Thanks, Chips. Hope you are having lovely moments with your family, and that your gifts are a ‘hit’. 😆 Also, don’t forget to squeeze some rest time in there, because before you know it the week off will be over and we don’t want you to be tired as you head back to work.
You can look at the expression on their face and you can tell how much tell loves kids. I’m sure looking at POTUS holding that cute lilltle baby reminded FLOTUS of when he held baby Malia and Sasha. It is such sweet pictures of them, I just love POTUS and FLOTUS.
The photograph with the child’s fingers in President Obama’s mouth is priceless the First Lady looks like she has a tan. Hopefully the President will be able to have some fun in the sun too.
Yes that is true. They do look like swimmers, hey if I was there I would practically live ag the beach. One of my favorite shows to watch is Hawaii 5-o. I have fallen head over hills with Hawaii it is such a beautiful place.
Oh man. 😆 Wow. I guess I’m officially an adult. I laughed out loud at your comment PFWHI. Yes. Hawai’i 5-0 is a remake. It was a cool show when it first came on too! Now, I’ve got to look up that survey that talks about all the stuff college folks don’t remember. I’m figuring that you are out of college, but this list does help us older folk keep things in perspective…. Enjoy! 😆
OMG, that is a great site. Being 65, you forget what hasn’t always been around for these young folks. My son & daughter in law teach high school. I am around alot of young people, that site will help me know what is relevant for them.
THE ACTOR IN THE ORIG. 5-0 WAS JACK LORD WHO LIVED ON THE ISLAND ALL OF HIS LIFE AND DIED A FEW YEARS AGO! I USED TO WATCH IT ALL THE TIME. OF COURSE I’M ONLY 31…WATCHED IT FROM MY PLAYPEN….YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAH!
I am very pleased to announced that I have watched my very first episode of the original series it is pretty cool. I must say that I amparticle to the newer version due all of the technology. I will admit I am a computer nerd.
Remember when Barbara Walters ask the First Lady to name three words to describe the President, and one of them was father. Look at picture number four of the President holding the little baby and he is smiling. Now I see what the First Lady meant.
I can not understand when I hear some of the media folks talking about how President Obama doesn’t connect with people. I want to ask these idiots what the heck are you talking about? Are you media folks crazy?
I agree…that’s one of the weirder critiques that the media makes. When I think of the 2004 speech, Iowa speech, the NH speech, the speech on race…I could go on and on….the Nobel speech. My goodness the man can connect. I still have chills just THINKING about the last 2 speeches he gave before the election in 2008…the one in NC when he told everyone about his grandma’s death and then the very last speech in Northern VA. The man was all heart – tired, open, real.
I think the problem is that he doesn’t connect with the media personalities. They want him to like him very badly, and he doesn’t really like them. That’s their problem, though.
“I think the problem is that he doesn’t connect with the media personalities.”
THIS
They’re having to learn from PBO something they should have learned long ago–when dealing with the POTUS, or any politcian, the media’s job is to report the news from a factual POV that is not influenced by whether one has “inside” access to, or likes, the politician.
This, and I think that they think he will “fawn” all over them….like they are somehow more privileged…or should be honored more in someway because they are the press. He threats them like anyone else would want to be treated. Nothing more, nothing less…..and it’s not good enough for them. I find them all highly disrespectful. They must remember, you get what you give!
And W. Bush had given many of them nicknames. I believe he nicknamed David Gregory “Stretch” because he’s very tall. This tactic obviously bought the Bush Adminstration the type of favorable coverage that allowed them to invade Iraq, spend us into huge deficits, destroy the economy, mismanage Afghanistan and deny responsibility for all of it. It wasn’t until the middle of his 2nd term that the coverage began to turn against them.
So the math lesson here is: terrible president + kissing the media’s a** = good coverage or ignoring anything bad
great president + no media a**kissing = terrible coverage, carrying GOP water and daily faux outrage
Ha! Bush gave ’em nicknames cause he couldn’t remember their names! The media are so stupid, getting complimented because Bush couldn’t be bothered to learn their names 🙄
I also think there is a little of the Republican inspired opposite world operating with the media. They know darned well that connecting with people is PBO’s strength, so they say he “doesn’t” communicate well and thereby help to turn a strength into a weakness. That whole “leading from behind” crap was attempt to take PBO’s outstanding leadership and diplomatic skills and turn them into something pejorative. I heard a Democrat tell me that PBO led from behind on Libya and I asked him why he was spouting Republican talking points. What PBO did on Libya was brilliant arm twisting, diplomacy and forceful QUIET leadership, achieving his goals without sacrificing American lives. Just because he doesn’t go shooting off his guns and braging about how macho he is does not mean he’s leading from behind. The guy acknowledged what I said and shut up after that.
This repeating of R talking points really bug me as well. It is another sign that the person isn’t serious about having an adult conversation/examination of the facts. That and any mention of Gitmo and/or single payer.
Precisely, Jackie! Only, I think there’s a lot of gopropaganda, lying bobbleheads in corporatemediawhoredom dominated crap. Shall I name a few? “blitz”, crowley, tweety, mrs greenspan, cnn, etc, etc..and of course goebbels-fox. I stopped watching in 2002 but I read what’s still going on online.
Jovie the reason the tea baggers can’t or shall I say won’t connect with this President, is 99.9% of the tea baggers are racists. Now that is my opinion.
I totally agree with you anniebella! But you know what, the media is not interested in the TRUTH. They’ve manufactured this false image of President Obama and they are all sticking to it. They believe that if they repeatedly tell the American people that President Obama is an elite who does not connect with people the vast majority of the American people will eventually believe the media instead of believing what they see when President Obama is warmly interacting with people-and especially children. What we have today, in the good old U.S. of A, is no longer a media that take journalism seriously. What constitutes the U.S. media today, for the most part, is a mixture of tabloid sensationalism and manufactured propaganda.
Personally, I think the reason they keep trying to sell this lie about President Obama not connecting is because they know their preferred candidate, Romney, has absolutely no people skills or warmth. They’re trying to level the playing field with their false reality. Anyone with eyes, and who wants to see, can see that President Obama is perfectly fine in the connecting department. In fact, he’s superb.
Or they are saying that by all rights (white) people shoul not connect with an educated, traveled, slender, handsome black man. Even in matters as simple as the holiday photo, I read snarky reportage. You know, “you could look your family in the Sears studio for a weekend and still not look this good.”
Theo67, your points are well taken and very true.Just let me add a few .The media are so bent on keeping the lies going for one out and out truth,The President is the accomplished Leader they have seen in their lifetimes.The leaders they are use to are the ones with their hands out for money and pats on the back all the time to feed those egos.Our President Obama knows who he is and where he has been in his life and realizes what life is all about on both sides of the ledger of life.He has lived the life of everyday man from the bottom up.The media wanted to build some one up then break him down.They are jealous of the facts that He truly cares about the American people with all his heart and most of all the ones who go and serve our country at war.They the “media” live in the bottom of the barrel digging for dirt on some one they can’t stand the light of a person who keeps his word to the people who put him in office.Our President lives the life that some politicians talk about in their talking points (“Family values”,Country First”) THEY JUST CAN”T HANDLE THE TRUTH!
That is very true. Revenue when I met the big guy I couldn’t believe it, I was like am I dreaming he is standing right here in front of me. I’m sure a lot of people are like that when they meet the first family.
Proud Former WHI, what I hear from most people who have met POTUS and FLOTUS both is how down to earth they are. There is no upity attitude in either one of them.
Totally agree with this. I haven’t really “met” President Obama, but I have shaken his hand now, 7 times (twice as a candidate, once as Pres-elect, and 4 times as President. – wwoot!!) Plus, the picture of Pres. Obama shaking my son’s hand made a very cool TOD thread!! Anyway, even in those very brief encounters, it’s like he takes the time, if only for a nano-second, to focus on you. He actually had some words for my son. He was very focused, lasered right in on him! It was amazing.
He’s just so genuine. so caring. And even with all of that handshaking, his hands are amazing soft and strong at the same time.
Mrs. Obama is also very genuine. I’ve shaken her hand once, when she was campaigning for her husband. I think she may drive the SS even crazier than her husband because she’s a “hugger” She just gets right in there with folks. I’m rambling… I just love them both!!!
Merry Christmas to all the TOD family. I have been out traveling, visiting family and eating all day but had to come here before the end of the day to wish you all a Merry Christmas. I loved seeing the homecoming surprises of the returning troops on an earlier post. I also read through the charming article of the First Lady answering the calls from the kiddies needing an update on Santa Claus and his travels. So sweet. So I have already laughed and cried about all this. The First Family look beautiful, relaxed and happy. And now we have these beautiful pictures of the President with this adorable little baby. I am so glad the President was able to get business out of the way and be with his family for the holidays.
Thank you Chipsticks and everyone here for this site. It’s obvious from reading the greetings today just how much this place means to so many people.
Blessings to you all. God bless and protect our President and his family.
Happy Holidays everyone! Also, a special hello to Chips, I am so happy i discovered your blog..I get the real news about POTUS and his wonderful family here. Does anyone else notice the Mitt banners at the bottom of all You Tube videos with PBO?
Dear Chipsticks. I forgot to log in and my comment did not post. If you see it floating around out there could you free it please? And Happy Boxing Day!!!!
They are the most genuine and loving people. They are a shining example and I love them dearly. Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas Anniebella. We are lucky to live in these times. 🙂
The fab First Couple look so well-rested, unguarded, and completely at ease with each other and everyone else. Watching the live video of the First Couple attending church made me just really think about the fact that it takes a lot for president and his beloved family to even go on vacation.The Secret Service are charged with protecting the First Family wherever they are, whatever they’re doing. They are away from their families, homes, and friends. I so appreciate their service!
Oh, Chips these are just precious. We have the coolest, most adorable, caring, fun, compassionate and down right smart POTUS and FLOTUS ever. Just love these. The families seem to be so happy interacting with their President. Also so see how the POB smiles with the babies and sincerely hugs, and love being in their company.
This is the most interacting, and fun loving family (that has been shown in the WH in my lifetime). I know that modern technology has helped, but I have been around for a long time, and POB and FLOTUS are very natural and so loving with the people they are around. They are not ‘ putting on’, this is the real thing. No one like them!!!!!
I love it. No, POB and our First Lady connects with people, and they have always done so from the very beginning(IMO). but it is the media types who do not connect with the President and First Lady because they do not want to. I have watch some of these old media people for years, and they want to frame this mess this way for our President. However, POB keeps making them look like the fools that they are.
We at TOD knows that POB and First Lady Michelle Obama connects very well. So there for the Tweety and other. Just not telling the truth.
We know the truth and we will continue to love them and keep Pressing On. I love my President, VP, FLOTUS and SLOTUS. We have the best, and we are going to keep them for 4 more!!!!! Let me hear the great choir, “Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen. Amen.”
Listening to: KG, Barbara Streisand, Tony Bennett, and the Christmas section of Handle’s Messiah. Great Christmas Evening of music, candles, prayers for rest for Chipsticks, healing for Carolyn’s husband, Sue, Tally, Fred and Mom, and all of our TOD family who are a little under the weather. We will be together in our thoughts, prayers, meditations ,and most of all our love and support for each other and our POB.
I love you all back so very, very much.(((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Joyful Music, Candles, Glass of Wine, Cup of Tea To All))))))))))))))))))))))))))HZ
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Obama administration cleared the way for states to legalize Internet poker and certain other online betting in a switch that may help them reap billions in tax revenue and spur web-based gambling.
