First Thoughts: Obama's delicate dance on Afghanistan

Obama’s delicate dance on Afghanistan – balancing an unpopular war and strategic interests … Why using the bin Laden anniversary was smart … Republicans’ muted response, and Mitt Romney’s vague response (and foreign policy) … It hasn’t been a great week for Romney, but Friday’s jobs report gives him another chance … And cavalry has arrived - Restore Our Future is back, with a $4 million ad buy across nine battleground states … A Romney staffer’s exit leads to more controversy … Gingrich’s long goodbye … And Lugar attacks Mourdock on air in Indiana, but the race is all about Lugar.

By NBC’s Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, Natalie Cucchiara, and Brooke Brower

Charles Dharapak / AP

President Barack Obama arrives to address troops at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Wednesday, May 2, 2012.


*** The delicate dance on Afghanistan: President Obama was doing a delicate dance on Afghanistan yesterday. It's why people came away with two impressions -- either the U.S. is committing to stay in Afghanistan (until 2024) or the war is ending. Both are true to an extent, though this is a marked shift in strategy to a narrower counter-terrorism focus. Think Biden plan. This is ONLY the end of the Afghanistan war – as we know it. It is NOT the end of the war itself. The reasons Obama's walking this fine line -- he's trying to manage a fragile relationship with Afghanistan, which is concerned that the U.S. will leave, and a war-weary American populace, which increasingly views the war as unpopular. It’s between Karzai and Afghanis not believing the U.S. would stay and Americans wanting the U.S. to go. Look at the polling, and you see just how unpopular the war's become over the past year in particular.

The Daily Rundown's Chuck Todd talks about President Barack Obama's surprise trip to Afghanistan on the first anniversary of the death of Osama bin Laden and his outline for the ongoing U.S. commitment in the country.

*** Why using the bin Laden anniversary was smart: When there were whispers that Obama was going to Afghanistan yesterday, there were cries from the right that the president was going to spike the football. No, this was a president using the bin Laden anniversary to sell what was not going to be that popular a policy on Afghanistan. It was a tough sell, but he might as well use the most popular anniversary he had to sell the policy and, frankly, hope that it led to the exact interpretive confusion that we’ve noticed in the media this morning. He used whatever political capital he had to sell a policy that wasn’t going to be viewed as very popular. And the result – a muted response from Republicans, some of whom seem to be trying to figure out how to attack Obama, but haven’t quite figured it out how yet on this. One thing this will create though – a new annual fight in Congress over the funding of Afghanistan. By the way, read the president’s speech again: there are a LOT of caveats in there: What happens if some of the goals aren’t met -- does that mean some troop withdrawals slow? Could the U.S. ramp up again? There are more open questions this morning as one digests what happened yesterday.

*** Romney’s vague response: After Obama’s speech, Mitt Romney’s campaign put out this VERY vague statement:

“I am pleased that President Obama has returned to Afghanistan. Our troops and the American people deserve to hear from our President about what is at stake in this war. Success in Afghanistan is vital to our nation’s security. It would be a tragedy for Afghanistan and a strategic setback for America if the Taliban returned to power and once again created a sanctuary for terrorists. We tolerated such a sanctuary until we lost thousands on September 11, 2001. Many brave Americans have sacrificed everything so that we could win this fight for a more secure future. Let us honor the memory of the fallen, not only by keeping them in our daily thoughts but also by staying true to their commitment. We are united as one nation in our gratitude to our country’s heroes.”

But what does this statement say? When it comes to Afghanistan, Romney has never been very clear on what he would do differently than this president. He’s vaguely talked about timelines, but that’s not clear. It’s incredibly vague. It’s, well, to borrow John Boehner’s favorite analogy: it’s Jell-O.

*** It hasn’t been a great week for Team Romney: The bin Laden anniversary has dominated the news, the Grennell controversy (more on that below) and Romney may have even walked into an Obama team trap (with a largely unfair accusation declaring Romney wouldn’t have ordered the bin Laden raid) with his “Jimmy Carter” comments. Carter was an unforced error for Romney, and the Romney team knew it. Yesterday, was a Romney who stopped and said basically, “I’m not going to have this debate because I’m not going to win this debate.” Say nice things, be vague, and wait for that Friday jobs report. He was a much different Mitt Romney. And if that jobs report is subpar, he can get back on message – on the economy, which is what this election is all about. That’s exactly what the Romney campaign is focusing on with a new video this morning, “Broken Promises: Jobs and the Economy.”

*** Romney staffer’s exit leads to more controversy: When it was revealed that President Obama was in Afghanistan, word leaked out that the Romney campaign had parted ways with foreign policy spokesman Richard Grennell, who was openly gay and also landed in hot water because of misogynistic Tweets that were deleted. Jennifer Rubin writes, though, that it was because of the opposition from anti-gay groups that forced him out. Grennell himself alludes to that as the reason in a statement. Romney Campaign Manager Matt Rhoades said in a statement from the campaign: “We are disappointed that Ric decided to resign from the campaign for his own personal reasons. We wanted him to stay because he had superior qualifications for the position he was hired to fill.” Did they beg him to stay or beg him to stay in another capacity? His hiring raised eyebrows among social conservatives, but raised eyebrows with others that they hired someone with an acerbic Twitter tongue to deal with the press. It was always a head-scratching decision. The danger of this story is it feeds this notion that when Romney tries to say, “I’m more of a moderate” – even in a general – he still has to look over his right shoulder to cover his right flank.

