First thoughts: Sanford's tango

Posted: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:23 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Ali Weinberg
*** Sanford’s tango: Well, it turns out that South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) wasn’t hiking the Appalachian Trail after all. Instead, he was in -- get this -- Buenos Aires, Argentina. Here’s South Carolina’s State newspaper: "Gov. Mark Sanford arrived in the Hartsville-Jackson International Airport Wednesday morning, having wrapped up a seven-day visit to Buenos Aires, Argentina.” Sanford "said he decided at the last minute to go to the South American country to recharge after a difficult legislative session in which he battled with lawmakers over how to spend federal stimulus money… Sanford said he was alone on the trip. He declined to give any additional details about what he did other than to say he drove along the coastline… When asked why his staff said he was on the Appalachian Trail, Sanford replied, 'I don't know.'" But "Sanford later said 'in fairness to his staff,' he had told them he might go hiking on the Appalachian Trial… It was a long session and I needed a break.'" Our question: Who goes to one of the world's most romantic cities in the world alone? That's going to be the question that nags at many folks following the Sanford story. And since there have been misleading statements for the last three days on this issue, who is going to believe the full story from Sanford now? Don’t cry for me, Argentina…

Video: South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford tells a local newspaper he was actually in Argentina, not hiking the Appalachian Trail, as his staff had said Monday.

*** A 2012 curse? Here’s a quick quiz. Who has had the tougher last five months: A) President Obama, B) congressional Republicans, or C) GOPers who might be considering a White House bid in 2012? If you’re answer is C), you’re probably right. Let’s start with Mark Sanford, who has inspired a new phrase -- “I went hiking on the Appalachian Trail” -- to describe any kind of mysterious disappearance. (Wife’s question: “Honey, where have you been the past couple of days?” Husband’s answer: “I went hiking on the Appalachian Trail.”) Of course, that probably will change now that Sanford was in Buenos Aires. Next, there’s Sarah Palin, who has had a rough last several months; after all, when your spat with a late-night comedian has been the highlight of your 2009, you’ve had a tough year. Then there’s Bobby Jindal, who has since stepped back from the spotlight after his dreadful response to Obama’s address to Congress. John Ensign dipped his toes in the Iowa waters, but then confessed last week to having an affair. And Newt Gingrich got in trouble -- and didn’t do himself any favors among Latino voters -- when he called Sonia Sotomayor a racist. Even the person who was supposed to be the moderate in the 2012 field, Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, has gone to work for … the Obama administration.

*** Lesson -- don’t act like you’re running: By process of elimination, the potential 2012 candidate who has probably had the best five months is Mitt Romney, who has delivered a few hard-hitting speeches at Obama but has largely stayed out of the spotlight. And that very well could be the lesson to this story. After all, both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton did their best to stay away from the presidential buzz in 2005-2006. We didn’t even know Obama was thinking about a presidential bid until right before the midterms, and Clinton didn’t set foot in Iowa and New Hampshire until after she announced she was running for president in January 2007. On the other hand, John Edwards was running for president as soon as the 2004 contest ended, and that didn’t work out so great for him…

*** Obama’s tougher rhetoric: Turning to the man who hopes there isn’t a 2012 curse on the Democratic side, President Obama covered a lot of ground during his press conference yesterday -- on health care, energy, even his smoking habit. But the issue that dominated, of course, was Iran. He unleashed his harshest rhetoric, saying he was “appalled and outraged” by the violence there. But Obama also maintained those new words shouldn't be interpreted as new policy. “Track what I’ve been saying right after the election. I said that we had profound concerns about the nature of the election… As soon as violence broke out, in fact, in anticipation of potential violence, we were very clear in saying that violence was unacceptable.” And he denied that his new tougher rhetoric was a response to criticism from Republicans such as John McCain. “John McCain has genuine passion about many of these international issues, and I think that all of us share a belief that we want justice to prevail,” he said. “But only I’m president of the United States.” Finally, he clearly didn’t want to publicly make any threat of consequences to the Iranian government.

Video: In a midday news conference President Obama says he’s “appalled and outraged” by the actions taken by Iran’s government after a disputed election. NBC’s Chuck Todd reports.

