First thoughts: Quintessential Obama

Posted: Monday, May 18, 2009 9:16 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Abby Livingston
*** Quintessential Obama: Anyone who didn't think President Obama would give a speech that would aim to rise above the back-and-forth over his commencement speech yesterday at Notre Dame hasn't been paying attention over the last two years. It was quintessential Obama. He called for common ground to reduce unintended pregnancies, to make adoption easier, and to provide better health care for women who carry their children to term. But Obama also urged his audience for a more civil tone on thorny issues like abortion. “I do not suggest that the debate surrounding abortion can or should go away… Each side will continue to make its case to the public with passion and conviction. But surely we can do so without reducing those with differing views to caricature.” He added, “Open hearts. Open minds. Fair-minded words.” Of course, those words didn’t stop the protests. NBC’s Athena Jones, who was in the auditorium covering the speech, notes that four men -- none of them appearing to be students -- interrupted Obama’s speech and a handful of graduates decorated their mortarboards with images of baby's feet and a cross in bright yellow. Still, the crowd as a whole was overwhelmingly positive.

Video: Watch President Obama's full speech at the University of Notre Dame's commencement ceremony.

*** Fair-minded words for SCOTUS debate? In way, you could interpret Obama's remarks about “open hearts, open minds, fair-minded words” as the opening shot -- or better yet, a call for truce -- in the upcoming effort to replace David Souter on the Supreme Court, because it has the potential to be the latest salvo in the culture wars. On Sunday, the New York Times front-paged how conservative groups are stockpiling political ammunition for Obama’s eventual pick to succeed Souter. And Sunday’s Washington Post noted how conservatives are focusing on gay marriage, believing that the issue “could provide a road map to an Obama nominee's judicial philosophy.” Still, today’s New York Times says that some Senate Republicans might not be as eager as conservative groups are in wanting to pick a Supreme Court fight. “Those Republicans, including senior staff aides and some senators, suggested in interviews that they believed Mr. Obama’s first nominee for the court would be confirmed without great difficulty no matter how they framed the issues during the confirmation process.”

*** A-Huntsman we will go: Obama's nomination of Utah Republican Gov. Jon Huntsman to be ambassador to China seems to benefit two people: Obama and Huntsman. For Obama, it was yet another signal to independents and moderates that he's reaching across the aisle (Ray LaHood, Arlen Specter, and even the failed nomination of Judd Gregg are the other examples); it all but removed a potential 2012 challenger and an important moderate voice inside the GOP; and it showed that Obama's serious about China (Huntsman has sterling credentials -- he speaks Mandarin, did his Mormon mission in Taiwan, and served as George W. Bush's deputy U.S. trade representative). For Huntsman, the nomination gives him a job he obviously desired; it gets him out of the country at a time when his party is undergoing internecine warfare; and it possibly preps him for a presidential bid in 2016, bolstering his foreign affairs credentials. By the way, the cynical side of us is very impressed with how Obama has so cleverly tied up two of his biggest potential rivals in the future. First, he offered Hillary the plum job at the State Department, removing her as a potential obstacle from the Senate. Now he's taken Huntsman off the table for 2012.

Video: President Obama introduces Gov. Jon Huntsman, R-Utah, as the new U.S. ambassador to China.

*** One other point about Huntsman: Whether it is Specter switching parties, Judd Gregg accepting the Commerce post (even for a few days), or this appointment -- it's going to be hard for Republicans to make the public case that somehow Obama hasn't attempted to reach across the aisle. Of course, the White House has been very strategic in its attempts at bipartisanship, which no doubt frustrates many Republicans because the president isn’t being bipartisan on everything. Moreover, there's plenty of evidence that things are sometimes just as toxic now as they were two or four years ago. One example: There's the Minnesota recount debacle. Seriously, why hasn't there been a compromise to seat Franken just temporarily, like Republicans did for Mary Landrieu in 1996? Isn't this getting a bit absurd? No doubt that Coleman has his right to keep fighting, but why not find some middle ground?

