****
9:50: PBO departs the White House en route to Joint Base Andrews
10:05: Departs Joint Base Andrews en route to Cedar Rapids, Iowa
12:20: Arrives in Cedar Rapids
12:40: Tours Conveyor Engineering & Manufacturing
12:55: Delivers remarks
2:30: Departs Cedar Rapids en route to Phoenix, Ariz
5:35: Arrives in Phoenix
6:30: Delivers remarks at Intel Ocotillo Campus
8:35: Departs Phoenix, Ariz. en route to Las Vegas, Nevada
9:30: Arrives in Las Vegas
****
John Cole (Balloon Juice): I gotta say, every time I get some one on one time with that guy, which is basically what the SOTU is- an opportunity for the President to speak to America, I just want to vote for him early and often. The contrast between Obama and the crowd of miscreants in the GOP running to replace him is just striking.
…. every time I hear him speak, I am still aware of all the things I disagree with him on, but think “That is a good man doing what he thinks is best.”….
We really don’t deserve him. We really don’t.
More here
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Paul Krugman: From the Daniels reply to the State of Union: Contrary to the President’s constant disparagement of people in business, it’s one of the noblest of human pursuits. The late Steve Jobs – what a fitting name he had – created more of them than all those stimulus dollars the President borrowed and blew.
…. Steve Jobs designed great products. It’s very, very hard to make the case that he created large numbers of jobs in this country. Obama’s auto bailout, just by itself, saved a lot more jobs than Apple’s US employment.
More here
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David Corn (Mother Jones): …. With this speech, Obama forcefully presented a view of the nation and the tasks at hand that positioned him as a can-do, patriotic, forward-looking optimist against obstructionist Republicans with a dark take on the nation’s prospects. He pitched government policies that would bolster middle-class security ….. “Take the money we’re no longer spending at war,” he declared, “use half of it to pay down our debt, and use the rest to do some nation-building right here at home.”
… This State of the Union — Obama’s best so far — won’t move the needle (as politicos like to say) in Washington. The president’s calls for bipartisan cooperation, for reforming the easy-to-abuse rules of the Senate, for campaign finance reform, and for lowering the heated rhetoric will not be heeded. But he demonstrated that when it comes to concocting a political messaging — and tethering it to his past achievements and current proposals — he can be masterful….
More here
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Steve Benen: Daniels is the serious one? Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels delivered the Republican response to President Obama’s State of the Union address, to the delight of GOP insiders who still hope he might run for president. The national platform offered Daniels an opportunity to back up the hype — pundits routinely praise the former Bush budget director as a serious, thoughtful conservative, and this was his chance to prove it.
Alas, he blew it….
Full post here
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President Obama phones Jessica Buchanan’s father John last night to inform him of her rescue.
MSNBC: In a daring nighttime raid Tuesday, U.S. Navy SEALs rescued two hostages, including one American, who were being held by kidnappers in Somalia, U.S. officials tell NBC News.
American Jessica Buchanan, 32, and a 60-year-old Dane, Poul Thisted, were working for a Danish relief organization in northern Somalia when they were kidnapped last October. U.S. officials described their kidnappers as heavily armed common criminals with no known ties to any organized militant group.
More here
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Thanks Pinkbunny
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Morning everyone 😉
The Obama Diary 
good morning!
YES, i got the thumbs up!!!!!!!
I love that picture of POTUS on the phone and FLOTUS standing there.
lots of goodies to look through this morning. thanks Chips! i’m still walking on air thinking about the SOTU address last night!
OUR PBO IS SO PRECIOUS…WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE HIM. MAY GOD DEEPLY BLESS AND SMILE UPON HIM AND PROTECT HIM WITH HIS LOVING HANDS!
Sue, I love the way you refer to the President as “Our PBO.” It’s so sweet, endearing and personal. He is “Our PBO.”
From ThinkProgress: WTH does THIS mean???
A top adviser to Mitt Romney told NBC’s Andrea Mitchell that if Romney doesn’t win Florida, GOP elites will try to find another candidate who can stop Newt Gingrich. “Look, if Mitt Romney can not win here in Florida then we’re going to have to try to reinvent the smoke-filled room which has been democratized by all these primaries,” the adviser said. “And we’re going to have try to come with someone as an alternative to Newt Gingrich who could be Jeb Bush, Mitch Daniels, someone.”
How is that even possible? Isn’t there a cut off time for a person to announce they’re running for President?
From all I’ve read, it is well past time for anyone else to even THINK of running now. I think they’re in a shitload of trouble and are desperate for Superman to swoop in and rescue them from themselves.
HECK, I THOUGHT RICK PERRY WAS THEIR SUPERMAN…HE HAD NEVER LOST A RACE…HE WAS GONNA SOCK IT TO THE PRESIDENT???? SO WHAT HAPPENED….Oops, I FORGOT!!!!
Let’s see: that will be three primaries over. The deadlines have been blown on the primaries through March.
So let’s send the message that candidates that don’t play by the rules and put themselves before the electorate in an orderly fashion are in some way a better choice. That if the people aren’t voting the way Karl Rove wants them to vote, he’ll pick someone else.
Great logic.
No GOP Cavalry Coming — It’s Too Late For Last Minute Presidential Candidates To Get On The Ballots – http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/01/theres-no-gop-cavalry-coming-its-too-late-to-get-on-the-ballot.php
Well, I suppose they could have some sort of “Shadow Primary” where their favorite guy makes a lot of public appearances so everybody knows who he is in time for the convention to announce him as th enominee. I think since the rank and file Republicans have screwed everything up by not making a solid vote for Romney the GOP Establishment really couldn’t care less who wins the primaries now.
TEE-HEE…MITCH ‘DITCH’ DANIELS COULDN’T MAKE IT PASSED GETTING HIS SHOES ON…BTW…HIS WIFE DOESN’T WANT HIM RUNNING FOR THE WHITE HOUSE! SHE WAS VERY CLEAR ABOUT THAT!
but….but….. Daniels gave Obama credit for the Bin Laden raid and said he had a nice family. Conservatism is back! Just ask Andrew Sullivan and Tweety.
Yuck – I was watching Stephen Colbert last night until Andrew Sullivan came on, then I switched. He sold out on his liveblogging and Twitter during the SOTU. Somebody apparently “got to him.” Luckily, I didn’t allow myself to listen to Tweety. Yuck.
But before that, Stephen Colbert did a great piece mocking Santorum. You recall Ricky said he couldn’t tell his supporter that the President isn’t an “avowed Muslim” because she was elderly and had a cane. If you missed it – Stephen had an elderly woman with a cane in his audience, who was saying Santorum was involved in stealing young teens out of the dressing rooms at The Gap and selling them off in white slavery or something – but Stephen said he couldn’t say anything because of her age and cane, etc. That part was worth watching.
