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OTTUMWA, IA -- Vice President Joe Biden, the man who is often the first to charge into the political fray on President Barack Obama's behalf, held his tongue Tuesday in regard to a controversy involving Mitt Romney.
Asked by reporters to comment on the GOP presidential nominee's surreptitiously recorded comments referencing 47 percent of Americans do not "take personal responsibility" and feel "entitled" to government benefits, Biden said only that he'll let Romney's words "speak for themselves."
Related: Conservatives reaction mixed to Romney 47 percent video
Biden, appearing at a campaign event in swing state Iowa, did not mention today's firestorm over the Romney comments during a 25-minute speech to about 450 supporters, concentrating instead on familiar attacks over the GOP ticket's Medicare and tax proposals.
Recommended: Leaked video is the latest hit for Romney
The Romney remarks were recorded at a fundraiser earlier this year and leaked to magazine Mother Jones. Late yesterday, the candidate said the sentiment was expressed in an "inartful" way but that he stands by his overall philosophy of smaller government.
Biden next heads to Grinnell, Iowa this afternoon before wrapping up his 2-day tour of the Hawkeye State.
Leave a Comment:
stay classy...
Why comment on Mitt Romney when Mitt Romney is doing a fantastic job digging his own grave?
Yep, "stay classy".....don't even say one word about Mr. Obama's #1 supporter's grandson who taped the event secretly. Two peas in a pod.....Mr. Obama and Mr. Jimmy Carter.
Sure hope Mr. Biden doesn't carry the torch for the Middle East Crisis since the SofS and the Ambassador to the U.N. covered it so well with their "the video/movie did it" theme. Wait a minute....who shot first then aimed ?
Every time Jumping Joe speaks there is another Gaffe.
Voted for Mr. Obama in 2008 ? Embarrassed yet ?
ido - every time you post you look more desperate - kinda like Romney!
Obama/Biden 2012
There is nothing anyone could say to make Romney's ill-considered comments sound any worse. He cannot prevent his contempt for the average American from coloring most of his unscripted comments. Mitt is his own worst enemy.
President Obama in November! He is clearly our only rational choice!
ldo,
James Carter IV told NBC News in an interview that, starting late last month, he tracked down the source who took the secret Romney video via Twitter
http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/18/13938614-how-the-romney-video-leaked-for-carters-it-was-personal?lite
ido-Life sucks when your on the loosing team, but carry on vote for mittens in Nov. and welcome the President into office in Jan.
We will not allow the party that just about destroyed this country have control again. Also in Jan say hello to Nancy and the new House after we throw all the GOP trash out!!
Obama/Biden/Pelosi/Reid-2012
Xabre . .
Exactly and BONUS his little running mate is assisting him as well by telling all those seniors down in the red state of Florida to get off Social Security and be more self-sufficient.
What could Joltin' Joe add? I believe Romney stated his position quite eloquently. He's for the 1% and the rest of us be damned. I don't think Biden can improve on that, do you?
Obama/Biden 2012
ldo
Romney is the idiot who keeps forgetting that things like cell phone cameras exist
Romney is the idiot who seems to forget that when he says in the morning that he is for A and in the afternoon that he is anti-A, people hear it, and don't like it.
Romney is the idiot who assumes that he's the smart one and the rest of us are drooling morons who don't understand the words coming out of his mouth.
So don't blame the guy with a camera. Blame Romney for saying it.
BTW, it wasn't the grandson of Jimmy Carter who taped it. He found the guy who recorded it and convinced him to release it. Get your facts straight.
What is there about the 47% remark not paying income tax did you not understand?
Carter "currently unemployed" like most of the Oblama supporters.
Oh like Obama was brilliant when he told told Medvid to tell Putin to wait until after the election where he will have more leverage to help the Russians out. Or when he told the camera, not even hidden that he had been to 57 of the 58 states. Or how about today when Good ole Joe tried to berate Romney saying that Romney believed that middle class was making less than $250000. OH WAIT that is Obama that said that not Romney, better put a tighter leash on that guy.
