This is more like it:
Obama sets himself a high political bar
The economic stimulus bill is his first big test in replacing ‘old habits’ with less partisanship in Washington.
That’s a headline worthy of what Obama is trying to set up. Compared to Mark Halperin’s “bad sign” drivel it’s the difference between journalism and dittohead regurgitation. Now, I know there are many posts out there on the problems with the stimulus, which there are, I know, like the price. But there’s a whole other dynamic playing out that is going to land squarely on the backs of the Republican Party. It’s all about optics:
President Obama did not win a single Republican vote in the House of Representatives for his giant economic stimulus bill this week. So does that mean he wasted his time reaching out, to an unusual degree, to Republicans?Not yet, anyway. By making very public overtures – traveling to Capitol Hill, inviting Republican members to the White House more than once, including to a cocktail party after Wednesday’s vote – he has already distinguished his administration sharply from those in recent memory, analysts say. And he’s begun work on the difficult task of remaking the highly partisan culture of Washington, as promised in his campaign.
Mr. Obama himself has stated that “old habits die hard,” and he seemed unperturbed, at least in public, that he failed to gain any Republican votes. [...]
Right now, I feel like I’m watching a chess match.
House Republicans in stiffing Obama on the stimulus vote went all the way, but don’t know quite what to do now. Then there’s the Senate, a more realistic group on how the public will react if they are seen to be employing politics as usual against the new president. Obama’s also unruffled and tremendously popular, even though he gave up things for nothing, some of which will change and should. Looking small next to him is easy right now. But if Republicans continue not to deal, if not President Obama, then Democrats should cut them off. Let them squeal.
House Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) will soon issue a statement contending that Obama’s promise to “put an end to petty politics” is “threatened” as the White House and their allies “are making political threats rather than crafting a bipartisan economic stimulus plan.”
He’ll call on Obama to “immediately disavow” plans by liberal interest groups who have announced their intention to run attack ads against the Republicans. These groups, organized under the Americans United for Change umbrella, coordinate regularly with Congressional Democrats and are in touch with White House officials. [...]
You hit it on the head, Taylor.
The right-wing has become so used to bad-planning and lack of foresight in the executive office that Obama is (IMO) streaking past them at the speed of sound.
Just think. We finally have a ‘leader’ who thinks about ‘Step Two’ and even ‘Step Three’ !! before acting.
It is SO refreshing – and I’ve a feeling we’re going to see mud all OVER the faces of such people as Limbaugh, Hannity, O’Reilly, and others.
Prime Example: Barack HELPING to declare Rush as the right-wing leader.
I’m still laughing at how positively brilliant that was.
Y’know, in the game of diplomacy, there are often 2nd and 3rd levels of planning the public isn’t priviledge to.
I sometimes compare this to a great batter in baseball. A hitter like Bonds was not above purposely looking bad on one pitch – to give the pitcher the feeling he had an advantage there. Then, when the time was right – Bonds knocked it out of the park.
Political tradeoffs seem to be just as multi-layered as pro sports in this respect – maybe even more so.
The layers of this stimulus package (which experts claim wouldn’t help *Boston*, much less the entire country) are tradeoffs. This package is also simply STEP ONE. I think anyone who thinks Obama has already ‘dumped his load’ of good ideas and leadership is – well – highly questionable as to their intelligence.
He has extended an olive branch to the House repugs when many, yours truly included,thought the Dems should just steamroll em. And they pissed on his hand. Now he’s doing the same thing in the Senate. I now think he;s setting the repugs up. When these morons once again act like the same old repugs they’ve always been AND if he getts a super majority by naming Gregg as Treasurey Sec. and Franken gets seated the electorate won’t say a word if he and the Dems forget the repugs even exist. They will be able to show up and eat in the congressional lunch room and everything, even keep their(now smaller and shabbyer) offices with reduced staffs. But for all practicle purposes they will have ceased to exist.
Now President Obama and the Dems just have to deliver. Pretty good so far.
However Woodward is hinting at some as yet undefined scandle.
The orchestra for the soap opera is just tuning up.