*** They’re baaaack: After a short hiatus after the GOP primary finally wrapped up, Mitt Romney-aligned Super PAC Restore Our Future is back. They’ve bought up $4 million in broadcast and cable ads (and will likely increase) over the next two weeks in nine states – Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Virginia, and New Hampshire. Notice, though, what’s left out (at least for now) – Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Wisconsin, you can explain, because there’s no room on the air there with the Walker recall fight. Pennsylvania, maybe can be explained, because they were just up there in the primary. But lots of people are going to ask – Michigan but not Pennsylvania (so far), really? That’s got to be a little disconcerting that this isn’t an expand-the-map ad buy. There’s no indication yet of what ad Restore will run. The buy goes up Thursday. Brittany Gross, a spokeswoman for the PAC wouldn’t characterize what the ad would look like yet or acknowledge that there was a forthcoming buy. (Here’s the most recent Restore anti-Obama ad.)

*** The long goodbye -- we can finally roll the credits on the ‘Sixth Sense: Campaign Newt edition’: Newt Gingrich is expected to “officially suspend his campaign” at 3 pm in Arlington, VA, today, a week after he said he would be dropping out. He will speak about “helping Mitt Romney and the Republican party build a governing coalition in Washington and state capitals across the country,” spokesman R.C. Hammond said in a statement. Don't expect Romney to appear despite also being in the area. One thing Gingrich is doing is setting the record for the longest exit from the race. And the way Gingrich has decided to exit is exactly the playbook you’d follow if you did NOT want to speak in primetime at the Republican Convention. In fact, both Gingrich and Santorum have bungled their goodbyes. Romney owes them VERY little at this point. For the record: Here’s the Gingrich good-bye video and here’s the Obama campaign’s “good-bye video,” compiling Gingrich’s attacks on Romney. Of course, there was the same trove of video with Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden attacking Obama during the primary. That hasn’t helped the GOP much.

*** Lugar up with attack ads hitting Mourdock, but race is all about Lugar: Incumbent GOP Sen. Richard Lugar, the longest-serving Republican in the Senate in big jeopardy of losing that job, went up with new radio and TV ads yesterday, hitting state Treasurer Richard Mourdock as having “bad judgment” and “a record of failure.” But the Indianapolis Star notes the race is all about Lugar: “On one side, it's about voter fatigue as the former Indianapolis mayor seeks a seventh Senate term. It's about conservatives who are upset with some of Lugar's votes and some of his bipartisan friendships. It's about frustration among many GOP county organizers over Lugar's lack of involvement for many years in local politics. It's about a belief among some that Republicans should be represented by a dig-in-your-heels fighter, not a diplomat. And it's about the Lugar campaign's stumbles, as well as a deep anger at Washington, D.C., insiders. On the other side of the street, it's about people who deeply appreciate Lugar's willingness to consider more views than the one in his head. It's about a hope that Capitol Hill won't remain as gridlocked as it has been these past few years, and that more lawmakers with Lugar's reasonableness will take office, or at least that fewer will be tossed out. It's about a belief that this country needs lawmakers less inclined to explain the country's problems in simplistic political sound bites, and more capable of grasping the global picture -- yes, even if that means missing the Posey County GOP Lincoln Day dinner because it conflicts with a trip to the former Soviet Union.”

Countdown to Indiana Senate/Wisconsin recall primaries: 6
Countdown to Wisconsin recall election: 34
Countdown to Election Day: 188 days

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"delicate dance...." Oby has been dancing and scraping and bowing to the Afghan prime minister for several years and it has been with 8 BILLION dollars of our tax money each year.

His "transparent government" has probably committed more than that for the foreseeable future.

If you ask me OBY can't dance.....

  • 1 vote
Reply#52 - Wed May 2, 2012 2:58 PM EDT

You expected this mess to be cheap & easy?

Republicans critically under resourced our military's efforts in Afghanistan for over 6 years adding to the problems

  • 1 vote
#52.1 - Wed May 2, 2012 3:03 PM EDT
Reply

Re Grennell

GOP - Party of "Christian" bigots

  • 1 vote
Reply#53 - Wed May 2, 2012 3:12 PM EDT

Obama the hypocrite

On Sept. 17, 2006, Obama spoke at Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin’s annual steak fry in Indianola, Iowa.

“And let me tell you something else I’ve had enough of: I’ve had enough of using terrorism as a wedge issue in our politics,” Obama told the crowd. “I’ve had enough of that. I’ve had enough of that. You know, I – I don’t know about you, but I think the war against terrorism isn’t supposed to crop up between September and November of even numbered years, and yet that seems to be the pattern. There is a sudden burst of activity, a sudden urgency about this whole thing three months before an election every other year.”

  • 2 votes
Reply#54 - Wed May 2, 2012 3:43 PM EDT

The Quote of the Decade:

The fact that we are here today to debate raising America 's debt limit is a
sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the US Government cannot pay its
own bills.

It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from
foreign countries to finance our Government's reckless fiscal policies.
Increasing America 's debt weakens us domestically and internationally.
Leadership means that, "the buck stops here.'

Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership. Americans deserve better.

~ Senator Barack H. Obama, March 2006

  • 2 votes
Reply#55 - Wed May 2, 2012 3:43 PM EDT

WTF do you think two endless wars & collapsed economy of the last republican White House does? --- How about the republicans demand for more Middle East War & a return to the Cold War Policies?

