First thoughts: Happy new year

Posted: Monday, January 05, 2009 9:19 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Carrie Dann
*** Happy (and busy) New Year: What was perhaps the most entertaining and exciting presidential race of our lifetime now makes way for one of the busiest Januarys we can remember in politics. Just consider all of today’s moving parts: Obama, on Capitol Hill, meets with Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid -- and then later with other congressional leaders from both parties -- to discuss the economic stimulus; the six candidates for RNC chair gather at the National Press Club in DC for a forum sponsored by Grover Norquist’s Americans for Tax Reform; and the state canvassing board in Minnesota reconvenes to declare a winner (finally!) in the ongoing Coleman-Franken recount, which has Franken leading by 225 votes. Other things that will happen this week: Obama reportedly will deliver a major speech to sell the economic stimulus; the new Congress officially begins on Tuesday; Bush, Obama, and the other surviving presidents have lunch at the White House on Wednesday; and the electoral vote takes place in Congress on Thursday. And then later this month, we’ll see Eric Holder’s confirmation hearing (which will have the most fireworks now that Bill Richardson has withdrawn his nomination), Bush’s last day, Obama’s inauguration, New York Gov. David Paterson’s eventual pick to replace Hillary Clinton in the Senate, and the election for RNC chair. Oh, and we haven't yet mentioned the names Roland Burris or Rod Blagojevich. Phew, what a way to begin the new year!

Video: NBC's Chuck Todd and MSNBC's Chris Matthews discuss Obama's meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill today about an economic stimulus plan and the potential fallout from Gov. Bill Richardson's withdrawal from the new Cabinet.

*** Stimulus odds and ends: Regarding the stimulus, some advancement was made yesterday on the timing of passage. With House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer saying a House vote won't happen before inauguration, and with the Obama folks agreeing with that timetable, it already pushes us into late January/early February for this legislation. Also, today's detail leak by the Obama team -- that the stimulus plans to include about $300 billion in tax breaks -- seems entirely focused on winning over Republicans and business groups. In addition, as mentioned above, Obama will apparently give a pre-inaugural address on the stimulus. What will the optics for this speech be? Will it be in DC or will it be outside the bubble in order to draw more attention? And finally, today's congressional meetings will largely be ceremonial and filled with talking points. The post-meeting press releases and newsers might be as interesting -- if not more so -- than anything said inside the meeting.

Video: Richardson has withdrawn his nomination as Obama's commerce secretary, citing an investigation involving one of his political donors. NBC's Andrea Mitchell reports.

*** Collateral damage: Yesterday’s big news -- first reported by NBC's Andrea Mitchell -- was that Bill Richardson withdrew his nomination as Commerce secretary, citing an ongoing pay-to-play investigation that might tie up his confirmation. Of course, we’ve seen this movie before when Obama aides or associates -- think Samantha Power or Jim Johnson -- have found themselves in controversy: Obama cuts the cord (although that doesn’t mean that we won’t see that person again). While some might view this as disloyalty, others might see it as smartly picking your fights when you have bigger fish to fry. What is most definitely true is that Richardson became collateral damage from the Blagojevich scandal. Does anyone think that Richardson’s link to this investigation would have been a serious of problem if Blago’s alleged pay-to-play scheme hadn’t come to light?

*** Old politics vs. new politics: One other point about Richardson’s withdrawal: There was always something about this appointment that didn't sit right. Neither side seemed overly excited about it -- neither Richardson himself, who had designs on a bigger cabinet post (State), nor with the Obama side, which seemed to act as if their hand was forced at the time. Remember that Richardson’s selection to head Commerce came right after many of the big slots were handed out, and the Obama transition team was dealing with criticism from Hispanic supporters, who were upset that none of the big Cabinet slots were going to Hispanics. It seemed slapped together quickly and, well, reeked of the "old politics" that Obama campaigned against. Obama simply rewarded a political friend and maybe overlooked potential problems. What lesson will Obama personally take from this pick? Will he decide that he should have listened to his gut instincts on "old political" choices vs. his "new politics" mantra.

