Make sure you watch the video, the Science Fair clips are a hoot!
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First Lady Michelle Obama greets a chef while visiting the dining facility at Little Rock Air Force Base in Little Rock, Ark., as part of a tour celebrating the second anniversary of the “Let’s Move!” initiative, Feb. 9, 2012. Little Rock Air Force Base is part of a pilot program that has enhanced food service quality, variety, and availability through new acquisition processes and redesign efforts. (Official White House Photo by Sonya N. Hebert)
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TPM: In his 2006 Massachusetts health care law, Mitt Romney embraced a virtually identical contraception coverage mandate as President Obama recently has, experts say, and as a result expanded access to birth control for hundreds of thousands of women. And Democrats really want you to know that.
“They are practically mirror images or each other,” John McDonough, a professor of public health at Harvard, said on a conference call organized by the Democratic National Committee. “They completely reflect each other.”
More here
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F***ers:
NY Mag: …. The Telegraph finally admitted that their article about Michelle Obama shutting down a block of Madison Avenue so that she could go on a $50,000 “shopping spree” at Agent Provocateur with the Queen of Qatar, Sheikha Mozah, was indeed completely false. They also formally apologized for printing such total (but hilarious!) bullshit, but mostly to Sheikha Moza, not Obama – indeed, the title of the correction is “Her Highness Sheikha Moza – An Apology.”
Further to our article “First Lady’s luxury buys boost Agent Provocateur” (Jan 30), we would like to make clear that the “shopping spree” involving Her Highness Sheikha Moza and Michelle Obama that we referred to in fact never occurred, and that Her Highness has never been shopping with Mrs Obama, at Agent Provocateur or otherwise, and has never sought to have any part of New York closed off to enable her to shop undisturbed. We apologise for the distress and embarrassment this article caused.
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First lady Michelle Obama at an Olive Garden Restaurant in Fort Worth, Texas
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A gazillion congratulations to our beloved Liberal Librarian who has been invited by Deaniac to post at The People’s View (even though he’s a Chelsea fan) – it’s just completely brilliant news. Thrilled for you LL, looking forward to reading you, you legend 😉
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I’ve added a Video Vault section to the sidebar on the right – it’s a collection of videos of PBO from the archives, up to the 2008 election. I’ll add more soon(ish).
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Speaking of the archives, this is from Harvard in 1990 – hadn’t seen it before. I like. Very, very much.
The Obama Diary 
Boo.
And Ralph is:
Congrats Ralph. You are number 1
First?
Let’s *call* you first, eh Ceb? =)
You can call me first at any time.
Thanks for getting me out of moderation, Chips. Typing correctly on such a small device is hard.
Ceb, I guessed you were having Jovie-like issues with a teeny keyboard, you almost typed your name right, but not quite 😆
Who else thinks this contraception rule won’t go down as a clever White House “fake out” or “feint,” but as a…
Trojan Horse?
I don’t know but the whole situation is pissing me the hell off. Already there are a few Dems in the Senate offering what they call a compromise. I’m so sick of this shit. So everyday I will be sending or calling or tweeting Dems in support of it and Dems teetering on a so-called compromise. IF the supporters are not as loud as the dissenters on this issue, women will lose in this battle.
What compromise do they want? There is a compromise already.
I never thought I would see the day when contraceptives would be an issue…..
at this point Ralph, I could care less. They need stay out of my vajayjay.
Trojans are covered with no problem.
Viagra is covered with no problems
But women should not have access to contraception? gtfoohwtfabs
I’m just clinging to the hope that they won’t give an inch on this, but VP Biden’s comments today worried me a little bit, there was a hint of a compromise in the air. I hope I’m wrong. This issue is monumentally important, please let the WH stay strong.
there will be no compromise on this Chips. There is no way in heck Flotus, VPFlotus or congresswomen are going to allow an assault on women. Ain’t gonna happen.
I hope so nospin, because there’s not a single reason to compromise. I just hope VP Biden ….
“As a practicing Catholic, I am of the view that this can be worked out and should be worked out. And I know the president feels the same way,” Biden said.
…. was speaking out of turn. I’d have to sit in a darkened room for a month if there was any compromise on this.
A compromise is wrong morally, constitutionally and politically. I hope the administration is getting balanced counsel on this.
We need all demean and progressives to vote and this is the wrong issue to compromise on any further.
I hate these little keyboards! “Dems ” not demean
I read that three times trying to figure out what that meant… 😳
well VPBiden said he also advised PO not to do the raid on Bin Laden and we know how that turned out.
I am confident that he is going to stand for women’s rights. Especially because he has two daughters.
Sometimes i wish Biden would not do this….
No offense to VP, but he’s not the POTUS. He also gets it wrong at times. What we need to do is make our voices heard via petition, email, tweets….whatever, and let PBO know we stand with him on this. It’s high time women take to the streets, figuratively at least, to protect their rights. Hell, everyone else has had their protest. It’s time !
http://www.ucc.org/news/ucc-20-other-mainstream.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20UnitedChurchOfChrist%20(United%20Church%20of%20Christ)#.TzRnMqrB1ys.twitter
This is long, hope it works.
One quote stands out succinctly:
“If religiously-affiliated institutions such as hospitals and schools who employ people who do not share the theological views of the institution are going to decide what is acceptable health care for all their employees, where will it stop?” said Powell. “Will preventing organ transplants or blood transfusions be next?”
I was so glad the UCC came out this strong. I have belonged my whole life. President Obama belonged to the UCC for 20 years.
edp4bho – VP Biden means well but on this he hasn’t a clue.
I am confident that Potus will stand by women. All this kerfluffle probably has him shaking his head because it is clear that this bruhaha has nothing to do with a concern about trampling on religious rights and has everything to do with creating drama to hide the fact that the nation is moving forward.
There is no way PO would go through the process of repealing DADT, pushing forward the agenda for women to get equal pay for equal work and then decide not to require that women have equal access to coverage for birth control?
