There were three, now there will be two:

Labor Day has passed and the political campaigns are gearing up for a 15 month run for the White House. Most political pundits knew that it was very unlikely that Michele Bachmann would get the GOP nomination and clearly would not be elected to become POTUS. This weekend Ed Rollins decided to quit his job as Bachmann's campaign manager. His departure will effectively end Bachmann's campaign. Mr. Rollins provided shrew political tactics and he was able to effectively restrain Michele from saying outrageous, crazy-like comments that were commonplace before Rollins arrived.

The two remaining candidates, Romney and Perry will vie for the GOPTP nomination. It is very clear that the GOPTP is not the party of Reagan as it has moved so far to the right that it is now the party of Jim DeMint, Jon Kyl, Eric Cantor and Paul Ryan. The Tea Party does not trust Romney and like his father, George Romney who was beaten by Barry Goldwater, Mitt will be beaten by conservative Rick Perry.

Earlier I thought the GOP primary process would be long and bitter. But with today's technology and the amount of money that will flow toward Perry, the GOPTP outcome will be determined sometime after the Florida primaries.

So what will the Reagan Republicans do? Vote for Perry anyway? Stay home and wait until 2016? Vote for President Obama as he has captured the middle ground? Time will tell. But as I survey the landscape, it's the governor's races, the House and Senate seats that Democrats need to be focusing on. That is the lesson to be learned from the 2010 election.

I thought lefty liberals didn’t consider violence to be an appropriate response to anything and are always the first ones to condemn any calls for violence?? Remember the big whinefest about Sarah Palin and the gun sights on Dem incumbents being targeted for electoral defeat??

Apparently, calls for violence are PERFECTLY OK with the lefty liberals as long as they come from Dems and are directed at Republicans.

The silence of the White House and the MSM is deafening. And the outright refusal of that major babisina, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, to even address the issue when pressed is the standard lefty liberal “do as I say, not as I do” hypocrisy.

From Politico:

Tea partiers are demanding that President Obama apologize after speaking at a Labor Day rally at which Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa called political opponents “son-of-a-bitches.”

“President Obama, this is your army, we are ready to march,” Hoffa said. “Let's take these son-of-a-bitches out and give America back to America where we belong.”

According to the AP, the chairwoman of the Tea Party Express, Amy Kremer, said in a statement: "Jimmy Hoffa's remarks are inexcusable and amount to a call for violence on peaceful tea party members, which include many Teamster members. We have called on President Obama to condemn this inappropriate and uncivil rhetoric, which has no place in the public forum."

Teamsters spokeswoman Leigh Strope defended Hoffa’s comments, saying they “reflect the anger of workers under attack in this country.”

Head of the Democratic National Committee Debbie Wasserman Schultz refused to directly address Hoffa’s comments when pressed to give an official response Tuesday morning.

“My official response is that we need to make sure that we focus on the middle class and working families and that we bring everyone in this country together from both sides of the aisle to focus like a laser on continuing to get this economy turned around,” she said on Fox News. “That should be our priority. That’s the priority of President Obama.”

Tea partiers are demanding that President Obama apologize after speaking at a Labor Day rally at which Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa called political opponents “son-of-a-bitches.”

I'm confused here - did the President say it, or was it Hoffa?

Why the hell should the President apologize?

PS: Truth stings doesn't it?

PPS: PEACEFUL tea baggers? HAHAHA! Give me a freakin break!

VP Biden at AFL-CIO Rally: 'You Are The Only Folks Keeping The Barbarians From the Gates'.
Source: http://www.hapblog.com/2011/09/biden-at-afl-cio-rally-you-are-only.html

Union Leader Hoffa: 'President Obama, This Is Your Army... Let's Take These Son of Bitches Out'...
Source: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2011/09/05/jimmy_hoffa_at_obama_event_on_gop_lets_take_these_son_of_bitches_out.html

How desperate and how worthless Obama, Biden, and the union leaders have become. They're hysterical to watch. What sane people behave this way? Biden of course has also called the GOP 'Terrorists'. The empty rhetoric from the Left is just overflowing. They have failed so badly, that's all they really have nothing left to discuss. Where are all the jobs from those trillions you and the Democrats have spent Barack and Joe? Can't talk about that now, can you?

When Obama got up to speak after Hoffa, he warmly embraced the gutter rat Hoffa and the Teamsters, so Barry is a-okay with that rhetoric.

Didn't Obama promise to change the tone in Washington? I guess he has, for the worse.

FR: *** All of Washington takes a hit: Obama isn't the only one who's damaged, per our poll. A whopping 82% disapprove of Congress' job.

A whopping 95% of Congress men and women will get re-elected. A whopping 100% of Obama won't be re-elected.

The President was right - SHOW US WHAT YOU GOT!

Isn't that the whole point of being the President?.....to lead and show what HE'S got??? Dolts

Good morning Feisty -

A question. Have they (MSNBC) changed the foremat of First Read? Since Friday when i go into First Read everything is blue small print. Do you know anything about this and is there a way to fix it.

Thanks,

Tom

Obama complains he can't get anything done, and he has an excuse for every single one of his failures.

It is the height of embarrassment for this country to see this President so willing to proclaim his own powerlessness, and a President that is so comfortable with his own incompetence.

It's a fair question Mr. Obama, why exactly again did you want the job?

Hi Tom!

Hope you had an excellent weekend!

Not sure about the format change - what I would do is send a e-mail to Newsvine using the report bug feature, they should respond on how to correct it.

Well, this is a first--when did calling on voters to throw the GOP "sons of bitches" out of office become a call for violence? Liberals and unions have been called far worse by the right; apparently a few conservatives have their undies in a bunch this morning.

Rick Perry said he's all for gun control--he uses both hands but apparently that's okay to say but don't dare call the GOPTP "sons of bitches".

Judge Joe (quoting):

Tea partiers are demanding that President Obama apologize after speaking at a Labor Day rally at which Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa called political opponents "son-of-a-bitches."

"President Obama, this is your army, we are ready to march," Hoffa said. "Let's take these son-of-a-bitches out and give America back to America where we belong."

Dear, dear, dear ... such faux sensitivity and outrage. Which party is it -- I'll give you a hint, it's the TEA PARTY -- that keeps talking about taking America back -- back from WHAT I always say. The low-life liberals? The unAmerican liberals?

Don't like it, Joe? Well, then ... try putting some civility back on YOUR side.

What goes around comes around. And Karma -- she's sure a b***h.

Just like Justice David Prosser -- you know, that same guy who put another justice in a chokehold -- called Chief Justice Abrahamson in my own state.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/chris_rickert/article_33369f8e-d7f4-11e0-a10f-001cc4c002e0.html

And Prosser admitted to having called Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson a "total bitch."

Now THERE's some civility for you.

As for the "karma," it seems Justice Prosser has now seen fit to recuse himself on that case where his own lawyer was representing one of the parties. Just the other day, he said he was perfectly capable of being impartial ...

After months of prodding, Prosser on Thursday agreed to recuse himself from a case in which one of the attorneys previously worked for him in the recount of his bitterly fought April election.

Jim Troupis is arguing on behalf of conservative groups challenging new restrictions on campaign financing. For a while now, legal experts have been saying his participation presents a pretty clear-cut reason for Prosser to take himself off the case.

Before Thursday, Prosser said he knew and had favorable opinions of many of the people involved on multiple sides of the case and was sure he could be impartial.

Like I said, what goes around ...

Morning, Judge. How's it going today?

California Tom:

A question. Have they (MSNBC) changed the foremat of First Read? Since Friday when i go into First Read everything is blue small print. Do you know anything about this and is there a way to fix it.

My advice? Get a Mac. Looks the same here this morning.

Feisty and Ron a great way to start the week off

Like I said earler the Liberal media that includes MNSBC needs theeir lead story here on FT needs to be " will the Republicans obstruct . Why can't MSNBC talk about why republicans sit on $2 trillion instead of manufactured uncertainty?

I may bounce in and out due to the rain which destroyed my modem.

Did anyone notice the GOP and FOX got their widdle feelings hurt?

The Echo Chamber is going nuts about union President remarks. Yet the edited what he said about takin the [SOBs OUT]. HOFFA said let's take SOBs OUT out at the ballot box which Fox left out.

So why is FOX lyin again? Aparently they did see the horrendous calls of violence the T-baggers use incluging death. I saw the signs.

Feisty how about a Cubs, Bears, Bulls, or White Sox game in October when I have a conference in the Windy City?

It's not too obvious the right wing nuts can toss out heated rhetoric...

However, when liberals toss it back at them, they fold like cheap suits! LMAO!

WHAAAAA!

Obama's idea of intelligent foreign policy is to lead from behind.

Feisty's idea of an intelligent comment is to leak from the behind.

Don't forget Mr. Obama told the illeagal immigrants from Mexico that AMericans were their enemy and they should attack their enemies. That can be found a 1000 different places use google. He had me then he lost me.

Beverly, I believe the disrespect shown President Obama is unprecedented. In the media, on cable, on the internets and by the GOP. With all the so called journalists we have, you would think someone somewhere would write an indepth expose on what is going on in this country.

No one is calling anyone on it. And it's disgraceful. Here is something I saw this morning over The Obama Diary that you should look at. Ron Reagan, Jr. seems to be the only one who is being honest in today's culture. He is a rarity these day - a decent individual.

I'm sick of the pundits railing against President Obama. They are phonies who haven't a clue about leadership. Richard Wolffe. Jonathan Alter. They criticize the President. But they do not assume to know what it takes to lead this country.

Not like everybody else does. It's why we're so bad off. The media turns away from the important stuff and just negatively reacts to whatever the president is attempting to do. That's today's cable.

It's pathetic.

ttp://theobamadiary.com/2011/09/06/disrespect/#comments

____________________________________

Hey, maybe Romney will win. Then we can get rid of the unions. And see everybody's paycheck go down, down, down. It's what the Republicans want more than anything.

Cheap labor.

I love the hypocrisy, you call anyone on the right that calls out your hypocrisy, bigotry and malicious behaviour as whiny and sensitive but when we call you guys out on it, you get your panties in a twist and put us on ignore. So far I havent seen any conservatives back down from a good challenge on here.

FR: *** All of Washington takes a hit: Obama isn't the only one who's damaged, per our poll. A whopping 82% disapprove of Congress' job.

It may seem confusing why Republicans do SO MANY things that damage their own reputation along with everyone else in Washington. It's an important point at a time when the Republican Party is less popular with the public than Islam or Atheism -- two things that Conservatives regularly use to whip their targets into a lathered fear.

What they're really doing is attacking the legitimacy of the United States government. Conservatives have been doing it since Reagan declared government the problem, not the solution. Again, it seems like a crazy solution, so why would they do this?

They're a minority, and a particularly rabid one, that's why. Conservatives are proven to vote more consistently than any other group, partly because they're constantly kept angry at supposed Liberal attacks on civilization and fearful of everything from the "homosexual agenda" to Sharia law.

The only way for them to gain the power they crave is to keep everyone else away from the ballot box. They can do this by attacking the legitimacy of our very government. It's a policy Republicans have pursued at least as far back as the '94 government shut down and the Clinton impeachment debacle.

A little reflection on that will tell you all you need to know about the Republican Party and larger Conservative movement as it exists today. As radicals whose agenda is opposed by the majority of Americans they need to ATTACK the very government of the republic to succeed. Are people who would do this deserving of the chance?

bob 180...:

Feisty's idea of an intelligent comment is to leak from the behind.

I sure hope you don't plan to make a comment about Richard Trumka or any other crude thing that a liberal might say.

Would ring just a little hollow, you know?

Maybe one of your conservative buddies will call you out on this little bit of crudity.

On second thought, why do I doubt it?

Another distract tactic by the tea people GOP republicans this morning on the Hoffa comment. And as usual the media falls right in line. It's another distraction form the real issues. The tea people GOP republicans are so predictable.

Pat, Boston. So true, the media is equally disrespectful of President Obama as well as the GOPTP. I do not recall President Bush ever being called Mr. Bush yet that is common today. I also find Ron Reagan, Jr. refreshingly honest.

This is getting unbelievable.

Think Progress:

Today, Bradblog’s Brad Friedman reports for Mother Jones about a secret meeting that the right-wing oil billionaire Koch brothers held at a Colorado resort in June with hundreds of wealthy donors who plotted to finance right-wing causes and elect conservative politicians.

Friedman reports that audio he obtained from the conference reveals that Charles Koch alarmingly referred to President Obama as “Saddam Hussein,” saying that the right had to fight the “mother of all wars.” He rallied his guests to donate millions of dollars to help defeat Obama and boost other right-wing causes.

_________________________________________

Why does the media stand for this? Where are you?!

Again the first posters appear three to four minutes before the story was posted. Any answers? Computer time clock off?

Thanks Feisty, I'll give it a try.

Jody, it becomes a call for violence when the people encouraged to "Take these SOB's out" are referred to as an ARMY.

Or don't you get that symbolism.

AM, I am tired of your claims of "Faux" Outrage. It is in fact real. I was there. I was in the minority. I knew that going in, but I will tell you that I didn't dare speak a negative word for fear of my safety amongst the crowd after Hoffa spoke. See it is pretty easy to get some of these Union folks riled up. I have worked with them for years and most are good people you can have a discussion with, but when a mob mentality takes over, all bets are off.

Let's add one more great quote from our President. "It's time for the people in Washington to quit worrying about their jobs and start worrying about yours"

During. A. Campaign. Speech.

Hypocrite, much?

I walked down to Mr Obama's speech yesterday to see what he had to saw. He is a good speaker and has charisma and Aretha is always worth the price of admittance. However Mr Hoffa's words of wisdom were not helpful to Mr Obama's cause. I walked back home and watched it on TV.

Meanwhile, as the debate among Main Street vs. Wall Street rages on & the latest shiny object being 'zero job growth'…

Thanks for the perfect example of liberal detachment from reality...... thinking President -0-'s "zero" job growth after trillions, after years of 9% unemployment - the worst economic recovery in history since the Great Depression - is a "shiny object" distraction.

It was wonderful to hear the President's passionate speech in Detroit yesterday, with his sneak preview of what is yet to come on Thursday!

Yep pretty detached too.

He actually goes to the group that has cost so many American jobs - a protected, a favored, privileged group - and almost happily celebrates -0- job growth.

President -0- protects unions by holding up 3 trade agreements for years, prevents Boeing from creating new jobs, gives Honda such a hard time in Ohio that they announce their next plant WILL BE IN MEXICO.

Completely unbelievable that unions, NLRB and unions can make a third world country over-run with corrupt government, drug cartels - more attractive for investment than America!

The President was right - SHOW US WHAT YOU GOT!

Great ....... GTF out of the way and we will show him.

How about that Hoffa/ Obama hate speech over the weekend, the Letists to "take out the bastards" (hard working citizens) if they refuse another $ Trillion "stimulus" (pay offs to Obama's union thug supporters)?

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Impeach the Thug-in-Chief can't wait till 2012

Good morning, Pat-

After insisting that "MSNBC doesn't like the President", I see you've decided to kick it up a notch.

But honestly...are Richard Wolffe and Jonathan Alter really the best examples you can provide of unfair criticism of President Obama by the punditocracy?

