I agree, Feisty.

In 2010 Republicans took over the Maine State legislature and the governorship. You'd think, with one party in power in both branches, the Republicans could afford to be gracious. Nope! The governor proceeded to antagonize the NAACP, labor, teachers, environmentalists, commercial fishermen, the rural poor, and the city of Portland, for starters. The legislature immediately tried to change voting practices, in order to suppress the vote, as Republicans do every time they get into power.

Now Republicans are scrambling to "get things done" before they lose their majority in the legislature. Naturally, the Republicans' idea of "getting things done" is cutting taxes for the wealthiest and kicking 65,000 sick, elderly low income people off MaineCare. LePage is already starting his re-election campaign, because he knows he will have an uphill battle in 2014.

[Say, has yourstate been downgraded?]

Setting the stage for your daily talking point I see...SWEET!

Feisty,

Maine has become a living laboratory for the Teapublican agenda, and, so far, the mice aren't too happy!

Ames: In 2010 Republicans took over the Maine State legislature and the governorship.

Illinois actually lost jobs while the rest of the country gained. How can that be? Even Maine gained jobs. I bet Maine's NAACP, labor, teachers, environmentalists, commercial fishermen, the rural poor, and the city of Portland, for starters were all happy to hear that news. Illinois though seems to have an $8 billion deficit and rising unemployment, that after they raised taxes on both the people and the corporations. Didn't their governor promise that wouldn't happen if they could raise taxes by a teeny amount (67% for individuals - 100% for corporations). Might be that (over) spending in Illinois that is making things awkward for them.

So take heart Amy, your Republican government is bringing jobs to Maine! Good news. Good news indeed. You could have bad news though, if you had Illinois's government.

Biden thinks the Democrats will re-take the house AND that Obama will be re-elected.

I am shocked, I say.

What accent did he use when he made these statements?

Rushbo and his cronies must have mentioned Greece lately, because I see more references to it by people that can't find it on a map.

Exactly! LMAO!

No Mickey - providing you with a chance to post.

It really is so empty for you with out me. It's cool glad to be here for you. :)

I note Amy has no response. Can't say I blame here - Illinois is hosed. Let's see they jacked up taxes by historic level yet now have more debt, and for a bonus lead the nation in unemployment.

See Amy Illinois is a laboratory for Libbie ideas, as is Cali.

man you all are totally kicking ass.

Spanky,

What do you think about Perez & Steinberg suing Chiang our controller because he docked their pay for passing what he considered an unbalanced budget the very same budget that Jerry Brown vetoed?

Proposition 25, in conjunction with a 2004 measure requiring a balanced budget. Proposition 25, backed by Democrats, gave the majority party power to pass budgets, but not taxes. As a sweetener, they added a provision that also docked legislative pay and expense money for every day the budget is late after the June 15 deadline.

So now they are suing in hopes of cutting the legs out from under anyone that would hold them responsible, for future failures to submit a balanced budget by the deadline.

Crooks, all of them.

WE have one more in the Dem race.

Teresa Hensley is preparing to challenge Vicky Hartzler for her congressional seat 4th district in MO.

My research has shown Hartzler over the course of time

as personally received $3 million in farm subsidies.

Hartzler went to D.C. in 2010 to cut the deficit.

totas - Cali is doomed.

Just another progressive paradise. The fun will start soon - Brown a hardcore dem is going to be forced to slash and burn the budget.

Cause, after all [say it with me Feisty] Being broke sucks.

Let's not overlook the "stellar" job that Governor Scott Walker is doing for the great state of Wisconsin.

There were more than twice the number of petitions signed that were required to recall Walker and more of his cronies are facing charges of wrong doing.

I hope our friends up in Wisconsin can dump their cheezy governor and the rest of those rascals up there soon. If this is what the GOP is all about than the once grand old party is no longer grand but in really sad shape.

be11: If this is what the GOP is all about than the once grand old party is no longer grand but in really sad shape.

Yeah, balanced budgets, living within ones means, and everyone paying their fair share (you Libs like "fair", no?) sucks. Bring back those deficits!!!

I agree with VP Joe Biden. There was a whole lot of voter remorse after they sent TPers to Congress and I don't think many of them will be sent back.

Always interesting when conservatives talk about Illinois's credit downgrade but fail to mention that New Jersey and Virginia have been downgraded, too, both have republican governors and lots of GOP legislators. Somehow, conservatives ignore that the reason states, red and blue, are in trouble is a Great Recession and a lot of revenue losses resulted from the abrupt fall off the cliff in 2008.

Amy, appreciate the update on Maine.

Iowa's GOP Gov Branstad was at President Obama's speech in Cedar Rapids. The other people interviewed by the media agreed with President Obama; Branstad said that "bandaid, piece-meal" approach to taxes isn't good enough--straight out of the GOP Talking Point Handbook. Branstad reminds me of Pres Bush 43, he has trouble stringing words together to form a coherent sentence.

baldeagle, almost as many people signed petitions to recall Walker as voted for him. Amazing. The news yesterday that two more of his staff were arrested for illegal activites isn't going to help him.

Sorry to advise libbies - Walker will win, and by a large margin.

You all can than the great state of Illinois and its fine governor Quinn for shown us all the ghost of X-mas future.

Petitions are great, but Mickey Mouse can't actually vote. Seems they got voter id laws up there.

But, by all means you all better contribute as much as you can to the recall efforts.

Spanky: Sorry to advise libbies - Walker will win, and by a large margin.

Unions, the main source of outside money to fund these recalls in Wisconsin, are a little hesitant to jump into the race. It appears the unions dollars are needed elsewhere, like in Indiana which is in the process of becoming a right-to-work state. Other battleground states and priorities will also consume union dollars.

The unions trying to get Walker recalled will be expensive. They just spent $30 million or so to gain just two seats in the Wisconsin Senate, and Democrats still remain in the minority. To bury that much money into Wisconsin again, and more than likely fail again, would take that money away from other priorities where the unions think they have a chance to be successful. So it's doubtful the national unions will play much of a role in Wisconsin, and that spells doom for the recall.

From the guy who also said Democrats would keep the House in 2010 and who also cheer-leaded the non-existent "Summer of Recovery".

It's going to be another rude awakening for the clueless Dems when they loose both the prsidency and the Senate and America gets back to being America.

I agree pjam, the senate will be ours ,they blocked more bills than the house.this pres. needs to stick to his words witch were 9if he has not cut the deficift inhalf he would be a one-term pres.the people have seen what he is all about and they dont like it.

Hey Spanked,

No way Walker wins re election. The recall vote total was higher than his vote total in the first election. Meaning..........either more people will show up and vote or some of the people who voted for him the first time will vote against him the second time. One person switching their vote means Walker needs two new ones just to keep pace.

What else would you expect a sitting Vice President to say. The idea that anyone considers this pronouncement from Biden to be news is a joke. Of course Biden is going to predict he and Obama will be reelected, what else is he going to say, I expect us to lose!!! The same goes for his statement about retaking the House. To say any less would be to undercut his own party. This is nothing but typical campaign rhetoric that does not even approach being anything I would call a news story.

Thank you Mr. Vice President and let me be the first to congratulate you and the President on your second terms. I've been saying the exact same thing for more than seven months.

All the GOP has to choose from is "Moon Unit" Gingrich, Mitt "$400K ain't much" Romney and America's favorite crazy grandpa Ron "Fruitcake" Paul. Pitiful, just pitiful.

Obama/Biden 2012

I see spanky and our gang (The Repub talk machine) are out in force today. I see they sharpened their hooks and are trolling at speed. It will be fun to see their comments when they lose the house and the presidency.

The Repubs are their own worst enemies. Like a very smart dem once said. If the repubs quit lying about the Dems maybe the Dems will quit telling the truth about the repubs.

I guess they don't know their boat already left the harbor. They are trolling from the pier.

"I really do think that we're going to win back the House," Biden said. "I think we will win based purely on the merits of our position."

What position is he talking about?

Jody, I don't think New Jersey is a great example there. Chris Christie has only been governor for 2 years. During the previous 8 years, the governor was a democrat ..... not to mention that NJ leans pretty heavily to the left.

The Position of Integrity.

Why would anyone even listen, let alone believe what Biden has to say?

Jody from Iowa, I dont know if you can see Illinois across the Mississippi, but if you think Illinois' fiscal problems are because of the "Great Recession", you are blind/corrupted as Biden. Credit downgrade? If there was any truth to credit rating agencies, Illinois would have been declared BANKRUPT by now; from what is affectionately called "DECADES of Fiscal Mismanagement." Stay in Iowa please, we have enough blind people here in Illinois, especially in Roselle.

Substitute "Octypus" for Biden and this headline probably commands more attention.

Biden said the same thing on 2010. How did that turn out for the House?

dudogger - give them time. The Republicans on this site just went to look up Integrity - they're still having trouble spelling it - much less understanding!

Brazil!

Do you really think they are they stupid enough to deal with unions, the cost, the unreliability, the delays/ strikes etc.

Remember those billions given to Brazil by Obama for them to drill offshore? Remember all those extra billions promised ..... "we want to be your best customer?"

They are selling it to China.

Liberals just too squirrely ..... don't know anything about business .... Brazil knows it.

MSDNC2: Provide a meaningful citation for your statements please.

Viktor Spinotti

Here you go.

Signatures of names like Mickey Mouse and Adolf Hitler are being considered valid on recall petitions of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker as long as they are properly dated, a government board indicated Tuesday.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1211/70429.html

Slodon, read the article again. It does not say that anyone named Mickey Mouse or Adolf Hitler were on the recall petitions. "Suspicious signatures will be noted, but reviewers on the Government Accountability Board will be looking primarily to see whether the signatures are accompanied by a Wisconsin address and signed during the appropriate time" It doesn't say that they had happened.

It doesn't say that they had happened.

raddave,

They do appear to be having difficulties checking their own sources today! lol

Now what does "considered valid" don't you understand? If the date is valid then the signature is valid no matter what name is used. So those signatures if found are Valid. Now I suppose that the people who sign the petitions MUST be REGISTERED VOTERS for the signatures to be valid. So seems to be a mote thing. Now I just gave raddave a source that he wanted to show that Mickey and Adolf would be counted. I would assume that they would be found INVALID when check against Registration files.

I see Mr. Biden has misspoke again. He was quoted as stating "I think they believe it, they're committed to it." But what he meant to say is "I think they need to be committed for their beliefs."

When I saw those 4 "best of the best" that the GOP process has produced as presidential candidates, I couldn't help but think the only way any of them should see the inside of the White House is if they are with a tour group.

slow don has problem with reality as well as reading comprehension issues...much like all conservatives

So those signatures if found are Valid

Key word, IF.

Biden said he saw no need to mischaracterize Republicans' positions when, Biden said, the GOP has been honest about its intentions.

"This is the first election where the opposition isn't trying to hide the ball," he said, later adding: "These guys are helping us by saying what they believe."

I don't see the big deal ... when our Armed Forces boys were getting murdered at the rate 40 per month since Jan. 2005 in Iraq by the people they liberated and as it became clear their were no WMD's and that Iraq became a holocaust ... and that Saddam had nothing to do with 9/11 ...

I remember my thoughts ... that's it .. it will be decades before America ever allows an (R) / GOP / Conservative / neo-Conservative back into high-office again ...

And nothing has changed and it is worse than ever before in Human History ... concerning the Party of War Crimes, mass-murder and high-treason ...

A Symphony of Lies

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7xyd_IRgGs

Sad.

Cortez and the Tea Party.... WhenCortez came to the Americas the Native people said ..These guys seem like nice people ..... the People then didnt understand what Cortez had in mind for them .. the same thing happened in America with the Tea Party ..the people didnt understand what the tea party had in mind for them in 2010 .... America is a lot wiser now and 2012 will prove it

...biden also said sadaam was making "tons of chemical weapons" starting in 1994 all the way through 2003.

i wouldnt put too much into what biden says these days.

...his claims lead to the deaths of over a million iraqis from 1994-2000 from bombing and sanctions...then 4000 americans.

biden is a liar.

