Tweets of the Week

The Crystal Ball’s Tweets of the Week is a look back at the highlights of the past week in politics in snippets of 140 characters or less. To get this analysis as soon as news breaks, follow University of Virginia Center for Politics Director, and Crystal Ball founder, Larry Sabato on Twitter by clicking here. 12:30 p.m., July 31: Maybe, embarrassing mess on the Hill has been rescued by the pros.Will disappearing center hold, or will left & right devour #debtdeal ? 12:41 p.m., July 31: Ppl’s ‘wants & wishes’ are already being projected onto 2nd half of deal–the next $1.8tr. Will next try at ‘grand bargain’ go any better? 12:44 p.m., July 31: I have a bad case of the ‘if only’s”.If only we could re-make tax system.If only entitlements could be made sound.If only[your wish here]. 1:07 p.m., July 31: So far Ds & left appear more upset by #debtdeal than Rs & right. But it’s early, folks! Everyone will find things to hate. 1:09 p.m., July 31: People always say, “We’ll remember in November!” But 15 months of memory & emotion? I wonder. 1:39 p.m., July 31: Bernie Sanders votes no on cloture. Bernie Sanders calls for

The Crystal Ball’s Tweets of the Week is a look back at the highlights of the past week in politics in snippets of 140 characters or less. To get this analysis as soon as news breaks, follow University of Virginia Center for Politics Director, and Crystal Ball founder, Larry Sabato on Twitter by clicking here. 4:50 p.m., July 5: “No kicking the can down the road”: POTUS. Agreed, even though it was my favorite game as a kid. Cheap–only 1 can needed. 4:57 p.m., July 5: TV hit is singular POTUS plus–commands stage anytime.Cable usually won’t bother 4 ldrs of Congress.Matters if deal falls apart. 1:00 p.m., July 8: Economists’ predictions are so bad they make those of political analysts & meteorologists look good. 1:03 p.m., July 8: Luck as much as skill reelects Presidents. Obama’s luck is beginning to look more like Carter’s than Clinton’s. 1:11 p.m., July 9: RIP Betty Ford.With sky-high approval ratings she spawned unique ’76 button:”I’m voting for Betty’s Husband.”Perfect fit for ERA ’70s. 1:13 p.m., July 9: Go thru list of GOP First Ladies.Betty Ford is the 1 & only liberal.Barbara & Laura Bush=moderate on social issues.Ford was left. 12:10 p.m., July 10: History’s

The Crystal Ball’s Tweets of the Week is a look back at the highlights of the past week in politics in snippets of 140 characters or less. To get this analysis as soon as news breaks, follow University of Virginia Center for Politics Director, and Crystal Ball founder, Larry Sabato on Twitter by clicking here. 8:39 p.m., June 10: Eventually I’m sure I’ll understand why this fishing expedition into Palin’s emails was undertaken. So far, a plus 4 her. 11:34 a.m, June 11: Unbelievable: NSA just gets around to declassifying 1809 govt document on encryption. No date yet–was TJ still POTUS? (TJ left 3/4/09.) 11:36 a.m., June 11: Doing a 50th yr book on JFK–and we STILL aren’t allowed to see loads of intriguing documents about 11/22/63. “We the People”? I wonder. 11:39 a.m., June 13: Gov. Gregoire(D-WA) as expected won’t run again. GOP’s AG McKenna may finally give Rs this GOV after 32 yrs of losses. 11:44 a.m., June 13: TOP HOMESTATE FRENEMIES OF ’12: It’s a tie, Romney & Huntsman(UT) and Pawlenty & Bachmann(MN). Reminds me of HHH & McCarthy(MN) ’68. 8:01 p.m., June 13: OK guys, let’s have a good clean fight–mainly because it’s too early to

The Crystal Ball’s Tweets of the Week is a look back at the highlights of the past week in politics in snippets of 140 characters or less. To get this analysis as soon as news breaks, follow University of Virginia Center for Politics Director, and Crystal Ball founder, Larry Sabato on Twitter by clicking here. 1:41 p.m., June 2: Romney stuck with cursed frontrunner label. Has to take a thorn & make it a rose. 2:21 p.m, June 2: Romney: “Good jobs at good wages.” No, apologies, that was Dukakis ’88. Can’t keep my MA GOVs straight. 10:29 a.m., June 3: John Edwards is political toast forever. No sense piling on. But how does our system let someone like that come close to being POTUS? 11:43 a.m., June 4: RIP, Larry Eagleburger. Great Secy of State, wonderful colleague here at U.Va., true patriot, active until the end. 11:44 a.m., June 4: Eagleburger recently taught my class. Students loved him. He was blunt, whip-smart, and very, very funny. Understood world as few do. 4:07 p.m., June 6: Even when you don’t like the pol & he’s deserving of condemnation, don’t you feel sad when he completely self-destructs? I do. 4:10 p.m.,

