AP: Employers went on a hiring spree in January and drove down the unemployment rate for a fifth straight month to 8.3 percent, its lowest point in nearly three years.
The result pointed to a resurgent job market, and it sent stock futures surging. The Dow Jones industrial average futures, which were flat before the report, jumped more than 100 points.
The economy created 243,000 net jobs in January, the most in nine months, and the unemployment rate fell two ticks.
More here
Steve Benen: ….. it’s hard not to feel good about the surprising strength of this new report …. this is one of the best – if not the very best – jobs reports since the recession began four years ago.
More here
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Washington Post: President Obama will announce details Friday for a $1 billion Veterans Job Corps that the White House says will put up to 20,000 veterans to work over the next five years on projects to preserve and restore national parks and other federal, state and local lands.
….. Obama proposed the corps in his State of the Union address last month, describing it as “enlisting our veterans in the work of rebuilding our nation.”
More here
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From the White House: “President Obama and the First Lady will welcome Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and his wife, Samantha Cameron, to the White House for an Official Visit with a State Dinner on March 13-14, 2012….”.
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Morning everyone 😉
The Obama Diary 
Good morning TOD community. Great jobs report to start the day. Unemployment down to 8.3%, 243,000 new jobs. And the day is just beginning.
He has every reason to smile today. And as I said yesterday, good news for the President=good news for the country. And Chips, if I am ever again lucky enough to be first (and it is pure luck) a picture of Michelle and Jill Biden would be great.
😉
The epitome of beauty, grace, and class. Love them both.
I have such respect for them both, FLOTUS and DR. Biden
We will not see an awesome First & Second Lady combination like Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden in a LONG time. In fact I don’t think we ever had such a thing in the past. I will do EVERYTHING I can to make sure that they are our FLOTUS and SLOTUS through Jan 2017!!!
OMG, I have died and gone to heaven.
So cute.
I’ll join you there Japa21! What a lovely picture of two “Drop dead gorgeous” (as VP Biden would say) and classy Ladies serving as First and Second Ladies.
He is so cute. I love this picture.
YEEEEEHAAAAAAAAAAAAAH…THE GOOD NEWS JUST KEEPS ROLLIN’ IN…WILL WATCH HIM TODAY AT 11:25…BTW…THE CARTOON W/ MITTENS IN THE SHOWER…HE CAN SCRUB ALL DAY AND NEVER GET THE DIRT OFF!
You just know he feels that way about shaking hands – he looked like he would want to wash off Trump’s handshake yesterday, too.
Reminds me of Bill Clinton and George Bush when they went to Haiti or something, and Bush was seen cleaning off somebody’s handshake by wiping his hand on Clinton’s shirt. As Newt would say, “fundamentally despicable.”
And it’s all OBAMA’S FAULT!! 😉
First!!!!!
Close!!!!!
Funny!!!!
Sorry Mr. Romney no go here. 😉
Obama is going to talk about hiring veterans. He is going to use $1 billion to help veterans get jobs. Another $5 billion to hire cops and firefighters.
4
IMAGINE WHAT IT WOUDL BE IF AJA HAD PASSED! GOP WANTS TO WRECK THE ECONOMY BUT PBO KEEPS PRESSING ON!
Imagine what it would be if Republican states had not devastated the public service sector of jobs. Unemployment would be below 7.5% at a minimum.
TOTALLY RIGHT, JAPA!
I WOUDLN”T PUT IT PAST THOSE TRAITORS TO CUT MORE ON PURPOSE!
Correct.
‘Morning all!
Imagine what it would be if the electorate had listened to the President and NOT given the keys back to the Republicans!
That’s the message every Dem should be pushing today. this is good news in spite of Republican efforts to depress the economy for political gain.
WE’LL OUTSOURCE THE GOP THIS YEAR…TO THE UNEMPLOYMENT LINE!
Mornin’ y’all! They are cutting up and taking away my beautiful old Italian plum tree which blew down in the windstorm last month. I am sad, I will miss that tree, miss the fruit, miss the birds, the shaed and the privacy.
Pamela, be thankful you still have your home, many people do not.
Sorry to hear about your poor tree Pamela… trees are like old friends, and they are missed when they are gone.
Plant another? I remember how sad you were when that happened:(
I know how that feels Pamela….losing trees are so devastating because they make you feel like they protect you, the birds, and all gods creatures. We lost a lot of trees in Pasadena during our windstorm last Nov and we still see the affects of so many trees gone.