You know what, I don’t want to hear or read anything else from Andrew Sullivan.
ditto, although, I ranted about Sullivan in the previous thread. He’s just like all the rest, ivory tower media elites who have no idea what real people are thinking and feeling.
Their desperation leads them to have hallucinations. They’re stuck with this pathetic field and they can’t handle that truth. Sucks to be them.
I missed you last night 😦
What they mean is their commitment to democracy is only for show. If people don’t do what they want in these pesky “democratized” primaries, they’ll impose a nominee on them. After all, business is business and you can’t let a little thing like the democratic process stand in your way. That’s why they’ve got to have voter suppression tactics going on all over the country. Keep the riffraff out who don’t think like the “big” guys do.
Kind of like the TeaParty Gov from MI that is creating financial problems so he can appoint people to take over the cities and firing the elected Mayors, and City Councils. That seems like an example of not caring about the people’s rights of electing their officials to represent them.
Good Morning TODers. I think it’s going to be a beautiful day.
where is everybody?
Thanks! 🙂
i felt like i was talking to myself there for a minute or two! it felt rather eerie.
I can SEE what THIS means!
Last night’s State of the Union speech received high marks from viewers across the country, a CBS poll shows. According to the poll, 91 percent of those who viewed the speech approved of the proposals put forth by President Obama, and 82 percent of viewers approved of Obama’s economic plans.
That’s just the 91 percent of the country who are socialists. It’s not fair to divide this nation like that. What about the 9 percent?
But there may be some undocumented workers in the 9 percent group, or people cosmopolitan enough to speak more than one language like in Canada or Europe, so nobody on FOX will be talking about them much. Of course, I’m a socialist since I support President Obama, I guess.
they may agree..but unless this translates into Dems taking back the house and getting a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate….it will be more of the same for the 2nd term….
i remember a few weeks ago there was a post about the Dems plan to take back the house….does anyone have a link to that….
thanksss
PRESSSSSSSSS ON!
This why we should stop quoting the talking heads or the blogging heads because they are out of touch with the American people.
MY GOODNESS…HIS SCHEDULE THIS MORNING? OUR ENERGIZER BUNNY PREZ JUST KEEPS ON TICKIN’ LIKE AN EVER LOVIN’ TIMEX! BRING IT ON PBO!
HOW EMBARRASED I AM…SITTING HER WITH A CUP OF COFFEE TRYING TO GATHER ALL MY BODY PARTS TOGETHER! YOWZA!
THAT’S ‘HERE’ I CAN’T EVEN SEE YET!
We had about 40 neighbors here in our comunity there is a large plasma TV here so
my wife and I orgonized a get together to watch the SOTU wwith potlock and a lots of wine
it was just fantastic and everybody just loved PBO we a lot of wine we were all very happy
fired up and ready to vote for PBO just I have a have a lovely hungover love it.
Ha! I love it, Mel.
Sue, I think he gets his energy from getting out of DC. Got to get away from the poison from time to time to breathe fresh air.
Yes, and he must enjoy the big Welcome Home he gets, when he returns to the White House!
Good morning, TODville!!
91%!!!!!!!!!
Love that cartoon.
Ouch. TP again
thinkprogress Why won’t Romney release his tax returns for 2009? Based on clues in his 2010 return, there’s a fair chance he paid no taxes at all. #icymi
9 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
OH BUT HONEY…IN THE END HE PAYS THE PIPER!
Good morning everyone! What a beautiful day! Loved the president’s speech last nite…being naughty but happened to catch morning joke this morning he was more combative than usual and was so sick that the President totally kicked ass last nite went home sick…
MORNING JOKE IS AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN A JEALOUS,SPITEFUL FOOL…KEEP IN MIND HE AND EVAN BAYH ARE ALSO NEIGHBORS! HAH!
Obama: Action Hero
– Sends in the Navy Seals to rescue the ship captain
– Sends in the Navy Seals to kill Osama Bin Laden
– “Leads from Behind” to take out Ghadaffi
– Sends a drone to take out Awlwaki
– Sends in the Navy Seals to rescue an American in Somalia, the first such mission since Black Hawk Down
Obama could be his own Hollywood Action Star!!!!
You should tweet the above points. The are great and true.
DrDermocrat can you tweet those points to Martin Bashir at MSNBC? martin is really good.
ALWAYS REMEMBER WHEN THESE THINGS HAPPEN THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL AND HE IS OBVIOUSLY LEADING OUR PBO! WE MUST NEVER FORGET TO THANK THE ALMIGHTY AND PRAISE HIM FOR THE THINGS HE HAS ‘ALLOWED TO HAPPEN’ IN OUR HISTORY…THAT INCLUDES PBO’S ELECTION. I KNEW GOD WAS WITH HIM WHEN I JOINED THE CAMPAIGN!
Great – but TWO Americans were rescued in Somalia.
Two people – 1 American, 1 Dutch, I think
An American female and a Dane male were rescued. They worked for an organization that helps people. Can’t remember the name of it.
So true!!! He’s like the Hollywood version of a super President!!! Michael Bay please report to the WH
Bbbbbbut the GOP says he’s leading from behind….
LOL
Good morning TOD family,
President Obama is so amazing that he’s causing the villagers to stutter and actually report the news and speech as the President’s actual words with little filler. Of course, the villagers will strike back; but people have seen the President unadulterated and unfiltered. He embodies the grace and strength we have come to know and love.
Now it’s time for us to do our part; we have to get his record out there and direct people to websites where all of his accomplishments can be read and seen.
We also must turn Congress and local governments blue; this will truly enable President Obama to achieve greatness! We MUST give PBO 63+ RELIABLY Democratic votes in the Senate – no exceptions!!
#PRESSON
Ditto!!
It’s a lot harder for the corporate media to be cynical about PBO. He’s always genuine and has no obvious ulterior motives. It was easy to distrust Bill Clinton–he was a liar. GWB was a liar, but his administration made the media cower in a corner in fear of being labeled a traitor. Of course the media has tried to twist PBOs words, but people aren’t buying it as much anymore.
GYM, this is why any so-called “savior” candidate that the GOP would trot out at this point to “replace” Romney would be stark raving made to say yes and would so bested by PBO that he/she would be rendered a loser in 2016.
Let me just say that cartoon above is fantastically funny and on point!
Also I adore PBO and FLOTUS more today than yesterday (if that is even possible!) Neat pic up top of the two of them.
