I see, so it’s totally not Newt’s fault, then? It’s almost like a liberal conspiracy where some Dems joined Newt’s team to make a commercial filled with errors. Got it.
“This week, fact check organizations like The Washington Post and Politifact have ranked advertisements produced by Super-PACs supporting Governor Romney and myself as containing enormous inaccuracies,” Gingrich said in an e-mailed statement to reporters. “I am calling for the Winning Our Future Super-PAC supporting me to either edit its ‘King of Bain’ advertisement and movie to remove its inaccuracies, or to pull it off the air and off the internet entirely.”
I was thinking about that this morning. Whatever will he do after he loses this year? I hope he just retires and gets lost in one of his mansions never to be heard from again.
Please. The media will probably run to him every chance they can to get a quote about what Obama is doing wrong. Or carefully monitor his Twit and Facebook accounts and read whatever he says on air. The “liberal” media LOVES them some GOP losers.
New Hampshire GOP Leaders Endorse James O’Keefe Video
House Speaker William O’Brien (R-Mont Vernon) called the video “a shocking exclamation point on the need for immediate reform to New Hampshire’s election laws to ensure that voter fraud does not taint the rights of our citizens to have their votes counted in an honest, responsible way and impact our state.”
O’Brien said the House will pass legislation this year requiring photo ID at the polls, despite Gov. John Lynch’s veto of a similar bill in 2011.
—–
“So, if I secretly videotape myself passing a note to a
bankteller asking for ‘all the money’, when I get caught I can
claim that I was merely exposing the “shocking need for
immediate reform of bank’s security procedures?””
“If we do nothing about this, if we accept this kind of economy; this kind of society, we face a future where the ideal of American meritocracy could turn into an American myth. A future that’s not only morally unacceptable for our children; but economically untenable for a nation that finds itself in a globalized world, as countries who are out-educating us today out-compete our workers tomorrow.”
–from Senator Barack Obama’s Remarks on 21st Century Schools for a 21st Century Economy, March 13, 2006
You always pick the most appropriate quotes, PJ. These candidates haven’t spent any time realistically talking about the actual issues facing this country and how they plan to deal with them, positively. It’s not enough to say that they hate what President Obama has done. They have to have a plan – and this election really is going to be about which future people think represents their America. It always strikes me that the people who’ve been screaming at the tops of their voices about how President Obama is “destroying America”, say their number one criteria for this election is simply getting him out of office. They’re not voting FOR a better plan, just AGAINST a specific man.
They have no vision for America. They have no forward-looking plan because they’re focused on some mythical time in the past the was supposedly the perfect America. That’s why they screw up everything they attempt to govern or lead. Simply no vision — and hatred of a man (and his fellow Americans) that DO have a vision.
Laura Bush wanted Jeb to run for president in 2012
By Jeremy Wallace, Herald-Tribune|
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 Former first lady Laura Bush wishes there were one more candidate in the Republican presidential primary: Jeb Bush. Speaking to a sold-out Sarasota audience on Wednesday, Bush said she had hoped that her brother-in-law and former Florida governor would have jumped into the race this year. Husband George W. Bush “and I wish he would,” Laura Bush said when asked if Jeb Bush will run for president someday. “We wanted him to this time.” Laura Bush singled out his work on education as a key reason he would make a good president. She said his commitment to public policy is evident.
Great – maybe during the debates, President Obama can ask him if he’s here to help clean up his brother’s mess that has occupied so much of President Obama’s time in office: the economy that was destroyed, the lack of sufficient education, the two wars, the exploding deficit from Bush’s misadventures, the bad reputation around the world and animosity towards America, the lack of trust in government, Guantanamo. The world doesn’t need another Bush in office – it’s like North Korea with that family!
No, Jeb will run after PBO has cleaned up his brother’s mess. Isn’t that what the GOP does? The Dems govern the best, and bring the country into a surplus, then the GOP gets into power, and the country goes to the dogs again. Sigh. You’d think people would learn!
Laura you just don’t get it do you, people are sick of the Bushes, there were daddy Bush, the dope head Bush, now after eight years of that dope head husband of yours you think we want another Bush. No I don’t think so.
Just a little observation of the voting public in Palm Beach County Florida.
I have a lot of senior citizens that come to my store every hour of every day. One man yesterday had a basket full of light bulbs. He was convinced he had to call “Hazmat” to change and throw out his new light bulbs. He was also convinced that he had to order his bulbs from China.
Most are not like him but some really are. The majority have the same fears we do if the GOP gain the WH and keep the house. Most are looking to leave the country. Mind you, these are people that are 65+ years in age. I wish seniors would speak to each other about how important the election is.
One of my fantasies is an Obama/Seniors Summit where he addresses all these issues — I truly believe all those votes are there for the taking and they’ll love him. Florida, Arizona, other states with aging populations — I think it would be a very easy sell ….. a girl can dream :-)….
Great idea. Candidate Obama spoke with seniors at an AARP-hosted event during the ’08 campaign, and was very well received.
Debbie W-S would be a good one to get this going in Florida, for instance, if they haven’t already scheduled it.
And there are lots of 65+ people who are thinking of leaving the country if President Obama doesn’t get re-elected. I’m one of them, and a friend of mine is another. I kid you not.
Plenty of people under 65 who are thinking it, too. It won’t be pretty if Romney gets to the White House – if any of them get to the White House.
Romney said yesterday that his economic vision is to make America the most attractive place in the world for entrepreneurs, innovators and job creators. No mention of it being attractive to the people who actually work for a living. Therefore, one must ask what would make this country so attractive to the entrepreneurs, innovators and job creators? Low taxes, low labour costs, no need to pay benefits or health care costs, no minimum wage, no regulations, high labor pool – which creates increased competition for every job, which in turn means people are willing to work for less just to have a job. That cartoon from yesterday is a pretty accurate depiction of Romney’s America.
Romney keeps telling people in a subtle way that his priority is to profit. Not even to business, but to profit. He barely even sees the little people clamouring around him asking for help. He’s just tolerating them so he can get their vote – then he can cater to the real people he cares about – corporations.
theo, there’s a great infographic which shows the hurdles that entrepreneurs have to jump to get their businesses up and running. What the President proposed today will streamline that process, making it easier to navigate.~
There are currently six major federal departments or agencies that focus on business or trade: the U.S. Department of Commerce’s core business and trade functions, the Small Business Administration, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the Export-Import Bank, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.
The President is asking Congress for the authority to merge those six entities into a single department tasked with boosting American business and promoting competitiveness. We’ve put together a chart that shows exactly how impossible that process can be. This move from President Obama would change that. He’s hoping to consolidate the redundancies that currently exist, to cut waste, and eliminate duplication.
I can hardly wait to watch the video of the President’s presentation today. I like that they used charts – helps to get the message across for those who are visual.
I just did PBO is always amazing he always ahead of everybody keeping up with the 21st
Century problems it all makes sense the GOP want to keep us on the 20th century.
PBO just put the GOP into a corner, because they keep saying they want smoller GOVt
so this is PBO give me the Authority and you will have it very very smart move.
Thanks for the confirmation, guys. I will find a way to send it to the White House. PBO has always shown such respect and love for seniors — both in his family and outside of his family — think of all the pics we’ve seen with older men and women who he connects with on a deep level. The GOP has been screwing them and scaring them to death, but as I talk to seniors, I sense they’re open to different information. Plus, they have grandchildren and greatgrandchildren to think about.
Send it to your state director or regional field director for OFA (Obama for America) Sometimes they have meetings/conference calls with the Chicago strategy teams.
Send this idea to your local OFA office, or better, go tell them directly about it. Crazy idea: multiple summits in different parts of the country. With POTUS or any strong surrogate, like VPOTUS, DWS, Kathleen Sibelius, Nancy Pelosi, Etc…
I love her so much we definitely deserve four more years with this beautiful family. I will never give up on my dream on working in her office. That would be dream come true.
I’m pretty sure that Mrs. Obama is going to do something when she’s out of the White House that will let her shine even more than she does now – they are bound to do something globally with some new foundation, and they won’t have to deal with Congress. I think there’s plenty of opportunity to work with her. I’m hoping to possibly do the same with either of them.
If it is not in Kenya, I would say Chicago. He identifies more with Chicago, as a community organizer, State Senator, U.S. Senator, and Michelle and their daughters were born there. It is also easier for scholars to visit. Just my guess.
WASHINGTON, DC – Tomorrow, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will join Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. in Elk Grove to announce an agreement between the State of California and Interior to advance the state’s and nation’s renewable energy goals and create clean energy jobs. The event will be held in Elk Grove, the site of a Recurrent Energy solar energy project. Recurrent Energy’s four Sacramento-area projects are expected to generate 160 million kWh of electricity in year one, which is roughly equivalent to the electricity consumption of 12,000 average American homes.
WHO:
Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior
Edmund G. Brown, Jr., Governor of California
Arno Harris, Recurrent Energy CEO
WHAT: Renewable Energy Announcement
WHEN:
Friday, Jan. 13, 2012
11:00 a.m.
*media need to meet at site no later than 10:20 a.m.
WHERE: Recurrent Energy Solar Project
11281 Bruceville Rd
Elk Grove, CA 95757
RSVP:
Media interested in attending must RSVP to PR@recurrentenergy.com
Brown and U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar are announcing a federal-state agreement billed as advancing the state’s goals on renewable energy as well as creating clean-energy jobs in the Golden State.
The presser starts at 11 a.m. at solar farms now run by Recurrent Energy, which is selling them to Google Inc., as The Bee’s Rick Daysog mentioned in this story earlier this week. Recurrent Energy’s CEO, Arno Harris, is also expected to be on hand.
Salazar was in Los Angeles on Thursday and is scheduled to visit Fort Ord in Monterey County this afternoon. It’s all part of his swing this week through California and Arizona touting the economic benefits of clean energy, tourism and conservation.
The governor, meanwhile, will be in Los Angeles this weekend for an appearance at a 11th annual multifaith prayer breakfast put on by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Executive Clergy Council. Brown’s talk Saturday is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. at the Power of Love Church on West Manchester Avenue.
Most of the GOP screaming and in-fighting that’s been going on the last two days has been about their dirty laundry being aired in public. They have basically said – “this is how we do business, this is capitalism (or “economic liberty”, as Luntz would have it). I even saw a clip on Lawrence O’Donnell’s show last night of McCain on Fox saying that this Bain business is the “essence” of the GOP philosophy. They’re not outraged that Romney is being unfairly characterized, but that it’s being exposed.
I hope that Newt’s pull back doesn’t stop people from questioning how a company reaps millions for themselves while leaving thousands jobless, pensionless and homeless.
Mitt Romney and our overdue debate about capitalism
By E.J. Dionne Jr., Published: January 11
A privileged candidate sits atop a relatively privileged base. This is why Romney’s defense of his work as a venture capitalist is one of the truly authentic parts of an otherwise heavily scripted campaign. He speaks with genuine passion when he accuses his conservative opponents of putting “free enterprise on trial.” But that goes to the heart of the matter: “Free” for whom and under what circumstances? Capitalists of Romney’s sort never want to acknowledge how much their ability to make money depends on what government does.
Romney’s victory speech suggested that he hopes that the campaign will be about whether President Obama wants to turn the United States into Europe. A more relevant discussion would be over what American capitalism is — and should be. Thanks to Gingrich and Perry, this debate is now unavoidable.
pundstwits like dionne are one of the root causes of american mess today. Note that even now he credits rethugs like noot and idjt perry for the ‘conversation’ while conveniently omitting Obama’s 3 year campaign on ‘definition’ of capitalism. He also conveniently ignores the same corrupt capitalistic stealing history of noot and idjit perry who are only preaching it for the more crass motive of scoring primary win than basing it on any principle.
Good points amk. There are few “pundstwits” who are going to provide an accurate analysis on the important issues that we face. However, Dionne did raise some interesting questions–which he didn’t bother to address:
What if a certain class of capitalist makes scads of money not by building up companies but by tearing them down? What if there is a distinction between the capitalist we typically honor who comes up with a good product and hires people to make and market it; and another kind who takes over a company, pulls out all the cash he can, and then abandons it to die?
Pelosi Lashes Out At Gay Republicans: ‘They’ve Chosen A Party That Supports Their Income,’ But ‘Denigrates Them’ |
By Igor Volsky on Jan 12, 2012 at 1:30 pm
Nancy Pelosi lashed out against gay Republicans during an interview in the February issue of the Advocate. “They’ve chosen a party that supports their income — a party that denigrates them and treats them with disrespect,” Pelosi told reporter Andrew Harmon. The former House speaker is “pushing the DNC to help fund the fight against anti-marriage equality ballot measures in Minnesota and North Carolina as well as a campaign in Maine that aims to overturn a 2009 ballot measure that rescinded marriage rights for same-sex couples in the state.” “There are more ways to get your voice heard than just speaking…. But I hope the president would just say he supports equality in marriage,” Pelosi said.
ANTI-ROMNEY MATERIAL RICOCHETING AROUND THE CYBER-SPACE
The Cost of Victory
===============
By Todd S. Purdum
Mitt Romney has just racked up his second win, but getting to the top seems to be making the path ahead harder, not easier.
Each victory seems to complicate Romney’s situation—not quickly clarify it, as should be the case. His fellow contenders who fancy themselves the true conservatives in the race are ready and willing to attack Romney as a “vulture” capitalist (as the trailing Rick Perry did) in ways that surely help Barack Obama most of all. There is anti-Romney material ricocheting around in cyber-space that will never, ever go away. It used to be that Republicans had an Eleventh Commandment—Ronald Reagan’s famous “Thou shalt not speak ill of another Republican.” That commandment seems to have gone the way of the other 10.
Clinton says US will exchange ambassadors with Burma
Jennifer Mattson| January 13, 2012 12:49
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the United States will exchange ambassadors with Burma, also known as Myanmar, in response to its freeing political prisoners and other reforms, The Associated Press reported. On Friday, Burma freed 651 prisoners, including students, high profile political activists, opposition figures and army dissidents.
The move comes a day after Burma’s government signed a cease-fire agreement with the ethnic Karen rebels, ending an insurgency that has spanned nearly 60 years. It also follows a recent high-level visit by Clinton. President Barack Obama released a statement praising Sein’s efforts toward reform and urged the government to allow those released to run for office in the upcoming by-elections:
Some of the most substantive criticisms of Romney are coming from the right, where the primary source of discomfort with him is exactly the one articulated by Team Obama: that Mitt has no core.
Over at RedState, Don McLaughlin explains, and adds his fear that conservatives would have to make so many intellectual compromises defending Romney, they might not recognize themselves afterward.
CNN contributor and conservative radio host Dana Loesch said on her show that she not only thinks the Marines who urinated on dead Taliban soldiers are cool, but she’d be willing to join them.
After playing a news clip describing the video, Loesch said, “I’d drop trou and do it too. That’s me, though. I want a million cool points for these guys.” She wondered why there was any kind of scandal surrounding the incident.
“C’mon people, this is a war,” she said. “Do I have a problem with that as a citizen of the United States? No, I don’t.”
Loesch made the comments on “The Dana Show,” which airs daily on FM News Talk 97.1, a conservative radio station in St. Louis, Mo. The station also syndicates shows from Glenn Beck, Laura Ingrahm, Sean Hannity and Michael Savage.
Leosch is also the editor-in-chief of Big Journalism, Andrew Breitbart’s conservative website. She was the co-founder of the St. Louis Tea Party, but according to Riverfront Times, she left the group in December.
I’m sure that would have been her response exactly if a video had been released showing Taliban soldiers doing the same to U.S. troops. I’m sure she would have stood right up for them.
Anti-US, Israel chants at Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan’s funeral
Lillian Rizzo| January 13, 2012 11:56
Thousands of mourners attended the Tehran funeral on Friday for the nuclear scientists blown up by a hit man, chanting anti-American and Israeli sentiments, Reuters reported. They also yelled “Death to terrorists!” and “Nuclear energy is our absolute right!”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called Roshan’s death a “cowardly assassination” and accused the US and Israel of being behind it, the AP reported. US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton denied any American role in the killing and the Obama administration condemned the attack.
In contrast, Israeli officials have neither denied nor admitted to the attack, although they have admitted to covert campaigns against Iran, the AP reported.
During an interview with CNN in South Africa, the queen of talk gave the president a non-endorsement endorsement by singing his praises without actually saying the words, “I’m endorsing Barack Obama.”
“I don’t need to endorse him because I am a 100 percent supporter of him and I’ve already endorsed him,” Oprah explained. She said that her major presence on the campaign trail in 2008 was to help educate people. “My own friends didn’t even know who he was at the time,” she explained.
Trying to squeeze an endorsement out, the interviewer asked, “You not publicly endorsing him is not a sign of disappointment?” “Oh, absolutely not,” replied Oprah, who is in South Africa to cheer on the first graduating class of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.
And under cut a campaign event? Come on! Now that the majority of us do not see her every day any more, any public appearance Oprah makes will be a huge deal. So, of course she gave a non-endorsement endorsement.
Cogeneration system planned to upgrade Capitol campus
By Debbie Siegelbaum – 01/13/12 01:34 PM ET
The Architect of the Capitol plans to engage with private industry in a more than $30 million contract to modernize the campus’s power plant operations. According to Architect of the Capitol (AoC) Stephen Ayers, the contract will provide for a “cogeneration” system of equipment that will generate electricity while creating steam to heat Capitol campus buildings.
“It’s a very efficient technology and we’re going to make enough electricity to power the power plant itself,” Ayers told The Hill on Friday. “So we’ll be able to take it off the electrical grid and make some very significant contributions to our steam capacity with that.”
Rand Paul blocking tax treaties over fears of government snooping
By Bernie Becker and Alexander Bolton – 01/13/12 06:00 AM ET
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is holding up a trio of international tax treaties over concerns that the pacts give the federal government too much power to invade personal privacy. The Obama administration says the three treaties — with Luxembourg, Hungary and Switzerland — will help the United States battle tax evasion by reining in the use of offshore accounts to hide assets from the IRS. But a Senate aide said the libertarian-leaning Paul thinks the treaties go too far and has placed a hold on them to prevent floor votes.
Yes, we wouldn’t want to battle tax evasion. He’s too dumb to know that first he’d have to be successful at getting rid of our tax code, before he can stop the execution and enforcement of it.
Kentucky voters: Please help end the Paul dynasty by not re-electing this guy.
We should use this in the election, too. Romney claims the President hasn’t signed any foreign treaties – and we can counter by showing the ones he’s actually signed (Russia START, South Korea, Asia, etc.) and then go to show the GOP obstruction on all the ones that finally made it through with overwhelming support, plus these ones that are now being held up. How will Romney get past his own party’s obstruction to get deals done (rhetorical question – Romney’s not a black man, so he won’t get any obstruction) – if any country is still willing to do business with the United States after a GOP win.
todayh is ooober busy but I wanted to stop by – say hi and make a teensy suggestion.