Sorry libs, this Romney comment is the truth and it will come back to bite Obama. Most of the 15%'s on MSNBC think that Romney made a mistake but they keep repeating it and it becomes more and more evident that Romney is right. Can any of you libs tell me what was wrong about the comment? More and more Americans are expecting the government to assist them even though they will be more than capable of helping themselves after the Romney victory. 47% of voters will vote for Obama even though it will do them no good. And it is very likely that 48% or more voters will vote for Romney. I don't watch poll figures like the left does. Remember the polls right before the Wisconsin vote? How'd that turn out for the left? Remember the 2010 mid-terms? How'd that turn out for the left? Things are looking very good for this country after November.
1/20/2013 - the end of an error
JH - your post makes no sense. Your arguments are not valid and Romney will not get 48% of the vote. Plus, he'll lose the Electorial College.
You are right about one thing - things are looking good for the country after the election. We are voting out a number of Republicans so President Obama will finally be able to get things done in his 2nd term.
Obama/Biden 2012
hjack, JH, has it ever even occurred to you that many of the people not paying federal income taxes are in fact in that position explicitly because the GOP has been fighting so so hard to cut taxes? Whether it's cutting taxes for the rich, and being forced to cut taxes for the rest by the Dems in order to get the cuts passed, or adding tax credits and deductions, they have in fact expanded the class of people not paying federal income taxes. They go to extraordinary lengths to insist on doing this, by signing Grover Norquist's pledge and viewing it as more important than governing the nation. They insist on cutting taxes whether clamoring for spending cuts or in fact increasing spending by huge amounts. You'd think the GOP should be celebrating these people for finally achieving exactly what the GOP has been fighting for all these years, freedom from the burden of federal income taxes. But once the GOP gets what it wanted for these people, they suddenly turn to attack them as leeches on society. Get your story straight people, do you want everyone to pay reasonable taxes, or do you want tax cuts? They're not compatible viewpoints, especially not the way the hypocrites on the right can only attack other people--either you're horrible for wanting people to pay taxes, or you're horrible for being a product of the GOP tax cuts and not paying taxes. The GOP seems to pretty much despise everyone.
He's never been classy, so he can't stay that way. His boss just told him to shut up.
Seeking Sanity - keep seeking, you might find it someday.
Stephen
George Bush lowered the taxes of the middle class, along with everybody elses. The ricjh got the least percentage reduction. The left wants to leave most of the cuts alone and make the so-called rich pay more and let everyone else ride the gravy train. I have said all along that ALL of the Bush/Obama tax cuts should expire. That is the only way we are going to get moving in the right direction again. President Obama has been a stubborn ass for the past 4 years. It is a fcat that just raising the taxes for the rich won't help. He just won't budge off his assinine plan to redistribute wealth. The only problem is that he would like to collect more tax dollars but he will just spend twice as muxch as he collects. It won't help anyone.
I want EVERYONE to pay reasonable taxes. And I favor tax cuts to give businesses incentives to hire American workers.
hjack-2817909
Maybe you can clarify this one: was Romney including himself in the 47%? Because I keep searching and searching and I cannot find Romney ever saying "I paid federal income tax every year."
Could you explain that to me?
JH-479998
and that's why Romney pays about what the Middle Class pays? Of course assuming that Romney pays federal income taxes which he always "forgets" to tell us...
baylLIE
Romney has stated that he has paid federal taxes every year. It is Harry Reid who lies about Romney not paying. Most of his taxes are capital gains taxes and are the same percentage that democrats pay. Isn't that FAIR?
JH-479998
show me where he said: "I paid FEDERAL INCOME taxes every year"
becuase saying "I paid taxes every year" is useless since 100% of Americans have paid taxes every year. Just buy a pack of gum in a state that has sales tax and you can say that.
