And there’s the inconvenient fact that Christie is a jerk, has always been a jerk. The complete character anomaly was his praise of PBO during Sandy.
Still can’t figure out what that was about. I have to just sigh sometimes at the efforts of those on the left to heap praise when a jerk does one non-jerky thing once in awhile, ready to rewrite the jerk’s history.
I’m sorry I didn’t get back with you sooner. I was too busy thinking about the fact that “somebody” mentioned, early and often, that Christie is a jerk! And ya know … he is! 🙂
Cristie just visited WH, asked for 80 billion for his State, but before he left he vetoed Health exchanges for his State.
I would have locked the Doors on the WH!
I guess I could never be FLOTUS, because I hate wearing dresses. The current FLOTUS sure looks stunning/beautiful/wonderful/fill-in-the superlative in all of these! Methinks Michelle will be a tough act to follow for whoever in 2016!
Oh, now hear this one, try and follow me?
McConell wanted a vote on the Most recent debt plan of the Presidents. At first Reid said No, as he has done before.
Well, this morning Reid asked to bring bill to Floor and, wait for it…, McConell objected.
So, in essence, McConell blocked his own idea!
Is he nuts?
THIS!!! I do not believe any of these republicans, including Ryan, Rubio, Jindahl and others who are suddenly talking the change rhetoric. I knew Christi was the same old elephant when everyone were singing his praises. Believe me, that hight rating is going to fall. I have never liked him because I don’t like bullies.
I totally feel the same way, COS. Never trusted his new-found transformation – I just think he realized he was in way over his head, and was thankful that there was someone else to help him through the Sandy disaster. But, he’s a bully, and a right winger – through and through. If people want to deceive themselves because of two good days and a few kind words, then they will learn the hard way.
yep, couldn’t agree more theo, it was expedient- & to his benefit to suck up to POTUS during Sandy- and frankly folks in NJ wouldn’t have put up with him not doing the right thing (I believe).. but when the day ends- he’s still a republican and known far & wide for his bully ways and his right wing nonsense.
Went to a meeting last night about what kind of actions we will be taking in the future, and one of our goals is definitely going to be getting
behind whoever the democratic candidate is going to be. His popularity went up after his actions on Sandy, but i don’t believe it will last due to his actions on health care, and his bullying. Just because he did a good job on this one issue, doesn’t mean that his popularity will last or that a majority of democrats are going to vote for him. We’re just going to do what we can to make sure they come out to vote.
excellent news. the fact is the president is the one folks can thank for support after sandy. i don’t think voters will appreciate the way pbo is disrespected, any more than they’ll like to hear their health care benefits are being treated as a political game.
not shallow, I noticed her house too, very nice, very homey 🙂 I have a round kitchen table & I really liked that about her ‘setting’ – with the round table.
Make that Bill Clinton and Michelle Obama, and the contest is for a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album.
The former president — who has already won two of these awards — and the first lady were nominated on Wednesday, along with TV’s Ellen DeGeneres, MSNBC talk show host Rachel Maddow and singer Janis Ian.
STORY: Grammy nominations go long on youth
Obama is up for American Grown, her story about growing vegetables in the White House garden and getting healthy food to the table. Clinton’s effort is the recording of his book, Back to Work, which was chock full of ideas on how to grow the economy and strengthen the federal government
That Clinton book was an insult to President Obama, as far as I’m concerned. Tell me what other former President ever issued a book on the current problems of the day, all the while knowing that if they were serious, they could simply pick up the phone and the sitting President would grant him an audience and be thankful for the advice. Tell me what former President from the same party as the sitting President (and even from the opposition party) would ever do something like that? Tell me what former President ever allowed a documentary to be published about him that called him the “President of the World”? Clinton had eight solid years as President. He’s had enough.
To be fair, I think Hillary has changed a lot since 2008. I think she has been very low key but effective as SoS. I think working with PBO has rubbed off on her. Bill, not so much.
