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This week, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs learned this important -- and unfortunate -- lesson: In politics, telling the truth can get you in trouble.
On "Meet the Press" this past Sunday, Gibbs acknowledged what nearly every political analyst has concluded: that the U.S. House is in play come November.
“I think there's no doubt there are enough seats in play that could cause Republicans to gain control," Gibbs said. "This will depend on strong campaigns by Democrats. And again, I think we've got to take the issues to them.”
That comment from Gibbs -- plus all the attention it received -- made House Speaker Nancy Pelosi furious. "How could [Gibbs] know what is going on in our districts?" Pelosi told her members Tuesday, per Politico. "Some may weigh his words more than others. We have made our disagreement known to the White House."
The reasons why Pelosi and House Democrats didn't appreciate Gibbs' remarks include the fact that it highlighted -- from the president's top spokesman -- Democrats' vulnerability this fall, and that it has spooked Democratic donors. (That said, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer made a similar comment to what Gibbs said: "Do I think he’s right in that there are enough seats in play? Probably close.")
But what this entire episode has reopened is a perception among House Democrats of a White House that has showered more attention and focus on Senate Democrats than on them.
Examples: House Democrats passed cap-and-trade, while the Senate still hasn't moved on energy; House Democrats were forced to vote on a Senate health-care bill they didn't like as much as their own; and President Obama has attended more fundraisers for Sens. Harry Reid and Barbara Boxer than he has for individual House incumbents.
"I think that members feel that the White House throughout the last 18 months has paid closer attention and cared more about the Senate than the House," said one House Democratic aide. "There is a level of frustration."
Another Democratic House aide added that House Democrats "take the tough votes and they do everything the president asks. And it is greeted with more accommodations for the Senate."
That said, this aide predicts that after House leaders meet with Obama later this afternoon, you'll hear from these members that Democrats are on the same page and committed to holding on to control of the House in the fall.
Leave a Comment:
When will Democrats learn to stop fighting each other and start fighting Republicans. Republicans are such a target rich environment!
Ron ~ Maybe when we get Howard Dean back as democratic party chair. That went rather well, I thought. Since then, not so much.
Ron:
This is one of those times when if he does not attend to this situation if it continues to fester he will be showing a lack of leadership. If these feelings between Senate and House Dems continue Obama should be stepping in, calming the hard heads, creating an atmosphere of teamwork and pointing the team in the right direction and towards the real competitors as you have suggested.
The Democrats are attacking themselves now, one could call that a crisis. And like Obama and his little dog Rahm Emanuel say "Never let a crisis go to waste." Need not worry Barack and Rahm, the Republicans won't let this one go to waste.
CA: Excellent Point--Lets hope someone in the WH is reading our comments. I think they are.
Anna Molly: I liked Howard Dean also. I still would like to see Howard working for the President in the WH.
This morning, Luke Russert told Andrea Mitchell that the Democrats are descending into a "civil war"...
Is it time to throw young Luke under the bus with Andrea, Chuckie T, Tweety, Big Ed and Dylan Ratigan?
How can you possibly do that...
While, at the same time...idolize a vicious misanthrope like K.O.?
Vicious misanthrope? LoL Doesn't that exceed your syllable limitation for two words? ;)
Ron ~ Me, too. Where's that 50-state strategy when you need it?
Ron,
Good point, I do not have an answer. Unlike the Repubs that at least have unity of purpose (no matter how repugnant that mission is) we DEMS are coming across as fragmented. WE need to get on the same page and unite to fight a common enemy, the Republicans and Tea Baggers - not ourselves. If we do not then we will apy the price in November.
I agree Ron---this stuff makes me crazy. Gotta give the Republicans credit--they may have this kind of infighting but you don't hear about it.
Thank you for not correcting the substance of my description of K.O., Anna Molly.
Just one more reason...
And, what about poor Luke...?
Would First Readers actually turn on someone with that pedigree?
I hope not...but regrettably, I suspect otherwise.
Ron and Anna Molly I fully agree with both of you. The Republican record has enough ammunition for Democrats to walk away with upcoming elections. I think Howard Dean was a better leader in the DNC and more in tune with voter attitudes and sentiment. Hope Democratic party members keep focused on why American voters were keen on making such a huge change in washington. I think the old adage of "Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me," has a bearing for both political parties. Voters are still angry and not all that shy or stupid.
Ron:
You're on hear everyday preaching about how the Republicans should work with Democrats but yet your partisanship has surfaced again with the "Fight Republicans" remark. This is the reason why Republicaans feel the way they do about Liberals. I believe Democrats really do not want to fight with Republicans.
CA:
I thought you believed in separate branches of the Government. Obama is not in the Senate anymore. He is but yet 1 man and he doesn't have to run for election this year. There is different perspective
Republicans play for keeps, Democrats just talk a good game.
Point Blank: Democrats are in trouble and there is nothing anyone can do about it. It is too late in the game, the damage is done. Republicans already have 48% of the country, 2.1% is all that is needed to be swayed. Democrats have had their 4 year run and it is coming to an end. We can argue until the cows come home but you know this is true.
Obama is not running for re-election this year. A Congressman running for re-election in 2010 has a different perspective than he does. A lot of these people running are only in Congress because they rode Obama's coattail and benefitted from straight party voting. They have to run on their own merits, a lot in districts that are not Liberal.
Oh, like you needed another one, Bag Boy.
Mary-
I too, admire Howard Dean, although I rarely agree with him.
When he stood up at a townhall meeting for Rep Jim Moran (D-VA) last summer, and declared that the reason tort reform was not a part of the health care reform bill was the Democrats' unwillingness to confront the trial lawyer lobby, he earned my respect.
For the most part...Dean is a straight shooter.
US Navy Disabled Veteran - Retired
This is were I get off the progressive bus when you call republicans the enemy! They are not enemies but rather competitors. Competitors are friendly afterwards. That's were the Republicans fell off they forgot to work with the democrats after the election to form a more perfect union. they had the enemy mindset. That's what is killing this nation. I am not your enemy and you are not mine.
