Charles Pierce: The nickel drops with a resounding thunk.
Nancy Pelosi: “These very same people holding in contempt are part of a nationwide scheme to suppress a vote. They are closely aligned with those who are suffocating the system, special interests, secret money, and they are poisoning the debate. They are poisoning the debate with that money. And so what does the average citizen say? They throw up their hands and they say, a pox on both your houses, and that is a victory for the special interest”……
You are quite welcome. Pierce is the first place I go after coming here. Unfortunately, I will have to wait until I get home to see the picture. My work computer won’t show it for som reason. I will accept it as my present.
From “Racist,” To “Dick,” To Heckling: How The Press Treats Obama
—————————–
And isn’t the press guilty of encouraging bitter right-wing disrespect by helping to feed its phony smears, like the birther charade. Although dutifully skeptical of the claims regarding Obama’s birthplace, that didn’t stop the press from covering the story, often extensively, for years. By contrast, I don’t recall people who fostered wild conspiracy theories about Bush being paraded around in the mainstream media in order to spread irresponsible claims. Or did I miss all the TV interviews with 9/11 truthers?
The Beltway press has also helped amplify disrespectful, right-wing attacks on First Lady Michelle Obama, by adopting its view that she be covered as a political player, in a way Laura Bush never was.
I’m starting to believe that all this unfair lying smearing crap is going to culminate in a gigantic backlash against Congress, against the media. We have got to vote and help others to vote as if our lives depend on it.. because they really do, certainly the life and future of our country is at stake. Look at the GOP- they are despicable on every single level.. and I include the national media in this.. as those that aren’t pushing gop smears are guilty of allowing gop bs to go unchallenged way to frequently. I want a mandate for this President, I want all of his hard work, his care for this country/ the people – to be rewarded with a strong Democratic Congress and a mandate from the people of this country- to carry on with how he’s running things. We OWE him imo.
Hoyer: Republicans Will Sink America To Drown Obama
“I quote Jesse Jackson, who I thought said it best, there are a lot people in Washington who want to drown the captain and are prepared to sink the ship in order to do so.”
And, that Mr Hoyer quoted Jesse Jackson about says it all, folks …
Just read it LL. Excellent piece. I can’t comment at TPV from work, so let me say this. The big difference between the GOP and Rome is that the Romans believed in Scipio and the strategic and tactical changes he made to, as you put it, adapt. Although there are some Republicans who watch in dismay as the GOP strategy brings forth its destruction and could possibly be leaders in an adaptive change, the base of the GOP can never accept them as leaders. It would be as if Scipio came out with all his adaptions and the Romans put him to death or exiled him because they believed in only one way of doing things. But the Romans has some sanity and intelligence. Those are traits not associated with the currnt GOP.
Read Goldsworthy’s book. He pretty much makes that point — not about the GOP, but about the Republic’s ability to change to meet threats. Scipio’s career was unprecedented, but the Romans fought to win, and did what it took to do so.
Romney’s Non-Answers Reveal a Weak Man Who Would Be a Weak President
By: RmuseJune 21, 2012
One benefit trial lawyers enjoy is having a judge order a witness to give a definitive yes or no answer to a question without explanation or excuse to avoid unclear or inexact answers regardless the question. Unfortunately, trial rules do not apply to human interactions and conversation, and there is little that arouses suspicion as much as asking someone a direct question and getting vague answers when it is certain they hold strong opinions on a particular subject. Politicians often give ambiguous answers to questions their party hasn’t taken a position on yet, or if they are unsure how their response may affect their chance of winning an election. The presumptive Republican presidential candidate, Willard Romney, has reversed his position on myriad subjects important to the American people, and over the past few weeks he has avoided giving any definitive answer on a variety of issues such as immigration, equal pay, taxes, or which government agency he will eliminate if he is elected president.
There is little doubt that Romney avoids answering questions out of fear of alienating specific voters or his backers in the Republican Party, but his reticence to take a stand on important issues defines a weak character and lack of resolve a presidential candidate should possess. Romney made matters worse and showed that, besides being a pathological liar, he is a rank hypocrite for demanding that “President Obama level with the American public about his real agenda.” One of the primary reasons many Americans are suspicious of Romney is because, besides his religion, he has never leveled with the American people what his real agenda is other than transforming government into a private enterprise to enrich himself and his wealthy elite cohorts.
ROMNEY CARES ABOUT THREE THINGS: HIS FAITH, HIS FAMILY, HIS BUSINESS (running for the presidency).
VIDEO: Matthews: Romney is ‘a speaker system,’ not a candidate
——————————-
Let me finish tonight with this Romney character.
I don’t think Romney cares all that much about the presidency except that he wants it. If he weren’t running, do you think this guy would be watching this or any other show on politics? Forget about it!
Mitt cares about three things: his faith, his family, his business.
Right now, his business is running for president. That’s why he’s interested in the presidency. It’s his business to be interested. Listen to him answer questions. If the interviewer doesn’t ask the most obvious thing, something that Mitt’s briefers have been over and over with him, he seems stunned. He doesn’t have an answer. Why? Because he never thought of that one!
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Thursday completed a five-year, half-trillion-dollar farm bill that cuts farm subsidies and land conservation spending by about $2 billion a year but largely protects sugar growers and some 46 million food stamp beneficiaries.
Romney’s speech to the Latino organization NALEO was complete and utter hogwash. He tried to equate his so called immigration plan to the Dream Act. He says his plan will give green cards to undocumented immigrants in the military. This is not what the Dream Act does. Romney will only give green cards if you are currently in the military. The Dream Act gives you a pathway to citizenship if you are already in the military and will also give a pathway to those who join the military after the bill becomes law. Romney’s “plan” is more restrictive.
