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Subscribe to RSSWhile Mitt Romney and Tim Pawlenty have said nice things about the House GOP budget plan -- but still slightly distance themselves from it -- Rick Santorum is embracing it fully. His statement today:
"At a time when our country faces debilitating debt and spiraling deficits, the U.S. Senate chose political maneuvering over voting for real progress in supporting the FY 2012 budget. Chairman Ryan's budget presented some of the most thoughtful and realistic solutions for getting our country's fiscal house back in order, and yet Democrats and even some in my Party chose to close the door on fiscal sanity. I hope conservatives will not be discouraged by last night's vote and continue to propose solutions that will reform our entitlement programs so that we can really achieve a fiscally responsible federal government."
Last week, Jon Huntsman said he backed the House budget plan, without any qualifications.
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Santorum just guarantee that he will not be elected President. Another one bites the dust.
Santorum & embracing in the same sentance...
Why does that give me a case of the *skeevies*?
Even after the results in NY, most of the Senate Republicans voted for the Ryan plan. Is their fear of the base that strong or am I missing something?
That decision is the deathknell both for the plan and Santorum's aspiriations.
You can kiss off Huntsman too.
I'm loving it.
Steeler Fan-380417
Even after the results in NY, most of the Senate Republicans voted for the Ryan plan. Is their fear of the base that strong or am I missing something?
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I think you are.
Yesterday, the Obama budget was defeated 97 to 0 yesterday. Not a single democrat voted for it and yes, I understand that Obama has called for more cuts and will introduce another budget proposal. Since this was a symbolic vote anyway, why not support the bill as a show of solidarity with the President? This way it looks like even his party doesn't support it. Perception is everything. Adding more cuts later would have been the cherry on the cake for the dems.
The GOP took its lumps yesterday and still continues to argue among themselves. The difference is that the GOP fights and then unites and sticks to their talking points, offense. The dems fight and fight and never reconcile, defense.
Been that way forever. The dems are their own worst enemy.
While the deficit and debt were not major topics of the 2010 campaign, it's clear that the 2012 campaign will feature the subject far more prominently.
However, the ultra-right ideology of the Ryan budget also guarantees the debate will become even more focused on the role government in society, using Medicare as the vehicle for discussion.
It will be interesting to challenge the various GOP/TP candidates about not only Medicare - they will all LIE about what the Ryan plan proposes - but also the EPA, Departments of Labor, Energy, and Education, Pell grants, National Institutes of Health and the CDC, and much more.
One by one, these characters are going to have to face the horrible realities - they can't back the Ryan plan much beyond its name, or else continue to give voters additional reasons to dismiss them.
Santorum didn't have much of a chance to start with. He'll skim a fair number of votes from Romney and Pawlenty, and further dilute primary/caucus support for all candidates. No Republican, going into the general election, will have much of a committed voter base on which to build.
And further, as this madhouse circus continues, watch former GOP voters re-register independent - and give their votes to viable Democratic Party alternatives.
No kidding. When the car payment's due, ask the boss for a decrease in pay!
The biggest difference was that Obama's proposal was made up of a dozen cuts that have already been approved so the vote was basically to get outdated paperwork out of the way. The White House had already begun a new proposal so why bother.
Democrats have taken their lumps over the economy
Republicans have not even begun to realize the loss they have engineered against themselves
So 97-0, Obama finally gets unanomous "support" from the Senate.
So really my fine libbie friends - the Senate just literally thumbed its collective nose at Obama's budget. Reid has said there will be no senate democrat budget. Obama igores his own debt commissin, and Ryan's budget will kill grandma.
So what you all got cooking?
Or do any of you really believe all is well, the entitlement programs are sound and nothing needs to be done?
Good times.
Oh, and what's up with Schultz? What a monkey.
Bo-1925019
Republicans have not even begun to realize the loss they have engineered against themselves
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You would think so but then again how do you explain how Bush got re-elected with an unpopular war and a failing economy?
Bo-1925019
The White House had already begun a new proposal so why bother.
