memeorandum: GOP takes aim at Obamas' NYC trip (The Politico)

9:40 AM ET, May 31, 2009

Top Items:

GOP takes aim at Obamas' NYC trip — President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama landed in New York Sunday afternoon, and after taking a helicopter from JFK into Manhattan, drove up the West Side Highway, where the northbound lanes were shut down by police for their visit, past Ground Zero …

Discussion: TigerHawk, No Sheeples Here!, Stop The ACLU, Outside The Beltway, Flopping Aces, JustOneMinute, Say Anything, Liberty Street, Le·gal In·sur·rec· tion, TBogg and The Mahablog

Mike Baker / Fox News:

Obamas' Date Night in New York City Draws Criticism — Even before the Obamas left Washington, the there-and-back trip drew criticism from Republicans who questioned the president's decision to travel to New York for a night of entertainment during a recession and while automakers struggle to survive.

Discussion: The Moderate Voice, GayPatriot, News Hounds and Liberal Values

Ann Sanner / Associated Press:

First couple's NY date: a campaign promise kept — President Barack Obama made good on a campaign promise to his most important supporter Saturday night — his wife, Michelle. — The president and first lady jetted to a date in New York late Saturday afternoon, aides and media in tow.

Discussion: New York Times, The Huffington Post and Sweetness & Light

Steve Benen / Washington Monthly:

SOMETIMES, A DATE IS JUST A DATE.... Ordinarily, this is the kind of human-interest story that I wouldn't even read. Apparently, though, it's angered quite a few Republicans, so I guess we might as well take a look at. … Good for them; I'm sure it's nice for the Obamas to get out once in a while.

Discussion: CNN and Riehl World View

Jazz Shaw / The Moderate Voice: Was “Date Night” a Good Idea?

Mark Silva / The Swamp:
Obamas' Broadway Saturday night out

Discussion: The Caucus

Michael O'Brien / The Hill:

Coleman, Franken prep to face off on appeal — Monday's oral arguments before the Minnesota Supreme Court may finally bring an end to the state's protracted Senate race, and both sides are proclaiming readiness. — Lawyers for former Sen. Norm Coleman (R) and Democrat Al Franken have prepped …

Discussion: Minneapolis Star Tribune

Paul / Power Line:

Supreme Court confirmation — the standard matters less than that there be just one — John and the estimable Andy McCarthy have been discussing what standard Republican Senators should apply when voting on a Supreme Court nominee of a Democratic president.

Discussion: The Corner

Richard A. Clarke / Washington Post:

The Trauma of 9/11 Is No Excuse — Top officials from the Bush administration have hit upon a revealing new theme as they retrospectively justify their national security policies. Call it the White House 9/11 trauma defense. — “Unless you were there, in a position of responsibility after September 11 …

Discussion: Emptywheel, .. … and Hullabaloo

Frank Rich / New York Times:

Who Is to Blame for the Next Attack? — AFTER watching the farce surrounding Dick Cheney's coming-out party this month, you have to wonder: Which will reach Washington first, change or the terrorists? If change doesn't arrive soon, terrorists may well rush in where the capital's fools now tread.

Discussion: New Yorker, Washington Monthly, Daily Kos and Prairie Weather

Eric Lichtblau / New York Times:
Justice Dept. Backs Saudi Royal Family on 9/11 Lawsuit

Discussion: Taylor Marsh, THE ASTUTE BLOGGERS, The Jawa Report and Weasel Zippers

Associated Press:

Saudi beheads and crucifies murder convict — RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi authorities beheaded and crucified a man convicted of brutally slaying an 11-year-old boy and his father, the Interior Ministry announced. — According to the statement issued by the ministry Friday …

Discussion: Scared Monkeys and Reuters

Barak Ravid / Haaretz:

Israel to U.S.: ‘Stop favoring Palestinians’ — Tensions between Washington and Jerusalem are growing after the U.S. administration's demand that Israel completely freeze construction in all West Bank settlements. Israeli political officials expressed disappointment after Tuesday's round …

Tamar Lewin / New York Times:

Supreme Court to Address Meeting the Needs of Special-Education Students — In a case with potential financial repercussions for school districts and families alike, the United States Supreme Court will soon decide when public schools must reimburse parents of special-education students for private-school tuition.

Iftikhar A. Khan / dawn.com:

Army takes ‘complete control’ over Mingora — Soldiers move to their positions on top of a defense position on a former base of Taliban militants overlooking the Swat Valley.—AP/File — ISLAMABAD: Operation Rahe Rast made a significant progress with the security forces completely securing control …

Discussion: Times of India, Informed Comment and American Footprints

Mark Sherman / Associated Press:

Administration opposes Uighurs' release in US — WASHINGTON — The Obama administration, picking up the argument of its predecessor, is opposing the release of Chinese Muslim detainees at Guantanamo Bay into the United States. — In papers filed with the Supreme Court late Friday …

Discussion: Obsidian Wings