Romney also lied about PBO’s record regarding the Dream Act. Said PBO had a majority in the house and senate for two years and didn’t do anything about the Dream Act. That’s completely false. PBO did not have a majority for two years and in December 2010, the Dream Act was brought up for a vote and passed in the House but failed in the senate.
He lied about the economy when it pertains to Latinos. In states where the Latino bloc is huge/growing, TX, FL, CO, NV, VA etc. Unemployment for the states is low or going down since PBO took office and his policies went into effect.
Basically, Romney’s speech was just hot air. Half the time he was babbling and his statements made no sense. The hilarious part of the whole event was that the room was deathly silent while he gave his speech. They could tell it was arrant nonsense.
Looking forward to PBO’s reception when he addresses NALEO tomorrow. It sure will be different. 🙂
I have no doubt of that. And I fully expect him to say something like, “Yesterday, Governor Romney spoke about how he would have an immigration plan that would supersede mine. Did you notice that he did not provide any details, just like he provides no details on anything else he talks about?”
I must admit that it was a week or so ago that it dawned on me that he no longer addresses him as “Governor Romney”… Do you know when he made the change? Too funny!
Well, none of them has the courtesy to say PRESIDENT Obama, so why not meet them on that? Our PBO has been consistently respectful to those who do not deserve his respect.. He is that kind of man.
I watched the segment. He didn’t stick up for Issa. He talked about Pelosi’s statement and then brought the discussion back to Issa and said what Issa was doing was wrong.
There was a discussion about what Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said about the REAL REASON that the GOP is going after Attorney General Eric Holder – he is enforcing the law on voter id. Johnathan didn’t seem to think it was a conspiracy. Something like that. I hope someone will send this item to Jonanthan Capehart. Maybe he will see the light.
Capehart was ineffecutal again—-I can never figure out what he’s trying to say—–but I think he said Pelosi’s statement about Holder being a target because of his actions against voter suppression was “sortof a conspiracy”, he didn’t put much stock in that suggestion. Not helpful.
Jonathan Chait’s opinion of what might happen on the Supreme Court’s decision on healthcare.
In ascending order, the Court might:
1. Leave it all in place.
2. Technically eliminate the mandate to buy health care while leaving in place the fine for not having health insurance. (Essentially upholding the fine as a tax while technically eliminating the requirement.)
3. Eliminate the mandate, and the fine, but leave in place the regulations that insurance companies not discriminate against people with health risks and the subsidies for buying insurance.
4. Eliminate the mandate, the fine, insurance regulations, and the subsidies.
5. Nuke the entire law.
“The most likely scenarios in which the Court finds the mandate unconstitutional still leave most of the law in place.”
Do the Gopers on the Court, the GOP want blame for kicking to the curb the children removed off coverage, the 3 million young adults kicked off coverage, those who will die (including my sister-in-law) for prior conditions, the millions of seniors who lose drug coverage from the closing of the donut hole (including myself), and the small businesses who lose the tax credit? I think the court will uphold ACA 6-3, but if they strike anything, it will be just the mandate, and leave Congress to clean up the mess.
Talk about hedging your bets. Did he leave anything out? I’m actually kind of enjoying the fact that NOBODY knows what will happen. Must just be killing the media.
John Boehner knows nothing about whether or not the law will be struck down. He’s now covering his arse because he’s seen the polls with more people than not favoring the law so in case it gets struck down he doesn’t want to be in a politically unpopular position (which the GOP will be, if the law gets struck down).
Although some booed also, I am so confounded about why the first applause Willard received at the Latino forum——altho tepid—–was when he said he would repeal Obamacare. Why do people applaud people not having access to healthcare? I don’t get this—–at all. Do they not understand the consequences? Were people so led astray—–healthcare reform is evil—–that they still don’t know what it’s all about?
Funny how Boehner has no advice on how to handle it if SCOTUS upholds the law. But honestly, does he really think the GOP listens to him? They haven’t made one right move yet this cycle.
Oh they will definitely “spike the ball” and our lazy, sloppy so-called “liberal” media will be complicit and constantly tout how this spells DOOM for PBO.
We all know the script. I’m preparing myself for either scenario and I suggest that we all do the same. The bottom line is that this is a conservative court. Justice Kennedy (the apparent moderate justice) generally votes with the conservatives more times than I am comfortable seeing. Let’s hope he breaks that bad habit with ACA.
When Citizens United took place I remember seeing a post that helped me identify who the so called Conservative Supreme Court Justices were that voted for CU. It used RATS + Kennedy which stood for Roberts, Alito, Thomas, Scalia + Kennedy. That has been very helpful to my memory and unfortunately I expect them to stick together and overturn the best most thorough legislation that has been put together in years. I pray they don’t though. Lawrence had a good section on the mandate last night. I was not pleased with Howard Dean hoping it would go down so Universal Healthcare could be passed instead. I thought is he mad? How in *** could that get through Congress today?
And Justice Kennedy was the co-author of the majority decision on Bush v Gore in 2000. We all know how that decision has impacted our lives to this day.
Again, we don’t know how they will rule on ACA. I’m just bracing myself for either scenario.
Honestly, do you guy really think the entire law will be struck down. I along with millions of Americans can see the benefits, when I look at paying $22.00 for my thyroid medicine as oppose to paying $78.00 while Bush was in office.
