Is the Deficit Commission Serious?  —  I've been trying to figure out whether I have anything to say about the “chairman's mark” of the deficit commission report that was released today.  In a sense, I don't.  This is not a piece of legislation, after all.  Or a proposed piece of legislation.

The Morning Plum  —  UPDATE: White House denies giving in on Bush tax cuts: The White House is sharply denying the Huffington Post story I noted below claiming that David Axelrod signaled a willingness to accept a temporary extension of all the Bush tax cuts, claiming that their position remains unchanged.

President Obama ready to deal on Bush tax cuts for the wealthy  —  The White House signaled Wednesday that President Barack Obama is ready to cut a deal on the Bush-era tax cuts - accepting a temporary extension of the cuts for the wealthiest Americans to win renewal of tax breaks for middle-class taxpayers.

Unserious People  —  OK, let's say goodbye to the deficit commission.  If you're sincerely worried about the US fiscal future — and there's good reason to be — you don't propose a plan that involves large cuts in income taxes.  Even if those cuts are offset by supposed elimination of tax breaks elsewhere …

Bristol Palin Survives ‘Dancing’ Elimination Round With Help of Tea Party  —  Bristol Palin survived another elimination round on ABC's “Dancing With the Stars” as fans including Tea Party supporters mustered enough votes to overcome low scores from the talent show's judges.

Michele Bachmann drops leadership bid  —  Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann dropped out of the race for House Republican Conference chairwoman Wednesday night, ending a quixotic bid for leadership that many saw as the first real test of the tea party against the GOP establishment.