*** Barack and Bibi: Obama today turns his focus to the Middle East. He meets with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in the Oval Office at 10:30 am ET (closed press), and then again in an expanded Oval Office meeting an hour later (in which there will be a pool spray). And Obama and Netanyahu attend a working lunch at 12:20 pm. This is the start of three one-on-ones Obama will have in the next several days. Next up are Abbas of the Palestinians and Mubarak of Egypt.

*** The sprint to Memorial Day: This is the last week that Congress will be in session before its Memorial Day recess, and it may send the president a handful of bills (on credit cards, predatory mortgage lending, and Pentagon procurement). One thing you might expect from the White House this week is a bit of a look back -- a la what it did for the first 100 days. The first half of this congressional session was certainly busy, and the level of productivity is something the folks on the White House side of Pennsylvania Ave. would like folks to notice.

*** Tough times for Arnold? Tuesday will likely be another bad day in the political life of Arnold Schwarzenegger. If the polls are correct, he’s going to lose every ballot initiative he's pushing. It could be another blow for Arnold and his attempt at being bipartisan. The good news for him: He has united Republicans and Democrats. The bad news: They’re unified in disapproving of his job in office.

*** Meet Jennifer Granholm: The latest in our SCOTUS profiles is Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, 50… Has never been a judge or a law scholar, so there is no track record about her judicial philosophy… If selected and confirmed, would be the first non-judge to sit on the highest court in the land since William Rehnquist and Lewis Powell Jr. in 1972… Also would be the first Supreme Court justice to be born outside of the United States since Felix Frankfurter (who was born in Vienna, Austria)… Is pro-choice, but while governor signed a bill giving pregnant women considering abortion the option of viewing ultrasound pictures… Michigan has the highest unemployment rate in the nation (at 12.6%), and critics might seize on that to evaluate her tenure as governor… A Granholm appointment to the Supreme Court would elevate Democratic Lt. Gov. John Cherry to the governor’s mansion… Endorsed Hillary Clinton over Obama during the Democratic presidential primary season.

*** More Granholm bio: Before becoming governor, was the first female to serve as Michigan attorney general… Also was Wayne County Corporation counsel (1994-1998) and federal prosecutor in Detroit (1990-1994)… Clerked for 6th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Damon Keith… Received her law degree from Harvard (1987) and her undergraduate degree in political science and French from the University of California, Berkeley (1984)… Won the Miss San Carlos (CA) beauty/talent contest… Tried to be an actress and was once a contestant on “The Dating Game”… Due to her beauty-pageant past, good looks, and considerable debating skills, played the part of Sarah Palin for Joe Biden’s VP debate practice… Her Facebook page says Paul Simon and James Taylor are among her favorite musicians; “Life is Beautiful,” Al Gore’s “Inconvenient Truth,” and “Patton” are her favorite movies; and “Profiles in Courage” and “Secret Life of Bees” are her favorite books.

Countdown to NJ GOP primary: 15 days
Countdown to VA Dem primary: 22 days
Countdown to Election Day 2009: 169 days
Countdown to Election Day 2010: 533 days

Click here to sign up for First Read emails.
Text FIRST to 622639, to sign up for First Read alerts to your mobile phone.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

It’s no wonder MTP’s ratings are tanking! WTF was that yesterday? I tuned in (which I haven’t been) to see a Kaine vs. Steele Showdown and what I got was the ‘The Tea Bagging Hour with Michael & David!’

The so called moderator did anything but! 90% of the so called showdown was Steele running off at the mouth as usual and Kaine trying to get a word in edgewise! You guys REALLY need to wise up and lose the shill Gregory before its too late…

Ps: I think Lawrence O’Donnell would make a brilliant replacement… but what do your ‘ex’ viewers know right?

Glad to see you guys are at it bright & early this morning

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:21 AM)

Obama's teleprompter gave a great speech yesterday at Notre Dame! Outstanding job TP!!