A Justice Department opinion dated September and made public on Friday reversed decades of previous policy that included civil and criminal charges against operators of some of the most popular online poker sites.
Until now, the department held that online gambling in all forms was illegal under the Wire Act of 1961, which bars wagers via telecommunications that cross state lines or international borders.
The new interpretation, by the department’s Office of Legal Counsel, said the Wire Act applies only to bets on a “sporting event or contest,” not to a state’s use of the Internet to sell lottery tickets to adults within its borders or abroad.
“The United States Department of Justice has given the online gaming community a big, big present,” said I. Nelson Rose, a gaming law expert at Whittier Law School who consults for governments and the industry.
The question at issue was whether proposals by Illinois and New York to use the Internet and out-of-state transaction processors to sell lottery tickets to in-state adults violated the Wire Act.
HONOLULU (AP) — President Barack Obama blended his roles as a father and commander-in-chief this Christmas, exchanging presents and singing carols with his family, then greeting U.S. service members stationed at a Marine base in Hawaii.
The president and his family woke up early Sunday to open gifts, the White House said, then had breakfast and sang Christmas carols at the multimillion-dollar house they rent in Kailua Beach, near Honolulu.
Obama made two trips on Christmas to nearby Marine Corps Base Hawaii, first to attend church services at the base chapel. The president dressed casually in dark khaki pants and a short-sleeve blue shirt, and his wife and daughters donned sundresses for Christmas services on a bright, breezy day on the island of Oahu.
I am just tearfully speechless almost as I look at these pictures. The one of our President looking down at the infant in his arms is almost beyond words. His expression is so genuine and loving. I am blown away by these pictures. And I am so humbly thankful that while on his Christmas vacation, he and Michelle and the girls take time to go to a military base to spend time with the troops. He is the most amazing President I have ever seen … I just cannot say anymore. Daisydem
Those are the most beautiful pictures!!!! The Obama’s are the realest First Family we have had in along time. They know how to relate to everyone! Thank you Chips for these pictures.
I hope everyone here had the most wonderful Christmas Day. It has been a beautiful day at our house. Good night. See you all tomorrow!
It’s funny how babies get away with doing cool things just because they’re babies…LOL
What if I wanted to walk up the president and stick my finger in his mouth, I would be hauled off by the Secret Service. For shame!
Watching our wonderful First Family going to church gave me a bit of a heavy heart. They are a wonderful family and demonstrate what family values really are–the jolt for me is always the layers of Secret Service around them, cars parked as shields, careful planning every step of the way etc. My eyes get a little misty when I realize this family, THIS FAMILY, has to be shielded in such a way. God bless those 4 and keep them safe.
It is way late here on a day that started way to early, but I couldn’t let it end without stopping in and wishing everyone peace & joy, whether quietly with the TOD family or surrounded by those who love you. It has taken a while to go thru all the delicious posts I missed, but can now say I have finally come to the end of another spectacular day.
@lovingandlaughing; I hope you got great pictures of your three kids opening their presents. I’m sure they were thrilled. I know these are the memories that will stay with you long after their soft yet infectious laughter has left the house.
Fred such great news about the insurance coming thru for your mom! As someone who’s gone thru something similar, I can only offer my heartfelt wishes and the mantra that helped me get thru it: ‘It gets better’. We were all concerned about you. Thanks for stopping in. It made the day that much sweeter.
Welcome to BestPresidentEver and to all the rest of TOD lurkers, hope your Christmas was merry & bright. Regardless of your faith or background, I truly hope the spirit of the season has found a way into your hearts and lives.
Sam UK Obama Supporter {{{hugs}}} to your friend’s daughter and to your son for making sure she knows she is still beautiful. A sweet and caring soul he is! Sending warm wishes that the spirit hold and guide you as you care for your parents. I’m sure they appreciate it very much.
PamelaBrown53 I’m jealous. I want one of those sweatshirts! humph! giggle…
To our Canadian neighbors, Happy Boxing Day! My house is right over there…
ChipsChica, what can I say that hasn’t already been said? The words of appreciation posted echo my sentiments exactly. To the TOD family, you all make me feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, when she declares to the motley crew that gravitates around her, “It’s funny, but I feel like I know you all already.” (to paraphrase)
Lastly, The video of the returning service members was so heartwarming. Thank you President Obama for your careful & meticulous planning to bring them home. My thoughts go out to those families with an empty seat still at the table, as well as those serving far from home. To all our returning service men & women, it’s good to have you back where you belong. Welcome home! Felize Navidad.
Welp, this is what happens when you alienate god knows how many people with extremely rude and disrespectful comments about one of best, most gracious, most hard-working, most intelligent presidents this country has ever had. If I were Cameron Crowe, I’d sue Matt Damon for screwing up his promo tour so badly…what an idiot.
I have to go back to bed…just got up with the dog, guess she had to go out. It’s 3:43 AM and that’s just a wee bit too early for me to stay up…so I’ll see you all in a few hours………………………….!
Blessings to all; it’s 3am and just finished our Christmas day visiting, cooking, eating & trying to keep eyes open through a movie! Glad we have Boxing day!
Included all of you and the First Family, 2nd Family in my prayers; in health & happiness always.
It’s been a while since I posted any comments or tweets. Being shorthanded at work since November 1 has overwhelmed my entire life. I understand someone has been hired to replace the person we lost to disability, so my life should be getting back to normal soon.
Even though I’ve had no time for comments, I’ve been lurking every day at every opportunity. Could not give up on getting truthful news about POTUS, VPOTUS, FLOTUS AND SLOTUS and their families. For this I am truly thankful to Chips, our TOD Goddess! I’m always amazed at the amount of information you’re able to amass while still holding down a full-time job. You are an AMAZING WONDER!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa… HAPPY HOLIDAYS to Chips and the entire TOD Family!
PBO has that look in his eyes that says ” Are we really done? I think that I want another one.”. He looks so beautiful holding that tiny baby.
How funny is the photo of the kid who puts his hand in PBO’s mouth? When I see pictures of how he and Michelle interact with others, especially children, I cannot imagine any of the republican pretenders in a similar role. None of them seem to really care about anyone other than themselves. They do not visit the sick and wounded, they do not perform acts of service, they do not comfort the bereaved, they do not encourage or lift up those who are hurting, they have never shown love . Why are they running for an office that is all about service? God help us all so that we are saved from such a disaster.
How blessed are we that our president is still a community organizer, only now his community is the world.
Ceb, Amen to what you said. I always remember when the President was talking about the Republicans talking about his health reform, you know the one they loves to call Obama Care. The President said in one speech, they’re right Obama does care. I say POTUS and FLOTUS has a heart, they care about people.
PBO is Mother Teresa compared to W and all the current Republican contenders. This is so completely obvious that you have to have an MSM working pretty hard 24/7 trying to convince people otherwise. I think it’s his intelligence that frightens and threatens small-minded people.
Exactly meta. The MSM can try as hard as they want to portray PBO as unapproachable, cold, and indifferent if they want. The public can see with their own eyes. We are not blind and we don’t need delusional racist pundits to tell us what we see. The people that want to know the truth can find it. Obama/Biden 2012
It doesn’t surprise me about Ron Paul, heck most of the other Republicans have the same kind of people supporting them. You know those that dislike President Obama and the Obama family just because of the color of their skin.
It’s been a different presidential race in Iowa this year – quieter.
Campaign headquarters have hardly been buzzing with activity, unlike the around-the-clock nature of past contests. Candidates have barely visited the state, compared with years when most all but moved here. And they have largely refrained from building the grass-roots armies of yesteryear, in favor of more modest on-the-ground teams of paid staffers and volunteers.
The final rush of campaigning here gets under way Monday, just a week before the Jan. 3 caucuses, and, to be sure, there will be a flurry of candidate appearances and get-out-the-vote efforts all week.
Contrast that with what happened in 2008. Remember volunteers from all over the country going to Iowa? I almost went myself. The state was a buzz for a whole year with groundswarms of grassroots working their butts off with nobody else in sight.
House Democrats are critical of GOP proposals that make sweeping changes to the federal unemployment benefits program, but are holding back specifics on how they intend to work out those differences as both sides line up for a battle over extending jobless assistance.
The two sides face a deep divide on what to include and how to cover the $200 billion cost of jobless benefits legislation that is expected to extend the policies through the 2012 elections.
On the cusp of early talks between House and Senate conferees over how to pass a yearlong payroll tax cut extension — which includes a reauthorization of federal unemployment benefits and a Medicare “doc fix”— Democratic leaders would only say Friday that “there will be time to get to those specifics” and that there “are differences between the two parties and they will have to be addressed.”
Sneaking in here while I have a minute—-still have xmas guests snoozing away upstairs. Sweet, sweet photos of President Obama and the new baby, and the funny hand-in-mouth baby. I see President Obama did not get a new shirt for xmas. 🙂 He’s sure got his money’s worth out of that blue checked number—–from the farm fields of 2007 Iowa till Hawaiian xmas 2011, Obama and the shirt have persevered. Kinda love that about him, priorities in order. And thought this was an interesting article —-Chgo Trib—–about the shifting focus of Obama campaign—-away from “it could have been worse” economy talk to President Obama as a defendant of the middle class and making sure everyone has “a fair shot”. It’s succeeding and is smart: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/la-na-obama-economy-20111226,0,2833066.story
dotster3, your comments reminded me of when the Obama family were somewhere at some fair campaigning but they were doing an interview with Access Hollywood, and the Obama girls were kidding him about the condition of his belt and shoes. Michelle said her husband is not concern about things like that.
Happy Holidays everyone!!!
And a special hey to Chips and all you do to keep us all informed of all things President Obama!!
Thanks to all the TOD family……for your wit and wisdom all year long!
Now on to 2012 and the re-election of President Obama and VP Biden!!!!
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper Claims He Was Told This Month That Keystone XL Would Be Approved |
By Brad Johnson on Dec 20, 2011 at 11:17 am
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, a conservative advocate of his nation’s tar sands boom, told CTV National News that U.S. officials said the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline would still be approved when he visited the United States earlier this month, but now he believes it will never get built. “When I was down in the United States recently it was interesting. I ran into several senior Americans who all said, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll get Keystone done. You can sell all of your oil to us.’ I said, ‘Yeah we’d love to,’ but I think the problem is now that we’re on a different track,” Harper said.
HOGWASH! In fact, I think he won’t. “Several friends of mine told me.” 🙂 I think I never believe anything someone else says….until I hear it DIRECTLY from the source!
I don’t get what the big deal is really for environmental purposes. Regardless if the pipeline is built or not Canada is going to sell it’s tar sands, so the environmental impact will be there – it’s just if they ship it to US, or to China. So then it’s about the actual pipeline and Nebraska aquifer – and the pipeline people said they’d route around it.
I think the best realistic scenario is for Pres Obama to use it to trade for huge concessions from GOP. Major parts of AJA green energy investment in the very least.
Afghanistan sets ground rules for Taliban talks
Monday, December 26, 2011
Afghanistan will accept a Taliban office in Qatar to help peace talks but no foreign power can get involved in the process without its consent, the government’s peace council said, as efforts gather pace to find a solution to the 10-year war. It said that negotiations with the Taliban could only begin after they stopped violence against civilians, cut ties to al Qaeda, and accepted the Afghan constitution which guarantees civil rights and liberties, including rights for women. The council, according to a copy of the 11-point note made available to Reuters, also said any peace process with the Taliban would have to have the support of Pakistan since members of the insurgent group were based there.
