Well, the American people have had 21 months of total lefty liberal control of the federal govt and they have spoken, rather loudly, about what they think if it.

I was happy to see that Harry Reid won, for two reasons: First, Angle would have been a constant distraction and a daily punching bag for lefty liberal whining. Second, Reid is an incompetent moron and I would much rather have him in charge of the Senate Dems than someone who might actually be more capable.

I have to say that Rubio looked impressive when he said that this election is not an embrace of the Republican’s, it’s a second chance to get it right this time. Let’s hope all Republican’s get that message or they’ll be getting booted in 2012.

The FR Lefty Liberal cafeteria is running a post-Election Day All-You-Can-Eat special today:

For $20.10, you show your Democrat Party voter registration card and get unlimited:

Garden Salad with Grilled Crow and choice of dressing

Crow Noodle Soup

Buffalo Style Crow Wings (Guaranteed to be left wings only)

Choice of three entrees:

Crow Parmigiana

Crow a la King

Roasted Crow

Dessert: Crow Humble Pie a la mode

No Doggie Bags

I look forward to all the FR lefty liberals that said they would be here eating crow today, if things didn’t go their way, to spend today keeping their promise.

Post Mortem:

Congratulations to all the winners. May you all put our country first and your party second.

Every pundit has something to write about today. Topic headlines like, "What went wrong" or "Six reasons why the Democrats lost" will be common place. As an amateur pundit (meaning not being paid) I would like to give my thoughts on the election outcome.

When things don't go well, it is human nature to externalize blame. You know, it's someone else's fault for not winning. It's easy to blame the Supreme Court for dabbling in political matters, blame Fox News for their relentless and biased reporting of events, and blame the Chamber of Commerce for laundering foreign money. But sometimes Democrats need to do a little introspection to better understand why they lost.

When I look at the accomplishments of the Obama administration, it is an impressive list: The stimulus package avoided a major economic depression, healthcare reform, financial reform, putting closure to the war in Iraq, two women appointed to the Supreme Court, and the list goes on. Those were changes Democrats were expecting. Thirty million Americans are now eligible for healthcare, but many did not vote. That could have changed the outcome of the election. What happened?

Looking at their accomplishments, Democrats did do what they said they would do, but they lost sight of their message. It's easy to say Fox News drowned us out, but little was done to counter-punch and out-shout Fox News. On the left, Arianna Huffington, a Democrat, often made matters worse with her critical comments. There was no rational voice to address critics from the right or the left.

A little more introspection will reveal that this was an emotional election. Tea Party members, who are basically older, conservative white people, were out in force. The 2008 election was their wake-up call and their fear of a changing America was just the motivation they needed. On the other hand Democrats acted like they just finished their Thanksgiving meal and weren't ready to exercise. They took a leisurely walk, but they did not run.

It is hard to change minds in an emotional election. Some of the most irrational things I've ever heard came from Tea Party candidates. They are not interested in facts and logic. They are perfectly willing to allow America to drift further behind other countries. They demonstrated their energy and emotions; Democrats laid back and banked on logic and intellect.

The race for the 2012 Presidential election begins today and there are a lot of unanswered questions: What will be the outcome between the Tea Party movement and moderates within the Republican Party? And will the Democrats find that emotional spark to move this country forward again? The pendulum moved left in '08, right in 2010, and it will move left again in 2012.
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The Republican/Tea Party now is in control of the House and has gained representation in the Senate; the democrats still hold control there. Kudos to the Republican/Tea Party. I knew there was somebody they could work with – The “Special Interest Groups” such as the US Chamber of Commerce, American Crossroads etc. to buy themselves an election (politicians). It should be noted that they did nothing illegal. I saw a piece yesterday that claims more money was spent on this mid-term election than was spent on all the mid-term elections since 1990 added together.

The US Chamber of Commerce and the other Special Interest Groups are already ramping up for 2012 and have promised to spend what ever it takes to overthrow the White House. This will continue until we get money out of politics or at least get some form of full disclosure in place. I am not against candidates raising money but 84% of the people want to know who is funding them and what their agenda is. So do I.

Now that the republicans have the ball, so to speak, it is up to them to make good on their promises. They told us during their campaigns that they would do the following:

Lower the Deficit

Lower the National Debt

Increase Jobs in America

Transparency in Government

Tax Cuts for the true Small Businesses

Help the Middle Class

etc …………………

Watching MSM this morning and guess what the winners are talking about as their priorities? Tax Cuts for the richest 2%, changes to Social Security, Medicare, Unemployment and repealing Health Care Reform and Financial Reform. Two even said that shutting done the Government is going to happen and soon.

I congratulate the republicans on their win, but it is not even 24 hours as we see the same old. This is going to be a tough 2 years unless both parties get their act together and start working for America.

Ok, so now let’s see some results, we get your rhetoric ok, now it is up to the republicans to perform. Next report cards come out in 2012, and oh yes, America is watching.

I forgot to mention I was very happy to see lefty liberal, loud-mouthed, thug, Alan Grayson got killed in a landslide in FL.

MSNBC's feisty redhead, Ed Schultz, of the Mr. Ed Show is going to be crushed.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What I learned from last night:

If you thought we saw gridlock in Washington the last two years… you ain’t seen nothing yet!

This country is not governed by our duly elected official it’s bought & paid for by corporations both foreign & domestic!

Sarah Palin is NO longer the host of ‘Star Search’!

President Obama will indeed be reelected in 2012!

The ideological battle between the Republicans and Tea Party is going to be some of the best free entertainment anyone could ask for!

John Boehner will continue to glow in the dark but now has a gavel!

The people of Nevada were a hell of a lot smarter than the pundits gave them credit for! Congratulations Senate MAJORITY Leader Harry Reid!

The sun will continue to set in the West!

Now I’m gonna sit back with a nice big bowl of popcorn and watch as the games begin!

Fellow Travelers:

How desperately we need to educate ourselves. Citizens stayed away from the polls in droves. Are they liberals, conservatives, Dems, Repubs? No! They are lazy, irresponsible bums who have no right to criticize our government. Regardless of our politics, when those folks speak up, we should tell them to be very quiet and learn. They had nothing to say yesterday. They have nothing to say today.

Who won the election? Actually, all of us if we take the time to learn from the results. How many times have we heard right-wingers say that Obama should have been able to force through any legislation he wanted? The Dems controlled the Congress, right? Well, it is said - and with good reason - Democrats fall in love, Republicans fall in line.

John Boehner is about to learn that many of the new Republican freshmen are NOT going to fall in line. They are the pure of heart and ideology. They have a message although they couldn't identify the cuts they were going to make BEFORE the election. Surprise of surprises, they are going to find they won't be able to identify cuts AFTER the election. They will find programs are there because people want them. Oh yeah, and they have some serious BIG MONEY boys to whom they must answer.

Boehner's not-so-easy job - his first one - is to explain that there is a process. Oh, how the new guys will wail. "What! We want change. We want to take America back. Now!" Hello, real world. Whether you like her or not, if we take the opportunity to learn how our government works, and I mean how it REALLY works, we are truly going to begin to appreciate the leadership of Nancy Pelosi. It's not pretty. She was good. It takes a skilled hand, and Boehner is going to really have to go to work.

The Senate is truly scary. Again, like it or not, Harry Reid worked a miracle. He was able to push through health insurance reform in the face of incredible opposition. Pundits say it was jobs, jobs, jobs. Obama and Reid noted - correctly - there has ALWAYS been some sort of reason/excuse we should put health insurance reform on the back burner. Both men risked their political future. You just don't see that in Washington. Whether you like the legislation or not, a fair assessment of what they did says: Those guys got guts.

To our credit, the majority of Americans rejected candidates who tried to buy an office. We dealt defeats to candidates who ran from the press and wouldn't tell us where they stood. The defeats were not as sound as they should have been, but that's a function of education.

Let's make a vow to learn how our government works, or how it is not working. Let's make attempts to bring information to these posts, however unpalatable it may be. Let's stop with the name calling and the grade school taunts. Let's stop collapsing posts.

Lastly, in the interest of bringing proper English to this forum, I wish to point out that there is no such word as "alot". A lot of people use that non-word, you know.

Here's to good government and a well-informed citizenry. Let's get this right.

This is SUCH a good thing for Democrats going into 2012. Let me explain:

The GOP will now have the RESPONSIBILITY to govern. If they do, they will HAVE to compromise with the Dem's in the Senate. The Tea Party will have a fit over any compromise, and either "throw the bums" back out in 2012, or will be demoralized and not show up in 2012 to vote (think it can't happen? Look at 2006 and 2008).

If the GOP does NOT compromise with the Dem's and those Gingrich-style "shut down the government" temper tantrums, the American people will realize "Wow - these people don't want to govern or lead" and they will throw them out in 2012.

Plus, we got rid of many a Blue Dog and ConservaDem. That's not a bad thing, is it?

The Dem's still control the White House (veto pen) and Senate (filibuster). The GOP House takeover can't do much without some SERIOUS level of compromising with Dem's.

AND, Dem's GOT THE MESSAGE that THEIR MESSAGING SUCKS!

Dem's did the following things:

Lily Ledbetter Act (protecting women in the workplace)

Credit card reform

Ended Iraq war

Student loan reform

Wall Street reform

Health care reform (which LOWERED the deficit - a Tea Party platform!!)

Taxes LOWERED in the stimulus, and a couple other places for small businesses

All these are positive, helpful things for the vast majority of Americans, but most Americans DON'T KNOW IT! Why? Dem's messaging SUCKS. THis should be a wake up call to get their "messaging house" in order over the next two years.

Trust me liberals, this is a good thing - look long term, keep up the good fight for progressive change, and pass the popcorn - watching those Tea Party nuts give the GOP leadership fits in the House is going to be FUN!!!!

David Walker - well said, very thoughtful sir!! I agree wholeheartedly, and I retract my "Tea Party nuts" pejorative.

"Tea Party House members" would be more appropriate.

US Navy Disabled Veteran - Retired

Nice try at blaming Republican "special interests' for their victory, but the fact is that Democratic 'special interests' (unions and trial lawyers, etc.) spent more than the Republicans.

The Republicans will indeed try to pass their agenda that you listed, but then the Democrats will have to concur in the Senate and avoid Obama's veto.

It should be interesting when the Republicans pass all of these bills in the House, and then Harry Reid and Obama will then be "The Party of NO" on 'progress'.

Wow!

First Read is up bright and early this morning . . . or maybe you never slept from yesterday! :o)

Well, anybody who has been reading my daily posts all these years knows that I am a big believer in facing reality.

And the reality is that the Democratic Party got our arses handed to us yesterday.

I want to salute Chuck Todd and the entire First Read team. I want to give a shout out to dangerfield the realist, no joe the Obama fantasy writer, and Joanna, mistress of impending doom!

The polls were right and I was wrong.

I am hoping and praying fervently that the millions of people who went to the polls yesterday hoping to change the direction of our country get what they voted for.

I hope that the budget is balanced, that unemployment drops, and that taxes are kept low.

I hope that the "corporate people" are just as kind and benevolent as Bill from Fairfax keeps telling us that they are.

I pray that the anonymous campaign donations truly are "inconsequential" and that our legislative body has not been sold to the highest bidder.

If all those things prove to be true, there is nobody in this country that will be happier than me.

P.S. Joe, I'll have the Buffalo Crow Wings please!

Jose Von Hussein:

I agree with your analysis.

Thank you Ron - it's always a pleasure to read your thoughts on things. :-)

Navy

While I will hold Repubs to their promises. The country held the Dems to their promises.

Jose

Really your gonna give credit for ending Iraq war you need to credit for keeping Afghanistan going.

Credit card reform has created more vultures out there than ever plus fees got whose. It not the gov't job to police your credit card use.

America saw the Liberal agenda and didnt like it.

Hey KSte, if Bush gets credit for the Iraq "surge" then darn right Obama gets credit for the Petraeus led Afghanistan "surge" and ending that war in the next couple years. Got a problem with that? For those that don't remember, in the campaign Obama said Afghanistan was the right fight to have with al-Qaeda. I agree with him, and he put the resources into that country that we need to win. And what do you know? The Taliban is open to negotiating a peace... imagine that!

And credit card reform is all about keeping as much of the credit card industry at bay as possible. Are they con artists who will use any possible trick they can to continue stealing people's money? Yes. Is that a reason to sit back and watch them do it? I don't think it is - but you're welcome to argue that it is a good idea to let them rob us.

Americans will see the Conservative agenda over the next two years - and Liberals will benefit in 2012, because they'll learn from their messaging mistakes this time around. Count on it.

To Ron in Indiana -- "blame Fox News for their relentless and biased reporting of events, and blame the Chamber of Commerce for laundering foreign money."

What about the relentless and biased reporting of events by MSNBC, CNN, HLN and others? Please show the evidence of the Chamber's laundering and while you are at it check on the SEIU and other union contributions and activities.

james: Thank you for reading my post.