If the left wing nuts in this country have made such a BFD about Romney's foreign accounts and his foreign tax credits deductions, where do you suppose they got that information? Maybe from his federal tax returns? The only time you need to report foreign tax credits is on your federal tax return and the only reason you report them is for a credit in your federal taxes owed. Can you not deduce from that they he had federal tax liabilities? I'm not going to do your homework for you any more baylLIE. If a person actually believes Harry Reid then there is no hope.
It certainly wasn't on the seven state and federal financial disclosure reports Mitt was supposed to fill out. He conveniently left his Bermuda assets off of them. If he is going to be dishonest by failing to disclose his income on these reports, how many other financial high jinks is he involved in?
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/jul/10/robert-gibbs/democrats-say-mitt-romney-failed-disclose-offshore/
Show us your taxes, Willard!
It's difficult to comment when your foot is still in your mouth from the last time.
Obama/Biden 2008 HISTORY, THANK GOD.
Not as embarrassed as I would be if I had voted for Palin. She makes Dan Quayle look like a genius.
In responce to several of the above, I'm one of the 47%. However, I have paid income taxes for the last 46 years. I got to "retire" a couple of years early because 30 some odd years ago I spent some time in Southeast Asia. I don't feel one damn bit apoloetic about it. If Mutt doesn't like it, he can look me up and explain what he was doing while I was over there getting hosed down with Agent Orange. I'm sorry, but I don't think trying to convert the French to Christianity is a good enough excuse to avoid serving your COUNTRY.
JH - It's interesting you say you support tax cuts for businesses so that they can hire Americans because Obama has ben trying to do this for the past 6 months but the house is having no part of it. Also If you look at the tax rate for the last 10 years, you will clearly see that the more money you made, the less in taxes you paid. This has been an issue that those that "don't pay taxes" have been dealing with since. You see what you fail to realize is that those that are in proverty and the elderly are on fixed incomes. most of those that are low income are not there just because, they are there because they have lost their good paying job to someone overseas so that these "companies" can pay less in wages OR these people take a pay cut in order to kep their job. if you haven't been in this position, you definitely can't speak on the issue like Mitt is/was trying to do. He can say they pay no taxes but won't say why they don't pay taxes. (well technically they do the just get that money back when they file their taxes).
The misconception is that Romney, as well as as lot of other people BELIEVE that people are contempt in not paying taxes and relying on the government for all their needs. This is where his problem lies. If you talk to some of them or even LIVED that life, you will know that is totally not the case. They are like everyone else want to same opportunity to thrive and make it in this world. The fact that most of them are not afforded the opportunity and are forced to seek assistance from the government is sad. And I can tell you from experience, most of the DO NOT want a hand out, just a hand UP.
this must be a first biden holding his tongue!
By "error," do you mean handing the House back to the Party of No?
One can only hope, my friend. It is about time to fire the Weeper.
The very fact VP Biden spoke about the things "LYIN" Ryan and "MYTH" plan to do to the working, the poor, and middle classes, there is no need to mention that vulture's video.
VP Biden doesn't have to say anything about Romney's words just as President Obama did not need to say Romney was irresponsible last week. Both President Obama and VP Biden understand that Mitt's words need no comment--the American people will make their own determination.
Voter ID …
Today the PA Supreme Court sent the voter ID law back to the lower court asking them to reconsider their decision given the facts in this case including the ability of the state to process all the ID's needed in time for this election (11/06/12) as well as the imposition on the elderly, disadvantaged, poor and handicapped.
Absolutely! We have got to find a way to allow illegals to vote! Not caring if they are who they claim to be is a good start.
I hope Vice President Biden wipes the floor with Ryan in his debate, I really do. He doesn't have to attack Ryan/Romney personally, but I want to see him crack open Ryan's arguments and show the Independents the inconsistencies.