If the White House (of any admin.) is relying on bloggers for ideas we are all doomed...!
While it's true that Dems seem to be fighting each other as well as Republicans, it just shows how neither party as a whole seem to be concerned about anything other than their own re-election. And since the Representatives in the House make less than a third of the prima dona Senators, and do all of the dirty work, they should be given much more respect by not only the White House but also the Senate.
The house democrats, "take the tough votes and they do everything the president asks". Whatever happened to checks and balances? They're not supposed to do everything the President asks!!!!! It's called a government of the people, by the people, for the people. Not a government of the person, by the person, for the person. When you think about the fact that the house democrats put Nancy Pelosi two heartbeats away from being our President, that should tell you something about their ability to make decisions on behalf of their constituents. Nancy Pelosi is about the last person this country would EVER vote for President. Yet there she is. We need to clean the house, restore our governmental process of checks and balances and get Nancy Pelosi OUT of that seat.
The WH statement is doing just what they wanted to energize the Dem base. For weeks I only heard of only a few of the die hard lids on the boards talking. This is now bringing them out of the wood work. Allthough I think it is to late for most of the canidates this fall. You keep stating the Republicans as the party of no. You have not woken up to the fact that a good percentage of americans are glad they did and it is showing in the poll numbers. The government has never worked well when one party ran everything, there is no comprimise. It's my way or the hwy atitude and that does not work with the people. The republicans are not working with us, better said they are not rolling over and giving in to all they want to do and their point of veiw is not listened to they may have had some good ideas.
Well, keep in mind Ron that the Republicans are the minority, they have no control which also means no accountability. Now is their time to stand together and talk talk talk talk just like the Dems in 2005, but when u gain control something thats when people start to disagree with each other, because power is not distributed the way people want it. My thinking is yes they need someone as a chairman who is extremely assertive something, both parties lack at the top. The thing is u can't neutralize ti because its not like what cable TV tries to tell u, there is no stereotype Democrat, they all have different motives and will fight occasionally.
Last thing i need to say is don't think the Republicans are in complete harmony with each other, just look at what's going on in their primary elections, its very possible they could loose some of their strong districts by fighting each other to the point of self destruct and a Democrat ends up winning by default.
No Hope: If you look at the primary results this season, I think you'll find that there's no problem with Dem turnout. In fact, there were races where the Democrat who lost their primary still got more votes than the Republican who won their primary.
But you're right when you say this is what was needed to energize the electorate.
If you only take a passing interest in the legislative process, you'll see that there have been lots of concessions made by Democratic legislators for Republican support that was promised and then evaporated when it came time to vote.
US Navy Retired: It's thinking that your fellow Americans are a "common enemy" that is the trouble with politics today. Whether you like it or not, we are all Americans, and as Americans, we are free to disagree without being called an enemy. I would think that as a retired member of the military you know that. Or did you actually only follow orders given from someone with whom you agreed politically?
That is hilarious, a democrat telling the truth and the rest upset with him for it.
For once Gibbs tells the truth and Pelosi the Terrible attacks him! How sweet is this! The WH is just trying to prepare his base of supporters (minorities, gays, tree huggers, ultra-liberals) for the November disaster when they lose control of the house AND the super majority in the senate. Unfortunately for the dems this position will not aid the dems running for re-election or for fund-raising. Don't look for Gibbs to make any more truthful statements anytime soon.
The reason way there is always internal fighting in the democratic party is because of it's diversity. Republican's are lockstep because they are the party of exclusion. With few exceptions they all look alike and sound alike. It works for them now but with the changing face of America it won't work for long.
"In politics, telling the truth can get you in trouble."
This has never been more true than under the current administration.
I LOVE this quote:
Nancy Pelosi furious. "How could [Gibbs] know what is going on in our districts?"
Umm...Nancy, apparently Gibbs hasn't spent the past 18 months with his head buried in B.O.'s rear end like you.
It's as if the Dems believe that if they ignore their party's demise it won't happen... seems to be their same sentiment towards the demise of the country.
Gibbs just go out and lay down under the next bus you see. You have offended his Royal Highness and the Wicked Witch of the West. You career is over. Throw yourself under the bus before Obama does it for you like he has so many others that have caused him political embarrassment. Obama is loyal to his friends to the end Mr. Gibbs and this may well be the end for you.
The primary reason that the progressives fight with each other ,has nothing to do with diversity! It has every thing to do with greed!
A progressive walks into a room and sees a pie. Their first thought is, "my that's a small pie! I'd better eat as much as I can, as fast as I can!" A conservative walks into the same room and sees the same pie. Their first thought is "my that is a small pie! It will not feed many! How can we make it bigger?"
No, ted: What the conservative says is "my that's a small pie, I bet if we group together we can take that middle class family's pie too. After all, they owe us. "
Funny. The only time the Democrats lash out like this is when one of their members actually tell the trugh.
Correction before the liberal rants jump on me: Funny. The only time the Democrats lash out like this is when one of their members actually tells the truth.
Trugh Milcon? YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH... (OR SPELL IT)...
Lyn. no matter how he spells it,we get the message. the main democraps like obuma and pelosi dont know how to tell the truth. closed door politics, non transparency, thinking that they know what the people need more than the majority of americans do, thats plain stupidity actually that what they think americans are is stupid. the people will speak in nov. and 2012 and we will see who was stupid. please excuse me if im not a perfect typer.
When Obama and Calderon criticize Americans Dems cheer, when Obama ignores jobs and rams healthcare through against the majority of Americans Dems cheer, when Obama sues Arizona against the majority of Americans Dems "voice some concern" not because of what he is doing but because it is a little too close to election time to be cheering it, when Gibbs acknowledges what we all already know then they decide to oppose him....I can't tell if it is like watching a really bad comedy or a really sad tragedy.