The Repubs have never been for the people and right now the mood of the American people is anything but receptive towards Republicans. The idea of “compassionate conservatism” was a sound bite meant to confuse those who didn’t understand that Republicans have never been and never will be compassionate. In all my years on this planet I have never heard Republicans talk about the “good of the people.” And they aren’t about to do it now.
All the repugs have is the same old, cut taxes, cut taxes, cut taxes and everything will be alright. Its the same line they have run since ray-gun and that is why we are in the mess we are in. Like I said on previous threads, Obama is playing them like a fine violin. We still have two wars going and these clowns want to cut more taxes for their rich fat cat friends while the rest of us go down the drain. Hopefully most of these clowns will be looking for jobs in two years.
The BEST sign for me that we are winning the “Perception” War?
My 74 year old Dad, who is racist and always will be though he says he is selectively racist, told me that “Those Republicans just don’t care at all about helping fix this country do they?”…this man watches Fox News and still felt this way so I do believe the Repugs are losing this war.
My Dad did vote for Obama but said he had to sit outside the voting place for 30 minutes to think it through and said in the end he had to think of his Grandchildren…but made me promise not to tell my sister and brother how he voted. Should be noted that said sister and brother both hold professional positions in their community….but we do live in Oklahoma.
Yep, pmichael, he seems steps ahead of them, and as JA says, the Rep. are only thinking of their own skins.
See this LA Times story:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-gop30-2009jan30,0,3049228.story
Wow, Grissom1001, that’s really something, both paragraphs. Great story.
You know, secularh, I think he’s setting them up too.
Chess match is right. The message was sent loud and clearly by Republicans.
Frankly, this is a horrible bill. It’s not a stimulus bill. It’s a spending bill.
Today’s editorials are eating it up and spitting it out, with the cry to slow down being the loudest.
I hope the senate is listening.
The idea of “compassionate conservatism” was a
sound bite meant to confuse those who didn’t understand that Republicans have never been and
never will be compassionate.
Jane Austen | 01.30.2009 – 07:40 am | #
and then there was the “Contract ON America ”
mornin’
Frankly, this is a horrible bill. It’s not a stimulus bill. It’s a spending bill.
AnninCA | 01.30.2009 – 10:25 am | #
you really have to pull the plug on wingnut radio Ann, you’re being brainwashed, and Rush is your mentor.
In putting Eric Cantor out in front, the House Republicans signaled that they don’t want to get all kumbayah. He has always come across, to me, as immature and vindictive (I flash back to junior high every time I hear him). However, if the goal was to diminish the party’s credibility, they picked the right guy to accomplish that goal. He still speaks Orwellian (or, if you prefer, Groucho Marx: who are you gonna believe – me or your lyin’ eyes?). He doesn’t seem to realize that the American public has come a long way since 2003. Considering the ’06 and the ’08 elections, that is one airtight echo chamber some of these Republicans are living in!
I really don’t care too much what label you slap on me.
The bill doesn’t pass the sniff test.
And public support is dropping. Rasmussen now reports it’s down to 42%.
The best solution I’ve seen came from a former Clinton budget person, who said to split it up. Divide the bill into a true stimulus package and another spending bill.
THAT makes sense.
He has always come across, to me, as immature and vindictive
Just Wondering | Homepage | 01.30.2009 – 10:29 am | #
Wow, I had the same visceral reaction to him and if you notice whenever there’s a crowd and a microphone there he is lurking to get in the shot.
The bill doesn’t pass the sniff test.
AnninCA | 01.30.2009 – 10:30 am | #
okay Ann, I’ll bite for a second. What would you consider to be valid “stimulus” and how would that not be “just spending” as opposed to anything else in the bill?
GeoT | 01.30.2009 – 10:32 am | #
Visceral reaction is exactly it! Yes, I have the same reaction to 43. It is involuntary and unbidden. And a little frightening.
And, yes, GeoT, Cantor is definitely a “lurker.” Maybe that’s why I find him so disturbing … no, I think it’s what he says and how he says it. But the lurking doesn’t help.
meanwhile Ann your Republican party can’t even find a leader because they have no idea what they actually stand for.
But the lurking doesn’t help.