Morning everyone! HAPPY FRIDAY – it’s a great day at TODville 🙂
Morning Hopefruit, morning everyone 😉
Okay, I will stop beating this dead horse from yesterday about ACA, except for one little addition. Jennifer Granholm had a guest on last night who said that the way to shore up and increase enthusiasm with Latino voters would be to — you guessed it — better explain how ACA would improve their lives and that it is in danger if Obama is not reelected.
I’m getting off the soapbox now. However I must say, that was the kind of respectful conversation amongst like-minded supporters of Obama yesterday. I appreciate that we were able to debate without acrimony.
I have at times been exactly where you are on this topic. I was very u when the Dems let the RW control the discussion on this and even tried to separate themselves from it in the 2010 elections. At the same time, back then, everything was in the abstract in terms of what it could do. As more and more provisions come on line, the actual benefits of the ACA are more tangible. I think you are going to see more and more of a push, as November comes closer (but nting too long) to point out exactly howthe country has benefited from it.
Every time you hear a Republican talk about repealing Obamacare, they will start being questioned about making 3 million young adults suddenly uninsured, about bringing back pre-existing condition clauses, about actually increasing premiums that have decreased due to ACA, about increasing the deficit due to increased costs the government will have to pay, etc.
I can’t wait for the debates and for Romney to bring up repeal. The President will absolutely devastate him in his usual low key style by asking him those very questiosn.
That was supposed to read “I was very upset when the Dems let the RW control the discussion.” I really need to get a new keyboard.
W00T!! Great jobs report! I am sure there will be a lot more good news to come. I think the President knows what he is doing and it shows! Like VP BIden said so succinctly in recent days: “bin Laden is dead & GM is alive.” Rock on Joe!
Julie
I see Morning Joke is still trying to push the false meme that President Obama is socially “awkward” and doesn’t like being around people. As he and Mika were talking about Frank Rich’s column about Romney’s awkward behavior with the public—–where small talk consists of trying to guess ages and nationalities!!!!???—-like some carnival barker—-and greeting people with “Congratulations!” for no apparent reason, Joe observed that President Obama is guilty of the awkward too, and we will have 2 awkward candidates vying for the presidency. I don’t understand how the pundits think they can get away with pushing this false impression. Have they not observed any of the thousands of times when PBO has warmly and genuinely interacted with the public?—-with all ages, from all walks of life, every segment of the population???
http://www.mediaite.com/tv/joe-scarborough-on-mitt-romney-and-president-obama-weve-got-two-major-candidates-who-are-awkward/
Yes, and Joe is the life of the party.
What he means by awkward is PBO doesn’t call Joe to hang out.
Well let’s just say Joke is right, POTUS has his secret weapon, none other than FLOTUS. And Mitt has who? I don’t know Mitt’s wife, but she is not in the same league as FLOTUS. FLOTUS trip to L.A. showed how she can connect with people, and humanize POTUS. When FLOTUS was talking to Leno, I remember her saying that POTUS sing to her all the time. FLOTUS talks of how cute POTUS is.Then on Ellen you hear FLOTUS says POTUS don’t pick up his socks, or when they were in Chicago he would hang his jackets on the door. Tell me what wife haven’t been through these kind of things with their husband? What wife can’t relate to that? When she talks of POTUS not being to excited about the day Malia might start dating. What will Mitt’s wife go on tv and say, Mitt put the dog on top of the car, or for their sons first birthday, Mitt brought their sons a brand new car, or he has a bank account of 100 million dollars for his boys. Let me say I’m not buying the crap coming from Morning Joke, because POTUS is not socially awkward at all.
Morning Joke could not talk doom and gloom about jobs so they started on something else. Joke is full of alot of B.S. They know POTUS is not socially awkward, Mitt the lying flip flopper Romney is, but no way is POTUS.
I would love for Joe to say that on someone elses show and there is a clip of the president interacting with the old, young, and people of all walks of life just so he’d have egg on his face. What a joke.
An awkaward person does not break out in song and play with babies and children, fist bump with the young and allow women to hug him like a long lost son or boyfriend. Joe is trying to minimize the many advantages PBO obviously has over the idiot, Romney. So, will people believe Joe or their lying eyes.
Bingo! They know PBO is the coolest president ever. Coolest man on the planet. Everybody feels comfortable with him. Joe knows Romney and his wife and sons are the pits. Maybe it comes with being so rich you never come in contact with regular folks. PBO worked with regular folks on the South Side of Chicago (where I’m from). Believe me, he knows how to connect and does. And it’s natural and not faked.
