GOPers praise Obama FEMA team

Posted: Friday, August 28, 2009 10:23 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: White House, Barack Obama

From NBC's Mark Murray
With the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina coming up tomorrow, the AP has a story in which Republicans are praising the Obama administration's FEMA team and efforts to rebuild the Gulf Coast.

"Gov. Bobby Jindal, R-La., says Obama's team has brought a more practical and flexible approach. Many local officials offer similar reviews. Even Doug O'Dell, former President George W. Bush's recovery coordinator, says the Obama administration's "new vision" appears to be turning things around. Not too long ago, Jindal said in a telephone interview, Louisiana governors didn't have 'very many positive things' to say about the Federal Emergency Management Agency."

"But Jindal said he had a lot of respect for the current FEMA chief, Craig Fugate, and his team. 'There is a sense of momentum and a desire to get things done,' the governor said. Added O'Dell: 'I think the results are self-evident.'"

Of course, it's still REALLY early, and Team Obama has yet to deal with a real hurricane hitting the United States...

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Comments

Let's work TOGETHER to help our FELLOW citizens in their time of great need.

Thank you President Obama and FEMA workers for hopefully learning from past problems and speeding aid to where it is needed.

Put all political name calling aside today and donate to charities who will assist storm victims.

Freeyourmindandyourasswillfollow (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 10:31 AM)

Sounds the Republicans are being bi-partisan. Maybe the Democrats will get over their angst and join the party at some point.

Ellie Meely, NC (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 10:35 AM)

DOES ANYONE REALLY BELIEVE TEAM OBAMA WOULD HANDLE SUCH A DISASTER ANY BETTER?

KATRINA DISASTER WAS BEYOND OUR CAPABILITIES ... (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 10:37 AM)

With the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina coming up tomorrow, the AP has a story in which Republicans are praising the Obama administration's FEMA team and efforts to rebuild the Gulf Coast.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Knock me over with a feather would ya?

The Republican'ts said something positive about our President?

Who would have 'thunk' it?

Today must be 'opposite' day...

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 10:38 AM)

Oh, this is just a brilliant move by the Republicans! The Republicans are showing they can work well and praise the Obama administration for doing a very important and highly visible job. Now when Obama and the left-wingers start chanting "The Republicans are the party of NO!", the Republicans just need to point to this item.

Lets face a few facts, you shovel a few hundred billion into New Orleans, and something's going to get better.

Charlie Howell, Lowell MA (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 10:39 AM)

The lesson here is, when someone is giving you free money, don't be critical of them.

Wellsie (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 10:40 AM)

FR: Of course, it's still REALLY early, and Team Obama has yet to deal with a real hurricane hitting the United States...

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

AlGore's weather machine is making sure that doesn't happen. Thanks Al!!

R.Goldberg (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 10:41 AM)

Are any of these things going to be televised? I'd like to see them.

Paul, Huntsville, AL

ABC won't be carrying it. They say it's too partisan.

Pat Issac (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 10:45 AM)

".....Of course, it's still REALLY early, and Team Obama has yet to deal with a real hurricane hitting the United States... ...."

(GASP)
That wouldn't be Mark Murray of MSNBC's First Read actually admitting Obama is INEXPERIENCED, would it?

Hey, let's get real wild here, and take it a step further! Let's admit that he hasn't done a damned thing since taking office.

Let's admit that he hasn't changed anything, hasn't gotten us out of Iraq, and in fact has engaged in "play-to-pay" practices that he said he wouldn't, when he was running for President.

Nah, I guess that would be a little too much for FIRST READ to swallow all at once, wouldn't it?

Okay then, for now we'll take your concession of Obama's ignorance of what to do in emergency situations, and his inexperience and we'll run with it.

Just as the wheels of justice move ever-so slowly; so too does the wheel of knowledge, understanding and truth.

The country is beginning to see, after eight (8) months, just how much of a LIAR, and CON-ARTIST Obama really is. It's beginning to see how inexperienced he is, and how much a part of Washgington's "business as usual" crowd he was, and still is.

It takes time for people to learn, understand and accept the truth.

So thank you, Mark.
Your admission of Obama's naivty' is a good start.