FLOTUS LOOKED SO GORGEOUS LAST NITE…OF COURSE…WHEN DOESN’T SHE? I ALWAYS GIGGLE BECAUSE I KNOW THERE ARE REPUB. WOMEN OUT THERE WHO ARE ‘GREEN’ AT THE EYEBALLS WHEN THEY SEE HER!
The dress color was absolutely fabulous! She has such great style!
My wife said she thought the First Lady looked sad and unhappy during some of the speech–not her usual self, she said. I had to listen to it on the radio, so I didn’t see any of what she was talking about. Did anybody else notice this?
Hi GYM, the First Lady didn’t look sad to me, just naturally nervous about the occasion – and, I think, deeply moved by Gabby Giffords’ presence. Don’t know what others thought.
Okay, good. My wife was concerned. Sounds like just a natural reaction to having a president for a husband deliver a speech to a room full of wolves.
That sounds right, GYM!
I thought she looked a little nervous. She knew he had to say tough things and her stomach was churning for him. Geez, I was nervous and fairly shaking when he started to deliver his zingers. Imagine how she would feel and what she’d gone through that day as he prepped for the speech. FLOTUS is a real person, not an actress. While she does beautifully in public and has natural grace and poise, she can sometimes just be a wife, worried about her husband. That makes her real and loveable, in my opinion.
Yes, expectations for the SOTU are through the roof for any president, but they’re especially high for PBO. She has every right to be nervous.
I so agree, FLOTUS was breathtaking absolutely loved her dress and of course her smile!
lovingandlaughing, I adore POTUS and FLOTUS also.
Good morning TOD family & Chipsticks!
I love that photo of POTUS & FLOTUS.
Now we know what POTUS meant when he said “good job” to Leon Panetta. Good job indeed on the rescue of the two people held hostage in Somalia.
I have been communicating with my son and he said POTUS did a great job last night. I guess 91% agreed with him.
Chipsticks – you did a marvelous job keeping up with us last night…..A Big Thank You!
It was a fantastic night. We had people from all over the US and the World here watching with us.
I HAVE A QUESTION? DOES ANYONE KNOW WHEN THEY DO THE PRESIDENTIAL PORTRAITS FOR THE WHITE HOUSE? WONDERING HERE.
I’M NOT ASKING FOR MUCH…WANT THAT DONE…MT. RUSHMORE…POSTAGE STAMPS…AND THE DOLLAR BILL PLEASE!
With you on all the above, Sue!
You’re always so funny, Sue! 😆
I like Sue also PoliticalJunkessa. She makes me smile. TOD family helps keep me sane!
Wellll, not the $ bill ple-eease. Too, too common, and not really respected these days. How about the highest denomination? 😉
No postage stamps just yet! We don’t want that not in our life time. He must be deceased.
Yikes, the clown car is coming to my town. .
Might I disagree with Jihn Cole, while I understand his point about PBO, I disagree that “we don’t deserve him”… I think we DO, at least most of us do! I thank and bless President Obama each day for taking on an astonishing amount of work. He is showing them how to get the job done! Oh, and good morning to you all! Good morning Chipsticks, now for a cup of tea; unbelievable windstorm here last night, unbelievable.
COLE WAS TALKING ABOUT THE MEAN,GREEDY PEOPLE WHEN HE SAID THAT AND HE’S CORRECT!
And those that don’t bother to vote. I understood exactly what Cole was saying.
I know, I really do, but I surely feel like the REST of us have waited so very long for PBO! Anyway…..
And those who DON”T tell those who spout vitriol to sit down and STFU. Many people are guilty by keeping quiet when in the mist of mean-spirit people. The very least one can do is SPEAK OUT against wrong doing. Far too many people stand by and watch this hatred and say nothing – especially those in the media.
Agreed. I was tryinig to remember the quote, “Evil prevails when good men do nothing.” I don’t think that’s right but you get my drift. Think of all the horrible and racist comments made about PBO and his family since he announced his candidacy and how you rarely heard anyone of the so-called adults in the Republican Party speak out against the vitriol. Now, it’s too late. The racists have taken over the party and there is little to nothing they can do about it except watch in horror.
*John
Good morning Chips, and Todvilles :-)………. Chips, I would like to thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart for all the hard work you did on last night. I could barely keep up with your new post. you were on top of everything. I appreciate you and all you do here. The videos, and the pictures, simply beautiful. It truly Is a joy to come here, and I just can’t say It enough. Thank you 🙂
It was a loaded SOTU last night. He used wisdom, facts, and truth. His presentation was great, and he looked great as well. Flotus was radiant, In her Royal blue, so pretty as always. There were so many good liners In his speech….. And then the hug that Gabby and PBO gave, made me tear, so emotional. We’ve got the BEST President ever, Great job, President Obama 🙂
My pleasure Luci, thank YOU!
Your coverage really was excellent. It had the feel of an election night. I enjoyed it.
Ah, thank you FiredUp, and thank you for your company, always appreciated.
Good morning Chips and TODville! Wow 91%. Our President is such a great man! We had 6a people at our house last night and everyone will be working hard to get this President reelected. And once more he had a mission going on while he handled getting ready for the SOTU.
He has quite the day planned. Looking forward to following his day here. I have a very busy day. See you all later.
Check out Rubio’s expression.
Oh this pic made me tear up!
A man with a caring heart. That’s our POTUS.
I just love our wonderful president. I also pray daily for his protection as he continue to do the work of the people. Bless this site and everyone here also. I missed roll call last night but I’m lurking from Tenn everyday and often.
Where in TN, Joyce?
Nashville Tn.
OFF TO TWITTER FOR A BIT…HAVE TO SEE WHAT’S TWEETING TODAY!
A very ‘Good Wednesday Morning’ to TODville, & ‘Mother Superior’, Chips Chica! It’s a great day to be alive! Yeah, yeah! I know every day is, but today is ‘specialer’ for any number of reasons. 😆 😆 😆 Hmmm. Wonder if Df got to take her son to see PBO? Will just have to wait and see, I guess. 😆
vc…No I can’t go see him with my son:( It is a closed event at Intel. We’re in mourning here:( Hope he comes to PHX again. Off to work!
Sorry to hear that you won’t see him today DF. Surely he’ll visit AZ again before next November.
Sorry, Df. Next time, maybe.
January 25, 2012 8:40 AM
Daniels is the serious one?
By Steve Benen
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels delivered the Republican response to President Obama’s State of the Union address, to the delight of GOP insiders who still hope he might run for president. The national platform offered Daniels an opportunity to back up the hype — pundits routinely praise the former Bush budget director as a serious, thoughtful conservative, and this was his chance to prove it.