Lets all “send some love” to those who have stood up for FLOTUS
Gayle King – write CBS and tell them you love the show and love Gayles story
Solidad O’Brien – again write to her bosses and sing her praises
Lawerence O’Donnell
I don’t have time to post the contact information or twitter addresses for these folks or their companies, but am hoping others can do that below.
Every time we can send out a compliment it helps the cause and makes us feel better.
todayh is ooober busy but I wanted to stop by – say hi and make a teensy suggestion.
Lets all “send some love” to those who have stood up for FLOTUS
Gayle King – write CBS and tell them you love the show and love Gayles story
Solidad O’Brien – again write to her bosses and sing her praises
Lawerence O’Donnell
I don’t have time to post the contact information or twitter addresses for these folks or their companies, but am hoping others can do that below.
Every time we can send out a compliment it helps the cause and makes us feel better.
Media Contact Info. – address, phone, email, twitter
Posted by Linda H on 11:50 AM| January 10, 2011
Listed below is contact information for several media outlets. If you can contribute more names and information to the list please send me a note at whatisworking@gmail.com
CBS News
524 W. 57 St., New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-975-4321
Fax: 212-975-1893
CBS Evening News: evening@cbsnews.com
Twitter: @CBSNews, CBS Tweet @CBSTweet, Mark Knoller @markknoller
That’s brilliant creolechild, thank you! There is a link here (see the TV in the sidebar on the right) to What is Working’s media contact page, so if you ever need the link you’ll find it there. Thanks again.
Walgreen sued for overcharging for generics
Friday, January 13, 2012
A union benefits fund filed a class action suit Wednesday, accusing Walgreen Co and generic drug maker Par Pharmaceutical Cos Inc of overcharging for various generic drugs in a bid to boost profits. The complaint, filed by the United Food and Commercial Workers Unions and Employers Midwest Health and Pension Fund, alleges that Walgreen, the largest U.S. drugstore chain, violated federal racketeering laws.
“Starting April 1999 through December, 2006, Par and Walgreen conspired to increase their profit through at least two schemes to illegally fill prescriptions with Par’s higher-priced products rather than the specific drugs prescribed by physicians,” the complaint alleged. The drugs involved included generic versions of antidepressant drug Prozac and anti-heartburn drug Zantac, the complaint said.
Gingrich, Romney, Washington Post and Politifact should be forced to specify which of the many statement were inaccurate. Was it the testimonials from the people who’s lives were ruined after Bain came to town? Did he not purchase multi-million dollar homes with the profits he earned from corporate raiding at Bain and even plan to demolish one of those multi-million dollar homes to make it four times larger? The massive profits that Bain was able to amass even while a company was going bankrupt? Did Bain not use the term “getting back your bait” to signify loading up a company with debt and then reaping a huge reward via buying back Bain stock? Did they not strip companies of their assets? Did they not show a “high disdain for US workers”, and also sell US companies to foregn entities once they went under? Were the quotes of job losses across America due to Bain’s activities too high or too low? Did Romney not serve as a “member of the management committee” for DDi, while they were luring in unsuspecting investors and then dumping the stock (he claimed he had left the company to go work on the election, but newspapers later found that he was still a member of the management committee)? Is it true or not that newspapers called Bain’s profit taking at the expense of 15000 jobs “disgusting profits”?
And maybe Romney can point us to some instances when Bain lost money when one of their investments went bankrupt.
they can’t just be allowed to say that there are “inaccuracies” and not point that out. And pointing out the stuff that seems quite factual will do as much damage as them pointing out one thing that isn’t – which is probably that he didn’t have 15 houses, he had less than a handful.
Their was no inaccuracies, this was to setup the Republicans attack on the democrats.
You know, politi fact said that the Ryan plan ending Medicare was pants on fire.
You see where they are going?
Tea Party may get rebuffed in tax cut showdown
Friday, January 13, 2012
House Speaker John Boehner, hoping to spare fellow Republicans a second embarrassing defeat over payroll tax cuts, is prepared to navigate around rebellious Tea Party-aligned lawmakers to get a deal, according to congressional aides. “I think Boehner will seek a more accommodating approach to get a good percentage of Democrats to vote for it – even if it costs him a lot of House Republican freshmen,” one House Republican leadership aide told Reuters.
Just replied to a bunch of his tweets. He’s trying to make Pres. Obama sound bad for campaigning because probably no other president, especially not Republican ever campaigned for reelection.
Mitt Romney leads the GOP presidential field in South Carolina, but his rivals are closing in fast.
Newt Gingrich is close behind the former Massachusetts governor, while Ron Paul and Rick Perry have posted impressive gains over the past week, according to an American Research Group poll released on Friday.
Romney came in at 29 percent, followed by Gingrich at 25 percent, Paul at 20 percent, Perry at 9 percent, Rick Santorum at 7 percent and Jon Huntsman at 1 percent.
Unfortunately Newt and Perry are backing off the attacks that got them momentum. Mitt will win SC and the primary will be over by Feb 1st. Party power brokers have circled the wagons and decided that they don’t want a long primary after all and Gingrich has tucked tail.
StR, maybe the silver lining is that MSM will be forced to offer a more balanced coverage between the two parties. I’m getting pretty sick of the GOP all the time on Cable news, and the constant bashing of POTUS without any pushback.
Wall Street Reform in Action: Banker Pay on Chopping Block
Friday, January 13, 2012 | Posted by Deaniac83 at 11:50 AM
You wouldn’t know it to listen to the freakouts from the extreme Right wing who think the Dodd Frank Wall Street reform law is the second coming of Joseph Stalin (or Hitler, or Mao, they can’t keep their “isms” straight) or the fanatic whiners on the Left who think it was a big giveaway and surrender to the big banks, but Wall Street reform is working. I wrote this week about the consumer protection agency’s steps to regulate non-bank and shadow-bank actors in the mortgage market. And now, thanks to the sunlight and ‘say on pay’ provisions on banker executive pay in Dodd Frank, Wall Street pay is heading to the chopping block as institutional shareholders demand accountability because of poor performance.
The Democratic polling outfit Democracy Corps has a study out with lots of good nuggets on the 2012 landscape, including data showing that it helps Barack Obama to have more credible candidates in the race, as it splits the opposition while the president’s base remains solid:
Our poll shows that as a third-party candidate, Ron Paul would take 18 percent of the vote in a matchup against Obama and Romney. Almost all of this comes at Romney’s expense. Nearly tied in a head-to-head matchup against the president, Romney’s vote plummets when Paul is added to the ballot, losing 12 points of his vote share.
We tested matchups between Obama, Romney, and three independent candidates, including Ron Paul, Donald Trump, and Michael Bloomberg. Together, these three take 25 percent of the vote. While Romney’s support drops off in the face of a third-party challenge, Obama remains strong at 42 percent (12 points ahead of Romney.) Thirty-one percent of Romney voters in the two-way matchup defect to one of the three independent candidates; only 12 percent of Obama voters defect.
These independent candidates have traction in key subgroups — 32 percent of white non-college and suburban voters chose one of the three independent candidates in this five-way matchup.
There will be a third party group, but it will be from the Americans Elect outfit and will not be Paul, Trump or Bloomberg. AE is bankrolled by hedge fund managers and they’re out to make sure Romney is elected, so you can expect they’ll have their ticket come from the left of Pres Obama to only peel off his support.
Huntsman has no charisma whatsoever and is uninspiring. I think that became pretty obvious during the last couple debates and during his vapid speech after the NH primaries.
Sure. Like Herman Cain would take some of the Black vote!
Jewish voters aren’t stupid. They know that Americans Elect’s goal is to put Mitt Romney (and not Joe Lieberman) in office. Why would they be encouraging of exploitation of a Jewish candidate just to siphon their votes from the Democrat to enable a Republican to win?
Also, if Huntsman has no charisma, Lieberman is the anti-charisma candidate. His hangdog look and uninspired rhetoric are coma inducing. He would add nothing but antipathy to any ticket.
No they won’t. They will not be running a candidate from the left of Obama. I’ve read that they’ve reached out to Roemer and also to Lieberman and neither of those candidates are to the left of Pres.Obama.
That issue alone doesn’t make him any more “left” that PBO on domestic policy. PBO was pushing for DADT repeal – remember?. PBO would have also wanted the public option if congress wanted it.
No Jovie, saintroscoe did not say any that about Joe Lieberman. Saintroscoe said that Americans Elect would need to nominate someone to the left of Obama if they were to siphon support away from PBO. Then I said that they would fail because they were pushing Joe Lieberman of all people (who is center-right at best).
Lieberman used to be comfortably left, then the Democratic party pushed for Ned Lamont to beat him for his congressional seat, he left the D. party and ran as an independent. From then on, until now, he’s become more right-wing until he formally endorsed McCain over PBO and his voting record has been a mixed bag ever since.
Have to strongly disagree. Yes Lieberman even suggested Medicare for 55 and over. Until progressives liked it and then he withdrew support. For that reason. He said so.
It’s all personal for him. He’s still angry at progressives for costing him the primary. So he’s become as far right as possible. He’s a s
all, petty deranged ass.m
I’m pretty sure the Americans Elect candidate will be a woman. I just don’t have any idea who that will be. It’s the only way they could really make their candidate stand out from everyone else.
Comedian Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) tweets: “Welcome to Twitter, @MichelleObama! Please ignore my following old hashtags #ExerciseSucks, #GardeningIsForGrannies, #FatKidsAreCooler”
I heard something today from a conservative co-worker and I wanted to get feedback on it. I was very surprised to hear this point of view (I shouldn’t be, considering its a conservative).
I was talking to another co-worker and asking if her husband had found a job yet. He got laid off a couple of months ago. I really have a heart for this, as my husband was laid off twice in one year. Anyway, I mentioned the in-sourcing that the Administration is doing. The conservative person said something about how the tax incentives the companies were getting were coming out of OUR money. I was dumb founded that someone could think this way. Any of you have any quick smart comebacks for this kind of discussion?
Tax incentives basically are our money aren’t they ? Just like tax incentives for buying a new home and tax incentives for weatherizing a home and tax credits for hiring Veterans and so on…..
They are a “credit ” on the companies tax returns that reduce the tax burden. It is a good thing isn’t it ?
A simple question is to ask them what is the source of their information. And their response to that pretty much tells you what your next follow up comment should be.
Ask him what is a better use of tax payer money? Should we use it to employ Americans or for subsidies to oil companies, endless wars, tax cuts for the 1% or corporate tax breaks and loopholes?
I like that L3. I felt that she was insinuating that “how dare the Administration use OUR money to bring jobs back”. Its like someone thinking the government is taking money out of our pockets to fund something frivolous. Like, yes they’re bringing jobs back, but they’re doing it with my money! I can’t believe how uncaring people can be.
She’s got her right wing talking points down. You would think only Republicans pay taxes in this country. Tell her you pay taxes too and that you don’t mind your taxes being spent to employ people and that there are things like those that I mentioned above that you don’t like your tax dollars being spent on. Paying taxes is part of being a citizen of this country and it’s our leaders who get to determine how those dollars are spent and if it makes her feel better she can just pretend her tax dollars are going towards those government expenditures that she supports.
Sherry, I had something similar happen when I mentioned my disbelief in people wanting to do away with health care reform. The person I spoke to said something about people not wanting taxes to go up to pay for it. I did not have the info and wasn’t sure just how to reply. I’m not so good in those situations…
The only group that got their taxes raised for health care reform was the rich. Just ask that person how much less did she get in her paycheck? Ask her if she would rather go bankrupt or pay a few extra dollars for health care reform? Ask her to picture herself needing it because sometimes people can’t think of anyone but themselves.
I once referred a person at work to the Healthcare website that the Administration started. She was complaining about something with healthcare. She got extremely defensive and spouted off something totally untrue.
“In the coming weeks, President Obama will put forward new tax proposals to reward companies that choose to invest or bring back jobs to the United States and to eliminate tax advantages for companies moving jobs overseas.”
Ask them why they wouldn’t want taxes to go to creating American jobs. Ask them if they complained about Republicans taking their tax dollars to create jobs overseas.
Doesn’t every dollar used by the government come from taxpayers? It’s the same tax dollars that have been going to pay for the Iraq war that killed 4500 Americans for the sake of fictitious WMD, the same tax dollars that go to Rush Limbaugh and his ilk by way of the Bush tax cuts that haven’t created a single job, the same dollars that went to Halliburton to electrocute soldiers while they were taking showers, and the same tax dollars that go to companies right now to REWARD them for sending jobs overseas. Those same tax dollars are now being used to reward companies for bringing those jobs back, invest in the country by way of infrastructure, education and healthcare spending, and to give tax cuts to real small businesses so they can thrive and lead the economic recovery.
I have a question Theo; how do tax dollars get used to reward companies for sending jobs overseas? Does it help them because they don’t have to pay taxes here or is there another reason?
Instead of asking a question, that could come off argumentative, I think i would just state something like: “If they are using my money to create jobs for American workers like our husbands, then I’m all for it!” That’s positive, and kind of puts you on her side and hopefully leaves her something to think about. I was very impressed with an article I read about how to respond to people in this campaign, and it wasn’t so much about arguing as to respectfully address their concerns. The writer made the point that during the election we represent President Obama to everyone we talk to. I’m trying to think how he would respond in different situations. (I’m not very good at it yet! I mostly get way too ticked off!)
.In Defense of Black Women Against the “Angry” Stereotype
Michele Norris of NPR just concluded a compelling and heartfelt set of tweets about why the stereotype of an “angry” Black woman is so damaging and hurtful. It speaks the truth in so many ways.
My friend said she heard some Republican Congressman saying he wouldn’t vote for it because President Obama wasn’t ‘sincere’ about it. O.o Well, if you think he’s bluffing, then vote for it and call his bluff!
This is great info creole! Thanks so much for pointing it out. I like to read up on everything, so that when I make campaign calls for the President I’m armed with information. I remember calling other states in 2008 and having all kinds of information to tell people. The better educated I am, the better.
After Perry left, walking by a mannequin wearing a Squat N’ Gobble T-shirt whose hand was raised above her head – a hand Perry tried to call on during a question-and-answer period — a spirited discussion broke out in the restaurant, with some patrons waving Nobama ’12 bumper stickers. It was resolved, it seemed, after they determined that someone had left without paying their bill – and a Perry staffer agreed to pick up the tab.
Obama Defeats The GOP Again By Calling Their Small Government Bluff
The strategic gamesmanship here isn’t centered around a question of presidential power. Obama’s remarks today were a stealth attack on Republican hypocrisy. If Republicans refuse to grant the president the power that he requested, this will become another campaign issue for Obama. If Republicans do grant him the authority to reorganize his branch, President Obama gets to campaign on streamlining the federal government for small business. It’s a win-win for Obama, and all lose situation for the GOP.
All for not! Max Baucus has released a statement he is against it.
He is the chairman of the finance committee, and if he is not onboard, then this is dead!
Jovie – read the article. It says that this is a win-win situation for President Obama. If they disagree, he wins. If they agree, he wins. Nothing is dead, because the point about GOP hypocrisy and putting their hatred of President Obama above the country and their policy of “small government” isn’t dead – it’s already won simply by President Obama proposing this move.
I am listening to Randi Rhodes right now and she is playing a clip of President Obama from 2011 making the same points he made today about streamlining the government. And of course during the campaign this was an issue. This is nothing new. All you have to do is go to the video tapes on this one.
It’s really hilarious that all the GOP can come up with is that this is an election year ploy and even after that what he is proposing is not going to really make that much difference. That is beyond weak. Try explaining that to the American people when all you talk about is that government can’t do anything right. Time to put up or shut up GOP. President Obama is just making sense. As usual, he is on the right side of the issue. The GOP knew jerk reaction to be against anything President Obama is for is going to bite them in the arse again.
It’s amazing how the media carries water for the GOP. Mark Knoller was busy on Twitter this morning posting the same nonsense about “10 months before an election, blah blah blah…” Thankfully he got schooled right away by many of us.
Thanks for the feedback hopefruit. I am glad Knoller got schooled. I guess just reports the facts is too much to bear. It makes me giddy when someone on this blog gets the 411 to these so called journalists. We have our own ‘TRUTH SQUAD” and we are a force to be reckoned with. It’s freakin awesome.
Oooo…Ladyhawke… 🙂 The TOD TRUTH SQUAD would be an excellent name for the “News Dump Day” strategy that some of us hope to get up and running in the very near future! If we can get more people to come onboard, and everyone agrees, can we use that title?
Well, by Mark Knoller’s reasoning – the government should have shut down as soon as the GOP decided to start campaigning. Either that, or every action the President has taken can be labelled “campaigning”, so we should countdown from that inauguration day and list every achievement as “xx days before an election”. They are beyond ridiculous.
Karl Rove once noted a strategy of “making it impossible for a Democratic President to govern as a Democrat.” Well PBO has made it clear that strategy has plenty of exploitable holes.
For example, when PBO makes moves on the more commonsense-mainstream platforms from both parties from previous years, the Rovian strategy seems to backfire across America as GOP in congress obstruct, nullify, sabotage, filibuster and take hostages. See: Congress vs. PBO approval ratings.
PBO has thoroughly exposed all the hypocracies and nonsense of the GOP before a major election, and accomplished notable feats too. So….what incentive does a repug in America have to support a GOP presidential candidate? See: current GOP enthusiasm? Maybe? And think: PBO has not even begun to really campaign yet. That’s how you win!
And then there is the possibility that GOP “wave” peaked in 2010 only to show America that the “wave” wasn’t all that good for them. Expect more lies from that side of the field soon. Donate to the campaign to fight back and/or volunteer today!
Great job, PBO. “You want smaller government? Then PBO makes reforms in areas that America can largely embrace. You want to leave more issues up to states to decide? Then PBO ensures flexibility for individual states. You want to cut taxes? Then PBO says don’t block the proposed middle class tax cuts and we can just let other breaks expire as scheduled without your fingerprints.” We’ve seen this and more in Race to the Top, Affordable Care Act, Payroll Taxes, and even the Streamline Government initiative announced today…..just to name a few.
HEADLINE: Judge: John Edwards has life-threatening condition
// GREENSBORO, N.C. — A federal judge says she has two letters from a cardiologist saying ex-presidential candidate John Edwards has a life-threatening condition that will require surgery in February. //
i cannot imagine. i am so disappointed in him for his personal life choices. thank goodness his campaign didn’t go anywhere. hmmm, I wonder what this life threatening condition is? I do not wish him poor health certainly, but I will never again have the same respect for him that I once did when he was Kerry’s VP pick.
But, a lot of President Obama’s policies include policies that were either proposed or supported by Republicans – including the Affordable Care Act aka “Obamacare”.