CMS announces home care demonstration
December 21, 2011 | Stephanie Bouchard, Associate Editor
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced a new demonstration project that will continue the push to keep patients with chronic conditions in their homes rather than place them in long-term care facilities. The Independence at Home Demonstration, created by the Affordable Care Act, will test how effective it is to provide primary care services in patients’ homes. It could include up to 10,000 beneficiaries and up to 50 practices.
CMS’ Innovation Center will work with medical practices lead by physicians or nurse practitioners and associated multidisciplinary teams providing primary care services. The demonstration seeks to learn if in-home care improves health outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions, reduces hospitalizations, improves patient and caregiver satisfaction and reduces costs.
This is a great idea for the elderly who really want to stay in their homes. I hope it works and that the President gets full credit for this and helps seniors realize he’s on their side too, instead of being deceived by the GOP and Fox News all the time.
Happy Day After Christmas TOD Family. My family and guest are still nestled all snug in their beds.
I’m gonna spend this morning catching up. Love, love, loved the pictures of our First Family and the one of our President holding the newborn was so precious.
L.A. Times: Earth’s Top 10 Biggest Enemies in Congress
By Climate Guest Blogger on Dec 15, 2011 at 1:37 pm
Republicans launched an unprecedented frontal assault against environmental protections and regulations this year, prompting Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) to call his chamber “the most anti-environment House in history.” Here are the 10 most powerful and outspoken opponents of clean air, clean water, conservation and climate action. Here are the opponents 10 to 8:
Yemen: President Saleh to visit US
Mariya KarimjeeDecember 24, 2011 15:44
Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh is planning a trip to the United States, according to a party spokesman, CNN reported. Saleh, who agreed to step down last month in a deal brokered by Gulf states who feared that civil war in Yemen will affect them, has yet to give a specific date and has promised that he will continue to play a political role in Yemen’s future.
In these tough economic times, we all are wondering how we can ensure our financial well-being. Within these Economic Survival Tips, you can find answers to commonly asked questions and a course of action, both short-term and long-term, no matter your current situation.
WHAT BEAUTIFUL AND PRECIOUS PICTURES…I WISH OUR FIRST FAMILY COULD HAVE THIS KIND OF PEACE,LOVE AND JOY ALL THE TIME. THEY ARE LOVED AND TREATED SO WELL IN HAWAII!
For anyone who still wants just a little more Christmas, here is the transcript (from ‘Michelle Obama Watch’) of Mrs Obama talking to kids about tracking Santa… How cool is this?? She mentioned PBO being a ‘dad’ but she is such a “mom” too!
Morning TOD Family & Friends! Hope everyone’s Boxing Day is going well. Here’s a video segment that goes with ‘our’ pictures that i know you will enjoy. 😉
Oh that is so sweet. I can’t even think of another President or FLOTUs who could relate to real people like these two. We are so blessed. I am so sorry that the rest of America doesn’t have the opportunity to see the pictures we see because out media doesn’t do it’s job.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Who’s Running Pyongyang?
Posted by Zandar
With the death of Dear Leader Kim Jong-il, the power brokers inside the country are emerging…at least the ones that North Korea wants us to see.
North Korean television Sunday showed power-behind-the-throne Jang Song-thaek in the uniform of a general in a sign of his growing sway after the death of Kim Jong-il, and Japan’s prime minister said the region faced a new phase with Kim’s demise.
Footage that North Korean television said was shot on Saturday showed Jang on the frontrow of top military officers who accompanied Kim Jong-un, the youngest son of Kim Jong-il and his anointed successor, paying their respects before Kim’s body.
The choreography around Kim’s death is one of the secretive North’s few, opaque clues to the emerging configuration of power in this poor and isolated state that has rattled neighbors with nuclear tests and military brinkmanship.
Michele Bachmann, Jon Huntsman, and Rick Santorum also came up short, which leaves Paul and Romney as the only GOP candidates whose names will appear on the primary ballot.
Obama Camp Set Fourth Quarter Fundraising Goal Of $60 Million
The Obama campaign set a goal of raising $60 million in the fourth quarter, which would put them over $200 million for 2011. As Politico notes, if they are making this goal ‘public,’ then they expect to surpass it. The campaign is expected to surpass its record $750 million raised in 2008.
I KNOW THAT! I will just think of you as “Your Awesomeness”!! And when you do it again (and we will) maybe, since you have an “inside track to the WH:) You can make the next congratulatory call a CONFERENCE CALL….:)
And that $750M had enough left over that Pres Obama gave every full time staffer a months bonus I believe. Also that $750M was used to introduce a largely unknown candidate to the nation, now he’s the incumbent President who can use his position as President for a lot of free media coverage – meaning he can spend more money on the ground game, organizing and getting out the vote. I can’t find where i read it, but recall reading something about the campaign/DNC already spending $75M when the Q3 numbers were released – that’s a huge burn rate, but also shows that there is a ton of campaign building going on largely behind the scenes – they already have a presence in all 50 States and have multiple offices in all swing states, full time staff and growing volunteer lists to train etc.
Don’t Just Read the Constitution
By Suzi LeVeaux – Posted on 05 November 2011
Ron Paul is always referencing the Constitution. Tea Party types and right wingers are always telling us to “read the Constitution.” There is quite a difference between reading the words, and understanding the scope of the document written by our Founding Fathers. The U.S. Constitution was written because the representatives knew that the Articles of Confederation were not working.
~snip~
But the biggest error in their understanding of the Constitution is that it is not an economic document. It is NOT about economics. It is a pact between the government that it establishes and “we the people.” It has nothing to do with following economic theories. We have a society that is based around our beliefs and traditions. We established a government to defend and maintain that society. The government was not established to maintain and defend any economic theories. It is designed to be a government of the people, by the people, for the people.
Medicare spending growth rising slower but enrollment will rise
By Lori Montgomery, Published: December 22
Throughout Medicare’s 46-year-old history, monitoring the cost of the government health plan for the elderly has been a bit like the old joke: No one asked if spending would jump. They only asked how high. But in early 2010, the number crunchers at Medicare headquarters in Baltimore saw something surprising: a sharp drop in the volume of doctor visits and other outpatient services.
Instead of growing at the usual 4 percent a year, the number of claims was suddenly climbing by less than 2 percent. As spring wore into summer, the trend inexplicably held. Spending growth on outpatient services, known as Part B, fell sharply.
But the drop serves to highlight an often-overlooked truth: Medicare spending per person is rising more slowly than spending in the private health sector. And, because of the cuts that were part of last year’s Affordable Care Act, it is expected to mirror overall growth in the economy for much of the next decade, staying well below targets set by Congress.
But I do think his commentary causes our party damage. He is a public figure and far too many on our side are easily persuaded to give up so easily when they don’t get their way. The Repubs are counting on folks like Damon to do their dirty work for them.
Here is a good article that articulates what people like Damon do to the Democatic Party.
I don’t consider matt demon a democrat anymore. He might as well be a rethug as far as I am concerned. He is not an unintelligent person so he must know how government works. PBO is not a dictator and must work with the dysfunctional gop house and senate members.
Although PBHO and OFA/DNC are, probably, aware of Damon’s “ODS/disappointment,” I reported this to attackwatch.com. (Attackwatch is located on TOD’s sidebar, and it has a Twitter acct which is @attackwatch. #attackwatch)
Wouldn’t it be something if his unfair critcism of PBO, PBO’s response at the WHCD and his recent poor box office turns about to be the beginning of the end of his career?
I liked Damon in Goodwill Hunting and loved his really sick performance in The Talented Mr. Ripley. I also liked him in the first Bourne movie (did not see the other two) but I have to say I can’t stand to see his face right now, let alone his movies.
it’s also worth realizing that for much of the right, they don’t have much of a choice — they have to blame government, even if Fannie and Freddie weren’t to blame, because the alternative would be to accept the intellectual bankruptcy of their worldview. Wall Street and the major financial industry institutions were responsible for the 2008 crash, but for Republicans to accept that fact would lead them to conclusions they’re just not comfortable with: the need for federal regulations that limit recklessness and prevent catastrophes.
I so wish this guy could win the Republican nomination. We have a weatlh of information to take him down politically. Unfortunately the Republican establishment knows this and are releasing this stuff drip by drip.
Identifying the culprits for global financial industry collapses can be challenging. When it comes to explaining who caused the Great Depression, for example, there are still some spirited debates among legitimate experts.
That said, it’s generally easier to understand what didn’t cause a crash. And when it comes to the 2008 crisis and the ensuing Great Recession, it’s imperative to understand just how wrong Republicans are.
The GOP line, especially among the party’s presidential hopefuls, is pretty straightforward: blame government. Candidates like Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich are convinced — or at least pretend to be convinced for the sake of political appearances — federal housing policy and regulations produced the crash. If Americans want someone to blame, they say, start with Washington in general, and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in specific.
Bloomberg reported last week that the Republican line has been rejected “by the chairman of the Federal Reserve, many economists and even three of the four Republicans on the government commission that investigated the meltdown,” but Romney & Co. don’t care about facts; they care about convincing voters to believe ideologically-satisfying nonsense. Sure, the evidence points to a lack of regulations, but since when does evidence matter?
For his part, the New York Times’ Joe Nocera appears to be sick of it. Over the weekend, he labeled the Republican line “the Big Lie,” and explained how thoroughly it’s been embraced by Republican policymakers, conservative think tanks, and GOP-friendly media outlets.
For sheer precision in what is too often a wholesale muddle of political definitions, E.J. Dionne this morning is indispensable:
Obama will … be the conservative in 2012, in the truest sense of that word. He is the candidate defending the modestly redistributive and regulatory government the country has relied on since the New Deal, and that neither Ronald Reagan nor George W. Bush dismantled. The rhetoric of the 2012 Republicans suggests they want to go far beyond where Reagan or Bush ever went.
I argued a similar case in the run-up to the 2010 congressional elections; I argued that Democrats, in this incontrovertibly center-right nation, should exploit the majority’s professed preference for a philosophical conservatism by declaring themselves the true conservatives (in that they were merely “defending the modestly redistributive and regulatory government the country has relied on since the New Deal”).
I about got my head handed to me by a progressive community that, I discovered, preferred lofty labels to pragmatic victories.
Romney’s ‘promise’ to college grads
By Steve Benen
On Friday, a college student in New Hampshire reminded Mitt Romney that “many” of those in her generation “find it especially hard to relate” to the former governor as a candidate. She asked why those in her age group should “mobilize” for the Romney campaign, instead of President Obama.
His response was rather mind-numbing.
“What I can promise you is this — when you get out of college, if I’m president you’ll have a job. If President Obama is reelected, you will not be able to get a job. That’s the reason I will hopefully get young people who are in college is to say, ‘You know what, I understand what it takes to get jobs in America.’”
I still don’t know why anyone takes this guy seriously. It’s easy to get accustomed to cheap political pandering, but who’s going to believe this nonsense?
“I can promise you is this — when you get out of college, if I’m president you’ll have a job.”
This coming from the man whose state ranked 47 out of 50 in job creation while he was Governor. Massachusetts had and has a highly-educated, highly-skilled pool of workers to draw from, but Mitt couldn’t guarantee jobs for them under a tax-cutting Republican President and congress.
He “can promise you,” but history shows he can’t deliver.
Romney says he will guarantee these young people jobs but all other policies that affect young people will be repealed, since he has embraced Paul Ryan’s budget which goes against everything that will benefit college kids. I will say it again. I absolutely despise this lying flipflopper.
Our4thEstate Bobfr
‘Why not do the right thing for the American people, even though it’s not exactly what we want’ @SpeakerBoehner #RIPGOP http://t.co/b2pH9fb7
In well less than 140 characters Boehner chiseled the 2012 headstone of the GOP. If only I had video and graphic skills of even modest quality!! But so many of you do that you’ll certainly make the most of this gift (hint, hint Chips 🙂 ).
