Morning News Round-up

On Meet the Press Sunday, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) said, "I'm confident that Senator Hagel will probably have the votes necessary to be confirmed as secretary of defense." Mr. McCain’s upbeat confidence would be oh-so much more meaningful if he hadn’t been one of the leading senators to filibuster Chuck Hagel’s nomination – the first-ever filibuster of a Secretary of Defense nominee in U.S. history.

Race car driver Danica Patrick got all manner of high praise and wall-to-wall cover on sports shows yesterday when she became the first woman in history to earn the pole position for the upcoming Daytona 500, one of the top and most famous races on the circuit.  It is indeed a major achievement, and any such “first” deserves praise – and I hope she goes on to win the race.  I also hope that for all the massive coverage this received, reporters recognize that the actual goal is not to get the best starting position, but to actually win the race. 

Up until a few weeks ago, State Senator Toi Hutchinson was the leading candidate in an upcoming primary on Feb. 26 to replace Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. in his Illinois congressional district.  Then, ads began touting her proud “A” grade from the NRA.  On Sunday, with her poll numbers plummeting, Ms. Hutchinson dropped out of the race.  Further, she endorsed former State Rep. Robin Kelly – who has been proudly touting her “F” grade from the NRA.  Anyone who thinks NRA influence in elections is not waning, might wish to reconsider.  Fast.  While there’s still time to reconsider.

There was an awful headline yesterday, “Man Accused of Throwing Ex-Wife Overboard Cruise Ship.”  This was not a good week for the cruise ship industry.

With the Oscars coming up, it’s worth noting that yesterday at the Writers Guild Awards, the winner for Best Original Screenplay was Chris Terrio for Argo, and the winner for Best Adapted Screenplay was Mark Boal for Zero Dark Thirty.  Also, Malik Bendjelloul won Best Documentary Screenplay for Searching for Sugarman.  There’s a good chance you’ve seen the first two – but not the latter.  Try to see the latter, it’s enthralling and an utter treat.  If they don’t re-release in theaters, rent the DVD.