Just Wondering | Homepage | 01.30.2009 – 10:37 am | #
he’s like a reverse Waldo, you can’t NOT find him :=) (pardon the double negative)
GeoT | 01.30.2009 – 10:39 am | #
LOL! Reverse Waldo – I love it.
Geo, I’d like to see the unemployment, true infrastructure projects, some of the education money, the increase in the benefits, state aid money…..as the stimulus.
Separate out the tax reform. That doesn’t stimulate. Separate out the pork projects. Calling those stimulus actions is making a mockery of that term. It’s spending.
Beef UP the stimulus portion. Cut BACK the spending portion.
I’d also like to see TARP come BEFORE this spending bill. First things first. It’s unpopular, but frankly we’ve got no choice. That’s the real emergency that should be addressed.
Credit markets were starting to loosen up, but only a little. The rest of TARP needs to be released.
Dems can wait on their spending agenda. They’ll get their goodies. But this is bamboozling the public, and I see signs that the public is figuring it out.
Whose sniff test Ann, yours?
BTW, the journalists are going NUTS over Obama’s press policy. *scorching!*
http://www.cjr.org/campaign_desk/whos_undercutting_obama.php?page=all
Of course, Betsy. Today’s editorials are ripping it.
He’s now had 2 major economists reverse their support.
You guys read any of them? They aren’t mean-spirited. But they are quite clear that this isn’t a stimulus bill at all.
The message seems to be: SLOW DOWN.
Separate out the tax reform.
AnninCA | 01.30.2009 – 10:44 am | #
oh good so you disagree with the Republicans…
TARP isn’t doing squat. The banks are just sitting on the cash. Credit won’t open up until the bad debt gets written off and a number of the banks go under.
The losses have to be realized and the foreclosures have to work their way through the system.
I’m against bringing back the death tax. That’s just money to lawyers and it took so long to get rid of that nonsense. I’m against capital gains increase. Makes no sense to me. However, it’s a joke, because there’s not going to be any capital gains to be taxed. I like the middle-class increase in deduction. That will help a little bit. I’m opposed to tax credits for those paying no taxes at all. We did that. It didn’t help one smidge as far as I could see.
And I’m opposed to raising taxes below 250,000, but that’s because I’m west coast.
I’m in favor of raising taxes above that. They can pay more.
The right wing punditry, in criticizing Obama’s plan, seems to now be equating “some government” with “big government.” I say that because it seems to me we have emerged from an era of “no government.” Part of their power in the past was rooted in language corruption. “Talking points,” labels, calling a thing the exact opposite of what it was (the Blue Skies initiative?). They are trying the same trick with “big government.” President Obama prepared us for that when he pointed out that the question is not whether government is big or small, but whether it works. And putting government to work on those things it has jurisdiction over will, in fact, create jobs.
So, it would appear that Republicans really, really, really hate government. Any government. Maybe the new Republican identity is “anarchy.” There’s a label for you.
Obama: LABOR IS PART OF THE SOLUTION…
Let church bells ring!
I don’t agree, Just. I think mergers/acquisitions was how a lot got used. That saved us probably from massive bank closings, which scares people to death when it happens.
I think they are also trying to guage how deep the problems are in their loan portfolios before they can relax credit standards. Right now, nobody is good enough to borrow, from what I’m reading, anyway.
Anyway, I think TARP is the only real answer. As much as I hate those jerks, we’re stuck with them as management for now. Believe me, I agree that they should be jailed for theft, frankly.
But we can’t lock them all up.
Oh, and I am very opposed to his labor bill.
LOL*
(Are we having fun yet?)
Nobody cares, AnninCA. Labor is the backbone of the middle class. If you don’t like labor, well, that says all we need to know.
The message seems to be: SLOW DOWN.
AnninCA | 01.30.2009 – 10:47 am | #
the “bill” is not in it’s final form #1 and #2 it is a bill written by congress that the Republicans are doing their best to sabotage, not based on principal but based on cynical political tactics.