Latest example is PBO singing and Romney trying to match him with his awful warbling. Joe knows Romney is nothing.
Let’s be more direct, they are not pushing false impressions, they are all-out lying! There, I said it.
AWKWARK! The president’s coolness is killing them. These little boys who never get picked for games.
I thought the old Karl Rove plan was to attack the opponents strength as if it was their weakness. Of if you had a weakness make it appear as if that is your opponent’s weakness. Isn’t this exactly what is happening?
Obama Grandmama, you totally nailed it! I am not sure Rove’s plan is going to work this time.
Chips, Friday is not just good, it’s bloody fantastic! The employment is steadily improving, there is no and I repeat no bad news in any sector of the economy in January’s job numbers. Manufacturing added 50K jobs, construction added 21K jobs, healthcare added 31K jobs, retail added 19K jobs, and business services added 70K jobs. This is a hiring blitz unlike any other.
To top it all off, the videos by OFA and Dem Rapid Response is a killer! It hits the right spot. Man oh man it’s good to be a Democrat today. It’s especially thrilling to be President Barack Obama today!
Smash! Crash! Bang! Clang! Boom!
That noise was Chuck Todd breaking dishes in his kitchen upon hearing the good employment news.
That’s the noise of Robme’s campaign doing a nose dive.
Food stamp use drops in U.S.
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2012/jan/06/food-stamp-use-drops-us/
Hey Newt ….What say you ?
Good morning TOD friends. I just woke up and I am sooooo happy to read all of this great news. Wow, everything is coming up roses today.
That’s what happens when people start working, Newt.
Just a point of personal privilege, Chips if you don’t mind. A big Yuck Fou to GOPolitico and their ridiculous assertion that the President should be worried about his re-election because the all important CBO said unemployment was going to go back up to 9.0-9.5 by the time of the election.
Yes, these numbers fluctuate and no one is popping champagne bottles…but it just goes to show that there are some in media who will go to ridiculous lengths to cast doubts upon this president. The CBO? The same folks who said the Iraq war would be between 85-200 billion over 10 years.
Great point LOL, they focus on a projection and not real numbers,
I am so stealing this: “Yuck Fou”
Sorry Politico, but I believe that when you get good news ,you damn well celebrate! When, and only when, the sad news arrives, you deal with that in whichever way is up! Press on smartly.
It’s Friday and we have even more good news! Thanks for all you do Chips! I enjoyed your masterpiece from last night! Goooood morning TOD family!
Good MOrning, Chips and TOD!!! 🙂
Last night I couldn’t sleep and at about 1:00am I made the mistake of turning to CNN and Anderson Cooper was talking about a CBO report that predicted unemployment would jump up to 8.9 by the election and then he introduced his panel of Crowley, Jonathan Martin, and a Democratic strategist (a Black guy with glasses and I don’t remember his name) to discuss that and the gallup poll of swing states. His first quesition, “how much trouble is the President in?” I turned the channel as Martin began to speak. I was so disturbed that this would be the last thing I heard before I went to sleep that I turned back to hear the Democrat repeating what we all know to be true that no poll this far out means anything and PBO hasn’t even started campaigning yet. With that I went to sleep and tossed and turned. It was not a restful night.
I wake up this morning at about 8:30am just in time to hear the jobs report on Morning Joe and tried to change the channel because I did not want any bad news and couldn’t reach the remote fast enough before thae reporter announced the numbers and how great the report was. The shock on Mika, Willie and the other guy’s face was so obvious. Mika started rambling about people dropping out of the workforce and I think Willie mentioned the CBO report from yesterday and the financial reporter could only guess that maybe the prediction had to do with Europe but he immediately went back to touting how great the report was. They went to commercial looking so sad. These people thrive on bad news. I turned to CNBC to find the same thing except one reporter who said he knew it was going to be a good report because of a news story a few days ago about McDonalds and other fast food restauraunts starting midnight shifts because so many people are working late shifts and are looking for something to eat either before or after work.
I went to bed to bad news and woke up to good news and I have a feeling that throughout this year PBO and his administartion will continue to confound his critics on the way to re-election. Have a great day everyone.
Yep…I posted earlier. The CBO projected the ENTIRE Iraq war to be under 200 billion over 10 years. GOPolitico had an entire article about the president being in trouble because of some fictitious CBO report. Oh how I wish I could see the video of Morning Schmuck…it’s not on their website.