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As I said earlier, perception is everything. It was a symbolic vote, absolutely meaningless except to show who was for or against the budget proposals. It was never going to pass the House. Show the support and add to the momentum built up by the NY-26 win, killing OBL, etc.
Ahhh, Drive By - you buy your cars on credit?
How sad.
Good luck with that raise thing, though.
Still waiting to hear the Democrats proposal to save Medicare. One of the hopes of ARRA was that unemployment would not go above 8%. Another was that GDP would grow at between 3% and 4% between 2010 and 2013. Today's figure of 1.8% is a big disappointment. Again one of the hopes of the democrats is that we can grow the economy enough so that they don't have to make hard choices on SS and medicare. Doesn't look like that hope will be realized.
This is an analysis of the "Peoples" Budget that questions some of their assumptions. Apparently, they claim that a shift of $1.7T in defense spending to infrastructure investment is all investment. Somehow, nothing spent on defense is considered investment it is all consumption.
blogs.reuters.com/james-pethokoukis/2011/05/09/the-fantastic-assumptions-of-the-the-peoples-budget-by-house-democrats/
Surprise...no. there goes another presidential hopeful. it's well know that republicants have no solution/s whatsoever to our economy impasse.
spanky
what's the way out for your sheepish leaders? this is a train wreck.
Groucho---I saw the Dems actions yesterday as saying--if you Republicans (who don't control the Senate) want to "get back" at us for forcing you to vote on YOUR party's proposed budget by bringing to a vote the President's outdated butget--go for it, it won't work. They were saying they've moved past this budget and will vote for an updated budget when it is presented.
Steeler Fan-380417
Read your post and may I suggest you read Spanky's posts and then extrapolate how many more people will have the same reaction. Perception! Like Obamacare, Medicare, Death Panels, Job Killing...
The argument is how you frame it .
Sheepish leaders Puis?
At this point it could be a goat and it will not matter. The only thing that matters is the economy.
Durable goods, down. Real estate in toilet. Unemployment up.
It's bad. Politics is fun and all, but unless something changes very soon it ain't going to matter who gets elected.
Groucho - especially when you are in the argument business. Which is all politics really is.
Groucho--I am totally disgusted by the "parliamentary" games played by both the Democrats and the Republicans. That the Senate is hamstrung by arcane rules and that both parties spend more time on form rather than substance is ridiculous. I was just trying to decipher what each side might have been thinking as they played these games.
How about just taking the simple route and only buying a car you can afford... one that limits the payment to something that is already within your means?
Don't buy a Cadillac when all you can afford is a Kia!
"Oh, and what's up with Schultz? What a monkey."
No sh!t, sherlock. I mean, the goofball actually apologizes for being an obnoxious ass, unlike that dee-lightful Mr Limbaugh.
Oh, and please copy and past the line where I said I paid for cars with credit, would you? I seem to have missed my comment that said that.
I agree, first Huntsman, now Santorum. It looks like Romney will be the GOP nominee.
Iowa will be further diminished as a harbinger for the GOP. It's right wing fundamentalists have doomed it to being skipped by any but the true crazies.
On that note, Sarah Palin's new movie will open soon in Iowa. I wonder if she'll draw as many viewers as Justin Bieber's movie did. :D
Ahhh, Drive By - you buy your cars on credit?
How sad.
Good luck with that raise thing, though.
For somebody in the argument business, this sounds like a good argument for dems, you Spanky are evidently smarter or luckier than most by placing yourself in the top 2%, because everybody else takes a car loan. You intentionally hurt our feelings and denergrate us because we are not millionares like you - "good luck with your sad little lives". This is the argument that right wrong or indifferent will drive people away from the republicans. You make the argument as well as it can be made Spanky. As democratic victories pile up in future elections you can take credit for being the smartest (and richest) guy in the room who made the winning argument.
Yes, Mr Santorum. I think you should stand firmly behind Mr Ryan's plan. I think ALL your cohorts and fellow canditates should, as well. Stick to your guns, I always say!
