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10:10: President Obama departs the White House
11:0: VP Biden attends the inaugural speech of President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico at the National Palace
11:05: PBO arrives in Philadelphia
11:45: Tours The Rodon Group manufacturing facility
12:05: Delivers remarks
2:00: Departs Philadelphia
2:55: Arrives at the White House
****
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NYT: Timothy Geithner presented John Boehner a detailed proposal on Thursday to avert the year-end fiscal crisis with $1.6 trillion in tax increases over 10 years, $50 billion in immediate stimulus spending, home mortgage refinancing and a permanent end to Congressional control over statutory borrowing limits.
The proposal, loaded with Democratic priorities and short on detailed spending cuts, met strong Republican resistance …. the details show how far the president is ready to push House Republicans. The upfront tax increases in the proposal go beyond what Senate Democrats were able to pass earlier this year….
…. Senate Democratic leaders left their meeting with Mr. Geithner ecstatic. If the Republicans want additional spending cuts in that down payment, the onus is on them to put them on the table, said Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the Democratic leader.
Full article here
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Steve Benen: President Obama had to endure some deeply unpleasant experiences with Congress over the last couple of years, but the result of the incidents taught him valuable lessons. It’s clear, especially after last year’s debt-ceiling crisis, that the president now knows exactly how to negotiate with reckless, radicalized Republicans.
…. The days of preemptive concessions and negotiating from a defensive crouch are over …. Obama is acting like a confident, re-elected president who expects congressional Republicans to start moving in his direction, not the other way around. GOP leaders aren’t accustomed to this dynamic, but it’s probably time they adapt to their new surroundings.
…. Republicans desperately want the president to negotiate with himself …. Obama clearly isn’t willing to play that game anymore.
Full post here
****
Greg Sargent: … the White House position is that it has laid out what it wants in the way of new revenue and spending, and that it’s now up to Republicans to detail their bottom line on cuts. It’s the GOP’s turn now. This opening bid will cheer liberals – it strongly suggests the White House is willing to push Republicans very hard, in the belief that it has all the leverage.
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The Daily Dolt: Humanity’s most divisive figure, Barack Hussein Obama, is set to become the first president since Dwight Eisenhower in 1956 to win over 51% of the popular vote twice. The Great Divider is currently at 50.9% of the popular vote, and his lead continues to expand as results are still being tallied.
….. now we shall commence with the childish, entirely unprofessional gloating segment of this blog post:
Suck it, Marco Rubio. Suck it, Mitch McConnell. And suck it, Reince Priebus.
That is all.
Full post here
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Completely random pic:
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Mooooooorning everyone! Happy Friday:
The Obama Diary 
Morning all
G’morning Chips, TOD, lurkers, everyone and congrats Japa on #1!!
Morning Japa!
GM Chips, the hostess with the mostest. 1 hot romance. I am assuming that is why you posted this cover, or was it the Cleavage Etiquette. Nope, undoubtedly it was for the Smart Solution for Credit Card Debt (you must have seen my latest credit report). I can’t imagine anything else there that would interest me. 🙂
😆 I didn’t even spot “Cleavage Etiquette”!!! Now I’m intrigued!!!!
pretty lady!
Congrats, Japa21!
Good morning Chips and TOD family. Happy TGIF day to you. Congrats Japa on being first and receiving that lovely pic of FLOTUS.
bringing over from the previous thread.
nospin
November 30, 2012 at 8:50 am
“President Obama works towards bringing justice to the Palestinian people in the next four years. For me, that’s the single greatest legacy he could leave. Stupidly, I’m heartbroken by the Obama administration’s stance today”
🙂 Chips. I have read this statement over the last two years lots and lots of time. Slightly edited of course.