Telo Mundo (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:21 AM)

Yesterday at Notre Dame, President Obama gave another rousing speech, full of poignancy and inspiration, and I discovered one avenue of hope we can all do well to absorb. In talking about abortion, the President said "discover at least the possibility of common ground." The light finally went on. I get it.

In a world divided over almost everything (especially in Washington), achieving and developing common ground may be the biggest ‘change’ of all. Liberals v. Conservatives; Democrats v. Republicans, and all the greatly divided sectors of our lives can at least discover common ground; right? Wouldn’t that be the greatest change we will see in Washington?

The President campaigned on change. We all had ideas on what change means and get excited every time the topic is brought up. I remind myself, the President has constantly reached out to the leaders and members of the GOP, and he has pleaded for common ground. Achieving common ground for all participants in Washington may be the biggest change the President attains.

This is an easy one folks. We can do this. Achieving common ground should become second nature to all concerned. The President bundled up the discussion by saying "each side (still talking about abortion) will continue to make its case to the public with passion and conviction, but surely we can do so without reducing those with differing views to caricature." So let’s see what we get posted here for a while.

Chuck, WA (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:22 AM)

MSNBC: The Place for Politics…NOT… Why didn’t MSNBC cover our President’s speech in Notre Dame? It was a great speech. “Engaging in vigorous debate using fair minded words” Our President’s thoughts made the protesters look petty.

Leon Panetta, head of the CIA, said it is not the CIA’s policy to misinform. Well, what else could he say? He’s not going to say “We only lie once in a while.” He’s not going to say, “We always tell the truth.” It’s not our policy to lie. That doesn’t say much. They take the notes of the meeting. Congressional attendees can’t. Years pass. The only record is what the CIA says. The truth can not be found. Boehner’s comments that Pelosi should show some evidence to support her assertions is simply political gaming. Shame on you John Boehner!

So Lindsey Graham (SC) wants to broaden the GOP tent and he is heckled. GOP keeps turning right…over a cliff. The conservatives what to maintain their power, win their primary and lose in the general election. As a progressive, that is fine with me.

Boehner, Limbaugh, McConnell support V-P Cheney’s comments. They are going over that same cliff. Boehner may have some competition in 2010. So he has to stay right to keep the conservatives happy. No place to go…but further down.

Ron Indiana (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:22 AM)

First Read: " it's going to be hard for Republicans to make the public case that somehow Obama hasn't attempted to reach across the aisle."

Wow, talk about a left wing rag taking the bait. Obama "reaches across the aisle" by saying "either agree with me, or I'll throw you under the bus". Gregg figured that out in about 10 seconds. Obama and the Democrats completely locked the Republicans out of any budget and stimulus money bills. And you FR have the gall to say Obama reaches acress the aisle? That kool-aide must taste real good to come to that conclusion.

Joe Baitman, NC (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:25 AM)

I wonder at what point in our domestic and foreign policy so many of us decided that compromise was not an option.

When was it decided that if another country does not agree with the United States of America on every issue, we could just ignore them until they did agree.

When was did it become fashionable to hold up our own personal religious beliefs as the one and only standard for all other Americans to live by.

When did Americans begin putting ideology ahead of individuals, politics before people, and replace common sense with conspiracy theories.

So many of our current problems can be traced back to naive attempts to define a complex and interconnected world in simplistic terms such as “good versus evil” and “right versus wrong”. These ideas are, simply put, childish ways to look at the world.

And as the President said in his Inaugural Address – it is time to put away childish things.

Here’s hoping that all of us, regardless of our personal beliefs and political leanings, can think of each other as people first, all wanting success for our families and our nation, even though we all have VERY different ideas on how to get there.

Just this very simple acknowledgement of our common humanity and destiny is a huge step in the right direction.

Thank you President Obama for leading us back to the bedrock principles that founded this nation – honest dialogue, checks and balances, and yes, compromise. What many have portrayed as a weakness may in fact prove to be your greatest legacy to our nation and to the world.

Nashville_fan (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:28 AM)

To A Righty, "common ground" has only one meaning...Do it my way. The only thing they will really complain about today is the teleprompter. They'll always have that.