We will know which on November 3rd. , pjam!!
Until the elections actually happen no one knows how they will come out. One thing I will say is that if it is the same elsewhere as it is in California the Republicans may just win because they are doing more campaigning. In the golden state we see lots of ads from Rich B!tch Meg Whitman with her lies (check them with fact check) about her opponent and some from failed business leader Carley Fiorino against Barbara Boxer.
Democrats need to start campaigning pointing out the lies the Republicans continue to tell. If they don't the Reps. will continue the lies and as Hitler believed if you tell a big lie enough times people will believe it. The Republicans obviously believe the same thing.
Oh, and the democrats don't lie? HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!!! That's a good one!! Well, if they don't "lie", they sure have taken manipulating the facts and figures to their own purpose and stretching the truth to new levels.
I believe it was Winston Churchill who said if you tell a lie enough times, it will become the truth in the eyes of those who hear it, not Hitler. But whoever said it, the anti-business, anti-constitution, anti-American opinion, anti-Capitalist, and anti-Democratic Obama Administration, as well as the incompetent Democratic Congress, will hopefully pay the price for their lies, cover-ups, deception, and horrible governing this November, and again in 2012.
I was so very excited when Obama became President in January 2009! At that time, because of his mandate, I thought he would go down as one of America's best Presidents, or one of the worst. After 18 months or so of driving this country into the ground in so many areas, Mr. Obama has demonstrated his lack of experience, lack of leadership, lack of direction, lack of racial unity, and lack of success.....except maybe at the golf club. I only hope the November elections will allow the Republicans to put a stop to his irresponsible spending until he leaves office in 2012. It makes me so very sad to know that our first Black President is such a flagrant failure, but it is reality.
It is never good for one party, whether it is Dems or Reps, to have control over both the White House and the Congress!
There is so much news and information that one will never hear if one only listens to either conservative or liberal NEWS media. I usually go back and forth between CNN and FOX News, and would strongly suggest that those liberals on this forum do the same. Both CNN and FOX are biased, of course. But if you are not listening to FOX at all, you will be blind to a lot of truth that is not pleasant to hear concerning the Obama administration. To take a little twist from Karl Marx's manifesto and re-word it a bit: "What do you have to lose if you listen to FOX NEWS, except your chains to the Liberal Media?"
As just one example, how many of you knew that a Dept. of Justice official just recently resigned because he was instructed by those under Holder & Co. not to prosecute Black Panthers who have been found guilty of obstructing and intimidating voters outside a PA voting station? Instead, those Black Panthers who, among other things, were yelling intimidating remarks at Whites and instructing Blacks to kill White crackers and White Cracker Babies? The liberal press simply does not report that which is negative towards the Obama Administration.
Wake up, America! Vote anti-Democrat!
There is no need to listen to CNN or NBC news as they are so liberal that they distort the truth or fail to cover any story that is negative to the Obama administration. For fair and balanced news all you need is Fox News.
Except FDJ Lakers, it was the Bush administration that dropped the charges. Read: " Wing Nut Lie Machine is at it Again." July 8, 2010. And the quote you mention is Goebbels, the best modern example is, of course, Fox News.
Greek Prince......You should be doing standup comedy.
newday, I see that you are still spouting that same ... misinformation! The bush administration was awarded a judgement against them, they left the sentencing to the obama administration, which dropped the charges!
I'm sure that comrade alinsky is proud of you, however! I see that you read the chapter on creating facts very well!
Sorry, you are wrong. Read the article and turn off Fox News.
Not so much fun, right Dems? Not so much fun when you have to run on your lack of results, and not that Hope and Change bs you were spewing out a couple of years ago.
"Hope and Change" is yesterday's news, JoAnna...
The new mantra is "Divide and Blame".
That one's going to be much harder to sell...
"Hope and Change" was just a campaign slogan, but the voters bought it.
Buyer's remorse is going to be the theme in November.
It always has been "Divide and Blame" for the Democrats. You read it in nearly every liberal post you see here. That is what Democrats do. Even today with the Dems massive majorities in the House and Senate and the most liberal president in modern times, they still blame the Republicans for all their failures. But the American voter isn't buying that line. Latest polls in the ultra-leftwing California even show Boxer at best even with her Republican challenger for that Senate seat. The Democrats are good at talking a good game, they have been good at passing a lot legislation, much of which the majority of Americans were against. But the Democrats are terrible at producing positive results.
And now we see the results of that as the Democrats are ramping up their "Divide and Blame" game, but this time against each other.
JoAnna,
Yes, I've noticed how many Americans are against Medicare and Social Security - which have produced no positive results! Or the American with Disabilities Act or Civil Rights legislation. All terrible laws PRODUCED BY DEMOCRATS that have had no positive results or changes in the quality of life for Americans!
American stands near the bottom of the world's countries for maternal/paternal leaves benefits, it has one of the higher infant mortality rates for a Westernized country and rates very low on benefits for our senior citizens. When do you suggest we join the rest of the world in guaranteeing a basic quality of life standards for our people? The Democrats are the ONLY ones addressing these issues. How unproductive of them!!!!
Diana:
Come on up to 2010. You're talking about stuff from 4 generations ago. In 2010 it only matters what have you done for me lately.
Well, there you go Diane! There are your issues for the Democrats to run on this fall, that some guys that lived 60-80 years ago passed Medicare and Social Security. You know, those two of three programs (Medicaid being the other) that are now bankrupting the country.
So what have you done for us lately Democrats?
JoAnna,
"So what have you done for us lately Democrats?"
Well off the top of my head the Government spent over a trillion in 8 months and my taxes will be going up in January. Oh ya, we don't have a budget for FY 11.
Joanna,
I don't think passing a major healthcare reform bill, working to pass major energy legislation, being ready to vote on a clean elections bill and a major Wall Street reform bill, as well as passing legislation to give women equal pay for equal work, setting up a major volunteer community, giving more benefits to Veterans than the past administrations, plus lowering taxes on the middle class is running on a lack of results....