My top 2012 prediction: the Republicans try to ban sex for women
Looking into my crystal ball, I also predict that 2012 will see Newt Gingrich becoming the face of the family values party and Shane Warne literally becoming Elizabeth Hurley
Cometh December, it is as traditional as Christmas itself for newspapers to fill their pages with retrospectives of the year. Yet looking backwards causes terrible neck wrinkles, you know. So seeing as I’ve just run out of my daily essential, Sisley Advanced Extra Firming Neck Cream, I shall keep my gaze steadfastly forward and my throat wattle-free. Instead, I shall plop a stylish turban upon my head – star and Saturn patterns are just so now – and carefully remove my crystal ball from my Mulberry Alexa bag – it’s not an It bag; it’s an heirloom – as I gaze into the future, looking at how certain stories that began in 2011 pan out in 2012. Strike up the futuristic music!
The Republicans ban women from having sex (except with them)
In 2011 America’s right wing, and especially the Christian right wing, at last let slip what their problem is with contraception and abortion: it’s not squeamishness, morality or a fondness for hanging outside Planned Parenthood clinics toting misspelt placards – they just don’t like women having sex. At all. As Amanda Marcotte wrote this week, in 2011 the anti-choice movement “stopped trying so hard to manage mainstream perceptions of themselves as somehow just great lovers of fetal life, and are coming out with their anti-sex agenda”. This was borne out in their frankly unhinged attacks on Planned Parenthood, the HPV vaccine, insurance coverage of contraception and, as I discussed last week, the puritanical mood they created that encouraged President Obama to restrict access to Plan B, or the morning-after pill, none of which have much to do with abortion and everything to do with women’s temerity to have sex.
Thus, in 2012 the Republicans propose the female anti-sex bill, in which women are expressly forbidden from having sex with anyone other than the occasional lecherous politician who happens to hurl himself, bodily, sweatily, in her lucky, lucky path.
Good morning everyone! Today is recovery day. Had such a wonderful day yesterday, now ready to get work done around the house this week. Know the President and family are having a great time in Hawaii. They need some down time. Can’t wait to see more pictures. Have a beautiful day everyone!
you can see what sweet parents they are…such naturals with the babies. I always love these photos of them in Hawaii, spending Christmas with the military there and dressed in summer clothes! Good for them for keeping it real, keeping to what they have always done. Being a mainlander who was born in Hawaii, I know the pull Hawaii always has on your heart. Welcome home, Mr. President.
Love the snow on your blog for the holidays 🙂
The Sad Spectacle of the Undecided Voter
by BooMan
Mon Dec 26th, 2011 at 09:58:04 AM EST
One thing that is difficult for a political junkie like myself is to suppress a feeling of disdain for people who don’t follow politics and yet want to give you their political opinions. In election season, you will periodically see reporting on undecided voters like this piece in the Washington Post. It’s very formulaic. A reporter goes out and finds three of four or five average citizens who are planning to vote but are having a difficult time figuring out whom to support. The reporter supplies some basic biographical information (a grandmother who looks after a ton of grandkids, a salesmen struggling in a weak economy, a guy who is underemployed but dreams of going to medical school in the Caribbean), and then they provide some of their confused reasoning about the candidates.
These kinds of pieces always suffer from a sample size problem. If you only use 3-5 people, you can wind up with odd results that make it seem, e.g., that Rick Santorum will be the winner of the Iowa Caucuses. This creates a bias problem, but the articles are really intended to just provide a snapshot of a small corner of the electorate. In this case, it’s the portion of the electorate that is both conservative enough to reject President Obama out of hand, and politically disengaged enough to be surprised to learn about things like Newt Gingrich’s record.
gah! sometimes i wish this guy would get the nomination so that attention will be focused on this bigoted SOB and youngsters around the country will stop romanticizing him.
Hoping all TODers and their family and friends are enjoying the holidays.
Decided to make a monthly donation of $19.36 to OFA/BarackObama between now and Election Day.
Am sure some of you will recognize the reason for that amount 🙂
But, for those who may not have seen some of my posts on the matter, just thought it was a fitting gesture to indicate that Yes We Can ensure President Obama & the Dems crush the FDR 1936 re-election results. In fact, Yes We Must.
Maybe some of you will consider making $19.36 donations, even just one.
Young Americans for Obama: Jonathon’s Story :: OFA South Carolina
“As a recent college graduate that has returned to the “nest,” I am a staunch supporter of President Barack Obama and his agenda. I believe that right now, he is the best person for the job to take this country forward. I truly believe he is a man of the people, and one of the great examples of this is his push to reform the healthcare system in our country. He realizes that having affordable healthcare coverage is of the utmost importance. ”
Obama White House.gov
The Obama Diary 
A new baby? How sweet? 😉
So that’s why they are in Hawaii! [I can hear the rumors now…..Just kidding.] 🙄
Thanks, Chips. Hope you are having lovely moments with your family, and that your gifts are a ‘hit’. 😆 Also, don’t forget to squeeze some rest time in there, because before you know it the week off will be over and we don’t want you to be tired as you head back to work.
YES…I HAVE NOT GIVEN UP ON PUSHING FOR THAT ONE…WOULD LUV TO SEE PBO HAVE A SON. IT’S STILL ON MY CHRISTMAS LIST!
I love them. They are great with children.
You can look at the expression on their face and you can tell how much tell loves kids. I’m sure looking at POTUS holding that cute lilltle baby reminded FLOTUS of when he held baby Malia and Sasha. It is such sweet pictures of them, I just love POTUS and FLOTUS.
They are all heart.
So true!
YES.WE.CAN…DO.(Much)More, Together!
PRESS ON!
So 100% true.
The photograph with the child’s fingers in President Obama’s mouth is priceless the First Lady looks like she has a tan. Hopefully the President will be able to have some fun in the sun too.
Maybe FLOTUS and the girls have been hanging around the pool, while they were waiting for POTUS to come .
Yes that is true. They do look like swimmers, hey if I was there I would practically live ag the beach. One of my favorite shows to watch is Hawaii 5-o. I have fallen head over hills with Hawaii it is such a beautiful place.
I haven’t gotten into the new Hawaii 5-0, but the old one I used to watch the old one, years ago.
I meant to say I use to watch the old Hawaii 5-0 show years ago. I don’t know if you are old enough to remember that show.
I used to watch the old one too, and didn’t know there was a remake. I’m going to say, sight unseen, that it can’t be as good as the original!
The old one? Hawaii 5-o is a remake? Cool I’ll look it up.
Yep, the new one is a remake! You’ll enjoy the old series, too.
Oh man. 😆 Wow. I guess I’m officially an adult. I laughed out loud at your comment PFWHI. Yes. Hawai’i 5-0 is a remake. It was a cool show when it first came on too! Now, I’ve got to look up that survey that talks about all the stuff college folks don’t remember. I’m figuring that you are out of college, but this list does help us older folk keep things in perspective…. Enjoy! 😆
The Mindset List – Beloit College -Class of 2015
OMG, that is a great site. Being 65, you forget what hasn’t always been around for these young folks. My son & daughter in law teach high school. I am around alot of young people, that site will help me know what is relevant for them.
Proud Former WHI, check out the old Hawaii 5-0. I was a good show. Now I will have to check out the new one, see how I like it.
The old one aired in the early to mid 1970’s starring Jack Lord. Google it and you will get its history.
Thank you Keith in C. I had been trying to think of the guy’s name, but couldn’t come up with it.
You’re welcome annie. 😉
THE ACTOR IN THE ORIG. 5-0 WAS JACK LORD WHO LIVED ON THE ISLAND ALL OF HIS LIFE AND DIED A FEW YEARS AGO! I USED TO WATCH IT ALL THE TIME. OF COURSE I’M ONLY 31…WATCHED IT FROM MY PLAYPEN….YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAH!
Hi everybody,
I am very pleased to announced that I have watched my very first episode of the original series it is pretty cool. I must say that I amparticle to the newer version due all of the technology. I will admit I am a computer nerd.
REAL BROTHER HERE.
Beautiful. They have a Roscoe’s in Hawaii ? Merry Christmas Mr. President and your beautiful family. Take as much time off as you need. We love you.
TKCAL
PBO + babies/children = WIN
Every time! You can almost feel the connection both POTUS and FLOTUS have with them. 😀
Remember when Barbara Walters ask the First Lady to name three words to describe the President, and one of them was father. Look at picture number four of the President holding the little baby and he is smiling. Now I see what the First Lady meant.
I can not understand when I hear some of the media folks talking about how President Obama doesn’t connect with people. I want to ask these idiots what the heck are you talking about? Are you media folks crazy?
I agree…that’s one of the weirder critiques that the media makes. When I think of the 2004 speech, Iowa speech, the NH speech, the speech on race…I could go on and on….the Nobel speech. My goodness the man can connect. I still have chills just THINKING about the last 2 speeches he gave before the election in 2008…the one in NC when he told everyone about his grandma’s death and then the very last speech in Northern VA. The man was all heart – tired, open, real.
I think the problem is that he doesn’t connect with the media personalities. They want him to like him very badly, and he doesn’t really like them. That’s their problem, though.
“I think the problem is that he doesn’t connect with the media personalities.”
THIS
They’re having to learn from PBO something they should have learned long ago–when dealing with the POTUS, or any politcian, the media’s job is to report the news from a factual POV that is not influenced by whether one has “inside” access to, or likes, the politician.
This, and I think that they think he will “fawn” all over them….like they are somehow more privileged…or should be honored more in someway because they are the press. He threats them like anyone else would want to be treated. Nothing more, nothing less…..and it’s not good enough for them. I find them all highly disrespectful. They must remember, you get what you give!
And W. Bush had given many of them nicknames. I believe he nicknamed David Gregory “Stretch” because he’s very tall. This tactic obviously bought the Bush Adminstration the type of favorable coverage that allowed them to invade Iraq, spend us into huge deficits, destroy the economy, mismanage Afghanistan and deny responsibility for all of it. It wasn’t until the middle of his 2nd term that the coverage began to turn against them.
So the math lesson here is: terrible president + kissing the media’s a** = good coverage or ignoring anything bad
great president + no media a**kissing = terrible coverage, carrying GOP water and daily faux outrage
Ha! Bush gave ’em nicknames cause he couldn’t remember their names! The media are so stupid, getting complimented because Bush couldn’t be bothered to learn their names 🙄
Really, I thought he was just sucking up to them with his “stupid frat boy charm.”
I also think there is a little of the Republican inspired opposite world operating with the media. They know darned well that connecting with people is PBO’s strength, so they say he “doesn’t” communicate well and thereby help to turn a strength into a weakness. That whole “leading from behind” crap was attempt to take PBO’s outstanding leadership and diplomatic skills and turn them into something pejorative. I heard a Democrat tell me that PBO led from behind on Libya and I asked him why he was spouting Republican talking points. What PBO did on Libya was brilliant arm twisting, diplomacy and forceful QUIET leadership, achieving his goals without sacrificing American lives. Just because he doesn’t go shooting off his guns and braging about how macho he is does not mean he’s leading from behind. The guy acknowledged what I said and shut up after that.
This repeating of R talking points really bug me as well. It is another sign that the person isn’t serious about having an adult conversation/examination of the facts. That and any mention of Gitmo and/or single payer.
Exactly Jackie.