Brian, Girard, OH (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:28 AM)

The people of California have to be getting fed up with how much their government is costing them. Arnold is like Specter. He thinks he has to appeal to a the liberal base to win an election, but as usually the case, he's wrong. California needs leaders to that will cut the government, probably to less then half it's current size. Arold's not the only one though, the Democratic California legislator is just a guilty of all the spending being done.

It's time the people of California get serious about cutting back their government and all it's spending. If they don. the state will be bankrupt in about 6 months.

Gus Fess, AZ (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:29 AM)

When Obama does change his mind yet again and releases the "torture" pictures, can he also release pictures of a partial birth abortion too? I think the public has a right to know what is going on.

Anne Hayes, Texas (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:30 AM)

How's Nancy Pelosi doing today? She find her place yet?

Looking Fine (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:31 AM)

California has become an embarassment to the country. Just what in the world is that state trying to do to fix it's fiscal problems? Just like Obama, California is spending money it does not have. We should all take a look at what is happening in California because that is exactly what will be happening for the entire country sooner rather then later.

Bud Gett (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:34 AM)

How's Nancy Pelosi doing today? She find her place yet?
Looking Fine (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:31 AM)

Who was the last politician to wag their finger at us and tell us lies? Was that some guy named Bill?

I Did Not Have Relations With That CIA Memo, Not Once (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:37 AM)

why hasn't there been a compromise to seat Franken just temporarily, like Republicans did for Mary Landrieu in 1996?
------------------------------------------------------
Short answer: Tim Pawlenty.

Tim mistakenly believes that by stalling the inevitable certification of the election results, he will be rewarded by the GOP. 2012 Presidential nominee, perhaps? Of course, the more likely scenario is that once the Coleman campaign has been laughed out of court, Tim Pawlenty will be discarded like a used Kleenex. He and Coleman are fighting to hang on, because the possibility exists that both men may find themselves out of work- and out of all GOP power circles- very soon.

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:38 AM)

Just when I thought I could not be any prouder of our President, he bolsters that pride to an all time zenith! He intuitively knows how to cut thru the chatter and come straight to the point of how we can differ in our views, but respect each other as human beings while doing so. He is a brilliant communicator and those that chose to heckle, protest, walk out, etc, should feel embarrassed that they chose to use this opportunity to dummy down the abortion issue rather than have a real exchange in a fitting forum.

The President was triumphant and didn't flinch or turn away from this opportunity. We are so blessed to have him as our President!

J. Ellis, Virginia (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:40 AM)

Obama's teleprompter gave a great speech yesterday at Notre Dame! Outstanding job TP!!
Telo Mundo (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:21 AM)

----------------------------------------

Oh, my, aren't we the witty one!

The GOP is to the point that they have their pundits like Glenn Beck and Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity sit in front of teleprompters and make fun of a guy using a teleprompter.

George W. Bush used a teleprompter.

John McCain, had he been elected, would use a teleprompter.

...and the GOP wonders why they are the minority in government.

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:43 AM)

Jason Whitt, Chicago IL (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:43 AM)

Telo Mundo (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:21 AM)

How petty can you get?

The President gave a moving speech. He acknowledged the differences in the two camps (Pro-Choice and Pro-Life) and offered an alternative to the shrill back and forth that we have become accustomed to.

The teleprompter is an inanimate object which does not create words or deliver words so your "cuteness" is unappreciated.

My hope is that the Notre Dame graduates took away the encouragement that the President was there to provide with his uplifting message.

What has become clear as a result of this manufactured controversy is that Randall Terry and Alan Keyes have a long way to go to be in the same league as Barack Obama. By the sheer force of his will and personal story he was able to bring the students at Notre Dame to a place where the mutual respect was evident even though there were differences of opinion on some sensitive subject.

President Obama is not perfect and I will not always agree with him but he is doing a masterful job of outwitting his critics. Witness his selection of Governor Huntsman for Ambassador to China.

Winner!

