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DES MOINES, Iowa -- With just 32 days until Iowa's influential caucuses -- and with no clear frontrunner in the polls -- not a single GOP candidate for president is campaigning here today. Not one.
Not overall frontrunner Mitt Romney, who finally does have ads on the air.
Not the latest anti-Romney candidate to emerge, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
Not Herman Cain who is back in Georgia to meet with his wife amidst allegations of a long-term extramarital affair.
Not Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who believes he is at his best when he is doing the very kind of hand-to-hand campaigning that Iowans value.
Not even Texas Rep. Ron Paul, who has the potential to surprise here, or former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, the only candidate to have campaigned in each of Iowa’s 99 counties, or Michele Bachmann, whose fate rests with her finish in the Hawkeye State. (Only Bachmann and Gingrich held events in the state earlier in the week; Santorum comes Sunday before another couple candidate free days yet again.)
“This cycle has definitely been different from previous cycles, and at this point nothing is surprising,” Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz told NBC News. He adds that he believes the race here is still wide-open heading into the final leg. “It will be a race that comes down to the wire here in Iowa."
This cycle, candidates are relying more on TV ads, direct mailers, telemarketing calls, and the Internet to push their ground game in Iowa rather than the usual retail-style politics.
Perry is frequently airing new ads in television markets across the state (a new one came out just today). Iowans receive literature in their mailboxes on a continuous basis from most candidates, with the exception of Gingrich who has not spent any money on ads in the state. And hundreds of calls are placed each day by campaign staff and volunteers asking voters to come out and caucus on Jan. 3rd.
“TV ads, mailers and debates may help boost name ID and give a sense of comfort through artificially-inflated poll numbers,” said caucus veteran Tim Albrecht, who serves as Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad’s spokesman and is unaffiliated this cycle. “The true test of a candidates strength displays itself on caucus night, where Iowans will turn out for the person who takes the time to demonstrate, in person, why they should be the next president.”
And with less then five weeks until the caucuses, some campaigns are still trying to lay roots in Iowa. The Gingrich campaign, for example, just opened its headquarters here three days ago and hired its fifth staffer today. Romney’s campaign in Iowa, while it has had 5 paid staffers actively working the state for months, also only recently opened its official headquarters here.
Other campaigns have invested more resources in the first-in-the-nation caucus state: Bachmann employees 12 paid staffers here, Perry 10, Santorum 9, Paul 5 and Cain 4.
With or without the candidates, campaign staff and volunteers are using other means to reach voters and garner support.
“I think that the majority of the GOP candidates are doing a good job of staying in touch with Iowa caucus goers even when they're not in Iowa,” undecided caucus goer Becky Beach said.
“The process is so long in Iowa, a voter trying to make a decision would have to have their head in the sand not to be able to follow all the candidates daily if they so choose,” Beach added. “ I think it's moving over to social networking and the 24/7 news cycle.”
But typically, caucus goers do not reward those who spend little time in their state.
“Candidates who fail to put in the time, energy and attention needed to turn out Iowans will find themselves scratching their heads on caucus night, but they shouldn't,” Albrecht said. “Time and again, caucus-goers have rewarded the candidates who take the time to visit, organize and organize some more.”
Former Des Moines Register political reporter David Yepsen said candidate-free days in Iowa are to be expected.
“Frankly, they are a chance for reporters and campaign staffers to get some other work done,” Yepsen told NBC News.
“Time is the most precious resource a campaign has,” he said. “With the calendar this compressed and money hard to come by for some, the candidates simply have to be off in other states or in the money-centers getting refueled.”
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I said a year ago, we should throw conventional wisdom out the window with the upcoming election!
Given what has transpired so far from the right, I might be onto something! lol
FR must think it's a slow news day because no one campaigned in Iowa. So they told us no one campaigned in Iowa. But it's not true...lots of news today.
Things you won't ever see here...
Holder explains (confesses) he lied to Congress:
http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_8560/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=JSsD30DU
Obama claims victory because 317,000 long term unemployed are dropped from the equation, lowering the rate of unemployed (only in the govts mind and on paper). Well, at least he can feel justified taking a 17 day vacation in Hawaii (sarcasm):
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-02/u-s-jobless-rate-unexpectedly-declines-to-8-6-payrolls-rise-by-120-000.html
Looks like Jesse Jr was paying to play:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/campaigns/house-ethics-committee-will-continue-investigation-into-rep-jesse-jackson-jr/2011/12/02/gIQA5bNVLO_story.html?wprss=rss_national
But hey, no one campaigned in Iowa. Certainly newsworthy.
