01
Dec
11

afternoon all

A red ribbon is hung from the North Portico of the White House to mark World AIDS Day

Text of full speech here

President Obama greets U2 front man Bono and Muhtar Kent the chairman of the Board and chief executive officer of The Coca-Cola Company after speaking during a World AIDS Day event at George Washington University

Alicia Keys

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Yesterday:

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Will catch up with all the news in the next hour or two, see ya then 😉


134 Responses to “afternoon all”


  1. 1 PoliticalJunkessa
    December 1, 2011 at 1:57 pm

    ♥ ♥ ♥ Good Day Chips! Good Day TOD Family! ♥ ♥ ♥

    Barack Obama Quote O’ The Day

    “I don’t quit.”
    –from State of the Union Address, January 27, 2010, and from event in Scranton, PA, November 30, 2011

    Have a great afternoon, everyone! 😛

  2. 4 PoliticalJunkessa
    December 1, 2011 at 1:59 pm

    Everybody’s all smiles for my President, even that lowdown Marco Rubio.

    • 5 utaustinliberal
      December 1, 2011 at 2:08 pm

      I know right. I saw him and I immediately thought ewwwwww….slimy toad get the heck away from PBO; you grifter. Rubio wrongs me the wrong way something awful. He and his folks benefited from the wet foot dry foot and exiles immigration policy the U.S. grants to Cubans and he has the nerve to act sanctimonious about immigration as though he’s better than people who are so desperate for a life where they aren’t constantly fighting against the tide that they go through hell and back to reach the promised land. He has the nerve to attach his wagon to the xenophobes known as the teaparty and rail on the senate floor about illegal immigrants being inherently evil and taking jobs away from Americans. How many Americans would willingly work backbreaking hours toiling away in the fields for a pittance, no job security, no healthcare benefits, no 401K but still contribute to the economy through sales and other taxes just because they love this country with every fiber of their being and believe whole heartedly in the American Dream? Phonies like him make me sick. There’s just something inherently missing in his genetic make-up. Oh yeah: a soul.

      • 6 PoliticalJunkessa
        December 1, 2011 at 2:22 pm

        Exactly, UT. People like him are especially nasty: “Us four and no more” — we got ours, but we’ll demonize others who want some, too. Disgusting.

      • December 1, 2011 at 2:51 pm

        +1,000,000

        He makes my skin crawl for all the reasons you cite so well.

      • December 1, 2011 at 4:19 pm

        UT–you are so expressive and such a good writer. I hope you’ll consider running for office some day–this country could sure use you. As the daughter of an immigrant, I feel exactly the same way about Rubio. He’s the exact embodiment of the ‘I’ve got mine, the hell with you,” mentality. It’s a cancerous attitude that’s undermining our national strength.

    • 9 Bill
      December 1, 2011 at 2:21 pm

      One cannot help but wonder if at times Republicans feel remorseful for not trying to make the country and world a better place and are jealous when they see Democrats accomplishing good..

      • 10 PoliticalJunkessa
        December 1, 2011 at 2:35 pm

        Definitely — a huge chunk of PBO’s criticism is simple, unadulterated envy and jealousy. Like PBO said in his Inaugural Address: “the earth has shifted beneath them.” Their personal philosphies are so unimaginative, so uninspired, so dark, that they can’t help but lash out at a visionary. I’ve often thought that this crop of repubs and tea partiers are going to be so repudiated by history that they (if they have even a tiny shred of consciousness) will be ashamed in a few years or at the end of their lives when they look back on their insanity and their wreckage. What will they have to show? Nothing but greed, selfishness and hatred — just like the slave holders, segregationists, robber barons of yesteryear.

        I love the fact that PBO understands this about human nature, and that’s why I admire most his constant message of Persistence and Pressing On. All truly great moral leaders focus like a laser beam on the distant finish line and keep their eyes on the prize. It’s the progressives, the lovers of people, the dreamers, that have advanced this world, and they’ve done it by refusing to give up.

        • December 1, 2011 at 2:42 pm

          You know I have read from both GWB’s critics and supporters that he is not a man who is reflective. You made me wonder if these people will be capable of reflecting on their words and deeds.

