MSM summary of morning healthcare summit: “White House must be kicking themselves”
First some morning stats on time spoken this morning during Obama’s healthcare summit:
Democrats: 108 minutes (Obama: 58 minutes)
Republicans: 56 minutes
Quote of the day, by Obama: “There was an imbalance on the opening statements because I’m the President. So, I made – I didn’t count my time in terms of dividing it evenly.”
Despite the stacked deck, here were these observations on the morning half of summit from MSM (GOP Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell)…
CNN’s Wolf Blitzer: “It looks like the Republicans certainly showed up ready to play.” (CNN’s “Live”)
CNN’s David Gergen: “The folks in the White House just must be kicking themselves right now. They thought that coming out of Baltimore when the President went in and was mesmerizing and commanding in front of the House Republicans that he could do that again here today. That would revive health care and would change the public opinion about their health care bill and they can go on to victory. Just the opposite has happened.” (CNN’s “Live”)
Gergen: “He doesn’t have a strong Democratic team behind him.” (CNN’s “Live”)
CNN’s Gloria Borger: “The Republicans have been very effective today. They really did come to play. They were very smart.” (CNN’s “Live”)
Borger: “They took on the substance of a very complex issue…. But they really stuck to the substance of this issue and tried to get to the heart of it and I think did a very good job.” (CNN’s “Live”)
Borger: “They came in with a plan. They mapped it out.” (CNN’s “Live”)
The Hill’s A. B. Stoddard: “I think we need to start out by acknowledging Republicans brought their ‘A Team.’ They had doctors knowledgeable about the system, they brought substance to the table, and they, I thought, expressed interest in the reform. I thought in the lecture from Senator John McCain and on the issue of transparency, I thought today the Democrats were pretty much on their knees.” (Fox News’ “Live”)
The Weekly Standard’s Steve Hayes: “I think to me the most important thing to come out of the morning so far is that Republicans have spent a great deal of time talking with great passion, and I think eagerness about their plans, detailing the plans that until this morning them Democrats had been saying didn’t exist. Well, you now see, I think, in great detail that Republicans do have plans, that they care about the same issues and that they feel passionately about it.” (Fox News’ “Live”)
Runner-up quote of the day: Obama, “The election’s over.” McCain: “I’m reminded of that every day.” (Also note McCain called Obama “Mr. President,” and Obama called McCain “John”)
[Top photo via The Guardian; bottom photo via Reuters]
Jill Stanek is a nurse turned speaker, columnist and blogger, a national figure in the effort to protect both preborn and postborn innocent human life.
Praise God. Even the MSM is getting it.
LOL, does he really not know how badly his narcissism is showing? :D
Wa-huh-what?! You mean they brought doctors, and experts and well-thought out plans?! You mean they’re not just a bunch of stupid meanies who are too DUMB to realize that we need reform NAO!!!!!, no matter what that reform is or how much it sucks?!
Where’s RINO? lol
Jill, not related to your post, but wondering if you followed the three part series (and then the follow up) on the beautiful life affirming story of baby Miracle Gianna on the Creative minority Report. here is the link to the follow up post, and you can click on parts I, II, and II there too. About how a mother initially set on aborting her child ended up fighting for her child’s life. here’s the link
http://www.creativeminorityreport.com/2010/02/keeping-catholic-hospitals-catholic.html
love your blog.
“Praise God. Even the MSM is getting it.
Posted by: Susie at February 25, 2010 2:56 PM”
————————
And the question is, why only now?
Is it due to Obama’s ever-decreasing poll numbers?
I caught that comment he made to McCain, and my immediate thought was Obama had made himself look like a JERK… and yes, I did notice the lack of respect from Obama to McCain…. designed to put the peon in his place. I am glad McCain used correct respect for the office of the President.
I can’t believe the reporting from CNN!! WOW!! fantastic comments. Sure hope that continues.
