Steve Benen: ….. I’ve seen several reports on the debt-ceiling framework describe it as a “compromise” between Republicans and Democrats. That’s far too generous a term. Is this a deal? Sure. Is it an agreement? Absolutely. Can it fairly be characterized as a “compromise”? Not at all.
Republicans threatened to crash the economy, on purpose, unless a series of radical demands were met. Democrats made an effort to lessen those demands and make them less painful than intended. The result, not surprisingly, is rather ugly, which is to be expected.
The debt-reduction framework isn’t a compromise; it’s a ransom. If one were to draw up two lists – one with all the concessions Democrats made, the other with the concessions the GOP made – the one-sided image would be striking. Of course, that’s what happens when one party has a gun to the head of its hostage – in this case, the nation and its economy – and the other party wants to prevent their rivals from pulling the trigger.
…. what’s the less-bad news? There are a few noteworthy angles: (1) if the trigger kicks in, Medicaid and Social Security would be walled off and protected…. (2) triggered cuts for the 2012 fiscal year are practically non-existent, so it won’t hurt the economy in the short term; (3) a surprising amount of the overall deal targets the bloated Pentagon budget, which makes more painful domestic cuts less necessary; (4) there won’t be another debt-ceiling fight until 2013, giving the GOP one fewer hostages to grab for a while. And (5) if the deal passes, there will be no calamity this week, and everyone lives to fight another day.
….. there’s nothing in this deal to promote economic growth and nothing to create jobs … That Republicans wanted to take a huge step backwards, and Democrats negotiated to make it a more modest step backwards is cold comfort.
The Senate is likely to vote on the deal as early as this afternoon, and passage appears likely. The House vote may come tonight, and the outcome in the lower chamber is very much in doubt.
Full post here
The Obama Diary 
At this point the only thing the Dems can fight for is Representation on the Congressional panel – It can’t be Conrad, Nelson, Warner types on our side while Boehner/McConnell puts on nutjobs and teabaggers.
Progressive Caucus and the CBC should demand representation on the panel in form of both House and Senate representation – enough to have ultimate veto power. Have Sanders, Brown, Whitehouse types from the Senate and Grijalva and Clyburn from the House.
Also the thing the GOP cares most about in the world seems to be the Bush Tax Cuts – they absolutely need to expire. They need to be hit back after their hostage-taking antics. Best revenge would be a blue wave to take back the House, but too many people are zombies to the MSM to give me any hope that will happen.
In terms of the expiration of the Bush tax cuts, this may be one time when gridlock would work in our favor. Let them die a natural death, a fitting end to all of the damage they have ultimately caused.
I think that’s a reasonable request. We have to have true progressives represented on this commission, and the progressives in Congress have every right to demand that in exchange for their support for this deal. We cannot do what we usually do: put up all centrists and they put up fire-breathing tehadists. Then the conversation starts on their turf. We need some progressive representation on this commission.
Don’t let Durbin fool you either — he can be great and then he can be awful. I’d like a real progressive, like Barbara Boxer and Al Franken. And yes — I want some fire-breathing liberals on this commission. We have to change the balance of the fight: they operate from the farthest right and we should have progressives at the table. Not all, but some.
If I were in the progressive caucus I would accept that as an opportunity to make some substantive change in our favor.
StR, you know the best way to hit the Tea Republicans back, get our forces together, including the loud mouth Progressives and vote their butts out 2012. Then this President will not have to deal with them ever again
Personally, I think Sanders is the same as the tea baggers in his ideological illogic.
No fan of Bernie Sanders at all.
I think he serves a purpose – if only he dialed it back just a bit. I mean as the declared socialist him signing off on compromise bills makes little sense. Hell him signing off on Dem bills makes little sense because then the frame can be “Hey, the bill must be far left of the admitted socialist Bernie Sanders will vote for it”.
He’s an overton window guy.
The second he called for a primary of President Obama, I was done with him. I don’t care what he stands for or what purpose he may serve. He’s not part of the solution. He’s part of the problem.
I think he serves a valuable purpose as well. But they all could be more constructive in the words and the tone that they use. There is a vast difference between constructive and destructive criticism.
We need to lose the win/lose measuring stick for all things legislative. I think gains and step backs drains some of the unnecessary emotion out of the framework. But I think words have energy, and are best when chosen with care.
The House side will be progressives. The problem will be the Senate. Unfortunately, the Senators with the most seniority or expertise on the budget are Conrad and Baucus. I’d want to see Schumer, Brown, and if we have to have one conservative Dem, Bill Nelson. He’s up for re-election this year and he is running in Florida. No way in hell he votes to touch SS, Medicare or Medicaid benefits.
askew, Kent Conrad is retiring in 2012.
And with him goes any chance we had of holding his seat.
Received the attached this morning
*************************************************
See information on conf. call and also a fact sheet below.
Please join White House officials today at 11:00AM (EDT) for a Debt Ceiling Update Conference Call.
We hope you are able to join.
WHAT: White House Debt Ceiling Update
WHEN: Monday, August 1st
START TIME: 11:00AM EDT (please dial in 10 minutes prior to the call)
DIAL IN: (800) 288-8968
TITLE: White House Debt Ceiling Update
The call is off the record and not for press purposes.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2011
BIPARTISAN DEBT DEAL: A WIN FOR THE ECONOMY AND BUDGET DISCIPLINE
The debt deal announced today is a victory for bipartisan compromise, for the economy and for the American people. The agreement:
Removes the cloud of uncertainty over our economy at this critical time, by ensuring that no one will be able to use the threat of the nation’s first default now, or in only a few months, for political gain;
Locks in a down payment on significant deficit reduction, with savings from both domestic and Pentagon spending, and is designed to protect crucial investments like aid for college students;
Establishes a bipartisan process to seek a balanced approach to larger deficit reduction through entitlement and tax reform;
Deploys an enforcement mechanism that gives all sides an incentive to reach bipartisan compromise on historic deficit reduction, while protecting Social Security, Medicare beneficiaries and low-income programs;
Stays true to the President’s commitment to shared sacrifice by preventing the middle class, seniors and those who are most vulnerable from shouldering the burden of deficit reduction. The President did not agree to any entitlement reforms outside of the context of a bipartisan committee process where tax reform will be on the table and the President will insist on shared sacrifice from the most well-off and those with the most indefensible tax breaks.
Mechanics of the Debt Deal
Immediately enacted 10-year discretionary spending caps generating nearly $1 trillion in deficit reduction; balanced between defense and non-defense spending.