Both men are in-the-tank sycophants and apologists for Obama, and have been since long BEFORE Inauguration Day, 2009.

Alter, in particular, clearly idolizes President Obama.

That's not enough for you?

And in fairness...President Obama's job performance hasn't really made the job of Obama sycophant any easier.

I did find it ironic that James Hoffa wants to "Take out" his enemies.

That is exactly what happened to his Father.

So Obama and Joey Biden went it front of their unions to give their partisan campaign speeches on Labor Day.

In other news, union membership is at an all time low.

Is this a new format or something? Hard to read and understand. I like it about as much as Obama's new environmental policies and can't read and don't understand either of these sudden changes by FR or Obama.

Jim DeMint:

"The things that have been leaking out of the White House, none of them are like what I've been hearing from businesses all over the country," DeMint said. "You know, extending unemployment [insurance], cutting payroll taxes, offering tax credits when you hire someone, I haven't heard one business say things like this."

So DeMint admits he's against tax cuts unless they're for the wealthy. Why do clowns like DeMint keep getting away with this? If Obama said he opposed payroll tax cuts and offering tax credits for hiring, DeMint would probably accuse him of being a Marxist.

Thanks for posting this, Feisty. I can't stand listening to DeMint speak for more than two seconds, so I fastwarded past his entire interview on ABC. But it's worth knowing about his most insane statements. I'll bet the media will studiously ignore this latest bit of insanity from Demint. After all, he's a big shot in the "Tea Party" and must be treated with fawning respect at all times.

Hi, Mark-

I don't see the format change...nor does AM.

She's got a Mac and I've got an HP.

What gives, FR?

Speaking of "shiny new objects" .......

A whopping 82% disapprove of Congress' job

Wasn't the previous record August 2007?

And what Congress was that? Maybe ...... the dems under Bush?

How did that dem disapproval work-out for the repubs in 2008?

Sheez ...... you think the average American can even name their own Congressman?

Half of America doesn't even know who Biden is ......

and this is the straw the libs are grasping for?

I meant Say....not saw!

"President Obama, this is your army. We are ready to march. Let's take these son of bitches out and give America back to an America where we belong" -- Hoffa at union rally over weekend before introducing President Obama referring to hard working citizens who don't want Obama to pay off union members with another "stimulus."

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2011/09/05/jimmy_hoffa_at_obama_event_on_gop_lets_take_these_son_of_bitches_out.html

Why aren't Hoffa, Biden and Obama IN JAIL for HATE SPEECH and INCITING MORE UNION RIOTS?

I told you lefties to get a viable candidate a couple of months ago. You didn't listen and now I can see you are in a really bad mood. If all you have left is getting the union thugs riled up you are really in big trouble. It is going to be great for our country after the Tea Party and conservatives get into office. Maybe we can save a few blue dog democrats, but the majority of the progressive/liberals must go. You have shown your true colors these past few years and America will not stand for it.

1/20/2013 the end of an error

Go ahead Hoffa, Biden and the rest of the Union scum bring it on, and we will tell you when we are through

Mixed Bag

Good morning, Pat-

After insisting that "MSNBC doesn't like the President", I see you've decided to kick it up a notch.

But honestly...are Richard Wolffe and Jonathan Alter really the best examples you can provide of unfair criticism of President Obama by the punditocracy?

Of course, the reason that Wolfe and Alter have been critical of President Obama is for what they view as caving in to the crazy demands of the Republicans and not standing up for labor rights and for environmental protection. Judging from his above post, Bag apparently agrees with that criticism and has been secretly anti-Republican and pro-union and pro-environment. Either that, or it's just some more of Bag's incoherent ranting because, after all, hating Obama is more important than the particular reasons for hating Obama.

Joe Albany,

Spare me your phony outrage. Where was that outrage, when Joe Wilson, at the State of the Union assembly, yelled out to the President of the United States who was in mid speech, "You lie". He never apologized, neither did any of his fellow Republicans, and I am quiet certain you were silent on that also.

I hope Jimmy Hoffa doesn't apologize, certainly not on my behalf, for that is exactly and may be even worse what I think of your Party...Y'all bring out the worst in people. So stuff it Joe.

keeping marginal tax rates low, eliminating capital-gains and dividend taxes for middle-income Americans, rolling back regulations like the federal health-care law, promoting free trade, standing up to China, and relying on more domestic energy production

As FR has already observed, there's nothing new here.

AND there's nothing that will create jobs here, either.

This is the worst part of the ultra-right party line - the repeated lie that these kinds of measures aid the economy. Let's take the baloney sandwich apart and see if there's any real nutrition available:

"Keeping marginal tax rates low" - This old chestnut has been proven a failure for more than 30 years - longer, in fact, if German's experiment with "trickle down" economics in the 1970's is included. And Romney knows the truth - he's simply now repeating the old lies.

"Eliminating capital-gains and dividend taxes for middle-income Americans" - sounds good, until folk realize that this really doesn't affect that many middle-income people (unless the term is appled to household with more than $200,000 per year earnings). This is another bait-and-switch gimmick - the people it really affects are day-traders. It has virtually no impact on 401K plans, which is where the majority of "average" Americans have their investments.

If Romney were truly serious about capital gains taxes, he'd propose reversing the Reagan-era "reforms" and impose serious capital gains taxes on short-term earnings, and he'd offer plans to rein in excessive corporeate executive pay and bonuses via an increased maringal tax rate.

And, oh, yeah - where is this going to influence job creation?

"Rolling back regulations like the federal health-care law" - The ACA did not cause the Bush Recession, any more than implementing OSHA and various EPA regulations did (of course, Bush avoided that as much as possible anyhow). Nor has the health insurance reform measure cost anyone jobs - in fact, employers in the health insurance industry have had to add specialists. It is a total canard that ACA has hampered economic growth, another of the Big Lies of the right wing.

"Promoting free trade" - If "free trade" means more outsourcing of American jobs, as it thus far has, then everyone, including President Obama, might seriously want to re-consider this idea. However, if "free trade" is accompanied by new incentives to retain American jobs, and bring some back from India and Singapore, which the GOP/TP certainly has not supported, then there would be merit to this concept.

"Standing up to China" - Sounds nice, meat to a xenophobic crowd made up mainly of whites who are hostile to Blacks and immigrants, but what does this mean? Is the U.S. going to renounce its debt to China? Can the U.S. foce China to revalue the yuan, which has been the subject of some pressure under both the current and previous Administrations, and thus far has not succeeded? Or does the U.S. want General Motors to embargo sales of Buicks to China until China quits sending low-priced toys to fill Wal-Mart orders?

This is a totally ridiculous position that will certainly not enhance economic growth and jbo creation.

"Relying on more domestic energy production" - This is code language for removing all environmental restrictions on coal mining, natural gas production and of course oil drilling. Open up the Alaskan wildlife preserve - people are more important than polar bears and cribous, anyhow. Grant drilling permits in any of the national parks and preserves where there are the energy resources, and by the way, send in the loggers alongside the drilling rigs. Set up the towers offshore.

Eventually, over time, this of course would create more production jobs, although hardly enough to actually affect the economy, but still a start. It just doesn't happen very quickly (an inconvenient fact that production advocates always hide or downplay).

And the price paid, with massive environmental disruption, will eventually also cost jobs. People don't find the sunset seen over the Gulf of Mexico through a forest of offshore platforms, standing in goo up to the ankles, much of a tourist attraction. And of course the deformed fish and shrimp don't sell well, either. (Both are still hurting regions of the Gulf since the BP spill.)

Romney not only offers nothing new, he and the right wing that repeat this mantra for "fixing" the economy offer nothing at all.

Feisty-

Why the sudden focus on Jim DeMint?

He represents the mainstream of the GOP about as much as Dennis Kucinich represents the mainstream of the Democratic Party.

Most conservatives don't care any more about what Jim DeMint thinks than most on the left do about the musings of Dennis Kucinich.

They're both fringe elements of their respective parties.

Surely there are better ways to advance the First Read narrative.

Although...perhaps not.

MB - I don't see the format change nor does AM.

I believe Anna sees it one of the few liberal posters who does, she seemed a bit perturbed at Obama, as was I, when he slapped down the EPA when they tried to do their job. Maybe its just me and I'm seeing things that others don't want to acknowledge.

Oh.... You were talking about the FR change. Maybe it is just me and or my computer. The opening posts from Dom, Mark, Ali etc. is laid out to the left tab and the font is small maybe a 6 or 7 size. On the right are big advertisements that dominate the ability to read the information.

Hmm... Sounds like today's environment the right tries to block out all the information. :P

GM: Spare me your phony outrage. Where was that outrage, when Joe Wilson, at the State of the Union assembly, yelled out to the President of the United States who was in mid speech, "You lie". He never apologized,

Not long after the speech ended, Wilson issued an apology. "This evening I let my emotions get the best of me when listening to the President's remarks regarding the coverage of illegal immigrants in the health care bill," he said. "While I disagree with the President's statement, my comments were inappropriate and regrettable. I extend sincere apologies to the President for this lack of civility." Wilson also called the White House to apologize.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/09/joe-wilson-apologizes-for_n_281541.html

GM: I hope Jimmy Hoffa doesn't apologize

You are a real piece of work GM. You lie about Joe Wilson and demand an apology from him (which he did), but you're okay with Hoffa's actions. Hypocrite is just about the nicest thing you can be called.

Good morning, Houston.

Glad you found my remarks compelling enough to respond.

Interesting thesis on my possible motivations...

Wolffe, Alter...and me.

Hating on Obama.

Who woulda thunk it?

:-)

Why the sudden focus on Jim DeMint?

Oh I don't know...

Maybe because he's appointed himself 'king' maker of the current crop of crazy candidates passing as the GOP these days...

Help me out here... what was that little shindig he hosted this weekend again?

Good to see I've struck a nerve! lol

Beverly

Hoffa said"Lets take the SOBs OUT at the ballot box"

I have seen that clip on Hoffa in several places and have never seen any mention of a ballot box, Where did you see that part of the speech?

ahh, Feistmeister, I see the roaches think they've found the light switch. I am sure they think that by collapsing your post they can pretend to silence you?

I stand with the rest of the liberals in turning on the lights so the Republicans can scurry back to their holes. What a bunch of phony, insincere crybabies.

Oh, whaaa, Hoffa hurt my feefees,...whatever, bagger babies, whatever.

If I were you all, I'd be far more concerned with finding a viable candidate to run against President Obama in 2012. The current crop of crazy just ain't gonna' cut it. No matter how much you stomp your feet and hold your breath.

Well, this is a first--when did calling on voters to throw the GOP "sons of bitches" out of office become a call for violence?

What goes around comes around. And Karma -- she's sure a b***h.

__________________________________________

Jody and AM: Imagine the lefty liberal and MSM OUTRAGE if the head of the US Chamber of Commerce said the following about the Progressive Caucus or the Congressional Black Caucus:

“Let's take these son-of-a-bitches out and give America back to America where we belong.”

Or, would that be OK with you two??

I look forward to your responses.

WCA:

Jody, it becomes a call for violence when the people encouraged to "Take these SOB's out" are referred to as an ARMY.

Remind me, again, if you can ... what Sharron Angle was referring to by the expression "Second Amendment solutions."

What else but violence could that possibly refer to?

I've never heard a plausible explanation for that one, nor have I ever heard a conservative out here apologize for that or try to distance themselves from it.

Personally, I think that Hoffa was just drawing from Bill Pullman's bravado in INDEPENDENCE DAY. And I, for one, consider the analogy apt. I don't recognize these people who call themselves Tea Partiers, and their principles are pretty much alien to mine.

Bag Boy:

I don't see the format change...nor does AM.

She's got a Mac and I've got an HP.

What gives, FR?

I don't see any changes on my PC at work, either. Everything looks the same.

Maybe it's a browser issue. I'm using Google at work, Safari at home.

Yellowdog Mark:

I believe Anna sees it one of the few liberal posters who does, she seemed a bit perturbed at Obama, as was I, when he slapped down the EPA when they tried to do their job. Maybe its just me and I'm seeing things that others don't want to acknowledge.

Yes, indeed. That I do see. Only too well.

The difference is that I've given up not wanting to acknowledge it. It turns out that not acknowledging it doesn't make it go away.

From now on, I just say what I think, and so should you.

I just polled myself:

Ernie do you approve of president Obama?

No. 100% disapproval rating.

Ernie do you approve of the senate

I like my 2 but not the rest. 98% disapproval rating.

Ernie do you approve of the house members?

I like mine but not the rest. 99.77% disapproval rating.

See how that works.

Congress's overall disapproval rating really doesn't translate into how voters vote.

OK, Feisty.

How about a friendly wager.

I'll bet you that the Jim DeMint-annointed and approved candidate during the primary cycle is not the eventual GOP 2012 Presidential nominee facing off against the Democratic candidate, whoever that is...probably President Obama, right Feisty?

Let's see just how influential DeMint really is...compared to your fantasy notions on the subject.

*snicker* the Huffington Post cited as a source.

Might as well have said Fox News, since we are talking total biase. LOL.

Judge Joe:

Jody and AM: Imagine the lefty liberal and MSM OUTRAGE if the head of the US Chamber of Commerce said the following about the Progressive Caucus or the Congressional Black Caucus:

“Let's take these son-of-a-bitches out and give America back to America where we belong.”

Indeed. Right after you give me your reaction to one Supreme Court justice calling another one a "total b*tch" that he was going to "destroy," and putting yet another one (also female) in a chokehold.

Still haven't answered ME on that one, Joe. Any suggestions of violence there?

But the real answer is that my reaction is the same whenever some silly Tea Partier says they're going to "take back" America. There's always a subtle suggestion of violence in that threat. Like when Sharron Angle talked about Second Amendment solutions.

Hyperbole on one side is no better or worse than hyperbole on the other. INDEPENDENCE DAY was just a movie.

Besides, the only real difference is that those Chamber of Commerce guys have just never been caught saying it in public. Because that's SURELY their agenda, whether they say it out loud or not.

I personally admire someone who puts their true agenda up front.

AM: Indeed. Right after you give me your reaction to one Supreme Court justice calling another one a "total b*tch" that he was going to "destroy," and putting yet another one (also female) in a chokehold.

Ahh yes, AM is the Queen if moral relativism. She can't be critical of her little union junta, AM just loves her Union Thugs, they can do no wrong in her eyes.

AM: Besides, the only real difference is that those Chamber of Commerce guys have just never been caught saying it in public. Because that's SURELY their agenda, whether they say it out loud or not.

AM is back to listening to all those voices in her head. You'd think the meds would help, but no, they don't.

AM: I personally admire someone who puts their true agenda up front.

No you don't. Because if you did, you'd admire the Tea Party.

Baggers are upfront? You mean the newest movement for big government in America under the auspicies of 'cutting spending?' I will stick to traditional conservatives, thank you. The ones who actually practice what they preach, as opposed to 'say' they practice what they preach. Baggers have more in common with PETA members than anything that makes sense.

THis little conversation about violent speeches and campaign talk, and Obama talking tough and/or actually doing something.

Probably not what Obama wishes you were debating right now.

But then again, is there any issue he wants you to be talking about right now.

Hey, look over there - it's the stock market.

Oh NO!

No, First Read got this one wrong.

It was a damaging summer for GOPTP and we/they all know it. First Read knows it.