“President Obama working towards “insert issue here” in the next four years is for me, the single greatest legacy he could leave. Stupidly, I’m heartbroken by the Obama administration’s stance today”
All I am saying is this — we have all been here before on whatever issue multiple times over the previous years. Realistically it is impossible for an American president or any other group outside of the two that are directly involved to bring justice to Palestinians in four years. That just isn’t going to happen. Can President Obama work towards leveling the playing field? Yes he can and yes he has. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be at this point today. Your statement underscores a the shift in perspective of a lot of people on this critical issue and just like a zit on the face of a teenage kid . . . it is about to pop. (Crass I know but that zit analogy seemed to fit)
So my darling Chips, we will just have to wait and see. But from my perspective, I am confident that this will work out to the good of the people on both sides.
As a side note, this particular issue has always been where I disagreed with the President from day one. However, over the last two years I have been convinced that his stance is no different than mine. Which is screw the politics of it all, how can we as a country approach this from the viewpoint of “fairness to all people involved” and then over time, they can work toward improving that process.
Hiya Nospin, thanks for that, couldn’t agree more with what you said. It was stupid to get upset by yesterday’s vote, it was never going to be any other way, it’s just depressing to see the US, time and time again, take this stance at the UN. No US President can solve that conflict, but as you said, he can “work towards leveling the playing field”. That’s all I hope for over the next four years, and I’m convinced, if he can, that’s what PBO will do. I don’t believe for a minute that he doesn’t have personal sympathy for the Palestinian people, while at the same time supporting Israel’s right to safety. Thanks Nospin.
Well said, Chips. We’ll hang in there with ya!
Forward together J!!
🙂
Chips, ironically, I had just finished reading that thread when I refreshed and the new post came up. There was a lot of thoughtful discussion on the whole subject, both in terms of the pros and cons of the vote. And to me, there is no easy answer. But I will give you my thoughts.
1. A yes vote was the easy way out for a lot of countries. Without having to endure the daily grind of what is going on, or being intimately involved in the process (like we are) a yes vote is kind of a conscience assuager. Now those countries can sit back and say “see, we voted yes, so don’t blame us.”
2. The yes vote changes none of the realities on the ground. Yet it can raise the hopes of the Palestinians when there is no factual basis for that hope to be raised. One of my biggest concerns for the Palestinian people (screw the leaders of both Palestine and Israel) is how many times they have had their hopes dashed. Lucy has pulled the football away too many times. When they see no change in the reality, do they become even more cynical and, perhaps, more desperate?
3. The US no vote is more consistent with the reality on the ground. There aren’t two states/two countries there yet. Pretending there are doesn’t make it so and that is all this vote does. Should the southern states in the US have separate observer status at the UN? And yes, I realize the situation is different.
4. Since the vote changes nothing in the short term, why would or should the US, and more particularly this administration, while it is trying to deal with very significant issues (see “fiscal cliff”) in this country put itself in the middle of a domestic political fireball that could severely hamper its attempts to make the domestic progress we voted for. Again, this is one of those cases where principle needs to be measured against practicality.
5. PBO, SoS Clinton, Amb Rice have all made clear our goal of a two satte solution. They had to measure whether or not this would move that solution forward or not and also measure what the cost of a yes vote would be. My guess is that it would have been very high from a domestic policy viewpoint.
Anyway, that is my 2.5 cents worth.
Excellent commentary Japa! Your #1 & 2 points in particular are what I’ve been trying to make since last night but not articulating nearly as well as you did.
Hiya Japa, sorry, had to run away for a bit. Thanks for your thoughtful-as-ever reply, I haven’t had the chance yet to read all the thread from last night, but I will do.
I agree, I don’t think yesterday’s vote will have any major practical consequences, and absolutely nothing has changed about the conflict, but the symbolism of it is hugely important to the Palestinian people, and symbolism can mean so much – as it did in Ireland during the ‘troubles’.
I know domestic concerns have to be the priority for the US now, but by its own choosing over the years it is involved in this conflict because of its support of Israel. All I’m hoping is to see a little more balance in the approach to the issue over the next four years.
I feel you Chips. I am with you on how incomprehensible to me , the U.S position has been on this issue . Actually, not really incomprehensible ” before” BHO. Before BHO, this was exactly as expected. There always seems to be a “before” and ” after”. Maybe because he’s the first actual U.S president I feel such an affinity to, I somehow think he should feel the same way that I do on all issues?? Which is absolutely impossible. No mere mortal can be held to such a high standard.
