Be in the know: Today's political bullet points

Every day we ask influential politicos to send us their top three bullet points that are driving the day's conversation inside and outside Washington.

RedState.Com Editor Erick-Woods Erickson:

– Last week the Wall Street Journal ran a front page article on large hedge fund operators who lean Democrat, but who have gone Republican. One of the biggest is Democrat Steve Cohen. Today, the Wall Street Journal reports the Department of Justice is investigating Cohen. Surely a coincidence, but the conspiracy theorists will have a field day.

– In last night's first Republican debate, Tim Pawlenty confirmed that he is a first tier candidate and Herman Cain genuinely surprised people. Keep your eye on both. More interesting, when Fox News ran a graphic of the candidates and potential candidates who were not participating, it included Fox News Contributor Mike Huckabee, but not Fox News Contributor Sarah Palin. Do they know something?

– Unemployment went up, though the new jobs number looks good. The problem is the number of works out of the process altogether and unemployed. That number is now at a record low and there is no way the administration will surge a recovery with so much of the nation's workforce idle.

Firedoglake.com Blogger/Founder Jane Hamsher:

– All Americans Agree: Our Politicians Suck

– Free Trade Flip Flop: Trade Package Goes from "Huge Mistake" to "Grand Bargain"

– What Can America Do When We Set Our Minds to It?

Editor’s Note: The blog is a place for a freewheeling exchange of ideas and opinions. CNN does not endorse anything said by its contributors