Senate Dems React to Norquist’s Visit on Capitol Hill
—————————
Washington, DC
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Grover Norquist was on Capitol Hill to speak with Republican lawmakers. Democratic Senate leaders held a briefing on what they see as the problems with Mr. Norquist’s pledge not to raise taxes.
Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) along with Senate leaders Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Patty Murray (D-WA) spoke to reporters Thursday at the Capitol.
Well, I will be leaving you folks for a while. Getting off of work early so I can see the eye doctor. Haven’t had new glasses in 4 years which is at least 2 1/2 years too long. Then off to have a birthday pizza. Stay out of trouble while I’m gone.
DD4O, I noticed that earlier, thought the same thing, then it slipped my mind, what with all the flurry about Twitter. I’m now going to assume we are both right, before I get sidetracked again.
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday, Dear Japa!
Happy Birthday to you …And many more!
Lucky for you, you can’t hear me singing it. 😆 :lol;
He should be toast—–and it can’t happen soon enough—–he may be the most hateful and preposterous in Congress—-and there are a lot of contenders. And he has a real personal animosity toward President Obama, has consumed him, made him deranged.
Six days ago, President Obama unveiled a new immigration policy, which included using the executive branch’s prosecutorial discretion to implement many of the goals of the DREAM Act. Since then, Mitt Romney has been pressed repeatedly for his position on the new policy.
Apparently, the Republican presidential hopeful is feeling a little shy.
.
.
You’ve heard of a non-apology apology? This is a non-policy policy. What’s Romney’s position? It’s to come up with some other position that will “replace and supersede” Obama’s policy. Does Romney agree with Obama’s policy? He won’t say. What will the new “long-term solution” include? He won’t say that, either.
OMG, I was just going to post the same thing. This is really scary. You are so right, this is just another version of repeal and replace. That’s the best Mitt can do. He has no original ideas. He is a follower. He has not core. I can’t wait for President Obama’s speech tomorrow.
WASHINGTON — In order to help pay for a series of high-priority spending bills in 2010, congressional Democrats raided future funding for food stamps, promising to put the money back before any cuts took effect.
Now that the cuts are around the corner, Democrats aren’t talking about replacing the money. Instead, they’re talking about more cuts. The big farm bill that passed the Senate on Thursday will reduce the deficit by $23.6 billion. Part of the savings comes from cutting an additional $4.5 billion from food stamps.
Romney Changes Tone But Not the Substance of Anti-Immigrant Policies
———————————-
With a softer tone than he used in the GOP primaries, Mitt Romney tried to trick his audience at NALEO into thinking that he’s a moderate on immigration. But Greg Sargent, Mark Murray and Michael Tomasky weren’t fooled (see below). Once the smoke cleared, there was no fire. Romney did not walk back fthe hard line positions he staked out in the GOP primaries. Nothing he said today changes the stances he’s taken: veto the DREAM Act, self-deportation for millions of undocumented immigrants currently in the U.S., and Arizona as a “model for the nation.” He might, in some unspecified way, help some DREAMers, but even on this he refuses to offer up details and firmly commit. The bottom line is this: what’s Romney’s current policy position regarding most of the 11.5 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S.? Get out and go home.
MSNBC new 3 pm show is “The Cycle” with the wonderful Krystal Ball along with Toure (here we go!), Steve Kornacki (we will see) and SE Cupp (why the hell did they sign her?) 🙂
Thomas Friedman’s bad habits, redux
By Steve Benen – Thu Jun 21, 2012 4:46 PM EDT.
Back in April, I chided the New York Times’ Thomas Friedman for having two bad habits: (1) writing columns complaining that President Obama had failed to take a certain action, apparently unaware that the president has already taken that action, and (2) writing columns calling for a third party that would push the two major parties to be more responsible.
He’s made the first mistake more than a few times; and the same goes for the second.
This week, in a curious twist, Friedman combined both bad habits — he wishes a third party could have forced Obama into supporting an agenda Obama already supports.
T]here will be no third-party candidate, so the only hope is getting Obama to raise his game. […]
What the president should have done is follow the advice of the Princeton University economist and former Fed Vice Chairman Alan Blinder, namely lay out a specific “three-step rehab program for our nation’s fiscal policy.” Call it the Obama Plan; it should combine a near-term stimulus on job-creating infrastructure, a phase-in, as the economy improves, of “something that resembles the 10-year Simpson-Bowles deficit-reduction plan — which would pay for the stimulus 15-20 times over” and a specific plan to “bend the health care cost-curve downward.”
18 Reasons the Affordable Care Act Was the Greatest Achievement for the Middle Class Since Medicare
By LOLGOP
————————
On either Thursday, June 21 or Monday, June 25, the Supreme Court will issue its decision on the Affordable Care Act, which I’ve grown to enjoy calling ObamaCare. National treasure Jonathan Cohn describes likely scenarios for how the Court will rule, and the prospects are grim. Likely, some—if not all—of the bill will be struck down.
Watching this epic achievement for working people being erased summarily by a Court increasingly tainted by conservative politics makes me want to holler. Health care in the United States was actually socialized in the dumbest possible way through a law signed by Ronald Reagan. ObamaCare fixes that broken system and strengthens Medicare for decades to come.
To appreciate the nightmare of the Court taking a sledgehammer to the greatest progressive achievement in half a century, you need to read Alec MacGillis’ “What New Law?” The thesis: The people who will benefit most from this landmark bill have no idea what’s in it.