But I so understand why, to anyone with a righteous sense of justice, peace and goodwill, that ” NO” U.S vote for Palestinian statewood came as a sour note. I never used to understand the saying that goes something like ” the silence of your friends hurts way more than the vitriol of your enemies” ….. But I I finally got it.
But, with all that said, I trust PBO. I can’t have been this wrong about the core decency of the man. So , if for now, that’s how the U.S will vote, I will take it. I will only make my final judgement after the full 8 years (and even then, with a lot of caveats). Keep up the faith !
no worries Chips. I can do better on the hope thing though. I KNOW it will happen. There has been a resounding shift over the last four years and there is no stopping this momentum. So it is either the leaders resolve this with some semblance of grace or action will be made without their support and rammed down their throats because it is the will of the people. Bibi may be a lot of things but stupid isn’t one of them. We all recognize the writing is on the wall and that is . . . move or be moved.
my gut says, the reason for the US decision has nothing to do with Bibi or his specific band of supporters. It has more to do with outcomes and wanting to make sure that moving forward in this case represents actual solutions that will have direct impact and show positive short and long term gains in the lives of the people on both sides. So when my nerves are calm the way it is right now, I believe this sh*t storm will only reap benefits for the folks who are truly impacted.
Good Morning All,
Chips and my fellow TOD’er I would not count this President out on what he can achieve by the end of his 2nd term. This man can focus and get a lot done now that he does not have to worry about re-election. He is going to go for it and I would not be surprised that there will be some peace between the Palestinian people and Isreal once again. A lot has to do with getting rid of Nut ten yahoo and people elect someone wanting to live in harmony. Now is the time for that to happen because we have President Obama. I see getting prisoners out of Guantanimo also. It’s just that so many americans are so frightened all of a sudden. We had terrorist tried in courts in our jails on american soil now all of a suddent we can’t have that or we will be attacked.
Justice for the Palestinians? I’m sorry I might get banned but I’m seriously PRO-ISRAEL! I’ve always been and always will be. God told Abraham that whoever blesses you He would bless them, whoever curses you, He would curse them. I know alot of posters are not Bible believers so you will dismiss my comments, that’s okay. If the Palestinians want a state they need to get rid of Hamas. If President Obama turns his back on Israel America will be destroyed. He is a Christian and knows what the Word of God says about Israel, he will not betray his Christian teachings.
Wow.
I’m sorry Chips. I appreciate and honor your open mindedness on this site, that is the ONLY reason I made my feelings known.
You’re more than welcome to make your feelings known Lorraine, sometimes I just think what you say about Palestinians borders on hate speech. I can’t imagine any compassionate God/higher power would approve.
You are much nicer than I am Chips.
Lorraine, wtf?? Being for Palestinians living prosperous and free lives does NOT mean being agaisnt Israel. They all deserve peace but not one more than the other. I really do feel for Israelis, who are surrounded by not so friendly neighbors and I understand their strong self preservation instincts, due to their tragic history, but Palestinians are living in absolutely horrid conditions, with no powerful advocate to speak for them. It’s only fair that we ask they be not given the short staff.
Could not agree any more Melissa, how anyone could oppose justice/safety for both sides in this, I simply do not understand.
it is hate speech and also comes packaged in 100% organic Grade A bullshit. Can’t blame God for that.
Nonsense.
so being Pro-Isreal means turning your back on people who are suffering and are deliberately being oppressed just because of where they were born?
Lorraine I am also a Christian and your statement is nothing but a heaping steaming pile of horse manure. God is nowhere in that comment.
good morning Chips TOD
Morning Chips and everyone. I’m going to have to push back on the NYT article that says Pres. Obama’s plan is short on detailed spending cuts. That is emphatically wrong and this in depth article by Jonathan Cohn proves why the NYT, republicans, and beltway pundits/hacks are wrong.