Alas, he blew it.
I remember about nine months ago, when Joe Klein dismissed the Republican presidential field as a “dim-witted freak show,” and urged Daniels to run because he seems to respect himself enough not to behave like a “public clown.”
But at least on a substantive level, that’s exactly what the Indiana governor did last night.
Daniels said President Obama made the economy “worse,” which no sane person could possibly believe (even Mitt Romney believes the economy has “gotten better” under Obama). Daniels equated our debt to the Greek crisis, which is ridiculous. He argued that Steve Jobs created more American jobs than the Recovery Act, which is demonstrably wrong. Daniels accused Obama of supporting “a pro-poverty policy,” which is the kind of nonsense I might expect from Glenn Beck, not a prominent public official.
But there were two other claims that stood out for me. First, there was this gem:
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2012_01/daniels_is_the_serious_one034980.php
I love Steve Benen, he is so clear-eyed. I officially broke up with Andrew Sullivan last night, I am tired of being jerked around with his nonsense, especially his romantic delusions of a conservative savior, i.e. Mitch Daniels or Ron Paul.
‘I officially broke up with Andrew Sullivan last night’
Don’t cry, Edwina, you still have PBO! HE will ALWAYS be honest with you, no jerking around here! {Edwina} 😉 😉
That’s right, Andrew can go off into the delusional conservative sunset with the likes of Mitch Daniels who Sully claims “out-classed” Obama last night with his SOTU. As if. That was the absolute last straw for me, I am going to stick with the clearest thinkers like PM Carpenter and Steve Benen from now on.
Add, Al Giordano to that list but he is an infrequent blogger.
edwina – I broke up with Andrew Sullivan last night, too. Guess that proves yet again what a two-timer he is! 🙂
It’s his loss.
I sent him a bunch of tweets last night, figuratively giving him the heave ho on a post-it note. Felt good.
This is an example of why we need more of the public to hear/read Steve Benen. He cuts through the chase and speaks the truth!
Hey guys, in case you haven’t visited Steve’s site lately, today is his last day at The Washington Monthly: http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2012_01/hello_i_must_be_going034961.php If you’re a Benen fan like me, stop over there and wish him well in his new endeavors, and tell him how much you appreciate his work. (Or do like I did, and shoot him a quick e-mail — just click on the link to his byline.) And GGail, you speak the truth about Steve — he cuts through the chase and speaks the truth!
So who was it that said Daniels gave a good speech. And found everything there was to fine wrong with POTUS’s speech.
PBO’s SOTU speech was incredibly fantastic! I’ve watched it six times already and I might just watch it six more times again. As for Politifact giving PBO a half-truth when he says there’s been 22 months of private sector job growth; I say kiss my ass. Politifact is beginning to lose it non-partisan credentials. First they rate Democrats saying that Paul Ryan’s Medicare bill would fundamentally change Medicare as we know it as the lie of 2011 and now this?!! Give me a freaking break. When one breaks down those statements made by PBO and the Dems objectively, it is 100% fact.
If the GOP think Mitch Daniels is the best they could do, they really are a bunch of pathetic clowns. Listening to him speak about fiscal responsibility was laughable. He was GWB’s OMB who helped enact the disastrous Bush tax cuts and he dares talk about fiscal responsibility? He dares chastise our President for “America being in decline?” To that I say, fuck you; you arrogant liar. PBO’s speech was about American values, moving forward, hope in the face of all the challenges we’ve faced and a blueprint that leads us like a mighty sequoia tree through the 21st century. Daniels was about doom and gloom. PBO came out like a beacon of hope and reminded voters that there is a clear difference between him and the GOP clowns in their clown race and with his 5 city swing, he’s going to keep showing voters why he was elected, how much he and we have accomplished and how much more he is going to accomplish in his second term.
^^^
ALL OF THIS.
PROLIFIC LYING IS THE GOP STOCK-IN-TRADE
The very fact that the Republican Party feels they can lie and make stuff up and not get challenged is an indictment of the media. Lying is the Republican Party stock-in-trade. Just listen to Mitch Daniels, Michele Bachmann, Eric Cantor, Mitch McConnell, John Boehner, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, on and on. The thread that runs through all of them is that they all are PROLIFIC LIARS.
It’s so frusatrating to hear how they just create a completely ficticious narrative of the president and spend all their time demonizing him because of it. But, of course,what makes it work is that we have a media that is devoted to giving legitimacy to anything the GOP says out of some twisted combination of fear and greed.
Morning All, Morning Chip….. A couple of good stuff things I found this morning
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As President Obama delivered his State of the Union speech Tuesday night, a group of 50 swing voters armed with dial meters recorded strongly favorable reactions to his proposals on taxes, renewable energy, overcoming partisan divisions and defending the middle class, according to the pollsters who supervised the study.
The group, made up of Democrats, Republicans and independents, including both McCain and Obama voters from 2008, gave the president significantly higher marks after the speech than before on whether he will stand up for the middle class, whether he can be trusted on energy policy and on measures of empathy, such as whether he shares voters’ values and “makes me hopeful,” said Democratic pollster Stanley Greenberg.
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-state-of-the-union-speech-received-well-among-focus-group-of-voters-20120124,0,1655083.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+latimes%2Fnews%2Fpolitics+%28L.A.+Times+-+Politics%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher
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Secondly, we all knew this but the prez is kicking ASS and taking names when it comes to Latinos and who they prefer in the general. Nationwide, it’s not even close (Gingrich or Romney).
http://www.670kboi.com/rssItem.asp?feedid=112&itemid=29789868
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Whether we like it or not, there is something reassuring to the American psyche when they see combativeness. George Lakoff has a column today at HuffPo and he saw it as a theme of ‘competitiveness’. He would have liked to have seen other issues addressed and was spot on on how to frame those issues. But most importantly he was able to explain that criticism without eviscerating the President, like Andrew Sullivan tried to do last night. This is how progressives should be talking to each other.
I wish Obama didn’t have to go there, but not only has he been able to do it, he seems comfortable doing so.
I did a little hand wringing with my husband earlier this week about how Newt’s ability to go for the jugular and grab the next news cycle could be a problem for Obama in debates. As has been eloquently described by Steve Benen, the Republican primary electorate doesn’t even really care if Newt beats Obama, they just want to see him beat up on Obama mano a mano on a debate stage.
My husband said to me, “Don’t underestimate Obama. I bet on Obama to figure it out and deal blows in ways Newt never dreamed of.” God bless him.
