The headline at Politico should come with a laugh track: Reid vows to lead till at least 2015. It depends on what your definition of “lead” is.
After drawing a line in the sand on Burris. Harry Reid then not only rubbed it out, but walked across it. On top of that, after a speech advising Norm Coleman to concede, Reid caved to Republicans, agreeing not to seat Al Franken, even though he’s been certified the winner in Minnesota.
We used to have leaders like Lyndon Johnson. Now we’ve got Harry Reid. Someone needs to tell Reid we actually won in November. He’s reacting like a loser.
Let me also add that the idea to block Burris in the first place included Barack Obama, who weighed in strongly. It would be naive to think that Reid’s collapse wasn’t inspired by Obama’s desire to get this nightmare off the TV screens. Outplayed on all fronts on this one.
Reid is Clark Kent without the Superman within.
Obama was part of the problem on Burris. He got outplayed too.
If the Dems don’t start acting like the won the election they’ll be outplayed by the Repubs. Why do they let the Repubs intimidate them or are they so without a clue about governing and what the Democratic Party stands for? I really do miss LBJ.
I have made no secret of my strong dislike and disrespect for Harry Reid. He has a big mouth and needs to shut up. The Senate Demmocrats would do well to find another “leader”.
We’re stuck with Reid, Kris. This whole affair by everyone was an abject disaster, sending a horrific signal to Rep: Dems can be rolled.
They need someone with “fire in their belly.” And the ability to take an ethical stand and stick by it. I don’t know who these guys are playing to anymore because it certainly isn’t me.
Obama was part of the problem on Burris. He got outplayed too.
TaylorMarsh | Homepage | 01.07.2009 – 10:47 am | #
It was Reid pretending to have gumption and not being “pushed around” by Obama. It was false bravado…
Now Reid’s aides are saying the AP story is wrong.
They need someone with “fire in their belly.” And the ability to take an ethical stand and
stick by it. I don’t know who these guys are playing to anymore because it certainly isn’t me.
Jane Austen | 01.07.2009 – 10:57 am | #
The problem is they (Dems) made a mountain out of a molehill re: Burris, and in the face of a (still) potential economic meltdown. Pick your battles as they say.
It was Reid pretending to have gumption and not being “pushed around” by Obama. It was false bravado…
GeoT | 01.07.2009 – 10:58 am | #
And if that was the case, very foolish. If the Congressional Dems are setting themselves up to be adversaries to the President we are lost.
And if that was the case, very foolish. If the Congressional Dems are setting themselves up
to be adversaries to the President we are lost.
Jane Austen | 01.07.2009 – 11:01 am | #
He made a point of being quoted yesterday saying “I don’t work for Obama” Maybe that’s a strategy in play, but I doubt it.
Why are we stuck with Reid Taylor? Couldn’t the Dems, at least those with some courage, try to oust him? I can’t imagine some Senators are very pleased with his performance.
GeoT | 01.07.2009 – 10:58 am | #
Um, no. Obama came out strong against him. They were working together to pressure Blago, who ignored them both. Obama should have known better. Bobby Rush finally got even.
“Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat,” Obama said.
“I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Gov. Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it.”
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/12/30/Obama_says_Burris_shouldnt_be_seated/UPI-89751230696557/
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/12/30/national/a145402S22.DTL
Oh lord. Reid speaking right now about Burris. I think I am going to get ill listening to him.
Trying to save face. Period.
Shorter Reid-Durbin: It’s the Illinois Court! Don’t look at us!! Embarrassing.
Who in the world do they think they’re kidding?
They are also obviously freaked over the “race” issue.
Poor Jessie White, they are now throwing this mess on him.
In an ode to Jessie, I present the ‘Jessie White Tumblers’, thrilling international audiences since 1959.
http://www.jessewhitetumblingteam.com/index.php
What can I say, all our Illinois politicians are colorful.
TaylorMarsh | Homepage | 01.07.2009 – 11:20 am | #
They are playing to Black voters in Illinois, thats what thats all about.
Yeah Taylor. How many times did they say Burris said he knew it wasn’t about race and both Durbin and Reid have excellent records on race issues.
I heard that the Secretary of State is not happy because he feels he has been hung out to dry by the Senate. He gave an interview saying his signature was not necessary for Burris to be seated.
This is such crap. AND who are they to negotiate that Burris wouldn’t run in 2010?