WTF do you think the Ryan-Romney 100 page budget plan does? ----- It pushes every burden onto the state tax payers

OBAMA -- BIDEN 2012 ---- TAKING OUR NATION FORWARD

  • 1 vote
#55.1 - Wed May 2, 2012 3:49 PM EDT

The Ryan budget cuts about 100 billion out of nearly a 3 trillion dollar budget for FY 2014, 2015 and then climbs by 1 trillion over the next 7 following years. All it does is slow the rate of growth compared to the Democrat plans.

I doubt if any of you have ever read the Ryan Bill-

Liberals claim for instance that the Ryan Bill "kills" Medicare. Yet the Ryan bill INCREASES Medicare spending by 350 Billion over ten 10 years

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?c112:210:./temp/~c112eHsRg3::

    (3) BUDGET OUTLAYS- For purposes of the enforcement of this resolution, the appropriate levels of total budget outlays are as follows:

Fiscal year 2013: $2,891,589,000,000.

Fiscal year 2014: $2,769,702,000,000.

Fiscal year 2015: $2,784,233,000,000.

Fiscal year 2016: $2,892,523,000,000.

Fiscal year 2017: $2,977,372,000,000.

Fiscal year 2018: $3,080,794,000,000.

Fiscal year 2019: $3,248,524,000,000

Fiscal year 2020: $3,398,470,000,000.

Fiscal year 2021: $3,531,790,000,000.

Fiscal year 2022: $3,748,801,000,000.

    #55.2 - Wed May 2, 2012 3:53 PM EDT

    Julie Brown ----- Republicans increase spending another 4.1 trillion & don't even put it in their budget!

    Another thing Republicans don't put in their budget is our "VETERANS"

      #55.3 - Wed May 2, 2012 3:54 PM EDT

      Give it up Pastor Larry,,, America does not need "Bushonomics 2.0 on Steroids"

      Bushonomics 1.0 was a total failure

      By the way pal,,,, That was the second time you gave us a link to something that was "deleted" 30 minutes after it was created

      • 1 vote
      #55.4 - Wed May 2, 2012 3:55 PM EDT

      Jim, as directed by the Constitution, domestic issues are mandated to be determined by state and local govts

      father of the Constitution James Madison stated in Federalist #45:

      "The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite. The former will be exercised principally on external objects, as war, peace, negotiation, and foreign commerce; with which last the power of taxation will, for the most part, be connected. The powers reserved to the several States will extend to all the objects which, in the ordinary course of affairs, concern the lives, liberties, and properties of the people, and the internal order, improvement, and prosperity of the State."

      In Federalist 41 Hamilton argued that the “general welfare” clause could not be used to expand the federal government beyond what was intended.

      It has been urged and echoed, that the power “to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts, and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States,” amounts to an unlimited commission to exercise every power which may be alleged to be necessary for the common defense or general welfare…But what color can the objection have, when a specification of the objects alluded to by these general terms immediately follows, and is not even separated by a longer pause than a semicolon?…For what purpose could the enumeration of particular powers be inserted, if these and all others were meant to be included in the preceding general power? Nothing is more natural nor common than first to use a general phrase, and then to explain and qualify it by a recital of particulars. But the idea of an enumeration of particulars which neither explain nor qualify the general meaning, and can have no other effect than to confound and mislead, is an absurdity

      “If Congress can employ money indefinitely to the general welfare, and are the sole and supreme judges of the general welfare, they may take the care of religion into their own hands; they may appoint teachers in every State, county and parish and pay them out of their public treasury; they may take into their own hands the education of children, establishing in like manner schools throughout the Union; they may assume the provision of the poor; they may undertake the regulation of all roads other than post-roads; in short, every thing, from the highest object of state legislation down to the most minute object of police, would be thrown under the power of Congress… Were the power of Congress to be established in the latitude contended for, it would subvert the very foundations, and transmute the very nature of the limited Government established by the people of America.”

      – James Madison, Letter to Edmund Pendleton, January 21, 1792

        #55.5 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:01 PM EDT

        Jim,

        I'm not sure why it isn't there for you. I am able to bring it up each time.

        I go to C-Span to get it. It is HR 112 Passed on 3/27/12

        try this one from OpenCongress or just go to the votes from 112th Congress

        http://www.opencongress.org/bill/112-hc112/text

          #55.6 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:14 PM EDT

          opencongress.org works fine.... It was your earlier one that was deleted

          It's the same Ryan plan that passed the House before, it still won't pass the Senate nor will it get the President's signature.... Assuming what this House does will become law is not wise thinking

          Keep in mind that this is the worse Congress in our nation's history

          • 1 vote
          #55.7 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:46 PM EDT

          Jim,

          The thread was a comment that the President made and your response was to talk about a budget that will never be voted on. Why not discuss the President's comments, such as do you think he lived up to his words?

            #55.8 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:48 PM EDT

            Jerry,,,, Larry brought it up

            Yes the President is living up to his words,,, You saw how long it took to get us out of Bush's Iraq War after Bush ended it? We are still there helping the government of Iraq

            It's just insane & totally juvenile to think ending a 12 year long conflict in Afghanistan is as easy as these people are playing it

            John McCain & Lindsey Graham support the President's decision & so do our generals

              #55.9 - Wed May 2, 2012 5:01 PM EDT

              Jerry,,, If I was you, I'd be thinking real hard about voting for anyone in the GOP --- They still haven't learned from their grave errors in foreign policy

                #55.10 - Wed May 2, 2012 5:07 PM EDT

                Take our Nation forward..right off the cliff...