Sheila, Pikesville, MD (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:44 AM)

They really do need to find a new host for MTP. It is as unwatchable as Moron Joe is. Lawrence O'Donnell might be a good start. Someone with a personality and some real knowledge and interest in the issues would be a relief. I never used to miss it, and now I never watch it.

newdayDawning (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:45 AM)

The best news I've heard in a long time, that Arnold's Nightmare Propositions are going to go down to defeat tomorrow. I can't wait to vote tomorrow against all of them.

Hopefully President Obama will make it perfectly clear that there must be a two state solution for Palestinians. I don't trust that yahoo Netanyahu to get a peace deal done, just like when he was around during Clinton's tenure.

Barack rocked the house at notre dame yesterday. He certainly has proven that he is not afraid to walk through the valley of death amongst the catholics who whine against abortion. Maybe they'll finally get smart and embrace smart birth control for safe sex if they want to reduce abortions.

Go Fixing Hubble!
Go Lakers!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:45 AM)

Only NOW is First Read impressed with President Obama's skill in wrapping up Senator Clinton? And how about John McCain? Joe Lieberman? By telling Arlen Specter he would support him in 2010, Obam tried to wrap him up, too, but Specter evidently isn't as conscientious as Clinton, McCain, or Lieberman ... or Judd Gregg, for that matter. At least Gregg told Obama he wouldn't go through with it BEFORE the deal was done.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Is anyone else getting as tired as I am of the politics of diversion and devisiveness. Teabagging, the abortion debate, the Nancy Pelosi debate, the Dick Cheney debate -- nothing more than shiny objects to draw media attention and deflect attention away from the fact that republicans STILL don't have any ideas. And even more tiresome is how the press keeps getting suckered by the same old, same old.

Ah, for the good old days when political protests were really about something.

Anna Molly (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:46 AM)

In anticipation of new administrations –

When JFK was elected, no one was happier than the “eggheads” and science community. The 1950s had been rife with McCarthyism which ruined lives, with the worst casualty being J. Robert Oppenheimer. There was a great deal of hope that JFK would clear Oppenheimer’s name and put an end once and for all to the fear mongering that had spread throughout the previous decade. Because of the witch hunts, of which Oppenheimer paid the highest price, our country lost a valuable mind in the science world. The result of this was the Russians in complete secrecy blasting off Sputnik, which shocked not only President Eisenhower, but the rest of the world as well. Because Oppenheimer was labeled a security risk (questionable), we were no longer the leaders in the world. We had wasted too much time and energy on ruining people’s lives rather than embracing their knowledge. And we paid a dear price for that.

JFK knew the risks in clearing Oppenheimer’s name. But people in this country believed Oppenheimer had been badly treated. So when JFK had an evening for Nobel Prize winners, he invited Oppenheimer to the White House. He also award Oppenheimer with the Fermi Award in 1963, a huge deal. There was a great deal of support for Oppenheimer in this country but he was told that if he wanted to clear his name, he would have to go through grueling hearings, something he was unwilling to do. Once had been enough for him. But Oppenheimer remained for the rest of his life a kind of beloved figure, a captivating man and an individual no one ever really understood. To me he was the most interesting man of the 20th Century. We lost a brilliant mind because of politics. He traveled the country and world to huge audiences everywhere he went.
__________
JFK hated what the Republicans & J. Edgar Hoover had done in the 1950s with their witch hunts. But the new president also knew that his changes had to come in time. Inviting Oppenheimer to the White House was a huge first step in this process in stomping out all the ugliness of the 1950’s witch hunts.

President Obama needs time. He cannot pretend and we cannot pretend that just because he won, that he can overnight change the Bush policies. We are still at war. And he was left with huge mountains to climb with the economy, healthcare, education, etc.

Keep the faith everyone. And keep pushing. That's the only way change can happen.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:47 AM)

Obama got an honorary degree at ND for babbling total bs.

C Riggs, NY (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:48 AM)

D. Gregory does not do a very good job on MTP. Mike Steele's big mouth was all you could hear above everything else, and he has nothing worth while to say.

gepa (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:48 AM)

President Obama once again shows us all how to grow up.