Precisely, Jackie! Only, I think there’s a lot of gopropaganda, lying bobbleheads in corporatemediawhoredom dominated crap. Shall I name a few? “blitz”, crowley, tweety, mrs greenspan, cnn, etc, etc..and of course goebbels-fox. I stopped watching in 2002 but I read what’s still going on online.
Just look at those pictures.
Yes, anniebella, THEY ARE CRAZY!!! 😆 😆 and jealous and stupid and lazy and hateful… need I go on?
isonprize, no you need not say another word. I agree with all you said.
That is code for, why can’t he connect with tea baggers?
The answer is simple/
The real question is – why can’t they connect with the President?
Jovie the reason the tea baggers can’t or shall I say won’t connect with this President, is 99.9% of the tea baggers are racists. Now that is my opinion.
No. I think that’s pretty much established fact by now! They will never admit to that….but there is no mistake. That can’t be hidden.
I totally agree with you anniebella! But you know what, the media is not interested in the TRUTH. They’ve manufactured this false image of President Obama and they are all sticking to it. They believe that if they repeatedly tell the American people that President Obama is an elite who does not connect with people the vast majority of the American people will eventually believe the media instead of believing what they see when President Obama is warmly interacting with people-and especially children. What we have today, in the good old U.S. of A, is no longer a media that take journalism seriously. What constitutes the U.S. media today, for the most part, is a mixture of tabloid sensationalism and manufactured propaganda.
nathkatun7, you are so right.
Personally, I think the reason they keep trying to sell this lie about President Obama not connecting is because they know their preferred candidate, Romney, has absolutely no people skills or warmth. They’re trying to level the playing field with their false reality. Anyone with eyes, and who wants to see, can see that President Obama is perfectly fine in the connecting department. In fact, he’s superb.
Or they are saying that by all rights (white) people shoul not connect with an educated, traveled, slender, handsome black man. Even in matters as simple as the holiday photo, I read snarky reportage. You know, “you could look your family in the Sears studio for a weekend and still not look this good.”
Theo67, your points are well taken and very true.Just let me add a few .The media are so bent on keeping the lies going for one out and out truth,The President is the accomplished Leader they have seen in their lifetimes.The leaders they are use to are the ones with their hands out for money and pats on the back all the time to feed those egos.Our President Obama knows who he is and where he has been in his life and realizes what life is all about on both sides of the ledger of life.He has lived the life of everyday man from the bottom up.The media wanted to build some one up then break him down.They are jealous of the facts that He truly cares about the American people with all his heart and most of all the ones who go and serve our country at war.They the “media” live in the bottom of the barrel digging for dirt on some one they can’t stand the light of a person who keeps his word to the people who put him in office.Our President lives the life that some politicians talk about in their talking points (“Family values”,Country First”) THEY JUST CAN”T HANDLE THE TRUTH!
This is all true! 🙂
That what I be wondering what they are talking about.
these are great!! thank you!
That mom with two girls with blue t-shirts (tops ?) resembles this popular indian actress.
Separated at birth ?
I vote this one tes best.
The kid going am I with the president for real ? Geddouttahere.
Yes I sm sure if the little boy could talk he would have plenty to say.
Yeah. Heh kid, you pinch yourself, not the president to see if it is all for real.
That is very true. Revenue when I met the big guy I couldn’t believe it, I was like am I dreaming he is standing right here in front of me. I’m sure a lot of people are like that when they meet the first family.
Proud Former WHI, what I hear from most people who have met POTUS and FLOTUS both is how down to earth they are. There is no upity attitude in either one of them.
Totally agree with this. I haven’t really “met” President Obama, but I have shaken his hand now, 7 times (twice as a candidate, once as Pres-elect, and 4 times as President. – wwoot!!) Plus, the picture of Pres. Obama shaking my son’s hand made a very cool TOD thread!! Anyway, even in those very brief encounters, it’s like he takes the time, if only for a nano-second, to focus on you. He actually had some words for my son. He was very focused, lasered right in on him! It was amazing.
He’s just so genuine. so caring. And even with all of that handshaking, his hands are amazing soft and strong at the same time.
Mrs. Obama is also very genuine. I’ve shaken her hand once, when she was campaigning for her husband. I think she may drive the SS even crazier than her husband because she’s a “hugger” She just gets right in there with folks. I’m rambling… I just love them both!!!
isonprize, no you are not rambling. I was enjoying reading what you were saying.
Ah, the sweetness of children!
On another note, I like what Michelle has done with her hair!
These are just too too cute. The baby sticking his fingers all in Pres. Obama’s face is just too funny. He is so good with babies.
Merry Christmas to all the TOD family. I have been out traveling, visiting family and eating all day but had to come here before the end of the day to wish you all a Merry Christmas. I loved seeing the homecoming surprises of the returning troops on an earlier post. I also read through the charming article of the First Lady answering the calls from the kiddies needing an update on Santa Claus and his travels. So sweet. So I have already laughed and cried about all this. The First Family look beautiful, relaxed and happy. And now we have these beautiful pictures of the President with this adorable little baby. I am so glad the President was able to get business out of the way and be with his family for the holidays.
Thank you Chipsticks and everyone here for this site. It’s obvious from reading the greetings today just how much this place means to so many people.
Blessings to you all. God bless and protect our President and his family.
Happy Holidays everyone! Also, a special hello to Chips, I am so happy i discovered your blog..I get the real news about POTUS and his wonderful family here. Does anyone else notice the Mitt banners at the bottom of all You Tube videos with PBO?
Dear Chipsticks. I forgot to log in and my comment did not post. If you see it floating around out there could you free it please? And Happy Boxing Day!!!!
I love that third picture with the two of them looking down at that little newborn. That’s a heart-melter.
I like all the pictures, but picture two, three and four are my favorite.
They are the most genuine and loving people. They are a shining example and I love them dearly. Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas Anniebella. We are lucky to live in these times. 🙂
God Bless you all and sweet dreams.
The fab First Couple look so well-rested, unguarded, and completely at ease with each other and everyone else. Watching the live video of the First Couple attending church made me just really think about the fact that it takes a lot for president and his beloved family to even go on vacation.The Secret Service are charged with protecting the First Family wherever they are, whatever they’re doing. They are away from their families, homes, and friends. I so appreciate their service!
Oh, Chips these are just precious. We have the coolest, most adorable, caring, fun, compassionate and down right smart POTUS and FLOTUS ever. Just love these. The families seem to be so happy interacting with their President. Also so see how the POB smiles with the babies and sincerely hugs, and love being in their company.
This is the most interacting, and fun loving family (that has been shown in the WH in my lifetime). I know that modern technology has helped, but I have been around for a long time, and POB and FLOTUS are very natural and so loving with the people they are around. They are not ‘ putting on’, this is the real thing. No one like them!!!!!
I love it. No, POB and our First Lady connects with people, and they have always done so from the very beginning(IMO). but it is the media types who do not connect with the President and First Lady because they do not want to. I have watch some of these old media people for years, and they want to frame this mess this way for our President. However, POB keeps making them look like the fools that they are.
We at TOD knows that POB and First Lady Michelle Obama connects very well. So there for the Tweety and other. Just not telling the truth.
We know the truth and we will continue to love them and keep Pressing On. I love my President, VP, FLOTUS and SLOTUS. We have the best, and we are going to keep them for 4 more!!!!! Let me hear the great choir, “Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen. Amen.”
Listening to: KG, Barbara Streisand, Tony Bennett, and the Christmas section of Handle’s Messiah. Great Christmas Evening of music, candles, prayers for rest for Chipsticks, healing for Carolyn’s husband, Sue, Tally, Fred and Mom, and all of our TOD family who are a little under the weather. We will be together in our thoughts, prayers, meditations ,and most of all our love and support for each other and our POB.
I love you all back so very, very much.(((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Joyful Music, Candles, Glass of Wine, Cup of Tea To All))))))))))))))))))))))))))HZ
By Jim Wolf and Nicola Leske
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Obama administration cleared the way for states to legalize Internet poker and certain other online betting in a switch that may help them reap billions in tax revenue and spur web-based gambling.
A Justice Department opinion dated September and made public on Friday reversed decades of previous policy that included civil and criminal charges against operators of some of the most popular online poker sites.
Until now, the department held that online gambling in all forms was illegal under the Wire Act of 1961, which bars wagers via telecommunications that cross state lines or international borders.
The new interpretation, by the department’s Office of Legal Counsel, said the Wire Act applies only to bets on a “sporting event or contest,” not to a state’s use of the Internet to sell lottery tickets to adults within its borders or abroad.
“The United States Department of Justice has given the online gaming community a big, big present,” said I. Nelson Rose, a gaming law expert at Whittier Law School who consults for governments and the industry.
The question at issue was whether proposals by Illinois and New York to use the Internet and out-of-state transaction processors to sell lottery tickets to in-state adults violated the Wire Act.
http://mobile.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSTRE7BO0HA20111225?irpc=932
Science fair on the Nationsl Mall-
http://m.popularmechanics.com/science/8921/
HONOLULU (AP) — President Barack Obama blended his roles as a father and commander-in-chief this Christmas, exchanging presents and singing carols with his family, then greeting U.S. service members stationed at a Marine base in Hawaii.
The president and his family woke up early Sunday to open gifts, the White House said, then had breakfast and sang Christmas carols at the multimillion-dollar house they rent in Kailua Beach, near Honolulu.
Obama made two trips on Christmas to nearby Marine Corps Base Hawaii, first to attend church services at the base chapel. The president dressed casually in dark khaki pants and a short-sleeve blue shirt, and his wife and daughters donned sundresses for Christmas services on a bright, breezy day on the island of Oahu.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iyOy6slVkmJLTFEG4WWvRL8NW_XA?docId=eb9a996254984be1852409d252244168
I am just tearfully speechless almost as I look at these pictures. The one of our President looking down at the infant in his arms is almost beyond words. His expression is so genuine and loving. I am blown away by these pictures. And I am so humbly thankful that while on his Christmas vacation, he and Michelle and the girls take time to go to a military base to spend time with the troops. He is the most amazing President I have ever seen … I just cannot say anymore. Daisydem
Did you all know there is a jobs report, four days before the election?
Those are the most beautiful pictures!!!! The Obama’s are the realest First Family we have had in along time. They know how to relate to everyone! Thank you Chips for these pictures.
I hope everyone here had the most wonderful Christmas Day. It has been a beautiful day at our house. Good night. See you all tomorrow!
It’s funny how babies get away with doing cool things just because they’re babies…LOL
What if I wanted to walk up the president and stick my finger in his mouth, I would be hauled off by the Secret Service. For shame!
LOL!
LOLLLLLLLLLLLLL…NAUGHTY MATTTTTTTT WAITING FOR YOUR THO’TS!
Watching our wonderful First Family going to church gave me a bit of a heavy heart. They are a wonderful family and demonstrate what family values really are–the jolt for me is always the layers of Secret Service around them, cars parked as shields, careful planning every step of the way etc. My eyes get a little misty when I realize this family, THIS FAMILY, has to be shielded in such a way. God bless those 4 and keep them safe.
Greetings All.
It is way late here on a day that started way to early, but I couldn’t let it end without stopping in and wishing everyone peace & joy, whether quietly with the TOD family or surrounded by those who love you. It has taken a while to go thru all the delicious posts I missed, but can now say I have finally come to the end of another spectacular day.
@lovingandlaughing; I hope you got great pictures of your three kids opening their presents. I’m sure they were thrilled. I know these are the memories that will stay with you long after their soft yet infectious laughter has left the house.
Fred such great news about the insurance coming thru for your mom! As someone who’s gone thru something similar, I can only offer my heartfelt wishes and the mantra that helped me get thru it: ‘It gets better’. We were all concerned about you. Thanks for stopping in. It made the day that much sweeter.
