Targeting gas prices, Obama administration taps strategic oil reserve

With demand for gasoline expected to rise during the summer months, the Obama administration announced the country and its partners in the International Energy Agency would release 60 million barrels of oil onto the world market over the next month.

As part of the effort, the United States will release 30 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve -- which the White House says is currently at a historically high level of 727 million barrels, a number the Department of Energy says means it is "filled to capacity." Releasing oil from the reserve is extremely rare.

The administration cited the situation in Libya, which "has caused a loss of roughly 1.5 million barrels of oil per day -- particularly of light, sweet crude -- from global markets" to explain their decision. Since the disruption in Libyan oil exports due to the NATO operation there, some 140 million barrels of oil has been removed from the global market, said one senior administration official.

Officials said President Obama's decision was about addressing supply disruptions and that gas prices "will be what they are". Still, they said the move was intended help address a drag on economic growth and high gas prices are one of the "headwinds" the president has said are hampering the recovery and job creation, top concerns on voters' minds.

"The president has been deeply concerned about the impact that the disruption in the oil production and exports from Libya and other countries in the Middle East has had on energy supplies globally, the tightness that that's created in the market and the effect of that tightness on global economic growth at home and abroad," said a senior administration official in a conference call with reporters.

While retail gas prices nationwide have fallen since late April and early May, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration gas averaged $3.652 a gallon as of June 20th -- about 91 cents higher than a year ago and about 10 cents higher than in mid-March, before the conflict in Libya began.

The United States has been in close contact with oil producing and consuming countries about disruptions to the international oil market that could affect the global economy and the administration will continue to consult closely with them, according to the White House release. Today's decision is intended to complement the production increases recently announced by a number of major oil producing countries, like Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf countries who have said they will increase oil production by up to 1.5 million barrels/day for the remainder of the year to meet market need.

The oil reserve was set in motion in 1975 when President Ford signed the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), after the 1973-74 oil embargo cut off oil flowing into the United States from many Arab nations and "sent economic shockwaves throughout the nation," according to the Department of Energy. That legislation declared it to be U.S. policy to establish a reserve of up to one billion barrels of petroleum.

Decisions to withdraw crude oil from the reserve, which the department calls "a key tool of foreign policy," are made by the president in the event of an "energy emergency." Prior to today's announcement, the reserve has been used under these circumstances just twice -- during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

A notice regarding sales will go out in the next 24 hours, said an official, and the law does not allow purchasers to export the oil from the US without an export license. It also says that export of SPR crude is only permitted if an equal volume of refined product is returned to the United States.

"At end of first 30 days of action by IEA members, we will review the results," he went on to say. "The U.S. stands ready to do more as and if necessary."

Discuss this post

The economic news of the last two days has prompted a response from the Obama Administration.

They're worried, and they have good reason to be.

Kick out VP Bidens's panel, and immediately accept the recommendations of your own debt commission.

Maybe it isn't too late to do so.

  • 11 votes
#1 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 11:59 AM EDT

MB

they worried because they care and the just made a good decision to tap into the reserves.

Cantor already kicked himself out the panel and I believe that's GOPers general consensus. debt commission or no debt commission you'll expect elected officials to deliberate on all ranges of ideas even when the don't agree with you or your ideology. i call that bailing out on the people.

  • 10 votes
#1.1 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:17 PM EDT

Pius-

If the President is so determined to find a bipartisan solution to the nation's debt crisis, why doesn't he simply embrace the Plan offered by his own bipartisan debt commission?

Forget about Cantor...forget about Biden.

He already has a Plan.

All he has to do is endorse it.

  • 5 votes
#1.2 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:34 PM EDT

Pius please explain why this is a good decision? Why now and what is the long term effect?

Pius this here is desperation. And like most hail marys it ain't going to work.

  • 6 votes
#1.4 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:41 PM EDT

spanky

you need to be patient but i understand that you'll always look avenues to criticize the president no matter what he does. before now, price of gas was going down and this will further help in keeping the prices lower since there will be more supply to meet the demand this summer. any move that will help bring down cost and enhance spending is what this economy needs. this is strategic and a good one. Obama or any president do not set pump price for gas or crude in OPEC.

  • 6 votes
#1.5 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:59 PM EDT

does anyone think that when we dump all this oil on the market over the next month... that maybe... just maybe... OPEC might think about cutting production just to keep prices up?

  • 4 votes
#1.6 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:10 PM EDT

So Pius - it was going down. Why now?

Again brother this will be a disaster long term. Just look at what happened the last two times oil was release like this.

Go ahead look it up and get on back here. It ain't pretty.

Oh and I'm pretty sure many here have said repeatedly our is not a supply problem. Is all that gone now that Obama did something to effect supply? Huh.

Hey Drive By - where you at buddy? You are Mr. "it isn't a supply issue." what say you?

  • 5 votes
#1.7 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:23 PM EDT

MB-

Remember our conversations about the price and trending of a gallon of gas?

Average gas prices--June 13, 2011
Jun 13, 2011 4:10 PM

Gasoline prices are down again in all regions across the country compared to the week before. The national gasoline average is $1.01 above the price this time last year.

http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/06/average-gas-prices-june-13-2011.html

I know it's still high, but you were predicting that things would get worse as the season progressed.

When it comes to "pocket book" issues like the price of gas, politicos always find a way to stem the rising tide, especially during the election season...:)

You're not just mad that Coburn quit that committee are you?

  • 3 votes
#1.8 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:24 PM EDT

MB

CONGRESS produces budget and president endorses it.

  • 1 vote
#1.9 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:26 PM EDT

The United States imports 11 million barrels of oil per day, so this release from the strategic reserve is just a blip. As if this is going to have any real impact at all. All this does is give supporters of Obama a chance to blow his horn by saying what a bold move it was, how he is trying to address the problem, and how much he cares. Of course not having an actual energy plan, no increase in domestic production, no plans to build modern refineries, and no long term hope for a real solution will simply be ignored for the political mileage of this blip.

  • 3 votes
#1.10 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:29 PM EDT

I'd like to see a comparison to the amount of barrels lost each day due to Obama's gulf moratorium.

But hey we can all always get us some nice Volts. $41 grand will get you 31 mpgs. Of course each car costs the taxpayers $40,000, but hey, that's a bargain in Obama land.

Unless you were a Delphi pension holder. Oh my!

  • 8 votes
#1.11 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:37 PM EDT

dangerfield-

I would argue that the lower oil prices have more to do with the increasing number of indicators suggesting that U.S. economic growth is actually slowing further from the anemic 1.8% growth level of the 1st quarter.

If you trade oil on the commodity markets, and the Fed revises the economic growth forecast from slow to slower, you're going to bid the price lower.

If the economy moves closer to a double-dip, you bet we'll have lower gas prices...if there actually is another recession, expect much lower gas prices.

As far as Senator Coburn is concerned, he's frustrated.

Wouldn't you be?

He and Dick Durbin signed off on the Plan submitted by President Obama's debt commission. The President promptly said thanks, but no thanks. Coburn then joins the bipartisan "Gang Of Six" group of Senators working to craft legislation based on the debt commission's Plan. President Obama responds by forming yet another group led by VP Biden.

Are you pleased with the President's behavior since he received he debt commission's report?

Do you believe his actions have been more likely to lead to legislation adressing the debt crisis than not?

Who has acted more responsibly...President Obama, or Senator Coburn?

  • 4 votes
#1.12 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:58 PM EDT

Isn't this the same administration, and Department of Energy, that was for increasing the cost of gas to save the planet (and the Chevy Volt)?

Another example of real life intruding upon academic arguments.

  • 7 votes
#1.13 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:07 PM EDT

I realize that the Obama supporters will claim, once again, that no matter what he does, conservatives will treat him negatively. If Obama would stop trying to win points in all he does, maybe some serious moves could be made to his advantage. His timing is way off. The time to say you are going to release oil from the reserves is when the price is heading north. Not now, when the prices are declining. Obama seems to have this affinity to doing things in reverse. I suggested that he tell the world he was going to tap into the reserves when the prices started to hike. It would have done some good in stopping the escallation... Not NOW when prices are on the decline. It makes no sense at all to do it now.

Just the threat would have worked 8 months ago when prices were rising. It would have stopped it because the world markets would have reacted to it then... they won't react to it now becuase prices are falling.

Am I the only one that sees this?

  • 5 votes
#1.14 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:51 PM EDT

Brianb, I see it a little differently. Before logging on I read the article on MSNBC site and heard on MRP that this was an international joint decision. Europe and US have coordinated the releasing of some of their oil reserves to make up for the interruption in Libya and Yemen. But also to pop the bubble of the oil speculators. The MSNBC article said that it will take to price of this speculation off the price of a barrel of oil. One oil company's stock has gone down 3% already.

