Steve Benen: …. with John Boehner no longer willing or able to pursue his own debt-reduction goals, it’s worth pausing to appreciate how the politics have played out in the White House’s favor. Jay Newton-Small’s take sounds right to me:
“….. [Obama] went big and congressional Republicans – not to mention the noticeably silent 2012 Republican presidential candidates – didn’t. It will be Republicans who will have to justify bowing to the extreme wing of their party and walking away from a deal that included some ten times more spending cuts than revenue increases.”
All things being equal, this certainly looks like a tactical win for the White House, at least at this point. From the perspective of the political establishment, the president was willing to do something ambitious, even risking the ire of his party’s base. Congressional Republicans, meanwhile, have now said they don’t want a massive debt-reduction package if it means asking the rich to sacrifice even a little.
….. which side of the political divide appears more concerned with fiscal responsibility? The president with the plan to cut the debt by $4 trillion or the House majority that cares most about tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires, none of which are paid for?
Did President Obama deliberately present GOP leaders with an ambitious solution, knowing they’d blink and he’d end up looking better in the end? We may never know, but if Boehner isn’t asking himself that question this morning, he’s not paying close enough attention.
More here
The Obama Diary 
Sounds like “go big or go home.” And we know who went home.
Don’t play with our President because you will end of lookinfg very stupid. God bless you President Obama. You have the backs of the American people.
President Obama has effectively removed the GOP’s once long held trump card – that they are deficit hawks and he’s the “spendthrift” President. Now they are on record calling for a “SMALLER deficit reduction package than what the President wants.” So the Teabaggers can no longer complain that this President wants our grandchildren in debt –they owe that gratitude to their loverly Speaker Boner.
I want to wait and see what comes from the White House, before I say to much. Remember the job report. How we thought it was going to be much better than it was. So I want to hear the President speak about this first. Maybe after the meeting this evening he will make a comment.
Anniebella, I agree it’s always wise to wait and see what comes from the WH. However, with regard to the deficit negotions between Boehner and the President, Boner has already expressed his disagreement with the $4 trillion reduction so this is something that has already happened. We are no longer guessing what Boehner will say. Boehner made it clear that he’s not serious about he deficits. He has basically destroyed the GOP’s main talking piont about being deficit hawks. It’s already out in the open that $4 trillion is “too much” of a reduction for Boner because he wants the supremely rich to get richer on the backs of the poor.
I have been reading the accounts of the jobs reports and this is my conclusion. ( Bear in mind we have a small business that does manufacturing of parts selling mostly to automotive companies and we are very grateful for not only the progress that has been made by this administration for small manufacturing but also the view of the future. For the first time in a long time it seems as if small businesses that do what we do can continue to exist in this country) I was thinking that just as the census changed the jobs results for the positive but temporarily, so also does the decision by state governments to lay off public employees at such an alarming rate for the negative. The numbers seem to reflect public jobs and not private.
I, of course, could be wrong but I also think this is temporary. I think there is going to be buyer’s remorse when people realize the services that they no longer have because of these layoffs. In our state when private companies tried to take over the results were horrible and more costly, not to mention an act of cronyism, and that has created a scandal that the GOP leaders that arranged it will be saddled with.
There will be a rude awakening among the populace and a clamoring for restoration of these things I think.
Absolutely! You’re so right.
Charlie Bolden was on CNN today responding to a question of what’s next for NASA and his response was “listen to what the President says”. He also mentioned the speech President Obama made at NASA.
EXACTLY. Thank you, hopefruit2.
All this doesn’t just protect him you know. It affects the entire Dem party and future Dem prez candidates. He took away the GOP strangle hold on national security and now fiscal responsibility is slipping. I can’t be 100% sure that that his Obama’s long term plan but it has been my suspicion for a very long time.
You’re right gobrooklyn, the president is slowly releasing the air in the tires of the TeaPublican clown car.
The tire of National Security….Flattened
The tire of Party of Morality…..Flattened
The tire of Fiscally conservative…..Is deflating as I type.
@bjw2: “the president is slowly releasing the air in the tires of the TeaPublican clown car.”
I like that….I wish a cartoonist would represent that for us with a visual 🙂
Oh wouldn’t that be hilarious to see a cartoon that illustrated the idea.
