ABC News | Mark Trumbull

The economic stimulus package approved in February is the biggest recession-fighting effort in U.S. history, but the question after nine months is whether it is big enough to bring back lost jobs.

*Christian Science Monitor | Does US need a second stimulus to create jobs?

*Boston Globe | Senate hopefuls hesitant to embrace stimulus

*Red State (blog) | The Second Stimulus

Globe and Mail | Rex Murphy

There are two great political speakers in the America today. Sarah Palin is the other one.

Barack Obama’s speaking skills are his signature talent. He’s a platform performer, a speechmaker in the great tradition, a kind of teleprompter Cicero. The campaign to become President owed more to Mr. Obama’s oratorical mastery than to any other element. His speech on race in America, necessitated by revelations of the ugly thoughts and sentiments of his hometown preacher, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, was the most important event of his campaign. If it had failed, his candidacy would have been doomed. Under pressure – the great test of the real speechmaker – he delivered.

Real Clear Politics | Mike Memoli

Public Policy Polling (D) revisits the Missouri Senate race today, an in the expected matchup of Secretary of State Robin Carnahan (D) and Rep. Roy Blunt (R), the result is just where it was at the start of the year.

General Election Matchup
Carnahan 43 (-2 vs. last poll, 1/10-11)
Blunt 42 (-2)
Und 15 (+4)

*Swing State Project | MO-Sen: Carnahan Leads Blunt By 1

*The Hill | Is the environment buoying Blunt?

*Politics Daily | Carnahan, Blunt Are Neck-and-Neck in Race for Missouri Senate Seat

Austin Scott for Governor of Georgia

Scott campaign: Candidate’s walk around Ga. longest ever by politician

Atlanta Journal Constitution | Aaron Sheinin

Not surprisingly, there is near unanimity among Republicans: They’d opt-out, and fast, and the entire exercise is a “boondoggle,” as Republican Karen Handel, the current secretary of state, put it. Only state Rep. Austin Scott (R-Tifton) added he would study the bill’s effects before deciding, “just to make sure we understand the consequences prior to the signing of any legislation.”

LA Times | Crucial vote to advance Senate healthcare bill seems assured

The last of three Democrats whose support was needed to allow debate on the bill after Thanksgiving says she’ll vote to move the measure along, but all warn they still have doubts.

Big Government | Joe Lieberman will pay

Le·gal In·sur·rec· tion | Absolute control by the fed. Yes, it really is that bad

The Hill | 60 was always the key

Hot Air | Reid should be careful citing Orwell

Michelle Malkin | Proves you can buy your way to 60

The Moderate Voice | Hope Reid did his home work