Coming up on Hardball…
Let the campaign begin! President Obama rallied the base yesterday with his powerful speech saying the wealth should pay higher taxes. Is this take-it-to-the-Republicans, no-negotiating tactic setting the stage for the 2012 campaign? Will it win over voters? We’re asking Fmr. Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D-MI) author of the new book A Governor’s Story, and Democratic Strategist Bob Shrum.
Gov. Rick Perry lobbed a strong accusation against President Obama today: that the President has a policy of “appeasement” in the Middle East. More than a play for the Jewish vote, is this a dog whistle for the Christian conservatives, who can make Perry the GOP nominee? And is Perry painting Obama as “anti-Israel?” John Heilemann authored this week’s New York Magazine cover story, calling Obama “The First Jewish President.” We’ll get to the heart of the matter tonight, with Heilemann and Politico’s Jonathan Martin.
Ask! Tell! Today marks the official repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and we’re talking with Army First Class Sgt. Stacy Vasquez, who was outed and may now re-enlist. And Aubrey Sarvis, Executive Director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Fund, joins us tonight.
It’s finally here: Joe McGinniss’s book on Sarah Palin, called The Rogue, hits stands today. What did he uncover while he was reporting and living in the house next door to the Palins? We’re asking him tonight about Palin’s political instincts and political appeal on Hardball. Don’t miss it!