President authorized to increase the debt limit by at least $2.1 trillion, eliminating the need for further increases until 2013.
Bipartisan committee process tasked with identifying an additional $1.5 trillion in deficit reduction, including from entitlement and tax reform. Committee is required to report legislation by November 23, 2011, which receives fast-track protections. Congress is required to vote on Committee recommendations by December 23, 2011.
Enforcement mechanism established to force all parties – Republican and Democrat – to agree to balanced deficit reduction. If Committee fails, enforcement mechanism will trigger spending reductions beginning in 2013 – split 50/50 between domestic and defense spending. Enforcement protects Social Security, Medicare beneficiaries, and low-income programs from any cuts.
1. REMOVING UNCERTAINTY TO SUPPORT THE AMERICAN ECONOMY
Deal Removes Cloud of Uncertainty Until 2013, Eliminating Key Headwind on the Economy: Independent analysts, economists, and ratings agencies have all made clear that a short-term debt limit increase would create unacceptable economic uncertainty by risking default again within only a matter of months and as S&P stated, increase the chance of a downgrade. By ensuring a debt limit increase of at least $2.1 trillion, this deal removes the specter of default, providing important certainty to our economy at a fragile moment.
Mechanism to Ensure Further Deficit Reduction is Designed to Phase-In Beginning in 2013 to Avoid Harming the Recovery: The deal includes a mechanism to ensure additional deficit reduction, consistent with the economic recovery. The enforcement mechanism would not be made effective until 2013, avoiding any immediate contraction that could harm the recovery. And savings from the down payment will be enacted over 10 years, consistent with supporting the economic recovery.
2. A DOWNPAYMENT ON DEFICIT REDUCTION BY LOCKING IN HISTORIC SPENDING DISCIPLINE – BALANCED BETWEEN DOMESTIC AND PENTAGON SPENDING
More than $900 Billion in Savings over 10 Years By Capping Discretionary Spending: The deal includes caps on discretionary spending that will produce more than $900 billion in savings over the next 10 years compared to the CBO March baseline, even as it protects core investments from deep and economically damaging cuts.
Includes Savings of $350 Billion from the Base Defense Budget – the First Defense Cut Since the 1990s: The deal puts us on track to cut $350 billion from the defense budget over 10 years. These reductions will be implemented based on the outcome of a review of our missions, roles, and capabilities that will reflect the President’s commitment to protecting our national security.
Reduces Domestic Discretionary Spending to the Lowest Level Since Eisenhower: These discretionary caps will put us on track to reduce non-defense discretionary spending to its lowest level since Dwight Eisenhower was President.
Includes Funding to Protect the President’s Historic Investment in Pell Grants: Since taking office, the President has increased the maximum Pell award by $819 to a maximum award $5,550, helping over 9 million students pay for college tuition bills. The deal provides specific protection in the discretionary budget to ensure that the there will be sufficient funding for the President’s historic investment in Pell Grants without undermining other critical investments.
3. ESTABLISHING A BIPARTISAN PROCESS TO ACHIEVE $1.5 TRILLION IN ADDITIONAL BALANCED DEFICIT REDUCTION BY THE END OF 2011
The Deal Locks in a Process to Enact $1.5 Trillion in Additional Deficit Reduction Through a Bipartisan, Bicameral Congressional Committee: The deal creates a bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Committee that is charged with enacting $1.5 trillion in additional deficit reduction by the end of the year. This Committee will work without the looming specter of default, ensuring time to carefully consider essential reforms without the disruption and brinksmanship of the past few months.
This Committee is Empowered Beyond Previous Bipartisan Attempts at Deficit Reduction: Any recommendation of the Committee would be given fast-track privilege in the House and Senate, assuring it of an up or down vote and preventing some from using procedural gimmicks to block action.
To Meet This Target, the Committee Will Consider Responsible Entitlement and Tax Reform. This means putting all the priorities of both parties on the table – including both entitlement reform and revenue-raising tax reform.
4. A STRONG ENFORCEMENT MECHANISM TO MAKE ALL SIDES COME TOGETHER
The Deal Includes An Automatic Sequester to Ensure That At Least $1.2 Trillion in Deficit Reduction Is Achieved By 2013 Beyond the Discretionary Caps: The deal includes an automatic sequester on certain spending programs to ensure that—between the Committee and the trigger—we at least put in place an additional $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction by 2013.
Consistent With Past Practice, Sequester Would Be Divided Equally Between Defense and Non-Defense Programs and Exempt Social Security, Medicaid, and Low-Income Programs: Consistent with the bipartisan precedents established in the 1980s and 1990s, the sequester would be divided equally between defense and non-defense program, and it would exempt Social Security, Medicaid, unemployment insurance, programs for low-income families, and civilian and military retirement. Likewise, any cuts to Medicare would be capped and limited to the provider side.
Sequester Would Provide a Strong Incentive for Both Sides to Come to the Table: If the fiscal committee took no action, the deal would automatically add nearly $500 billion in defense cuts on top of cuts already made, and, at the same time, it would cut critical programs like infrastructure or education. That outcome would be unacceptable to many Republicans and Democrats alike – creating pressure for a bipartisan agreement without requiring the threat of a default with unthinkable consequences for our economy.
5. A BALANCED DEAL CONSISTENT WITH THE PRESIDENT’S COMMITMENT TO SHARED SACRIFICE
The Deal Sets the Stage for Balanced Deficit Reduction, Consistent with the President’s Values: The deal is designed to achieve balanced deficit reduction, consistent with the values the President articulated in his April Fiscal Framework. The discretionary savings are spread between both domestic and defense spending. And the President will demand that the Committee pursue a balanced deficit reduction package, where any entitlement reforms are coupled with revenue-raising tax reform that asks for the most fortunate Americans to sacrifice.
The Enforcement Mechanism Complements the Forcing Event Already In Law – the Expiration of the Bush Tax Cuts – To Create Pressure for a Balanced Deal: The Bush tax cuts expire as of 1/1/2013, the same date that the spending sequester would go into effect. These two events together will force balanced deficit reduction. Absent a balanced deal, it would enable the President to use his veto pen to ensure nearly $1 trillion in additional deficit reduction by not extending the high-income tax cuts.