Video: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid discusses the appointment of Roland Burris to Obama's vacated Senate seat with NBC's David Gregory on "Meet the Press."

*** Reid vs. Burris: On Meet the Press yesterday, Harry Reid maintained that he had the authority to prevent Blagojevich’s pick to replace Obama in the Senate -- Roland Burris -- from being seated. But he also gave himself plenty of wiggle room. “I'm an old trial lawyer, “ Reid told NBC’s David Gregory. “There's always room to negotiate.” What's more, he made a little bit of news that he’s agreed to sit down with Burris on Wednesday. (No doubt this meeting came about as a way to prevent a scene tomorrow on swearing-in day.) After Lieberman rolled over him after the November election, is Reid going to get rolled over by Blago? Or is it just an admission that Reid is on shaky constitutional ground to prevent Burris from being seated? On ABC yesterday, Reid’s No. 2, Dick Durbin, also sounded like he’s ready to compromise. "Sen. Reid said from the beginning, and I agree with him, we have to look at this carefully, because Rod Blagojevich has brought questions… Not reflecting personally on Roland Burris, but to make sure that in the end, the person representing the state of Illinois, serving with me ... was brought to that position properly." Will Reid-Durbin ask Burris to offer his resignation to a Gov. Pat Quinn? Will they promise to seat him if he says that publicly? What else is on the table? By the way, who now gets seated first -- Burris or Al Franken. Last week, the odds would have dramatically favored Franken. Now?

*** How not to help yourself with minorities: As mentioned above, at 1:00 pm ET today in DC, the six candidates for Republican National Committee chairman -- current RNC chair Mike Duncan, Michigan GOP chair Saul Anuzis, former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, South Carolina GOP chair Katon Dawson, former Huckabee campaign manager Chip Saltsman, and former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele -- participate at a forum sponsored by the conservative Americans for Tax Reform. The gathering comes after Saltsman’s controversial mailing of a CD with a song entitled “Barack the Magic Negro.” The most surprising thing in this controversy: With all of these RNC wannabes pledging to do a better job of winning over minority voters -- McCain lost blacks 95%-4% and Hispanics 67%-31% -- Blackwell and Steele (both who are black) defended Saltsman or downplayed the controversy. The two leading white candidates, Anuzis and Duncan, were much more critical of Saltsman.

*** Raising Kaine: Speaking of party chairs, Obama has tapped Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine to be the next chair of the Democratic National Committee. The Kaine pick makes a lot of sense as far as the political story Obama likes to tell when it comes to the new politics: He’s Obama’s ideological soul mate, and his 2005 gubernatorial victory in Virginia was the first sign of things to come after the Democrats’ presidential defeat a year earlier, both in Virginia and nationally. Kaine was the first major non-Illinois politician to endorse Obama in the primaries, and it seemed as if the entire transition was going to go by without Kaine in the mix. Of course, it wasn't clear what Kaine wanted (perhaps Education? Or maybe nothing because if he left early, he'd be handing the governor's office to a Republican). Then there's the too cute by half fact: Kaine is headed to the DNC, while ex-DNC head Terry McAuliffe is now running for Virginia governor. Who knew the posts were so interchangeable? The Macker has a long way to go before he's the nominee. But if he is, the pressure is on Kaine and McAuliffe to pull this off, and the potential for an interesting campaign partnership in Obama's first real presidential campaign test is going to fun to cover.

*** All quiet on the Middle Eastern front: Unlike the economy, with which Obama is happily sharing the burden (if not attempting to overshadow the current president), Obama and his foreign policy team have remained amazingly quiet on the Israel-Gaza front. Now, on foreign affairs, it's fully understandable that the "one president at a time" spin is used and believed. It's amazing discipline on the part of the new foreign policy team that we've heard so little from Hillary Clinton, Susan Rice, Jim Jones, or any of the other key new players. The silence is probably being taken around the world as support for the Bush administration’s stance. And with the Arab world surprisingly divided (at least on the leadership front), Team Obama is probably doing the right thing by not inserting themselves into this crisis as aggressively as they are on the economy. Speaking of, is anyone else surprised by the lack of official Arab nation condemnation of Israel's ground assault? There’s lots of silence out there, which only feeds the notion that many in the Arab world are – perhaps -- rooting for Israel's success in wiping out Hamas.