After GOPTP held our economy & global economy hostage and used it as a cudgel to get what they wanted for the third time this year; S:&P downgraded us and our economy took a massive hit for it.

The corporate right wing agenda is to crash our economy, destroy the government and pave the way for the privatization of America. So folks, don't get sick, go to school, lose your job, get flooded out, or anything that actual people do to survive on this planet.

Media: Don't blame the Democrats or the President who continue to work to create a good world for all Americans. Instead, tell Republican congressionals to pass Jobs Bills, instead of repeatedly voting them down. Tell GOP to pass the Transportation Bill, rebuild our crumbling infrastructure and put millions back to work right away.

Media: Tell GOP corporates to stop weazling for more $cash or get out of the way.

Hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend. The left are very irritated over recent events and appear to be trying to convince everybody that the President has no "fault" or accountability; it has to be those mean Tea Party or GOP fault, "everything is their fault" or it is still "Bush's fault"

Today, we should be praying for Obama success since his success means America's success. But he has to start taking some responsibilities for the state of the union. When did "never admitting your wrong" become a presidential trait?

I still believe that the Rep will have not have to do anything to win the election, President Obama will loose it form them. Bush 1 Redux????

Still haven't answered ME on that one, Joe. Any suggestions of violence there?

_______________________________________________________________

So, you are arguing the Hoffa statement is OK because two wrongs make a right??

Mixed Bag

Good morning, Houston.

Glad you found my remarks compelling enough to respond.

Good afternoon. Only in your crazy madcap world are people who criticize Obama "Obama sychophants." Like Humpty Dumpty, words seem to mean whatever you want them to mean. Very "compelling" stuff, just like reading Alice in Wonderland, or in your case, Malice in Blunderland.

Next Month

ernie,

Polls are all about how the questions are phrazed, or how the sample is derived. We're not told.

But because the polls come out differently, we know they were conducted differently for different purposes.

Jimmy Hoffa endorsing Obama with words of violence this weekend reminds me of Ernst Rohm, head of Germany's SA doing the same back in the '30s. The teamsters and the other thugs of the SEIU are truly nothing more than the Brown Shirts of pre-WWII Germany. Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it!

Ironically Obama may have written that speech for Hoffa!

is anyone else concerned that a thug introducing the President of the United States has called for the mass murder of Tea Party Patriots?

how can the liberals that get paid to post here possibly defend this?

Eva,

Hoffa is a big boy who is responsible for his own remarks, like everyone here.

Will you take responsiblity for mine or mitch j's above?

Ah, but Houston...

Which pundits have been more supportive of President Obama than Richard Wolffe and Jonathan Alter?

Or, more critical of those who oppose the policies of the Obama Administration?

Both have written books with fawning, obsequious descriptions of the 2008 Obama campaign and the Obama Presidency....embarrassing, particularly in light of the grades the American public is giving the President on his actual job performance, don't you think?

Certainly, they've been no less supportive than Gene Robinson or Joan Walsh, or even... "tingle up the leg" Chris Matthews.

I suppose there's always Al Sharpton.

In any event, one and all fit the description of "sycophant" where President Obama is concerned.

Merriam-Webster defines a sycophant as "a servile self-seeking flatterer".

Look it up, Houston.

They might as well put up a photo of Jonathan Alter.

Or even better...Matthews.

I wonder....

Had I said the same thing to Mr. Obama that he endorsed of Jimmy Hoffa Jr, would the Secret Service be knocking at my front door?

perhaps the monarchy will be represented next at Lexington?

I just got around to reading the details in the WSJ regarding the new poll and two details that I haven't seen discussed jumped out at me:

1. The effect of the Presidents policies on economic conditions:

Policies have hurt 37%

Policies haven't made much of a difference 39%

Policies have helped 23%

Three out of four American's believe Barry's economic policies suck.

2. Having strong leadersip qualities: Start of his term 70%, Now 42%

The American people have realized those great 2008 speechs are just a lot of talk and hot air.

Bag:

In any event, one and all fit the description of "sycophant" where President Obama is concerned.

In Bagese, "sycophant" can mean someone who publicly criticizes the president, but not in English.

Personally Jimmy Hoffa should go the same way as his father, only fitting he end up in cement shoes too. I see the White House is downgrading President Obama's jobs speech as just a little on jobs more to come as he goes on the campaign trail in the fall. No real jobs plan, just enough to rally his base.

Mitch J: you said :

is anyone else concerned that a thug introducing the President of the United States has called for the mass murder of Tea Party Patriots?

how can the liberals that get paid to post here possibly defend this?

Although not a paid poster, I do realize when someone is speaking in hyperbole. Gone are the days when Union members would actually have to physically fight with company cops just to get union representation. I'm sure most (although not all, some nuts are everywhere) of the listeners took Mr. Hoffa's speech to mean that the TeaPublicans should be taken out of office

Gone are the days when certain political persons should be physically harmed.... although Grover Norquist does present a tempting target... LOL/ jk :)

"According to McClatchy small business is anticipating the exact opposite…" - Feisty Redhead Rosell, IL

Thank you SO MUCH for linking to this article! It was hilarious! Was it a spoof??? I mean I have not found a piece of "journalism"so funny in their attempt to contort their story to fit a bias...well...maybe not ever!

The author of the McClatchy article states -- as you made sure to note -- "Politicians and business groups often blame excessive regulation and fear of higher taxes for tepid hiring in the economy. However, little evidence of that emerged when McClatchy canvassed a random sample of small business owners across the nation." and "None of the business owners complained about regulation in their particular industries, and most seemed to welcome it."

Yet one only has to read a tiny bit farther to gets quotes from the business owners such as these:

"Higher taxes are not good for business" - Bernard Wolfson, the president of Hospitality Operations in Miami

--------------------------------------------------

Rick Douglas -- the owner of Minit Maids -- added that he isn't facing a sea of new regulations but that he does struggle with an old issue, workers' compensation claims. (Workers' compensation is a government regulation in almost all states)

--------------------------------------------------

"What is choking my business is insurance. What's choking all business is insurance. You cannot go into business, any business — small business or large business — unless you can afford insurance." - Rip Daniels owner four businesses in Gulfport, Miss

(The SBA requires [regulates] businesses to have insurance.)

Daniels continues, "Who wants to pay more? I certainly don't. I want to pay my fair share, and I do"

-----------------------------------------------------------

"My biggest problem is the current status of the banking system and how it's being over-regulated. I want to grow this business, and I'm using the same credit line that I've been using for five years." - Dennis Sweeney, a co-owner of Summit Sportswear Inc.

And the small local banks Summit deals with frown on the red tape required for SBA loans, after a loan he got in 2008 took three months of nightmarish documentation.

"It was only $35,000," Sweeney said. "Our bank basically said it would never do that again."

Yes Feisty, thanks for the very humorous read! The back-breaking twisting and contorting of the author to support the pre-drawn conclusion that the respondents did not cite taxes and regulation as a significant drag on job creation was utterly fascinating...much like the man who bends himself to fit inside an overnight bag. In fact I liked it so much, I'll post it again! Again...hilarious!

Yep, Kevin Hall should take his pretzel act on the road. This actual "journalism" thing seems to be beyond him. Of course he does have that whole liberal, "Damn the evidence! It's so because I say it's so!" thing down. Rainbows + Unicorns = Liberal "Facts"

as unemployment is a percentage of the population, the murder of a large group of US citizens as proposed by the Presidents spokesman would indeed lower the rate.

perhaps it was an early release of bam bam's jobs plan. it could be the trains he is calling for will efficiently deliver us to our destination, after being loaded on at the end of a rifle. additionally, the camps delivering the gas could be solar powered.

you can figure out for yourself what the shovel ready part would entail.

Judge Joe:

So, you are arguing the Hoffa statement is OK because two wrongs make a right??

No.

You knew just where to hit me, didn't you? LoL

On the other hand, you haven't even admitted that the first one was wrong yet.

Looks as if the right doesn't want to discuss what the President's speech said about creating jobs, etc., so they pull a Rove move and deflect to Hoffa's words. I would suggest that all the right-wing critics actually listen to the speech Hoffa gave--you'd be amazed at the difference between what right-wing radio and media say compared to what was actually said. I heard the real tape, not the edited version put out by the GOPTP via FOX.

The president's approval numbers are not low because of the Tea Party Downgrade--at least not with the sane majority in the nation.

Only the Teabaggers believe they are pure as a the driven snow and the debt debacle was completely the president's fault--Riiight. But then the Teabaggers believe the debt ceiling was about additional spending, when in reality it represents past spending, most notably Bush's wars and tax cuts for the rich. In reality they just didn't want to pay their own damn bills.

In his attempt to "change Washington," to restore bipartisanship, to appeal to Independents (the real ones, not the Teabaggers throwing a temper tantrum who hate the president and would never support him anyway), this is why the president's approval numbers dropped. Folks understand the big picture and keeping your eye on the ball, which is the 2012 election. However, the Dem base is very unhappy about expansion in Afghanistan, extension of Bush tax cuts for the rich, and recent agreement to spending cuts with no revenue. Add to that delay of EPA standards, once again, if there ever was an economic reason the present time qualifies. But will there ever be a good time for conservatives? Not likely.

Will anti-war Doves, gays, union workers, Hispanics, and environmentalists vote Teapublican? No! As stated, it is about the big picture and keeping an eye on the 2012 ball. Hang in there progressives...

True Patriot,

You are one of my faves. But I flatout disagree. Yes, the Republican party did it again on deficits and are now playing politics with the bills they ran up.

But the continuous gridlock and obstruction over raising the debt ceiling and the impact on consumers, businesses and confidence here and abroad....was dangerous, unnecessary and HUGE. Folks in Europe are just reeling from what Republicans are doing to America.

Nope. Democrats didn't do it and the President didn't do it. GOPTP/ALEC/Koch = Norquisteans & GOP strategists done it.

It's called creating crises to get your way, no matter who gets hurt.

Backhouse -- Ditto, I'm a fan of your posts too.

What I'm saying is it was a Tea Party Downgrade, and no one else's fault except the Tea Party who wanted to default. But when I talk with Teabaggers, they will blame the President/Dems for the debt ceiling as if Republicans were never guilty of deficit spending, which is the majority of our current debt. And how outrageous it is for the President/Dems to expect concessions on closing loopholes and ending subsidies in exchange for spending cuts -- even a 10 to 1 ratio is unacceptable to the GOP/TP presidential field as we saw in the last debate. Yet they don't accept any responsibility for taking the nation hostage and the debt ceiling down to the wire.

Likewise they try to blame the president for saying he couldn't guarantee that Social Security checks would go out, though he couldn't because of Teabaggers wanting to default. It's a total disconnect with conservatives--they really are that delusional.

But the rest of the nation knows very well the Teabaggers are uncompromising SOBs. Sorry for any failure to communicate on my part.

Rickster69, you gotta keep your fibs straight.

GOP congressionals blocked 4 jobs bills so far this year.

GOPTP held us hostage to get concessions they wouldn't normally get already 3 times this year. Only, on this last occasion they also risked trashing the global economy as well as our own country.

Republicans senators have filibustered at 3 times the pace ever seen before in American history for the last 30 months.

You know Bush ran up the big deficit with unpaid wars and unpaid for tax cuts for the rich ($2.7Trillion) and Big Pharma? Well, THAT was the bill being paid by raising the debt. Not new spending, but debts that were left unpaid during the Bush term.

First time ever a President did not pay upfront for the wars on his watch. First time ever having tax cuts for the rich during war time, ever.

You know the story about revenues and how 95% of GOP congressionals signed a pledge to Grover Norquist never to pay them.

Let them settle their debts to their country. They are ignoring the rest of us, because more than 80% of Americans on those polls that are being touted, want them to PAY UP. NOW.

How about that Hoffa/ Obama hate speech over the weekend

Will Conservatives be as quick to condemn David Koch for comparing President Obama to Saddam Hussein? Will they be as offended that Koch referred to the 2012 campaign as "the mother of all wars", a comment that could have come directly out of the mouth of Hussein, bin Laden, Kaddafi, or any of the other terrorists of which they stoke unthinking fear? http://motherjones.com/politics/2011/09/exclusive-audio-koch-brothers-seminar-tapes

Beverly, I believe the disrespect shown President Obama is unprecedented.

Sounds like the lefties are getting their panties in a bunch...

Unprecedented? Were you unconscious during the Bush Presidency?

Take 2 minutes and google Bush, nazi, kill, you name it and you will find the most obscene placards, signs, internet postings and rantings from all manner of lunatic lefties.

You ding dongs are still calling the right all manner of names - terrorists, thugs, un-patriotic, etc..

No, Obama is actually being held to account for his promises, and his litany of failures.

It's one thing to be confident, another to be arrogant. He arrogantly ran his mouth about how bad, evil, and wrong the Republicans were, and about all he was going to accomplish. Rather than being a wise leader and understanding the complexity that is the United States, and now he needs to be held accountable, without 3rd grader excuses, for his errors, mistakes, arrogance and BS.

He will however have plenty of time to think about these things in December of 2012, as he will have little to do but pack.

The right-wing hates any Democrat, especially a Democrat in the White House. However, the hatred for the current president is worse than for any previous president, and with no clear explanation beyond race. Being held to promises?

Failures? Like ignoring warnings about another Al Qaeda attack and 9-11? Then starting a second, unecessary war in Iraq...with lies? And instead of retracting the 2001 tax cuts, passing another round of tax cuts two months after starting the war in Iraq? And a prescription drug plan at that same time as well? Then the laissez fairytale and Wall Street's toxic mortgage scam? And much, much more from warrant-less wiretaps to Alberto Gonzales and the Dept. of Justice...What kind of responsible governing is that?

If the Bush/Cheney administration was presented in a classroom as a case study, you would think it was just a hypothetical or maybe some third-world island dictatorship that would do such incredulous things--and keep all of it off the books in the official budget.

Enough of YOUR 3rd grader excuses. The Teapublicans are wrong to obstruct and therefore bad for America, and why no one, NO ONE can accomplish anything right now. Get wise, throw the Teapublicans out in 2012.

True Patriot,

Yes GOPTP caused the debt ceiling debacle on purpose and don't want to admit it. What they ALL did is much worse and than is being reported on.

So thank you for writing again. We're right on the same page.

Absolutely, Backhouse. A few minutes on Google will find Conservatives salivating over the thought of shutting down the government as early as April, 2010...basically from the moment it began to look as if the Tea Party rebranding of the radical Conservative wing of the GOP was going to be successful.

A damaging summer for Obama

I believe Obama's "fast and furious" program will be the ultimate job killing policy yet. His own!

So, putting cross hairs over faces on websites is frowned upon by the left, but it's ok to "take out" Americans for political reasons. The left continues to display their hate and violence. They accuse the tea party folks of being terrorists while they arm drug cartels with automatic weapons to "take out" our own citizens.

Jody, Iowa

WHEN DID WE STOP BEING A NATION?

Jody, excellent post and question

When according to the Fox ECHO Chamber, the Koch brothers and ALEC decided President Obama was Kenyan born, Muslim-Communist who has torn the USA apart. So they must take back their country.

My modem is bad so I may not be be able to participate until comcast comes on thursay. You and the rest of the guys hold down the fort.