I think it is a good thing. Obama and other leaders are addressing this problem. I am willing to wait and see at least for 48 hours for more interpretation.

Maybe we can discuss it tomorrow at the dew drop inn. I would love to buy you a drink of your choice.

  • 3 votes
#1.15 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:52 PM EDT

Northstar - I realize why he's doing it... but the underlying political reason just gets under my skin. I know he's doing it for points. He would have scored more points had he done it a few months ago as it was rising. He would have even won points with me. Now it's pandering. The entire rise in gasoline prices could have been avoided if he made the decision to do this when it was really needed. Just think how much better we'd all be if we avoided the high gasoline prices in this cycle and, I would have to admit that Obama did it and even pat him on the back. How weird would that be?

  • 2 votes
#1.16 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:51 PM EDT

Northstar - Thanks for the invite... tomorrow I am going to be in the air... flying from New Orleans to Florida. I will be preoccupied with peanuts and tomato juice.... LOL. Maybe next week when both my feet will be on the ground.

    #1.17 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:55 PM EDT

    Brainb, Have a safe trip . I am sure this topic will not be going away and we both can continue this discussion and some new ones in the days ahead.

      #1.18 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 9:43 PM EDT

      "The fact that we are here today to debate raising America 's debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the US Government can not pay its own bills. It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our Government's reckless fiscal policies. Increasing America 's debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that 'the buck stops here.' Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership.

      Americans deserve better."

      SENATOR BARACK H. OBAMA - MARCH 2006

      • 2 votes
      #1.19 - Fri Jun 24, 2011 2:07 PM EDT
      Reply

      Notice that MSNBC couldn't take their headline about 429,000 new unemployment claims and the stock market plummeting fast enough?

      This "news" organization is about ONE thing. The re-election of Barack Obama.

      ANY article that can even come close to showing Obama in a negative way is pulled, and anything "positive" is headlined. Along with ANY negative articles that they can run against Republicans of course.

      MSNBC is a whore for Obama.

      • 10 votes
      #2 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:08 PM EDT

      ehhh, maybe, maybe not...

      and as long as you hold the same vitriol for Fox and the "other side", we can agree that your opinion is thought out and well informed.

      Otherwise, you would need to be considered a hypocrite.

      • 11 votes
      #2.1 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:20 PM EDT

      This site has stated a couple times what kind of stories they report on. There are several other MSNBC sites that report on news, finance, etc.

      Here is the MSNBC news story about the weekly job claims and the stock market:

      http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43507074/ns/business-stocks_and_economy/

      • 10 votes
      #2.2 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:21 PM EDT

      CherylLM

      Your simply a teabagger. if it appalls you here, faux news will do you good.

      • 9 votes
      #2.3 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:29 PM EDT

      I've been gone a few days but have kept up reading the posts at night.

      Reading the posts from yesterday were a revelation to me and very disturbing.

      I don't know if they were true or not but now I'm reading comments from now i'm here which support the posts I read last night.

      Add to that, the constant "why don't you post on Fox News" posted several times today, eerily similar to the posts from last night asking the same thing from the same group. Like talking points that need to be hit on continuously.

      I frankly don't care if there are chat rooms, people are free to discuss whatever they want to. I may not like it but I will defend it.

      The allegation last night and again today that "Mark Murray is PAYING for a little blogger junket in STL this July, Fiesty Red Head, Ron Indiana the usual libbie trolls are all being paid to go" is upsetting.

      For two days in a row now the hosts and moderators of FR have been accused of doing something unethical.

      Seems like the simplest thing to do is deny it and let's move on.

      • 15 votes
      #2.5 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:58 PM EDT

      Groucho Marx
      Does it ever occur to you that a nasty internet troll is spreading rumors about the liberals on this site because he/she/it is mad about getting banned?

      • 8 votes
      #2.7 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:08 PM EDT

      Is it true, Mark & Dom?

      Are Feisty and other First Read bloggers being compensated by anyone at MSNBC?

      • 13 votes
      #2.8 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:15 PM EDT

      Who got banned? What did I miss?

      • 1 vote
      #2.10 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:17 PM EDT

      There is a long post on the 2012: Hawks and Doves thread, which I posted to earlier, posted by alexandr91 and it has verbatim conversations between a lot of the people named last night and by now i'm here today.

      Read it for yourself or someone else can copy and paste it here, I'm not.

      You simply can't make this stuff up.

      • 13 votes
      #2.13 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:22 PM EDT

      LOL! That's funny! three members so far. wonder when Bev will sign up? LOL!

      (That little vine should be called 'AngryLibsRUs' :-)

      • 13 votes
      #2.14 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:23 PM EDT

      So let's hear from Mark Murray.

      Should be pretty simple to clear up.

      Amy? Feisty? Ron? Any one else care to discuss?

      • 15 votes
      #2.15 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:26 PM EDT

      Gee, thank you all for your "well thought out" debating points to what I said.

      Of course you don't actually say anything to prove me wrong, but instead attack me personally.

      I come in here to see the usual hate and filth that all of you hard core "first readers" on the left throw out at the people that you don't agree with politically actually.

      And when I comment, I actually state FACTS, something that people like "Feisty", "Amy", "Ron", or "Ed" don't actually dispute, but instead just reply with the usual personal attacks on me or ANYONE else that has enough intelligence to do some research and make comments in here that don't agree with their ideology.

      • 6 votes
      #2.17 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:44 PM EDT

      And like I said yesterday - even if it is all true, and frankly I could care less - it just shows how pathetic the participants are.

      It's a coordinated effort, and this is all they can come up with - go watch Fox News?

      Look at what passes for arguments from them. THere is no actual thought beyond their immediate knee-jerk response. They are never able to back anything up, provide a basis or even come up with a legitimate counter-argument.

      Again look at the folks included, consider their backgrounds, educational and work experiences and such.

      Frankly they all could use whatever help and support they can get. And if that has to come from one or more of the hosts, it just all the more sad.

      Time for lunch gang.

      • 12 votes
      #2.18 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:44 PM EDT

      Messrs Montanaro and Murray?

      Are you going to set the record straight?

      Your silence is disturbing...and are you really deleting this person's posts?

      • 14 votes
      #2.19 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:53 PM EDT

      He'll do anything for votes. Saving .20 cents on a fill up on my Van is not worthy of my vote. Sorry Odumbo, you lose!

      Knock gas prices back down to .99 cents a gln then maybe you will get it, but it's a maybe only.

      • 3 votes
      #2.20 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:00 PM EDT

      dangerfield-

      The silence IS deafening, isn't it?

      • 13 votes
      #2.21 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:09 PM EDT

      MB, Groucho, et al

      Not just the silence, the silence-ing

      Links and pages are being scrubbed; How long was this going on? Like they said about NIXON, "it wasn't the crime, it was the COVER-UP"...

      Hey Kev... Got to admit I finally had a chance to go back and read the exchange between you and the crack head ITM! Nice job @ the beatdown you put on him! The douche bag just plain rubs me the wrong way! Have a great weekend!

      Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

      Hiya Bro, Thanks Man, I have already applied to Libs R Us and my request is pending still, lol. I was a hurtin puppy today and so mebbe my temper was a bit short handling folks today, but I tend to show it in humor sometimes, cutting (slashing rending) humor, but I try!! The true idiots are the ones that get to me I am afraid, Candice is pretty cool fer being on the right, I do not mind her at all, she at least tries to see all sides, and we actually agree on more than we disagree I think, mostly application of how to correct things, but she sees a lot of the same problems at least!
      I would be Honored to join Libs R Us, and am waiting to be accepted. Thanks Again!!

      B. Honest

      Hey my friend! After the day I've had a Miller sounds mighty fine! lol We extended an invite to B.Honest so hopefully he'll accept! Gonna go grab some 'chow'

      Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

      Me again... One more thing... I want to be the first to welcome you to our group Libs R US! You were voted in as a member by an overwhelming majority! :0)

      Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

      Hey Kev-- Got your messages and somehow managed to delete them before I could respond :0( As for the star thingy I only wanted to let you know that it was my vote that put you over the 'top' and say how glad I am you are on our team...lol Be sure to tune in tomorrow as I take one of the Repukes apart at the seams!!! You can upload you avatar by going to your Newsvine home page and clicking on account - then log in and you'll see the 'avatar' spot - click on change/remove and you can then upload your pic! Good luck & chat soon...Feisty

      Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

      Thanks Kevin - NOW that's my idea of lipstick on a PIG! LMFAO!
      Have a great weekend!

      Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

      I sure hope that I am not being too 'intellectual' for most of the folks at FR, I know I have written some short book chapters for sure sometimes, but I just get so fed up with these small minded trash repeaters that I just want to shake some sense into them. UpChuck Farley and ITM both irritate the heck outta me, Will is plain Inane, and JoAnna Smith seems to either have gotten lost or has changed her name again, lol. Oh Well, Loved your post starting with the Enlistment statement, I got a lil bit of play off from that myself tonight! You have been hitting some out of the park lately!
      See ya on the boards later today, I am sure! I have been up all night myself, BAD pain night, sleep is just not on the menu for a while.

      B. Honest

      I hear ya! I'm off today but with the crappy weather we've been having decided to stay in and was looking forward to some whack a troll myself! Oh well - hosts over there deserve some well deserved time off! Means we'll be in tip top shape tomorrow! lol

      Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

      LOL Kevin! ITM has been my long time nemisis! The others are bad enough but the way ITM insults and degrades women really does get on my last nerve! :0)) You & yours have a wonderful 4th as well! It's hotter than hell here today so I'll more than likely be watching the Macy's fireworks from the comfort of my a/c couch!

      Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

      WTF! Kevin you've been on FIRE! I have to keep a screen cleaner handy between you & Drive-By! Have a wonderful 4th and keep up the great posts! I look forward to them! ;0)

      Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

      Yo Bro, yeah, the Whack-a-Troll just keeps being more and more rewarding. I get to deal with the angst of no money and pain all day by doing the oh-so-easy smack downs of these ignorant clowns that pop in, changing their names to insult us etc...too funny that they are That desperate.
      Hope that you and yours are doing well, we are ok here, just the standard tight money probs like so many of the rest of us face, lol

      Have a great day, and don't tire yourself with trying to educate these fools!! Like with Palin Pansy: You can lead a horticulture, but you cannot make her think!!

      B. Honest

      That was TOO F'n funny! Thanks for the chuckle - had to clean the monitor off AGAIN! Have a great nite!

      Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

      Thanks Kevin! Yeah we can be pretty brutal (only when necessary of course LOL)! You do a hell of a job yourself ya know! ;0) Keep up the great work!

      Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

      I just saw it and responded... nice job! They're really pi$$ing me off today! Seems like even more BS than usual! LOL Keep up the good fight!

      http://kalexjam.newsvine.com/?more=UserComments

      • 11 votes
      #2.23 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:14 PM EDT

      Now...

      What's the relationship, exactly, between Libs R Us, and Mark and Dom?

      Mark & Dom?

      Care to weigh in?

      • 11 votes
      #2.24 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:21 PM EDT

      Mark and Dom..

      First, why are the posts of "now i'm here" and "alexandr91" being deleted?

      Clearly these are posts you don't want us to read. Why?

      That smacks of the kind of censorship we see in the worst dictatorships.

      There are now verbatim posts on this matter which cannot be refuted.

      Is there a relationship with certain posters or not?

      I'm guessing I and those others who question this are next on the deletion list.

      As Mixed Bag asked, care to weigh in?

      • 14 votes
      #2.25 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:28 PM EDT

      Their silence is their admission of guilt. If they could delete posts they could respond. If they are involved, this is a disgrace and potential career killer for them as actual paid journalists.

      • 13 votes
      #2.26 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:33 PM EDT

      dangerfield:

      You do know that the comments section is not moderated by reporters, right? So you are really taking a great leap to say that if they don't respond to your comment NOW that means they are guilty. Ironically enough, the attempt to portray a fictional liberal "mafia" has revealed an actual phony independent one, complete with a resident hacker.

      What is a disgrace is for you to libel people you don't know with allegations that you can't back up, all while pretending to be concerned about "journalism".

      I call bullsh!t. A private groups private conversations have been made public, but you are fine with that. Someone you SUPPOSEDLY don't know *wink,wink* makes a RIDICULOUS assertion that MSNBC is financing a meeting, and you tak THAT as evidence of a conspiracy?

      Says more about you than it says about anyone else.

      So much for your "independent" facade . . . you are in this up to your neck . . . something stinks alright . . . and I can't wait to find out what it is.

      • 10 votes
      #2.27 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:42 PM EDT

      Nash-

      Do you know whether or not any First Read blogger has received any form of compensation or payment from any MSNBC employee?

      • 8 votes
      #2.28 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:51 PM EDT

      Nashville Phony-

      You are one of the guilty-you have no honor, and you actually defended this gross violation-because you are in collusion with these people.

      What's the matter NJNB - hubby out of town AGAIN? I would be more worried about WHAT was UPwith that then spreading you your HATRED every chance you get?
      Do YOU think the hubby wants to get it on with a BITTER OLD BROAD that couldn't day something NICE if they had a GUN to their head?

      _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

      LOL so asking for answers from the people DELETING the accusers posts while the newsvine pages get scrubbed-thank goodness some of them are preserved for posterity-is libel? the jig is up and you have been caught red-handed...

      Something stinks all right and it's about to get the exposure it deserves

      Newsvine Code of Honor

      Above all else, respect others. Address issues and arguments and refrain from making personal attacks. If you see something disrespectful or inappropriate, report it - rather than further inflaming the situation. More +

      The alcoholic college drop out
      idiot from Albany'
      that POS
      What's the matter NJNB - hubby out of town AGAIN? I would be more worried about WHAT was UPwith that then spreading you your HATRED every chance you get?
      Do YOU think the hubby wants to get it on with a BITTER OLD BROAD that couldn't day something NICE if they had a GUN to their head?

      __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      You should be ashamed of yourself, but as usual you simple lash out at others...you have no honor, period.

      • 9 votes
      #2.30 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:54 PM EDT

      Nashville_fan-

      Mark and Dom could clear all of this up in an instant.

      If I were accused of impropriety, I'd certainly have something to say about it.

      If none of this is true, then they should make that clear.

      • 9 votes
      #2.32 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:01 PM EDT

      You should be ashamed of yourself, but as usual you simple lash out at others...you have no honor, period.

      Sorry Nash has more HONOR in her pinkie finger than you'll ever have!

      I remember (as do many others here) when YOU physically threatened to knock another posters teeth out!

      Save your holier than thou routine for the newbies who are sucking up to you!

      Also, where's the outrage from you, a supposed 'independent' when I'm called Nasty Redhead, a festering ass pimple - dumber than dog snot & told I need to get laid!

      Those are the kinder things...

      Real outrage is a two way street my friend! What you're exhibiting is POUTRAGE!

      Get off your high horse - you're nose is bleeding!

      • 7 votes
      #2.33 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:01 PM EDT

      lol...popcorn...lol...

      1. Above all else, respect others. Address issues and arguments and refrain from making personal attacks. If you see something disrespectful or inappropriate, report it - rather than further inflaming the situation. More +

      What's the matter NJNB - hubby out of town AGAIN? I would be more worried about WHAT was UPwith that then spreading you your HATRED every chance you get?
      Do YOU think the hubby wants to get it on with a BITTER OLD BROAD that couldn't day something NICE if they had a GUN to their head?

      _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

      you are what you are

      • 10 votes
      #2.35 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:05 PM EDT

      I have a feeling Mark and Dom are going to get a robust response to their next request for questions for the Boiler Room gang.

      Of course, they only choose to answer certain questions from certain people, don't they?

      • 10 votes
      #2.36 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:08 PM EDT

      You know what I think?

      This is all just hilarious . . . I will just put out there . . . I am not a paid poster . . . I am not Feisty Red Head . . . and I am not intimidated by anonymous liars and hackers on the web!

      I have been here for years, the newsvine group is no secret and we referred to it often . . . Dew Drop Inn anyone?

      I stand by every word I have ever said here and in the private group.

      Oh, and dangerfield?

      You are a jealous joke.

      • 6 votes
      #2.37 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:08 PM EDT

      THis whole situation is a perfect example of how we let disinformation and lies skew our "conversations". Some jackhole shows up with hacked posts, accuses most of the posters here of being paid liars, imply that the reporters here are paying of stuff that they are not, and the burden of proof is not on the anonymous liar sharing illegally hacked posts.

      No, everyone is guilty until proven innocent.

      I am going home to reprogram my secret decoder ring and transform from a middle aged black woman into a "Feisty Redhead".

      I'll be back tomorrow just like I am everyday to share actual FACTS about politics to couteract all the LIES that are posted here daily.

      Ya'll are really just too gullible to be believed sometimes.

      Seriously.

      • 10 votes
      #2.39 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:15 PM EDT

      Nash-

      I never thought you were Feisty. Too many obvious differences in style.