The Crystal Ball’s Tweets of the Week is a look back at the highlights of the past week in politics in snippets of 140 characters or less. To get this analysis as soon as news breaks, follow University of Virginia Center for Politics Director, and Crystal Ball founder, Larry Sabato on Twitter by clicking here. 10:25 a.m., May 5: Tonight’s SC GOP Debate should be called “T-PAW & THE PEANUT GALLERY”. Pawlenty only 1st tier candidate. 10:26 a.m, May 5: Still, it’s good to see the conversation started. Republicans seem more than ready to get on the mark, get set, go. Got to start somehow. 1:08 a.m., May 6: GOP debate: Vast majority were tough questions. Oppo researchers couldn’t have done better. All candidates raked over coals. 1:10 a.m., May 6: Net effect of GOP debate: Nil. Too early, too many exotic contenders on stage. But at least process has begun. 12:10 p.m., May 9: Rep.Donnelly(D-IN) jumps in b/c he thinks Sen.Lugar likely to lose R primary to conservative.This is now Lugar’s best argument to use. 12:14 p.m., May 9: Gingrich’s main challenge: Not substantial baggage and prickly personality, but image as yesterday’s man. 12:45 p.m., May 9: Huntsman may

The Crystal Ball’s Tweets of the Week is a look back at the highlights of the past week in politics in snippets of 140 characters or less. To get this analysis as soon as news breaks, follow University of Virginia Center for Politics Director, and Crystal Ball founder, Larry Sabato on Twitter by clicking here. 1:12 p.m., April 29: Time to classify Excessive Anglophilia as a disease. Most TV anchors would be immediately hospitalized. 11:28 p.m., May 1: Most tweeps happy. A few are so bitterly anti-Obama they can’t even celebrate this triumph (4 POTUS & military). Grow up. 11:54 p.m., May 1: Now I have some loony-left tweeps worried about OBL’s “suffering” & our celebration of his death. Puh-leaze! 12:16 a.m., May 2: U.Va. students on steps of Rotunda singing national anthem. Wonder how many places are seeing similar scenes in USA? Plenty no doubt. 7:03 a.m., May 2: Who says students are apathetic? Last night suggests otherwise. Spontaneous college rallies all over nation. 11:26 p.m., May 2: Has there ever been less attention in the USA to a Canadian election? What if they gave an election and no one in the States followed it? 11:28 p.m., May 2:

The Crystal Ball’s Tweets of the Week is a look back at the highlights of the past week in politics in snippets of 140 characters or less. To get this analysis as soon as news breaks, follow University of Virginia Center for Politics Director, and Crystal Ball founder, Larry Sabato on Twitter by clicking here. 11:42 AM Mar 31st: Congrats to IA & SC GOP. States need to get tough with those (such as FL) who would create another ’08 ‘Christmas campaign’ in ’12. 11:46 AM Apr 2nd: Making most sense on Libya: Sen. Jim Webb(D-VA). Too bad Obama’s not listening to his warnings. Too bad Webb’s stepping down. 11:50 AM Apr 2nd: Independent-minded Senators–Founders’ ideal–are rare.Vast majority?Obama cheerleaders or implacable foes–precisely choice VA gets in ’12. 11:50 AM Apr 2nd: Another good Webb idea–across-the-board budget cuts. Less favoritism & politics, everyone treated equally.To be enacted: 12th of Never. 6:57 AM Apr 4th: Nation stunned. Obama announces for reelection. We know what the water cooler talk will be about today! Not. 6:59 AM Apr 4th: Incumbent presidents’ reelection announcements always flat. We know them too well, warts & all. Magic long gone, except for amen chorus. 1:46 PM Apr 5th:

The Crystal Ball’s Tweets of the Week is a look back at the highlights of the past week in politics in snippets of 140 characters or less. To get this analysis as soon as news breaks, follow University of Virginia Center for Politics Director, and Crystal Ball founder, Larry Sabato on Twitter by clicking here. 10:03 AM Mar 24th: “Enhanced interrogation techniques” has a brother in Jay Carney’s new definition of Libya war: “time-limited,scope-limited military action” 10:04 AM Mar 24th: Love those war euphemisms! 9:48 AM Mar 27th: Sec’y Gates says obvious: Libya “not vital interest of US, not imminent threat to US.” Yet Libya adventure costing billions US doesn’t have. 9:49 AM Mar 27th: We’re in era of zero-sum budgeting. When yr favorite domestic programs are cut even more, be sure to give some credit to Libya adventure. 2:32 PM Mar 27th: If naivete about #redistricting could be converted into gasoline, the price of gas would fall $2. 2:57 PM Mar 27th: Can’t take politics out of #redistricting. Even maps drawn by kids with crayons make political choices, in effect. 3:01 PM Mar 27th: Always winners & losers in #redistricting. Always agendas–open or hidden–by those doing line-drawing. Black &