Republicans Conveniently Forget All the Cuts Obama’s Already Made
Republicans on Thursday received President Obama’s proposal on how to avoid the “fiscal cliff” and reduce the deficit. They didn’t like it—not one bit. House Speaker John Boehner said Obama was not serious about spending cuts. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell “burst into laughter,” according to the Weekly Standard’s Fred Barnes, because Obama was not offering anything he hadn’t already offered before.
Actually, McConnell was right about the novelty, or lack thereof. Obama’s new proposal is more or less a summary of proposals he’s made previously, via his spring 2012 deficit reduction plan and his proposal for an American Jobs Act. But Republicans have refused to put forward a new plan of their own, so why should Obama be the one to give ground first? He tried that strategy during his first term, in the hopes that shows of good faith would help produce compromises with the Republicans. For his troubles, Obama got obstruction and opposition, on everything from the stimulus to his jobs plan. Not much has changed since that time, except for the political environment and the leverage. Obama just won an election, and got more popular votes, following a campaign in which he promised to raise taxes on the wealthy and protect programs like Medicare from cuts in benefits. In addition, Republicans probably have more to fear from an impasse, since rates on all taxpayers go up on January 1 unless the GOP and Democrats agree on a new tax plan.
But let’s focus on this claim, from Republicans, that Obama only wants to raise taxes and isn’t serious about spending cuts. Here’s an analysis from one senior Republican aide, as relayed to ABC News’ Jonathan Karl:
The White House keeps saying it wants a ‘balanced approach’ but this offer is completely unbalanced and unrealistic. It calls for $1.6 trillion in tax hikes – all of that upfront – in exchange for only $400 billion in spending cuts that come later. Plus, the only entitlement changes they proposed come from the exact proposals in the President’s budget.
The trouble with this analysis is that it ignores history: As part of the 2011 Budget Control Act, Obama agreed to spending reductions of about $1.5 trillion over the next ten years. If you count the interest, the savings is actually $1.7 trillion. Boehner should have no problem remembering the details of that deal: As Greg Sargent points out, Boehner at the time actually gloated about the fact that the deal was “all spending cuts.”
And now, with this latest offer, Obama is proposing yet more spending reductions, to the tune of several hundred billion dollars. Add it up and it’s more than $2 trillion in spending cuts Obama has either signed into law or is endorsing now. That’s obviously greater than the $1.6 trillion in new tax revenue he’s seeking. (And that doesn’t even take into account automatic cuts from the 2011 budget sequester, which Obama has proposed to defer, or savings from ending the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.) So, yes, Obama’s proposal is unbalanced—but not in the way Republicans seem to think. If Obama were proposing a truly balanced plan, he’d be calling for even more tax revenue or even less spending reduction.
Here’s the link to the rest of the article.
http://www.tnr.com/blog/jonathan-cohn/110606/obama-deficit-reduction-offer-spending-cut-tax-increase-boehner#
Thanks UT for pushing back! It’s not surprising that some in the MSM are having a problem with this plan – they are in bed with the GOP.
My hubby always puts NPR on in the morning – except during the campaign when I made him turn it off (so sick of the GOP talking points being relayed as news). This morning it was back on and sounded like all GOP perspective. Then they say tune in later for more about the fiscal cliff knowing full well that most people can’t tune in during work hours. Drives me to fits!
Cindy – I’m with you. I ran away from NPR this morning with their fiscal cliff nonsense.
That line bothered me, too. and those who are perpetuating that lie should point us to the Republican detailed plan, since they’re the ones who are negotiating from a position of weakness.
That random pic is hands down one of my favorites from the Obama collection.
Love it too, makes me chuckle loudly every time!
Me, too. I love their silliness together!!
Morning Family! Congrats on first Japa! Hiya Chips Darling! Keep the faith. He’s the right man for the job. Let’s see how things play out.
Can’t stay, just popped in to catch the headlines. Hope everyone is well. Fred, love to you. Hope your recovery is a smashing success!
Everybody have a Fabulous Friday!! 🙂
GM folks
Ha, love that! Morning Amk.
