News Roundup for 9/19/11

Barack Obama's possible future

-Headline of the Day-
"Why Obama should withdraw."

Chicago Tribune columnist Steve Chapman fills his column-quota for the week with a piece that pretends to explain why President Obama shouldn't seek reelection, but doesn't exactly explain why President Obama shouldn't seek reelection. The gist is basically that a second term is going to be a big pain in the butt for this president -- "a bog of frustration, exhaustion and embarrassment" -- so he should save himself the bother and let Hillary Clinton run instead.

And that's pretty much it. If Obama bails, it'll be Clinton "who has the unenviable job of reviving the economy, balancing the budget, getting out of Afghanistan and grappling with House Majority Leader Eric Cantor. Obama, meanwhile, will be on a Hawaiian beach, wrestling the cap off a Corona."

I'm not really sure that avoiding hard work is the best reason not to run for reelection. And the less said about my opinion of Corona, the better. But hey, you know; deadline's coming up, web traffic's been a bit slow... Why not put up an intentionally controversial post -- bonus, one you don't have to put a lot of thought into -- and rake in that sweet, sweet controversy traffic? Ka-ching!

Next up from Chapman, how John Boehner can avoid yardwork by resigning as House Speaker. (Chicago Tribune)


-What's in a name?-
Cartoonist Ted Ralls explains the most important thing in considering a bill.


Click to embiggen

Kind of like Bush's "Clear Skies Act." (GoComics.com)


-Bonus HotD-
"Donald Trump Likes This 'Jim Perry' Guy He Met."

The Donald had dinner with Texas Gov. Jim Perry, who impressed him very much. So remember all you GOP voters, if you're out there voting and you see "Rick Perry" on the ballot, it's a typo. Do your patriotic duty and write in "Jim Perry" or the terrorists have won. (Wonkette, with video)