I am not the least bit worried on this.
You make outstanding points, so I graciously thank you for the reminders of his fairness in the past. Gosh, he’s done so many things it is hard to keep up with the energizer bunny 😀 But, I still think we should let him know that we support him on this and to show muscle, just in case, nospin. I’d better get to bed for my beauty sleep. Nite to all !
I’m thinking along the same lines Chipsticks. This would be our first big argument (Me and Pres.Obama). I’m actually getting mad at a lot of people over this. Democrats, women’s groups, some pundits, the MSM, women in general etc.
Gobrooklyn, I’m with you, compromise here would break my flippin’ heart.
I think Biden wants a compromise. Word on the street is he disagreed with this decision.
Yeah, I read that on Politico, have no idea if it’s true. Hope not.
I read it in other places. He was against it, I believe that.
HE ALSO DISAGREED ON THE METHOD TO TAKE OUT BIN LADEN TOO…SO !!!
I heard something about John Kerry, not sure what’s up with that…..
I’m worried, too.
57andFemale, I’m becoming the kind of concern troll that I throw out of this place 😕 But, yeah, I have my worries too. I’d give anything for PBO to hold a news conference on this and explain why the opposition to the rule is hypocritical, two-faced bullshit. I just don’t think it’s enough to leave it to Jay Carney to battle the GOP shills.
Don’t worry Chips!!
I think he’ll do a press conference on it if it gets completely out of control. I was hoping Romney would say something totally outrageous so PBO could run on it but he disappointed me. PBO patiently waiting and then’ll eloquently say his two cents and then they’ll move on to their next new outrage.
Chips, being worried sometimes does not make any of us trolls. Be flexible with the line you draw. The President is the best of my lifetime but he is not infallible. Disagreement should be welcome – we are trying to solve problems and discussion has to happen. There is also a danger in pretending everything is fine when it may not be fine.
Voicing some concerns should spur us to action that is needed. The administration needs to hear from us on this. There was outcry over Komen but nowhere near the pushback on this issue. Yeah, I’m worried. If I choose to stay silent in order to not be called a troll,it feels unnecessarily restrictive and maybe counterproductive. Some flexibility is necessary to our success.
57andFemale, I accept what you say completely. And I would genuinely hate for any of the regulars here to feel they can’t express ‘concerns’ without being accused of being trolls – and me banning them. I don’t want that, at all. But I’m sure my recent outbursts have given that impression.
The only people I ban from here are those I suspect of being Firebagger/GOP trolls because of the pattern of their comments, or cranks intent on demoralizing everyone by using RW talking point crap to criticize the President. I am absolutely certain I get it wrong some times, but it’s just not easy working it out. I sift through piles of anti-PBO abusive comments every day so you can end up hopelessly misjudging people because that judgment is tainted by all that bile. And some times you just get so fed up of the negativity you send possibly-well-meaning people on their way.
I am completely fine with criticism from genuine PBO supporters that is rooted in the desire for this admin to just stick to the principles of the President and promote his work a whole lot better. And, yes, I think it needs to do way better in fighting its corner on this contraception issue.
You do the lord’s work, dear Chips. I didn’t really realize how much garbage you have to sift through. You are an absolute treasure. I’m deeply grateful.
You are loved. You are also only one person with the weight of all of us on your shoulders. You get to be afraid, worried. We’re family!
I think the people who need to hear from the people are the GOP and their cohorts, the Catholic Bishops. Calling the White House is basically just preaching to the choir – ignoring VP Biden’s concerns. But the GOP are running around claiming that they are winning the argument, and that’s probably because all the people who support this are busy sending their messages to the White House, forgetting that he’s the one who approved the ruling in the first place. Let the GOP and the Bishops hear all women’s voices and quiver with fear.
I’m worried too. I see the first signs of going back. It’ll be a terrible thing to do.
Yea, I agree, in a day or two PBO will have to go out there and explain this BS. It’s the same mistake they have done many times in the past – Giving Republicans to grab their ugly and false narrative.
BWD, I understand what you are saying. But you have to remember that the administration deals with a dysfunctional and unfriendly media. So even if they try to come out of the gate and frame the issue, there will be a lot of NOT listening and freaking out ANYWAY. It gets out of control because the media doesn’t inform nor push back against distortions and lies. So the President has very often chosen to speak AFTER people have pushed all their bogus arguments. He acts as the truth teller and pushes back against the hysteria. He’s trying to have the last word.
Oh I really see the big downside to this strategy, believe me. What I’m saying is that because the media is so dysfunctional, I have a feeling that even if he tried to frame the issue at the beginning, he would have to speak a second time anyway. He can’t do speeches or press conferences TWICE for every controversial subject. Very possible that the media would not cover the second time where he pushes back against the stupidity.
This is personal and unprofessional opinion I have to say. I don’t know that much about communications. These are just feelings coming from watching the roller-coaster of the last three years.
Totally agree with everything you said, but the media is a given and by now we should be ready for them.
#PRESSON
I’ve written to the president, Chipsticks, begging him not to back off. I hope millions do the same. This is the most stupid thing I’ve ever seen … or heard.
I’m brand new here and a full time 100% PBO supporter! I have been reading this site’s comments for months and love it! Plus I get important information and tidbits to pass along for our President. I want to point out something about this contraception brew ha ha. As he has always done, i.e., the debt ceiling fight and payroll tax extension, he gives them just enough rope to hang themselves. Exposes who they really are. He systematically takes away their arsenal, their talking points, their criticism. And at the same time proves their mantra: make him a “ONE TERM PRESIDENT”. Rachel did an excellent segment tonight to prove this. How Cap and Trade, the bank bailout and contraception through health insurance plans were all originally republican ideas. Oh, and let’s not forget the healthcare mandate. Thank you Heritage Foundation!
So happy to be finally posting here. And so excited to be going to training with O of A Saturday morning! Time to get serious and bring it home for President Obama in 2012!
welcome lb4obama.