Morning Chips.
Funny .
HaHaHaHaHaHa! Busting it here…. Gotta go to work… Bye y’all! 😆 😆
Friday’s good! Good morning to ya, Chips and TODland!
I knew some of the cartoons about “that lunch” would show PBO with a mug of beer and Mitthead with something else, like a carton of milk. So quick of the cartoonist! Also guessing President Obama is glad yesterday’s ohvah! I repeat: Friday’s good!
I loved the school milk carton and straw. I am so hoping that’s how his beverage of choice was served. And bravo to President Obama for making it through what must have been an excruciating hour. Willard always appears so stiff and uncomfortable in social settings and not good at all at small talk. After the “How’s the chili?” question, I’m picturing awkward silence and “O—kay, time to get back to work.”
And then I picture the President slapped the table and walked off, since he’s the only one who has “work” to get back to, in this case! Willard just campaigns. Or used to campaign. Now, he just waits for invitations to lunch ~ he finally got one. And I have a feeling Willard talks with his mouth full, and forgets to use his napkin, and doesn’t even own an “inside voice,” don’t you? 🙂
having a tough Friday morning, so came here to be calmed and lo and behold! my favorite picture – the 3 framed shot of our gorgeous First Couple – just love it! and the First Lady’s dress is to die for (let alone her beauty).
Happy Friday to all – so much better than 5 minutes ago!
And better than it’ll be for ya, five minutes from now!
That didn’t read right, but I think you know what I meant – hope each five-minute period throughout the day gets better and better!
Thanks!!
Morning all:) Off to fly….Chips, by the time I return, no doubt you will have reached 16,000,000 🙂 Miss you all, even before I go. And by the way, I love the “suck it” section!!
Hurry back! (Love that “suck it” section, too.) 🙂
Moooooooorning DF, have the most perfect of Fridays!
Hold on, what did I miss – are you traveling??
Have a wonderful safe trip DF!!!
Safe travels, df!
Good Mooooorning all you Os!!!! what a great getting up day in TOD town!! I feel like I should be doing something on this fiscal cliff thingy, so I packed a parachute, in case I get pushed over. I doubt that will happen, cause we got the best person at the helm. As soon as the ‘Pubs get thru flapping their gums, they will settle down.
Anyway, I’ve cleaned closets and emptied the rooms of #1 and #2 who have flown the coup. Now I’m off to a women’s shelter and a female teen living facility to donate all these gently/barely worn clothes the girls left up to me to clear out. I never realized how much stuff they had in their rooms that I’m sure they didn’t even know they had. Off it goes to girls and women who will surely appreciate it. See yous later.
Thoughtful of you, cookemom ~ and your daughters! Enjoy your day in TOD town!
The last two days have been nightmarish. Sister was rushed to hospital and is in ICU with lung infection that was affecting her heart and has her on a respirator.. Lots of tests being done, lots of family angst. Doctors think the problems are treatable, but the recovery will be long and painful. Right now we just want her to breathe on her own. Hard to think about anything else right now. Positive thoughts and prayers would be gratefully received.
.
Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way Jackie. May your sister recover from this infection and be back to full working order.
Prayers headed your and her way.
Offering up my positive thoughts and prayers for your sister, you, and your entire family, Jackie!
Sorry to hear this Jackie. Sending positive and healing vibes to you, your sister and your family.
Oh wow jcquelineoboomer, I am sorry to hear that. I am sending healing thoughts right now. Namaste.
Also sending many positive thoughts to your famiy Jackie. Keep the faith, and look forward to your sister’s recovery.
Our prayers and thoughts are with your sister Jackie.
You too Jackie.
{{{{{{{jackiesister}}}}}}} {{{{{{Jackieg}}}}}}http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=PBO
((((((((Jackie’s sis and Jackie)))))))))
Sending healing vibes….
Jackie, I’m so sorry to hear this. Lots of very best thoughts for your sister and your family. May she rest comfortably and have all the best available treatment for a speedy recovery.