Wasn't Biden the same one that was pushing for Solyndra to get the loan approval for 535 million dollars of our money so Obama could fly to California for a Photo opp and pronounce that its investment like Solyndra, that his "Green energy" investments are the future for America?

We all know the left wont accept any source if its Fox news. Will the Washington times work for you guys?

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/nov/9/solyndra-probe-sheds-light-its-relationship-white-/?page=all

Oklahoma billionaire George Kaiser, whose foundation was heavily invested in Solyndra, told two associates to “pursue your contacts” in the White House when discussing the company in the fall of 2010, according to emails released Wednesday by House Republicans.

Another email from Ken Levit, executive director of the foundation, to Steve Mitchell, who served on Solyndra’s board, laid bare the extent of the enthusiasm for the project inside the White House.

“They about had an orgasm in [Vice President Joseph R.] Biden’s office when we mentioned Solyndra,” the Feb. 27, 2010, email states.

I hope White house .gov is acceptable to you...

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-economy-0

You’re also proving something more. Every day that you build this expanded facility, as you fill orders for solar panels to ship around the world, you’re demonstrating that the promise of clean energy isn’t just an article of faith -- not anymore. It’s not some abstract possibility for science fiction movies or a distant future -- 10 years down the road or 20 years down the road. It’s happening right now. The future is here. We’re poised to transform the ways we power our homes and our cars and our businesses. And we’re poised to lead our competitors in the development of new technologies and products and businesses. And we are poised to generate countless new jobs, good-paying middle-class jobs, right here in the United States of America.

That’s the promise of clean energy. And thanks to the men and women here today -- and the innovators and the workers all across America -- it’s a promise that we’ve already begun to fulfill.

Solyndra went bankrupt taking 535 million dollars of U.S. tax payers money. This is an example of Americas future with four more years of Obama.

Where are the 1100 Solyndra employees that were laid off without any warning at all? 10- 20 years down the road? They didn't even make it two years.

If this is going to create countless new jobs, good paying middle class jobs, then why is the middle class in such danger?

I think when it comes to making predictions the last place I will be turning to is Obama, Biden or the Democrats.

While were at it why don't you explain to us why the Dems, Senator Reid and Obama supported sending $450 million dollars of taxpayer money to Create Jobs in China? Now all of a sudden were supposed to believe Obama and the Democrats are all about "insourcing"?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40565987/ns/business-going_green/t/wind-their-backs-powerful-democrats-help-chinese-energy-firm-chase-stimulus-money/#.TxtxroHkedl

Wind at their backs: Powerful Democrats help Chinese energy firm chase stimulus money

Sen. Reid and Obama donors back company seeking $450 million in U.S. money

Top Democratic fundraisers and lobbyists with links to the White House are behind a proposed wind farm in Texas that stands to get $450 million in stimulus money, even though a Chinese company would operate the farm and its turbines would be built in China.

The farm’s backers also have close ties with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., who, at the height of his hard-fought re-election bid this fall, helped blunt congressional criticism over stimulus dollars possibly going to create jobs in China by endorsing a proposal by the Chinese company to build a factory in his home state. Although his campaign received thousands of dollars in donations from the wind farm’s backers and Reid stood on stage with them at a campaign event they hosted, his office declined to answer any questions about the wind farm’s organizers or their plans for Nevada.

http://www.foxbusiness.com/industries/2012/01/20/us-opens-probe-into-imports-chinese-wind-energy-towers/

U.S. Opens Probe Into Imports of Chinese Wind Energy Towers

The U.S. Commerce Department said on Thursday it was launching an investigation that could lead to steep import duties on more than $100 million worth of wind energy towers from China and Vietnam.

The decision adds to the friction in clean energy trade between the world's two largest economies.

The Commerce Department is already investigating charges that Chinese solar panel makers engage in unfair trade practices and will issue a preliminary decision on duties next month.

The Wind Tower Trade Coalition, a group of U.S. producers, had previously said it was asking for anti-dumping duties of 64 percent on imports from China and 59 percent from Vietnam . .

But in its announcement, the department said China was alleged to undercut U.S. wind tower prices by nearly 214 percent and Vietnam by 141 to 143 percent.

Some Chinese makers of wind towers said on Thursday they oppose the charge.

"We are talking to the China Commerce of Ministry about this," said Wang Debao, a vice-director at Chengxi Shipyard Co, whose wind tower business made up nearly 10 percent of its annual revenue which exceeded $1 billion last year.

"We are hiring lawyers to challenge the allegations," said Wang, whose company is a unit of China State Shipbuilding Corp.

Other Chinese wind tower makers Titan Wind Energy (Suzhou) Co and Shanghai Taisheng Wind Power Equipment also expressed concerns, saying any anti-dumping duties by the U.S. could hurt prospects in a growing market.

U.S. producers also want additional countervailing duties on wind towers from China to offset alleged government subsidies, despite a recent U.S. court ruling that struck down the use of such duties against "non-market economies" like China.

A separate U.S. government agency, the International Trade Commission, held a hearing on Thursday to probe whether U.S companies have been materially harmed or threatened by the imports. The panel will vote next month on whether there is enough evidence of harm for the case to proceed.

Did Joe predict who would be Vice President?

Biden's comments are proof positive that he is an idiot. Putting bat$h*t crazy Nancy (which he mentioned in his remarks but somehow was excluded from the article. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not) back in as Speaker of the House scares me a lot more than President Obama (who thankfully seems very healthy and unlikely to need relief from Average Joe) winning reelection. That would be like repealing Presidential term limits and selecting "W" as the Republican nominee. No wonder I left (the Democrat party) !!!

Keck ..now blameing the Iraq War on Biden .. Ive heard it all ..

is feisty taking the day off? we need more new articles to respond to, I am bored.

President Obama will be reelected with a huge majority and this is why !

NEW !

The 244 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

of PRESIDENT OBAMA

ETHICS

• Ordered the White House and all federal agencies to respect the Freedom of Information Act and overturned Bush-era limits on accessibility of federal documents (2009)

• Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible (2009)

• Placed limits on lobbyists’ access to the White House (2009)

• Placed limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration (2009)

• Signed a measure strengthening registration and reporting requirements for lobbyists (2009)

• Ordered that lobbyists must be removed from and are no longer permitted to serve on federal and White House advisory panels and boards (2009) * Note: After saying he would not hire lobbyists, a few have been hired in the Administration

• Companies and individuals who are delinquent on their taxes or owe back taxes are no longer allowed to bid for federal contracts (2009)

• Initiated the “e-Rulemaking Initiative” (in cooperation with Cornell University) to allow for online public “notice and comment” of federal laws and initiatives (2010)

• Issued the “Open Gov Directive” ordering all Cabinet departments to promote transparency and citizen participation in their policies (2010)

• Signed extensions on banning lobbyists from serving on agency boards (2010)

• Developed the “Don Not Pay List” with data on contractors and recipients of federal funds who are deemed to be ineligible because of fraud and abuse (2010)

GOVERNANCE

• The White House website now provides information on all economic stimulus projects and spending, along with an unprecedented amount of information on our government (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era practice of circumventing established FDA rules for political reasons (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era practice of having White House staff rewrite the findings of scientific and environmental regulations and reports when they disagreed with the results (2009)

• Limited the salaries of senior White House aides (salaries cut to $100,000) (2009)

• Has urged Congress to adopt “Pay-Go” (whereby each dollar of spending is offset by a dollar in cuts or revenues, which was used in the `90s but abandoned in the `00s) (2010)

• Has been holding open meetings with Republican leaders, although they complain of a lack of access and information (2010)

• Signed the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act (2010) * Note: To curb wasteful spending

• Tasked federal agencies to develop plans for disposing of unneeded real estate and then to eliminate unnecessary or non-economical lands, properties, etc. (2010)

NATIONAL SECURITY

• Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane (which wasn’t even used in Iraq/Afghanistan) and other outdated weapons systems (2009)

• Announced his intention to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay (2009) * Note: The closure has been delayed due to massive opposition but it remains on the agenda.

• Stated his interest in housing terrorists at a new federal “super max” facility in the US (2009) * Note: this has been delayed in the face of massive opposition but it remains on the agenda

• Cut the expensive Reagan era missile defense program, saving $1.4 billion in 2010 (2009)

• Cancelled plans to station anti-ballistic missile systems in Poland and the Czech Republic (2009)

• Replacing long-range, expensive missile systems with more efficient smaller systems (2009)

• Increased US Navy patrols off the Somali coast in response to pirating (2009)

• Established a new cyber security office and appointed a cyber security czar (2009)

• Ordered the first nation-wide comprehensive cyber threat assessment (2009)

• Instituted a new Nuclear Posture Review, revising US nuclear deterrence policy to encourage more nations to join the 1996 Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (2010) * Note: Components of the policy include: a pledge to stop nuclear testing; a pledge to not build a new generation of nucs; identifying nuclear terrorism, rather than a launch from another nuclear state, as the major threat; a pledge to not use nucs on a non-nuclear state in a conventional conflict; etc.

• Executive orders to block payment, transfers, exports, etc… of individuals and organizations support the regimes of North Korea, Iran, Somali pirates, and other foreign threats (2010)

• Presidential Memoranda to extend certain provisions of The Trading with Enemies Act which was to expire in September 2010 (2010) * Note: This includes freezing assets and banning trade that benefits the Cuban regime; however further efforts at normalizing travel to Cuba are supported

• Signed bill for southwest border security and increased funds and agents on the Mexican border (2010)

• Signed the Comprehensive Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act to deal with foreign regimes like Iran and North Korea (2010)

IRAQ & AFGHANISTAN

• Began the phased withdrawal of US troops from Iraq (2009); continuing the withdrawal (2010)

• Changed the US military command in the Afghan conflict (2009)

• Tasked the Pentagon to reorganize US policy in Afghanistan; the new policy includes 30,000 additional troops deployed, priority training of Afghan forces, developing agriculture and infrastructure, limiting aerial bombing, etc. (2009)

• Ordered the Pentagon to send additional helicopters to assist US Marine units and Special Forces in Afghanistan (2009)

• Increased unmanned drone strikes on Taliban and al-Qaeda targets in Afghanistan (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era “stop-loss” policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date (2009)

MILITARY & VETERANS

• Ordered the Pentagon to cover expenses of families of fallen soldiers if they wish to be on site when the body arrives back in the US (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era “blackout” imposed on media coverage of the return of fallen US soldiers (2009) * Note: The media is now permitted to cover the story pending adherence to respectful rules and with the approval of the fallen soldier’s family

• Ended the Bush-era “black out” policy on media coverage of war casualties (2009) * Note: Full information is now released for the first time in the War on Terror

• Ordered better body armor to be procured for US troops (2009)

• Funding new Mine Resistant Ambush Vehicles (2009) * Note: The old Hummers were very vulnerable to roadside explosives and an alarming percentage of our soldiers lost in Iraq were on account of IEDs

• Working to increase pay and benefits for military personnel (2009)

• Improving housing for military personnel (2009)

• Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses (2009)

• Ordered that conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other neglected military hospitals be improved (2009)

• Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military to a post-Cold War, modern fighting force (2009) * Note: Bush announced in 2001 his intention to do this but backed off the reforms after 9/11, which include: new procurement policies; increasing the size of Special Ops units; deploying new technologies; creating new cyber security units; etc.

• Ended the Bush-era practice of awarding “no-bid” defense contracts (2009)

• Improving benefits for veterans as well as VA staffing, information systems, etc. (2009)

• Authorized construction of additional health centers to care for veterans (2009)

• Suspended the Bush-era decision to purchase a fleet of Marine One helicopters from suppliers in favor of American made helicopters (2009)

• Ordered a review of the existing “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays in the military (2010)

• New GI Bill for returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan (2009)

• Signed bill providing assistance for caregivers of veterans wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan (2010) * Note: The omnibus bill does the following: Training, funding, and counseling for caregivers; promoting pilot childcare programs for women vets under treatment at the VA; independent oversight to prevent abuse; readjustment counseling for National Guard and reservist units; etc.

