BET Wire: Americans Want Unemployment Insurance Extended
Plus, Chris Christie is "outraged" over bridge traffic jam.
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In Case You Missed It - American voters want lawmakers to extend unemployment insurance and raise the minimum wage; Sen. John McCain thinks Dennis Rodman is an idiot; New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's presidential hopes may be tarnished – and more. – Joyce Jones (@BETpolitichick) (Photo: BET)
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The UI Debate - In a new Quinnipiac poll, 58 percent of voters support extending unemployment insurance for the 1.3 million who lost their benefits in December. Along party lines, 83 percent of Democrats support an extension, compared to 54 percent of independents and 42 percent of Republicans. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)
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Raise It! - While lawmakers debate the pros and cons of raising the minimum wage, there's no doubt in American voters' minds about what to do. The Quinnipiac poll found that 71 percent support raising it, including 52 percent of Republicans. (Photo: Steve Cole/Getty Images)
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Bridgegate - In a scenario that would not seem out of place in a Sopranos episode, it turns out that aides of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie purposely caused an hours-long traffic jam on the George Washington Bridge as revenge against a political rival. The administration has claimed the gridlock was the result of a "traffic study." Christie is reportedly "outraged." (Photo: AP Photo/Mel Evans)
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Bad Sportsmanship - Arizona Sen. John McCain has a reputation for keeping it real. When asked about former NBA star Dennis Rodman's latest attempt at basketball diplomacy, the 2008 GOP presidential nominee didn't mince words. "I think he’s an idiot," McCain said, adding that Rodman is providing "propaganda for this very brutal ruthless young man," referring to North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. (Photos from left: Allison Shelley/Getty Images, Judy Eddy/WENN.com)
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Smack! - In a new memoir that some pundits are calling a "tell-all," President Obama's first-term Defense Secretary Robert Gates has harsh words for his former boss and Vice President Joe Biden. He said that the president didn't support the nation's mission in Afghanistan but still ordered a surge of 30,000 troops in 2009. He also accused Biden of being “wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue over the past four decades.” (Photo: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
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On Trial - Trenton, New Jersey, Mayor Tony Mack will soon have his day in court. Jury selection began on Jan. 6 for the corruption trial of the mayor, who is still in office, and his brother Ralphiel. They've been charged with a bribery scheme that involved the exchange of $119,000 for the Macks’ help with the development of an automated parking lot. (Photo: AP Photo/Mel Evans, File)