With Obama calling McCain by his first name, it feels like he’s trying to come across as a friend. I’m not sure what’s the best thing Obama could say: there’s that tension from having run against McCain, as well as a strong need to reach across the aisle. We’re friendly, we want to cooperate.
For McCain, he’s got a military background. If you’re addressing a superior, you don’t have much choice in how you address them. It would be awkward if McCain called Obama anything other than Mr. President.
It is clear after today that the GOP and the Dems can’t work together on, well, anything. I think it is time for the Dems to go the route of the GOP in the tax cuts and pass it by reconciliation.
But, but, but, where did all that talk go, RINO, about how “they just need to do SOMETHING, and the republicans don’t have anything to offer…” They’re offering. You’re refusing. *sings* I see your truuuuue colors, shining through. I see your truuuuuue colors…”
x –
The GOP doesn’t have anything to offer – the analysis of their various offerings has been a joke – their plans haven’t really done anything that is vital to reform. Thought there’s over 100 GOP ideas in the current bill, they want to start over. They have no real goal of expanding coverage – and when it comes to cost controls, they want to loosen regulations (which worked great in the financial markets, and when looked at by the CBO, would result in less coverage for people).
The GOP wants to delay this to elections and have it go away for ever. They have no interest in doing reform now – they’d rather wait until we HAVE to do reform.
Did you notice Obama seething when presented with facts and argument he can’t answer? How dare anyone criticize or question him. His reminding McCain just the election is over, i.e. remember who is boss here. His reminding others that as president he get to speak all he wants.
Typical sociopath/narcissist.
The point of this whole farce was to make the Republicans look ridiculous and the tables were turned.
Is the MSM catching on? Don’t hold your breath. I listened briefly to Chris Matthews and he’s still tinkling down his leg when it comes to Obama. Oh, that was getting tingles up his leg. Pardon me.
Chris 7:12PM
By talking to McCain as he did Obama was putting him in his “place”. There was seething rage there. In my 8:13am post I elaborate a little more on this.
McCain displayed class and respect.
Did anyone hear Democrat Rep. Louise Slaughter whine about her constituent who has been forced to wear her dead sister’s dentures because she doesn’t have insurance? I heard it on Rush’s website. I laughed so hard I cried.
Medicaid, medicare, and payment arrangements would have provided this dear soul with teeth. There wasn’t any need to wait for her sister to leave this world.
Just look at it as recycling.
Did anyone catch Obama’s little story about his car wreck? He said the insurance company laughed at him when he called to make a claim after he was rear-ended because he only had the state minimum. Hmm, maybe they were laughing at him because he only had LIABILITY insurance.
I really hope someone calls him out on his stupid lie.
when looked at by the CBO, would result in less coverage for people Posted by: Ex-GOP Voter at February 26, 2010 6:32 AM
Coverage doesn’t mean increased access, EGV. Surely you know that. The House bill contains a rationing provision (waiting lists, increased premiums, benefit reductions) for high-risk individuals. CBO notes the possibility that the Senate bill “would reduce access to care or diminish the quality of care” for Medicare enrollees. Legislating coverage for all doesn’t mean access or quality care for all. Nice spin though.
Did you notice Obama seething when presented with facts and argument he can’t answer? Posted by: Mary at February 26, 2010 8:13 AM
Hi Mary. He was on full display in all his glory, wasn’t he? What surprised me most was how much water he had to carry for his own team. They left him high and dry. PBHO’s expression when Biden spoke was priceless.
The point of this whole farce was to make the Republicans look ridiculous and the tables were turned.
I agree. I think they were counting on ridicule to get the additional House votes they need for reconciliation. But the Reps were able to score points despite being muzzled with time limits. I thought the Dems’ “shut up, you’re wrong” performance was a good preview of the way government-run health care will work for the average citizen. Purchase the insurance we say, we know best what benefits you need. Pay the premium we say, we know best what you can afford. Accept the treatment we say, we know better than you or your physician what you need. Your choice was important to us on election day, but we now consider you too ignorant to make wise choices, so we feel obligated to make them for you.