Romney says the 47%ers feel entitled to healthcare - like people who can't afford medical attention don't deserve to get it. This is crazy. Why am I entitled to healthcare, because I work for a large company, while my brother, who is self-sufficient in so many ways - as a mason he built his own house, lives off-the-grid and grows his own food, my brother gets his health insurance through Medicaid. How is he less deserving of medical care than me, just because I have an employer who can afford to subsidize my insurance?
Don't worry, he will. Ryan is a fine speaker when he gets in front of a crowd of his base and spouts his mouth unchecked. But with Biden there to respond, to challenge him, to make him accountable for his statements, it will be no contest. Just look at the way Ryan squirms during normal news interviews when he is called out on his lies or merely asked to clarify a statement.
don't count on it -- Joe is an angry, bitter old man like his "king" he'll do or say anything to keep hold of the power grab. Guess they put "chains" on his mouth. He and the king are a disgrace to all hard working taxpayers!
I'm not sure I follow your rational. I don't recall any word in the Constitution saying anyone is entitled to free healthcare. Does your brother get discounts on his cell phone or anything else that you do at your big company?
Not saying he shouldn't be covered, but why should government pay for that? There is a happy medium with all this stuff but narrow minded people are either a republican or a democrat. Everything is black or white, good or evil.
Sounds like your brother is very self-sufficient. So because he chose to do that, why should government then pay for his healthcare?
BTW, isn't there a masons group he can join where he can get substantially discounted healthcare?
I'm not one of those people that looks at everyone as thinking they are "entitled" or not... but people can figure stuff out and do what they need to take care of themselves. Perhaps he wouldn't get world class health coverage but then again he doesn't get a discount on his BMW either because he doesn't work for BWM...
The declaration of indepenence represents the "mission statement" if you will of the country. How does one pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in poor health?
That's not going to happen, even though you'll have the moderator doing its best to swing it toward Biden. He's a complete fool.
US citizens have done it for centuries. Or do you need me to buy your birth control so you can pursue happiness?
Your brother paid for his health care in the form of medicare well in advance of using it! It is not FREE! Ryan/Romney can keep their mitts off of it!
I know many of you will argue this thought, but I don't think healthcare insurance should be a socio-economic right - it should be a human right. Those that make less money and can't afford healthcare insurance are no less deserving than those who can afford it.
If we could rein in the costs of medical tests, medications and hospital stays perhaps those that can't afford, could....
Donna Bailey: Human right to healthcare? Ok then should we also have a human right to a house, how about a human right to food and water and a human right to education and a human right to transportation and money? If per say we have a human right to healthcare then we should have the rest of those items else our health may be affected. No? We have to get to food and water so transportation is needed, we need money to buy the food and water so money is needed, we need a home or else we'll catch a cold and die. So, now that we've established a human right to everything, please tell me what tax rate is needed to give all of us those things? I'm sure Obobo has a number in mind
Well said Donna Bailey!.
Healthcare should be a human right. As a nation we should take care of our citizens. We should not judge their actions or lack thereof to determine if they should be provided health care. We need a healthy country.
Sane America .. I am ashamed that you are a citizen of my country.
But what about all those 47% that are using their homes, water bills, foods, and health insurance as write offs so they do not have to pay taxes on them? Or do only SOME people deserve human rights paid for by the working class (the 47%) who pay payroll taxes which seems to be less worthy than income taxes?
There is a basic logic that republicans seem either intellectually incapable of understanding or too intellectually dishonest to admit;
The purpose of any economic system is the efficient distribution of goods and services. While I believe it is unarguable that capitalism/free market are the ONLY economic system that works, the WAY our economic system handled healthcare was a failure- that service could not be efficiently distributed under laissez-fair economic policy. President Obama and congressional Democrats, however, figured out how to efficiently distribute healthcare using capitalism and the free market. Obama, rather than creating socialism, has strengthened capitalism.
