Free Republic

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Americans now favor Republicans over Democrats on handling critical issues like the economy, taxes, terrorism and the budget deficit, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Tuesday. One month after a sweeping Republican victory in congressional elections, public confidence in Democrats has plummeted from a year ago on the issues that matter most, the survey found. "Republicans have really recovered from their post-election 2008 low and now have a very strong lead on the issues that are most important to the American people -- the economy, taxes, the deficit," Ipsos pollster Julia Clark said. "Republicans are positioning...

Note: The following text is a quote: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=53277 Secretary Addresses Pakistan, Afghanistan, Other Key Issues By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, March 1, 2009 – As the United States reviews its strategy in Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said he’s gratified by Pakistan’s growing recognition of the importance of eliminating extremist safe havens along its border. Speaking on CNBC’s “Meet the Press,” Gates called the situation on the Pakistani side of the volatile border region “worrisome.” He noted that the region has become a haven for Taliban, al-Qaida and other extremist groups that work together to support...

WASHINGTON - Some election-year advice to Republicans from a high-ranking source who has the president's ear: Don't use a proposed constitutional amendment against gay marriage as a campaign tool. Just who is that political strategist? Laura Bush. The first lady told "Fox News Sunday" that she thinks the American people want a debate on the issue. But, she said, "I don't think it should be used as a campaign tool, obviously." "It requires a lot of sensitivity to just talk about the issue — a lot of sensitivity," she said. The Senate will debate legislation that would have the Constitution...