*** Iranian diplomacy: Behind the scenes, there's been some news on the diplomatic front. On the record, the president clearly is doing his best to keep his options open regarding Iran. As the Washington Post's Balz points out, this president always finds a way to give himself wiggle room -- no matter the issue. And that’s clearly the case with Iran. Also, an interesting report in the Washington Times about possible communication between the U.S. (via the Swiss) to the Supreme Leader in Iran (pre-election) sparked this response from a senior administration official, who wouldn't confirm the story: "We have indicated a willingness to talk for a long time and have sought to communicate with the Iranians in a variety of ways. We have made it clear that any real dialogue -- multilateral or bilateral -- needed to be authoritative. Not gonna get into the specifics of our different ways of communicating, but there is an outstanding direct request from the Perm 5 plus 1 that was made on April 8th. The Iranians have yet to respond to that." Couple this with NBC News' Libby Leist's reporting that a State Department official says any BILATERAL diplomatic outreach is now "on ice" and it's clear whatever policy the Obama administration wanted to pursue with Iran has now changed to something that's more multi-lateral.

*** Health care day: The focus of Obama’s Wednesday is on health care. At 2:00 pm ET, he discusses the issue with Govs. Jennifer Granholm (D), Jim Douglas (R), Jim Doyle (D), Mike Rounds (R), and Christine Gregoire (D). Then he participates in a televised town hall on health care, which ABC will televise beginning at 10:00 pm ET. Of course, Obama made plenty of news on the subject in yesterday’s press conference. He suggested, as he has before, that reducing health-care costs is a higher priority than ensuring universal coverage; he advocated for a public/government option to compete with private insurance, but implied that it was negotiable (again, wiggle room); and he issued his strongest challenge to private insurers who are worrying that a government option will drive them out of business. “If private insurers say that the marketplace provides the best quality health care, if they tell us that they're offering a good deal, then why is it that the government -- which they say can't run anything -- suddenly is going to drive them out of business?” he asked. “That's not logical.” However, Obama did seem to struggle a bit when asked a question about how he could ensure Americans that they would keep their health-care plans if there was a government option. But he replied that businesses are ALREADY dropping their plans…

*** Targeting DiFi: By the way, for those in the chattering class who somehow think health-care reform is in trouble, remember that there is a very sophisticated campaign apparatus that is in place to support the president on this issue. Just ask Sen. Dianne Feinstein about that apparatus. After her comments on Sunday suggesting the president didn't have the votes for health care, she found herself under the rhetorical siege by MoveOn and AFSCME's Gerald McEntee. Is this a warning to other wavering Senate Dems?

*** Just askin’: Was anyone else surprised at the president's downcast rhetoric on the stimulus? He seemed to side with the public polls on this issue, admitting that the recovery act wasn't getting money out fast enough. In addition, he volunteered that he was not pleased how the mortgage assistance program was working. Congressional Republicans will likely attempt to use his surprisingly blunt stimulus talk against him politically. The president is counting on straight talk to buy him more time.

*** A planted questioner? Perhaps the most controversial moment at yesterday’s press conference occurred when Nico Pitney of the Huffington Post got the second question and asked the president a question he had received from an Iranian. Some in the media wondered if Pitney was a planted questioner, and it does appear that the White House wanted him to ask his question. The Washington Post’s Dana Milbank wrote, “The use of planted questioners is a no-no at presidential news conferences, because it sends a message to the world -- Iran included -- that the American press isn't as free as advertised.” Politico originally said it was a “clearly coordinated” exchange. Pitney later said he was never promised a question, and Arianna Huffington responded that some in the media “can't seem to understand why the president would have the nerve to call on someone whose Iran coverage has been praised throughout the media, from Charlie Rose to Andrew Sullivan to the Economist.” The ultimate irony to all this? The president didn't really answer the question -- specifically the part that asked him to lay out the conditions at which he'd accept Ahmadinejad's election. (Editor's note: We changed our original headline here from "Planted Question" to "Planted Questioner," because no one is accusing Pitney of asking a planted question.)

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Comments

Watching Chris Mathews this morning dismantle Joe & (Airhead) Mika over Heathcare was great with my morning coffee (not Starbucks)Maxwell House.

The Healthcare debate coming from the GOP so far has become a question of "do you want government between you & your Doctor". What they don't bring up is that a lot of procedures now require preauthorization from who, The insurance industry's Medical board !Hmmmmm, i wonder why questions are'nt asked about this from our MSM.

John McCain & Lindsey Graham (have lost the 3rd amigo(Lieberman)still think their collective voices are best used in undermining the president, instead of helping him & America.

What can be said for Governor Sanford & his Escapades ? From hiking in Appalachia, to the beaches of Buenes Aires, can there be an Ensign moment in the near future, or is Sanford just that Dumb to think the Taxpayers of S.Carolina approve of his escapades ? Stay tuned for more !

Nasville Fan,your argument for Commonsense from the MSM won't resonate to some, but the vast Majority of us here fully understand. A Manure Stimulus would be required to remove all the Crap coming from the No new ideas Party & their minion's.

