By Caitlin Taylor

Feb 4, 2009 8:21am

The Note, 2/4/09: Anger Management — Obama apologizes — and quickly finds a new subject

By RICK KLEIN The honeymoon wasn’t going to last forever — but this was a rude call from the boss, right when he was at the beach. So he’s not perfect, and suddenly the new kind of politics has never looked so much like the old kind of politics. But the era of responsibility starts at home — or, more precisely, in one particular home office. The challenge for Team Obama will be to tune out the commentary for the next few days. This is Day 15 of a very long journey, despite the spinning (and the temptation to spin the spinning). The big picture: This will be a footnote to history if the stimulus works. This will be the opening scene in the book of the Obama presidency if it doesn’t. Team Obama knows that — and that’s why those ill-timed TV interviews Tuesday showcased something we haven’t seen from a president in a while: mea culpas, an “angry,” “disappointed,” and deeply apologetic president, owning up to missteps that led to the withdrawn nominations of Tom Daschle and Nancy Killefer. “I take responsibility for the situation that we’re in,” President Obama told ABC’s Charles Gibson. “The most important thing, from my perspective, is making sure that the American people understand we don’t have two sets of rules here, that everybody has responsibilities. In this situation, I take responsibility for it.” (And does this sound like a man who’s learning political lessons? “I’m less concerned about bipartisanship for bipartisanship’s sake,” Obama told Gibson. “I’m interested in solving the problem for the American people as quickly as possible.”) (“The president’s prepared to compromise,” National Economic Council Director Lawrence Summers tells USA Today, “but our focus is on the fact that the American economy badly needs help.”) In putting his very bad Tuesday behind him, one measure of political success: What will the ratio of questions be like when Press Secretary Robert Gibbs takes to the podium? “In only his second week in office, Barack Obama is punching the restart button on his presidency,” Peter Wallsten writes in the Los Angeles Times. “The events are not a defeat for Obama and his legislative priorities, but they do mark a significant reversal of fortune. Obama started building support for the stimulus weeks before he took office, and he came to the White House with a claim that he deserved wide latitude to change how politics are conducted — a claim that he may no longer clearly hold.” “George W. Bush was reluctant to admit any mistakes in eight years. It took Barack Obama just 14 days. And once he started Tuesday, he didn’t stop,” Politico’s Josh Gerstein and Jonathan Martin write. “And he didn’t even try to talk anyone out of the conventional wisdom — that Daschle and his free limo rides were like the living repudiation of everything Obama campaigned on for two years.” “The president can move on. This was running the possibility of really hurting his reformist image,” ABC’s George Stephanopoulos reported on “Good Morning America” Wednesday. “Will these stumbles embolden the president’s opponents on this economic rescue plan — the stimulus package? . . . The president is going to have to agree to some changes.” Stephanopoulos reported that the president will meet individually with senators Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Ben Nelson, D-Neb. Not looking back, it’s a busy day for Obama: signing SCHIP, meetings with Cabinet secretaries and legislative leaders, and a signature piece: compensation caps for banks getting bailout money. “The Obama administration is expected to impose a cap of $500,000 for top executives at companies that receive large amounts of bailout money,” Edmund L. Andrews and Vikas Bajaj report in The New York Times. “The new rules would be far tougher than any restrictions imposed during the Bush administration, and they could force executives to accept deep reductions in their current pay. They come amid rising public fury about huge pay packages for executives at financial companies being propped up by federal tax dollars.” ABC’s Jake Tapper: “Companies that receive more general TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program) funds are permitted to waive the $500,000 plus restricted stock rule if they disclose executive compensation and if requested, allow a non-binding ‘say on pay’ shareholder resolution, allowing investors a non-binding vote on compensation for top executives.” “When in doubt, change the subject,” Tapper said on “Good Morning America” Wednesday. “The Obama administration also plans to ban chief executives of such firms from receiving severance payments,” Deborah Solomon and Laura Meckler report in The Wall Street Journal. “The potential changes amount to one of the most aggressive efforts to limit executive pay, a movement that has been growing in strength in recent years but hadn’t made much headway until the financial collapse.” “The steps set the stage for the administration’s unveiling next week of a new framework for