Midday Open Thread

• Republicans want to revive "the angry town halls of August," which means getting several dozen people to disrupt a few events, followed by non-stop, breathless coverage by the traditional media on the protests that are engulfing the country.
• So, what has the bold leadership and decisive action demonstrated during the 111th Congress gotten us?

  Republicans have moved ahead of Democrats by 48% to 44% among registered voters in the latest update on Gallup's generic congressional ballot for the 2010 House elections, after trailing by six points in July and two points last month.

• A majority of Americans fear a backlash against Muslims in the military in the wake of the shooting at Fort Hood. Republicans and conservative commentators are doing everything they can to make sure that fear is realized.
• Will the GOP's inevitable criticism of the President's decision on troop levels in Afghanistan put them between a rock and a hard place?
• Steven King (R-IA) is a blatant liar:

  In a press release, Rep. Steve King (R-IA) suggested that Dunn's departure may not be a coincidence, but rather the result of her supposed connection to ACORN:

  Anita Dunn left the White House earlier than expected. Not only has Dunn lavished praises on Chairman Mao and compared him to Mother Teresa, Dunn's husband has a public record of protecting ACORN and protecting President Obama's relationship to ACORN.

  Contrary to King's statement, Dunn's departure was "expected" -- her role was always understood to be temporary.  What's more, she will remain a consultant to the administration, which flies in the face of the idea that Dunn was banished.

• You can only cross your fingers and hope that Sarah Palin is coming to a town near you.
• Considering this comment about him giving the House health care reform bill its lone Republican vote, it's apparent that Rep. Anh "Joseph" Cao (R-LA) has suffered a complete break from reality:

  "If the chairman [Michael Steele] believes that I'm not conservative enough for the GOP, that's his prerogative," Mr. Cao said. "I hope he will continue to work with me to arrive at good solutions for the country. Causing a rift between moderate Republicans and conservative Republicans would not be good for the party."

• The husband of former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor has died.
• Sometimes a man has to take a stand:

  American International Group Inc. Chief Executive Officer Robert Benmosche told the insurer’s board of directors that he may quit because of government limits on what the company can pay employees, according to a person familiar with the matter.

  And who can blame him?

  Benmosche’s salary is $3 million in cash, $4 million in shares, and as much as $3.5 million of long-term incentive awards.

• This is just too doggone cute for words.