NO WORDS FOR THIS…the animosity and hate seems to be never-ending! Why won’t conservative Americans who are in disagreement with members of their using this type of rhetoric not standing up and speaking out against it? Where’s the public outrage? If ever there was a good reason to make sure that we get voters registered and to the polls on Election Day– AND THERE ARE MANY– this is clear evidence that we have to re-double our efforts! This is sickening…
ThinkProgress reported last week that Kansas House Speaker Mike O’Neal (R) was forced to apologize to First Lady Michelle Obama after forwarding an email to fellow lawmakers that called her “Mrs. YoMama” and compared her to the Grinch.
Earlier that same week, the Lawrence Journal-World was sent another email that O’Neal had forwarded to House Republicans that referred to President Obama and a Bible verse that says “Let his days be few” and calls for his children to be without a father and his wife to be widowed.
He mentioned his Pennsylvania roots several times, he told homespun stories, and for about 90 minutes Vice President Biden charmed a pep-rally friendly crowd today at Central Bucks West High School in downtown Doylestown.
*snip*
After speaking for a half hour, Biden answered questions for 40 minutes and then spent an additional 20 minutes greeting students and posing for pictures.
Romney may end up regretting that he used that steel company as an example of him creating jobs:
From PM Carpenter
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Isn’t someone going to help that poor man?
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Any suspense about how soon the president would enter the prevailing fray is over, for now comes Team Obama with this absolutely devastating contrast between what some folks do, and some folks don’t, with opportunity:
“President Obama … began his [Harvard-educated] career helping jobless workers in the shadow of a closed-down steel mill. Mitt Romney, on the other hand, [used his Harvard education to make] millions closing down steel mills.”
Follow The Money – Bain Capital Owns Most Conservative And Some Liberal Radio Stations
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If a Presidential candidate isn’t well liked by the Republican establishment, there is one simple way to ensure that that candidate will be supported by the voices of the Republican establishment; buy them.
Bain Capital is the company that was formerly run by Presidential candidate, Mitt Romney. It is also a major shareholder in Clear Channel Radio, the largest owner of radio stations in the US and Premiere Radio, the syndicator of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, Fox News Radio Network, and just for a little variety, Randi Rhodes and Jesse Jackson. If you ever wondered why the right ordained Romney the winner before the race even started, this is probably your answer.
All the power is in the hands of the few. Everyone else has President Obama and his team fighting for them. Lucky for everyone else that President Obama is currently the most popular and the most powerful man in the world.
Herb Cain does nothing but lower any political discourse to nonsense. It is depressing he is on the national scene. Why is Bill Maher giving him a platform?
I totally agree. I don’t know why serious Americans are allowing people like Herman Cain to continue to make a mockery of the very important process of electing a President. What makes me furious is that the rest of the world is impacted by what happens in this country and the decisions that are made here – and the people making the decisions. This country literally holds lives and prosperity around the world in it’s hands. And so few people take that responsibility seriously enough to demand a higher standard of candidate and discourse, or even to keep abreast of what is going on with their government or their world. The world puts its faith in this country, not just because you’ve got the most nuclear weapons, but because everyone assumes that there’s a higher level of democracy and thought going on. What is on display during this election period really gives a bad impression. I’ve actually had people tell me to mind my own business and not express my opinion because I’m a Canadian – even though I’ve been paying pretty hefty taxes in this country for over a decade. But, it IS my business when the likes of any of these GOP candidates can cause the third world war – or some other disaster. It’s everybody’s business. And seeing Herman Cain still riding high after his pitiful and embarrassing exit from actually being considered “front-runner” for the Office of the Presidency drives me crazy. It’s just makes me furious.
Herman Cain is a comedian. We have Romney who only cares about 1% of the country’s population yet, he wants to govern all of us. You have Ron Paul who is concerned with legalizing harmful drugs and hates a segment of our society, racist as hell yet he wants to govern them.
And the rest of the repub field thinks they are entitled to run yet they are void of the intellect and compassion for the people to help to make this country better.
You don’t hear any of their ideas of how they will make America better. They think that their quest for money will fill the void in their lives. They are empty and rotten to the core. Their riches will not satisfy and they will be consumed. They are storing them up for the poor. Hiding their assets so that they don’t pay their fair share of taxes classify them as thieves. What is illegally gained will be lost, it is without benefit.
This is the season of reaping. The poor will not continue to be oppressed. Everything is being exposed, the truth is being revealed.
When our focus is obtaining wealth in order to gain power then our core is in jeopardy, we become a declining society. We are a democracy, not a dictatorship.
When a government tries to make it more difficult for you to vote, then you know the opposition can’t win against you. That means that they know that if you press your way no matter what, you will succeed against the “quiet room” plans.
A new poll of South Carolina primary voters, the latest from PPP, shows Mitt Romney with a lead over Newt Gingrich, 29 percent to 24 percent. Ron Paul just edges out Rick Santorum for third place there, with 15 percent and 14 percent support, respectively.
This kills me. Those RR folks need to get together and get Perry and Santorum out. Gingrich would agree to bring a RR Evangelical as his VP in a second if that’s what they wanted, and Gingrich blows out Romney in SC and Florida if he’s the last not-Romney.
S.Carolina and Florida are both winner-take-all States. Mitt wins either and it’s over.
I think regardless of how Gingrich does, the votes will be fixed in Romney’s favor, just as were in the Iowa Caucus when Santorum probably was the true winner.
Jovie, I believe he is worth $4-5 million and is trying to make as much as he can with his newly gained fame. He still has PAC money he can use to travel to promote his 9-9-9 plan increasing his exposure. He was making $25,000 for motivational speeches before he ran for President. Selling books, making speeches, appearing on teevee he can stay on the road, continue chasing women, and make tons of money. Life is good for the Hermanator thanks to our political system.
I saw Morning Joke trying out that line last night on Lawrence O’Donnell’s show. Their psychological games won’t work this time. Some people are waking up. Gingrich lobbed some pretty solid blows – the question needed to be asked whether it’s right that a company makes off with millions when their investment folds and jobs are lost.
No matter how they try, not going to work.The single most important weakness to my mind about Mitt is that he does not know how or is incapable of leave his comfort zone. His lack of spontaniety will be one his biggest foibles. He appears not to be able to think on his feet, that’s why he’s always putting his foot in his mouth.
Chipsticks,
Sorry Chipsticks but this blog is no longer a refuge for me from the hysteria of cable news. I, like many others who read your wonderful blog enjoy it as a means to be able to both report and celebrate the events surrounding the presidency of Barack Obama. I know you have asked us to not police the blog — that is your job which makes total sense. However I don’t see your email address on the blog to privately let you know what it is that’s at issue for me. If you want to email me I would much appreciate it. Thank you.
I don’t want ‘hair-on-fire” doomsday talk, but if we don’t sometimes read about what the other side is saying, how do we formulate good arguments to push back against it. I don’t spend much time on twitter (no smart phone) but when i see ‘attack tweets’ posted here, I go online and tweet back. I want assurance and hope and the knowledge that many others agree with me, but I also want useful information. So if it’s presented as “here’s what’s being said” and not as “Oh no! All is lost!” I’m for it.
Every time I read/hear lies from the sanctimonious right, I wonder did they not learn the 9th Commandment — “Thou shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
Exhibit A of the latest violation:
Santorum: Obama wants constitutional amendment to redistribute wealth
By David Edwards
Friday, January 13, 2012
Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum suggested on Friday that President Barack Obama wanted a constitutional amendment to force the redistribution of wealth.
Wearing his infamous sweater vest, the candidate told a group of supporters in Rock Hill, South Carolina that Obama wanted to “manage the decline of America.”
“Remember the president of the United States saying when he was running for office earlier in his career, he was asked the question as a constitutional law professor, what change he would make, what deficiency there was in the Constitution?” Santorum explained. “His answer was there should be a provision for the redistribution of wealth.”
I guess they should have listened to President Obama when he told them that now was not the time for austerity. All snark aside, though, I feel for the people in Europe. Not an easy time, at all. I hope they sort it out, for all our sakes,
You know Theo67 I don’t feel it is snark. The President did warn them. And you would think they would have figured that out after watching Great Britain’s economy tank after Cameron implemented those tough measures. There’s no doubt now that the President’s pivot to Asia-Pacific is absolutely brilliant.
Spain has an unemployment rate of 25%. That’s not recessionary, that’s a fullblown depression. And then they went ahead and elected the Popular Party, which is descended from Franco’s Falangists. Yeah, that’ll work out well. Our citizens aren’t the only ones who vote against their own interests.
We have to recall how this played out the last time – such a downgrade is a forecast on how well the country is able to repay its debts – in other words, how expensive it will be to borrow money – in yet other words, how high the interest will be on their treasury bonds.
In recent history, S&P downgraded the United States of America.
As soon as markets opened on the next Monday, the interest on Treasure Bonds went *down*.
If we, meteorologists, had such a bad record foretelling the future, we would have been fired already.
Arizona Rep. Trent Franks, late of the Bachmann campaign, endorsed Newt Gingrich for president in a statement this afternoon that also featured a hard shot at Mitt Romney on the issue of abortion.
Trent Franks is a certifiable LOON. The rights of women are an obsession for this idiot…he is on the WRONG SIDE of everything. Who cares who he endorsed….hopefully, he’ll be gone soon.
What I don’t get is why these men are so obsessed with denying the rights of women. What’s in it for them? Are they envious of the fact that we have wombs and they don’t, so they’ll never have babies? I find this preoccupation with women’s uteri utterly baffling.
WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Tuesday, Jan. 17, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe will kick-off a two day trip to Florida to make two important conservation announcements that are part of the Administration’s efforts to preserve and restore the Florida Everglades. The visit comes as part of President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors (AGO) initiative to establish a community-based, 21st century agenda for conservation, recreation, and reconnecting Americans to the outdoors.
During next week’s trip, Secretary Salazar will highlight the job-creating impacts and economic benefits of tourism, outdoor recreation and conservation in the Everglades and around Florida.
On Tuesday, Salazar and Ashe will join U.S. Senator Bill Nelson to make an announcement regarding wildlife and the Florida Everglades. The announcement will take place along the Tamiami Trail just outside of Miami. Later on, Salazar will attend the Everglades Foundation “Everglades Water Supply Summit” in Tallahassee where he will identify next steps in the restoration of the Florida Everglades during a panel discussion entitled, “What’s Next.”
SACRAMENTO, CA—Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today signed an agreement to expand a state and federal partnership that has, over the last two years, paved the way for more than a dozen utility-scale solar energy projects and more than 130 renewable power projects in California.
These projects, which underwent rigorous environmental review, will generate thousands of construction jobs and power local economies. If all of these projects were built today, California would have enough renewable power to meet the state’s 33 percent goal.
The agreement broadens the state and federal partnership to formally include transmission projects and bring in new partners, including the California Independent System Operator, the California Public Utilities Commission and the California State Lands Commission. The agreement also renews a mutual commitment to landscape level planning efforts. The partnership, launched in 2009, works through a senior-level Renewable Energy Policy Group (REPG) to expedite review and processing of proposed projects.
17 Million Young Adults Would Lose Insurance If Health Law Is Struck Down |
By Fatima Najiy on Jan 13, 2012 at 2:05 pm
Consumer group Young Invincibles has filed a legal brief defending the minimum coverage provision of the Affordable Care Act, arguing that should the Supreme Court declare President Obama’s health reform law unconstitutional, over 17 million young Americans stand to lose their health care coverage. The law has already extended insurance to 2.5 million Americans as a result of a provision which allows adults to stay on their parents’ plans until the age of 26.
A federal appeals court on Friday ordered the immediate enforcement of a new Texas abortion law, Reuters reports:
The law, enacted in 2011, requires abortion providers to perform an ultrasound on pregnant women, show and describe the image to them, and play sounds of the fetal heartbeat.
You vote for Republicans, you get Republican policies. They want to bring this nonsense to the rest of the country. Even Romney has said he believes Roe v Wade should be repealed. Small government.
Correcting the Martin Luther King memorial mistake
By Rachel Manteuffel, Friday, January 13, 4:44 PM
Five months ago, in this space, I wrote that something was wrong with the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial. The quotation inscribed on the monument’s left flank had been so badly excerpted that a modest statement of King’s was turned into a boast.
At the time, it wasn’t clear how or why this had happened, but what seemed likely, at least to me, was that nothing would be done about it. Things that are etched in stone seldom are changed, especially in Washington, which is not famous for admitting error, righting wrongs, getting things done in a timely fashion, or getting things done at all.
It turns out I was right about the error but wrong about Washington. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar told The Post today that the quote will be corrected. He has given the National Park Service 30 days — because “things only happen when you put a deadline on it” — to consult with the King Memorial Foundation, family members and other interested parties and come up with a more accurate alternative.
Republican Candidates Get Lucky on Health Insurance
By Margot Sanger-Katz and Meghan McCarthy| Updated: January 12, 2012 | 1:23 p.m.
Romney, like all his rivals for the Republican nomination, says he would like to repeal the 2010 health care reform law, privatize parts of Medicare, and create a system in which more people shop for health insurance on the individual market. But that’s not the option most of the candidates have taken for their personal health care—which is not surprising, considering that the individual market is generally the most restrictive and most expensive place to buy health insurance.
The Romney campaign refused to say where he gets his health care coverage. But because of the health care reform law he signed as governor of Massachusetts, he is lucky to live in one of the few states with good insurance options for a 64-year-old unemployed man with a wife who has a preexisting health condition: multiple sclerosis. Many of the Republican presidential nominee hopefuls enroll in public-employee benefit programs that give them the advantages of large-group pricing—and heavy taxpayer subsidy of their premiums.
Santorum charity for the poor spent most of its money on management, political friends
By Carol D. Leonnig and Dan Eggen, Updated: Friday, January 13, 1:18 PM
As Republicans gathered for their national convention in Philadelphia a decade ago, Rick Santorum, who was then an up-and-coming senator from Pennsylvania, launched a charity he said would improve the lives of low-income residents in his home state.
“Wouldn’t it be a great thing to leave something positive behind other than a bunch of parties and a bunch of garbage?” Santorum told a local reporter.
But homeless families and troubled children were not the biggest beneficiaries of “Operation Good Neighbor.” Instead, the foundation spent most of its money to run itself, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees for fundraising, administration and office rental paid to Santorum’s political allies.
As an example, I think in order for a charitable organization to be allowed into the Combined Federal Campaign – which is a huge annual fund raising drive including numerous charities and the only charitable drive permitted on federal reservations – its overhead costs must be somewhere between 15-25% (I forget). Santorum’s charity is exactly the opposite. They’re all in it for themselves.
Someone mentioned in the previous thread that Romney is a cowardly politician. I was thinking about this last night. Personally, I think Romney is a complete fraud in business and in politics. That excellent and frightening Vanity Fair article stated that he was scared to take the job heading Bain Capital, even though it was a plum position. He got assurances from Mr. Bain that he could come back to his old job at Bain Consulting if the Bain Capital thing failed. When he said that he still wasn’t convinced about the move because if he failed, people would know that he was returning to Bain Consulting because he was a failure – then Mr. Bain assured him they would cover it up with a lie that he was desperately needed at Bain Consulting so nobody would ever know. That’s pretty pathetic. He’s too afraid to take risks, and that was evident even with the way he had to research every little thing before making a move, and he would only take the clients that were basically guaranteed to succeed, which really stacked his success rate. One could say this was savvy, but when you’re seeking an unpredictable office like the Presidency, this extreme caution and fear of failure is a liability.
Lawrence O’Donnell mentioned last night that he questions whether Romney even thinks. He called Romney simple-minded. I think he’s right. there’s something very frightened about Romney, and you usually see that desperation in people who are afraid of being caught out as frauds. That’s what got me thinking.
Well, you know…my friend…blind trusts and offshore accounts are people too, just like corporations!~ (smirk)
The Romneys Shall Inherit Mitt’s Worth
By Jon Perr| January 13, 2012 06:00 AM
The past couple of weeks have been very good for Mitt Romney’s 17 grandchildren. Last Wednesday, Romney told a New Hampshire audience he wanted to leave all of his estimated $250 million estate to his grandkids. And that’s very good news indeed for the Romney clan. After all, if their patriarch gets his way as President, the estate tax will be eliminated. That means a potential $80 million windfall for the next generation of Romneys, courtesy of all other American taxpayers who will have to make up the shortfall. And as it turns out, that payday from the U.S. Treasury will more than offset the $45 million of his own money Mitt burned through during his first run for President.
Why are they not campaigning together in Florida? Mitt doesn’t need this guy to win S.Carolina – but I hope he gives us some great footage of the two together on Monday – will make a great general election ad in Arizona, NM, Cali, NV etc.
Perfect. I have just the person to share this with. I, too, will add his blog to my must visits. Amazing piece. Thanks, LL….I saw a little bit over at Smartpants blog, but I hadn’t read the entire thing until you posted this link. Thank you 🙂
There is a reason Mitt is tweaking his message and not listing the exact number of jobs. I read an article either in the Washington Post or NYT by someone suggesting that Mitt would not be in the heap of trouble he’s in if he would just be vague in stating the number of jobs he created. I think it was a day or two ago. It must have been in a column. That’s why he’s beginning to change his rhetoric. But we have video, tons of it.
Bill Moyers: Why I am Returning to the Air
January 12, 2012
Journalism has long been for me a continuing course in adult education. Given what’s happening in this country, it’s time to sign up for more classes. The lack of civility and common sense that has paralyzed our democracy, the vast economic and social inequality that sends both left and right raging into the streets, the corrosive influence of money in politics – we’re in a tailspin with little hope for a course correction from our elected leadership or corporate-dominated media. The need for voices of reason, simple and eloquent, has rarely been stronger.
This will be a political series, but not a partisan one. In the conversation of democracy, everyone’s invited. That means you, too. You’re welcome to share opinions in the marketplace of ideas we’ll be offering with our all-new website, billmoyers.com. Our aim is dialogue, not diatribe, and we want you in it.
Something else to DVR on Friday nights! What I love about Mr. Moyers is that he’s a fervent believer in democracy and compromise. He’s not a partisan screecher. He wants to get at the truth, but do it without what passes for political discourse in this country. I look forward to tonight’s show.
Cordray’s first target: The housing crisis
Posted by Suzy Khimm at 04:44 PM ET, 01/12/2012
Despite the controversy surrounding his appointment, Richard Cordray is barreling ahead with his work as head of the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — and he’s starting with the very event that led to the creation of his agency: the housing crisis. But Obama’s recess appointment unleashed the watchdog’s full enforcement authority. Over the past few days, the CFPB also launched its first known investigation into a financial firm, probing kickbacks that were allegedly paid to PHH Corp., a private mortgage lender.