spending the money that remains in the $700 billion financial rescue fund,” per the AP’s Jim Kuhnhenn. Fertile territory for the president: “Public outrage over compensation has been building since October, when Congress passed a $700 billion financial-rescue plan. An $18.4 billion bonus payout in 2008 to Wall Street executives and employees further inflamed Americans,” Bloomberg’s Heidi Przybyla and Christopher Stern write. Obama is clearly wounded politically by the withdrawals. It comes at a tenuous time for his young administration — the stimulus bill under debate, Republicans figuring out what opposition means, more balls bouncing than any court can handle. Humble pie: “Two weeks into his presidency, Barack Obama proved that even a clearly gifted politician cannot escape the gravitational pull of Washington forces that he has vowed to reform,” the AP’s Charles Babington writes. “In other words, Obama isn’t perfect. This may be news to his adoring supporters, but like other presidents, Obama is going to make more mistakes over the coming months as he struggles with the economy, health care, military matters and Congress.” A turning point? “It took Daschle’s resignation to shake the president out of his arrogant attitude that his charmed circle doesn’t have to abide by the lofty standards he lectured the rest of us about for two years,” Maureen Dowd writes in her New York Times column. “Before he recanted, his hand forced by a cascade of appointees who ‘forgot’ to pay taxes, his reasoning was creeping perilously close to that of the outgoing leaders he denounced in his Inaugural Address: that elitist mentality of ‘we know best,’ we know we’re doing the ‘right’ thing for the country, so we can twist the rules.” Dana Milbank, in The Washington Post: “At 1:49 p.m., Obama hopped in his presidential limousine and took a field trip to a D.C. charter school, where he read a children’s book called ‘The Moon Over Star’ to a group of second-graders. Good thing it wasn’t ‘My Pet Goat.’ . . . Now, is it too late to rebook that honeymoon?” “The abrupt move stands to potentially dent the reputation for steadiness and managerial prowess that the 47-year-old president had cultivated over a smoothly run campaign and a transition to power that boasted of a swift vetting and nomination of top aides,” Jonathan Weisman and Laura Meckler write in The Wall Street Journal. “Between his tax problems and the growing scrutiny of his lucrative ties to the health industry, the former Senate majority leader’s nomination had become a repudiation of the very things Obama had promised to change in Washington,” Time’s Karen Tumulty writes. Answering to a different set of bosses: “Although Daschle, the Senate Democratic leader for a decade before his defeat in 2004, had his conservative critics, much of the pressure for him to step down came from within the legions of Obama supporters who say they took to heart the president’s promises to change business as usual in Washington,” Wes Allison writes in the St. Petersburg Times. “Their criticism, coming just 15 days into the new administration, provides a jarring reminder for Obama that he cannot expect the free pass President George Bush enjoyed from his base for much of his eight-year tenure and that Obama’s supporters expect him to keep his promise to hold his administration to higher standards.” “Progressive bloggers had been going after Mr. Daschle as elitist and aloof for several days after ABC News first reported the tax flap, and the Nation magazine joined the Times in calling for him to withdraw,” The Washington Times’ Christina Bellantoni reports. “Former Sen. Tom Daschle’s withdrawal as the nominee to head the Department of Health and Human Services chief came as it was becoming increasingly clear that his failure to pay taxes and his role as a high-priced consultant to health-care firms was rasing increasing opposition from average citizens,” writes McClatchy’s David Lightman. “Republicans had been largely mum on Monday about Daschle’s problems. But by Tuesday, they were besieged by e-mails, phone calls and radio talk shows demanded opposition.” “The first major setback of his young presidency,” declare The Washington Post’s Anne E. Kornblut and Michael Shear. “His reversal yesterday suggested that speed may have come at a cost, and that Obama, despite the overwhelming popularity he had upon taking office and the major challenges facing the nation, will not be spared from the same kind of scrutiny his predecessors have faced.” “It was the rockiest day yet for the new White House,” The New York Times’ Jeff Zeleny writes. “The developments distracted attention from Mr. Obama’s effort to push his economic stimulus plan through the Senate and complicated the initiative that Mr. Daschle was to have led, his plan for overhauling the health care system.” Was he strong enough in his condemnation? “The White House insisted Tuesday it didn’t force two tax-challenged nominees to withdraw. My question is, why not?” Michael Goodwin writes in his New York Daily News column. “Why didn’t President Obama tell Tom Daschle