      Can you shed any light on the relationship between Mark, Dom, and "the private group"?

      • 9 votes
      #2.41 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:16 PM EDT

      Nash,

      If you thought it was so funny why are you so angry?

      We will soon know who is "up to their neck in what", and that's the way it should be.

      Jealous of what? jealous of who? yeah, you are finding this HILARIOUS...hysterical might be more accurate. At least you haven't attacked my home life...yet...:)

      NIH-I would love that list...

      • 10 votes
      #2.44 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:21 PM EDT

      dangerfield:

      You have officially blown your cover . . . you called me a name . . . I will cry myself to sleep to night . . . you violated the "code of honor" . . . waaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!

      That's the thing, you folks can't even hold it together long enough to get your lies straight! Ya'll are just throwing crap at the wall to see what sticks! Ain't nobody at NBC paying nobody from our lil' chat group no money. Ain't nobody bought nobody no airline tickets.

      It is all a BIG LIE! Just like most of the crap posted here!

      But of course, ya'll just want us to be all worried and guilty and trying to clear our names!

      Not gonna happen?

      Why are the posts of the liar being deleted? Maybe because they are making unsubstantiated, off topic claims using hacked posts?

      Just a thought.

      See ya'll gullible folk tomorrow.

      • 6 votes
      #2.45 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:21 PM EDT

      now i'm here

      Seriously, this drip and drab of leaks of info needs to stop.

      Post what you have.

      Name all the people.

      If there are people with dupe identities, name them and their dupes.

      Can you show that Mark Murray booked the air fare? If you can do it.

      Let's stop the guessing game.

      BTW...as I said earlier, I don't care if people are in chat rooms and talk politics. Free speech.

      If there is collusion between the moderators and posters, then that's a totally different story.

      If the "group" is setting the agenda, setting up an enemies list that they target, collapsing posts, etc, that too is a different story.

      Once and for all, let's have it and let the rest of us decide.

      • 12 votes
      #2.46 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:23 PM EDT
      Comment author avatarthetotasExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

      Feisty to nojo.

      Still got the battery acid running through your veins eh NJNB?

      We would like to believe that after you recent near heartbreak, you would of re-assessed the amount of hatred you carry in your heart...

      we should of known better....

      And therein lies the title you've so succesfully earned as the seond biggest LIAR on this blog right behind JS1!

      YOU are a PHONY, FRAUD & a unsuccesul LIAR!

      You have been PROVEN repeatedly to soak up EVERY comment like the right wind sponge YOU are!

      Notice to NJNB - there were MORE people defending my comments then those that came to your rescue!

      That little princess of yours has my deepest sympathies with a HATE riddled Grama like yourself!

      Just keepon hating on... one day you will get yours! ;o)

      Every dog has her day and it won't take long before YOU get yours...

      What's the matter NJNB - hubby out of town AGAIN? I would be more worried about WHAT was UPwith that then spreading you your HATRED every chance you get?

      • 11 votes
      #2.47 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:26 PM EDT

      now i'm here:

      Now you and I both know that you are full of crap . . . but hey, I say publish anything you got! Of course, you would have to create that document first.

      I am here and accounted for. I have nothing to hide and I am not afraid of you or your lies.

      • 6 votes
      #2.48 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:26 PM EDT

      Sorry, Nash.

      The silence from Mark and Dom is a real problem.

      • 9 votes
      #2.49 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:26 PM EDT

      Groucho-

      I agree, NIH post what you have and let the chips fall where they may.

      Nash-whatever...

      • 9 votes
      #2.50 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:28 PM EDT

      So, apparently there is collusion between a group of posters and the hosts.

      Apparently, this relationship allows certain posters to violate the code of honor with impunity.

      Apparently, I take up a lot of space in their private treehous- seems try are obsessed with me.

      Apparently, Jody was right- these are not professional journalists. More like paid propagandists.

      • 11 votes
      #2.54 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:34 PM EDT

      Grouch,

      The keep on deleting it. Every time she post, they delete.

      nojo, it appears that they dont like you all.

      newday dawing - to navy (june 18 9:15pm)

      It is not a secret that we don't like no jo, and she doesn't like us. If you read the response from the one guy who read it he said "so". Look, it has to be fixed, but I wouldn't be too upset about it.

      • 10 votes
      #2.55 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:34 PM EDT

      So Mr. Moderator yesterday Feisty called me a pussy.

      Is this type of behavoir good for all, or only the chosen few.

      Oh and Nash - I have been here many times when Murry and Dominico have chimed in. I have have exchanges here with Dominico.

      But nice try, and of course nice attempt at mis-direction.

      Livin' in a libbie wonder-land. "Loud and Proud" is what you all ascribe to be, as I recall. Too bad its all just silly nonsense.

      • 10 votes
      #2.57 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:36 PM EDT

      ???

      Not my business, never understood the Dew Drop references.

      Could I offer that you all just take a breath and don't burn bridges or insult people who in the past you have had good discussions with. At least until we know what this is all about.

      As always I wish we could disagree with out calling each other names.

      • 5 votes
      #2.59 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:43 PM EDT

      Okay, I had to step away from my desk . . . because I have a job! :o)

      I am now going home, so I will be unable to respond anymore until tomorrow . . . I just wanted to be clear about that, because somehow it has been decided that the inability to instantaneously respond to lies is an admission of guilt! Talk about the American way!

      Mixed Bag,

      To answer your question, there is no "relationship" between the "private group" and the moderators of this blog. When some members of the group felt the collapse option was being abused, they emailed the moderators. When that did not help, they sent emails to all the other names listed on the front page and/or for newsvine as well. Any contact has been above board contact via routes available to any other poster.

      We'll chat more tomorrow. Logging off now.

      P.S. If you already know that "now i'm here" is lying about Feisty and I being the same person, why would they have credibility on anything else? It boggles the mind.

      • 5 votes
      #2.60 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:44 PM EDT

      Amy B. Portland, ME

      Groucho Marx
      Does it ever occur to you that a nasty internet troll is spreading rumors about the liberals on this site because he/she/it is mad about getting banned?

      Amy, actually it did and as there was no proof at the time and as you can read, I withheld judgement.

      I read the transcripts posted.

      Collapsing posts and flagging them as advertising and all the rest of the crap you folks were up to. You collapsed posts and flagged them as advertising. That was you!

      Yep, I'm very sure it's not about being banned anymore.

      I'm sure you have been less than honest about your activities here.

      I'm sure you have some explaining to do as does every member of that group that took it upon themselves to be arbiters of the truth. You're an attorney, you above all, should know better.

      The last comment from Jody, Iowa:

      (May 26, 11:11 PM): That's great news about Mark Murray and Sasha coming to STL; it's exciting to think someone from MSNBC, FR, would come to our gathering. No doubt he'll have some interesting stories to tell us and is probably interested in feedback from us as well.

      That about says it all for me.

      ....and as Feisty has said on so many occasions....CRICKETS from the moderators.

      • 16 votes
      #2.64 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:08 PM EDT

      Nash-

      What is "the list for Mark" that Gingerbread Mama refers to?

      What do you know about Mark Murray attending attending the "gathering" in "STL" that Jody refers to?

      What do you know about the "gathering" in "STL"?

      You've said there's no relationship between the "group" and the "moderators" of the blog...but you've also said the blog isn't moderated by the "reporters".

      So...what is the relationship between the "reporters" (Mark & Dom) and the "private group"?

      • 13 votes
      #2.65 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:11 PM EDT

      From the link I was sent, it's no rumor, Groucho. There has been a coordinated effort between a group of liberal posters, Mark Murray, and the moderators to (a) delete and suspend posters with whom they disagree, and (b) allow ANYTHING at all from the members of their group.

      It seems that they have a little convention planned for July- Murray will attend in his role of Deputy Political Director here, and a round table discussion, (with Skype link for those who cannot attend in person), to discuss, among other things, removing voices that counter theirs.

      Nice, huh? Real professional.

      • 15 votes
      #2.66 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:13 PM EDT

      njnb-

      It's my understanding that Mark Murray is the Deputy Political Director for NBC News...the whole NBC News organization. Not simply this blog.

      So...let me see if I have this straight:

      The Deputy Political Director of a major mainstream TV news network's operation is attending a gathering of liberal bloggers associated with a website run by an affiliate of NBC News?

      Wow.

      • 7 votes
      #2.67 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:26 PM EDT

      It is almost like watching a major news story unfold before my eyes.

      • 8 votes
      #2.68 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:31 PM EDT

      To All:

      I'm done for the day and perhaps forever.