Reading thru some post yesterday, i notice how Republican's(and a select few Democrats) on this board are whining about Bush being blamed for our current problems & Not Obama, since he's President now.If President Obama had been able to solve all the Problem's he walked into by now (5 months), he'd be a Superhero.Republican's still blame Bill Clinton 10 year's after the fact !So stick some cotton in your ear's Republican's, BUsh is gonna be blamed for a Long, Long time.

Democrats, have you had your Rabies shot today ?

Rick,Ky (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:29 AM)

The people of America will be more then happy to elect Republicans next after they out of a job, paying high property and sales taxes to support new health care and energy taxes, having to defend Hawaii from attack from North Korea, and realizing that Obama is nothing but a walking talking lie.

Johnny Watkins, NY (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:32 AM)

Good morning everyone. I want to start out this morning by saying HAT’S OFF! To Chris Matthews on Morning Joe.

Chris told Joe on his show this morning that it was, in so many words; irresponsible of them to taunt Health Care Reform as being bad for America. He reminded them that the same excuses and arguments were used to deter Medicare from being enacted.

He expressed his disappointment to both him and Mika for their rhetoric. Way to go Chris. The Presidents press conference was excellent. I especially love the part when he told one reporter from Fox verbatim what he said regarding an earlier speech as to set the facts straight. He also reminded them of who was “the CIC”.

John McCain’s rhetoric is dangerous and serves no purpose. Chuck Todd…I am somewhat disappointed with the way you questioned the President. It was disrespectful.

It is the right of all of us citizens to have the facts from the White House, that is to say the facts and knowledge of what we as citizens should know and not journalistic intrigue. You are bordering on obsession with what the next move of the CIC is in areas of national security that can be detrimental to the safety and well being of our armed forces. We have military personnel serving in the Middle East and it is the Presidents privilege to be discrete about the Nation’s business when it’s necessary.

What has happen to being respectful to the office of the CIC? Where did the entire belligerence come from? When Bush was in office the republicans didn’t dare question him in such a manner, nor did they attempt to straw boss his office. When they should have been vocal they remained silent.

President Obama I appreciate the job that you are doing keeping our nation in the position of where we once were. We were not bullies; the Bush Administration did a lovely job doing that.

When ever the President speaks, stop calling what he has to say rhetoric, it is disrespectful and nations listen to you people and the shame is yours not his. Know what the definition of rhetoric is…Bush spoke it for eight years.

P.S...The government bailed out the automakers and the Government is only involved in Medicare and Medicaid…if I am not mistaken…we pay for that. So what else is the Government involved with.

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:32 AM)

Well, it turns out that South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) wasn’t hiking the Appalachian Trail after all. Instead he was in -- get this -- Buenos Aires, Argentina.
******************************************************

This is bad for Sanford. I'm glad that he's okay, but the media is going to CRAZY with this news. The questions will be, "what were you doing?" and "with whom did you spend your time?". Whether it's justified or not -- he will likely be put through the wringer.

http://www.thepajamapundit.com/

The Pajama Pundit (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:32 AM)

Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head

Well, interesting stuff coming out of the new Nixon tapes. Guess now I know where Pat Buchanan comes up with most of his bright ideas. Lol

Actually, it isn’t funny. Pat and his ilk are like the Japanese still holding on in the Pacific long long after the war ended. It’s time to wake up conservatives. The culture war is OVER. We are a diverse country and we want it this way. We LIKE it this way.

I heard Dylan Rattigan say yesterday - no new healthcare policy if it takes money out of his childrens’ pockets. Wow. Still stuck on the me, me, me philosophy. Well, the party’s over. This is a big country. And it’s an expensive country. That’s the price YOU pay, I pay, we ALL pay, - to ensure the best healthcare for ALL citizens. It’s the price we all have to pay as United States citizens. I have no problem with it whatsoever.

You know how we have anti-war demonstrations in this country? Don’t you get the feeling there are people who would like to see a few pro-Iran War demonstrations? Some in the GOP, as well as their media “friends” are exploiting the Iranians for political points. Unreal.

South Carolina - Lindsey Graham, Elizabeth Dole, Mark Sanford. Interesting state.

Eugene Robinson - great great sense of humor when talking about this all last night with Keith, as he is from South Carolina.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:33 AM)

Presidential News Conference

President Obama earned an “A” in his news conference.

Chuck Todd…didn’t do as well. I watched the interaction several times and concluded that the question asked was the beginning of the problem. The question begged only one predictable answer. “Spelling out the consequences” was an unknown as Obama himself does not know the outcome. And that is what Obama said. When pressed a second time…Asked and Answered. When pressed a third time, you were cut-off with “I’m not on a 24/7 news cycle.”