Countdown to Electoral Vote Count In Congress: 3 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 15 days
Countdown to VA Dem primary: 155 days
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Countdown to Election Day 2010: 666 days

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Comments

I hope everyone had a safe and relaxing holiday season.

If you were pressed to commit to doing something right now to help your neighbors, community, state or country, would you? We elected Barack Obama. Do we expect that he will shoulder the burden of fixing our ills? Shouldn’t we be considering what we can do to help?

Chuck, WA (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:26 AM)

We Are The World.

If you read books on the Holocaust, you can't help but come to the conclusion that the world deserted the Jews, regardless of well intentioned explanations for why help wasn't sent sooner. But at the end of the day we know it just can't be justified.

Could we not have stopped this Gaza assault before now? Have we not learned anything? Why were only foreigners allowed to leave Gaza if Israel knew they were going to begin a ground invasion? Why were children not allowed to leave? And women? Even before the air assaults. Israel is a democracy isn't it? Diplomacy is what democracies should excel in. It's why we elect who we elect. Democracies give and take -constantly - to maintain peace.

If a building down the street from you is harboring terrorists and the building is bombed, you can be damn sure your home is going to suffer severe damage and deaths most likely will result. This business of saying they are only targeting Hamas is disingenuous. They make it sound like they're just knocking down a baseball stadium by implosion for goodness sakes. These bombs are huge. With huge explosions. Dangerous building materials flying all over the place.

So I guess Israel is saying that no one on this planet could have stopped Hamas before this. Not one single person. Perhaps figuring out why would have been a good start - years ago. Seems to me we have spent a better part of our lives asking this of Hitler. Where were the other leaders of the world back then? We have learned nothing still in this the 21st Century. Leaders continue to turn their backs, instead of challenging not only themselves, but their enemies as well. Constantly. But I guess Bush, Co. and everyone else decided not to talk to Hamas. What a terrible price has been paid because of their foreign policy.

We the world have once again turned our backs on a very troubling area and its people. History continues to repeat itself.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:27 AM)

Oh, and we haven't yet mentioned the names Roland Burris or Rod Blagojevich. Phew, what a way to begin the new year!
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I'd be okay if it STAYS that way. Tired of Blago-business.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:29 AM)

Dear NBC/MSNBC:

However many vacation days Keith Olbermann is allowed each year, it's too many. {smile}

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:31 AM)

Alaska goes to Russia. Hawaii goes to Japan or China. "The California Republic" — the West from Utah and Arizona to the Pacific — goes to China. "The Texas Republic" — the South from New Mexico to Florida — goes to Mexico. "Atlantic America" — the Northeast from Tennessee and South Carolina up to Maine — joins the European Union. And "The Central North-American Republic" — the Plains from Ohio to Montana — goes to Canada.

A scary future from the mind of a Russian. Most would say this could never happen. With all the ethnic division there seems to be in America particularly with the hate between Democrats and Republicans is it far fetched?

During the campaign, Mr. Obama made broad statements criticizing the Bush administration’s assertions of executive power. But now he must address a specific case, that of Ali al-Marri, a Qatari student who was arrested in Peoria, Ill., in December 2001.

Many legal experts say that all of the new administration’s options in Mr. Marri’s case are perilous. Intelligence officials say he is exceptionally dangerous, making deportation problematic.

With President-elect Barack Obama and congressional Democrats considering a massive spending package aimed at pulling the nation out of recession, the national debt is projected to jump by as much as $2 trillion this year, an unprecedented increase that could test the world's appetite for financing U.S. government spending.

All food for thought.