It will be interesting to see what happens next. Most Republicans I heard last night and this morning said there was room for compromise. I truely believe that people can change and grow from their experiences. Lets hope the Republicans can do just that and work with the democrats to find solutions for our problems. What I see happening is, the house will be able to work together and compromise and create/pass bills that will help to solve our problems. Then they will send it to the Senate where it might pass if they also compromise, then it will be up to the president to sign the bill, or not. If he vetos a bill that everyone else agrees on, will he be labeled an obstructionist?

James, NewsCorp (owner of Fox News) gave $1 million dollars to the Republicans this year. The also relentlessly push a conservative message.

How much money did MSNBC, CNN and HLN give to Democrats? Please link to a credible news source.

The Chamber of Commerce refuses to release it's financial transactions with respect to it's political money, so we don't know if they're laundering it or not. A simple exercise of opening their books would remove any doubt.

On the other hand, we know where union money comes from, and there is complete transparency about who provided it, and where it is going.

What is your point, exactly? All you've done is made a false equivalency (Fox News style - nicely done, by the way). But the reality is far different. Why don't you back up your statements with some facts, instead of regurgitating the usual right wing talking points that it's "all the same" when clearly, it's not.

Thanks.

Feisty said: "

Now I’m gonna sit back with a nice big bowl of popcorn and watch as the games begin!"

******************************************************************************

Yeah. Until Exodite Dragon comes on here and makes you look like a ranting, non-sensical fool like he did yesterday.

Bus Driver-in-Chief better keep an eye in the mirror on those rowdies in the back of the bus - they're creeping forward one seat at a time.....

P.S. Joe, I'll have the Buffalo Crow Wings please!

Coming right up, Nash. Hot, medium, mild or barbeque sauce?

Joe,

I'll take my Buffalo Crow Wings extra hot with a side of Obama-aid please! :o)

P.S. Sorry to hear about the "no doggy bag" policy . . . there are lots of folks who need to be served who no longer have "the keys" to "the car". Oh well, I got mine, right? lol

Bill N AZ - buongiorno Billl, Sembra che ti devo due birre!

Pietro

jose

The dems still spent more money. Where did it come from?

MSNBC with Maddow and Mathews what kind of message do they push?

KTse - I figured you wouldn't provide a source. I'm not surprised, actually.

First off, although Dem's RAISED more money, if you read the actual context, THIRD PARTY GROUPS for conservatives outspent Democrats:

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1010/44216.html

“It’s when you get into the realm of outside spending that you see the opposite is very much true, with conservative-leaning groups effectively obliterating the left-leaning groups,” he said.

So we know where Dem's money came from - look up who donated to which candidates with the FEC filings, and it's all right there. Even with unions, it's all transparent where the money came from and where it went.

The question we DON'T know is: Who gave the money to the third party conservative groups?

And I'm not questioning what message Maddow and Matthews push. What I ASKED was, how much money did THOSE NEWS CHANNELS donate to the Democrats? FOX donated $1,000,000 to Republicans.

I'll await your tortured response, since you didn't answer my previous questions.

To Ron in Indiana,

Seriously??!! "They demonstrated their energy and emotions; Democrats laid back and banked on logic and intellect." The American people never wanted the so called accomplishments that you listed above. They said it loud and clear at town hall meetings before the passage of the healthcare legislation; and they said it again more clearly yesterday at the polls.

You sound like the typical, arrogant, elitist, Democrat... We poor, ignorant, Republican voters.... If only we had the superior intellect of the Democrats.

By the way... You're wrong about the which direction this country will move in 2012.

Joe in Albany -

We could all use some humor here, so okay, I loved the menu. When in doubt, I always say go for dessert first, so I'll have a slice of the humble pie, hold the a la mode, please. I didn't see any beverages listed, though - can I still get some Kool-Aid to wash it down with? :)

Well,

Hopefully the House of Reps and the Senate can find a way to work together, compromise, which is what government is all about. I hope that they can reform the programs that need reforming, eliminate parts of programs that need eliminating, and I would hope for campaign finance changes, but neither side really wants that.

Maybe the President will realize that the people don't seem to like going too far left or too far right. There are just too many extremes. Somewhere in the middle is where the country needs to be, according to the majority.

I was wrong, I did not think that the Republicans would pick up quite so many seats in the house, still waiting to see if the Republicans get the 8 in the senate, I picked the over on that one.

And as several people mentioned this past week, maybe we can have conversations on this blog that will actually help our representatives than name calling.

jose I believe your analysis will not pan out. I believe that we will definitely see our country move much closer to 3rd world status with a huge gap between rich and poor. However, Republicans are masters at distorting reality and mark these words....they will find a way to make their failures, over the next couple of years, Obama's fault.....WATCH AND NASCAR NATION WILL EAT IT UP I know this because as a southerner, I have seen it time and time again, rednecks vote in Republicans that cut their aid and subsidies, then in the next cycle claim that the black population is getting all the money and thanks to Democrats they recieve nothing... REDNECKS EAT IT UP Go figure...I stopped feeling sorry for the rednecks, but I do feel for their poor kids.

I agree with most of the above post. Now is not the time for the republicans to gloat. Now is the time for us to roll up are sleeves and get to work to make this country better.

I have a very dear friend who is a democrat. We have come to the conclusion that we both want what is best for are counrty............we just disagree how to accomplish it.

Nash, Navy, Ron, I respect your positions.

I was hoping today that the we would see gracious losers and humble winners, which I think for the most part we have, except for feisty, which is always classless.

Yes, like Nash, I am willing to take my lumps today. The polls were right. Man was I completely smoking the wacky weed on the Carnahan/Blunt thing. But seriously, I sincerely hope that we see COMPROMISE. There are NO mandates so large to override a veto,...so the public didn't completely annihilate one side.

And there are two solid reasons to gloat, and another to kick ourselves. Had Nevada or Delaware run the NON Tea Party candidate - Mitch McConnel would have gained a gavel of his own. Bat @!$%# crazy CAN win; but not in EVERY state. So, a little 'moderation' as the folks move North and West would probably make sense. And for 'our' (Dem) role in foot shooting, Bill Halter MIGHT have been able to keep AR blue; but Blanche was a sure OUST.

PS. Joe, Albany - I'd like the Crow Wings, extra spicy with a side of BLUE cheese. thanks!

And don't forget about gpotts,

Starting with the "REDNECK" bigotry, because we know that everyone in the south loves NASCAR and blaming the blacks.

Well, I for one, being from the south, don't like NASCAR, its loud and all they do is drive in circles, What are they "Big Wheels"? And besides, to me a real "REDNECK" is someone who works outside, because they get sun burned on the neck area, therefore a "REDNECK". And without "REDNECKS" we would have "mullets":)

Congrads to all the Democrats who won last night. We took a slight wippen, but it could have been a lot worse.

Spacial thanks to Harry Reid, Barbara Boxer and Jerry Brown. They saved us from a disaster. Can you imagine Angle in the Senate. The Repugs would have probably made her Speaker. LOL.

Well Repugs enjoy you short term victory because you still have 6 more years of President Obama to look forward to. YES, he'll win in 2012.

Tony, don't let Ron upset you, (or Pietro, or a couple of others). They actually do republicans a great service.

They post long, lofty one sided essays, all designed to sow that they are brilliant, caring, highly evolved human beings, and, when challenged with plain old common sense, go on the attack with name calling, ad hominem attacks, all flavored with vitriol.

In other words, they do not curry favor with the vast majority of the electorate. Turn them off, instead.

Last night's election returns are all the proof you need that the elitists Re going to be a little more exclusive club from now on. They can hold their membership meetings in the nearest phone booth they can find.

So now what? Now that the elections went as expected, the next move is Obama's. He has a choice to make. He can either continue to be the super-partisan leftwing Liberal he has always been. Or he can truly take to heart what has happened with the election, which is a full repudiation of his agenda and behavior, and start to govern the country for the People, and not for the leftwing of the Democratic party. Obama made no friends with his "enemies" talk on Hispanic radio last week, and Obama making that statement just reinforced his partisan nature and his (bad) image among Conservatives and Independents. But that was during the heat of the campaign, and now the campaign is over, so what does Obama do now? Obama has never been bi-partisan, so it will be a struggle for him to start. He could dig his heals in, continue to blame everyone but himself for the problems of the country, and be trounced in the 2012 election for doing so. Or he can abandon is far-left liberal base, infuriating them in the process, and actually work on reducing the deficit and getting private businesses back to work in the country, and if he's successful probably get re-elected in 2012. The choice is his. Either way, he's off on his excellent adventure junket to India, so the Republicans will be able to set the agenda while he's gone. He may regret his timing on his latest journey.

Proud Republican:

Nice post this morning. I sincerely hope you are correct in that we can come together. I agree that most of us have more in common than not. I do believe that most people want to move this country forward, we may have different opinions on how ot do that, but from my point of view, I just want it to work. We as a nation are in big trouble. We all have to weed out the garbage and get rid of these "Special Interest Groups" that have infected our democracy.

Ideas may change, opinions may differ, but if we all work toward making this country whole again, we all win. This country can not and will not survive if we let the Big Business and Special Interest Groups control the agenda. Under that model we all loose.

Proud Republican: Your respect is appreciated. Thank you. Now is the time to find...as Jesse Jackson once said..."common ground". I'm speaking as a proud Democrat.

jose

Politico! Facts ! theyre not one sided at all!

And Obama never had alot on mystery donors did he?

We can go back and forth on who is right and who is wrong. You show "facts" from a left source and say there center.

I've voted both sides of the aisle have you ever? While John "the liar" Bocceiri was terrible and i did vote for him in 08. I liked Ted Stickland and voted for him again.

Please tell me do you vote party lines cause their always correct. Then you are blinded.

David Walker, Jose Von Hussein. Excellent posts. There is light at the end of the tunnel as surely as the sun rose this morning.

Tony:

Thank you for your comments. You are correct. I am a typical Democrat and you are a typical Republican. Your adjectives describing each of us fit reasonably well.

Just wondering, did I see you on TV at one of those town hall meetings? You were the one carrying a hate sign weren't you? Now tell me how your party plans to govern...besides lowering taxes, decrease spending and going to war.

I am curious to see what will happen over the next 24 months. With Republican control of the House and an almost-even split in the Senate there will have to be compromise and cross-aisle discussion to see any legislation passed (or reformed, depending on your point-of-view) going forward.

If Obama's administration is sincere in its desire to have the country progress and wants to get its message back on track, the Democrats will need to stop finger-pointing. Likewise, if the GOP doesn't want to jog the memory of the electorate back to 2006/08, they better work with their opposition this go-around.

Interesting results when I woke up this morning, certainly, but not unexpected in the slightest. I am loathe to call the mid-term either historic or a disaster as far too many already have.

Congrats to Sen Reid! Common sense won afterall in Nevada! When I stop there on Friday, I'll drop a few dollars in the airport slots before I continue on!!

Yup Dems, we took a thumping, perhaps deserved in some cases...but with Boehner in charge of the House I doubt that much will change. Gridlock will florish and Boehners' golf game will suffer! His emotions last evening was a sign that he is ill prepared to 'lead'. Ya' got what you wanted Boehner, so 'man-up'.

Was that his emotions, or was it scotch! Congrats to all the winners!

I don't think a lot of spelling errors caused many problems.

Handgunner...Everyone wants to get the bad guys.

I want to see all the important memos.

I want to see the money from both sides....and that is fair for us all!!!!!!

KTse - I have asked you THREE TIMES now for YOU to provide facts. You've provided exactly ZERO facts with any supporting evidence. The only conclusion I can take from this is you are making crap up.

And Politico is HARDLY a "left source"!! Sheesh - if you think it is, you're about ready to fall off the right-wing cliff. Watch your step.

I voted for three Republicans yesterday, incidentally. So yes, I'm not a "partisan hack".

So, I keep answering YOUR questions; you keep ignoring mine. Please answer:

HOW MUCH MONEY DID CNN, HLN AND MSNBC GIVE TO THE DEMS?

AND

WHERE DID THE CONSERVATIVE GROUPS MONEY COME FROM? COMMUNIST CHINA? SOCIALIST EUROPE? MUSLIM MIDDLE EAST COUNTRIES?

I'm just asking the questions that the lame-stream media doesn't.

Looks like CO will stay blue... The Denver Post has called the race for Michael Bennett (sp?)...

If that's the case another crazy tea partier goes down in flames next to Engle & O'Donnell :0)

Tony, don't let Ron upset you, (or Pietro, or a couple of others). They actually do republicans a great service.

They post long, lofty one sided essays, all designed to sow that they are brilliant, caring, highly evolved human beings, and, when challenged with plain old common sense, go on the attack with name calling, ad hominem attacks, all flavored with vitriol.

