USA Today, reports that "Obama is taking heat for his measured comments," with "Republicans such as John McCain," accusing him "of not doing enough to help democratic supporters in Iran."
The AP reports the Administration "again chose caution over condemnation in its comments Thursday on the Iranian election crisis, a careful tack followed by other democratic nations anxious not to damage prospects for engaging whatever government emerges." The Wall Street Journal, however, says European nations "are taking a considerably more aggressive line toward Tehran's clerical leaders than the Obama administration as Iran's postelection crisis deepens, fueling the ire of US Republicans and some democracy activists."Ahmadinejad Aide Blasts US "Interference"
The Washington Post reports Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's "top political adviser said Thursday that the United States will regret its 'interference' in Iran's disputed election." Mojtaba Samareh Hashemi said in an interview with the Post that President Obama's comments this week about demonstrations will "make things harder" if the Administration "attempts to engage Iran in talks over nuclear and other issues."
Coal Industry Lobbies Against Climate Bill
The Hill reports that as lobbying intensifies ahead of the potential House floor vote on the Waxman-Markey climate change bill, "the coal industry is pushing back" against the bill, which "would likely curb coal use." The industry is "circulating a map that shows which states would see their electric bills increase the most under the legislation" in order to draw "battle lines based on region rather than political party." However, supporters say the industry's figures are off the mark and don't factor in ways the bill will offset rising energy costs or the jobs that it will create."
Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reports that "House Democrats are on the verge of a deal with rebelling Farm Belt legislators on a climate-change bill," which "could pave the way for a full House vote on legislation as soon as next week." Sources "close to the negotiations" indicated that the two sides "could reach an agreement within days, under which rural utilities could receive a small share of free emission credits -- less than 1% of the total that would be handed out" -- which addresses the Farm Belt Democrats' concerns that the bill "could disproportionately raise energy prices for residents and businesses in their states."
The Washington Post reports, "Worried about releasing or permanently incarcerating detainees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in their districts or states, lawmakers stripped $80 million from the bill to implement Obama's plan to close the detention facility there, instead allowing the administration to bring detainees to the United States only for trials."
Latest From Late Night Comedians
Conan O'Brien: "A lot of people worried about the situation in Iran now. And I mean everybody's worried. This is a true story. ... Ashton Kutcher is urging the US government not to intervene in the crisis in Iran because he fears that Iran will end up just like Iraq. ... President Obama thanked Kutcher for his advice, said he'd get back to him after running it by the Jonas Brothers."
Jimmy Kimmel: "President Obama" is "getting a lot of criticism from PETA, you know, the Psychotics for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. They're taking issue with the fact that he killed a fly. For real. ... PETA said he should have captured the fly and taken it outside, which would have been a great message to send to North Korea."
Craig Ferguson: "Not such a great day for Hillary Clinton. She fell down, broke her elbow. ... You know, Fox News is going to be all over this story. This proves the Democrats are weak. Reagan fell over 10 times, didn't even break his hair."
David Letterman: "This guy, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, I mean, he claims victory and he is very unpopular. ... And the danger politically of this, he could ruin the political career of his brother, Jeb Ahmadinejad."
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