Pete, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:31 AM)

Please, Obama is not "smart" to cut his ties with these people. He has a lot of those people involved with pay to play surrounding him. Hillary comes to mind, she's the next one that needs to be tossed. Also, the entire Chicago Connection that he has running his administration. Pay to play is a way of life for them. Obama is not cleaning up any corruption. In fact, he's part of it.

GTW, VT (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:32 AM)

Hey Happy New Years First Read crew and fellow Obama supporters! I hope everyone had a good vacation from politics but it's back to business.

Unfortunately "Tyrant" Bush didn't remain silent on the Middle East front as he unleashed his proxy dogs of war, the New Nazis otherwise known as Jews. Couldn't leave office without another war under his belt and many more innocent civilians killed for his legacy of death and destruction. Obama is smart to stay mum on the issue and let the warmonger take the heat for this stupid unnecessary war.

Investigate criminals Bush and Cheney!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:35 AM)

As usual, Harry Reid says nothing. He's just sitting there wondering how much more crap he can feed the American people before they complain. He doesn't want to make any waves with preventing a black from taking Obama's seat, he knows that blacks voted 95% for Democrats and he dosn't want to upset that apple cart. On the other hand, that appointment is so corrupt, even Reid can't ignore how slimy his Senate chamber has become. Reidwill need a willing news media, which he has, to gloss over all this corruption once the week is done.

Jonas Wills, Florida (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:37 AM)

Does anyone think that Richardson’s link to this investigation would have been a serious of problem if Blago’s alleged pay-to-play scheme hadn’t come to light?
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Anything Obama does is a serious problem for Obama haters. Even if Obama does nothing Haters will find another artery to invade.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:38 AM)

There really isn't much of a surprise with Richardson. Most political junkies knew that Richardson was being investigated. I think the back story is that Obama had to offer Richardson a position to satisfy the Hispanic community and all the while Richardson knew that he was under investigation. Thus, no real excitement. The transition team will have a new name before sunset. Not a big deal.
Franken will be seated tomorrow. I'm sure it does get under the Republican's skin that a SNL satirist could be an incumbant.

I'm taking no bets on whether Burris will be seated. The Illinois legislature could start the impeachment of Blog this week and although it takes a 2/3 vote in the Ill Senate, he could be out by the end of the month. Who knows the fate of Burris?

Although there are 15 days and counting, the transition of power really is underway. It is a mistake to think that it all happens at 12:01 noon on the 20th. Bush might as well take Air Force 1 to Texas and stay there.

Ron Indiana (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:39 AM)

Harry Reid has got to get over Roland Burris's selection by Blago. Too bad he doesn't show the same kind of anger against the tyrants in the White House.

Time Kaine would make a great DNC chair, so much better than the garbage the repugnant ones have to fill their losing party's seat.

Minorties should always bear in mind that the repugnant ones only want Uncle Tom's for their minority flunkies. The repugnant ones have been at war against minorities for decades and that will never change as long as it remains a party of white supremacists.

Investigate criminals Bush and Cheney!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:39 AM)

This is a letter to the editor to the SF Chronicle:

'...Shared crime

Editor - Behind the bombast about rockets and terrorists and collateral damage and self defense, something else is being whispered to us: The Palestinians are not part of our common humanity. They are surfeit. They can be walled away, their land can be stolen, they can be starved, and if the militant among them strike back, they can be annihilated - every man, woman and child. Their agony is nothing to us.

Listen for this murmuring beneath the clever talking points of our statesmen. They want to bind us in a shared crime.

CAROL SANDERS, BERKELEY...'

Thank you, Carol
So well put

MSierra, SF (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:40 AM)

It seems to me that the democrats are more worried about seating Senators than whats happening with the American people....They like to take the lime light on tv and make it look like there do something...Still the same players same old do nothing congress....When are we going to get change...I hope that President elect Obama reads or get views of what the american people are feeling and the disatifaction of the continuing same old politcs....God we voted out some of the repubicans when can we get to some of these long time Democrats.who seem to continue to take care of themselves. Gee did you get your 4500. dollar raise while many Americans are getting your scraps. Yes i get fed up and sound off but if i dont it will continue.....Looking forward to inviting washington to Boston for another tea party....Theres.