In other words, they do not curry favor with the vast majority of the electorate. Turn them off, instead.

Ah, I se No Joe is upt to her normal tricks. I mean, there was a great VICTORY by the Republicans and No Joe cannot even savor that. Joe in Albany is serving up the crow that the Democrats rightly deserve and No Joe is on here with more of her blathering about 'turning them off'.

I actually was going to let the GOPers on here have their day in the sun. They deserve it because they won. I am OK with that. What is funny is that even with the 'BIG win', No Joe is as gloomy as ever in her posts, an now has resorted to unfounded attacks against Ron, Indiana and myself.

Now why is that?

I am NOT OK with this 'commentary' that people's voices should be silenced, no matter what the political stripe.

The issue is this - No Joe cannot refute what I have posted and I have caught her lying to my face more than once (and yes, I still have the links that prove it). You can believe her if you wish, but I choose not to.

I Let the chips fall where they may. I will not be changing anything with my posts, and I will be posting the facts as I find them. if I am wrong in my assessment, you can post items refuting what I have posted. We can all learn something from this conversation.

So, No Joe, all I have to say to you is this:

Bring it.

Your post is flawed at the start as Republicans have stated as a goal that we need to move back not forward. I hope for the sake of ALL americans we can make some compromises because when we are at stalemate NOBODY wins. I feel for people in AZ and KY, but we are a resilient people and we have survived much worse i.e. Carter, Reagan, Bush2. My instincts tell me that Dems should obstruct like their colleagues across the aisle, but the Dems have too much integrity and will put country first. GOOD

I am loathe to call the mid-term either historic or a disaster as far too many already have.

Exodite, I agree with you. Many of these races were VERY close. Many, like in my district, were formerly long-held Republican districts where the current freshman Democrat got washed back out with the tide. Not surprising at all, honestly.

And a Presidential election year changes the dynamics considerably. Yes, the GOP will have to work with the Dems. Yes, the Dems need to work with the GOP.

Talk is cheap though. It'll be up to the leaders in the respective parts of government to decide what they'll be willing to work through. And I think many of the Tea Party candidates who were elected will cause problems for the GOP leaders. Did you see Jim DeMint's Op-Ed? If they follow through with that, then Washington changes - a LOT (and the GOP leadership will have problems).

Jose

Cant find any. The only thing that pops up is Obama get BP related money and foriegn donors.not to mention Wall Street for years gave more to the Dems.

No, I didn't see Jim's editorial; I'll have to go check that out. Thanks for the info - and yes, I very much agree that the Tea Party at-large will be annoyed with their newly-elected leaders as the reality of governance rears its collective head.

"I didn't see any beverages listed, though - can I still get some Kool-Aid to wash it down with? :)"

Sorry, JoAnne, after the late night last night the cafeteria is all out of Kool-Aid.

Olbermann had a dozen large pitchers by himself!!!!

Let's give it up for the professionals like Charlie Cook, Stu Rothenberg, Larry Sabato, Nate Silver, and the rest.

They pretty much got this thing right, and didn't allow their personal political views to obscure the big picture.

Their wave was real...Chris Van Hollen was holding a pair of deuces all along.

Good grief...what a demolition. Time to sit back and watch who starts picking up the pieces of the Democratic Party. Last night reminded me of the practice of posting lists of the dead and wounded in the town square following a major battle during the Civil War.

So many fallen...

...has anyone tried mixing some Lipton with Kool-Aid and seeing what happens? <_< >_>

Congratulations on the House, Republicans. Y'all whooped us !!! I was at Hickenlooper's/Bennet's victory party, but we were some of the only Dems anywhere to feel much like celebrating (and we're not sure about Bennet even today!)

All-right; we all fought hard during the election, but now it's time to support OUR government for the next two years. Congrats again Repub's - well played.

Congratulations to all the winners last night----and I will say a prayer that they work hard for all Americans and keep our country first.

Joe in Albany----loved the menu---I'm going with the Crow salad but am guessing you don't offer French, Italian or Russian dressing and ranch would conjure up images of Nevada so I'll have it plain.

Thanks to No Joe for reminding us of the things that didn't change with the election--like her negativity.

Except for the usual opening soliloquy, Indiana Ron is terse today.

Good sign. Fewer words. Less BS.

"I'd like the Crow Wings, extra spicy with a side of BLUE cheese. thanks!"

Sorry, no "BLUE" cheese. French Bleu d'Auvergne cheese is 75 cents extra.

"I'm going with the Crow salad but am guessing you don't offer French, Italian or Russian dressing"

This is the Lefty Liberal cafeteria. They have all those plus a German dressing with a beer base (for the low information Mr. Ed Show fans - the ones that don't consider his show a comedy hour like I do).

Jose, I found and read Jim DeMint's op-ed: good piece, if you want my honest opinion. The only shame of his advice is that he directed it solely at Tea Party-backed candidates. What he had to say should be taken to heart by everyone in the halls of Congress.

The proprietor is okay at the Lefty Liberal cafe; but the menu selection sucks. Why would they outsource the bleu to France? makes no sense!

(come on now, that was meant to be funny!)

Joe thank you for bringing a sense of humor with you this morning it bodes well for the future and our future discourse. Didn’t see any Crow Pot Pie up there but I’ll send The Dew Drop Inn’s recipe along if you want. Having had to sample it several times I can attest to the fact that while I wouldn’t call it 4-star it is palatable.

Gpotts you want to lighten up there on those REDNECKS. I’ve been accused of being one so many times in that LOUD voice that I’m starting to resemble that remark. As B.B. reminded you there’s Rednecks and then there’s REDNECKS and the resemblance is mostly superficial.

What ridiculous gloating. Remember, these were districts originally handcrafted to be safely Republican. The fact that they fell into Democratic hands in the first place is indicative of the atrocious job the Conservatives did when they previously were in power. The economy was virtually destroyed by these idiots. Amazingly, because the damage has not been completely corrected within 21 months, a lot of people voted to change direction, again.

However, looking at the "demographic" that demostrated most of the anger and felt a message was necessary to send to our President was telling. The history of America shows that bias, hate and resentment trumps good judgement and self interest every time.

I think all who voted for these mostly uneducated crazy Teabaggers are pitiful.

Jose Cant find any. The only thing that pops up is Obama get BP related money and foriegn donors.not to mention Wall Street for years gave more to the Dems.

Well, now, that's fascinating, isn't it. Everyone wants "more transparency" in government, and you found right away where Obama's money is coming from (despite the continued lack of links or evidence). All traceable! Imagine that.

Now again, I suppose rhetorically at this point, since you refuse to answer, I'll ask: Where does the conservative third party money come from? Oh, and thanks for supporting my assertion that MSNBC, CNN and HLN do NOT support the Dems with money, unlike Fox "News" that sent $1,000,000 to the GOP (proving they are incredibly biased in their "reporting" - if that's what we can actually call it anymore).

I sincerely hope you are correct in that we can come together. I agree that most of us have more in common than not. I do believe that most people want to move this country forward, we may have different opinions on how ot do that, but from my point of view, I just want it to work. We as a nation are in big trouble.

Ah, NOW the dems want to play nice....why did they have to wait 2 years? Perhaps THEY were the REAL party of NO?? Where is all the cockiness from the dems today???

I can hear the crickets chirping

Big shock that hopes of working together for the benefit of the country become just one more excuse for the GNOP to keep doing what they've done all along. It's a replay of what happened just after Inauguration Day.

You will not see people put back to work by the republicans, they like to ship American jobs overseas.

I wish the Democrats had maintained control BUT the election is over and the people have spoken. Maybe our country will fare better with some cooperation. But it will take compromise and a spirit of what's right for all citizens---not just the special interest rich groups. I wish all the winners well and pray for a spirit of cooperation and reaching out to each other.

In 2000 The Supreme court elected your President. This year they elected the house. You know how the first foray turned out. Lets hope it does not repeat itself.

Ron Indiana; You sound like an elitist snob of the first order. You state that Democrats are more sophisticated, intellectual, and logical. Have you heard of a document called the "Constitution "FOR" the United States of America??

I have absolutley no faith that the Republicans will do anything different then the last time they had control.

This power struggle must end before we EVER see any positive results. Maybe we should desolve all parties and force people to actually consider who and what they are voting for?

remember President Wilson. Glad he wasn't Pres in 2009

Now that the election is past look forward to the next election in context with the early statements.

This is the most important part. The message from America was

1. We don't trust either party
2. We want the excessive spending stopped (they understand that the house is the originator of all spending bills).
3. We want the HCL repealed
4. We want the Tax cuts extended

They understand that the HCL probably won't be repealed - but they still want it repealed. How this is handled is critical to 2012. More arrogance = more change. There are 21 Democrat and 10 Republican seats up in 2012. The more they buy into the repeals, the more likely they get returned. 21 + 46 Senators overrides a veto as does 239+51. An override of a veto might not be a sure thing, but it is plausible.

By a nearly 2 to 1 margin voters leaving the polls said it's all about the bad economy, but keep drinking that tea. http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/02/first-exit-polls-economy/

Exide dragon. If any one has tried it, it would have to be you. It does not sound like there is one thing you have not tried, done, seen, thought of, or said. Surprise us. Maybe there is still something uncharted here on Earth for you to explore.

John B.'

You just can't stop spinning. Accept the election and move on.

People voted and that is it. Maybe it is about the economy and people didn't feel the Democrats were the right people to deal with it. It is not rocket science.

This is not a Liberal country.

jose

www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contrib.php?cycle=2008&​cid=N00009638

theres your links looks like a bunch of wall street banks and even took money for taxpayers for election. I thought he was against wall street.

with how bad your bitching about repubs I doubt you voted for any. To say msnbc isnt biased is totally wrong. name one conservative show on them or cnn?

It's OK ITM, disregard the opinions of over 60% of voters. See how that works out in 2012.

Hi DB - Did you really just suggest that at the Senate's current split, (Dems 53), you think it's possible for Republicans to take 31/31 races in 2012 ?...

jose

where you at today. Olberman donated how much?

Makes you wonder how much the other networks are paying Phil to keep MSNBC in the tank. Watch the ratings plummet.

Steve

We often disagree, but pelosi failed horrible as speaker of the house, Now you do understand that Bohner must deliver bipartisan bills for the president, with the republicans only up 56 seats it will not be easy for him to get though repeal of HCR for example, he will have to get dems on his side where pelosi did not have to do that, she had the votes no matter how many republicans said no, he will not and for me the tea party will be a bigger pain in the ass then the democrats. we can put some $ on that.

so Steve, his job will be tough, and the senate is still in democratic hands so you know they have the last word in alot of cases.

Hey you won, congratulations and Good Luck,

Steve-505729

Nancy Pelosi.. YOU'RE FIRED......................

Um, Steve

This was not a verdict on President Obama's policies or Nancy Pelosi or Harry Reed; rather it was all about a party out of power fervently trying to get back in power. They tricked ordinary Independents, Women, and Seniors. , The Seniors are the one age group most skeptical of the health care law; yet it’s they who have the government providing for their needs...if the complexion of the occupants in the people's house has anything to do with this anger, then it’s time to watch the Tan Man, John Boehnoer will be the new boogey man.

The Corporation’s Propaganda Spoke. The negative ads across this nation spoke; most of them hidden; and the high-paid media pundits who cheer them on worked.. It is too sad for the working class. A repudiation of the Republican/Tea Party could not be mustered up.. The working class should be terrified because the poorhouse and soup-lines may be in their future. The lines won’t be discriminatory, either as the Robber Barons have been to the middle class.

Keith made spit my sangria out last night taking about Tears of a clown.

What will the Republican/Tea Party do? Nothing based upon what Marsha Blackburn and Eric Cantor said last night on MNSBC; especially raising the debt ceiling question asked by .Lawrence O’Donnell. I guess they want the world economy to go into a tailspin.

The key thing to bear in mind is that for the world as a whole, spending equals income. If one group of people — those with excessive debts — is forced to cut spending to pay down its debts, one of two things must happen: either someone else must spend more, or world income will fall.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/01/opinion/01krugman.html

South Carolina Republican Tim Scott made history Tuesday night by becoming the first African-American Republican to be elected to Congress from the Deep South since Reconstruction and the first African-American Republican congressman since J.C. Watts in 2003.

But where was Michael Steele’s Brown Nose (Double Pun Intended ) support for the other Black Republicans? Oh, that’s right, he was busy on red this Fire Pelosi bus tour driving across the nation to fire Speaker Pelosi.. “If you call getting no support, not even a phone call, not even a how are you doing kind of support, then I would have to say that is a pretty accurate assessment,” Alexander said.

Alexander said that he has talked with the other 14 African-American Republican candidates’ campaigns, and each has similar complaints.

Wow, Steele needs to watch that Southern strategy next time.