I’m not sure who your talking about when you say “Today’s editorials are ripping it.” (please feel free to provide a link)
I know Paul Krugman has been critical, but then again Obama asked for his input. Unlike the doophus we had for the last 8 years Obama wants to actually accomplish something rather then just “let the markets work” which didn’t work at all.
You don’t understand. With credit default swaps they have NO IDEA what debt is good and what is bad.
The bubble burst, housing prices aren’t coming back. The people who foolishly took out mortgages at 6x their annual income thinking buying into a house they couldn’t afford was an investment, as well as the institutions that irresponsibly lent to them, both are going to have to realize their loss.
It’s no different than tulip speculation centuries ago.
P.S. When I wrote “label for you,” “you” wasn’t a reference to anyone on this comment thread! It was the general “you.” I didn’t notice AnninCa’s earlier reference to labeling her until after I posted – sorry.
Just Wondering | Homepage | 01.30.2009 – 10:53 am | #
What Rep. are really afraid of is that Obama will put together a package to save the economy, much like FDR, which will leave them out in the cold for a generation. If Obama gets gov. to work efficiently for the people, which there is not evidence can be done immediately after Bush-Cheney, they’re toast and they know it.
I like labor just fine. I just don’t like the loss of private voting for workers.
What Rep. are really afraid of is that Obama will put together a package to save the economy,
much like FDR
TaylorMarsh | Homepage | 01.30.2009 – 11:00 am | #
That’s exactly what it will take. This stimulus package will fail, the economy will further tank, and they will have to go back to the well for some REAL investment (trillions).
I am hoping the “buy American” clause remains after the House and Senate hammer out the combined bill. It’s going to be a red hot poker right up the ass of the WTO.
I like labor just fine. I just don’t like the loss of private voting for workers.
AnninCA | 01.30.2009 – 11:02 am | #
Ooops, another Rush talking point. Secret elections remain an option in the EFCA.
The losses have to be realized and the foreclosures have to work their way through the
system.
justlen | 01.30.2009 – 10:50 am | #
that I agree with. The real estate market was just another Maddof ponzi scheme IMO and the valuations needed to return to real “fair market value” Although, having just bought a house and having watched prices I can tell you, at least here, I think the corner has been turned. I’m buying another house as an investment because I’m optimistic.
Well, I agree that it’s hard to find the bottom here.
But in any case, Obama will get the TARP funds. My issue was to focus on that first.
It’s so funny. It’s like Dems and Repubs have flipped sides with the buy American deal.
I picture a gun rack when I hear that!
TaylorMarsh | Homepage | 01.30.2009 – 11:00 am | #
Yes, Taylor and Republican fear has driven us in the ditch (let me count the ways) already. And I think that’s what most people are so sick of. As you pointed out yesterday, the Republicans just don’t get it – we are past “we win/you lose.” They are not going to be able to “game” this, try as they might. If they weren’t so freakin’ partisan, there’s a chance they wouldn’t be out in the cold for another generation, no matter how successful Pres. Obama is. He’s asking them to partner with him. It’s just unbelievable.
Although, having just bought a house
and having watched prices I can tell you, at least here, I think the corner has been turned.
I’m buying another house as an investment because I’m optimistic.
GeoT | 01.30.2009 – 11:05 am | #
Don’t just look at prices. Watch housing volume as well. Up here the prices haven’t ticked down all that much yet, but the volume is utterly in the tank, less than 1/3 of what it was.
I can point to at least three developments nearby where they have stopped building the houses and the contractors walked away. There’s over 10 months of inventory. The worst hasn’t hit yet. Wait until all those pending foreclosures hit.
It’s no different than tulip speculation centuries ago.
justlen | 01.30.2009 – 10:57 am | #
damn! more homework
damn! more homework
GeoT | 01.30.2009 – 11:12 am | #
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulip_mania
I can point to at least three developments nearby where they have stopped building the houses
and the contractors walked away. There’s over 10 months of inventory. The worst hasn’t hit yet.
Wait until all those pending foreclosures hit.
justlen | 01.30.2009 – 11:08 am | #
I see some of that even in Cal. and the unemployment here just went to 9.3%
AnninCA | 01.30.2009 – 11:07 am | #
Honestly, your analysis sucks. Like “buy America” is a Rep. idea? What are you smoking?