Americans for good or ill feel ‘safer’ and ‘comfortable’ when they see strength in a pugilistic manner. I loathe it but it is a political reality. I’ve been wandering to the Orange Satan every once in awhile and although I’m there about twice a week, what I’m seeing is encouraging. There is a coalescing that is happening. Sure, a lot of them are saying OWS deserves all the credit. Frankly, the 99% theme did come from them, so thank you but there is also a great deal of just plain decent support for the President and a healthy reawakening of who their real enemy is. I don’t care if they pompously take credit as if this great President couldn’t figure things out on his own. As long as they coalesce behind him and effing vote in sufficient numbers to stop the greatest onslaught we have ever seen. Stopping Republicans should be reason enough.
What’s great about President Obama is that he can be combative without being ugly. He is also credible, because it’s clear that he knows what he’s talking about. We want someone to fight for us, or with us, but except for Fox news junkies, most of us don’t get sick pleasure out of watching somebody verbally bash in th ehead of our competition.
Excellent point.
Another thing about President Obama is that he can give a fiery speech, then interrupt himself to tell a somewhat lame joke, then lay that dazzling smile on both sides of the chamber, then go back to his fiery speech without skipping a beat. It says he means business, knows what he’s doing, but isn’t afraid to show he’s a real human being. Dazzling.
I understand what you’re saying and it’s true that humans love to see a good fight, but on the other hand they like to see cool, confident, resolve that does not have to fight. E.g. Newt’s pugilism and lack of discipline got him fired from Washington while the President Obama’s temperament and self-discipline were key reasons that he won and they remain key reasons why his favorables go up when compared to Newt.
I agree. But you have to admit that since the debt ceiling debacle when he became more confrontational, he is viewed as ‘stronger’. We may not agree that it’s necessary but there’s a balance that must be struck. Newt is all hat and no cattle and is combative for combative’s sake. I never want to see that in my President. But last night’s speech was viewed very favorably, and Obama used a kind of muscle that is just attractive to many Americans. Backed up with true leadership, heart and a deep understanding and commitment to what is right for America.
When you have President Obama smiling while calmly sticking knives into each and everyone of Newt’s crazy points, and then you compare that to Newt with his read angry face being a blowhard, voters know who won!
Except for the fact that I had to picture Newt’s sweaty face and ghastly neck, I liked what you wrote – especially the fact President Obama stuck knives into Newt’s talking points and carved them up!
Heard two seconds of Romney on CNN in a clip where he said Americans want someone as President who says what he means and means what he says. See: even Romney is for President Obama!
FROM THE VERY BEGINNING THE PRESIDENT HAS TALKED ABOUT HOW THE HIGHEST INCOME EARNERS HAVE BENEFITED FROM THE TAX POLICIES OVER THE LAST FEW DECADES…TALKING ABOUT THE DECLINE OF MIDDLE CLASS…WHEN HE RAN FOR OFFICE OF HIS LYNCHPIN ISSUES WAS A TAX BREAK FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS….WHICH AMOUNTED TO 95% OF AMERICANS….
LAST YEAR HE MADE A DEAL WITH REPUBS THAT EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS AND INCLUDED A PAYROLL TAX CUT FOR THAT 95% AND SMALL BUSINESSES…
DURING THE DEBT CEILING DEBACLE HE CALLED FOR A DEAL THAT WOULD INCREASE TAXES ON MILLIONAIRES AMD BILLIONAIRES…
DITTO FOR THE AMERICAN JOBS ACT…..
SO IT WOULD SEEM THAT OWS COPED THAT NOTION FROM THE PRESIDENT…..
PRESSSSSSS ON!!
Actually the 98% came up during the tea party summer a year ago. It was in reaction to them, as in “Well, the 98% of sane people in this country think you 9tea party0 are nuts!)
PBHO’s Joint Session about AJA happened Sep 8th…
OWS happened Sep 17th! 😉
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…So, LET’S STAY TOGETHER 2012! 😉
AMERICA BUILT TO LAST…PRESS ON!
DANIEL GROSS EXPLAINS WHAT “CLASS WARFARE” REALLY LOOKS LIKE
==============================================================
Daniel Gross (Yahoo Finance) was interviewed on BBC News and he answers the question “Do the delegates in Davos understand ‘fairness’?” This interview is short, but very informative. Daniel makes a lot of good points. Highly recommended.
Daniel explains that the Republican Party likes to accuse President Obama “class warfare”. But really all he wants to do is return to the tax rates during the Reagan/Clinton timeframe. The Republican Party makes it seem like this is the second coming of Stalin communism. As Dan says, it’s a bit overwrought.
===============================================================
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16725663
I’m still high from last nights SOTU. Although I woke up to ABC news on my radio.. wherein they mentioned that President Obama gave the SOTU.. but neglected to note even a word of what he said, not even a blurb- however they did give Gingrich & Santorum’s comments & informed me that Romney would give a speech in Orlando today. pathetic. They also spoke of the Navy Seals rescue.. and how “Obama knew about it”. Damn right he knew- didn’t he have to give the order for that rescue? And it explains all the “good job” comments he made to several people at the speech last night. Anyhow, so so very proud of our President each day.. and knowing about this rescue this morning… while he was giving that mighty speech last night- just reminds again how right he continues to be for this job.
I cannot wait to vote for him again.. will be even more proud & enthused to do so the second time around… and this time I really really hope that we all give him sufficient Democrats in Congress to get the job of perfecting our union.. done.
oh and good morning & happy Wednesday Chips & all of TOD~ Have a wonderful day 🙂
SO PROUD OF MY PHENOMENAL PRESIDENT, GORGEOUS FIRST LADY, WONDERFUL VICE PRESIDENT, BEAUTIFUL SECOND LADY, AND THIS ADMINISTRATION! WE ARE BLESSED!!!!!!!! ♥ ♥ ♥
I HAVE SO MANY ERRANDS TO DO TODAY…WILL HAVE TO CATCH UP LATER…PARTY ON TOD FAMILY…ME AND MY OBAMA BUMPER STICKERS WILL BE GOIN’ FOR SOME HAPPY RIDES TODAY!…YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Have a great day, Sue!
Gabby Giffords is due in the House soon:
http://edition.cnn.com/video/flashLive/live.html?stream=4
The President is a bit of butt kicker- McCain Voter
Full Focus Group Analysis
Everyone in the McCain voter group spoke highly of Obama’s foreign policy successes. Several said that the speech reminded them of the successes in the war on terror that they had forgotten about. In the words of one participant, “He did some pretty good stuff in the war, he got bin Laden, he’s continued drone attacks started by President Bush, and he’s been a bit of a butt kicker.” Specifically, they appreciated the references to the death of Osama bin Laden, the victory in Libya, and the status of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
http://www.democracycorps.com/strategy/2012/01/president-obama-scores-with-middle-class-message/
I loved this…..this is good stuff!!! no wonder Sully and Mourning Jerkface haz mundo sads!