• Eliminated co-payments for veterans who are catastrophically disabled (2010)

• Fulfilled campaign promise to have combat troops (90,000) out of Iraq by August 31, 2010 (2010)

• Established a new interagency task force to assist veterans owning small businesses (2010) * Note: The efforts include promoting federal contract opportunities, improve access to loans and capital, mentor assistance programs, etc.

• Signed The Families of Fallen Heroes Act, which covers the moving costs of immediate family members of those lost in service (military, intelligence, and security personnel) (2010)

FOREIGN POLICY

• Closed the Bush-era “secret detention” facilities in Eastern Europe (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era policy allowing “enhanced interrogation” (torture); the US is again in compliance with Geneva Convention standards (2009) * Note: Obama has permitted some controversial interrogation techniques to continue

• Restarted international nuclear non-proliferation talks and reestablished international nuclear inspection protocols (2009) * Note: Bush withdrew from non-proliferation talks and dismantled the inspection infrastructure

• Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic (2009) * Note: These were suspended under Bush

• Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions (2009) * Note: These were suspended under Bush

• Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office (2009)

• Banned the export of cluster bombs (2009)

• Overturned Bush-era plans to increase the US nuclear arsenal (2009)

• Authorized the Navy SEALS operation that freed by force the US shipping captain held by Somali pirates (2009)

• Restored the US commitment to the UN population fund for family planning; overturned the ban on providing funds internationally for family planning (2009) * Note: The family planning efforts were suspended under Bush

• Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return “home” to visit families (2009)

• Extended an offer of engagement (free from sanctions and penalties) to Iran through December 31, 2009 (Iran did not accept the offer) (2009)

• Sent envoys to the Middle East and other parts of the world, reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy (2009)

• Authorized discussions with North Korea and the private mission by former president, Bill Clinton, to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons (2009)

• Authorized discussions with Myanmar and the mission by Senator Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive (2009)

• Renewed loan guarantees for Israel (2009)

• Signed the USIFTA trade agreement with/for Israel (2009)

• Authorized a $550m advance for Israel (six months prior to the scheduled date) in order to accommodate Israeli’s economic and financial needs (2009)

• Continued agreements with Israel for cultural exchanges, immigration, etc. (2009)

• Spoke on Arab television, spoke at an Egyptian university, and met with Arab leaders in an effort to change the tone of US-Arab relations (2009)

• Ordered the US to finally pay its dues to the United Nations (2009)

• Attended the Summit of America’s meeting in Trinidad and Tobago (2010)

• Dispatched several envoys and initiated talks with numerous nations (2010)

• Signed a nuclear limitation treaty with Russia (2010) * Note: The agreement calls for both countries to reduce their nucs by one-third (1,500) and launch systems by half (800)

• Hosted nuclear non-proliferation summit for several nations (2010)

• Executive Order to establish support offices in the State Department to assist the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan (2010)

• Presidential Memoranda to continue drug interdiction support with Columbia (2010)

ECONOMY

• Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants…) (2009) * Note: Bush was the first president since Herbert Hoover to not make infrastructure a priority

• Authorized the US auto industry rescue plan and two GMAC rescue packages (2009)

• Authorized the housing rescue plan and new FHA residential housing guarantees (2009)

• Authorized a $789 billion economic stimulus plan (2009) * Note: 1/3 in tax cuts for working-class families; 1/3 to states for infrastructure projects; 1/3 to states to prevent the layoff of police officers, teachers, etc. at risk of losing their jobs because of state budget shortfalls

• Instituted a new rule allowing the public to meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (in as quickly as one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying (2009)

• Authorized a continuation of the US financial and banking rescue plans initiated at the end of the Bush administration and authorized TARP funds to buy “toxic assets” from failing financial institutions (2009)

• Authorized the “Cash for Clunkers” program that stimulated auto sales and removed old, inefficient, polluting cars from the road (2009)

• Convened a “jobs summit” to bring experts together to develop ideas for creating jobs (2009)

• Ordered the FDIC to beef up deposit insurance (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era policy of protecting credit card companies (2009) * Note: In place of the old policy, new consumer protections were instituted and the industry’s predatory practices were banned

• Authorized the federal government to make more loans available to small businesses and ordered lower rates for federal loans to small businesses (2009)

• Placed a 35% tariff on Chinese tires and a few other products such as pipes after China was found to be illegally “dumping” exports below cost (2009) * Note: Clinton, Bush I, and Reagan all refused to “get tough” on China’s predatory trade practices; Bush II refused four times during his presidency

• In November 2009, Obama extended unemployment benefits for one million workers

and expanded coverage for some existing homeowners who are buying again (2009)

• Called on Congress to deliver a “Jobs bill” (2010)

• Credit card companies are prohibited from raising rates without advance notification or arbitrarily if customers are paying bills on time (2010)

• Signed a bill to extend unemployment benefits set to expire (2010)

• Signed historic Wall Street reform bill (2010) * Note: Designed to reregulate and end abusive practices and promote consumer protections

• Signed the HIRE Act to stimulate the economic recovery (2010) * Note: The bill includes: tax cuts for small businesses who hire someone unemployed for at least two months; small businesses can write off their investments in equipment this year; etc.

• National Export Initiative established to enhance federal support (technical assistance, training, trade missions, etc.) and coordination efforts to help US businesses export products and services (2010)

• Initiatives to promote a “Wireless Broadband Revolution” (2010) * Note: Among other things, broadband is finally being considered as necessary infrastructure, with efforts to expand use, access, and spectrum…

• Expanded agricultural credit to farmers during current economic crisis (2010)

• Signed bill - US Manufacturing Enhancement Act (2010)

• Signed bill - Single Family Housing Mortgage Insurance (2010)

TAXES

• Negotiated a deal with Swiss banks to permit the US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs (2009) * Note: The new policy promotes in-sourcing investments to brings jobs back to the US

• Signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which provides small tax cuts for 95% of “working families” (2009) * Note: The tax cuts were not as big as was suggested during the 2008 campaign

• Convened an advisory board that is looking into simplifying the tax code (2009)

• Ordered the closing of offshore tax safe havens (for individual and business tax evaders) (2009)

• Reduced taxes for some small businesses to stimulate the economic recovery (2009)

• Extended the Home Buyers Credit for first-time home buyers (2009)

• Proposed doubling the child tax credit (2010)

• Called for the repeal of the capital gains tax for small businesses (2010)

• Proposed rolling back the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans (2010) * Note: This would be for families earning over $250,000/year and would return their tax rates to the 1990’s level

BUDGETING

• Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut federal spending (2009)

• Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify wasteful spending and practices (2009)

• Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient (2009)

• Overturned the Bush-era practice of not listing certain federal programs in the federal budget (2009) (2010) * Note: Bush did this (so did Reagan) in an effort to hide programs and make the budget look smaller; such “off budget” items are now included in the annual budget

• Full appropriations for war are now included in the budget (2009) (2010) * Note: Bush did not list many of the appropriations for Iraq, Afghanistan, and War on Terror

• Funds for emergency appropriations are now included in the budget (2009) (2010)

• Proposed a three-year freeze on federal discretionary spending beginning in 2011 (2010)

• Is in the process of cutting 120 federal programs identified as either wasteful or unnecessary (2010)

• Established a bipartisan commission on fiscal responsibility, staffed by House and Senate members and private citizens, tasked with submitting proposals to balance the budget (2010) * Note: In the face of Republican opposition, the powers of the commission were watered down

• Established a bipartisan commission on the future of Social Security, tasked with submitting proposals to preserve and strengthen Social Security (2010) * Note: In the face of Republican opposition, the powers of the commission were watered down

• Cut $20 billion from federal budget and has pledged to cut at least this much every year (2010)

• Ultimately decided to cancel planned new presidential helicopter fleet and stick with marine One (2010)

• Freezing all discretionary spending for next three years, except on national security (2010)

• Presidential Memoranda to freeze discretionary awards, bonuses, etc. for federal political appointees (2010)

• Beginning to use “Pay-As-You-Go” (Pay-Go) to offset budget expenditures with budget cuts or revenue enhancements (2010)

HEALTHCARE

• Removed Bush era restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research (2009)

• Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research (2009)

• Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children (2009)

• Established an independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare (2009)

• Reversed some of the Bush-era restrictions that prevented Medicare from negotiating with pharmaceutical firms for cheaper drugs, allowing government to again competitively bid (2009) * Note: Obama had promised to lift all restrictions but, while he did negotiate with drug companies for them to lower their costs the deal only lifted some restrictions

• Expanding government vaccination programs (2009)

• Issued new disease prevention guidelines and priorities for the CDC (2009)

• Authorized the FDA to finally begin regulating tobacco (2009)

• Tasked federal labs to prioritize research on and deployment of H1N1 vaccines (2009)

• Asked multiple congressional committees to bring forward a healthcare reform bill; held dozens of public hearings and town halls on the issue (2009) (2010)

• Established a new council on National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health to be chaired by Surgeon General and charged with promoting healthy lifestyles and integrative healthcare (2010)

• When accusations to the contrary arose, an Executive Order was signed to reaffirm that federal funds are not to be used for abortion services (2010)

• Historic healthcare reform bill signed - $940 billion over 10 years (2010) * Note: 32 million additional Americans will receive healthcare coverage and costs will be lowered for most Americans, but many of the goals are phased in over four years

Components of the bill

- Prevents insurance companies from denying coverage to individuals/family members with pre-existing health conditions; a temporary plan is being developed to cover high-risk individuals with pre-existing conditions until the full reforms go into effect in 2014

- Prevents insurance companies from placing lifetime limits on benefits

- Bans “rescission” so insurance companies can’t cancel coverage if individuals keep their policies current or if they become ill

- An individual’s out-of-pocket healthcare expenses are capped

- Closes the “donut hole” (Part D) for Medicare prescription drug coverage (under Bush, Medicare helped pay for drugs up to $2,600 and above $4,550, but individuals had to pay 100% of the costs in between these amounts); now Medicare helps cover costs irrespective of the amount – seniors will now pay only 25% of drug costs up to $4,550 and only 5% of drug costs above that amount

- In 2010, an emergency provision will offer seniors a $250 rebate on the costs incurred within the “donut hole”

- Individuals living at or below the poverty line were eligible for healthcare under Medicaid, but by 2014 individuals/families living slightly above (making up to $14,404/$29,327) the poverty line will also be eligible for benefits

- Individuals/families making less than $43,320/$88,200 per year will qualify for government subsidies to help purchase health insurance

- All individuals must have health insurance or face a government fine; all large (over 50 employees) employers must offer health insurance to employees or pay a fine

- Small businesses can get a tax credit if they offer health care

- There are hardship exemptions if individuals can’t afford health insurance

- Families can keep their children in college on their plans through age 26

- Promotes health insurance “exchanges” so consumers can buy “wholesale”

- Creates consumer assistance offices to help consumers file complaints or appeal decisions from insurance companies; beginning in 2011, insurance companies can no longer make excessive rate hikes without justification and approval, and those doing so may be barred from participating in new health insurance exchanges

Funding sources:

- Large employers (over 50 workers) that don’t offer health benefits will be charged a $2,000/worker fee; if the employer offers coverage but employees instead purchase federally subsidized insurance the fee is $3,000/worker receiving federal subsidies or $750/worker (whichever is lower)

- Annual fees on pharmaceutical companies ($27 billion), health insurance companies ($60 billion), and medical device-makers ($20 billion)

- Annual penalties on individuals who do not have health insurance (up to a maximum of $695/person)

- Increase in the Medicare payroll tax from 1.45% to 2.35% for individuals making $200,000+ and families making $250,000+

- 3.8% tax on unearned income for millionaires

- Insurance companies will be subject to a tax on each high-end insurance plan (so-called “Cadillac” plans) they offer

Miscellaneous:

- Illegal immigrants are not eligible for insurance or subsidies

- By Executive Order, such federal funding can’t be used for abortion

- The federal government will assist states by covering all of the increased expenses of expanding Medicaid coverage (90% of costs after 2020)

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

• Removed a ruling that now allows individual states to enact automotive fuel efficiency standards above federal standards (2009)