      Just checked the Boiler Room thread a few topics ahead from here and they're all there, posting as if nothing happened.

      ...and nothing did. They are totally immune.

      Check it out, laughable.

      • 7 votes
      #2.69 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:33 PM EDT

      Groucho and MB-

      You have both posted questions that must be answered. Some long time regulars have an ax to grind where I am concerned (you may have noticed)) so better you than me, and I mean that: Groucho you really laid it on the line far better than I could have. The collusion and attempts to control the board are a great concern and those who have been implicated should set the record straight.

      MB-You have asked the right questions, (to the right people), again far better than I could have.

      ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

      (May 26, 11:11 PM): That's great news about Mark Murray and Sasha coming to STL; it's exciting to think someone from MSNBC, FR, would come to our gathering. No doubt he'll have some interesting stories to tell us and is probably interested in feedback from us as well.

      That about says it all for me.

      Me too.

      If it is true it is a "smoking gun"

      Where are the moderators? Where is Mark? Where is Dom? Where is everyone?

      Groucho-stay...

      • 9 votes
      #2.71 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:39 PM EDT

      Too funny. These guys actually colluded on a message board! And I thought I had no life. The sad part is that theie collective thoughts consist of childish name calling and thinkprogress cut and paste.

      ROFL.

      • 6 votes
      #2.72 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:41 PM EDT

      What do you think Jon Stewart would make of this, dangerfield?

      Particularly after his discussion with Chris Wallace as to the degree of left-of-center bias in the mainstream news media?

      Alan, NJ- If they actually have a realtionship with the Deputy Political Director of NBC News, that's not funny at all.

      • 6 votes
      #2.73 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:44 PM EDT

      Don't do it, Groucho.

      The links I was sent dealt a lot with getting us off the board. You were mentioned, too, I might add.

      They WANT us to leave.

      Heck, they may have done this deliberately, in an attempt to have us quit in disgust.

      Not this girl. I do not give in to bullies.

      Don't you do it, either.

      • 5 votes
      #2.74 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:47 PM EDT

      Forget Stewart- it would serve them right if Breitbart got hold of this.

      Wonder how Comcast would react? It could give them the total explanation for their ratings.

      • 7 votes
      #2.75 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:50 PM EDT

      Groucho Marx,

      For all I know you are a paid troll (you certainly write better than I do, so that would make more sense.)

      Maybe Roger Ailes flies you to D.C. for conferences on disrupting MSNBC websites, I dunno. It should be pretty obvious there is a concerted effort by right-wing posters to smear this blog, it's moderators, and all the liberal posters who gather here.

      • 3 votes
      #2.76 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:52 PM EDT

      MB-

      Still not knowing the depth and breadth of this, I can only say that I believe it is more the personalities involved than their political affiliation as the type of junior-high clique here could form around any activity...

      As to Stewart...he would :"LOVE IT!"...and yet feel a little like he did covering his friend Anthony Weiner's political death-spiral...

      Amy-

      Groucho is no more a troll than you are. Are you saying that the posts are fake?

      • 7 votes
      #2.77 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:58 PM EDT

      Glad you're here, Amy.

      Do you know anything about the "gathering" in "STL", and who will be attending?

      Do you believe it would be appropriate for the Deputy Political Director of NBC News and his wife to attend such a "gathering"?

      • 7 votes
      #2.78 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:59 PM EDT

      Amy-

      Amy B. Portland, ME (Jun 19, 2:24 PM): I just flagged that one as advertising as well.

      Is this really your post?

      • 9 votes
      #2.79 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:04 PM EDT

      dangerfield-

      The social activities of the "usual suspects" here is of only passing interest.

      A possible relationship with journalists employed by NBC News is another matter entirely.

      • 7 votes
      #2.80 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:05 PM EDT

      They do not look fake to me, Mixed Bag. For one thing, there are too many pages- go back about a year.

      For another, the proof is in the pudding. How, exactly, do "certain" posters get away with some of the stuff they post?

      How do others get their accounts suspended so quickly- for no violations at all?

      • 8 votes
      #2.81 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:06 PM EDT

      MB-

      If Mark Murray really is involved with the group he should suffer the consequences of violating his own "code".

      If you are insinuating some connection/collusion with the actual management of MSNBC and/or NBC news which I sincerely doubt, that IS another matter entirely and one that merits a thorough and public investigation...

      Funny, I've been using the "usual suspects" line for quite a while, but now there's a whole new meaning...

      NJNB-

      No one should ever be attacked as you were on Friday and any forum that allowed the guilty party to continue to enjoy posting privileges has no honor code, and no honor period.

      • 8 votes
      #2.82 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:16 PM EDT

      Thanks, dangerfield.

      Drive by observer is snakily asking what the "punishment" should be- I agree with you and Mixed Bag- they should be exposed by people who matter. I'm not talking about the 38, by the way, but Murray and whoever else is involved with this collusion.

      I also think that the moderators should get involved in enforcing the rules even handedly on everyone.

      And them people who got their accounts suspended should be allowed back. They were only suspended on the request of the 38.

      Disgraceful.

      • 6 votes
      #2.83 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:26 PM EDT

      I, like you dangerfield, am simply asking questions...and no one's answering.

      Or, interestingly, denying.

      Would you consider the Deputy Political Director of NBC News "management"?

      • 5 votes
      #2.84 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:27 PM EDT

      I understand your point and yes I would; but Mark Murray, who once asked me "If you dislike this blog so much, why do you come here?" is low-level and "Management" in name only. If he really is culpable he should suffer the consequences, of which public humiliation is obviously and inevitably one, but what beyond that are you saying?

      Are you saying that there is more to the story?

      It's entirely possible that neither of us will be able to log in here tomorrow to find out...

      • 7 votes
      #2.85 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:38 PM EDT

      Amy B. Portland, ME

      Groucho Marx,

      You wrote:

      For all I know you are a paid troll (you certainly write better than I do, so that would make more sense.)

      Maybe Roger Ailes flies you to D.C. for conferences on disrupting MSNBC websites, I dunno. It should be pretty obvious there is a concerted effort by right-wing posters to smear this blog, it's moderators, and all the liberal posters who gather here.

      Seriously, that's what you come back with? I write better than you so I'm a right wing troll? The transcripts posted have you saying you collapsed a post by flagging it as advertisement. Are you denying your own words? Really? Are you?

      You and your friends are not the arbiters of the truth around here. You folks might think you are and if Mark Murray is involved that adds a whole new dimension to this stupidity.

      Stop the holier than thou routine, you got caught.

      Anything else you say is a falsehood.

      Oh...that writing better than you, I may have been a Marine for 31 years, but I got my education at Princeton and my MS at Columbia. Appearances can be deceiving, right?

      • 10 votes
      #2.86 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:39 PM EDT

      I know exactly what you know, dangerfield. No more.

      But I tend to agree with your assessment of what the silence of all involved suggests.

      And you're correct about tomorrow, as well.

      We may be "cleansed" along with everything else.

      First Read will have achieved perfect harmony.

      A lobotomy intended to eliminate objectionable and uproarious behavior.

      If this is it...so long, dangerfield.

      It's been fun, pal.

      • 6 votes
      #2.87 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:47 PM EDT

      I cannot disagree with you, Mixed Bag.

      We may all be history tomorrow.

      It's been fun.

      • 6 votes
      #2.88 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:51 PM EDT

      Indeed, no joe.

      • 5 votes
      #2.89 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:56 PM EDT

      Groucho Marx,

      To think I defended you when you called yourself Ira Lapin.

      See that exclamation mark up there? That's where you vote to collapse someone who is using bad language, etc. I have never voted to collapse anyone just because I disagreed with them. ( I have seen innocuous posts by US Navy routinely collapsed and he NEVER uses bad language) PS I am not paid to post here, I don't get orders from anyone, and my posts speak for themselves. Been posting for years, you can check the archives. You, only the other hand...got here this week?

      • 6 votes
      #2.90 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:58 PM EDT

      I am about to go out to dinner with my husband. Mixed Bag and Groucho, my respect for you both has increased based on the fact that you ask questions instead of just start trhowing accusations about.

      I have said my peace and it is all true.

      Here is some food for thought:

      Why didn't "now i'm here" just post all this stuff he or she claims he or she has?

      Because it doesn't exist.

      It is just as easy to post the "proof" as it is to post out of context private conversations.

      But hey, believe what you want.

      There is silence because most folks go home in the evenings and live their lives.

      The reporters associated with this blog chime in rarely, and even the moderators are not sitting here reading all of our posts. Thus the self moderation through flags.