Hmmmm..their tears taste so good with my coffee and cupcake. 🙂
Too funny.
That fool Trump mentioned the CBO report when he endorsed Romney. I thought he said a “former” CBO director, but I obviously heard wrong. Now, I understand that it is possible to guesstimate the future. Some people are pretty farsighted and predicted the Great Recession. But come on. How in the world can someone predict actual numbers in terms of employment? For the CBO or someone in the CBO to say this tells me that he/she/they have an agenda and it ain’t to benefit PBO and the Dems.
And, Trump lied when he said the CBO reported that the unemployment rate would be over 9% by the end of this month. I found the CBO report, and it didn’t confirm Trump’s lie. I sent him and Romney a link to the actual report in a tweet. I did the same thing with Gingrich regarding his claim that PBO is the food stamp president when food stamp usage is down.
THE NEWS IS SO GOOD HUFFPUFF WONT EVEN PUT IT AS A HEADLINE! IF IT HAD GONE UP, YOU CAN BET $10K THEY WOUDL HAVE HAD THE SIREN!
I was about the post the same thing. Isn’t it interesting that HuffnPuff conspicuously failed to put this as a headline, when they’ve done so for ALL of the negative unemployment reports in the past – with blaring RED bold 96 -font letters!?!?
And there was so much wrong with that swing state poll — purposely designed by Gallup to make the President look bad.
In head-to-head matchups Obama’s doing very well. And yes, none of it matters this far out. But the punditocracy has to focus on this b.s. rather than reporting actual news or investigating actual truth.
THAT SWING STATE POLL IS BALONEY. YOU HAVE TO DO HEAD TO HEADS, STATE TO STATE, NOT AVG. ALL THE STATES TOGETHER!
I wish one of these so-called pundits would say that PBO is not running for re-election in a vaccuum or against some generic Republican. He’s running against Mitt “F%$cking” Romney and the more people learn about him the less the state of the economy will matter for most people because PBO is far superior to that sociopath regardless of the unemployment rate. Voters will have to ask themselves who do I trust with the future on this country and for thinking people PBO will always be the better choice in any election but particularly against that mess on the GOP side.
future “of” this country
Swing States my Aunt Tilly. PBO will win Pennsylvania and Ohio and I’m calling it for Florida.
What did Mrs. Obama say about PBO, ” when all hope seems to be lost, people are wringging their hands, and all is lost…..the president (her husband) keeps fighting, focused on the real important issues”. That’s what we all need to do, stay focused on the good news and spreading it….GOOD NEWS and GOOD FRIDAY INDEED!
L3, don’t let these performance artistes depress you. They are paid to do what they do, but you are smarter than allowing yourself to be waylaid with their negativity, yarn and spin! Fight back.
You are so right and like I said, it was my mistake turning to CNN. Lesson learned.
a lot of jobs created this time were not just fast food jobs. They were manufacturing and healthcare jobs among others so the guy who tried to dismiss it was completely wrong.
No, he wasn’t saying the jobs report included jobs at fast food restaurants (even though it may have). He was saying the restaurants are increasing their hours to serve newly hired workers at manufacturing plants who are working midnight shifts (like auto companies).
African Amercan unemployment dropped more to be done this is good news. black unemployment was high before the president at 15% now at 13% this need to be celebrated. Go Mr. President. http://ht.ly/8R6NW
Excellent news for the African-American community.
We have to do more.
Thank God! we are seeing some life.
I wish that Obama would just get rid of DeMarco and put in a new Housing guy so that there can be mass re-financing of underwater homes. That would REALLY get this economy going. Obama should just do that.
Housing dept and its choices are tied to the economic team. I for one am not sorry to see Geithner go (although it will be impossible to replace him with someone better in this poisonous political climate). I do not think he has served this President or this country well. Unless you’re a stockbroker — then you take your profits and still lobby to elect Romney because being filthy rich isn’t enough for you.
Traitors.
Geithner is gone next term but what matters much more is getting a replacement for DeMarco. Obama doesn’t need Congress to approve the mass refinancing plan if he gets rid of DeMarco and puts a new guy in place.
I agree. A lot of good could happen.