• Offered attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles (2009)

• Overturned Bush-era rule that weakened the Endangered Species Act (2009)

• Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government (2009)

• Ended the Bush-era policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions (2009)

• Signed a measure requiring energy producing plants to begin producing 15% of their energy from renewable sources (2009)

• Announced that the federal government would reengage in the long-delayed effort to clean up “Superfund” toxic waste sites (2009)

• Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production (2009) * Note: Much of Obama’s energy reform was killed by Senate Republicans

• Proposed a new refuge for wild mustangs (2009)

• Cancelled several Bush-era mountain-top removal and mining permits (2009)

• Reengaged in international treaties and agreements to protect the Antarctic (2009)

* Note: Bush had withdrawn from such efforts

• Asked Congress for an energy reform and “cap and trade” bill (2009) * Note: The Congress failed to pass such a bill

• Developing plan to lease US coastal waters for wind and water-current energy production (2009)

• Overturned Bush-era policies that allowed uranium mining near national parks such as the Grand Canyon (2009)

• Expanded the Petrified Forest National Park (2009)

• Signed the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act that protects millions of acres of scenic, historic, and recreational lands and trails (2009)

• Requiring that government buildings and facilities be retrofitted to save energy costs (2009) * Note: These green retrofits are moving very slowly

• Authorized studies in several western states to determine how to support large-scale solar installations (2009)

• Attended the Copenhagen talks and, after the talks were stalled, negotiated an international (voluntary) agreement on reducing carbon emissions and raising funds to assist developing nations in offsetting carbon emissions (2009)

• Banned importation of pythons in response to a growing population of pythons damaging the Florida Everglades (2009)

• Committing the federal government to increasing research and use of renewable, clean energy sources such as wind, biomass, etc. (2009)

• Executive orders establishing a federal initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in all federal operations (2009) (2010)

• Called for exploring the possibility of additional off-shore oil drilling in the Gulf, Atlantic, and off Alaska (but not in ANWR) (2010)

• Agreed to consider increases in nuclear energy production and requested a study on the feasibility of nuclear power plant construction (2010) * Note: Nearly all energy initiatives were defeated by Republican opposition in Congress

• Increased investment in clean energy projects (2010)

• Executive Order to develop a new strategy for and commitment to ocean and lake resources, and for scientific research on water quality (2010)

RIGHTS

• Instituted enforcements for equal pay for women (Lilly Ledbetter Bill) (2009)

• Appointed Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina, to the Supreme Court (2009)

• Held the first Seder in White House (2009)

• Appointed a diverse Cabinet and diverse White House staff (2009)

• Spoke at the annual dinner of the Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights organization (2009)

• Signed the first major piece of federal gay rights legislation that includes acts of violence against gays under the list of federal hate crimes (2009)

• Reversed the Bush-era practice of politicizing Justice Department investigations and prosecutions against political opponents (2009)

• Pushing for some of the 9/11 perpetrators to be tried in federal court (2009) * Note: The process has moved at a snail’s pace and, in the face of opposition, Obama has remained quiet

• Signed an extension of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Bill to provide federal research and support for treating the disease (2009)

• Allowed the State Department of offer same-sex benefits for employees (2009)

• Proposed that the Pentagon repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy; placed a “freeze” on current efforts to remove alleged homosexuals from the military (2009)

• After eight years of neglect, the Justice Department and EEOC are again enforcing employment discrimination laws (2009)

• Convened the White House Tribal Nations Conference, inviting representatives from 564 federally-recognized Indian tribes (2009)

• Provided increased school projects for Indian lands and increased funds for the Indian Health Service (2009)

• Signed an Executive Order mandating that his Cabinet develop plans to work with and consult Indian tribes on issues impacting Indian lands (2009)

• Commissioned a study to develop alternatives to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (2010)

• Called for federal agencies to look into recognizing gay partnerships in terms of benefits (2010)

• Signed an Executive Order for the President’s Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (2010)

• Increased funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (2010)

• Signed Executive Order to promote the federal government as a “model employer” when it comes to hiring the disabled (2010) * Note: This includes new efforts to increase the recruitment, hiring, and training for the disabled

• Programs to assist Spanish speakers with the US Census (2010)

• Elena Kagen appointed to Supreme Court (2010)

• Tasked all federal agencies to develop new strategies to address HIV/AIDS (2010)

• After organizing studies on the topic in 2009, tasked the Pentagon to eliminate “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (2010)

• Signed Fair Sentencing Act (2010) * Note: The Administration continues to deescalate marijuana interdiction and raids; increased dramatically the amount of cocaine one must possess to be sentenced to jail; eliminated mandatory sentencing for first-time drug abusers and simple possession

EDUCATION

• Authorized construction funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access in K-12 public schools (2009)

• Increased funding for school construction (2009)

• Increased funding available for student loans (2009)

• Expanded the national youth service program (2009)

• Streamlined the federal student loan process to save $87 billion over the next 10 years (2009)

• Changed the rule to allow students struggling to make college loan payments to refinance their loans (2009)

• Beginning discussions with Congress for education reform (2009) * Note: Much of Obama’s education reform has been sidelined by opposition in Congress

• Initiated a “Race to the Top” competitive federal grant program for states who develop innovative policies (2009)

• Instituted a “judgment review” allowing families with student loans to petition to have their current financial status determine the loan rather than the previous year’s finances (2009)

• Launched “Educate to Innovate,” a public/private partnership making $236 million available for science, mathematics, and technology education programs (2009)

• Proposed capping the maximum amount students must pay on student loans (as percentage of their income) (2010)

• Proposed reducing student loan obligations for individuals going to work in community and public service jobs (2010)

• The federal government will offer direct student loans, cutting out the cost of private banks (“middle man”) who increase the costs in order to make a profit (2010)

• Increased investment in technologies for schools/education (2010)

DISASTER RESPONSE

• Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness (2009)

• FEMA once again reports directly to the president (2009) * Note: Bush removed FEMA (prior to the Hurricane Katrina disaster) from this status

• Demonstrated an immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters (2009)

• Ordered that funds be released and red tape be streamlined for the ongoing Hurricane Katrina recovery effort in the Gulf Coast (2009)

• Timely and massive relief effort in response to the January 2010 earthquake and ensuing humanitarian crisis (2010)

Components of the response:

- The FBI’s National Center for Disaster Fraud was tasked to look into possible fraud with organizations soliciting funds for relief

- Announced the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund

- Established an emergency Haiti Task Force in the State Department

- Established a website with information, resources, and a posting of a “person finder” online to help families and friends to locate loved ones

- Joint aid and relief planning with the U.K.

- Sponsored a resolution in the UN Security Council for additional security and police forces in Haiti

- Dispatched the US Navy floating hospital (USNS Comfort) and, within 5 days, 9 naval and relief ships, 5 Coast Guard cutters, 8 Coast Guard aircraft, and 12,000 US military personnel

- Initial dispatch of several ships and cargo planes full of humanitarian aid and supplies, 6 search/rescue teams (500 personnel), and 265 Department of Health & Human Services personnel for emergency medical and aid support

- Established a mobile US air traffic control center at the destroyed airport in Port-au-Prince

• After the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, a freeze was placed on new deep water projects (2010)

• Executive Order to establish new security measures to minimize accidental release of bio and chemical agents; new strategies for public health and bioterrorism response (2010)

• Established a national commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon spill to examine facts and report a plan of action; new efforts to prevent offshore spills (2010)

• After a slow start in responding to the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the White House is promoting a long-term plan to reconstruct the damaged Gulf and negotiated with BP the establishment of a multi-billion dollar trust fund for victims of the spill (2010)

• Extended national flood insurance program for those in need during current economic crisis (2010)

OTHER INITIATIVES

• New federal funding for science and research labs (2009)

• Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program (2009)

• Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program (2009)

• Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud (2009)

• Ordered the DEA to stop raids on medical marijuana usage (2009)

• Ordered a review of existing “mandatory minimum” prison sentencing (2009)

• Signed an order to limit airport tarmac delays and the time passengers had to sit in the plane/on the tarmac during delays (2009)

• Restored the EPA to “Cabinet level” status (2009) * Note: Bush removed the EPA from this status

• Beginning discussions with Congress for comprehensive immigration reform (2010)

* Note: Much of Obama’s immigration reform had been stalled by opposition in Congress

• Commissioned expert panels and reports from NASA; announced a new direction for human space flight that involves funding a new heavy lift-launcher and jettisoning the Ares 1 program; boosting NASA’s budget by $1 billion in 2011 (2010)

• Ordered a ban on text-messaging for all commercial truck and bus drivers (2010)

• Signed bill – FAA Air Transportaiton Modernizatin and Safety Improvement Act (2010)

P.S. IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING…

• The Obamas paid for the renovations of the private living quarters in the White House with their own money rather than using the funds provided to all new first families (2009)

• The Obamas reused many Christmas ornaments from previous White House trees rather than buy new ones (2009)

• The Obamas used LED energy-saving lights on White House Christmas tree (2009)

• Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; donated the award money for the prize to several charities (2009)

• Planted a garden for the White House’s vegetables and flowers (2009)

• Installed a swing set/playground for the Obama daughters and children of White House employees (2009)

• Held over 150 public town halls, press conferences, interviews, etc. in first year in office (2009) * Note: Official numbers are not available on such things, but this seems to be a new record high

• Less than 30 days of vacation in first year in office (2009) * Note: Official numbers are not readily available on such things, but this seems to be a new record low

...And A FAMILY MAN !

B4B NOTE: Special Thanks to Robert P. Watson, Ph. D., Professor of American Studies, Lynn University who compiled this list and writes " Like all presidents, Barack Obama has made mistakes. But, as a presidential historian, I have been struck by claims being put forward by Obama’s many critics and the news media that he has accomplished little when, in fact, his presidency is easily one of the most active in history." And Thanks to our friend Sherry Lou Meeks.

Thank You Mr. President !

Print It...Pass It On...

SHARE THE FACTS !

cut 20 billion from fedeeral budget, what planet are you on? He can't get his budget passed and has added trillions.

Go get real facts Buck. The "added trillions" is trillions over stated... a nice talking point, but false.

I note Amy has no response. Can't say I blame here - Illinois is hosed. Let's see they jacked up taxes by historic level yet now have more debt, and for a bonus lead the nation in unemployment. See Amy Illinois is a laboratory for Libbie ideas, as is Cali.

So Spanky, how then do you explain Wisconsin? They have shed jobs faster than any other state since Walker got in office.

Biden said he saw no need to mischaracterize Republicans' positions when, Biden said, the GOP has been honest about its intentions. "This is the first election where the opposition isn't trying to hide the ball," he said, later adding: "These guys are helping us by saying what they believe."

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The VP is correct. To paraphrase a quote by Charlotte Brontë, 1847, English novelist and poet, "Give them enough rope and they will hang themselves."

Members of the Regressive Right are now having the courage to tell people what they believe, and according to the polls, it's turning most voters off.

Wisc is addressing their situation and at least taking measures to hopefully not end up like Illinois.

Anyone want to explain why OBUMMER-Biden gave a Finnish Car firm $500,000,000 to build competing electric cars in Finland after they promised Biden to use a factory in his home state Delaware to build the cars and use American workers?

Can OBUMMER produce his high school, college and law school transcripts? If not why not? If he wants to be elected, we the people who pay his salary want to see what we are getting. Also we want to know who paid for all this education and we want to see his pre law school test scores.

If he got scholarships and and why did he get them?

Who paid him during his high school, college and law school breaks, summers and expenses.

We know Romney worked as a security guard at Chrysler. What did Obummer do during his breaks and did he file irs reports on his income?

How much money did he get and if it was over $10,000 did he file reports on that money as required by law? Lots of questions too about his Pastor Wright.

Why did Obummer sit in the front pew and allow Pastor Wright to blame America for the 9/11 attacks?

Why did Obummer allow Pastor Wright to Jew Bait?

Why did Obummer help finance a 1.2 million dollar mansion for Pastor Wright?