“the president is slowly releasing the air in the tires of the TeaPublican clown car.”
Mag. Nif. I. Cent!!!!!!!!!!
Hello Chips.
You know I asked you a question regarding your blog stats.
Well I also noticed that since last night that you’ve had closed to 5,000 visitors, which means we have a lot of lurkers here at the moment.
So to the lurkers if you’re “reasonable” like minded people please join in the conversation we would love to hear what to have to say.
Hiya bjw2, we have lots of people too shy to comment! The site stats show that, on average, there are 16,000 to 20,000 ‘views’ every day, more when something big is going on. So, only a small percentage comment.
LOL….if CNN can claim to be the place for politics, then TOD should pronounce that it’s the place for rational thinking individuals….HA!
I don’t comment that often because there are so many gifted writers on this blog it puts me to shame. For sure, though, I love reading them and feel more informed everyday. Too bad that when I’m with Republicans, I always forget what to say and am so frustrated with them as they always seem to know what to say. Then I feel stupid and angry that I didn’t defend the President well enough. Sigh. This blog, however, provides me with alot of ammunition, so thanks to everyone for your comments and please keep them coming.
Betsy, you are not that alone In the commenting department. But let me say that If you just post an Amen, Or I concur, or a smiley face, that’s encouragement, my friend, join In, please 🙂
Betsy, I concur with luci1119. I know that there are sooooooooo many great writers here, but this is what makes this site so beautiful, we accept each others skills as they are and love as a community. Talents are given in different ways. Remember as luci1119 said, “just one or two words will speak your heart that will so many others to actions, postivie posts, and great conversations on how we can help to make the situations better for our President and for all people around this nation and the world. So jump in, if you so desire. I am not a writer, but I speak from my heart. We love you back, Betsy.
I’m here Chipsticks and TOD family. I consider myself a family member although I comment infrequently. I ‘m here multiple times on a daily basis. I love this place.
Helloooooooo Pamela! 😉
Helloooooo, back atcha Ms. Chipsticks,
Might I add how I love your indefatigable sense of purpose that is only matched by your joyful, playful spirit…yet you bring it to those who threaten our country’s work.
IMHO, you embody the driving philosophy of PBO:: “respect, empower and include”.
Hello, I check in a couple of times a day, but there is so much information and so many links…I get caught in the undertow/linktow. Great site. Thank you Chips!
I pretty much follow the blogroll from Deaniac’s TPV, so I do visit this site often, but rarely comment. Yes, again PBO has shown that he is playing chess (or in this case poker also). Funny how all the PLs were going apeshit crazy when they heard PBO put EVERYTHING (SS Medicare etc) on the chopping block, not knowing his real plan. It was so right of the “reasonable” minded people who said to not react so quickly to that news and to wait and see first. Now we know why PBO did that–to create exactly this scenario. If he had left something off the table, then the Repugs will say that he wasn’t being serious about reducing deficit. Now, they cannot use that against him, and even better, as Boehner backed off, now the public can clearly see the GOP’s true colors of not being serious about cutting deficit but instead being more mindful to protect the wealthy’s tax cuts. It’s brilliant, and I am glad this time around (yes, I learned) I didn’t freak out at hearing those rumors about PBO cutting entitlements. This happens time and again; perhaps the PLs and MSM’s should learn–but then maybe not since freaking out can mean a lot of money flowing their way…look at the pledge emails that went out immediately after hearing the rumors about PBO cutting SS and Medicare. In any case, I am proud to continually support such a brilliant president, as he has proven time and again to gain the upper hand in any situation against the Repugs.
bjw2, if you don’t tweet that, I will!!
Go right ahead meta………have fun!
You know I will!!
gobrooklyn, that is exactly what he is doing. I can’t keep arguing back and forth with people especially my board mates but it seems many refuse to see how the President works.
I think this is a wonderful thread. Glad you guys brought it to my attention.
Hahahaha….. Pat Buchanan was crowing all last week on Morning Joe that the President would cave in to repubs and repubs would win. Who’s the winner now Pat; you bumbling buffoon who always speaks out of Ye Olde Wrinkely White Ass or sticks Ye Penis Envy Head up said ass.
