Wednesday Morning Briefing: The Referendum That Wasn’t Edition

Just a quick briefing this morning, I got places (OK, a single place) to be. Have a great Wednesday!

Politics

The Republicans lost a seat in NY-26 last night. The Democrats are portraying it as a referendum on the Paul Ryan Medicare plan. What it was really about: a tea party candidate taking almost 10% of the vote in a blue state where a Republican got involved in a sex scandal. – CNS News

Looks like GOP has found a chance to strike while the iron is hot against Obama when it comes to the traditionally Democratic Jews after his terrible remarks regarding Israel and 1967 borders. – The Daily Caller

Bill Kristol: Shouldn’t Obama be more concerned about Iran having nukes that Israel’s borders? – The Daily Caller

• Of course he should but why demonize an actual enemy?

National

Defense Secretary Gates acknowledges necessary cut in defense spending but warns against “hollowing out” the military in such a tumultuous world and while we’re involved in basically three wars. – Fox News

Violent storms are still hitting out west, killing 8 in Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas. – Fox News

John Edwards, the scumbag that he is, will get his day in court. I’m trying not to pass judgement. – CBS News

World

Former Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak will face trial as well for corruption and murder. Good. – The Blaze

Things are still heating up in Yemen. The president is going nowhere. – WaPo

UK Prime Minister Cameron and President Obama agree there will be no “let up ” on Qaddafi. Now if only we could get Congressional approval. – CNN

Cartoon of the Day

Via Townhall.com: