First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

the Pajama Pundit — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:42:26 GMT

”things are going to get worse before they get better”
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This should be the motto for our country right now. Perhaps 'things are going to get worse before they get better -- but hey guys, we're going to get through this!'

And we will.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

pat huntington ny — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:43:43 GMT

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Who Would have Thunk It — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:45:01 GMT

Okay, so now Obama doesn't have any of the answers. All during his campaign he had all the answers. First it was "pull the troops out", now it's "come up with a plan to pull the troops out". Then it was universal free health care, now it's we'll look into health care, soon, maybe. First it was "windfall profits tax on Big Oil", now its "no taxes on oil. First it's "Tax the rich and give to the poor", now it's "let the Bush tax cuts expire (maybe) in 2010".

It starting to look like Obama may be more conservative then he is liberal. And why shouldn't he be? He's got liberals twisted around his little finger, they're not going anywhere. Now he's just expanding his base for his run in 2012.

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Count the Votes — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:46:17 GMT

Republicans are 3-0 -- but in the South:

That doesn't count?

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

tom tyskiewicz, forest hills, pa — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:46:23 GMT

never trust a clinton with a smirk!

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Eric, Salinas, CA — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:48:17 GMT

Barack does need to make some more liberal appointments to his Cabinet to make us liberals who supported him so heavily happy. He doesn't need to placate the repugnant ones so much since they never bothered to placate us liberals the past 8 years in any way.

I like the idea that Caroline Kennedy could take Hillary's Senate seat. She's a smart lady with a ton of class.

Fire US Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan!

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

MSierra, SF — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:54:26 GMT

'...Democratic Rep. William Jefferson surprisingly lost re-election (despite his indictment for having that $90,000 in his freezer...'

GOOD !!
A crook is a crook
Whether it's a Republican or a Democrat

Now, get rid of Ray Nagin !!
Thank you, Louisiana !!

Sorry, I REALLY like Charley Rangel
But, he may have gone too far
We'll see
Democrats have to demand honesty and thics

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Eric, Salinas, CA — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:54:32 GMT

The repugnant ones won a few races in the south where they have their only power base. No big deal and they should not misconstrue these few victories as proof that the country hasn't shifted left politically because it has.

Barack Obama must fire US Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan if she continues to refuse to tender her resignation. She is the slimeball who wasted $12 million taxpayer dollars busting Tommy Chong for selling glass bongs and who hired that jerky girl Monica Goodling. Time to replace this misguided fool with someone competent who will not waste taxpayer money on bogus cases.

I saw Cheech and Chong about two weeks ago in Berekely and they were great. I really enjoyed them adding Tommy's knockout wife to their routine as she is very funny and cracked some great anti-Bush jokes. If you get a chance to see Cheech and Chong definitely do as their act is even funnier than when I last saw them 30 years ago.

Fire US Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan!

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Ron Indiana — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:56:31 GMT

I'm getting tired of the Pundits talking about the liberals attacking Obama. Hildebrand is right, "Take a chill pill." Obama will lead from the Center and will win re-election in 2012. Obama will not make the same mistake as 41 by surrounding himself with conservatives and pushing that ideology. American likes a leader to govern from the center.

Auto Bail-out: If there is going to be a bail-out there will be lots and lots of strings. That is a good thing. Good-bye GM CEO Wagnor. Their plan is too little, too late. Regrouping from 48 models to 40 models says GM still does not get it. Going from 48 models to...20 says "We need to do some serious changing. There are some people whom I listen to more than others. Nobel Economist Krugman is one of those people. He sees the demise of the auto industry...and he could be right.

I'm going shopping...for another Sunday Morning News program. David Gregory does not make it for me. ABC, CBS, I'm going to check you out. My question is how low will MTP have to fall before the management sees they made a mistake?

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Mark S, NC — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:58:01 GMT

"He's got seven official cabinet vacancies -- Agriculture, Education, Energy HHS, HUD, Labor, Transportation -- plus the intel posts. Who will be the next appointment?"

Did I miss Interior and EPA?

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Eric, Salinas, CA — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:59:42 GMT

Hey Dokenico and Mark I liked your article about the college football payoff system. One thing that needs to be done is to level the playing field of regular season games by makiing sure all teams play 12 games. Allowing big conferences like the SEC and Big 12 play that extra 13th game gives them a big advantage in the BCS system, oh yeah those two conferences managed to be in this year's faux championship game. The Big 12 conference playoff was a total sham as Missouri never deserved to be in the game and just gave Oklahoma a way to sneak into the championship game rather than texas who beat them.

I sure want to see a playoff system of the top 8 teams playing so that we get a real true champion instead of having so much dispute about which two teams deserve to play.

Fire US Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan!

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

j fl — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:00:15 GMT

never trust a tyskiewicz with a smirk either.

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

cindy, Las Vegas, Nv — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:01:11 GMT

Ditto Eric - Caroline is a very smart woman, lawyer, mother etc.

Watched all of Obama's appearances this weekend. So nice to see a PE who cares about we the people and wants to change how screwed the U>S> has become.

Jan 20th can't come soon enough!!!!!!!

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:03:52 GMT

>>>Steve Hildebrand.... “Some believe the appointments generally aren't progressive enough. Having worked with former Senator Obama for the last two years, I can tell you, that isn't the way he thinks and it's not likely the way he will lead...our president surround himself with the most qualified people to address these challenges. After all, he was elected to be the president of all the people - not just those on the left."
==========
'NUFF SAID!

43 Days Until Inauguration Day!
http://jawillie.blog.com

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Seattle Sue — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:06:56 GMT

William Jefferson probably deserves to lose. He was indicted in 2005, why has he not had a trial? I was reading Tom Delay's history on Wikipedia at Google, Mr Delay is similar To Mr Jefferson. Delay was indicted in 2005 and has not been tried. I was amazed at Mr Delay's track record, his criminal actions started when he was in college. In his private business he was charged three times for not paying payroll taxes. We really elect some fine people?

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Spinout — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:07:31 GMT

Streisand and President Bush exchanging kisses.

I KNEW it was a love/hate relationship all along.
She'll miss the very thought if him.

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Pat, Boston, MA — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:07:53 GMT

So Karl Rove is going to "name names" of people inside the beltway wo didn't like GWB?

I guess he wants to set the record straight. Republicans are liars and delusional. They were about Reagan and will be againa about GWB. Well good luck with that Karl. Does it not occur to him that he's been part of the problem in this country?

Rachel Maddow is going to have Ron Howard on this evening to talk about his new new movie about Nixon/Frost. I spent a little bit of the weekend going back and watching the original interviews as well as listening to telephone conversations between Nixon and people close to him (Pat Buchanan being one).

I never knew for sure if Nixon ordered the Watergate break in, I always assumed he didn't. But when you hear what he has to say about the Brookings Institution, I have to wonder. In one conversation, he's pretty angry at John Mitchell, as Nixon believed Mitchell should have taken the blame for the whole mess. It was his baby so to speak.

Fascinating stuff. So I'm looking forward to hearing what Ron Howard has to say.

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Clara Kansas City, MO — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:09:34 GMT

So, all the Repubs who whined about 'fair' when other Repubs lost due to crimes - feel somewhat vindicated. Ultimately, the people will wake up and do the right thing, it just takes longer than many of us would like. Jefferson lost his seat, and I am sure Rangel will ultimately lose his. This isn't about Dems or Repubs, it's about what's right - and ultimately, that comes back around. We all want a government that is free from corruption and working for the people. As citizens, we are responsible for making that happen.

As for David Gregory and MTP. I am thoroughly disgruntled with the pick, personally. I cannot watch David Gregory. I think he peaked as a White House Correspondent. He used to ask somewhat 'tough' questions. I find his personal analysis of things quite limited in scope and range and I always feel like he is trying too hard. So, I will no longer watch MTP. I will read the transcripts if it is a guest that interests me. Chuck Todd really got passed over on this one. My sense of Tim Russert was that he was the first one at the office in the morning and the last one to hit the light in the evening and he just LOVED all things political. I sense that about Chuck; but I have never felt that about David. Tom Brokaw was a mediocre stand-in, quite frankly. This is just my opinion.

Also, I read the brash comments about how Caroline Kennedy would be as bad a Senate pick as we libs thought Palin was a VP pick. I couldn't disagree with you more. Being a Senator is about creating laws. Who better to do that than a lawyer? Caroline Kennedy is actually MORE qualified than her father was to be Senator. Some people really don't get it. Unfortunately for the rest of us, they managed to find their way to this board.

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Amos Andy, NYC — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:10:15 GMT

These lates Dem. congressional losses should wake up black americans who came out in droves for the first time this last november because they wanted to elect a black president - if you don't come back in two years and keep the dems in the majority, Obama will have a tough time dealing with a republican congress, and an even tougher time with re-election in 2012.
pat huntington ny********

This is the typical view of the White American Liberal. Blacks are there just to support the liberal candidate and the liberal agenda. That's all they are good for. The rest of time they should be ignored.

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Beverly in Chicago — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:13:58 GMT

President-elect Obama’s stance once again reiterates how dedicated and honest he is about investing in the future; as well as providing and maintaining jobs, even a more contrite management. Moreover, it indicates President-elect Obama’s doesn’t want a bubble and next a recession. After all isn’t this is better than the same ole thing? This really gives the fat cats a chance to shape up; if these present management teams don’t; then their heads should roll. Alternate energy will force these guys to produce fuel efficient cars; otherwise we’ll belong to china and japan.

Change you can believe in! No Three-peats.
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These lates Dem. congressional losses should wake up black americans who came out in droves for the first time this last november because they wanted to elect a black president - if you don't come back in two years and keep the dems in the majority, Obama will have a tough time dealing with a republican congress, and an even tougher time with re-election in 2012.

pat huntington ny (Sent Monday, December 08, 2008 9:43 AM)
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pat
Why would say Blacks should wake up? Historically since 1944 Blacks have rushed to vote for the Dems, once we woke up that we were being used by Republicans. If more people want better representation 2012 should provide a scenario for urgency to other races, and parties.

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Riptide — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:16:27 GMT

Obama is now very busy "playing" president. When the job is his we'll see of he stammers sand stutters and expects a lot from his invisable VP, What's his name again? Biden?

With the media everyday is a trip to the beach, until the tide comes in. Watch your back Obama. They are waiting for you to screw up. The free passes won't last long.

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Mary OK — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:19:51 GMT

What are Caroline Kennedy's achievements? Has she ever held a job? She's just another relative of famous people looking for a prestigious post the easy way. We're loaded with this type of public official in Illinois.

As for Obama's performance on Meet the Press - he didn't say anthing particulary insightful. Seems to me he hired some very competent workhorses for his cabinet and they are going to do the heavy lifting. I suspect he'll listen to everyone's ideas and then ask them to go back and arrive at a concensus and that concsensus will be the action he takes. Obama has never had to make a decision that impacts any one's lives and I doubt if he'll start now.

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Ruston,LA. — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:20:54 GMT

I hope that President-Elect Obama doesn't forget
about John Kerry, Colin Powell, and William Cohen.
Also President-Elect Obama thank you for respecting
the office of the President Bush who is still in
charge. God bless everyone.

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Stephen Missouri — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:21:09 GMT

I never thought I would have to turn against my own liberals....you of little intelligence that think Obama should be appointing people just because they are Liberals...everytime we win you want the country to go liberal and then we loose the next 3 or 4 elections...

Haven't you learned the danger of tilting your party to govern? Look at George Bush he single handedly destroyed the Repugs....Obama is smart and he knows he has to lead this country in a way that allows more Americans to appreciate the democrats.

You should all shut up liberal...you said Obama could not win against Jillary, he did. You accussed him of being too soft on McCain and he won...haven't you learned this guy is way smart that you liberal bloggers??? Just shut and let the guy govern...you are starting to sound like repugs.

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Grace, Port St Lucie FL — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:27:01 GMT

I am probably one of the most liberal people you will ever meet but I believe we need to cut Obama some slack here. He is the one making policy not his nominees. They will just be carrying out his policies and I believe they do just that. I believe Obama will be governing in a way that will help ALL people. He has a history of helping main street more than wall street. We just need to give him a chance.

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Lilly, Las Vegas, NV — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:30:30 GMT

I am left as left can be and I'm okay with Obama's appointments. I think Shinseki was a brilliant selection. So far I'm very impressed with Obama's leadership.

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Indie Woman in Denver — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:36:57 GMT

I'm thrilled with the appointment of Gen Eric Shinseki to Obama's cabinet. As a former General who served in Viet Nam and Kosovo, I believe he'll do right by the veterans who've been left behind by the Bushies -- generals know how to get things done, and don't take NO for an answer. And also, his nomination acknowledges the fact that he was RIGHT and Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld were WRONG about what was needed to go into Iraq. Way to go Barack!

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Jackson, Seattle — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:42:45 GMT

Republicans are 3-0 -- but in the South:

That doesn't count?
Count the Votes (Sent Monday, December 08, 2008 9:46 AM)
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Well, of course it counts, however, if the party is to rebuild, it is going to have to move beyond just the South. Had a couple of these races been in, say, the West, or the Northeast, it would have been much bigger news.

First thoughts: Obama's busy weekend

Diane from Illinois — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:47:53 GMT

Gosh, what a shock; the GOP does well in the southern bible belt! However, that area is going smaller and smaller and America is becoming more diverse; that became apparent in this last election. More red states are turning purple and that will only continue. The GOP finds themselves in a mess, don't they? Almost as bad as the mess Bush left his country in when he walks out the door January 20th! People tha voted for him not once, but TWICE, should be ashamed of themselves.