This is the kind of thing that more completely fills in a body of work that just makes me ready to tell the whiny, thin-skinned far lefties in my County to stick a sock in it. They have absolutely NO idea what kind of work is being done by this administration to correct the abuses of the entire financial sector. Thanks for all your dogged news-bearing, creolechild. You totally rock.
I remember him once doing a piece about kindergarteners and how we were teaching them all the wrong things – like sharing. He thought they would do better if they were encouraged to compete instead. He actually said “sharing is bad”. I have had no respect for him since then. These were little tots in kindergarten for heavens sakes!
He’s a Libertarian. The worst of the worst.
Attorney General Martha Coakley filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court today arguing that the state’s experience since passage of the 2006 health law validates the federal law.
The court is scheduled to hear oral arguments starting March 26 in a case challenging the constitutionality of the federal law’s requirement that most Americans buy health insurance.
“Massachusetts is uniquely situated to speak to the actual economic effects of comprehensive reform that includes an individual coverage requirement,” the brief says.
TRUTH TELLING TAKES A BACK SEAT IN SERIOUS BUSINESS OF REPORTING THE NEWS
Professor Jay Rosen of New York University writes about the The New York Times public editor (Arthur Brisbane) post asking “Should The Times Be a Truth Vigilante?
So whaddaya think: should we put truthtelling back up there at number one?
=============================
Something happened in our press over the last 40 years or so that never got acknowledged and to this day would be denied by a majority of newsroom professionals. Somewhere along the way, truthtelling was surpassed by other priorities the mainstream press felt a stronger duty to. These include such things as “maintaining objectivity,” “not imposing a judgment,” “refusing to take sides” and sticking to what I have called the View from Nowhere.
No one knows exactly how it happened, for it’s not like a policy decision came down at some point. Rather, the drift of professional practice over time was to bracket or suspend sharp questions of truth and falsehood in order to avoid charges of bias, or excessive editorializing. Journalists felt better, safer, on firmer professional ground–more like pros–when they stopped short of reporting substantially untrue statements as false. One way to describe it (and I believe this is the correct way) is that truthtelling moved down the list of newsroom priorities. Other things now ranked ahead of it.
But wait a minute: how can telling the truth ever take a back seat in the serious business of reporting the news? That’s like saying medical doctors no longer put “saving lives” or “the health of the patient” ahead of securing payment from insurance companies. It puts the lie to the entire contraption. It devastates journalism as a public service and honorable profession.
The obamabots is hilarious. some one tweeted that tavis Smiley said he will vote for Pres obama. the tweeter said he wants to come home yall. obamabots is tweeting #No #hell no #justsayno. Then some one tweeted in the words Rikyah. #hell to the nawwwwwwwwwww! lmbo
I don’t get this guy. He spends the last three years trashing the president yet claims he will vote for him?
Huh?
I really wish he would find a new gig.
Ya, excuse my french but to HELL with that Uncle Tom! He wasted so much time with Corny West trying to SHAME President Obama for not doing enough for African Americans, as if African American plights suddenly happened when President Obama got into office. SHAME on Tavis and Corny!
nintendowii10, unemployment was high in the black community long before President Obama became President, but where were Tavis and West at back then? I don’t recall a bus tour back then. They have their issues with the President so they just wanted to try to attack the President. Most of the black community didn’t fall for their B.S. Thank God.
He’s mad because Obama exposed his hustle. Tavis got fat and rich selling books on our misery. Not offering any solutions mind you just selling misery. Hillary would have let him continue his con. Not necessarily on purpose it’s just he would have been crowned the defacto leader of Black America.
The President took all that away and Travesty along with Snaggles will never forgive him for that.His days of making a buck off of us are over. Thank You Mr President.
Anna Deavere Smith’s latest production, Let Me Down Easy airs on THIRTEEN’s Great Performances Friday, January 13 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings). Originally presented at Long Wharf Theatre, the play received its New York premiere at Second Stage Theatre. The Great Performances production was recorded in February 2011 in the Kreeger Theater at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater in Washington, DC, launching a national tour that concluded in September.
Having been credited with creating a new form of theater, to create Let Me Down Easy Smith interviewed an eclectic group of people (300 on three continents) and performs several in an evening that is funny, moving and engaging.
The title resonates on several levels reverberating with meanings of lost love, the faith that sustains people in times of difficulty, and ultimately, the end of life.
Smith, through her chameleon-like virtuosity, creates an indelible gallery of portraits, from a rodeo bull rider to a prize fighter to a New Orleans doctor during Hurricane Katrina, as well as boldface names like former Texas Governor Ann Richards, legendary cyclist Lance Armstrong, network film critic Joel Siegel, and supermodel Lauren Hutton. She performs 19 characters in the course of an hour and thirty five minutes. Their stories are alternately humorous and heart-wrenching, and often a blend of both. Building upon each other with hypnotic force, her subjects recount personal encounters with the frailty of the human body, ranging from a mere brush with mortality, coping with an uncertain future in today’s medical establishment, to confronting an end of life transition. The testimony of health care professionals adds further texture to a vivid portrayal of the cultural and societal attitudes to matters of health.
With keen observation and understated compassion, Smith – without judgment and maintaining the dignity of her subjects at all times — effortlessly submerges her own persona, and assumes her characters’ vocal and physical mannerisms with unerring accuracy.
Ummm…okay…I’m going to adhere to Chip’s House Rules by not posting what was said in the article here, but in my opinion the author provided some interesting insights. So, let me get this disclaimer and/or warning thingey out of the way: STRONG CONTENT NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART- IF PROFANITY OFFENDS YOU, DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK! THAT. IS. ALL~
Revelations of a 24-Hour MSM Cycle
SueInCa On January – 12 – 2012
What would happen if I listen, really listen to the news 24 hours a day? What would I hear from the different channels? What would the outcome be and what would my response be? Would it make me angry, happy, sad, disgusted? I asked myself those questions and decided, what the hell, I’m going to find out, so here goes.
Just a minor observation about the Obama Administration. This administration leaves no rock unturned in its efforts to improve this country. I’m always amazed at every conceivable angle that this administration is able to cover. One thing is apparent with this Whitehouse, it will not be outsmarted.
Our President and First Lady….love them…:-D
Congrats on 1st, prettyfoot!
😀 😀
Ooops! Gingrich in Orlando says fix the Bain ad or pull it.
Well, that did not last long! Lol!
What does that mean ? Did Adelson threaten to pull his money back ?
No!!!! Gingrich says the ad has several errors! Either fix it or pull it off the air.
Because, he went on fox news last night and got lambasted!
Therefore, on Monday’s debate Newt and the rest will play nice with lying Mitt, because the GOP heads told them to layoff. This primary is so rigid.
I see, so it’s totally not Newt’s fault, then? It’s almost like a liberal conspiracy where some Dems joined Newt’s team to make a commercial filled with errors. Got it.
Hahaha.
Yes Jovie, what does that mean? More info is needed to understand what you are talking about. Do tell.
It means that Newt is distancing himself from the PAC airing the ads. Newt is rolling over to the GOP power brokers.
They probably threatened him with their own dirt on him. Newt has TONS of baggage – maybe a lot more nasty stuff than we think we know.
Oh, interesting! Thanks! I wonder what is wrong on the ad?
It’s already done the damage. Morning noon and night every channel talking about Bain.
http://thepage.time.com/2012/01/13/newt-to-super-pac-fix-king-of-bain/
http://www.newt.org/news/test-leadership-gingrich-repudiates-inaccuracies-superpac-ad-will-romney-do-same
Much better link….I don’t trust DickHalperin.
….I don’t trust DickHalperin…….. Huh, not In the least! 😦
And, of course, SuperPACs are completely independent of campaigns, right? Wink.
Halpern is not reliable…..i do not trust anything out of his mouth….
hey LAL. Left you a message on the previous thread about Sarah Silverman.
“This week, fact check organizations like The Washington Post and Politifact have ranked advertisements produced by Super-PACs supporting Governor Romney and myself as containing enormous inaccuracies,” Gingrich said in an e-mailed statement to reporters. “I am calling for the Winning Our Future Super-PAC supporting me to either edit its ‘King of Bain’ advertisement and movie to remove its inaccuracies, or to pull it off the air and off the internet entirely.”
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/01/newt-super-pacs-bain-ads-cross-the-line.php?ref=fpb
Poor Leroy.
He folded like a cheap suit! And all for naught.
He and RomBain will both be crying in their beers together come November.
OBAMA/BIDEN 2012
But, but, but, I thought there isn’t any coordination between candidates and Super PACs
I cannot believe Newt and Rick Perry are allowing the establishment to get to him.
WHAT A COWARD! JUST WHEN HE WAS RISING IN THE POLLS.
Either he has been threatened with who knows what, or he has made a deal with Romney (vp? cabinet position?).
The GOP is a circus now. A ridiculous, and corrupted party. Scary thing is that they still have significant support.
I was thinking about that this morning. Whatever will he do after he loses this year? I hope he just retires and gets lost in one of his mansions never to be heard from again.
What next – get a GIG on FOX NEWS or MSNBC as a “pundit” trashing our President for the next four years.
Oh no………….I hadn’t thought of that! =( He is so awkward though, I think he’d be terrible in a TV/cable position.
=( He is so awkward though,….. And he ALWAYS have a Thit azz grin on his face, doesn’t he???? Always 😦
I hope the shame of losing to PBO so epically is so intense that he never shows his ugly mug again.
Please. The media will probably run to him every chance they can to get a quote about what Obama is doing wrong. Or carefully monitor his Twit and Facebook accounts and read whatever he says on air. The “liberal” media LOVES them some GOP losers.
He’ll get a well paid position, either back in industry or with a conservative think-tank as a consolation prize.
New Hampshire GOP Leaders Endorse James O’Keefe Video
House Speaker William O’Brien (R-Mont Vernon) called the video “a shocking exclamation point on the need for immediate reform to New Hampshire’s election laws to ensure that voter fraud does not taint the rights of our citizens to have their votes counted in an honest, responsible way and impact our state.”
O’Brien said the House will pass legislation this year requiring photo ID at the polls, despite Gov. John Lynch’s veto of a similar bill in 2011.
—–
“So, if I secretly videotape myself passing a note to a
bankteller asking for ‘all the money’, when I get caught I can
claim that I was merely exposing the “shocking need for
immediate reform of bank’s security procedures?””
♥ ♥ ♥ Good Day Chips! Good Day TOD Family! ♥ ♥ ♥
Barack Obama Quote O’ The Day
Have a great afternoon, Everyone! 😛
You always pick the most appropriate quotes, PJ. These candidates haven’t spent any time realistically talking about the actual issues facing this country and how they plan to deal with them, positively. It’s not enough to say that they hate what President Obama has done. They have to have a plan – and this election really is going to be about which future people think represents their America. It always strikes me that the people who’ve been screaming at the tops of their voices about how President Obama is “destroying America”, say their number one criteria for this election is simply getting him out of office. They’re not voting FOR a better plan, just AGAINST a specific man.
They have no vision for America. They have no forward-looking plan because they’re focused on some mythical time in the past the was supposedly the perfect America. That’s why they screw up everything they attempt to govern or lead. Simply no vision — and hatred of a man (and his fellow Americans) that DO have a vision.
PJ, they may get their wish… in 2016!~
Laura Bush wanted Jeb to run for president in 2012
By Jeremy Wallace, Herald-Tribune|
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 Former first lady Laura Bush wishes there were one more candidate in the Republican presidential primary: Jeb Bush. Speaking to a sold-out Sarasota audience on Wednesday, Bush said she had hoped that her brother-in-law and former Florida governor would have jumped into the race this year. Husband George W. Bush “and I wish he would,” Laura Bush said when asked if Jeb Bush will run for president someday. “We wanted him to this time.” Laura Bush singled out his work on education as a key reason he would make a good president. She said his commitment to public policy is evident.
Read more: http://htpolitics.com/2012/01/11/laura-bush-wanted-jeb-to-run-for-president-in-2012/
Who will rid me of these meddlesome Bushes?!?!?
I don’t thing another Bush could win. Jeb is a lot smarter than his big brother but American have gotten a lot smarter too….No New Bushes!
Third time’s a charm, though.
And not only that, *joJo*, but the word Bush, makes me shake like a bush, 😦 😦 Scary 😦
Great – maybe during the debates, President Obama can ask him if he’s here to help clean up his brother’s mess that has occupied so much of President Obama’s time in office: the economy that was destroyed, the lack of sufficient education, the two wars, the exploding deficit from Bush’s misadventures, the bad reputation around the world and animosity towards America, the lack of trust in government, Guantanamo. The world doesn’t need another Bush in office – it’s like North Korea with that family!
No, Jeb will run after PBO has cleaned up his brother’s mess. Isn’t that what the GOP does? The Dems govern the best, and bring the country into a surplus, then the GOP gets into power, and the country goes to the dogs again. Sigh. You’d think people would learn!
Wow, I hope SaintRoscoe sees that…
Laura you just don’t get it do you, people are sick of the Bushes, there were daddy Bush, the dope head Bush, now after eight years of that dope head husband of yours you think we want another Bush. No I don’t think so.
You made me laugh anniebella! Love your comment!
yay! You to PJ – thx 🙂
Hope you had a great birthday!
I did thx! 🙂
I just noticed Andrea Mitchel started off her show, playing 2 ads for Robney free!
Gee!
Just a little observation of the voting public in Palm Beach County Florida.
I have a lot of senior citizens that come to my store every hour of every day. One man yesterday had a basket full of light bulbs. He was convinced he had to call “Hazmat” to change and throw out his new light bulbs. He was also convinced that he had to order his bulbs from China.
Most are not like him but some really are. The majority have the same fears we do if the GOP gain the WH and keep the house. Most are looking to leave the country. Mind you, these are people that are 65+ years in age. I wish seniors would speak to each other about how important the election is.
One of my fantasies is an Obama/Seniors Summit where he addresses all these issues — I truly believe all those votes are there for the taking and they’ll love him. Florida, Arizona, other states with aging populations — I think it would be a very easy sell ….. a girl can dream :-)….
That’s not a bad idea at all PJ. In fact, I hope someone from the administration is lurking as we speak and has read your post. Wonderful idea.
You should send a tweet to David Plouffe or Jay Carney or email the White House with this suggestion. It’s a good one.
PJ. PJ do it. I’ll look for yez and retweet it.
Great idea. Candidate Obama spoke with seniors at an AARP-hosted event during the ’08 campaign, and was very well received.
Debbie W-S would be a good one to get this going in Florida, for instance, if they haven’t already scheduled it.
And there are lots of 65+ people who are thinking of leaving the country if President Obama doesn’t get re-elected. I’m one of them, and a friend of mine is another. I kid you not.
Plenty of people under 65 who are thinking it, too. It won’t be pretty if Romney gets to the White House – if any of them get to the White House.
Romney said yesterday that his economic vision is to make America the most attractive place in the world for entrepreneurs, innovators and job creators. No mention of it being attractive to the people who actually work for a living. Therefore, one must ask what would make this country so attractive to the entrepreneurs, innovators and job creators? Low taxes, low labour costs, no need to pay benefits or health care costs, no minimum wage, no regulations, high labor pool – which creates increased competition for every job, which in turn means people are willing to work for less just to have a job. That cartoon from yesterday is a pretty accurate depiction of Romney’s America.
Romney keeps telling people in a subtle way that his priority is to profit. Not even to business, but to profit. He barely even sees the little people clamouring around him asking for help. He’s just tolerating them so he can get their vote – then he can cater to the real people he cares about – corporations.
theo, there’s a great infographic which shows the hurdles that entrepreneurs have to jump to get their businesses up and running. What the President proposed today will streamline that process, making it easier to navigate.~
There are currently six major federal departments or agencies that focus on business or trade: the U.S. Department of Commerce’s core business and trade functions, the Small Business Administration, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the Export-Import Bank, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.
The President is asking Congress for the authority to merge those six entities into a single department tasked with boosting American business and promoting competitiveness. We’ve put together a chart that shows exactly how impossible that process can be. This move from President Obama would change that. He’s hoping to consolidate the redundancies that currently exist, to cut waste, and eliminate duplication.
Read more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/01/13/making-it-easier-do-business-america
I can hardly wait to watch the video of the President’s presentation today. I like that they used charts – helps to get the message across for those who are visual.
I just did PBO is always amazing he always ahead of everybody keeping up with the 21st
Century problems it all makes sense the GOP want to keep us on the 20th century.
PBO just put the GOP into a corner, because they keep saying they want smoller GOVt
so this is PBO give me the Authority and you will have it very very smart move.
Thanks for the confirmation, guys. I will find a way to send it to the White House. PBO has always shown such respect and love for seniors — both in his family and outside of his family — think of all the pics we’ve seen with older men and women who he connects with on a deep level. The GOP has been screwing them and scaring them to death, but as I talk to seniors, I sense they’re open to different information. Plus, they have grandchildren and greatgrandchildren to think about.
PJ,
You can contact WH, here: (Of course, it’s on Twitter, too… @whitehouse.)
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
YES.WE.CAN…DO.(Much)More, Together – WE MUST!
YES.WE.CAN, Again…Obama/Biden 2012!
WE CAN’T WAIT/WE CAN’T GO BACK…PRESS ON!
Send it to your state director or regional field director for OFA (Obama for America) Sometimes they have meetings/conference calls with the Chicago strategy teams.
Send this idea to your local OFA office, or better, go tell them directly about it. Crazy idea: multiple summits in different parts of the country. With POTUS or any strong surrogate, like VPOTUS, DWS, Kathleen Sibelius, Nancy Pelosi, Etc…
i wonder if including Joe Biden in the senior talks would be a good idea as they could identify with him easier with his white hair.
Either would work. I think both of these fine gentlemen know how to speak to the senior folks (like me!). 🙂
I love her so much we definitely deserve four more years with this beautiful family. I will never give up on my dream on working in her office. That would be dream come true.
I’m pretty sure that Mrs. Obama is going to do something when she’s out of the White House that will let her shine even more than she does now – they are bound to do something globally with some new foundation, and they won’t have to deal with Congress. I think there’s plenty of opportunity to work with her. I’m hoping to possibly do the same with either of them.
Where the Obamas leave the White House in 2017, where do you think his Presidential Library will be in Chicago or Hawaii?
When the Obamas………..
Chicago, because that is were I live. Besides the Midwest needs the attraction.
Why not both? Maybe even another one in Washington, D.C.
If it is not in Kenya, I would say Chicago. He identifies more with Chicago, as a community organizer, State Senator, U.S. Senator, and Michelle and their daughters were born there. It is also easier for scholars to visit. Just my guess.
They have plenty of time to decide. Nearly five years. And Bill it won’t be Kenya, I bet you $10,000 dollars about that.
Anniebella, I will not take that bet, but if it were maybe The Donald would build it.