Welcome to BestPresidentEver and to all the rest of TOD lurkers, hope your Christmas was merry & bright. Regardless of your faith or background, I truly hope the spirit of the season has found a way into your hearts and lives.
Sam UK Obama Supporter {{{hugs}}} to your friend’s daughter and to your son for making sure she knows she is still beautiful. A sweet and caring soul he is! Sending warm wishes that the spirit hold and guide you as you care for your parents. I’m sure they appreciate it very much.
PamelaBrown53 I’m jealous. I want one of those sweatshirts! humph! giggle…
To our Canadian neighbors, Happy Boxing Day! My house is right over there…
ChipsChica, what can I say that hasn’t already been said? The words of appreciation posted echo my sentiments exactly. To the TOD family, you all make me feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, when she declares to the motley crew that gravitates around her, “It’s funny, but I feel like I know you all already.” (to paraphrase)
Lastly, The video of the returning service members was so heartwarming. Thank you President Obama for your careful & meticulous planning to bring them home. My thoughts go out to those families with an empty seat still at the table, as well as those serving far from home. To all our returning service men & women, it’s good to have you back where you belong. Welcome home! Felize Navidad.
What a nice comment, LunarSea! And that quote from “The Wizard of Oz”…..perfect! Yup, I feel just like that!
that is very sweet LunerSea – you got me a little misty eyed there. 🙂
Welp, this is what happens when you alienate god knows how many people with extremely rude and disrespectful comments about one of best, most gracious, most hard-working, most intelligent presidents this country has ever had. If I were Cameron Crowe, I’d sue Matt Damon for screwing up his promo tour so badly…what an idiot.
http://www.altfg.com/blog/movie/matt-damon-we-bought-a-zoo-the-girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo/
I have to go back to bed…just got up with the dog, guess she had to go out. It’s 3:43 AM and that’s just a wee bit too early for me to stay up…so I’ll see you all in a few hours………………………….!
Blessings to all; it’s 3am and just finished our Christmas day visiting, cooking, eating & trying to keep eyes open through a movie! Glad we have Boxing day!
Included all of you and the First Family, 2nd Family in my prayers; in health & happiness always.
There you are, canadabarb! Merry Christmas (again) to you! Also left you a message on CR’s blog (ProPresObama)!
It’s been a while since I posted any comments or tweets. Being shorthanded at work since November 1 has overwhelmed my entire life. I understand someone has been hired to replace the person we lost to disability, so my life should be getting back to normal soon.
Even though I’ve had no time for comments, I’ve been lurking every day at every opportunity. Could not give up on getting truthful news about POTUS, VPOTUS, FLOTUS AND SLOTUS and their families. For this I am truly thankful to Chips, our TOD Goddess! I’m always amazed at the amount of information you’re able to amass while still holding down a full-time job. You are an AMAZING WONDER!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa… HAPPY HOLIDAYS to Chips and the entire TOD Family!
hey lmrj – good to see you post again – yes! it’s been awhile glad though that you may be getting some relief in the work department.
PBO has that look in his eyes that says ” Are we really done? I think that I want another one.”. He looks so beautiful holding that tiny baby.
How funny is the photo of the kid who puts his hand in PBO’s mouth? When I see pictures of how he and Michelle interact with others, especially children, I cannot imagine any of the republican pretenders in a similar role. None of them seem to really care about anyone other than themselves. They do not visit the sick and wounded, they do not perform acts of service, they do not comfort the bereaved, they do not encourage or lift up those who are hurting, they have never shown love . Why are they running for an office that is all about service? God help us all so that we are saved from such a disaster.
How blessed are we that our president is still a community organizer, only now his community is the world.
“How blessed are we that our president is still a community organizer, only now his community is the world.”
Well stated, CEB.
Yes, Ceb. Well-stated.
Ceb, Amen to what you said. I always remember when the President was talking about the Republicans talking about his health reform, you know the one they loves to call Obama Care. The President said in one speech, they’re right Obama does care. I say POTUS and FLOTUS has a heart, they care about people.
Well said Ceb. I’m lovin the baby investigating PBO’s mouth 😀 No, you’d never see a baby “wanting” to be held by the other candidates. Babies know !
How blessed are we that our president is still a community organizer, only now his community is the world.
YES!
Wow. Just look at those photos!!!!
PBO is Mother Teresa compared to W and all the current Republican contenders. This is so completely obvious that you have to have an MSM working pretty hard 24/7 trying to convince people otherwise. I think it’s his intelligence that frightens and threatens small-minded people.
Moreover, it looks like he likes being with people!
Exactly meta. The MSM can try as hard as they want to portray PBO as unapproachable, cold, and indifferent if they want. The public can see with their own eyes. We are not blind and we don’t need delusional racist pundits to tell us what we see. The people that want to know the truth can find it. Obama/Biden 2012
Ron Paul likes his skinhead support- not kidding-
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/26/us/politics/ron-paul-disowns-extremists-views-but-doesnt-disavow-the-support.html?_r=1&ref=global-home#
It doesn’t surprise me about Ron Paul, heck most of the other Republicans have the same kind of people supporting them. You know those that dislike President Obama and the Obama family just because of the color of their skin.
Pretty telling, and he has Militia support.
Of course he has Miliia support, his bumper sticker says revolution!
Duh. Lol!
It’s been a different presidential race in Iowa this year – quieter.
Campaign headquarters have hardly been buzzing with activity, unlike the around-the-clock nature of past contests. Candidates have barely visited the state, compared with years when most all but moved here. And they have largely refrained from building the grass-roots armies of yesteryear, in favor of more modest on-the-ground teams of paid staffers and volunteers.
The final rush of campaigning here gets under way Monday, just a week before the Jan. 3 caucuses, and, to be sure, there will be a flurry of candidate appearances and get-out-the-vote efforts all week.
http://m.miamiherald.com/mh/db_42936/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=RpRyIxrk
Contrast that with what happened in 2008. Remember volunteers from all over the country going to Iowa? I almost went myself. The state was a buzz for a whole year with groundswarms of grassroots working their butts off with nobody else in sight.
But but but Charlie cook and Tom Brokaw said that nobody is excited for the President and…
Remember the Kennedy Center Honors come on CBS Tuesday at 9pm.
Thanks for the reminders. I’ve set my dvr.
I have every TV’s DVR in the house set up for this…it’s gonna be great!! 🙂 🙂
::::already humming “Sweet Caroline”….::::
House Democrats are critical of GOP proposals that make sweeping changes to the federal unemployment benefits program, but are holding back specifics on how they intend to work out those differences as both sides line up for a battle over extending jobless assistance.
The two sides face a deep divide on what to include and how to cover the $200 billion cost of jobless benefits legislation that is expected to extend the policies through the 2012 elections.
On the cusp of early talks between House and Senate conferees over how to pass a yearlong payroll tax cut extension — which includes a reauthorization of federal unemployment benefits and a Medicare “doc fix”— Democratic leaders would only say Friday that “there will be time to get to those specifics” and that there “are differences between the two parties and they will have to be addressed.”
http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/1007-other/201327-house-dems-prepping-for-fight-over-proposed-cuts-to-jobless-benefits
Sneaking in here while I have a minute—-still have xmas guests snoozing away upstairs. Sweet, sweet photos of President Obama and the new baby, and the funny hand-in-mouth baby. I see President Obama did not get a new shirt for xmas. 🙂 He’s sure got his money’s worth out of that blue checked number—–from the farm fields of 2007 Iowa till Hawaiian xmas 2011, Obama and the shirt have persevered. Kinda love that about him, priorities in order. And thought this was an interesting article —-Chgo Trib—–about the shifting focus of Obama campaign—-away from “it could have been worse” economy talk to President Obama as a defendant of the middle class and making sure everyone has “a fair shot”. It’s succeeding and is smart:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/la-na-obama-economy-20111226,0,2833066.story
dotster3, your comments reminded me of when the Obama family were somewhere at some fair campaigning but they were doing an interview with Access Hollywood, and the Obama girls were kidding him about the condition of his belt and shoes. Michelle said her husband is not concern about things like that.
Happy Holidays everyone!!!
And a special hey to Chips and all you do to keep us all informed of all things President Obama!!
Thanks to all the TOD family……for your wit and wisdom all year long!
Now on to 2012 and the re-election of President Obama and VP Biden!!!!
Brazil economy overtakes UK
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/mobile/business-16332115
Good morning, TOD!~
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper Claims He Was Told This Month That Keystone XL Would Be Approved |
By Brad Johnson on Dec 20, 2011 at 11:17 am
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, a conservative advocate of his nation’s tar sands boom, told CTV National News that U.S. officials said the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline would still be approved when he visited the United States earlier this month, but now he believes it will never get built. “When I was down in the United States recently it was interesting. I ran into several senior Americans who all said, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll get Keystone done. You can sell all of your oil to us.’ I said, ‘Yeah we’d love to,’ but I think the problem is now that we’re on a different track,” Harper said.
http://thinkprogress.org/green/2011/12/20/393101/canadian-prime-minister-stephen-harper-claims-he-was-told-this-month-that-keystone-xl-would-be-approved/
Ahhhhh….. “several senior Americans” = Repugs. ’nuff said.
harper is another con in cahoots with the rethugs. I remember his attempt to knee cap obama in 2008 with golsbee ‘incident’. Fuck him.
HOGWASH! In fact, I think he won’t. “Several friends of mine told me.” 🙂 I think I never believe anything someone else says….until I hear it DIRECTLY from the source!
I don’t get what the big deal is really for environmental purposes. Regardless if the pipeline is built or not Canada is going to sell it’s tar sands, so the environmental impact will be there – it’s just if they ship it to US, or to China. So then it’s about the actual pipeline and Nebraska aquifer – and the pipeline people said they’d route around it.
I think the best realistic scenario is for Pres Obama to use it to trade for huge concessions from GOP. Major parts of AJA green energy investment in the very least.
Afghanistan sets ground rules for Taliban talks
Monday, December 26, 2011
Afghanistan will accept a Taliban office in Qatar to help peace talks but no foreign power can get involved in the process without its consent, the government’s peace council said, as efforts gather pace to find a solution to the 10-year war. It said that negotiations with the Taliban could only begin after they stopped violence against civilians, cut ties to al Qaeda, and accepted the Afghan constitution which guarantees civil rights and liberties, including rights for women. The council, according to a copy of the 11-point note made available to Reuters, also said any peace process with the Taliban would have to have the support of Pakistan since members of the insurgent group were based there.
~snip~
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/12/26/afghanistan-sets-ground-rules-for-taliban-talks/
CMS announces home care demonstration
December 21, 2011 | Stephanie Bouchard, Associate Editor
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced a new demonstration project that will continue the push to keep patients with chronic conditions in their homes rather than place them in long-term care facilities. The Independence at Home Demonstration, created by the Affordable Care Act, will test how effective it is to provide primary care services in patients’ homes. It could include up to 10,000 beneficiaries and up to 50 practices.
CMS’ Innovation Center will work with medical practices lead by physicians or nurse practitioners and associated multidisciplinary teams providing primary care services. The demonstration seeks to learn if in-home care improves health outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions, reduces hospitalizations, improves patient and caregiver satisfaction and reduces costs.
~snip~
http://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/cms-announces-home-care-demonstration
This is a great idea for the elderly who really want to stay in their homes. I hope it works and that the President gets full credit for this and helps seniors realize he’s on their side too, instead of being deceived by the GOP and Fox News all the time.