TaylorMarsh | Homepage | 01.07.2009 – 11:13 am | #
Obama was right, Blagojevich is an ego maniac and should have had the grace to step aside or at least deferred the appointment
Now that Burris is in place they are dealing with it.
I’m not one that expects or looks for lockstep leadership.
Obama was wrong to get involved thinking he along with Reid could move Blago. He should have kept his mouth shut. “This is the Senate’s business.” Period. Nothing further should have been said.
Kris, he has been hung out to dry.
Just a thought -
When Pres. Clinton was impeached did anyone hold up his decisions or appointments? Did anyone say he wasn’t capable of functioning on behalf of this country?
Why can’t Blago function? He is every day and obviously quite capable of playing a better political game then these two clowns speaking now.
If Obama weighed in in favor of not seating Buriis, he deserved to get outplayed. He should keep his damn mouth shut: it’s none of his business. Keep it moving shortie, as T.I. would say
.
As for Franken, don’t count on a reversal by Reid any time soon. If the allegations in the WSJ are correct, then Franken has benefited enormously from some vote-counting irregularities. As in, when the ballots exceeded the number of counted voters, he got the benefit. But when the number of counted voters exceeded ballots, he got the benefit of that too. And it looks like duplicate ballots were included in Franken’s tally.
I don’t know if these allegations are true. But they deserve to be looked into.
I’m scratching my head, I still don’t see, in the face of current events, why this garners so much attention… it’s sausage making…and nothing new.
geot -
All politicians are egomaniacs. They have to be by nature to do what they do.
Why can’t Blago function? He is every day and obviously quite capable of playing a better
political game then these two clowns speaking now.
kris | 01.07.2009 – 11:26 am | #
you can’t be serious.
It looks to me like Reid now is trying to back peddle and not look like the fool that he obviously was. I think had they quietly talked to Burris before all this it would have been a lot better.
Reid just said that Blago was arrested for trying to sell the seat. Well, that’s basically wrong. He was arrested for other corrupt things. A tape stating that he wanted compensation is not anything, except his big mouth suggesting that he wanted something for the seat. It didn’t happen so he couldn’t possibly be arrested for that. So this big hulabaloo about Burris is ridiculous. I’m disappointed that Obama got caught up in it. He just should have said “this is a decision for the State and the Senate.”
geot -
All politicians are egomaniacs. They have to be by nature to do what they do.
kris | 01.07.2009 – 11:28 am | #
there’s healthy ego, and there’s runaway “I’m the King of Illinois” ego.
What Betsy said. Excellent analysis.
Obama was wrong to get involved thinking he along with Reid could move Blago. He should have kept his mouth shut. “This is the Senate’s business.” Period. Nothing further should have been said.
TaylorMarsh | Homepage | 01.07.2009 – 11:25 am | #
Okay, TM actually said what I said a few minutes earlier. A seal has been broken, and the Apocalypse is nigh
Yes geot I was serious, otherwise I wouldn’t have said it.
Betsy | 01.07.2009 – 11:29 am | #
Taylor said it right, there’s face saving across the board. I can’t stand Blago but even I figured out early on that they should have talked to Burris in the first place and figured out a way to seat him without the drama
Yes geot I was serious, otherwise I wouldn’t have said it.
kris | 01.07.2009 – 11:31 am | #
that was a rhetorical question.
Betsy | 01.07.2009 – 11:29 am | #
I also agree with Betsy. Except for the part about the tape. Even if Blago didn’t consummate the deal, there would seem to be enough for a conspiracy charge. Even perhaps a RICO charge, since the man seemed be to running a criminal enterprise out of the State House.
GeoT | 01.07.2009 – 11:31 am | #
They didn’t want to seat him, because they don’t want him running in 2010. They consider him unelectable.
So they thought they could bully him out of it. And were wrong. Maybe they forgot he was a lawyer?
Those images yesterday of Burris scurrying through the rain like a scorched cat, made Reid look bad.
It will be interesting to see what the “wingnuts” have to say about this the little drama being played out now. Suddenly the economy, the Middle East and everything else seems to have been placed on the back burner. Smoke and mirrors.
So they thought they could bully him out of it. And were wrong. Maybe they forgot he was a
lawyer?
Those images yesterday of Burris scurrying through the rain like a scorched cat, made Reid
look bad.
Audiegrl | 01.07.2009 – 11:38 am | #
a lawyer with TWO phD’s !!! :=)
Reid was stumbling over himself trying to insist race is not a issue… these guys are funny.