Lauren, I thought the auto insurance story was a poor example for him to use as justification for federal regulation of standard health insurance benefits. He didn’t like the consequence of his choice to buy liability instead of collision insurance. Therefore choice should be removed from everyone. After all, if the anointed One made a poor choice, how much worse will be the choices made by mere mortals?
Ladies and Gentlemen what you saw on display yesterday was only the tip of the iceberg of probably the most arrogant, elitist, proud radical leftist, man to ever hold the office of the president of the United States of America. Even those prolifers that consider yourselves non-believers better pray and pray hard that his agenda for “transforming America” will not come to fruition. You ain’t seen nothing yet. What you will see is a destruction of the liberties and freedoms that your ancestors and parents fought and died for. They do not desire harmony, tolerance, and moderation they desire total power and control at any cost and who ever gets in their way will be destroyed as “collateral damage” at whatever it cost, by any means necessary.
Jill saw this arrogance in State Senator Obama during the BAIPA hearings.
He told Harry Reid when Reid told him that Clinton couldn’t get healthcare passed and he probably wouldn’t get it passed either “You didn’t have me”. On another occasion he told Reid “I’ve got the gift”.
My prayer through all of this has been that God would expose every rotten, corrupt politician, every dirty corrupt deal throughout this nation. God is exposing and bringing to the light for all to see what is underneath “The Chosen One”. It is the people’s choice what they do about it. May God save the USA.
Hi Fed Up,
Barack Obama did proclaim that his nomination by the Democrat Party to run for president would be remembered as the day the sea levels stopped rising and the earth would begin to heal.
Given all the snowstorms and cold, do you think the Annointed One did indeed end global warming?
You would think a man who can end “global warming” by just so decreeing can foresee what type of car insurance he should buy.
Hi PLL,
I posted from day one this man is a sociopath. I will add narcissistic to the mix. This man is very dangerous. Look behind that gleaming smile and into his eyes and you see only emptiness.
This is a man prepared to destroy whoever and whatever he must. Health “reform” is a power grab.
I have stopped wondering how the German people were so taken in by Hitler. We have seen this in our own country. It should be remembered that Hitler was voted into office, he did not shoot his way in. Obama is leading the American people to their destruction like Hitler led the Germans to theirs.
Obama was a man of tremendous charisma. The American people were enraptured by an empty suit, a facade. His catchphrases like “hope”, “change” and “yes we can” were meaningless, but they sure sounded good. This man has one goal, to destroy this country. His administration is a mixture of incompetence and deliberate destruction.
Like the other Chicago thug Al Capone, Obama invited his opponents, the Republicans, to the table to figuratively(Capone literally) smash their skulls with a baseball bat.
Thankfully we have elections in this country. We also have guns. Most important there are signs the American people are coming out of their messianic trance.
what you saw on display yesterday was only the tip of the iceberg of probably the most arrogant, elitist, proud radical leftist, man to ever hold the office of the president of the United States of America.
Posted by: Prolifer L at February 26, 2010 5:47 PM
May I add hypocrite to your list of his qualities?
Hi Mary. I think he forgot to heal my neighborhood. There are a few inches of global warming on my front walk that need shoveled off.
You would think a man who can end “global warming” by just so decreeing can foresee what type of car insurance he should buy.
Apparently he didn’t grow into full use of his powers until a little later in life, huh?
Imagine for a moment if it was Bush turning to Kerry or Gore and telling them the same. I’m thinking Chris Matthews bouncing off the walls, red faced with rage. Our MSM are such frauds!
Mary: You once posted a comprehensive list of the things that make up a narcissistic personality. Was being totally out of touch with reality one of them? Here is this guy that thinks everything he touches turns to gold while trying to explain to the ignorant masses that we don’t really understand what the bill says. Actually, it is frightening to see how manipulative and dishonest he is.
Mary: Correction–you listed the characteristics of a sociopath.
Hi Jerry,
Not so much out of touch with reality as having their own perception of it.