Why did Obummer give Pastor Wright a government job and refuse to reveal his salary and his duties and refuse to reveal if Pastor Wright ever show up for his specially made job?

Why did Obummer's wife in a public interview say that Obummer's mother was definitely single when Obummer was born?

Why was Obummer's birth specially publicized in all the Hawaiin newspapers?

Why did Obummer's mother immediately after Obummer's birth move to Washington State and never see or live with Obummer's father?

Why did Obummer's mother immediately move back to Hawaii after Obummer's father leave Hawaii?

Why was Obummer's father wanted by immigration before Obummer was born?

There are a thousand more questions that Obummer refuses to answer.

poodlefan007 These are similar to his 130 initiatives that were not passed when he was state senator a lot of words and no bite.

Ask Obummer why the federal budget has $3 billion dollars specially designed for unions.

Ask Obummer why $3.9 billion dollars have been wasted on federal renewable energy programs he helped and failed.

Ask Obummer why China, Japan, Norway and England are spending billions on the renewable cheap hydrogen fuel and Obummer has cut the research budget into hydrogen fuel 90%

Ask Obummer why Norway has hydrogen cars that do not pollute and has hydrogen service stations?

Ask Obummer why he is against clean burning, unlimited hydrogen as a fuel!

Ask Obummer why he did not in 2008 send advisers to the American and Canadian companies to work with them on the oil pipeline from Canada to the U.S. so that the final plan would be automatic for his signature?

Why did he wait until the last minute to cancel that plan to supply America with thousands of jobs?

Ask Obama why he threatened Boeing for their S.C. plant and 5000 jobs?

Ask Obama why he refuses to analysis the successful private schools that send 100% of graduating seniors to 4 year universities?

Ask Obama why he took a 17 day vacation and did spend one day answering a court summons in Georgia? Ask Obama if he believes himself above the law?

Ask Obummer why he toured Gila Bend Solar Energy plant and claim it as his own success when it was created and built before he became president.

Ask Obummer what he did for black males besides double their unemployment rate from 10% in December 2008 to 19.1 % in December 2011.

Ask Obummer what he has done to promote family unity in black families. Two parent black families have decreased from 75% to 45%.

Ask Obummer why 60% of black children live in a one parent home and what has he done about it.

Obummer talks and does nothing.

Ask Obummer why he has not asked congress to repeal the 20 special laws for unions that are basically illegal for any business or company?

And while you are at it, ask Obummer why he hasn't had his relatives who are in this country illegally deported?

give em heck julio!

Some of the unions illegal laws voted for by democrats.

Big Labor’s Top Ten Special Privileges Privilege

#1: Exemption from prosecution for union violence.

Privilege #2: Exemption from anti-monopoly laws.

Privilege #3: Power to force employees to accept unwanted union representation.

Privilege #4: Power to collect forced union dues.Privilege

#5: Unlimited, undisclosed electioneering

.Privilege #6: Ability to strong-arm employers into negotiations.

Privilege #7: Right to trespass on an employer’s private property.

.Privilege #8: Ability of strikers to keep jobs despite refusing to work.

Privilege #9: Union-only cartels on construction projects.

Privilege #10: Government funding of forced unionism.

And you ask why unions are in decline and why manufacturing jobs are going overseas and why the rust bucket states are rusty. What manufacturer wants a few union bigshots to come in and do all this to their company?Would YOU set up a business where complete strangers could put a stranglehold on your operation anytime they wanted and extort any amount of money or work conditions out of you? Stall your assembly line any time they choose and be above the law and drive you out of business?

There are many more government decrees and laws to help unions and in spite of them all, union membership is decreasing.

You want your children in public schools to get a good education, get rid of school unions. UrbanPrep Charter Academy has no union and is an all black ghetto school that gets 100% of its graduating seniors into 4 year universities for the last two years. All the seniors are BLACK!

They can hire and fire any teacher. They can reward any teacher. There is no union to tell them what can and can not be taught and there is no union to interfere with their success.

Now you ultraliberals, tell me why Obummer is against success for black students in public schools!

Biden the democrats hold a majority now and probably all are going to run again right? And 83% of the public are saying that congress is doing a terrible job, right? Then at least 83% of the congressmen will be replaced and that means 83% of the democrats will be replaced with republicans.

Gee Biden ever since you were caught cheating in college you never did learn to think too well.

You let the Finnish Car Company bamboozle you good, and take away $500,000,000 of tax payer money. You should replace all that factory space they built in Finland and personally find jobs for all those jobs that that Finnish car company didn't provide in your home state of Delaware!

Reacting to Illinois’ ongoing financial mismanagement, two major rating agencies downgraded the state’s bond ratings in early December. Illinois now has the worst credit rating in the state’s history and is second only to California in its poor credit.

Standard & Poor’s ratings services lowered its rating on Illinois’ general obligation bonds to “A+” from “AA-“ on Dec. 9. Earlier in the week, Moody’s Investor Services dropped Illinois from A1 to A2.

Both rating agencies also issued “negative” outlooks for the state, which means they do not expect any improvement and may downgrades the state even more.

For the ultraliberals who don't understand bond ratings. AAA is best then AA+ and then down, down down. The only place that Illinois bond rating can go is lower.

If a bond issuer can not pay then it is in default. And the rating can and will go to C or D and be declared junk bonds. Bonds decrease in value and the interest paid on the bond increases.

Thus with Illinois, all the bonds decreased in value and Illinois has to pay millions more in interest to the bond holders. There goes the tax increase to pay the bond holders. Happy now Restless Redhead? The extra taxes you have to pay has just been spent to pay off the bad credit rating. More taxes coming your way. Now stay in Illinois and keep paying those taxes you here!

Illinois state income tax just increased 75% The state is going to try and borrow 8.75 Billion dollars to cover the 6 Billion it is about to default on. Corporate taxes just increased by 47%!

Workers' compensation has been slashed:

• Employers now can send injured workers to one doctor instead of two.
• Doctor’s fees are slashed by 30 percent.
• The number of weeks workers can collect compensation for certain injuries is reduced from 40 weeks to 28 weeks.

Before the legislation entered the picture, Illinois ranked among the most expensive states for workers’ compensation, contributing to its “bad for business” reputation.

The reforms make it tougher for members of teachers’ unions to strike. Seventh-five percent of teachers would have to vote to go on a picket line.

The plan also would make it easier to fire teachers by streamlining the process. Supporters say the two-year process to fire a teacher would be condensed to three to four months.

See two years to fire a teacher, meanwhile the teacher continues to poorly teach your child!

By the fall, two of the state’s biggest companies, the CME Group, which owns the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade, and retail giant Sears Corp.,were telling lawmakers they may leave Illinois because of their high tax bills.

Well ridiculous Redhead, you wanted tax hikes and you got it. More income tax, more corporate tax, higher bond costs and the city of Chicago has the highest total sales tax of all major U.S. cities (9.75%)

The average interest percentage payment on Illinois bonds is 6.5% or on 6 Billion dollars is over $400,000,000. With the lower bond credit rating the interest payment can go to $500,000,000 or $600,000,000.

No wonder factories, businesses and jobs are fleeing Illinois. The democrats only know how to increase taxes and not cut spending.

Even Illinois admits it has a "bad for business" sign hanging out!

And in WHAT STATE did OBUMMER learn his political trade???????? ILLINOIS!

rradiko And now you can answer some of the above questions about Obummer. Who paid for his college and Law School. Where did he get the money for expenses? Who had the pull to get him into Columbia and Harvard? Why did they help him? Who ghost wrote his book, and how much did he pay them? Lets get all of Obama out in the open.

Biden doesn't know his @$$ from a hole in the ground. If anyone takes anything Biden says seriously you need to have your head examined. In fact now that Biden said it, you can be assured the republicans will win victory in all elections... President, house and senate.

I wonder if Biden realizes how many independent voters there are in this country that have vowed to never vote for Obama again. He might have missed that tidbit of information.

I hope you're right about Iran. I total agree with the rest of your post Ana.

Biden doesn't know his @$$ from a hole in the ground. If anyone takes anything Biden says seriously you need to have your head examined.

Brian, Joe has forgot more about American Politics than you will ever know.

Obama/Biden 2012

I wonder if Biden realizes how many independent voters there are in this country that have vowed to never vote for Obama again.

Can we please get a source for your 'revelation'? lol

Devie - the key word in your statement is "forgot." Biden forgets to tie his shoes on a regular basis, he forgets who he's talking about (Stand up Joe... guy's in a wheelchair)... Biden is mentally irregular. I look forward to Biden't predictions... I always bet the opposite way and I win everytime.

How many sources do you want Red Betty? Google it... that should give you all the sources you'll ever need. You do know how to use Google??? You can find it at Google.com. I won't type it for you... you'll have to do that on your own, if you can.

sources, please. Don't obviscate the question.

Yeah - Iran will voluntarily give up.

Man, were can I get some of those rose colored glasses?

GDP at 1.7% for last quarter, gas prices on the rise.

But hey if Reid keeps the senate at least we won't have to worry about silly budgets.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2012/01/09/cbs-poll-independents-prefer-ron-paul-vs-obama/

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/192407-poll-independents-unhappy-with-obama-campaigning-against-congress

http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2012/01/40-of-americans-are-now-independents/

These are recent articles/blogs. Just wait. As the republican nomination draws to a close in July and there is a solid candidate, these numbers will change drastically. Right now things are in too much flux so I will update periodically to show you that independents do not favor Obama. Since there are several republican candidates to choose from, it waters down the numbers among 4 republican candidates.... as the republicans cement their choice, you'll see the numbers grow for the republican candidate. BTW red betty, this took me only 1 minute to compile from one heading. I know you hate hearing bad news, but if I were to do YOUR homework for you, there's a lot more out there to show independents do not favor Obama.

[Yeah - Iran will voluntarily give up.]

Aww...How cute Spanky...Iran is the new "Boogyman"...I look forward to that talking point as well. ...thanks for not disappointing...

These are recent articles/blogs

The Hill article is from November of 2011... recent really?

Shame on you for not bothering to read your own sources - Forbes says the President will win, the last right wing rag you trotted out is nothing but a copy of the Forbes article parroted by some right wing blogger! ol

Obama would win the general election by a narrow one point margin if the election was held today between the two.

So, your point again is WHAT?

Iran is the new "Boogyman"

Of course it is. The RWNJ talking heads, the industrial military complex, John McCain and Joe Libermann said so.

Funny how Iran, a country vowed to wipe Israel off the planet is nothing more than a "talking point" to the left.

I bet the folks in Israel don't feel that way.

Spanky - Gas price on the rise Yeah, ask the Koch brothers. They know one or two things about it.

Current American policy of isolation on Iran is working. Your men are asking for boots on the ground......broke ass war mongers. I know you're not for that.

Reid will keep the senate but he'll have to wait on Boehner to come up with his passable budget.

WCA - be nice to Mickey.

She's only got one purpose in life - to respond to whatever I say.

And it appears that her only response is:'talking point.'

Illinois' little debt problem, Iran's nukes = talking points.

Thank goodness for entertainment value, right WCA?

Plus Biden was at the Ener1 factory. It's like a reverse midas touch with these guys.

Another take on Independent voters.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/19/us-usa-campaign-obama-poll-idUSTRE80I0B620120119

Another take on Independent voters.

All of these links reference the same CBS poll - anything out there from another source?

One poll could hardly be considered reliable...

especially if if does not support team blue, right old gal?

I can't wait until the day after the 2012 election. We will look forward to 4 more years.

Obama / Biden 2012

Mickey's a she? Whodda guessed.

A123, Ener1....Battery factories just dropping like flies.

Hope these guys don't show up where I work.

Spanky, the main reason I come here is for the entertainment.

It's gonna be a real hoot come November.

Funny how Iran, a country vowed to wipe Israel off the planet is nothing more than a "talking point" to the left.

On the Iranian possibility of an attack on Israel, I find that extremely small, there would be dire consequences for them and they know it. I'm talking major war that would ensure their national destruction. Perhaps if we followed a bit of Dr. Paul's policy in talking diplomatically with Iran we could avoid anything happening.