Obama is holding all of the cards, Doug. He can afford to go on vacation as the GOP's pathetic pack of crooks, cranks, and crazies take their comedy act back on national television with yet another episode of the reality show they call the GOP Debates, moderated by none other than The Donald. Once these idiots publicly embarrass themselves one more time, they will return to the back breaking task of digging holes in which to bury their campaigns. In the meantime, President Obama remains stronger than any of his erstwhile Republican opponents. Read 'em and weep.
So let me see if I have this right.
Herman Cain will most likely have to drop out of the race Okay. It seems to be the right thing to do. The same thing happened to Gary Hart.
Yet Mr. Cain evidently survived the sexual harassment charges, right?
And then we have Rick Perry, who has a moment at one of the debates where he forgets which of the sacred government programs he's going to slash, and he's out? This is considered worse than sexual harassment?
Strange.
Anyway, if Herman Cain does decide to pull out of the race, I think one of the most memorable moments of this campaign will be his Libya interview. That was classic. An unintentional funny funny moment. Didn't he survive that as well?
What did Rick Perry do that was so unforgivable? I don't get it. Just because he drew a blank for a moment?
Herman Cain and Gary Hart remove themselves from their respective presidential races for bad behavior.
And now Newt is rising quickly in the polls. And The Donald is going to moderate.
See, it's all starting to make sense now.
Perry's out because he is an intellectual midget, Pat. The brain fart thing just highlighted the fact he cannot hold a thought longer than a few seconds or so.
as opposed to .... the mental giant that so brilliantly and astutely articulated the national health care debate with .....
So the genuis went with "inhalator", huh?
How much more do "inhalators" cost compared to the average inhaler that most/all kids already have?
Was Obama talking about "inhalators" when he said ...
It would cost what it would costs us?
And to think some people actually believe we are in trouble with this brainiac running the country?
But there's no rest for carrot top.... more time to troll truck stops, more boiler makers to slam down. No rest for the wicked!
The most fascinating thing in my view is that GINGRICH is leading the field here! I've been making jokes for MONTHS about how much I'd like to see President Obama running against Newt Gingrich. He's also running strong in NH and FL, and of course SC is the original home of Conservative disconnection from reality.
Somehow, Bob, Obama is able to make the act of gathering his thoughts sound far more intelligent than a prepared statement by Perry. It goes without saying that by merely clearing his throat Obama can appear more intelligent than you, as well. I hope this clears things up for you, though!
Excellent post Doug.... there is more than a few reasons for FR posers to discuss the many failures of the Obama administration! Actually a good topic would be why the Democrats should actively be looking for someone to run against the guy! Even the old liberal media has recently been tossing out teasers on Hillary and even Rahm Emanuael interest in the position!
This would obviously be a great discussion topic, but not at First Read... the liberal posters here take great pains to avoid the obvious! If you need proof of that, just ask one of them to defend Obama's record for the last 3.5 years!
So - Sailcat, are you now comparing Obama to Perry? Considering that Obama thinks there are 57 states somehow places Obama's thought process pretty low. If I were you, I'd stop while you are trailing behind... or further behind you will end.
It's really interesting how you seem to have a magical crystal ball to predict who's going to win. If I were you, I'd stop looking into the glass and look at reality. You are misreading the American public. Liberals will not decide the election, even if every one of them voted for Obama, many people will not make the same mistake twice. Obama has lost a huge portion of the independents and all of the republicans. Read em and weep.
Regardless, silence is golden when the media ignores the GOP/TP carnival barkers and the pack of lies they spew.
Per advice from Luntz to Tepublicans:
Now there's the real story!
Pat Boston MA. -- What matters to the right-wing is supporting a candidate they think can debate President Obama and/or win a few swing votes. Gingrich is the biggest turd ever squeezed out of Washington -- The candidate can be a serial killer and they won't care. In fact, they love redemption...when it's a conservative pretending to repent.
So, Iowans get a day off from the silliness--good for them, they deserve a break.
Definitely, we need a break. The calls are constant, the surveys nonstop and not one of those candidate's surveys has mentioned jobs or the economy--it's all about abortion, guns, and gay marriage with DADT thrown in now and then, and ObamaCare. On January 4th, these characters won't even remember where Iowa is until Sep 2012 when they realize we vote in the General Election, too.
Jody, enjoy the calm before the storm.
I think it would be great to have a couple of good blizzards between between Christmas and Jan3. in Iowa. Make them work for their caucus votes.
The candidates are taking a day off, but EVERY commercial break features Rick Perry's smarmy face assuring us he's an outsider to government and often one of the others as well.
John B, Des Moines, IA -- The irony is downright sad. Cain drops out because of sex scandal and Gingrich the biggest douche-bag of all benefits. Also, Romney represents the 1%. As if Newt, who entered politics on a teacher's pay and ended a multi-millionaire is what?
Don't underestimate the right-wing low information voters or their incredible ability to rationalize everything. Hate will prevail over Rule of Reason. The core base of the GOP/TP will vote for the Teapublican candidate even if he or she killed a baby on live TV.