      Ya'll have a pleasant evening . . . I am sure we will talk about this more tomorrow! :o)

      • 5 votes
      #2.91 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 6:02 PM EDT

      Amy B. Portland, ME

      I have never voted to collapse anyone just because I disagreed with them.

      again.

      Amy-

      Amy B. Portland, ME (Jun 19, 2:24 PM): I just flagged that one as advertising as well.

      Is this really your post?

      I didn't just get here...so is it or isn't it...

      • 8 votes
      #2.92 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 6:04 PM EDT

      Cute question, Nash.

      I have one of my own-

      How did all the posts that copied and pasted those posts get deleted- almost immediately- when FR's disgusting posts to me last week stay up?

      Wouldn't have anything to do with the special relationship she has Mark Murray, would it?

      Or Dennis' relationships with Tyler and Sally?

      The problem is not with you- but with the so-called professionals on this site.

      • 6 votes
      #2.93 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 6:22 PM EDT

      I don't flag people for posting opinions I do not agree with. Period. End Stop.

      The flagging function is for reporting violations of the code of conduct. And, for your information, I have flagged Feisty a time or two (and she, amusingly enough, will admit to flagging herself:)

      Look around, is Spanky still here? No Jo, JoanneSmith? So I guess if I were colluding in getting rid of right-wingers, I must not be very effective. Now Safecracker, on the other hand, is another story. I'm pretty sure I flagged that criminal, and for good reason.

      • 6 votes
      #2.94 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 6:31 PM EDT

      NJ,

      I don’t have a special relationship with Tyler or Sally, though some may think so – I have never made that claim. I email them mostly to have collapsed conversations restored and I have even requested yours and other conservative’s comments to be restored when there was nothing that violated the COH. They don’t even respond to me or let me know why they don’t restore some comments.

      Personally I liked it better when Tyler was active on FR. There are plenty of things said on both sides that are in violation of the COH but I don’t believe you can point out any of my comments that aren’t respectful and meet the Newsvine COH.

      • 3 votes
      #2.95 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 6:42 PM EDT

      Thenproblem, dear Amy, is that you used the advertising flag because it gets posts deleted, rather than collapsed, when the post was not advertising.

      You and your merry band used it when posts used cites from Politico.

      By your mown admission.

      And, no, I did not hack your precious site. I got emaled a bunch of documents.

      Know what's funny? Your writing is better on that site than here.

      You're smarter than you present yourself to be, it seems.

      • 5 votes
      #2.96 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 6:42 PM EDT

      I don't flag people for posting opinions I do not agree with. Period. End Stop.


      Now Safecracker, on the other hand, is another story. I'm pretty sure I flagged that criminal, and for good reason.

      __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      Was that your answer?

      Was the post in question from that screen name? If it wasn't something you disagreed with, what was it?

      Did you flag it as advertising to delete the post (as opposed to simply collapsing it, where it can still be read.) did you do it as part of a group, and has this flagging certain posts as "advertising" to have them deleted been a practice in your group?

      The post says "I just flagged that one as advertising as well."

      So was that a "yes" or a "no"

      • 4 votes
      #2.97 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 6:48 PM EDT

      Now I'm here,

      Your allegations that I somehow have organized or paid for the meeting in St. Louis are 100% false. If you have anything else to say, I recommend you look up the main number for NBC News and give me a call.

      • 6 votes
      #2.98 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 10:20 PM EDT

      Lol wow after reading these comments and the open page I have a question:

      Um why did you have a roundtable discussion set up for Sat morning as you may have to go back to DC on Saturday?

      It was on page 475, but now the page has been deleted. If it were all above board "Now I'm Here's" comments would not have been deleted.

      Deleted the posts and the page from the interwebs looks pretty guilty to me.

      • 1 vote
      #2.99 - Fri Jun 24, 2011 10:51 AM EDT

      As I've mentioned before, the First Read team isn't responsible for moderating the comments. Newsvine is. No one on our team deleted those comments; I don't know what happened to them.

      If you host a similar gathering and want me to talk about First Read and what I do for NBC, I'd also be happy to attend.

      • 1 vote
      #2.100 - Fri Jun 24, 2011 1:18 PM EDT

      This week on First Read, very specific allegations were leveled.

      -An NBC reporter was accused of paying for blogger airline tickets to have a meeting

      -Myself and Feisty Redhead were accused of being one and the same

      - It was alleged that there was a document outlining a “three name strategy”

      -A private group was accused of colluding with the moderators to silence conservative voices

      Lost in all of the hubabaloo about this is the fact that not one shred of evidence to support any of these claims has been presented.

      There are folks who are claiming to have read all 400+ pages of comments, and yet the relevant passages to support the above lies have yet to surface. And lastly, the stolen group conversations illustrate that the system in place to report flagrant posts was being utilized as it was designed to be.

      Here is my question: Why would someone make up these types of lies?

      Why were so many of the folks who have been pretending to be “in the middle” so very quick to assist is spreading these lies?

      How did all of these “independent” posters come into possession of the same documents and draw the exact same conclusions?

      Why are the same folks who are claiming that their sensibilities have been offended by Code of Honor violations here in force today berating and belittling people?

      Are any of the folks who made unsubstantiated claims using out of context private conversations ever going to acknowledge their error?

      Once someone has established themselves as a liar, why would anyone believe anything that they say?

      • 4 votes
      #2.101 - Fri Jun 24, 2011 2:37 PM EDT
      Reply

      Your tax cuts at work :(

      • 2 votes
      Reply#3 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:19 PM EDT

      We've already spent over a billion dollars on the intervention in Libya, and climbing.

      Now, the intervention "has caused a loss of roughly 1.5 million barrels of oil per day."

      Solution, open up the Strategic Oil Reserves to increase the amount.

      Hey, do we have to replace that oil that's being released?

      How much is that going to cost?

      How do we pay for it?

      Just seems like a desperation move by Obama to do anything, no matter hoe ineffective, to help his declining numbers. Like the employer Payroll Tax cut. No help, no way.

      • 9 votes
      Reply#4 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:22 PM EDT

      Astoundingly desperate.

      So much for the smartest guy in the room.

      Speaking of which - hey Bev. did yu see that picture of Olbermann's new staff? Man, are those not the whites bunch around. I love Oblemann - cries for diversity, but when push comes to shove only hires white folk.

      You send in a protest yet Bev.? I for one am appalled.

      • 9 votes
      #4.1 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:45 PM EDT

      AS is his routine SPANKY has to bait not deal the issue being discussed. Keep it up SPANKY even the Conservatives are coming around to realizing that tactic is losing for them

      • 4 votes
      #4.2 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:29 PM EDT

      Sorry Ray, but the issue being discussed, other than the liberal mafia issue above, is Obama releasing oil from the Strategic Reserve.

      A desperate move from a desperate politician attempting to cling to power.

      But maybe you are on to something - the conservatives are coming around to something - Obama's collapsing poll number and support by independents, the young, the Jews, the Hispanics.

      But tell me Ray, what issue would you like to discuss. I'm right here brother.

      Oh and Ray, are you sure it's just me or is it Groucho too?

      • 4 votes
      #4.3 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:40 PM EDT
      Reply

      Hey Cheryl:  If you don't like MSNBC, why don't you go over to FOX.  After all, FOX is doing everything possible to make sure President Obama fails.  Maybe their lies and hatred are more of your cup of tea.

      • 11 votes
      Reply#5 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:25 PM EDT

      He doesn't need help to fail.

      • 8 votes
      #5.1 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:41 PM EDT

      Then why are you and your ilk so worried? McConnell's goal of doing everything to insure only one term for our President should be discontinued... unless you posted another LIE/untruth/misinformation talking point. That, sir, is just a fact.

      See, most of us (who tnuts, wingnuts, pledgers and repubnuts are SSSSOOOOO out of touch with) recognize your sales pitches, and no matter how long and how loudly and how often you keep repeating your tired, overused inaccurate anti-Obama rhetoric, we will NOT believe it this time. We are on to your game. YOU LOSE. End of story.

      • 2 votes
      #5.2 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 11:17 PM EDT
      Reply

      FOX News, the news source for the misinformed.

      • 7 votes
      Reply#6 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:34 PM EDT
      Comment author avataralwaysfaithfullExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

      Fiesty, USNDVR, Bev and the rest of the cast of "regulars" here on "FIRST READ" a.k.a - The Democratic Demagoguery and Propaganda Macine and Cut & Paste Board. I urge you all to wake up and smell the coffee! Read and OBJECTIVELY digest all the negative news regarding your fearless leader in recent days.......it's not good and it AIN'T gettin any better either!!!!! Bernanke's premonition alone spells political doom for ANY incumbent President, however and at this juncture......it happens to be Obama. It is better to accept this situation for what it is rather than continue to deny it....it is only counter productive to do so. Sticking your head in the "cut & paste essay" sand and pretending that this is all not happening is a fools game!

