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Obama falls farther behind in spending fight, shutting down the government one tour at a time and Holder backs drone strikes on U.S. soil.
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-- is where you cannot go as a visitor today the executive mansion the White House.
And this is power play and I am in fact snow or no snow.
-- start now look White House is closed to visitors today.
Here's an except for invited guests of the president what has closed to visitors stay because they thought there might be snow -- -- -- -- -- kind of slushy.
Mess but there's no snow but it out of an abundance of question what has closed to visitors today next week though it will start being closed to visitors because of Republicans.
Or at least that's what team Obama would have you believe that because Republicans have rejected the president's call to end the so called sequestration.
Automatic reductions automatic increases in federal spending because they have refused his plan.
To increase taxes on top -- and people have corporate jets and rich and stuff.
That ma and -- will not be able to bring junior -- -- to the White House for their tour for spring break.
They're doing that.
Ended sequestration follies continue to roll on here in Washington so yes we will talk about that whether you like it or not it will be funny and fun I promise we will also talk about the fact that Eric Holder says that the federal government.
Can kill you if it wants to but probably won't unless it's really really important -- promised not to kill you without trial here in the United States with the ground.
We'll talk about that and usual development as the attorney general testifies today the senate.
And we'll talk about federalism yes I know I know I know but we will talk about it in the context of this.
Gay marriage other issues that have devolved to the states because politicians are craving.
And chose to kick it down to the states.
Are facing new and existing test we'll have somebody here will breakdown for you the state of federalism in the states don't like it -- -- -- -- interest him.
You'll like none of it anymore though.
That you would like Stephen is he is in fact a senior writer at the weekly standard he is eminently probable on Twitter at Steve Hayes.
And he is a dear friend of this -- -- -- telecast brother is welcome.
-- you.
We'll see.
Will see how I am I'm okay if I can if I can make it through the snow over the slush requires I.
-- -- -- This is not a real it doesn't feel like -- -- she doesn't feel like real snow but it does feel like it may be bad enough to make getting home just really -- true although there aren't many people in Washington to escalate -- leaning veterans day yes exactly only the federal government operated this staffing level all the time it would be totally great.
Only essential staffers are still -- -- everybody here that -- laugh nonessential non essential and nonessential staffers stay home if they're nonessential wide they have jobs.
If there's so not assess whether they have jobs and this is -- you've -- you've you've plugged in if this is -- philosophical -- -- interest and Ethier and the and that is this.
The president.
Is in and trouble.
There's a new Washington Post ABC news that basically says this.
That by 21 margin people agree with the Republicans.
Over the dam over the president the Democrats aren't letting these cuts.
Or reductions -- increased ain't right and they also agree with Republicans that they should fall more on domestic spending in the military and that the military should be shielded.
The president seems to be losing the messaging war on this.
How much of it do you think is related to.
Sequester scare tactics that he -- it that he overplayed his hand and now people like what you can keep the white house of the -- -- but a lot.
I think -- I think it's a lot and I think it's a bigger deal than.
Most -- conventional wisdom would have us believe because it's a fight not just over sequester.
What's gonna happen and in these outcomes.
In a sense it's a fight over the things that we've been fighting that for four years let me.
Barack Obama has made no bones about it he believes -- -- much much larger government and activist government even after his shellacking in the 2010.
-- admit that now he he doubled down.
I -- he went and gave a State of the Union Address in which he called for further investments -- a bigger government.
If there was a campaign -- Julia who's whose every move in her entire life.
Was aided by the government so he believes -- government is not only necessity but often a positive good in the lives of American people and he is -- these -- making this case and he's a super keynesian we should we should you -- Leaves like Paul Krugman and others that economists on the left believe that what's necessary to finally shock the United States out of its four or.
Is massive federal spending matches and eventually your -- but the -- the raw dollar can't.
-- right wasted not wasted outspent doesn't matter it's pumping it out there he wants spending to go up.
