ad For Conservative Pro-War House Dem  —  Barack Obama has cut a radio spot for conservative Dem Rep. John Barrow of Georgia, who favors staying in Iraq and favors immunity for the telecom companies, and he's taking a beating from liberal bloggers over it.

Obama Opts Out of Public Financing for Campaign  —  WASHINGTON — Senator Barack Obama announced on Thursday that he would not participate in the public financing system for presidential campaigns.  He argued that the system had collapsed, and would put him at a disadvantage running …

Angelo's Angel  —  Give Senator Christopher Dodd credit for nerve.  On Tuesday, the very day he finally admitted knowing that Countrywide Financial regarded him as a “special” customer, the Connecticut Democrat also announced that he was bringing to the Senate floor a housing bailout sure to help lenders like Countrywide.