For those who are unable to see the livestream of the Christmas tree lighting this evening, you can catch the taped event on your local PBS in a couple weeks. Here is the schedule based on where you live:
What is beyond ironic about these GOP Governor’s refusal to support the Obamacare exchanges is that they are accelerating the emergence of a single payer (a la Medicare) universal health care system in America.
If the states refuse to set up an exchange themselves, the Federal government will do it for them. By not doing it themselves they are handing control over to the Federal government because an exchange has to be set up one way or another because it’s the law. 🙂
Today, we gathered our Latino Initiative forces together and decided we had to work hard to sustain Latino interest in voting, not just for president or even for the senate and US House, but for the critical local elections in 2013. The elections for mayor, city councils and school boards are were we start building the voting habit and also start grooming candidates for a Democratic bench from which we can draw state and, one day, national candidates. We’re finding that people don’t understand how non presidential elections work. They don’t know that local candidates have to accumulate signatures on a petition and what the deadlines are. They don’t understand why they should vote in a primary. So we’re planning information sessions at local churches that just provide the facts about how to run for office and how and when to vote. We also found that some new Latino voters aren’t clear about the difference between Democrats and Republicans and are not sure which candidates are in “the president’s party” and which are not. So it’s important to not just say you’re a Democrat, but to add that that is President Obama’s Party. We also going to spend the next several months trying to build a strong relationship with the local Democratic Party and the Latino community. We’ve planning more events, more opportunities to work on issues together , and of course, active and tangible support for any Latino candidate who chooses to run. It’s a big job, but it helps to get us closer to the long-term goal of a building a reliable, informed voting bloc among Latinos and encouraging Latino activism. That’s where the future of the Democratic Party lies and its the way that all of us can help carry on PBO’s vision well beyond the years of his presidency.
On a personal note, it was just a week ago that I thought my sister might not survive to the new year. Her illness was so severe that doctors could not assure us that she would ever walk out of the hospital. Two days ago she was released from ICU and taken to a regular hospital room because of her dramatically improved condition. Now we are talking about a transition nursing facility where she can regain her strength, then a stay with her daughter and finally a chance to regain her independence. During a dark moment, she said he wasn’t ready to die, that she had things to do and wanted to see her grandchildren grow. That’s made me a big believer in the power of sheer determination to work miracles. Voters on election day showed the sheer determination to vote, no matter what the obstacles. That’s the spirit we have to hold on to through all the long months ahead as we battle for every inch of progress in our communities, states and the country. Sheer determination is helped by good friends and loving support and we are really blessed to have that here.
Great news about your sister. And the will to live and survive can make a big difference and I have no doubt it did and will with your sister.
And you are right, we as a nation need to continue to display the determination to live and survive as a country that cares about all its people, not just a privileged few.
So glad to hear that your sister is improving everyday. I, too, believe in the power of determination. I hope that this will make a big difference, too, in the mid terms. Thanks for all that you do.
I’m so happy to hear of your sister’s wonderful recovery.. I know it takes time but she’s overcome the most difficult. I was in her position 6 years ago.. on a respirator w/ little chance of survival and I too was no way ready for life to be over- I was only 48! She’s obviously a tough cookie- so cheers to her & many good wishes to you both Jackie~
beautiful, inspiring post, jackie. so glad your sister is better. and so glad your group is working out the path to a better future for our country. your ideas are helpful for all of us. ‘the president’s party’–that’s an important concept.
Great post jackie! I’m so thrilled to hear of that your sister’s recovery is coming along. Sheer determination, positive energy and the power of love can work miracles. Bless you both.
I love what’s happening on the political front in your community too. Nice to see people with common interest coming together, planning, staying focused on the goal. That’s what it’s all about. Making PBO’s vision come to fruition! Well done!!
The 2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee announced key staff positions Thursday, with many of President Obama’s former campaign staffers, surrogates and donors at the helm.
Actress Eva Longoria — a key Obama surrogate and campaign co-chair — will co-chair the inaugural committee along with National Finance Chair and former Ambassador to Sweden Matthew Barzun, DNC national finance chair Jane Stetson and Frank White, former member of the National Advisory Council on Minority Business Enterprises.