Nate Silvers on Daniels’ response: “Daniels could unie the Jon Huntsman and Tim Pawlenty coalitions into an unstoppable 7% of the Repulican vote.”
“Republican” God.
Oh, for heavens sake: “unite” I hate these little keyboards.
I shouldn’t laugh at your keyboard frustrations 57andFemale …… but I’m cracking up 😆
I’m glad to bring a little brevity into your hum drum life.
I wish the damned thing would stop deciding what I mean and where I want to end sentences. I can think for myself, thank you very much.
He doesn’t even have the “good hair” that seems to be important to Republican voters this year.
Gabby’s legislation on drug smuggling up for vote and then she is going to give an emotional goodbye to the House, submit her resignation.
Chipsticks,
Just wanted to say thank you for the remarkable stuff -this was without question the BEST place to be for President Obama’s State of the Union.
The TOD posse made it a great “watch party”.
Thanks .
Thank you, Chips, and everyone. I gotta get a move on it, will try to check in later. The pic of POTUS and FLOTUS, her hand on the back of his chair while he talks on the phone, is so filled with everything that is true, real, and wonderful about this beautiful couple. Bless and keep them throughout their lives. Bye for now!
Pamela, I just love the picture. POTUS will be gone for three days I hope he will be alright without his babies. 🙂
Gabby getting a very warm and enthusiastic response from all on the House floor. She is an inspiring and precious person.
PBO:
“From the coalitions we’ve built to secure nuclear materials, to the missions we’ve led against hunger and disease, from the blows we’ve dealt to our enemies, to the enduring power of our moral example: America is back. Anyone who tells you otherwise, anyone who tells you that America is in decline or that our influence has waned, doesn’t know what they’re talking about.”
That segment needs to be chiseled on stone. SO GREAT.
In a strategical way, he is also reclaiming the “America is back” talking point from the Republicans WHO HAVE FORGOTTEN WHAT AMERICA STANDS FOR, in my book. We needed to say “America is back” because of President Bush – let’s not forget that.
That was my favorite line from the speech.
Totally choked up watching Gabby on House floor.
I’m wondering about something. When the President talked about natural gas exploration; doesn’t this have to do with the fracking I’ve heard about? Can anyone educate me on this? Thanks!
Yes…it was about fracking…..
He did say he would require companies to disclose the chemicals they use in the process.
Ruh Oh
What we’ve seen in 20 individual House district polls reinforces national numbers- Dems have a real chance at regaining majority
20 minutes ago
From Public Policy polling twitter feed
Very nice. And the numbers in the Senate seem to indicate that Liz Warren race, means the majority.
I own an iMac, a MacBook Pro, an iPhone and an iPod. Nobody was a bigger evangelist for Apple products and Steve Jobs than me.
But that changed after a few revelations:
“Workers at Foxconn’s Chengdu factory, which manufactures Apple products, must reportedly sign a pledge promising they will not commit suicide.
Foxconn is notorious for the spate of suicides that occurred last summer. Though large nets were attached to catch workers trying to commit suicide, a new report by the Center for Research on Multinational Corporations and Students & Scholars Against Corporate Misbehavior (SACOM), shows that conditions at these facilities are still incredibly poor.”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/06/apple-foxconn-suicide-pact_n_858504.html
“Jobs, who was known for his prickly, stubborn personality, almost missed meeting President Obama in the fall of 2010 because he insisted that the president personally ask him for a meeting. Though his wife told him that Obama “was really psyched to meet with you,” Jobs insisted on the personal invitation, and the standoff lasted for five days. When he finally relented and they met at the Westin San Francisco Airport, Jobs was characteristically blunt. He seemed to have transformed from a liberal into a conservative.
“You’re headed for a one-term presidency,” he told Obama at the start of their meeting, insisting that the administration needed to be more business-friendly. As an example, Jobs described the ease with which companies can build factories in China compared to the United States, where “regulations and unnecessary costs” make it difficult for them.
Jobs also criticized America’s education system, saying it was “crippled by union work rules,” noted Isaacson. “Until the teachers’ unions were broken, there was almost no hope for education reform.”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/20/steve-jobs-biography-obama_n_1022786.html
Despite Mitch Daniels advocacy, I am not convinced that Steve Jobs is a role model CEO that more U.S. business leaders should emulate.
Maximum profit, regardless of the cost in human capital coupled with deregulation is not what we need more of, it is profoundly what we need less of.
Agree about Steve Jobs, but I think last night we saw that his wife – who was sitting with the First Lady – is clearly IN for President Obama. At least, that was my take.
Yep, yep and yep, totally agree. I’ve never been much of a fan of Apple to begin with, altho did break down and begrudingly buy the Classic Ipod when my non Apple Mp3 player died a couple years ago. But after reading about the suicides in China over a year ago (and the orange nets put in place as a solution, WTF?) as well as reading about Jobs’ rather terse, dismissive public response to the intial problems when the Iphone first launched, pretty much sealed it for me. Not a company I wanted to support with my hard earned cash, no matter how many folks wax poetic about owning an Apple product.
This is a good moment on the House floor.
Now, this is the America I remember, compassionate and caring.
Gabby Giffords got the best response, from both sides. Deservedly so!
Bravo!
And then they after Gabby walk out the hall they will turn right back to being the nasty bastards that they have been all year.
THE GABBY GIFFORDS HUG WAS A KODAK MOMENT! WHAT GREAT HUMAN BEINGS. WHAT A FIGHTER! LOVE ALL THIS POSITIVE NEWS CHIPS!
Couldn’t watch the SOTU till this morning. PBO was right on. What a guy! FLOTUS just stunning in blue.
EXCLUSIVE: Romney Profited From Mortgage Lenders Foreclosing On Thousands Of Floridians
By Josh Israel on Jan 25, 2012 at 9:20 am
A ThinkProgress examination of Mitt Romney’s presidential personal financial disclosures from May 2011 reveal that the former Massachusetts governor and his wife own or owned millions of dollars worth of a Goldman Sachs investment fund invested heavily in mortgage-backed obligations. And the current owners of those mortgage debts began foreclosure proceedings against thousands of Floridians.
Along with his investments in Bain Capital funds linked to offshore tax havens, the Romneys have large investments in the Goldman Sachs Strategic Income Fund (institutional class). The firm’s March 2011 annual report for the fund notes that about 8 percent of the fund is invested in banks and 24.5 percent is invested in mortgage-backed obligations. Romney’s form says he has invested between $1,000,001 and $5,000,000 in the fund and his wife Ann has invested an additional $1 million-plus. Since the 2008 economic meltdown and the enactment of the Troubled Asset Relief Fund, this fund has done quite well, growing 7.88 percent between April 2010 and March 2011.