No edit button for this post. That last line should read: Why is it that too many allow themselves.....

Thanks, Beverly, your posts hit the mark as well.

Fantastic post, Jody, one of your best.

It really should cause us to ask why Conservatives so consistently attack the way of life that made America great.

GREAT one Jody.

Beautiful, Jody. Thank you for putting these thoughts into such eloquent words.

You're welcome and thank you Beverly, John B., Job1, Anna Molly.

Yep..... those devices dont like butter, so you may want to try keeping the butter on the popcorn down to under a Lbs!

What a fantastic post, Jody----it was great that you stepped to look at the trends since the 80s---we get so caught up in the day-to-day that it is hard to see the big picture sometimes. The picture, sadly, is an assault on the middle class that many in the middle class have unwittingly aided.

Super Post Jody and so well written, Gold Star!

Maybe it's the proof, once again, that a gargantuan government exacerbates, rather than ameliorates, problems?

Maybe it's the proof, once again, that regulatory agencies run amok destroy jobs? In July alone, close to 400-that's four hundred- new regulations were imposed-at a cost of approximately $9billion. Get the connection between that and zero new jobs in August?

Most other people do.

Certainly, businesses could explain it to you.

That, combined with the duplicity of Obama's rhetoric vs, his actions go a long way toward explaining the general anger of the populace- but, certainly, not all.

His failures are compounded by his breathtaking arrogance and hypocrisy. Anybody remember last January, when he solemnly intoned that political discourse MUST be more civil? That words had meaning, and that we must elevate the tone and tenor of our debates?

Well, yesterday, Obama was on hand to hear this

Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa had some profane, combative words for Republicans while warming up the crowd for President Obama in Detroit, Michigan on Monday.

"We got to keep an eye on the battle that we face: The war on workers. And you see it everywhere, it is the Tea Party. And you know, there is only one way to beat and win that war. The one thing about working people is we like a good fight. And you know what? They've got a war, they got a war with us and there's only going to be one winner. It's going to be the workers of Michigan, and America. We're
going to win that war," Jimmy Hoffa Jr. said to a heavily union crowd.

"President Obama, this is your army. We are ready to march. Let's take these son of bitches out and give America back to an America
where we belong," Hoffa added.

Obama addressed the crowd shortly after Hoffa.

So appalled by this course discourse, this threat against American citizens who protest and disagree with his administration, that Obama sttod before the microphones and declared himself PROUD of what Hoffa had said.
PROUD!

That's then idol you worship- the man whose failures are legend, who is clueless and helpless to stop the destruction of the nation he is unfit to lead, who seeks to blame anyone and anything for his abject failure- excepting, of course, himself.

The man who wants another slush fund for the purpose of having a honeypot to attract donations to his campaign- a futile effort that he seems to be willing to have blood shed in order to retain a position for which he is wholly unsuited.

A man who is PROUD to endorse the fomenting of violence against the citizens of this country by union thugs.

There are those who bemoan the polarization of this nation- yet that polarity is between the majority who recognize that Obama is the worst president to ever hold office, and a minority of empty headed worshippers- and blood seeking union thugs who will do anything to keep in power a president who diverts taxpayer funds to their dwindling coffers, to say nothing of big dollar donors who reap tenfold in taxpayer funds what they donate to this corrupt, venal president.

Moan, whine, take comfort from reading his speeches. He will be defeated in a landslide. I only pray that the next president is able to repair the damage quickly.

Obama shelved in 2012.

Skip, I've been meaning to respond to your quote from the Buster Brown Show. Sadly, none of the younger folk here will get your reference.

But ole Andy Devine was a prize, and of course, we all know what it meant when he called out, "Twang your magic twanger, Froggy!"

Showtime!

Holy. Smokes.

I see a liberal circle j*** above me, someone spouting about fascism (characterized by the nationalization of industries 'critical to the state'...like automobile makers), and someone else saying get rid of capital gains taxes.

:) You are all wrong.

1. Remove corporate taxes, tax capital gains at 75% (those are the parasites which grind every last dollar from a corp. Tax THOSE guys) and sacrifice 401K's for jobs. Can't have it both ways, and getting america back to work comes first.

2. Public masturb***** is illegal. Please stop doing it. There're children present.

3. Anyone who says anything about fascism, shaddup. Just...shaddup. You don't know what you're talking about.

Seriously. I keep hoping to see some illumination on these comments boards and get a routine let-down.

Alternate reality?

I speak the truth, plain and simple. I am not into revisionist history and you'll never see me cite anything historical without a reference.

The nationalization and governmental bailouts of industries considered 'crucial for national security' is a call directly from the Adolf Hitler playbook. I don't even consider it 'wrong', but I can at least admit to the truth that industry nationalization is a cornerstone of fascism.

See, I'm no republican. But I'm sure no democrat like the majority of these FR guys who think making 'idealogical' points somehow constitutes a victory. I'm a realist. Where you take the REAL situation at hand and try to develop solutions for it. Not working with some over-arching ideaology with no basis in reality and no sense of historical inertia behind it.

:) And I've never voted to collapse a post, nor ignored.

While Bob Dylan wrote, "No one can sing the blues like Blind Willie McTell," it can be said, "No president can prolong the blues like Barack Obama." No amount of spin from the left can dispute this!

He must be a glutton for punishment – why else would his campaign pick the House of Blues to raise money?

On September 26, Obama will make two stops in Los Angeles, first at the House of Blues, and later at a restaurant where donors will plop down a cool $35,800 to attend, Bloomberg Reports. Don't you have $35,800 just lying around? If so, the president would like to meet you.

Pictures with Obama at the House of Blues are at a cut rate – a paltry $10,000, according to Answer LA. As the president courts Hollywood and Wall Street for campaign contributions, Americans are still singing the blues. The AP reports consumer confidence in Florida is near an all-time low. It fell nearly 10 points – or about 18 percent

In July, the U.S. Misery index was 12.73% That's a combination of the unemployment rate and inflation. It hasn't been that high since May of 1983, when it was in decline.

America has the blues, so it's altogether fitting that President Obama would appear at the House of Blues to rally his campaign.

"in a hypothetical general-election contest, Obama leads Perry by five points (47%-42%)"

Here's what Rasmussen (which has the best record by far) reports;

"A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows Perry picking up 44% of the vote while the president earns support from 41%."

Of course, Rasmussen only counts registered voters, and doesn't include illegal immigrants and children.

teknishan: What really amazes me is the inablity of anyone to learn from our history. The previous major economic collapse (the 1930s) was remedied by the single largest increase in Federal government spending, ever. That spending was paid for by increases in taxation.

Large government spending does work to create jobs, but the spending has to be ENORMOUS. Now I don't suggest we go to war (which is what brought us out of the depression) however, the spending that happened in the 40's is what turned the economy around. AND, 90% of that spending was fully paid for by taxes. That is what needs to be done now.

The alternatives offered by the likes of the Republican party and Grover Norquist will condemn us to being a 4th rate country.

SteveH USA "In July, the U.S. Misery index was 12.73% That’s a combination of the unemployment rate and inflation. It hasn’t been that high since May of 1983, when it was in decline."

It got as high as 21.98% in 1980 for Jimmy Carter. Interestingly, the average Misery Index for G W Bush was the second best of any President in the last 40 years at 8.11% (close to Clinton's average of 7.80%). If it hadn't been for the devastating effects of 9/11, Bush's index would have been better than Clinton.

America has the blues? I don't think so. I think we are seeing the results of ten years of govenment neglect of public education, infrastructure, alternative energy investment and the effects of putting two wars on the nation's credit card. President Obama has done a good job, but he has been blocked by Republicans in Congress.

The solution: Democratic House 2012

Yes.

Tax rate on anyone making over 25,000/year in 1938 (350,000 or so now) was 100%.

The deregulization brought on during truman and eisenhower changed that, of course, allowing people to make income far in excess.

On a side note, i don't think the depression was fully over until after WW2 at which point we had huge markets for our goods in foreign ports. Counties needed to be rebuilt and we had the only standing infrastructure left.

The current depression (i dare to say it!) wasn't brought about by external factors such as WW1, but internal factors such as entitlement spending without appropriate tariffs and financial measures to accomodate them. We need off-set revenues generated from alternative sources.

Again I'll say it, we need to tax the heck outta corporate gains while decreasing corporate taxes, invoke protectionism for our industries in order to eliminate the un-even playing field generating from third world labor pools, and go from there.

Actually, Roy, that poll number is not far-off all other polls.

Given the margin of error, Obama and Perry are tied- and the same can be said for the Rasmussen number.

The nine percent who say they are either "undecided" or "it depends" are the important folks- oh, and the fact that there were a statistically significant greater number of democrats than republicans in this pool is also a factor.

Gallup has been tracking enthusiasm- and the gap for democrats is pretty bad for Obama's reelection chances.

There are a lot of people out there who will not vote to reelect him- many who worked hard for his election in the first place. Then there are those would would never in their lifetimes have believed that they would ever cast a vote for a republican- but who will, this time.

What is REALLY interesting is that, at this point in an election cycle, folks are not really telling pollsters for whom they will vote- no matter how the question is worded- but predicting the outcome of the election.

Take a look at where Perry stood vs. Obama last month.

The gap is now closed, and they are, essentially, tied.

Wait till next month.

And the month after that, if it looks like he will get the nomination.

Obama shelved in 2012.

What makes you think this recession is worse than the Jimmy Carter recession from the late 70s and early 80s. Unemployment higher than we have now, interest rates in the 20 percent range, inflation was in double digits and we came out of that? Maybe you guys are too young to remember how that recession decimated our manufacturing base and destroyed both the car and steel industries. If you think the Great Depression was remedied by large government spending, then it sure took awhile. The FDR era depression lasted 10 years and not sure anyone here wants to wait for Obama to take us to the promised land over a ten year period. I agree the War brought us out of the Great Depression but are you saying the first 10 years of huge federal spending which started even before FDR took office didnt help?

John A, you couldnt be more wrong about the government saving millions of automotive jobs through the bailout. All they did was eliminate the debt that GM had. Clearly with hindsight as your proof, GM was viable with an operating profit and if the government had provided debtor in possession financing and let the legal reorg plan take place, GM could have emerged with an even better business model that could survive the next economic cyclical downturn. Now you have the unions as shareholders with contracts that will create a new bailout moment as soon as they leverage up again. Those jobs were going to be there regardless. Its not a zero sum game. The alternative wasnt liquidation.

Good analysis, Kirk.

And, Roy, I got this for you

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/us/general_election_perry_vs_obama-2701.html

The incredible shrinking gap.

Wait till a month from now. And the month after that.

The wife should start packing. In between taxpayer paid trips, I mean. After all, they plan on sucking as much out of us as they can, while they can.

POLLS are all about how the questions are phrazed, or how the sample is derived. We're not told.

But because the polls come out differently, we know they were conducted differently for different purposes.

Actually, Backhouse, any legitimate poll tells you exactly how the questions are worded- as well as the make up of the pool. Read through the entirety of the poll. Some put their cross tabs in the beginning- some at the end.

Ignore any that do not provide this information.

Kirk you are correct, I would have taken my chances with Bankruptcy instead of sticking a large unlubed stick up the investors backside. And I work in the Auto industry ! Your starting to see Ford ( the only company that cant strike) Have to deal with Union attitudes again. Believe me as soon as they can ......the Unions will strike to do away with the two tier system. I hear it every day, the newer employees cant afford to but the 2 new vehicles and house by the lake in Waterford! They only make $20 an hour its horrible!

When BOTH sides get out of this 24/7/365 campaigning mode and get back to work after the election we will be a true nation again. Re-elect nobody. Most politicians are so busy trying to prove the other one wrong, blaming the last guy, they don't have time to govern anymore.

teknishan: you are correct. The combination of high employment, (government workers took up a large number of jobs in the 1940's) and high taxes did work. Followed by a period of massive exports. Maybe we should start a trade war, we might eventually lose in the World Trade Organization courts, but in the mean time, we could rebuild our limited heavy industry.

I don't know what the answers are. I do know that when taxes have been high in the past, so has employment. Usually after taxes are lowered, unemployement increases a few years later. There might be a short one year spike, followed by an even greater decline. I say we scrap all the changes to the tax code since 1986 and go back to those rates, and the budget of that year.

I suspect First Read is confusing correlation with cause and effect. The president's approval numbers are not low because of the Tea Party Downgrade--at least not with the sane majority in the nation.

Only the Teabaggers believe they are pure as a the driven snow and the debt debacle was completely the president's fault--Riiight. But then the Teabaggers believe the debt ceiling was about additional spending, when in reality it represents past spending, most notably Bush's wars and tax cuts for the rich. In reality they just didn't want to pay their own damn bills.

In his attempt to "change Washington," to restore bipartisanship, to appeal to Independents (the real ones, not the Teabaggers throwing a temper tantrum who hate the president and would never support him anyway), this is why the president's approval numbers dropped. Folks understand the big picture and keeping your eye on the ball, which is the 2012 election. However, the Dem base is very unhappy about expansion in Afghanistan, extension of Bush tax cuts for the rich, and recent agreement to spending cuts with no revenue. Add to that delay of EPA standards, once again, if there ever was an economic reason the present time qualifies. But will there ever be a good time for conservatives? Not likely.

Will anti-war Doves, gays, union workers, Hispanics, and environmentalists vote Teapublican? No! As stated, it is about the big picture and keeping an eye on the 2012 ball. Hang in there progressives...

True Patriot,

You are one of my faves. But I flatout disagree. Yes, the Republican party did it again on deficits and are now playing politics with the bills they ran up.

But the continuous gridlock and obstruction over raising the debt ceiling and the impact on consumers, businesses and confidence here and abroad....was dangerous, unnecessary and HUGE. Folks in Europe are just reeling from what Republicans are doing to America.

Nope. Democrats didn't do it and the President didn't do it. GOPTP/ALEC/Koch = Norquisteans & GOP strategists done it.

It's called creating crises to get your way, no matter who gets hurt.

No, First Read got this one wrong.

It was a damaging summer for GOPTP and we/they all know it. First Read knows it.

After GOPTP held our economy & global economy hostage and used it as a cudgel to get what they wanted for the third time this year; S:&P downgraded us and our economy took a massive hit for it.

The corporate right wing agenda is to crash our economy, destroy the government and pave the way for the privatization of America. So folks, don't get sick, go to school, lose your job, get flooded out, or anything that actual people do to survive on this planet.

Media: Don't blame the Democrats or the President who continue to work to create a good world for all Americans. Instead, tell Republican congressionals to pass Jobs Bills, instead of repeatedly voting them down. Tell GOP to pass the Transportation Bill, rebuild our crumbling infrastructure and put millions back to work right away.

Media: Tell GOP corporates to stop weazling for more $cash or get out of the way.

(I don't collapse you guys, so here it is again. Have a good day.)

spouting about fascism (characterized by the nationalization of industries 'critical to the state'...like automobile makers),

This is why it's so hard to have a reasonable conversation in the public square. An unending, all-encompassing misinformation campaign by the Conservative Movement has rendered a significant part of the population totally clueless while thinking Rush gave them all the answers.