          • December 1, 2011 at 4:23 pm

            Agree Sabreen. Reflection and self-awareness are not in their nature. That’s why people always referred to GWB as ‘incurious.” He was exposed to so much and had so many things to learn about himself and the world and he left office as shallow as he was when he went in. It will take a whole other generation to learn the skills of reflection and we can only hope the seeds are being planted now.

        • December 1, 2011 at 5:13 pm

          A huge part of the non- PBO thing is that they can’t deal with the fact that the black man is achieving, getting on with the challenges at hand, is sharp, bright, focused,articulate,respectful,gracious,classy, and not bowing to their weasly little deceitful selves,and showing their radical little arses up!
          In their tiny little hateful minds, no black man should have all these traits…and be so productive and well-loved around the world.

    • 15 jacquelineoboomer
      December 1, 2011 at 3:44 pm

      Yeah, what’s it like being in the company of greatness, Marco? I think you’re in the wrong party!

  3. December 1, 2011 at 2:00 pm

    Harkin Threatens Holiday Plans Over Jobless Benefits

    Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Chairman Tom Harkin vowed today to prohibit Congress from adjourning for the holidays unless it passes an extension of unemployment benefits for the long-term jobless. Flanked at a press conference by House and Senate Democratic colleagues, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis and scores of unemployed workers who traveled to the Capitol, the Iowa Democrat guaranteed that Congress will remain in Washington, D.C., through Christmas if the benefits are not extended.

    “Let me just put it this way: There will be no Christmas for Congress unless there is an extension of the unemployment insurance benefits,” Harkin said. “Believe me, we have a number of us on the Senate side. We’re not going home. We’re not going to have Christmas for Congress until you get an extension of unemployment benefits.”

    ~snip~

    http://www.rollcall.com/news/harkin_threatens_holiday_plans_over_jobless_benefits-210652-1.html

    h/t Daniel Newhauser

    • 18 Jessica
      December 1, 2011 at 2:08 pm

      You can do that?

    • December 1, 2011 at 2:42 pm

      Supposedly Cantor is trying to work on a deal where the GOP would trade payroll tax extension, UEI benefit extension for undoing triggered military cuts and the doctor cap medicare provision that was also in the trigger for a year. He’s reached to Lieberman and Webb over Thanksgiving holiday – basically getting all the M-I-C Politicians together to see if they could get a deal like this done. There would still be the other cuts triggered mind you.

  4. 21 TrumpDog
    December 1, 2011 at 2:00 pm

    I love that man.

  5. December 1, 2011 at 2:06 pm

    Good Afternoon Everyone,

    Protect the Vote: Please pass this along from Debbie Wasserman-Schultz

    http://www.protectingthevote.org/?source=DWS_TW

  6. 23 debbyeOh
    December 1, 2011 at 2:06 pm

    Thanks for that quote o’day…it makes me happy that we have such a strong President that won’t quit! 🙂

  7. 25 Mary
    December 1, 2011 at 2:11 pm

    Here is what Der Spiegel (and probably the rest of Europe) thinks of our Republican candidates. Very plain talk. I wish I could put the entire thing up on a billboard in Times Square.

    http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,800850,00.html

    • 26 Alycee (@jazziz2)
      December 1, 2011 at 2:29 pm

      It’s not only Europe. My friends in the Caribbean, South America, Africa and Asia are constantly bombarding me with emails/calls asking “WTF is wrong with YOU Americans…” I sometimes feel like they hold me personally responsible for these assholes. I honestly thought that January 20, 2009 would be the end of our long national embarrassment; instead, the TPGoP has been in competiton with itself for the race to the bottom! The clown car primary has sunk “National Embarrassment” to a subterranean level.

      • 27 jacquelineoboomer
        December 1, 2011 at 3:59 pm

        Isn’t that pathetic, Alycee? First we’re embarrassed abroad by eight years with Bush, now “we” have to take on the fallout from the stupid teafolk Republicans who have no heart. Grrrr.

        This is why we President Obama supporters have to “cling” to each other – it’s the only way we can enjoy the presidency of this wonderful human being, without being constantly harassed for the stupidity of those who either can’t allow themselves to appreciate him or are too dumb to know what we have.