Earlier this year, folks (who are conservative) were wondering if this was going to be The Year of the Black Republican. Well, honey, that was before the Tea Party rallies where signs portrayed Obama as a monkey or a non-American (Kenyan Muslim Marxist) or Hitler. That had to be chilling but Black Republican didn’t speak up until Sarah Palin told Dr. Laura re: her repeated use of the N-word on the nation’s airwaves: “Don’t retreat…reload.” That was finally a bridge to far.

http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2010/10/shocker-black-republican-candidates-bitchin-bout-lack-of-gop-support/

The right wingnut crowd; especially Rand Paul plans on repealing the laws the President put in place. Hey, rand Paul I wonder, is not the best interest of women in his favor. They don’t mind stomping women down there. So just will Ran Paul do about the Lilly Ledbetter Act and minimum wage? What about the Civil Rights Act? These bible thumping right wingnut crowds have no morals and know nothing of the Constitution.

Keith made spit my sangria out last night taking about Tears of a clown.

Was that freakin funny or what? lmao!

Boner's a sloppy drunk!

Why is it that the South, the supposed backwards, racist part of the country, was the first part of the country to elect a black governor (Doug Wilder/Va), now has TWO Indian-American governors, AND elected Tim Scott to congress, who defeated Strom Thurmond's son for the nomination? Anybody answer this question?

Good Morning Bev.

Have a Great day. Believe whatever you wish to believe and continue to repeat whatever it is that MSNBC tells you. Thats Ok with me..

The American people Have Fired Nancy Pelosi... We will be watching Closely how the Democrats now Listen to the voters of America instead of Shoving things down our Throats all the while us telling them . Dont do that............ Prehaps they will listen now. . If not . . they will be fired in 2012..

CU Farley - nice to see that the GOP is finally catching up with Dem's on their treatment of women and minorities, but fact is, they have a looooooooong way to go, too.

I saw a picture of the new House GOP leadership, and you know what I saw? I bunch of old, white, men. The news folks were talking about the Tea Party, and who said they agree / support the Tea Party in exit polls, and guess who that was? Old, white, men.

Shocker!

Again, nice gains you've made there in the South, I hope that continues. But again, you've got a looooong way to go to reach the diversity of the Dems.

CU,

Due to slavery there are a high population of black people in the south. Stands to reason the more people have a chance to interact with the black community the less stereotypes they cling to. Or you can take the more cynical road and assume all black people vote for only black people, which of course is a lie.

Bev,

Maybe you should start working to clean up your own house, if I recall, your President's former seat in the Senate is now in the hands of the Republicans--for the next 6 years. Maybe the radical extremist left will realize that they need to compromise more than just saying, here it is, take it. Just remember, MSNBC is just as bad as Fox, just leans the other way:)

Tom Reston, VA

CU,

Due to slavery there are a high population of black people in the south. Stands to reason the more people have a chance to interact with the black community the less stereotypes they cling to. Or you can take the more cynical road and assume all black people vote for only black people, which of course is a lie.

So true; Tom Reston, VA

Congratulations to Tim Scott; he is the first African American republican elected from the south since reconstruction.

I don't suppose CU sees it as a BFD.

My only problem is with Steal riding on the red bus to Fire Nancy Peloisi and not giving support to other African American republicans.

Why? If they can caucus with Congressional Black Caucus, perhaps they'll see the GOPTP TENT IS really not all the big for minorities or diverse.

Maybe, they'll see the folly and become independents who want to lean forward like Bernie Sanders. Michael Steele has tried apologizing for the Southern Strategy to African Americans. All i see him doing is a jig since they don't want him either.

BEWARE!!! The revenge of Pelosi.

Was anyone surprise by Boehner's speech and tears?? Too emotional?

California Tom,

I am more worried about whether her mice will still get all their money:)

Congratulations to Tim Scott; he is the first African American republican elected from the south since reconstruction.

JC Watts - Oklahoma - 1995-2003.

CalTom: BEWARE!!! The revenge of Pelosi.

Has anyone told her yet? Or does she still think the Democrats are "Trending to keep the House".

Of course Nancy does rule over the lame duck session and she still has her huge majority until January. But will she pull the same nonsense that got the Democrats into trouble in the first place? Are she, Harry, and Barack plotting something sinister for the final two months of their Democratic dictatorship? Say, like, a Public Option for healthcare?

The only agenda items those three should have is to vote on the Bush tax cuts, and have the ethics trials to toss out Rangel and Waters. But you know their arrogance won't let them do just that. And if Nancy wasn't unleashed before, she certainly is now. Lets see what this crew cooks up over the next week or so, it could be interesting.

JoAnnaSmith,

I liked JC Watts, he was also a good football player, but most Southerners don't consider Oklahoma to be part of the South, it was Indian Territory during the 1800's, oh I mean Native American Territory to be PC.

So therefore, he wasn't the first elected from the South, probably the Southwest.

JoAnnaSmith:

Nancy hasn't been seen because she's having emergency surgery to keep the corners of her mouth turned up.

Richard wins the Funny of the day award............... LOL.. thats funny right there...

The really good part is that, come January 3, Nancy will no longer be in line to ascend to the presidency.

The night is over, and the election ended. While the Repubs did not win it all, they won a good start. i believe the people sent a message to Obama that his policies are not the policies this country wants to see. Where the Republicans didn't win, it is the beginning to take these seats in the future. We only need to choose candidates more carefully.

@Navy. Sir, your party took several hits, but I thank you for taking the high road and accepting the change.

I believe the people of this nation sent Obama a message, but I honestly believe he and his party will not accept the mandate. Obama sports a slim skin, and I don't feel he believes what the nation is telling him. I would hope the Dems and him will change, but I don't think the President will move to center. He still believes he is right and the country is wrong in their belief system.

Moving into 2012, whomever again is disconnected with the people will be removed from office. Thanks for Obama for creating this amazing interest in the political arena, a movement that hasn't been around during my lifetime.

will Nancy Pelosi now acknowledge that the Astro Turf group has arrived? Goodbye Nancy.

With Pelosi out as Speaker, everyone wins!

Beverly - 54% of those interviewed for Exit polls said this was a referendum on Obama's polices and they wanted them reversed/stopped. This is a national average meaning Red states (and the newest members) would be well above the 54% and the Blue states well below.

Strange, it says here http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/02/first-exit-polls-economy/ that 62% of those interviewed for exit polls said it was a referendum on the bad economy.

Boner will get a stiff challenge from Washington come January. But I think he will be up for it.

Obama can't "fix" jobs............he needs to pull the federal government out of the way and let the American people get back on thier feet. The federal government needs to shrink, stop spending and stop getting involved-messing up the way things work!

One of the easiest methods of fixing the jobs market is by providing employers with the proper incentives for hiring. An economist would call this "removing deadweight loss." You would probably know this as the federal government "getting the hell out of the way" and removing the disincentives to hiring that currently exist in the job market (minimum wage, high payroll tax, etc.).

PO, I have no idea what "economists" you're speaking of, but here in the real world of economics, there are two things that DO create jobs: Higher wages (creating more discretionary income, helping people to buy more stuff) and better trade policies (we presently let the world flood our market with cheap stuff done with labor that is 1/10th of ours, and don't have more than 2% tariffs on most of these goods anymore, which has sent jobs overseas - we have conservatives to thank for this wonderful "idea").

Government is not "in the way" anymore than it was 4 years ago or 14 years ago, and all the people saying the economy was "great" under both Bush AND Clinton can reasonably wonder why there are now FAR more super-rich people in the U.S., and a lot more middle class struggling. It's not because "government" got in the way - it's because the wealthy finally bought off enough of Congress to screw the average person.

The rich are more rich now than they were 10 years ago. So if they have all this extra money, why aren't they "creating" jobs? The conservatives say the "government doesn't create jobs" (tell that to policeman, fireman, the military, and all the other government employees - but that's an argument for another day), so if the free market is supposed to do that with "lower taxes" - well, taxes have not been this low since the 1920's.

Why aren't the rich creating jobs then? What's the hold up?

Jose Von Hussein. Great post, you're on a grand roll this morning.

The Repubs are so conflicted!

They keep asking 'where are the jobs'. Blaming the Administration for the loss, while the other side of their mouth says 'the government needs to get out of the way'!

Repubs like the mantra of 'personal responsibility'! Does that mean create your job, and pay yourself?

Which is it...Government get out of the way or Government where are the jobs?

Jose:

Wouldn't higher wages increase costs of production and therefore raise the price of products, thus impacting the higher discretionary income negatively or at least neutrally?

Also, what do you suggest as a control that would insure the purchase of the higher cost goods by not only Americans, but foreign customers as well?

And while you're at it, please grace us all with more definition of "better trade policy". That's a bit general and vague.

I don't believe that economic arguments are winnable, especially in a political context. Therefore, you can come up with no wrong answers while rolling grandly on this fine post election morning.

Passive

They already did that. . . . It didn't work. Most of those credits that were taken were to seasonal employers - who were going to hire those people whether there was a credit or not. Almost no one turns away "free" money in America. The lack of understanding of how businesses operate is astonishing.

Employers will hire if the product or service they are providing are increasing in demand and demand increases enough to cover the wages. Most employers will wait until they have enough labor demand to keep someone around for at least 3 months. A lot aren't even doing that. I've seen a few offering only 4 - 8 weeks of work as a temporary because they cannot guarrentee work after that short time period.

Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their party.

The Republican/Tea Party now is in control of the House and has gained representation in the Senate; the democrats still hold control there. Kudos to the Republican/Tea Party. I knew there was somebody they could work with – The “Special Interest Groups” such as the US Chamber of Commerce, American Crossroads etc. to buy themselves an election (politicians). It should be noted that they did nothing illegal. I saw a piece yesterday that claims more money was spent on this mid-term election than was spent on all the mid-term elections since 1990 added together.

The US Chamber of Commerce and the other Special Interest Groups are already ramping up for 2012 and have promised to spend what ever it takes to overthrow the White House. This will continue until we get money out of politics or at least get some form of full disclosure in place. I am not against candidates raising money but 84% of the people want to know who is funding them and what their agenda is. So do I.

Now that the republicans have the ball, so to speak, it is up to them to make good on their promises. They told us during their campaigns that they would do the following:

Lower the Deficit

Lower the National Debt

Increase Jobs in America

Transparency in Government

Tax Cuts for the true Small Businesses

Help the Middle Class

etc …………………

Watching MSM this morning and guess what the winners are talking about as their priorities? Tax Cuts for the richest 2%, changes to Social Security, Medicare, Unemployment and repealing Health Care Reform and Financial Reform. Two even said that shutting done the Government is going to happen and soon.

I congratulate the republicans on their win, but it is not even 24 hours as we see the same old. This is going to be a tough 2 years unless both parties get their act together and start working for America.

Ok, so now let’s see some results, we get your rhetoric ok, now it is up to the republicans to perform. Next report cards come out in 2012, and oh yes, America is watching.

US Navy..... everything that you listed are the same things that were promised in 2008 by President Obama of which the transparency issue to me was the most important. He promised more transparency and the American people received smoke and mirrors in return.

President Obama and the leaders in the Senate and the House did not live up to that promise. I have not cyet ompleted enough research to comment on your other points, however, the point of transparency is important to me regardless of which party is in power.

If you say it, do it.

US Subs:

Thank you for your service.

President Obama lowered the deficit in 2009

When President Obama took office we were bleeding 700K jobs per month. President Obama turned that around saving between 1.4 -3.5 Million Jobs ans creating almost 700K private sector jobs. He has created jobs in spite of 100% obstructionism from the republicans on virtually ever Job Bill

In September the Senate voted 59 Yes to 39 No votes to pass the Disclosure Bill, The republicans filibustered the bill,

President Obama has done much of what he promised, in spite of every effort of the Republicans to stop him. We do not have Disclosure because the Republicans voted it down via filibuster. Jobs are slow because the Republicans have opposed virtually every bill that creates jobs.

We are in this situation because of the GW Bush Administration. The republicans now have a second chnace to either help correct the mistakes of the previous administration or not.

Time will tell as to if they are serious in helping all Americans or just the 2%. I hope they do the former but from he post so far today I suspect it will be the same old, same old. And that is bad for America.

So republicans can do no right while democrats can do no wrong. That is the problem with so many members of the left. They fail to see the failed policies and programs of the current administration. Be interesting to see if it remains bush's fault for the next two years or if the president decides to take some responsibility. Will the president decide to work with the republicans or continue to just pay lip-service. compromise is a two-way street; if the president fails to talk in good faith (punish the enemy, sit in the back) we will most likely same billions on spending.

And than you for your service.

(Gasp) KeithO had a Republican on the show? Did anybody clear that with him?

Actually, I saw that. Great to watch Bachmann humiliate that clown, Chris Matthews.

I popped over to MSNBC to see what the "ENEMIES" were saying. Bauchmann made Matthews look like an embicle. He had spittle flying everywhere; he was already having a migraine dealing with Maddow and her little stupid remarks.