Welcome!
PBO often does not do what JBiden says. He always listens respectfully, and then does what he thinks is right, so I don’t think you need to worry. I just don’t see him giving in on this. He knows how important this is to women.
Betsy, I flippin’ adore Joe, but for once, I hope PBO ignores him. I share your trust.
Joe went public with it today on some radio show. He kept talking about ‘working it out.’ His disapproval was obvious. Not helpful.
Congrats Liberal Librarian! 🙂
Missed it! Curses. Hard to be first when using an iPod for commenting.
You can have my fake hat, and all the honors and privileges associated therewith.
Flashes a Miss America smile.
How about we share in the ohana spirit?
Cool. =)
congrats LL. Keep up the good work.
(chelsea still sux, though. )
#PRESSON
Congratulations Liberal Librarian! Look forward to reading your posts over at TPV 🙂
HOORAH for Liberal Librarian! I can’t wait to read his diaries at TPV. Diarists there totally ROCK and our LL is a great addition. Thank you Deaniac ♥ Mi Hijo for your so great choices for TPV!
Congrats, Lib-Lib!!!!!! I’m so happy for and proud of you!! 🙂
Yah for lib lib! Remember his piece he wrote …..”i want santorum and gingrich and romney and paul……i want a fight club but everyone talks about it……? Man oh man, that was pure genius. Congratulations and our best wishes. The more people read him the better off we all are!! Winners all around!
Rachel’s on a roll tonite.
That opening segment on the hypocrisy of the Republican Party was epic. Everybody need to check that one out. Right now I can’t wait to see Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. This man is my new hero.
I love him!
What a treasure trove of stuff to devour tonite. I am excited to read everything! Thank you!
On LO tonight:
@Lawrence: We’ll look at the state laws on religious employers proving contraception. You’ll be surprised.
This should be interesting…
Oh really? Really LOD? So he finally decided to conduct some reseatch instead of mouthing off insane crap about the BC mandate. I like LOD’s analysis but sometimes……………sheesh!
POLLS: Americans Support Contraception Rule
Guaranteeing Affordable Access to Birth Control is Popular
The right wing has launched an all-out war on the president’s plan to guarantee that women have affordable access to birth control. Many Beltway pundits are engaging in fact-free debates that paint the decision as tremendously unpopular. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Here’s a rundown of what the American people really think.
http://thinkprogress.org/progress-report/polls-americans-support-contraception-rule/
THIS is what’s important in this fake controversy:
”Many Beltway pundits are engaging in fact-free debates that paint the decision as tremendously unpopular”.
3 hours of Scarborough in the morning, Chris Matthews, Fox 24/7, CNN, etc…..They had to find something because Mitt Romney is going down in flames…..the economy is recovering..
Way too many good news about the President…..
Desperation time.
Don’t forget David Gregory he needs something to talk about this Sunday lol.
after all they would rather talk about any thing then Santorum beating Romney and an improving economy.
Some much good news for America and this is what the MSM chose to talk about, wow.
We really need to get Rachel Maddow’s segment on the contraception coverage from tonight posted so everyone can see it. She did a great job and basically put her colleagues to shame. After exposing the breathtaking hypocrisy of the GOP she showed a map of the United States with the 28 that states already have similar rulings with exceptions for churches and houses of worship. She also showed the 8 states that don’t have any exemptions for churches. She interviewed Conresswoman Jan Schakowsky of Illinois. She asks the pertinent question that no one else in the media will ask “If these rulings have been in place since 2000, why is it all of a sudden an issue now in 2012?”
Exactly, Christi. It’s all a big smoke screen and a colossal time waster and unemployment extension still hasn’t passed.
LOD earlier today made a point that there are differences on this issue in polling between Catholics in general and Catholic voters who are not as supportive of the policy. The question is, will it be a one-issue for enough Catholics? And in which States will it make a difference.
The policy is moral, is supportive of the first amendment, is the right thing for women’s health. Politically, progressives and independents support it. A compromise is wrong on every level.
Eric Schneiderman is just awesome.
Chipsticks, I just saw Eric Schneiderman on Rachel’s show. He (and Rachel) do a very good job explaining everything. Can you get the video clip?
I agree. He was very clear. It was awesome.
All of this recent mess with Komen and now birth control sounds like the 70’s. The country has moved on. This is what the repubs have. Really?
The more I think about it the more stupid I think the Republicans are this year. ink most peopel would agree that over the last 30 years, politcially speaking, the Republicans have been very smart. From Morning in America, the Welfare Queen, the Willie Horton ads, and the same sex marriage amendments in 2004, they have been able to hit at the core fears of this country enough to keep the Dems off balance. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t like what they did, but it was effective in reaching their goals. In addition, they did a very good job of building a power base form the bottom up, taking over local governments down to the rpecinct level up to the state houses.
This year, however, they seem to have lost it. Maybe it i because the country has caught on to their tactics. Maybe because they really overreached after the 2010 elections and exposed their rotten behinds for all the country to see, but whatever it is they are suffering from massive group stupids.
And the extent of their stupidness has really been on display the last several days.
Exhibit A. The massive overreaction to the Clint Eastwood ad. I would hazard a guess that the majority of people viewing ad did not see it like many here did: a promotion of the President’s policy of bailing out Detroit. In fact, some may have been a little confused by it. However, after Rove particularly, but also many others on the right started compalining about it, more people started paying attention to it. And guess what, simply because the Republicans pointed it out, they now saw it through the prism of being a promotion of the bailout and realized that yes, it was successful.
Exhibit B. The whole “war on religion” thing going on for the past few days. I have mentioned a couple times that this is, in part, some dog-whistling to their base and what they are really doing is pointing out Obama’s otherness, non-Americanness and, most importantly, his secret Muslim side. But they have picked an example that actually draws attention away from that message and paints them as the anti-birth control party (which they may be but they really don’t wwant that to get too much attention). In other words, they have picked up on one of the most unpopular teachings of the Catholic Church and tried to make it into a positive. Sure, it may shore up some of their base, but it is going to turn off even more independents.