You are wrongly repeating the PL and emoprog meme about Geithner. He has been a fantastic Sec. of Treasury and has gone above and beyond despite the insults and crap the PL, Firebagger Lake, Glen Greenwald, and Huff Po threw at him. When he came into the cabinet position, the economy was shedding more than 700,000 jobs every month. He oversaw a stimulus which to date has created 3.7M jobs, he oversaw an auto bailout which has been tremendously successful, he oversaw the bail out of the banks and other financial industries which have steadily been paying their loans back, he oversaw a 12,000 point jump in the DOW. He oversaw Wall Street and credit card reform, I could go on and on and on and on. For you to repeat emoprog meme and malign the work he’s done is unfair. I, for one, am/will be sorry to see him leave at the end of PBO’s first term.
Agreed. There is no point in looking back on anything that cannot be changed. We must look forward.
UT, I completely agree. He has been a public servant his entire career when he could have gone to Wall Street and made millions. If PBO did not trust and value him he would have been gone a long time ago.
I don’t agree. And please don’t call me PL or emoprog because I have some concerns. It’s insulting and all it does it shut off discussion.
The increase in the DOW is wonderful. But Wall St. took their obscene profits with no accountability for the damage they caused. Some of that is starting now, but if Geithner had communicated effectively in both directions — from Wall St. to the administration and back again — there would have been more muscle not letting them get away with everything. He was chosen because he could talk to Wall St. A lot of what he did was talk to Wall St. and bring the Wall St. line back to the President. What concessions did he get from the gamblers who tanked the world economy? Except their working to defeat Obama? Has Geithner been effective at explaining to them how good this President has been for their bottom line?
The bank loans are being paid back, after the banks pay themselves exorbitant bonuses, shut off credit, and make the middle class pay for it in ridiculous fees.
My gut reaction on the auto bailout was “Obama being Obama”. I only wish the same mindset had been applied to the banks and Wall St.
Wall St. and credit card reform was more our Dem’s in Congress than Geithner. Who I truly believe got the best they could out of this poisonous Congress.
I respect your opinion that you like the guy and truly believe that he has done wonderful things. I would ask that you show me the same respect.
I never called you PL or emoprog. I said you were wrongly repeating PL and emoprog meme. You ask for respect. How about you afford me the same courtesy and stop putting words in my mouth. You are entitled to your own opinions, but you are NOT entitled to make up facts out of thin air.
I, for one would not put you into those categories. You have shown that you are not by a lot of your comments. In regards to Geithner, I have had mixed feelings. At the same time, the bank bailout was started by the Bush administration basically as a no strings attached giveaway. It was Geithner and the President who worked up the mechanisms for a payback. Secondly, like you, I would have liked to see some additional penalties applied or paid by those who tanked our economy. Unfortunately, most of what the banksters did was perfectly legal thanks to the Republicans and, yes, Bill Clinton.
Geitner and his team were VERY ACTIVE in the Wall Street Reform work. There were two guys at Treasury who were working on it full time, and you can bet they were in constant communication with Barney Frank and Chris Dodd.
By the way, same thing with Health Care. Nancy Ann Depearl and some people at HHS are the unsung heroes of the battle for health care reform.
Second this – Geithner has done his job well in very trying times.
THIS ! !
Timothy Geitner has been vilified because he didn’t destroy the big bad banks. He has worked like a log for three years to save the global economy from crashing, and to counter, dimimish, the abusive and destructive practices built in the whole economic system.
If there is a genius somewhere who can present a scenario where you can destroy the power of Wall Street and Big Banking without destroying the jobs and savings of millions and millions and millions of people, let’s hear that person. And let’s be sure that the scenario presented is DOABLE, taking into account the costs, the existing laws and a certain institution that apparently has some obstructing power and I named… CONGRESS.
NO one has yet to explain why Geithner needs to go. Not one. He hasn’t served the president well? No. Congress has continuously blocked Pres.Obama’s econ team every chance it got.
Geithner has walked a tightrope every single day of his tenure at the White House. All without the help of duly appointed staff because the RW refused to confirm anyone. He has done a miraculous job with this horrible mess and I have absolutely NO DOUBT that he is absolutely 1000% committed to this country’s progress and our POTUS. I am grateful to him for everything he’s done not only here but on the world stage, helping Europe climb out of their hole as well.
Totally agree. Every time I’ve watched Timothy Geitner in an interview, or in a congressional hearing, or in a round table discussion broadcasted by the WHite House Youtube Channel ( jobs forum for example), he looks knowledgeable, dedicated, and genuinely concerned about building an economy that works for ALL americans.