        Reminds me of a line (I think from a film) a friend of mine quotes about Republicans and Democrats:

        They hate us because they think we think they’re stupid.
        And we hate them because they’re stupid.

        (Of course, I think we all try not to hate anybody, but that line always makes me laugh! Excuse me for repeating it over and over!)

        • 28 h
          December 1, 2011 at 4:47 pm

          Hi Jacquelineoboomer, you are so correct when you say,”this is why we, President Obama’s supporters have to cling to each other-it’s the only way we can enjoy the presidency of this wonderful human being, without being constantly harassed for the stupidity of those who either can’t allow themselves to appreciate him or are too dumb to know that we have.”

          Thank you. We have to “cling” to each other. That is why I love this beautiful place that Chipsticks has created for all of us. Thanks for your comments.HZ

      • December 1, 2011 at 5:17 pm

        Sorry Alycee…but Iwe sratch our heads every day here and ask ‘what is wrong with the American electorate,the msm, the left,the right’? What do they want? Do they know?

    • December 1, 2011 at 2:53 pm

      OMG, this artticle bluntly sums up what we are all thinking. this should be a must read.

    • 33 jacquelineoboomer
      December 1, 2011 at 4:08 pm

      Wow, Mary. It’s surreal that these are the only candidates the TGOP could come up with, and they are stuck with them. And, unfortunately, so are we: IN FRONT OF THE WHOLE WORLD. Good grief.

      • December 1, 2011 at 5:19 pm

        What shocks me is that out of 300 million people…this is what/who they can come up with? You mean to say that they cannot find one promising bright spark?! Not one!

        • 35 jacquelineoboomer
          December 1, 2011 at 5:50 pm

          Maybe the real answer is not one who thinks he or she can win against President Obama! Maybe that’s why all the smart ones stayed home.

          • 36 Eleroy
            December 2, 2011 at 4:59 am

            The so-called smart ones do not exist!!! Just like the eight assholes on parade, any of the other supposed “smart ones’ will also show their asses once the spotlight is on them and implode just as fast!!!

            That old adage holds true for this horrid GOP folks – Better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt!!! In this case, better to stay away and not throw your hat in the GOP presidential circus and be thought “smart” than to enter and be shown to be anything but!!! LOL!!!

  8. 37 collegekay
    December 1, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    Hey everyone! I haven’t posted in a while (end of the semester grind). But today was the last day of school. Woot!
    I’m glad PBO spoke at the AIDS event. There is a misconception that he isn’t very involved in the campaign (like GWB was/is).

    • 38 donna dem 4 obama
      December 1, 2011 at 2:29 pm

      Congrats on finishing the semester.

      • 39 collegekay
        December 1, 2011 at 2:31 pm

        Thanks donna

        • 40 utaustinliberal
          December 1, 2011 at 3:28 pm

          Congrats Collegekay. Lucky you!. So jealous. 🙂 I’m filled to the brim with friggin research papers. Completed a 15 page ethical dilemma paper on tuesday, took a two hour phsyics lab exam on monday, writing a full blown research paper with my methods section, data, results, yadi yada yah, have a physics exam coming up, have a portfolio to prepare for an ethics and philosphy class, have an exam to take in my peer relationships class. Have papers and more papers to complete. Have 19 research articles to read and write a paper about how it pertains to child abuse.

          I feel like I’ve been eating, breathing, and sleeping research papers and psychology and human devemopment research articles. If I never see another research paper, it’ll be too soon. Oh wait, there’s next semester and my immigration policy and immigrant families class. Egads! 😯 😀

          • 41 donna dem 4 obama
            December 1, 2011 at 4:11 pm

            Wow UT that is really a “full” load. May I ask what is your major?