BTW, narcissistic and sociopath personality disorders are closely related with many interchangable traits. One could just as convincingly argue Obama is a narcissistic PD. I would argue he is sociopathic with narcissistic traits. Very typical.
Charisma and the ability to manipulate are hallmarks of the sociopath and was a huge red flag for me from day one.
When dealing with the SPD and/or NPD Jerry you must understand these are people with no conscience or empathy. Human beings are objects to be manipulated to one’s own purpose. Where necessary dishonesty will come into play. In fact lying is also a hallmark of the sociopath. These are usually highly intelligent people. They are masters of the facade, i.e. they can be whatever is necessary, the devoted lover, the wise philosopher, the devoted friend, to obtain their objective.
Not all sociopaths are criminals, I know people who are sociopaths. I NEVER forget they are and let my guard down either. A sociopath might be the office lothario who thrives on sexual conquests, or the person who is undermining you with your employer or spreading vicious rumors while all the while convincing you that he/she is your friend and convincing you someone else is the guilty one. It might also be the undercover cop who thrives on the lying, manipulating, danger, and risk or the military special forces soldier who is a highly skilled killer.
Obama’s conviction that all he touches turns to gold is just part of his wiring. He perceives himself as misunderstood, the masses too ignorant to share his insight and vision. How dare anyone question him. Interestingly, HItler had only seething contempt for the German masses, espcially as Germany fell. They failed to share his vision and courage and deserved their fate. He was their victim! Again, typical SPD/NPD.
These are people who always perceive themselves as victims, no matter what they have done to hurt others.
Obama’s petulance, inablity to tolerate criticism, his seething anger when challenged or criticized,(remember how he put McCain in his”place” by reminding him who won the election?) and his perception of himself as one of superior intelligence that people just cannot understand is in my opinion suggestive of narcissism. His ability to manipulate, charm, discard people who stand in his way,i.e. Rev. Wright, his dealings with Tony Rezko, and his desire for absolute power to me suggest sociopathy. You will notice how Obama reminds us time and again that he “inherited” problems from Bush. Bush is to blame for everything. Besides being unpresidential its the “I’m the real victim here” mentality. Look what was unloaded on me!
I’m afraid of this man for the above mentioned reasons. I am convinced he is a man with deep seated hatred against the U.S. and his goal is to destroy our country. As Michael Savage has said Karl Marx and Mao are the sugar plum fairies that dance in Obama’s head. He has no conscience and no empathy. Unemployment and its misery doesn’t mean squat to him and the destruction of our country even less. Even destroying his own party leave him unmoved.
When you hear of abused women being stalked and killed by their abuser, it is likely an NPD. These people become especially dangerous when they 1. Lose control, and 2. perceive themselves as being “abandoned”. This is why abuse victims are in such grave danger when they finally leave their abuser.
This is a very dangerous man Jerry. A combination of high intelligence and no conscience is deadly. Don’t for a minute believe this man is stupidly inept, he knows exactly what he is doing. Let’s just hope our Constitution, laws, and the American people can keep him in check.
Jerry,
Another sociopath is Bill Clinton. Just look at his personality traits, infidelity track record, ability to charm and manipulate people and portray himself as a victim, to turn emotions on and off, accusations of sexual assaults, LYING!.
Review this man’s history and it should be very obvious.
Also the old TV miniseries “East of Eden” with Jane Seymour portraying Kate Trask. Her character is a great example of pure unadulterated sociopathy. Sociopaths usually are very physically attractive and sexually seductive people.
Mary:
Thanks for sharing your insights. Unfortunately, they confirm my worse suspicions.
My hope is that your comments will at the very least be food for thought for our resident kool-aid drinkers, although by now surely their numbers are dwindling.
If the American people do not wake up this fall and change the face of our government then we are surely lost. With all of the abuses and riotous spending going on, with the appointments of all sorts of hacks at every level, with the rest of the world holding us in contempt for being so foolish as to actually elect BHO…these and many more, then surely it is time to clean house. We need to get control of at least one chamber and initiate hearings on everything from why we have all these “czars” to the Eric Holder appointments, and to why we are treating terrorists like common criminals. And that is just the beginning.