Exhibits C, D, E and F are easily described. Romney, Gingrich, Santorum and Paul.
The Democrats, in the past, have not been very smart when it comes to actual politics, but even they have not reached the level of stupidity on a national level that is currently being displayed by the Republicans.
One final point on the contraceptive controversy. In reality, if one wants to get technical, the policy in no way goes against the teachings of the Catholic Church. Yes, the Church teaches that use of contraceptives is wrong, but I have never read anywhere that the Church teaches that paying for contraceptives is wrong.
Japa, you nailed it. The Republicans are flailing, madly groping for any issue that will get them some traction. This contraception faux controversy is a bad gamble on their part; they are going to bleed support among women and young people and not even understand why because they are that stupid at this point. They’re doing this because they’re panicking. Their prize Mitt bull isn’t doing well in the public marketplace and their dreams of a failed economy aren’t coming true. I think you will see the president slowly walk the conversation back to creating jobs and improving business conditions as the UE deadline draws near and the R’s and a few nutsy pundits will be left flapping their gums on a dead issue.
LOL @ “Mitt bull!”
I agree with ALL of your points and observations. And underlying the current “social debate” and underscoring the degree to which the Remaggotian Party has utterly lost touch with REALITY: A PARADIGM SHIFT HAS OCURRED over the last 25-30 years in American Society. Change? We’ve ALREADY COMPLETELY CHANGED! Our institutions need to catch up.
Diversity, technology, the economy, GLOBALIZATION, international threats …..on and on. We must make our institutions catch up completely with this undeniable change that is already HAPPENED. Our wonderful, thoughtful President understands this.
I believe the Republicans REALLY BELIEVE it can be 1958 again. No, seriously… They really do.
DITTO AND AMEN!
Excellent post! It really nails the current state of the Republican party. Here is my concern, however, about Democrats and progressives concerning this manufactured outrage about the contraception rule. instead of us mobilizing in massive numbers to counter the media and the right wingers we are busy debating what the President should do or should not do; or whether the President will or will not cave. Right now, President Obama needs us to mobilize massive support for this common sense rule. In my judgement, the people opposing the rule have dominated the debate. They have dominated the debate because the media is in cahoots with them. I totally disagree that this has anything to do with messaging failure by the Administration. This is all about biased media that is carrying water for the Republicans. The only effective way to counter it is not to put all the burden on the President, but rather to shoulder that burden ourselves. The President acted in accordance with what we are advocating. His action prompted massive outrage from his enemies. This requires of us who support his action to fight back against his enemies.
Here is my question, dear family, what exactly are the actions we are taking to back up the President and HHS Secretary? Where are all the Women’s organizations? Where Is NOW, Where is PP? Where are all the so called Progressive Organizations? Why are aren’t we calling for massive demonstrations in the streets against the Catholic Bishops and the right wing Republicans and their media enablers? Why aren’t we organizing massive letter writing, tweeting, face booking, faxing, and phone calling to all the media, the Congress and the White House? Yes I did see the petition which I signed, but this is no where enough. The President has his back against the wall. He has all these problems to solve. Given the reality of politics he can’t afford to gamble on alienating a powerful institution like the Catholic Church. Yes I know there polls showing that the majority support the rule. But in politics the most vocal people are the ones that dictate the outcome of the debate.
So my plea to all of us is that instead of spending time and energy being fearful that the President might compromise and end up disappointing us why not spend more time and energy to mobilize in support of the President to counter his enemies. This way the President would feel comfortable sticking to his guns. I wish we could learn the real lessons of the Civil Rights movement. Believe me if it hadn’t been for the constant massive Civil Rights mobilization of protest, Congress, and Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, might have caved in to the equally vocal and violent opposition from the Southern States.
If it is true that the majority of Americans support this rule, then why aren’t we, the majority, mobilizing to support the President and at the same time work to expose the anachronism of the Catholic priesthood and right wing evangelicals being exploited by the Republican party?
Just my two cents!
Nathan….THIS, THIS AND FREAKING THIS! I’m reading comments and folks are freaking out about the president “better not” compromise. How many damn times have we been here with the media, rw pundits, pl, corp news and big money dictating and sending out the message of the day/week/month. EVERY time, and I mean EVERY single time, there is positive news for President Obama and the economy, they manufacture a NON-troversy and we fall for it. We have had this discussion on TOD many times before about letting “them” dictate how we deal with news. I thought we understood that until “it” comes out of President Obama’s MOUTH, all else is speculation. VP Biden has been wrong and spoken out of turn on several occasions, yet again, “someone, somewhere” stated he said “he was in disagreement or there is still more work to be done or whatever he said” and we here, get played AGAIN! Like Nathan said above, why are we not using this same angst and demands and energy to call out the culprits, the catholic church, the media, the dems who want to compromise, the religious nuts who have taken this issue to a whole different level and only for ideology, mysoginistic and hateful reasons. This big brouha-ha is bogus, it’s a smokescreen to get us worked up about something that is the PREVENTATIVE part of coverage for the insurance companies. HHS Sebilius and insurance companies got together to determine what would be covered under “free preventative” care such as mammograms, cancer screening, birth control and it was agreed to by all parties that if the insurance companies want to include their companies in the ACA exchange, these are the some of the preventative coverage they would have to offer. If we trust and support President Obama and he has been in this situation more often than any other person on the planet, at this point, why do we think he would cave when he has constantly and consistently been FOR us. Now, you think he would bow to the catholic leadership that protected sexual abusers, gave visas to nazis and lied to protect their interest. What kind of man do you honestly think the president is, he has told us, he has showed us, he has been here before and allowed everyone, including supporters, to holler and scream and he waited and spoke at the right time, not when WE wanted him to but when the time was right for folks to HEAR him. The freak outs are getting old, either you trust him to do the right thing by and for american women and men or you don’t. We say it here often, “he is one man”, yet we hold him to speculation and want him to do/not do whatever is the nonsense of the moment. Either you have his back and are willing to fight the media, liars, pundits, tv and radio, send letters to editors, contact PP, NOW, protests, get your women/men friends to call, write, tweet, email those that are perpetuating this nonsense or you will forever be buffeted by the next poutrageous non-troversy. Because in the final analysis, it is about US, we women and if we don’t fight against those that would take us back to whatever la-la land where women were seen and not heard, we deserve what happens. We KNEW it was going to get ugly, we KNEW there would be lies and manipulation of information and if we, as his supporters, don’t start recognizing the bigger picture, we will repeat this same “drama” the next time. I will say again, it was ALWAYS, “Yes WE can”, so help, don’t wring your hands, don’t TELL the president what to do, get active and do it for ourselves. When women marches for rights in the 70’s and burned bras, there was no Barack Obama, when did we become helpless and now are waiting on a man to save us from the boogie man, even if the man is PBO. Come on TOD family, again it’s been said before, STAY FOCUSED on our goal of re-electing the president and a congress he can work with and pushing back on the bs. Either we fight side by side with the president or we sit on the side lines and whine about what HE needs to do for us. ENOUGH!…….”rant over”
AND it does NOT matter what rethugs, media, VP Biden, dems say, it only MATTERS what President Obama says, period!