            • 42 utaustinliberal
              December 1, 2011 at 4:35 pm

              Oh yeah sure. It’s Human Development and Family Sciences/Pre-Med. I’m also going to have to do a practicum with my major and Honors. I’m studying all aspects of the human being from birth to death. I study how we interact in peer relationships, the attachment theory, personal relationships, how we handle finances, how we interact with society, how we communicate, immigrant families and how immigration policies affect them, ethics and philosophy that human beings learn, the relationship between parents children and how it psychologically affects said children when they become adults, human sexuality, how we are sexual beings and how express those feelings and urges, observe children in labs and record how they interact, their conflict styles, when they begin pretend play, when they transition from pretend play. Then when you add the pre-med classes, I’m studying genetics, biology, physics, microbiology, immunology, organic chemistry, calculus, and on and on and on. Oh yeah, throw in an African-American cultural studies class. Everything to do with humans physical, psychological, health wise, science wise; I study. Whew! 😀

              • 43 nathkatun7
                December 1, 2011 at 5:50 pm

                I am so proud of you UT and Collegekay! Judging from what you post here, I am absolutely convinced that you are both A+ students. I wish you the best of luck on your exams and papers. For all the hard work you’ve put in, you also deserve a nice Christmas vacation filled with fun and away from books.

              • 44 desertflower
                December 1, 2011 at 5:51 pm

                I’m exhausted! 🙂 Good for you, UT….study hard and make us proud!

              • December 1, 2011 at 6:40 pm

                UT you rock! Keep on keeping on! I took my degrees in psych and social work. It wasn’t easy but actually doing the work was even harder. People “on paper” are not the same as people out in the world. My heart to your heart and I will send you some special energy to give strength.

          • 46 collegekay
            December 1, 2011 at 4:49 pm

            Yikes! I had a 10 page paper for International Relations, a Social Psychology exam, another 10 page paper, and 10 take home exaams for Cultural anthropology. Ughh. I’m glad its over but I still have my Spanish final on Monday.

            I’ve been getting zero sleep this week. Haha.

          • December 1, 2011 at 5:21 pm

            UT, I applaud you on your type of stamina ,both at your studies and on here. Good on you. Keep em coming,when you can and keep the faith. We know you can do it!

            • December 1, 2011 at 7:02 pm

              Okay, ‘fess up Utalib, you are the TOD arm of a triplet working on the listed subjects! 😀 Hats off to you and your siblings! 😉 I look forward to the time you’ll be taking care of us from my generation, physically, mentally, and politically(?).

        • December 1, 2011 at 6:55 pm

          CK, congrats on the semester you’ve successfully completed, happy holidays, and may your next semester be even more exciting & successful!

    • December 1, 2011 at 2:46 pm

      Big congrats to you, Kay. Hope you have a nice long break to rest and enjoy yourself.

    • December 1, 2011 at 2:55 pm

      Congrats Collegekay.

    • December 1, 2011 at 4:28 pm

      CollegeKay–I still remember how thrilled I felt on the last days before the holidays. Hope you had a good semester and can enjoy the holidays with a full heart.

  9. 55 Dakota
    December 1, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    Sigh! I just love my President!

  10. December 1, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    Schumer: We can gain Senate seats
    By Bob Cusack and Alexander Bolton – 12/01/11 05:15 AM ET

    Sen. Charles Schumer says the political landscape has shifted dramatically from the 2010 election and predicts that Senate Democrats will hold their majority and might even expand it next year. In an interview with The Hill, Schumer (D-N.Y.) brushed off suggestions that President Obama will hurt the chances of congressional Democrats in the 2012 elections.

    He said Obama’s approval ratings are on the rise, Democrats have the upper hand on the economy and Republican rhetoric on reducing government and the deficit is not striking the chord that it did during the midterms. “I think we’re very, very likely to keep the Senate and I think there’s a darn good chance we stay the same or pick up seats,” Schumer said.

    ~snip~

    http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/196439-schumer-we-can-gain-senate-seats

    • December 1, 2011 at 2:51 pm

      Of course he has to say this, but Dems did score some pretty good recruits. Warren is polling ahead of Brown, Berkley is in a head heat with Heller, Carmona is 4 points behind Flake in Az, Heitkamp is the best the Dems could have hoped for in Dakota and takes it from a sure loss to lean Rep at best for the GOP.

      The NV and Az Senate races could come down to who is on top of the ticket for the GOP because Heller and Flake are both Mormon, as is Romney (or Huntsman), and Romney on top of the ticket will really get out the Mormon votes in Nv and Az and make it really tough for not only Pres. Obama to win either, but for Berkley and Carmona to have a chance.

