GOP Sens Reject The ‘I Won’ Argument
EmailABC News’ Z. Byron Wolf reports: Republican senators rejected the notion, put forth by President "I won" Obama and House Speaker Nancy "we won" Pelosi that, since Democrats won in November, they can expect Republican cooperation on the stimulus bill.
"I don’t think you can say in any way the American people, in electing Barack Obama, were supporting this legislation," Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., the number two Republican in the Senate, said at a press conference on Capitol Hill.
"This is a new problem," he said of the economic downturn.
Senate Republicans seem to have hardened in their opposition to the behemoth stimulus package — $887 billion in its current Senate form.
"This is about spending money we don’t have for things we don’t need," said Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla. He added — without specifics — there are things the government can spend money on to stimulate the economy, "but this is not that."
"A trillion dollars is a terrible thing to waste," said Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., rounding up a bit. Republicans point to a Congressional Budget Office report that pegs the long-term impact of the stimulus bill over $1 trillion.
The Republicans said the stimulus process needs to be slowed down so that it is done correctly. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, said that as she understands it — although the point is debatable — that recovery from the Great Depression was delayed "seven or eight years" by the New Deal.
Republicans had a chart comparing the stimulus to other big federal outlays, including the New Deal, which they estimated would cost $500 billion today, a little over half what the initial spending on the stimulus would cost (Other examples, they said, adjusting for inflation, include the Iraq war, the Marshall Plan and all of Vietnam).
"I’m going to vote against this package because it is not going to work," said Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah.
Republicans argue that the stimulus should include more tax cuts to stimulate private development. Sen. Pat Roberts of Kansas lamented that a good percentage of the jobs that would be created by the Democratic bill that passed the House would be government jobs.
It’s notable that Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the Republican leader in the Senate, did not participate in this press conference. He has tried to strike a more open tone over the past week and is set to address a meeting of the Republican National Committee later today.
Kyl said that "unless there is a change in tone" he sees most or all Republicans opposing the stimulus. And they will feel bittersweet in six months, when he predicted the stimulus fails as is written by the Democrats in Congress and Obama.
"We’d rather have the input now," he said.
Kyl argued — without giving specifics — that there can be bipartisanship on the bill despite the real, substantive philosophical differences between Democrats and Republicans on how to stimulate the economy.
The Republicans were asked by a reporter to differentiate between the stimulus and the Iraq war, engineered by the Bush administration and pushed chiefly by Republicans, which has cost more than half a trillion dollars over the past five years.
"The war in Iraq was thoroughly debated in a bipartisan way," said Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, pointing out that the war authorization had support from Democrats, and all the subsequent spending bills for the war had Democratic support, too.
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Let these GOP Bozo’s oppose this Bill, and see what happens to their Party’s
future popularity with the American Public. They need to understand that there is a NEW SHERIFF in town.
Posted by: Leprkin | January 29, 2009, 2:00 pm 2:00 pm
they reject anything that doesnt suit them.
little children whove ruled by majority and/or veto for most of the last 30 years.
its about time for the american people to see just who the republicans really are , i hope everyone remembers this episode ,the obama bucks episode , the obama birth certificate episode ,etc etc…
these republicans are nothing but sour grapes obstructionists with no better alternatives to offer than partisanship and divisiveness. typical republican political values…
Posted by: republicans suck | January 29, 2009, 2:00 pm 2:00 pm
Unfortunately, Sen. Bennett seems to conveniently forget that the basic premise for the Iraqi invasion was a LIE. There are no underlying intentional falsehoods here..just people losing their jobs and homes. While working men and women bleed red, Repubs only care about blue bloods.
Posted by: B. Bear | January 29, 2009, 2:01 pm 2:01 pm
Not only did Obama win, he kept the names of all the people who made contributitions to his campaign. He will win in the end.
Posted by: Jenny Rome Ga | January 29, 2009, 2:01 pm 2:01 pm
The President must do what he and his economists feel is best for this ailing economy. And although,bipartisan support is of benefit, he cant compromise on that which he feels will best get the nation out of this mess!
Posted by: Dee | January 29, 2009, 2:04 pm 2:04 pm
Here they are America, the Grand Obstructionist Party. If it’s good for the middle class America, you can bet the GOP are against it. Watch what happens next election, right now there are only 5 red states left according to the Gallop Poll.
Posted by: Clint | January 29, 2009, 2:08 pm 2:08 pm
Is it not true that he won?? What is wrong with that!!!! Why not accept the reality??