It looks like it in round I guess I guess we'll call this -- -- fives didn't of this ongoing budgetary battle with Republicans.
He's losing.
I think I think he is and I think if he loses this one this can actually -- reshape the entire.
Debate or get ahead of yourself and will the press I think one of the big questions is will the press continue to play the rule that we've seen the Washington media -- basically over the last week I -- this -- not -- -- -- let's say terribly aggressive with President Obama -- for four years myself.
In the past week it's like a return to pre Obama -- Washington media where they're actually saying.
And in fact you're not going to be issues and school districts are not going to be issuing pink slips and and all of the the various misstatements and exaggerations that the administration has made.
If the press continues to put that kind of pressure on the administration I think that it could be it could honestly change the debate.
In a way that's favorable to Republicans and you know might actually get -- to debating some of the bigger picture issues beyond that.
22.
And a half percent aren't sequestered today to his silence who knew it was you are no giddy optimist.
I'm not -- -- -- do you really really think that we're gonna talk about anything it.
If the president loses here if this is it if if he's deemed to have expanded political capital that -- act isn't on this fight yes do you think he will be open to doing something at least.
To take this discussion off the table for the rest of I don't think he's going to be able to me this is the problem for him that the -- that the death -- not going away.
It's getting worse it's getting exponentially worse on a daily basis.
-- and he's getting shellacked -- that you have journalists like Ron 48 who has decided to make himself from National Journal magazine decided to make himself.
Good a good guy because he's got a good -- and that varies either he's -- fund on Republicans very tough on the president but basically says the president is the president -- -- -- lead on this.
I think you're hearing more of that and what it reminds me of is.
Back in February of 2011 the only other time I would say that the press has been very -- tough on the president.
When the president offered a budget that didn't deal with -- didn't deal with the titans just punted on everything.
And you had.
LA times Dana Milbank -- right.
Everybody criticized the president gave a speech that amounted to basically a do over but I think people are are waking up to back and -- -- -- people who want to press corps.
If this isn't getting better unless he leads.
The -- the expected so the president is.
From the same quarters that you have described the Washington Post editorial page and others.
Have gotten other hind legs a bit lately on this subject and said yeah.
Sir do -- call that you do have to try to do a deal here right it's important to negotiate no matter how much we could limit the perfidy of Republicans.
It is true that you have to eventually talked to them so requisite presidents and that is -- -- is actually that the the perfect summary of all of these -- exactly -- so there is a lot we despise them along with you with you because we -- with you but please lower yourself for a moment retain its due to conquer.
But these the back right now the the issue is the president is inviting members -- What he considers to be persuade -- -- members of the United States and it.
Over to the White House for dinner tonight that is going to go for luncheon with the Republican senate conference next week.
Now just for your background and you remember this but on the fiscal cliff deal.
The way that Obama the way the president got his -- this -- was it was like to purpose in a detective movie.
Where you go to that you say there's only one -- I'm only offered one deal here and there's only one true and -- you guys going up the river -- the other guys did an officer who's gonna snitch and the senate Republicans that we -- we are totally out we will give you the tax increase we want to get out of this yet.
And then and that allowed -- and the Republicans can he repeat this on spending cuts -- I well.
It depends how you how your.
Suggesting -- proceed and I think he's in I think he's in a pickle.
Because fundamentally he doesn't want to cut spending so he can have these persuade -- members of congress over to try to persuade them that he needs more revenues that he is open to some spending cuts.
But he doesn't ultimately want to cut spending and cut spending in a particular way -- reform entitlements not just enough.
To cut spending year over year need to reform.
How and how entitlements work.
In the United States or we're not gonna get the honest if he doesn't want to do that and I believe that he basically doesn't.
-- -- -- Optimism and we talked about here before is this sequestration isn't really cut it to time -- That it's actually just taking -- a few years down at about what happens when mandatory spending related to entitlement.
Homes and gobbles up even more discretionary spending which is the stuff people like -- -- It includes aircraft carriers and free money.