The mortgage-backed securities in the fund include adjustable rate mortgages from Bear Stearns, Countrywide, IndyMac, and Washington Mutual. A 2009 Center for Public Integrity report identified all four of those companies as among the top-25 subprime lenders in the lead-up to the market’s collapse. Countrywide ranked first in that report and Washington Mutual ranked second. While the remnants of those companies have been purchased by major financial institutions, an array of mortgage loan service companies bought up the individual mortgages.
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2012/01/25/409804/romneys-profited-foreclosure-florida/
This needs to go viral!! why aren’t the media and democrats and NEWT hitting Romney over the head???
To share something disgusting- we registered to attend a SOTU watch party yesterday(in Waynesboro, VA) at the campaign website. Only to find out that somebody posted a non-existent address!
My old lady believes someone did it just to mess with supporters of the president. Can you believe that?
That is nothing new Byo. We experienced this during the 2008 campaign as well. Sorry that happened to you.
Ha! Great minds.
Oh yeah they did that stuff during the 08 campaign. OFA stopped posting capacity for events because the Repubs would max out our events giving the impression they were full and then no one would show up. Scumbags!
Sorry to hear that. How disappointing. Do hope you still watched.
Are you watching Rep. Giffords send off right now. It’s very emotional.
good morning TOD family.I am so grateful to God for Potus and Flotus and Gabby Giffords. Potus shred the Tea’s a new one last night and it must still hurt them.
I couldn’t help but tear up watching Potus and Gabby embrace and I can only pray for as much as good health as possible for Gabby and for protection;blessings and guidance and ALL the luck in the world for our Potus
Sobbing as DWS is sobbing giving her final emotional farewell tribute to Gabby.
Good Morning All !!! What a sad day, saying goodbye to Gabbie Giffords 😦
John Boehner is crying.
He always cries. As her husband reported, they never heard from Boehner after an initial get well card, no inquiries as to her health or progress along the way. Did not show for the memorial service there.
This is one of the more emotional things I’ve ever seen—–this long and loving sustained applause for Gabby. She looks absolutely beautiful.
Dotster, it was incredibly moving, in tears here.
Here’s a good reason it’s so difficult to stay on top of things here at TOD. 😦 I followed one of Chips’ links, which led me to another and another and…. Anyways, I eventually ‘met’ the Democratic mayor of San Antonio, Texas. A long, but informative read.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/09/magazine/09Mayor-t.html?pagewanted=all
which was mentioned here
https://twitter.com/?tw_e=details&tw_i=161993082311688192&tw_p=tweetembed#!/timothypmurphy/statuses/161993082311688192
You sound dizzy VC! Thanks a million for the link, heading there now 😉
YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS VIDEO – AND NO ITS NOT A DAILY SHOW SEGMENT:
http://www.courant.com/community/east-haven/hc-east-haven-mayor-tacos-0125-20120124,0,5054089.story
“When WPIX reporter Mario Diaz asked Maturo what he plans to do for the Latino community, Maturo said, “I might have tacos when I go home. I’m not quite sure yet.”
Maturo added: “When you ask me what I would do for Latinos, I may go out and have a Latino dinner in the Latino community. There’s nothing wrong with that and you can twist it and turn it whichever way the press decides to do.”
Seriously, watch the video
H/T Ta-Nehesi Coates : http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2012/01/this-is-someones-mayor/251972/
I saw that on TeaNN this morning…..hopefully he will be forced to resign.
Is this the same police department that arrested or threatened to arrest a woman who was video taping an arrest on her own property and when she would not, they arrested her? I remember that the woman retreated to her front door and they arrested her for interferring with an arrest. If these are the same officers or police department I say thank goodness. I don’t know why people support “bad” cops.
He talks like he’s been drinking.
Good Morning Chips and TOD Family!
I want to thank you Chipsticks for creating such a remarkable place for supporters of the president to come and read, hear and see all the good things he has done and doing for the American people. I came from that “orange” place after it became so toxic and anti-PBO, they ran a lot of good people away like Blackwaterdog and I abandoned that place to get my information about this president because the MSM refuses to be fair and truthful. The MSM wants to TELL US who to like and dislike and that without THEM we are nobody. I went to vist my brother and his family after work yesterday and missed the SOTU speech because my brother is anti-PBO. I came home last time and IMMEDIATELY came here to see and read the support of PBO. I know PBO will be re-elected and I know the 7 million who come here and other pro-OBAMA sites will work hard to get him re-elected to have his vision for America become a reality.
Plus I am so happy that many of the folks that used to go to the orange place come here as well….Hi Lockwasright….I come you come back here and let us know about seeing the President at Intel!
Washington D.C. – This week, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Deputy Secretary Daniel Poneman and other senior Energy Department officials will participate in events across the country to highlight President Obama’s State of the Union address and discuss the Obama Administration’s commitment to energy innovation and advanced manufacturing.
On Thursday, January 26, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu will travel to Albuquerque, N.M., to tour renewable energy research facilities at Sandia National Laboratories, which is working to advance industry collaboration on clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Secretary Chu will also host a State of the Union Town Hall with students at the University of New Mexico. Secretary Chu will be joined during the visit by U.S. Congressman Martin Heinrich (NM-1).
Also on Thursday, Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman will travel to Minneapolis, Minn., to visit the Eolos Wind Energy Research Station at the University of Minnesota. The Energy Department is supporting the University of Minnesota’s research on mechanical power transmission and electric generator systems for wind turbines. Deputy Secretary Poneman will also host a roundtable with local business leaders and students from the university.
http://energy.gov/articles/secretary-chu-and-energy-department-officials-travel-across-america-discuss-obama
Forgot to bring this over from end of last topic:
Superb cartoons
EPA chief holds clean energy townhall at University of Washington-
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/931381dfcd9a5c308525779700424ccd/3b33e462970776dd8525798f0077e02e!OpenDocument
Love that top bright and shining Obama smiling photo—-another keeper!
I’m not trying to take over Jackie’s role, but because I was starting to feel like a space cadet (in its negative connotation), I suddenly remembered the candles. I went,
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=PBO
and NOW I’m going to stop twirling around and go back up and follow this thread in a logical manner. with no side strips. That way I may get to the end before the elections. (Did I mention I’m a slow reader?) Sure hope you all have been having a more productive & collegial morning. 😉
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I am thankful for this being brought to us all the time. I do forget so thank you.
anybody know how many folks watched the State of the Union ?