WE NOMINATED & ELECTED THE WRONG DEMOCRAT (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 10:45 AM)

An attempt by the GOP to not look so obstructive??

Maybe...

But it counts more when you vote guys. Compromise by passing the public option, and we'll give you more credit.

Greg P. NW Indiana (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 10:45 AM)

Of course "it's still REALLY early" to acknowledge positive progress made by the Obama Administration, but certainly not too early to criticize where they're attempting to straighten out and tackle the most complex and difficult issues like the economy and health care.

griff, seattle (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 10:45 AM)

'...The New York Times says that conservative Catholic bishops are speaking out against the legislation that's emerging from Capitol Hill...'

Uh HELLO ?
Separation of Church and State ??
Someone tell the bishops to STFU and go back to molesting altar boys

There is supposed to be a seraration of Church and State
In most countries that political Catholicism reigned, there was a ruling and a serf class
Catholic bishops introduced SLAVERY into the Americas
They advised serf to obey their 'masters' and sanctioned the burning at the stake of dissenters

Isn't THIS what is wrong with Iran and many Muslim countries ?
The Holey Rollers try to control politics ??

STFU

(I'm an ex-Catholic 'in recovery' from THAT worthless scam)

NO POPE HERE !!

MSierra, SF (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 10:47 AM)

Wow, that must have really stung Bobby Jindal to admit. Humble pie can really make you choke! (and, of course, I've had my share!)

Can't wait to serve up a fresh, hot, steaming slice to Bill, Fairfax - per his request this morning! HA

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 10:48 AM)

PS. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032608/ns/meet_the_press_online_at_msnbc

I would watch this if I could be sure DG wasn't going to botch it. I adore Doris Kearns Goodwin. It seems like CNN got both of my Sunday favorites (Caraville and Kearns-Goodwin). This past year has really underscored how much I miss Tim R.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 10:52 AM)

Stop the presses (or whatever the internet equivalent is)--I never thought I'd see the day when any Republicans had anything good to say about the Obama administration. Maybe there is hope for compromise on other issues as well!

Steeler Fan Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 10:54 AM)

Finally!! A Republican that praises Obama's work (even if it is Jindal). Has anyone ever noticed that most of the states that are at the bottom with education have Republican governors? Just wondering. What about the Republican Congressman who said they are waiting for "the Great White Hope" in their party. What about the nuts at townhall meetings with signs that read "Death to Obama & Death to Michelle and her two stupid kids", and oh let's not forget at a Grassley townhall meeting in Iowa a World War II veteran saying he "wanted to take his gun to Washington if others would come with him" after saying that Obama was a "little Hitler". Grassley did not chastise the man! These townhall meetings are getting dangerous and very few people that send posts even mention that. Also what about the pamphlets that Steele has sent out about if the healtcare package passes,the Dems will figure out who are Republicans and will deny them healthcare! The only conclusion that I can come up with is that the Republicans know that stupid or afraid people will believe anything they say or others with a more sinister, racial agenda. That speaks volumns about the lack of character in their DNA. And lastly what about Hatch & McCain saying if Senator Keneddy were alive there would be bi-partisan on the health care packages when they NEVER voted with him ANYTIME for ALL Americans to have health care as a moral right. This is the party that the uneducated or super rich are their major constituents.

Cheryl Allison Campbell (Louisville, KY) (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 10:59 AM)

This is what happens when a real President is in office,someone that cares about the people,not just for a photo shoot,like GW,who thought it was more important to give McCain a birthday party.And who could forget the back slapping that went on for the hour Bush was in NO,"Your doing a great job here Brownie".Bush turned his back on New Orleans,of coarse the wards that where damaged the worst where mostly black folks anyway, and we all have seen lately how much the right wing conservative base hates all faces that don't have the same pigment as them.But Jindil see's what a real President can do when the bottem line is the people not the corporation.

jesse St Paul MN (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:03 AM)

I was watching the people file past Kennedy's coffin, some of them waiting in line for over 3 hours. It was then that I wondered: "will it look like this when GWB passes?" How about one of the many Repub senators that have been around forever? My bet is "no- it most certainly will not"
Why? Because
Dems = "...do unto others..." while
Repubs = "ME First!!"