And when I hear folks whining about spending and the deficit nowdays, where were you when the previous administration decided to cut taxes for the most wealthy while prosecuting two expensive and probably unnecessary wars and "reforming" medicare? Y'all didn't worry about spending and massively increasing the deficit when the Republicans were doing it and Americans weren't even benefitting. The spending for the stimulus not only has created jobs and some stability but also kept states from having to let go more teacher, firemen, police and so on.
And perhaps someday some of those who are just too busy calling names and spewing hate and negativity will actually come up with some solutions to the problems this country has.... how to pay for infrastructure, how to improve education, how to create new jobs (tax cuts don't work for big business as we've seen), how to insure a healthy food supply, how to clean up our environment so we don't poison ourselves and our children and how to bring down healthcare costs. Just changing political parties isn't going to do it. Doesn't matter if you're red, blue or green, we need solutions and not sound-bites or rants.
Paul-Florida
Well off the top of my head the Government spent over a trillion in 8 months and my taxes will be going up in January. Oh ya, we don't have a budget for FY 11.
Most of the trillion dollars was due to revernue shortfalls caused by the Bush Recession, to Bush's unfunded drug prescription mandate (the cost of which Bush lied about to ram it through Congress), to the two wars Bush started but couldn't finish, and of course to the Bush tax cuts that mostly benefitted the wealthy that you're whining about. You won't be paying much more in taxes unless your income is more thant $200,000. If it is, then you'll just have to suck it up. You won't get much sympathy from the "little people" that Leona Helmsely said should be the ones who have to pay taxes.
American stands near the bottom of the world's countries for maternal/paternal leaves benefits, it has one of the higher infant mortality rates for a Westernized country and rates very low on benefits for our senior citizens. When do you suggest we join the rest of the world in guaranteeing a basic quality of life standards for our people? The Democrats are the ONLY ones addressing these issues. How unproductive of them!!!!
higher infant mortality rates.....you are kidding right?
very low benefits for seniors.....is social security not enough, what happened to one looking after ones self.....i guess you want another entitlement? and if you are wondering i'm 64.
Houston,
Good points, put I live in 2010 and things Bush did was/is wrong. I'm talking about today, the over 1 Trillion Dollars Obama as spent this year. Bush had nothing to do with that, it's all Obama and the spending machine.
OK, the taxes, well you say 200K and Obama says 250K so tell me which one is it? I'm not rich by all means and I paid 32K in just FEDERAL taxes and I made less than 200K, pretty close, but under. All together I paid over 48K. That includes my military retirement and VA disability.
So are you asking me if I want to pay more in taxes? My answer is NO!! Why, so the spending machine can spend it on what? 1/3 of my pay is enough!! oh and if you think Obama is helping the middle class, I ask you, who will be hurt the most when the tax cuts expire? The people that makes under 50K, their tax bracket goes from 15% to 25%!!! No that's unfair no matter who you support. I pay over 30%, OK-cool, that's my part, but to hammer the Lower Middle Class, well that's criminal wouldn't you say?
Passing bills is not the measure of success Whimsy. Obama had overwhelming majorities in Congress and it stands to reason that his programs would pass. Success is based on what is good for the country Whimsy, not what is good for Obama and the Democrats. And a lot of people are unemployed, a lot of people are under employed, and a lot more people worry if they'll have a job at the end of the day. That doesn't sound like success to me Whimsy. Does it to you?
Paul in Florida - dude who does your taxes? Yourself??
Elise,
LOL, No...............Let's say I would had to owe. I broke even.
Huston, the budget shortfalls were caused by the 110th. congress, under the same(leadership?) as the current, and still, out of control 111th. congress!!
I found nothing wrong with what Robert Gibbs said--it is possible the House could be lost. He didn't say that was positively going to happen, he just said it is possible. There are a lot of seats in play in the House more so than the Senate.
This is what annoys me, the democrats fighting each other or trivial things. Instead of being furious at Gibbs, Nancy Pelosi should acknowledge that democrats must double down to avoid that happening. I find it hard to believe that Gibb's comment would spook donars--they hear this from the media every day!
I understand the frustration House democrats must feel when they have accomplished a great deal and risking voter anger in the process because I am frustrated with the Senate filibuster, minority rule nonsense. That said, House democrats need to behave like adults instead of fighting about who gets more attention from the White House. Pres Obama praised the House many, many times for passing legislation and then commented that it sits in the Senate so that is hardly a slight. President Obama is right--this time of year is the "silly season" in politics.
Well said Jody, but you have to admit that the only reason anything is being done is for the tenacity and perserverance of House Speaker Pelosi. The White House in their attempts to be too cool and above the fray for the first year greatly wounded the democratic chances in November.
Obama tried to play the cool calculating middle of the road moderate, on health care, comprimising on everything. He tried to walk the middle road to gain republican and independent support that never came. Unfortunately if may never come. In January 2010 the WH got a wake up call in Mass. but the damage was already done.
I find the disagreement between Democrats consistent with normal discourse. Something us Dems can and should do. Personally, I wouldn't mind if Nancy took Barack to the wood shed to get his act together.
If the House Democrats are doing the peoples business why are they risking voter anger? Isn't it the Senate Democrats who are risking voter anger by defying the voters will.
Unless of course you believe all those polls about HCR beiing unpopular or that 4 out of 5 believe that Financial Reform is ineffectual. Maybe all those legislative victories are amounting to nothing with the voters.
Yellowdog,
Gets a vote. President Obama, in my opinion, tried for the high road way to long. While getting the Republicans on board was a good goal, I did not see that happening. It was stated by the Republicans very early in President Obama's term that they were going to do everything in the power to make him fail. And, that is exactly what they are doing 18 months later. The Republicans do not care about America, he!! they do not even care about the very people that elected them except for the very rich, big oil, insurance and wall street. They (Republicans) have united in this one single purpose. You will not see any discourse from their party because Bone Head and McChuckles will not allow any opinions that contradict theirs. Period.