I suspect both will have something, but the main one will be in Chicago because a lot, lot more people would get to visit it.
How about both — Presidential Library in Chicago, with a Pacific Branch — home to the “Stanley Ann Dunham Institute of Anthropology” in Hawaii.
Hi Theo67,
I am all for it. Hopefully both of our dreams will come true.
Susan Rice coming on next…Mrs. Greenspans show. I just tuned in to watch Susan….other than that…back to my book.
WASHINGTON, DC – Tomorrow, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will join Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. in Elk Grove to announce an agreement between the State of California and Interior to advance the state’s and nation’s renewable energy goals and create clean energy jobs. The event will be held in Elk Grove, the site of a Recurrent Energy solar energy project. Recurrent Energy’s four Sacramento-area projects are expected to generate 160 million kWh of electricity in year one, which is roughly equivalent to the electricity consumption of 12,000 average American homes.
WHO:
Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior
Edmund G. Brown, Jr., Governor of California
Arno Harris, Recurrent Energy CEO
WHAT: Renewable Energy Announcement
WHEN:
Friday, Jan. 13, 2012
11:00 a.m.
*media need to meet at site no later than 10:20 a.m.
WHERE: Recurrent Energy Solar Project
11281 Bruceville Rd
Elk Grove, CA 95757
RSVP:
Media interested in attending must RSVP to PR@recurrentenergy.com
Brown and U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar are announcing a federal-state agreement billed as advancing the state’s goals on renewable energy as well as creating clean-energy jobs in the Golden State.
The presser starts at 11 a.m. at solar farms now run by Recurrent Energy, which is selling them to Google Inc., as The Bee’s Rick Daysog mentioned in this story earlier this week. Recurrent Energy’s CEO, Arno Harris, is also expected to be on hand.
Salazar was in Los Angeles on Thursday and is scheduled to visit Fort Ord in Monterey County this afternoon. It’s all part of his swing this week through California and Arizona touting the economic benefits of clean energy, tourism and conservation.
The governor, meanwhile, will be in Los Angeles this weekend for an appearance at a 11th annual multifaith prayer breakfast put on by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Executive Clergy Council. Brown’s talk Saturday is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. at the Power of Love Church on West Manchester Avenue.
http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2012/01/am-alert-jerry-brown-ken-salazar-green-jobs-renewable-energy-elk-grove.html
The Ken and Jerry show! Should be great.
Most of the GOP screaming and in-fighting that’s been going on the last two days has been about their dirty laundry being aired in public. They have basically said – “this is how we do business, this is capitalism (or “economic liberty”, as Luntz would have it). I even saw a clip on Lawrence O’Donnell’s show last night of McCain on Fox saying that this Bain business is the “essence” of the GOP philosophy. They’re not outraged that Romney is being unfairly characterized, but that it’s being exposed.
I hope that Newt’s pull back doesn’t stop people from questioning how a company reaps millions for themselves while leaving thousands jobless, pensionless and homeless.
Case in point…
h/t Michael Lester|TalkingPoints Memo
Absolutely spot on Theo…
But most importantly, the question to be asked is how a company reaps millions for themselves while creating absolutely nothing…
Like President Obama says, we can’t build, grow, thrive or subsist on financial speculation as ‘industry’…
Mitt Romney and our overdue debate about capitalism
By E.J. Dionne Jr., Published: January 11
A privileged candidate sits atop a relatively privileged base. This is why Romney’s defense of his work as a venture capitalist is one of the truly authentic parts of an otherwise heavily scripted campaign. He speaks with genuine passion when he accuses his conservative opponents of putting “free enterprise on trial.” But that goes to the heart of the matter: “Free” for whom and under what circumstances? Capitalists of Romney’s sort never want to acknowledge how much their ability to make money depends on what government does.
Romney’s victory speech suggested that he hopes that the campaign will be about whether President Obama wants to turn the United States into Europe. A more relevant discussion would be over what American capitalism is — and should be. Thanks to Gingrich and Perry, this debate is now unavoidable.
Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/mitt-romney-and-our-overdue-debate-about-capitalism/2012/01/11/gIQA0EyxrP_story.html?hpid=z3
pundstwits like dionne are one of the root causes of american mess today. Note that even now he credits rethugs like noot and idjt perry for the ‘conversation’ while conveniently omitting Obama’s 3 year campaign on ‘definition’ of capitalism. He also conveniently ignores the same corrupt capitalistic stealing history of noot and idjit perry who are only preaching it for the more crass motive of scoring primary win than basing it on any principle.
Good points amk. There are few “pundstwits” who are going to provide an accurate analysis on the important issues that we face. However, Dionne did raise some interesting questions–which he didn’t bother to address:
What if a certain class of capitalist makes scads of money not by building up companies but by tearing them down? What if there is a distinction between the capitalist we typically honor who comes up with a good product and hires people to make and market it; and another kind who takes over a company, pulls out all the cash he can, and then abandons it to die?
Pelosi Lashes Out At Gay Republicans: ‘They’ve Chosen A Party That Supports Their Income,’ But ‘Denigrates Them’ |
By Igor Volsky on Jan 12, 2012 at 1:30 pm
Nancy Pelosi lashed out against gay Republicans during an interview in the February issue of the Advocate. “They’ve chosen a party that supports their income — a party that denigrates them and treats them with disrespect,” Pelosi told reporter Andrew Harmon. The former House speaker is “pushing the DNC to help fund the fight against anti-marriage equality ballot measures in Minnesota and North Carolina as well as a campaign in Maine that aims to overturn a 2009 ballot measure that rescinded marriage rights for same-sex couples in the state.” “There are more ways to get your voice heard than just speaking…. But I hope the president would just say he supports equality in marriage,” Pelosi said.
http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2012/01/12/403475/pelosi-lashes-out-at-gay-republicans-theyve-chosen-a-party-that-supports-their-income-but-denigrates-them/
It’s not really “lashing out”, but “calling out”.
ANTI-ROMNEY MATERIAL RICOCHETING AROUND THE CYBER-SPACE
The Cost of Victory
===============
By Todd S. Purdum
Mitt Romney has just racked up his second win, but getting to the top seems to be making the path ahead harder, not easier.
Each victory seems to complicate Romney’s situation—not quickly clarify it, as should be the case. His fellow contenders who fancy themselves the true conservatives in the race are ready and willing to attack Romney as a “vulture” capitalist (as the trailing Rick Perry did) in ways that surely help Barack Obama most of all. There is anti-Romney material ricocheting around in cyber-space that will never, ever go away. It used to be that Republicans had an Eleventh Commandment—Ronald Reagan’s famous “Thou shalt not speak ill of another Republican.” That commandment seems to have gone the way of the other 10.
http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/purdum/2012/01/mitt-romney-new-hampshire-victory-201201
*That commandant seems to have gone the way of the other 10.*
Yep. I’m looking at all of you, Republicans.
And the thing is: Rerun Romney is too dumb to even know what’s happening, all around him.
Ha – I used “commandant” – shoulda been “commandment” (not The Ten Commandants)
Clinton says US will exchange ambassadors with Burma
Jennifer Mattson| January 13, 2012 12:49
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the United States will exchange ambassadors with Burma, also known as Myanmar, in response to its freeing political prisoners and other reforms, The Associated Press reported. On Friday, Burma freed 651 prisoners, including students, high profile political activists, opposition figures and army dissidents.
The move comes a day after Burma’s government signed a cease-fire agreement with the ethnic Karen rebels, ending an insurgency that has spanned nearly 60 years. It also follows a recent high-level visit by Clinton. President Barack Obama released a statement praising Sein’s efforts toward reform and urged the government to allow those released to run for office in the upcoming by-elections:
Read more: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/united-states/120113/clinton-says-us-will-exchange-ambassadors-burma
This is huge. Good work by the Administration.
Excellent. Ask the government of Burma / Myanmar if President Obama is an appeaser. Ask them.
🙂
Exactly. If he were no progress would be made. This obviously came from some tough hard negotiating. Nobody has been able to push Burma until now.
Here’s some inspiration from Dr. King – “How Long? Not Long!” – as we prepare to commemorate his birthday.
He was only 36 years old at the time. Think of what you were doing at age 36 (those who are currently older than that)!
Here’s the full text of the speech: http://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/prestapes/mlk_speech.html
And – not sure if this has been posted already – here’s President Obama’s proclamation for the commemoration this year:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/01/13/presidential-proclamation-martin-luther-king-jr-federal-holiday-2012
YES, CONSERVATIVES; MITT’S INEVITABLE
===================================
Some of the most substantive criticisms of Romney are coming from the right, where the primary source of discomfort with him is exactly the one articulated by Team Obama: that Mitt has no core.
Over at RedState, Don McLaughlin explains, and adds his fear that conservatives would have to make so many intellectual compromises defending Romney, they might not recognize themselves afterward.
http://blog.reidreport.com/2012/01/this-weeks-herald-column-yes-conservatives-mitts-inevitable/
I don’t buy it. They’ll criticize now but by the time the Republican convention is over they’ll be calling him Reagan’s long lost nephew.
CNN contributor and conservative radio host Dana Loesch said on her show that she not only thinks the Marines who urinated on dead Taliban soldiers are cool, but she’d be willing to join them.
After playing a news clip describing the video, Loesch said, “I’d drop trou and do it too. That’s me, though. I want a million cool points for these guys.” She wondered why there was any kind of scandal surrounding the incident.
“C’mon people, this is a war,” she said. “Do I have a problem with that as a citizen of the United States? No, I don’t.”
Loesch made the comments on “The Dana Show,” which airs daily on FM News Talk 97.1, a conservative radio station in St. Louis, Mo. The station also syndicates shows from Glenn Beck, Laura Ingrahm, Sean Hannity and Michael Savage.
Leosch is also the editor-in-chief of Big Journalism, Andrew Breitbart’s conservative website. She was the co-founder of the St. Louis Tea Party, but according to Riverfront Times, she left the group in December.
—
Maybe TeaNN will give her a show now.
holeee shyte. she’s a moron.
These people are vile. It should be illegal to represent the country publicly when you’re this vile.
Just spotted that Keith Olbermann was taking her on, over at Twitter. Of course, she was tweeting putrid stuff back to him.
Oops. Let’s just say I sent a tweet to both of them, and now I have one of her followers mocking me. Oh, I’m so scared. Not.
Words fail.
I’m sure that would have been her response exactly if a video had been released showing Taliban soldiers doing the same to U.S. troops. I’m sure she would have stood right up for them.
Anti-US, Israel chants at Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan’s funeral
Lillian Rizzo| January 13, 2012 11:56
Thousands of mourners attended the Tehran funeral on Friday for the nuclear scientists blown up by a hit man, chanting anti-American and Israeli sentiments, Reuters reported. They also yelled “Death to terrorists!” and “Nuclear energy is our absolute right!”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called Roshan’s death a “cowardly assassination” and accused the US and Israel of being behind it, the AP reported. US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton denied any American role in the killing and the Obama administration condemned the attack.
In contrast, Israeli officials have neither denied nor admitted to the attack, although they have admitted to covert campaigns against Iran, the AP reported.
Read more: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/middle-east/120113/anti-us-israel-chants-at-mostafa-ahmadi-roshans-funeral
During an interview with CNN in South Africa, the queen of talk gave the president a non-endorsement endorsement by singing his praises without actually saying the words, “I’m endorsing Barack Obama.”
“I don’t need to endorse him because I am a 100 percent supporter of him and I’ve already endorsed him,” Oprah explained. She said that her major presence on the campaign trail in 2008 was to help educate people. “My own friends didn’t even know who he was at the time,” she explained.
Trying to squeeze an endorsement out, the interviewer asked, “You not publicly endorsing him is not a sign of disappointment?” “Oh, absolutely not,” replied Oprah, who is in South Africa to cheer on the first graduating class of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.
I find that odd. Why not go ahead an fully publicly endorse him?
* and not an
No need to endorse him, the Obamas and Oprah are friends, and any fool knows she won’t be endorsing those clowns on the GOP side.
And under cut a campaign event? Come on! Now that the majority of us do not see her every day any more, any public appearance Oprah makes will be a huge deal. So, of course she gave a non-endorsement endorsement.
I guess in my dreams I just hope to see her on stage at a campaign event endorsing PBO as November gets closer.
Oprah and The Obamas are personal friends. long time friends. No need for all this formality.
True…
It’s the same w/ @gayleking! 😉
YES.WE.CAN…DO.(Much)More, Together – WE MUST!
YES.WE.CAN, Again…Obama/Biden 2012!
WE CAN’T WAIT/WE CAN’T GO BACK…PRESS ON!
how is this an issue? “I don’t need to endorse him because I am a 100 percent supporter of him and I’ve already endorsed him,” Oprah explained.
Soooo. . . .Trying to squeeze an endorsement out, the interviewer asked, “You not publicly endorsing him????
what?
Hey, they gotta make something out of nothing.
🙄
I think Oprah Winrfrey is ine of PBO”s supporters and yes Oprah is doing a great job in AFRICA and so
is Matt Demon ans so what is the problem?
Cogeneration system planned to upgrade Capitol campus
By Debbie Siegelbaum – 01/13/12 01:34 PM ET
The Architect of the Capitol plans to engage with private industry in a more than $30 million contract to modernize the campus’s power plant operations. According to Architect of the Capitol (AoC) Stephen Ayers, the contract will provide for a “cogeneration” system of equipment that will generate electricity while creating steam to heat Capitol campus buildings.
“It’s a very efficient technology and we’re going to make enough electricity to power the power plant itself,” Ayers told The Hill on Friday. “So we’ll be able to take it off the electrical grid and make some very significant contributions to our steam capacity with that.”
Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/204077-cogenration-system-planned-to-upgrade-capitol-campus-
Rand Paul blocking tax treaties over fears of government snooping
By Bernie Becker and Alexander Bolton – 01/13/12 06:00 AM ET
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is holding up a trio of international tax treaties over concerns that the pacts give the federal government too much power to invade personal privacy. The Obama administration says the three treaties — with Luxembourg, Hungary and Switzerland — will help the United States battle tax evasion by reining in the use of offshore accounts to hide assets from the IRS. But a Senate aide said the libertarian-leaning Paul thinks the treaties go too far and has placed a hold on them to prevent floor votes.
Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/international-taxes/203951-rand-paul-blocking-tax-treaties-over-fears-of-government
Yes, we wouldn’t want to battle tax evasion. He’s too dumb to know that first he’d have to be successful at getting rid of our tax code, before he can stop the execution and enforcement of it.
Kentucky voters: Please help end the Paul dynasty by not re-electing this guy.
The liberal media is all about the Pauls!
We should use this in the election, too. Romney claims the President hasn’t signed any foreign treaties – and we can counter by showing the ones he’s actually signed (Russia START, South Korea, Asia, etc.) and then go to show the GOP obstruction on all the ones that finally made it through with overwhelming support, plus these ones that are now being held up. How will Romney get past his own party’s obstruction to get deals done (rhetorical question – Romney’s not a black man, so he won’t get any obstruction) – if any country is still willing to do business with the United States after a GOP win.
GOOD Morning Everyone
todayh is ooober busy but I wanted to stop by – say hi and make a teensy suggestion.
Lets all “send some love” to those who have stood up for FLOTUS
Gayle King – write CBS and tell them you love the show and love Gayles story
Solidad O’Brien – again write to her bosses and sing her praises
Lawerence O’Donnell
I don’t have time to post the contact information or twitter addresses for these folks or their companies, but am hoping others can do that below.
Every time we can send out a compliment it helps the cause and makes us feel better.
Toodles…….
GOOD Morning Everyone
todayh is ooober busy but I wanted to stop by – say hi and make a teensy suggestion.
Lets all “send some love” to those who have stood up for FLOTUS
Gayle King – write CBS and tell them you love the show and love Gayles story
Solidad O’Brien – again write to her bosses and sing her praises
Lawerence O’Donnell
I don’t have time to post the contact information or twitter addresses for these folks or their companies, but am hoping others can do that below.
Every time we can send out a compliment it helps the cause and makes us feel better.
Toodles…….
Thanks Linda good idea and will do.
Media Contact Info. – address, phone, email, twitter
Posted by Linda H on 11:50 AM| January 10, 2011
Listed below is contact information for several media outlets. If you can contribute more names and information to the list please send me a note at whatisworking@gmail.com
CBS News
524 W. 57 St., New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-975-4321
Fax: 212-975-1893
CBS Evening News: evening@cbsnews.com
Twitter: @CBSNews, CBS Tweet @CBSTweet, Mark Knoller @markknoller
The Early Show: earlyshow@cbs.com
60 Minutes II: 60m@cbsnews.com
48 Hours: 48hours@cbsnews.com
Face The Nation: ftn@cbsnews.com
CNN
One CNN Center, Box 105366, Atlanta, GA 30303-5366
Phone: 404-827-1500
Fax: 404-827-1784
Email: cnnnewsroom@cnn.com
Twitter: @cnn, @cnnbrk , @CNNNewsroom
John King: @JohnKingUSA or @JohnKingCNN
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/JohnKingUSAfareedzakaria@cnn.com,
360@cnn.com,
insidepolitics@cnn.com,
fareedzakaria@cnn.com,360@cnn.com,
MSNBC/NBC
30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
Phone: (212) 664-4444
Fax: (212) 664-4426
Twitter @MSNBC or @NBCNews
Hardball with Chris Matthews: hardball@msnbc.com
MSNBC Reports with Joe Scarborough: joe@msnbc.com
NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams: nightly@nbc.com
Lawrence O’Donnell – thelastword@msnbc.com
Ed Shultz – ed@edschultzshow.com,
Rachel Maddow – rachel@msnbc.com,
msnbcreports@msnbc.com,
andrea.mitchell@nbcuni.com,
chuck.todd@nbcuni.com,
Today Show
NBC News Today: today@nbc.com
Ann Curry @AnnCurry
See more: http://www.whatisworking.com/2011/01/email-addresses.html
holy buckets creole. that’s awesome
All the credit goes to WhatISWorking; I just copied and pasted the material from her website. She does, indeed, do amazing work! Thank you, Linda! 🙂
That’s brilliant creolechild, thank you! There is a link here (see the TV in the sidebar on the right) to What is Working’s media contact page, so if you ever need the link you’ll find it there. Thanks again.
And thank you, as well, Chips for all that you do! My apologies for not stating that earlier.~
Uhn hun…
Walgreen sued for overcharging for generics
Friday, January 13, 2012
A union benefits fund filed a class action suit Wednesday, accusing Walgreen Co and generic drug maker Par Pharmaceutical Cos Inc of overcharging for various generic drugs in a bid to boost profits. The complaint, filed by the United Food and Commercial Workers Unions and Employers Midwest Health and Pension Fund, alleges that Walgreen, the largest U.S. drugstore chain, violated federal racketeering laws.