All four living presidents — Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton — are named as honorary co-chairs.
DNC staffer Stephen Kerrigan will reprise his 2008-2009 role as chief executive officer of the committee, while David Cusack will serve as executive director.
Obama’s top campaign staffers Jim Messina, Stephanie Cutter, Jen O’Malley Dillion, Julianna Smoot, Rufus Gifford and Patrick Gaspard are also on staff, chairing a variety of subcommittees. Messina will chair the Inaugural Parade subcommittee.
“Vice President Biden and I are grateful to these distinguished women and men for agreeing to serve as co-chairs and honorary co-chairs, including presidents from both sides of the aisle who have dedicated their lives to serving the American people,” Obama said in a statement. “This year’s Inaugural will reflect our belief that working together, we can keep moving our country forward and fulfill the promise of the American Dream for all families.”
The inaugural weekend will again kick off with a National Day of Service — a tradition that Obama started in 2009.
As is traditional when an inauguration falls on a Sunday, Obama will be privately sworn in on Sunday — but will hold his public inauguration ceremony on Monday, January 21st.
great info–thanks jovie.
must say, though–i don’t agree that all those ex-presidents have ‘dedicated their lives to serving the american people’. shrub mostly wanted to be commissioner of baseball, and even as president he didn’t ‘distinguish’ himself, dedicate himself, or serve the people. still, i know pbo is nicer than i am.
Careful there Susanne. How can you say Shrub ‘didn’t ‘distinguish’ himself, dedicate himself, or serve the people’ when he was “famous and powerful”? You can’t imagine how incensed I become whenever I’m reminded of him using these words to describe his presidency.
Obama White House.gov
Hello
Congrats UT!!
Hi UT! Congrats on your Festive First! 😀
Congrats ut on #1!
Having a party all by myself. Woooooooooooooot!
So much for being a moderate, pandering to the Baggers again. Let’s see if he keeps that 72% approval rating after this decision?
and so much for showing appreciation for the president, who he also just asked to fund the entirety of his sandy recovery effort. what a jerk.
See, the Republicans are ruthless, and that is the quality that scares me about them!
Christie’s current popularity reminds me of George H. W. Bush after the first Iraq war. We know what happened in his reelection campaign.
Did anyone seriously think Christie wasn’t going to be an all-out Republican jerk?
I did. Think it was one day last month, somewhere between 2 and 3 p.m. Think the sun was shining that day.
But I got over it.
They feel they must be jerks to get ahead in the Republican Party, because surely this does not come naturally to this many people!
And there’s the inconvenient fact that Christie is a jerk, has always been a jerk. The complete character anomaly was his praise of PBO during Sandy.
Still can’t figure out what that was about. I have to just sigh sometimes at the efforts of those on the left to heap praise when a jerk does one non-jerky thing once in awhile, ready to rewrite the jerk’s history.
Have I mentioned that Christie is a jerk?
I’m sorry I didn’t get back with you sooner. I was too busy thinking about the fact that “somebody” mentioned, early and often, that Christie is a jerk! And ya know … he is! 🙂
Cristie just visited WH, asked for 80 billion for his State, but before he left he vetoed Health exchanges for his State.
I would have locked the Doors on the WH!
Hi. Congrats to Ut…
Hello TOD. I’m here too, ut. 🙂 Got lots to do this afternoon so I’ll be around. Good day to all.
Off-topic: One of many End of Year Lists: Slideshow “Notable Deaths of 2012” (30)
http://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/slideshow?articleId=USRTR3B6YW#a=1
This is helpful because I can never remember who died and who is still alive.
good morning and aloha to you all! just saying hi, where you are, now i’m going back to see what you’ve been up to while i was asleep!
Happy Day! Another 2012 FLOTUS slide show with 118 images some of which I hadn’t seen before. Enjoy!
http://nymag.com/thecut/2012/01/michelle-obama-look-book-2012.html
I guess I could never be FLOTUS, because I hate wearing dresses. The current FLOTUS sure looks stunning/beautiful/wonderful/fill-in-the superlative in all of these! Methinks Michelle will be a tough act to follow for whoever in 2016!