It is said that the generation that fought WWII, both on the battle field and here at home, was the “greatest generation.” They defended the homeland against foreign threats. Now it is our duty to defend our country from those who would defeat our republic from within.
Wow – the crazy paranoia detector is on full force. I don’t think you folks can make up your mind. One minute, Obama is a do-nothing, accomplish-nothing president – the next moment he’s going to kill our country forever as he turns us all into socialists.
It is really rather funny to read through this if it wasn’t so disturbing at the same time.
Jerry believes that if America doesn’t “wake up” this fall (I suppose he means voting the GOP back into more power) – we are all surely lost. Jerry – can you tell me the last President to balance the budget, and let me know about the 8 years previous to Obama and how that went? Or do we ignore actions and just follow the talk? Furthermore, it is hard to imagine Bush turning to a Democrat and like Obama with McCain. Did Bush ever have any sort of summit like that? Truth is, Bush surrounded himself with like minded folks and did what he wanted to – the thought that Obama isn’t reaching out – well, compared to the Bush presidency, Obama is practically having weekly tea with the GOP.
Mary pulls a nice trifecta all in one post – compares him to Hitler, Al Capone, and diagnoses him with multiple psychological disorders from quote “looking into his eyes”.
Fed Up at least tries to appear rational (at times) – though quotes from the house bill – which hasn’t been discussed anywhere for quite some time.
Prolifer backs up my first point quite well – so Obama who can’t get anything done is now going to take away all our freedoms and liberties. I’m sure she/he had a similar rant the day of the patriot act passing, and spoke quite loudly against the various power grabs of the executive branch under Cheney, I mean Bush.
I think this board would even be too radical for Fox News at times!
Come on folks – Obama isn’t perfect – but seriously, this is as crazy as I saw some of the anti-Bush people!
Mary, as a long time health care professional with psych experience, good job!!
I have a relative who also fits what you have written, and have therefore been watching the current President since he was running for office, and see the same (also did for Clinton for much of the same things you have written here).
I am reminded of an old saying … “None are so blind as those who will not see” (or deaf…hear, as well)
Fed Up … quotes from the house bill – which hasn’t been discussed anywhere for quite some time.
Posted by: Ex-GOP Voter at February 27, 2010 1:10 PM
Hmmm, interesting deflection, EGV. I mentioned the Senate bill too, which you conveniently ignored. The House bill is relevant because the House has indicated it doesn’t like the Senate bill, and wants a guarantee of changes by the Senate if reconciliation proceeds.
Bottom line, EGV, you haven’t demonstrated how giving the Secretary of HHS massive new powers (both bills do that) will enhance a patient’s choices and access to quality care. You can make the argument that it may make coverage more affordable for some, but you haven’t shown that coverage for all translates into quality, patient-centered care for all.
Prolifer backs up my first point quite well – so Obama who can’t get anything done is now going to take away all our freedoms and liberties.
A recent CNN poll shows she’s not alone in her concern about freedom and liberty.
I’m sure she/he had a similar rant the day of the patriot act passing, and spoke quite loudly against the various power grabs of the executive branch under Cheney, I mean Bush.
Hmmm, why have the Dems been *quietly* extending it? Did they not just this week send it to the prez with the same provisions they complained about so loudly under Bush?
Dennis Prager wrote the February 23 Townhall article “Government, Yes! God and Parents, No!” that implies that leftism is statism is not Judaism or Christianity.
He also recently told Republicans the following:
Most people on the Left are True Believers. This is critical to understand. They are willing to lose Congress; Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid are prepared to lose both houses to get this through. Why? Because losing an election cycle means nothing compared to taking over more of the American economy.
