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Politics Today: Romney and Paul Team Up, Santorum Defends Satan Remark, And More

Tracy Bloom |
February 22, 2012 | 12:57 p.m. PST

Deputy Editor

Romney And Paul Team Up To Defeat Santorum: Ron Paul appears now to be teaming up with Mitt Romney to help defeat Rick Santorum in the Republican presidential primary. Paul's campaign is now passing opposition research on Santorum to Romney, NBC News reported. Additionally, he's also running this new television ad attacking Santorum and questioning the former Pennsylvania senator's conservative credentials. Watch:

Santorum Under Fire For Satan Remarks: Some 2008 remarks made by Santorum are causing a stir today after they were posted on the Drudge Report. Warning that the U.S. government was falling to Satan, Santorum told a group of students at Ave Maria University in Florida: "Satan is attacking the great institutions of America, using those great vices of pride, vanity, and sensuality as the root to attack all of the strong plants that has so deeply rooted in the American traditions. The White House contender today defended those 2008 comments. “It's a joke, it's absurd," he said. "I‘m a person of faith. I believe in good and evil. I think if somehow or another because you’re a person of faith you believe in good and evil is a disqualifier for president, we’re going to have a very small pool of candidates who can run for president."

Trump Reconsiders Presidential Run: Donald Trump said he might run for president again if Rick Santorum is the Republican nominee. On Wednesday, Trump told CNBC: "Honestly, if Santorum got it, I would seriously, seriously consider it. We need someone that's really going to be great. This is the most important election in my opinion that this country has ever had. Santorum is not the right person." Trump has endorsed Mitt Romney for president.

Virginia Governor Says Women Won't Have To Undergo Transvaginal Ultrasounds: Following controversy over a bill in Virginia that would have mandated a woman undergoes an invasive transvaginal ultrasound before they got an abortion, Governor Bob McDonnell is now backing away from the requirement. In a statement in which he also reiterated his pro-life views , McDonnell said: I am requesting that the General Assembly amend this bill to explicitly state that no woman in Virginia will have to undergo a transvaginal ultrasound involuntarily. I am asking the General Assembly to state in this legislation that only a transabdominal, or external, ultrasound will be required to satisfy the requirements to determine gestational age. Should a doctor determine that another form of ultrasound may be necessary to provide the necessary images and information that will be an issue for the doctor and the patient. The government will have no role in that medical decision." (Read the full statement here).

Colbert Channels Star Wars, Talks Pelosi In Super PAC Segment: Stephen Colbert is offended by other news coverage of super PAC's because, not only is it a signature issue for him, but he has also actually has his own super PAC. "It seems like everyone is riding my wallet tails," he lamented on his show last night. He added that the program's Wednesday night guest, Nancy Pelosi, is also now "attacking" him with an ad in which she urged more disclosures from super PACs.  Then, somehow, The Colbert Report gets all Star Wars on us, with Colbert - his face and hands shaded in the color of money, thanks to some special lighting - donning a cloak and saying in an Emperor Palpatine-like voice to President Obama (because his campaign recently decided to accept PAC money): "Welcome young PAC-walker. Feel the power of the green side." And, oh yeah, somewhere in between there are really cute kittens. Check it out:



 

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Craig Gillespie directed this true story about "the most daring rescue mission in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard.”

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