In Securing this Bipartisan Deal, the President Rejected Proposals that Would Have Placed the Sole Burden of Deficit Reduction on Low-Income or Middle-Class Families: The President stood firmly against proposals that would have placed the sole burden of deficit reduction on lower-income and middle-class families. This includes not only proposals in the House Republican Budget that would have undermined the core commitments of Medicare to our seniors and forced tens of millions of low-income Americans to go without health insurance, but also enforcement mechanisms that would have forced automatic cuts to low-income programs. The enforcement mechanism in the deal exempts Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare benefits, unemployment insurance, programs for low-income families, and civilian and military retirement.
I wrote up some things you might not be hearing about the deal in case folks would like some talking points to use with the poutragers.
Good post, Smartypants! I also wonder if having that Congressional group having to come up with something by November, will stop the teabags from trying to shut down the government in Sept. How can they complain about spending while their own people are on in the work group.
I wondered the same thing. How will this committee affect the development of the 2012 budget? I haven’t heard anyone comment on that. But I do know that everyone has been assuming that will be the next hostage round.
Great piece. Thanks.
gREAT pOST….I READ YOUR ONE FROM YESTERDY….awSOME
Great article by Steve Benen. I saw Morning Joe this morning crowing that the GOP had gotten what they wanted and they did what no other congress could achieve. They got about $2.4 trillion in spending cuts. He then tried to justify the means to which the deal was achieved. Saying the teabagger caucus played it well and any trial lawyer or negotiator would commend them and pat them on the back for a job well done. I wanted to smack the crap out of him. Thankfully Jon Heileman did it figuratively for me. He lambasted Joe, asking him if the end really did justify the means. He called the teabaggers insane crazy people who due to some dumb pledge brought this country to the edge of default. With their thuggishness and intrasigence, they might have gotten spending cuts but look at what they put the American people through. The vulnerable depending on Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and other programs social and otherwise. If not for President Obama, they would have been comfrotable with hijacking the economy like a terrorist (Mika’s word, she showed a smidgen of steel) and blowing our heads off in the form of a huge default and a downgrade. He also said that hopefully the American people had seen who was on their side and it is certainly not the teabaggers.
As for me, I will continue tweeting media types and other fickle supporters with the link to the White House fact sheet. This wasn’t a compromise on the part of the GOP; this was President Obama, VP Biden, and the dem leaders stepping in, preventing a default, protecting the economy, protecting our credit rating, protecting Americans, protecting valuable and useful programs. So these media types that want to lump PBO and the dems in the same category as these crazy teabaggers are out of their minds. I’m grateful that the President got what was the best deal for the American people and prevented a catastrophe. Ignorant Americans not paying attention need to wake up and fightback against false memes by the media, the GOP, and the PL. It’s disgusting how much these factions spread vicious lies and complete untruths less than 24 hours later and it’s even more disgusting watching people not search for truth and instead indulge in mindless panicing and handwringing. 2012 is too important to allow these false prophets to control the message.
ps: Here is the White House fact sheet link that includes details on the debt deal so everyone can read and educate others.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheet-victory-bipartisan-compromise-economy-american-people
I wonder what Joe will say when Dems hold the debt ceiling hostage for a future Republican President. The precedent has been set – every year it’s going to be the same garbage now. Clean raises since 1917 and now that’s forever changed.
That’s why I wanted a clean bill. I was never happy that Obama wanted to make a grand bargain with a debt ceiling gun to our heads. I do now believe he is truly convinced that if we don’t tackle our debt, we’re in big trouble. Frankly, I would rather grow our way out of the deficit with significant investment by the government in jobs. That is a discussion that did not gain traction.
But here we are. Republicans would have been willing to cause an economic 9/11. The President could have continued to demand that he be given the respect that every other president has been given on the debt ceiling. He could have still effectively schooled Americans on how important raising the debt ceiling is (he won this argument spectacularly), we would have come up to the 11 99/100 hour and gotten a clean bill.
I agree with Tally and BWD that that would have been the best solution. But here we are. The deal sucks but it doesn’t suck as bad as I was afraid it would suck.
I think the commission is an opportunity to continue to paint Republicans as the monsters they are. The deal protects Social Security and Medicaid and virtually protects Medicare, except on the provider side, capped at 2%.
Do you know what we can accomplish by getting negotiation of prescription drugs in Part D? That will save an enormous amount of money and help everyone. Except drug company profits.
BACK IN APRIL…THE PRSIDENT ASKED FOR A CLEAN BILL…I THNK HE KNEW ALL THIS WAS COMING….gREAT pOST….I READ YOUR ONE FROM YESTERDY….awSOME
There is something like seven of the top 20 prescribed drugs losing their patent protection within the next 14 months – including Lipitor and Plavex. Generics can be from 20% to upwards of 80% cheaper than the name brands – most will fall around half price to the name brands.
http://moneywatch.bnet.com/spending/news/drug-prices-to-plummet-in-wave-of-expiring-patents/6264312/
Not this is nothing to do with legislation, but it should have a positive effect to health care spending for a lot of folks. Where the Gov will have to watch is to make sure there isn’t gouging on other prices to make up for the profit loss on these drugs.
I think the time for a clean bill passed, when ratings agencies flatly stated that a clean bill wouldn’t be enough, and would have to be accompanied by $4T in cuts. Once the market started reacting negatively, there was no chance to turn back.
I blame the Republicans for this damage. The damage to the reputation which President Obama careful restored. The weaker negotiating position that President Obama is now in with the rest of the world. The national security risk that has been posed by the unwillingness of the GOP/TP to appear reasonable, and making the entire US government look dysfunctional. The decline of the economy as people panicked. The seniors and veterans that went through hell thinking they wouldn’t get the meager payments that they need to survive.
And Republicans want to declare that havoc a “victory”. They are traitors and cruel. Period.
StR, Won’t happen any time soon so who care what the bastard have to say. I can’t understand how you all can stand to watch shows like morning joe.
Hey Ut I don’t know if you saw that this morning: from Andrea Mitchell
mitchellreports Andrea Mitchell
So will it pass? What have we learned? Big show today @lukerussert @chucktodd @johnjharwood Vin Weber Bob Graham @jeromehpowell @royblount
What have we learned? Ah good one.
I sent her this:
ChristiMtl ChristiMtl
@
@mitchellreports we learned that the media is even more corrupt than we thought for covering for the teabaggers terrorists. Epic fail.
Thanks, UT. Chris, I don’t tweet, but I sent here this e-mail:
Andrea,
How about this?