Republicans are now well on their way to destroying their own party due to their surrender to ultra-right wing/TeaParty/tinfoil hat-wearing black helicopter-seeing costumed nut cases. Goodby and good riddance.
Sane America wrote;
"...Human right to healthcare? Ok then should we also have a human right to a house, how about a human right to food and water and a human right to education..."
*******************
Not exactly. The point is that everyone- EVERYONE- should have access to these things. If you work 40 hours a week, you should be able to afford minimal housing, nutrition, education and healthcare. This is the failure of our system that Obamacare addresses- hance the mandate that if you can, you must pay for health insurance rather than mooch.
Please, will all you libtards and mooches move to an already socialized country. It will be so much easier without you here.
why does the rabid right always demand that those with dissimilar views be the ones to move? Why dont you because you do not represent american values
When is Limpballs going to move to Costa Rica like he promised?
Just something to mull over. I don't agree with all asects of socialism, but some are worth taking a look at for application to the economy. I would take a social economy over a capital economy as we are now seeing that a capital economy has enforced greed and corruption among many who are the heads of corporations. Does that make me a socialist? No, only someone who is ready for broader minds. We should be a little more open to possibilities than staying in the nice square box fear mongers have enforced on many.
Good idea, lets move to the deep south where everyone is conservative, on disability, on social security, on medicare, or in jail.
joe-284.... darlin - you better do your homework. Most of us "liberals" pay your bills. The higher income is in the blue states and your little red states get the most welfare. So, if we go away so does most of your benefits.
Obama/Biden 2012
Somebody remember to mark Joe-lotsanumbers down as one of the "NO SOCIALISM" people. Make sure the fire department knows to bill him in full when his house starts burning to the ground (please pay in cash before they start spraying the hoses). Make sure the police don't stop by when he's being robbed. Oh, and Joe, stay off the roads and bridges us socialists paid for with our taxes.
I am willing to do a one-to-one analysis of who is receiving the most government assistance, Governor Romney, Ryan, or me? I am living on my prepaid for retirement/healthcare plans called social security and medicare!
Thank you for illustrating the anger, arrogance and ignorance that Americans are rejecting, along with your party during the upcoming election.
ido - you do realize that Jimmy Carter's grandson did NOT secretly film that video don't you? No where in the article does it state that he filmed it...
I met former President Carter during a Habitat for Humanity build in Florida about 20 years ago. My company was dropping off some insulation and I was on the truck. His is a very nice man, a real Southern gentleman, and it was rather funny to see him make his Secret Service guys swing hammers.
Wow teabaggers are stupid!!
pissed off- they live in an echo chamber and only hear their own views so think Everyone shares it.
This week should be an eye opener for them. They are just a very loud ignorent mob
Maybe it's me but I don't see the problem with wanting to get people off of gov't programs. Everyone knows the Democrats are all for public assistance programs and so are Republicans. Its just that Republicans have an issue with people not helping themselves once they are on the programs and continuing to be on these programs for years when they could be using that time to better them themselves, we are against people who needlessly drain society. I don't see anything wrong with Romney's remarks b/c republicans agree with what he said, it just may not have been as sensitive as some of the moochers would like.
MakesSense - Can you or any of your conservative colleagues point to a valid set of statistics that indicate just how many people land on public assistance and then never get off it? I see so many anecdotal "my next door neighbor is milking the system for all its worth" comments on these threads, but in my 50+ years, I've never known a single person who aspired to be on public assistance forever--or at all. The tired sterotype of the welfare mom popping out babies just to collect a check is just that--a tired stereotype not based in reality or rooted in fact. Just who ARE these people "needlessly draining society?" Can you tell me that?
Horses in his stable and a horse's ass on his shoulders. There's nothing this privleged half wit could say that would surprise me now. He and his poodle (Ryan) hold nearly half the country in contempt, including active military, the working poor, retirees, the disabled. I hate to leave anyone out but he seems to have that covered.
I see that all of the fools are showing up, that's Obama, the Prince of fools and his pathetic supporters.