      Nelson is our only shot at Nb but he better be running after he has the DSCC and DNC airing ads in Nb to support him. He polls ahead of all but one in NB and he’s run in tough races before Tester has better favorables than Rehberg, but is currently polling 2 points behind. Heitkamp is former Sec of State in Dakota, Berg is a freshman congressman who is already looking to move up. I believe she had an internal that showed her up, but that is worth a grain of salt. Dems best chance recruit nonetheless.

      Missouri and Virginia will both be toss ups on election day.

      So it’s while it’s improbably what Schumer is saying, with really hard work and an improving economy (of if the GOP runs Newt over Romney) it’s not impossible.

      • December 1, 2011 at 3:36 pm

        I usually agree with your analysis but I have to take issue with one thing. Mormons don’t drive the voting in AZ, not for the whole state like say Utah. They do have influence in the districts here where they are heavily concentrated. I don’t think Flake will win if Carmona and the Dems run a good campaign no matter who is the Repug presidential choice. Here are my reasons:

        Flake is not that well liked outside his own district. He also campaigned with a big mouth in the past about not being a “lifetime politician” He has the personality of a day old codfish. His best claims to fame are not getting caught in scandal or corruption and always voting against programs that spent a dime to help folks. He calls that “fiscal responsibility.” AZ people by and large are “just not that into him.” It will take more than an ‘R’ after his name to get him elected.

        Carmona is known and well liked in Southeast AZ. He’s an ER Doc in a hospital in Tucson and was Surgeon General. He’s smart, personable and probably ambitious. He will most certainly get the Latino vote, probably the Christian (Mormonism is a cult) vote and a lot of the senior vote. I figure Gabby Giffords will campaign for him if she is well enough. She is the ‘darling’ of AZ right now and her Hubby could probably win any office he wanted to run for here.

        I think Carmona has a real good shot at being our new Senator. Also, the way things look right now, AZ could go for PBO in 2012 which will surely help Dems here.

        • December 1, 2011 at 4:38 pm

          I don’t disagree. Carmona was the top get for the Dems in Az for all the reasons you stated and more – he has an impressive resume (former Sheriff, Special Forces vet etc). Flake is also a libertarian more than a dyed in the wool Republican to the point I am surprised he didn’t get a much stronger primary challenge from a true conservative. I recall reading that the GOP tried to get Carmona to run for the House for them back in 06 but he declined.

          I appreciate the local perspective on the Mormon population, I figured that since it’s talked up as a major decider in Nv with 8% of the population, I figured Az with 6% of the pop. Mormon would have a similar, albeit slightly less effect.

          It will be an interesting dynamic if Romney is the GOP nominee given McCain hates his guts. Will McCain campaign for Romney, grin and bear it?

          I have to imagine that he got promises from the Obama campaign that they’re in Az for sure and for the long haul. I hope he gets a good campaign staff

          • December 1, 2011 at 5:17 pm

            This is just hearsay and nothing more but from what I see, most AZ people don’t like Romney. A lot of the old liners distrust any from the East coast because they think them “liberal” with no understanding of our local problems regardless of party. A lot of people here still have some lingering issues with Jeffs and the nasty caca that went down on our turf with radical Mormons. The Mormon church can try to shake their skirts away from this but it won’t wash with some. If Romney gets the nomination, you can expect that his family history in Mexico will be an issue here. Romney has some real baggage. The Mormons own some districts but they don’t own the state and I know a few Mormons who would never vote for Romney.

            One thing you really have to consider is the Latino and Native vote here. So many people are sick of the scapegoating, the cuts to programs that impact them the most. If we can galvanize this voting bloc, it will be powerful. Also we have a lot of Vets and retired people living here and Flake voted against programs that would help them. Make this loud and public, Flake goes down.

            I think Carmona has a real good chance.

            Last, I would love to see old grumpy try to swallow his ass once more to support Romney. I don’t think he will do it. In 2016 he will be OVER and if he doesn’t know that now than he truly is delusional. He has no reason to support any Repug candidates. He only locksteps with them now in Washington because he hates President Obama. He doesn’t need $$ or a lobby job, he’s just hanging on for the next few years.