I beg to disagree. I think Geithner has taken a bum rap! Look at the work he did in saving the auto industry, financial reforms, recovering TAPP money, etc. In my humble opinion, SoT, Tim Geithner, has done an excellent job in one of the worst economic condition since the Great Depression.
The President doesn’t have the authority to get rid of DeMarco – that’s what’s making this even worse. And a lot of people don’t know that DeMarco is the one who’s causing the housing programs to not do as much for more people. But, I did hear that DeMarco is starting to move a little, and is no longer allowing Fannie and Freddie to invest in plans that reward banks for foreclosures, instead of rewarding banks for helping people. He’s a cold fish, that one. NPR had a special on this morning, with Barbara Boxer denouncing DeMarco – I’m glad it’s finally getting attention. Ezra Klein wrote about DeMarco last year! He’s been a thorn in President Obama’s side as he attempts to help home-owners. Money over people.
Does President Obama have the power to remove DeMarco?
Thanks Theo for answering my question. I posed it before I reads your comment.
Factory orders up, business spending rises http://reut.rs/zO8kOE
Chips,
someone else had posted the link to the article that goes along with that Lawrence O’Donnell piece about Willard giving his sons 100 million dollars and paying no taxes. it’s by the guy speaking in the segment, who had been doing the research:
http://blogs.reuters.com/david-cay-johnston/2012/01/31/romneys-gift-from-congress/
Happy Friday everybody. That video is just the best way to start today (or any day)! Thanks for making that our Friday morning cocktail, so to speak … our vitamins, or our energy drink! And the picture of Michelle and Jill … wow (as another commenter said: the epitome of grace, beauty, etc.). It’s a Good Day!
Daisy, think how fortunate we are that the photo is of Michelle and Jill and not Cindy and Todd.
BBL…THIS IS MY MOPPING DAY…YUK! NO WAY TO MAKE THAT PERTY!..:(
Obama/Biden landslide 2012 !!! Let’s Go
Yes We Can!!!!
#1 obama fan, I hope and pray you’re right.
anniebella,no worries..President Obama has got this..no competition at all in my opinion..President Obama and First Lady are truly a class act and smart , smart as a whip ! President Obama has the people with him and he cares about the people..it shows and you feel it..this can’t be taught ..but is a God given ability to be able to reach people and meet folks where they are.. and show he is trying to make a difference ..not just in words but in deeds..We will continue to get out the vote and school ignorant people everyday who want to bash the President’s record..NOT ON MY WATCH !! Anniebella with good and decent folks such as yourself and the TOD family we will surely continue to get the message out..and most of all continue to pray for this good and decent President.
Good tweet:
Happy Friday, wonderful TOD fam! It’s over cast weather-wise here on Houston, but that is surely sunny news about the unemployment numbers. Also, guys, I know it’s hard sometimes listening to all those negative pundits and such, so do as I do when it’s really ugly: listen to Don Henley’s “Dirty Laundry”. It sums up those news people’s mentality perfectly!
There is no such thing as conventional wisdom; these talking heads don’t know a goddamn thing, they couldn’t find their asses with both hands. Nobody saw 8.3% coming, and I mean nobody, not the economist, and certainly not the so-called experts.
Today’s toons
http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/politicalcartoons/ig/Political-Cartoons/Komen-Controversy.htm
http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/politicalcartoons/ig/Political-Cartoons/Mitt-s-Safety-Net.htm
Romney lies as easily as he breathes; he claims that Americans are the only ones who put their hands over their heart while singing the national anthem. He thinks we all are dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb*.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/andrewkaczynski/mitt-romney-we-are-the-only-people-who-put-their
(*) http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/104253/joseph-smith-part-1
The real question is: what does it matter? Is he trying to say that other countries aren’t patriotic to their own flags or nations? And this is the guy who wants to manage foreign relations for the United States of America, and lead the world? By insulting every other nation?
I’m Canadian. I love Canada – warts and all. I’ve lived and worked in many countries and seen good and bad in all of them, including the United States – and I also see that every citizen of every country has an allegiance to their nation. Just look at the World Cup, if you doubt that! No country will ever be more dear to my heart than Canada, and I don’t need to denigrate another nations to declare that. And I don’t need to put my hand over my heart to know/prove that, either.
This is embarrassing…..
sorry for the HP link but it is just a picture….
This is why bridges are collapsing and pipes are exploding under roads.
Hi Chips & TOD Family,
For what I am about to say, let me first define TOD Family for my purposes:
TOD Family: Individuals on this site (commenters & lurkers) who are genuine and unwavering supporters of PBO and VPJB, and are dedicated and committed to their reelection in 2012.