Happy Day After Christmas TOD Family. My family and guest are still nestled all snug in their beds.
I’m gonna spend this morning catching up. Love, love, loved the pictures of our First Family and the one of our President holding the newborn was so precious.
I hope everyone has a restful day!
L.A. Times: Earth’s Top 10 Biggest Enemies in Congress
By Climate Guest Blogger on Dec 15, 2011 at 1:37 pm
Republicans launched an unprecedented frontal assault against environmental protections and regulations this year, prompting Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) to call his chamber “the most anti-environment House in history.” Here are the 10 most powerful and outspoken opponents of clean air, clean water, conservation and climate action. Here are the opponents 10 to 8:
~snip~
http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/12/15/390155/la-times-congress-10-biggest-enemies-of-the-earth/
We need to spread this around. They NEED TO GO!
tweeted
🙂 Morning, alice!
Hey DF 🙂
Yemen: President Saleh to visit US
Mariya KarimjeeDecember 24, 2011 15:44
Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh is planning a trip to the United States, according to a party spokesman, CNN reported. Saleh, who agreed to step down last month in a deal brokered by Gulf states who feared that civil war in Yemen will affect them, has yet to give a specific date and has promised that he will continue to play a political role in Yemen’s future.
~snip~
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/middle-east/111224/yemen-president-saleh-visit-us
Economic Survival Tips: What to do NOW
In these tough economic times, we all are wondering how we can ensure our financial well-being. Within these Economic Survival Tips, you can find answers to commonly asked questions and a course of action, both short-term and long-term, no matter your current situation.
http://www.smartaboutmoney.org/economicsurvivaltips/tabid/554/Default.aspx
https://www.billshrink.com/
Of course, where would we all be, w/o the CNN express in Iowa?
WHAT BEAUTIFUL AND PRECIOUS PICTURES…I WISH OUR FIRST FAMILY COULD HAVE THIS KIND OF PEACE,LOVE AND JOY ALL THE TIME. THEY ARE LOVED AND TREATED SO WELL IN HAWAII!
IT’S TIMES LIKE THESE WHEN I SEE THESE PIX…THAT I REALLY HATE POLITICS!
Romney has a new Iowa ad-
I am going to make government simpler, smaller and smarter.
No policies, just empty rhetoric!!!
For anyone who still wants just a little more Christmas, here is the transcript (from ‘Michelle Obama Watch’) of Mrs Obama talking to kids about tracking Santa… How cool is this?? She mentioned PBO being a ‘dad’ but she is such a “mom” too!
http://www.michelleobamawatch.com/home/2011/12/24/happy-holidays.html
Morning TOD Family & Friends! Hope everyone’s Boxing Day is going well. Here’s a video segment that goes with ‘our’ pictures that i know you will enjoy. 😉
Love it. Love them.
🙂 🙂 🙂
Thanks vc.Perfect complement to the pics.
🙂
So at ease. So adorable. Thanks, vc 🙂
I guess I should stop watching it now? Is 5 times enough?
I beat you.Seven times already. Ha.
There sure is lots of love in that room for our POTUS and FLOTUS. 🙂
Oh that is so sweet. I can’t even think of another President or FLOTUs who could relate to real people like these two. We are so blessed. I am so sorry that the rest of America doesn’t have the opportunity to see the pictures we see because out media doesn’t do it’s job.
awesome vc! thank you!
Monday, December 26, 2011
Who’s Running Pyongyang?
Posted by Zandar
With the death of Dear Leader Kim Jong-il, the power brokers inside the country are emerging…at least the ones that North Korea wants us to see.
North Korean television Sunday showed power-behind-the-throne Jang Song-thaek in the uniform of a general in a sign of his growing sway after the death of Kim Jong-il, and Japan’s prime minister said the region faced a new phase with Kim’s demise.
Footage that North Korean television said was shot on Saturday showed Jang on the frontrow of top military officers who accompanied Kim Jong-un, the youngest son of Kim Jong-il and his anointed successor, paying their respects before Kim’s body.
The choreography around Kim’s death is one of the secretive North’s few, opaque clues to the emerging configuration of power in this poor and isolated state that has rattled neighbors with nuclear tests and military brinkmanship.
.
http://zandarvts.blogspot.com/2011/12/whos-running-pyongyang.html
AH, Houston…we have a problem!
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/paul_boasted_about_unhinged_ne034321.php
We were led to believe by the MSM that all but Gingrich and Perry were ineligible to be on the VA ballot…..NOT SO!
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/virginias_ballotaccess_debacle034318.php
Michele Bachmann, Jon Huntsman, and Rick Santorum also came up short, which leaves Paul and Romney as the only GOP candidates whose names will appear on the primary ballot.
Everyone has just got to be sick of popcorn by now. I’m going suggest we move on to some other delightful treat. This is too much fun.
Junior Mints for everyone!
How about Skittles…or we can rename them “Skuttles” like all the Repubs should do with their book tours…I mean “campaigns”!
Good one. But in the treat category, give me anything with the name HERSHEY on it. Thank you in advance.
I don’t think I could ever be sick of popcorn, but I can make room for some peanut M&M’s 🙂
Good Morning TOD family.
Still recovering from the pie, wonderful to read all your posts.
This story is a heartwarming one
Balloons to Santa found in time to grant Auburn girl’s wish
http://www.whatisworking.com/2011/12/balloons-to-santa-found-in-time-to.html
Some folks are nice after all.
Definite “cool” factor – the building reminds me of a space ship.
Apple HQ could have the country’s biggest solar installation
http://www.whatisworking.com/2011/12/apple-hq-could-have-countrys-biggest.html
That is wicked cool!
http://www.angryblacklady.com/2011/12/26/the-disunited-states-of-gop-america/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-disunited-states-of-gop-america
Must read.
From TPM:
Obama Camp Set Fourth Quarter Fundraising Goal Of $60 Million
The Obama campaign set a goal of raising $60 million in the fourth quarter, which would put them over $200 million for 2011. As Politico notes, if they are making this goal ‘public,’ then they expect to surpass it. The campaign is expected to surpass its record $750 million raised in 2008.
I’m not sure where my comment went but I tried to respond to this. Anyway, great news and this is only preliminary!
Exactly. And they can’t have forgotten about their very own secret weapon…..donnadem!!!!! The fundraising QUEEN!
Awww shucks DF.
Chips and I will be raising the roof on those fundraising thermometers for PBO in 2012. 😉
I KNOW THAT! I will just think of you as “Your Awesomeness”!! And when you do it again (and we will) maybe, since you have an “inside track to the WH:) You can make the next congratulatory call a CONFERENCE CALL….:)
And that $750M had enough left over that Pres Obama gave every full time staffer a months bonus I believe. Also that $750M was used to introduce a largely unknown candidate to the nation, now he’s the incumbent President who can use his position as President for a lot of free media coverage – meaning he can spend more money on the ground game, organizing and getting out the vote. I can’t find where i read it, but recall reading something about the campaign/DNC already spending $75M when the Q3 numbers were released – that’s a huge burn rate, but also shows that there is a ton of campaign building going on largely behind the scenes – they already have a presence in all 50 States and have multiple offices in all swing states, full time staff and growing volunteer lists to train etc.
Don’t Just Read the Constitution
By Suzi LeVeaux – Posted on 05 November 2011
Ron Paul is always referencing the Constitution. Tea Party types and right wingers are always telling us to “read the Constitution.” There is quite a difference between reading the words, and understanding the scope of the document written by our Founding Fathers. The U.S. Constitution was written because the representatives knew that the Articles of Confederation were not working.
~snip~
But the biggest error in their understanding of the Constitution is that it is not an economic document. It is NOT about economics. It is a pact between the government that it establishes and “we the people.” It has nothing to do with following economic theories. We have a society that is based around our beliefs and traditions. We established a government to defend and maintain that society. The government was not established to maintain and defend any economic theories. It is designed to be a government of the people, by the people, for the people.
Read more: http://www.republicansforobama.org/node/9737
Thank you, creolechild…that was extremely helpful to me.
Medicare spending growth rising slower but enrollment will rise
By Lori Montgomery, Published: December 22
Throughout Medicare’s 46-year-old history, monitoring the cost of the government health plan for the elderly has been a bit like the old joke: No one asked if spending would jump. They only asked how high. But in early 2010, the number crunchers at Medicare headquarters in Baltimore saw something surprising: a sharp drop in the volume of doctor visits and other outpatient services.
Instead of growing at the usual 4 percent a year, the number of claims was suddenly climbing by less than 2 percent. As spring wore into summer, the trend inexplicably held. Spending growth on outpatient services, known as Part B, fell sharply.
But the drop serves to highlight an often-overlooked truth: Medicare spending per person is rising more slowly than spending in the private health sector. And, because of the cuts that were part of last year’s Affordable Care Act, it is expected to mirror overall growth in the economy for much of the next decade, staying well below targets set by Congress.
~snip~
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/medicare-spending-growth-rising-slower-but-enrollment-will-rise/2011/12/15/gIQATcIMCP_story.html
I hate to be petty especially during the season of joy but Matt Damon’s movie had a disappointing 6th place opening this past weekend.
Isn’t karma sweet 🙂
http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00046421.html
I rank Matt Damon right up there with that crazy psycho Baldwin brother. Off the ledge.
Right or Left folks like Damon are equally nuts.
But I do think his commentary causes our party damage. He is a public figure and far too many on our side are easily persuaded to give up so easily when they don’t get their way. The Repubs are counting on folks like Damon to do their dirty work for them.
Here is a good article that articulates what people like Damon do to the Democatic Party.
http://www.eurweb.com/2011/12/matt-damon-president-obama-music-to-gop/
Agreed. 100%
I don’t consider matt demon a democrat anymore. He might as well be a rethug as far as I am concerned. He is not an unintelligent person so he must know how government works. PBO is not a dictator and must work with the dysfunctional gop house and senate members.
As an intelligent person, one would expect him to realize that fact.
co-sign
Although PBHO and OFA/DNC are, probably, aware of Damon’s “ODS/disappointment,” I reported this to attackwatch.com. (Attackwatch is located on TOD’s sidebar, and it has a Twitter acct which is @attackwatch. #attackwatch)
And, when possible, I donate to it! 😉
YES.WE.CAN…DO.(Much)More, Together!
YES.WE.CAN, Again…Obama/Biden 2012!
PRESS ON!
Wouldn’t it be something if his unfair critcism of PBO, PBO’s response at the WHCD and his recent poor box office turns about to be the beginning of the end of his career?
I liked Damon in Goodwill Hunting and loved his really sick performance in The Talented Mr. Ripley. I also liked him in the first Bourne movie (did not see the other two) but I have to say I can’t stand to see his face right now, let alone his movies.
Tweeters can you Tweet this?
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/playing_the_blame_game_poorly034323.php
it’s also worth realizing that for much of the right, they don’t have much of a choice — they have to blame government, even if Fannie and Freddie weren’t to blame, because the alternative would be to accept the intellectual bankruptcy of their worldview. Wall Street and the major financial industry institutions were responsible for the 2008 crash, but for Republicans to accept that fact would lead them to conclusions they’re just not comfortable with: the need for federal regulations that limit recklessness and prevent catastrophes.
The entire article is well worth the read.
you betcha
AW. Newt lied? ! Shocked!
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/26/newly-released-court-documents-cast-doubt-on-gingrich-version-of-first-divorce/
I so wish this guy could win the Republican nomination. We have a weatlh of information to take him down politically. Unfortunately the Republican establishment knows this and are releasing this stuff drip by drip.
Yes, but, but … I cannot stand seeing much more of Newt! If I were going to allow myself to detest anybody, he’d be my first choice.