WOW LL, that is the greatest of news!!!!!!! Now we can all say we new you when. I have been so busy for the last 2 days I have lots of reading to do to catch up. Off to read. See you later.
Here is why there will be no compromise.
From the Ed Show.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45755822/ns/msnbc_tv-the_ed_show/#46335061
I’m not in the least worried about this. The White House has the hand-wringers in a box…too many States already have this policy in place. It’s a no-brainer. This isn’t about contraception. It’s about getting people on record as being opposed to contraception. The public supports this. There is no earthly reason for the Administration to back down. There is no down side to sticking with the policy.
i’m with you on this Tien I think PBO is all over it.
You know, I think this is also a civil rights issue too.
“The public supports this. There is no earthly reason for the Administration to back down. There is no down side to sticking with the policy.”
While I agree with you, TienLe, I still think the President would be in a much stronger position if “the public” were more vocal and mobilized to counter the relentless media carpet bombing pushing this hyped controversy. Just imagine how the media could be effectively silenced if women and men of all religions, but especially Catholic men and women, organized massive rallies in support of the policy! I don’t think that on an issue like this it is enough to simply rely on poll numbers.
The Ed Show — Martin Bashir on CPAC Starts. A must see.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45755822/ns/msnbc_tv-the_ed_show/#46334893
You know, I remembered that it was Chris Matthews who gave the Birthers a voice. It was Chris Matthews who gave those wackos a voice, who carried guns outside of President Obama rally. It was Chris Matthews who had given the Republican a platform to spew their hate, after the following day President Obama was sworen into office. I’ve not forgotten, it was Chris Matthews.
Truth !
LOVE that pic from the archives — he’s always had that charisma and “it” factor — he was born to lead.
Congrats, LL!
Congratulations, Liberal Librarian! I look forward to reading your articles. My suspicion is that you are going to get picked up by many more blogs and other print media.
Good Evening Everyone!
I was so busy at work today I was not sure if this video of FLOTUS in Iowa has been posted. Forgive me if it has been already posted but its worth seeing again. She is simply wonderful 🙂
http://www.kcci.com/r/30371435/detail.html
ok I am officially in love with Mrs Obama. She is just too cool. Sorry Barrack, you’re my man and all but…
I guess guys need the naughty mats too…
Wait a minute Cman! Keep your hands and thoughts off “my” FLOTUS! I know you may be younger and more athletic, but I am older and wiser, and I was in love with our smart, humane, warm and energetic First Lady way, way, before you. I realize I can never measure up to POTUS. But what I can’t put up with is competing with upstarts like you. I am even prepared to go Medieval on you by challenging you to a duel to dissuade you from harboring all these fantasies about “my” FLOTUS!
That was beautiful. I love young people, and I love FLOTUS. No way can we let any of those stodgy, frosted hair rethug women in her place. Not now. I’m really going to bed now. Have a good nite 😀
That was absolutely amazing! And when the camera turned to the audience, I actually squealed seeing that scene. This is awesome.
Congratulations, LL!!!!
#PRESSON
Chips where’d you find that 1990 picture? I need more more more 😀
I love Joe but I don’t think “this” should be worked out. This is bullshit. Some cowardly dems in congress are running from this and allowing the right wing and the catholic bishops to own the narrative. This should go as is. I’m sick of these dumbass pundits telling us about what PBO should do. Switched to Big Bang Theory on TBS. Look, you’ve already played the card, stick with it and own up to it. Backing away from it isn’t going to help anyone.
Lisa, I agree with most of what you said, but VP knows politics. The people opposed to the policy are dominating the airwaves. On top of that the administration has to deal with the opposition from a very powerful institution, the Catholic Church. My question is: Where are our organizations that massively mobilized to counter the media and the Catholic Church? And please do not cite me the polls! All women organizations and all progressive organizations should be in the streets shouting from the rooftops about their support of the policy and their opposition to the right wingers and the ethically challenged Catholic clergy that looked the other way when children were being molested by many priests! President Obama and VP Biden need us to keep them strong, not by attacking them, but by re-assuring them that we have their backs.
I did not feel good about what V.P.Biden said, either. But, he, Tim Kaine, and John Kerry, and Joe Manchin are all Roman Catholic. I think that is right? If I am, this may be why they are so wobbly on the issue. Manchin is not an Obama supporter. Tim Kaine is, and I suppose V.P. Biden is too, but it’s all about politics, I think.
LOD is having a good work-out on this.