Love Krystal but will not watch anything with that horrible SE Cupp on it. Big mistake, MSNBC. Big mistake. Cupp is going to cause that show to sink. Also, lately Steve has been wishy washy when commenting on the President and I really cannot stomach Toure. So I won’t be watching.
Agree Krystal is the saving grace there. Any of us here could have made better selections with the other 3. General mgrs. should ask the viewers who they want to see—–let people vote—-we’re the ones who will be watching—–or not.
Okay, this is not related to this thread, but still needed to get it out there.
I have this Obama/Biden sticker that proudly display on the back of my car. Yesterday, as I was driving to work, I sensed that this car in the lane next to mine, was deliberately slowing down (he was in the fast lane) to keep pace with me for at least 2-3 minutes. So I glanced over to see why and was greeted with the craziest thing I’ve ever seen.
The driver of the car, he was the lone occupant, was straining over to the right side window and holding up this piece of paper against the window, in which he’d printed/drawn the following in red, white and blue: “One Big Ass Mistake America.”
It actually made me laugh, but then I got to thinking, how did we end up here? That that someone would be so desperate that they’d do this, on the highway, while driving, putting their life, and everyone else’s life around them in jeopardy. Obviously I am a committed Obama supporter, or I wouldn’t be sporting the decal. What was he hoping to achieve by flashing that sign? We’ve all read about the cases where random people get shot on the highway. Would this person ever get desperate/crazy enough to do that?
Rita, while this is stupid crazy behaviour on the highway in particular, most TODobots will tell you that it’s obvious that to be republican in this climate means you ARE CRAZY, so this nitwit’s actions are par for the course.
are we surprised that the repugs are targeting vets and active duty voters, in their campaign to disenfranchise those who are likely to vote for pbo?
votevets.org sent out an email this morning, asking for signatures on a petition to investigate and halt the republican attacks on voting rights. you don’t have to be a vet, or have served in the armed forces–you are eligible to sign if you have a family member who has served.
please read the petition, as it outlines some of the disgusting maneuvers the repugs have used to take voting rights from our veterans. then sign it! and pass it on…
The Obama Diary 
This tells it all
Congrats Japa!
Thanks for the link Japa, nothing more to be said.
You are quite welcome. Pierce is the first place I go after coming here. Unfortunately, I will have to wait until I get home to see the picture. My work computer won’t show it for som reason. I will accept it as my present.
Love him too Japa, especially his ‘what are the gobshites saying today?’ series, which, happily, often features Politico.
The photo isn’t showing? You know, I’m beginning to think the internet is broken, not just Twitter.
It happens sometimes. Probably the source of the photo is blocked by the system.
Japa, TRUST Chica and me. you WILL like your picture!!!
Oi, have a word with your wingnut system – that pic is from the White House Flickr site! 🙂
To be honest, I am somewhat surprised it allows me access to TOD. If it didn’t I would have to quit.
congrats, japa…on both points!
Make it stick, deeply ….
#PRESSON
With a red hot poker? Please!!!!!!!!!!!
Sharing with key friends ….
many others in my TL …
#FORWARD
From “Racist,” To “Dick,” To Heckling: How The Press Treats Obama
—————————–
And isn’t the press guilty of encouraging bitter right-wing disrespect by helping to feed its phony smears, like the birther charade. Although dutifully skeptical of the claims regarding Obama’s birthplace, that didn’t stop the press from covering the story, often extensively, for years. By contrast, I don’t recall people who fostered wild conspiracy theories about Bush being paraded around in the mainstream media in order to spread irresponsible claims. Or did I miss all the TV interviews with 9/11 truthers?
The Beltway press has also helped amplify disrespectful, right-wing attacks on First Lady Michelle Obama, by adopting its view that she be covered as a political player, in a way Laura Bush never was.
——————————-
http://mediamatters.org/blog/201206210011
I’m starting to believe that all this unfair lying smearing crap is going to culminate in a gigantic backlash against Congress, against the media. We have got to vote and help others to vote as if our lives depend on it.. because they really do, certainly the life and future of our country is at stake. Look at the GOP- they are despicable on every single level.. and I include the national media in this.. as those that aren’t pushing gop smears are guilty of allowing gop bs to go unchallenged way to frequently. I want a mandate for this President, I want all of his hard work, his care for this country/ the people – to be rewarded with a strong Democratic Congress and a mandate from the people of this country- to carry on with how he’s running things. We OWE him imo.
This!
weird, my reply to you ended up on the bottom.. 🙂 electronic strangness all around today~
Yes, sheri!
#AmericaThisIsNotATest
Well, it’s still only June, i.e., Nov is far away, but even folk like @WhipHoyer are starting to call it for what it is …
http://t.co/3MgXt6IB
Hoyer: Republicans Will Sink America To Drown Obama
“I quote Jesse Jackson, who I thought said it best, there are a lot people in Washington who want to drown the captain and are prepared to sink the ship in order to do so.”
And, that Mr Hoyer quoted Jesse Jackson about says it all, folks …
#AmericaThisIsNotATest
#PRESSON
Damn, you moved! Anyway, bringing this over, my new TPV piece is up. I get a little Roman history geeky in it: http://www.thepeoplesview.net/2012/06/gop-should-probably-study-some-roman.html
Twitter is just a big mess today.. down again .
Jaysus, Twitter is down again.
This must be their worst day ever??
I can’t advertise my brilliant piece on TPV!