A CHALLENGE FOR TOD FAMILY–ESPECIALLY TOD FAMILY LURKERS:
That all TOD Family (TODF), especially TOD Family Lurkers (TODFLs) make a commitment, starting today, to get at least 9 new individuals to register and ultimately vote for the reelection of Obama/Biden as well as a straight Democratic ticket.
This would consist of one (1) new individual per month until election day (i.e., Feb. thru Oct.). As a TODFL, I feel that I have been on a joy ride in a wagon with Chips and a few others pushing the wagon. The journey has been educational, soothing, humorous, loving, etc. and I have enjoyed every minute. However, the wagon has now arrived at a steep hill, and in order to reach the top to beat the Republicans, we must ALL get out of the wagon and help to push. Thus, pushing means each of us getting at least 9 new voters. A new voter is one who did not vote for Obama/Biden in 2008. We must follow-up with each individual to ensure that he/she does indeed register and ultimately cast a vote. Where possible, we should urge and promote early voting. If early voting is not allowed, then it is our responsibility to ensure that our new voters get to the polls on election day.
This is a great opportunity for one (those who, for whatever reason do not wish to volunteer at OFA) to participate from the comfort of his/her home. Whether via phone, fax, e-mail, texting, etc., we can contact relatives (including voting age children/grandchildren), high school/college classmates, sorority/fraternity mates, etc. We also urge that we contact people outside our own state, especially those in toss-up states such as NC, VA, FL, MI, OH, NM, NV, AZ, etc. We can also ask our contacts to get 9 new voters, etc. I call this “Get Out The Vote Networking”.
I would like to ask two or three TODF, especially TODFL who can comment at different times of day to help in reminding our TODF of this commitment . Unfortunately, sometimes excellent ideas or suggestions are made, but there is no lasting follow-up. Hopefully, we can report our progress as time goes by.
So please, TODF–especially TODFLs, “LETS PUSH” OUR OBAMA/BIDEN WAGON TO THE TOP OF THE HILL FOR A LANDSLIDE VICTORY! I know that we can do it!
Again, Chips, thanks so much for all that you do!
Engagement. One on one can be very powerful.
My beloved brother, my best friend, died December 5, 2000. My only solace was that he didn’t live to see George W. Bush installed as President by the Supreme Court.
He was affectionately called the mayor of Old Town in Chicago. He would have coffee, talk to people, go to local businesses and establish relationships with people. His goal was at least 10 new voters. then he went for another 10, and another 10……. At 65 years old, he had the respect and love of young people who didn’t think their vote mattered. He made a difference.
I told him to not enrage my right-wing nephew that Thanksgiving before he died. He nodded in agreement. Then I watched him engage my nephew — listening, acknowledging his arguments, and then getting him to listen back. It was a sight to behold. He is my role model and inspiration.
So when my two best friends — lesbians — were down on Obama, I listened. I acknowledged their feelings. And expected them to listen back. No they aren’t two new voters — but they are voters who might not vote and will do so now for President Obama, and do so proudly.
My senior friends who still listen to the fear. I listen, acknowledge their concerns and expect them to listen back.
Every vote counts. It IS enough to vote to move the ball down the field, even if there aren’t the touchdowns you expected. Then I tell them about the touchdowns this President has made, in the face of extraordinary odds. I ask my senior friends if they’ve ever seen a Congress so hellbent on destroying an economy, in order to win political gain. Do they think Obama is like that? Aren’t we in better hands?
Engagement. It’s not easy for me. I’m very non-confrontational. But I try to make a difference wherever I can.