You suppose VP Biden is an Obama supporter? Did I get that right? What?! If I got that right then OF COURSE Biden is an Obama supporter! If he weren’t he wouldn’t have signed on for a second term, he, POTUS and FLOTUS and Jill wouldn’t be so close. Joe Biden is a practicing catholic and has to be under heat from all his catholic friends and enemies. Plus, the way this thing is thrown around in the media and in congress just may not be settling right with his own religious principles. Doesn’t mean he doesn’t believe in women’s rights, doesn’t mean he isn’t a PBO supporter. Seriously! Come on.
ps- if I read you wrong then I apologize. If I didn’t…….. come on.
Lawrence O’Donnel is full of crap again………..
on that issue that is…..
His Vanna White imitation was a bit much. I am so sick of polls.
Exactly!! me too…..it’s one poll……
Health Reform, Preventive Services, and Religious Institutions
=====================================
On January 20th, Secretary Sebelius announced that certain religious organizations including churches would be exempt from paying their insurers to cover contraception. Other religious organizations, including those that employ people of different faiths, can qualify for a one-year transition period as they prepare to comply with the new law. In recent days, there has been some confusion about how this policy affects religious institutions. We want to make sure you have the facts:
Churches are exempt from the new rules: Churches and other houses of worship will be exempt from the requirement to offer insurance that covers contraception.
No individual health care provider will be forced to prescribe contraception: The President and this Administration have previously and continue to express strong support for existing conscience protections. For example, no Catholic doctor is forced to write a prescription for contraception.
No individual will be forced to buy or use contraception: This rule only applies to what insurance companies cover. Under this policy, women who want contraception will have access to it through their insurance without paying a co-pay or deductible. But no one will be forced to buy or use contraception.
Drugs that cause abortion are not covered by this policy: Drugs like RU486 are not covered by this policy, and nothing about this policy changes the President’s firm commitment to maintaining strict limitations on Federal funding for abortions. No Federal tax dollars are used for elective abortions.
Over half of Americans already live in the 28 States that require insurance companies cover contraception: Several of these States like North Carolina, New York, and California have identical religious employer exemptions. Some States like Colorado, Georgia and Wisconsin have no exemption at all.
Contraception is used by most women: According to a study by the Guttmacher Institute, most women, including 98 percent of Catholic women, have used contraception.
Contraception coverage reduces costs: While the monthly cost of contraception for women ranges from $30 to $50, insurers and experts agree that savings more than offset the cost. The National Business Group on Health estimated that it would cost employers 15 to 17 percent more not to provide contraceptive coverage than to provide such coverage, after accounting for both the direct medical costs of potentially unintended and unhealthy pregnancy and indirect costs such as employee absence and reduced productivity.
========================
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/02/01/health-reform-preventive-services-and-religious-institutions
I set my DVR to tape each day, and by the time I sit down to watch TV in the evening, I check here to see if there was any idiocy on the MSNBC shows. Then I end up deleting them or fast forwarding. Thanks to all on the east coast for saving my blood pressure! 🙂
found this quote about Willard at Washington Monthly:
John in TX on February 09, 2012 11:06 AM:
The Murdoch Street Journal says: “What Mr. Romney needs is to make a better, positive case for his candidacy beyond his business resume.”
And there’s the rub. Romney can’t make a “better, positive” case because he has none to make. It simply wasn’t written into the operating system he’s running. This waxen simulacrum of a human being is like most of the 1 percent: a highly neurotic, control-freak sociopath who’s only “achievements” in life were made possible by the family’s money. Just like Shrub before him, if not for the gold-plated ladder provided by the family name Mitt would be working on a used car lot or as an assistant night manager at Pay Less Shoes. He simply feels he deserves the Presidency; he doesn’t actually have any ideas about what he’d do once there. (And as we all know, any “beliefs” this blundering animatronic mannequin has are likely to simply change with the direction of the wind.)
Every word there is true.
OMG! “simulacrum”; Mitt summed up in one word. Love it.
The “Washington Monthly” told the TRUTH about Willard Romney! That quote is so on the mark about what Romney is all about!
Simply …
#AmericaTHISisNOTaTEST
#LandslideOBAMA2012
Yes We Must
Yes he will…
But, WE MUST do our part, as Obamacrats/Obots, to help him… WE MUST stay focused on PBHO’s long game. WE’re his ‘Boots-On-The-Ground and His Eyes and Ears Everywhere’. WE NEED to push/fight back against the elected/non-elected TeaPUBLICANs and their ilk…WE MUST call ’em out, too (And, on a occasion, those DINOs/Conservadems/Blue Dogs need that.)…Grrr! 😡 (I use attackwatch.com, a lot! It’s on Twitter… @attackwatch #attackwatch. And, it’s located on TOD’s sidebar—-> 😉 )
Sign this petition of support: (Have you signed it, yet?)
Stand Strong in Support of New No-Cost Birth Control Policy… https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions#!/petition/stand-strong-support-new-no-cost-birth-control-policy/HM8jg7Y4 (It was created Feb 3, 2012. Signatures needed by Mar 3, 2012….short 2,849.)
Because, there is this:
Rescind the HHS Dept. Mandate Requiring Catholic Employers to Provide Contraceptives/Abortifacients to Their Employees…
https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions#!/petition/rescind-hhs-dept-mandate-requiring-catholic-employers-provide-contraceptivesabortifacients-their/lBxr7SdP (It was created Jan 28, 2012. Needed signatures gotten before Feb 27, 2012….over 28,000.)
And, I ain’t worried. I don’t doubt him. I BELIEVE in him…PBHO has got this!
@thepeoplesview: [President] Barack Obama’s brilliant play on birth control…. http://www.thepeoplesview.net/2012/02/barack-obamas-brilliant-play-on-birth.html
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!
PRESS ON!
The contraceptive mess is only a smoke screen to distract attention away form the great employment numbers and their sorry primary debacles.
Obama Biden 2012!
yup.
Anyone understood what Lawrence was talking about?