                Obama is getting really close to quoting the communist Hugo Chavez....after all his slogan is FORWARD comrades.

                Obama's true colors are emerging.

                  #55.11 - Wed May 2, 2012 5:07 PM EDT

                  LOL,,, You've really got an issue with "Going Forward" don't you Julie?

                  • 1 vote
                  #55.12 - Wed May 2, 2012 5:11 PM EDT
                  Reply
                  WayTooCoolDeleted

                  Larry,,,, The US Constitution nullified the Federalist Papers... You lost your argument a long time ago

                  We have limited government today & states still have their own power

                  Your argument doesn't even fly with republican issues ---- The expansion of health care & the "Mandate" is a republican idea that Romney supported

                  The insurance industry, the health care industry, small businesses & the Free Market even likes "Single Payer"

                  Romney is simply bad for businesses & the Free Market

                  • 1 vote
                  Reply#57 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:07 PM EDT

                  Jim, it appears you don't understand what the Federalist Papers are. Those were written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay to EXPLAIN each section of the new Constitution and remove fears that people had about approving it.

                  Again on the Health care, I'm not a Republican and there were only a few liberal Republicans that actually supported that like Dole.

                  I'm in the insurance industry and it definitely does not support single payer. Nor do most small businesses or the market.

                  Romney is not good for businesses or the Free Market but he can't hold a candle to the destruction that Obama holds for business.

                  • 1 vote
                  #57.1 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:19 PM EDT

                  And Jim , it's not the role of govt to create jobs. You and Obama ought to heed Obama's own words on the subject

                  “The White House
                  Office of the Press Secretary

                  For Immediate Release September 08, 2010
                  Remarks by the President on the Economy in Parma, Ohio
                  Cuyahoga Community College West Campus, Parma, Ohio

                  "Now, we have a different vision for the future. See, I’ve never believed that government has all the answers to our problems. I’ve never believed that government’s role is to create jobs or prosperity. I believe it’s the drive and the ingenuity of our entrepreneurs, our small businesses; the skill and dedication of our workers -- (applause) -- that’s made us the wealthiest nation on Earth. (Applause.) I believe it’s the private sector that must be the main engine for our recovery.

                  I believe government should be lean; government should be efficient. I believe government should leave people free to make the choices they think are best for themselves and their families, so long as those choices don’t hurt others. (Applause.)"

                  http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/09/08/r...

                  • 1 vote
                  #57.2 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:21 PM EDT

                  I think you might want to read up on what the insurance industry says about it Larry.. You are quite wrong

                  • 1 vote
                  #57.3 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:29 PM EDT

                  Larry,,, This time get your sources from the insurance industry please,,, You'll get better information on what they want

                  Even "Single Payer" is still all "Private Industry" & anything to bring more people into the insurance roles is good for the insurance industry

                  Makes me question you even saying that you work in the industry & you sell insurance

                    #57.4 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:36 PM EDT

                    Larry wrote:

                    I'm in the insurance industry and it definitely does not support single payer. Nor do most small businesses or the market.

                    And Jim wrote:

                    Larry,,, This time get your sources from the insurance industry please,,, You'll get better information on what they want

                    Do you read or just rant?

                      #57.5 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:42 PM EDT

                      I read,,, But if Larry works in the industry he certainly doesn't keep up with the industry's own news publications... I find that pretty strange

                      • 1 vote
                      #57.6 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:51 PM EDT

                      If it's not the role of "Government to Create Jobs",,, then it looks like you've been "Punked" by every Republican who ran for office on "JOB CREATION"

                        #57.7 - Wed May 2, 2012 5:15 PM EDT

                        Jim,

                        NO I haven't because I don't vote for Republicans and I vote against Republicans who promise me that the govt will create jobs- I know they are just another socialist if they make that promise

                          #57.8 - Wed May 2, 2012 7:35 PM EDT

                          Jim I would love to hear your explanation how the insurance industry supports single payer when it eliminates them from the health care industry?

                          What is Single Payer?

                          Single-payer is a term used to describe a type of financing system. It refers to one entity acting as administrator, or “payer.” In the case of health care, a single-payer system would be setup such that one entity—a government run organization—would collect all health care fees, and pay out all health care costs.

                          Payment

                          Hospital billing would be virtually eliminated. Instead, hospitals would receive an annual lump-sum payment from the government to cover operating expenses—a “global budget.” A separate budget would cover such expenses as hospital expansion, the purchase of technology, marketing, etc.

                          Doctors would have three options for payment: fee-for-service, salaried positions in hospitals, and salaried positions within group practices or HMOs. Fees would be negotiated between a representative of the fee-for-service practitioners (such as the state medical society) and a state payment board. In most cases, government would serve as administrator, not employer.

                          Financing

                          The program would be federally financed and administered by a single public insurer at the state or regional level. Premiums, copayments, and deductibles would be eliminated. Employers would pay a 7.0 percent payroll tax and employees would pay 2.0 percent, essentially converting premium payments to a health care payroll tax. 90 to 95 percent of people would pay less overall for health care.