Unsolicited Advice: Have lunch with Richard Wolffe. He spent two years with Obama and he knows how to ask a question without it being pushy. Study old tapes of Tim. David Gregory is the king of gotcha. Don’t go that route. The secret is in the quality of the initial question. We still love ya…this is preparation for the future.

Ron Indiana (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:33 AM)

The Appalachian Trail extends to Argentina. It was purchased and developed with Obama's stimulus money.

Happy Trails (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:34 AM)

There are new videos of Iran state television coverage of the protestors. One word: propaganda
Reuters video: http://www.governmentalityblog.com/my_weblog/2009/06/detainees-aired-on-iran-state-tv.html

Sam, NYC (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:36 AM)

So universal health care coverage is now history, Obama has thrown that issue under the bus. A public option is also now history, that's been thrown under the bus too. Now Obama is focused like a laser on reducing health-care costs and has made that the highest priority. But, without tort reform, which Obama has also thrown under the bus, that part of the plan is dead too.

No More Room Under The Bus (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:36 AM)

"And since there have been misleading statements for the last three days on this issue, who is going to believe the full story from Sanford now?"
------------------------------------------------------
It's more than just misleading statements...

What about the state vehicle found at the Columbia SC airport with "hiking" items? Was Sanford trying to keep up the premise of a hiking trip when he left, or did his staff try to cover his tracks after the fact?

And the use of state vehicles leads one to wonder if this little junket was on the SC taxpayers' dime?

I'm sure the citizens of SC appreciate the fact that their Governor- who worked so hard to refuse any stimulus assistance for the state- could take off for Buenos Aires on a whim. Must be nice, Governor.

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:38 AM)

Watched the 55 minute presser yesteday. It looked like 20 minutes of that time was taken up with Obama making jokes that the loyal reporters, loyal to Obama, obediently laughing at them.

The press is an embarassment to the country.

Fake Newsies (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:39 AM)

*** A planted question
it sends a message to the world -- Iran included -- that the American press isn't as free as advertised
Or it conferms the message that the Media is part of the administration.

What_you_Selling (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:41 AM)

>>>Sanford’s tango: Well, it turns out that South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) wasn’t hiking the Appalachian Trail after all. Instead he was in -- get this -- Buenos Aires, Argentina.
==========
All I have to say is this. If their "Appalachian Trail" story was their "good excuse", I'd hate to see the excuses they rejected.

Buenos Ares, huh. Mistress, intern, trick, or male page?

http://jawillie.blog.com

jawillie Philadelphia, PA (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:42 AM)

You know, the President did such a stellar job at his press conference yesterday, I'm just going to let him have the floor today! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAnPYtEtstk&feature=player_embedded

I will say this though . . .

The Washington press corp came across as a bunch of snippy brats yesterday . . . "Why don't you do things the way we WANT you to Mr. President?"

Maybe if the media stopped trying to BE the story and asked questions that the American people actually care about like "Are those troops really going to be leaving Iraq on schedule?" instead of questions YOU media types really care about like "How many cigarettes do you smoke a day?", we MIGHT be able to respect you folks in the morning . . . maybe.

P.S. Chuck Todd . . . did you really expect President Obama to say "If Iran doesn't treat it's people better, the United States is going to put whipped cream in their chair at the U.N."? Come on dude . . . why didn't you ask him that White House visitors log question you were whining about last week? Step it up Chuck.

P.S.S. Why is the media so worried about the fate of health insurance companies, but they held a bonfire to burn Chrysler and GM . . . strange, no?

P.S.S.S. *waves to Rick,KY*

I'm coming to your beautiful state for a vacay next month Rick . . . make sure I have good weather, okay?

lol

Nashville_fan (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:42 AM)

First Read; Was anyone else surprised at the president's downcast rhetoric on the stimulus? He seemed to side with the public polls on this issue, admitting that the recovery act wasn't getting money out fast enough.

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

Sure, that's the problem, the money isn't "going out fast enough". Another fact that needs to be faced is that the stimulus plan is as phony as Obama. It was a payoff to state governments and the unions. No "Shovel Ready" projects where ready to go on Day #1. That was nothing but a lie. Nearly a trillion dollars - gone - with no benefit to anyone that needs a job.

And now Obama wants us to trust him with the health care and environment/energy bills he's trying to get through congress? Not a chance.

Jean Whitley, California (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:43 AM)

So there you have it; marital infidelity, gay sex, no problem literally for hypocrites. Since Gov Sanford has this proclivity for going AWOL how dare him and the rest of the Right Wing Ding obstructionists to accuse the President of the United Sates of America um, um, um, what’s the word I’m looking for? Okay, I've got it Takeover. That’s right; Right Wing Dings accuse President Obama of bringing the government to a halt and a Washington Takeover. I say Gov. Sanford cover your tracks, enjoy the scenery, and take another hike with your righteous superiority at the very worst.