He said something, his guest said something else…..they are covered, they are not covered….
I refuse to watch any of this ginned up media controversy so who knows what any of them are talking about…..
Yep. WTF? But LawrenceO has been such a FIERCE and consistent defender and proponent of The President so many times I can give him a pass sometimes. I mean, “on the air” in any venue that has any exposure, who do we have???
it was so bad donna dem LOD said HE read the policies and HE interpreted things a different way. His guest basically said, well I am not the lawyer you are so I simply called the biggest Catholic hospitals and asked them and they said, they already provide this coverage. They have to to attract employees.
LOD and Tweety must have gotten together because they were both saying the same things. THEY read the policies and THEY know more than the WH.
smdh. At least LOD had the courtesy to look uncomfortable when he was going through his tirade. It was pitiful.
Today, I muted each and every story on the faux BC controversy. As PBO would say ENOUGH!!!!!!
I turned to TBS. Can’t stomach that crap.
ChristiMTL – LOD knew he was wrong. He knew it. It was so obvious, he was stuttering.
made absolutely no sense.
THIS!!!!
you got that right! It’s up to us to see they do not get away with it by posting all the good news articles about this everywhere we can!
yes geeja I feel the same way.
Yahhhh for LL.
Congrats!!!
LL…OMG! I could not be more thrilled for your new adventure:) You have a beautiful, succinct way of writing that is so appealing and wonderful to read. I wish you all the success in your new venture over at TPV. More eyes to see and feel your powerful writings…that’s a GOOD thing!
That said…I only got to see that LL wrote quite the piece the other day…but I did not get a chance to read it. Can someone point me to the post where it is?? Many thanks.
So what do the Jewish and Muslim groups feel about this decision. I haven’t heard a peep from their side. How come Catholics get all the attention.
Because the Catholic Bishops are the one traipsing around Capitol Hill belly-aching about it. Bunch of old fogies who hate women trying to divert attention away from their own sorry behavior.
+ 1,000,000,000,000
mmmm-hmmmm
Thank you for SPEAKING THE TRUTH, Tien Le! What in the world is wrong with us that we let these ethically challenged Catholic Bishops, and their equally ethically challenged right wing evangelical allies, pretend to be paragons of ethics? Why do we allow them to savage the President who is trying to take care of the health and well being of all American women who belong to many religious faiths? Why aren’t we in the streets, and on Capital Hill, exposing their hypocrisy?
Hey LL Way to go! Congratulations!!!
Rachel Maddow and Rep Jan Schakowsky both agreed this is a manufactured controversy. It is…..women certainly aren’t going to stop using the BCP, and will certainly get angry and let people know if it is yanked from insurance coverage. Remember what we did to Komen and Planned Parenthood. These guys are going to mess with us again???!!! They’re dumber than I thought. The biggest single bloc of voters is women. I don’t want to hear one more MAN talking about this. Ed and Rachel both had women tonight. Let the old white doddering males shut up!
I agree with Rachel and rep. Schakowsky, it is politics being played by the bishops, the Republicans, and the sorry ass media.
I agree Anniebella! My question is what are we doing to shield the President from these political games? How can he be sure that we have his back when all he sees and hears is angry and loud voice from his enemies? I hope we don’t repeat the same mistake when we let the teabaggers, with their media enablers, dominate the debate on healthcare, while the purist in our camp were busy blaming the President. Why not learn from history? In 1963, the massive March on Washington, on top of the “Sit-ins” and “Freedom-Rides,” put pressure on Congress to pass the Civil Rights Act. The Civil Rights campaigns for Voting Rights that began with “Freedom Summer” of 1964, and culminated in the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery March, forced Congress to pass the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Revisionist history gives all the credit to LBJ for these monumental laws. But I contend that LBJ and Congress could have easily caved to the vocal and violent opposition to these laws by segregationists if the supporters of these laws sat home and did nothing while expecting the President to do everything. Besides, neither JFK nor LBJ (until late in the Vietnam war) ever had to deal with a hostile press that was in cahoots with the opposition party.
Obviously, I do understand that times have changed and the tactics that worked in the sixties may not work now. But one thing that hasn’t changed is that the people who are the most organized and the most vocal have a much grater chance of influencing public opinion and, consequently, public policy. If you don’t believe me all you need to do is check out the impact of the teabaggers.
I’m not the least bit concerned about the contraception issue. At the end of the day My president will do what is right. And folks, sometimes even when the President appears to have “caved” on an issue, 3 months later we find that he didn’t really cave at all – but it was just presented that way in the media.
so I urge caution going forward. The President is not going to be caving on anything where women’s health is concerned.
I agree!
I totally agree with you, Hopefruit! This President always finds away of finessing compromises that end up as win for our side, despite all the hyper-ventilating from the holier than thou progressive purists. What President Obama needs from us on this issue, and on any other issues for that matter, is a massive show of support to counter his enemies. Expending so much energy about whether the President is going to cave or not on this and other issues is, in my humble opinion, counterproductive. The same is true of criticism of WH messaging in this media environment that is so hostile to the President.
This site does a fabulous job in defending the President and highlighting his achievements. Now and then, however, some of us, motivated by noble motives, have a tendency to be discouraged by what we perceive as the shortcomings of the WH and the President. Consequently, instead of focusing on active action, we start anticipating disappointments and let downs. I am absolutely convinced that both POTUS and VP are dedicated to protecting the health of women. On the other hand, prudence governance requires them not to late this manufactured outrage derail everything they are doing to try help the economy and deal with international crises. Speaking for my self, I have the utmost respect and trust in both PBO and VP Biden. Obviously they are likely to make decisions I amy disagree with. But I am absolutely convinced that the decisions they make will be based on careful assessment for what is best for the country. They have persistently demonstrated that in the past three years as well as in their previous roles in public service.
Congratulations LL! Great news.
10:00 AM
Obama and Biden receive the presidential daily briefing.