                          http://www.pnhp.org/facts/what-is-single-payer

                            #57.9 - Wed May 2, 2012 7:43 PM EDT

                            Jim

                            The government would essentially be nationalizing the health insurance industry, and, by taking over the payment side of the business, centralizing control over the nation’s health providers as well. Public opposition isn’t all that single payer pushers in Congress would have to contend with. The health care industry would wage a lobbying World War III to prevent it from happening. Anyone who thinks that doesn’t matter should remember that the White House made a massive effort to court the support of the major health industry groups— insurers, drug makers, doctors, and device makers. All would be adamantly opposed to a single-payer system, and would use every asset—from the public trust in doctors to the massive P.R. war chest of the pharmaceutical industry—to attempt to stop it. The White House was convinced that it couldn't pass the law without industry support, and plentiful handouts, last time around. During a single payer push, the handouts wouldn't exist—and neither would the support.

                            http://reason.com/blog/2012/04/02/no-the-fall-of-obamacare-wont-lead-to-si

                              #57.10 - Wed May 2, 2012 7:54 PM EDT
                              Reply

                              I support Obama on many issues but this isn't one of them. No amount of money or blood is worth another 10 year commitment to this wasteland of tribal thinking. There is nothing to gain by staying. I don't buy the security issue.

                                Reply#58 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:11 PM EDT

                                Nothing to gain? ---- How about thinking what you are going to lose

                                America stands by it's commitments no matter which administration crates them. Without honoring America's commitments we no longer are a strong respected country.... We lose a huge part of what this country has always stood for

                                If you want to ignore the facts that Afghanistan still needs our support & say that security isn't an issue, you've got another think coming... Pakistan still has nukes, the Taliban who is now our sworn enemy will take Kabul & Al Quida will come back without oppostion

                                Your idea is kinda like Romney's idea of fixing the Social Safety Net by starvation & carving bigger holes to fix ---- It makes no sense as a foreign policy

                                • 1 vote
                                #58.1 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:20 PM EDT

                                Then what are you waiting for?? Get the hell over there and strap on a back pack and rifle. As a Foreign policy it makes NO sense to stay another day in that Rat Hole. It's Insane.

                                  #58.2 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:33 PM EDT

                                  "Cut & Run" Tarzan??

                                  Lindsey Graham, John McCain & many of our generals say Obama made the correct decision

                                  • 1 vote
                                  #58.3 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:41 PM EDT

                                  It won't matter. As soon as we don't have a recognizable and threatening presence, they are going to take it back anyway. I know it is going to be awhile but, mark my words. They have never been stopped from doing their will (no matter how large or small the operation) and more than likely never will be. We have given them the time schedule. All they have to do is sit in the wings, take their time making "plans", and they will rise again. At least in Egypt and Libya we know who the administration helped hand it over to. That is also going to be interesting to watch.

                                  • 1 vote
                                  #58.4 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:46 PM EDT
                                  Reply

                                  By keeping us in that Rat Hole Afghanistan for Ten more years, Obama has lost his chance at another four years in office. People are sick and tired of our money being poured down that Bottomless pit and our men getting killed for Absolutely NOTHING. Just like Vietnam and Iraq. Wake the hell up people, are you all sleeping???

                                  • 1 vote
                                  Reply#59 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:31 PM EDT

                                  And billions of more dollars

                                  OBAMA THE WAR MONGER

                                  Afghanistan is NOW OBAMA'S WAR....

                                  Obama has war blood on his hands now....

                                  • 1 vote
                                  #59.1 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:40 PM EDT
                                  Reply

                                  187 days

                                  4496 hours

                                  269784 minutes

                                  16187055 seconds

                                  TO ELECTION DAY.

                                  THEN WE SEND OBAMA BACK TO CHICAGO TO GATHER MORE ACORNS..It's truly the only THING HE IS QUALIFIED TO DO.

                                  262 days

                                  6308 hours

                                  378502 minutes

                                  22710146 seconds

                                  TILL PRESIDENT MITT ROMNEY IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE USA.

                                    Reply#60 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:39 PM EDT

                                    Julie,,,, Did you ever come to grips with the President being a natural born US citizen?

                                    I remember quite well you telling us he was born in Kenya

                                    • 1 vote
                                    #60.1 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:43 PM EDT

                                    I never once said anything like that......so keep at it...YOU ARE A LIAR....I frankly don't give 2 sh$ts where he was born......

                                    But I do know he has hatred for America.....when you associate with people like Rev. Wright, Bill Ayers and Bernadine Dorn...that pretty much tells the world you don't have much love for America.

                                    Too bad so sad Liberals.....you're days of terror are just about up.

                                      #60.2 - Wed May 2, 2012 5:00 PM EDT

                                      You most certainly did Julie.... For quite a long time you kept repeating that racist garbage & right wing ignorance

                                        #60.3 - Wed May 2, 2012 5:09 PM EDT

                                        I did NOT...YOU'RE A LIAR....PROVE IT.....I have never said a thing like that...EVER.....

                                          #60.4 - Wed May 2, 2012 5:27 PM EDT

                                          Did so,, Julie you where one of the worst

                                            #60.5 - Wed May 2, 2012 5:31 PM EDT

                                            You are a disgusting piece of excrement...I never ever once said that.....so STFU...prove it if I did.....

                                              #60.6 - Wed May 2, 2012 5:33 PM EDT

                                              did too

                                                #60.7 - Wed May 2, 2012 5:47 PM EDT
                                                Reply

                                                The current economic philosophy being imposed on the American Public is unsustainable. At the rate our debt is increasing, it won’t be long before we are saddled with a debt burden that will consume the ability of the nation to function at all. Forget the entitlement programs, the fundamental duties of the government of a free society, will not be able to afford to defend those freedoms. This is the eventual desired result of any fifth column activity. It is predictable that these nations’ ideological enemies will in the end destroy us from within.