We have learned that the media has abdicated its job and has joined the Tea Party. That the media is corrupt in its coverage and has let the American people down.
Perhaps you can peruse this fact sheet before joining in to denigrate and emasculate this president any more than most of you in the press, left, right and center have tried to do since he became president.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheet-victory-bipartisan-compromise-economy-american-people
And since you guys played along as if this dog and pony show was not manufactured, here is some food for thought for you also.
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2011/07/30/283404/video-house-gop-urged-clean-debt-ceiling-hike-as-a-matter-of-responsibility-and-good-governance/
Fantastic email africa! Thank you.
WHAT IS HER EMAIL ADDRESSBACK IN APRIL…THE PRSIDENT ASKED FOR A CLEAN BILL…I THNK HE KNEW ALL THIS WAS COMING….gREAT pOST….I READ YOUR ONE FROM YESTERDY….awSOME
Here:
‘andrea.mitchell@nbcuni.com’
Thank you Africa. You okay? I am still remembering you in my thoughts. I admire your courage. Love you back very much, HZ
I am fine, HZ. Here is wishing you speedy recovery and healing surgery.
Perfect response Christi!!!
Andrea’s hubby has a lot to answer for, so in covering for the teahadists Andrea by extension provides cover for her Ayn Rand disciple hubby!!!
Eleroy, we will continue to pray for Adnrea’s phony attitudes and remarks about this President. Greenspan has a lot to answer for is so correct. Praying for justice for all of the damage he did. She really needs to talk very softly.
HZ dear, we pray for a safe and healing surgery!!! You are in my thoughts dear heart and everything will be fine!!! Shalom!!!
Excellent, and true.
If you read the RW blogs you can readily see that Morning Joke is a LIAR. He simply cannot admit that this thing didn’t turn out the way that the GOP wanted. He has to follow his Halpern-esque script that everything is “bad news for President Obama and the Democrats” and “good news” for the GOP.
Here are a just few comments from a RW Tea-blog which characterizes the general tone of their views on this whole debt ceiling issue:
1. ” just don’t think the republicans understand how truly mad their base is over this whole fiasco. i predict that we are going to see an amazing amount of GOP congressmen primaried by conservatives/tea partiers next year.”
2. “It’s becoming clear that the Dems are playing the GOP even more than I realized. The pressure is on Boehner to get it passed, so he needs to get as many of the Republicans to pass it as possible. He’ll get a few defections from last week’s yeas, so a couple of Dems will vote yes to allow it to pass by the barest of margins. The rest will build up their liberal bona fides by saying they voted against it because it wasn’t “balanced” enough.
So as usual, the Democrats end up getting the best of both worlds: In the Senate virtually all the Dems will vote for it, saying the Republicans who vote nay want us to default, while in the House virtually all of them will vote against it, saying it gives away the farm, which is why the GOP is voting for it.”
3. “This entire charade is nothing more than a high states kubuki dance played out by some of the most vile, greedy, power hungry criminals ever known to man. They went through the usual thrust and parry routine based on a manufatured “crisis” by the Kenyan and his top financial gangster, Little Timmy only to reach the predetermined result of a GOP cave.”
4. “This plan is an utter sham and no GOP house member who ran on changing Washington in 2010 can vote for it without looking like a total hypocrite and liar. I will contact my Rep., although I doubt he will listen. His arms are hurting from carrying Boehner’s water for him.”
5. “It appears that Boehner is abandoning the conservatives. It appears that Boehner is prepared to lose 60-90 votes on the right. That would mean that he is forging ahead with a deal that he knows is anathema TO THE VERY PEOPLE WHO PUT HIM IN POWER IN THE FIRST PLACE. He must be listening to John McCain. This is a serious miscalculation by the entrenched House leadership. It’s time to CLEAN HOUSE.”
6. “Obama has gotten his way turning everything into a crisis and then coming in at the last moment to hurry legislation through. He’s doing it again with the debt ceiling. I say, let the REAL crisis begin. Let’s default. Let Wall Street implode. Let hundreds of billions of personal wealth vanish.”
7. “GOP: Ship of fools. Not only is it foolish to pass this awful bill, but to also be acting like victors will prove the depth of their idiocy once all of this blows up in their face. No doubt, we and our economy will be worse off than we are now and the GOP will not be able to deny responsibility.
Once again, the GOP’s actions will help the Democrats and hurt themselves and us. The phrase “useful idiots” comes to mind.”
8. “This deal is a disaster.
It simply means:
• Higher Taxes- much higher
• Huge cuts to military spending
• No real cuts to discretionary spending
It is worse than doing nothing. Much worse. The “Super Congress” idea is a terrible idea. It will be rigged against conservatives because there is sure to be at least one RINO traitor on the Republican side who will cave, and this “Super Congress” will tie the hands of conservatives trying to save this economy. ”
This deal is a back door to everything the Democrats want, and could never get otherwise. The Republicans do not need to go for this crap. Only a weak spineless idiot would vote for this capitulation.”
I am just so struck by how these people live in another universe. ‘Obama turning everything into a crisis.” What are they smoking? It was their T-Pry repubs who turned this into a crisis. These people are hopeless.
Fascinating post, hopefruit. It’s like a clear mirror image of the the PL/frustrati. Would you consider posting this over at The People’s View?
It’s like looking into a very black pit, knowing the pit is full of snakes and smelly things. These people are actually insane.
Still peddling their racism by calling President Obama “the Kenyan”. Saying that they wish for default and disappearance of billions in personal wealth, while also saying that the deal with ruin the economy. Saying this crisis was manufactured by President Obama?
I don’t understand this knd of lunacy.
They are NEVER satisfied, although I must say, I don’t know what they have to celebrate about. Didn’t the President offer a whole lot more at the beginning of the “negotiations”, and THEY walked away. From what I know of the deal, ththe Democrats didn’t lose a whole lot since this whole thing was manufactured in the first place.
In the meantime over at Red State they’re swearing up and down that Obama came out the winner in this debacle, both Boehner and McConnell are punks, the Tea Party caucus needs to be primaried, and finally, that the true patriots of American should not have to eat this “crap sandwich,” and are urging them to call their reps and vote no. The End of Days didn’t go as scheduled for them so I guess default would be the next best thing. Let the fringes on both sides cry, bitch, and moan till the cows come home. It just makes me more determined to get President Obama re-elected, and getting these tea party jokers out of office.