I still do not understand how in the world did Reid survive with that terrible unemployment in Nevada. He is the Senate leader and he has a hand on the direction to which this country goes. I think Latino's just jumped in bed him without even considering the conditions of the economy. They claim it was because of a damn commercial but as a people you have to do better than that.

Angel may not have been a good choice out there but, by maintaining Reid in that position you're basically saying let's keep the status quo. ie. unemployment in Nevada at 15% and rising.

I still do not understand how in the world did Reid survive with that terrible unemployment in Nevada.

I guess you didn't bother to look at what Sharron Angle actually stood FOR, did you? And blaming Reid for 15% unemployment is rather ballsy, considering that conservatives are always yammering that the "government doesn't create jobs." And beyond that, what does that say about all the elected officials at the state level of Nevada? It's not like Reid is a dictator.

Oh wait! I know what it is. It's actually JOHN ENSIGN'S fault. He's in the leadership on the GOP side, and he has all kinds of ethical issues, so he's the reason for Nevada's problems. (See how ridiculous this sounds, and how ridiculous your argument sounds?)

Seriously - Sharron Angle scared Nevada voters, and with good reason. Harry Reid ain't perfect by any stretch, but given the alternative, I think Nevada made the right choice.

ITM: To be fair to Nevada, they were presented with two pretty piss-poor choices by the majority parties. It's telling that, in spite of her loss, Angle received 45% of the vote while enough Nevadans voted, in principle, against both candidates to register 2% of the final count.

US Navy Disabled Veteran - Retired

Navy i'm sitting here thinking that maybe its best for the repuibicans to get the house back, my thinking is that the only people who can fix the problems we have had since 07 are the guys that caused the problem.

think, Obama tied stimulas, small business bills, jobs bills and nothing has worked, maybe the goofs that caused the housing melt down, the stock markets and banks to near collaspe, oil companies that charge us what they want for gas, health ins companies that are breaking more americans than the rich employers that send jobs over seas will fix their own mess, i'm tired of people bit*hing that Obama should clean up the republican dog Sh*t. let them do it there sleves.

So navy its our turn to bit*h like the republicans have for 2 years. its our turn to post here and tell bohner that he is a Idiott.

Mr Bohner

We need jobs, and not jobs making mimunin wage that were created during the reagan recovery, i want clinton recovery jobs., we want the construction jobs to come back and Mr bohner not non-union jobs.

We want our tax lowered at the same time reducing the defictes,that were created by your former Boss, and exploded by the current president because you goofs left us nothing to work with.

we want health care that pervents ins companies from dropping sick people with cancer, and children mr Bohner must have the same access to HC as you do Sir.

We want our of Afgan, and the rest of our boys your former Boss sent over there to iraq Home, Right now.

We want what we want, Lower taxs, lower heath care cost, better schools, better teachers, more cops, firemen, and mr Speaker, I'm sick of driving over bridger that are ready to fall down. i want every dam bridge fixed in america.

So Mr Speaker, i want you to do this in 18 months, and i don't want to here you tell us that things are in the works to better america, the last speaker said that and i don't want to here it from you.

18 months, on your mark, get ready, start.

The onus to govern does not fall squarely on the Republicans. The democrats must also recognize that compromise is necessary to move our country forward. This is a lesson Obama has thus far NOT demonstrated. The closest we've seen to compromise under this administration is bringing legislation just far enough to the center to get the democrats on board. This needs to change. Both sides need to recognize the necessity of give and take. No one should expect to walk away from the table completely happy but no one should be completely shut out either. We, the people of America, benefit most when both sides walk away from the table with something.

Great post, Jody. I hope the Republicans who control the House and have more power in the Senate use their positions to govern---help get the budget balanced, grow the economy and run the country. I will be the first one to cheer if that happens. I hope they don't continue obstructionist ways and say--we only control 1 house; can't do it all. Time will tell.

Suzy-2005071

This needs to change. Both sides need to recognize the necessity of give and take. No one should expect to walk away from the table completely happy but no one should be completely shut out either. We, the people of America, benefit most when both sides walk away from the table with something.

Give and take, what a great idea, Suzy i bet your thought that up all on you own, lets see over the last 2 freak-en years the republicans have done the opposite of what you now want the Democrats to do.

suzy, suzy, did you graduate from the college of hypocrisy, because if so, you graduated with honers.

I have to say that there is no one better than Chris Matthews at going with the flow of an election.

ITM, are you aware that Texas has the nations fourth highest hunger rate for people over age 50!?.....exceeded only by Mississippi, Arkansas and South Carolina! Shame on Texas and all of those States!

...and you're worried about Nevada! ...no doubt, you voted for King Perry.....additionally, Texas is approximately 20 Billion in the hole!

chilled

...and you're worried about Nevada! ...no doubt, you voted for King Perry.....additionally, Texas is approximately 20 Billion in the hole!

Chilled, are you telling us that the great state of Texas that executes mentally retarded people are 20 billion in hole, that just can't be, that is a red state where they know everything there is about fiscal conservatism. looks like some body did not tell rich perry, i wonder if there will still secede.

You Betcha, Jeff!

King Perry uses bluster along with his 'shell game'. ....find the money....hide the money (stimulus)...then use it in various ways to hide the fact that Texas GOT the money!

Red State, ......indeed in the RED! King Perry for another 4 years, why secede now? He got the money!..gotta' conserve! lol

Jeff - both parties caused the problem.

The 1999 reform bill was dead because the House and Senate could not agree on a compromise. At that point the bill only contained partial repeal - NOT complete repeal of the Glass-Steagal act. They wanted finance to be able to grow in size to compete with the larger international finance groups in the world economy.

As I wrote, the bill was dead - until the democrats approached Phil Graham with a deal. If Graham included a CRA strengthening bill he would get democrat votes. The CRA bill attached stiffened penalties to lenders and lowered requirements to open owning a home to even worse applicants than before. Graham agreed and the Bill was passed by over 88% yea's in both houses.

Regulators came forward in 2003 and testified in congress that the terms were increasing the amount of bad loans and that the bad loans were "untrackable" in the system. Instead of being thanked for giving congress the "heads up" they were grilled, threatened with investigations, and called liars. The people doing the grilling were mainly democrats and a number of democrats. The democrast doing the grilling are in charge of congress - until jan 3, 2011. Two of the Republicans will be up for re-election in 2012 and 2014.

There were a number of bills in committees - only one emerged in 2006 where it lost in the senate 42 yea - 57 Nay. At the time the Republicans had 54 senators and no Democrats voted yea.

Wow the leftist wackos are still trying to spin everything. Unemployment 4.5% before the Pelosi dems took control of the house. Where are we now? Start spinning the facts. As for the Republicans taking the ball and running the government. How is that going to happen with the senate and White house still in the hands of the Big Government machine? Here is hoping that Obama decides to start to listen or at least finally meet the republican leader of the house for the first time since taking office. Start your spin machine. 2012 will be worse for the Dems since a large majority of senate positions up for election are Dems. I almost hope a Dem president wins election because when one party controls all the branches of government nothing good comes from it.

If the Republicans would stop crying, put on their big boy pants, and start trying to actually DO SOMETHING it would be a nice start.

They're like Statler and Waldorf sitting in the balcaony of the Muppet theater. Always something to say, but never under the hot lights doing the work.

I watched a little of coverage on MSNBC...no republican commentators only the usual. All I heard was laughing and talking about the debt ceiling...extremely hard to watch. Not sure how anyone can every single night. Would make me want to vomit.

A little historic reminder here, Reagan had only a 35% approval at his first mid term so I wouldn't put much stock in Obama's approval/disapproval number.

Jody: Excellent post. As for NJ, she is a fraud and has no class.

Two hundred million dollars a day for ten days.

Three, (or is it four? I keep hearing different numbers), tagalongs.

Do you people not get that Obama is running barefoot in our money, and has no clue that this kind of spending is indecent any time, let Aline in this kind of economy.

Oh, and Jody? That 35% number you keep touting was for a two week period- it. Ounces up from there. MAkes me think it was some bad polling, but the data seems not to be available. No wonder- it has been kind of a ling time.

Do yourself a favor. Recognize that Obama is no Clinton. He is Carter without the common sense. And, he is toast in '12.

"He is planning a ten day trip to the East, taking three or four thousand people with him, at a cost of $200million a day"

Serious ? Is this really true ? How can they justify this crap ! How many people in the United States do not have a job because of layoffs or company closings ? How many jobs is that ?

What can stop something so assinine as this ?

Boy, there is nothing in this world that can brighten NJ's day, is there? Nj, dear, you need to get over the idea that your ideal woman Clinton lost. Really, I am sure you can if you try.

That report came from Delhi so I'm guessing something is a little lost in translation. I'll wait for good old American style reporting for an accurate accounting (if it ever happens) before I jump on the bandwagon.

OK people, we are truning a corner here. Let's stop the old talking points and try to move this country forward. We have been listening to the BS for 2 years now, time to deceide if you are going to be part of the solution or continue to be part of the problem. You now have your second chance, let's see what you do with it. Will you help America move forward or will you continue to be obstructionists?

You have the ball so now choose?

America is watching

Angry, I think it is too late to stop this spending spree. The media could have stopped it dead in its tracks, had they reported on it.

They only report on things like this when it is a republican president, although, admittedly, no republican president would ever spend this lavishly on the people's dime.

Heck, I can remember when the media was obsessed about how much the taxpayers were spending on Reagan's JELLYBEANS. Obama's weekly Wednesday soirees, which include just enough cabinet members, SenTors, and/or representatives to qualify for taxpayer funding? Nary a word.

This, however, is so disgraceful that those in the media who have ignored it should turn in their press credentials. Let us hope the new congress cuts the heck out of the White House budget. We'll see if the Obama's live as large on their own dime.

No Joe. It was not for a two week period; Reagan's numbers remained low for a long time. As for your daily postings of hatred for President Obama, they say a great deal about you personally. The truth is that I feel sorry for you--I've known people like you, their world is a miserable place full of nothing but clouds and negativity. I am proud of the fact that President Obama, an intelligent man was elected and nothing you or any other conservative says, no matter how much hate you spew will change the fact that I am proud of President Obama's many accomplishments. Your cloud will not rain on me.

Unbelieveable... even with the wins last night... NJNB's still got her tin foil hat strapped on tightly... lol

Speaking of the media, here's the main point in E.J. Dionne's column this morning: "This election...is a setback for progressives, not a permanent defeat." OK fine, all things are possible and nothing is permanent. But with "setbacks" like yesterday, who needs massive defeats. More:

"Progressives believe in a government that promotes modestly more equality, regulates business in the public interest and sees public action as promoting American competitiveness."

There they go again, singing the same tune the day after that song was massively repudiated. Center-right America doesn't believe in those things, that's why the Dems lost bigtime. Because center-right America doesn't believe in the ability of government to do much of anything right. And we surely don't trust government interventions in either the economy or our daily lives to have the positive effects the practitioners advertise. Moreover, an activist government that "promotes" anything is by definition a big government that must be funded with large sums of money. Umm, most of us don't want that either as we've been telling anyone who's been listening for almost two years now.

But the left, as is their wont, just isn't listening. Better to be convinced of the righteousness of their path than to confront the reality of its utter rejection. So if E.J. has his way, we won't be seeing Obama making a Clintonesque move towards the center. That would be too bad for the Dems because they would just be laying the foundation to get swamped again in 2012. Maybe then they would finally learn to stop trying to impose their leftist vision on the rest of us.

Winning with class. I knew this thread would be here and I knew it wouldn't exhibit winning with class.

Thanks to all those Conservative posters who want to actually talk about how to create a functioning government out of Frankenstein we've created out of two parties, both of which have multiple factions. I may not agree with your politics but I can respect you as Americans. The others? not so much.

Winning with class

It doesn't come as any surprise for me...

They didn't have any class yesterday and even the victory last night isn't going to change a thing!

They're still classless...

I think it speaks volumes for what type of people they REALLY are!

NJ

He travels because he is the President of the United States. So many people travel with him because he has had more folks threaten his life than any other President in history. Before you think that is because his policy, the secret service had to do more hiring when he was a candidate because he shattered the record for death threats to a candidate. If you do not agree please present facts or even commons sense reasons as to why.

John, Jody, Fiesty, et ALS:

I will be here as often as I need to be, calling attention to things the paid propagandists who have replaced the professional journalists ignore.

Don't like it? Too bad.

As I have been saying for quite some time, the majority of the electorate agree with me, despite the media's complete abdication of their constitutionally protected duties.

How? Forums like this one. There are a lot more readers than posters. People like Bill in VA, Mixed Bag, and, perhaps, myself, fill in the gaps that the so called reporters have left gaping in their coverage of this president. So, maybe we influence the thinking of some of those readers.

That, of course, is exactly what you are worried about.

