Thursday Open Thread [1.30.14]

We have a lot a polling goodness for today's Open Thread. First, a new Pew Research poll shows Americans perceive Republicans as the fringe uncompromising petulant radical party that no one wants to invite to a party for fear they will show up drunk and start a fight. Meanwhile, Democrats are seen an more willing to work with the other party, by a margin of 52% to 27%. The Democratic agenda, as espoused by President Obama in his State of the Union Address, is thoroughly enjoyed and approved of by the American people. 1. Ending the Afghanistan War after 12 long years. Republicans sat on their hands and refused to clap when the President said this. 66% of Americans stood, cheered and clapped with the Democrats. 2. Congress shouldn't shut down government or threaten the full faith and credit of the United States. Republicans sat on their hands and refused to clap when the President said this. 80% of Americans stood, cheered and clapped with the Democrats. 3. Congress should repeal tax breaks for Big Oil. Republicans sat on their hands and refused to clap when the President said this. 74% of Americans stood, cheered and clapped with the Democrats. 4. Congress should restore unemployment insurance that it let expire at the end of the year. Republicans sat on their hands and refused to clap when the President said this. 58% of Americans stood, cheered and clapped with the Democrats. 5. Women deserve equal pay for equal work. Republicans sat on their hands and refused to clap when the President said this. 90% of Americans stood, cheered and clapped with the Democrats. 6. Nobody who works full time should have to raise a family in poverty, so Congress should raise the minimum wage to $10.10. Republicans sat on their hands and refused to clap when the President said this. 71% of Americans stood, cheered and clapped with the Democrats.
General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Thurs., Jan. 30, 2014

General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Thurs., Jan. 30, 2014

Brother, can you spare a dime a gallon for a $500 million boost to Delaware's economy? A jobs creator and a massive infrastructure upgrade? House Majority Leader Val Longhurst has already said she won't do it, regardless of the number of constituents in her district who will earn meaningful wages for their families. I hope she is in the minority. I hope that the unions who previously supported her are paying attention. With a gallon of gas well north of $3 a gallon, let's be honest here. That additional 10 cents should hardly be a deal-breaker. But we shall see. The General Assembly has a minimum of six weeks, starting at the end of today's session, to consider whether a $500 million boost to the state's economy is in the economic interests of the people who live and try to work here. It's all about the jobs, as far as I'm concerned. By far the biggest issue facing the General Assembly this term. Here is what happened in Dover since my last post. The Box Bill passed the House by a 31-8 margin. None of the no votes will surprise you.  The bill now goes to the Senate. The minimum wage hike bill got plenty of love from the Business Lapdog Committee this time, and made it to the floor. 6 favorable, one on its merits, and 3 unfavorable. Amazing what six months of reflection can do. Come inside for more...