Unfortunately the internet is the only media outlet that the truth about Obama can be found as the major news outlets are controlled by left wing sympathizers. True investigative reporting in this country is dead.
Since most Obama supporters love his pretty speeches, see him as a rock star, and feel good because they
voted for a black man. Please let me give you a few more reasons to vote for this man.
* here is a man who has virtually no previous governing or business experience, has never managed so
much as a Dairy Queen, and now he wants to be reelected. So PLEASE vote for Obama.
* A man who insists that Romnie show his tax records for the past 12 years, and then refuses to show any
of his college records (Occodental, Columbia, Harvard), his Selective Service Registration, medical
records, travel records, and valid birth certificate. All of these records are SEALED. WHY. Oh that's OK,
so please vote for Obama.
* Consistenly divides Americans (the haves and have not's) along philosophical and racial lines. That' OK
so please vote for Obama.
* A wife who has openly voiced pleasure in seeing the American flag burned at a protest rally that she
and Obama attended. But that's OK, so please vote for Obama.
* A man who attended the church of the Reverand J. Wright for 20 years, had many dinners with Wright
and then swears he never knew that the Reverand openly said that he despised whites and hates
America. Duh. So PLEASE, PLEASE vote for Obama.
* Barry Soetoro (Barack Obama) traveled to Pakistan in 1981. Travel to this country in1981 was illegal for
American citizens. It seems that Barry was not a US citizen. Hey, that's OK, PLEASE vote for him.
* Obama hasappointed 45 czars to replace elected officials in his office, some are known communist
sympathizers. Hey, but that's OK, so please vote for Obama.
There are many other STRANGE reasons for my liberal friends to continue to support this man, but i am
sure it would be difficult for them and the press to locate them. Oh, and if you did, you just might be
labeled a racist.
Per Chris Rock ...
Chris Rock: George Bush has @!$%#ed up so bad, he made it hard for a white man to run for president! People are like "give me a black man, a white woman, a giraffe, a zebra... anything but another white man! That last one @!$%#ed up my roof!"
Romney is just another rich, white, man who proves everyday he is unfit to be President...he does not need the next 4 or 8 years to prove it.
donzie - I see you showed up so clearly the biggest fool of all appeared!
Obama/Biden 2012
rave on dimwit.
referring to donzie69
Old Joe may trip over a word now and then but he is someone you don't want to mess with. He's shrewd, smart, and has been around awhile. This isn't his first rodeo.
Smart man!
I Voted for Goldwater and every Repub. Since. I’ve also been totality responsible for everything that has occurred in my life. And, my life has been a good one.
I’m currently able to live on my monthly Social Security check., but would someone kindly tell me why I should have the amount of my check reduced so the super rich won’t have to have their tax rate
increased.
Mitt doesn’t have a clue of what its like to go without so you can provide for your
children!.
One of the top rules in politics: Never interfere while your opponent is committing political suicide
You go Joe, show the republicant's how it's done, how all Americans matter, not just the rich and connected.
"The Romney campaign is so dead, that the Mormons just baptized it"
O&JOE
Donna Bailey: Human right to healthcare? Ok then should we also have a human right to a house, how about a human right to food and water and a human right to education and a human right to transportation and money? If per say we have a human right to healthcare then we should have the rest of those items else our health may be affected. No? We have to get to food and water so transportation is needed, we need money to buy the food and water so money is needed, we need a home or else we'll catch a cold and die. So, now that we've established a human right to everything, please tell me what tax rate is needed to give all of us those things? I'm sure Obobo has a number in mind.
Mr. Romney and his political views are incorrigible, his ideals are morally bankrupt and his approach is unacceptable. Just to think, those included in that 47% are disabled people, disabled veterans, active over seas service personnel, laid off employees, retirees, widows, those collecting social security, parents who have to work for minimum wages, employees whose jobs were outsourced to the rest of the world, etc.