And the the aircraft carrier free money budget shrinks -- and the the mandatory budget increases yes it.
-- an Internet a couple things first thing is follow me at.
-- are on Twitter do you owe it to yourself you really really do it's totally worth the price because I will provide for you there -- -- -- Almost every weekday of the year little luck to you Internet and I wrote today about president only part of the spending OK so.
Alan Colmes is waiting in the wings to talk to you.
Fresh off of the most fantastic rhubarb.
With Bill O'Reilly last night he must be ready to go out today -- -- of the blood must be -- today.
We'll talk to him in -- stay with us to talk about this.
The president does assert that he -- the attorney general answers the president has the authority to issue drone strikes against civilians in the and -- or whatever -- citizens in the inside the borders of the United States.
It's called a little bit of practice in congress today we'll talk about that when we come back just correct.
Drones.
There are lots of them and they are really excellent at blowing stuff up and this is -- -- now look.
The -- count.
The -- fixation.
I should say in the United States continues to grow as the administration broadens and broadens a war overseas using remote control aircraft to.
Execute people.
That are bad guys but in the United States the paranoia level is going up and -- end up as people get more worried about what the federal government -- going to do with these things -- home.
And an interesting development as a copper.
Alan calls you know him and like him I know you do Internet like because -- -- -- No they do because I know why because you are you're one of the most popular most successful radio show boats in this nation.
And you are probable -- Alan Colmes and also were part of and Steve Hayes is here on set with me Allen.
Steve did you get to see Allen and Bill O'Reilly last night I did not but I certainly heard about it this important awesome.
It is it is very it is what television should be like I aspire to -- did I not that good I believed I need to go see it you'd -- you -- you gave as good as you've got Aubrayo bill and I are now in couples counseling.
-- -- -- -- Well it's good it's good okay now today Allen on the hill senators democratic and Republican.
Are sort of flabbergasted.
About Eric holder's response to or a question from senator Rand Paul from Kentucky about the authority of the president used rounds nine and everybody ranging from -- to Dianne Feinstein -- saying what in the heck are you guys talking about.
So what the heck are they talking.
Well I I really regret I'm sorry that holder said that he said that.
He could it's possible.
That they could use drones domestically targeting Americans he said but it's unlikely.
It never -- -- and he can't foresee it happening but then why bring it up.
It's troubling that we would even be talking about.
Well that Steve we know that president's.
Do not like to cede power -- -- already in advance right.
We know that if you were to ask any attorney general Disney executives have the power.
To do blank they're always gonna say probably we -- -- -- explore -- way to do that.
It but in this case.
Conservatives who generally like the idea of being able to kill.
Islamists that guys yes Islamist bad guys.
They are concerned about my hands are tied concerned about yeah I mean I think this is that this is a big.
Leaked it and you know I suspect what was happening here is in response to Rand -- questions and and other questions that.
They were getting they did exactly what you suggest they did they wanted to protect executive authority but.
It's an odd way to do it it's a strange argument I mean like I've been trying to come up with a hypothetical.
That would allow them to do this and I know others have -- them I don't find the ones that that people have floated very compelling and it seems to me.
The bigger problem here is that we've got an administration that is.
Exporting its law enforcement in using law enforcement on the back guys and now at least raising the possibility of bringing counterterrorism tools back to the United States -- potentially use -- Americans now -- whether the attorney general is -- Reference was -- had nine elevenths style right situation that if there was an attack emanating from within the United States against.
Their fellow Americans.
That those folks to basically be considered militants if -- that if we had a drone flying over that nine elevenths plotters how's that maybe we if we could save the lives of Americans who use the -- I don't.
But that wasn't made clear because there was not enough context as you just explain.
And the notion of trying to use drones are using -- -- American citizens either domestically or abroad without due process.
Is is certainly a violation of the fourth -- as far as I can tell.
And you know I am just -- here than entered the attorney general say that.