That was beautiful!! And something we could all learn from
Good Friday Moring TOD Family. This needs to be the DEM Convention song:
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’re on the move (yeah-ee-a, yeah-ee-a)
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’ve got the groove
There’ve been so many things that have held us down
But now it looks like things are finally comin’ around, yeah
I know we’ve got a long long way to go, yeah
And where we’ll end up
I don’t know
But we won’t let nothing hold us back
We gonna get ourselves together
We gonna polish up our act, yeah
And if you’ve ever been held down before
I know that you refuse to be held down any more, yeah yeah
Don’t you let nothing, nothing
Nothing stand in your way
And all we gonna do
I want you to listen, listen (That’s right)
To every word I say
Every word I say about it
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’re on the move
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’ve got the groove (Yeah)
Look, Lemme tell you this
I know you know someone who’s got a negative vibe (RW GOP)
And if you only help it will only keep it alive (Sh-yeah)
They really don’t have nowhere to go
Ask ’em where they’re going
They don’t know
But we won’t let nothing hold us back
We gonna get ourselves together, come on
We gonna polish up our act, yeah
And if you’ve ever been held down before
I know that you refuse to be held down any more, Oh oh oh
Don’t you let nothing, nothing
(I won’t do it) Stand in your way (No no)
And all we gonna do
I want you to listen, listen
To every word I say
Every word I say about it
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now (That’s right)
We’re on the move
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
We’re on the move
I like this graphic as it relates to the Komen scandal: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10100245378346674&set=p.10100245378346674&type=1&ref=nf
Heads up everyone:
http://theobamadiary.com/2012/02/03/heads-up-and-chat-away-3/
G’morning TODville…what GREAT news to wake up to. Rate of 8.3% and over 200k jobs added.
Go ahead and toot your horn MR PREZ… we’re right there with ya. 2 term fund here I come to donate.
A beautiful sight….the bikini bottoms just got a top !
Nice!
Obama’s two-term fund. 40,861 donors donated $1,663,737.
4 more for 44
I guess Komen changed their mind!
http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2012/02/komen-apologizes-for-recent-de.html
L.O.L
Yes. They’ve accomplished several things. First, they exposed the inner workings of their organization (and the people they have there, now), which don’t look too good in the light of day. Second, no one will ever look at their pink ribbon brand again with the same eyes. Third, Planned Parenthood has temporarily been taken out of the hands of the Republican barbarians, and is getting more support from the rest of us. Shame it had to happen, but this outcome is good.
Perfect summary. I can’t look at Komen the same way, and I now feel the need to protect Planned Parenthood even more against these “barbarians” – as you rightly put it.
We will continue to fund existing grants, including those of Planned Parenthood, and preserve their eligibility to apply for future grants, while maintaining the ability of our affiliates to make funding decisions that meet the needs of their communities.
—-
Big Wow…it looks to me like they left an opening to deny futures grants.
W.O.W.!! Someone saw the ERROR of their ways! Thank you, Jessica~
Komen: Never mind.
I have not been able to log on recently, so I am catching up.
I want to give a shout out to Liberal Librarian and the great “Few Thoughts” posting. Glad to see it has a special place on the right side of the TOD page. Well done! We need your words, voice to express what we feel. Thank you. And thank you Chips for giving us a place to gather and share.
FIRED UP…!!
READY TO GO..!!! 😀
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LOVE THAT KOMEN IS NOW THE TOP STORY ON HUFFPUFF BUT NOT THE ECONOMY!
Instead of MUCK, I wished the President had told Congress, don’t FUCK it up!
LOL!
LOL! The Republicans response- Reagans recovery was stronger.
Weak!
THE GOP ARE IDIOTS! U CAN EVEN COMPARE REAGAN’S RECESSION TO THIS ONE!
AND LETS NOT FORGET REAGAIN DIDNT HAVE TO DEAL WITH INSANE KAMIKAZE ARTISTS!
Komen blinked!
I will still never give them another dollar. And the next solicitation I receive in the mail I’m sending it back empty with a note that I gave to pp.
I know….once you know their intentions it gets harder believing they want nonpartisan participation.
OK TOD FAM, JUST WANT TO SAY WE SHOULDN’T OVERCELEBRATE. EUROPE STILL NEEDS TO FIGURE THINGS OUT AND THERE’S ALOT OF TIME BETWEEN NOW AND ELECTION DAY! I REMEMBER WHEN PBO KILLED OBL IN MAY AND HE WAS RIDING HIGH ABOVE 50%, BUT EUROPE AND THE GOP TRIED TO KILL OUR ECONOMY AND DRAGGED US DOWN! SO LETS JUST PRESS ON AND BE OPTIMISTIC BUT ALSO REALISTIC!
TODAY IS REALLY REALLY GREAT!
As sobering as it is, halo, I think you’re right. Personally, I think Europe will get sorted out, because there’s too much at stake there, and the world just won’t let bankers derail the global economy again. But, the danger I see is that the GOP are going to get even more desperate, and will cheer anything that could derail stability, whatever the cause or source. I won’t rest easy until President Obama has sworn the oath a second time, done the rounds of the inaugural balls, and is safely ensconced back in the White House on Jan 20/21, 2013.
But, that said, we still have to celebrate this very good news! 🙂