There have been many methods for protesting Karl Rove and general NeoCon tactics over the years, but one I hadn't seen before was the good ol' citizens arrest. Four people tried to perform a citizen's arrest on Rove for war crimes in Des Moines, Iowa, as he appeared at a country club fundraiser, and all four (a Methodist minister among them) were arrested.

In case you've been living under a rock, Netroots Nation is well underway in Austin. I'm not there, but George is busy with some panel appearances and, no doubt, other high-octane netroots activities. He'll have some reports for you soon, but until then you can check out some great coverage from our friends at Burnt Orange Report, and see some great interviews from Talking Points Memo.

Within 24 hours, Merrill Lynch announced a $5 billion second quarter loss and Citigroup announced $2.5 billion in losses for the same period, along with heavy job cuts. It is hard out there for a bank.

Al Gore is calling for the United States to be producing carbon- and fossil-fuel-free electricity in ten years. As a guy who looks at political risk pretty closely, I'm of the same opinion that many people seem to be these days: the energy problems we have will only get worse, and they present serious security vulnerabilities for the United States. Gore's right on the money here, and his challenge is an exciting one.

In June, Barack Obama raised $52 million. They have $72 million cash on hand. I'm not the only one that has a problem wrapping my brain around those kinds of numbers, right?

The RNC and John McCain have sent out an email blast imploring everyone to fill out their "RNC Critical Issues Survey 2008". It is not so much a survey as a loyalty pledge and ideological map.

Can someone please explain to me how you can, as president, do the following: 1) deny that any real economic trouble exists; and 2) blame that allegedly imaginary economic trouble on the Democratic Party? I was amazed by today's presidential press conference, and I think you will be, too.

I am a big fan of Henry Waxman, and I specifically enjoy his work on the House Oversight committee. I knew that Homeland Security, as the newest department in town, was going through some growing pains, but I didn't expect it to become a focal point for Waxman at any time in the near future. And yet, yesterday's news tells us that is precisely what's happening in the wake of a cash-for-access scheme being uncovered.

If you're on the NRCC mailing list, you received this email today. It seems as if they aren't sure which presidential candidate their supporters will choose. Full text of the email after the jump.

Wendy Davis' call for a speedy court date in the rehashed lawsuit brought against her state senate candidacy by opponent Kim Brimer was heard: the Throwdown Showdown will take place on July 22. My prediction: I think this isn't going to go so well for Brimer.