It will be interesting to see what the “wingnuts” have to say about this the little drama
being played out now. Suddenly the economy, the Middle East and everything else seems to have
been placed on the back burner. Smoke and mirrors.
Jane Austen | 01.07.2009 – 11:38 am | #
that’s what I think, this is a convenient diversion from working on the difficult problems at hand. The media is now stuck on entertainment news and scandal… no substance.
Reid was stumbling over himself trying to insist race is not a issue… these guys are funny.
GeoT | 01.07.2009 – 11:42 am | #
Ok maybe I missed something. Why are they insisting race is not an issure. From what I saw Burns brought up the issue. Why is Reid now bringing up the race issue? As usual I’m lost and confused.
GeoT | 01.07.2009 – 11:42 am | #
They were just stupid. I mean the guy was Attorney General of Illinois. So he does have ‘some’ experience with Illinois rule of law.
Jeez…;-)
JA – I think Bobby Rush brought up the race issue to begin with.
Audiegrl | 01.07.2009 – 11:46 am | #
And from what I have read Burris is not only educated but has a stellar record. Why would he be considered unelectable? These stories seem to take on a life on their own and I just can’t keep up with this kind of rhetoric.
JA – I think Bobby Rush brought up the race issue to begin with.
kris | 01.07.2009 – 11:48 am | #
Ag – I stand corrected. I meant Rush. Told you I get confused.
Why is Reid now bringing up the race issue? As usual I’m lost and
confused.
Jane Austen | 01.07.2009 – 11:46 am | #
Only to insist that race was NOT an issue… in other words “I’m not a racist” But having to say it lends some credibility to the charges.
They were just stupid. I mean the guy was Attorney General of Illinois. So he does have
‘some’ experience with Illinois rule of law.
Jeez…;-)
Audiegrl | 01.07.2009 – 11:46 am | #
Plus the guy before him in the Senate did absolutely NOTHING while he was in there, so Burris should shine :=)
Only to insist that race was NOT an issue… in other words “I’m not a racist” But having to say it lends some credibility to the charges.
GeoT | 01.07.2009 – 11:50 am | #
Other than Rush who else is saying it’s a question of race? And is Reid a “racist?” Who’s pushing the buttons on this one? And why?
Jesse Jackson, Jr. made the comment that the longer this goes on the more it will look like a race issue.
Kris, consider the source.
Jesse Jackson, Jr. made the comment that the longer this goes on the more it will look like a race issue.
kris | 01.07.2009 – 11:54 am | #
It’s looking more and more like slap stick comedy. Mountain out of molehill stuff and fodder for the “wingnuts.” Sometines I’d just like to shake the bejeezus out of the Democrats. They have such a transparent way of shooting themselves in the foot.
Jane Austen | 01.07.2009 – 11:49 am | #
The story broke that Reid called Blago before the scandal, and asked him not to select Jackson, Burris, and Jones, because they could not win in 2010. All three are African-American.
For the record, Reid denies this story. But it is out there, and it is probably why he is ‘denying that race’ is a factor. Because there is no way to prove or disprove the story.
Other than Rush who else is saying it’s a question of race? And is Reid a “racist?” Who’s
pushing the buttons on this one? And why?
Jane Austen | 01.07.2009 – 11:53 am | #
I’m as lost as you… but the fact that he (Reid) made such a big deal out of it was strange… maybe Audiegirl has it all figured out.
I know Taylor. Wasn’t the best choice.
Well, I’m sure in the end Burris will be seated. It’s the circus around this that has caused such hoopla. I just wish they would get back to the seriousness of the mess that Bush has left the US in.
MSNBC just said that a poll of the last 4 Presidents shows that Bush 43 is the worst Pres we’ve had. 27% approval rating. All the other past presidents were in the 60s (even his father), and Obama is 82%. Of course he isn’t in office yet.
OMG just watching the five in the oval room. Bush 41 is taller than Obama and Bush 43 is shorter. Hmmm. Just found it funny. Sorry OT
Audiegrl | 01.07.2009 – 12:00 pm | #
Being ignorant about Illinois politics except what my sister tells me, why are they unelectable? I’m not crazy about Jackson, Jr, know little about Jones except I think he considers himself a kingmaker, but know that Burris has a very good record regarding service to the people of Illinois.
lets make sense of this (more CYA?)
