GOPers blast Obama on health, stimulus

Posted: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:31 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Congress, Republicans, Economy

From NBC's Blayne Alexander
House Republican leaders criticized President Obama today -- attacking his proposed health-care plan and his stimulus bill, and arguing that nearly five months in, the stimulus package simply "isn't working."

House Minority Leader John Boehner, along with No. 2 Republican Eric Cantor, Conference Chairman Mike Pence, and Vice-Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers held a media avail today, in which they called the Obama administration "out of touch" with the American people, and denounced Obama's health-care plan as one that will eliminate jobs and impose taxes on small business owners.

Video: Rep. Eric Cantor, R-VA., argues that the Obama administration's economic stimulus plan is failing to help a depleted U.S. economy and has American's questioning whether the policies are working.

The leaders spoke extensively about the unemployment rate, with Pence beginning his remarks by saying "the American people are hurting" and calling it "remarkable" that the administration says the stimulus bill is working.

Rep. Cantor echoed his sentiments. "We have a full-blown economic crisis on our hands," he said, adding that "every job loss is an economic free fall" for the family that it affected.

Turning to health care, Boehner appealed to Obama to "practice the Hippocratic Oath" -- do no harm -- as the president advocates a public/government option to compete with private insurers. Then, in a rather animated moment (complete with arm waving), he added incredulously, "And as if ALL that isn't bad enough, we want to tax small businesses?!"

The leaders were joined by Michigan Republican Reps. Dave Camp and Candice Miller, who spoke in anticipation of Obama's economic speech to be delivered later today in their home state.

Miller says her state has been "short-changed" by the stimulus plan and spoke passionately about Michigan's recent difficulties, adding that Washington "cannot believe what is happening to us economically." She said that while she is interested in what the president has to say, "We are looking for job creation right now."

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Comments

Talk about out of touch! GOP leaders need to look in the mirror to see who's out of touch!

Skeeter in Jersey (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:39 PM)

Out of touch accurately describes just about everything GOP elected officials do these days (with a few exceptions in the Senate).

Good grief, none of these fellows supported a stimulus plan. All that they wanted to do was cut more taxes, especially capital gains taxes, for the very wealthy.

.... as for health care, these are the same folks who did nothing for 8 long years and who keep right on claiming that Americans are "happy" with our current system (when we most definitely are not).

I keep waiting for the GOP to go back to their constituencies and get back in touch---- but seemingly, all of America waits in vain for such a thing. Apparently, they are incapable of exiting their own biases (for example, tax cuts ALWAYS! No regulation always!) to find their way back to what we actually want.

Kim, Pasadena, CA (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:39 PM)

It's isn't working . . . after only 5 months!

I remember the time when Bush said Americans had to be patient about the war in Iraq and his fellow Republicans went along with that. Five years later Iraq is still not 100%

Now Bone Head et al has the nerve to say Obama's plan is not working after only a few months!

What a bunch of hypocrites!

Tom Kaye (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:39 PM)

the gop launching attacks and offering no solutions? i'm shocked. shocked i tells ya.

andy, austin (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:40 PM)

The Stimulus is working as expected, just like Obama said it would. It's keeping the state workers, and state union workers employed. Some are even getting nice raises! And without that money, a million or so state employees would now be unemployed, so he's saved those jobs.

The Stimulus was never meant to help create private sector jobs. Silly, that's what the next trillion dollar stimulus plan is going to be for.

The only problem Obama has is who is going to pay for all this stimulus. And yes, he has a plan for that too. Just like for every other plan Obama has, the "Rich" will pay for it.

We're running out of rich people though.

Sill Rivers, Boston (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:43 PM)

Miller says her state has been "short-changed" by the stimulus plan and spoke passionately about Michigan's recent difficulties, adding that Washington "cannot believe what is happening to us economically." She said that while she is interested in what the president has to say, "We are looking for job creation right now."

================

Some day the Democrats will learn, but probably not any time soon. Tax cuts for businesses are incentives enough to get the economy moving, but that means that the government has to cut back their spending, and with a full boat load of Democrats in charge of Michigan, that probably won't be happening anytime soon.

Billy Lyons, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:46 PM)

How dare President Obama take more than five months to clean up our mess.

Typical Hypocritical Republican (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:46 PM)

Just picked up my shovel to be used on those 'Shovel Ready' projects. How come on the label of the shovel it says 'Made in Mexico'?