Errrrrrrrrrrrrr – I meant January 20, 2017 – don’t want to miss a single day of the Obamas!
Especially if next Pres is a woman. How don’t care how cute he is, no First Dude will ever look as good in a dress as Mrs. O. 😀
Errrrr – “I don’t care how cute… ” See muscatinegal, it’s contagious? 🙂
Oh, now hear this one, try and follow me?
McConell wanted a vote on the Most recent debt plan of the Presidents. At first Reid said No, as he has done before.
Well, this morning Reid asked to bring bill to Floor and, wait for it…, McConell objected.
So, in essence, McConell blocked his own idea!
Is he nuts?
Do you have to ask?
Would you save a ton on your car insurance by switching to Geico?
Is the Pope Catholic?
Let’s see how many national media outlets will report McConnell’s shenanigans? Anybody wanna take bets?
Christi is no moderate people keep trying to elevate him but he is still a right wing nut. We cannot let our gaurds down we have 2014 t worry about
THIS!!! I do not believe any of these republicans, including Ryan, Rubio, Jindahl and others who are suddenly talking the change rhetoric. I knew Christi was the same old elephant when everyone were singing his praises. Believe me, that hight rating is going to fall. I have never liked him because I don’t like bullies.
I totally feel the same way, COS. Never trusted his new-found transformation – I just think he realized he was in way over his head, and was thankful that there was someone else to help him through the Sandy disaster. But, he’s a bully, and a right winger – through and through. If people want to deceive themselves because of two good days and a few kind words, then they will learn the hard way.
yep, couldn’t agree more theo, it was expedient- & to his benefit to suck up to POTUS during Sandy- and frankly folks in NJ wouldn’t have put up with him not doing the right thing (I believe).. but when the day ends- he’s still a republican and known far & wide for his bully ways and his right wing nonsense.
Went to a meeting last night about what kind of actions we will be taking in the future, and one of our goals is definitely going to be getting
behind whoever the democratic candidate is going to be. His popularity went up after his actions on Sandy, but i don’t believe it will last due to his actions on health care, and his bullying. Just because he did a good job on this one issue, doesn’t mean that his popularity will last or that a majority of democrats are going to vote for him. We’re just going to do what we can to make sure they come out to vote.
excellent news. the fact is the president is the one folks can thank for support after sandy. i don’t think voters will appreciate the way pbo is disrespected, any more than they’ll like to hear their health care benefits are being treated as a political game.
Oh I like Tiffany- she speaks perfectly about ‘us’ we the people, our President & Congress’ role. Well done video.
(I like the layout of their house, too, and some of the decor. I’m more shallow than some of ya.)
not shallow, I noticed her house too, very nice, very homey 🙂 I have a round kitchen table & I really liked that about her ‘setting’ – with the round table.
love a round family table! had to argue hard for one, but i have one too!
🙂 I don’t believe I’ve ever had one that wasn’t round now that I think about it.. they are nice especially when family comes over.
🙂
I hope FLOTUS wins this grammy.
Make that Bill Clinton and Michelle Obama, and the contest is for a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album.
The former president — who has already won two of these awards — and the first lady were nominated on Wednesday, along with TV’s Ellen DeGeneres, MSNBC talk show host Rachel Maddow and singer Janis Ian.
STORY: Grammy nominations go long on youth
Obama is up for American Grown, her story about growing vegetables in the White House garden and getting healthy food to the table. Clinton’s effort is the recording of his book, Back to Work, which was chock full of ideas on how to grow the economy and strengthen the federal government
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2012/12/06/obama-clinton-grammy-spoken-word/1750597/
That Clinton book was an insult to President Obama, as far as I’m concerned. Tell me what other former President ever issued a book on the current problems of the day, all the while knowing that if they were serious, they could simply pick up the phone and the sitting President would grant him an audience and be thankful for the advice. Tell me what former President from the same party as the sitting President (and even from the opposition party) would ever do something like that? Tell me what former President ever allowed a documentary to be published about him that called him the “President of the World”? Clinton had eight solid years as President. He’s had enough.