11:40 AM
Obama signs H.R. 3801 with former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
3:30 PM
Obama attends a campaign event.
Field Director @christopher1127 now firing up volunteers at #cadem12 convention. great turnout. http://t.co/5A2FVubz
Wow it looks like a really great turnout.
LOVE THE ARCHIVE PHOTO OF PBO…BACK IN MY DAY WE DIDN’T HAVE CAMERAS…A LITTLE PAINT AND A CAVE WALL WERE ALL WE HAD TO WORK WITH!..:)
@lisalovesobama
In essence we are saying the same thing about the heat the VP and others must be feeling. As to the VP’s support of the president, I confess to wondering, (often), how it might feel to be the VP when he was originally vying for the presidency. I wonder if pride ever rears its head. After all the man is only human.
I understand your incredulity, but paranoia does seep in sometime, I must admit. I think he is an awesome Vice-president, and an exemplary human being, my occasional paranoia and humanity not withstanding.
May I have my head back now?
This evening, Mitt Romney is hosting a policy-conference-slash-fundraiser where lobbyists and executives for Wall Street, big oil, health insurance, and more can meet with him and his policy advisers for $10,000 per person.
In other words, Romney is selling influence to the highest bidders.
In response, Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz joined a group of concerned citizens who had gathered outside the policy conference to call out Romney.
http://www.democrats.org/news/blog/debbie_wasserman_schultz_joins_concerned_citizens_in_exposing_romneys_web_o
What a great picture of OFA volunteers in California! I think that may be as many as voted in the Republican primary in CO…..???
I believe the President or Jay Carney has made a very clear statement in the last two or three days that the rule will stay…this is necessary….does anyone remember that or have the link? Once again people don’t listen to him.
Would be good to call the WH and support PBO on this birth control stance.
202-456-1111
I adore Professor Bob Shrum! That’s it. He is wonderful. He is on Ed’s Show now.
I love Bob Shrum also. He has a lot of experience and he calls it like he see it. I believe he worked on Sr. Kennedy’s campaign and he is quite familiar with Romney.
http://today.uci.edu/news/2012/02/nr_insurance_120209.php
Healthcare costs decrease over time when low-income uninsured are provided coverage
Enrollment of uninsured patients in a program with benefits comparable to those offered under the Affordable Care Act of 2010 resulted in significant healthcare cost savings, a new study finds. Published in the February issue of Health Affairs, the research sheds light on the potential outcomes of newly enacted healthcare reforms.
“In a case study involving low-income people enrolled in a community-based health insurance program, we found that use of primary care increased but use of emergency services fell, and – over time – total healthcare costs declined,” said study co-author David Neumark, UC Irvine Chancellor’s Professor of economics and director of UCI’s Center for Economics & Public Policy study.
Scarlett Johanssen is on our side–
Actress Scarlett Johansson has joined some of the biggest names in design and Hollywood to throw her weight behind US President Barack Obama.
Johansson along with the likes of Anna Wintour, Georgina Chapman and Diane Von Furstenberg launched the new Runway to Win line of Obama-themed clothing and accessories in New York City on Tuesday night.
Sales of the celebrity-designed line will benefit the president’s re-election campaign. Touting Obama’s record over his first three years in office, Johansson rattled off a list of advancements made since his inauguration in 2009, reported Huffington Post. “Change for American women: the first bill President Obama signed into law was the Fair Pay Act.
Three women now sit on the Supreme Court for the first time in history. And insurance companies must now offer women cancer screenings and contraception at no cost,” Johansson said.
http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20120194159&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=hollywood&nid=174969
New post everyone (but be warned: it’s a rant):
http://theobamadiary.com/2012/02/09/the-catholic-church/
I hope that PBO does a speech about this whole conceptration debacle with Kathleen Sebelius standing behind him. The stupid MSM does not seem to want to do there jobs. Maybe if he does a speech explaining what’ realy going on the MSM will shut the fuck up about it. It may also gain somemore support and people will get the facts instead of lies. The only MSM practicing journalising is Thinkprogress and Mothesjones.
TAKE ACTION: Tell Congress not to block affordable access to contraception for all women
CALL WRITE..EMAIL TWEET….Just like Komen heard our voices…We must Stand with President Obama..Enough of the manufactured distractions…GOP should be concentrating on jobs….this is a non-issue..sick of them…
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2012/02/09/422432/take-action-tell-congress-not-to-block-affordable-access-to-contraception-for-all-women/
Are the right wing liars going to apologize to the First Lady for the things they said? I bet ten thousand dollars they don’t.
Since it has been proven to be a lie about the First Lady buying $50 thousand dollars of lingerie, I want the jackass who ask Jay Carney about that to apologize too.
A gazillion congratulations to our beloved Liberal Librarian who has been invited by Deaniac to post at The People’s View (even though he’s a Chelsea fan) – it’s just completely brilliant news. Thrilled for you LL, looking forward to reading you, you legend.
I am so proud of you, your intellect and humor. Spread the truth far and wide. Send us your link when it’s ready.
Now to read the news of the day.
Liberal Librarian, Congratulation in joining Deaniac and that awesome team at TPV! I know you will add a great deal to the already incredible posts on that site. I am looking forward to reading your posts. Please never loose your delicious sense of humor. May be now and then you can post articles on football (I mean soccer) so that your buddies: UT, Tally, and Chipsticks can come join you. I love soccer. I actually played varsity soccer in college. So, though I never comment, I enjoy your soccer conversations with the ladies. But since I don’t watch T.V. very much, I hardly follow the English teams, or for that matter any other teams. I always wait for the World cup to watch seriously.
OMG, I LOVE MY POTUS SOOO MUCH!!
And that young man, “Secret Service didn’t want me bringing in my nuclear reactor……but THEN they tried to hire me!!! So, IDK…it’s kinda like a mixed message………”
LOL!!! LOVE THAT!
Embracing my inner GEEK! GREAT STUFF!