The swing voters and getting the Democrat base out to vote are really important!
Well, that explains why the phone hasn't been ringing off the wall today!
Also a rare day on First Read; only one cheap snark at Republicans in this thread.
There may be hope that you leftists arent just a bunch of Soros attack baboons... Or not.
I'm out of material, myself. Worst Republican primary ever!
Oh my goodness booby - this coming from the one who constantly bitches about name calling!
Little buddy - can you at least be consistant for once?
XOXO,
Your #1 Soro's baboon!
PS: Please don't run off with your tail between your leg like you normally do when challenged...
Be a MAN for once and defend yourself will ya?
Feisty: I don't think that was his tail.
"Attack baboons"? Really?
When pejoratives like this are the best someone can conjure up, I begin to fear for our educational system.
Amy - I would think that all republican primaries would be the worst in your mind. The only reason you are paying so much attention to the republicans is because Obama hasn't been challenged by a democrat and there is no need for a democrat primary. All votes go to him.... so you get to focus in on the news of the day and that revolves around the republicans. If you don't like what you are seeing... stop looking.
Brian B, I haven't seen you posting the wonders of the GOP lineup; truth is I have seen maybe five or six positive comments about one or two candidates from conservative posters. In 2007-08, there were several good GOP candidates and plenty of FR posters touting them. Not this year. Instead all conservative posters do is talk about President Obama which means the right has no one to brag about or tout as their choice to be CIC.
I've been watching primaries for over 40 years and I can tell you that Amy is absolutely right--this is the poorest excuse for presidential candidates, with the exception of Jon Huntsman, I have ever seen and their clown show antics make the entire republican party look pathetic. They are the greatest lineup of ignorant, petty, dim bulbs ever to run for President. Jon Huntsman can't get traction because they rest are either ditzy or sound and act like robots.
Jody, you aren't going to find positive remarks about the republican candidates from me nor just about any other conservative poster. Haven't you figured it out yet? You still can't be questioning why we aren't endorsing anyone, can you? The answer is pretty obvious. If you can't figure it out, let me share a clue with you. Not a single republican candidate has stepped up to the plate yet. Between now and the primary votes, 3 of them will drop out completely. Before the primaries are over, another 2-3 will drop out. Why would anyone endorse any of the candidates at this point?
The reason all we talk about is Obama is because he is a screw up. We simply can't stand the fact that he is in office. We will do everything in our power to see he is only a 1 term president. Any one of the republican candidates are 100 times better than Obama.
That's a strange way to admit none of the Republican candidates have enough going on to recommend them to be the leader of the Free World.
Don't speak so fast Bob, carrot top feeds on contentious viterol.... it would take more dog chains than Pet Smart carries to keep her down, or keep her snark attacks limited to just one! Redwig's operation is 24/7/365! It's not just an advocation for the old gal, it's her form of a ministry of the dark kind!
Sam.... we all know that feisty was raiding the liquor cabinet when God was handing out nurturing instincts! She is what she is! Just be thankful she's a progressive..... and she supports lmaObama!
Brian B, so what you are saying is, as an American citizen, as well as a Democrat, I shouldn't bother wasting my time following the Republican primary, because none of these losers will ever be my President, will they?
Not at all Amy. You can follow whatever you like. You can remark on any candidate of your choosing. What I am saying is you will not have any say so in who is chosen. It doesn't matter if you shout it from the mountiantop, your opinion is only your opinion. Since you are on the sidelines, your remarks only add to the noise.
When a candidate is chosen, then and only then will you have a choice. Since I already know your choice, any remark you make at that time will still only be noise.
Even if one of them becomes your president, your remarks will not be positive. What we have here is a retaliation mentality. The left became severely divided from the right in the 90's when Clinton was impeached. A very short impasse was declared around 911, but it was only about a week long. Attack mentality prevailed and the hunt to destroy Bush sparked back up again. Now it's the right's turn to overthrow the liberal in the White House. Back and forth it will go until one side or the other backs off.
Wow, just wow -- What a line of BS. In 2008, the only problem Democrats had was trying to choose between two excellent candidates, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. This time around, Ron Paul supporters have been and continue to be behind their candidate with passion, but he is the only one.
This election cycle, Dems don't even have to try to Swift Boat these GOP/TP clowns and you damn well know it. Brianb -- Your statement that you hate the president so much that you'd elect a serial killer is the real truth -- The despicable, low-down, un-American truth. Disgusting! How do you people look at yourself in the mirror?
based on how innefective obama has shown us he is, hillary would have been the better choice.
(Take the bait, don't take the bait. Take the bait, don't take the bait. Take the bait, don't take the bait...)
Ok, fine, I'll do a little campaigning of my own then!