Shovel This (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:48 PM)

Do you realize that the only thing Obama has not had a bail out plan for is the people? But the people are important to all of Obama's bailouts. They are the ones that will pay for the bailouts.

Sea Gullus (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:49 PM)

the gop launching attacks and offering no solutions? i'm shocked. shocked i tells ya.
andy, austin

Cut taxes. But you're too dense to be able to figure out how that would help.

Hy Lois, Sante Fe NM (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:51 PM)

Let's see, 5 months as opposed to 8 years.

Boner, Cantor your argument makes no sense. Tax cuts for the ultra rich did nothing to save jobs. The employers still shipped jobs overseas, and paid below living wage salaries, and deposited their wealth in off-shore accounts.

Deny, Lie, Cover-up=Repuke Bumper Sticker

Repukes this is for you: Lead, Follow, or get out of the way!

Ed, San Antonio (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:51 PM)

Gee 5 whole months. And you guys screwed it up for 8 years.
Still no ideas from the party of no. Just platitudes. All of you have been around longer than Pres. Obama- so 'start with the man (woman) in the mirror' when asking about where the jobs are. Go find them. It's your state.
Your job.

Deborah Greenlawn, NY (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:52 PM)

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:52 PM)

How dare President Obama take more than five months to clean up our mess.
Typical Hypocritical Republican

Have you figured out what you owe for all of Obama's spending? Might be a good idea if you take the time to figure it out.

Typical Dumb Democrat (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:52 PM)

The Obama Trauma sounds like a rock group with no direction home. Remember the Dead Kennedys? Another rock group with no direction. The Sex Pistols? Ah ha, you only remember because Slick Willie used to wear one on each hip, named Jennifer and Monica.

Pagan Baby (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:52 PM)

WOW !!
The boner thinks he has a better idea ??

Nice tan, Boner !
I've never seen an orange tan before
Do you dye your hair too ??

8 years of Republcian mis-management got us here
It'll take more than 6 months to get us out of this mess

De-Regulation and tax cuts for the Rich got us here
Tax cuts for Corporations got us here

If you're REALLY worried about the deficit, then it's time to tax the rich and large corporations

Let's also cancel the F0-22 fighter plane and Star Wars
Both are colossal WASTES of Tax Payer money

Nice tan though
Good job, Man Tan !!

MSierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:53 PM)

What else can the Republicans do but complain. They have never had an alternative plan for the economy that made any sense and they did not make even an attempt to work with the administration and the Democrats on the stimulus. So now they have to sit back and take pot shots at the stimulus, without mentioning that they took 8 years to mess it up.

Steeler Fan Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:55 PM)

Miller says her state has been "short-changed" by the stimulus plan and spoke passionately about Michigan's recent difficulties, adding that Washington "cannot believe what is happening to us economically." She said that while she is interested in what the president has to say, "We are looking for job creation right now."
-------------------------
Soooo, let me get this straight, in 1 breath folks are ticked off that a stimulus plan was even passed in the first place and then in a 2nd breath, feel content with presenting yourself/state as a welfare recipient, waiting for the federal government to give you jobs now and finally in the 3rd breath, hold your position as an elected official of the State but somehow hold no personal accountability to the economic condition of the State?

Very nice.

Allen - Omaha, NE (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:55 PM)

Leon,

First I do live in flint, and I have seen the destruction of the middle class. I have seen it happen on the watch of primarily big government politicians too. Like our blue dog representative that we have had for 30+ years, or the scores of corrupt mayors. It is a labor union and liberal minded city, and it shows. Our mayoral elections don't even bother putting forward a conservative candidate. It usually just the incumbent democrat vs. the challenging democrat.

Second to blanketly use the General Welfare phrase to cover whatever the public decides it is entitled to is irresponsible. If you read all of section it lists very specifically what is included in defense and general welfare.

Jonathan Flint, MI (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:55 PM)

If I bought an electric appliance for $87.50 and it didn't work, I'd tke it back to the store for a refund.

If I bought a lawmower for $875.00 and it didn't work, I'd take it back to the store for a refund.

If I bought a used care for $8750.00 and it didn't work, I'd bring it back to the dealer and demand it be repaired or my money refunded.

You see where I'm going with this?