HAHAHAHA!..this is same guy who swore up and down last Septermber that senator-wannabe Christine O’Donnell (I’m not a witch-I’m you) was a force to be reckoned with!!
It’s more like wishful thinking on their part. On other days they just pull stuff out otheir rear-end.
Oh dear.
Is he ever right about anything? Honestly, I don’t get why this guy has any sort of platform whatsoever.
this is the same racist Buchannan who last week said the President didn’t have any balls.The President has enough balls for Buchannan and Joe combined 🙄
I want to apologize for talking about the President’s balls like that 😉
Fred, in the words of “Tingle Up My Legs” Chris Mathews: HA! 🙂 🙂 🙂
ROFL, Fred there you go again, turning my tickle box over, lol funny
Hi our wonderful Fred. It is HZ. I am here trying to listen to the second part of the Messiah, and you all are taking my mind to another planet in laughter. I do not know if the music or your comments are giving me such great medicine, me think that it is both. But on the balls issue: I do not thing Pat would even know where the balls would need to be place, if he would be so lucky to have as many as POTUS has. Just shut the heck up Pat and go sit on the backside of that porch of yours. These young people have not time for your lazy and outdated ??? wisdom. Sorry, my dear family. Chipsticks, please do not put me in the corner for time out. I am in a “do not mess with this senior today.”
Pat Buchanan is a dried up old man who ought to be some where on a porch in his rocking chair.
You are too funny. But so spot on. 🙂
Shame on MSNBC for allowing this idiot to pollute the minds of people who watch that channel.
One tear at a time Boehner, one tear at a time.
Comedy gold.
I posted this last night it’s very fitting today also.
He has backed this clown into the corner, and eitehr way John moves the President will say checkmate you have no more moves John.
This is what it looks like when you hand over the keys to the right-winger slurpee brigade. Check out Bush’s LOST DECADE:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14098593
He’s got this!
On another note. What is up with planes flying close to Camp David>
This is like the third and forth incident for the month while the President was there.
http://news.yahoo.com/jets-intercept-plane-near-camp-david-while-obama-011130931.html
Good morning all. I agree Donna. This is really disturbing. The Rs are full of hate and have infested those who follow them with it. I know the SS is on this, but this better be resolved fast.
once they shoot down 1 or 3 planes they’ll stop.Enough already!
😆
😉
I thought the same thing too, but apparently it has happened frequently before Obama became President. It’s being reported now in the media more of course, because the MSM is obsessed with President Obama. Here is an article from when Dubbya was at camp David.
http://articles.herald-mail.com/2002-04-15/news/25148836_1_faa-reports-airspace-fighter-jet
/// ” Pilots entered the expanded no-fly zone over Camp David at least 60 times between Sept. 11, 2001, and Jan. 27, 2002, according to FAA reports. The Associated Press reported that America’s six prohibited flight zones were violated at least 567 times between Sept. 11 and March 5. Camp David is the center of one of the six zones.” ///
I wonder if one was republican senator Inhofe….how this guy maintains his pilot license is beyond me.
like I said Boehner was the one who blinked and NOT the President 😀
We keep praying for President Obama so that God can guide every step he takes and most of all every decision he makes on our behalf.The President has always put Country First and NOT Party First.
thank you God for guiding this President;I pray you help him seal the deal for us today
Holding him in the Light every day and all day.
And let’s remember folks, the Bible says that what the enemy meant for bad or evil, god used It for good. Things are not always what they appear. So then, not only do I pray for PBO, but I pray for the enemy, and that Our Lord will do a miracle for our Country. I tell ya’, It ain’t no telling what God can and will do. Keep the Faith People, keep the Faith 🙂
Luci1119, that is so on point. We have to pray for the enemy as well. The Bible also says fret not thyself because of evil doers, for they shall be cut down and withered as the grass. I say that 37 Psalms.
And the candles are burning at this very moment in my home for our President. We are going to succeed together. Love you back, my dear TOD Family and our wonderful, Chipsticks.
Well well well.
I wish I were Rusty’s bartender. I would be cleaning up right about now.