<><><><>><><>><>><>
Poor, Stupid, Fox noise should be ashamed for parsing words and so should FR.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#31514869

A reason to draw the line in the sand at this time would only endanger the lives of Iranians; but Dana is still miffed about being dropped from Kieth's show. I'm sure most level -headed people realize Ben Smith is another shrill.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:44 AM)

BUSH AND CHENEY ARE TOO BLAME FOR ALL THAT IS GOING ON IN AMERICA . THE MSM THINK THE PUBLIC SHOULD NOW BLAME PRESIDENT OBAMA HELL NO WE ALL KNOW WHO WAS IN THE WHITE HOUSE FOR 8 LONG YEARS I DON'T GIVE A DAMN WHAT CHENEY AND LIZA ARE TRYING TO SELL OR THEIR PUPPETS AND CLONES MEANING THE HANNITY AND JOE AND DOORMAT MIKA CROWD THINK THE PEOPLE ARE JUST MINDLESS DUMBS I RELIEVE WE SHOWED IN NOV 2008 WE ARE NOT SHEEP . I WISH THEY WOULD JUST TELL THE NEWS NOT MAKE UP THE NEWS. I LOVE CHRIS CALLED JOE AND THE DOORMAT OUT THIS AHOE JOE IS A F...ING AIR HEAD MIKA IS A BIMBO .

SANDRA (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:45 AM)

I'm sure the citizens of SC appreciate the fact that their Governor- who worked so hard to refuse any stimulus assistance for the state- could take off for Buenos Aires on a whim. Must be nice, Governor.
Suburban Mom paying attention, IL

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

Seeing that the stimulus has failed, as indicated by Obama yesterday during his press conference, it looks like Governor Sanford made the right call.

James Wright, Raleigh NC (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:45 AM)

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Ali Weinberg
*** Sanford’s tango: Well, it turns out that South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) wasn’t hiking the Appalachian Trail after all. Instead he was in -- get this -- Buenos Aires, Argentina
----------------
Yea right, this is so bogus it is laughable. A Governor leaves the country for five days cloaked in secrete. That really doesn't make sense. Leaves a State unattended? Very irresponsible...

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

*** A 2012 curse? Here’s a quick quiz. Who has had the tougher last five months: A) President Obama, B) congressional Republicans, or C) GOPers who might be considering a White House bid in 2012? If you’re answer is C), you’re probably right.

C of course...they have a strange group. Not to mention the rhetoric and hate of the far right. Yet they are staying on a stedy course. I guess they hope the economy doesn't get better and the majority of Americans lose confidence of this administration. I would dare vote to put satans spawn back in the White House. I don't cross party lines.
---------------------------------

*** Obama’s tougher rhetoric: Turning to the man who hopes there isn’t a 2012 curse on the Democratic side, President Obama covered a lot of ground during his press conference yesterday -- on health care, energy, even his smoking habit. But the issue that dominated, of course, was Iran.
-------------------------------------------
First of all the President wasn't speaking "RHETORIC". It is disrespectful to say the least. He made some very valid points and he certinally cleared a few things up. I really do appreciate the calm and class he exhibited when he told your butts off. It was priceless..

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:45 AM)

Governor Sanford at best was irresponsible for not turning over power when he knew he was going to be out of the country and not in communication. At worst, he is hiding something.

Either way, I think he has some explaining to do.

President Obama is highly intelligent and also very humble (despite some rhetoric about his huge ego). He doesn't have a problem admitting when he was wrong or made a mistake. He will learn from his administration's mistakes and do the right things to avoid repeating them. I am not surprised that he is seeing and talking about where the stimulus program could have done better. Nor that he is reviewing the mortgage assistance program.

During his campaign, we saw him make several corrections while he fine tuned his march toward the White House. So I'm not surprised at all.

Rick, Ky, you make a great point. Bush really screwed up a lot of things and it is going to take a long time to fix them. So we shouldn't let up on pointing the blame where it belongs! At the failed Presidency of the worst man to hold the office since Hoover!

Chris - IL (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:47 AM)

Gotta love how Chuck Todd wants us to focus on the "planted question" instead of his "dumb question".

lol

The Washington press corp is jealous of President Obama (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:47 AM)

J. Ellis, Virginia (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:47 AM)

Ron Indiana - Presidential News Conference

President Obama earned an “A” in his news conference.

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

It's truly amazing that Obama can answer the very questions his staff gave to the reporters to ask to him.