Navy,
When was it stated by the Republicans that they wanted Obama to fail? Don't say Rush or Ann who are Right Wing nut jobs. Name a Congressperson or Senator? If it WAS mentioned, which I never seen in print, why did the Democrates shut out the Republicans on all the issues like Health Care and everything else that matters to us? I'm neither a Republican or Democrate, my Florida voting card says NPA. But I will say this from my point of view, the Democrates attack more than Republicans, now they both are dirty as heck, but both are wrong.
By the way, thanks for serving!!
Retired Army-70%
Waterloo.
Would you like a link to the audio of it?
Paul-Florida:
How about Senator Jim Demint enthusing that if the Republicans could block health care reform it would "break" Obama and it would be his "Waterloo"? That means exactly the same thing. Too bad for Demint, health care reform was more like Obama's Gettysburg, and Demint was, naturally, one of the Confederate generals who had to turn tail and head back to the ole' plantation.
Houston,
Just read the Waterloo comment. It looked like he said that last year in July, I didn't see it due to I was in Iraq until November. I read the article and it seems it was dealing with health care by the way the majority of the country don't want. Again, why am I paying higher taxes for a Health Care I don't want or I want to pay for. Health Care is a Social Program and that equals Socialism, am I wrong. I like my health care, why do I want the Government to tell me what doctor to see?
I think Demint wanted Town Hall meetings to explain the Health Care plan. By the way wasn't this the same Health Care Plan that ONLY the Democrates drafted? That my friend is Socialist!! Now if both parties drafted it, it might be a different story, but when you see the polls, why do MOST over 50% don't want Health Care? Honest question..........15% don't have health care, so I have to fork over 100's of dollars for a SERVICE, yes a SERVICE I don't WANT!!! That equals SOCIALISM.
Jody, the democratic controlled congress has passed some great bills that the majority of the country hates. They have gone against the will of the people and will pay a terrible price for it in November. The rest of Obama's criminal administration will be the lamest of ducks. Hopefully he will be forced to resign (by the democratic leadership) or be impeached before 2012.
Paul-Florida
Actually, the HCR WAS partially drafted by the Repubs, there were many things in it changed in order to bring them aboard, things that they suggested and held out for, and then they went and voted NO against it anyways. President Obama held out his hand for Bi-Partisanship and the Repubs tried to bite it off. The lies about the Dems 'blocking out' the Repubs are a hoot, the Dems have tried to work with the Repubs but the Repubs say NO and then turn around and lie about it.
The HCR is designed to reign in the Insurance companies from screwing us over with THEIR rationing of Health Care, so the Big Lie is that Govt will ration health care with "death panels". Too many people have died or lost everything due to the Insurance Cos denying coverage to the clients who have been faithfully paying their insurance premiums, only to be told, when they have a catastrophic illness or injury, that "a pre-existing condition or legalism has rendered their coverage to be discontinued, and that does not even count the huge number of times that the insurance co's argue bills with the doctors, on stuff that Should be covered, by their contracts, and in fact, the Govt does NOT tell you which doctors to see, that is a fallacy told by the Right as well!
If you do not like ANY socialism then you can Never call the Police, Fire Department, Sewer and Street repair, Medicare/Medicaid, THE MILITARY, clean water delivered to your house, air that is not highly polluted by heavy metals and other carcinogens, food that is not contaminated (look at China and their milk problems, still), and all of the other services which go into making sure that Americans can be safe, happy and reasonably secure. Why, even the TV and Cable services you enjoy are regulated by the Govt, not very well, but it keeps the worst of the monopolization in check.
I think you are confusing socialism with communism, and there is a HUG difference. Socialism and Capitalism are both needed in order for a society to function well. Capitalism is like the engine of the car, but it is useless without the steering wheel (Congress), driver (President), throttle control and brakes (Regulations) along with little things like headlights (Intelligence agencies), Etc... Socialism is like the Road, road signs, bridges, and even gas stations in this analogy. Sadly, the working public happen to be the tires, and they get the most wear of all.
And actually, the last poll I saw, here at FR was 54% IN FAVOR of the HCR, and growing.
Also, you pay for unemployment, well, your employer does, and you also pay for Social Security, for taking care of you should you lose your job, for old age retirement, and for if you happen to get injured and are unable to work, Yet I do not hear you complaining that THAT is Socialism, it is, but I hear no complaints. Most of that "15%" are folks that are unable to pay for health care presently, which means that they end up on OTHER Socialized systems and drag them down, the HCR addresses this by helping to create larger pools where the cost is distributed more widely, it also requires the rich to cover their share as well. Most of what it does is require the insurance companies to be a lot more honest in their dealings with the public, and it is still based on the Insurance Companies, not a Single Payer plan, which would have been Govt Controlled, like Medicare, Medicaid and the VA Med System.
Hope that that explains things a bit for ya since you were out of country at the time.
I Thank You for your service, especially with being sent to that hell hole that Bush got us into. I am sorry that you had to deal with that and all the travesties that went along with it!
Greek Prince: Article 2 of the Constitution sets a high bar for impeachment. Specifically, high treason, bribery or other high crimes or misdemeanors. What conduct of President Obama's do you allege that is an impeachable offense and meets this bar?
How about attempting to sell his senate seat in IL to his best bud Valerie? Blago trial could be his undoing. How about his failure to secure the U.S. border with Mexico? How about he was not even eligible for election since he was born in Kenya? If having sex with an intern in the WH can get you impeached, then the treasonous acts of this racist Muslim president could surely be worthy of impeachment. I don't expect you to agree with me. All of you liberals are disgusting to me in your childish support of this criminal, racist, socialist, anti-American, anti-Christian administration. See November elections for proof that the country has turned on Obama and his criminal associates.