It is SOCIALISM that is characterized by nationalization of industries, not Fascism. Pointing out only briefly that NO ONE HAS PROPOSED NATIONALIZING MAJOR INDUSTRIES, it's important to know that REAL Fascism as opposed to the imaginary Fascism of Glenn Beck and Jonah Goldberg heavily SUBSIDIZES industries valued by the ruling elite, and particularly the military as well as political supporters.

Intense militarism http://thehill.com/homenews/news/177389-gop-supercommittee-member-no-entitlement-benefit-cuts coupled with slavish devotion to their elite supporters http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs and a constant rain of misleading and untruthful propaganda...which party does that sound like?

TruePatriot - why lie about Tea Party people? Why try and categorize the millions who support limited government with this bigoted and incorrect nonsense?

Conservatives, which are a large block of TP members, were aghast at the spending during the Bush years. Many of us opposed the wars. I'm sorry that your blind bigoted views cause you to miss this, but maybe if you get out from behind your monitor once in a while and stop relying on your libble buddies to form your opinions you might learn that all is not black or white.

Most of us believe we have no business with 300+ Military bases around the globe. Many of us would rather not have our sons and daughters dying in these wars. Did you know thought, that inner city violence in our most liberal cities kills far more Americans than both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars each year? Why the silence on this catastrophe? Could it be because these cities are run by liberals?

Your partisan nonsense does you no good as the only people buying your tripe are fellow leftie loons.

Pure Conservative propaganda, PL. The original Tea Party web sites were registered by Koch brothers operatives MONTHS before Rick Santelli's Tea Party rant on CNBC and became operational within 24hrs of that "spontaneous" speech. The entire organization is funded by reliable, long-time Conservative funders, run by familiar names like Karl Rove, Dick Armey, and Grover Norquist, and promoted on all the same talk shows that have been spreading Conservative propaganda for many years.

The Tea Party is nothing but the most radical wing of the Conservative Movement, the John Birchers and other real crazies, rebranded as something new and special.

True Patriot,

As you're pointing out, GOPTP caused the debt ceiling debacle on purpose and don't want to admit it. What they ALL did is much worse than is being reported on.

Again, thanks for making those points.

Great post Steeler Fan . . . I agree . . . polls are fun, but ultimately they tell us what we already know . . . folks are not happy with the way things are going.

I wish the media would spend less time on the obvious and more time on what to do about it.

Hope you have a great week!

P.S. I am 100% behind my President as well . . . not because he is perfect . . . but because he is working hard to make things better . . . even with little to no help from those who claim to "represent" us.

you can be behind him all you want to, but come 2013 it will be a new President you will be behind.

Still with the "obstructionalist" rhetoric. Why is it that obama and company can't find common ground? Could it be that obama wants to only think like a congressional partisan, rather than a bipartisan executive, you know be a uniter, not a divider?

Steeler Fan, Nashville well said.

I do not always agree but I recognize that being President means having to compromise to keep the country moving especially when the GOPTP is in lock-step NO NO NO mode. I continue to support President Obama 100% and never once have I regretted caucusing or voting for him.

Well, Penguin---we'll see what happens in the Presidential election. I think I am backing the right person for the job. One thing I will assure you---although I will be mightily disappointed if President Obama is not re-elected, I will NOT wish that his successor is a failure and advocate that my party put defeating him or her ahead of the best interests of the country.

Make no mistake about it, we are a center-right country and the people of this nation are (finally) waking up and rejecting big government. A Gallup Poll has 42% of people self identifying as conservatives, 35% as moderate and 20% as liberals. This administration has been unapologetic in governing from this minority 20% and the liberal media has been more than happy to be an accomplice to it.

Maybe we shouldn’t be criticizing Obama for it. Maybe we should consider thanking him for it. Why? Well, just imagine if John McCain had won the election. This country would be chugging along like it always had, heading for bankruptcy. We would still be adding more crushing debt because of their inability to balance a budget. We would still be adding onerous regulations that are crippling business and hindering the recovery of our stagnant economy. McCain would have aided in the destruction of our republic at a much slower pace and the electorate would have hardly noticed it.

With an overt “in you face” style of governing this administration has exposed their preference for socialism but, thankfully, were premature in doing so. With control of both chambers of Congress including, at one time, a filibuster proof majority in the Senate, the White House overtly pushed their leftist agenda without even giving us time to read the bills and having to “pass the bill to find out what’s in it”.

Obama has, at lightning speed, pushed us to the cliffs edge…but he at least gave us time to realize that we had not gone over it yet. McCain would have gradually marched us towards the precipice. If Obama would have been elected President after McCain he would have sent our children’s and grandchildren’s future into the big government abyss.

It will take years, as well as a strong will and an informed electorate, to undo the damage to this republic by this administration and the one before it. We still have time to pull back and reverse course but we must start now.

We should not be hypocrites. If Obama is voted out of office next November because of rampant, unsustainable spending we need to hold the next President to the same standard. We have no choice but to do so. The days of lying down to party leadership are over, unless, your party leadership is serious about balancing the Federal budget, tax and entitlement reform.

The bottom line is this…the progressive and socialist movement in this country got impatient and showed their cards prematurely. If they had waited a little longer it would have been “game over” and in a strange way, because of a now awakened nation, Barack Obama may be the savior of our republic.

miked, while I agree with your theme, I can not get behind the concept that "Obama may be the savior or our republic"! The damage he's done is too great and too insidious to easily undo. It may actually take a generation to unwind his policies!

The centers for Medicaid and medicare have issued a report that Obamacare will cost us more, not less, as promised! This shouldn't be a surprise to us as we were warned, but the tag team of Reid, Pelosi, and Obama was good enough to ram it down our throats... and that will take some work to redact.

You know, it's pretty interesting-

First Read makes much of the disapproval of congress, but makes little or no mention of the answer to Question9

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/MSNBC/Sections/NEWS/A_Politics/_Today_Stories_Teases/Correct_NBCWSJ_poll.pdf

So, 47% of registered voters want a REPUBLICAN congress for 2012- vs, 41% who want a democratic congress.

Kind of tells me all I need to know.

And, Steeler- Obama got everything he wanted for two years- despite what you call Republican obstruction.

Too bad the electorate did not want the things Obama was ramming down our throats during that time. There's a little thing called the consent of the governed with which he never bothers his little head.

I wonder what it's like- to be a narcissist without the adulation? These poll numbers must have his head exploding.

No Joe-maybe in the universe you live in the President got everything he wanted during the first two years but not in the real world. If we had had the kind of stimulus he wanted we would not be where we are today---we would be much further on the road to economic recovery than we are.

So, I was misinformed about the $840 billion stimulous program? The one that gave billions to companies for "green" jobs to companies that either went bankrupt,(leaving the taxpayers on the hook), created jobs in China, or both? The companies that were headed or heavily invested in by Obama donors? That was, what, a figment of my imagination?

I dreamed that he rammed HCr through congress?

That cap and trade got pushed through the back door of the EPA on Christmas Eve?

Those of you dwindling members of his cult can drug yourselves into believing anything at all, but the rest of the country knows that we have four trillion added to the debt, that Obama had all three houses, got what he wanted for two years, and we have nothing to show for it.

Keep making excuses for his ineptitude. You're the last ones left doing it.

I guess I finally made it into the club. The party who claims to be for freedom of speech, collapsing post only because they don't say the conservative talking points.

There was nothing wrong with my post and I want it re-instated and the brave ones who collasped it, names should be posted for all to read.

AF and Sheila: looks like you both angered some TeaPublican collapse queens. Welcome to the club. You finally made a point that the TeaPublicans could not refute so they just collapse you. Typical. The Teapublicans have no agenda other than to have President Obama not serve more than one term. They don't even care who it is, so long as it is not President Obama.

Obama is the most partisan President in history. Look at the mess he's made. He had great popularity on his side and wasted it on a failed stimulus and a failed Health bill.

The obstructions are Obama, Reid and well, Pelosi lost her power thank God. They have stood in the way of the will of the people for far too long.

Can't wait for 2012. Really. Can't wait.

By "partisan" you mean it only in the way that Conservatives always misuse the word to smear anything with which they disagree. Yes, President Obama has a point of view. People elected him for that point of view, and Conservatives have done everything in their power to prevent that point of view from being represented in legislation.

By "will of the people" you mean only "Conservatives." The Grand Obstructionist Party knows not "the will of the people", only a war that they intend to end in one party rule.

That's the real dysfunction in government. It's one party, the GOP that refuses to compromise, that refuses even to talk except in the most blatantly inflammatory terms of the propagandist.

Obama will make Liberals heads explode (again) this week. The trusting lemmings of the Left have grown comfortable with listening to Obama tell them "Corporations are to blame - The rich are to blame - Someone, but not you Liberals, needs to pay their 'Fair Share'." Add on top of that the CBC's uncoordinated and pathetic attempt to frame the Tea Party as racists, and you have the recipe in place for what we have today, an economy that is tanking. Obama though this week will need a new playbook, one that shows cooperation with the very enemies Obama has told his Leftwing Lemmings are the problem. The Leftwing Lemmings though angered yet again, will continue to support Obama, they have no other to turn to. The Leftwing Lemmings will blame Obama's turn to the Right on the usual suspects, the Tea Party and that the powerless Obama was some how yet again tricked. No matter. It's too late anyway. Obama says one thing and does another, no sane person will again trust the man to be telling any of us the truth.

The cake is baked Liberal Lemmings. There is no more Hope remaining in Obama.

The headline should read " a damaging summer for AMERICA".

Thanks, Tea Baggees. Thanks, Mr Speaker.

Oh, and......" Someone, but not you Liberals, needs to pay their 'Fair Share'."

Bet they would, Smiff, if all their jobs hadn't been sent overseas so the companies could make even MORE.

"Toss in the Navy Vets of the world who pollute the blogosphere with their scurrilous rants that Republicans are Nazis, the Paul Krugman's of the world who say basically the same thing (albeit more artfully), the numerous leftist pundits who refer to Republicans as "terrorists," the congressional Democrats who would prefer that some Republicans "go straight to hell" and you have the slimey witch's brew that is about to become the 2012 campaign"

If it looks like a duck, talks like a duck"kak-Kak" and walks like a duck, well it's a duck. In this case these people on the right are terrorists.

all their jobs hadn't been sent overseas so the companies could make even MORE

So was the job growth in August really 0? If couldn't have been, not with all the great job programs President Obama has implemented. I bet there was job growth, there were probably 6 or 7 jobs created. At least.

Great job Mr. President!

Another hateful rant from JAS1, that makes absolutely no sense.

I've been asking for a week now, and still none of our FR Conservative regulars can answer:

What does increasing corporate and wealthy liquidity do to create demand? Corporations are sitting on $3T in capital because there's no demand to spur their use of this money. How will making this pile of cash higher create demand?

And great use of the Rovian playbook -- accuse your opponent of what you intend to do yourself.

If there has been any doubt in anyone's mind about how nasty the 2012 campaign is likely to be, there shouldn't be any anymore.

There was never any doubt...Republicans have been steadily poisoning the political dialogue since the Willie Horton ad, and it gets worse every cycle.

Another hateful rant from JAS1, that makes absolutely no sense.

Stupid is as stupid does. These tea potty people are dumbing down America.

That's all part of the plan, Job1. Conservatives can't stand on the facts, so they work overtime to spread misinformation.

Bill, you hit the mark on krugman. He occasionally is interveiwed on bloombergTV and he is definitly partisan in nature. Most bloomberg interviewees stick with economic and business numbers rather than do the political blame game. In fairness to bloomberg impartiality they did interview a guy by the name of davidson (?) who really railed aginst obamas failures. I was surprised that neither suffered a stroke in their partisanship, but i did get a chuckle out of both rants.

If obama wants to really try and put job creation within the rights court and further act as a divider than as a unifier his perceived leadership ability will always be called into question.

BTW - wonder if his thursday night speech will end with the words "... and now to your locally televised thursday night football game"

Mo - So you don't regonize sarcasm? If you think JAS makes no sense how can you condone many of the rants made by many FR libs-r-us posters?

american-2051576-

As is the case with many others at First Read, Mo is unable to distinguish between legitimate political dissent tinged with sarcasm...and hatred.

That is, legitimate political dissent from conservatives directed toward President Obama and the policies of his Administration, anyway.

For example, most liberal First Read bloggers are utterly unable to detect any inappropriate remarks in First Read posts about Sarah Palin, or Michelle Bachmann.

No hate there...

No siree.

Not a bit.

I guess dbo spent the weekend in the treehouse, or reading Obama speeches- but, anyway, not seeking answers to the question from Friday- how did those of us who knew Obama's economic policies would fail- know it?

You got close to escaping the cult, dbo- so close.

Oh, well. Pat revealed that, because she is a democrat, the country can go to he'll in a hand basket- she is a democrat first, last, always. So, no matter the disaster upon disaster visited on this nation by this purely incompetent president, he's got her vote- unless he changes parties, that is.

Won't happen- the republicans won't touch him with a ten foot pole, and the "No Labels" people were formed of democrats who wish to disassociate themselves from him.

Someone on one of the Sunday talk shows asked what Obama could say that would help the economy. Seven adults- four liberals, one independent, and two conservatives, all said at once "I resign!"

When you've lost my father, you've lost.

Obama shelved in 2012.

MB: As is the case with many others at First Read, Mo is unable to distinguish between legitimate political dissent tinged with sarcasm...and hatred

So true Mixed. Two thumbs up. Or, in the case of Mo, it would be three thumbs up.

Obama has never been the divider. He has gone above and beyond to try and compromise with the republicans. You got 98% of what Boner wanted from the debt hostage situation and President Obama is the divider? What would have been enough?

You are still bitching like you have not gotten enough and are not getting your way about something. This country was built on compromise and meeting in the middle has made our country great. No longer, it is about the tea party being willing to destroy our country if they can not have their way.

Really you want a country run by the intellect of a two year old brought to us by the tea party?

It is easy to condone the rants of the liberals on this board as most of them are based on fact and not the censored news that the right tries to form an argument around. The conservatives come on here daily and repeat lies that have been debunked here over and over.

This is not faux and repeating lies over and over doesn't work here.

When you've lost my father, you've lost.

Why, is he significant or something?

I see a false sense of bravado runs in the family... lmao

This is not faux and repeating lies over and over doesn't work here.

Never stops them from trying... ;o)

Censored news?

Lies?

You think the unemployment rate is lower than reported? That the civilian labor force is not down to 1983 levels, actually depressing the unemployment rate.

That GDP is growing more than reported?

What, exactly, is it going to take for you to join the rest of the country and admit that you made a mistake in nominating and electing someone too inexperienced to run a school cookie drive?

The man is a disaster of epic proportions for this country. Face reality- he will cot be reelected. Not no way, not no how.

JAS he is creating a few jobs thursday evening to set up his teleprompters for a jobs speech. I can't wait its going to, LOL take a lot of popcorn to get through that few minutes, not that we need anything else to choke on, his speech will be plenty enough, LOL. The reason he is worried about the Packers and Saints is girlie liberal men don't watch football their wifes and girlfriends do and he wants them fiesty women to stay tuned into barry's going to get you a check speech. Thats what the liberals are pizzed about to many unemployed conservatives and to much competition for that monthly check. Man if he could only get Rosanne Barr to sing the national anthem and Oprah to do the halftime show they could make the whole evening a liberal pay-for-view. LMFAO

Ya no jo if you really knew what you were talking about McCain would be president. We all know how right you were about that.