Obama sold us a stimulus for 800 billion dollars, and it doesn't work. We should cancel the rest of it, and use the funds to pay down the now ONE TRILLION DOLLAR DEFICIT. that dollar amount is as of today, it's expected to go to two trillion by fall.

Oh, and fiesty-you gave yourself away with your 'I should read before I post' line. so, cindy, I know who my imposter is-have you found yours yet?

no joe,no bo,nj (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:55 PM)

But did they complain when major corporations where moving their plants to Mexico, China and other countries? I did not think so!!!! Who was in control of Congress then? I guess Repukes only remember things when it does not apply to them. The current lot of Repukes are the Anti to American!!!!!!
Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:52 PM)

And who was the POTUS when NAFTA was signed.....Man take your medicine and go to sleep.

IntheMIddle, TX (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:56 PM)

Yet they all advocated tax cuts and their boy John McCain wanted a spending freeze. If that had happened where exactly do they think the unemployment rate would be now?? Certainly not lower.

Guys, we've tried it your way for the last 8 years and it didn't work. The rich got richer and the rest got shafted. Now they want to cancel the rest of the stimulus?? Please!! Go back to an econ 101 class and read the text this time. And then, take a chill pill and give the stimulus time to make a difference. Rome wasn't built in a day!

CdV LA CA (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:57 PM)

Please stop giving these people a forum for their whining. Isn't Fox News enough?

Pamela, GA (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:59 PM)

Quite honestly, the incessant drone of useless Rethuglicans like Boehner and Can'tor has grown beyond tedious to such a point that I wonder why the news media even bother to report their remarks. I could just as easily make up my own daily press release, type "No to Obama" on it under a fake GOP letterhead, and keep sending it out every day ad nauseum.

First of all, it took us eight long years under GW Bush to dig ourselves into the deep hole we find ourselves in today. President Obama said when the stimulus bill was passed that it would take at least a year before the economy could begin to recover from the damage inflicted by his predecessor in the White House and the irresponsible Congress (including Democrats).

Secondly, the stimulus bill was never meant to be the only cure for our economic woes. It was designed to be part of a larger package that includes TARP funds, new regulations of the banking and finance industries and health care reform that - taken together - will help America get back on its feet economically if given a chance.

All Boehner, Can'tor and the rest of the Rethuglicans can do is whine. If they really want anybody to listen to them, they will have to offer some constructive new ideas that put our country first, instead of simply turning out the same old tired slogans and sound bites that just signal their support for the super-rich at the expense of the rest of us.

Philimus, Cleveland, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:00 PM)

Cut Taxes!!! Hmm!! 40% of the stimulus went to cutting taxes. How low can the tax base go?

OBwan, IN (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:01 PM)

From NBC's Blayne Alexander
House Republican leaders criticized President Obama today -- attacking his proposed health-care plan and his stimulus bill, and arguing that nearly five months in, the stimulus package simply "isn't working."
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

These clowns should be ashamed to even open their mouths behind what they've caused. They didn't want to do anything and while Bush was in office they assisted with his destructive politics. They have some nerve, and thnak you Mr. Bush!

1.During 2007, the United States entered into the longest post World War II recession and the administration responded by enacting multiple stimulus packages.

That failed!!

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:01 PM)

The Bush admin was forced to come up with this system, however silly, to be able to say that they did try, and were trying. Of course, when the liberals are doing everything possible to make it easier for terrorists to attack us again, it was a tough task from the start to be able to warn us all, but hey, it was something at least. They knew that your kind would ridicule the system. Fletcher Mussels, Durham, NC (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 2:38 PM)
_______________________________________

Dude seriously your little tin foil hat MUST be picking up one hell of an HD reception!

Our kind? We’re not sitting around waiting for the end of the world as we know it like some people!

Men in Black (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:01 PM)

If the U.S. doesn't take some bold action to save manufacturing in this country we are doomed. Not every one can work for the government or push digital money around. A country can not survive without a strong manufacturing base, not financially or militarily, when you have to purchase military equipment from the same people you are fighting the outcome will most likely be negative, truth be known I think we are already done for cause the middle class is gone, and without a strong middle class things will spiral out of control between the haves and have nots, I feel sorry for our children because the greatest nation in the World is no more.
MK,MO

Exactly correct! Applaud this person.