Russell Fox Wells, Maine (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:41 AM)

Only 15 more days left of "Tyrant" Bush's reign of terror. He has done more damage to our country than all the terrorists put together and should be tried in court for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Only 15 more days before we get to restore our secular democracy after having it trampled by the evangelical christian lunatic fringe. Only 15 more days before real science comes back to the White House. Only 15 more days before honesty and integrity comes back to the White House.

Richardson's bowing out of his nomination for Commerce Secretary shows that new honest politics is coming back to Washington after 8 years of the most corrupt dishonest administration to ever disgrace our great nation. Time to sweep our government clean of all the dishonest incompetent bushbabies.

Investigate criminals Bush and Cheney!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:45 AM)

Anything Obama does is a serious problem for Obama haters. Even if Obama does nothing Haters will find another artery to invade.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:38 AM)

I guess that puts them on the same level as the Bush haters then.

Charlie In Utah (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:45 AM)

'...But he also gave himself plenty of wiggle room. “I'm an old trial lawyer, “ Reid told NBC’s David Gregory. “There's always room to negotiate.” What's more, he made a little bit of news that he’s agreed to sit down with Burris on Wednesday...'

Thank you, Harry
Let's get this over with
Seat Him !!
He has no ethical problems
There's no scandals in his background

Let Blagovejich win this one
It'll be his last victory

MOVE ON !

MSierra, SF (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:47 AM)

FR - It's amazing discipline on the part of the new foreign policy team that we've heard so little from Hillary Clinton, Susan Rice, Jim Jones, or any of the other key new players.

That's because when you're baffled and confused, it's best to remain silent.

Sammie Townes (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:47 AM)

Looks like Blagojevich will have cellmate! Richardson and Blago look to have a lot in common, I'm certain they'll get along just fine.

C. Manson, Central California (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:50 AM)

Despite all the hemming and hawing by the Democrats, aided and abetted by the political theartre created by the media, the seating of Mr. Burris is practically inevitable. Blago is a prime sphincter muscle but so far has not been convicted of any crimes. He's a major embarrassment to the Dems, thereby tainting his senate pick, but ya gotta hand it to Blago, he is playing hardball materfully.

Why is it so hard to get a consistant link to the First Read blog? Please fix this.

J. Ellis, Virginia (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:51 AM)

547 MILLION FOR EMBASSY IN BAGHDAD

I don't want to hear anymore about how this government is trying to assist the people in this country and reverse the worse economic crises we have faced in years when I see we are spending 557 Million for a new Embassy in Baghdad. One that will most likely be over-run and/or destroyed once we leave. What a f@$k%^& waste of money.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:52 AM)

Impeachemnt hearings start yet in New Mexico? The way Illinois is taking their time about it, Richardson may be ousted before Blagojevich.

Richard, Az (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:52 AM)

Minorties should always bear in mind that the repugnant ones only want Uncle Tom's for their minority flunkies.

Eric, Salinas, CA

~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is even too embarrassing to comment on.

JWilcox, Omaha NE (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:55 AM)

"...Anything Obama does is a serious problem for Obama haters. Even if Obama does nothing Haters will find another artery to invade. ..."
Beverly in Chicago (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:38 AM)

Pure non-sense.
Especially since everything that Obama does or says is met with praise and accolades. Regardless of whether it is worthy of same or not.
Example....the "appearance" that he may have "slighted" the gay community with some comments he made about a month ago.
The Obama-biased-media said it was good for him to have made gays a little angry. Any other candidate would have been chastized for abandoning part of their "base."
Absolute and PURE hypocrisy is the word of the day when it comes to the media's coverage of Barrack HUSSEIN Obama.

