The GOP's bad idea  —  “America is more than a country,” begins the GOP's ‘Pledge to America.’ America, it turns out, is an “idea,” an “inspiration,” and a “belief.”  And the GOP wants to govern it.  —  Their policy agenda is detailed and specific — a decision they will almost certainly come to regret.

The Milquetoast GOP “Pledge”  —  I want to like the new GOP Pledge to America.  I want to endorse it, but it's so milquetoast that it proves to me that these guys just aren't ready to lead.  —  In order to prevent a return of the big-spending Republican ways during the Bush years …

GOP ‘Pledge For America’ Director Lobbied For AIG, Exxon, Pfizer, Chamber  —  WHAT'S YOUR REACTION?  —  The Republican Party's 21-page blueprint, “Pledge to America,” was put together with oversight by a House staffer who, up till April 2010, served as a lobbyist for some of the nation's most powerful oil …

Senate Dems Ready To Shelve Tax Cut Vote  —  A senior Senate Democratic aide told TPM today there won't be a vote on extending the Bush tax cuts in the upper chamber before the November election, a blow to party leaders and President Obama who believed this would have been a winning issue.

More Senate Dems cast doubt on pre-election vote to extend tax cuts  —  A growing number of Senate Democrats say that there should not be a vote on extending the Bush tax cuts before Election Day.  —  Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) expressed doubt that Democrats could even muster the 60 votes necessary …