                                                  Reply#61 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:39 PM EDT

                                                  There is a more sinister, hidden agenda at play in our nation’s capital. The end game is to destroy this country from within. This is a task that could have never succeeded without first breaking the will of the people to exercise there inalienable rights, and individual insistence on securing their own destinies. The means to this end is the furtherance of entitlement programs, drawing more and more people in like a b lack hole. Many are unwittingly drawn, but few escape. Is it possible that at this time, it is already a self fulfilling prophecy?

                                                    Reply#62 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:40 PM EDT

                                                    There is a more sinister, hidden agenda at play in our nation’s capital. The end game is to destroy this country from within. This is a task that could have never succeeded without first breaking the will of the people to exercise there inalienable rights, and individual insistence on securing their own destinies. The means to this end is the furtherance of entitlement programs, drawing more and more people in like a b lack hole. Many are unwittingly drawn, but few escape. Is it possible that at this time, it is already a self fulfilling prophecy?

                                                    • 1 vote
                                                    Reply#63 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:41 PM EDT

                                                    "Destroying Government from Within" ---- Now where have we heard that from? Oh yes,, Michele Bachman went to work for the IRS to destroy it.

                                                    Dude,, these Republicans today who have all thrown Eisenhower, Goldwater, Reagan & Buckley to the fire ------- It's Republicans who "HATE GOVERNMENT" who are destroying it from within

                                                    The Ryan - Romney budget does that in a big way ---- All of the demands for deregulation also do that in a big way. So does Romney's trade policy

                                                    • 1 vote
                                                    #63.1 - Wed May 2, 2012 5:20 PM EDT
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                                                    Those who would support the idea that increasing the level of taxation on Corporations and the wealthy have lost touch with reality. Any time a tax is imposed on an entity or individual, that has the ability to pass that cost along to the next lower consumer, they will consider such cost increases as nothing more than the cost of doing business. It is the end user, with no way of recouping those expenses. That will ultimately pay the tax, and it will be called “inflation”. All that glitters is not gold. If a deal sounds to good to be true it probably is. The “Tax the Rich” ideology sounds good, but will backfire. Creating greater incentives to take risks in starting or enlarging businesses is the only long term fix to this economy.

                                                    • 1 vote
                                                    Reply#64 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:42 PM EDT

                                                    It very well may take several years to undo and rectify the damage done by the current regime, but the impact of another four years of even greater devastation to the American way of life and principals, will be unrepairable. This election, first and foremost, must be about damage control. Stop the bleeding. Anyone but Obama.

                                                    • 1 vote
                                                    Reply#65 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:45 PM EDT

                                                    The deplorable truth is that roughly 50% of the population of the United States would rather watch Wheel of Fortune then the Six O’clock News. The ignorance and apathy of this growing constituency will doom this nation. They will blindly put their faith in anything that ensures their continued mindless existence.

                                                    • 1 vote
                                                    Reply#66 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:50 PM EDT

                                                    You've got a good point Walt,,, too many would rather watch Wheel of Fortune or American Idol

                                                    I can see by your previous post that you must be another Fox Bat,,, try other sources as I tried to point out to Larry who obviously doesn't read the news from his own employer.....

                                                    Fox News was created only for a conservative political agenda

                                                    "The news for conservatives, conservatives want to hear, the way they want to hear it",,,, they kept repeating over & over on Fox News

                                                    • 2 votes
                                                    #66.1 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:56 PM EDT

                                                    Oh waaa on Fox....MSNBC was created for the delusional left wing loony toons.....

                                                    Chris Matthews compared Obama to Henry the 8th.....

                                                    Henry the 8th was a mass murderer.......

                                                    NOW THAT IS HILARIOUS.

                                                    WHEN LIBERALS HAVE NO MORE ATTACK..THEY BLAME FOX NEWS....laughable at best.

                                                    Democrats are the product of their own demise. Pelosi was caught lying this week.....Obama cannot run on his own failed record......laughable!!

                                                      #66.2 - Wed May 2, 2012 5:03 PM EDT
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                                                      Regardless of the outcome of the November Elections, I predict there will be mayhem in the streets of this nation. Never before in the history of The United States, not even in the time of the Civil War, were its people so polarized and utterly divide, politically, economically, morally or spiritually. Then they are now. The vitriol and venom spewing from the mouths of one faction against the other, is beyond the pale of disagreement, and is descending into the realm of hate. I foretell there will be blood in the streets.

                                                        Reply#67 - Wed May 2, 2012 4:59 PM EDT
                                                        bicfjDeleted

                                                        Did you liberals forgot how outraged you all were because Bush used the back drop of the twin towers after they had fallen??

                                                        Now Obama exploits bin ladens's death??

                                                        On MSNBC, Countdown's Keith Olbermann proclaimed about the collapsed World Trade Center towers briefly pictured, "Quote: 'It's as sick as people who stole things out of the place.' Some firefighters, some families of the victims of 9/11, protesting President Bush's new campaign ad." While Brian Williams now stars in the Obama video, the networks then were beating the anti-Bush drums:

                                                        "Using these 9/11 images is already drawing political fire from Senator John Kerry and outrage among some victims' families; 'a slap in the face,' says one widow, 'of the murders of 3,000 people.'" – ABC reporter Kate Snow on Good Morning America, March 4.