Bill,

I am not a (D) or an (R) I am very conservetive when it comes to my own house. I get much more liberal when it comes to me telling others how to live.

I believe in this day and age some great force is going to be in control of the United States. Don't let the world fool you, we are too big a pot of gold for us to be left alone as individual citizens. So it comes down to who you trust to be in control. Corporations, government or both (thank God our forefathers did away with religious rule immediately for our own sakes). Make no mistake, that is who we have to choose from. It may not be great but it is the truth. Which would you choose?

The balance of power in our beloved country sways back and forth between government and corporations, it will never be in the hands of the people alone again.

By the way I am a Christian, but I recognize how easily powerful people can use religion as a weapon instead of a way of life.

It doesn't come as any surprise for me...

They didn't have any class yesterday and even the victory last night isn't going to change a thing!

They're still classless...

I think it speaks volumes for what type of people they REALLY are!

Classless, eh? As classless as, you know, arbitrarily telling people posting on a blog they haven't got a right to interject their opinion? ;p

Anyhow, regarding Joe's claim about Obama's trip - can you support that? Links, proof, smoking guns, blood-stained gloves, etc.?

"I will be here as often as I need to be, calling attention to things the paid propagandists who have replaced the professional journalists ignore."

Strange, I didn't mention NJ, but apparently she recognized herself in my description.

E D

http://www.newsroomamerica.com/story/71497/obama's_mumbai_visit_to_cost_$200m_per_day:_report.html

Pretty sickening that none of the rest of the media will touch this, even after last night.

By the way, I was a little disappointed in you last night. Lol cows have nothing on lol cats. Much funnier. Much cuter. Certainly, much cuddlier.

I admit that lol-cats are cuter and cuddlier, certainly, but I've been on a kick contributing to Encyclopedia Dramatica in recent weeks and lol-cows provide better material. I was seriously looking forward to writing articles about Angle and O'Donnell, but it looks like I'll have to remain content with Rand Paul and Harry Reid - Reid, the cancer that's killing /nv/.

More to the point, if the sources for that article are accurate and true, I'm as appalled as I was when Nash pointed out what's going down with the Chamber of Commerce. If that dollar amount is a cost that comes solely from American rather than Indian treasure, I may need to re-double my efforts procuring tanks and anti-matériel rifles...

I am pretty sure it is all ours. Care to ponder the costs for the weekly parties? All that campaign travel?

Seriously, our best hope is that he gets mad and takes his bat and ball and goes home. Clueless Joe is not so clueless that he would indulge himself on the taxpayer's dime this extravagantly, acting, all the while, as though there was something seedy about questioning it.

@Fiesty - please get over it. The election was held and the nation did send a message to the progressives and the President. Be like Navy and take the high road.

The AstroTurf group presented a front that over-ruled the progressives. also keep in mind that this is only the beginning. If Dems and Republicans both do not accept the will of the people, then they will be voted out as the current crop was eliminated.

Please keep your childish comments regarding anyone who doesn't agree with you to yourself. Pop your popcorn and stuff you face. The world will be better off.

and Navy, as we move into December, those guys from Sodom on the Hudson will overtake and overcome those guys from Annapolis this year. Go Army!

because in the Republican world:

Up is Down

Grass is Purple

When they spend money it doesn't count

When they break it, it's the Democrats fault

They don't seem to understand REAL math

But they sure as hell know how to spin the truth and win elections - I will give them that much.

As a matter of fact,

I don't think either party knows how to do math,

Because when did overspending what you have, not keep you in debt?

How do you NOT stimulate with $800 billion dollars?

Why do you need another $50 Billion to "reconstruct" when the first $800 Billion was suppose to do those "shovel" ready projects?

So even if the grass is purple on the other side, the people are ultimately in charge, by using their right to vote. This time, they thought the country went too far one direction, and took it back. You never know what will happen in the next election.

When you water it down with tax cuts and actually think the party of NO will vote with you. My true disappointment in Pelosi/Reid/Obama is that they even bothered to TRY and garner Republican votes. If Repubs want to continue to bitch about having something shoved down their throats,...I would have actually liked to have lined up with the tamping rod and some MEANINGFUL legislation; with TEETH!

But that's not what we got, now was it?

Terrific post, IR.

Peace last night, the phone didn't ring every ten minutes, Chris Christi and Mitt Romney left me alone something they haven't done in a week--they robocalled me every other day.

The best robocall was from my democratic representation who won last night--more or less he said, I apologize for disturbing you because this probably the thousandth call you've gotten but it is important, please vote, I need your help to win and after tonight there will be no TV ads and no more calls. Vote.

IR - I don't have the view of the Blue Ridge that you do, but it was still a lovely morning this morning - as a lover of cold weather, I was very happy to have to root around in the trunk for my ice scraper to scrape the first frost off my car. Please don't take more than a day or two off; you're a much-needed voice of reason here when things get insane as I'm sure they will continue to do.

Jody - I agree - peace reigns once more! That in itself is reason to be happy this morning.

As for everything else, I can only applaud those of you who have already done such a great job of sorting it all out - my own thoughts are still pretty jumbled. One minute I've got so much to say that my train of thought keeps jumping off the tracks, and the next minute it seems like I have nothing left to say that hasn't already been said a thousand times. I salute everyone today who manages to be gracious in either victory or defeat, and can only hope that now that we've gotten the anger out of our systems, we can go back to being Americans first and find a way to get past the last several months.

Congratulations to all of the winners - not just the candidates, but the real winners - those who took advantage of their rights as Americans to go to the polls yesterday and make their voices heard. I hope those of you on both sides who actually have something of value to say keep saying it loud and strong. And then stop saying it long enough to listen to everyone else.

I wrote a while back that we can't demand of our leaders what we don't expect of ourselves. I believed that when I wrote it and believe it even more today.

JoAnne PA. Terrific post, I hope your last thoughts come true--it is the only way America can move forward. I'm not a big fan of cold weather, too many years in San Diego, but the cool weather of fall is fine with me.

The Democrats do not set the terms of success for the Tea Party. What we want is to stop big government! As long as the federal government stops expanding its power, spending, and expansion then the Tea Party will have been successful!

Do the dems set the agenda for the tea party, of course not, but we are going to hold them responsible for what they do. They campaigned on popular topics like reducing the deficit, more jobs in America, etc. Now they must live up to their rhetoric. Time will tell and America is watching.

Interesting words there...

We either come together and move all of America forward in the next two years...

The dems had all the marbles for the last 2 years. Wouldn't that pre-suppose that America had spoken then? That we wanted a liberal "moving forward" for the country? Why the sudden shift in attitude by the American people? Is it because even with the whole bag of marbles they still DIDN'T LISTEN TO THEIR CONSTITUENTS?

Also, "keep your promises"? Are you expecting that the reps aren't capable of doing so? The democrats are hit and miss on theirs (jobs, transparency, PAYGO - more of a law than a promise, etc).

You cannot move a country forward when one parties sole goal is the make the other party fail. Until that mentality goes away All Americans loose.

President Obama tried to get help from the Republicans and all he got was NO, NO, and hell NO. They even promised to help if they got things they wanted, President Obama said ok, and guess what, the Republicans still said NO.

Now you guys have a 20+ majority in the house. Let's see what you can do. Your move, choose it wisely.

Former USMC, look at his post. While it IS true that sixty three is more than twenty, do you honestly expect that someone who refers to the decisive rejection of democratic policies as a gain of twenty plus to be able to face the reality that democrats are no linger in charge?

Here is a clue- these people think the stimulus worked. Reality is not their strong suit. If you remember that the sky is plaid in Obamaland, you will never worry about taking them seriously again. The electorate sure doesn't.

Former USMC. No, democrats do not set the terms of success for the Tea Party, voters will--all voters not just those who think as they do. The goal of the TP may be to stop big government but they have yet to answer the tough questions or explain exactly what they mean by "big government". We need smart government in an interconnected world, and big or small is irrelevant.

You cannot move a country forward when one parties sole goal is the make the other party fail.

Are you bad at math? The dems had a super-majority in the Senate, a majority in the house, AND the guy who signs the bills into law in the White House. That's a virtual lock on getting anthing and everything they wanted passed. And yet they still had to gut their own health care bill as a "compromise". So either 1) the bill sucked and shouldn't have gone up, or 2) dems in general are bad at math.

You're trying to blame the reps when the dems can't even get their stuff straight.

Chef Darrel:

Joe Lieberman ain't a Democrat. Bernie Sanders ain't a Democrat. The Democrats never had 60 votes in the Senate.

Have a blessed day.

Nashville:

Name one time Sanders has voted with the Republicans on a Republican plan.

Lieberman caucus with the Dems.

Nash,

No thanks, I'm an athiest.

But if, by your statement, there are 2 indies in the senate...what if the reps pick up those last 3 seats, making the total 49-49-2. Who is the majority leader?

Just to be clear there are rules set up in the Senate that can keep bills from being moved forward regardless of how many votes you have. If a bill in never brought to a vote the numbers don't matter for either party.

Chef Darrell:

Whoever the "corporate people" say is the the majority leader, that's who.

P.S. What is the appropriate way to offer good will, peace, and benevolence to an atheist? :o)

InThe Middle:

The point (if you care) is that at no point did the Democrats have clear and uncontested control of the Senate.

You have a blessed day as well (or whatever means real, real good under your personal belief system).

Same BS, even when they win they are not happy. Too bad for America.

DNV,

Well I will tell you that I am happy, not because of all the elections are over. I love election years. But because I don't have to listen to the commercials bad mouthing each other, ruining an evening of TV. Also the radio ads. When we are writing those new laws about disclosure, we need to throw in 2 more items. 1). Each candidate is only allowed 1 TV & radio commercial per hour. They cannot have commercials during prime listening or watching times. (6am-9am & 7pm-10pm)

2). That stores cannot put out Christmas items until the day after Thanksgiving. Hey any bill can have an amendment:)

Nash,

Corporate people? So the republicans will have the majority leader in the senate as well?

As far as benevolence, good or nice or happy works.

Have a nice day, Nash :)

WAF, great post. I agree, there's no way cutting taxes will solve anything. I believe most voters would not mind paying more if it put us back on the road to surplus as Clinton did and paid down the debt.

Jody,

BUT, they have to do both SPENDING cuts and THEN increase taxes. I want to see real spending cuts. I have one that will save a couple Million a year. STOP making $1 notes and change over to coins. They have minted coins, but have kept making notes. The $1 note lasts about 6 months at most. A coin will last for decades. Also, consider to stop making the $5 note and change over to a coin. This simple thing will save the Treasury millions every year in printing notes AND it doesn't effect anyone in their day to day life. Sounds simple doesn't it??

But is it??

Uh, Jody? You seem to believe a lot of things that are not true.

Raising taxes in this economy would be even more disastrous than Obama's previous policies.and, yes, a lot of people WOULD mind.

Tell ya what, though. You, WAF, and any other of your liberal friends want to send in more taxes, the Treasury department will be glad to accept them.

Either put your money where your mouth is, or stop harping on raising taxes.

WAF;

I agree. There is no free lunch. They are going to be some really hard choices coming up, and soon. The question is are the Rebublicans going to lead or not?? Is it going to be the same old?

Boehner is all over the air waves this AM, even crying (Glenn Beck would be proud), and all he is talking about is repealing current legislation, The Health Care Reform, the Financial Reform, etc. The very same things that the US Chamber of Commerce and the "Special Interest Groups" have been pushing. I think the republican party is going to spend the first several months paying back their debt to these Special Interest Groups and the he!! with America. Not even 24hours after the election and that is what they are talking about. Not Jobs, Not lowering the deficit, Not lowering the National Debt.

WAF. I agree, spending cuts and tax increases. As for tax increases, those for the middle class must wait at least a year until the economy is more stable. Coins versus paper bills is something I hadn't thought about. That's the trouble, nothing is simple or easy.

No Joe. Why are you addressing your questions to me and not WAF? I was replying to WAF. I'm done talking to or commenting on what you have to say. Go find someone else to post your anti-Obama talking points. stts

Dear No Joe,

I doubt you could find enough in spending cuts to help balance the budget. You say I am a liberal, I am a fiscal conservative and Bush's tax cut in 2001 was irresponsible as we were starting to pay down the debt for a few years. I am still wondering where the crying was when the deficit started going up shortly there after.

They say my parents generation was the greatest generation as they sacrificed for decades through depression and a World War. I look at myself and others and younger generations and wonder what sacrifices we have made. Today we on average pay lower taxes proportionally than my parents did. Yet we all complain about paying too much. Well in the last 40 years we have rung up quite a bill and sometime we will need to pay the piper. "Ask not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee."

WAF, well said again!

I will repeat my previous statement-

You want to pay more in taxes, you Re free to do so. The Treasury will gladly accept any amount you wish to give.