JG, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Oh Jackie, so sorry to hear about your sister, what a horrible experience. Thinking of her and all your family, wishing her the very best.
Prayers of healing sent up for your sister, Jackie. Prayers of peace for you and the family in the midst of this storm. Peace Be Still…..
My prayers go out to your sister and your family, Jackie.
Jackie G. (((((((( My prayers and thoughts of healing for your sister.))))))))))) You are so loved here, Jackie, so take the energy from your TOD family into your space.HZ
You all are in my prayers, Jackie. Trust in the healing.
prayers to your sisters and your family Jackie.
Hang in there, it will get better. e are al thinking and praying for you.
Shallow moment here: In the West Wing Week video, the guy helping VP Biden put his shopping away has a very very very top-notch grade A butt. The Obama-Biden administration has a lot of hotness running around. Happy Friday indeed!
Very shallow indeed.
Thank you UT! 🙂
Hard not to notice that, wasn’t it?! I think he’s Joe’s personal body guy.
/Running away to check video again.
Happy Friday! Good morning!
I want to add my personal and heartfelt suck it to everyone at Fox News and most particularly to Rupert Murdoch, James Murdoch and Roger Ailes.
High-Five, osg!! {thwap!}
Can I add a “ditto” to this comment please!@
I have so many favorite pictures of POTUS and FLOTUS together, but that picture is one of my very very very favorite.
Love the Daily Dolt article: http://www.thedailydolt.com/2012/11/29/historys-most-divisive-president-also-the-first-since-eisenhower-to-get-over-51-of-the-vote-twice/
If a good President like the one we have now, can only serve two terms, then something like John McCain, Mitch McConnell, Lindsey Graham, shouldn’t be able to serve forever.
| Watch Live | Awaiting President Obama’s departure for Pennsylvania: http://www.cbsnews.com/liveFeed/widget.shtml
Thanks, JER! 🙂
BTW, the press had to take a bus @ 6:45am, 3.5 hour ride! And a bus ride back too! No plane! 🙂
Only right, since the press is always complaining about the cost of the President’s trips. There’s only one President, and he should travel in style – he’s earned it. The rest can go by bus.
FEEL GOOD FRIDAY: SHAKE ‘N WAKE
I almost never feel like dancing when my alarm goes off in the morning. But on a Friday, I just might. Hope you all feel a little pep in your step this weekend. Slide to the right! Slide to the left~ I’m just doing my Friday dance!! Have a great day!!
(_l_) (__) (_l_) (_/_) (_l_) (__) (_l_) (_/_) (_l_) (_l_) (__) (_l_)
Good morning TOD & Chips
I love that picture of MYTH Romney and President Obama having lunch. I bet after lunch MYTH said…. Mr. President your hospitality is so much better than my London trip! 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆
Congrats on 1st Japa. Positive thoughts are going out for you Jackie and your family.
Everyone have a nice day.:)
“Exclusive: The Internal Polls That Made Mitt Romney Think He’d Win
The confidence in these numbers was such that Romney even passed on writing a concession speech, at least before the crotchety assignment-desk known as “reality” finally weighed in.
Less well-known, however, are the details of the polls that led Romney to believe he was so close to the presidency. Which other swing states did Romney believe he was leading in, and by how much? What did they tell him about where to spend his final hours of campaigning? Why was his team so sanguine about its own polling, even though it often parted company with the publicly available data?… ”
http://www.tnr.com/blog/plank/110597/exclusive-the-polls-made-mitt-romney-think-hed-win#
IMO,
This was just the last person to take Willard’s money. they just gave him what he wanted to hear. …
and CASHED THE CHECK.
Yup! He has a few binders full of those takers! 🙂
Good Morning Chips & TOD!
This 3-pic vignette is one of my absolute faves of the First Couple. Love everything about it. Thanks for posting it today.
My favourite pic is the one of President Obama whispering something clearly naughty into Michelle Obama’s ear, and her look of pleasant shock at hearing it.
Good morning, TODville. Happy Friday to all!!
Sending our Fred thoughts of highest healing for a speedy recovery.