We will know later today. Hopefully it is over 40 million
I heard 40 million were expected to watch but no figure on how many did watch.
It’s official. I would rather the President go against Romney. Gingrich is walking, breathing poison. He is a cynical sleazebag who would gladly tear this country apart with his rhetoric. He lies and misleads without flinching.
“As many of you know Jose Mallea is helping us with our campaign. He was Marco Rubio’s campaign manager. We discovered last night that Mitt Romney has picked up Charlie Crist’s campaign people,” Gingrich said in St. Petersburg amid a smattering of boos at the mention of the former governor’s name. “That sort of tells you everything you needed to know about this contest.”
Turns out, Mallea worked for Crist years ago as well. And Romney has some high-profile Rubio workers on his staff just as Gingrich does.
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/25/2607255_p2/sen-marco-rubio-scolds-newt-gingrichs.html#storylink=cpy
It seems to be a joke to him how much you can lie and stir up the dark id in human nature by pushing a few buttons. I am sick of this man and I am sick of that kind of politics. He needs to go away and make millions being a historian somewhere but we don’t need backward, nativist, race-baiting cynical electioneering now or ever.
i’m with you firedup. the newt can go away now. thanks for the info.
From the Hill : Romney super-PAC ad accuses Gingrich of exaggerating Reagan ties
http://thehill.com/video/campaign/206439-romney-super-pac-ad-accuses-gingrich-of-exaggerating-reagan-ties
Enjoy this wonderful day with thoughts of the words spoken at the SOTU, by the best American President ever.
Politifact Fail on SOTU
sorry about the daily kos link….but they seem to be the only ones checking the fact checkers.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/01/25/1058312/-Politifact-Fail-on-SOTU?via=siderec
I read this. It’s worth the click since no one else is talking about it.
They really have been less rabid there lately. I go there about twice a week and do go there on election nights. They are less crazy than they have been in the past.
yes, I go there, too (sorry, BWD), to check out the tone. These days the tone is generally tolerable and there are lots of enthusiastic Obama comments that don’t get flamed. I am not advocating for them by any means and how they treated BWD is unforgiveable but I pick up some good links from their site. And if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have found BWD and then the Obama Diary so there’s always that silver lining.
In fairness Linda, Paul Krugman (see the post), Greg Sargent and Steve Benen all called out Politifact on this today.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/the-morning-plum/2012/01/25/gIQAlPM8PQ_blog.html
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2012_01/politifact_keeps_falling_short034982.php
Thanks… I will check them out.
Benen did today..I’ll go find it.
“Politicalfact Keeps Falling Short of their Name.”
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2012_01/politifact_keeps_falling_short034982.php
Here’s some background on the manufacturing plant PBO will be visiting in Cedar Rapids —I was last there for a sorority formal when I was a student at U. of Ia. just a few years ago :)—–not at the manufacturing plant but in Cedar Rapids. Anyhoo—kind of interesting. Owner said his parents, who began co. in their garage, are “pretty Republican” had mixed emotions when they received the call about Obama’s visit. But 19 yr. old grandson rallied the troops, and they described it as “getting ready for a wedding in 4 or 5 days”. And employees who would have had a day off are enthusiastically going to be front and center for Obama’s appearance. I like PBO’s modus operandi—-nowhere does he fear to tread—-jumping into all kinds of new territories and likely picking up some new friends along the way.
http://www.kwwl.com/story/16596537/cedar-rapids-company-prepares-for-the-president
Afternoon everyone:
http://theobamadiary.com/2012/01/25/afternoon-all-29/
Priorities USA blog- this article is a report on swing voters response to the SOTU-
http://www.prioritiesusaaction.org/blog/2012-01-research-memo-report-on-columbus-swing-voters-respon
Btw- bill Burton is on Alex Ragner show.
Posted at 05:09 PM ET, 01/24/2012
Gettin’ nasty: New ad rips Romney as the inventor of “government run health care”
By Greg Sargent
Yesterday the Romney campaign unleashed perhaps its harshest attack ad yet, hammering Newt Gingrich for having “cashed in” off of Fannie and Freddie, which the ad described as a “scandal ridden agency that helped create the crisis.”
Now the pro-Gingrich Super PAC has unleashed its response — an ad in Florida that may be the most extensive on-air attack on Romney’s past liberalsim that we’ve yet seen, one that directly pins “Obamacare” on the former Massachusetts governor and rips him as “desperate” about his “failing campaign.”
In what may be the most incendiary charge of all, the ad hits Romney for having “invented government run health care.”
…………………………
A number of observers have been rightly mystified by the failure of Romney’s rivals to fully exploit this line of attack, particularly since all this stuff is right there in the video files. Now it’s getting a full airing at a moment when conservative doubts seem to be mounting about Romney at an exponential pace. The inventor of government run health care? Brutal. Just brutal.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/gettin-nasty-new-ad-rips-romney-as-the-inventor-of-government-run-health-care/2012/01/24/gIQAMxSLOQ_blog.html
Absolutely loved the speech. I was too engrossed to log in here yesterday, but my word, what a great job you’ve done, Chips!! Kudos!! Here’s something I just read about a focus group that was polled:
“Democratic pollster Geoff Garin conducted a focus group during last night’s State of the Union address with voters in Columbus, Ohio (a key swing state). The group was evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans/Independents – and, according to a memo by Garin, the overall reaction to the speech was extremely positive.
A few highlights from the memo:
* In a before-and-after test, the proportion of participants describing Obama as “a strong leader” rose from 39% to 71%.
* Fully 78% said after the speech that Obama “looks out for the middle class,” up from 59% before the speech.
* The share of participants who said Obama has good ideas for improving the economy rose from 39% before the speech to 79% after the speech.
Woot!! Read the rest here: http://dcdecoder.com/post/16465665694/reactions-to-obamas-state-of-the-union-address
Yep, fired up and ready to go!!
Hola TOD! I watched PBO’s speech which was stellar, imo but could not participate in the blog last night due to an early family commitment this AM. I didn’t bother with any Repugnants or the pundits ignorant blather. I have been trying to catch up and read posts here. I thought the First Lady looked fab and for those who thought she might have looked a little “sad or anxious” Gabby Gifford’s mother was sitting back in that third row. Probably, no one else noticed but I would just bet that she and Michelle had a “Mom Moment” before the official SOTU. Moms do get a sad when they watch the bravery of their children. It took courage and selflessness for our Gabby to step down right now.
Small shout out to HZ…Thank you for the prayers and good thoughts for my daughter. She is home and resting now. Docs are pleased.