In order to impeach a President, Greek Prince, you must have evidence that a crime was committed. Repeating the talking points from Fox "News" is not evidence. I am always curious about something: the "Great Unwashed" like to repeat the lie that Obama was not born here, but never challenge McCain, who really wasn't. Why is that? Is the difference, shall we say...skin color? Also, the "Great Unwashed" like to use Muslim in reference to this President, and also be critical that he sat in a Christian Church where they claim a minister preached hate about America. So which is it? I realize that reading is something alien to people like you, but turn off the T.V. and try it. You might learn something.
Greek Prince...Your ignorance is showing.
Way to go newday! The racist hype again! Man you must have read that book many, many times! There is a little red flag in the mail for you to wear in your beanie!
Then answer the questions, Ted. Or...can't you because it will force you to realize the truth?
How do they know it's "spooked" donors, and in what way? Maybe they're spooked by the thought of idiots like Smokey Joe Barton taking over House committees so they can back up their apologies to criminal corporations the way he did with more tax cuts and deregulation to show how sorry they REALLY are for Obama treating them so mean. Democratic donors, not to mention the entire nation, should be spooked by that.
Robert Gibbs is an awful press secretary, even though I happen to agree with his statement.
Ron, Democrats have always been this way(as long as I can remember). To the frustrations of many back in the fall of 2008, lotsa folks wondered just where was the Help for President Obama's Presidential campaign!
I said when Phlouffe was brought backin months ago, he'd have a Plan & this is part of it.Stoke the Fire under some Butt's & rejuvenate some otherwise lackadaisical Democrats into giving the MSM something to talk about. It's needed with all the GOP on the airwaves spewing thier Venom & lies.
It's the Political game thats played!
Rick: David Plouffe is one of my favorite political strategists. You could be right on that Gibb's comments are Plouffe inspired. It's early and a lot can happen. Remember, there was a time when candidate Obama was 20 points behind Clinton. It turned around and peaked at the right time.
You all give that dude too much credit. 99% of America don't even know nor care who Plouffe is.
This is no strategy.
Ron,
You damn well you had never even heard of Plouffe before 2007....LOL.......favorite strategist.....lol
Ahh yes, Mr. Plouffe. The man Obama brought back earlier this year to work the 2010 mid-term elections. Seems Mr. Plouffe is doing a hellova job now isn't he. Kind of looks like he lost a little of that ol'magic touch of his though.
I designate JoAnna Smith as FR’s very own ‘master-baiter’!
I think that Gibbs has actually hit a home run, it is just still rising and heading towards the bleachers out in left field. Sometimes it takes saying things like that to get your base fired up, just like all of the lies, distortions and deceit coming from the right whipping up their base with the waves of hate. Gibbs just stated the truth, that all of the seats are in play, and that we have a chance to take em all, if our base comes out to bat!
CA, Tuscaloosa. Good point. I suspect President will have a chat with the democrats just as he did on health care.
As frustrating as it is when the dems fight each other, I still find it more refreshing that they openly disagree rather than the republicans who have 3x5 cards with their message of the day printed.
Jody,
LOL, I wonder what is on the card? Maybe "STOP OBAMA AT ALL COSTS".
Hey Idiot Dangle,
Go piss up a rope. There are a lot of Democrats in the Military past and present. And I am glad to be one of them. I am retired on a Navy Pension. Since you brought it up, why would any self-respecting HUMAN BEING, support the poilices of the Party of NO. It is people like you that are the problem. It is people like you that take and take from everybody else and give back nothing. It is people like you who throw 2M people out into the streets. It is people like you that want more of the pie than you are entitle to on the backs of the middle class. It is people like you that are lacking in morals and ethics. You sir are a SCUM BAG of the highest order. Now go crawl back under rock with your pals, you do not want to miss the circle jerk, now do ya. Keep supporting Big Oil, Insurace Companies, Wall Street, deregulation, GREED and the most wealthy.
ltjdingleberry,
There happen to be a LOT of us Vets, disabled or not, that happen to be very solidly Democrat, we saw what the Repubs were doing from the Inside and will do everything we can to run them back into the fringes where they belong, discredited by the History books and put out of OUR misery!!
That ANY Vet can side with the Repubs is what I find disgusting, how can any self-thinking person actually back those idiots??
ltjdangle -
How about you show some respect yourself?
By the way, ever hear of retired Admiral Joe Sestak? The current Democratic congressman and nominee for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania? Or current Democratic congressman Patrick Murphy, who served in Iraq with the 82nd Airborne? Or are they just "pretending", too? Perhaps you should alert the media - I can't believe they haven't run this story yet!
Interesting B....
Let's see how honest you really are, where do you stand on the whole Vietnam thing???
Will that chat occur before or after those Democrats are thrown out of office in November?
Barack should be sure to get their e-mail addresses, just so he can keep in touch.
spdockery,
We should not have been in Viet Nam in the first place, we got suckered into it by the French Colonialists in the first place, and then they bailed on us. The fact that the war went on so long and so terribly run only helped the military industrialists, they made a TON of money on the war, and it cost us the lives of way too many that should have never been sent there in the first place!!
B.Honest
There are many honorable fully functioning intelligent progressive service personnel, that have served or are serving in this United States Military that are Republicans or favor a majority of the Republican platform.
While I find your comments to be as odious and foolhardy as ltjdangle’s comments, I have fought and will fight for your right and, for ltjdangle’s right, to speak in disrespectful, dim-witted, infantile manner.
Well B that's a start...
Now your ok with the Democrats putting our soldiers in a Political War that we had no way of winning?
My only point is I believe that Vets could have pains and grips with both parties, and every administration. I disagree that the Republicans always treated them poorly, and the democrats are angels that rocked them to sleep at night.