Buzz (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:04 AM)

President Obama is NEVER going to do anything right as as most "righties" are concerned, but I hate it when the MSM adds a "but" after every positive accomplishment.

Knock it off!

The President is NEVER going to walk on water, he is going to make mistakes, he will NEVER agree with the everyone on everything, but to suggest that because he is human makes him less than effective is just downright insane. I have never seen anything like this in over 30 years of being politically aware.
George Bush cleared brush for 8 years and mangled the English language and people thought it was funny, well Barack Obama's life is being threatened on a daily basis by wingnuts and it is not funny!
Yet you wantt to diminish whatever small achievments he and/or someone in his administration accomplishes.

Sheila R. Pikesville MD (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:05 AM)

Wow. Good news at last. The country is desperate to see competent people in charge again.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:05 AM)

I thought this comical (from a different post)...
_____________________________________________________

Did you make it through the fifth grade? Re-write the above again, and do it right this time. And you need to do it weather you want to or not.
Tom Skilling
___________________________________________________

Um it's 'whether' not 'weather' I think you learn that before 5th grade *smirk*
Steven, Highlands Ranch, (BLUE) Colorado

Steve, you obviously struggle with sarcasm.

Tom Skilling (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:06 AM)

'...ABC, NBC, CBS and CNN are doing a much better job debunking smears...'

Sorry, Ron
I think that's the JOB of the OBAMA Adminsitration
It's Predident's Obama's job to debunk the myths

MORE IMPORTANTLY, it's President Obama's Job to tell us WHAT HE WANTS in a HCR bill

That time is LIONG OVER DUE

Just a thought about the out pouring of emotion over Ted Kennedy's passing....

Does anyone think there will be a similar outpouring when either Bush passes on ?
How about for CON MAN and DEADBEAT DAD Newt Gingrich ?
Anybody gonna call him a humanitarian ?
Dick Armey ? the Boner ? Eric Cantor ? Mitch McConnell ?

CROOKS, THIEVES, CON MEN, DEMAGOUGES ALL

How can we miss you if you won't go away ?

MSierra, SF (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:11 AM)

Well, well. Thank you Gov. Jindal and others for recognizing that appointing people with experience instead of cronies like "heck of a job, Brownie" is critical in departments like FEMA. Former Pres Clinton appointed a qualified person and the difference between FEMA before and during Bush's term was clearly visible. Granted, no hurricanes have hit our shores this year but having good people can prevent another collapse of the system as occurred with Katrina.

Jody, Iowa (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:13 AM)

MSNBC showed a man at a town hall meeting (from the middle of the back down) carrying a rifle acrossed his back and a pistol on his hip ... one of many to carry weapons to these meetings. MSNBC raised the question about gun carrying white people.

When O'Reilly showed the rest of the video, we find that the man carrying the rifle and pistol was African-American.

So why does MSNBC try to portray this as a white issue only? The last time I noticed, there are a hell of a lot of elderly black people in this country with the same concerns as the white man ... they are not happy with Obie's "pull the plug" attitude.

Moon Dawg (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:16 AM)

no joe, no bo,nj (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 10:05 AM)

I checked a WSJ list of Stimulus items and the film tax credit was not listed. I did some other searching and found it listed in an earlier bill (February 4th) but it was shown that republicans objected so the Democratic lead Senate removed it. Perhaps one of your faux news heroes is still using this as a talking point?

I didn't look up the other items because after the first one, you lost credibility.

However, I would like to point out that if you look a pretty much any bill that gets signed into law, you can probably find some "pork." It is not unique to Democrats (I seem to remember a statistic that the top pork producers in the federal budget bill were republicans) and it is nothing new. The way our system has always worked is deal making. The old, well, I don't really support your bill, but if we were to add $X for this project in my backyard, I could vote for it.