Just like the union guy, faux censored the last of his sentence and changed the whole meaning and then accused him of threatening to murder. That is not censored news that is fair and balanced only in republican tea party la la land.

Tell me how proud you are of the republicans that are going to raise your taxes on the middle class? I'll bet they don't talk much about that on faux.

Another day, and still not one Conservative here can tell us how building a bigger pile of cash for the wealthy elites will create the demand which is lacking in the economy.

Obama 2012 - Petulance You Can Believe In

For the love of America Obama 2012

California. Here is a state that is almost bankrupt with 12% unemployment and what do they worry about? Babysitters and drink cups. This is the same kind of nonsense that these liberals want to see in Washington. If Obama is re-elected we dont stand a chance as a nation to move toward fiscal responsibility.

Last night 1 Term 0bama said he wanted to "pass this bill" so we could fix our roads. Doesn't 1 Term 0bama know that 18.4 cents per gallon goes to the Federal Govt to do exactly that - try spending that first. That doesn't include what the states tack on in each state. Most time it is more - sometimes double. There is already money to fix the roads 1 Term 0 - use it and put people back to work. There is no bill for Congress to pass. It won't pass the House and probably wouldn't pass the Senate - even if Dirty Harry Reid allowed it to come to the floor since he tables everything that the House sends over. I am still waiting for the Senate to pass a budget bill that they haven't passed in over 850 days. Hold their pay until they do their jobs!

Facts just aren't on your itinerary, are they bb3? States are increasing tolls because they don't have enough fuel tax money to fix the roads. They're subletting roads to independent contractors because they don't have enough money to keep them up. Even the American Trucking Association is on record ASKING for fuel tax increases because the current tax rate has been in place for YEARS and is no longer sufficient for upkeep.

That's why spending additional money to bring them back into adequate condition is essential if we're to remain an economic force in the world.

Main steam media, gave Obama the White House in 2008. First Read is a prefect example that they intend to do the same in 2012.

Media slicing and dicing every word

They all do it, at least some actually report the news, others ignore it, and do the same old stories over and over again.

Why is it the summer has been damaging to President Obama?

The blind certainly cannot see. Let us count the ways for Obama's summer of discontent. Unemployment at 9%+. ZERO jobs created in August. 1% GDP. 3 in every 4 people thinking America is in decline. 1 in 7 people on food stamps. Trillion dollar deficits. No FY2012 budget of any kind from Obama and the Democrats. Empty and violent rhetoric from both the administration and their minions in the union. Unions declining membership. Unions declining power. The terrible optics of Obama saying he had the solution to the jobs problem, but won't tell anyone until he returns from vacation.

Just to name a few.

Great post, Jody. I would only add, a Democratic party that does not hit back hard enough because it is too busy attempting to govern.

And still another hateful rant from JAS1, making absolutely no sense. But this time she did get the tea people GOP republican talking points in. By the way JAS1 you missed the sound bite about the failed President. You'd better expect your smack down from Karl for missing that one. Rove will probably dock your posting pay for that one.

Steeler Fan. Excellent point to add!

thetotas. No, voters gave President Obama the White House but truth is hard to accept for conservatives.

Amazing that many believe that the opposition party wants to see the opposition go at the next election. Seems like that concept is part and parcel of politics 101.

To bad obama and company mismanaged the political agenda in 2009 and 2010. No lazer focus on jobs and economic recovery, but that is ok, on thursday we will see obama pass the ball off to the right, the current left never gets tired of taking any type responsibility.

Let's see, 6 years in control of the senate, 4 years in control of the house and 4 years in control of the executive branch, but still it will always be the right who gets the blame. FR libs have an excuse for everything. I imagine that the european soveriegn debt crisis and slowing global growth will also somewhow be attributed to the tea party and gop as well. Lmao!

So Jody, those 60 Freshman Congressman are just rolling the "Smartest Adult in the Room" on a regular basis according to all the whining here today and lately?

Wow, if just 60 can do this in 6 short months, imagine what a MAJORITY can do!

Maybe America can get back on track with the right people in charge in a couple of years.

Just what have those 60 done? Jobs bills? Infastructor bills? Any ideals at all on how to turn our country around? Nada, zilch, nothing. Wait they did pass Ryan's bill to kill social security. If everyone has to work until they die we will need a lot more jobs.

Bachmann is claiming she can turn the country around in 90 days. Nope, no bill from Bachmann.

If only bitching about Obama created jobs, we would have more than enough jobs. Republicans don't know how to govern (bush and our debt as proof) but boy can they bitch about and obstruct what everyone else is trying to do.

american first - so how much support from the left did bush and company get? Were they on vacation or did they in turn vote like obama did on refusing to raise the debt ceiling? After all, bush needed democrat support to create and pass legislation during his term of office, his agenda couldn't have been that repugnant to the left not to garner some support from them for bill passage.

I wonder when the senate will introduce their own version of a FY2012 budget in responce to the houses proposal. FY2012 is fast approaching and surely it is within the senates power to create appropriate expenditures for FY2012 if they don't like the house budget plan. Perhaps reid has developed alzheimers and forgotten how to create a budget plan for expenditures. Tick tock reid, october is approaching fast.

I would think that Obama voting to not raise the debt ceiling would make him your hero. Nope, it just showed he didn't support Bush.

Just like one I heard the other day. President Obama could walk on water and save a child from drowning and the republicans would only complain that Obama couldn't swim.

Yea Americans First could and would, When in reality barry would point and tell the family they needed to jump in and save the child and then he would drown the whole family.

interesting comment there american first...

Nope, it just showed he didn't support Bush

Pretty much says it all about obama doesn't it. Screw the American populace, for my vote is solely against bush. lmao, your logic is astounding.

UAW - doesn't say much for on the job training in going from a junior legislative rep to an executive does it. Just goes to show that the skill sets are not the same. Looks like obama could have used a few more years in the senate to gain a broader skill set.

Your Right American. Imagine hiring a man with Barrack Obama's skill set to run your $4 trillion dollar 2,650,000 employee company in 2008 and then rehiring him to do it again in 2012?? It didnt make sense then and were living with the results of that now. Thankfully I've talked to alot of people who voted for the first time in 2008 who are taking a far more educated look at the candidates in 2012. The best we can hope for is grid lock in Washington for the next year until a better leader arrives in 2012.....

And we did so much better hiring the Governor of a major state and, as his chief operating officer, a guy with the dream resume (Congressman, White House Chief of Staff, Wartime Secretary of Defense and CEO of a major corporation). After 8 years of that highly qualified leadership we were losing two wars, our job market was shrinking at the rate of 750K per month, two major automobile manufacturers were going out of business, our debt had more than doubled and our financial industry was collapsing. The current crop of GOP wannabees and their Congressional fellow travelers want to go back to that strategy, so by all means let's bring them on.

The first requirement would be for someone who wants to see government work as well as possible instead of someone who seeks to prove that government can't work. No one of influence within the Republican Party nor the whole of the Conservative Movement meets that description.

This a war with the far right extremist and beginning after the Presidents joint session speech on Thursday, The President is going to take on the fight against these terrorist, and the American People will see the Republican-Tea Potty called out to put up or shut up.

dangerfield from one liberal democrat to you a centrist/moderate democrat maybe the word phony should apply to someone other than the voters.

Job1 - We shall see after the President's speech on Thursday. My prediction, he will take ideas and themes from Hunstman's jobs speech. I wouldn't be surprised if he gleaned a few from Romney's jobs speech. Whatever it will be it will not be about the middle class. He will offer/bribe business with more tax credits and incentives for hiring just as he has done his entire tenure. He should have gone big but he will not. Come friday there will be posters praising his ideas (republican ideas) which will go nowhere.

We are in a long hard climb or on a hard fast fall whichever way you want to look at it my friend.

Yellowdog, I wouldn't count to much on Thursday's speech. Already hearing reports (albeit on FOX) that the White House is lowering expectations for the speech and the Obama will not present his "entire" plan on Thursday, but will continue to roll it out over the next month.

Only time will tell, but if he fails to make a mark on Thursday, throwing out re-treads of "Infrastructure", "Job Incentives" and "Unemployment Extension", his goose is definitely cooked.

White Collar Auto,

Heard the same thing and although we come from opposite sides I agree. Nothing will come from the speech .

Ok here is where we part ways. I belive that infrastructure repair and development as well as unemployment extension can be part of the answer. Throw in some trade agreements that actually benefit us along with tax reform to increase the base and increase taxes on those that can afford it. Keep the bribes for hiring if he must. As with most difficult problems there is not a clear easy solution. It can't all be about tax cuts and spending cuts.

As with any country or business that doesn't invest in the future you stand still, get outdated and surpassed by your competition. You can not be successful by standing pat or by holding while attempting to win the future/pot.

WCA: I wouldn't count to much on Thursday's speech. Already hearing reports (albeit on FOX) that the White House is lowering expectations for the speech and the Obama will not present his "entire" plan on Thursday, but will continue to roll it out over the next month.

Well isn't that special. And really, what can Obama say that he hasn't already said. Words you will not hear in Obama's speech are: "Shovel ready jobs." "My plan will create millions of jobs." "Crumbling infrastructure." "We've turned the corner." "I own the economy." Words you will hear: "Shared sacrifice." "Common good." "Investments in our future." "The rich must pay their fair share." "I inherited this problem." "Vote for me."

Greeting yellowdog! There is little that obama can do except to focus on a short term plan to create jobs by stimulating demand. A tough row to hoe by any politician and one frought with political danger if ideas are taken from others without due credit to its source.

In listening to many interviewees on bloombergTV the consensus lies with the federal government (congress and executive branches) having no clear fiscal policy to address our current economics and that business and consumers alike are also pessimistic on any type of short term (now to 2 years) recovery. Bernanke may have it right, growth will remain painfully slow.

Without consumer confidence to create demand, how can businesses hire more? I believe that the executive branch should be the source of unity and confidence that the populace can hang their hat on and that business will then follow suit. JFK did it with the space race goals and reagan did it with having Americans overcome the malaise attitude of the 70's. At this point in time positive attitude and a written plan will be everything and blame and rhetoric will be nothing. Leadership lies with the executive branch, not congress.

Hey american 205,

Things look a bit up beat, after 68 days of 100 degree heat Sunday and Monday were in the upper 80's. :}

Clear fiscal policy? You mean that the debt ceiling debacle didn't give optimisim to the markets and the people? The supposed super committee is set to slash trillions. It seems we have the spending cuts taken care of. It doesn't instill consumer confidence when the Tea Party promotes the idea that Obama wants to socialize the economy and destroy the country. It doesn't instill confidence when the GOP refuses to be reasonable.

Those on the right look at the liberal policies as an entitlement driven, nanny state, give me system. However the GOP and big business keep clamoring for their tax cuts that are supposedly entitled to them.

The unifiyer/divider accusation can go both ways. Listen, the GOP could help the country by trying to work with Obama on one or two issues. One would be to agree that the Obama tax extensions would expire at the end of 2012. They could agree to budget for the FAA repairs that are due to be cut by end of next week. Maybe they could even support a bit of infrastructure repair.

yellowdog - glad to see your weather improving. Up here in iowa it is the humidity that is the killer. Temps can be in the eighties and nineties, but still feels like well into the low 100's. the flooding missouri sure gave us fits in june and july, spent a good week prepping for the potential flooding and now it looks like it missed me by about a mile.

Like consumer and corporate confidence in the economy I and others took action to minimize loss due to flooding. Hindsight says I and many others just missed disaster and could have stood pat, but who can predict mother nature or the vagaries of global economics?

While I take your point on leadership and compromise, I am still of the view that it is the executives job to inspire confidence within both the congressional houses, the populace and business communities. Having an executive that snipes publicly at the opposition does little to inspire confidence from anyone. BTW - politically it is expected that congressional members be critical of each other in a public manner, but for a potus to do so so consistantly, i don't think so.

The debt ceiling debacle was easily seen as early as 1st qtr 2011 with the difficulty in the house creating a 2011 budget plan acceptable by all parties and obamas weak initial 2012 budget recommendations.

As usual politics is about compromise, ie you want this and we want that. I am sure that such a concept has occurred from time immemorial not counting military coups so to speak. The lack of any attempt at seeking compromise by both congress and executive branch speaks volumes about a dysfunctional washington. Last fall one poster kept making the remark of voting everyone out until a group was voted in that accomplished the job. didn't matter to them if the candidate was left or right. The politicians security was based on performance.

The question will remain on whether congress and the executive branch can find common ground on resolving our economic issues and need to better control spending. It may very well be that the only effective solution will be minimal government involvement as the populace de-leverages from easy credit and debt as many businesses have already done.

With regards to tax cuts being seen as entitlements isn't that what many view medicaid, medicare, SS and many other discretionary spending programs have become as well? Ryans original FY2012 bucget plan called for the elimination of many deductables to lower tax rates and make it revenue neutral. To say the right refuses to do so begets the question on what both sides defines the situation to mean. ie politics. Seems that it would be more effective to have a simplified tax system with uniform but limited deductions phased in over 3-5 years.

My own personal opinion is that our current political system has become one in which the right has finally seen that the unrestricted spending without appropriate revenue sources is really a bad thing over the long term and that the left is hopefully seeing that as well and that it remains for the populace to come to grips with uncontrolled spending on pet programs as not only being unsustainable but economically disasterous across the board for all.

The caveat here is that historically, the party in power spends money wantonly, left or right. Perhaps now is the time that both parties and the populace come to grips with such irresponsible spending. I never have believed that those from the government are always here to help us.

Looking forward to thursdays speech and I do hope that it is one with a written plan and not solely of rhetoric. As spanky commented last august 19...

Hope is not a plan, Change is not a strategy. Experience counts.

Hope is not a plan, Change is not a strategy. Experience counts.

_________________________________________________________

Hillary 2012

"I told you so!"

I haven't been a "democrat" in 30 years, dangerfield- although I voted for Bill Bradley for Senator- twice, and once for Bill Clinton, when he ran for reelection. That said-

Oh, how I wish they had listened! We'd be much better off if Hillary had won.

Heck, we'd be much better off if McCain had won.

I knew Obama was a poor choice, but even I had no idea just how dreadful he would be. Please heaven it does not get much worse.

american 205 - I might not agree with all your positions but appreciate how you list your ideas etc. Tax reform to broaden the base is one idea that should be attempted. Other than No Jo, few conservatives bother to talk to this lib. I think it is part of the Karl Rove tactics, can't remember the number or bullet point though :}

No Jo - Wow you voted for Clinton's re-election, would never had imagined that. I second you, I hope it doesn't get worse. I appreciate the respect your governor showed the President during his visit we can all learn something from that.

By the way, do you give Obama credit for his decision against the EPA on Friday. Just wondering.

We should talk after Obama presents his plan.

I would, Mark, if he hadn't made it clear that it was temporary- until 2013. Not going to do much to instill confidence in firms that they will not be strangled by the regulations, and the attendant costs.

yellowdog - I have no problem in discussing points with anyone, regardless of political orientation. Of course, I have to understand that the other poster is willing to discuss the issues rationally as you normally do. I know of only one instance where you seemed to go off the deep end. I know we discussed this before, informed decisions, while not implying changed decisions can be very helpfull in coming to understanding. Perhaps that is why I like charlie rose and bloombergTV's interviews, they are more about balance than they are about L or R political agendas.