Just read it LL. Excellent piece. I can’t comment at TPV from work, so let me say this. The big difference between the GOP and Rome is that the Romans believed in Scipio and the strategic and tactical changes he made to, as you put it, adapt. Although there are some Republicans who watch in dismay as the GOP strategy brings forth its destruction and could possibly be leaders in an adaptive change, the base of the GOP can never accept them as leaders. It would be as if Scipio came out with all his adaptions and the Romans put him to death or exiled him because they believed in only one way of doing things. But the Romans has some sanity and intelligence. Those are traits not associated with the currnt GOP.
Read Goldsworthy’s book. He pretty much makes that point — not about the GOP, but about the Republic’s ability to change to meet threats. Scipio’s career was unprecedented, but the Romans fought to win, and did what it took to do so.
Romney’s Non-Answers Reveal a Weak Man Who Would Be a Weak President
By: RmuseJune 21, 2012
One benefit trial lawyers enjoy is having a judge order a witness to give a definitive yes or no answer to a question without explanation or excuse to avoid unclear or inexact answers regardless the question. Unfortunately, trial rules do not apply to human interactions and conversation, and there is little that arouses suspicion as much as asking someone a direct question and getting vague answers when it is certain they hold strong opinions on a particular subject. Politicians often give ambiguous answers to questions their party hasn’t taken a position on yet, or if they are unsure how their response may affect their chance of winning an election. The presumptive Republican presidential candidate, Willard Romney, has reversed his position on myriad subjects important to the American people, and over the past few weeks he has avoided giving any definitive answer on a variety of issues such as immigration, equal pay, taxes, or which government agency he will eliminate if he is elected president.
There is little doubt that Romney avoids answering questions out of fear of alienating specific voters or his backers in the Republican Party, but his reticence to take a stand on important issues defines a weak character and lack of resolve a presidential candidate should possess. Romney made matters worse and showed that, besides being a pathological liar, he is a rank hypocrite for demanding that “President Obama level with the American public about his real agenda.” One of the primary reasons many Americans are suspicious of Romney is because, besides his religion, he has never leveled with the American people what his real agenda is other than transforming government into a private enterprise to enrich himself and his wealthy elite cohorts.
http://www.politicususa.com/romneys-non-answers-reveal-weak-man-wea.html
thanks df. I’m really tired of the BS. The attacks on Holder, the constant lies against POTUS. seriously, enough is enough. Its time WE kicked ass.
Oil is way down to 78, a little sell off today, because Bernake was being stubborn yesterday!
Am I the only one who can’t get on twitter through the web and mobile twitter?
ROMNEY CARES ABOUT THREE THINGS: HIS FAITH, HIS FAMILY, HIS BUSINESS (running for the presidency).
VIDEO: Matthews: Romney is ‘a speaker system,’ not a candidate
——————————-
Let me finish tonight with this Romney character.
I don’t think Romney cares all that much about the presidency except that he wants it. If he weren’t running, do you think this guy would be watching this or any other show on politics? Forget about it!
Mitt cares about three things: his faith, his family, his business.
Right now, his business is running for president. That’s why he’s interested in the presidency. It’s his business to be interested. Listen to him answer questions. If the interviewer doesn’t ask the most obvious thing, something that Mitt’s briefers have been over and over with him, he seems stunned. He doesn’t have an answer. Why? Because he never thought of that one!
——————————-
http://hardballblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/18/12286517-matthews-romney-is-a-speaker-system-not-a-candidate?lite
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Thursday completed a five-year, half-trillion-dollar farm bill that cuts farm subsidies and land conservation spending by about $2 billion a year but largely protects sugar growers and some 46 million food stamp beneficiaries.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_FARM_BILL?SITE=FLPET&SECTION=HOME
Romney’s speech to the Latino organization NALEO was complete and utter hogwash. He tried to equate his so called immigration plan to the Dream Act. He says his plan will give green cards to undocumented immigrants in the military. This is not what the Dream Act does. Romney will only give green cards if you are currently in the military. The Dream Act gives you a pathway to citizenship if you are already in the military and will also give a pathway to those who join the military after the bill becomes law. Romney’s “plan” is more restrictive.
Romney also lied about PBO’s record regarding the Dream Act. Said PBO had a majority in the house and senate for two years and didn’t do anything about the Dream Act. That’s completely false. PBO did not have a majority for two years and in December 2010, the Dream Act was brought up for a vote and passed in the House but failed in the senate.
He lied about the economy when it pertains to Latinos. In states where the Latino bloc is huge/growing, TX, FL, CO, NV, VA etc. Unemployment for the states is low or going down since PBO took office and his policies went into effect.
Basically, Romney’s speech was just hot air. Half the time he was babbling and his statements made no sense. The hilarious part of the whole event was that the room was deathly silent while he gave his speech. They could tell it was arrant nonsense.
Looking forward to PBO’s reception when he addresses NALEO tomorrow. It sure will be different. 🙂
I bet PBO delivers a big passionate speech.
I have no doubt of that. And I fully expect him to say something like, “Yesterday, Governor Romney spoke about how he would have an immigration plan that would supersede mine. Did you notice that he did not provide any details, just like he provides no details on anything else he talks about?”
Yep! , he is going to pawn Romney tomorrow! Also, POTUS will not address him as “Governor Romney” , he is “Mr. Romney”. :-).
Have you guys noticed that POTUS no longer address him “Governor”?
Yeah. It makes me crack up whenever PBO says “Mr. Romney” Kinda reminds me of Rev. Al calling Romney, “Willard.” 😆
I must admit that it was a week or so ago that it dawned on me that he no longer addresses him as “Governor Romney”… Do you know when he made the change? Too funny!