Chris - IL (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:16 AM)

As a resident of Florida, we are sad to see Craig Fugate leave, but glad that he was selected for the position to lead FEMA. Great credit to President Obama and Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano for crossing party lines and having selected the right person, with the right credentials and the right experience to lead FEMA. Rest assured that Craig Fugate is more than ready to lead the nation, the same way he lead the State of Florida, during any natural disasters we faced. Mr Fugate is a busybee during calm times, doing all the preparedness and getting ready for action. When action comes, you will see a fierce lion, in command and in control; organized chaos. After the storm, he goes back to busybee, doing all the fixings, repairs and learnings; getting ready for the next action. Kudos to Republicans for their sincerity. FEMA workers will appreciate it, as they need some morale lifting, after being so poorly led during so many years.

Tampa, Florida (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:17 AM)

After being sick the last several days, i have'nt felt like posting on any subject.I have No doubt about the women on this board holding thier own against the RightWing Taliban.

Senator Kennedy will be sorely missed by all Democrats.However his presence will continue to be felt all across America. His Endorsement of President Obama changed the dynamics of last years Democratic Primary's. All of us who've followed Politics thru the year's, knew the Importance on the day of his endorsement.

For all you Taliban member's who think Liberalism is Dead, It's like thinking terrorism will die once Bin laden is Dead, it aint gonna happen.

Is there any wonder that since Bush left town, that New Orleans & the Coastal states are making Progress towards rebuilding? Barbara Bush's comment shortly after this Tradgedy was all the Commonsense thinking person needed to know. SCREWEM ALL, basically was said!

So i say to all the RightWing Taliban, Screw all of Ya, who have no idea's to bring to the table.

Liberalism will Never Die, The Dream Lives On!

Rick,Ky (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:18 AM)

So I guess what we are learning is that when someone that believes government has the capability to do something right is elected, they put good people in place, develop good plans, and execute on those plans.

This must really be painful for the birthers, deathers, teleprompters, and idiots that keep ranting about President Obama's lack of experience and inability to management anything!

Chris - IL (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:19 AM)

Talk about the current situation in Katrina and the news this past week:
http://www.governmentalityblog.com/my_weblog/2009/08/question-of-the-day-82409-freeform-friday.html

New York, NY (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:19 AM)

Competence is surely refreshing...

Steven, Highlands Ranch, (BLUE) Colorado (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:20 AM)

The hurricanes will come and Obie will be there with that "now what" look on his puss. It's unavoidable.

Thanks to Patty Sheehan for sticking to her beliefs about war. She's as wrong as a fib but she protested Bush so she HAS to protest Obama to avoid that "hypocrite" label.

Moon Dawg (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:20 AM)

no joe, no bo,nj do you see this artical,

"Gov. Bobby Jindal, R-La., says Obama's team has brought a more practical and flexible approach. Many local officials offer similar reviews. Even Doug O'Dell, former President George W. Bush's recovery coordinator, says the Obama administration's "new vision" appears to be turning things around.

hey are these guys lying Too!!!!!!
lets see your post on this one, but i and everybody knows you will not leave one because this artical is saying something positive about the president, i know its makes you sick.
stop drinking the Sugar, Honey, Ice, Tea!!!!

Jeff Westmont IL. (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:21 AM)

FR--Of course, it's still REALLY early, and Team Obama has yet to deal with a real hurricane hitting the United States...
--------------------

Good morning,

I read this article on yesterday, it was great. What I appreciated most of all about the article was the fact that both Conservatives and Liberals joined forces, forgot about politics and respected the fact that politics had/have no place when peoples lives and livelihoods are in need of restoring.

Four years and numerous tragic stories were too long for an “American” citizen to endure the hardships, indignities and disrespect those people endured. What ever some of them were though of as being. The thing to remember was that…they were human beings. The inhumane treatment and tragedies suffered by them due to lack of caring, will forever be remembered by me.

We spend billions of dollars in other nations for all types of causes, yet...we neglect our own in times of crisis. As I type this...I remember sound advice that my mother said constantly--"we pass by a mission, going to a mission". Stop by the first mission you see...your home.

I sincerely pray those that live in vulnerable areas don't have to face another disaster such as "any" devastation form hurricanes...just to test the capability of this administrations FEMA appointments. What's most important, both sides are working to resolve issues that were too long standing incomplete, due to lack of care.