December 26, 2011 11:50 AM
Playing the blame game poorly
By Steve Benen
Identifying the culprits for global financial industry collapses can be challenging. When it comes to explaining who caused the Great Depression, for example, there are still some spirited debates among legitimate experts.
That said, it’s generally easier to understand what didn’t cause a crash. And when it comes to the 2008 crisis and the ensuing Great Recession, it’s imperative to understand just how wrong Republicans are.
The GOP line, especially among the party’s presidential hopefuls, is pretty straightforward: blame government. Candidates like Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich are convinced — or at least pretend to be convinced for the sake of political appearances — federal housing policy and regulations produced the crash. If Americans want someone to blame, they say, start with Washington in general, and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in specific.
Bloomberg reported last week that the Republican line has been rejected “by the chairman of the Federal Reserve, many economists and even three of the four Republicans on the government commission that investigated the meltdown,” but Romney & Co. don’t care about facts; they care about convincing voters to believe ideologically-satisfying nonsense. Sure, the evidence points to a lack of regulations, but since when does evidence matter?
For his part, the New York Times’ Joe Nocera appears to be sick of it. Over the weekend, he labeled the Republican line “the Big Lie,” and explained how thoroughly it’s been embraced by Republican policymakers, conservative think tanks, and GOP-friendly media outlets.
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/playing_the_blame_game_poorly034323.php
Our4thEstate Bobfr
Yet another Republican ‘Big Lie’ exposed – http://t.co/hosFPAFs http://t.co/OnFzdRWL http://t.co/MNSD57bs Simply, GOP ideology = need to LIE
#YesWeCanDoMoreTogether — We Must!
December 26, 2011
Dionne nails it
For sheer precision in what is too often a wholesale muddle of political definitions, E.J. Dionne this morning is indispensable:
Obama will … be the conservative in 2012, in the truest sense of that word. He is the candidate defending the modestly redistributive and regulatory government the country has relied on since the New Deal, and that neither Ronald Reagan nor George W. Bush dismantled. The rhetoric of the 2012 Republicans suggests they want to go far beyond where Reagan or Bush ever went.
I argued a similar case in the run-up to the 2010 congressional elections; I argued that Democrats, in this incontrovertibly center-right nation, should exploit the majority’s professed preference for a philosophical conservatism by declaring themselves the true conservatives (in that they were merely “defending the modestly redistributive and regulatory government the country has relied on since the New Deal”).
I about got my head handed to me by a progressive community that, I discovered, preferred lofty labels to pragmatic victories.
http://pmcarpenter.blogs.com/p_m_carpenters_commentary/2011/12/dionne-nails-it.html
According to Pew research this country is solidly in the Center and has been since the 1980’s.
http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1743/static-america-no-shift-political-values-elections
( I am so tired of the media push that this country is CENTER RIGHT.! )
December 26, 2011 9:30 AM
Romney’s ‘promise’ to college grads
By Steve Benen
On Friday, a college student in New Hampshire reminded Mitt Romney that “many” of those in her generation “find it especially hard to relate” to the former governor as a candidate. She asked why those in her age group should “mobilize” for the Romney campaign, instead of President Obama.
His response was rather mind-numbing.
“What I can promise you is this — when you get out of college, if I’m president you’ll have a job. If President Obama is reelected, you will not be able to get a job. That’s the reason I will hopefully get young people who are in college is to say, ‘You know what, I understand what it takes to get jobs in America.’”
I still don’t know why anyone takes this guy seriously. It’s easy to get accustomed to cheap political pandering, but who’s going to believe this nonsense?
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_12/romneys_promise_to_college_gra034320.php
“I can promise you is this — when you get out of college, if I’m president you’ll have a job.”
This coming from the man whose state ranked 47 out of 50 in job creation while he was Governor. Massachusetts had and has a highly-educated, highly-skilled pool of workers to draw from, but Mitt couldn’t guarantee jobs for them under a tax-cutting Republican President and congress.
He “can promise you,” but history shows he can’t deliver.
Mitt Romney is a bold face liar.
Romney says he will guarantee these young people jobs but all other policies that affect young people will be repealed, since he has embraced Paul Ryan’s budget which goes against everything that will benefit college kids. I will say it again. I absolutely despise this lying flipflopper.
Our4thEstate Bobfr
‘Why not do the right thing for the American people, even though it’s not exactly what we want’ @SpeakerBoehner #RIPGOP http://t.co/b2pH9fb7
In well less than 140 characters Boehner chiseled the 2012 headstone of the GOP. If only I had video and graphic skills of even modest quality!! But so many of you do that you’ll certainly make the most of this gift (hint, hint Chips 🙂 ).
#PRESSON #OutPerform1936
tweeted.
Thank you!! Hope you are enjoying a great holiday, Alice.
#PRESSON
My top 2012 prediction: the Republicans try to ban sex for women
Looking into my crystal ball, I also predict that 2012 will see Newt Gingrich becoming the face of the family values party and Shane Warne literally becoming Elizabeth Hurley
Cometh December, it is as traditional as Christmas itself for newspapers to fill their pages with retrospectives of the year. Yet looking backwards causes terrible neck wrinkles, you know. So seeing as I’ve just run out of my daily essential, Sisley Advanced Extra Firming Neck Cream, I shall keep my gaze steadfastly forward and my throat wattle-free. Instead, I shall plop a stylish turban upon my head – star and Saturn patterns are just so now – and carefully remove my crystal ball from my Mulberry Alexa bag – it’s not an It bag; it’s an heirloom – as I gaze into the future, looking at how certain stories that began in 2011 pan out in 2012. Strike up the futuristic music!
The Republicans ban women from having sex (except with them)
In 2011 America’s right wing, and especially the Christian right wing, at last let slip what their problem is with contraception and abortion: it’s not squeamishness, morality or a fondness for hanging outside Planned Parenthood clinics toting misspelt placards – they just don’t like women having sex. At all. As Amanda Marcotte wrote this week, in 2011 the anti-choice movement “stopped trying so hard to manage mainstream perceptions of themselves as somehow just great lovers of fetal life, and are coming out with their anti-sex agenda”. This was borne out in their frankly unhinged attacks on Planned Parenthood, the HPV vaccine, insurance coverage of contraception and, as I discussed last week, the puritanical mood they created that encouraged President Obama to restrict access to Plan B, or the morning-after pill, none of which have much to do with abortion and everything to do with women’s temerity to have sex.
Thus, in 2012 the Republicans propose the female anti-sex bill, in which women are expressly forbidden from having sex with anyone other than the occasional lecherous politician who happens to hurl himself, bodily, sweatily, in her lucky, lucky path.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/dec/20/my-prediction-republicans-ban-sex
See enough of Newt and women won’t *want* to have sex anymore.
Good morning everyone! Today is recovery day. Had such a wonderful day yesterday, now ready to get work done around the house this week. Know the President and family are having a great time in Hawaii. They need some down time. Can’t wait to see more pictures. Have a beautiful day everyone!
you can see what sweet parents they are…such naturals with the babies. I always love these photos of them in Hawaii, spending Christmas with the military there and dressed in summer clothes! Good for them for keeping it real, keeping to what they have always done. Being a mainlander who was born in Hawaii, I know the pull Hawaii always has on your heart. Welcome home, Mr. President.
Love the snow on your blog for the holidays 🙂
The Sad Spectacle of the Undecided Voter
by BooMan
Mon Dec 26th, 2011 at 09:58:04 AM EST
One thing that is difficult for a political junkie like myself is to suppress a feeling of disdain for people who don’t follow politics and yet want to give you their political opinions. In election season, you will periodically see reporting on undecided voters like this piece in the Washington Post. It’s very formulaic. A reporter goes out and finds three of four or five average citizens who are planning to vote but are having a difficult time figuring out whom to support. The reporter supplies some basic biographical information (a grandmother who looks after a ton of grandkids, a salesmen struggling in a weak economy, a guy who is underemployed but dreams of going to medical school in the Caribbean), and then they provide some of their confused reasoning about the candidates.
These kinds of pieces always suffer from a sample size problem. If you only use 3-5 people, you can wind up with odd results that make it seem, e.g., that Rick Santorum will be the winner of the Iowa Caucuses. This creates a bias problem, but the articles are really intended to just provide a snapshot of a small corner of the electorate. In this case, it’s the portion of the electorate that is both conservative enough to reject President Obama out of hand, and politically disengaged enough to be surprised to learn about things like Newt Gingrich’s record.
http://www.boomantribune.com/story/2011/12/26/9584/2319
For all the myopic Ron Paul lovers everywhere.
http://www.balloon-juice.com/2011/12/26/im-not-homophobic-i-just-dont-like-being-around-gays-and-their-bathrooms-scare-me/
WTH is this guy running again? Be gone!
Hay Mr. Paul, I don’t like being around racists.
gah! sometimes i wish this guy would get the nomination so that attention will be focused on this bigoted SOB and youngsters around the country will stop romanticizing him.
……..
Agree completely.
Totally agree, Keith.
Keith – it doesn’t matter who wins the nomination. PBO will “crush” them.
Hear, hear, nospin, hear, hear!!!
“Happy Kwanzaa” December 26 — January 1
The celebration of the 45th Anniversary of Kwanzaa…
A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture.
http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml
Happy Kwanzaa to all celebrating!
Hoping all TODers and their family and friends are enjoying the holidays.
Decided to make a monthly donation of $19.36 to OFA/BarackObama between now and Election Day.
Am sure some of you will recognize the reason for that amount 🙂
But, for those who may not have seen some of my posts on the matter, just thought it was a fitting gesture to indicate that Yes We Can ensure President Obama & the Dems crush the FDR 1936 re-election results. In fact, Yes We Must.
Maybe some of you will consider making $19.36 donations, even just one.
#PRESSON #OutPerform1936
Our4thEstate Bobfr
America – in honor of 1936 http://t.co/AIwU7Kxm Just made a $19.36 donation http://t.co/suICZGSc Please do so. #1936ForObamaBiden
#PRESSON
Smart! Wink.
Young Americans for Obama: Jonathon’s Story :: OFA South Carolina
“As a recent college graduate that has returned to the “nest,” I am a staunch supporter of President Barack Obama and his agenda. I believe that right now, he is the best person for the job to take this country forward. I truly believe he is a man of the people, and one of the great examples of this is his push to reform the healthcare system in our country. He realizes that having affordable healthcare coverage is of the utmost importance. ”
http://www.whatisworking.com/2011/12/young-americans-for-obama-jonathons.html
Beautiful photo – and to think it is solar powered.
Solar Field Powers Historic Garden Holiday Display
http://www.whatisworking.com/2011/12/solar-field-powers-historic-garden.html
If you live near Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania it might be worth a trip.
From CBS News
On tape: Baby puts fingers in president’s mouth
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-500202_162-57348399/on-tape-baby-puts-fingers-in-presidents-mouth/?tag=cbsContent;cbsCarousel
video of PBO and nice short story.
Nice bit of push-back from the LA Times
Obama not only says ‘God,’ but also ‘Christmas,’ ‘Christians’
includes a video
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/nationnow/2011/12/obama-not-only-says-god-but-also-christmas-christians.html
for those fox watching people who are still in your house……..let them read that one!!!
Christmas Eve golf for the president, Santa watch for first lady
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-obamas-hawaii-christmas-eve-20111224,0,5567214.story
great photo of FLOTUS
Great article about eliz Warren
Massachusetts Senate race tests feelings about Wall Street
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-warren-wall-street-20111226,0,7374621.story
sent this over to the Mass. Dem Party