Absolutely. Firmly behind. LoL
Alla Baba and the 40 idiots. These clowns all voted for Ryan's budget. They better hope that they don't have anyone over 55 living in their State.
I think Texas Governor Rick Perry should listen to Rush Limbaugh and run for President. Maybe Todd Palin can be his VP on a secessionist ticket. Yee-haw!
And yet not a single senator, or even a single democrat voted for Obama's budget.
Yep - it's only the republicans that are idiots/clowns.
So predictable you all are.
Why? Under the Ryan plan, how will Medicare change for those 55 and older?
Don't forget anybody under 55.
It's going to be interesting to see what Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid cooks up for a budget. He has to have something his majority party can agree to, correct? We know what the Senators are against (everything apparently), it's a mystery about what they are for.
Must have been that trip to Northern California that finally made you see the light. ;-)
The truth and the math of the Medicare situation is that something needs to change for the Medicare program for those under 55. Those in that group can be given a choice - either opt into the Ryan voucher plan, or increase their contributions to Medicare. The only other choice for them is to purchase their own private insurance.
Sure. That's exactly what republicans say NOW, while they're pandering for support from the 55-and-older base by driving the wedge between them and everyone else. But if Newt Gingrich has taught us anything, it's that conservatives can change their minds in a hurry.
What's the moral? Seniors, don't be distracted by shiny objects. You're not really safe. If republicans actually do take over in 2012, then look out.
In this same regard, you might be interested to know that in Wisconsin, after having originally exempted police and firefighter unions from the collective bargaining bill -- a strategy that proved to be unsuccessful in driving the hoped-for wedge there -- Governor Walker has now introduced legislation calling for their collective bargaining rights to be stripped as well. I guess all those considerations that he cited for exempting them in the first place no longer apply 3 months later.
So, we should trust republicans to maintain seniors' benefits as previously promised?
Not hardly.
AM - interesting thing is Sacramento is controlled by very progressive dems. Even they, or perhaps especially they, understand that Cali is DOOMED.
They are very, very sad/angry/upset that there is just nothing that can be done to fix it any more. All they hope for now is a federal bailout.
But don't fret - you all will soon get to be in the same place and share our fun.
Good times for all.
The legislation for the House budget, which includes Medicare not changing for those 55 and older, has been voted on, approved, and sent to the Senate. No one has changed their mind. It's only in your fantasy world that you construct around yourself where is seems anything you image is the truth. But in reality, what you're saying is a lie.
More scare tactics from the Left as in "Look out, look out, there's a boogieman chasing you!" Grow up Annie.
Maybe we should trust the Democrats plan. Oh wait, they don't have one.
JAS1, yesterday called and wanted you to know that the Senate voted no to this piece of garba...legislation. And there are four republicans that would beg to differ with your second assertion.
Sorta like the "Death Panels" tactics used by the repukelicans during the health care debate. Can't stand being one-uped can you?
JoAnnaSmith1 ... There is no promise in the budget that medicare will stay the same for those over 55. However, the most damning thing is that medicaid comes to an end immediately under Ryan's plan. So, all of those who are in nursing homes, children and the very sick would lose their medicaid and have no other options.
I think we conservatives should use cute little names for our libbie friends (like they use for us).
You know... names like dumbocrats, democants, dem-over-dare-ocrats, debacle-ocrats, don't-take-my-entitlements-ocrats...
Definition: LIBERAL - Someone that is willing to give away anything that is not theirs.
And what republicans are doing by telling seniors that there's no way to save Medicare for them but to kill Medicare for everyone else, and then showing them what that would look like if it happened to them, too, isn't a scare tactic? Please.
Definition: CONSERVATIVE - Someone who is willing to grab anything that isn't nailed down, theirs or not. And after that, they'll get something to pry the rest loose.
"Maybe we should trust the Democrats plan. Oh wait, they don't have one.'
Sure they do- they patterned it very closely after the health care plan the Repubs came up with during the Bush years. Ooops, wait. I guess you're onto something, there.....
Birds of a feather.
Good tune. speaks lots of truth.
