I see that members of Congress such as Senator Pat Leahy (D-VT) and the House's Gary Ackerman (D-NY) are arguing for a cutoff of all aid to Egypt until Mubarak leaves office. Think Progress notes that 144 current members of Congress have, in the past, voted to cut aid to Egypt. So, it's conceivable that an aid cutoff could actually happen -- right?
I'd say not as long as the unofficial information ministry of the Republican Party is framing the issue this way:
Mubarak's defiance isn't a rejection of Egyptians yearning for self-determination, or a rejection of all decent world opinion -- it's a rejection of Obama. And anti-Mubarak = pro-Muslim Brotherhood, full stop.
That message is simple, vivid, and good for Fox's ratings. It's also good long-term for stirring up anti-Obama hate. Therefore, Fox is going to pound it repeatedly. And the rest of the wingnut media will echo the message.
Under those circumstances, what Republican (or red- or purple-state Blue Dog Democrat) who ever wants to be reelected again will vote to cut off aid?
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