I see that the fires are burning up texas again, hope you and yours remain safe.

The gun has to have bullet for him to bow someone away. A repackaging of the same stimulus and hoping it will work this time, does not have the same thrill as the first time.

JB - but obama does get credit...are not 9.1% unemployment and falling consumer confidence, credit enough? Let's not forget all those 99'ers who have fallen off of the unemployment rolls who have kept the unemployed numbers down. Are you not forgetting all the jobs obamacare has created or the number of jobs that the financial reform act created?

Out of work Americans aren't going to be swayed by investing in the future or the preservation of existing jobs. The 14 million of unemployed, under employed and part time employed want jobs now, not 5 - 10 yeras down the road.

How do you know that we don't listen to plans for the future? Yes, we want jobs, but not at the expense of our environment. If I can't breathe, what good does a job do me?

I want the republicans to stop obstructing everything. Things they were for, they are now against because it might help our country.

It feels like with the tax cuts and then the wars brought to us by the so called fiscal conservatives were designed to bring America to her knees.

The republicans want to finish the job while America is down. Let's kill America for the rich, its the republican way.

ratyher droll on your part american first. The right wanting to kill off the golden goose.

If the environment is so special to you, why push for job creation?

Doesn't more jobs mean more air pollution due to increased transportation mileage? Doesn't increased manufacturing imply increased pollution or at the very least American made goods can no longer be competitively priced on the global market because of local environment legislation? Doesn't increased consumption (demand) mean more plastics in our landfills. Seems to be counterproductive to have such new regulations in place that can stifle economic growth here while other nations don't care. Not saying the environment isn't important, but the concept that new regs now over jobs is rather short sighted in light of global aspirations.

Why not create an economy that is based solely on staying at home and working only during daylight and only producing goods for your neighbors? You know, pre industrial revolution?

I am not the one who want to go back to the 1900's. That is the tea party.

If I can't breathe what good is a job going to do for me? There is no reason we can't create jobs and protect our planet at the same time.

If you claim to be worried about the debt being left to our grand-kids, surely you must worry about the condition of the earth we are leaving them?

We can live without money, but it will be real hard to live without clean air to breathe.

live without money? You must have a really good understanding with your grocer, landlord or mortgage holder, not to mention your local utilities.

I would bet that if an unemployed person was asked if they wanted work now and have new environmental legislation was put off for 3-5 years, that the answer would be "give me the job".

BTW - good luck with legislating the emerging markets and china to control their emissions.

A Rovian straw issue. In fact Conservative groups have been whining about the supposedly negative effects of environmental regulation for decades. It's never been true.

There’s an old adage that if you repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it. That seems to be the unofficial motto of the United States Chamber of Commerce, which has spent the last forty years repeating (and repeating and repeating) the mantra that government regulations on businesses “kill jobs” and economic growth. But their predictions are repeatedly wrong. The laws that they warned would bring economic ruin have become the basic health, safety, and environmental safeguards we now take for granted.

The Chamber’s latest goal is to prevent implementation of regulations to limit greenhouse gases and toxic air pollutants (as mandated by the Supreme Court). Republican proposals to eliminate the EPA’s authority to regulate greenhouse gasses failed in the Senate. Now they are focused on the Obama administration to thwart the EPA’s rule making process. The EPA recently proposed several regulations to address greenhouse gases, toxic emissions and other pollutants from power plants.

The Chamber is hoping that in these hard economic times, Americans’ concern about jobs will scare them into believing that rules to limit global warming will stifle job growth. But their rhetoric is the same when the economy is humming. Whether unemployment is high or low, the Chamber and its business allies have opposed every significant step towards a more sustainable, healthier future. They opposed the Kyoto treaty, the Clean Air Act, auto emission standards, Renewable Portfolio Standards, the Clean Water Act, removing lead from gasoline and more. They justify their opposition by claiming that these rules will kill jobs. And they are wrong every time.

http://crywolfproject.org/commentary/regulating-greenhouse-gases-job-killer-quit-crying-wolf

Yeah, I know you're upset that we won't just roll over and go along with the latest plans of Conservatives to accelerate their war on the middle class. Deal with it.

Another tea people GOP republican distraction. No ideas just distract. Straight from the tea people GOP republican play book. To bad the media has to play along.

Stuff it Mitch, you and your party.

He called them like he sees them, if you don't like it, tell your friends in the TeaParty, to start working with the President and help the country. Show us you are not worthless SOBs, show us you care about the American worker, the American citizens and the United States of America.

To get respect you first have to earn it and your party has not earned it. Karma is a b----h, isn't it?

well john/mo, judging from what i saw at hoffa's call to arms rally, its pretty unlikely the participants would know anything about marching, let alone acting when ordered!

gingerbread, at the expense of elevating you to a position of importance by even responding, it appears you are quite familiar with stuffing things yourself.

Mitch at the risk of making you seem important by responding to your load of crap. The conservatives say worse things daily here. I can remember seeing a dozen signs at tea party rallies that were worse.

The tea party playing the victim here is just going to bring out all the nastiness the tea party has been pushing for the public to see.

AF, IF, and its a huge IF you ever attended a Tea Party rally, its more likely you and other plants were carrying any offensive signs. we police our own quite effectively. the public realize how your bunch stages things, professional media at the ready, with imposter's.

look up false flag attack, i am sure its in one of your Presidents associates manuals.

we dont believe you guys anymore, your fake outrage is laughable. we have seen the true face of the liberal left. your empty threats only destroy your position. your dwindling numbers are hardly of the stuff needed to back up your rhetoric.

go sell b_llsh_t somewhere else, no one is buying it anymore.

mitchell j is one angry little teabagger...I mean, being the "enemy" and all...oh, and being a "terrorist" too...now he gleans from FOX "news" of all places that Hoffa was calling for the "mass murder" of teabaggers...

...mitchell j, what a whiny little web you weave...

Obama asks, asks, and asks....but there is no money. Where do you expect a do nothing Congress to get the money from. Obama does not get it- the deficit is maxed out...pushed so far that our debt has been downgraded. So where should congress get money for new programs...and if they do find money, why don;t they pay down our debt to restore our rating.

Obama can keep asking to spend...but how bout he actually stops asking from others, and actually rolls up his sleeves and finds some money himself. It is very easy to ask others to do your work, and to have big dreams...quite another to actually put in some work yourself.

rudy - begs the question of why didn't obama take care of jobs effectively in 2009 and 2010? He got obamacare and wall street reform thru with republican oppostion, why did he stop with economic recovery? After all there was no tea party congressional members then?

Like cassius clay (mohamid ali) obama floats like a butterfly from issue to issue, but unlike ali he doesn't have the sting of the bee or the temperment of the industrious bee either.

Surely you remember the stimulus. That was the economic recovery plan that the republicans cut in half and then demanded half out of the remaining half be tax cuts. It was the republican plan for making the stimulus not work and that was before the tea party.

Starting two wars and not raising taxes to pay for them for the first time in American history seems like the republicans are bent on destroying America, as they continue to refuse to raise taxes on the richest.

Look at what the republicans are doing that speaks a lot louder that the lies out of their mouths. We are so concerned about the debt left to your grand-kids. (But not enough to tax the rich, a balanced plan that would actually make a difference)

ah yes, the 2009 stimulas plan where the minority (in number and votes) held the plan up for ransom against the super majority controlled democratic controlled house and the one vote short democrat controlled senate (assuming the independents would vote left).

Yepper, americans first history revisionism is in full swing today. Apparently he never gets tired of blaming the right for any failures, regardless of who supported the programs. Amazinf on how he can't even read IRS data on who pays what in income taxes, and that his only concept of fair or balanced lies within the realm of passing the buck off to someone else. Yes, american first your handle exemplifies your selfishness to always have someone else pay the bill that you merrily run up.

Bills I merrily run up that I expect others to pay. But the tax cuts and the wars why they were nothing and you accuse me of history revisionism.

Yes, while in the end the republicans did not vote for the stimulus they insisted on parts as if they would vote. The stimulus got watered down and was not the stimulus our country needed.

Then you turned to personal attacks because that is all you got.

I am a liberal responsible person, I own my own home, I am current on all my bills including my property tax. I am on the board of directors of a non-profit coffee house that feed the homeless 3 days a week. Liberals are responsible people, we just don't believe in killing America for the rich.

We may be republicans, we may be democrats, but we are all Americans First.

Come on, dangerfield.

Obama is the one and only Zelig candidate. His entire campaign in 2008 was predicated on it.

The laughable thing is that Plouffe intends to run the same thing again- despite the fact that there is no hiding the Obama record.

Worked so well for Labour last year, when Plouffe and Dunn were dispatched to help them retain control in the UK.

The President was a "blank slate" in 2008

Mitt is, and always has been like a hooker who is "Whatever you want me to be , baby"...

Well, I won't deny it's a problem I have with him, dangerfield. I'm of the belief that while one can be convinced that one was wrong on an issue, and therefore change one's mind, there are certain core beliefs one must hold, no matter how "fashionable" those beliefs might be.

That said- I don't get the idea that you would, actually, vote for any republican. I also don't get the idea that yup would vote for Obama, despite the "D" after his name.

I will not ask you how you would vote- just sharing my thoughts.

I have a few friends who will vote republican for the first time in their lives- whoever is nominated, and a few who will not vote at all- again, for the first time since they've been eligible.

Given the fundraising activity, and the fact that he either has, or is seeking to, lock up the big dollar donors for the next two years, I see no hope that Obama drops put of the race. Frankly, I don't think he recognizes that he is going to lose.

That leaves the "No Labels" people just two years to take back the democratic party from the fringe. That I will ask you- do you think it can be done?

Why so much focus on polls and so little focus on people?

Didn't you hear Nash?

Corporations are now people too... ;o)

People who need people - some of the loveliest people in the world...

Ah yes, the "corporate people" . . . so much for one man, one vote, eh? :o(

Because they reflect the mood of the country today.

2/3rds of those "PEOPLE" who voted for the president feel we are "badly off course".

We can focus on the over 14 million PEOPLE who are currently unemployed, or the over 5 million PEOPLE who have been out of work for more than a YEAR. Perhaps we should focus on the millions of PEOPLE who have dropped out of the workforce completely?

The focus is on PEOPLE, and the vast majority of people, even those who voted for the President are unhappy with his performance.

http://www1.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/other/president_obama_job_approval-1044.html

If you haven't taken any courses in corporate law, corporations have had individual rights for over 200 years. The left is just coming to realize that their opinion is not fact in law.

Ray:

It is interesting that all the corporate cheerleaders have no answer for the fact that "corporate people" are "more equal" than human people, and that is clearly NOT what the Founding Fathers intended.

Our country has been sold to the highest bidder, and our democracy is no longer representative.

And you are okay with that.

Weird.

No more games. Now is not the time for the people you sent to Washington to worry about their jobs; now is the time for them to worry about your jobs - Barak Obama

Nashville Fan - Hope I'm still welcome to your porch but...

Mr. President no more excuses. Stop worrying about your own job. I understand you will not campaign or govern in a progressive vein because you want to be re elected. I am not asking you to be an ultra liberal like D. Kucinich but am only asking for you to be a moderate democrat. Listen hard. Anything you propose will NOT be accepted. Therefore, stop governing and compromising like you are a moderate conservative. The GOP are not concerned about helping the economy. No matter how reasonable you attempt you are giving away the store. Do not give away your ideals. Use your last year to show a difference between the two parties. I don't want reconciliation between your base coming from campaign rhetoric alone. Back it up. Thirteen months and counting.

Mark-

What does he have left to "compromise"? What ARE this President's "ideals"?

Yellowdog:

You are always welcome on my porch . . . your poll dancing friend dangerfied? . . . not so much! :o)

You know Yellowdog, one of the things I find most interesting about President Obama's first term is how folks are so determined to have him SAY what they want him to say in the way they want to hear it. Each word is anaylzed and parsed, regardless of whether these words can ever actually become reality.

Folks want to HEAR their feelings coming out of the President's mouth . . . now clearly he is never going to be able to please a majority of Americans by this standard, eh?

You want the President to say what you want to hear, and you will judge him thusly. But how does saying those things, absent any real world way to make it happen, do anything other than make you (me, whoever) feel better?

When will we get to the part where we expect Congress to pass legislation to help the folks they represent? Why is it always chalked up as a failure of the Executive Branch, regardless of the "facts on the ground"?

dangerfield - I hope his ideals are more than wanting to appear accommodating, to be well liked and personable.

I believe it is time for him to earn the anger and revulsion that the right have heaped on him by shifting to the left. He might as well, make his campaign about a contrast.

I understand that Obama needed to hold off on or weaken some progressive ideals like universal health care, immigration reform, wall street reform etc. I was disappointed but understood. I understood that he needed to compromise for a balance during the debt ceiling debate, a balance he didn't vigorously push for.

I understand that environmental protection ideas like the very GOP market driven Cap and Trade wouldn't pass. What has really said something to me is his abandonment of a core democratic ideal. He reigned in the EPA by his own choice.

Nashville - I expect Congress to do nothing. I still have hope for Obama but the whole system is poisoned and broken, I agree with your post in that regard. It is not about drawing a line it is about showing where you stand. This year will be a whole lot of hot air dedicated to the candidates. As usual nothing in an election year will be done. Now is the time to politically show where he stands.

PS: I am glad the NFL is back I'm not sure if I can keep watching the news.

Mark-

Nashville fan is the one who calls independent voters "Phony independents", among other things.
I am as happy to be unwelcome on her "crap-filled" imaginary porch, as I am laughing at the way she "ignores" my posts.

What are this President's core beliefs? What are his ideals? What wouldn't he compromise or concede?

What about the anger, revulsion and disillusionment of the left and center? What about the ire of independent voters? It isn't the republicans who are deserting him in droves, as they were never there.

Yellowdog:

The President has been quite clear where he stands. Much of the weeping and gnashing of the teeth about the President is a waste in my opinion. It is ultimately about policies and what it will take to get them implemented, not about presidential "style" and speeches.

I agree with you about having football back to distract from the political dog and pony show however.

Right, and we all know the independents are going to go for Perry and his Army of God. I am ready for the rapture and Perry is the chosen one to lead us there.

What do I know, maybe the independents you know are different than the ones I've met.

Only the republicans tea people have deserted President Obama and they were never there to back our president to begin with. While the republicans were deserting our president and our country the rest of us have been watching and are not very happy with the religious right of the republicans now posing as the tea party.

Not all of us want to kill America for Norquist and the rich like the republicans.

For the love of America Obama 2012

dangerfield:

Let the record show that the only time I respond to you is when you come to my house and crap on my porch. You come to me, in a sad and pathetic attempt to pick a fight about nothing.

Grow up.

P.S. I did not call all independents phony. I called YOU a phony. If you don't think I am worthy of your time, sow your BS elsewhere.

Personal hate like yours has no place on a blog like this. If you can't debate the issues, don't make a bigger fool of yourself than you already have.

dangerfield:

You are quite the drama king. When did I ever say that I hate you? Don't flatter yourself.