      • 6 votes
      Reply#7 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:38 PM EDT

      But Always, why would we listen to you guys that are stuck on stupid? I myself will stick with the start Progressives.

      • 3 votes
      #7.1 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:08 PM EDT

      Meanwhile, back in reality: Approval ratings for Republican governors elected in 2010 are tanking. Approval of the House is at 18%. Americans have seen the right wing agenda and they don't like it.

      • 7 votes
      #7.2 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:13 PM EDT

      Oh Amy so precious.

      Say how would you describe Obama's approval rating?

      How about the "right track/wrong track" polls?

      • 8 votes
      #7.3 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:27 PM EDT

      alwaysfaithful to the fear mongering of the Republican party. Your tripe is SOOOO old. Please, go read a book that doesn't have pictures in it, or a web site not funded by the Koch Brothers. You seem to be one of those people who think if you crow the lie loud and long enough that people will buy in. NO SALE. The only failure I can see is that you and the rest of those who come here crowing how Obama is failing just can't seem to get those hateful blinders off. You have zero answers, zero ideas, zero faith in your country. All that just adds up to a bunch of ZEROS. The individuals that you are bellyaching about DO NOT MAKE POLICY. Try sticking to a topic, try sticking to the spirt of what these vines are for instead of crying like a bunch of kids because you do not like the content of someone's post!! What is your big fear here, that someone may actually agree with them? Speaking for myself, sometimes I do, sometimes I don't but I'm sure not going to waste my time crying about it. Grow up!!!

      • 5 votes
      #7.4 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:19 PM EDT
      Reply

      This is the best he can do to bring down oil prices? Maybe short term (very short), but definitely not long term.

      • 1 vote
      Reply#8 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:39 PM EDT

      Marcus...I sense that you are one of the FOX believers who will not approve of ANYTHING President Obama does or doesn't do and will slam him every chance you get. Remember that he is YOUR President, too.

      • 4 votes
      #8.1 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:47 PM EDT

      Actually it's a good test to see what the effect of the release is on prices at the pump. I hope SOMEONE has the expectation of how much it will fall.

      Anyone know what the effect is expected of 30 Million barrels US and 60 Million world wide is? (10 cents per gallon???).

      • 4 votes
      #8.3 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:03 PM EDT

      K2mm I wouldn't call Fox readers uniformed even if Jon Stewart says so based on this little tidbit from Politifact. I myself don't watch Fox but I think most intelligent people realize news is slanted or edited for the most sensational info and news is marketed to achieve advertising dollars for the news org themselves. I also don't take as gospel news from an entertainer or comedian.

      http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2011/jun/20/jon-stewart/jon-stewart-says-those-who-watch-fox-news-are-most/

      or

      http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/columns/editors-desk/article_2a2ebb22-9cfa-11e0-bd8e-0019bb30f31a.html

        #8.4 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:58 PM EDT

        I wonder why Obama opens up the Oil Reserve now? Why not when gas was over $4.00 a gallon? The price of gas has/is dropping in my area for 2 or 3 weeks now.

          #8.5 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:15 PM EDT

          slodon - more important question is "If they are increasing the supply because it will bring down the price of gas, then why all the opposition to drilling?" Seems to me that this action supports the Republicans call for increases that are more permanent in nature.

          • 1 vote
          #8.6 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:48 PM EDT
          Reply

          If Obama started shooting barrells of oil out of his butt, people would still complain!

          • 10 votes
          Reply#9 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:45 PM EDT

          Yes there would be complaints...... I'm pretty sure most people wouldn't want to use "butt oil" in their cars.......

            #9.1 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:05 PM EDT
            Reply

            And I don't want to dessimate our environment, so no drill baby drill nonsense.

            • 8 votes
            Reply#10 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:46 PM EDT

            Seems to me that having millions of cars rusting on the side of the road because gas is not available or is too expensive would be pretty bad for the environment too.

              #10.1 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 5:09 PM EDT
              Reply
              alexandr91Deleted

              No matter what the President does , you people still always have to gripe about something.

              • 6 votes
              Reply#12 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:58 PM EDT

              So Jason, from your comment, we can figure that you actually agree with this release of oil, right?

              When gas prices skyrocketed to over $4 a gallon Obama did his little "let them eat cake" speech in Maryland I believe.

              Now, with our gas prices actually going down a little, Europe has a problem and all of a sudden it's important to release some of our oil reserves?

              • 2 votes
              #12.1 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:48 PM EDT
              Reply

              I applaud the Prez. decision to release some oil from reserves vacations spending is needed in this economy.

              • 5 votes
              Reply#13 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:04 PM EDT

              And why are we releasing OUR oil ksilver?

              How does us releasing oil from our reserves do anything for OUR gas prices since Libya's oil goes to EUROPE?

              Are we going to export our oil to help Europe's problem, just like we attacked Libya because Europe wanted us to?

              • 1 vote
              #13.1 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:46 PM EDT

              Did you read the article Cheryl? Doesn't sound like it. Oil from the SR cannot be exported without special permit and I really do not see that happening at all.

              • 3 votes
              #13.2 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:43 PM EDT
              Reply

              SOB

              Add Dennis, Newday and Navy to list

              • 5 votes
              Reply#15 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:46 PM EDT

              "Oh my Drive By!

              Gas is coming down. You know that cause you see it with your own eyes, right. Proof positive that you libbies cannot see the Forest, just trees.

              Sorry to break it to you - oil is going up. And you know where gas comes from? That's right.

              Tell you what genius, how about you get back to us in 3 weeks. See if you can guess what gas will do in the interim"

              #2.21 - Fri Jun 3, 2011 1:38 PM EDT

              Hey, where'd THIS come from???

              • 2 votes
              Reply#16 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:49 PM EDT

              Drive-by, first of all, I think this is potentially bad for the country. The strategic reserves are for emergency situations. But if this does happen to positively affect gas prices do you think Obama would allow increased domestic production?

                #16.1 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:14 PM EDT

                I think he should tell the lease holders to tap the reserves under their leased 'patches', and then, when, that's getting closer to running out, open up the next areas. Also- would the increased domestic production you mention stay here, or go out on the open market for Japan, China and every one else to bid on and consume?

                • 2 votes
                #16.2 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:19 PM EDT

                Unfortunately, I think new domestic production would go on the open market. The strategic reserves have to be used for our purposes whether here or abroad.

                The amount that has been tapped will probably not amount to a great decrease in world prices. It is a nice gesture though.

                  #16.3 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:37 PM EDT

                  So why not impose the identical restrictions on domestic new drilling... can not go on the world market, must stay here; AND profit margins/price is federally regulated to avoid price gouging.

                  If you "drill, baby, drill" proponets can't agress to restrictions like these, then don't expect us to GIVE you our natural resources for your own profits and to fill the "big oil" coffers with our dollars.

                  It does not make sense to allow big oil to deplete our natural resources in order to maintain their custom of setting "new record quarterly profit" not to mention the hazards and potential problems to our grandchildrens' environment.

                  You want to access our domestic oil by opening new fields and increasing domestic production? Then agree to cap the costs [e.g. $55/bbl; $1.85 at the pump] keep domestic production domestic [can not go to the world market for China to burn up] and maintain safeguards to adequately protect the environment and take responsibility for any/all damage from new drilling. If you can't or won't do these things, YOU CAN'T HAVE OUR OIL! It belongs to the United States of America citizens!

                    #16.4 - Fri Jun 24, 2011 9:10 AM EDT
                    Reply

                    Short term, what about long term? Why didn't he do this when we were at $4.50?

                    • 1 vote
                    Reply#17 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:57 PM EDT

                    Becasue he didn't want to disappoint Spankie??

                    • 2 votes
                    #17.1 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:07 PM EDT

                    Because Europe wasn't in oil trouble then thetotas, WE were. And he didn't care about that.

                    Now Europe is hurting for Libya's oil (Libya ships exactly ZERO barrels of oil to the U.S.) and all of a sudden WE have to release from our oil reserves.

                    Another "great" call from Barack.

                    • 3 votes
                    #17.2 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:09 PM EDT

                    Pretty creative spin, there, CherylLM. Gotta hand it to you, you have a pretty amazing imagination. But serriously, tell us- what's in it for Obama to kowtow to Europe on this? What's the payoff? 4 more years? Europe votes in our elections?? What???