Katie W., Duluth MN (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:48 AM)

Obama's tougher rhetoroc? Is that a joke or something?

The last time Obama had any tough rhetoric he was walking into banks and strong-arming them into giving loans to people who couldn't or wouldn't repay them, as a member of ACORN, and therefore a part of our current problem.

Monkberry Moon (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:48 AM)

I hope Gov. Sanford enjoyed the party!!!

Here's his song:

"I'm a travelin' man
I've made a lot of stops all over the world
And in every port I own the heart
Of at least one lovely girl

"Oh, I'm a travelin' man
Yes, I'm a travelin' man."

Mr. America (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:49 AM)

Obama: "You're pitching, I'm catching!".

Hey, that's my line!

B. Frank, MA (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:51 AM)

Nashville_fan (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:52 AM)

KUDOS to Chris Matthews, who didn't back down when the pseudo intellectual and his hack, aka Joe and Mika, went shouting on about health care! Good job--we ALL appreciate it since we'd like to do that smack down to those two every morning! PLEASE CHUCK, tell Mika she is NOT on the left, so quit telling tall tales! Chris nailed her on that too, good on you Chris!!

On other news, well, Sanford is just putting himself in the Right wing nut job category, right next to Palin, Gingrich and Huckabee...

Chuck, the poster above is right--you need to study up and not ask the 'gotcha' questions. It's just unseemly and the public really doesn't like it. And oh yea, that Obama guy, he's pretty good at smacking those right back at ya!

LB, Virginia (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:52 AM)

Dennis, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:53 AM)

The PJ Bandit: This is bad for Sanford. I'm glad that he's okay, but the media is going to CRAZY with this news. The questions will be, "what were you doing?" and "with whom did you spend your time?". Whether it's justified or not -- he will likely be put through the wringer.

Not a chance. Just have Gov. Sanford's staff hand out the questions he wants to answer to the press, crack a few jokes during the press conference, and Sanford will be fine. You know, just like Obama does.

Greg Greene (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:53 AM)

OH NO! Monkberry Moon is back!

LB, Virginia (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:54 AM)

Nice to see the Iranian diplomats are still invited to our 4th of July festivities. Wouldn't want to offend them or anything. I guess the "tough sanctions" Obama talks about towards Iran doesn't include not having the Iranian leadership sitting with him while they watch the fireworks, the fireworks that celebrate freedom.

Let Freedom Ring (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:56 AM)

'...Sen. Dianne Feinstein about that apparatus. After her comments on Sunday suggesting the president didn't have the votes for health care, she found herself under the rhetorical siege by MoveOn and AFSCME's Gerald McEntee...'

DiFi is an IDIOT !
She spent the last 8 years GOING STEADY with George Bush

She supported the Iraq War, the Patriot Act, Tax cuts for the rich, Kyl-Lieberman (AKA: Let's attack Iran) ...

WHAT A WASTE !!

It's AMAZING that Republicans are actually risking the safety of Democratic activists in Iran in order to score political points

WHAT WORTHLESS HACKS !!

Tying Democratic activists to the US in order to score lame points on Obama

The saddest part is that NOBODY IS LISTENING except the Iranian mullahs

Great work, McCain
Bomb, Bomb Iran, huh ??

MSierra, SF (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:56 AM)

I so enjoyed Ed and Rattigan sparing yesterday. Also enjoyed watch Chris with Kay Baily Hutchins. Chris sure is passionate about politics.

What's up with Chuck lately?

When's Larry O going to replace David G? Inquiring minds and all that!!

cindy, las vegas, nv (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:57 AM)

I knew it... I just knew it... more to the Sanford saga than meets the eye! Looks like the ‘good’ Governor was at an airport after all.. what's with the Republicants propensity for airports & bathrooms? ! Now the clown says he went to Buenos Aires & uses words like exotic & cruising in his statement about his disappearance – Yowzaa! This is gonna get JUICY!

As for the Dick’s Cheney's ‘memoir’ due out in 2011 ... no doubt it will be titled... ‘My Pet President’ or better yet ‘Hotel Guantanamo – Tales of My Personal Chamber of Torture’ where you can check in but you can never leave…

Chris Matthews are RED HOT this morning on Morning Joke! Joe was as obnoxious as usual not like I expected anything different… And as for Mika Mouse… I swear that woman is about as substantive as a pool of melted JELLO!

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:57 AM)

Those who voted for this moron are now starting to realize how pathetically incompetent he really is.