Well, none of them has the courtesy to say PRESIDENT Obama, so why not meet them on that? Our PBO has been consistently respectful to those who do not deserve his respect.. He is that kind of man.
Just now checking in guys. Anyone know if this letter is for real? If it is, it’s a BFD!
I posted it on the last thread. If Lis Smith and the Truth Team are going for it, there must be something to it, no?
Hiya Meta, I’m assuming it’s a pisstake on what we read earlier, ie
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/06/romney-campaign-reportedly-asked-florida-governor-to-downplay-job-gains.php?ref=fpa
I saw this note earlier on twitter. So this is actually real????
This guy would be stupid (or arrogant) enough to actually write a note to Scott saying this??? 😯
He’s both stupid AND arrogant! No “or” necessary, Donna. He knows he’s got the media on his side, so why not?
Weepin’!!!
Loved that movie. I felt naughty watching it when I was a kid.
Twitter is back! Finally! Felt like I was living in the dark ages. *Crosses Fingers That It Doesn’t Go Bunkers Again*
To paraphrase Mr. Wolf, let’s not start sucking each others’ you know whats quite yet. It’s been up and down all damned day.
HHhahahaa, you’re so hooked.
Did Jonathan Capehart just stick up for Issa?
Wow! Sometimes, I can’t tell who the good Guys on tv, are anymore?
huh? what did he say?
I watched the segment. He didn’t stick up for Issa. He talked about Pelosi’s statement and then brought the discussion back to Issa and said what Issa was doing was wrong.
There was a discussion about what Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said about the REAL REASON that the GOP is going after Attorney General Eric Holder – he is enforcing the law on voter id. Johnathan didn’t seem to think it was a conspiracy. Something like that. I hope someone will send this item to Jonanthan Capehart. Maybe he will see the light.
http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/Why_Pelosi_Is_Correct_Today
Capehart was ineffecutal again—-I can never figure out what he’s trying to say—–but I think he said Pelosi’s statement about Holder being a target because of his actions against voter suppression was “sortof a conspiracy”, he didn’t put much stock in that suggestion. Not helpful.
Maybe he should watch the testimony from the Senate when Cornyn said it right to Holder…..
Capehart is weak
Woah! PBO’s hashtag #DontDoubleMyRate is trending on twitter!
Will this still happen if the law is overturned?
Yes, it happened last year!
Jonathan Chait’s opinion of what might happen on the Supreme Court’s decision on healthcare.
In ascending order, the Court might:
1. Leave it all in place.
2. Technically eliminate the mandate to buy health care while leaving in place the fine for not having health insurance. (Essentially upholding the fine as a tax while technically eliminating the requirement.)
3. Eliminate the mandate, and the fine, but leave in place the regulations that insurance companies not discriminate against people with health risks and the subsidies for buying insurance.
4. Eliminate the mandate, the fine, insurance regulations, and the subsidies.
5. Nuke the entire law.
“The most likely scenarios in which the Court finds the mandate unconstitutional still leave most of the law in place.”
Do the Gopers on the Court, the GOP want blame for kicking to the curb the children removed off coverage, the 3 million young adults kicked off coverage, those who will die (including my sister-in-law) for prior conditions, the millions of seniors who lose drug coverage from the closing of the donut hole (including myself), and the small businesses who lose the tax credit? I think the court will uphold ACA 6-3, but if they strike anything, it will be just the mandate, and leave Congress to clean up the mess.
Talk about hedging your bets. Did he leave anything out? I’m actually kind of enjoying the fact that NOBODY knows what will happen. Must just be killing the media.
Think Scalia or Alito told Boehner something? Yuk.
Watch the GOP reverse it and say, it’s the Presidents fault it got overturned!
John Boehner knows nothing about whether or not the law will be struck down. He’s now covering his arse because he’s seen the polls with more people than not favoring the law so in case it gets struck down he doesn’t want to be in a politically unpopular position (which the GOP will be, if the law gets struck down).
Although some booed also, I am so confounded about why the first applause Willard received at the Latino forum——altho tepid—–was when he said he would repeal Obamacare. Why do people applaud people not having access to healthcare? I don’t get this—–at all. Do they not understand the consequences? Were people so led astray—–healthcare reform is evil—–that they still don’t know what it’s all about?
It was in Miami! Lots of Cuban Republicans!
I thought it was in Orlando. ?
Funny how Boehner has no advice on how to handle it if SCOTUS upholds the law. But honestly, does he really think the GOP listens to him? They haven’t made one right move yet this cycle.
Oh they will definitely “spike the ball” and our lazy, sloppy so-called “liberal” media will be complicit and constantly tout how this spells DOOM for PBO.
We all know the script. I’m preparing myself for either scenario and I suggest that we all do the same. The bottom line is that this is a conservative court. Justice Kennedy (the apparent moderate justice) generally votes with the conservatives more times than I am comfortable seeing. Let’s hope he breaks that bad habit with ACA.
When Citizens United took place I remember seeing a post that helped me identify who the so called Conservative Supreme Court Justices were that voted for CU. It used RATS + Kennedy which stood for Roberts, Alito, Thomas, Scalia + Kennedy. That has been very helpful to my memory and unfortunately I expect them to stick together and overturn the best most thorough legislation that has been put together in years. I pray they don’t though. Lawrence had a good section on the mandate last night. I was not pleased with Howard Dean hoping it would go down so Universal Healthcare could be passed instead. I thought is he mad? How in *** could that get through Congress today?