and Nancy Killefer to take a hike? Why did he let them jump when he should have pushed them?” “Unless he starts to deliver on his promise to set a new standard of ethics, rising anger over politics as usual during the economic meltdown could stall his momentum and strengthen Republicans,” Goodwin writes. Why Daschle backed out: “A source close to Daschle says ‘he didn’t have the stomach for the fight,’ ” ABC’s George Stephanopoulos reports. “The double-barreled combination of a blistering New York Times editorial and a front-page story raising questions about President Obama’s commitment to ethics reform in Washington convinced Daschle he had to go. Already depressed by the recent discovery that his younger brother is stricken with brain cancer, Daschle wasn’t prepared for another week of Senate hazing and damaging headlines. And, he didn’t want to hurt his friend, Barack Obama.” Who’s next? “Advocates of universal coverage pressed the case for former Gov. Howard Dean of Vermont, a medical doctor, but Mr. Obama just replaced him as chairman of the Democratic National Committee and he might be a provocative choice to Republicans,” Peter Baker and Robert Pear report in The New York Times. “Democrats close to the White House said attention was focusing on governors, who by nature of their jobs run state Medicaid programs, particularly Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas. Other possibilities include Govs. Edward G. Rendell of Pennsylvania and Jennifer M. Granholm of Michigan and former Gov. John Kitzhaber of Oregon, all Democrats.” “Here’s the short list: Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, former Missouri Rep. Dick Gephardt and John Podesta, the head of Obama’s transition effort and White House chief of staff for Bill Clinton,” Washingtonpost.com’s Chris Cillizza reports. Ticking along, in the Senate: “President Barack Obama continued a massive push to save his nearly $900 billion stimulus package on Tuesday, deploying his top advisers to the Senate, giving network interviews and personally wooing moderate Republicans and Republican governors,” Roll Call’s Steven T. Dennis writes. “But Senators from both parties were preparing major amendments that would redirect significant portions of the stimulus to items such as housing and infrastructure. Republicans narrowly beat back a Democratic proposal Tuesday on a point of order to add $25 billion to the plan for infrastructure projects, arguing that it should have been offset by cuts elsewhere in the mammoth bill.” Why this is tough-and-go: “Senate Democratic leaders conceded yesterday that they do not have the votes to pass the stimulus bill as currently written and said that to gain bipartisan support, they will seek to cut provisions that would not provide an immediate boost to the economy,” Shailagh Murray and Paul Kane write in The Washington Post. A shift in rhetoric? “President Obama is willing to change elements of his economic stimulus plan to meet objections in Congress, but he won’t agree to increase its cost significantly or weaken its impact, his top economic adviser said Tuesday,” USA Today’s Richard Wolf reports. “As the president conducted five television interviews to promote the $800 billion-plus package, National Economic Council Director Lawrence Summers said Obama wants to focus on the economy’s needs, not the relatively small spending items Republicans have criticized.” “To back up its case, the White House provided a 50-state report estimating how many jobs would be created or saved, how many families would reap tax cuts or college tax credits, and other benefits,” Wolf writes. Act fast: “If there is one thing U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner learned from watching Japan sink into a decade-long economic quagmire, it’s this: Don’t dither,” Michael M. Phillips writes in The Wall Street Journal. Said Geithner, in an interview: “Today’s crisis in the U.S. "is dramatically worse today because, collectively, policymakers were a little slow to escalate both on the fiscal side and on the financial side.” Don’t miss Obama’s stand against “buy America” provisions, in the stimulus bill: “I want provisions that are not going to be a violation of World Trade Organization agreements or in other ways signal protectionism. I think that would be a mistake right now. That is a potential source of trade wars that we can’t afford at a time when trade is sinking all across the globe,” Obama told Charles Gibson. What does this say about the Obama-Pelosi relationship? A startling radio appearance from Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tenn., a Blue Dog who was one of 11 Democrats to vote against the stimulus: “Well, I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but I actually got some quiet encouragement from the Obama folks for what I’m doing,” Cooper told a radio station Sunday, per Politico’s Glenn Thrush. “I got in terrible trouble with our leadership because they don’t care what’s in the bill, they just want it pass and they want it to be unanimous. They don’t mind the partisan fighting cause that’s what they are used to. In fact, they’re really good at it. And they’re a little bit worried about what a post-partisan future might look like. If members actually had to read the bills and figure out whether they are any good or not. We’re just told how to vote. We’re treated like mushrooms most of the time.” Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., is using his e-mail list to rally opposition to Obama’s plan. “I realize we face extraordinary challenges with our economy today, but that is not an excuse for more irresponsibly from Washington. I hope you will join me in saying no to this stimulus package as it currently exists by signing this petition,” he wrote his supporters Tuesday. Look who’s back — already: “Former Vice President Dick Cheney warned in an interview that there is a ‘high probability’ that terrorists will attempt a catastrophic nuclear or biological attack in coming years, and said he fears the Obama administration’s policies will make it more likely the attempt will succeed,” Politico’s John F. Harris, Mike Allen, and Jim VandeHei write. Said Cheney: “When we get people who are more concerned about reading the rights to an Al Qaeda terrorist than they are with protecting the United States against people who are absolutely committed to do anything they can to kill Americans, then I worry.” The Politico guys continue: “The interview, less than two weeks after the Bush administration ceded power to Obama, found the man who is arguably the most controversial — and almost surely the most influential — vice president in U.S. history in a self-vindicating mood.” “Not content to wait for a historical verdict, Cheney said he is set to plunge into his own memoirs, feeling liberated to describe behind-the-scenes roles over several decades in government now that the ‘statute of limitations has expired’ on many of the most sensitive episodes.” More from the loyal opposition: “The new face of the Republican Party does not seem to share the hunger for bipartisanship that Obama has made one of the touchstones of his first weeks in office. That became clear from the moment [Michael] Steele took the job Friday, as he all but invited the president of the United States to join him in the boxing ring,” The New York Times’ Adam Nagourney writes. “It’s going to be an honor to spar with him,” [Steele] said, before throwing down the gauntlet to Obama with a quotation from, apparently, an in-your-face late-1980s rap song by Kool Moe Dee: “How ya like me now?” In Minnesota, a win for Coleman: “In a ruling that keeps alive Republican Norm Coleman’s chances of overturning Minnesota’s U.S. Senate recount, a three-judge panel on Tuesday allowed him to bring evidence to trial that as many as 4,800 absentee ballots were wrongly rejected and should now be counted,” per the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s Pat Doyle and Kevin Duchschere. “The decision expands the evidence that can be considered in the recount trial, giving Coleman the opportunity to put more ballots into play in his effort to erase a 225-vote lead for DFLer Al Franken.” STILL ugly, in New York: “A review of public comments and interviews with more than a dozen people involved in the process make clear that Gov. David A. Paterson’s administration released confidential information about [Caroline] Kennedy and misled reporters about its significance as part of an orchestrated effort to discredit her after she withdrew. But the governor is unlikely to face the legal scrutiny or numerous investigations that Mr. Spitzer did, even though he has acknowledged that the information about Ms. Kennedy should not have been released,” Danny Hakim and Nicholas Confessore write in The New York Times. Bob Barnett’s latest coup: “Obama campaign manager David Plouffe has agreed to a seven-figure deal to write a book about last year’s presidential election,” per the AP. ” ‘The Audacity to Win: The Inside Story and Lessons of Barack Obama’s Historic Victory’ will be published by Viking next fall.” Iowa watch: End of an era. “Des Moines Register political columnist David Yepsen is expected on Wednesday to be named director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, bringing to an end a storied chapter in the Iowa newspaper,” the Des Moines Register reports. “Yepsen, 58, was expected to appear Wednesday at a press conference in Carbondale, after the two other finalists for the job were said to have withdrawn from the running.” The Kicker: “Why exactly are you here, honest to God?” — David Letterman, to his guest, Rod Blagojevich. Blagojevich: “Well, you know, I’ve been wanting to be on your show in the worst way for the longest time.” — Blagojevich’s response. Letterman: “Well, you’re on in the worst way, believe me.” Bookmark the link below to get The Note’s daily morning analysis:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/the_note/index.html For up-to-the-minute political updates check out The Note’s blog . . . all day every day:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/ Follow The Note blog on Twitter: http://twitter.com/thenote