Dem Aide: Obama Team Pushed To Seat Burris
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/07/dem-aide-obama-wanted-sen_n_155909.html
OMG just watching the five in the oval room. Bush 41 is taller than Obama and Bush 43 is
shorter. Hmmm. Just found it funny. Sorry OT
Betsy | 01.07.2009 – 12:06 pm | #
I never thought of Senior as tall but he’s 6′ 2″
Great shot of the presidents.
he should have said this in the first place:
“That is a Senate matter,” he said of the news. “But I know Roland Burris, obviously he is from my home state. He is a fine public servant, if he gets seated then I am going to work with Roland Burris like all other senators to make sure that the people if Illinois and the people across the country are served.”
In all honesty I can’t keep up with this circus. I’m getting a headache trying to follow it. BBL
In all honesty I can’t keep up with this circus. I’m getting a headache trying to follow it.
BBL
Jane Austen | 01.07.2009 – 12:11 pm | #
LOL I’m headed for the beach.
OT:
Nancy Killefer: Obama’s Chief Performance Officer
Jane Austen | 01.07.2009 – 12:06 pm | #
Nate Silver did an interesting piece on this a few days ago.
http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/01/why-are-there-no-black-senators.html
You have to remember your history. There have only been 3 elected African-American Senators since reconstruction. Two of them came from Illinois, and one of them was Obama. Obama was able to break through to all voters, many other Af-Am politicians are not able to do that.
As for Illinois, contrary to what many people think, there are alot of red areas from central Illinois down to southern Illinois. But the reason we are blue, is due to a larger population in the north, that votes blue.
Thanks for the link GeoT:
Just minutes after the decision to seat Burris was reported, Obama offered the veteran Illinois pol praise and promised a working relationship.
“That is a Senate matter,” he said of the news. “But I know Roland Burris, obviously he is from my home state. He is a fine public servant, if he gets seated then I am going to work with Roland Burris like all other senators to make sure that the people if Illinois and the people across the country are served.”
As TM pointed out this is exactly what he should have said from the beginning. If nothing else I think Obama has learned that dealing with Harry Reid has a steep downside.
I agree Taylor, that was a great shot of the five of them. Michelle, on MSNBC was really impressed with the fact that it shows Obama as first AA President of US. I always thought of her as a Republican, but she has made comments stating that she thinks he will be a great pres. So now I’m not sure.
Oh, good grief. Buried in my email folder this half hour was a contribution request from — wait for it – Harry Reid.
–cue laugh track–
Betsy | 01.07.2009 – 12:19 pm | #
I think she is a conservative independent. (what ever that is
But just seeing him stand there with the past presidents…is such a monumental event. (standing in the White House built by slaves)
That she choked up. (I did too)
If you can see the humor in it, I thought the press conference was funny. Reid and Durbin looked like two cartoon characters out there – or maybe twiddle dee and twiddle dum(b). Well, they kind of dared Blago without having the law on their side – it is a legal, not political matter, like Maxine Waters said. So lesson number one – make sure you are on the right side to begin with.
The 5 Presidents picture was very nice. I thought funny, too, with Obama inbetween the two Bushes, just as comfortable and cool as a cucumber, basking in the light of it all. Obama next to Alfred E. Newman, (I mean George W.) is a sight to behold. Then you have good ‘ole Bill looking great and trying not to be the center of attention, and then last but not least, little ‘ole Jimmy Carter, off by himself. Bill should have put him in the middle. I still like Jimmy Carter – I think he gets a bad rap. There’s my take on it.
Just announced on MSNBC that Hillary’s conformation hearing will be Tuesday.
Audiegrl | 01.07.2009 – 12:31 pm | #
Actually, I did too Audiegrl.
Taylor, I just loved your post!! And “thank you” TM posters for your comments. I agree and at the same time got a huge chuckle out of them!!
Jane Austen | 01.07.2009 – 12:06 pm | #
I don’t know about the others, but last night I heard on Hardball that Burris had lost his last 5 primary races — kind of assuring he would have trouble even making 2010 general election but in the process might fracture Ill Dems to the point a Republican slithered in.
Kris
I think Blagojevich is deemed incapable of functioning because he does not have the confidence of the people of Illinois. He has been the target of multiple federal investigations and has historically low approval ratings within Illinois; Rasmussen called him “America’s Least Popular Governor.”