John Dough, Seattle WA (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:58 AM)

Dang no more Naked Nature Boy Sanford jokes now that he didn't go hiking in the nude. Nope now we can make Evita jokes as in who was he with down under in Argentina. I'm glad that this numbskull has ruined his chances at the White House, that makes two dopes of nope in two weeks. I mean what kind of flakes are in the disappearing party of sore losers? If he can't take the pressure of some tough state legislators then he isn't up to the task of dealing with Congress.

I sure love the short pop quiz and I nailed the answer as C. Just have to laugh at how incompetent the dopes of nope have become, just look at the pathetic excuses they have to run in 2012, well better look fast before they disappear. Anyway it doesn't matter as anyone the repugnant ones are dumb enough to run against Obama's inevitable reelection in 2012 is nothing but a sacrificial lamb being led to slaughter at the polls. Best of all they'll fleece their flock of foolish faithful out of lots of money that will go down the drain in another losing effort.

How about that idiot steele sticking his foot in his mouth yet again, I know I know it's all part of his idiotic master plan for disaster for the evil elephants. He went off the rails whining about pork barrel spending and led people to a website that featured a prominent repugnant one who was being attacked for his pork barrel spending. A party of such incompetence does not deserve to rule our secular democracy.

Who was Sanford's Evita?

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:58 AM)

No More Room Under The Bus(Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:36 AM)

In my book, reducing healthcare cost IS reform and I disagree that President Obama has thrown anything under the bus. The President is candid and truthful, which is a totally new concept for Washington, I know, but he has a great opportunity to make universal healthcare a reality. I'll be in DC tomorrow, along with countless others, to do what I can to help in that effort.

STAY THE COURSE, MR. PRESIDENT!

J. Ellis, Virginia

You're in denial. Bush did more to reform health care then Obama can even dream of doing (senior prescriptions - remember that?). Obama's final answer for health care reform appears to be that some clinics will stay open for an extra half hour on Sundays.

The Bus (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:59 AM)

*** Just askin’: Was anyone else surprised at the president's downcast rhetoric on the stimulus? He seemed to side with the public polls on this issue, admitting that the recovery act wasn't getting money out fast enough. In addition, he volunteered that he was not pleased how the mortgage assistance program was working. Congressional Republicans will likely attempt to use his surprisingly blunt stimulus talk against him politically. The president is counting on straight talk to buy him more time
--------------------------------------
Well one thing for sure we can certinally cont on maturity from whom ever wrote this article. It is certinally dripping with sarcasm. The stimulas hasn't made it's way to the public yet. I do think that he is attempting to buy time. I am exercising patience. I do think that we will need another one.

Boths houses were stingy when they approved the first one, he had to work with what he had.
------------------------------------------

*** A planted question? Perhaps the most controversial moment at yesterday’s press conference occurred when Nico Pitney of the Huffington Post got the second question and asked the president a question he had received from an Iranian.
-------------------------------------------
After all he did call on him...but he didn't take the bait and answered him...lol

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:59 AM)

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:32 AM)
Chuck Todd…I am somewhat disappointed with the way you questioned the President. It was disrespectful.
<><><><><><><><><>
Anita,
so was I despite the fact that Chuch tried to explain his reasons this morning. I was really glad to hear the President reply to the questioner about the ex-Alzheimer's, candidate whose brain is still stuck in the Vietnam era position, What do you think. Our President is no pooh butt. But, I guess intelligence, pragmatism and Chutzpah is something strange for shrillers of the Right Wing Dings obstructionist Party

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 10:00 AM)

Sanford fits in with the republican party (always lie first until you get caught) then change your story several times.

Pinocchio (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 10:00 AM)

Stealing a line "Sanford you has some explaining to do" Sanford went AWOL to the citizens of S.C. period----Going to a romantic place without your spouse and ditching your kids on father's day weekend--------More than questionable, more like another family values politician cheating on their spouse!---------Health care, the Repukes are heavily tied to the entire industry and that is why they are fighting! They don't want to lose their money------- A common theme has sprung for the Repuke Party--------The ANTI to American!!!!!They don't want to work with others because it would cut into their own pockets-even when this country needs Congress working together, the Repukes have continually said no, check their actions and see for yourself!

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 10:01 AM)

I am glad to have Obama as my president.

I love my country! (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 10:01 AM)

Ah we're so divided as a country. Why don't the 21% of you who make up the lying hateful liberal pro-regressive party move to one area of the country and leave the rest of us alone. We really can't afford your thieving schemes anymore.

Dave, Tn (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 10:01 AM)

The health care reform issue has made crystal clear to me how so many people got in debt up to their ears in the last few years.

Buy this 6 piece Living room suite-no payments or interest for 2 years! Did yu really think that the furniture stores were being charitable? Did you really not notice the fine print-and realize that the interest was compunding for two years, so that you would wind up paying quadruple for the furniture you had for 'free' for two years?