So what is anyone doing to make the above happen? Not a damn thing by my read on the situation. Rather then throwing money at Green jobs, the money should be used to seed a manufacturing base in the country. Going after Green jobs is fine, on a small scale, let them prove in a few technologies before they ramp up.

The manufacturing base needs to be restored in the country. Yes we can make cars better then Germans. Yes we can make steel better then Japanese. Yes we can make textiles better then the people in Singapore.

It's time our government got on the ball and started supporting some of these things.

Mike T., Iowa (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:02 PM)

the gop launching attacks and offering no solutions? i'm shocked. shocked i tells ya.
andy, austin

Cut taxes. But you're too dense to be able to figure out how that would help.
Hy Lois, Sante Fe NM (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:51 PM)
__________

All those tax cuts for 8 years of Bush did what exactly for the economy? Bush had two stimulus plans of his own, and that still wasn't enough. We were still led into a recession.

So, tell all us dense folks exactly how all those tax cuts helped again?

We'll wait............... (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:02 PM)

Everyone wants jobs "right now", it took corporate Republicans eight years to send them all overseas, they can be brought back if you want to step on the "powers that be's" toes, but it ain't going to happen overnight.

MK,MO (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:03 PM)

More idiotic whining that the stimulus isn't working from the dopes of nope. Only 5 months into a two year plan and the Mission Accomplished crowd wants to declare premature victory yet again. They sure better get some heavy duty handiwipes ready for next summer when the stimulus does prove it's worked and they have to wipe that egg off their faces.

Had President Obama and the Democrats passed the stimulus bill we'd be seeing the DOW at 3,000 now and unemployment several points higher. There's no doubt that the stimulus has helped to overcome the bushwhacked economy's deep slide from the end of Clueless George's watch.

I see Agent Orange Boehner wants Obama to go with the Hippocritic Oath of doing nothing to stop big medical and insurance from ripping us all off.

Notice that not one of the repugnant ones in Congress has ever given us one instance of the government getting in between them and their doctors as they have that awesome taxpayer paid government health care plan.

In Obama We Trust!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:03 PM)

We tried it one way over the last 8 years, with tax cuts and weak regulation that left the country with double the deficit and in the worst recession in 80 years. Now, we'll try it Obama's way and maybe get out of this mess and have a decent Health Care System to show for it.

Chris, Saint Louis (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:03 PM)

The lack of jobs in Michigan is incredible. Obama is definitely out of touch with what we need. We need those shovel ready jobs right now and not ten years down the road.

Somewhere in Michigan (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:05 PM)

Wow - FR did you guys missed printing what Boehner and Cantor purpose?

Oh! I see it's they didn’t it the same old song and dance.

These guys are idiotic - 5 months compared to 8 years of reckless behavior by the same numb skulls crying foul.

Unbelievable - the saddest thing about their BS is - they think this non-sense is going to help them, come the 2010 elections and beyond.

I thought one had to have an IQ of at least 100 to be in congress - these guys apparently received waivers.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:05 PM)

Have you figured out what you owe for all of Obama's spending? Might be a good idea if you take the time to figure it out.
Typical Dumb Democrat (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:52 PM)
-----------
Dear Typical Dumb Democrat: Have you figured out how much YOU owe? Enlighten us please. And be sure to figure out how much of it due to the 8 years of crap we just suffered through. Thanks.

Sharon IL (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:08 PM)

And who was the POTUS when NAFTA was signed.....Man take your medicine and go to sleep
IntheMIddle, TX
------------------------------------

Both parties are to blame for this mess. NAFTA was a horrible mistake and sold out our workers. NAFTA needs to be repealed. Thanks for NAFTA Bill.

We need to end trade with China also. I have never understood why Republicans complain about abortions but dont have a problem with us trading with a country that forces women to have abortions. No good comes from trading with China.

Make room in the middle, Fort Bliss, TX (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:10 PM)

I get a kick out of Anita ....

from NBC's Blaine Alexander ..
from NBC's Mark Murray ..
from NBC's Brian Williams ..

This chick is Whacko with a capital W.
Hey, speaking of George, I hope he's doing fine and did he ever think Obama would screw it up this bad this early?

Pagan Baby (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:10 PM)

no joe,no bo,nj (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:55 PM)

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

What was the timeframe given for the Stimulus to begin to really take affect, as advertised, in the debate leading up to the bill being passed?