“Starting April 1999 through December, 2006, Par and Walgreen conspired to increase their profit through at least two schemes to illegally fill prescriptions with Par’s higher-priced products rather than the specific drugs prescribed by physicians,” the complaint alleged. The drugs involved included generic versions of antidepressant drug Prozac and anti-heartburn drug Zantac, the complaint said.
Read more: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/01/13/walgreen-sued-for-overcharging-for-generics/
Gingrich, Romney, Washington Post and Politifact should be forced to specify which of the many statement were inaccurate. Was it the testimonials from the people who’s lives were ruined after Bain came to town? Did he not purchase multi-million dollar homes with the profits he earned from corporate raiding at Bain and even plan to demolish one of those multi-million dollar homes to make it four times larger? The massive profits that Bain was able to amass even while a company was going bankrupt? Did Bain not use the term “getting back your bait” to signify loading up a company with debt and then reaping a huge reward via buying back Bain stock? Did they not strip companies of their assets? Did they not show a “high disdain for US workers”, and also sell US companies to foregn entities once they went under? Were the quotes of job losses across America due to Bain’s activities too high or too low? Did Romney not serve as a “member of the management committee” for DDi, while they were luring in unsuspecting investors and then dumping the stock (he claimed he had left the company to go work on the election, but newspapers later found that he was still a member of the management committee)? Is it true or not that newspapers called Bain’s profit taking at the expense of 15000 jobs “disgusting profits”?
And maybe Romney can point us to some instances when Bain lost money when one of their investments went bankrupt.
they can’t just be allowed to say that there are “inaccuracies” and not point that out. And pointing out the stuff that seems quite factual will do as much damage as them pointing out one thing that isn’t – which is probably that he didn’t have 15 houses, he had less than a handful.
Their was no inaccuracies, this was to setup the Republicans attack on the democrats.
You know, politi fact said that the Ryan plan ending Medicare was pants on fire.
You see where they are going?
precisely theo. i for one want to know just what the inaccuracies are!
Tea Party may get rebuffed in tax cut showdown
Friday, January 13, 2012
House Speaker John Boehner, hoping to spare fellow Republicans a second embarrassing defeat over payroll tax cuts, is prepared to navigate around rebellious Tea Party-aligned lawmakers to get a deal, according to congressional aides. “I think Boehner will seek a more accommodating approach to get a good percentage of Democrats to vote for it – even if it costs him a lot of House Republican freshmen,” one House Republican leadership aide told Reuters.
Read more: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/01/13/tea-party-may-get-rebuffed-in-tax-cut-showdown/
Darn, I misplaced my 45K between J & L! 🙂
Dang, I left my $45,000 in my other handbag!
http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2012/01/13/poll-itics-slightly-more-want-obama-to-set-course-than-gop/
Just replied to a bunch of his tweets. He’s trying to make Pres. Obama sound bad for campaigning because probably no other president, especially not Republican ever campaigned for reelection.
Bleeding support-
Mitt Romney leads the GOP presidential field in South Carolina, but his rivals are closing in fast.
Newt Gingrich is close behind the former Massachusetts governor, while Ron Paul and Rick Perry have posted impressive gains over the past week, according to an American Research Group poll released on Friday.
Romney came in at 29 percent, followed by Gingrich at 25 percent, Paul at 20 percent, Perry at 9 percent, Rick Santorum at 7 percent and Jon Huntsman at 1 percent.
http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/polls/204019-poll-south-carolina-getting-tight
Keep going newt, Robney is vulnerable. 1 more week of attacks, should do it!
Unfortunately Newt and Perry are backing off the attacks that got them momentum. Mitt will win SC and the primary will be over by Feb 1st. Party power brokers have circled the wagons and decided that they don’t want a long primary after all and Gingrich has tucked tail.
It already had an effect, now onto the social issues. Mitt loses there, too!
He is hurting!
StR, maybe the silver lining is that MSM will be forced to offer a more balanced coverage between the two parties. I’m getting pretty sick of the GOP all the time on Cable news, and the constant bashing of POTUS without any pushback.
wow, what happened to Santorum? Isn’t he supposed to be very popular with the evangelicals of SC ?
Thank you, Deaniac! Keep them coming…
Wall Street Reform in Action: Banker Pay on Chopping Block
Friday, January 13, 2012 | Posted by Deaniac83 at 11:50 AM
You wouldn’t know it to listen to the freakouts from the extreme Right wing who think the Dodd Frank Wall Street reform law is the second coming of Joseph Stalin (or Hitler, or Mao, they can’t keep their “isms” straight) or the fanatic whiners on the Left who think it was a big giveaway and surrender to the big banks, but Wall Street reform is working. I wrote this week about the consumer protection agency’s steps to regulate non-bank and shadow-bank actors in the mortgage market. And now, thanks to the sunlight and ‘say on pay’ provisions on banker executive pay in Dodd Frank, Wall Street pay is heading to the chopping block as institutional shareholders demand accountability because of poor performance.
Read more: http://www.thepeoplesview.net/2012/01/wall-street-reform-in-action-banker-pay.html
The not-Romneys seem to be gaining traction in SC. Hopefully Leroy keeps up with the attacks.
The Democratic polling outfit Democracy Corps has a study out with lots of good nuggets on the 2012 landscape, including data showing that it helps Barack Obama to have more credible candidates in the race, as it splits the opposition while the president’s base remains solid:
Our poll shows that as a third-party candidate, Ron Paul would take 18 percent of the vote in a matchup against Obama and Romney. Almost all of this comes at Romney’s expense. Nearly tied in a head-to-head matchup against the president, Romney’s vote plummets when Paul is added to the ballot, losing 12 points of his vote share.
We tested matchups between Obama, Romney, and three independent candidates, including Ron Paul, Donald Trump, and Michael Bloomberg. Together, these three take 25 percent of the vote. While Romney’s support drops off in the face of a third-party challenge, Obama remains strong at 42 percent (12 points ahead of Romney.) Thirty-one percent of Romney voters in the two-way matchup defect to one of the three independent candidates; only 12 percent of Obama voters defect.
These independent candidates have traction in key subgroups — 32 percent of white non-college and suburban voters chose one of the three independent candidates in this five-way matchup.
Nice!
There will be a third party group, but it will be from the Americans Elect outfit and will not be Paul, Trump or Bloomberg. AE is bankrolled by hedge fund managers and they’re out to make sure Romney is elected, so you can expect they’ll have their ticket come from the left of Pres Obama to only peel off his support.
I hear they are very interested in huntsman!
Still, will pull support from Robney indes!
Huntsman has no charisma whatsoever and is uninspiring. I think that became pretty obvious during the last couple debates and during his vapid speech after the NH primaries.
They will FAIL. They are asking Joe Lieberman to run…of all people. Please.
Unfortunately, Lieberman would take some of the Jewish vote!
Sure. Like Herman Cain would take some of the Black vote!
Jewish voters aren’t stupid. They know that Americans Elect’s goal is to put Mitt Romney (and not Joe Lieberman) in office. Why would they be encouraging of exploitation of a Jewish candidate just to siphon their votes from the Democrat to enable a Republican to win?
That is Their thinking!
He was a democratic vp candidate, etc etc!
^++++
Also, if Huntsman has no charisma, Lieberman is the anti-charisma candidate. His hangdog look and uninspired rhetoric are coma inducing. He would add nothing but antipathy to any ticket.
His hangdog look and uninspired rhetoric are coma inducing. …. LOL, yeahhhhhhhhhhhh I like that description, hangdog look, cracks me up 🙂
No they won’t. They will not be running a candidate from the left of Obama. I’ve read that they’ve reached out to Roemer and also to Lieberman and neither of those candidates are to the left of Pres.Obama.
Actually, domestically, lieberman is a leftie, foreign policy wise, far right!
Really? That’s why he thwarted the progessives’ prized public option in congress?
Co sponsored DADT!
That issue alone doesn’t make him any more “left” that PBO on domestic policy. PBO was pushing for DADT repeal – remember?. PBO would have also wanted the public option if congress wanted it.
I neversaid hewas more leftwing, that line came from saint Roscoe!
No Jovie, saintroscoe did not say any that about Joe Lieberman. Saintroscoe said that Americans Elect would need to nominate someone to the left of Obama if they were to siphon support away from PBO. Then I said that they would fail because they were pushing Joe Lieberman of all people (who is center-right at best).
Lieberman used to be comfortably left, then the Democratic party pushed for Ned Lamont to beat him for his congressional seat, he left the D. party and ran as an independent. From then on, until now, he’s become more right-wing until he formally endorsed McCain over PBO and his voting record has been a mixed bag ever since.
Have to strongly disagree. Yes Lieberman even suggested Medicare for 55 and over. Until progressives liked it and then he withdrew support. For that reason. He said so.
It’s all personal for him. He’s still angry at progressives for costing him the primary. So he’s become as far right as possible. He’s a s
all, petty deranged ass.m
I’m pretty sure the Americans Elect candidate will be a woman. I just don’t have any idea who that will be. It’s the only way they could really make their candidate stand out from everyone else.
Comedian Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) tweets: “Welcome to Twitter, @MichelleObama! Please ignore my following old hashtags #ExerciseSucks, #GardeningIsForGrannies, #FatKidsAreCooler”
I heard something today from a conservative co-worker and I wanted to get feedback on it. I was very surprised to hear this point of view (I shouldn’t be, considering its a conservative).
I was talking to another co-worker and asking if her husband had found a job yet. He got laid off a couple of months ago. I really have a heart for this, as my husband was laid off twice in one year. Anyway, I mentioned the in-sourcing that the Administration is doing. The conservative person said something about how the tax incentives the companies were getting were coming out of OUR money. I was dumb founded that someone could think this way. Any of you have any quick smart comebacks for this kind of discussion?
Tax incentives basically are our money aren’t they ? Just like tax incentives for buying a new home and tax incentives for weatherizing a home and tax credits for hiring Veterans and so on…..
They are a “credit ” on the companies tax returns that reduce the tax burden. It is a good thing isn’t it ?
A simple question is to ask them what is the source of their information. And their response to that pretty much tells you what your next follow up comment should be.
Ask him what is a better use of tax payer money? Should we use it to employ Americans or for subsidies to oil companies, endless wars, tax cuts for the 1% or corporate tax breaks and loopholes?
good ones L3!
I like that L3. I felt that she was insinuating that “how dare the Administration use OUR money to bring jobs back”. Its like someone thinking the government is taking money out of our pockets to fund something frivolous. Like, yes they’re bringing jobs back, but they’re doing it with my money! I can’t believe how uncaring people can be.
She’s got her right wing talking points down. You would think only Republicans pay taxes in this country. Tell her you pay taxes too and that you don’t mind your taxes being spent to employ people and that there are things like those that I mentioned above that you don’t like your tax dollars being spent on. Paying taxes is part of being a citizen of this country and it’s our leaders who get to determine how those dollars are spent and if it makes her feel better she can just pretend her tax dollars are going towards those government expenditures that she supports.
Sherry, I had something similar happen when I mentioned my disbelief in people wanting to do away with health care reform. The person I spoke to said something about people not wanting taxes to go up to pay for it. I did not have the info and wasn’t sure just how to reply. I’m not so good in those situations…
The only group that got their taxes raised for health care reform was the rich. Just ask that person how much less did she get in her paycheck? Ask her if she would rather go bankrupt or pay a few extra dollars for health care reform? Ask her to picture herself needing it because sometimes people can’t think of anyone but themselves.
thanks gobrooklyn!
lovingandlaughing, you can always refer them to WhiteHouse.gov for additional information:
Cracking Down on Insurance Companies, Protecting Consumers
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/01/12/cracking-down-insurance-companies-protecting-consumers
I once referred a person at work to the Healthcare website that the Administration started. She was complaining about something with healthcare. She got extremely defensive and spouted off something totally untrue.
I know lovingandlaughing! I was just dumb founded! I don’t understand or even comprehend people who aren’t compassionate!
“In the coming weeks, President Obama will put forward new tax proposals to reward companies that choose to invest or bring back jobs to the United States and to eliminate tax advantages for companies moving jobs overseas.”
Link:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/01/11/everything-you-need-know-about-insourcing
Alycee, that’s probably a key point to bring up; eliminating tax advantages for companies moving jobs overseas.
Ask them why they wouldn’t want taxes to go to creating American jobs. Ask them if they complained about Republicans taking their tax dollars to create jobs overseas.
Very good point gobrooklyn!
Doesn’t every dollar used by the government come from taxpayers? It’s the same tax dollars that have been going to pay for the Iraq war that killed 4500 Americans for the sake of fictitious WMD, the same tax dollars that go to Rush Limbaugh and his ilk by way of the Bush tax cuts that haven’t created a single job, the same dollars that went to Halliburton to electrocute soldiers while they were taking showers, and the same tax dollars that go to companies right now to REWARD them for sending jobs overseas. Those same tax dollars are now being used to reward companies for bringing those jobs back, invest in the country by way of infrastructure, education and healthcare spending, and to give tax cuts to real small businesses so they can thrive and lead the economic recovery.
I have a question Theo; how do tax dollars get used to reward companies for sending jobs overseas? Does it help them because they don’t have to pay taxes here or is there another reason?
Instead of asking a question, that could come off argumentative, I think i would just state something like: “If they are using my money to create jobs for American workers like our husbands, then I’m all for it!” That’s positive, and kind of puts you on her side and hopefully leaves her something to think about. I was very impressed with an article I read about how to respond to people in this campaign, and it wasn’t so much about arguing as to respectfully address their concerns. The writer made the point that during the election we represent President Obama to everyone we talk to. I’m trying to think how he would respond in different situations. (I’m not very good at it yet! I mostly get way too ticked off!)
.In Defense of Black Women Against the “Angry” Stereotype
Michele Norris of NPR just concluded a compelling and heartfelt set of tweets about why the stereotype of an “angry” Black woman is so damaging and hurtful. It speaks the truth in so many ways.
http://chirpstory.com/li/3829
Just found out that Max Baucus is against the Presidents new streamlining plan.
It figures!
On what effing grounds?!?!?!
He’s a ‘conservative’ democrat: how can you be against cutting waste before cutting programs, and call yourself any kind of public servant?
My friend said she heard some Republican Congressman saying he wouldn’t vote for it because President Obama wasn’t ‘sincere’ about it. O.o Well, if you think he’s bluffing, then vote for it and call his bluff!
Sherry, these articles may provide the answer to your question:
To learn more about things that President Obama has already proposed to support insourcing, check out the fact sheet.
Click to access 1_10_2012_fact_sheet_on_past_support_for_insourcing_final_2.pdf
Everything You Need to Know About Insourcing
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/01/11/everything-you-need-know-about-insourcing
hey thx creole this is good stuff.
This is great info creole! Thanks so much for pointing it out. I like to read up on everything, so that when I make campaign calls for the President I’m armed with information. I remember calling other states in 2008 and having all kinds of information to tell people. The better educated I am, the better.
Another day in the short, dull life of the Perry campaign: http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-perry-pivots-away-from-romney-focuses-on-defense-20120113,0,3974138.story
From the article:
After Perry left, walking by a mannequin wearing a Squat N’ Gobble T-shirt whose hand was raised above her head – a hand Perry tried to call on during a question-and-answer period — a spirited discussion broke out in the restaurant, with some patrons waving Nobama ’12 bumper stickers. It was resolved, it seemed, after they determined that someone had left without paying their bill – and a Perry staffer agreed to pick up the tab.
the mannequin with the raised hand is too funny, well the fact that Perry tried to call on that raised hand is what is really funny! 😉
Obama Defeats The GOP Again By Calling Their Small Government Bluff
The strategic gamesmanship here isn’t centered around a question of presidential power. Obama’s remarks today were a stealth attack on Republican hypocrisy. If Republicans refuse to grant the president the power that he requested, this will become another campaign issue for Obama. If Republicans do grant him the authority to reorganize his branch, President Obama gets to campaign on streamlining the federal government for small business. It’s a win-win for Obama, and all lose situation for the GOP.
http://www.politicususa.com/en/obama-21st-century-government
All for not! Max Baucus has released a statement he is against it.
He is the chairman of the finance committee, and if he is not onboard, then this is dead!
Gotta love Democrats in Congress???
I would source the article but it is from Bryon Tau, that College Republican dink from politico!
Jovie – read the article. It says that this is a win-win situation for President Obama. If they disagree, he wins. If they agree, he wins. Nothing is dead, because the point about GOP hypocrisy and putting their hatred of President Obama above the country and their policy of “small government” isn’t dead – it’s already won simply by President Obama proposing this move.
I love it. Watch what you ask for . . . you just might get it.
PBO is the Chess Master!
******* CHECKMATE ********
I am listening to Randi Rhodes right now and she is playing a clip of President Obama from 2011 making the same points he made today about streamlining the government. And of course during the campaign this was an issue. This is nothing new. All you have to do is go to the video tapes on this one.
It’s really hilarious that all the GOP can come up with is that this is an election year ploy and even after that what he is proposing is not going to really make that much difference. That is beyond weak. Try explaining that to the American people when all you talk about is that government can’t do anything right. Time to put up or shut up GOP. President Obama is just making sense. As usual, he is on the right side of the issue. The GOP knew jerk reaction to be against anything President Obama is for is going to bite them in the arse again.
It’s amazing how the media carries water for the GOP. Mark Knoller was busy on Twitter this morning posting the same nonsense about “10 months before an election, blah blah blah…” Thankfully he got schooled right away by many of us.
THE TOD TRUTH SQUAD
Thanks for the feedback hopefruit. I am glad Knoller got schooled. I guess just reports the facts is too much to bear. It makes me giddy when someone on this blog gets the 411 to these so called journalists. We have our own ‘TRUTH SQUAD” and we are a force to be reckoned with. It’s freakin awesome.
Oooo…Ladyhawke… 🙂 The TOD TRUTH SQUAD would be an excellent name for the “News Dump Day” strategy that some of us hope to get up and running in the very near future! If we can get more people to come onboard, and everyone agrees, can we use that title?
Absolutely…..
Well, by Mark Knoller’s reasoning – the government should have shut down as soon as the GOP decided to start campaigning. Either that, or every action the President has taken can be labelled “campaigning”, so we should countdown from that inauguration day and list every achievement as “xx days before an election”. They are beyond ridiculous.
Because NO PRESIDENT BEFORE THIS ONE has ever campaigned for reelection, right? Right???
Karl Rove once noted a strategy of “making it impossible for a Democratic President to govern as a Democrat.” Well PBO has made it clear that strategy has plenty of exploitable holes.
For example, when PBO makes moves on the more commonsense-mainstream platforms from both parties from previous years, the Rovian strategy seems to backfire across America as GOP in congress obstruct, nullify, sabotage, filibuster and take hostages. See: Congress vs. PBO approval ratings.
