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Today's Blogometer: On The Fence

October 9, 2006 1:10 PM | |

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Bloggers on the left and right tracked news of North Korea's announced nuclear detonation into the morning. The blame game aside, bloggers on both sides highly recommended Robert Kaplan's Atlantic Monthly piece on North Korea. Domestically, lefty bloggers are still in full Foley scandal mode, but Kausfiles has identified an issue that might depress GOP turnout even more. Kaus notes that Pres. Bush might pocket-veto the Secure Fence Act. Righty bloggers are not pleased by the possibility.

IMMIGRATION: Bush Signed The Bill Before He Vetoed It

Ever on top of the immigration debate Kausfiles notes that Pres. Bush has signed only the appropriations bill for the 700-mile border fence bill, not the Secure Fence Act, which actually requires money to be spent on the fence. Kaus writes: "Under the Constitution Bush has 10 days to sign the bill into law -- a deadline that would seem to be rapidly approaching." Righties were not pleased by the possibility:

  • Instapundit: "If the GOP is this stupid, they deserve the brutal drubbing at the polls that will result. Message to the White House: You blew it on Harriet Miers and Dubai Ports because you ignored the early-warning signals from the blogs. You can't afford another such disaster, so if Kaus is right here, you'd better rethink, pronto."

  • National Review Online's Jonah Goldberg: "Will Bush Pocket Veto the Fence? Mickey's getting worried. Given the stage in the election cycle, I'm sure he's not the only one."

  • Captain's Quarters: "It seems odd that Bush has not yet signed the Secure Fence act, and his opposition to all but a comprehensive approach to immigration may be tempting him to spike the bill. If he thinks that will happen quietly, though, he is sorely mistaken, and that tactic will rebound horribly against a Republican Party that has enough trouble on its hands in these midterm elections."

    • Read Today's Blogometer.