And Justice Kennedy was the co-author of the majority decision on Bush v Gore in 2000. We all know how that decision has impacted our lives to this day.
Again, we don’t know how they will rule on ACA. I’m just bracing myself for either scenario.
Honestly, do you guy really think the entire law will be struck down. I along with millions of Americans can see the benefits, when I look at paying $22.00 for my thyroid medicine as oppose to paying $78.00 while Bush was in office.
No, I don’t think it will be struck down.
Senate Dems React to Norquist’s Visit on Capitol Hill
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Washington, DC
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Grover Norquist was on Capitol Hill to speak with Republican lawmakers. Democratic Senate leaders held a briefing on what they see as the problems with Mr. Norquist’s pledge not to raise taxes.
Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) along with Senate leaders Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Patty Murray (D-WA) spoke to reporters Thursday at the Capitol.
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http://www.c-span.org/Events/Senate-Dems-React-to-Norquists-Visit-on-Capitol-Hill/10737431813/
checking to make sure the sheeple were all in line?
thinkprogress On this day in 1788, the U.S. Constitution went into effect and founded our democracy.
10 minutes ago · reply · retweet · favorite
No words. They must be turning in their graves. Screaming SHAME!
Well, I will be leaving you folks for a while. Getting off of work early so I can see the eye doctor. Haven’t had new glasses in 4 years which is at least 2 1/2 years too long. Then off to have a birthday pizza. Stay out of trouble while I’m gone.
Thanks, japa…lots of good stuff today! Out of trouble? I think those naughty mats need some dusting off!
I beginning to think today is Japa’s Birthday?
Earlier today he said he “now” can get medicare and now he is off to have “Birthday Pizza”. Hmmmmmm….
DD4O, I noticed that earlier, thought the same thing, then it slipped my mind, what with all the flurry about Twitter. I’m now going to assume we are both right, before I get sidetracked again.
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday, Dear Japa!
Happy Birthday to you …And many more!
Lucky for you, you can’t hear me singing it. 😆 :lol;
Wait? What? It’s your birthday???!!!
DD4O and I are only using our deductive ability. We are not absolutely sure. 😉
http://thinkprogress.org/election/2012/06/21/504050/joe-walsh-advice-mitt-romney/
I hope Tammy Duckworth hands this guy’s ass to him on a platter. Check that. His DEADBEAT ASS!
He should be toast—–and it can’t happen soon enough—–he may be the most hateful and preposterous in Congress—-and there are a lot of contenders. And he has a real personal animosity toward President Obama, has consumed him, made him deranged.
ROMNEY IS NOT UP TO THE TASK ON IMMIGRATION
Romney leaves blanks unfilled on immigration
By Steve Benen
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Six days ago, President Obama unveiled a new immigration policy, which included using the executive branch’s prosecutorial discretion to implement many of the goals of the DREAM Act. Since then, Mitt Romney has been pressed repeatedly for his position on the new policy.
Apparently, the Republican presidential hopeful is feeling a little shy.
.
.
You’ve heard of a non-apology apology? This is a non-policy policy. What’s Romney’s position? It’s to come up with some other position that will “replace and supersede” Obama’s policy. Does Romney agree with Obama’s policy? He won’t say. What will the new “long-term solution” include? He won’t say that, either.
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http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/21/12342588-romney-leaves-blanks-unfilled-on-immigration?lite
Romney will refine his position shortly. Repeal and Replace! (sound familiar?)
OMG, I was just going to post the same thing. This is really scary. You are so right, this is just another version of repeal and replace. That’s the best Mitt can do. He has no original ideas. He is a follower. He has not core. I can’t wait for President Obama’s speech tomorrow.
WASHINGTON — In order to help pay for a series of high-priority spending bills in 2010, congressional Democrats raided future funding for food stamps, promising to put the money back before any cuts took effect.
Now that the cuts are around the corner, Democrats aren’t talking about replacing the money. Instead, they’re talking about more cuts. The big farm bill that passed the Senate on Thursday will reduce the deficit by $23.6 billion. Part of the savings comes from cutting an additional $4.5 billion from food stamps.
Romney Changes Tone But Not the Substance of Anti-Immigrant Policies
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With a softer tone than he used in the GOP primaries, Mitt Romney tried to trick his audience at NALEO into thinking that he’s a moderate on immigration. But Greg Sargent, Mark Murray and Michael Tomasky weren’t fooled (see below). Once the smoke cleared, there was no fire. Romney did not walk back fthe hard line positions he staked out in the GOP primaries. Nothing he said today changes the stances he’s taken: veto the DREAM Act, self-deportation for millions of undocumented immigrants currently in the U.S., and Arizona as a “model for the nation.” He might, in some unspecified way, help some DREAMers, but even on this he refuses to offer up details and firmly commit. The bottom line is this: what’s Romney’s current policy position regarding most of the 11.5 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S.? Get out and go home.
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http://americasvoiceonline.org/blog/romney-changes-tone-but-not-the-substance-of-anti-immigrant-policies/
MSNBC new 3 pm show is “The Cycle” with the wonderful Krystal Ball along with Toure (here we go!), Steve Kornacki (we will see) and SE Cupp (why the hell did they sign her?) 🙂
I am so thrilled about Krystal Ball. I just love her. Her political analysis is always spot on. She’s terrific.
So will they take turns or host together?
Thanks tried to type that, but took some benedryl for these itchy bumps I managed to pick up somewhere and it lookd a whol tol lack ttkish
Thomas Friedman’s bad habits, redux
By Steve Benen – Thu Jun 21, 2012 4:46 PM EDT.