I can give you an example from our side. There are many folks on our side who, if they could pass an amendment against abortion, would happily sacrifice both houses for a period of time. Understand that just as strongly as some are pro-life or religiously Christian or Jewish, that is how strongly many leftists believe in leftism. Leftism is a substitute religion. For the Left, the “health care” bill transcends politics. You are fighting people who will go down with the ship in order to transform this country to a leftist one. And an ever-expanding state is the Left’s central credo.
from Mark Steyn’s Orange County Register article yesterday:
While Barack Obama was making his latest pitch for a brand new, even more unsustainable entitlement at the health care “summit,” thousands of Greeks took to the streets to riot. An enterprising cable network might have shown the two scenes on a continuous split-screen – because they’re part of the same story. It’s just that Greece is a little further along in the plot: They’re at the point where the canoe is about to plunge over the falls. America is further upstream and can still pull for shore, but has decided, instead, that what it needs to do is catch up with the Greek canoe. Chapter One (the introduction of unsustainable entitlements) leads eventually to Chapter 20 (total societal collapse): The Greeks are at Chapter 17 or 18.
OK EGV,
So tell us Obama’s great accomplishments so far.
I appreciate the compliment on the nice trifecta. You will find I did not compare Obama to Hitler and Capone, I compared the sociopathic/narcissistic personality traits shared by all of them.
My opinions are not based on Obama’s eyes and I certainly have made that plain, but rather a pattern of behavior. I must honestly say to me they are definitely the empty eyes of a sociopath.
For the record, I wasn’t enthused about Bush either, but I don’t recall his taking over major industries and trying to take over health care against the wishes of the American people.
Obama has increased the debt, unemployment has gone up and continues to, our enemies are giving Obama the finger despite his best efforts to play nice with them. Either this is deliberate EGV or he’s the most appallingly incompetent and inept person to ever sit in the WH. I’m beginning to miss Jimmy Carter.
WI Catholic,
Thank you so much for the compliment. It means a great deal coming from someone with your background.
You have a relative who fits this pattern? My goodness I’ve had a family full of them!
I would recommend to anyone Martha Stout’s book “The Sociopath Next Door”. Its interesting and very informative reading with no scientific babble.
Hi Jon,
Both your posts hit the nail on the head.
When leftist tyrants have taken over a country they went after 1)Major industry, 2)Financial institutions, and 3) the health care system.
Obama has already pocketed a couple of car companies, he’s going for the banks, and fighting tooth and nail for health care.
No he won’t give up. And yes, he will destroy whoever and whatever stands in his way.
Oh and Jon,
He will just as readily destroy those who helped him as well.
the next moment he’s going to kill our country forever as he turns us all into socialists. Posted by: Ex-GOP Voter at February 27, 2010 1:10 PM
EGV, perhaps it would help if the prez explained the reasons he was involved in the New Party. Did he subscribe to their party platform? Or did he deceive them to get more votes?
If it was the latter, what is paranoid about wondering what further deception he’s capable of? If it’s the former, what is paranoid about drawing similarities between the NP agenda and current policy decisions?
Obama has already pocketed a couple of car companies
Posted by: Mary at February 27, 2010 3:40 PM
And Congress is having hearings on the biggest competitor. Toyota is non-union, isn’t it? And we are supposed to believe a government public option would be fair competition with private health insurance companies?
Haha. Excellent point, Fed-Up.
I have never been so ashamed to be an American as I was watching the hearing of Mr. Toyoda. Where do these lying, scumbag politicians get off talking to someone who comes from a literally honor-obsessed culture and heritage the way they were?! I cannot believe they would address someone from a country which we consider to be an ally of ours and that has such practices as hari kari in the face of dishonor the way they did. And, even when thinking about how they handled the recall-voluntarily with precision and dedication-I am ashamed for all of us. To then later learn that they were attacking a competitor for being non-union (EVEN THOUGH TOYOTA SUPPLIES HUNDREDS OF AMERICAN JOBS HERE IN THE STATES!!!)…it just makes my blood boil.
Hi X,
I share your sentiment. Now, far be it from me to ever suspect…well, do ya think this just might be a payoff to Obama’s union thugs..eh supporters?