If anyone have time this weekend…check up on your neighbor, find out if they are in need of something that perhaps you have that you can share.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:24 AM)

It's nice to see a government that works when run by competent people. It's funny how FEMA seems to do such a great job under Democrat administractions.

Jimbo, Mesa, AZ (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:31 AM)

Bandee Webb (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:34 AM)

There is supposed to be a seraration of Church and State
In most countries that political Catholicism reigned, there was a ruling and a serf class
Catholic bishops introduced SLAVERY into the Americas
They advised serf to obey their 'masters' and sanctioned the burning at the stake of dissenters
(I'm an ex-Catholic 'in recovery' from THAT worthless scam)

NO POPE HERE !! MSierra, SF (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 10:47 AM)
--------------------------------------------------

OK MSNBC now it is over the top!
Where is your moderation?

MSNBC says :

"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."

Insulting anti-Catholic rants are now posted on MSNBC with no moderation. Where are your "politically correct" open-minded, inclusive, liberal Democrats now?

If there is no moderation at MSNBC, then rest assured there are TONS of Obama, Rahm Emanuel, David Axelrod, Barney Frank, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid insults and jokes waiting to burst forth.

Care to print any Mr. Zucker-President of NBC?

Tired of double standard PC Dems! (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:37 AM)

Hey, Bobby, is it true you're looking for money from the Federal Government to build one of those high-speed railroads you made fun of back in February?

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:38 AM)

WE CAN ONLY HOPE !!

From Salon.com:

'...RNC: Republicans will be denied healthcare

Apparently the death panels myth wasn't enough for the Republican National Committee. They're apparently trying to start a whole new one -- now, it won't just be old people who will be refused care under Democratic healthcare plans, but all Republicans.

The RNC sent out a fundraising mailer recently. Couched as a survey, it contained one question that reads, "It has been suggested that the government could use voter registration to determine a person's political affiliation, prompting fears that GOP voters might be discriminated against for medical treatment in a Democrat-imposed health care rationing system. Does this possibly concern you?"

This would be laughable if it weren't so shameless, so irresponsible and so dirty.

But the RNC got caught out by one couple in Washington State who received the mailing and went to their local paper with it. It'd be nice to think that, post-exposure, the RNC would show some sort of remorse and -- just maybe -- stop spreading this kind of thing. But given the attitude of RNC Chair Michael Steele in his interview with NPR Thursday morning, that seems very unlikely.

― Alex Koppelman...'

Talk about 'Talking Down' to your supporters
The Republicans MUST THINK that their supporters are IDIOTS !!
(and they're PROBABLY RIGHT)
This is treating seniors like fools
Is THAT governing Republican ideology

NoJoeBlow, do YOU Beleive this crap ??
Do you think you'll be denied coverage because you're conservative ??

MSierra, SF (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:47 AM)

bush was so inept !!! OBAMA could run circles around him !!!

roger smith augusta ga (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:48 AM)

This must really be painful for the birthers, deathers, teleprompters, and idiots that keep ranting about President Obama's lack of experience and inability to management anything!
Chris - IL (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:19 AM)
------------------------------

Great comment Chris! Notice lately how the right has become increasingly childish, settling now on personal attacks vs debating the issues. They have nothing left. Their party is coming apart at the seems, they have no leadership, and many of their baseless arguments are being fact checked one item at a time, uncovering the lies and the innuendo for what it is: simple distractions. To be sure, reading the comments coming from the right had previously been at least humorous, I now scroll past from simple boredom.

SpinThis (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:49 AM)

Uh, Chris, IL-the film money is in there-nice try, no sale.

I didn't mention the checks that went out to five thousand dead people-those who had died more than 30 years ago, at that. It was blamed on the social Security administration-with no mention that these people were NOT receiving monthly SS checks, so the fault was with the administration, not the Social Security folks-

I also did not mention the checks that went to prisoners in Massachusetts-money to which they were not entitled, which the prison administrators tried to alert Washington about, were informed that they had to distribute the checks-money that is now GONE, never to be recovered.

This is the result of 17% of the stimulous funds being distributed. wonder what will happen to the bulk of it-if it isn't cancelled for the good of the country.

no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Friday, August 28, 2009 11:50 AM)

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