Political Grapevine: 11/9

" And now some fresh pickings from the political grapevine Republican TV shows of -- is set to learn her fate. After dropping out of the special election for New York's 23 congressional seat at endorsing the democratic challenger. The politico reports the GOP could strips -- father of her state assembly leadership position. The state minority leader says quote fundamentally my members are very disappointed with her endorsement of Bill Owens. And aiding him in helping achieve the Nancy Pelosi health care plan. In Washington. Those close discuss -- father say she endured intense pressure from national political forces including the White House one says quote. She was sobbing over the phone. So -- Obama -- backing down she tells the Philadelphia Inquirer. I know who I am I voted with my Republican leader 95% of the time I think that's a pretty good percentage. A 23 year old -- running college student has become an unexpected hero after openly criticizing the country's chief cleric to his face. Ayatollah Ali common -- allow the student to question him for twenty minutes at a university for -- late last month. Quote I don't know why in this country it's not allowed to make any kind of criticism of you nominate countered quote we welcome criticism. We never said not to criticize us there's plenty of criticism that I receipt. In fact Iran's leadership is pointing to the exchange has an example of its tolerance. But many -- initially thought the event was staged one young woman said quote. I thought it was a hoax to show us that we have freedom here but now it looks like it was real. The woman did not want to be -- apply however fearing repercussions. Since the presidential election in June more than 4000 people critical of Iran have been arrested there nearly 400 people remain in detention. And -- remarks delivered Thursday to tribal leaders here in Washington. President Obama deviated from his teleprompter to say hello to doctor Joe Madison -- the only surviving great plains Indian war -- Quote I wanna give a shout out to that congressional medal of honor winner. Problem as doctor -- is not a medal of honor recipient that honor is awarded to military members only that display valor in combat. Doctor crow was awarded the medal of freedom which is the country's highest civilian honor. The president personally awarded doctor -- the medal in all."