Back in April, I chided the New York Times’ Thomas Friedman for having two bad habits: (1) writing columns complaining that President Obama had failed to take a certain action, apparently unaware that the president has already taken that action, and (2) writing columns calling for a third party that would push the two major parties to be more responsible.
He’s made the first mistake more than a few times; and the same goes for the second.
This week, in a curious twist, Friedman combined both bad habits — he wishes a third party could have forced Obama into supporting an agenda Obama already supports.
T]here will be no third-party candidate, so the only hope is getting Obama to raise his game. […]
What the president should have done is follow the advice of the Princeton University economist and former Fed Vice Chairman Alan Blinder, namely lay out a specific “three-step rehab program for our nation’s fiscal policy.” Call it the Obama Plan; it should combine a near-term stimulus on job-creating infrastructure, a phase-in, as the economy improves, of “something that resembles the 10-year Simpson-Bowles deficit-reduction plan — which would pay for the stimulus 15-20 times over” and a specific plan to “bend the health care cost-curve downward.”
.
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/21/12343685-thomas-friedmans-bad-habits-redux?lite
This is what NPR responds whenever we’re scratching our heads asking whether ANYONE likes Mitt Romney. 🙂
18 Reasons the Affordable Care Act Was the Greatest Achievement for the Middle Class Since Medicare
By LOLGOP
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On either Thursday, June 21 or Monday, June 25, the Supreme Court will issue its decision on the Affordable Care Act, which I’ve grown to enjoy calling ObamaCare. National treasure Jonathan Cohn describes likely scenarios for how the Court will rule, and the prospects are grim. Likely, some—if not all—of the bill will be struck down.
Watching this epic achievement for working people being erased summarily by a Court increasingly tainted by conservative politics makes me want to holler. Health care in the United States was actually socialized in the dumbest possible way through a law signed by Ronald Reagan. ObamaCare fixes that broken system and strengthens Medicare for decades to come.
To appreciate the nightmare of the Court taking a sledgehammer to the greatest progressive achievement in half a century, you need to read Alec MacGillis’ “What New Law?” The thesis: The people who will benefit most from this landmark bill have no idea what’s in it.
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http://eclectablog.com/2012/06/18-reasons-the-affordable-care-act-is-the-greatest-achievement-for-the-middle-class-since-medicare.html#.T-JbRdl7AVd.reddit
Thanks, Ladyhawke…this needs to go all over the place. Tweeters, if your Tweet is working now…could you please pass this along?
Love Krystal but will not watch anything with that horrible SE Cupp on it. Big mistake, MSNBC. Big mistake. Cupp is going to cause that show to sink. Also, lately Steve has been wishy washy when commenting on the President and I really cannot stomach Toure. So I won’t be watching.
Proudofobama, I agree with everything you said.
Agree Krystal is the saving grace there. Any of us here could have made better selections with the other 3. General mgrs. should ask the viewers who they want to see—–let people vote—-we’re the ones who will be watching—–or not.
Okay, this is not related to this thread, but still needed to get it out there.
I have this Obama/Biden sticker that proudly display on the back of my car. Yesterday, as I was driving to work, I sensed that this car in the lane next to mine, was deliberately slowing down (he was in the fast lane) to keep pace with me for at least 2-3 minutes. So I glanced over to see why and was greeted with the craziest thing I’ve ever seen.
The driver of the car, he was the lone occupant, was straining over to the right side window and holding up this piece of paper against the window, in which he’d printed/drawn the following in red, white and blue: “One Big Ass Mistake America.”
It actually made me laugh, but then I got to thinking, how did we end up here? That that someone would be so desperate that they’d do this, on the highway, while driving, putting their life, and everyone else’s life around them in jeopardy. Obviously I am a committed Obama supporter, or I wouldn’t be sporting the decal. What was he hoping to achieve by flashing that sign? We’ve all read about the cases where random people get shot on the highway. Would this person ever get desperate/crazy enough to do that?
Rita, while this is stupid crazy behaviour on the highway in particular, most TODobots will tell you that it’s obvious that to be republican in this climate means you ARE CRAZY, so this nitwit’s actions are par for the course.
No surprise.
Leslie Sanchez is a Typical Republican woman….she talks fast and interrupts and say nothing honest.
Send your greetings to our birthday boy:
http://theobamadiary.com/2012/06/21/hey-japa/
Transcripts Editors at DK has been posting the transcripts of Carney’s press briefings at http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/06/21/1101995/-Briefing-by-Press-Secretary-Jay-Carney-June-21-2012?showAll=yes
Are these also available on the WH site some place? I really appreciate getting to read them and today is one of Jay’s best. Good quotes to get out of today’s.
are we surprised that the repugs are targeting vets and active duty voters, in their campaign to disenfranchise those who are likely to vote for pbo?
votevets.org sent out an email this morning, asking for signatures on a petition to investigate and halt the republican attacks on voting rights. you don’t have to be a vet, or have served in the armed forces–you are eligible to sign if you have a family member who has served.
please read the petition, as it outlines some of the disgusting maneuvers the repugs have used to take voting rights from our veterans. then sign it! and pass it on…
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/6676/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=11041#
VOTER ID BECOMES LAW OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES
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Local leader faces first election in 60 years without a right to vote
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http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20111204/WDH06/112040373/Voter-ID-becomes-law-unintended-consequences
Maybe she should just get a gun license since that is acceptable in Wisconsin to show proof of citizenship. This is so ridiculous.