                                                        The firefighters union says in a statement that it was a cheap trick to use even fleeting images of the real events of 9/11."
                                                        - ABC's Diane Sawyer to Karen Hughes on Good Morning America, March 4. Sawyer did not mention that the same firefighters group has endorsed John Kerry and is actively campaigning on behalf of his presidential campaign.

                                                        "But you know this is one of those things where images can make or break a candidate. Could this turn into another 'Mission Accomplished?'"
                                                        - CBS's Harry Smith to Hughes on The Early Show on March 4, referring to the banner placed behind the President on the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln as he congratulated the crew for their successful role in the military coalition that liberated Iraq.

                                                        "One September 11th widow told the [New York] Daily News this morning she was offended by the use of 9/11 images in these ads, saying quote, 'After three thousand people were murdered on his watch, it seems to me that takes an awful lot of audacity. Honestly, it's in poor taste.' What's your response to that?"
                                                        - NBC's Katie Couric to Bush campaign adviser Karen Hughes on the March 4 Today.

                                                        "President Bush today began running the first television advertisements of his re-election campaign, and already they are drawing heavy criticism, including some from families of 9/11 victims. Political opponents, 9/11 families, and others are accusing the President of doing something he insisted he would never do: Exploit a national tragedy for political gain." CBS Evening News anchor Dan Rather, March 4.

                                                        "Some critics are calling the ads the height of election-year hypocrisy, pointing out that President Bush was quick to use 9/11 to build up his image. At the same time, he is refusing to cooperate fully with the commission investigating the attacks on America." CBS Evening News reporter John Roberts, March 4.

                                                        "This is not the first time Mr. Bush has been accused of using the 9/11 attack for political gain. In May of 2002 the White House was criticized for allowing congressional Republicans to use a picture of the President on Air Force One speaking to the Vice President just hours after the attacks on New York and Washington. Political analysts say the President is once again walking a fine line."
                                                        - David Gregory on the March 4 NBC Nightly News.

                                                        WHERE ARE THEY NOW?? WITH THEIR OUTCRY OF OBAMA??? SILENCE IS DEAFENING.

                                                        DOUBLE STANDARD??

                                                          Reply#69 - Wed May 2, 2012 5:42 PM EDT

                                                          No Julie,,, Obama hasn't exploited anyone.... Keep up

                                                          No carriere landing, no Mission Accomplished Banner.. No speachs grandstanding in front of a photo shopped picture of the troops as Bush did & he still doesn't take credit for the mission, he gives credit to the CIA & every Command that participated in the mission

                                                          • 1 vote
                                                          #69.1 - Wed May 2, 2012 5:50 PM EDT
                                                          Reply

                                                          Obama lied about his girlfriends too...he had to make up his girlfriends..because no on wanted to be with a loser....I cannot wait for the person who put the $10,000 for Obama's college records to get their hands on them.

                                                          This is going to be fun.

                                                          Obama is ONE AND DONE!!!

                                                            Reply#70 - Wed May 2, 2012 5:49 PM EDT

                                                            Juliie,,, You are proving that you are exactly what I said you are

                                                            Someone who still doesn't recognize the President as a US citizen

                                                            • 1 vote
                                                            #70.1 - Wed May 2, 2012 5:54 PM EDT

                                                            I never have once claimed Obama was born anyplace but the USA...if I did you prove it...PUT UP OR SHUT UP.

                                                            You're delusional..keep attacking....it only makes you look stupid...and the democratic party is in shambles....

                                                            So sad for you Jim...now run along...and play with the kids.

                                                              #70.2 - Wed May 2, 2012 5:59 PM EDT
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                                                              I guess in Jim372206 eyes...everyone is a LIAR but himself...and Obama.

                                                              You both got caught.....

                                                                Reply#71 - Wed May 2, 2012 5:54 PM EDT

                                                                Oh yeah..the economy is such good shape..HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT....HIGH GAS PRICES...RECORD GROCERY PRICES...HOUSING MARKET SLUMPING AGAIN.....

                                                                New orders for U.S. factory goods in March recorded their biggest decline in three years as demand for transportation equipment and a range of other goods slumped, government data showed on Wednesday.

                                                                GDP low....

                                                                Failed Obamacare

                                                                Failed immigration policy

                                                                so Obama had to fly Afghanistan to grandstand...to take the spotlight off himself and our failing economy.....

                                                                OBAMA NEEDED THE NEWS CYCLE CHANGE...

                                                                OBAMA ONE AND DONE!!

                                                                  Reply#72 - Wed May 2, 2012 5:58 PM EDT

                                                                  Funny how he says he doesn't want to spike the football, and then... well, he goes and spikes the football:

                                                                    Reply#73 - Wed May 2, 2012 5:59 PM EDT

                                                                    Obama was on the golf course....20 minutes before the raid went down. The Navy Admiral gave the go-ahead to take bin laden out.

                                                                    Obama ran to the situation room..still in his golf attire. He wanted it to hurry and be over with..so he could back to playing golf with his buddies.

                                                                    One thing GW Bush never did after 9/11 was play golf.

                                                                    Obama has no cooth or morals.

                                                                      #73.1 - Wed May 2, 2012 6:02 PM EDT

                                                                      lol, obama has no morals? what a silly statement.

                                                                      and bush didn't play golf after 9/11 proves...what? lol, that's right, nothing.

                                                                        #73.2 - Wed May 2, 2012 6:10 PM EDT
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                                                                        "Obama's delicate dance on Afghanistan" This is no dance, he just tripped and fell flat on his face!