On another note, what did you all think about the candidates, rude and hostile answer to the palestinian question? The audience member a palestinian, asked what they would do to help Middle east peace. Gingrich doubled down that Palestinians where invented and noted the terrorist attacks on Israel. Although, I agree with them that Hamas and Fatah leadership aren't a willing partner in peace both he and Romney said nothing to help promote peace. They only offered angry rhetoric, as usual no solutions.

If peace is to be even remotely possible both sides need to give up something. Palestinian leaders need to give up terrorism and stop those elements of the population that are using it. They need to accept that as the lesser party they can not dictate the terms 100% favorable to them. The Israeli's need to stop building on occupied land as this only further fragments a potential future palestinian state. You can stand with Israel without stomping on those palestinians who are hoping for a peaceful solution. By the way I don't think even Obama is handling the situation correctly.

Team red or blue divisions aside, I'm interested to know.

If the poll numbers aren't from today or yesterday, Brian b, it's only worth the paper it's printed on. Mitt Romney was way ahead of Newt Gingrich in SC polls until the week of the primary. Is Brian trying to usurp No Joe as poll dancer?

One thing I've learned from independents is that on any given day the water is hot and the next day it's cold. Nothing wrong with being an independent thinker or to call oneself an independent as long as that person has a core conviction and sticks to it more than one election cycle in a row.

Good lord jody, you want daily polls? Give us a break!

One thing that can be taken from past polls is how/why the numbers change over time and with most polls having an accuracy of 4-5 % last weeks poll is just as likely to hold firm as next weeks.

And like any good GNOPer, they'll be for it then against it before they're for against it then for it/against it.....

It will be interesting to see the GNOP plan for helping America....Karnack sez...cut taxes for the wealthy...cut spending...cut safety nets...engage in wars...

Yellowdog, well said. I couldn't bring myself to watch that debate last night.

WCA, Iran is only a "talking point" to the left? Odd, it seems the GOP candidates use Iran as a "talking point" every chance they get--only they take it to the "bomb and invade" level. Why is that? Everytime I hear Romney, Gingrich, Santorum or any other republican talk tough about Iran, I think how much they sound like Iran--a lot of angry, fiery words with nothing behind them. "Speak softly but carry a big stick" is exactly what President Obama does, something republicans fail to grasp.

yellowdog, not up to date on palestine-hamas-israeli issues. However, I will make the observation that those who won't accept anothers right to exist isn't helping anyone.

Thanks Jody.

American I agree. I think it is way too early to start predicting the House. I don't fault Biden, politically he has to be confident and energize the base. However, it is not a good idea to predict so far in advance.

At this point and time I see a GOP house and Senate as far more possible.

Oops....

Brian you seen to like posted biased information from admitted conservative publications.

Try this unslanted poll.

american, in case you haven't noticed, Gallup has a daily poll. We get poll numbers from some pollster nearly every day. I'd say the WSJ/NBC poll this week is a lot more relevant than a November poll. In case you misunderstood, my point was that a poll unless it's today or yesterday, and I'll add this week, is no longer relevant. Polls are important but they are a snapshot in time, relevant only to the time taken.

Yellowdog, I think democrats have a good chance at November. People aren't happy with the TPers they sent, aren't happy with the gridlock, and those polls show a clear trend toward democrats. Even if the GOP retains the House, I think the margin will be slim. The Senate won't be easy for democrats simply because they have more up for election.

Yellowdog, I'll add that President Obama has at least tried to establish peace talks between Israel and Palestine while Bush didn't bother. Any President who at least makes a determined effort deserves credit for it. When neither side wants to bend, it's next to impossible to find the middle. Netanyahu hasn't helped matters either. As that saying goes, it's better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all.

speaking of bombing Iran.. wasn't it a certain presidential candidate in 2008 that was singing "bomb, bomb, bomb...bomb bomb Iran" ? We didn't get that Senator for President and we didn't bomb Iran. Now the new presidential election cycle is here and a certain side appears to once again be singing "bomb, bomb, bomb...bomb bomb Iran".

Mark,

I wish someone knew how to fix the Middle East, seems those folks have been fighting over the same strip of land and the same self-held ideals for 2000+ years.

It will take a MAJOR shift, something catastrophic, I am afraid to bring them together.

I just hope that something is not Iran. Sorry, but Ahmadinejad is nuts and if (when) he gets the bomb, I don't think he will care about the consequences.

Not much credibility from the guy who stated that "this will be the summer of recovery". But Maybe he did not say what summer. What a clown.

Poll Shows Obama’s Vulnerability With Swing Voters

By JEFF ZELENY and DALIA SUSSMAN

Published: January 18, 2012

• President Obama opens his re-election bid facing significant obstacles among independent voters, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll, with the critical piece of the electorate that cemented his victory four years ago open to denying him a second term....

The swing voters who will play a pivotal role in determining his political fate are up for grabs, the poll found, with just 31 percent expressing a favorable opinion of Mr. Obama. Two-thirds of independent voters say he has not made real progress fixing the economy.

the latest New York Times/CBS News poll

*yawn*

See my comment #2.17...

the poll found, with just 31 percent expressing a favorable opinion of Mr. Obama

The same poll also FOUND;

Obama would win the general election by a narrow one point margin if the election was held today between the two.

Curious why you didn't include the link so we could read the entire story rather then your hand selected portions...?

I love redheads...they cook and clean like nobody's buisness!

America is afraid to get Republicans back in control after what they did to the world and our economy. They succeeded in sending us into their well know depressions. Bush II almost did what Hoover did but fortunately we got the Democrats in and President Obama who has more intelligence in his a** than Bush II had in his whole being. We are working our way out let's not go backward. Stay the course, it's slow but working.

Biden is a joke!

Wasn't he the one who was going to make sure the stimulus funds were spent properly? How many $millions are missing?

Didn't he say that Jon Corzine was the man that Obama and Biden thought was the smartest moneyman they knew? Did Jon ever find that $billion he lost?

The man is the biggest joke we have in Washington DC.

I will predict that the dems lose the Senate and end up with a smaller minority in the House.

1/20/2013 - the end of an error

As an independant, all I can say is that no one has asked me. Ron Paul? Please. The Republicans will NEVER give him the nod. So who does that leave? Newt or Mitt? Maybe, maybe possibly Santorum.... but not likely. In any case, none of them stack up to Obama. Newt's marital problems notwithstanding, his record is out there and he is already getting pummeled by it. The only other option is Mitt and his Magic Underwear. I am sorry, but I don't think Republicans will solidify behind a Mormon. Mitt would have been better off running as a Democrat against Obama in the primaries.

bleedingheartoo

Unless they spend all day on their large rear end in front of a computer.

White Collar Auto

Funny how Iran, a country vowed to wipe Israel off the planet is nothing more than a "talking point" to the left.

I bet the folks in Israel don't feel that way.

That's because "Iran" never vowed to do this. Ahmadinejad said:

Our dear Imam (referring to Ayatollah Khomeini) said that the occupying regime must be wiped off the map and this was a very wise statement.

He was talking about the Israeli government, not the country. You wingnuts always get that one wrong.

JH-479998

Biden is a joke!

Wasn't he the one who was going to make sure the stimulus funds were spent properly? How many $millions are missing?

billions less than went missing in Iraq.

As an independent that voted for Obama last time (and Kerry the election before that), I can tell you I will never vote for him again. I also know other independents that feel the same way. Unless something extreme happens, I'll be voting for the Republican candidate this time.

Dennis - my guess is the religious right is so up in arms about Obama that they will vote for whoever the Republicans nominate. At least that's the sentiment I hear from my right wing religious side of the family (and, no - I'm not religious at all and I don't support their agenda).

billions less than went missing in Iraq.

Makes me feel better. I say keep Joe as VP regardless of who wins. At least he is only incompetant not truly evil like the last guy.

jajajaja. ... After more than a year of nightmare Democrats having bad dreams losing the House, finally thanks to the prediction of the GREAT BIDEN they are going to have sweet dreams. Biden has you know join the group "Brujos de Cachiche" Wizard of Cachiche who under the influence of drugs like mescaline looking at their crystal ball can see the future . Good luck in your dreams Demograts , jajajajajajaja

Further evidence to support my theory that Joe Biden is really Dan Quail seeking to relive his White House days.

Joe must have been looking into Obamas crystal nut sac

Agreed Trevor, Incompetant and docile is a much better combination in a VP than evil and agressive.

I agree with WCA the humor/entertainment factor on this blog is amazing. It can turn a bad day into nirvana. I had a WebEx implementation gone bad on Tuesday....... I clicked on my first read link and.....instant smile. Im very happy to live (for half the year) in a state that has a surplus and Democratic treasurer who applauds the gov for his success.The next event to watch is whether or not Gov Snyder names a Financial manager for Detroit. Today he named a FM to a local school system (Highland Park) that was going to shut down within a month. Any More broke states out there.

And its FEISTY with a right..and a left...

Now here comes JODY, IOWA with an uppercut and there goes BRIANB down for the count

(while SPANKY is desperatly try to throw the white towel in before BB gets seriously hurt)

Any other takers?????

I wonder if Biden realizes how many independent voters there are in this country that have vowed to never vote for Obama again. He might have missed that tidbit of information.

I wonder if you realize how many former Republican voters have vowed never to vote Republican again after Bush? I am one of them! The Republican party will be paying for Bush/Cheney for a long, long time.

Perhaps slightly off-topic, but I wanted to say to the poster whose moniker is Spanky, who seems to bring up the high price of gasoline at least once per discussion - Dude, give it a rest! Be glad for $4/gallon gas prices. If you lived anywhere in Europe you'd be paying roughly the same amount for a liter of gas. There are approximately 3.8 liters to a gallon.

And if you still feel compelled to blame someone for the prices, blame Exxon, BP, etc. Corporate greed is to blame, nothing else. Long-gone are the days of $1, $2 or even $3/gallon gas prices.

See......what other proof does one need about comedy......ScreeeeeeeeemingRiot.

Feisty - may I remind you that CBS is part of the Home team!

Feisty - may I remind you that CBS is part of the Home team!

If you say so...

It must be true! lol

Jolly(not)Old(i do believe ya there)Soul(less)

I think the correct term to describe you RWNJ is Masocistic; cause nothing else explains why you teabaggers keep coming back after getting your ass handed to ya

[Being broke sucks.]

Spanky, you have the attention span of a toddler. Gingrich the moonbat wants to build a "moonbase"...so, just how much will you send in to finance this little ditty?

I mean after all, Noot is your man, right? You said it yourself. You all good with him blowing trillions on a "moon colony"?

Sure you are...

...strive for adequacy, junior...

Hey now...Ive already said Im good with Mr Obama being relected...... just give me Ms Pelosi and Mrs Reid as Minority leaders and Im in. I just need 3 more years.

Hey now...Ive already said Im good with Mr Obama being relected...... just give me Ms Pelosi and Mrs Reid as Minority leaders and Im in. I just need 3 more years.

Hey now...Ive already said Im good with Mr Obama being relected...... just give me Ms Pelosi and Mrs Reid as Minority leaders and Im in. I just need 3 more years.

Sad right wingers - whine, whine, whine.

Obama/Biden 2012

wow the site burped.

Obama/Hiden 2012

again

Obama/Hiden 2012 OMG!

I hope you're right, Joe. I hope your'e right.

Lets get the record straight: Iran will NEVER attack Israel, either with a nuke or conventional weapons. Why: because they know that they need ALLIES (preferably Russia or China) to back them up, and besides, Israel has 80 nukes and can bomb the @!$%# out of them. Plus the US and NATO will come in and bust their balls, or what's left of them.