                    • 6 votes
                    #17.3 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:22 PM EDT

                    President Obama probably wanted the American people to see the profits pocketed by the oil companies. You see, BP is advertising that they paid billions and saved America's Gulf coast. In fact, they spent nothing and lost nothing. Overcharging customers to re-coop their errors and pay their bills is a great capitalistic way to run free...it happens all the time....

                    • 1 vote
                    #17.4 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:29 PM EDT

                    Obama is not reacting to oil prices he is reacting to short supply. There is a big difference!!! In reference to tapping into the reserve, the reserve that is at record levels, as stated in the article.

                    • 2 votes
                    #17.5 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:08 PM EDT

                    Andie - I saw something earlier (on another vine) that said there are ships waiting to get into port because there is too much oil already here. With the economy down, that seems reasonable. There should be alot less oil consumption than there would be if it was improving significantly. I don't think we have a supply shortage. I think the plan is to try to affect the overall market so that oil is more available to other countries that are affected by the Libyan shortfall. I don't think we get any oil from there.

                      #17.6 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:53 PM EDT
                      Reply

                      I am not going to say anything negative to anyone, I just do not know what will pull us out of this recession. My hope is we will support some decisions made, in hopes they will work, because many people in this country and in many others depend on our leaders to work together to get things moving again.

                      • 12 votes
                      Reply#18 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:05 PM EDT

                      I voted for ya, Barb. I suggest many others do also.

                      • 5 votes
                      #18.1 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:09 PM EDT
                      Reply

                      All of these comments reminds me that Republican Presidential hopeful Michelle Bachmann said, and I quote, "if we drill in Alasks, we will meet 75% of America's oil needs and we can export the remaining 25 %".

                      If you President Obama's plan is dumb, try understanding Michelle's!

                      • 3 votes
                      Reply#19 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:23 PM EDT

                      We can export the remaining 25% of our....NEEDS?? What the .....??

                        #19.1 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:51 PM EDT
                        Reply

                        Wow, things spin into madness quickly in cyber world. When First Read joined Newsvine, that also offered the ability to start groups. Several posters here started just such a group to have discussions about politics and other things of interest.

                        This is something that all newsvine users have the ability to do.

                        Whoever starts the group "administrates" it and invites other users to join as they see fit.

                        Why this is suddenly being portrayed as some type of nefarious plot is curious . . . of course it does coincide with the hacking of the group and private posts being made public.

                        Now to the topic of members of the group being paid, by MSNBC or anyone else?

                        Of course not.

                        This is a clear effort to discredit and intimidate, with a special emphasis on Feisty Redhead.

                        Well it ain't gonna work folks.

                        • 8 votes
                        Reply#20 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:28 PM EDT

                        I heard they've sold the scoop to the National Enquirer!

                        It's scandalous simple scandalous! :o)

                        • 5 votes
                        #20.1 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:40 PM EDT

                        "This is something that all newsvine users have the ability to do.

                        Whoever starts the group "administrates" it and invites other users to join as they see fit."

                        Really, Nash? So there could be a LOT of different groups out there, doing the same thing, but not everyone else knows about those groups? Groups that come up with the same talking points somehow, or that 'collapse' the same posters somehow?

                        As Mr Obvious might say...."hmmmm , I never made the connection".

                        • 2 votes
                        #20.2 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:45 PM EDT

                        Nothing on the internet is Private.

                        Ask Citibank

                        Ask Sony

                        Ask Weiner

                        • 5 votes
                        #20.3 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:54 PM EDT
                        dimitri4Deleted
                        Reply

                        Why don't we just quadruple food stamps... This country desperatley needs a new leader. VOTE FOR CHANGE IN 2012!

                        The Obama administration is far more enthusiastic about boosting food-stamp enrollment than about preventing fraud. Thanks in part to vigorous federally funded campaigns by nonprofit groups, the government's AmericaCorps service program, and other organizations urging people to accept government handouts, the number of food-stamp recipients has soared to 44 million from 26 million in 2007, and costs have more than doubled to $77 billion from $33 billion.----WALL STREET JOURNAL

                        • 1 vote
                        Reply#21 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:45 PM EDT

                        "The Obama administration is far more enthusiastic about boosting food-stamp enrollment than about preventing fraud."

                        Interesting scenario.

                        What would be his payoff? What's in it for him? More votes from food-stamp recipients? Wouldn't that worsen the debt, and wouldn't that, in turn, worsen his re election chances? I'm lost, here... Help me out. What would be in it for the President to boost food-stamp enrollment. He gets a commission on food stamps?? What?

                        • 2 votes
                        #21.1 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:55 PM EDT

                        UAW perhaps the increased food stamp participation has something to do with all those unemployed people. And if the Ryan budget does some how manage to get through how many more people will that add to the food stamp rolls? And according to Boehner if the budget causes lost jobs "so be it"

                        That is what some people fail to grasp (republicans), if there is a loss of jobs, if unemployment insurance isn't extended, if taxes are raised on the working poor, then more people will need foodstamps as well as other types of welfare (cash, rent assistance and medical).

                        They didn't want to extend unemployment insurance but what happens to those families when the unemployment checks stop? Those people then move form the unemployment rolls to the welfare rolls. Either way the government pays.

                        • 3 votes
                        #21.2 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:16 PM EDT

                        What's this got to do with oil? UAW, send an address and I'll help you out with some glasses because you are plainly not able to read this vine or stick to its topic.

                        • 3 votes
                        #21.3 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:48 PM EDT

                        Drive by, I'm not sure those who voted for Obama in 2008 were ever really concerned about the deficit. But, I'd rank the Obama food stamp promotion in the same catagory as Obama expanding medicare/medicaid, increasing unemplyment, etc. etc. etc.. It's probably not going to get him re-elected but it does make him more popular with the poverty lobby and the other percieved victims who believe it's someone elses responsibilty to provide for them. Fortunatley more people are taking the deficit seriously this next election. Andie, I don't think you will get alot of support for increasing taxes from main stream voters while Obama is still in office. His poor leadership and excessive spending has left a blemish on liberal causes. Let's VOTE FOR CHANGE IN 2012!

                        • 2 votes
                        #21.4 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:55 PM EDT

                        "The fact that we are here today to debate raising America 's debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the US Government can not pay its own bills. It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our Government's reckless fiscal policies. Increasing America 's debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that 'the buck stops here.' Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership.

                        Americans deserve better."

                        SENATOR BARACK H. OBAMA - MARCH 2006

                          #21.5 - Fri Jun 24, 2011 2:10 PM EDT
                          Reply

                          The release of this oil was to be in emergency situations only. Ask why this is being done today when prices were slowing going down? If truly needed why not when prices were over $4.30? If there is an emergency today it is due to this administrations refusal to allow enough new drilling over the last 2 1/2 years. Get with it America and stop the idiocies of this administration. The President is destroying America with his policies. I feel this is solely political and not meant to help Americans.

                          • 2 votes
                          Reply#22 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:32 PM EDT

                          the Obama administration is viewed so heavily anti business that everyone is sitting tight until he is gone. The Obama administration is crowing about the job growth of 50,000 to 60,000 jobs a month. An analyst from the Wall Street Journal said yesterday that we would need to start creating 400,000 new jobs a month while cutting new jobless claims to under 250,000 to get unemployment to under 7% by Nov. 2012. This would have to start in July 2011 and continue every month. Does anyone see that happening. If they do, are they willing to put some money on it.

                            Reply#23 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:11 PM EDT

                            Obama administration wants to "invest" in America. Which means they want to tell American manufacturing what to make. What has this group of politicians ever manufactured? If you check their backgrounds, most are either Ivy League professors or lawyers. They have no experience in manufacturing but intend to tell the manufacturing community what they should manufacture over the next 20 years. Jimmy Carter tried that and how well did it work? The manufacturing community in the US is the most advanced and innovative in the world. Washington need to get out of their way. They have the history of state of the art innovation and success to back the claim. The "investment" program of the Obama administration is political agenda driven not innovation driven. If it is a great idea and will make a lot of money, private industry will fund it. There will be no need for Washington money. After all, did it take Washington money to get us the Iphone? The trouble with the Washington Green Energy push is that once oil prices come down, you can't make any money in the green energy industry. Oil and energy prices must stay very high for green energy to stay competitive.

                              Reply#24 - Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:32 PM EDT

                              "The fact that we are here today to debate raising America 's debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the US Government can not pay its own bills. It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our Government's reckless fiscal policies. Increasing America 's debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that 'the buck stops here.' Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership.

                              Americans deserve better."

                              SENATOR BARACK H. OBAMA - MARCH 2006

                              • 1 vote
                              Reply#25 - Fri Jun 24, 2011 2:09 PM EDT
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