It’s going to be interesting to see the end game on this. I’ve always thought the debt ceiling would be raised, but now the how and when will be something to behold.
you had me rolling 😆 about the bartender dig PJ.I mean rolling 😆
😆 😆
yeah I bet Crusty’s gonna have a (LOT) stiff drink tonight 😉
“I wish I were Rusty’s bartender. I would be cleaning up right about now.”
😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆
You would be mopping up that trail of tears. Rusty is outmatched right now. The only thing he has to fall back on now is outdated GOP demagoguery.
“Lemme get another one, Charlie.” *hic* *faceplant*
Ah, the tears of a clown…
since you went *faceplant* I raise you THIS.Now I apologize for posting anything from this trash but well see for yourself.Make sure you are NOT drinking or eating anything or you’ll choke 😉
click on Snooki to Potted Plant 😉
http://www.tmz.com/2011/07/06/snooki-jersey-shore-dancing-video-plant-drunk-season-5-seaside-heights-new-jersey-mtv/
😉 😉
Oh Fred…..that just aint right! 😀 😀 😀
you think? 😆 😆 😆 😆
This child needs serious help. She is embarrassing herself. Look for her in 10 years on some talk show saying that she has found God and has stopped drinking. geesh.
I think even God would go No Mas! on Snooki after watching this GB 😆
I know PJ. Part two is today and you just know The President is going to come in roaring. He exposed them as phony deficit hawks now it’s time to shut the door and make them pay the price. That’s good news for the country. It’s best to wait and see but I’m excited.
OK, peeps. This may be why Rusty is quaking in his boots:
http://blogs.reuters.com/james-pethokoukis/2011/07/09/is-obama-getting-ready-to-snooker-boehner-on-taxes/
Will you just look at this? PBO and his team are dancing circles around the right-wing. OMG! The brilliance.
CRY ME A RIVER.
woah he got them nice and good 😯
thank you Meta 😀
Fred, PBO is playing hardball. People should never ever underestimate this man. He will work for long-term holistic solutions that solve problems, not cosmetic fixes to win elections.
Absolutely. You have put it so well.
Exactly. Listen to what he said about the values he got from his mother.
It sounds like Ruters are on the side of the republicans by this statement.
“If Boehner and the Republicans don’t hold the line now on taxes, this is the American future”
They are definitely right-wing but listen to the fear in his words. The substance of what PBO is doing has them freaking out.
I read that and It is a beautiful thing 🙂
The comments reflected it too. Somewhere Grover Norquist is shaking in his boots.
Much faith in God and trust that PBO has GOT THIS! Refusing to stress today. I went back and watched the Baby Whisperer about 10 times. Works wonders! 🙂
Thank you Chipsticks!
Steven Benen is EN FUEGO:
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_07/a_gamble_where_you_bet_your_co030774.php
My President, your President, our President:
1. Disrupting, dismantling and defeating Al Quaeda
2. Disrupting, dismantling and defeating the Teabublicans
3. Disrupting, dismantling and defeating the PL
We have your back, Mr. President.
I just love, love, love the brilliance of this man. This is all figuritively speaking of course.
PBO dangled the noose in front of them and waited.. I honestly thought he would have to shove their heads into it. But nope true to form, good ole’ Boehner walked right into it. I can’t wait to see how PBO hands Johnnyboy the rope and helps him give it a yank…. PURE GENIUS!
Look a here, PBO wasn’t whistling yesterday for nothing, huh
The only complain I have about President Obama Admin, is that they need to break things down is simple wording, because the public is too stupid to understand process terminology. The Public doesn’t know that there are three branches of the Government, and it functions. So, because of this, use tea bagger wording is needed.
Obama has never talked down to America. He’s not going to start now.
Tien, I’m so sorry, I had completely forgotten to add your wonderful blog to the blogroll here – just did it. Sorry again, and keep up the brilliant writing!
Awwww, Chips. Thank you, my dear. I’m so honored.
Randi Rhodes spoke on this Friday, and yes I will always quotes this lady becasue she makes more sense than any so-called progressive out there today.
So Friday she had a caller call in and she had to break down each role of each branch government. She explained that it’s not the president job to create legislation but the congress. She also stated that it’s congress roll to produce a jobs bill because they hold the purse string to fund it.
This dumbing down of America is a result of Faux and that fact that schools are doing away with teaching civics.