Obama's indecent spending CAN be reversed. Just a reminder: he got left with a deficit of $1.3 trillion, of which 700 billion was TARP, which has been repaid. So, what did he do with that money? It is not a question he, or his supporters, want to answer.

Cut EVERY department by 20%. Across the board. Eliminate useless departments, consolidate others.

Unless and until you and the others who support raising MY taxes start ponying up, you can keep your hands out of my pockets, thank you very much. I don't steal from you, I will thank you to return the courtesy.

No Joe,

Please admit WAF is making sense here. If you want to retain any credibility you have to admit we need to pay for what we have all enjoyed. Just because the toy is broken now doesn't mean you don't have to pay for all the time you played with it.

Good common sense non-partisan post WAF please continue.

Dear No Joe,

AH a 20% across the board cut. Yes simple, practicle??? NO. I am going to cut 20% of your SS fund and cut 20% of your education funds, and cut 20% of you defense funds and 20% of your Medicare funds. Have I hit something you do not agree with?? If I did 3 of these 4 items total about 70+% of the budget. I could eliminate the FCC, FDA, EPA and another dozen alphabet soup organizations like the FBI, ATF and CIA and still not get a 20% reduction in overall spending. Don't forget that about a major portion of the budget is paying off the debt. Or else we defalt and the whole world will be in a major economic collapse or China just buys us out.

Question do you have 20% of waste in your personal budget that you could just cut out? I would suppose it is more in the area of 5%. And if you take that 5% and invest it, the better for you. I will admit the the government may have 10%, but that I feel would be generous, but then one mans waste is another mans necessity.

Do not say it is simple because it is not. Look at your own budget and see where you could cut 20%. I don't want to pay higher taxes, I want to invest for my retirement. But if the budget doesn't get undercontrol, will I have a retirement?

...I've definitely got wasteful spending in my personal budget somewhere in the neighborhood of 20%, at the very least. <_<

Damn those lesbians in bondage gear! Damn them to hell! >_>

By-the-by, anyone see anything counter-intuitive about forming a government agency to check and reduce waste at other agencies? Wouldn't it make more sense for each agency to conduct an internal audit and form their own policies?

Really, Tom? Let me show you some of the 'toys' I refuse to pay for:

Obama has a nine billion dollar program that sends home health aides to the homes of first time, low income mothers. Are they so poor they cannot afford mothers of their own?

He has increased the number of government workers by 20%. I do not want to pay them. Cut them loose.

There are, currently, an indecent number of White House, Congressional, and Senate aides who owe a little over one billion dollars in back taxes-I posted the list a few weeks ago. I want them to pay up, or get fired. Like, now.

Oddly enough, I never get invited to the Wednesday White House soirees-even though I have to pay for them. Inwant that budget cut to zero. Let them pay for their own parties.

I am not a member of the 47% who not only do not pay taxes, but get welfare in the form of refundable tax credits. So, let them keep the money they earn- but no more giving them MINE.

You want to pay more taxes? Good. Join Jody, WAF, and anybody else whom chooses to volunteer to pay more than they owe.

But keep your hands out of my pockets.

I get your point No Joe but what WAF is saying it is not easy. Can't you agree that it is not easy? You are not the only one paying taxes. I too get upset about paying the way for others. Then I think about what I am paying for. If you honestly believe our country is great, do you believe it would still be great if we paid no taxes.

If we put your "policies" into place what would the consequences be? The first time low income mother aid you are talking about is about starving kids. The key is first time not women who are having baby after baby to game the system. I am no bleeding heart by any means but I am not prepared to call this country great if we allow our children to starve. It is cute to joke around and act as if these numbers don't represent real people but the truth is they do.

Lastly, please stop acting as if travel, parties, security and house functions are new to the white house. If you think for one second the Obama family love having people come over every night you should try it for a month. I know "that's what he signed up for" but please don't make it sound like a college kegger. If it was an option I am sure they would take more nights of sleep over another "soirees". There is a reason our Presidents age so much while in office. The stress of having to be perfect at all hours day or night is apart of that. It is we the populace that demand it.

The toy I was speaking of is all the benefits the last two generations have enjoyed. We have allowed our leaders (D) and (R) to spend on a credit card for over a decade now and it is time to pay the bill.

You may not be able to have an across the board cut of 20%, but several things could be cut. Starting with non-military federal employee wages. Which are double what the private sector average wage is.

Federal employees average $123,000 in wages and benefits per year--there are around 1,430,000 federal employees. Which leads this past year to $175,960,070,000 in federal employee salaries and benefits. The average wage without benefits is $62,000 per year. So their benefits are around $61,000 per year.

If federal employees pay in taxes the following percentages, they still don't pay in enough to cover their salaries.

@20%--pay $12,400 per employee--$1,773,200,000

@25%--pay $15,500 per employee--$2,216,500,000

@30%--pay $18,600 per employee--$2,659,800,000

That is just on their average wage, not their benefits package that goes along. Federal employees are paid with taxpayer dollars, so we should be their bosses. Therefore we should be able to reduce their salaries by a percentage. And to top it off, President Obama has requested a 1.4% raise for all federal employees that are not appointed. That may not seem like a lot--but it comes out to be $1.24 billion dollars, and that is just on wages, not benefits.

Cutting federal employee salaries by the following % would save the following amounts.

@5%--federal employees would lose $3100 per year--but save taxpayers $4,433,000,000

@10%--federal employees would lose $6200 per year--but save taxpayers $8,866,000,000

@15%--federal employees would lose $9300 per year--but save taxpayers $13,299,000,000

@20%--federal employees would lose $12,400 per year--but save taxpayers $17,732,000.000

Even if they were to lose 20% of their salaries, the average federal employee would still make $50,000 per year, which is still $13k above the average private sector wage, and that is not taking anything away from their benefits package.

And then cut the salaries or part of the benefits of the elected officials, because that job can't be so attractive that you would spend $150,000,000 of your own money to get a 200K job if there were not kick backs somewhere down the line.

I agree there should be cuts, but start with 5%, and then start compromising.

I will say this again BB. Some of those people are hard working folks like you and me. Why would we start cutting the salaries and benefits of our neighbors first? They go to work and try to raise families just like the rest of us. Now the elected officials is another story. If you want real meaningful cuts you should look into government contracting. Companies rise and fall of a solid government contract.

Tom,

I don't mean to be mean, but here is a group of people that make twice as much as a private sector worker, on taxpayer dime. Their benefits and retirement make private sector jobs look terrible. And why should the taxpayers, most of whom don't work for the federal government have to pay someone else twice what they make. Should we all just get federal jobs? Tax and pay ourselves. Why should they get a pay increase even? Shouldn't they at least freeze pay for federal employees until the unemployment rate is below 5%? That would save over a billion a year.

Everyone is looking for cuts, federal employees are paid by the taxpayer, they should have to suffer when the rest of us do, correct? They still get paid, raises, great benefits, and 10% of Americans are unemployed, and who is footing the bill. And besides, federal employee compensation is up over 33% since 2000, while private sector compensation is up only 21%--why are federal employees getting 12% more on average?

Give line item veto to the president, make him do the job of cutting pork, although not a ton of money, but a "dollar saved is a dollar earned". Cut the federal budget in 1/2 or 3/4 in the foreign aid area, this budget is asking for 41 billion in foreign aid. 20 to 30 billion saved right there. Maybe fix some roads with that money.

Everyone wants to talk cuts, but no one wants to really cut anything because they are scared for the political careers.

Cut government contracts, allow non union companies to bid or get the jobs. Whatever it takes to cut costs, and lower my taxes. (being selfish there)

I always read comments and most times not give an opinion even when I am dying to. But this is too much...

No joe.......Can't you come up with ideas to cut costs without doing it on the backs of the poor?

Obama has a nine billion dollar program that sends home health aides to the homes of first time, low income mothers. Are they so poor they cannot afford mothers of their own?

For you to ask such a question makes me wonder. Under what rock did you crawl from? Are mothers for sale now? I am sure you are one of those pro-lifers who want these women to have the kids and then say, now go to hell, now that the kid is here. Just do what you can to keep them alive, so they can give their life in the next war. Ok we saved 9 billion and lost a fair amount of jobs. We are on our way to recovery.

There are, currently, an indecent number of White House, Congressional, and Senate aides who owe a little over one billion dollars in back taxes-I posted the list a few weeks ago. I want them to pay up, or get fired. Like, now.

Wow a whole billion..

Oddly enough, I never get invited to the Wednesday White House soirees-even though I have to pay for them. Inwant that budget cut to zero. Let them pay for their own parties.

Going forward the white house should invite everyone to their "soirees", it will be then less costly. If not, I suppose all presidents will go to work during the day and hang out in the basement looking on the walls for entertainment, since we are paying them millions to be POTUS. We should put a sewing machine for them to sew clothing while they're down there, so we can start competing with the Chinese and claim the POTUS is helping the country by working for nothing and producing something.

I am not a member of the 47% who not only do not pay taxes, but get welfare in the form of refundable tax credits. So, let them keep the money they earn- but no more giving them MINE.

Of course when there is a problem with spending, go after the poorest in the country. I am sure you are ok with giving welfare to the top 2% and the major corporations, but no, kick the poor and their children out of their homes so you can sell it and claim "more for me". I am sure you want YOUR money to pay welfare to the rich when they claim their 'write-offs' and use their loopholes, since there is no benefit to the poor.

But keep your hands out of my pockets.

Believe me, your pockets are obviously not that deep. What YOU pay in taxes is probably what went toward the corporations that shipped job overseas. You obviously do not have a problem with that. I want them to use mine to pay for those things that are choking you. They can continue to keep their hands in MY pockets.

BTW, now that you have supposedly cut say 9bil. from the poor+ 1bil from senate aids =10 bil..........Increase the POTUS salary to say 2 mil annually ( that's a lot less than most CEO's) then he can pay for his soirees (you still would not be invited.) How much would you want from the poorest 47% of this country? Add those up and tell me about the huge dent this will make in the deficit.

Fletch2,

It is easy to comment on what people think should happen, but where are your ideas for cutting government waste. A billion dollars paid in back taxes along with fines would help out 1000 schools, with upgrades. Or even pay the Prez an extra $2 million so that he can have his friend over and blame everyone else for the problems. I don't see those folks, like Sir Paul, helping out just a whole lot. That's right, he is a foreigner. At least he used to be, is he a legal citizen of the United States? I really don't know.

You and all the liberals on here need to come up with some ideas also. We are willing to talk about anything. The war thing, a little tiresome, Democrats have controlled the Senate for 4 years now, why haven't they pulled us out. They have the purse strings to the government. Yes, I am for ending the wars, but since you all have had the power, what have you done, keep fighting?

The tax system needs to be reformed, SS needs reformed, Medicaid/medicare reformed, federal employee decreases, elected officials salary reduced, and wasteful spending throughout needs to be cut. But where are the ideas from the Left?

As for the low income mothers, I would rather give them birth control implants than to have children running around that parents can't and won't take care of. I think it would be cheaper in the long run. At least until they get their education where they have an opportunity to get a job.

BigBear,

You comments are right. What is upsetting is that the same person who is very conservative when it's not their issues are suddenly liberals when it applies to them or theirs.

There are so many things at need to be cut and streamlined. Some of the things I mentioned, were said with a lot of sarcasm. There is so much waste in this country, it's not funny. I really wish the POTUS would do one of the things he said he would, that is going line by line on bills and cut out the waste.

I am not too concerned about the past, as much as I am about what we need to do to fix our present situation. We are simply wasting time and money, complaining about who did what when, rather than concentrating what we need to do now. If our elected officials did their jobs, stop trying to pull each other down and put the people first, this would and could once again become the great country we held ourselves up to be.

The Democrats could have done a lot more. The Republicans should have focused more on the people rather than the President. The wars should have been over. No one should be concerned about a win or loose at this point. We should not have had both wars since Saudis/al quida attacked us and we went to Iraq and Afghanistan. Having said that we need to help them get back to whatever normal is and get out.

I hope things change with the changes on the hill. Everyone need to work together and forget the partisan politics. I hope we don't have more of the same, where now the republicans say yes and the democrats say no, or block for payback and once again we are left hanging. It would be smart to cut salary and benefits for elected officials, since most of them are willing to spend millions to try and gain power.

I do not consider myself a liberal or conservative. I will vote for the person who will do whats best for the country regardless of party affiliation. I am very conservative in my personal life but understand not everyone is as fortunate ,therefore I am more liberal towards others. I think we should live within our means and not have children we cant afford. But if they are already here the least we can do is help them since they are the country's future.

BTW....Neither party has come up with any ideas on what to cut, they just duck and cover.

WTG - Bigbear and Fletch...I am actually impressed. BB thanks for at least throwing out some ideas. So many times people say "where would you cut?" but they don't offer any ideas. It is hard to put your thoughts and ideas out there pretty much knowing you will be slammed. Fletch, I appreciate that although you didn't particularly appreciate all of BBs ideas you acknowledged that at least they were ideas.