The Crystal Ball’s Tweets of the Week is a look back at the highlights of the past week in politics in snippets of 140 characters or less. To get this analysis as soon as news breaks, follow University of Virginia Center for Politics Director, and Crystal Ball founder, Larry Sabato on Twitter by clicking here. 3:21 PM Mar 18th: Looking forward to UVA Center4Politics Dome Room panel, 6:30 pm, POTUS image-making from JFK-Camelot to 50 years on. 3:26 PM Mar 18th: Our guests:Maria Cardona(H.Clinton’08);CBS/Slate’s John Dickerson;Frank Donatelli(McCain’08);Barbara Perry(Jackie K);author Richard Reeves. 12:02 PM Mar 19th: Military option big risk 4 any POTUS. Positive polls can fade fast if costs in blood & treasure escalate. & When has air power alone worked? 12:07 PM Mar 19th: Will both houses of Congress vote on the U.S. Libyan venture? How exactly will it be paid for–from our enormous surplus? Just asking. 12:52 PM Mar 19th: Where you stand depends on where you sit. HClinton says Admin. won’t go to Congress. Now what would Dems have said if Bush had done same? 7:28 PM Mar 19th: USA Day One #Libya: 100 cruise missiles @ $1m/each = $110 million. Just baseline expense. How much more

The Crystal Ball’s Tweets of the Week is a look back at the highlights of the past week in politics in snippets of 140 characters or less. To get this analysis as soon as news breaks, follow University of Virginia Center for Politics Director, and Crystal Ball founder, Larry Sabato on Twitter by clicking here. 12:33 PM Mar 10th: New Crystal Ball slogan: “Good for Political Junkies. Safe for Children & Pets” 12:35 PM Mar 10th We also keep old slogans: “He who lives by Crystal Ball eats ground glass” & my 32-year class motto: “Politics is a Good Thing”. 10:11 PM Mar 12th Thanks to media on ground in Japan & Libya, serving public. Nice contrast to Gridiron bunch. 12:35 PM Mar 14th Unconventional announcement: Tim Kaine tells a Richmond class he is running for Senate. 12:41 PM Mar 14th Kaine-Allen will be 1 of half-dozen top ’12 Senate races. Appears close at starting gate. Who knows what twists and turns contest will take? 12:43 PM Mar 14th If Kaine-Allen’s nip-&-tuck, POTUS race should be tie-breaker. If Obama wins VA again, Kaine prob wins 2. If R nominee beats O, it’s Allen. 11:27 PM Mar 15th In 40 yrs(1966-2006),

The Crystal Ball’s Tweets of the Week is a look back at the highlights of the past week in politics in snippets of 140 characters or less. To get this analysis as soon as news breaks, follow University of Virginia Center for Politics Director, and Crystal Ball founder, Larry Sabato on Twitter by clicking here. 4:07 PM Mar 4th: 35 presidential swearing-ins held on March 4 from 1793 to 1933, Washington to FDR. Momentous, hopeful day in U.S. history. 12:04 PM Mar 5th: Ah, spring break. Finally a chance to catch up on writing, lecture plans, books unread. But I miss the little devils–too quiet here. 12:16 PM Mar 5th: Do u recall being a student & complaining about 2 much work? Is there 1 of u who wouldn’t gladly trade yr current load for college’s? 3:30 PM Mar 7th: David Vitter Senate Caucus loses charter member. Sen. John Ensign(R-NV) not running again. 3:45 PM Mar 7th: Of 8 SEN retires: 5D,3R. Rs hold AZ, TX, maybe NV. Ds lose ND, pressed in NM & VA (tho may win both). Net effect less than it looks. 7:58 PM Mar 7th: If Sarah Palin were running for POTUS, she’d more likely