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:59 AM)

"One other point about Richardson’s withdrawal: There was always something about this appointment that didn't sit right. Neither side seemed overly excited about it -- neither Richardson himself, who had designs on a bigger cabinet post (State), nor with the Obama side, which seemed to act as if their hand was forced at the time. Remember that Richardson’s selection to head Commerce came right after many of the big slots were handed out, and the Obama transition team was dealing with criticism from Hispanic supporters, who were upset that none of the big Cabinet slots were going to Hispanics. It seemed slapped together quickly and, well, reeked of the "old politics" that Obama campaigned against. Obama simply rewarded a political friend and maybe overlooked potential problems."
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This analysis "reeks" of lazy journalism, filled with unsupported suppositions and innuendo. First Read simply found the simplest angle imaginable, and ran wild with it.

First, if Bill Richardson did not want to be Commerce Secretary, he would not have accepted it, right? And if President Elect Obama didn't want him as Commerce Secretary, maybe he would have offered the position to someone else.

Second, to imply the ONLY reason that Richardson was selected is just because he is Hispanic is insulting and ridiculous. Bill Richardson has an impressive resume. He has alot more going for him than just being Hispanic.

Third, please don't revive the "Obama always throws people under the bus" narrative from the primaries. It is as inaccurate and ridiculous now as it was then.

President-Elect Obama makes the best decision he can with the information available at the time. When additional information becomes available, he ADJUSTS his decisions in light of the new information instead of STUBBORNLY refusing to change.

This is called GOOD GOVERNMENT. Quit trying to spin it into a negative.

Nashville_fan (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:59 AM)

I'm glad the Obamas are finally in Washington. Moving closer to the end of the Bush era. The entire country and world can celebrate Jan. 20th. Again, it can't come soon enough. The transition of power has already begun as people are looking to Obama for answers rather than George. Bush might as well pack up his duffle bag right now and hitch hike back to Texas; I don't think anybody is expecting much more out of this moron. However 15 days is a long time to make even more insane decisions, as we all know that's all he's capable of doing.

Diane from Illinois (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 10:01 AM)

If Religion were taken out of the equation between Israel and the Arab world (specifically Hamas and the Palestinians) would there be the violence and bloodshed there is now?

Is this another case of Religion being the root cause behind war and violence between people? If both sides did not have religious claims to the region would they be exercising the same stubborness over who lays claim to this terrioty and the relics of the past?

Could one side or the other (or both) not be satisfied with a homeland that was located in another part of the world as long as they were able to live and practice their religion in peace and tranquility?

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 10:01 AM)

Andrea M. is always breaking news on something or someone! Why doesn't she break some news on her husbands dealings and his culpability concerning this financial mess! She is so creepy!

Someone please investigate Texas Government, especially since the Gang of W is slowly but surely returning and Texas politics will continue to be pay to play.

Ed, San Antonio (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 10:06 AM)

Burris or Al Franken. Last week, the odds would have dramatically favored Franken. Definitely, both both will be seated. Now is the time for Illinois and this country to have representation. With all the problems we have, it's time to repair all ailments. Put down the cries of race card and taintedness.
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Anything Obama does is a serious problem for Obama haters. Even if Obama does nothing Haters will find another artery to invade.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:38 AM)

Charlie In Utah (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:45 AM
I guess that puts them on the same level as the Bush haters then.
Dear Charlie In Utah
I 'm so delighted you see the same situation. The reality though is now, I am not hating. I want change that is why I voted Obama and support most of his agenda. I really don't relish what Bush has done to this country and Western civilization.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 10:10 AM)

Has any PE in history had this much corruption and scandals associated with him, his decisions and his associates. I can not remember this much scandal potential being present before the PE is sworn in. The Hillary sweetheart deal that has shown up also adds to the list. It is going to be a LONG 4 years it appears. America deserves better than this.

Marcus D., Chicago

No,not in our lives. And yes it will be a long 4 years.

Josh, FL (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 10:12 AM)

I'm not surprised by the Republican video about Obama...just below the surface in the republican party is their latent racism...lets be clear here...those southern whites who nixon cobbled together were racists and still are...thank god they are dying off at a rate of 4000 a day

Rick, NC (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 10:16 AM)

>>>The most surprising thing in this ["Barack the Magic Negro"] controversy: With all of these RNC wannabes pledging to do a better job of winning over minority voters...Blackwell and Steele (both who are black) defended Saltsman or downplayed the controversy.
==========
This what we call SELLING OUT! Obviously these folks feel more affinity with their political careers and the GOP than they do with their own race.