Excerpt from an article in the Sacramento Bee:
WASHINGTON -- Jon Huntsman became the first Republican candidate to snub a planned GOP candidates' debate moderated by Donald Trump, with his campaign saying Republicans deserve "a serious discussion of the issues."
Yes we do, dammit! Yes we do!
Good gutsy move by Huntsman.
Huntsman also blew off that debate in Nevada. Had a town hall in New Hampshire at the same time as the debate. You GOP voters should take a look at this guy. But, since you won't, good luck with your clown show.
phinephancy,
I am so over the clown show. Many moderate conservatives I know are as well. I wish the media would pay more attention to Jon Huntsman. Guess he just is not entertaining enough. Is a dog and pony show what the electorate actually wants? If so, we get what we deserve. I would like to think not.
Enough. The weekend has arrived. Time to pour a drink and enjoy!
Mark in SoCal,
politics aside for now. I see there is a lot of chatter about new buyers for our LA Dodgers.... Larry King, Magic Johnson, and Mark Cuban! Wouldn't mind the latter two as new owners but just hope this episode ends quickly so we can focus on just baseball! My wife and I are still planning on going down to the Phoenix area for Spring Training. She's a Cubs fan and I'm Dodger fan of course... so games at both clubs fields are in our plans.
You should make the trip too! These small parks are very fan friendly!
News you will never see on First Read:
"Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr., D-Ill., either knew of efforts or directed someone to raise campaign money for then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich in return for Jackson's appointment to the U.S. Senate, an investigative report released today alleges.
Investigators said they learned Jackson used his congressional offices to mount a "public campaign" for Obama's Senate seat, a possible violation of federal law and House rules that bar the use of official resources for political activities.
With the release of that report, the House ethics committee said today it will continue its review into Jackson, a nine-term lawmaker once considered a natural fit for the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama when he won the presidency."
Jesse Jackson Jr., is a natural fit, alright....for the "Chicago way"...also known as the "Obama way"
Not gonna fight with you tonight, Bob. Just getting ready to read a good murder mystery, and wishing you a pleasant weekend.
See, even us libs can be nice. :)
Thanks, Phin, have a good weekend.
He we were--a few folks commiserating about Iowans needing a break from the relentless campaigning, and a couple of people show up with the sole intention of stirring things up. (Notice the comments that were off topic from the article.)
The need for attention is telling.
Time to go have a brew...
How bout' news you will never see on Fox News:
Jeff Gannon (James Guckert). Remember him booby?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Gannon
And another Obama special: a Justice Dept Friday night document dump on "Fast and Furious", not that First Read would tell us anyway...too busy with politics, like Hillary Clinton in Burma...
The Justice Department on Friday provided Congress with documents detailing how department officials gave inaccurate information to a U.S. senator in the controversy surrounding Operation Fast and Furious, the flawed law enforcement initiative aimed at dismantling major arms trafficking networks on the Southwest border.
I suspect that you will be all alone on this thread in another minute or two.
Have fun talking to yourself.
comfortablynumb,
I am enjoying my glass of wine as I post. :o)
Yes, the thread has again gone off topic with attention getting interruptions.
See below; Darrel and the proverbial "we" ask the baited question.
Sailcat produced a factual answer.
I think this gives a nice tidy end to this thread.
Cheers everyone!!!
QUESTION make it a challenge , What has obama and the democrats done for this country , remember the Democrats controlled both houses during obama's first two years and still control the senate and please no name calling or blame gaming JUST facts data ,statistics , some thing we can research and verify
NOTE I said make it a challenge because it will be a challenge to find something any thing , BUT go for it ,we are waiting and listening ,
This is an incomplete list, but it's good for a start:
1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending
2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices
3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women
4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq
5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB
6 Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information
7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier’s family
8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act
9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible
10. Limits on lobbyist’s access to the White House
11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration
12. Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date
13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren’t even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan
14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research
15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research
16. New federal funding for science and research labs
17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards
18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect
19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools
20. New funds for school construction
21 The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out
22. US Auto industry rescue plan
23. Housing rescue plan
24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan
25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying
26. US financial and banking rescue plan
27. The secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed
28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with theGeneva Convention standards
29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops
30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010
31. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols
32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic
33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions
34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office
35. Successful release of US captain held bySomali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job
36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast
37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles
38. Cash for clunkers program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulated auto sales
39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government
40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children
41. Signed national service legislation; expandednational youth service program
42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return home to visit loved ones
43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions
44. Expanding vaccination programs
45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters
46. Closed offshore tax safe havens
47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals
48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back
49.. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry’s predatory practices
50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources
51. Lower drug costs for seniors
52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings
53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel
54. Improved housing for military personnel
55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses
56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals
57 Increasing student loans
58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program
59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy
60. Established a new cyber security office
61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force; this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.