Karen, Cleveland, Ohio (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:49 AM)

Eric, Salinas, CA The best news I've heard in a long time, that Arnold's Nightmare Propositions are going to go down to defeat tomorrow. I can't wait to vote tomorrow against all of them.

When is California going to start paying its bills? Their creditors want their money.

Joe's Collection Agency (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:50 AM)

Another great speech by our president. A civil tone mentioned by Obama is never an option w/ the religiosity/theocrats. It's their way or else w/ their fire and brimstone and double standards. They loved the so-called born again President who lied which directly led to the death of thousands of children in Iraq, supports a political party that cuts social/education programs that would prevent unwarranted
pregnancies and only a minimal of religious nuts will ever consider adopting minority babies. The Gop love to talk about limited government intrusions only if it concerns them.

Juan,FT Lauderdale,FL (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:50 AM)

Trevor Stills, CA (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:50 AM)

Michael Steele showed himself to be petty Sunday on MTP. However Tim Kaine was not impressive as the DNC chairman. It appeared that Gregory & Kaine allowed Steele to control the discussion. Steele was more defensive than Kaine. Kaine did not fight back when he had an opening which Gregory made sure he didn't get many.

David Gregory again shows he was the wrong person for the job.

“This Week With George Stephanopoulos” had a much better round table, as usual, than “MTP”.

Dennis, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:51 AM)

Quintessential Obama?

Sounds like the title of a greatest hits album.

Obama plays to the crowd, great orator but also often says nothing. You can't compromise abortion.
If you could then the compromise might be to legalize it only through the first 6 months of pregnancy, or to the end of the 2nd trimester.

But we now have it legalized all the way through partial birth, where the baby is actually coming out of the womb and "needled" to end it's life. This is what Obama is about. And the argument against that procedure is highly understandable. His defense is to lessen pregnancies and therefore lessen abortions.
Another idiotic statement from a man who has NO RESPECT for life.

Fortunate Son (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:51 AM)

Who was the last politician to wag their finger at us and tell us lies? Was that some guy named Bill?
I Did Not Have Relations With That CIA Memo, Not Once (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:37 AM)

Try george bush. you might need to work on your short term memory.

ken from holland, pa (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:52 AM)

How petty can you get? Sheila, Pikesville, MD (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:44 AM)
====================================================
You'll see...Wait till Limbaugh comes on at noon.

Brian, Girard, OH (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:52 AM)

Anne Hayes, Texas (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:30 AM

can he also release pictures of a partial birth abortion too? I think the public has a right to know what is going on.
<><><><><><><><><>><><><>><><>>>>><><><>>
YOU don't have a right to a person's medical records, so why should anyone like you want to see a dead fetu? It sounds like necrophilia to me.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:54 AM)

Please. Let's not pretend that the Huntsman appointment is about bipartisanship. It's about removing a feared rival. David Plouffe has said he's the one Republican most feared by the Obama team in 2012. So it's less about good governing than merely good politics on Obama's part.

Claire (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:55 AM)

That's kind of shrewd and funny how Obama picked Hunstman to be Ambassador to China, showing his bipartisan desires while taking out a moderate contender in 2012. I love the way he peels off the moderates from the republic facist party.

The way you write up Jennifer Granholm as a past beauty contestant First Read it would seem to make her the obvious choice for the repugnant ones to love, I mean all they see is skin deep. While a great choice for the SC I'm still not convinced appointing a non-lawyer to the SC is the smartest move possible. However with no legal past to hang her out to dry the repugnant ones will be hard pressed to whine about her.

I sure hope that disgusting gun lobby poison pill gets knocked out of the credit card bill, there's no need for guns in our national parks period. The Congress has done a lot of work since taking over in early January, no thanks to the dopes of nope ofcourse.

