With just a little over an hour to go before Sarah Palin invades the airwaves for the forseable future now may be a good time, in the past is prologue sense, to consider the effect she had last time she invaded the Internets. Earl Blumenauer, a Democratic congressman from Oregon, penned very instructive op-ed piece this weekend about how perfectly reasonable, run-of-the-mill political decision can get hijacked by politicians (and others) looking to make a quick headline. The example in this case is the end-of-life provisions added to the health care bill by Blumenauer -- you may be familiar with them under their alternate label: death panels. (more...)

In the midst of his yearend push to pass sweeping health reform legislation, the last thing President Obama needs is another dustup with the tea party set. Is it possible that he referred to them as "teabag" people in discussions with House Democrats? Update: a Democratic Representative's office responds -- see end of post. (more...)