Friday Morning Open Thread

Good morning.

The President returns from Oslo today, with his Nobel Peace Prize in hand. I don't know how the President and other leaders can travel so much and not get wicked jet lag. They travel overseas constantly and never stop working. I know that's not an earth-shaking issue, but it was on my mind.

The Senate is in session this weekend. Democratic leaders are still waiting for the CBO to score the latest compromise, so there's still no actual bill. But, it was apparently the Republicans who wanted to keep working this weekend. They need more time to obstruct the nation's work. Senate Dems. are hoping to finish the health care bill before Christmas. Senate GOPers are going to use every trick in the book to prevent that. But, as we all know, what's most important in the Senate is what Joe Lieberman thinks. He's usurped the role of Senator Snowe.

The House is scheduled to recess next week. But, the Speaker would bring the House back before Christmas if there's a possibility of passing a final health care bill (which sure sounds like the House Democrats are willing to accept the weakened Senate bill.)

It's a cold one here in D.C. The temperature is 25 degrees, but feels like 15 with the wind. I'm really looking forward to walking Petey in a few minutes (although he does have a snazzy new jacket, courtesy of my parents.)

Let's get it started...