Posted by: Rosie | January 29, 2009, 2:10 pm 2:10 pm
Obama made that comment as it relates to the tax cuts in the Bill. He said that was a big part of his campaign and something Americans voted for. Americans did and the GOP would be well served to quit trying to move the country forward looking in the rear-view mirror or that is where they will find their political careers.
Posted by: Paige | January 29, 2009, 2:12 pm 2:12 pm
“Is it not true that he won?? What is wrong with that!!!! Why not accept the reality??”
The Republicans can’t handle reality Rosie. They would rather see the demise of America then to confess they were wrong.
Posted by: Clint | January 29, 2009, 2:13 pm 2:13 pm
“I don’t think you can say in any way the American people, in electing Barack Obama, were supporting this legislation,” Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., the number two Republican in the Senate, said at a press conference on Capitol Hill.
—————————–
He is right… I will be a cold day in H*LL before I support a Republican. Grow up and stop your fits… Get behind your President and get us out of this mess.
Posted by: becky (the real one) | January 29, 2009, 2:17 pm 2:17 pm
What is unbelievable to me is that the singular response from the G.O.P. is “We think businesses will create jobs. Let’s give businesses a tax cut. Problem solved.”
Keep reading republicans (and try an alternative view once in a while). We’ll keep waiting.
Posted by: Mavsreader | January 29, 2009, 2:19 pm 2:19 pm
Get a grip people, take a really good look at the whole package and you’ll see it’s full of things that don’t belong. ie: 50 mil against smoking yea that one will create jobs. LOL
Posted by: Charlie | January 29, 2009, 2:21 pm 2:21 pm
Well He did win! And why Because he Offered CHANGE, Change Meaning no more GOP Policies We have to try new things Not your sorry old Tax cuts Tax cuts What has that done NOTHING NADA ZIPPO ZILCH Now Gop I suggest you listen to the Public and support our President or you will find yourselves new Jobs!
Posted by: Angie | January 29, 2009, 2:22 pm 2:22 pm
GOP
Greedy Old Party
Grand Obstructionist Party
I can’t believe these are the same jerks who voted $700 “No Questions Asked” Billions for their Wall Street Friends and are refusing to authorize $25/week for Americans who just lost their jobs.
This is amazing.
Can’t wait for 2010 to throw the bumbs out of office.
Yes this is a campaign issue in 2010. The Repugs haven’t seen anything yet. They will be reduced to irrelevance in both the house and senate.
Mark my words.
Posted by: Steve_NJ | January 29, 2009, 2:22 pm 2:22 pm
The End of the GOP are Near!
Posted by: Angie | January 29, 2009, 2:24 pm 2:24 pm
look , i dont really care what pork is in the bill ,as long as the democrats tax the beejeebus out of the rich snobby republican upper crust to pay for it.
i think republican fat cat funded pork is gonna smell mighty fine .
Posted by: lol | January 29, 2009, 2:58 pm 2:58 pm
americans , we all must vote no republicans for life. this country might have a chance then ,otherwise it will just be more of the same old smoke and mirrors b/s while the greed driven republican steal and corrupt america even further.
see how ,even with a distinct minority, they can effectively stifle/stop any real progress or change?
NO MORE REPUBLICAN IDEOLOGY UNDER ANY GUISE IS THE NEW MANTRA FOR ALL AMERICANS.
and be on the watch , because they will try to adapt and appear to change ,distancing themselves from the past republican blunders and greed ,just as they are all jumping on the anti bush bandwagon…pathetic but expected.
but the republicans only care about one thing at the nexus of their self centered party ,i.e. maximizing and securing personal monetary gain and power ,both at the personal and party level and so they are easy to recognize no matter how hard they try to change their spots. clearly , greed mongers all…
Posted by: truth | January 29, 2009, 3:13 pm 3:13 pm
i can hear it now ,just like its pre election 2010…
THIS IS THE NEW REPUBLICAN PARTY !!
GEORGE BUSH WAS NOT A REAL REPUBLICAN (thus ,all his failed policies were not really our fault) ,BUT NOW ,HAVE NO FEAR ,REAL TRUE BLUE AMERICAN PATRIOT REPUBLICANS ARE HEAR TO SAVE YOU FROM THE MEAN OLD TAX RAISING SOCIALIST COMMIE PINKO DEMOCRATS.(oh brother…)
WE ARE ALL ABOUT FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY!! JUST LIKE TEDDY ROOSEVELT ,THATS US!!
riiiiiight…and i got a bridge to sell you . lying bastages ,they ll NEVER CHANGE…
Posted by: truth | January 29, 2009, 3:23 pm 3:23 pm
“I’m going to vote against this package because it is not going to work,” said Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah.