62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts
63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness
64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient
65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced
66. Improving benefits for veterans
67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration
68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud
69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco
70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules
71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports
72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons
73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive
74. Making more loans available to small businesses
75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare
76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court
77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans
78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000
79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel
80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan
81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan
82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans
83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production
84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters
85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own pocket
86. Held first Seder in White House
87. Attempting to reform the nation’s healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more under insured
88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform
89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform
90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform
Oh, and he built a swing set for the girls outside the Oval Office.
Bravo, sailcat!
'nuf said, Darrel Segers? The trouble with posters like you, Darrel, is that you take a GOP talking point and repeat it without a single clue that what you've been told is a flat-out lie as Sailcat proved beyond a reasonable doubt.
1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending Study did nothing to control spending.
2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices The review did nothing to cut spending. A waste of time.
3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women But yet women are still not equal - waste of time.
4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq As ordered by the previous president.
5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB What a noble effort... How long did this take him to institute?
6 Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information There was no media blackout - It was, and still is bad form to take photos of the fallen soldiers and publishing them.
7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier’s family
8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act
9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible The above are totally laughable. It just hasn't happened
10. Limits on lobbyist’s access to the White House Like AARP and union lobbiests. Uh huh!
11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration More guberment regulation
12. Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date How noble
13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren’t even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan But limits our strategic forces for future engagements.
14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research There were no restrictions on stem-cell research. The only restrictions were government funding.
15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research
16. New federal funding for science and research labs Like Solyndra!
17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards Obama did this all by himself. Like lifting heavy weights.
18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect But nothing has been accomplished for the 858 trillion in stimulus
19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools More government spending
20. New funds for school construction And how many new schools have been built? No more than previous administrations.
21 The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out No it's not. Obama changed his mind on this one.
22. US Auto industry rescue plan Government buyout of GM and Chrysler. Completely against our Constitution.
23. Housing rescue plan What plan? It's not working
24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan Huh? You mean the one Obama admitted didn't work - no shovel ready jobs. While he sat laughing.
25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying You try it. It isn't working
26. US financial and banking rescue plan Ever heard of OWS?
27. The secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed Yeah? Prove it. Cite one article with this bit of false news.
28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with theGeneva Convention standards Thereby effectively removing a way to extract information from terrorists. Obama also instituted miranda rights to war combatants and hamstrung our troops by altering the rules of engagement in a battlezone.
29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops As been since 2007 prior to his presidency.
30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010 Thereby weakening our defense posture. Liberals always cut defense.
31. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols Making the US the laughingstock of other nuclear weapon countries.
32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic Without enforcement.
33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions Which is a big hoax designed to make Al Gore a ton of money.
34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office You mean the superstar's world tour? The same tour where he appologized for the United States without cause.
35. Successful release of US captain held bySomali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job Wow! What a guy! Doing what he is supposed to be doing is somehow on a list that says he has made great accomplishments.
36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast
37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles
38. Cash for clunkers program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulated auto sales
39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government
40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children
41. Signed national service legislation; expandednational youth service program
42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return home to visit loved ones
43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions
44. Expanding vaccination programs
45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters
46. Closed offshore tax safe havens
47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals
48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back
49.. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry’s predatory practices
50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources
51. Lower drug costs for seniors
52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings
53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel
54. Improved housing for military personnel
55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses
56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals
57 Increasing student loans
58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program
59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy
60. Established a new cyber security office
61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force; this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.
62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts
63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness
64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient
65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced
66. Improving benefits for veterans Like what? I'm a veteran and my benefits haven't changed one bit.
67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration
68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud
69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco
70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules
71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports
72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons
73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive
74. Making more loans available to small businesses
75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare
76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court
77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans
78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000
79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel
80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan
81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan
82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans
83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production
84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters
85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own pocket
86. Held first Seder in White House
87. Attempting to reform the nation’s healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more under insured
88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform
89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform
90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform,
Blah blah blah... Not a single ACCOMPLISHMENT! The man gets paid to do a job. Not a single outstanding benefit to capitalism and business. His attempts at anything have been feeble. What he has accomplished is to tear down this country left and right. More and bigger government is NOT the answer to our problems. Government needs to get the hell out of the way so the American people can do what they do best. The government hinders progress.
Oh, and he built a swing set for the girls outside the Oval Office. You mean he hired someone else to do it with our taxpayers dollars.
So maybe someone from the X-Rated Party will win next year. btw, thanks for the Bush tax cuts and two wars that no one paid for.
Jobs actually have been moving UP since the Obama Administration. There are all kinds of graphs out there if you care to go find them.