@xalisae: I agree with you on the Toyota thing. Clearly they screwed up in a major way with some of their car designs, but they’ve really gone above and beyond in an effort to fix what went wrong and see that it does not happen again. To see power-hungry politicians using an honest tragedy on several sides as an attempt to expand their own influence is disgusting.
@Mary,
You are welcome, and I’ve had the book for quite some time. It is very good. Helpful to those who have never had any knowledge, and to those who do. Though I have known others, this particular relative is one of ten in immediate family, and has affected lives for years before a couple of us realized what was going on, and before the declining years of a parent has caused loss of control… things have been picking up steam since then.
God bless!
Ex:
Where have you been? We have gone over this on previous threads. The Obama administration has completely shut out the Repubs for the past year. The only reason for Obama’s so called “meetings” (nothing more than stunts) with the Repubs now is because his advisers are telling him to go into campaign mode. They are telling him everything is falling apart and that the members of the Democratic caucus are about ready to bail. There is not a hint of sincerity on his part. It is, as Mary points out, a lot of manipulation which is fully in keeping with sociopathic behavior.
If you want to keep your blinders on that is up to you. During the eight years prior to Obama unemployment was a record low while some six million jobs were created. Your hero Obama has quadrupled the deficit in one year and unemployment has gone double digit. He threatens to socialize one fifth of the economy, even as he is planning one trillion dollar annual deficits for the next decade. Please understand that the ramifications of this amonunt of deficit spending are fraught with danger and pose a threat to our nation’s future and security like none other. World credit markets are extremely shaky and the one bastion of security that they used to rely upon–the dollar–is anything but reasurring. Subsequent to this level of funny money being pumped into the world’s economies (we are not alone) predictions of runaway inflation or the collapse of the world’s financial markets are being viewed as a matter of “when” rather than “if”.
Anyone who compares any previous Republican administration with the profligate spending we are witnessing under Obama is not credible–the numbers don’t begin to match. The man has no real life experience in industry. He is a Saul Alinsky ideologue and understands the levers of power through those lenses. And scariest of all–he surrounds himself with appointees of similar backgrounds. Who will tell the emperor he is naked?
Yes, I do mean we should elect a majority of Republicans, hopefully in both chambers, and, better yet, have veto proof majorities.
Jerry, Jerry, Jerry – you are simply ignoring the numbers.
Back in 2001, the CBO was predicting surpluses of $800 billion a year plus in 2009 through 2012. So where did it go and how did it become a deficit? Luckily, we have numbers.
– 37% was the downturn in the economy that was already well underway when Bush was in office (I have my 401K statements to prove it!)
– 33% was new spending by Bush – unpaid tax cuts, two wars, and the monster Medicare plan (among other spending increases
– 20% of the projected future deficits (those same years) are projected extensions on Bush spending/policies – the wars, the extension on tax cuts for folks under $250K
– 7% is the stimulus bill under Obama
– 3% is increased spending under Obama
Unemployment? Yes – high – but was growing under Bush and won’t change overnight. For reference, look at Reagan’s unemployment numbers, which peaked in 1982 at almost 11%
Simply put, if Bush was still in office, the deficit would be very comparable (within a couple percent).
My dad was in California for this debacle. He said the only purpose of the meeting was obviously to gather anti-republican soundbites which were looped ad nauseum on their network news. After watching the crap out there, he came home and we talked about it, and from the media he watched in Cali vs. what I saw, it was like we were talking about 2 different things! This is just another love note between Obama and the MSM to keep the sheeple in places like California sleeping soundly. Thanks to clever little devices like the internet, they’re going to start waking up soon.
x – unfortunately, if you put politicians in the spotlight, they like the grandstand. It’s a bit like congressional hearings – nobody was there for the right reasons (all of us) – they were ALL just trying to score political points.
I think single term limits for senators and the president and two terms for everyone in the house would be a good start to breaking this cycle.