(and yes, folks, the word "Negro" is generally considered offensive today, as it is merely a euphemisim of the N-word.)

15 Days and counting until Inauguration Day!
http://jawillie.blog.com

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 10:21 AM)

I see we're starting 2009 off the same way we finished 2008 on FIRST READ.
Give top-of-the-page posts to Obama supporters, and put his critics at the bottom of the page or don't post their comments at all.
Richardson is a disgusting slob who turn-coated on the Clintons (who, by the way, brought him to national prominence)
Now we find that he, YET ANOTHER of Obama's supporters, is potentially "un-clean."
But, of course Obama's supporters and the media will completely ignore it.
Someday, at some level, you're going to find out that Obama isn't what you think/say he is. He's just another politicain who owes favors to a great many people. This isn't change...it's exactly the sort of thing that made Washington what it is today.

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 10:21 AM)

Calm down, people. Neither Richardson nor Blagojavic have been found guilty of anything. Let the legal process take its course. They are innocent until PROVEN guilty in a court of law. It is in the Constitution. I know that the Constitution has been largely ignored by the outgoing Administration but it still is in force and we should adhere to what it says. How embarrassing will it be for those accusers, haters and doomsdayers when neither Bill nor Rod are found guilty of any wrong doing? If they are found guilty than they should suffer the consequences of their actions. Unlike those in the Bush Administration who have committed far worse crimes and gotten away scot free these guys will likely, if found guilty, suffer the wrath of a new direction, toward honesty and fairness, in Washington and around the country. If not guilty than there may be a future for them in politics, who knows? Judge not lest ye be judged.

eagle1776 (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 10:29 AM)

>>>Dear NBC/MSNBC:

However many vacation days Keith Olbermann is allowed each year, it's too many. {smile}
Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:31 AM)

==========
Just don't get Arianna Huffington (Huffington Post) to sub for him. Nice lady, but she really blows as a commentator. (I did like the Black lady they had on before the holidays, though.)

15 Days and counting until Inauguration Day!
http://jawillie.blog.com

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 10:29 AM)

The phrase "there's only one president of the USA at a time" is not SPIN, it's TRUTH. And just because Obama and his team are silent on the Gaza situation doesn't even BEGIN to mean they support Bush's handling of the situation. It means "there's only one president of the USA at a time," and we're not gonna muddy the waters around the world by voicing a dissenting view. Period.

Indie Woman in Denver (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 10:44 AM)

Until the republican politicians put our country before party, we will have further destruction. Have not heard one face up to or admit the mistakes they have made these last eight years. Have heard no talk of unification for the survival of our country.
There appears to be the same old tactics of postering, pandering, attacking and distorting, ignoring the diasters that face us. They need, for once to do what is right. Am afraid they are incapable of doing so.

katiec Pekin, IL (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 10:48 AM)

Did you sleep through all of Obama;s speeches when he promised 95 % of Americans tax cuts and tax cuts and incentives to small business?? What silliness to attribute this to republicans who accused him of "spreading the wealth"!!

lynn (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 11:02 AM)

And a big Happy New Year to all the Dems, hoping they'll stop the corruption that will only kill their chances of another run at the White House and make those who voted Obama regret it.

Polythene Pam (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 11:04 AM)

"...I guess that puts them on the same level as the Bush haters then." Charlie In Utah (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 9:45 AM)
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In what respect, Charlie? - (said with sarcastic disdain!) Obama has done nothing to 'earn' the haters wrath, whereas Bush has done plenty. The list is long and distinguished by blunders, lies and general ineptitude, too many to itemize here.
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Happy New Year to my fellow posters.
^^^^^^^^^
Pat, Boston,

Normally I agree with you; but I am taking a completely different stance on Hamas and the Gaza situation. As I heard on POTUS this morning. If this were Arabs in Vancouver, launching bombs into Seattle, we would ultimately have to respond. A Global society has no use for school yard bullies who become emboldened by inaction. Hamas are using their citizens as shields. This is not an easy situation with a simple solution.