"No money down, One percent interest, no income verification required!" Did you really think that the mortgage companies were just interested in making sure you had a lovely home for all your friends to come visit? Did you not realize that eventually, you'd have to make up the interest you did not pay for the term of the teaser rate? And that the interest you weren't paying for that term would be added to the principal of the loan?

What the heck ever happened to caveat emptor? (Which means, let the buyer beware.) It seems to have died, which is not surprising considering that there are some, supposedly intelligent, posters on thos board who care nothing for the terms of their contracts, and demand two for the price of one.

One point Six Trillion dollars to cover 16 millioin people. I get that the number is unfathomable, but the sustained debt will break us-and you still won't get the universal coverage you demand-it costs too much.

Medicare is going broke, and the Obama administration's answer to that problem is to increase the problem.

By the way-it appeared to me that almost all of the questions were planted-just like all of his 'news conferences'.

And-riddle me this-why no questions on North Korea? Didn't get past the White House censors?

no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 10:01 AM)

The Healthcare debate coming from the GOP so far has become a question of "do you want government between you & your Doctor". What they don't bring up is that a lot of procedures now require preauthorization from who, The insurance industry's Medical board !Hmmmmm, i wonder why questions are'nt asked about this from our MSM.
Rick,Ky (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 9:29 AM)
================================================
Good post - add the fact that the Insurance companies are in business to make a profit (not a problem, just a fact) while the government's role is to control cost to maintain a break even budget.

Dennis, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 10:01 AM)

I was surprised that Obama allowed a Fox reporter to ask a question at his news conference, but, of course, this one WASN'T televised. Trying to make up?

Then there was that question that Obama knew was coming from the Huffington Post news rag and had his answer all ready.

He also assured the reporters that HE was president when asked if McCain had anything to do with his statement on Iran, which was a long time coming.

Moon Dawg (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 10:01 AM)

So now suddenly the press has decided to grow a backbone and "get tough" with the President? We had eight years of the White House taking staged questions from faux foreign journalists, right-wing bloggers and gay porn stars, and now the media wants to pick nits about whether a tough question on Iran -- one that Chuck Todd concedes the President didn't even answer -- was for some reason "planted" by the Obama team? We had eight years of deference and meek submission, with journalists throwing softballs at a man inacapable of directly answering a single question... and now the media wants to "get tough" and nail Obama to the wall? What is this?

I'm all in favor of the fourth estate maintaining an antagonistic relationship with the established government... but I think what we're seeing is, once again, the media overreacting and trying to look "tough" in response to the charges of liberal bias by the right wing. Go ahead, be aggressive, be demanding... but don't back off and coddle anyone with an "R" next to their name just so you can disprove the hokum that they're selling.

Mike, Greensboro, NC (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 10:02 AM)

FR-The president didn't really answer the question -- specifically the part that asked him to lay out the conditions at which he'd accept Ahmadinejad's election.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We don’t have a diplomatic relations with Iran thus the question is moot.

Dennis, Columbus, Ohio

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

No it's not. Who is Obama going to talk to, talk to without pre-conditions, in Iran? He's got to talk with someone, he said he would. So the question is legitimate. What terrorist will Obama talk with in Iran?

Jake Simon, Maine (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 10:02 AM)

Sanford is doing his part to keep his state in the red. He won't even spend his OWN vacation dollars in the state. The question on everyone's mind, "What's her name and does she CARNIVAL?"
----
John McCain was a complete idiot on Larry King last night. I loved the jaw clenching when Larry made him watch the President's response, "...there is only ONE President, and that's me..." Touche' President. McCain came back with a lame, "We have three branches of government" True; but you represent 1% of the Senate and 1 of 535 overall congressional representatives. Yes, he 'represents' a group; albeit a small, bitter - war mongering group. I've decided International Conflict is like Viagra for these old coots. Nothing gets them 'up' like a good opportunity to invade, no matter how contrived the cause.
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Chris Matthews was awesome this morning. Dylan has his own show WHY exactly? Is anyone watching it?
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Public Option on Healthcare Reform is the KEY to success. It will bring a much needed measure to small businesses and independent entrepeneurs.
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No doubt in my mind Dana Milbank has jumped the shark and is bitter about his 'loss of status' in the pundit circuit. He really pulled some crazy crap earlier this year. What a fool.
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Chris, IL

thanks for the shout out, I don't post as much as I used to; because you've essentially said it already AND better than I would have! thanks for your contribution.
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Pat, Boston - I think Libby Dole was North Carolina - Kay Hagan?
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Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Wednesday, June 24, 2009 10:02 AM)

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