As a republican, let me be the first to apologize. Please don't think we are all functional illiterates, and yes I've also read some of the posts here. He just does not get it or understand and, at least for me, I say thank God.
Now don't be too reasonable, Groucho!
Apology accepted.
I hear you. I'm also a registered Republican but no one owns my vote.
He doesn't get it - and you're right about that. Before they take away some of our benefits, they need to make sure that all the giveaways to big business have been reduced and that <all> options are on the table - not just the ones that are "prefered".
The problem for the Republicans is to get past the primary and they know that they just can't go to the right, they HAVE to get the "fringe right" approval so anything that looks like a cut/smells like a cut will do - even if it makes no sense.
Funny thing is the Federal Government cuts its budget significantly by just repealing the Bush tax cuts - which should be a common-sense first step for both parties, yet we have jumped to this drastic "Ryan plan "
It shows a lack of common sense and increase in pandering.
Newt was right. The problem is being "right" won't fly in today's Republican party
30% of Union members in the USA are,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,You guessed it, Registered Republican voters, How many of those Republican Union members will be voting for Democrats now that their own Party has basically declared war on the workingclass?
AM - please apply the 'birds of a feather" thing-y to the senate democrats on budget issues. They don't have one of their own, yet seem to hate Obama's.
Lock Step?
Will someone please tell the republicans that you can not create prosperity through austerity.
Yeah! That's working out SO great for them in Britian!
I don't know Pat - I make sure that I, and my family spends far less every year than we earn. As a consequence we live far more austere than we otherwise could, or as do many of our friends.
But guess what - we seem to be doing pretty well. In fact Patrick you could even say that we prosper.
Plus we are well positioned for retirement.
How about you Pat, you live an "austere" life, or you out in the finest house, car and dine at the finest restuarants.
In other words do you live like the head of the IMF, all socialist and rape-y and all?
And golly Feisty - if you think England has made any attempt to be austere before now you are more ignorant than I thought, which is probably just not possible. :)
Spanky 2012 - "I've got all the answers.. Trust Me. If not i'll make fun of you."
Ahh, looks like Bryan is not so well positioned for retirement and is a little cranky about it.
What's the matter Bryan, not loving austerity?
Just reveling in your narcissism is all. Now please delight me more with your glory.
Spankie's the original "HEY, everybody- Look at ME" guy that I coined that post for. You didn't know?
i just revere his ability to make everyone else seem so inferior, especially when it comes to matters of financial or economic fortitiude. Remarkable.
"Blah, blah, debt. Blah, blah, blah, debt service. Blah, blah, blah, government tit." So predictable.
Notice no rebuttal from the Spankster.
The mantra of the right wing is that depending on the government safety net is wrong. Yet, when he was a teenager, Paul Ryan paid for his education with his father's social security death benefits. He has an odd amnesia when it comes to understand how a safety net works.
Funny... but you seem to forget that when we pay into SS it is OUR money. Why shouldn't Ryan get his father's money? It's no different than if the funds were sitting in a savings account at the local bank.
And isn't it intersting that he chose to use the money to pay for EDUCATION? Maybe he should have purchased some new wheels for his 'sweet-ride' then he could have got some honeys!
Perhaps you would prefer that the money went to someone else... say a poor person that never contributed? (can you say redistribution?)
Santorum is a frothy mixture of stupid and unaware. If he knew what was in the Ryan plan he might not support it, but "knowing" is not something he is in to.
A very frothy mixture indeed.
LoL Been googling, have you?
Yes I have.
Oddly enough, Santorum is not the only Republican presidential hopeful with a Google problem. All this talk about Rick Perry getting in the race and nobody attempts to explain why he won't. Here is a hint: Google his name. By the time you get to "Rick Pe" a drop down list appears...
As an insurance professional (who happens to be 53), I say keep your hands off my Medicare. Having 65 + year olds in the open market would be totally insane. I wouldn't touch those old people. Throw in the fact that I'm among the first ones to get screwed with the new program and I say EEEKKK. Talk about setting us up for disaster. All but the richest among us is potentially screwed by this concept.