WOW. I say put all the baggers in some arena (perhaps) a cafe and let them fight it out. But, when they do their opposing and yet joint hatreds will cancel each other out. And they will be neutralized (and by neutralized, I mean…)
Agreeing to raise the debt ceiling should never be conflated with compromise. Refusing to due so is economic terrorism and a dereliction of their constitutional obligations.
Every one needs to stop this who won who lost nonsense, unfortunately that is all we will be hearing from the msm. This deal isn’t that bad, and we all have to be realistic, the repugs run the house. The most important take on all of this is that PBO got the American people to act. Let’s not forget that.
Thanks You Mr. President, I’m truly thankful that you are a sane people. And this world is bless that you did not let the country go off the cliff just to get your base to say that your a strong President. You might look weak to them. But you are a very strong President who put his country first. Any person can say NO but it take a strong person to say Yes. I’m willing to take a weak President who save the USA twice from going off the cliff Then a Strong President that is a bully who stand his ground and everyone be damn for it. Your Blessing are coming, If not on earth, watch out for your blessing in heaven, again Thank you and God Bless.
Deaniac’s a great read:
http://www.thepeoplesview.net/2011/08/paul-krugman-is-political-rookie-or-how.html
Thanks 57andFemale for the link!
Deaniac nailed it on this one.
I’m here to extend a MASSIVE thank you to the President of the US and this is why; The Daily Mail (which is as conservative as they come and I hate to quote it) is reporting that the American Dollar has gained value, the Asian stock markets are responding positively because the President has saved the American economy from a default. Similarly, the British FTSE, has responded magnificently this morning boosting the UK economy. This is the rest of the world responding to the actions the brilliant American president has taken. To the TOD Family, this is something to shove into the minds of those who are ‘disappointed in the President’ for saving their own as well as the World economy.
The news of the Dollar gaining value is very good for the American economy, it’s something to celebrate. Here is a link .
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2021085/US-debt-crisis-Obamas-minute-deal-avoid-default-gives-boost-UK.html
I was surprised at Benen. If he’s a friend…if you read his blog, skip the comments. Chips, since you led off with him, are you in agreement?
thank you President Obama for EVERYTHING
The Blame Goes Beyond Obama For Debt Ceiling Compromise
============================================
This column is not long enough and the author does not have the patience to enumerate every remarkable achievement that President Obama has reached through political wrangling within his own party, not to mention obstructionist Republicans. The president has never had the overwhelming support of his party and there is plenty of blame to go around, but it is time to call the far-left crybabies to task for their part in where we are now. From the health care debate to present day, there has been a steady chorus of detractors and malcontents who have been instrumental in diluting the president’s power. If the ideologues on the left had given Congressional Democrats unwavering support for President Obama’s agenda from the start, the country may not be in the situation we find ourselves today.
During the lead up to the 2010 midterm elections, there was an incessant drone of calls to withhold support for all Democratic candidates and there were plenty of faux-left pundits who actually told their followers to stay home and not vote at all. Good idea morons. Every lost Democratic vote made it easier for teabaggers and Republicans to win their elections and since the 112th Congress has been in session, all Americans are paying for whiny liberals who were punishing President Obama for not waving his magic scepter and granting their fantasies. It did not matter if it was anything the president had the Constitutional authority to do or not, he has taken the blame for Congress’s actions at every turn. Look, just because President Obama didn’t give all lefties a unicorn and cotton-candy for life doesn’t mean he is caving or selling out. Now, the president is catching hell for not raising the debt ceiling on his own even though he did not have that authority. If a deal were not reached he could invoke the 14th Amendment, but it appears a deal was reached so the necessity for bringing the 14th into play is gone.
=============================================
http://www.politicususa.com/en/blame-obama-debt-ceiling
Actually, the deal is MUCH better for us than it is for them. So if it’s not a compromise, they lost. Medicare benefits are NOT on the line. I explained here:
http://www.thepeoplesview.net/2011/08/paul-krugman-is-political-rookie-or-how.html
Agree, deaniac. And, yet another fantastic essay from you!
Just a little whisper into everyone’s ear, if I may. Until the bill passes the Senate – which it likely will – and the House … well, whispering gently – that is not at all a slam dunk. So, we may all be having a very different discussion in a few hours.
The Radical Republican local rag – aka The Hill – makes no attempt to cover the reality that Boehner is in a tough spot with his caucus, and as I suggested yesterday, no D in the House should even cast their vote until every R has. If enough Rs do not vote to pass the legislation (they have the majority), the Ds should vote NO.
An ugly precedent is about to be set – take the Republic’s economy and stature hostage any time either party doesn’t have the political power to achieve its goals through electoral and legislative process.
If that precedent is going to be set, then the Rs need to own it because they are the extortionists.
Yes.We.Can. … DO.More.Together!
Thank you again, Bobfr for your insightfulness in this matter. You are such an excellent writer and I am move so much in my heart knowing that you are here with our TOD Family giving us so much well thoughtout commentary. Thank you again Bobfr.
Hello Bob, I would like you to explain how the Bush tax cuts will impact the middle class if they expire.
My understanding is during his first term; President Bush enacted two rounds of tax cuts. Before the cuts, Americans paid on a sliding scale from 15% to 39.6%. After the cuts, the scale was 10% to 35%. If the tax cuts expire will be go back to 15-39, and will the president have the opportunity to work towards maintaining the lower tax rate for the middle class?
Excellent analysis deaniac. I think that it will be like the last time Boehner and Obama played let’s make a deal. At first their was hyperventilating and shouts of capitulator in chief, but after a few days it will be apparent that the president ate Boehner’s lunch… again.
the frame from the progressives in Congress is that the cap means massive cuts.
That’s the meme.
Pam Geller Justifies Breivik’s Terror: Youth Camp Had More ‘Middle Eastern or Mixed’ Races Than ‘Pure Norwegian’
http://thinkprogress.org/security/2011/08/01/284011/pam-geller-race-mixing-breivik-right/
Pam Gellar is a despicable creature. So she’s effectively saying that one life has more value than another, based on the color of skin or religion? What a disgusting, disgusting creature.
The President did a great job by avoiding default and we saw clearly during this whole hostage situation that Republicans are not apt at governing. Now, the problem will be to communicate the terms of the deal to democrats. Since there is nothing about immediate tax for the rich, people are mad and disappointed and saying that once again the Rethugs got away with what they wanted. We know it’s not necessarily true but we have to admit that not everybody does his or her own research like we do and many will just follow the MSM.