PBO has thoroughly exposed all the hypocracies and nonsense of the GOP before a major election, and accomplished notable feats too. So….what incentive does a repug in America have to support a GOP presidential candidate? See: current GOP enthusiasm? Maybe? And think: PBO has not even begun to really campaign yet. That’s how you win!
And then there is the possibility that GOP “wave” peaked in 2010 only to show America that the “wave” wasn’t all that good for them. Expect more lies from that side of the field soon. Donate to the campaign to fight back and/or volunteer today!
Great job, PBO. “You want smaller government? Then PBO makes reforms in areas that America can largely embrace. You want to leave more issues up to states to decide? Then PBO ensures flexibility for individual states. You want to cut taxes? Then PBO says don’t block the proposed middle class tax cuts and we can just let other breaks expire as scheduled without your fingerprints.” We’ve seen this and more in Race to the Top, Affordable Care Act, Payroll Taxes, and even the Streamline Government initiative announced today…..just to name a few.
Let’s not even discuss foreign policy…..
Can I go ahead and vote 4 more for 44 yet?
🙂
HEADLINE: Judge: John Edwards has life-threatening condition
// GREENSBORO, N.C. — A federal judge says she has two letters from a cardiologist saying ex-presidential candidate John Edwards has a life-threatening condition that will require surgery in February. //
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45983532/ns/us_news/t/judge-john-edwards-has-life-threatening-condition/
Can you imagine if he were President?
i cannot imagine. i am so disappointed in him for his personal life choices. thank goodness his campaign didn’t go anywhere. hmmm, I wonder what this life threatening condition is? I do not wish him poor health certainly, but I will never again have the same respect for him that I once did when he was Kerry’s VP pick.
I saw that…..he asked for the delay in December and is having surgery in February ? How is that life threatening if it can wait ?
When my husband ( now gone ) was diagnosed ….they would not let him leave the hospital and did surgery the next morning.
I wonder what is wrong with Edwards.
He is afraid of going to Prison!
Please, let’s not do this…
John Edwards actions towards Elizabeth were despicable, but he is still deserving of our basic human empathy…
We wish him healing…
Anyone watching Martin ?
Cheri Jacobus has got to be the most annoying person on TV.
test
Please tweet this to secret service –
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2012/01/13/403911/kansas-gop-house-speaker-prays-that-obamas-children-be-fatherless-and-his-wife-a-widow/?mobile=wp
No racism in America???
Isn’t this an old story? If I’m not mistaken this has been tweeted, blogged, reported at length in the past year.
Headlines on think progress right now! Go take a look.
Sick
I really don’t understand how people with such views get elected to anything!
It’s America for crying out loud not Afghanistan
What’s wrong with Kansas ?
Judson Phillips told Martin that the TPers don’t hate Obama, they just don’t like his policies……. 🙄 tell me another one. 😐
But, a lot of President Obama’s policies include policies that were either proposed or supported by Republicans – including the Affordable Care Act aka “Obamacare”.
NO WORDS FOR THIS…the animosity and hate seems to be never-ending! Why won’t conservative Americans who are in disagreement with members of their using this type of rhetoric not standing up and speaking out against it? Where’s the public outrage? If ever there was a good reason to make sure that we get voters registered and to the polls on Election Day– AND THERE ARE MANY– this is clear evidence that we have to re-double our efforts! This is sickening…
ThinkProgress reported last week that Kansas House Speaker Mike O’Neal (R) was forced to apologize to First Lady Michelle Obama after forwarding an email to fellow lawmakers that called her “Mrs. YoMama” and compared her to the Grinch.
Earlier that same week, the Lawrence Journal-World was sent another email that O’Neal had forwarded to House Republicans that referred to President Obama and a Bible verse that says “Let his days be few” and calls for his children to be without a father and his wife to be widowed.
Read more: http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2012/01/13/403911/kansas-gop-house-speaker-prays-that-obamas-children-be-fatherless-and-his-wife-a-widow/
Sorry about the duplicate, Jovie. I’m so upset right now my vision is blurry…
Contact Representative Mike O’Neal.
mike.oneal@house.ks.gov
Topeka
Room: 370-W
Topeka, Kansas 66612.
Ph: 785-296-2302.
Hutchinson
P.O. Box 2977
Hutchinson, KS 67504.
Ph: 620-662-0537.
http://www.reponeal.com/
I just tweeted this over to the SS and to attackwatch. what a hateful man. when ppl use the bible to spread hate it really burns my a$$
I am sorry, I did nit mean to upset you. I only brought this here, because I know you guys would report it!
It wasn’t anything you did Jovie! The perpetual hate that’s on display in this country can be emotionally draining sometimes.
Yes!
Biden in Bucks questions college tuition costs
By Anthony R. Wood
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
He mentioned his Pennsylvania roots several times, he told homespun stories, and for about 90 minutes Vice President Biden charmed a pep-rally friendly crowd today at Central Bucks West High School in downtown Doylestown.
*snip*
After speaking for a half hour, Biden answered questions for 40 minutes and then spent an additional 20 minutes greeting students and posing for pictures.
more —> http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20120113_Biden_in_Bucks_questions_college_tuition_costs.html
Bloomy is happy
I wonder how long it’ll take bloomy to take back his support if President Obama gets attacked for pushing for this effort…
Remember how Mike was all in for the 911 trials in NY and did an about face once the republicans started attacking the President and the idea…
Romney may end up regretting that he used that steel company as an example of him creating jobs:
From PM Carpenter
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Isn’t someone going to help that poor man?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Any suspense about how soon the president would enter the prevailing fray is over, for now comes Team Obama with this absolutely devastating contrast between what some folks do, and some folks don’t, with opportunity:
“President Obama … began his [Harvard-educated] career helping jobless workers in the shadow of a closed-down steel mill. Mitt Romney, on the other hand, [used his Harvard education to make] millions closing down steel mills.”
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
http://pmcarpenter.blogs.com/p_m_carpenters_commentary/2012/01/isnt-someone-going-to-help-that-poor-man.html
Wouldn’t it be an incredible image/story if PBO helped someone laid-off by Bain&Co during his time as a community organizer?
Uh-oh…https://twitter.com/#!/TheRReport/status/157934315370594305
No wonder Gingrich is now trying to get VP slot or other cabinet position from “President” Romney.
With all these VP promises piling up, Robney is going to have to run with a team of ten VP candidates.
Has anyone come across any video footage of VP Biden today? I missed the live audio.
scroll down to 4 minute clip at this link: http://www.thereporteronline.com/articles/2012/01/13/news/doc4f1099b68fa79442057699.txt?viewmode=fullstory
Thanks a bunch Alycee!!! I’m just getting back in.
Chris Christie is a loud mouth bully but he’s smart enough to this right:
It’s winter and he remembers what happened in 2010. Need to have those disaster emergency funds in case of a blizzard.
Follow The Money – Bain Capital Owns Most Conservative And Some Liberal Radio Stations
=============================
If a Presidential candidate isn’t well liked by the Republican establishment, there is one simple way to ensure that that candidate will be supported by the voices of the Republican establishment; buy them.
Bain Capital is the company that was formerly run by Presidential candidate, Mitt Romney. It is also a major shareholder in Clear Channel Radio, the largest owner of radio stations in the US and Premiere Radio, the syndicator of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, Fox News Radio Network, and just for a little variety, Randi Rhodes and Jesse Jackson. If you ever wondered why the right ordained Romney the winner before the race even started, this is probably your answer.
==================================
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/01/13/follow-the-money-bain-capital-owns-most-conservative-and-some-liberal-radio-stations/
All the power is in the hands of the few. Everyone else has President Obama and his team fighting for them. Lucky for everyone else that President Obama is currently the most popular and the most powerful man in the world.
CNN has been running a report about Baun in SC, talking to voters
Very damning!
Bain.
So somebody in Virginia actually reads and upholds the law. Must come as a shock to Va’s loony AG.
Means Romney wins the State as it’s proportional unless one of the candidate gets over 50%.
OTOH, Romney will probably give Virginia much less attention than he would have if it was hotly contested.
Can people still write in the names of these other candidates, even though they won’t be pre-printed on the ballot? Or are they completely excluded?
Excluded. Write-in’s illegal I believe – and thus not counted/counted as spoiled ballot.
That’s not good.
I recall back around Christmas, reading that Virginia specifically PROHIBITS write-ins.
Bill maher starts up again tonite, while I dislike him, his show is good!
Herman Cain of all people will be on the show tonight.
Herb Cain does nothing but lower any political discourse to nonsense. It is depressing he is on the national scene. Why is Bill Maher giving him a platform?
I totally agree. I don’t know why serious Americans are allowing people like Herman Cain to continue to make a mockery of the very important process of electing a President. What makes me furious is that the rest of the world is impacted by what happens in this country and the decisions that are made here – and the people making the decisions. This country literally holds lives and prosperity around the world in it’s hands. And so few people take that responsibility seriously enough to demand a higher standard of candidate and discourse, or even to keep abreast of what is going on with their government or their world. The world puts its faith in this country, not just because you’ve got the most nuclear weapons, but because everyone assumes that there’s a higher level of democracy and thought going on. What is on display during this election period really gives a bad impression. I’ve actually had people tell me to mind my own business and not express my opinion because I’m a Canadian – even though I’ve been paying pretty hefty taxes in this country for over a decade. But, it IS my business when the likes of any of these GOP candidates can cause the third world war – or some other disaster. It’s everybody’s business. And seeing Herman Cain still riding high after his pitiful and embarrassing exit from actually being considered “front-runner” for the Office of the Presidency drives me crazy. It’s just makes me furious.
He is a billionaire with connections!
Herman Cain is a comedian. We have Romney who only cares about 1% of the country’s population yet, he wants to govern all of us. You have Ron Paul who is concerned with legalizing harmful drugs and hates a segment of our society, racist as hell yet he wants to govern them.
And the rest of the repub field thinks they are entitled to run yet they are void of the intellect and compassion for the people to help to make this country better.
You don’t hear any of their ideas of how they will make America better. They think that their quest for money will fill the void in their lives. They are empty and rotten to the core. Their riches will not satisfy and they will be consumed. They are storing them up for the poor. Hiding their assets so that they don’t pay their fair share of taxes classify them as thieves. What is illegally gained will be lost, it is without benefit.
This is the season of reaping. The poor will not continue to be oppressed. Everything is being exposed, the truth is being revealed.
When our focus is obtaining wealth in order to gain power then our core is in jeopardy, we become a declining society. We are a democracy, not a dictatorship.
When a government tries to make it more difficult for you to vote, then you know the opposition can’t win against you. That means that they know that if you press your way no matter what, you will succeed against the “quiet room” plans.
Third poll that shows Robney losing support-
A new poll of South Carolina primary voters, the latest from PPP, shows Mitt Romney with a lead over Newt Gingrich, 29 percent to 24 percent. Ron Paul just edges out Rick Santorum for third place there, with 15 percent and 14 percent support, respectively.
This kills me. Those RR folks need to get together and get Perry and Santorum out. Gingrich would agree to bring a RR Evangelical as his VP in a second if that’s what they wanted, and Gingrich blows out Romney in SC and Florida if he’s the last not-Romney.
S.Carolina and Florida are both winner-take-all States. Mitt wins either and it’s over.
I think Gingrich will narrowly win SC, and then somebody drops out for Florida, probably perry!
I think regardless of how Gingrich does, the votes will be fixed in Romney’s favor, just as were in the Iowa Caucus when Santorum probably was the true winner.
Jovie, I hope you are correct, but I would not bet a nickle on the SC race. It ia tough one to call.
Sholud be like Iowa! Very close!
Jovie, I believe he is worth $4-5 million and is trying to make as much as he can with his newly gained fame. He still has PAC money he can use to travel to promote his 9-9-9 plan increasing his exposure. He was making $25,000 for motivational speeches before he ran for President. Selling books, making speeches, appearing on teevee he can stay on the road, continue chasing women, and make tons of money. Life is good for the Hermanator thanks to our political system.
Sorry, the above should have appeared under a comment about Herb Cain. I do not know what happened.
Defense Industry favors the President over the GOP
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/01/13/which-presidential-candidates-have-earned-the-defense-industrys-support/
Attacks Over Bain Seen Making Romney Stronger
HAHA THE MSM IS TRYING TO STICK UP FOR ROMNEY
Lol!
I saw Morning Joke trying out that line last night on Lawrence O’Donnell’s show. Their psychological games won’t work this time. Some people are waking up. Gingrich lobbed some pretty solid blows – the question needed to be asked whether it’s right that a company makes off with millions when their investment folds and jobs are lost.
Will depend on the upcoming SC debates. Will Gingrich get all mealy-mouthed and back down?
halo, not buying it. If that’s true,then why don the GOP want Newt to stop the attacks?
No matter how they try, not going to work.The single most important weakness to my mind about Mitt is that he does not know how or is incapable of leave his comfort zone. His lack of spontaniety will be one his biggest foibles. He appears not to be able to think on his feet, that’s why he’s always putting his foot in his mouth.
Chipsticks,
Sorry Chipsticks but this blog is no longer a refuge for me from the hysteria of cable news. I, like many others who read your wonderful blog enjoy it as a means to be able to both report and celebrate the events surrounding the presidency of Barack Obama. I know you have asked us to not police the blog — that is your job which makes total sense. However I don’t see your email address on the blog to privately let you know what it is that’s at issue for me. If you want to email me I would much appreciate it. Thank you.
forus, Chips’ email is theobamadiary(at)gmail(dot)com
thank you.
If it’s any consolation, I agree and made a similar comment a few days ago.
Yes, that is a consolation. Thanks.
I don’t want ‘hair-on-fire” doomsday talk, but if we don’t sometimes read about what the other side is saying, how do we formulate good arguments to push back against it. I don’t spend much time on twitter (no smart phone) but when i see ‘attack tweets’ posted here, I go online and tweet back. I want assurance and hope and the knowledge that many others agree with me, but I also want useful information. So if it’s presented as “here’s what’s being said” and not as “Oh no! All is lost!” I’m for it.
Every time I read/hear lies from the sanctimonious right, I wonder did they not learn the 9th Commandment — “Thou shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
Exhibit A of the latest violation:
Santorum: Obama wants constitutional amendment to redistribute wealth
By David Edwards
Friday, January 13, 2012
Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum suggested on Friday that President Barack Obama wanted a constitutional amendment to force the redistribution of wealth.
Wearing his infamous sweater vest, the candidate told a group of supporters in Rock Hill, South Carolina that Obama wanted to “manage the decline of America.”
“Remember the president of the United States saying when he was running for office earlier in his career, he was asked the question as a constitutional law professor, what change he would make, what deficiency there was in the Constitution?” Santorum explained. “His answer was there should be a provision for the redistribution of wealth.”
more, including remarks by Bill Burton ———-> http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/01/13/santorum-obama-wants-constitutional-amendment-to-redistribute-wealth/
It is clear to me that Santorum is a lost soul……he must spend a lot of time in the Confessional.
S&P just took the ax to Europe- France and eight other Countries get downgraded!
http://mobile.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE80C1BC20120113?irpc=932
I am John Boehner and I approve this message.
I guess they should have listened to President Obama when he told them that now was not the time for austerity. All snark aside, though, I feel for the people in Europe. Not an easy time, at all. I hope they sort it out, for all our sakes,
You know Theo67 I don’t feel it is snark. The President did warn them. And you would think they would have figured that out after watching Great Britain’s economy tank after Cameron implemented those tough measures. There’s no doubt now that the President’s pivot to Asia-Pacific is absolutely brilliant.
STUPID STUBBORN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES. PBO SAID STIMULATE NOT CUT.
Spain has an unemployment rate of 25%. That’s not recessionary, that’s a fullblown depression. And then they went ahead and elected the Popular Party, which is descended from Franco’s Falangists. Yeah, that’ll work out well. Our citizens aren’t the only ones who vote against their own interests.
Because of their reputation of being socialist, this is guilt!
“S&P just downgraded France from AAA to AA+”.
We have to recall how this played out the last time – such a downgrade is a forecast on how well the country is able to repay its debts – in other words, how expensive it will be to borrow money – in yet other words, how high the interest will be on their treasury bonds.
In recent history, S&P downgraded the United States of America.
As soon as markets opened on the next Monday, the interest on Treasure Bonds went *down*.
If we, meteorologists, had such a bad record foretelling the future, we would have been fired already.
Arizona Rep. Trent Franks, late of the Bachmann campaign, endorsed Newt Gingrich for president in a statement this afternoon that also featured a hard shot at Mitt Romney on the issue of abortion.
Lol!
Trent Franks is a certifiable LOON. The rights of women are an obsession for this idiot…he is on the WRONG SIDE of everything. Who cares who he endorsed….hopefully, he’ll be gone soon.
What I don’t get is why these men are so obsessed with denying the rights of women. What’s in it for them? Are they envious of the fact that we have wombs and they don’t, so they’ll never have babies? I find this preoccupation with women’s uteri utterly baffling.
Salazar is on fire-
WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Tuesday, Jan. 17, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe will kick-off a two day trip to Florida to make two important conservation announcements that are part of the Administration’s efforts to preserve and restore the Florida Everglades. The visit comes as part of President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors (AGO) initiative to establish a community-based, 21st century agenda for conservation, recreation, and reconnecting Americans to the outdoors.
During next week’s trip, Secretary Salazar will highlight the job-creating impacts and economic benefits of tourism, outdoor recreation and conservation in the Everglades and around Florida.
On Tuesday, Salazar and Ashe will join U.S. Senator Bill Nelson to make an announcement regarding wildlife and the Florida Everglades. The announcement will take place along the Tamiami Trail just outside of Miami. Later on, Salazar will attend the Everglades Foundation “Everglades Water Supply Summit” in Tallahassee where he will identify next steps in the restoration of the Florida Everglades during a panel discussion entitled, “What’s Next.”
http://www.doi.gov/news/mediaadvisories/AMERICAS-GREAT-OUTDOORS-Secretary-Salazar-to-Visit-Florida-Make-Major-Conservation-Announcements.cfm
SACRAMENTO, CA—Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today signed an agreement to expand a state and federal partnership that has, over the last two years, paved the way for more than a dozen utility-scale solar energy projects and more than 130 renewable power projects in California.
These projects, which underwent rigorous environmental review, will generate thousands of construction jobs and power local economies. If all of these projects were built today, California would have enough renewable power to meet the state’s 33 percent goal.
The agreement broadens the state and federal partnership to formally include transmission projects and bring in new partners, including the California Independent System Operator, the California Public Utilities Commission and the California State Lands Commission. The agreement also renews a mutual commitment to landscape level planning efforts. The partnership, launched in 2009, works through a senior-level Renewable Energy Policy Group (REPG) to expedite review and processing of proposed projects.