UTAH ???…how the hell can some hick ass representative of a podunk-ish state with about 200-300 constituents/residents make a statement like that? bob ,utah is relevant …how?
bob ,you are a retard ,an obstructionist ,a partisan …AND THOSE ARE YOUR GOOD POINTS!!
and bob , you and your pathetic republican party have had your fun ,now shut up ,get out of the way and let the responsible sane people take over and try to fix all the screw ups YOUR moronic egocentric party has precipitated/perpetuated over the last 8 years.
Posted by: gop = great big sissies | January 29, 2009, 3:36 pm 3:36 pm
If the “We won” argument does not work….how about the “You Lost” argument? Republicans should get over themselves and start thinking about what is best for Americans….not what is best for Republicans. Republicans a bunch of whiners and poor losers…….but big losers, not the less. Republicans had their chance and showed the world what they can do. Mostly, they showed the world what they can’t do.
Posted by: Sammy | January 29, 2009, 5:43 pm 5:43 pm
I can’t believe all you kool-aid drinkers out there! Have you not read all the junk added to the so called stimulus bill? I’m sorry, Republican’s are not the only ones who voted against it. There were Democrats who did, too! Nothing in there is going to stimulate the economy! You want bigger government and less freedom? Instead of being like a bunch of juveniles who can only call others names, do yourselves and everyone a favor and actually read what is in the bill then see if you still feel so superior! I have kids who are worried silly about their jobs and I worry about my husband’s. My own job has suffered due to all the recent garbage going on. Do you know who caused all the problems? Your friends Barney, Nancy, Harry, and their like! Clinton had a lot to do with it when he was still President. Look it up and be big enough to admit you are ‘shouting’ at the wrong people. Of course, it’s easy to say it’s the Republican’s because Bush was in Office when the stuff hit the fan, but it was ‘flung’ long before he got in. And… let’s not forget — the Democrat’s have been the majority in the House & Senate for a while now and would do what they wanted. So.. when Bush passed the Tax Cuts for Everyone (not just those who don’t even pay income tax!!!), it was passed by both Dem’s and Rep’s. Grow up, stop acting like two year old’s and get educated! By the grammar and spelling I can tell many of those writing such nasty remarks must not have done too well in school!
Posted by: joni | January 30, 2009, 12:17 am 12:17 am
I can’t believe all you kool-aid drinkers out there! Have you not read all the junk added to the so called stimulus bill? I’m sorry, Republican’s are not the only ones who voted against it. There were Democrats who did, too! Nothing in there is going to stimulate the economy! You want bigger government and less freedom? Instead of being like a bunch of juveniles who can only call others names, do yourselves and everyone a favor and actually read what is in the bill then see if you still feel so superior! I have kids who are worried silly about their jobs and I worry about my husband’s. My own job has suffered due to all the recent garbage going on. Do you know who caused all the problems? Your friends Barney, Nancy, Harry, and their like! Clinton had a lot to do with it when he was still President. Look it up and be big enough to admit you are ‘shouting’ at the wrong people. Of course, it’s easy to say it’s the Republican’s because Bush was in Office when the stuff hit the fan, but it was ‘flung’ long before he got in. And… let’s not forget — the Democrat’s have been the majority in the House & Senate for a while now and would do what they wanted. So.. when Bush passed the Tax Cuts for Everyone (not just those who don’t even pay income tax!!!), it was passed by both Dem’s and Rep’s. Grow up, stop acting like two year old’s and get educated! By the grammar and spelling I can tell many of those writing such nasty remarks must not have done too well in school!
Posted by: joni | January 30, 2009, 12:17 am 12:17 am
OOPS! My mistake! My computer didn’t save my posting right away so I hit the button a second time…. SORRY :)
Posted by: joni | January 30, 2009, 12:19 am 12:19 am
joni ,your ignorance and egocentricity are pretty typical and representative of the republican party faithful overall.
sadly you (like most over-indoctrinated republicans) wouldnt know the truth if it came up and bit you ,so just shush and go back to “american idol” and be blissfully republican.
and dont worry dear joni, we democrats will use the actual facts and rational logic as constructive tools save you and all the other misguided republicans from yourself and your deluded/perverted beliefs and ways.
Posted by: hmmm... | January 30, 2009, 2:21 pm 2:21 pm