This!!!!
THIS x 10,000
Ditto x 10 ! Clintons can take a jump, as far I’m concerned. Both ot them are self-congratulatory media hogs.
To be fair, I think Hillary has changed a lot since 2008. I think she has been very low key but effective as SoS. I think working with PBO has rubbed off on her. Bill, not so much.
For those who are unable to see the livestream of the Christmas tree lighting this evening, you can catch the taped event on your local PBS in a couple weeks. Here is the schedule based on where you live:
http://www.thenationaltree.org/tree-lighting/broadcast-schedules/
What is beyond ironic about these GOP Governor’s refusal to support the Obamacare exchanges is that they are accelerating the emergence of a single payer (a la Medicare) universal health care system in America.
more pbo long game fun?
Yep! Winning!! 🙂
Forgive my ignorance; how does their refusal to support Obamacare hasten single payer Bob?
If the states refuse to set up an exchange themselves, the Federal government will do it for them. By not doing it themselves they are handing control over to the Federal government because an exchange has to be set up one way or another because it’s the law. 🙂
^^^Governors’ ^^^
Congrats on 1st ut 🙂
Today, we gathered our Latino Initiative forces together and decided we had to work hard to sustain Latino interest in voting, not just for president or even for the senate and US House, but for the critical local elections in 2013. The elections for mayor, city councils and school boards are were we start building the voting habit and also start grooming candidates for a Democratic bench from which we can draw state and, one day, national candidates. We’re finding that people don’t understand how non presidential elections work. They don’t know that local candidates have to accumulate signatures on a petition and what the deadlines are. They don’t understand why they should vote in a primary. So we’re planning information sessions at local churches that just provide the facts about how to run for office and how and when to vote. We also found that some new Latino voters aren’t clear about the difference between Democrats and Republicans and are not sure which candidates are in “the president’s party” and which are not. So it’s important to not just say you’re a Democrat, but to add that that is President Obama’s Party. We also going to spend the next several months trying to build a strong relationship with the local Democratic Party and the Latino community. We’ve planning more events, more opportunities to work on issues together , and of course, active and tangible support for any Latino candidate who chooses to run. It’s a big job, but it helps to get us closer to the long-term goal of a building a reliable, informed voting bloc among Latinos and encouraging Latino activism. That’s where the future of the Democratic Party lies and its the way that all of us can help carry on PBO’s vision well beyond the years of his presidency.
On a personal note, it was just a week ago that I thought my sister might not survive to the new year. Her illness was so severe that doctors could not assure us that she would ever walk out of the hospital. Two days ago she was released from ICU and taken to a regular hospital room because of her dramatically improved condition. Now we are talking about a transition nursing facility where she can regain her strength, then a stay with her daughter and finally a chance to regain her independence. During a dark moment, she said he wasn’t ready to die, that she had things to do and wanted to see her grandchildren grow. That’s made me a big believer in the power of sheer determination to work miracles. Voters on election day showed the sheer determination to vote, no matter what the obstacles. That’s the spirit we have to hold on to through all the long months ahead as we battle for every inch of progress in our communities, states and the country. Sheer determination is helped by good friends and loving support and we are really blessed to have that here.
Great news about your sister. And the will to live and survive can make a big difference and I have no doubt it did and will with your sister.
And you are right, we as a nation need to continue to display the determination to live and survive as a country that cares about all its people, not just a privileged few.
So glad to hear that your sister is improving everyday. I, too, believe in the power of determination. I hope that this will make a big difference, too, in the mid terms. Thanks for all that you do.