And as some people said today - gee, isn't it too bad that the other party (R's) didn't come to the table to assist. Just think! of what they could have accomplished. TOGETHER. So much time wasted.
It was a bad bad bad move electing all these dimwits to the House in 2010. A bad move for people who need a job. The House isn't in the business of helping people right now.
They made that PERFECTLY CLEAR. Nancy Pelosi would have helped in any way she could. She knows what the House is for.
TO HELP WE THE PEOPLE.
Something Boehner and Cantor never cared much about. And never will care about.
Don't blame President Obama. Blame the public who voted these incompetents in. The Senate isn't any better.
We have a lot of work to do next year in order to get these SOBs out. They are taking our taxpayer money and giving nothing in return.
They should all take NO PAYCHECK for one year. They're all rich for heaven's sakes. They don't need the paycheck. Save us some money.
I believe JFK turned down his paycheck when he was elected President.
ObamaCare. {Forbes Mag, R. Ungar}
The medical loss ratio, that requires health insurance companies to spend 80% of the consumers’ premium dollars they collect—85% for large group insurers—on actual medical care rather than overhead, marketing expenses and profit. Failure on the part of insurers to meet this requirement will result in the insurers having to send their customers a rebate check representing the amount in which they underspend on actual medical care.
We are already seeing the parent companies who own these insurance operations fleeing into other types of investments. They know what we should all know – we are now on an inescapable path to a single-payer system for most Americans and thank goodness for it.
The Obama Diary/WH: President Obama today announced nearly $4 billion in combined federal and private sector energy upgrades to buildings over the next 2 years. These investments will save billions in energy costs, promote energy independence, and, according to independent estimates, create tens of thousands of jobs in the hard-hit construction sector.
The $4 billion investment announced today includes a $2 billion commitment, made through the issuance of a Presidential Memorandum, to energy upgrades of federal buildings using long term energy savings to pay for up-front costs, at no cost to taxpayers.
In addition, 60 CEOs, mayors, university presidents, and labor leaders today committed to invest nearly $2 billion of private capital into energy efficiency projects; and to upgrade energy performance by a minimum of 20% by 2020 in 1.6 billion square feet of office, industrial, municipal, hospital, university, community college and school buildings. This announcement builds on a commitment made by 14 partners at the Clinton Global Initiative America meeting in June to make energy upgrades across 300 million square feet, and to invest $500 million in private sector financing in energy efficiency projects.
**************************
The last few soldiers at Camp Victory, a base that once housed 68,000 military personnel and contractors, departed early Friday afternoon. There are currently 12,000 U.S. troops left in Iraq at five bases, down from a peak of 170,000 at 500 bases in 2007, military spokesman Col. Barry Johnson said. All will be gone by the end of the year.
******************
The Hill: Manufacturing grew for the 28th straight month and faster than it has since June, a report showed Thursday.
The Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing index increased to 52.7 percent in November, up from 50.8 percent in October. The index’s most recent high was 55.3 percent. Earlier in the year the sector was expanding above 60 percent each month before the economy hit a rough patch in the early summer. Any reading above 50 indicates expansion.
No one president can single-handedly close offshore tax havens; its a bastard-child of globalization and everyone does it. Most of our bogus "foreign aid" is funneled into offshore by the corrupt governments we give it to and the US annually loses $100billion in tax revenue. To think a current presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, facilitated this at Bain Capital and is legit?
Looks like ol' Brain got a bad case of the sour grapes.
Brian has no sour grapes. Obama is a sham. I can't stand to see the direction he's leading this country into. Liberals do not get it because they are so hell bent on supporting him, he's playing slight of hand in the hopes YOU won't notice. Everything he does is OK with you even if it infringes on your freedom one nibble at a time. Our Constitution does not imply "fundamental change." If you don't support our Constitution then you are OK with what Obama's been doing.
Let's take a look at what he did to fool the masses in the last election:
Change you can believe in - he never defined change. The word change was left up to your own mindset.
Hope and change - again the word change. No definition on the word change
Fundamental change - once again the word change. No definition on the word change.
In the last election Obama used the word change so much it would be impossible to count them all. Everytime he said it, it was NOT followed by any definition. He wordsmithed his election so you would believe in him. Those that voted for him filled in their verson of change and were sucked in.
His definition of change is completely different than yours. He is changing the structure of our government. He's moving the infrastructure to a consuming form of power. Take a look around your home. Just about everything contained in it is, or has been under a form of government regulation. Why do we need so much government regulating everything around us? This is exactly how we lose our freedom.
Maybe liberals don''t cherish freedom. Maybe they need government to tell them when to get up, how long to sleep, what to eat, what to wear, what to watch on TV, what to listen to on the radio, where they can go and what they can do. Personally I don't need anyone to tell me any of this.