Where/how can I hear Randi Rhodes? I live in Milwaukee.
I get to listen to her on the internet while at work but I also bought her Pod cast subscription. I wish they could take Ed Schultz off some radio dials and replace them with Rhandi….because that man has become an embarrament the way he flies into fits of rages.
http://www.therandirhodesshow.com/main.html
Bjw2, I love, love, love Rhandi Rhodes.. I pay $6.95 per month to listen to her and I just had to change my subscription to 6mths 2 save on the monthly fees. I think men love her because she abuses them when they call in with stupid ass Repigs talking points..
I will gladly pay to hear her! How do I do it? Where do I go?
Margaret you can go to her website and and presibe for a Pod cast membership there
http://www.therandirhodesshow.com/main.html
Margaret rose, go to her website and just sign up for a subscription. It will be the best investment of your life, trust us…. If you do it today just listen to Friday’s show 7-8-2011 and you will understand what we mean. She is raw, smart, funny, has all her facts together and has the memory of an elephant.
http://www.therandirhodesshow.com/main.html
Hey Michele….I went all out and brought the six months, and love the fact that I can take her walking in the park or doing gardening or just pop her in at work,
If you get a chance download the the pod cast date for May 02. This is the following Monday after the president killed Bin Ladin, the show is freaking hilarious and awe inspiring. She talks about the WH correspondence dinner, along with repubs not knowing how to take the news of OBL death.
I totally agree with you Michele. I have been listening to Randi a long time. Everyday at noon hrere in SoCal., I make it a point to listen to Randi. You are right; the guys love her and she is so knowledgeable and does her research. she has a homework section on her website. She really has PBO’s back and back it up with facts. she is a joy to listen to. I urge all true progressives to listen to her show. I get her show from Ktlk radio everyday.
http://www.ktlkam1150.com/pages/On_Air_Hosts.html?feed=119597&article=5450722
If the public doesn’t know there are three branches of government then nothing anybody says is going to make any difference.
I disagree. I think the American people are more informed than is being reported. I also think President Obama has communicated quite effectively by treating them as part of the process. I think, judging from all the visits he’s made that we’ve seen (no thanks to MSM) shows them really responsive to him. He really meets the American public, not a bunch of carefully handpicked audiences like with President Bush. There is a reason his personal approval ratings are so high. People like him because he treats them like adults.
It is the MSM and the GOP Congress that are the children who need things broken down into simple wording.
Remember the meeting tonight is at 6 o’clock and Boehner has to report to Happy Hour with his greedy cronies.Also he and Cantor have that new form of Governing taught by Sarah Palin QUIT you can do more for the people.Well come 2012 we will let them out of their misry and vote them out of power seeing they QUIT when times get tough.
Hello Everyone! I have been a lurker for a very long time now. I LOVE this site and I tell EVERYONE I know about it!!! I love the energy, the family spirit, the humor, and the information shared is second to none! I visit this site and BWD at least five times a day. You are on my favorites bar.
Chips, I feel like you are one of my best friends though we have never met!!!! You handled this site with such honesty, genuine love, and heart warming humor. You helped me through the proor jobs number report. It was really a downer given that earlier indications were so much more promising. But you guys did not skip a beat. You just kept the focus and pressed forward. Thank you for motivating me to do the same.
I am working hard to help our wonderful President get reelected. I am in Missouri and believe me it is not going to be easy here!!! But I work with a wonderful dedicated group of people and we stay strong and comitted. We really believe the President won here in Missouri in 08 and if there had been a recount, it would have proved it.
Just wanted you to know that even though I do not post, my heart, my prayers, and my thoughts are with you. Keep up this wonderful work and I will be checking in again from time to time. I promise!
What a beeeeeeeeautiful message Frenchie, thank you SO much! They’re a great bunch of good-hearted people here and what I love best about them is how they encourage each other to keep on going during the tough times, like now. You sound like just that kind of person, so I’m genuinely thrilled that you visit here, really appreciate it. I don’t do much commenting on sites either, my middle name is ‘lurk’ (!), so no worries at all if you just prefer to look and read! Thanks again Frenchie, keep up the great work, LOVE your spirit!