What a poor excuse for a man, if that's what people call Mitt Romney. I am glad to see your true colors, Mr. Romney, because I wash my hands of you and the entire republican party. This independent will support President Obama and Joe Biden. We have heard enough from the right sided hypocrites-lying SOB's and teabagging Nazis.
Could you imagine Romney as president? Just like the movie 2012, the wealthy and elite get to live and the rest of the world drowns. You sanctimonious POS!
I love the talk about entitlements and "getting a job" as if they were something you could go to a tree and pick off. Yes, there are way too many people on social programs. Primarily Social Security, and it's getting worse each year as around 10,000 people a day retire. Blame your grandparents and great-grandparents for that one, kiddies. It's called the Baby Boom. More people on Medicare and Medicaid as well.
Next, let's add in the recession (hell, damn near a depression) that we experienced in 2008 and are still suffering the effects from. That means more people on food stamps, WIC, unemployment and whever else is out there. Added up, the system has been stressed like nothing before it.
Then we get RMoney talking about 47% of people (I suppose those are the ones not paying taxes, as is the common myth - it's income taxes, teapublican geniuses (oh, wait, I forgot there ain't no such critter) - and they can't pay taxes on income they're not making...so maybe your "job creators should step up to the plate) and Ryan telling people to be self-sufficient (with what resources - when the top few percent of the population own or control over 40% of the wealth?).
Two sides - two choices. I'll take the Harvard lawyer that went to work as a community organizer than the one chasing the dollar. Those are your real values that need to be looked at. Vice President Biden has more integrity in his little toe than Lyin' Ryan does in his body and that of the entire Republican House membership.
I would just sit back and let Romney implode too. THIS is what the GOP is running against Obama? If your not an Obama fan your only choice is to vote your conscience and vote for Ron Paul or vote for the crap taco Romney/Ryan ticket. Good luck with that!
flip-flop, flip-flop , who is the greatest flip-flopper of them all. Obama has it hands down as the following will show.
Obama has raised the debt limits 3 times in 3.75 years and has asked for his fourth debt limited raise, so how does Obama feel about raising the debt limit? He tells you in this speech. Notice how he uses the word "debt" and explains its impact on our country and economy.
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 U.S. Government can't 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.
And the cost of our debt is one of the fastest growing expenses in the Federal budget. This rising debt is a hidden domestic enemy, robbing our cities and States of critical investments in infrastructure like bridges, ports, and levees; robbing our families and our children of critical investments in education and health care reform; robbing our seniors of the retirement and health security they have counted on.
Every dollar we pay in interest is a dollar that is not going to investment in America's priorities. Instead,
interest payments are a significant tax on all Americans–a debt tax that Washington doesn't want to talk
about. If Washington were serious about honest tax relief in this country, we would see an effort to reduce our national debt by returning to responsible 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.
I therefore intend to oppose the effort to increase America's debt limit.
Sen. Barack Hussein Obama, Jr., (Senate – March 16, 2006)
I think Joe Biden is under a gag order for all of his hilarious statements.
Joe's not the sharpest tool in the shed, but even he knows the iron rule of politics: When you're opponent is self-destructing, stay out of his way.
Once again Biden, finds exactly the right response.... Even when the VP stumbles, he speaks for us.
Romney should be smarter than putting it that way even at a make money event. There are retired people, children etc in that narative. Romney sounded like a whiner and a class war guy so that bothered me. Also, he should know you can easily make upwards of 20k and not pay any income taxes-but-- Medicare is a tax on everyone and so he should know better.
Also, each side raises a few hundred million per year so their is going to be slipups on both sides. Obama did the "clings to guns and their religeon" phase all the while going to the church of revern r. ..... I wonder what he is saying now about the arabs behind their backs after the us bombed the cr ap out of kadafi and all we got was a lynch mob on our ambassadors for a gift. Any time the arabs want to take out a few congressmen....have fun.