Sour grapes? Nope... it's fear I hold close. Fear of our government and what they are doing to reduce our freedom.
A government so large to give you everything is also the same government that can take everything away.
Brianb,
You hit it right on.
Liberals are like little kids. They are afraid of freedom.
Liberals need a parent ( the govt.) to take care of all their needs.
Man that sure was a pretty and shiny list. I especially loved the last few.
Obama is such a good intentioned fellow.
And gosh with such an 'extensive' list of awesome-ness you'd think he'd try to actually run on some of those 'accomplishments.'
But let's just get to the bottom line, shall we?
Right Track/Wrong Track - 80% plus say we are on the road track.
And that sucks when you are the guy in charge.
So to sum up - dude is toast.
But do keep coming up with the list of fantastic-ness. Hey maybe you all should alert Axelrod and Plouffe.
THose guy have the hardest jobs in the world.
Ok, time to hang with the Mouse. It's a small world after all....
Great rebuttal Brianb.... even the democrats recognize the issues facing the obama administration... otherwise they wouldn't be thowing out those teasers regarding Clinton and Emanuel as potential Presidential candidates.... it's just the libtards at FR who can't read the writting on the wall.
FR liberal: why bother with the truth, if you can make a point with half truths, distortions, and lies. Blinders work well too... ;)
Hey Sailcat- looking at just your #1, how is that going, in your opinion?
Do you think Obama will take ANY measure to ensure that the DEFICIT will be less this year, or next year, than in '10, or '09?
Have you heard Obama or the dems say word one about reducing the debt?
Tell us - what do you think the deficit will be for '11? How about '12?
And while you are at it what did he do to put 'the ball' in play for immigration? Cause them latinos appear to be kinda pissed/disillusioned with him.
List are neat, but lack any foundation or substance. It's you ball Sailcat - gives us the girth and length of your assertions.
You can do that, right.
If you really looked at Obama's record objectively and without the rose-colored glasses of a FR liberal, you would see BO's failures are disproportionally greater than any supposed accomplishments you could find.
ABO 2012, more than ever!!!!
Mitt Romney will repeal this: whatisworking.com
Over the weekend, a report by the Associated Press detailed how the Affordable Care Act is dramatically reducing drug costs for seniors who hit the prescription drug coverage gap known as the donut hole.
This year, seniors are benefiting from a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs in the donut hole. And the discount and other provisions in the law are saving money for seniors. As the AP reported:
The average beneficiary who falls into the coverage gap would have spent $1,504 this year on prescriptions. But thanks to discounts and other provisions in President Barack Obama's health care overhaul law, that cost fell to $901, according to Medicare's Office of the Actuary, which handles economic estimates.
So far this year, more than 2.2 million people with Medicare have saved more than $1.2 billion on their prescriptions.
Relax, folks!
'The Donald' is going to make the final call on who wins Iowa, so everyone is home drilling for the big day! I'm sure that's it...
After all, he's THE Donald... I'm sure his endorsement will rule the day... Cuz everyone likes him so much! So sayeth 'the Donald'...
Has anyone ever figured out why it's suddenly considered necessary to get The Donald's blessing to be a viable Whackaloon presidential candidate?
You must be jealous John since the Donald didn't bless the most whackaloon presidential candidate - Obama.
Brybry...your ass must be jealous of all that $hit coming out of your mouth....
Perhaps they are busy popping their own corn for the Gloria/Herman Showdown?
morphing into flies to be on those walls is hard work!
Whats wrong with the candidates taking a day off?? Half of the Republicans I know plan to take election day off and stay at home themselves, The Republican party has become a worldwide joke and an American embarassment
Ironically Bo, that appears to be the only way the GOP will ever be cleared of the insane John Birchers and Ayn Rand worshippers so it can be repopulated with people of sense and thoughtfulness as it was in years past.
This just in ..... Republican Jewish Coalition bars Ron Paul from debate. Wow ..... This paranoid Jewish Group would rather hear how Gingrich supports the internment of Americans if anyone objects to the government through the NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act).
Ron Paul 2012!!!
both Jewish Repubs and Jewish Dems are weighing in heavily on Repub candidates now because Obama threw Israel under the bus.
American Jews for Obama in 2012 ? NAH, I don't think so.
Obama is too busy trying to lend a hand / control things in the Arab states ( without Congress' approval, I might add.).
Politico:
In just a year, Jewish Israelis’ opinion of President Barack Obama has turned on its head, according to a new Saban Center for Middle East Policy poll.
A majority, or 54 percent, now say they have a favorable view of the U.S. president — a year ago, just 41 percent of those polled viewed Obama in a positive light.
In 2011, 39 percent say they have a negative opinion of Obama, another far cry from his 2010 numbers when 51 percent said they were not fans of Obama. That’s a net 25-point upswing for Obama in Israel.
