Every day we ask influential politicos to send us their top three bullet points that are driving the day’s conversation inside and outside Washington.
TGIF and WHAT a consequential Friday it is. Mubarak’s 30-year grip on Egypt ends and now what a senior US official described to me as an “unpredictable new chapter” begins. Will the military move quickly toward reforms and democracy? Or will the Middle East see another military regime emerge from demands for democratic change? Our challenge as we watch this remarkable day is to try, to the degree we can, to look around the corner a bit. Tonight we have a fascinating conversation with ex-CIA Director Michael Hayden, who tells me Osama Bin Laden and Anwar al-Awlaki – the anti-American leaders of Al Qaeda and Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula – are likely to celebrate the fall of the key US ally in the region. But Hayden told me: “One of the things that perhaps would be most damaging to their vision of the future of the Arab or Islamic world is for a more pluralistic more participative government to evolve in Egypt.”
Erick focuses on the dramatic developments in Egypt in his observations today, while Jane has an eye on domestic political and economic themes. It’s a good day to watch the pictures from Egypt and remember how blessed we are to live with such freedom. Enjoy the day, and your weekend. – John King
RedState.Com Editor Erick-Woods Erickson:
- Mubarak steps down.
- Leon Panetta tells Congress he got his information on what Mubarak was doing yesterday (not stepping down) from television.
- The Director of National Intelligence proclaims the Muslim Brotherhood a largely “secular” organization. Wrong.
Firedoglake.com Blogger/Founder Jane Hamsher:
- Hacked Documents Show Chamber Engaged HBGary to Spy on Unions.
- Senate Blocks Trade Adjustment Assistance for US Workers.
- New Markets Tax Credits: Billions for Big Buildings and Bigger Corporations.