I really believe that if our elected officials would have that same give and take we could finally get somewhere. Bottom line is that both Democrat and Republicans have behaved horribly. I actually suggested on another thread that maybe they both needed a time out to think about their behavior. Lol Hopefully, these newly elected officials will take a cue from BB and Fletch.

Yes, Frank, you beat me hands down. I think I will begin looking for your crystal ball and is works better than mine. Congratulations on your many victories...but 2 years will be here before you know it.

I hear ya Ron...the way elections and campaigning go these days, I wouldn't be surprised to start seeing ads for 2012 in December. ;-)

The interesting thing about 2012 is that I believe, and I could be wrong on this, that the Dems will have more territory to "defend" at least in the Senate. It'll be interesting to see how that works out. Two years will be here before you know it...that is absolutely true...but it's also a loooooooong time in the world of politics where a heck of a lot can happen. The economy could be humming or it could be sputtering...I certainly hope for the former!

The election is over, people have won or lost. The electorate put the Republicans in charge of the House, and I am quite sure that the leadership recognizes its obligation to work with the other side of the aisle for the common good. I am sure that the first thing that will happen is a meeting with all concerned to talk about how to move the country forward and solve some of the problems we have. So the best of luck to the new members in Congress, and to all of us as a country. We are all one country and this continued divide cannot be good for anyone. I am sure that all of you wish President Obama well, as I wish the new leadership in the House well. That is how healing starts. But, I am off to school with my collie, will read with interest the reactions to this election.

Frank: You are ahead of me. As yet I have no idea what states will be in play in 2012. I know MA will be up, so Scott Brown will have a new challenger...and I suspect Russ Feingold will run in 2012 for Wisconsin's other senate seat. You are also correct that two years is a long time in the world of politics.

BTW, just askin, With the many Tea Party wins, do you see Palin running in 2012? The day she resigned her Governor's seat, I was pretty sure she would run.

Ron...Something tells me that she'll throw her hat in the ring. I really truly hope that she doesn't. Because if she wins the nomination, the landslide will be insane against the GOP. It'll make 1984 look tame. (OK...I was a little kid, but I can read history books!) ;-) I would hope that GOP primary voters would have the good sense not to nominate her...but after seeing GOP primary voters cost us Senate seats in DE, NV, and maybe CO, I can't be sure. It'll be interesting to see who's star rises on the GOP side.

You were a kid in 1984. I keep forgetting. In my first election I voted for Goldwater. I know, hard to believe. If Palin gets the nomination, and I think she might, she could go down harder than Goldwater. As far as stars rising in the GOP, their history is to selected someone they know well and "safe", like Bush or Dole or McCain. It will indeed be fun to watch.

In my part of Iowa, we re-elected two democratic representatives, Braley and Loebsack.

I forgot to add that I predicted Braley, Loebsack, Branstad (ugh) and Grassley (double ugh) would win. I missed on the number of GOP House seats won by a huge margin but I think I was close on the Senate.

My first election, I actually voted for Richard Nixon who turned out to be a crook! No doubt republicans on this site think I've always been a tree hugging liberal but not true but of course, pre-Reagan republicans were actually forward thinking and responsible.

Frank, Alex Sink just conceded to Rick Scott.

I only wish it had been McCollum. . .

Hey NJNB...

I was wondering when that would happen. I voted for McCollum in the primaries to no avail. I think that if he had run, this race wouldn't have been very close. I still voted for Scott, but didn't feel quite as good doing it.

Interesting night all around. Still several Senate races and governor's races to be decided.

Let's keep the momentum going. (Just make sure Sarah Palin is NOT our nominee in 2012).

Frank, I do not see Palin making more than a token bid. She is making a bundle, has a voice, and a serious run would put a crimp in her lifestyle.

I also do not see Huckabee running.

Keep your eye on Mitch Daniels. He seems to want to be drafted- I am willing to serve on the dreaft board. He has the strategy and the results to get the deficit under control and the economy moving. Does he lack charisma? So whT. I think the electorate has had a super sufficiency of a president better suited to Hollywood than D.C. We would like substance and competence now, thank you very much.

NJNB...yeah...I'd like to see someone outside of the crew that ran for the nomination in 2008. Mitch Daniels is one possibility. It'll be interesting to see if your governor, Gov. Christie, makes a bid for it. Funny how already, people are talking about Sen. Elect Marco Rubio being on the list of VP candidates for 2012. Bit early for that I think. Let's get some new names in the nomination battle!

You know who might be making a run, Habour from Mississippi. I am gonna have to do some research on him, I just don't know how he would be helpful to education in this country, since they are like 50th in every category.

Another scary name is Newt--has he been waiting all these years for this moment in time?

One that might not be too bad, Owens--I think, former governor of Colorado.

Just a few names to throw out to you all, sorry to jump in.

Well said, Pietro. The ball is in their court, they must now face the hard choices and make the decisions.

Pietro,

You'd probably be happier here in Ca, and I'd probably be happier there today, given that neither of our respective political parties won in our respective states.

As I said some time ago, with the win in the House, the Republicans now have the responsibility to govern, not oppose. I think the takeaway from last night really should be that we as a nation spoke fairly loudly, and that is really incumbent (no pun, really) upon all of our politicians to hear what was said. Whether you like the outcome or not, it is in place for the next two years, let's all try to make the best of it. I think you might be overstating "mandate", the Republicans (my opinion) don't have a mandate, they have an opportunity to show what, if anything , they've learned from being out of power. As the elections happen every two years, and as the recent elections have shown, being out of touch with the electorate is a bad thing for politicians. The Republicans have two years in the House, nothing is promised after that.

I had a bet with myself this morning about the tone here, I was anticipating quite a bit of acrimony and gloating from opposite sides of the spectrum, disappointed that I was correct, I'd have rather lost that bet.

Living in LA - you are probably correct in your assessment. Here in Ohio, Rob Portman is now a senator and Tom Strickland is struggling against John Kasich. Zack Space lost (no big surprise here), as he was a Blue Dog.

Strangely, I am not upset about what is going on in Ohio. That just means that if things do not go well for the populace here, then there is no one to blamce but themselves. Besides, Ohio is a very RED state and their voting patterns rarely change.

No excuses though - and I congratulate the winners.

As far as a 'mandate' is concerned - I am not so sure that word is NOT representative of what the people have voted for. The Senate is almost evenly matched, so I think that choice of words was appropriate.

As far as the gloating that is going on here - I say let them gloat. I say let them enjoy their victory and savor the sweetness of that victory. I do not begrudge them at all because when it is all said and done, we are ALL Americans.

Once the celebrations are over, there is work to be done. We will see how well the GOP governs over the next 24 months.

Thanks, Living in LA for your post.

drive-by-observer

What do John Boehner and Glenn Beck have in common?

Blubber.....sob... I can't...... sob, boo hoo......I can't tell....boo hoo......you.....

Acutally, I should be kind to them. When I was younger, I used to get falling-down drunk, and start yammering nonsense and getting all tearry-eyed, too.

That is too funny; drive-by-observer. Thanks for making me laugh this morning.

However, you did miss one other fundamental similarity. They both get paid to shrill for the Koch brothers and multi and global corporations. Fox News hate-talker Glenn Beck is a representative of the corporate elite. Glenn Beck hosted an on-air fundraiser, asking his audience to give to the Chamber.

http://blogs.alternet.org/speakeasy/2010/10/20/health-insurance-banking-oil-industries-met-with-koch-chamber-glenn-beck-to-plot-gop-wins-in-2010-election/#more-18207

I'm just wondering is the tan man going to be boo-hooing should he need to past out lobbyist checks on the House floor? After all, it's a sign of his work paying off.

No, Pat, we are not "back" to being a center right country, we always were a center right country.

Even Obama recognized that, hence he ran as a centrist, which was a walking, talking lie that the media did not expose.

This made the electorate angry, and they showed it last night.

no joe? We were always a center right country? Did you see what this country fell into under a center right President for eight years?

President Obama wasn't elected because he was center right. Neither was Bill Clinton or Al Gore, who won the popular vote. Or John Kerry, who may have won as well but with the center rights in this country we'll never know. They have a bad habit of stealing elections.

I wasn't particularly angry at the polling station yesterday. Mildly bemused, sure, but hardly mad. Perhaps that's part of our problem, eh? I am rather sad to see Feingold gone - I don't think he deserved to lose his race. It seems that came about solely because he had the unfortunate fate to be an incumbent in an anti-incumbency election season.

Strange that Feingold would lose and yet the likes of Reid would prevail. Ah well.

Kyle, do you really think Chuck Todd is a liberal? I've never noticed that.

No, it didn't get lost yet, good thoughts to you! Dems may have lost last night but never count us out.

Not so fast. I thought this meant we were a horrible, fascist, nazi nation now? The thing is, I didn't see any swastikas hanging from my neighbors flagpoles this morning.

Coons was a great candidate?...lol...Now that is funny. O'Donnell still got 40+% of the vote even with the media beating her up daily.

ITM: I see Perry won. Lol. You really know how to pick 'em in Texas. Perry? What a joke.

Pat, our only other option here was Bill White and, unless you were living in Houston the past eight years, you don't know jack about the race in Texas. Perry was far and away a better choice, even if that isn't saying much for either candidate.

ITM, I don't know about you, but Coons seems the better option than a woman who thinks legislating against masturbation is somehow a good thing, let alone keeping in any kind of standing with the GOP/Tea Party's repeated proclaimation of shrinking the size and role of government - unless, of course, the collective nickname for their dicks' IS "government."

Pat, really sad that King Perry won last night! Let the secession begin, guess Texas will be leaving the United States any day now! I gotta get my passport! lol

ITM as I recall lives in the district of the former 'Hammer' of the House, so his views are slightly warped....

How's the trial going for Delay in the lefty-liberal Austin, Texas!

CU Farley-

You can read anything you want into the election, but I think most people would say that last night's results have a lot more to do about the economy than whether or not people identify themselves as republicans or democrats. With the unemployment rate hovering near 10%, whichever party would have been in power would have suffered losses. You seem to have a very short-term memory.... the same electorate that you claim 'doesn't like lefties' is the same electorate that kicked the Republicans out of office the previous two elections.

America doesn't like FAR lefties. Democrats are one thing. The nation thought Obama was a plain ol' Dem and he and many others were elected. When it became apparent that he is a FAR lefty (which many of us already figured out), the electorate became dissatisfied.

Jeff T;

Good point. The exit polls showed that 65% would have favored throwing both candidates out. This is a referendum on our Political Environment which is broken. The American people do not really like or trust either party.

113 Tea Party canidates have been successful in their bids for election. I want to see how the Republican Party is going to control them.

Times are a changing, let's hope for the best.

So before yesterday, how many bills passed the house and are languishing in a democrat controlled senate? But that's the republicans fault too, right?

Chef Darrell. The bills are languishing in the Senate because republicans have placed holds on them, blocked even bringing them to the floor for discussion. Now, that's not the democrats fault--that is the fault of a broken senate with rules that are in direct opposition to the Constitution's majority rule. Want to get back to the Constitution, start there, eliminate the filibuster, eliminate arbitrary and anonymous holds on legislation and on presidential nominees. Put the Senate back in the power of the majority because the majority. I support this regardless of which party is power. Not all government is broken but the Senate is.

I can agree with that. Bring a bill up, debate it, vote on it, move on. I have zero problems with that method of legislation.

Thing is, it works well in the house, but the senate is another beast. If the senate is treated just like the house, why have it at all?

Just a word from the United Kingdom http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1711361136602931302# This is how wee feel ,are we like the Tea Party ???

Patrick-

the past 18 months have seen some huge legislative accomplishments. This past Congress has been one of the most productive in recent history. Health Care Reform, Financial Reform, a myriad of bills passed to incentivize business growth... The Stimulus Bill, etc etc etc. Whether you agree with what has been done legislatively is obviously a matter of opinion, but I don't think anyone can argue that Congress hasn't gotten a lot done.

Jeff-

My point was that anything that got done was done without any help from republicans. Now that they have control, it will be very difficult to pass anything done that will help the American people.

And they will not pay a price because pundits like Chuck will have their backs.

I don't think Chuck Todd is making excuses for anyone, he's just pointing out the reality of the situation. The Republicans still have a foil if things don't get better with them in control of the House.

If the Economy DOES improve, which I think is unlikely before 2012, they can claim credit because they have control of the house. If the economy doesn't improve, they can still blame the Senate and Obama for the lack of progress. This is the reality of the new dynamic on Capital Hill. Be prepared to see most of the Republicans continue to sit on their hands waiting for the next election.

That was just what the doctor ordered this morning Nash! *applauds*

Perfect Nashville. I'll be rolling up my sleeves but we'll need the muddy tennis shoes because the car will be back in the ditch in about 6 months.