The battle for re-election will be tough especially if the economy does not pick up. We have to work harder to keep him in the WH next year and most of all to get Dems elected and re-gain the House! Let’s donate and spread the info in a detailed and comprehensive way as much as we can!!
I agree completely streetsmart. I don’t expect the economy to be much better than it is now a year from now, but hopefully it won’t be worse. Not because anything the President has or hasn’t done, it is a reality of the STIFLING Congressional climate he has to work with. OBSTRUCTION and CAOS is an understatement. We will survive!!!KEEP HOPE ALIVE!! Obama/Biden 2012!!
I hope when the time comes, people will look at the jobs bills put through under Speaker Pelosi, and then look at the non-bills stifled under Speaker Boehner and also look at the job graphs. The evidence speaks for itself.
Thanks ZeeUk for giving this welcome news. This is the most important result of the president’s actions, which is buried in all of this nonsense about who won and attempts to make predictions about what will happen in the future regarding other aspects of the deal. This need that so many have to do the day after quarterbacking is useless and adds nothing to the process. PBO got the best possible deal under the circumstances and held to his promise about no cuts in actual services in entitlement programs, education, etc. And there is still a window open to getting the revenues (see the fact sheet for more detail). Let’s keep the tone upbeat and our comments based on actual facts and not speculation.
There must have been a blood bath at BWD’s site last night because she shut down the thread and said that she might close down the site. I would not like for that to happen here.
Hello Ceb – a comment you made the other day impressed me so much, I looked for your name today. This post did not disappoint. Thanks again.
Personally, I’m relieved with this deal. It keeps the economy from completely melting down and none of the cuts go into effect until after 2012, when any really detrimental cuts to social services can be reversed by a new Congress. Plus, it gives us all a great campaign rallying cry:
Republicans all voted to gut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid so billionaires won’t have to pay any taxes.
Thank you, President Obama and DEMOCRATS in Congress. You’ve kept the Republicans for actually destroying the entire world economy for one more year.
I’m relieved with the deal, too. I look back at the tough choices that President Obama has spoken about these two years: dealing with growing cost of entitlements, cutting the military spend, reforming the tax code, cutting waste, paying down the deficit by 50%. These are all things the President has wanted to do since he got in the White House, and was going to receive resistance all along from the left and the right. By cutting a deal that includes all those things, while protecting real benefits, Pell grants, SS, he’s managed to do what was going to be a huge lift. So, that’s the silver lining for me – he got to tackle a bunch of really hard stuff. And the Republicans are the bad guys.
The Republicans, and Bill Clinton for misleading people about the 14th Amendment (if it’s so good, then why didn’t he use it to prevent the shutdown during his Presidency?), have a lot to answer for. They created a crisis and a precedence that will be detrimental to the country in the future, because this country isn’t always going to have a President Obama.
Amen, theo67.
Totally on the mark Theo!!! Couldn’t agree more!!!
The huge political win here is the debt ceiling hostage taking is put off again until after the 2012 midterms, and until after the new congress would be sworn in. This is the perfect frame for the 2012 elections – Republicans want deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and Education spending while giving further tax breaks to the richest 2% – they’ve proven that with two votes with the Ryan Budget plan and the Cut, Cap and Balance plan. Democrats want to raise taxes on the top 2% as part of a balanced approach.
So boiled down, the 2012 ballot choice is basically
O Mr(s). Cut Social Security, cut taxes on rich [R]
O Mr(s). Raise taxes on super rich, save Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid [D]
2012 midterms? Don’t you mean General Election? Good factual post though. 😉
I’m still confused — the trigger can still happen and the debt ceiling raise can still be an issue in November if the recommendations from the commission are not passed.
So I’m confused as to how it takes the debt ceiling off the table entirely. Which is what the WH is saying and a lot of us here and at BWD, etc. I just want to know exactly how this is structured.
From what I understand if there is another vote, the President will be able to veto it unless it overcomes the 2/3rds majority to override a Presidential veto. Dems have 34 sure Senate votes to make it a non-issue.
I believe they call it a “negative vote”. Whereas for this debt ceiling, Congress had to vote to raise the ceiling – but the next vote will be a “negative vote” where as they’ll have to vote NOT to raise the ceiling. This opens the door to the Presidential veto that wasn’t available this time around.
The GOP could grandstand and dig in because if they refused to raise the ceiling, there was nothing the President could veto. However in the next vote the debt ceiling is to be raised unless Congress votes not to raise it. And if they do vote not to raise it, than the President can veto that vote and it will be raised.
57, Askew had this link up at BWD. It explains some about the triggers. Note also that the bill also includes the 2012 budget, squelching any more drama in September.
Again, ht/Askew for pointing this out in the attached link:
http://swampland.time.com/2011/08/01/five-things-for-liberals-to-like-in-the-debt-ceiling-deal/
I also think we have to do everything we can to educate people on what a balanced budget really means. Congress is already dysfunctional. A Constitutional Amendment (basically, enshrining the Grover Norquist pledge into the Constitution) requiring a 2/3 majority to raise taxes at any time in the future will make it impossible for any future president or Congress to get anything done. The California Assembly already calls anything a “tax increase” whether it is or it isn’t. Imagine that nationwide! People need to know how a balanced budget amendment, as prudent as it might sound on the surface, actually hampers the Federal government from responding to emergencies, effectively keeping the nation secure, paying for increased costs – even those just due to inflation. And I think I heard that the balanced budget amendment would also require a repeal of the Affordable Care Act – which is just cruel.
Republicans want to deceive people that they’re just being “fiscally responsible” and that the Federal government should live by the same rules as the states do. Well, states rely on the Federal government for subsidies. And the Fed is more responsible for national emergencies and national events. i hope we get more info from the White House on the real deal behind the Balanced Budget Amendment and why it’s bad for the country.
A sensible take from Andrew Sullivan. Worth reading.
http://andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com/2011/08/what-were-obamas-real-options.html
If you need a laugh and a smile:) http://www.stonekettle.com/2011/07/why-defaulting-on-national-debt-will-be.html
Heads up guys, Jay will be on in a few minutes.
Crap, I have to hear Ed Henry, Todd and Jack Tapper but it comes with it unfortunately.
I unserstand the PREMISE of this thread, but our Commander in Chief is calling it a compromise……enjoy this statement from the man who seperates the American people from a total Fascist Regime, enjoy: http://my.barackobama.com/page/share/debt-deal?source=20110801_jm_act&utm_medium=email&utm_source=obama&utm_campaign=20110801_jm_act
Jay is schooling Nora O’Donnell. I am loving this. She has her narrative and she is sticking to it no matter what Jay says.