2010 was not a referendum on Obama's failed policies; more of a response to the slow economic recovery and unimpressive unemployment data. Plus the Tea Party reinvigorated the GOP and pushed them forward with vigorous campaigning and voting. Nowadays the American voter has very few reasons to vote for the Tea Party, much less the GOP. Under the GOP leadership we lost our credit rating; experienced an economic blow-back from the debt crisis; experienced partisan gridlock and immaturity that hasn't been seen for years; etc. And much of the blame falls on the GOP. Why you may ask??? It is because they have violated one of democracy's most important concepts: compromise. When Obama offered a $4 trillion deficit reduction package, complete with entitlement reform and spending cuts, the GOP said no merely for the reason that it contained some revenue increases. They refused to raise taxes on the wealthy, yet reluctantly passed a payroll tax cut FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS and attached a ruinous pipeline bill that caused it to be rejected. Had they waited until election year, it would have probably been passed. I don't see why the American voter would even consider the GOP, considering their uncompromising ways and their outlandish, un-American attitude. All they do is blame Obama, cry class warfare, and speak about smaller government even though America needs a strong government to manage our population and economy.

OBAMA BIDEN 2012

You bring up one quote that was wrong and then say he did "a lot of" predicting? Pleeeeze. Obama 2012!

Ana is desperately seeking Obama. Interesting to see where Ana's loyalties lie. More national debt, no balanced or even budgeted budgets, creditworthiness reduced, high unemployment, bad government business choices (Solyndra and others), a polorized population, the declining dollar, tax cheats in Obama's administration....

You go girl.

Certainly the Lefts love affair with everything Obama/Biden is not based on the results of their actions.

Agreed JoAnna... For the life of me, I don't know what they see in this guy... other than he's the Anti-Bush... but even that's not true since Obama has adopted so many of Bush's failed policies. I think they latched onto Obama and since they made such a big deal over him, they are way to embarrassed to let go now. They can't think he's doing a good job... only an insane person would think that.

THAT'S IT!!!!! Liberals are insane! I finally figured it out!

JAS1: "The guy sure does a lot of predicting, with very little success."

.....And speaking of very little success with predictions, here was JoAnna just the other day about the President's State of the Union address:

"My guess is he devotes 98% of the speech talking about the killing of Osama."

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/24/10225497-republicans-decry-state-of-the-union-as-campaign-speech#c61812973

JoAnne in PA, nice to see you're keeping track of me. Wow, even a web address, you did work hard on this girl! I certainly don't track much of what you say.

If Obama was going to talk about his successes, than yes, he should have stuck with the Osama execution. Instead Obama talks of 'infrastructure' all day long, but yet he can't even manage to build a simple pipeline.

Can't build a simple pipeline, ouch! Maybe obama just thought he could get more votes from the environmentalists...

"simple pipeline" Wrong choice of words there....

Obama talks of 'infrastructure' all day long - it will create millions of jobs and leave us with roads, bridges. airports, high speed rail, high speed internet, energy projects, and on and on for 50+ years. The pipeline will only go to the gulf to be shipped off to other countries and leave us with between 2,000 to 20,000 temporary jobs for 2 years.

Buck you Fiden! Go post on Politico! We don't like you here!

I predict him and Obammy are outta here in 2012!

Alex,

No, it will leave us with union payoffs and no job growth. Remember all those shovel ready jobs? Even he joked they never existed. This is the same lie.

I predict that you will never learn to properly construct a sentence.

p111, what you wrote is a damned lie as well. Obama did not say "they never existed." He said they weren't as "shovel ready" as was predicted.

JoAnne in PA

Way to hand JAS her ass in a hat!!

That was fun to watch..you rock

Alex

The pipeline will only go to the gulf to be shipped off to other countries and leave us with between 2,000 to 20,000 temporary jobs for 2 years.

I'd ask where you get this crap, but I already know.

The Alaska Pipeline is 800 mile long, took 10 years to builde creating 3600 jobs just to build the Pipeline. It left over 200 permanant jobs to maintain the pipeline and created more than that related to the Drilling for oil at Prudhoe Bay and shipping the oil at the docs. That doesn't include the jobs that rippled throught the Alaskan economy to support those new communities.

Keystone is a 4 part project that will be 3500 miles long, and take 11,000 to build it over the next 10 years. That does not include the permanent jobs drilling and maintaining wells in the Dakotas when that gets turned up on high. This also does not include the expansion of texas and indiana refineries to handle the volume.

Yes some of the oil could be exported, but most likely it will be finished products. It doesn't even matter that we export oil or petroleum products, because if we do it will keep the world demand from making our energy more expensive. Our exports of gasoline is the only thing that has stopped the dreaded $4.00 a gallon gasoline.

DB, do you realize that oil that would flow through the keystone pipeline, isn't "ours," it's Canadian? So, it wouldn't be an "export" for this country. And how would the pipeline be 3500 miles long? When it's about half that distance from north to south in this country?

raddav - ever hear the word partnership? Or if the canadians sell us the crude outright we get to keep the proceeds. Or the canadians pay us to refine the crude.

In any case jobs are still added and America still benefits.

BTW - the crude being pumped in montana and north dakota is American not Canadian.

Migratory birds and aircraft may fly straight lines, but pipelines rarely do.

So if the pipeline was THAT important to our economy, why didn't the GOP keep it off the payroll tax cut so that Obama could accept it??? What the hell does a pipeline have to do with tax cuts?? Sure it will create jobs, but it would be nothing compared to the Jobs Bill that Obama offered in September, which would create at least 100 times (if the 20,000 is to be believed) the number created by Keystone and would be PAID FOR. I want the pipeline, but for God's sake its over an aquifer. I don't care what you cons will say: I ain't trusting an oil company with the safety of our drinking water OR environment, especially after BP screwed up the Gulf Coast. And I say to hell with the Keystone Pipeline. If the GOP couldn't summon the courage to say no to Grover Norquist and fund the Jobs Bill, than I don't think Obama has to screw the environmentalists for something that would create 6,000 jobs at best when there are 2 million out there to FIX OUR INFRASTRUCTURE. So I say F*** YOU, GOP. You said no to the Jobs Bill, so go ahead and cry to your buddies in Big Oil. SUCK ON THAT, YOU TWO-TIMING TRAITORS!!!!!!!!!

OBAMA BIDEN 2012

F*** YOU GOP 2012

TAKE BACK CONGRESS 2012

Fresheee - tax cuts imply that the tax payers will spend that extra pocket change to increase market demand and hopefully more jobs.

The pipeline means jobs as well, good paying jobs. ergo, they are on the same bill because they are both both job creators.

With regards to the aquifer, reroute the pipeline, it's not like alternate routes weren't studied by the builders or EPA. We have the engineering and construction experience of building pipelines with minimum environmental risk. Sorry, but trying to equate the risks of drilling at a depth of 2000 ft + to laying a ground level pipeline is inane.

DB Akron- where did you get your info on the Trans- Alaska pipeline? 200 jobs permanent jobs to maintain, try closer to a 1000. And don't tell me I'm wrong cuz I live here.

Transcanada IS going to reapply under another route. And the ONLY reason the GOP put the pipeline with the tax cut was to take a shot at Obama's liberal base. And why couldn't the pipeline wait?? Canada seems very willing to build it, so wait until the research has been made. And if the GOP was really concerned about job growth, why the hell did they throw away an opportunity to create 2 MILLION of them just because it was funded by a tax on the rich??? Plus our infrastructure would be in a much better shape. If the GOP wants to create jobs, then COMPROMISE. And while the pipeline is a job creator, why couldn't the GOP put it on a separate bill instead of sabotage the payroll tax cut???

Everyone on this post realizes the stimulus worked. IT WORKED! Sell your diatribe to Fox.

Yes of course, the Stimulus worked AB. And unicorns and fairies roam the White House lawn.

You Libs just keep lying to yourselves. It must be a great comfort to you.

Oh my AnnaB has just jumped the shark.

Not even Obama thinks it worked.

So AnnaB - read any Krugman?

Oh and the economy recovered during 'Recovery Summer '09' right AnnaB?

Sure it did.

..."Recovery Summer"...talking point of the day...got it!

Gee Spanky, you're off your game and it's only 9:30..YOU ROCK!

... what, no Ener1 today?

How much is your Senator or Congressperson collecting in farm subsidies?

[... what, no Ener1 today?]

Good morning ideo...how's it up in lovely Canada today?

Spanky's saving Ener1 as his "ace in the hole" talking point..when all his others crash and burn as usual.

...stay tuned...it's gonna be sweet!

Last year, bloombergTV interviewed Krugman, talk about an obama fanatic! A little while later they interviewed another guy (?) Davidowicz (sp) He was just as rabid against obama. Putting those two in the same room would be very interesting.

morning Mickey

Global warming up here today ... everything is melting ... ski resorts are moaning ... nothing but slush.

american, you don't get a Nobel Prize by being a fanatic ... shared a dinner table with him at a conference, smart, very smart guy.

Global warming is so 2007.

Mickey - hey you almost did it - a post without Spanky love.

Keep trying, you can do it.

ideo - was Krugman smart when he was an adviser to Enron?

Anabanana, of course it worked, GDP went to what 5%?, public workers remained on the job and we had all those highways and brideged repaired. errr forget about the roads and bridges. Obama used a shotgun approach with birdshot, then walked away.

By 2011 GDP was in decline, those saved public jobs were again lost as funds ran out and obama declared that there were few "shovel ready" jobs. Let's not forget the decline in unemplyment numbers, that is a plus right? As all those long term unemployed fall off the unemployment rolls how about if we just kept them on it?

Spanky ... you are so pleistocene. Tell me all about Krugman knowing what the boys in the backroom at Enron were doing Spanky. Even some of the boys claim not to have known. Kinda like the banking boys not really understanding NCDSs.

Spanky ... www.pkarchive.org/personal/EnronFAQ.html

Ideology - A nobel prize means little outside of the area awarded, nor does it mean that the views of the recipient is right. Most economists and business leaders interviewed by bloomberg give a reasoned and articulate response to questions on the economy and business (global and domestic). Even mark zandi can make a more reasoned case for obama.

Regardless, first impressions are what they are. Putting krugman and davidowicz in the same room with the subject being obama would be interesting as well as entertaining. BTW - the subject of my post was about their radical postitions on supporting obama.

ideology---better get out your "Spanky deflector shield"---a lot of non sequiturs coming your way.

I'm a little peeved today that Malkin was selected 5th in the All Star team selections--really? Fifth?

Wow trying to get the best the country has to offer even if they have to reach across the aisle to do it! That seems rare these days. Obama/Biden has been trying to do that their entire term but the extended hand has been slapped away by the my way or the highway gang.

Naa, ideo all the Krug knew or cared about was the money.

Plus I do enjoy is NY Times articles - so very amusing. Although they sure are getting more shrill these days.

But hey, at least we no longer need to concernourselves with Global Warming. That dog just don't hunt no more.

Time to go back to global cooling?

Too soon?

Well at least Hillary gave that $100 million to the cause back in Copenhagen.

We did give all that money, right?

But, but, we promised.

And man, what a relief that Coast Guard Cutter was able to break through all that ice to get to Nome, right?

yes, we get it mickey. Recovery summer is so blase. unfortunately for incumbents their results are far more important than what they want to promote if re-elected.

american ... interesting? That would depend on the moderator and the setting.

gee spanky, for every 2 scientists and organizations that you could list in support of what you do not believe in, I could list 98 for the opposite conclusion. Guess you think the NASA pictures of the Arctic Sea and the shrinking ice cover are photoshop.

The GDP for 2011 was 1.7 percent not the way a recovery is supposed to look.

Ideology, I would hope for a well padded arena and I doubt that a moderator could control them.

american-2051576, the GDP was not in decline in 2011. We have had almost 2 and a half years of growth. Decline indicates a recession, it hasn't happened.

Spanky and the gang are at it again, LMAO It's hard when you see the GOP/bagger ship taking on water, and there is no way to stop the leaks, because there are so many, and no crew members left, just passengers, and they are drunk!

Spanky, stop stalking me...you're supposed to have me on "ignore", remember?

What's that? You're too stupid to find the "ignore" button?

Best. Lawyer. EVAH.

Folks, I'm not a fan of TARP, but the reality is that TARP stopped the slide, not the Stimulus. Stimulus made a lot of people feel better about themselves, but we still haven't paid the bill yet.

We still haven't paid for TARP either.

raddave - I stand corected and will remember to describe it as a decline in the rate of growth.