I’m so happy to hear of your sister’s wonderful recovery.. I know it takes time but she’s overcome the most difficult. I was in her position 6 years ago.. on a respirator w/ little chance of survival and I too was no way ready for life to be over- I was only 48! She’s obviously a tough cookie- so cheers to her & many good wishes to you both Jackie~
Sherijr–I’m very thankful you survived. You any my sister are both tough cookies, which makes you both very lovable.
oh Jackie you are so kind to say such a thing- thank you very much.. I am blushing and 🙂 again, very best positive thoughts for your sister.
beautiful, inspiring post, jackie. so glad your sister is better. and so glad your group is working out the path to a better future for our country. your ideas are helpful for all of us. ‘the president’s party’–that’s an important concept.
Great post jackie! I’m so thrilled to hear of that your sister’s recovery is coming along. Sheer determination, positive energy and the power of love can work miracles. Bless you both.
I love what’s happening on the political front in your community too. Nice to see people with common interest coming together, planning, staying focused on the goal. That’s what it’s all about. Making PBO’s vision come to fruition! Well done!!
I’m so glad to hear that your sister’s condition is improving. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers for her continued recovery.
The 2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee announced key staff positions Thursday, with many of President Obama’s former campaign staffers, surrogates and donors at the helm.
Actress Eva Longoria — a key Obama surrogate and campaign co-chair — will co-chair the inaugural committee along with National Finance Chair and former Ambassador to Sweden Matthew Barzun, DNC national finance chair Jane Stetson and Frank White, former member of the National Advisory Council on Minority Business Enterprises.
All four living presidents — Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton — are named as honorary co-chairs.
DNC staffer Stephen Kerrigan will reprise his 2008-2009 role as chief executive officer of the committee, while David Cusack will serve as executive director.
Obama’s top campaign staffers Jim Messina, Stephanie Cutter, Jen O’Malley Dillion, Julianna Smoot, Rufus Gifford and Patrick Gaspard are also on staff, chairing a variety of subcommittees. Messina will chair the Inaugural Parade subcommittee.
“Vice President Biden and I are grateful to these distinguished women and men for agreeing to serve as co-chairs and honorary co-chairs, including presidents from both sides of the aisle who have dedicated their lives to serving the American people,” Obama said in a statement. “This year’s Inaugural will reflect our belief that working together, we can keep moving our country forward and fulfill the promise of the American Dream for all families.”
The inaugural weekend will again kick off with a National Day of Service — a tradition that Obama started in 2009.
As is traditional when an inauguration falls on a Sunday, Obama will be privately sworn in on Sunday — but will hold his public inauguration ceremony on Monday, January 21st.
P-44
great info–thanks jovie.
must say, though–i don’t agree that all those ex-presidents have ‘dedicated their lives to serving the american people’. shrub mostly wanted to be commissioner of baseball, and even as president he didn’t ‘distinguish’ himself, dedicate himself, or serve the people. still, i know pbo is nicer than i am.
Former Democratic presidents have served the country and the world, Republicans not so much. Former Repoblican presidents work on their net worth.
🙂
Careful there Susanne. How can you say Shrub ‘didn’t ‘distinguish’ himself, dedicate himself, or serve the people’ when he was “famous and powerful”? You can’t imagine how incensed I become whenever I’m reminded of him using these words to describe his presidency.
Whole lot of happy here: https://bitly.com/YRNIL3+ King County, WA the first LGBT couples getting their marriage licenses this morning at midnight.
Would I be ageist to say that I think that first couple is absolutely adorable. Wonder how long they’ve been together.
According to the ad in which they appeared, 32 years: http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/gay-issues/jane-abbott-lighty-and-pete-e-petersen-are-first-same-sex-couple-get-marriage
Beautiful!!
By the way, activist Dan Savage (frequent guest on Rachel Maddow’s show) and his partner come in at 11:16. 😀
Congrats to them!!
presidents’ private homes and birthplaces, photo album (from forthcoming book). love bill clinton’s hopalong cassidy bedspread!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/all-the-presidents-houses/2012/12/06/157aa234-3d87-11e2-bca3-aadc9b7e29c5_gallery.html
Good work, Utal! Hi all! Did anything unusual and exciting happen in my absence?
Heads up!
http://theobamadiary.com/2012/12/06/heads-up-its-nearly-national-christmas-tree-lighting-time/