                                                                          Reply#74 - Wed May 2, 2012 6:22 PM EDT

                                                                          how so? what should he have done? completely abandoned the country? kept 100,000 troops there forever?

                                                                            #74.1 - Wed May 2, 2012 6:46 PM EDT
                                                                            Reply

                                                                            Everyone is tripping,,, does not matter what side you want to pick. IMHO I think it is because both sides know that the American people are tired of Afghanistan and the long drawn out war and would really like both sides to give more attention to domestic issues.

                                                                            • 2 votes
                                                                            Reply#75 - Wed May 2, 2012 6:42 PM EDT

                                                                            Could care less whether he can dance or not. We need a leader. And soon.

                                                                              Reply#76 - Wed May 2, 2012 6:51 PM EDT

                                                                              yeah how great to see obama surrender......or does he call this a victory?..obama has no shame...he is disgusting and a liar, a distorter, and a divider.....ROMNEY IN NOVEMBER!

                                                                              • 2 votes
                                                                              Reply#77 - Wed May 2, 2012 6:57 PM EDT

                                                                              Obama is only trying to bring an end to yet another war Bush left for him to clean up.

                                                                              Hard to believe you can miss what goes on around you, like you always do.

                                                                                #77.1 - Wed May 2, 2012 7:02 PM EDT

                                                                                this was a reasonable compromise between abandoning afghanistan and staying forever.

                                                                                but thanks for trying. :)

                                                                                • 1 vote
                                                                                #77.2 - Wed May 2, 2012 7:03 PM EDT

                                                                                As I understand it we are going to leave troops there to guard the Pakistan border even while we deprecate the lives of our fallen troops by turning the country back over to the Taliban. Seems we are playing both extremes, not a middle road.

                                                                                So much for the policy to not negotiate with murdering terrorists.

                                                                                • 2 votes
                                                                                #77.3 - Wed May 2, 2012 7:11 PM EDT

                                                                                What did you really expect from a Muslim prez?

                                                                                And Bush (whom I hated) got us into 2 wars.........OBOZO added 3 more.......oh wait........those are just Military actions that cost the country untold billions of dollars.........ALL WITHOUT CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL I might add.......................Maybe Mickey Mouse (who proudly was a campaign donor for Obozo in 2008) will donate more money this year!!!

                                                                                • 2 votes
                                                                                #77.4 - Wed May 2, 2012 8:10 PM EDT

                                                                                Momma,

                                                                                Another FOX Idiot who eats the loaf they feeds you.

                                                                                Obama is not a Muslim.

                                                                                Clue up, loser.

                                                                                http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_barack_obama_muslim.htm

                                                                                http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.asp

                                                                                  #77.5 - Wed May 2, 2012 10:05 PM EDT

                                                                                  Wow, you refer to an email....how could we possibly argue with such facts.

                                                                                    #77.6 - Thu May 3, 2012 12:18 AM EDT
                                                                                    Reply

                                                                                    Ah Feisty Redhead leads off with yet another post. There is definitely something fraudulent in this Newsvine group when she get to do so with such frequency.

                                                                                    Meanwhile, so much for the American policy to not negotiate with terrorists. Can this idiot really think that the Taliban can be trusted? No wonder there is not a world leader that considers him as anything but a joke? Our allies have no confidence in us at all since we are so clearly leaderless!

                                                                                    • 1 vote
                                                                                    Reply#78 - Wed May 2, 2012 7:01 PM EDT

                                                                                    can you prove anything you posted about world leaders and obama? go for it!

                                                                                    • 1 vote
                                                                                    #78.1 - Wed May 2, 2012 7:04 PM EDT

                                                                                    Find one that thinks otherwise - and Hamas doesn't count. Otherwise, forget it! Liberals spread any lie about Bush and Romney but want footnotes and cites for anything said against their booby in the White House!

                                                                                    Meanwhile, our greatest ally - England - didn't invite him to the royal wedding! What does that say about their respect for him?

                                                                                    • 1 vote
                                                                                    #78.2 - Wed May 2, 2012 7:09 PM EDT

                                                                                    You got a problem with MSNBC, Watermoon, take it up with them.

                                                                                    Our allies in Bush's First War will gladly take the opportunity to get any troops they may have remaining out of harms way. Those that even still have any troops in Afghanistan. They appreciate Obama's leadership on this.

                                                                                    As far as the rest of your bull@!$%# is concerned, it only makes it apparent that you haven't got the first @!$%#ing idea what you are talking about, again, or even an idea of what the POTUS said yesterday. At all.

                                                                                    Do you really think everyone is as stupid as the Dittoheads are, and will buy your @!$%# just because you type it out?

                                                                                      #78.3 - Wed May 2, 2012 7:10 PM EDT

                                                                                      Very intelligent response JC. It is true that I don't accept any propaganda fed me by MSNBC or the other Obama networks as gospel. If that makes me @!%# then I am proud to carry that banner. Meanwhile I always said that once a man lies to me I can never trust him again. Obama has flooded the airwaves with lies and still some minions goosestep behind him. Makes one fear for the country!

                                                                                      • 1 vote
                                                                                      #78.4 - Wed May 2, 2012 7:15 PM EDT

                                                                                      Oh, well, then it should be easy for you to substantiate what you are saying, right? Perhaps you could start with all these lies you are ranting about: Start easy, and just provide some actual quotations in context.

                                                                                      I wouldn't want you to try to do too much with what brain you seem to have.

                                                                                        #78.5 - Wed May 2, 2012 7:23 PM EDT
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