Republicans complain about the President's stimulus spending, but, it seems to me, all the defense pork the Republicans send to their districts is stimulus spending by any other name. Republicans have made states dependent on federal defense spending, even while they proclaim their allegiance to private enterprise.

You must be referring to the shipyards in Bath, ME. I seem to remember Billions of dollars being spent there on US Navy shipbuilding. Hmmmmm.

Wonder if the next bill up would be one to cut big oil and coal subsidies.

Yes, maybe Buck, but then he'll be able to sympathize with Romney.

agree Buck.

unfortunately you and i will continue to pay the price this administrations ineptness

Only fair since we all paid the price of Bush's 8 years of epic failure.

Figures. 2 l0sers from the state of illinois who are for obama. Sorry but the numbers don't lie. There have been no real improvements and infact many things are worse since he's become president.

Here's change you can believe in. " "

Please (check those numbers from other sources fiesty firecr0tch)

When BHO is back in the Chi next year. You can hang out with him, play golf, visit tony rezco in jail, install some solyndra solar panels, take a trip to government motors to see a few volts catch on fire, and hand out some food stamps. Should be a blast.

Obama sux- nothing to add just like saying your name.

OK - Tell you what. I'll bet 10,000 of Willard's dollars you're wrong. By mid summer he'll probably be trailing so far in the NBC/WSJ poll he'll be willing to make the same bet.

You drank the Kool-Aid didn't you. Let the libs spend us into bankrupty. YOU CAN NOT BORROW INTO PROSPERITY.

trickle down? The only thing that trickled down under Raygun was urine, as the rich pissed on the poor.

The economy greatly expanded under Reagan and unemployment, interest rates and inflation were all brought under control. That's why he won his second term with the biggest landslide in history, carrying 49 states.

Facts trump liberal lies every time.

Unemployment also went to 10.8% under Raygun, which he tried to blame on "The Carter Recession" that started a year after he left office. Unemployment didn't "drop" until Raygun implemented the process for counting unemployment that is still being used today and raised taxes. It was not the biggest landslide in history, as Nixon also carried 49 states.

raddave - so WHY IS obama channeling reagan era "trickle done" economics? Think about the premise behind trickle down and not that liquid filling your shoe.

Trying to rewrite history now red? One thing stands out about reagans presidency and that is he got Americans believing in themselves again after the malaise of the 70's.

Since the 1930's depression only 2 other presidents have significantly motivated the populace across party lines, FDR and JFK.

Afternoon Phancy!

How goes the Mr. Phancy post debate poll? Many feel that Romney did well...

dangerfield!

Very interesting. Most were disappointed in Newt. They feel he "understands" them. I think they may still, for the most part go for them. Some of their comments, though, were most enlightening. They really, really don't like Romney (he is a Massachusetts Yankee). Santorum is nice, but a little weird and a Catholic. Ron Paul is interesting and reminds them of an old hippie. Oddly, it is not who is on the ballot they want and miss. J-E-B

phine,

I do, and your right, polling doesn't paint the picture. Go out and talk to people you will get a completely different vibe.

Side note here. None of them have any idea of Mr. phinephancy's political views, or the fact he is a Catholic. (he keeps that info to himself)

thetotas,

That's why I like my little GOP polling group. The only things they care about is what will effect them directly - and SEC football, NASCAR, God & Country. (Also, that pretty young thing that works on the 4th floor)

Overall feeling, the "old South" good ole boys will go with Newt, even though they agree he lost the debate and probably the state. That's their point of view (not always that of the management - LOL)

Of course nmbg, the brilliance of George W. Bush when it came to making statements, predictions etc. have faded from memory right?

The simple fact, folks, is that the Republicans are going to predict a victory for their side and the Democrats are going to predict a victory for their side. We will know in November whose predictions were correct. Not until then will we truly know.

Best news I've heard today. Biden has not said or done anything correct in several years.

Jack: I suspect the reaon you dislike Biden is because he IS effective. (To be "correct" in your view, no doubt, he'd have to be a right wing conservative Republican)

the socialist added more debt in three years than all the other presidents combined.

add that to his list of accomplishments.

lol

bye bye O

Sally ann - that is the point they want to make, that deficits DO matter. Old school politics from both sides of the aisle says that they don't. The tea party focused on the issue until the republicans grudgingly took notice.

It remains to be seen as to when the left takes notice.

WRT bush, basic political practise says that one doesn't hitch a ride with someone held in contempt by the opposing party. reading FR blogs should have made that plain to you. You can bet that some democrats won't be channeling obama coming nov 2012. They have to play to their constituents.

Bush2 a failure?? Perhaps, but he played the hand he was dealt and with the support of bipartisanship from congress.. Obviously he won't go down in political history as a washington, lincoln or even an FDR. Then again neither will obama.

Alex, that is not only a lie, it is a damned lie. Obama has added under $4 trillion, while Bush added aver $6 trillion. Add that to list of Bush's failures.

American, there is no party known as the tea party, they are republiCONS.

Sorry, Bush averaged $230 billion deficits, Obama is averaging $1.3 trillion. Not even close. Take a look at a debt graph and you'll see it's relatively flat, rising slightly year after year. After Obama gets in it goes vertical.

Alexinacoma-

Why do you have lol in every one of your posts. You must get a real kick out of yourself.

And I thought the fact that you have no clue what "socialist" means was well-established earlier today. But please keep up inane and childish posts through the summer, because it will just solidify the image that independents are forming of TPers. (Check the latest PEW report) That they are the biggest cause of the gridlock in DC and the most responsible for the poor economy.

Sorry, Bush averaged $230 billion deficits, Obama is averaging $1.3 trillion. Not even close. Take a look at a debt graph and you'll see it's relatively flat, rising slightly year after year. After Obama gets in it goes vertical.

Ahhh, that old lie again. Bush kept too much off the budget. Just do yourself a favor: Go look up the national debt numbers. See what they were when Bush started; see what they were when Bush stopped; subtract them. BOOM! $6Trillion!!! Everything else is typical Republican lies.

Its frustrating listening to Repubs talk about the debt considering almost the entirety of it is due to Repub. policies. Reagan and Bush. So our debt has added about $4T since Obama was elected, let me break this down for the right wingers on here. Interest =$700B, Iraq/Afghan = $900B, tax cuts for top 2% = $400, Stimulus $850B which HAS WORKED 22 straight months of job creation (2011 saw more private sector jobs than 7 of 8 Bush years). Also keep in mind we were losing 750,000 per month when Obama was elected and 3.2 MILLION jobs were lost before a single Obama policy could take effect. So $2.85T HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH OBAMA. That leaves $1.15T most, if not all, of it due to the lost revenue and extra spending on the poor and middle class to keep them above water. Now if all you Repubs would kindly explain why BUSH INCREASED DEBT BY $5T, or Reagan for that matter. Our economy didnt recover until 1994 under the Clinton Admin, and now it is gaining again under Obama. I ask all independants to look closely at the economic policies that crushes our nation in the first place and how current Repub. leaders have failed to change thier prescription for this sickness.

p111

Sorry, Bush averaged $230 billion deficits, Obama is averaging $1.3 trillion. Not even close. Take a look at a debt graph and you'll see it's relatively flat, rising slightly year after year. After Obama gets in it goes vertical

Lie. Obama has not had a deficit of $1.3 trillion in any of his budgets, much less an average of that. And, Bush had the largest deficit of $1.4 Trillion for the FY 09 budget.

whogotsol

Congress is the one that controls the purse strings not the president. The president can only propose and advise. The President cannot spend a nickel without congressional approval. That's US Constitution 101 - you must not have passed the course.

DB, stop with that B.S. the President submits the budget request to Congress, THAT'S Constitution 101.

The Obama crowd does not care about the Constitution, just an old piece of paper to them.

lol

alex, you understand nothing about Greece.

He doesn't understand anything about the US either, since he's about to be SHOCKED, SHOCKED that President Obama will win a second term (in the face of such stellar strength on the republican side...how could that possibly be?) Must all be some sort of massive plot....

what?

your boy is the jobs president.

shovel's ready?

Pardon me but get your facts in order. The House Repubs have sent 27 different job bills to the Senate and the great obstructionist, and the real obstructionist, to the American people, Harry Reid, will not let them be read on the floor or put up for a vote.

bmac, and every one of those job bills was loaded with tax cuts and breaks for those who didn't need them, loaded with cuts to education, social security, medicare, medicaid and anything else they could think of that they don't like, loaded with anti-women's reproduction sections, along with other nonsense.

bmac, that is a lie, the republiCONS sent 27 tax cut bills to the Senate, zero jobs bills'

No, that's a lie. Reducing taxes DOES create jobs. Bush's tax cuts got unemployment down to 4.6% until democrats took over congress and destroyed the economy.

Only liberal logic would come up with the idea that taking more money away from business and individuals would create jobs. In what universe does that make sense?

reducing taxes does not create jobs. The only thing that creates jobs is DEMAND. it makes sense in this universe, just look what happened after Clinton raised taxes 3% on the wealthy.
And since the "dems" didn't raise taxes in 2007. It proves that tax cuts don't create jobs.

p111: you know as much about job creation as you do about economics and about sheer facts. Bush's sleight of hand was designed precisely to fool folks like you that we could actually launch two wars, keep them off the accounting books and handle tax cuts at the same time. He produced record deficits and spent the entire surplus...quite a feat. But of course, you bought it hook, line and sinker, so how tough was it to sell the idea that there'd never be consequences until he left office? Not very apparantly.

yes.

can't wait.

we've suffered enough under these maniacal socialists.

alex, you understand nothing about socialism either.

Sorry, it's you that doesn't. Wealth redistribution IS socialism. "To each according to his needs, from each according to his ability." Remember?

there is no "wealth redistribution" in this country, except upwards, there is taxes numbnuts, which by its very definition is redistribution of money.

Also, that saying is communistic, not socialistic. Karl Marx founded COMMUNISM.

p111: you're actually making the exact opposite argument you intend. If all you need is enough money to take advangtage of a tax code heavily weighed in your favor, thereby forcing others to pay much greater burdens for your offshore account priviledges, than you've redistributed the tax burden to those who make far less. Remember the whole point to those tax code changes was supposedly to encourage investment in THIS country. The goal wasn't to create greater personal wealth of the few able to take advantage of those tax havens, at the expense of everyone else having to pick up the slack. And you really need to take a quick look at a 5th grade textbook for the real definition of socialism.

And we borrowed the money to do it!! But Obama needed some back room deals with the unions to get some more money for re-election and to get his obamacare passed. By the way health insurance is up 18% nationwide.

BTW, health insurance has been skyrocketing for years. Blame the insurance companies for gouging you.

That's another lie. Insurance companies are not big money makers, I've studied them for my portfolio and they are not good performers. Obamacare is driving rates through the roof along with Medicare.

p11, that is a damned lie. the only reason they aren't "good performers" is because most are "not for profit." "Obamacare" has nothing to do with rising costs. It is the insurance companies gouging the citizens.

p111: ok now you've gone and really proved yourself completely clueless. Insurance companies aren't big moneymakers????!!! Under the headline: Insurance Companies Post Record Profits--quoting numbers from the Nation's Insurers themselves:

"In the midst of a deep economic recession, America's health insurance companies increased their profits by 56 percent in 2009, a year that saw 2.7 million people lose their private coverage.

The nation's five largest for-profit insurers closed 2009 with a combined profit of $12.2 billion, according to a report by the advocacy group Health Care for American Now (HCAN).

lol

or

Biden's flies to Greece to bring their economic model here

Racist swine?

The Bro' should never have happened. The media selected a marxist/socialist, and he is only doing his job.

or the club house... where he and Obama can work on their short game... on us of course.

I don't understand the golf obsession you wing nuts have. It is a fact that Bush played more golf than Obama has, and yet it wasn't a problem. And, don't give me that lie about him giving up golf after 9/11, because he didn't.

Maybe "wingnuts" don't understand your childish name calling and hateful attitude. Grow the @!$%# up.

Grow the @!$%# up? Now, that's real mature.

Yes you are immature raddave. You have that right, anyway.