Well the but the federal so could the federal government if it wasn't a -- Allen could they could they killed an American now.
Deemed to be -- -- -- -- right now without due process.
So it doesn't matter to drown or not -- while the -- -- instrument to do it right.
So what where do you think this goes what do you think happens next.
I think you'll have a lot of people.
Taking without the content you just put to it well holder said the sale that they might be able to use drones against -- citizens domestically.
Leaving out the fact that he said it's unlikely it's never happened I can't imagine -- scenario would happen.
In that case I just wish he hadn't brought it up because it's -- -- -- leaves him open to great.
Miss interpretation.
And the only headlines -- -- -- Folder holds out possibility of holding -- using I don't against American citizen domestically and that's the only thing that people are gonna remember.
It's a process well we will always remember your kindness and generosity and respect and -- very much.
And Steve as I want you to know that the Internet thinks you're good he -- never looked better.
Hot when you get specific goatee related -- this is a good -- I'm I -- say this is that it was a good day that's good -- my -- make you made his day that your road -- and you made it made -- -- -- so we thank you very much for making time this afternoon don't get blown up by ground under way out of the building.
Okay look.
What about federalism -- what powers to the states have what things actually get dumped on states that federal politicians don't -- -- deal with.
And then they change their minds what's the score card on federalism and how is it working.
We will have somebody who studies that very question.
With you when we come back -- Iraq.
That's.
Is what it looks like when people protest proposition eight in California.
-- acted but a piece of legislation.
Voted on by the voters of California overwhelmingly approved -- same sex marriage in the Golden State.
This is power but now that's at issue because the Supreme Court is considering.
And appeal to strike down.
That voter enacted ban on same sex marriage that's similar to what they have about thirty other states.
Now the reason this is significant to Yahoo!.
Whether however you feel about gay marriage in California is -- significant to you is that there's an ongoing question about.
Which things the states have authority over and which things they don't we have -- and the ninth and tenth amendment.
Amendments that don't get that much attention but do devolved powers not expressly ceded to the federal government to the states but that -- what's happened so how's it going.
Let's get the scorecard and lets me.
Michael -- GO he is of the liberty foundation he is an Oklahoman and his job is to tell us.
What's this war on federalism how's it working tell -- Michael into the show.
I think thank you so much for having me I think -- time and time again.
The the founding fathers' vision of being able to have states -- federal government come up with solutions.
Has worked I think we're seeing right now Washington DC what are we dealing with sequestration it was -- it was this.
Fiscal cliff before right the solutions are not coming out of Washington -- problem gets worse there yet states are coming up with the solutions.
Federalism is the model by which states can come up with multiple different solutions you're closer to the taxpayers of the resources are getting used the service being provided accountability is there.
Transparency is going to be closer.
-- -- more importantly.
That we're not taking resources.
From the states to the -- and bring him back and losing.
Well OK so we've had a couple of and -- things play out on this the president.
We've hit an evolution on the issues and expect.
First he was -- big for it -- was against it and then he was evolving.
We sat on the subject that evolved all the way to being exported it but then saying it was okay who's in who's right that states would be allowed to -- Now post election he says now that I think about it you can't.
And he's asking the attorney general to -- he is in fact having the solicitor general way and with the Supreme Court instead must overturn this ban.
Politicians are situational.
Federalists on the on the on the national level politicians -- situation -- Republicans Democrats like both do this.
Which is to say if there's an issue I don't want to really wrap -- -- around.
I'm going to kick it to the states but on everything else I'm gonna -- me right.
Right exactly but that let's take an issue here in the recent past Medicaid that's a conversation -- this state of Florida said we have a better solution we think we can do -- better job and our state.
But we're gonna address this issue as you're saying to do so at that level.
They get a waiver they put into -- care plan now you have more Floridians that are giving better service more accountability it's working better in Florida than anywhere else.
-- situation what you're talking about California.