Yeah I saw that. She is such a retard.
She’s a major carrier of Republican water.
And he totally schooled Ed Henry. What is so annoying is that the reporters (and I use that word advisedly) only want to talk about the negative angle to any story. It’s just infuriating. Now they are nitpicking about the details of the deal.
Just got this from jim Messina:
I really have to stop watching CNN. I just saw that idiot Joe Walsh saying that John Rusty Boehner has the toughest job in the world.
WHAT the………^%&$%#^!%%@
He can go ^%&$%#^!%%@ himself. 😡
If Melissa Bean hadn’t run from ACA and had the President’s back, Joe Walsh would not be in Congress today.
That and the fact that the Green Party got @ 3% of the vote (until the baggers break into a 3rd party) this Naderism will always bite us in a 2 party system. Oh, somehow the MSM, missed Walsh’s child support problem which has been on-going for-what- like 9 years?
Not saying I disagree, 57, just adding additional factors.
pamelabrown
Joe Walsh needs to go someplace and sit down and shut his mouth. He is a dishonorable man. Tired of his ugly remarks. Leave him out there.
Joe Walsh need to go take care of his kids and pay that child support he owe them.
Chip, Good one from Jay Newton-Small over at Swampland: http://swampland.time.com/2011/08/01/five-things-for-liberals-to-like-in-the-debt-ceiling-deal/#more-53591
Summing up:
“In a world where the Tea Party didn’t exist, would this be a good bill for Democrats? Absolutely not. But considering that the trigger, commission, two-step process and discretionary budget cuts could’ve been a LOT worse – and actually were in Boehner’s version of the bill – this deal will be easier to swallow. The commission will likely mean a long-term win for Democrats: they’ll get either their revenue increases or achieve significant Pentagon cuts. It could mark a political victory as well: If Pelosi passes this bill on primarily Democratic support, they’ll look like the adults in the room who can compromise and govern, a stark contrast to the Tea Party freshmen.”
Hostage negotiations have ended. The ransom is lower than what was demanded. Now to dismantle and undermine the hostage takers.
And time to give credit to the negotiator in chief. Demonstrate a little humility, express your gratitude and show some respect.
I find it hard to trust Ms. Newton-Small. She has been a part of the problem too!!!
I see that Romney who was conveniently MIA during the whole debt ceiling debate, now comes out against the deal.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/01/romney-comes-out-against-debt-ceiling-agreement/
Mandate Mitt who was probably waiting to see which way the wind was blowing, has no room to criticize PBO’s leadership when this opportunistic fool has none.
I hope Rev. Al take him to the woodshed over this. This was a thorn in Rev. Al’s side last week. I sure hope he mentions it today. Romney is trying to take advantage of the disgruntled dems for sure. He is definitely not a leader. If he is elected, he will not make hard choices. I can’t stand him.
Dear Leader Pelosi,
The House will vote first, not the Senate.
No D should even cast their vote until all Rs have.
If the majority party in the House can’t pass the bill on their own, they should own the outcome, exclusively.
If they do pass it on their own, they should also own the outcome exclusively.
That is how you deal with an extortionist. You and your Democratic colleagues are in an ideal position to show the extortionist Radical Republican Party that you absolutely refuse to allow them to set this precedent.
The President of the United States has both the law – 31 USC 3103 – and Section 4 of the XIVth Amendment by which he can defend the economy from the extortionists. Let the law and the Constitution prevail.
Thank you,
Bob
Yes.We.Can. … DO.More.Together!
My little note to CNN:
SUBJECT: Look President Obama loses more twitter followers
Oh, look again. Au Contraire.
But I wonder if you will headline this as you did when you gleefully ran a story about him losing some of his more than 9 million followers last week.
Here, this graph tells a different story. Now, I challenge you to give this equal coverage.
http://twittercounter.com/compare/BarackObama/month/followers
LOL!!! Good one Africa!!! You are much braver than I am. I have not watched CNN in almost 8 months!!! I simply couldn’t take it anymore!!!
I don’t watch them either. But I read here last week that they did that story. I don’t watch any of the cable shows. Just recently with the debt ceiling debate I started watching some of Larry.
Wow, that’s beautiful Africa. Thanks for sharing this WOOOOOHOOOOO. 😀
Gotta share this at OFA. Let the trolls over there read it and weep.
I’ve just briefly been to OFA and I couldn’t help but think a bridge somewhere in Scandinavia is missing it’s trolls right now!!
Don’t know why the MSM were bitching about President Obama losing followers on Twitter, from what I can make out twitter followers fluctuate day by day and as far as I am concerned 9,000,000 plus is a more than healthy following. Maybe one day I will start tweeting but my Goddaughter and her Mom are Barack Obama followers on twitter.
9 million is more than a healthy following – it happens to be the 3rd highest on the entire Twitterverse – after Lady Gaga and Justin Beiber, both of whom are under-30 entertainers and vastly appealing to the young teenaged and 20-something digitalized crowd.
For a middle-aged politician to have that following says something – says a LOT.
Absolutely hopefruit2 it is amazing but then again so is PBO
Actually, from the Twitter statistics page, PBO has the largest following, followed by Katy Perry. Either way, it’s a BFD.
These tools don’t think we know how to use technology, too, Africa, and that is a huge mistake! The stats don’t lie. CNN took the little story about PBO losing followers on Twitter and ran with it last week to give Boehner and the teapublicans a boost. Now that you’ve emailed them to set the record straight, I don’t think we’ll hear one word from them that has anything to do with their little attempt to persuade their viewers that PBO’s twitter followers are “leaving in droves.” CNN and Fox should merge their operations since they both have the same goal: make PBO look bad every frigging time, even if it’s something as inconsequential as a drop in the number of people following him on Twitter. I was always suspicious of CNN’s reporting on this because they never identified who the people were that stopped following PBO on Twitter. How many of them were from foreign countries, republicans/teapublicans, right-leaning independents, members of the PL, frustrati, firebagger crew, etc? CNN wanted it to appear as if PBO’s base was abandoning him on Twitter, and that is NOT true.
Didn’t you see the segment on Maddow, about how CNN has partnered with the Tea Party?
Yup, and didn’t you the segment where CNN followed Sarah Palin’s gas-guzzling bus halfway across the country?