Back in Israel, Obama appears in the list of top five world leaders Jews there say they admire most. With 6 percent, he comes just behind former President George W. Bush and former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, with 7 percent each, and former President Bill Clinton with 10 percent. Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany reigns as the favorite with 12 percent saying she is the leader outside of Israel they most admire.
Overall, the U.S. fares extremely well with Israeli Jews — 80 percent say they have a favorable view of the country, according to the poll. However, 39 percent say they are discouraged with the Obama administration’s policy in the Middle East, and just 22 percent told pollsters they feel hopeful.
I can't wait for the general election campaign to get underway. Do you think the Msnbc reporters will ask Obama the "hard" questions?? LOL
"Mr.President, why did you usher the lobbyists through the back door of the White House when you said there would be no lobbyists?"
"Mr. President , why didn't you work to find solutions for the 11 million illegals since you promised that?"
"Mr.President, why didn't you ask Congress before you sent ( under the guise of the U.N. doing it) drones to Libya to oust the dictator?"
"Mr.President , why don't you better protect our borders since the Govenors of those border states are asking for help?"
"Mr.President, why sink billions into "green" companies after being told they are going to go bankrupt?"
"Mr.President, do you think the Union bosses/mafia and ACORN ( using an alias) can get you elected after the abysmal record of debt and unemployment?"
Leona - KNOCK OFF the spam trolling!!!
You have posted your same @!$%# a dozen times on multiple threads this morning!
Mr. President, why are Republicans such fools?
Mr. President, will Republicans heads explode when you are re-elected?
Mr. President, when the economy fully recovers without any help from Republicans, will they still be whining?
Feisty,
Why do you care what others write to the point where you admonish people? LOL
It's not healthy to get yourself so upset, your blood pressure will rise.
I could care less what you write Leona, after all, you write some of the best garbage on FR!
However, you don't have to spam it to every thread - once is MORE than enough when it comes to you sweetie!
The only reason my blood pressure will rise would be from LMAO@U! ;o)
carrot top....
As the queen of the cut and paste, lie and distort, slander and libel, and truck stop troll faction, how can you even say that to others?
Good afternoon Feisty! Hey, guess what.
I found a relatively inexpensive trip for next year - St. Petersburg and Moscow. It's only for a week, but it's always been my life's dream to go there. All flights go out of London, so I thougt I would fly the girls over and meet them there once I return from Russia and spend a few days in London and Paris. This is assuming I can save for it of course. It's always hard.
Lots and lots of tuna and peanut butter sandwiches. LoL.
Still planning on St. Pat's with you guys if that's still in the works. Keep me posted.
Careful Pat--you might get accused of making a pilgrimage to "Marxist/Leninist" shrines.....
We sure are - the hotel is sending the contract to Clara! I will definitely keep you posted on the details as they become available! ;o)
Your planned trip sounds amazing! I still remember the memories you shared with us when you went to Normandy (not to mention getting bumped to 1st Class for your flight home). lol
Hey - what did you think of Martin Bashir?
If you ask me, he's one tough cookie!
comfortably - I know. It's unreal how small minded people in this country are. The two cities actually look gorgeous. We're so used to those old black and white war photo's, but it's not like that at all. The trip includes a trip to the Kremlin. Can you imagine? All that secrecy our whole lives and now we can actually go and visit all those sites.
Feisty, Normandy was awesome. But Russia was always where I wanted to go for as long as I remember. And this trip would finish up my E. Europe cities. I'd like to go to Warsaw again but I don't think that's going to happen.
But I am definitely on for St. Patrick's.
Martin Bashir I thought was tremendous. A really nice show he has for himself. He's someone who thinks for himself it appears and doesn't need anyone whispering in his ear like most of the others. I wish he was on @ 7. I can't take Matthews. I just can't take him at all.
Pat,
Moscow will not disappoint. I have yet to get to Petersburg (other than the airport, but that doesn't count.....) I don't know how old you are but growing up during the Cold War definitely puts a "forbidden city" mystique on the place.
If you like, check out my pictures of Moscow at www.thewagman.com (no advertising, I promise!)
Me either Pat!
Poor Tweety is only a legend in his own mind!
I'll see what I can do about it... ;o)
So the gop has commissioned Hank Jr to write a debate theme song,kinda like .."are ya ready for some Meatballs" and Sarah and Ann Coulter are gonna be like round girls in string bikini's while Bill O screams out the National anthem followed by Sean hannity playing America the Beautiful with his hands on Rush Limaughs bare belly..and then the Donald comes out on an Elephant and the & the 7 clowns are doing a dance routine choreographed by Larry Craig...No ..I don't think it hurts the GOP brand....??!!..why..??
One down, a few more to go. Goodbye and good riddance.
Who cares? I mean who really cares about the Republican campaiging? Guess they don't either.