Let Jerry Brown what the state of California let the voters of California do what they want to do in California red with the decisions are closer and then let Bobby Jindal and his folks Louisiana do what they -- to do.
And it will be better and that competition that's what makes this countries -- very.
Well federalism -- it he gets a lot of talk.
But it doesn't get that much action certainly not to the degree -- later that -- and amendments something libertarians especially talk a lot about.
But.
What's the health -- let's give us give us say -- Jack how's the health of federalism today better or worse and it was ten years.
I think today it is better than it was ten years ago and today especially because the liberty foundation we just released a report you can find -- liberty found -- work.
And this report has thirty different groups for 29 states that have signed on to say.
We have to better solutions.
We think that if we can get more control of our resources and more control of our policies rather than the federal government telling us what to do it's better offers citizens we can empower citizens.
You haven't seen a movement like this in a long time pushing back to the federal government from organizations people in the states.
And now with delivery foundations competitive federalism port we've been able to harness that together very strong -- Very strong but we're glad that you.
Revis on that question and as much as -- like Oklahoma.
As a state I hate when people -- mountaineers are cool.
If you take -- into the big twelve got to be a little -- more hospitable.
You guys get yours yes there is coming back around the wheel turns around for all you people don't don't don't forget that OK -- On Jonathan is that that's true and I'm sorry I stiffed you want Charles yesterday that was my mistake -- -- and everybody else I'm sorry -- yards -- so there will be Charles today.
And you will enjoy that.
But about this.
-- -- points would you like to do that well I don't really care because it's snowing today and we give them to you anyway.
-- our points today are sounds like trouble.
First PowerPoint is this what if I told -- through that there was a region of the world rich in natural resources on which we depended.
With 600.
Million individuals many of whom have a very low opinion of you would think that I was probably talking about the Middle East.
Know I'm from that Latin America.
We've got big problems down there as Americans the what used to be our sort of kooky neighbors to the south.
Are bigger matter and not looking for ways to do business with the United States and -- that are forging relationships all the way around well.
Now what job it is is dead.
And he was a bad guy he's a really bad guy but he was also a harbinger.
Of something that's happening down there which is.
-- -- your nose at the United States on purpose to gain popular sentiment.
Down in Latin America that let you hold on power even when used stink at running a government.
So here's your second -- glamour shots.
The United States foreign policy is mostly constructed along the lines that are.
Stretch all the way back to Otto Von Bismarck Europe looks at the Middle East we look at Europe we emulate and imitate Europeans in many ways.
As it relates to foreign policy and we have a huge fixation on the Middle East the bigger issue for the United States.
Undoubtedly.
In the future is going to be our relationship with the rest of this hemisphere and Latin America I guarantee you this is a bigger consideration.
As it relates to migration economy natural resources and everything else take that back.
I -- so here's your third -- Howdy neighbor.
So Hugo Chavez is dead.
Who follows him who knows but the most important thing for the United States.
We need to be better more engaged neighbors with the rest of the hemisphere we need to spend more time paying attention that in the Canadians I would point out my goodness sakes and that we spend more time cultivating this hemisphere and getting everybody on our team so that we can be colossus on this side of the globe instead of -- -- so much about what the heck is happening in the West Bank okay.
Just from power points just some thoughts is putting it out there hope you're enjoying your snow day -- you federal workers.
Enjoy a hot -- of hobby and Washington power play we're glad you got the chance to and now as we like to do every day we -- -- -- -- the word.
From French arms.
-- in the end I think it's unsustainable the only reason he could sustain it is because he's sitting on oil.
He spread the ideology to Bolivia Ecuador.
And sustain the Sandinista Nicaragua.
But in the end those a basket cases and would socialism.
The day and there's system in the socialism is -- -- make it.
In the it was Margaret Thatcher who sit in the -- socialism doesn't work because they're -- run out of other people's money.
And there isn't a lot of it in Bolivia and Ecuador Nicaragua to start work.