Good Morning Chips and my TOD family. First, thanks for being here for all of us, Chips. I give complete thanks and gratefulness for our home here.
Also to our Fred and family, we continue to lift Fred up in our thoughts, prayers, and meditations for a wonderful recovery. ((((((((((((((( Lots of hugs coming Fred’s way))))))))))))).
Gratefulness for our POTUS and VPOTUS. We continue to pray for wisdom, and a solution to the issues had hand. We still have faith that a deal that is fair and just for the middle-class will be granted.
We continue support our president and his team. He will get this done. HZ
I bet their counter proposal, is to get rid of Obamacare and no tax rates raised ever?
Short and not so sweet!
Who’s “Serious” Now?
By Ed Kilgore
[….] “Perhaps the key lesson the White House took from the last couple of years is this: Don’t negotiate with yourself. If Republicans want to cut Medicare, let them propose the cuts. If they want to raise revenue through tax reform, let them identify the deductions. If they want deeper cuts in discretionary spending, let them settle on a number. And, above all, if they don’t like the White House’s preferred policies, let them propose their own. That way, if the White House eventually does give in and agree to some of their demands, Republicans will feel like they got one over on the president. A compromise isn’t measured by what you offer, it’s measured by what the other side feels they made you concede.
“The GOP is right: This isn’t a serious proposal. But it’s not evidence that Obama isn’t serious. He’s very serious about not negotiating with himself, and his opening bid proves it. Now that they’ve leaked his initial offer, the next question is obvious: What’s their offer?”
Answering that question is problematic, for the very interesting reason that what Republicans want most—benefit cuts in Medicare and Medicaid, and if possible Social Security—is what they want least to identify themselves with in any kind of public way.
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2012_11/whos_serious_now041493.php
“66 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 555
“In a single office suite in Alexandria, Va., firms hired by “super PACs” share the same space as consultants hired by the Romney campaign. Federal law prohibits super PACs from directly coordinating with candidates, but the groups share many ties and have paid for many similar services.”
[Click link to see NYT’s graphic. Don’t see why the bunch of them aren’t facing serious charges!]
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/02/26/us/politics/66-canal-center-plaza-suite-555.html
Ed Kilgore made me go there by writing: “Fascinating Erick Erickson post on incestuous relationships of RNC, Romney campaign, Super-Pacs/501(c)(4)s, and campaign consultants. Seriously, pop some popcorn and read it.”
And I went there! Ed was right about the popcorn! YIKES! I needed Ancestry.com to get thru that post! 🙂 Won’t supply the direct link, but you can get to it via Ed:
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2012_11/days_end_and_night_watch_162041489.php
President Obama goes Gangnam Style
http://www.tampabay.com/features/music/pop-sensation-psy-cancels-jingle-ball-in-tampa-for-white-house/1263957
Wooooot!! 😆
| Watch Live | Stream is up for President Obama in Hatfield, PA – http://www.cbsnews.com/liveFeed/widget.shtml
Thank you JER!
Heads up everyone:
http://theobamadiary.com/2012/11/30/heads-up-president-obama-in-pennsylvania-1205-et/
[More chess pieces being revealed, follow-up to my comments in yesterday’s threads. PBO knows what he’s doing.]:
Israel on Friday announced that it will build 3,000 new settler homes including in a sensitive zone of East Jerusalem, a day after the United Nations voted overwhelmingly to upgrade Palestine’s status in the world body.
[….] “Revenge time,” Haaretz editor-in-chief Aluf Benn wrote on Twitter, explaining that in the Israeli leadership’s view, the Obama administration apparently did not do enough to dissuade Europe from voting for the Palestinian UN measure. So, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is promoting settlement building in “E1, the most controversial settlement project.”
[….] “Make no mistake – building in E1 would do more than punish the Palestinians,” liberal J Street wrote on Twitter . “It would devastate prospects for a 2-state solution.”
Lots more here: http://backchannel.al-monitor.com/index.php/2012/11/3342/israel-rattled-by-un-vote-announces-new-settlement-building/#more-3342