Seems like a dull weekend as the repugnant ones seemed to keep their ignorant mouths shut. Nancy Perlosi did seem to overreach herself on trying to defend what she was briefed on in September 2002. Ofcourse Panetta will defend the CIA and ofcourse their notes will seem to be in order, but let's not kid ourselves about the highly secretive CIA, they've done things before that were shameful and have had a long sordid history of outright lying to the people of our country.

Just Say No to Arnold's Nightmare Propositions!
Go Lakers!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:55 AM)

What an absolute curse Obama has become. Trillions of dollars spent, money the government does not have, and for what? Two automakers are now bankrupt, the banks are still shaky, and insurance companies are also still going out of business.

Then Obama tried to knock the Republicans out by releasing only certain CIA memo's to make the Bush team look bad. That little plan has turned things around though now hasn't it? The only ones looking bad in all that is Pelosi and Obama. Those two can't get rid of that mess on their faces fast enough. But that one is not going away anytime soon.

A Gregson, Indiana (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:56 AM)

No matter who our President chooses for the Supreme Court the republicans will map a plan to oppose his choice, since they are just like Ron in Indiana... said going right... right over the cliff.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:57 AM)

Fortunate Son - Obama plays to the crowd, great orator but also often says nothing.

Oh, Obama says a lot. The only problem is that what he says today will be in total opposition to what he does the next day. He speaks of common ground on abortion at Notre Dame one day, and the next he'll pick a pro-abortion radical activist to be on the Supreme Court. Obama's words do not match up with his actions.

Unfortunate Nation (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:58 AM)

A lot of great comments (Feisty, Chuck, Ron, Nashville, etc.) here mixed in with the typical (and tired) right wing attacks. Ron is right on target regarding Obama's high-mindedness and conciliatory nature making the protesters seem petty (almost as petty as some of the standard right-wing attack lines on here). Why didn't MSNBC cover the speech yesterday when even Fox televised it? It was one the President's finest, and that's saying quite a lot for this very gifted speaker and statesman.

Cheers to Obama and the ND graduating class!

Jeers to MSNBC for re-running old episodes of Lockup or Dateline or whatever.

Yawn to the lack of anything remotely substantial or original from the G(dope)Pers.

Kent, Harrisburg, PA (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:59 AM)

President Obama once again shows us all how to grow up.
Karen, Cleveland, Ohio (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:49 AM)

Well, maybe you Karen. How did 8th grade go for you this year?

Mrs. Rayborn (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 10:00 AM)

<><><><><><><><><>><><><>><><>>>>><><><>>
YOU don't have a right to a person's medical records, so why should anyone like you want to see a dead fetu? It sounds like necrophilia to me.
Beverly in Chicago (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:54 AM)

-----------------------------------

Scared of something Bev?

Anne Hayes, Texas (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 10:01 AM)

When Obama does change his mind yet again and releases the "torture" pictures, can he also release pictures of a partial birth abortion too? I think the public has a right to know what is going on.
Anne Hayes, Texas (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:30 AM)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You have been showing them to us for over 30 years and still you havn't changed my mind about a woman's right to choose. It's between her and God.

I believe abortion is the wrong choice but I believe that "choice" is quintessential to true freedom.

Choice Is Mine (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 10:02 AM)

I agree with Feisty Redhead about the Meet The Press show Sunday. David Gregory is not the moderator they need. David allowed Michael Steele to take over the show. The Republicans think if they talk the longest and loudest that people will be persuaded to agree with them. I also agree with Ron Indiana about MSNBC not covering the President's speech. I am not a fan of Fox News but, to their credit they covered the speech in it's entirety. They ripped it apart at the end but, they covered it. Why didn't MSNBC cover the speech? BTW where is Chuck Todd, he seems to have disappeared from sight. He hasn't been at daily press briefings for almost two weeks.

Dottie Swarthmore PA (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 10:03 AM)

Why no mention of the First Lady's commencement speech First Read?

She did a wonderful job and was inspiring as always.