I thank you and all the Vets for your service, but in the end it is still your opinion.
spdockery,
Which Political war?? Bush got us into 2 wars, President Obama is doing exactly what he said he would about them, get us out of Iraq and prosecute the war that SHOULD have been fought to the end in the first place. Had Bush not wanted the wars to go on forever he would have actually NOT let Bin Laden go in Tora Bora and diverted the military to fight his war of choice for oil in Iraq.
So far as I have seen, while the Repubs increase pay for the military, they cut it for the Vets, I have seen it time and time again, and will side with the Dems any day on that subject.
Well B, so much for Honest.
Go with the Angels...
Dang there Navy don't sugar coat it just get it out there where the dumba$$ can understand it. You need a fellow to hold your coat while you take care of that little problem you just give a shout
B. Honest,
Really??? You slam ltjdangle for his remarks and even call him a name and you post the same crap as him?? Classic!!! Kind of proved my point to the response to Navy's post about who's dirtier, doesn't it? psssssss.........you lose creditbility when you call people names............
"That ANY Vet can side with the Repubs is what I find disgusting, how can any self-thinking person actually back those idiots??"
B honest:
When you talk about Republicans cutting pay for vets, you are very misinformed. First of all I am a veteran that receive a CONCURRENT disability check that was instituted by Republicans. Concurrent pay to which you probably know nothing of hence you didn't retire is here because of Republicans. If it was up to the Democrats disabled retiree's would only be receiving their retirement check with the disability % being untaxable.
When I was active duty (Just retired in 07), the highest pay increases were under Republican administrations. Clinton fought like hell to keep that little 2% that we received. Yes I'm talking about modern day soldiers not the Vietnam era. I understand soldiers from that era hold gripes mostly due to the draft but a lot of that anger no longer exists. That era of soldier would expect to be Democrat hence being most were the hippies and anti-war.
This is a subject you along with the rest of your compadres are out of your league on.
YOU have just been schooled.......kick rocks trick.
ITM,
If you Actually read what I posted, I said that Repubs have Raised Pay (for Active Service Members), and Cut Veteran's pay More often than the Dems. Dems have held Active pay to even levels, generally, and raised Vet's pay and increased funding for the VA, which under Bush and co, languished badly.
I know very well about this, having been in the Navy under Reagan, and then I was Very happy to see that increase in pay, but they also stiffed the VA and tried to cut Vet's benefits as "Cost Cutting Measures".
Go ahead and kick those rocks, just make sure you are kicking the right one ITM!!
Marine Corp Vet,
I apologize to you, I actually do know that there are many people on all sides of all issues in the Military. I was specifically responding to ltjdangle and I guess that the sarcasm was not clear enough.
I do Thank You for YOUR service as well, and acknowledge that there Are some very good Repubs out there, sadly they are badly overshadowed by the extremists presently. Yes, we both, and all the others that have served or are serving now, and those to serve in the future, have guaranteed us the right to converse and disagree, that is one of the freedoms that we served to protect. I also swore to defend the Constitution from ALL enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC, and presently I find that we are under attack from the Corporate greed and power driven right-wing and so consider them a domestic enemy, and presently we are in a war of words, and I will continue using truth to defend against their lies and distortions, and I will tell the truth as far and as wide as I can!!
I sure hope they fall (HARD) and i intend to help all the way i can.
Abolish the US Senate and save this great country.
Just like Lenin and Trotsky the jackals are fighting over the carcass. Wonder if Gibbs will be purged by the central committee? Can you say "pogrom" Comrade Gibbs?
There's just something about Gibbs I've never liked but I can't put my finger on it. Sad to say that most White House Press Secretaries lacked a certain sense of believability.
GH, what you don't like about Gibbs could be his lying tongue and smart-ass comments. Nobody likes a smart-ass, especially a lying smart-ass that lies with a straight face. Gibbs is obnoxious and fits right in with Obama, Pelosi and Reid as the most hated people in the country.
"With friends like the Rahm and Bubba Clinton's DLC , who needs enemies?"
"Fool US twice, shame on US"
Comrade Gibbs: You contradict the politburo at your own risk. Commissar Pelosi may give you the same treatment Stalin gave Trotsky. The only truth is the truth that is determined by the central committee.
Really? Are you 12 years old? How about adding something worth reading, and including some cites to support it?
Newday, you got your panties in a wad. Lighten up and watch the democratic mud fight.
the propaganda minister hurt dems. nice
Really??? House Democrats are upset because they think the White House is giving more attention to the Senate Democrats???
I wish these elected legislators would focus more on doing the job their constituents elected them to do, than making their childish feelings known to the the White House. So the White House Press Secretary said that both the house and Senate may be in play during the next election cycle. Isn't that what elections are for? Regardless of what may or may not be in play, if the incumbents were confident they were doing their best and representing their districts, should there be any concern about whether or not they will remain in power... I mean whether or not they will have jobs?
Our forefathers would roll over in their graves to know that that which they had fought, sacrificed, and in some cases, died for had become nothing more than a stage for playground bullies and crybabies.
An equal message to both the House and the Senate, Democrats and Republicans alike: Represent the people; be effective in pursuing that which is right, and if you can't, resign with dignity instead of behaving in a manner that requires you to leave office in shame.
Looks like Botox Pelosi is going to fly her broom down Pennsylvania Ave and take Barry out to the woodshed for a spanking:
From Politico:
President Barack Obama will hear House Democrats' frustrations in person Wednesday evening at a White House meeting, according to senior aides on Capitol Hill.
Word is the WH kitchen will be serving a special Shrew Stew, including eye of Newt. LOL!!!
Shrew stew, that is a good one. Wouldn't you like to be a fly on the wall when Pelosi the Terrible tangles with Odumo over Gibb's off the cuff remarks. I can just see Odumo reading a prepared apology speech on a telepromter to the dem leadership about how we all need to hang together or we will hang separately. Good theater.
I'm sure that she can't fly on a broom, nor even ride in a convertable with the top down! For her to do so would be to risk those botox lips beating off her eye brows!!!