The Crystal Ball’s Tweets of the Week is a look back at the highlights of the past week in politics in snippets of 140 characters or less. To get this analysis as soon as news breaks, follow University of Virginia Center for Politics Director, and Crystal Ball founder, Larry Sabato on Twitter by clicking here. 9:09 PM Feb 24th: Also Kaiser Poll–22% think health care law has already been repealed, and 26% more aren’t sure, Let’s not assume too much public knowledge. 10:29 AM Feb 28th: C’mon Florida, move your dang primary! All u do by insisting on 1/31 is shift IA & NH (&NV & SC) up into January, ruining holidays 4 all. 10:31 AM Feb 28th: FL is a mega-state, has every right to insist on a major role. FL can have it as #5 in line-up–a month after 1/31/12. Just as good. 10:37 AM Feb 28th: Crystal Ball is watching ex-Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert in TX SEN (R-primary). Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst frontrunner but NOT sure thing. 5:50 PM Feb 28th: As with redistricting, self-interest in primary calendar trumps public interest. 9:52 PM Feb 28th: GOP ’12 Nightmare: Tea Party disaffected, nominates Ind POTUS ticket, gets 4%

The Crystal Ball’s Tweets of the Week is a look back at the highlights of the past week in politics in snippets of 140 characters or less. To get this analysis as soon as news breaks, follow University of Virginia Center for Politics Director, and Crystal Ball founder, Larry Sabato on Twitter by clicking here. 4:48 PM Feb 18th: Just what Ds didn’t need: another Senate retirement (Jeff Bingaman, NM). Obvious opportunity for ex-Cong. Heather Wilson(R). 4:49 PM Feb 18th: No slam dunk, though. Crystal Ball moves NM SEN from Solid D to Toss Up, pending clarity on candidacies. Will ex-Gov. Gary Johnson(R) run? 4:51 PM Feb 18th: Johnson isn’t going anywhere for POTUS. Will ex-Gov. Bill Richardson(D) run? Doubtful. ex-LG Diane Denish, Cong. Heinrich & Lujan(D) poss. 4:52 PM Feb 18th: Doubt Cong. Steve Pearce(R) will try again. 22-pt Senate loss last time should deter him. 4:55 PM Feb 18th: Candidate match-up vital–but so is prez coattail. Obama favored in NM ’12. Any R nominee may swim against tide. % of ticket-splitting key. 4:57 PM Feb 18th: Prez coattail strength vs. ticket-splitting will determine lots of ’12 Senate races, maybe inc. MT, NE, MO, FL, NM, MA, NV, OH,

The Crystal Ball’s Tweets of the Week is a look back at the highlights of the past week in politics in snippets of 140 characters or less. To get this analysis as soon as news breaks, follow University of Virginia Center for Politics Director, and Crystal Ball founder, Larry Sabato on Twitter by clicking here. 11:03 AM Feb 10th: New Crystal Ball rating for AZ SEN. We are moving from Solid R to Lean R, pending clear idea of likely candidates. 11:04 AM Feb 10th: Jon Kyl was shoo-in. But w/ big Hispanic population and Obama targeting, AZ might be competitive. Might. 11:07 AM Feb 10th: Pending D choice of candidate, Crystal Ball keeps VA SEN a toss up. 1:53 PM Feb 10th: Amazing how many disappointed ppl have said to me today, “VA SEN now just another race.” Grudge matches have special appeal, I guess. 11:43 PM Feb 10th: Crystal Ball is changing Egypt rating from Solid Dictatorship to Toss Up, pending further shift to Lean Democracy. 11:25 AM Feb 11th: Congratulations to the people of Egypt. From your friends in Virginia USA, our state slogan: “Sic semper tyrannis”…Thus ever to tyrants. 7:57 AM Feb 14th: Election earthquakes have

The Crystal Ball’s Tweets of the Week is a look back at the highlights of the past week in politics in snippets of 140 characters or less. To get this analysis as soon as news breaks, follow University of Virginia Center for Politics Director, and Crystal Ball founder, Larry Sabato on Twitter by clicking here. 3:20 PM Feb 3rd: No big surprises on VA Census data. As expected, NoVa & suburban/exurban areas gain, central cities & rural areas lose. Same old story. 6:24 AM PM Feb 4th: National Review: Jeb Bush might run in ’16…Finally, on to 2016. ’12 is such a stale topic. 12:38 PM PM Feb 6th: All Rs who run for POTUS fashion themselves as the next Reagan, all Ds who run for POTUS as the next JFK. All fail. 12:40 PM PM Feb 6th: Certain presidents become men for all seasons in their own party, ‘golden oldies’ with a sound often imitated but never duplicated. 12:42 PM PM Feb 6th: Thomas Jefferson is popular in both parties. But the pols who invoke him most often are the least like TJ in intellectual heft & curiosity. 12:49 PM PM Feb 6th: Shakespeare provided the best north star