Hamas is listed as a terrorist organization by Canada, the European Union, Israel, Japan, and the United States. (from wikipedia on Hamas).

The Palestinians do have a right to exist; but not as antagonists in a never ending drama. The fundamentalist extremists are ruining the lives of many. Why is Israel expected to live in peace with terrorists? We wouldn't ask that of ourselves, so why is it expected of others?

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 11:06 AM)

Please pick Blackwell for RNC chair -- I want to see his role in the election frauds in Ohio put back in the limelight and investigated.

nuanced (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 11:09 AM)

"I guess that puts them on the same level as the Bush haters then." Charlie in Utah

Actually, Bush haters have something justifiable to hate [Bush] for. The Obama haters do not, other than the fact that he is new and an up-and-comer. Get a life, Repubs.

Jonathan, Seattle (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 11:09 AM)

republicans dont forget about the former alaskan senator who is a convicted felon and the two oh so great bush and cheney, look at these three before you go injecting nonsense into peoples minds, and furthermore grow up

greg remington (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 11:10 AM)

May god bless Obama and my beautiful country America. This country need so much help.

Conservative black Democrat in Miami (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 11:18 AM)

This country need so much help.

Conservative black Democrat in Miami

Mostly with constructing correct sentences.

English As A Second Language (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 11:25 AM)

Pat, Boston

Your appeal is well-written, but there is a fatal flaw that basically throws a huge wrench right into the gears of logical discourse. Hitler and all the others like him WERE talked to. And allowed to continue. The problems arose because there was ONLY talk when he began to annex territory. Plenty of people were jumping up and down screaming warnings, but the world leaders' general thought was "Oh, just let him take a couple and he'll be appeased and stop." Yeah. Win. :/

And as for Hamas, they just got out of a 6 month ceasefire. How is that not talking??? How many times have they met with Presidents and Prime Ministers and UN Summits, then just start firing rockets again and again and again and sending suicide bombers?

You might think phrasing things things the way you do is inspiring, but it's actually just overly romantic. You're pretending that humanity in its several thousand years of civilization has EVER shown ANY inkling of global peace, and you need to wake up from the dream. You sound as foolish as saying, "Why can't the government just give everyone a million dollars?" It's silly.

Ricks (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 12:26 PM)

Obama has not even taken office yet and still everyone is on his case as to what he would or wouldn't do. Give the man a chance. A lot of us wouldn't consider cleaning up an eight year mess, and Bush didn't care if it got worst on his last days. We have already hit bottom, now it's time for us all to try and help pull ourselves up by the boot straps and PRAY for the best. Now is the time to read Revelations in your Bible's. Everything is going according to plan.

Julia Glass , Arlington, TX (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 12:27 PM)

To Clara Kansas City, MO

I can understand your viewpoint if you only look at recent history and US reports. Your example of Vancouver and Seattle is nothing like the current mideast situation. Most US do not know how dire the living situation is in Palestine. Their infrastructure and neighborhoods are continuouly destroyed by israel. Curfews that last for days are commonplace, electricity is sporadic. When a Palestinian is arrested in Israel (where the only jobs for them exist), they have no rights, no legal counsel, and no recourse. I understand that Israel has the right to defend itself, but one israeli life is not worth thousands of palestinian lives. Unfortunately both countries have not had a great leader in decades, and this is what is missing in the equation for peace. When Peron was on TV this weekend stating how Israel has no choice but to bomb Gaza - you must realize that this is all Israel has done in recent history - it is always what they resort to. Their wall is not what you might think it is - mosques are walled off from the members, farmers from their land, and all of the wall is on palestinian land - all of it.

sue, pembroke, nh (Sent Monday, January 05, 2009 1:13 PM)

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