Ah yes, spoken like a true Fox News, Limbaugh aficionado. Do you ever have facts to back up what you say?
Ron
You are so right a lot can happen and will happen. I believe it was a ploy to give the repugs over confidence. Even Chris Matthews brought that point out. David Plouffe is brilliant and the Republican strategist have not a clue. The thing about the LEFT we know how to heal. Nancy is a strong woman.Don't forget it was she who pushed trough the President's agenda. Have you heard the saying Whatever Nancy Nancy gets?
Da Noid
"As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly."
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Let's give this biblical proverb The bad rap Sarah gives everyday...
The dog vomit
He saw dizzy Sarah cometh
A Tea Potty tool
For every right wing fool
What a folly to see
'em returneth
for Sarah's jolly
JoAnnaSmith
We hardly agree. I do accept your apology though. The New Black Panther Party is a very, small, fringe, hate nutjob who did not intimidate anyone.
Sarah Palin raised money? Hah! you mean she'll be the next Abramhoff for extortion. Why did her Tea Potty Darling win last night.
Rubio raised money just like you said. YEA right. But what good is it doing? Crist is kicking his butt!
The defiect it quite clear you're not an accountant and don't work for the CBO. The stimulus is working.
I mean with a runaway oil spill, Republicans bowing down to a global corporation instead of mother nature, an out of control Tea Potty, all the things the President has accomplished, immigration , financial reform, cap and trade up coming, Joane, you need to get real.
FYI: the NAAcP does a lot for African American and others in the African Diaspora.
It
ensures the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. It has a legal and educational defense fund and been instrumental in the formation of similar organizations serving other minority constituencies", such as the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund, the National Organization for Women and its Legal Momentum, and the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund. LDF has also "been involved in the global campaign for human rights by assisting in the creation of public interest legal organizations in South Africa, Canada and Brazil.
Learn something.
\
Change is good! When we had Liar Bill and a Republican Congress, life was good. Having either party in control of Congress and the White House is bad. Have you forgotten when Bush and the Republicans were in power.
When Republicans control Congress and there is a Democrat as President, Republicans act like fiscal conservatives, life is good. The twist this time is the the Party of "No" will actually have to contribute and provide solutions, but that won't happen since their main goal is to stop Obama, not to do what is best for America. Even if Republicans gain the majority it will include enough ultra conservatives to keep the Democrats in power since the ultra conservatives don't like moderate Republicans.
In 2012, the Party of "No" will then be held accountable and Obama is re-elected. So, if you're a Republican and want to get rid of Obama, you need the Democrats to keep control of Congress until 2012 and the whole bunch will be thrown out, including Obama. The downside is that Republicans will control Congress and the White House and that's the reason we're in such a mess.
Live long and prosper!
Why should Democrats fear the truth? Embracing the truth now can help the party become more sensible in the future. The awful truth Dems, is that the American people are not NEARLY as liberal as your commentators on MSN. So when November comes and you lose bad, just remember that it is because you listened to the talking heads instead of mainstreet.
You can't handle the truth.
Sincerely,
Jack Nicholson
Gawd....I love this...libtards pissing all over libtards.
It's a good indication of their frustration as the lights start coming on all over the country. Poll after poll (and not just the evil Fox, I might ad) are a sure indication that Obummer's days are numbered.
Why hell, even the Ragin' Cajun, you know, James Carville...the ranking, ranting liberal @ CNN is beginning to see the light. Not only is he mad at Obummer for his Gulf oil crisis, but announced last week that he and his partner run a polling service. They asked the question: Do you believe Obama is a socialist? Over 55% of those polled said "yes".
But trust the Texans to get to the meat of the matter. A large sign at a zoo in Dallas announces:
Our zoo has an African lion.
Our White House has a lyin' African.
Gotta love those Texans!
That is hilarious!! The Lyin' joke! I don't think Nov. 2012 can get here fast enough!
Only Texans love Texans.
Al, you must be a very sad person to write what you did.
There are currently 15,000,000 unemployed workers. That doesn't count the workers who have rolled off unemployment, never qualified for it or who are under-employed.
The overwhelming majority of them are VOTERS and many of them are Republikans.
It seems to me that, if the democrats want to retain a clear advantage, they will recognize that extending unemployment benefits will generate a rich return and may attract a couple million disaffected republikans, as well. It certainly makes a better political statement than throwing those people to the wolves.
The enemic argument that it will add to the national debt is specious, at best. Everything the government DOES adds to the national debt. Unfunded military presence in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Mediaid fraud, subsidies for oil companies, aid to Wall Street, aid to the insurance industry, legislative pork. It ALL adds up. Extending unemployment benefits is the only thing that helps people directly.
Extending unemployment benefits may not create jobs but, there's nothing the government can do to create jobs. That's up to the private sector. Creating government jobs only increases taxes.
Over 450,000 people file first-time claims for unemployment benefits EVERY WEEK. That's 23,400,000 new people in the next 12 months. add 15,000,000 that are aklready collecting and that's 38,000,000 VOTERS.
Is the government gonna hang everyone out to dry?
Joe,
A lot of those Repubs that have been dropped from Unemployment are changing their tune and will likely vote AGAINST the Repubs who denied them their benefits so that they could eat and keep a roof over their heads, it is just more voters for the Dems that are coming about because of the Just Say No to the American Needy that the Repubs have been doing!!
I'm an independent, over 60 construction worker, therefore NO near term possibility of going back to work, and out of unemployment. Having said that, What I saw the republicans tell the progressives was, We need to do this, but we need to pay for it!! The progressives have the money, in unspent stimulus finds! Instead they want to add to the debt and deficit! Even though this hurts me in the short term, it was the right choice for the long term!!
I may not, personally, recover well from this, but the country might,still have a chance! I have children and grandchildren that will need a healthy economy, it's my job to do all I can to give it to them!!
This is Obama's plan. Continue to screw up the economy so more will be unemployed and vote for Democrats.