The republicans who voted for Ryan could care less about the people. Its all about the bribes/donations ...If they lose their seats then they would have to find a real job ..where your fired if you don't perform !...Its easier to be on the public dole for 30+ years ! Talk about entitlement programs ! The senate/congress is the biggest scam going !
Say....
Sorry, but it is so and you are spot on!
Like diapers, full of poop, stinky poop at that, and needs constant changing!
Both stories courtesy of DailyKos:
Jed Lewison:
AP: Walker's Union-Busting Bill Struck Down
A Wisconsin judge has struck down a law taking away nearly all collective bargaining rights from most state workers.
Dane County Circuit Judge Maryann Sumi ruled Thursday that Republican legislators violated Wisconsin's open meetings law during the run up to passage. She says that renders the law void.
-and- from jpmassar:
"Let Vermont be the first state in the nation to treat health care as a right and not a privilege."
-- Governor Sumlin's inaugural address, January 6th, 2011
Peter Shumlin minutes ago signed into law H.202 (pdf), a law which has as its ultimate goal the creation of a single-payer health care system in Vermont. The Vermont Senate passed the legislation several weeks ago by a 21-9 margin, with the Vermont House acting first on a vote of 92-49.
_______________________________________________
Santorum, stick by your guy and you will surely lose. The country is moving on from Ryan's selfish arrogant stance. He thought he would breeze by with his crap of a bill.
The GOP may actually lose the House next year. From sheer incompetence.
President Obama at 51% in Flordia? Hmm.
That's FLORIDA. Yikes.
Mr. Santorum, Please continue your support for the Ryan plan. It's nice to have your comment of support on the public record.
Anyone catch the video of Barry flubbing the toast to the Queen? Priceeeeelessssss!
The most intellegent and graceful president we ever had?? Yeah my a@@. God, even I felt sorry for the dumba@@
How could that be any more embarassing than Bush PUKING all over the Japenese Prime Minister?
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCMQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DXnOnDatqENo&ei=B3reTdnNN-Hw0gG5grnFCg&usg=AFQjCNHDbJdQVRCuho_2mgU1ng42giJCeQ
Go figure! lol
The President pulled it off. However, it would have been really funny if President Bush would have been in his place. Now, that would have been funny.
you cannot create prosperity through austerity? how about the top 2% who benefit through anything and everything the republicans create.
you can create through austerity more poverty, destroy public education, remove child labor laws and take us back to the victorian period.
the wealthy must pay taxes on every penny they make. the social security income tax must be removed and medicare improved an opened to anyone who wishes to join
just like the good GOP lap dog that Santorum is.
Spanky, do you own a house or rent? If you own, did you pay cash? If, not, you borrowed money to buy it. That id deficit spending. Same thing applies to a car. Most of us do what the government does. It is only a problem when our income drops or we overextend our debt and cannot make the payments. The US government is not in that position yet and will not be for a very long time (unless the Repubs block the debt limit extension). We have to get the debt under control, but it is not an immediate threat. The current deficits are largely due to: the Bush tax cute, lower revenues because of the anemic economy, and the two wars. Those are the issues we need to resolve, then the debt will take care of itself.
Ah Rick,
It is hard to have vision when your head is in your colon....
Santorium? Who gives a @!$%#?
Great start Rick, now at best you 20% of Americans agree with you. Uh Rick you do know that means 80% think that idea sucks don't you. But you go get em cowboy.
The "Richie Rich Ryan" Medicare Plan is a real political/economic dog. This excites "Sanitarium Santorum" he starts convulsing into a mad humping motions. When he hears how the "Richie Rich Ryan" Medicare Plan is a vooucher system. "Sanitarium Santorum" starts barking for joy, and he starts pissing on the rug.
That's the kiss of death if I ever read one! Mitt Romney and Tim Pawlenty have said nice things about the House GOP budget plan -- but still slightly distance themselves from it -- Rick Santorum is embracing it fully. What loser! First he was associated with the Ensign affair and now he opens his mouth and inserts foot! This is going to be a Great GOP primary!