Good for you africa for contacting CNN. Maybe your email will shame them into running a new story?
Romney the coward waited and then threw his chips in with the Teabagger Party. Why? Because the MSM seems, after a disgusted perusal of soft MSM by me this morning, to think the Limbaugh Party is the winner. (Well, if the vote against the deal today ….hmmmm…).
But my point is, the timeline of the deal is structured in such a way to give PBO maximum leverage to make his campaign all about a Balanced Approach to Win the Future. Versus what? Well, now that moderate Mitt has thrown his lot in with the anarchists, PBO has a one-dimensional field to run against who, once the general population digests what they have to offer, will reject it.
As they have resoundingly in Wisconsin, Ohio, and Florida.
Check out the above video Messina sent. It’s a preview of the central theme of the campaign.
Romeny is a flip flopper and a major opportunist. Just like the thought it was expedient to be against saving the auto industry, he’s waited again for a chance to be against something he thinks is going to be popular.
Just you wait and see after the dust clears. He will be be doing cartwheels to take those words back. Too late.
I notice Rethugs like to take credit for stuff they had nothing to do with, eg. Auto bailout, OBL. But they won’t credit themselves for wrecking the economy, they just blame the President.
Interesting article from, yes, David Frum. Wonder why he waited until TODAY to post this. Where was he 2 months ago? 2weeks ago? 2days ago? I don’t agree with what he’s saying on a few things, like taxes,but all in all it’s a message someone on the right should have put out a LONG time ago. He’ll be personaa non grata now.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/08/01/frum.debt.republicans/index.html?hpt=hp_p1&iref=NS1
Careful now with David Frum!!! Super slimy con artist!!!
Founding member of the “No Labels” anarchist group!!!
Trying very hard to get in with the PL crowd; good friend of Bill Maher!!!
The guy who touted his contribution to coining the phrase “axis of evil”, is desperate for relevance again!!!
Outside of the usual “I’m an ex-supporter” deceptive posts, anyone who can’t see this as a victory for the Dems and PBO is SIMPLY not paying attention. Along with the Deniac account of the legislation I have read many other interpretations. WE are on our way folks. Not only that, PBO was able to master putting the 2012 budget negotiations in the pending Bill that will keep us from the now INFAMOUS hostage taking that the Teathugs have made a birthright. WAKE UP DEMOCRATS!! WE CAN NOT AFFORD ANOTHER 2010 MIDTERM DEBACLE in 2012!! KEEP HOPE ALIVE!! Obama/Biden 2012!!
Spot on, Keith.
I heard a tea bagger on NPR this morning trying to distance herself from the raging animals who were keen to see a default. She even said that she’s a fiscal conservative but moderate on social issues, and her party is different from the ones who refused to compromise and took a “my way or the highway” stance.
Well, lady, you and your tea bagger friends are all part of the same GOP party. You are all responsible for this mess. If your tea party is not part of the GOP, then that means you shouldn’t be recognized as a majority in the House – you can’t have it both ways.
Great article recommended by Extreme Liberal on twitter, for those who does use it.
The Blame Goes Beyond Obama For Debt Ceiling Compromise
http://www.politicususa.com/en/blame-obama-debt-ceiling
Chrystia Freedland (Thomson Reuters digital editor) was on Reliable Sources this weekend and nailed the problem with the mainstream media.
===============================
KURTZ: But just briefly, why has mainstream journalism not portrayed this as a crisis largely created by one party, and instead has developed the narrative that two sides are just a bunch of clowns?
FREELAND: Because I think mainstream journalism is averse to making judgments. And I also think that mainstream journalists are particularly scared of being labeled as liberal. We all want to be sort of seen as objective, and I think sometimes there’s a little of bending over backwards to be seen as objective by the right, because that’s where a lot of the criticism comes form.
KURTZ: I think you’ve hit on an excellent point, which is why we have you on.
================================
The entire interview is worth watching. You certainly won’t agree with everything she says, but this was a very good interview. It was refreshing to hear such valid criticism of the mainstream media said out loud. Bottom line, the “facts have a liberal bias” problem is alive and well.
http://reliablesources.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/31/freeland-on-economic-effects-of-debt-talks/
So essentially they lack journalistic integrity. What a revelation! Does it bother anyone else that they seem so comfortable with their rationalizations.
I have no use for almost all of our political media. In fact I think in it’s current form it is a dangerous form of ‘entertainment ‘because of its blatant disregard for truth, it’s lack of balance or concern for fairness and the power of it’s influence.
Bingo!
Totally spot on Sue!!!
Hold onto your hats, but TPM posted a long email IN FAVOR of the deal:
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/08/another_take_5.php?ref=fpblg
I was just about to post it! I’m in shock.
Wow. I’m going to have to check outside my window to see if pigs are flying.
hope2fruit on TOAITR is reporting that the MSM is walking back its crowing of the “GOP wins” meme. Now that people are looking at the deal, they’re realizing that PBO has again pulled victory from the jaws of defeat. The House vote should be interesting.
I came home early from work so I missed alot of the earlier reporting but so far that exactly what I am seeing. This is why I held my tongue last night. I felt something was off with the agreement. I also know Boehner and McConnell can not outsmart the President. Plus Boehner sell to his caucus was just too much. He was working too hard.
cheeriogrrrl cheerio grrrl
by dvnix
This is INFURIATING!! House #GOP @DougLamborn says dealing w/ #POTUS on debt ceiling “like getting stuck to a tar baby”. #RACIST
If anyone want to send comments to this disgusting racist, go ahead.
i don’t think you can change someone like that. He’s rotten from the inside. No redeeming quality. I hope he doesn’t have children, because then his idiot hatred will end with him. I’ve run out of words to describe how much I loathe these people.
Nice comment from reader at TPM:
“Let me get this straight. The President kept revenues on the table, did not touch the sunset provisions in the Bush tax cuts, ensured that military cuts keep the GOP honest, protected Medicare by adding in only provider cuts in the trigger, made the reduction apparently enough to stave off a debt downgrade, got the debt ceiling raised, wounded Boehner by demonstrating to the world that he is controlled by the Tea Party caucus, took out the requirement that a BBA be passed and sent to the states and got the extension through 2012? What exactly is wrong with this deal? ”
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/08/another_take_5.php?ref=fpblg
lololol
how true how true
Does anyone know what time the votes in the House and the Senate will be taken?
It will be at 6:30pm per c-span.org.