17 Million Young Adults Would Lose Insurance If Health Law Is Struck Down |
By Fatima Najiy on Jan 13, 2012 at 2:05 pm
Consumer group Young Invincibles has filed a legal brief defending the minimum coverage provision of the Affordable Care Act, arguing that should the Supreme Court declare President Obama’s health reform law unconstitutional, over 17 million young Americans stand to lose their health care coverage. The law has already extended insurance to 2.5 million Americans as a result of a provision which allows adults to stay on their parents’ plans until the age of 26.
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2012/01/13/404175/17-million-young-adults-would-lose-insurance-if-health-law-is-struck-down/
Court Orders Enforcement Of TX Abortion Law
A federal appeals court on Friday ordered the immediate enforcement of a new Texas abortion law, Reuters reports:
The law, enacted in 2011, requires abortion providers to perform an ultrasound on pregnant women, show and describe the image to them, and play sounds of the fetal heartbeat.
http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/
You vote for Republicans, you get Republican policies. They want to bring this nonsense to the rest of the country. Even Romney has said he believes Roe v Wade should be repealed. Small government.
YEAH!!!!!!!!!!
Correcting the Martin Luther King memorial mistake
By Rachel Manteuffel, Friday, January 13, 4:44 PM
Five months ago, in this space, I wrote that something was wrong with the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial. The quotation inscribed on the monument’s left flank had been so badly excerpted that a modest statement of King’s was turned into a boast.
At the time, it wasn’t clear how or why this had happened, but what seemed likely, at least to me, was that nothing would be done about it. Things that are etched in stone seldom are changed, especially in Washington, which is not famous for admitting error, righting wrongs, getting things done in a timely fashion, or getting things done at all.
It turns out I was right about the error but wrong about Washington. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar told The Post today that the quote will be corrected. He has given the National Park Service 30 days — because “things only happen when you put a deadline on it” — to consult with the King Memorial Foundation, family members and other interested parties and come up with a more accurate alternative.
more —-> http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/mlk-memorials-drum-major-quote-will-be-corrected-interior-secretary-says/2012/01/13/gIQAnjYvwP_story.html?hpid=z2
Wonderful news!! This was an incredibly bad “artistic” mistake. Glad it’s getting fixed.
I’m so glad they’re going to fix it!
Thank you for sharing such great news!
Republican Candidates Get Lucky on Health Insurance
By Margot Sanger-Katz and Meghan McCarthy| Updated: January 12, 2012 | 1:23 p.m.
Romney, like all his rivals for the Republican nomination, says he would like to repeal the 2010 health care reform law, privatize parts of Medicare, and create a system in which more people shop for health insurance on the individual market. But that’s not the option most of the candidates have taken for their personal health care—which is not surprising, considering that the individual market is generally the most restrictive and most expensive place to buy health insurance.
The Romney campaign refused to say where he gets his health care coverage. But because of the health care reform law he signed as governor of Massachusetts, he is lucky to live in one of the few states with good insurance options for a 64-year-old unemployed man with a wife who has a preexisting health condition: multiple sclerosis. Many of the Republican presidential nominee hopefuls enroll in public-employee benefit programs that give them the advantages of large-group pricing—and heavy taxpayer subsidy of their premiums.
Read more: http://nationaljournal.com/healthcare/republican-candidates-get-lucky-on-health-insurance-20120112?mrefid=freehplead_1
h/t Igor Volsky
Santorum charity for the poor spent most of its money on management, political friends
By Carol D. Leonnig and Dan Eggen, Updated: Friday, January 13, 1:18 PM
As Republicans gathered for their national convention in Philadelphia a decade ago, Rick Santorum, who was then an up-and-coming senator from Pennsylvania, launched a charity he said would improve the lives of low-income residents in his home state.
“Wouldn’t it be a great thing to leave something positive behind other than a bunch of parties and a bunch of garbage?” Santorum told a local reporter.
But homeless families and troubled children were not the biggest beneficiaries of “Operation Good Neighbor.” Instead, the foundation spent most of its money to run itself, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees for fundraising, administration and office rental paid to Santorum’s political allies.
More —–> http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/santorum-charity-for-the-poor-spent-most-of-its-money-on-management-political-friends/2012/01/11/gIQAGDKVwP_story.html?hpid=z2
As an example, I think in order for a charitable organization to be allowed into the Combined Federal Campaign – which is a huge annual fund raising drive including numerous charities and the only charitable drive permitted on federal reservations – its overhead costs must be somewhere between 15-25% (I forget). Santorum’s charity is exactly the opposite. They’re all in it for themselves.
Rick Santorum is a fraud. And that’s the alpha and omega of it all.
Someone mentioned in the previous thread that Romney is a cowardly politician. I was thinking about this last night. Personally, I think Romney is a complete fraud in business and in politics. That excellent and frightening Vanity Fair article stated that he was scared to take the job heading Bain Capital, even though it was a plum position. He got assurances from Mr. Bain that he could come back to his old job at Bain Consulting if the Bain Capital thing failed. When he said that he still wasn’t convinced about the move because if he failed, people would know that he was returning to Bain Consulting because he was a failure – then Mr. Bain assured him they would cover it up with a lie that he was desperately needed at Bain Consulting so nobody would ever know. That’s pretty pathetic. He’s too afraid to take risks, and that was evident even with the way he had to research every little thing before making a move, and he would only take the clients that were basically guaranteed to succeed, which really stacked his success rate. One could say this was savvy, but when you’re seeking an unpredictable office like the Presidency, this extreme caution and fear of failure is a liability.
Lawrence O’Donnell mentioned last night that he questions whether Romney even thinks. He called Romney simple-minded. I think he’s right. there’s something very frightened about Romney, and you usually see that desperation in people who are afraid of being caught out as frauds. That’s what got me thinking.
Well, you know…my friend…blind trusts and offshore accounts are people too, just like corporations!~ (smirk)
The Romneys Shall Inherit Mitt’s Worth
By Jon Perr| January 13, 2012 06:00 AM
The past couple of weeks have been very good for Mitt Romney’s 17 grandchildren. Last Wednesday, Romney told a New Hampshire audience he wanted to leave all of his estimated $250 million estate to his grandkids. And that’s very good news indeed for the Romney clan. After all, if their patriarch gets his way as President, the estate tax will be eliminated. That means a potential $80 million windfall for the next generation of Romneys, courtesy of all other American taxpayers who will have to make up the shortfall. And as it turns out, that payday from the U.S. Treasury will more than offset the $45 million of his own money Mitt burned through during his first run for President.
Read more: http://crooksandliars.com/jon-perr/the-romneys-shall-inherit-mitts-worth
Why are they not campaigning together in Florida? Mitt doesn’t need this guy to win S.Carolina – but I hope he gives us some great footage of the two together on Monday – will make a great general election ad in Arizona, NM, Cali, NV etc.
I present this without further comment, except to say that it’s searing truth, and I think I shall put Mr. Wise on my list of blogs to follow.
Of Broken Clocks, Presidential Candidates, and the Confusion of Certain White Liberals.
Perfect. I have just the person to share this with. I, too, will add his blog to my must visits. Amazing piece. Thanks, LL….I saw a little bit over at Smartpants blog, but I hadn’t read the entire thing until you posted this link. Thank you 🙂
By the end I wanted to stand up and cheer! I am reposting this and adding him to my list of must-read blogs.
The former Massachusetts governor also made another slight tweak to his usual campaign message, adding a line today about concern for the poor.
i’m surprised he could say it with a straight face. Much like when he told voters that there were times when he worried about pink slips. 🙄 ass.
Hey Lisa,
There is a Criminal Minds marathon on A & E this Sunday starting at 5 pm (est).
There is a reason Mitt is tweaking his message and not listing the exact number of jobs. I read an article either in the Washington Post or NYT by someone suggesting that Mitt would not be in the heap of trouble he’s in if he would just be vague in stating the number of jobs he created. I think it was a day or two ago. It must have been in a column. That’s why he’s beginning to change his rhetoric. But we have video, tons of it.
Bill Moyers: Why I am Returning to the Air
January 12, 2012
Journalism has long been for me a continuing course in adult education. Given what’s happening in this country, it’s time to sign up for more classes. The lack of civility and common sense that has paralyzed our democracy, the vast economic and social inequality that sends both left and right raging into the streets, the corrosive influence of money in politics – we’re in a tailspin with little hope for a course correction from our elected leadership or corporate-dominated media. The need for voices of reason, simple and eloquent, has rarely been stronger.
This will be a political series, but not a partisan one. In the conversation of democracy, everyone’s invited. That means you, too. You’re welcome to share opinions in the marketplace of ideas we’ll be offering with our all-new website, billmoyers.com. Our aim is dialogue, not diatribe, and we want you in it.
Read more: http://www.alternet.org/vision/153757/bill_moyers%3A_why_i_am_returning_to_the_air/#disqus_thread
I don’t know, sounds like moyers has been hangin out with OWS!
Something else to DVR on Friday nights! What I love about Mr. Moyers is that he’s a fervent believer in democracy and compromise. He’s not a partisan screecher. He wants to get at the truth, but do it without what passes for political discourse in this country. I look forward to tonight’s show.
Doesn’t he hang around Arianna Huffington ?
Cordray’s first target: The housing crisis
Posted by Suzy Khimm at 04:44 PM ET, 01/12/2012
Despite the controversy surrounding his appointment, Richard Cordray is barreling ahead with his work as head of the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — and he’s starting with the very event that led to the creation of his agency: the housing crisis. But Obama’s recess appointment unleashed the watchdog’s full enforcement authority. Over the past few days, the CFPB also launched its first known investigation into a financial firm, probing kickbacks that were allegedly paid to PHH Corp., a private mortgage lender.
Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/first-on-cordrays-agenda-the-housing-meltdown/2012/01/12/gIQAWzHKuP_blog.html
Great! Thanks creolechild for the link.
This is the kind of thing that more completely fills in a body of work that just makes me ready to tell the whiny, thin-skinned far lefties in my County to stick a sock in it. They have absolutely NO idea what kind of work is being done by this administration to correct the abuses of the entire financial sector. Thanks for all your dogged news-bearing, creolechild. You totally rock.
BBbbbbbut IF Obama ONLY pushed hard enough, we’d have jails full of BANKERS! 😆
This Stossel guy is a dam racists idiot and his kind is the one that shouldn’t be able to vote.
I remember him once doing a piece about kindergarteners and how we were teaching them all the wrong things – like sharing. He thought they would do better if they were encouraged to compete instead. He actually said “sharing is bad”. I have had no respect for him since then. These were little tots in kindergarten for heavens sakes!
He’s a Libertarian. The worst of the worst.
Jan S. D-Chicago is really going at the repug candidates. She’s good!
D- Illinois. Yikes!!!
She really is a wonderful surrogate for President Obama.
Attorney General Martha Coakley filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court today arguing that the state’s experience since passage of the 2006 health law validates the federal law.
The court is scheduled to hear oral arguments starting March 26 in a case challenging the constitutionality of the federal law’s requirement that most Americans buy health insurance.
“Massachusetts is uniquely situated to speak to the actual economic effects of comprehensive reform that includes an individual coverage requirement,” the brief says.
http://mobile.boston.com/art/35/Boston/whitecoatnotes/2012/01/attorney-general-coakley-files-supreme-court-brief-supporting-federal-health-law/VtoNYVNx9k58a3ra2Ja55I/index
Screamingly funny! Thanks for sharing!
Was that Jimmy Fallon?
TRUTH TELLING TAKES A BACK SEAT IN SERIOUS BUSINESS OF REPORTING THE NEWS
Professor Jay Rosen of New York University writes about the The New York Times public editor (Arthur Brisbane) post asking “Should The Times Be a Truth Vigilante?
So whaddaya think: should we put truthtelling back up there at number one?
=============================
Something happened in our press over the last 40 years or so that never got acknowledged and to this day would be denied by a majority of newsroom professionals. Somewhere along the way, truthtelling was surpassed by other priorities the mainstream press felt a stronger duty to. These include such things as “maintaining objectivity,” “not imposing a judgment,” “refusing to take sides” and sticking to what I have called the View from Nowhere.
No one knows exactly how it happened, for it’s not like a policy decision came down at some point. Rather, the drift of professional practice over time was to bracket or suspend sharp questions of truth and falsehood in order to avoid charges of bias, or excessive editorializing. Journalists felt better, safer, on firmer professional ground–more like pros–when they stopped short of reporting substantially untrue statements as false. One way to describe it (and I believe this is the correct way) is that truthtelling moved down the list of newsroom priorities. Other things now ranked ahead of it.
But wait a minute: how can telling the truth ever take a back seat in the serious business of reporting the news? That’s like saying medical doctors no longer put “saving lives” or “the health of the patient” ahead of securing payment from insurance companies. It puts the lie to the entire contraption. It devastates journalism as a public service and honorable profession.
===========================
http://pressthink.org/2012/01/so-whaddaya-think-should-we-put-truthtelling-back-up-there-at-number-one/
I never know what to watch at 7 PM… last night I landed on Current and
Cenk Unyger did a really good segment on this last night…. ( he was his outraged usual self, but was spot on with this )
Another good read at the same site…thanks for pointing this out, Ladyhawke 🙂
http://pressthink.org/2011/11/low-information-voters-and-the-political-press/
This is awesome news:
Over Two Dozen Amicus Briefs Filed This Week Supporting The Affordable Care Act
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2012/01/13/404494/over-two-dozen-amicus-briefs-filed-this-week-supporting-the-affordable-care-act/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/01/south-carolina-was-always-going-to-be-a-fight-and-now-it-is.php?m=1
Gingrich is gaining!
The obamabots is hilarious. some one tweeted that tavis Smiley said he will vote for Pres obama. the tweeter said he wants to come home yall. obamabots is tweeting #No #hell no #justsayno. Then some one tweeted in the words Rikyah. #hell to the nawwwwwwwwwww! lmbo
I don’t get this guy. He spends the last three years trashing the president yet claims he will vote for him?
Huh?
I really wish he would find a new gig.
Pac-Men——who’s running the super pacs for the candidates. Colbert playing a key role in bringing all this idiocy to light:
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/01/pac-men-following-the-soft-money/
Ok, taking what back?
Tavis Smiley said he will vote for Obama. the obamabots on twitter is saying hell no! LOL these are some of the votes.
Oh my. What will Brother West say about Brother Smiley now? Does this put an end to Tavis and MM’s Poverty Roadshow?
I certainly get that this is funny and well deserved. On the other hand, a vote is a vote.
Tavis should join brotha Cain on his NeinNeinNein tour.
LOL!
https://twitter.com/#!/Charmed86/status/157974650071154688 The votes are in No to taking Tavis Smiley back! lol
Ya, excuse my french but to HELL with that Uncle Tom! He wasted so much time with Corny West trying to SHAME President Obama for not doing enough for African Americans, as if African American plights suddenly happened when President Obama got into office. SHAME on Tavis and Corny!
nintendowii10, unemployment was high in the black community long before President Obama became President, but where were Tavis and West at back then? I don’t recall a bus tour back then. They have their issues with the President so they just wanted to try to attack the President. Most of the black community didn’t fall for their B.S. Thank God.
He’s mad because Obama exposed his hustle. Tavis got fat and rich selling books on our misery. Not offering any solutions mind you just selling misery. Hillary would have let him continue his con. Not necessarily on purpose it’s just he would have been crowned the defacto leader of Black America.
The President took all that away and Travesty along with Snaggles will never forgive him for that.His days of making a buck off of us are over. Thank You Mr President.
You MUST go to the link, scroll down and watch the preview ——-> http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/episodes/let-me-down-easy/about-the-production/1226/
Anna Deavere Smith’s latest production, Let Me Down Easy airs on THIRTEEN’s Great Performances Friday, January 13 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings). Originally presented at Long Wharf Theatre, the play received its New York premiere at Second Stage Theatre. The Great Performances production was recorded in February 2011 in the Kreeger Theater at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater in Washington, DC, launching a national tour that concluded in September.
Having been credited with creating a new form of theater, to create Let Me Down Easy Smith interviewed an eclectic group of people (300 on three continents) and performs several in an evening that is funny, moving and engaging.
The title resonates on several levels reverberating with meanings of lost love, the faith that sustains people in times of difficulty, and ultimately, the end of life.
Smith, through her chameleon-like virtuosity, creates an indelible gallery of portraits, from a rodeo bull rider to a prize fighter to a New Orleans doctor during Hurricane Katrina, as well as boldface names like former Texas Governor Ann Richards, legendary cyclist Lance Armstrong, network film critic Joel Siegel, and supermodel Lauren Hutton. She performs 19 characters in the course of an hour and thirty five minutes. Their stories are alternately humorous and heart-wrenching, and often a blend of both. Building upon each other with hypnotic force, her subjects recount personal encounters with the frailty of the human body, ranging from a mere brush with mortality, coping with an uncertain future in today’s medical establishment, to confronting an end of life transition. The testimony of health care professionals adds further texture to a vivid portrayal of the cultural and societal attitudes to matters of health.
With keen observation and understated compassion, Smith – without judgment and maintaining the dignity of her subjects at all times — effortlessly submerges her own persona, and assumes her characters’ vocal and physical mannerisms with unerring accuracy.
more ———-> http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/episodes/let-me-down-easy/about-the-production/1226/
Wow, something on TV that’s actually worth watching! Thanks for sharing this!
Ummm…okay…I’m going to adhere to Chip’s House Rules by not posting what was said in the article here, but in my opinion the author provided some interesting insights. So, let me get this disclaimer and/or warning thingey out of the way: STRONG CONTENT NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART- IF PROFANITY OFFENDS YOU, DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK! THAT. IS. ALL~
Revelations of a 24-Hour MSM Cycle
SueInCa On January – 12 – 2012
What would happen if I listen, really listen to the news 24 hours a day? What would I hear from the different channels? What would the outcome be and what would my response be? Would it make me angry, happy, sad, disgusted? I asked myself those questions and decided, what the hell, I’m going to find out, so here goes.
Read more: http://planetpov.com/2012/01/12/revelations-of-a-24-hour-msm-cycle/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+planetpov%2Fmfkm+%28PlanetPOV%29
h/t Planet POV
Yes please..
http://www.politicususa.com/en/poll-republicans-could-be-heading-for-a-devastating-2012-defeat
Just a minor observation about the Obama Administration. This administration leaves no rock unturned in its efforts to improve this country. I’m always amazed at every conceivable angle that this administration is able to cover. One thing is apparent with this Whitehouse, it will not be outsmarted.
Imagine his 2nd term…..
Hellooooooo! At last, a new post:
http://theobamadiary.com/2012/01/13/evening-all-23/
@AVD911Obamabot
HMMM. why hasn’t @cnn released numbers for Obama vs. Romney? I’m sure if they were bad they would have screamed all day about it.