  11. December 1, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    CALL TO ACTION
    Lets all send Senator Harkin some love.

    @SenatorHarkin (202) 224-3254 contact form – http://harkin.senate.gov/contact_opinion.cfm

    It will feel good to give a member of Congress a compliment.

    If you are feeling really enthused, contact your state Senators and tell them you support Harkins idea, and want to see they payroll tax extended and paid for by the wealthy.

  12. December 1, 2011 at 2:19 pm

    Here is a good idea, I hope it works
    Venture For America Wants To Create 100,000 New Jobs By Matching College Grads With Startups

    http://www.whatisworking.com/2011/12/venture-for-america-wants-to-create.html

  13. 66 OkeyO
    December 1, 2011 at 2:23 pm

    The way Alicia Keys is looking at our president looks like she just wants to take a hold of him just lovely.

    • 67 donna dem 4 obama
      December 1, 2011 at 2:31 pm

      Ha! She has that look of pride that says I could just squeeze you until you pop. 🙂

      • 68 jacquelineoboomer
        December 1, 2011 at 4:14 pm

        You guys are cracking me up, because I thought the same thing!

        • December 1, 2011 at 7:31 pm

          When I saw it earlier I thought, ‘There’s a visual of a female TODvillian looking at the President.’ 😉
          Of course, honesty compels us to admit that it can’t be helped – you look at or listen to this man and you are happy. Frankly, IMO if you don’t, something is wrong with the inner you. POTUS & FLOTUS just naturally bring sunlight with them into whatever people space they inhabit. God we are so blessed at this point in history to have them in the position they are in! A wonderful testimony to the possible in politics and quite a contrast to the opposition candidates currently on display!

        • December 1, 2011 at 8:51 pm

          Agreed. Like all of us here at TODville, Alicia Keys has lots of love and admiration for President Obama. Her face in the photo reflects all of our sentiments regarding POTUS: “No one, no one, no one can get in the way of what [we’re] feeling . . .”

    • 71 Bill
      December 1, 2011 at 2:32 pm

      No one would look at Willard or Newt like that.

    • 77 anniebella
      December 1, 2011 at 4:33 pm

      Oh come on guys Ms. Keys would look at Mitt “the flip flopper liar” Romney, Newt Gingrinch and Herman Cain the exact same way. Wouldn’t see? 🙂

  14. December 1, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    US private business hires increased in November

    American businesses increased hiring and boosted the number of employed people in November, the largest increase in nearly a year, the Associated Press reported. The private business sector added a net 206,000 jobs this month, a huge jump from October’s 130,000 jobs, according to payroll firm ADP. “The increase in November was the largest monthly gain since last December and nearly twice the average monthly gain since May when employment decelerated sharply,” said ADP, the AP reported.

    ~snip~

    So far in the current U.S. economic expansion, the only period of relatively healthy job creation lasted for a few months from late last year to this spring,” Ryan Wang, U.S. economist at HSBC Securities USA said to Reuters. “Today’s job gain of 206,000 in November raises the possibility that we may be on the cusp of a similar period of job creation.”

    Most of the new hiring was spurred by employers with less than 50 workers, which added 110,000 jobs, the FT reported. Companies with 50 to 499 employees had 84,000 new hires and big companies with more than 500 employees added 12,000 jobs, the FT reported.

    ~snip~

    http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/united-states/111130/us-private-business-hires-increased-november

    h/t Lillian Rizzo

  15. December 1, 2011 at 2:38 pm

    BERLIN, Germany—German authorities are investigating an alleged plot to attack US military bases in Germany in the event of an American strike against Iran, according to media reports. Prosecutors suspect that, if Iran was attacked, Iranian agents would attempt to sabotage overseas bases to disrupt US supply and logistics operations, Bild reported Wednesday.

    The paper said that a German national was under investigation by federal authorities for suspected espionage, having allegedly met secretly with Iranian diplomats in Berlin. A judge ordered a search of a house belonging to the suspect, said to be a businessman, on November 2, Bild said.