Not to mention, she was drafted to attend - great story! :)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/16/michelle-obama-commenceme_n_204302.html

Nashville_fan (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 10:03 AM)

It looks like the major scandal about the Bush administration's failed attempt to get the US military in Iraq to torture Iraqi prisoners of war into "confessing" to links with Al Qaeda has been efficiently flushed down the memory hole in record time. The corporate media are MUCH better at covering up facts than they are at reporting on them. We now return you to the media's favorite nontroversy du jour: "Nancy Pelosi: what did she know and when did she know it?"

Houston (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 10:03 AM)

Obama's call for “open hearts, open minds, fair-minded words” will fall on deaf ears of the evil elephant party, pity such big ears yet so deaf when it comes to facing reality. Barack will learn that the dopes of nope will never play the bipartisan game if it's good for the country, they only worry about what's good for their decrepit losing party of limpwristed conservative crybabies. I just hope Barack wakes up and shows them there are consequences to playing petty partisan politics all the time.

So childish to whine about Obama and the teleprompter when their idiots use teleprompters too, too bad your clowns aren't so good at reading and comprehension huh?

I'm so glad that the majority of CA voters will reject Arnold's Nightmare Propositions even though there seems to be little organized support. I got a flyer supporting these horrible propositions that would screw up our budgeting process but none against. I'm just glad that Arnold won't be in the upcoming Terminator movie coming this Thursday.

Just Say No to Arnold's Nightmare Propositions!
Go Lakers!
Go Fixing Hubble!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 10:04 AM)

The same people that where the loudest complaining about the Notre Dame speech, seem to be the same groups that complain everyday about the job the POTUS is doing.They complain about his stance on abortion,but are ok with presidents that have spoke at ND. who Invented a war that has killed thousands,and maimed and scarred many for life.Someone that has broken our laws of war by torturing prisoners.My guess is that the hecklers where republican plants,cameras in hand to record the bravery.

jesse St.Paul Minnesota (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 10:04 AM)

I can't believe this was the Sunday I chose to give David Gregory a try on MTP. What a major disappointment, AGAIN!

Michael Steele is a hideous guest as he has an opinion on everything and says nothing of substance. Tim Kaine's comment that the party of NO is now the party of No Empathy was SO appropriate!

I will not make the mistake of giving Mr. Gregory another chance. He was completely lame at reigning Steele in and as someone else already noted, it was about 90% Steele and 10% Kaine. The moderating ocurred where exactly?
-------------
Regarding the President's speech at Notre Dame, I streamed it live from CNN's website - I wasn't getting sound on the MSNBC feed. I thought it was really incredible.

It must really suck to be a Repub right now. No matter how hard they try, they can't seem to get any traction on their whining points. It is an embarassment of riches watching goofy soundbite after goofy soundbite.

Even the President's "off-color" joke about Boehner (pun intended) couldn't be twisted him. I make no illusions that this tide won't turn, I don't believe, as a political party Dems are any more honorable than Repubs, in general. I DO however believe that this President IS the real deal. He has walked the walk and he can certainly talk the talk.

I will enjoy the full eight years. I am feeling THAT confident!
---------
Way to GO, Lakers! (I was born in LA, forever a fan)

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 10:05 AM)

Come on folks lets get a campaign going to get rid of David Gregory on meet the press. I haven't watched since Tim was moderator. I agree Lawrence O’Donnell would be good.

Mo (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 10:12 AM)

Fortunate Son - Obama plays to the crowd, great orator but also often says nothing.

I agree. He has a remarkable ability to talk and have you think he somehow agrees with you. And then does whatever he intended to do in the first place, knowing full well the media will swoon and describe the way he reaches across the aisle and tries to weigh all sides of an argument before making a decision.

Katie C (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 10:12 AM)

What was missing from the ND part of the above article, is that the audience of more than 12000 drowned out the three hecklers with chants of YES WE CAN! The overwhelming majority of ND's student and faculty body supports Obama...one would think from reading all the commentary on the subject of his speech there and honory degree that the opposite was true. No. It is not. Again, the media made a bigger story out of something that was not much to report on except for the fact that the president was making a speech.

pat huntington ny (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 10:13 AM)

Next >>

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=1935414