Ted, Mid Michigan (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:11 PM)

Wow - FR did you guys missed printing what Boehner and Cantor proposed?

Oh! I see it's they didn’t it the same old song and dance.

These guys are idiotic - 5 months compared to 8 years of reckless behavior by the same numb skulls crying foul.

Unbelievable - the saddest thing about their BS is - they think this non-sense is going to help them, come the 2010 elections and beyond.

I thought one had to have an IQ of at least 100 to be in congress - these guys apparently received waivers.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:12 PM)

And who was the POTUS when NAFTA was signed.....Man take your medicine and go to sleep.
IntheMIddle, TX (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:56 PM)

Who was in control of Congress? Still waiting for that one, you obviously did not read my post!!!!!!Now go drink more limpbag tea limpag lover!!!!!!!

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:13 PM)

Of course, when the liberals are doing everything possible to make it easier for terrorists to attack us again, it was a tough task from the start to be able to warn us all, but hey, it was something at least. They knew that your kind would ridicule the system. Fletcher Mussels, Durham, NC (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 2:38 PM)
-------
Your kind???? What the hell is that??
Maybe you should just sit in your basement for the next few years with your gas mask on & duct tape over all the windows & doors. The threat level has been at orange for a while now, hasn't it, and that means it's ALMOST AT RED. Sounds reasonable to me.

Sharon IL (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:13 PM)

Dems need to man up and shove the health care plan down their throat. They haven't shown one bit of bipartisnship in the past 6 months. To hell w/ the whiners!

Ol' Lefty, Westminster, md (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:14 PM)

13.By the end of Bush's presidency, unemployment climbed to 7.2%.

14.The perception of President Bush's effect on the economy is significantly affected by partisanship. Meaning …the REPUBLICAN PARTY.

Bought to by...Boehner, Cantor and gang!

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:15 PM)

It's sad that I have to now switch to CNN for more balance coverage
justwaitandsee

Keep going. Nearly there. Soon to be another Fair and Balanced person.

F and F (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:15 PM)

All of you that keep on the Bush mantra, dont know what the hell your talking about. BUSH did not cause the economic meltdown. You are naive if you think this wasnt coming for years before Bush. This is America's fault. This is the fault of everyone in America that attempted to or achieved the ultimate financial goal. Americans ALL desire to be comfortable financially. ONE man cannot wreck an entire economy. Do you see any of your beloved Democrat congressmen in the soup line? Do you think if the healthcare they want to bestow upon you was so great, then why arent they advocating Congress to change to it?

You show your stupidity when you constantly blame Bush. I guess Bush gave you locked azzhole from eating all of that cheese too. May as well blame him....

Blame Bush (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:16 PM)

Who was in control of Congress? Still waiting for that one, you obviously did not read my post!!!!!!Now go drink more limpbag tea limpag lover!!!!!!!
Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA

Oh, so who was running Congress was important back in NAFTA days, but it's wasn't important when the economy tanked in the last two years?

You liberals. You crack me up.

Conservative Charlie (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:17 PM)

Ed, San Antonio,

All due respect. Do you understand that the reason US corporations are "shipping" jobs overseas is because US Corporate Tax Rates are some of the highest in the world? What we need is International Tax Competiton.

Cicero (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:17 PM)

No Jobs Barack (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:19 PM)

Who was in control of Congress? Still waiting for that one, you obviously did not read my post!!!!!!Now go drink more limpbag tea limpag lover!!!!!!!

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:13 PM)

First of all I am a TRUE veteran. I dont drink anyone's tea, gives you gallstones. Republicans were in Congress so I guess that is why the PROJECTED budget was balanced too. You just keep eating licking Obama's sweaty *** and Ill keep on soldiering. Man you dont want any of me...you too soft.

IntheMiddle, TX (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:19 PM)

Hy Lois, Sante Fe NM (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:51 PM)
__________

All those tax cuts for 8 years of Bush did what exactly for the economy? Bush had two stimulus plans of his own, and that still wasn't enough. We were still led into a recession.

So, tell all us dense folks exactly how all those tax cuts helped again?
We'll wait...............

Then raise the taxes. Just like Cap and Trade and HCR will do. We'll see where that gets us.

Hy Lois, Sante Fe NM (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:20 PM)

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