    Attorney general Harald Range has since confirmed that prosecutors are investigating the matter, Der Spiegel magazine reported. However, police “do not see any immediate danger,” said the head of the federal police service, Jörg Ziercke. Contacted by the Associated Press, US embassy and military representatives said they were aware of the report but refused to comment on security measures.

    ~snip~

    http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/germany/111201/report-iran-planning-attack-us-military-bases-germany

    • December 1, 2011 at 2:54 pm

      It’s getting very interesting over there, and the US press seemingly isn’t covering it. Russia is sending a navy battle group to Syria on Dec 6th, which it’s doing to off-set the pressure if the US having the George HW Bush and support ships already there.

  16. 84 Debz
    December 1, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    Just curious. According to an article in the NYT, POTUS gets only a D+ from global aids groups. Did PBO say or do whatever the groups wanted from him today? I haven’t seen any feedback yet.

    • 85 Bill
      December 1, 2011 at 3:08 pm

      It is my understanding more money is wanted for the global aids funds. $50 million is going to domestic programs, and the US will be involved in overseas programs but not with additional direct cash expenditures.

  17. December 1, 2011 at 2:48 pm

    Tester speaking on the floor just said he will NOT vote for PBO’s payroll tax extensions or any tax cuts that are considered temporary measures, along with Manchin and who knows how many other Dems. We’re screwed.

    • 88 Linda
      December 1, 2011 at 2:58 pm

      Another Fake Democrat……

    • 89 Linda
      December 1, 2011 at 3:00 pm

      According to Macroeconomic Advisers, allowing it to lapse “would reduce GDP growth by 0.5 percent and cost the economy 400,000 jobs.” An analyst at Barclay’s estimated that letting the cut expire would knock 1.5 percent off of first quarter growth next year.

      Ameriprise Financial Services, meanwhile, estimated that extending the cut “is likely to add between 750,000 to 1 million jobs.” “Payroll tax cuts are very powerful,” added Allen Sinai, chief economist of Decision Economics. “They provide a boost to direct income and, in turn, spending, which is important to growth.”

      • 90 TrumpDog
        December 1, 2011 at 5:08 pm

        Perfect cover for the Repubs.
        Thanks for being their lastest talking points, Tester and Manchin. Fuck you, you cowardly assholes.

    • December 1, 2011 at 4:08 pm

      Soon, the DNC will have to start running ads against Tester and Manchin.
      Lol!

  18. December 1, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    December 01, 2011 1:55 PM

    The political significance of the Boeing deal
    By Steve Benen

    The Boeing/NLRB issue hasn’t been especially prominent at the national level, but in Republican circles — especially in the presidential primary in South Carolina — it’s a big deal.

    And as of today, it’s pretty much over.


    After decades of bitter relations, Boeing and the machinists’ union vowed a new era of cooperation on Wednesday as they announced a far-reaching four-year contract extension that would raise wages, improve pensions and add thousands of new assembly jobs in Washington State to build an updated version of its 737 jet.

    Union officials said that the deal resolved their disputes with Boeing and that they would ask the National Labor Relations Board to drop a politically charged case against Boeing over a new plant it opened this year in South Carolina. The agency, which filed the case in April in response to a complaint by the machinists’ union, is asserting that the company’s decision to build the $750 million plant in South Carolina constituted illegal retaliation against machinists in Washington for exercising their right to strike.


    http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/the_political_significance_of033833.php

  19. December 1, 2011 at 3:18 pm

    Absolutely clueless! Apparently, the apple really DOESN’T fall far from the tree.~

    “‘There appears to be a very different definition of “small” in the Romney clan. In an appearance at a Mitt Romney campaign office in Iowa, one of the candidate’s sons, Josh Romney, recalled a cozy Thanksgiving with the family at his parents’ ‘two-bedroom house, pretty small.'”

    h/t Benjy Sarlin

    • December 1, 2011 at 3:21 pm

      Oops…forgot to add the backstory!

      According to an interview with Mitt Romney and Hugh Hewitt, the family spent Thanksgiving with in San Diego, where he owns a two-bedroom house that’s reportedly 3,000 square feet and valued at $12 million. The property made headlines earlier this year when news broke that Romney planned to tear it down and replace it with an even larger compound.