Thank you so much Chips! And like ET, even when you don’t hear from me, “I’ll be right here.”
Ah Frenchie, don’t remind me of that moment, I sobbed so loudly in the cinema people told me to shut up. 😥
If we had been sitting together, they would have yelled at both of us. Just watched it the other night and I still sobbed. I detect a kindred spirit!
welcome Frenchie.Please don’t be stranger 😉
Thanks Fred. I love your impromtu prayers. They have anchored me many times!!! I say amen everytime.
😀
Ah Frenchie so wonderful to have you.
I myself lurked for the longest also until I decided to as they say de-lurk. I tell you it’s one of the best things I could have done especially when it comes to dealing with these turbulent times we find ourselves in.
Even today I will not comment for days but will let the commentators on this blog be my voice for the day.
Welcome friend.
Wow, look how generous you are, Frenchie08!! So good to know you are here.
You guys are great!
Just wanted to say hello everyone and welcome to Frenchie.
Prayers for PBO and his team as they continue the negitiations.
McConnell: Stopping Obama’s re-election still ‘single most important’ goal
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com//david/mcconnell-stopping-obamas-re-election-still-
what an asswipe 😡
Even at the height of the dislike for GWB, no one wished he would catastrophically fail or that stopping his re-election was their main goal. These people don’t understand that if you hope for President Obama and his policies to fail, you hope for the country to fail also. President Obama cannot and WILL NOT fail because those wishing for a downturn will go down in the same sinking Titanic with the rest of us.
That’s exactly what they want..they want him and his policies to fail. I don’t understand why this surprises people. Their main goal is to keep it about “the Man”. They understand that for millions of people it is personal feelings that makes them dislike the President. It going to make 60 million vote against their own self interest. The Repubs have been getting away with murder for almost 40 years now. I have never seen Repubs so exposed and back on their heels as in the last three years. POB said America will have to make a choice for it’s future. He is working hard so American can see the choices for themselves.
Dear Mr. McConnell, well it’s going to be a battle because our single most important goal is to get President Obama re-elected. And we are ready to fight for that. So we’re see you on the battle field.
What you stated, Anniebella.
Guess they feel their ultra rich backers will guarantee defeat. PBO is a blessed leader. They had better be careful.
Hi everybody! I am here for the first time on commenting but I read this site daily and it is one of my favorites.
Couple of thoughts after reading this post:
1. Obama called the Republicans’ bluff and they walked away. As a result, Obama has taken away the “deficit hawk” mantle from the Republicans because the GOP is the one who wants a smaller deal than Obama.
2. It appears that Republicans do not want to increase either tax rates or there to be a net increase in tax revenue involved unless that amount that is taken away from other taxes results in other taxes decreasing. If that is the case Democrats need to say that the AMT tax and payroll tax holiday for employees and employers can be paid for by closing loopholes resulting in a “net” no tax revenue change.
3. If I were the Democrats I would agree to their “no net increase in revenue” on the debt deal in exchange for major job creation measures in the deal including a national infrastructure bank, payroll tax holiday for employers and employees, unemployment insurance, etc. It is time that Democrats PUSH for job creation measures in any debt deal. That is imperative.
Welcome Drdemocrat. I believe I’ve seen you before on Old Orange. You are most welcome here 🙂
I agree with what you said, and your #1 point is spot on!
Hi DrD I remember your name from DK – welcome
I’m also a long time lurker. I come here every day, several times a day and constantly post your great news on Twitter and Facebook. Just wanted to tell you what a fan I am Chipsticks! Keep up the great work!
Welcome Frenchie and Sherry. Chipsticks in on my short list of people I’d like to be like when I grow up. I’m probably older than her, but you get the idea 🙂
Weepin’ laughin’ – TRUST me GC, you do NOT want to be like me when you grow up!!! 😆
Welcome Sherry, thanks so much for visiting! 😉
welcome Drdemocrat and Sherry 😀
And a big welcome to Frencie08, Drdemocrat and Sherry. This is the best plce to be as you already know. Visit again.
if somebody has the time,check out BoomanTribune today. Tarheel made one great post on what President Obama can do to pay our bills and really stick it to the GOP. I don’t know how to cross post, so counting some savy person here to do that. 🙂