CNN Poll: Democrats up 4 points in battle for House

According to a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Tuesday, the Democrats have a four-point margin over the Republicans in the battle for control of Congress.

The poll indicates that 50 percent registered voters say if the election for Congress was held today, they would vote for the Democrat in their district, with 46 percent saying they would cast a ballot for the Republican in their district. The Democrats' four-point margin is within the poll's sampling error.

Former Sen. Alan Simpson - "We've got homophobes in our party"

From ThinkProgress: On MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews today, former Senator Alan Simpson (R-WY), co-chair of President Obama’s debt commission, railed against the social conservatives in the Republican party. He admonished male legislators for voting on abortion issues and “homophobes” like Rick Santorum who say “cruel, cruel things” about gays and lesbians:

SIMPSON: Who the hell is for abortion? I don’t know anybody running around with a sign that says, “Have an abortion! They’re wonderful!” They’re hideous, but they’re a deeply intimate and personal decision, and I don’t think men legislators should even vote on the issue.

Then you’ve got homosexuality, you’ve got Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. We have homophobes in our party. That’s disgusting to me. We’re all human beings. We’re all God’s children. Now if they’re going to get off on that stuff — Santorum has said some cruel things —cruel, cruel things — about homosexuals. Ask him about it; see if he attributes the cruelness of his remarks years ago. Foul.

Now if that’s the kind of guys that are going to be on my ticket, you know, it makes you sort out hard what Reagan said, you know, “Stick with your folks.” But, I’m not sticking with people who are homophobic, anti-women, moral values — while you’re diddling your secretary while you’re giving a speech on moral values? Come on, get off of it.

So let's hear it for Sen. Simpson. A Republican who isn't afraid to call things out. I'm sure Sen. Simpson and I may not agree on everything, but these are the members of the GOP I can handle. Moderate and straight-talking. Have your ideals, but leave the "evil" out of politics.

Very refreshing to hear today in light of the Palins, Bachmanns and Gingrichs.

Unrest and turmoil in Egypt

From CNN: crowds took to the streets today to protest President Mubarak and the present government.  The army had to be deployed to try to settle unrest that began Tuesday. Mubarak has promised to dismantle the current government but resists calls to step down as President of the country.

Although he has been pro-United States, Mubarak is considered a dictator in many circles. President Obama has called on the government in Egypt to refrain from violence and undo the limitations on internet restrictions put in place during the unrest.

Obama said he spoke to the Egyptian president after he announced plans to dissolve his government and take steps with a new cabinet to implement reforms that will revitalize the economy and create more jobs.

"I told him he has a responsibility to give meaning to those words, to take concrete steps and actions that deliver on that promise."

A protester holds an Egyptian flag as he stands in front of water canons

during clashes in Cairo.

Stay tuned to see how this affects not only Egypt but relations with that country both here in the U.S. and abroad.  U.S. stocks ended lower Friday as investors grew nervous about the political situation in Egypt.