During the Clinton Impeachment, Clinton’s approval ratings were never below 60%.
During the Clinton Impeachment, Clinton’s approval ratings were never below 60%.
djjl | 01.07.2009 – 1:12 pm | #
——————————————
Good point djj. This fact is too often ignored. It was a politically motivated impeachment carried out against the will of the people. That’s why I respect the Clintons so much – they could fight off the GOP attacks and survive. I hope Obama is as strong because I’m sure the GOP attacks will be coming – but I bet they are not as vicious as the attacks levled on the Clintons.
Oh, good grief. Buried in my email folder this half hour was a contribution request from –
wait for it – Harry Reid.
–cue laugh track–
TaylorMarsh | Homepage | 01.07.2009 – 12:28 pm | #
he is… WAS your Senator.
I hope Obama is as strong because I’m sure the
GOP attacks will be coming – but I bet they are not as vicious as the attacks levled on the
Clintons.
c chicago
Fact – Bill Clinton was very attackable. Most people see his moral conduct detestable. I suspect that a majority of people ultimately were willing to accept him as president despite these shortcomings.
If Bill Clinton was the CEO of Fortune 500 company and had a sexual relationship with a 22-year old intern he would have been fired. From day one he was pretty easy to attck on a moral basis.
Another mistake today by O team. He really needs to help Congress raise their approval ratings, not lower them further. By coming out to the press that he supports Burris and turning today’s Reid moves into a complete joke, the opposite has been achieved.
He has destroyed Reid’s slender thread of credibility.
The problem?
He needs them.
I agree, Taylor, but Obama left no way out for Reid.
There is no way out of the corner now.
Oddly, my criticism of Obama is about the only solution. I keep harping, “If it was constitutional, then why did the constitutional law professor not come out immediately and say this?”
That’s the only way out.
Rove is right. Admit your mistakes immediately.
That is not what’s happening. It’s a bloody mess now.
I think the race card is now being withdrawn. But, to me, anyway, the threat by the NAACP yesterday to weigh in was the real reason for this reversal by Obama.
Oh boy……
Today, White comes out and says, essentially, that Burris is right. No need for his signature.
LOL*
It’s a flipping fiasco, no matter how you try to slice or dice it.
The GOOD news?
Hillary’s confirmation will be in the midst of this.
I’m sorry, but I think there’s a kind of spiritual karma going on here.
Fact – Bill Clinton was very attackable. Most people see his moral conduct detestable. I
suspect that a majority of people ultimately were willing to accept him as president despite
these shortcomings.
If Bill Clinton was the CEO of Fortune 500 company and had a sexual relationship with a
22-year old intern he would have been fired. From day one he was pretty easy to attck on a
moral basis.
DaveB | 01.07.2009 – 2:19 pm | #
——————————————–
Dave B – Morality is subjective. The fact that he appointed the most diverse cabinet in history, upheld affirmative action and got health care for poor children through CHIPs says a lot about his morals to me.
And if “most people” found his moral conduct “detestable” he would not have left office with the highest approval rating of any president in history or been adorded and respected around the world.
And if Bill Clinton was the CEO of Fortune 500 company, and he produced the same results for that company as he did our country (i.e. the 22 million jobs, peace, prosperity, balanced budget and surplus) then I would LOVE to own stock in that company!
Bill Clinton would be the only CEO who would have earned that multi million $$$ bonus!
Bill Clinton is gorgeous. While men in America hated his antics, women were dreaming about him.
We are so flipping puritanical in this country.
AnninCA – I agree. Bill Clinton was the most charismatic politician since JFK. I heard one woman not so long ago say that he is “just like Elvis”.
Bill Clinton is gorgeous. While men in America hated his antics, women were dreaming about
him.
We are so flipping puritanical in this country.
AnninCA
That’s not being puritanical. There are some basic rules – if you are president, whether it’s a large company or the the country, you don’t have a sexual affair with a 22 year old intern. Period. By the way, in any company, that is textbook sexual harrassment.
I keep wondering – would you think it was so great if it had been Bush? Or would you be so open-minded if you were working at a company with a male CEO who wasn’t so gorgeous and he did the same thing? Does success really excuse this behavior? And by the way, let’s not forget that he lied under oath in a court of law (and lost his license to practice law because of it). Is that also excuseable?
Its hard to imagine anybody not having an issue with his behavior, given that Chelsea Clinton got to watch it being played out in the media everyday.