      The Romneys’ wealth has led to some awkward moments on the trail. Earlier this year, American Bridge captured video of Romney’s wife, Ann, telling a New Hampshire crowd about their “little place in Wolfeboro,” a reported 5,400 square foot, six bedroom mansion that also has a large boathouse and separate guest house.

      ~snip~

      http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/exclusive-mitt-romneys-son-talks-up-familys-small-12-million-home.php?ref=fpnewsfeed

      h/t Benjy Sarlin

    • 104 Debz
      December 1, 2011 at 3:41 pm

      Oh dear God!! How nauseating. Did Mittens buy some tiny little house to show everyone he is “middle class”? And the story about the liar running for President because of the children is a joke. 😦

      • December 1, 2011 at 3:59 pm

        no they are tearing down the 2-bedroom and building a newer bigger house that itself will be worth 12m.

        plus Alicia Keyes is just too cute!

        • December 1, 2011 at 4:25 pm

          l really like Alicia Keyes. I like her singing and her use of people playing REAL instruments. Her music doesn’t sound like the cookie-cutter music coming from most young singers. And yes, she’s very cute/attractive.

          • 107 anniebella
            December 1, 2011 at 4:40 pm

            Didn’t Alicia Keys marry the father of her baby this year? I heard she did. I’m not sure and she had a boy. I like her music also

  20. 108 SueBee
    December 1, 2011 at 3:56 pm

    Is that Marco Rubio in one of those pictures giving my president a look of adoration? Its ok Marco, us here at TOD understand completely. 🙂 🙂

    • 109 jacquelineoboomer
      December 1, 2011 at 4:20 pm

      🙂 🙂

      We should have that photo cropped and blown up for billboards in Florida! A warm greeting at the airport for PBO helped to get former Gov. Charlie Crist tossed out of Republican favor, so I’m thinking some of Rubio’s buddies might not like that big, warm smile on his fat face.

  21. December 1, 2011 at 4:05 pm

    House just voted to end the Federal Election Commission.

    And they just stuck in all those pro life and EPA policy riders to the omnibus to fund the government.

    Here we go again!!

  22. December 1, 2011 at 4:11 pm

    Here’s a film I’d love to see: Daniel Day Lewis as Abraham Lincoln.

    http://bit.ly/sGHp1i

  23. December 1, 2011 at 4:12 pm

    As a part of World AIDS Day, President Obama today announced new U.S. commitments to fighting HIV and AIDS. First, he promised $50 million more in funding towards domestic HIV/AIDS treatment, and he increased the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief goal of people treated for HIV/AIDS by from four million to six million by 2013. 

    During his speech at George Washington University at an event with the theme, “The Beginning of the End of AIDS” Obama received a standing ovation for the increased commitment.

    “The rate of new infections may be going down elsewhere, but it’s not going down here in America,” the president said. “When new infections among young black gay men increase by nearly 50 percent in 3 years, we need to do more to show them that their lives matter.” According to the CDC, “1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV infection and one in five are unaware of their infection.”

    http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/01/9145630-obama-discusses-us-commitment-to-combating-aidshiv

  24. December 1, 2011 at 4:16 pm

    President Obama tells the truth – Is this suppose to be a surprise. He’s been telling the truth the whole time.

    http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2011/dec/01/barack-obama/obama-says-taxes-lower-middle-class/

  25. 128 Linda
    December 1, 2011 at 4:29 pm

    Dan Froomkin has exhumed the Ron Suskind book over at HuffPuff to question President Obama’s ” credibility ” problems.

  26. 131 Linda
    December 1, 2011 at 4:34 pm

    Senator Feinstein’s Amendment failed…

    I am stunned that Democrats are voting for this travesty . What is going on in this country ?

    Will others still hate us for our “Freedoms” or just fall down laughing at that ?

  27. 132 donna dem 4 obama
    December 1, 2011 at 4:49 pm

  28. 134 Larry yellock
    December 1, 2011 at 7:53 pm

    Dear chipsticks, thank ror your positive website Obama diary. I check it about 8 times a day and always happy with your postings. I stumbled upon your webpage a year ago and have loved it from the first. Thank you Larry yellock


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