Use this post as today’s thread.   Cliff Schecter (@cliffschecter) talks this week’s news and politics with Sam.  The Clown Car Debate: Cain’s use of the third person creates a void and with the Iowa Caucus approaching, who leads the field and where will it go from Iowa?  Also, how emotional vendetta influences policy and why civil liberties didn’t factor into the NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) debate.  See Glenn Greenwald’s article and listen to Charlie Savage on the Majority Report.

Also today, a special guest movie reviewer.  Aasif Mandvi (@aasif) of  The Daily Show gives his top picks for the weekend and throws in few restaurant reviews too!  Plus, songs of the week by the Screaming Majority (@ScreamingMaj) and Jimmy Reefercake (@JimmyReefercake) !

Today is the last day to add your picks of the past year for our best of  show. Post your favorites in the Blog’s open thread.

And if you get a chance please take the survey here, it will help us with sponsors for the free podcast.  Thanks!