If you can't debate the issues, don't continue to make a fool of yourself...:)

Why do you call that man a phony? Is it because he is not a liberal? Is it because liberals expect all Independents to see things their way?

IntheMiddle:

I call the man a phony, because the man is a phony. The only time he is critical is of the President, never of all the antics from the Republicans. And then there is the whole matter of him libeling me right here on First Read. I have been here since the time when dangerfield was whining about cliques and calling me "fanny". I call 'em like I see 'em, but good to know that you have got his sneaky lil' back . . . way to go.

NF: The President has been quite clear where he stands.

Really? What is Obama's stand on the Simpson/Bowles report from his very own commission? What's Obama's stand on corporate tax reform to bring money and jobs back to the country? What's Obama's stance on entitlement reform, and what exactly did he "put on the table" during the debt ceiling debates? What is Obama's stand on taxes and who does he want to raise, or lower them on, and by how much?

If Obama is quite clear on where he stands on these issues, you should not have any problem producing the answers. But don't bother looking Nash, because the truth is that Obama doesn't stand for anything on these issues. In fact, Obama stands for nothing at all.

Nashville uh dangerfield - Give peace a chance.

I liked that song.

dangerfield - What are this President's core beliefs? What are his ideals? What wouldn't he compromise or concede?

His core belief on compromise appears to be one of balance. I can't blame him if he has a different understanding of balance then I do. I will not always agree with him, but I can't say that he is not being true to what he thinks is right. I believe him when he says that he wants to reform but not gut entitlement programs. I think if he signs off on another debt deal type of agreement with the GOP regarding Social Security it is over.

Nashville Fan - The speeches are the only arsenal he has at this point. He doesn't have the numbers in Congress to push legislation so the speeches and what he says are important.

As always I will hear what he has to say. I may disagree with him, but I will respectfully disagree with him...something us bloggers should do with one another.

It is all about perceptions I guess how we view others. First read what a place, where I can be called a clueless moonbat, a liberal zealot, a false progressive etc.

Peace

I call the man a phony, because the man is a phony.

And then there is the whole matter of him libeling me right here on First Read.

______________________________________________________________________________

Defamation—also called calumny, vilification, traducement, slander (for transitory statements), and libel (for written, broadcast, or otherwise published words)—

is the communication of a statement that makes a claim, expressly stated or implied to be factual, that may give an individual, business, product, group, government, or nation a negative image.

It is usually a requirement that this claim be false and that the publication is communicated to someone other than the person defamed (the claimant).^[1]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defamation

If you can't debate the issues, don't continue to make a fool of yourself...:)

I am truly honored by all the attention I am being given today. As I read over the comments, I am finding very few "issues" to debate, mostly just extremely self centered and petty stuff from dangerfield (and friends).

Oh well.

P.S. Yellowdog: thanks as always for the conversation. Much appreciated.

I am truly honored by all the attention I am being given today

Mostly negative attention, which I'm certain you are used to by now.

As I read over the comments, I am finding very few "issues" to debate.

Plenty to debate, and as usual you choose not to. Mostly because as you have proven over and over, you don't have a clue.

Awww smuffy..are you upset today?

Bet the over...it's not like any of them will be listening anyway

You mean the ones who actually show up? Right? lol

It originally was supposed to be an economic speech but that since it has become a political campaign speech with very little in the way of a jobs program, why bother.

Da Noid---they don't have to listen to the speech---they have already been given their talking points and they are against everything the President will propose. They are actually being quite efficient to not waste time listening.

If you heard it all before, what would be the point. You are going to hear about more government spending on short term "sugar" highs that will not improve the economy or create jobs. More "shovel ready" nonsense that adds to the debt, which by the way he was against when he campaigned. You know, just like being against raising the debt ceiling and then being for it. Obama's policies have not worked for 32 months. His policies will not work for the next 16, no matter how many "plans" "talks" and "talks" about.

There was a marked difference between the "rally" I attended yesterday and the last TeaParty rally I went too earlier in the year. The TP rally was tempered and seemed to be centered around people reading printed opinions and signing up to donate, however yesterdays "rally" was loud and sometimes very vitriolic. And I did drive back through after it was over and observed paid union workers picking up the trash and hauling big bags around. The TP rally when everyone left all the trash was taken with them. It was a much cleaner site!

First Read-

It has been a damaging Summer for our country. Thanks to the Tea Party that you so gleefully prop up every single day as the best thing since slice bread!!

The "Polls" that you guys live by have consistently shown the Tea Party to be as welcome as bubonic plague but one would not know that they way you guys portray them.

They are ruining our country and blaming it on the President.

And the media thinks that is OK?

Just askin'

FR props up the tea party? Talk about spin and misdirection!

If the economy is still bad next year, Obama does not survive, period!!

Keep telling yourself that Ray, maybe you'll eventually believe it. Which of the tea people GOP republican nitwits are you supporting? Your funny Ray, but keep posting your vary entertaining.

It doesn't matter who I support. This election will be about the economy and the job the President has done with it. Already the two leading Republican candidates are polling higher than Obama. In 1980 Democrats told America Reagan was stupid and just a unintelligent actor who was a mental dwarf compared to the Naval Academy graduate Carter. But look what happened, the American voter looked at the results of the Carter presidency with the economy and voted for a change. If you don't think the American people will do the same, then keep ignoring what the people keep saying in the polls.

Mo,

It's "you're", if you want to call everyone uneducated and dumb, you might want to tighten yourself up first, because you're looking like a fool!

Talking about ignoring the polls, I see where over 80% wants to raise taxes on the richest. I think somebody is not listening to the people.

Why oh why won't republicans listen to the people and raise taxes on the richest? We want jobs and republicans are obstructing, why oh why won't republicans listen to the people and quit obstructing?

Only the very very limited brain capacity person would vote for the party that is purposely keeping Americans suffering needlessly to punish us for voting for Obama, republican tea party looking at you here.

Faux propaganda is good, but do you think it is good enough to convince people to willingly give up social security so the rich can have more tax cuts?

Americans First,

I tried to explain this before, the majority of people, republican, democrat and independents don't mind a small tax hike. Question is will the tax hike pay down the debt or will it go into another enitlement program at which we will now have to raise taxes again to continue to pay for that program or raise the debt ceiling again. When does the spending end, when we end up like Greece in riots and destruction or when no one has any money left. Incidently I see good old Warren's company Berkshire Hathaway owes some back taxes which he has been fighting against paying and here he goes saying the rich should pay more. What a hypocrite if that is correct.

If not raising the debt ceiling is your goal, we need to go back to Clinton era taxes. Clintons last year he did not have to raise the debt ceiling for the first time in many years. Bush took it as a sign to borrow money and give tax cuts to the richest and he raised the debt ceiling 7 times.

End all the wars and at least half of the bases we have around the world. Let's bring those soldiers home and put them to work doing for America. The mercenary army needs to go, 100% now gone. If American money pays for them, they are gone. Talk about cutting some spending.

We have enough nukes to kill the planet a 100 times over maybe we should focus more on defence and less on destroying the entire world. Cut the bloated defense budget in half or more so that we are not all over the world supporting dictators like Quadafy. Our government trained OBL and gave Saddamm poisonous gas and then acted suprised when he used the gas. Isn't it about time we got out of that business?

The armies we do have need to start feeding themselves again in messhalls staffed by soldiers. Why are we making Haliburton rich for stuff we can do ourselves.

There is a lot of things we can do and not one of them includes tax cuts for the richest.

How about that Hoffa/ Obama hate speech over the weekend, the Letists to "take out the bastards" (hard working citizens) if they refuse another $ Trillion "stimulus" (hand outs to Obama's union thug supporters)?

Good point Madison........Debbie Schultz, Obama and rest of DNC....... even endorse that hate by not condemning or even trying to down play it.

Another a tempt to try and distract for the real issues. Typical tea people GOP republican tactic. Give a gold star to Tony, 1Hiram and Madison. Karl says your posting checks in the mail.

So Mo.....where are Curly and Joe?

It's LARRY and Curly!...and Shemp and CURLY JOE...You don't know your Stooges...

"What would you do if a girl kissed you?" "I'd kiss her back." "What if she was a real tall girl?"
Curly & Moe

http://www.threestooges.net/quotes

You mean Curly and Larry Jolly. Typical tea person GOP republican, can't keep his rants straight.

That's all right Mo......the last three days the WH and the left have done a wonderful job of alienating those who believe in a strong constitution and personal freedom.......and now with the 9/11 memorial service guidelines they have also alienated most all Christians in America. Great job on PR DNC. Keep this up and all Obama will get is the 20% that would vote for him even if he committed murder. Bet they do.......they can't stop hating......they are gonna hang themselves in the end. It's great.

Another day another insult from the9/11 memorial Service.......no invitation and no room for surviving family members of slain firefighters for the service........sorry others deserve a set more.......like those Bubbist Nuns ansd that Muslim musical group. Great move White House and Mayor Bloomberg.

Well, last summmer was recovery summer....kind of fits.

Diane with recessions occuring every 7 - 12 years in America I do question your statement...

The US has never made a recovery without spending money to put people back to workand that is a fact.

Is that referring to the federal government spending money on extending unemployment benefits, public works programs or what? Please elaborate and clarify. thank you.

If you want to talk about hateful posts, why not include posts put forth by bev, fiesty and navy just to name a few.

American, I was talking about JS1 post about the Hurricane - talking how Obama made too much about it ans frightened people because he was trying toscare people into going his way etc. I happen to live in an area that was effrected and I found the news and reports helpful and I am glad that it was more property rather than people that was damaged.

I assume by S&P bluffing you mean the tea people GOP republican down grade. The 1.5 trillion cut was what the tea people GOP republicans wanted. What entitlements are you taking about T-REX? Sounds like another tea people GOP republican lie. BTW: president Cheney/Bush were the biggest dividers of America, and that's a fact. Your rant doesn't hold water, try again.

Mo you assume way too much! Remember what happens when you assume!

Mo, keep believing that America won't hold the Democrats and Obama responsible for the economy. They have been in charge for 3 years but you think it is the Republicans fault, or the tsunami, and the hurricane, or anything else but who is in charge. Bush & Cheney have been gone for three years. The American people voted for Obama and the Democrats to solve problems but those problems have only gotten worse. When the person hired and all their policies have been ineffective, what do you think the results should be? When your only answer is to push policies which have failed before expecting different results, what do you think the impression of the voting public will be? Obama doesn't need to blame people, he needs definite strong meaningful results which the voter can see.

It's a fact Jolly. Just read the S&P report. It's a tea people GOP republican down grade.

The polls say Cheney/Bush are responsible for the bad economy Ray. Gallup poll, 63% blame Cheney/Bush for bad economy. Just keep believing America will hold Democrats and President Obama responsible, if it makes you feel better. The voter can see who is blocking definite strong meaningful policies.

It is time for the republicans to put up or shut up. The people are watching do you care about America or not? If not, relinquish your seat and let's elect somebody who does care.

Keeping America in the dumps is not a realistic election plan for the republicans especially when it is public knowledge.

But, then again we have all watched the great tea brains at work and are sure bad economy equals republicans able to continue on their dismantling of America like bush started with his debt, created to bring death to America.

So Mo, now you believe in polls? First of all it's 51% and shrinking fast that Bush was to blame for this mess.

I for one hold the POTUS and MOST of Congress to blame for this! I don't care if they had a (D) or (R) after their name, they all screwed up.

As a voter, the Senator I voted for won last election and as done everything he PROMISED to do. If he doesn't do what the people want him to do, you vote them out, plain and simple. How I see it, your mentality is to keep Democrats in office no matter what it cost the people. You want examples? Detroit is a perfect example, Cleveland, Philly, Chicago, do you need more?

What your senator is working against America and that is just like you wanted? You voted for your senator to protect the tax cuts for the rich? You voted for your senator to pledge above America to aid Norquist in his goal of killing America?

If he were my senator he would be gone, but your hating America mentality and hating the majority of us Americans that voted for Obama will keep republicans in office no matter what the cost to the people.

Kill America for the rich, its the republican way.

Grasping for are there Dummy. We also know there are tires that you will never have to change out there. These would put hundreds of thousands out of work. Plus, you missed the title of this post.

DummyD,

Nothing like getting off topic.....way off topic.

No, I'm NOT grasping for "are".

The Stirling engine is currently being used in Peoria, Arizona as part of a solar power generating plant. This technology has an conversion efficiency rating of roughly 32%; when compared with solar panels, that is 50% above the current best. By the way, another benefit to Stirling engines in an automotive application is lower cost.

This is "First Thoughts"...an open forum.

Hey Dummy, what part of "If a company could make money on a new technology, they would be the first to market with it" don't you get?

Do you really know anything about the Auto Industry, or do you just read reports?

Just another conspiracy to keep oil high, eh?

You know, I hear they have a car now that runs on water.......

White Collar -

Do you just spout negativity or do you research anything before you start whining about regulations?

You hit the nail on the head DummyD. All the responses you got were attacks. But that's all the tea people GOP republicans can do is attack, they have no ideas no thoughts, all they have is to attack someone else's idea and thoughts.

Dummy, it must suck knowing that you and your messiah have failed. Failed and Failed. Can not admit it. Its over. So drive your new car and you and Mo can go on a rant tour with the unions.

MRWSR - I am an Independent; not affiliated with ANY political party. Whenever I see waste, I will bring attention to it.

Never said your were anything. You love this man, defend him and hate the GOP. I think you lean left, sir.

Let's see Jimmy Carter had over 15% unemployment, 1% GDP growth, gas lines, and almost 20% inflation and interest rates. If you mean "killing" as putting to an end what Jimmy Carter's results provided, when yes Reagan put and end to those results. This is why Reagan won re-election by winning 49 or 50 states. We who supported Reagan do not apologize for him taking the economy to under 7% unemployment and a GDP growth rate of over 7% within 18 months after his policies were passed.

Well, Dummy, I didn't say anything about regulations, but if I must, there is this:

The Government can't regulate technology. They are proving it with Electric cars. Not only is the technology not there, the consumer willingness to purchase the weak existing technology is not there.

If a company had a good, affordable electric car, they would sell it.

So far we have the Leaf and the Volt. Miserable failures, both.

Ray W - Carter was having to deal with outrageous annual inflation; roughly 17% which created stagnation. Different circumstances than Reagan had to deal with.

White Collar - Ask your self about stem cell research and government's involvement. I can still see you haven't done any research on the Mod II engine. Hint: it's not electric.

dummy - reagan did deal with stagflation, inflation and the malaise of the 70's. Carter didn't. Surely you didn't think that carters one term had just the iran hostage situation to blame, did you? Obama campaigned on hope and change, neither of which has shown results. Once elected, the incumbent wins by results, not rhetoric.

Good ideas find investors, what verifiable facts do you present that todays internal combustion engines are not on par with the sterling engine you mention?

Dummy here are some Mod II Engine spec.'s "accomplished more than 3100 hr and 8,000 miles

of field operation. To extend technology transfer beyond the ASE project, a Space Act

Agreement between MTI and NASA-Lewis Research Center allowed utilization of project

resources for additional development work and emissions testing as part of an

industry-funded Stirling Natural Gas Engine program."

Does this mean drilling for natrual gas?

Your kidding DummyD, the tea people GOP republicans do research, they just make it up as they go.