…as for the gun rack, if you think Dems don’t have ‘em out here in the west you’re as prejudice as you are uninformed.
Somebody, hold me back!
When US steel factories are running at 45% of capacity and both the Bay Bridge and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge are built in China and merely assembled here something has to change.
…as for the gun rack, if you think Dems don’t have ‘em out here in the west you’re as
prejudice as you are uninformed.
Somebody, hold me back!
TaylorMarsh | Homepage | 01.30.2009 – 11:20 am | #
And if AnnCA thinks Dems don’t have them up here in upstate NY she doesn’t know anything. Our new senator represents an area that is described as “gun enthusiasts,” both Dems and Repubs.
justlen | 01.30.2009 – 11:27 am | #
Pat Buchanan has been right on that one.
justlen | 01.30.2009 – 11:27 am | #
And how about clothes that are labeled “made in USA” but only because they are assembled here? I saw that on clothing that my daughter-in-law bought from Wal-Mart.
Well, JA, as you know, we’re gun owners, my husband a gun expert, though we, too, boycott the NRA. I can’t say, however, we’re looking forward to the registration process in DC.
And how about clothes that are labeled “made in USA” but only because they are assembled
here? I saw that on clothing that my daughter-in-law bought from Wal-Mart.
Jane Austen | 01.30.2009 – 11:32 am | #
Kind of like ketchup being labeled a vegetable.
TaylorMarsh | Homepage | 01.30.2009 – 11:32 am | #
Taylor – I’m no gun enthusiast; however I believe in responsible gun ownership and would never deny a person the right to owning a gun. I do not support the NRA in any shape or form because I think they are too radical in their approach to gun ownership. I don’t know anything about the registration process in DC.
My 7-year old grandson is learning how to shoot under the guidance of his dad and his Cub Scout Pack and believe you me they are very strict on how they teach kids how to use guns. I’m just too scared of guns and if I had to shoot one would probably shoot off my foot.
Your grandson is enjoying a tradition that my husband keeps, too. Strict is the only way to go, though I’m nowhere in my husband’s league and could never teach anyone about guns.
Have to step on in the “death tax” bullshit Ann’s pushing. If my working class, RN mother could put her house in a trust with succession of executorship among her three boys, then I have absolutely NO sympathy for ANYONE with assets (money, property, whatever) who can’t get it together to put everything in a trust. No tax. No inheritance. Executorship just passes through. And she hated lawyers. Yet she saw that as the prudent thing to do with a single lousy house. To hell with your ‘death tax’ attempt to rebrand it with Repub labels. And how ironic that you talk of labels. Interesting.
Capital gains increase makes no sense to you? Like giving tax breaks to people who pay “no taxes”? Please…find ONE such creature. ONE. I defy you. Sales taxes aren’t taxes? WTH is wrong with you?
WTH is
wrong with you?
wuulfgar | 01.30.2009 – 1:33 pm | #
Rush
Kind of like ketchup being labeled a vegetable. justlen
Which is doubly ridiculous since it’s made with tomatoes and tomatoes are ‘fruit’. *L*
I see some of that even in Cal. and the unemployment here just went to 9.3% GeoT
Merced county (the agriculture ‘backbone’ of CA) is now over 15% unemployment.
Well, first of all, it is the Republicans who are lobbying to get the “Only American’ clause out of the bill. So you guys need to catch up on that one.
Two, my “gun-rack” crack makes complete sense if you’re from the South. That’s a red-neck deal. The remarks about how I don’t know people hunt cracks me up. Hello? I’m the one who liked Palin, remember?
Capital gains is a moot issue was my point. There are no capital gains. Hello? Stocks dropped by 40%. That means……no tax. Everything is a write-off.
And if you want the old death taxes back, it’s fine by me. It pays probate lawyers and clogs up the system. But I’m outta that game, anyway, so I personally wouldn’t argue the point. They are stupid, though. That’s money that’s been taxed already. It’s always been a scam.
And, guys……I usually disagree with Rush. You’re stereotyping.
But I also often disagree with many of you, too.