User Comments

This guy has no experience and is making decisions before understanding the unintended consequences. It is going to be a long 4 years.

Posted by: chaos | February 4, 2009, 8:43 am 8:43 am

Obama is playing a clever game of ‘good cop, bad cop’. A charismatic, well-spoken president that owns up to his mistakes doesn’t make me feel any better about his making the identical mistakes of his predecessor. Namely, these trillion dollar money grabs advertised as stimulous packages. Know one thing for certain– the creation of more worthless currency will stimulate one thing only– hyperinflation, and the destruction of the dollar. If 8-10 trillion in ‘liquidity’ last year did nothing but cripple the economy and throw millions out of work, what do we honestly think more of the same will accomplish? Forget the mea culpa over his latest questionable appointments– they are meaningless compared to the greater disaster he is orchestrating with these bailouts.

Posted by: h5mind | February 4, 2009, 8:46 am 8:46 am

This is another sleight of hand. The pay for play people were mollified with their treasured cabinet positions. All along the new administration was aware the clay foot pay for play would fall. Have you noticed how all of the Obama pay for play that paid for his Presidency have fallen? These people got what they wanted and now are dumped. The treasured cabinet positions are unimportant to this administration. President Obama is surrounded by his minions, the czars. This was a well run and efficent replay of Adolf Hitler and the German Cabinet in the 1930′s. No, I am not saying we will be saluting with brown shirts and a Sig Heil. I am saying do not be fooled with the sleight of hand. This was used before and it is duping people again.

Posted by: clancy49 | February 4, 2009, 8:49 am 8:49 am

Please push the “restart button” BO. God knows you need to.

Posted by: chaos | February 4, 2009, 8:52 am 8:52 am

It refreshing to hear someone take responsibility,
instead of instructing his advisors to point fingers at
innocent people to divert attention from their mistakes.

Posted by: spacerook1 | February 4, 2009, 8:53 am 8:53 am

Obama screwed up with the Treasury Secretary too. He didn’t pay his taxes four years in a row. He is now running the IRS. Obama’s Chief Performance Office
Nancy Killefer also withdrew. She didn’t pay her taxes. Is Obama apologizing for them too? They were all mistakes.

Posted by: CW | February 4, 2009, 8:56 am 8:56 am

Is there an echo in here?

Posted by: wilmon44 | February 4, 2009, 8:56 am 8:56 am

Chaos,
I agree. Obama lacks the experience to lead this country. BHO approval rating today is 37%.

Posted by: Jackie | February 4, 2009, 8:59 am 8:59 am

Posted by: Ordermonger | February 4, 2009, 9:00 am 9:00 am

The problem with the Democrat Party and their contaminated followers. (contaminated by our liberal press) is that their ANTI-BUSINESS…….
There is a concept that the Dems and their propaganda outlets (Hollywood, MSM, flaming liberal professors) need to start warming up to and that is “Big business” is the engine of the American economy.
If you want the big corporate businesses to leave the USA and take their 100′s of billions that they send to the US Treasury everyyear then “roll the dice” and take your chances.
If you want the 10′s millions of Americans workers who are employed by Big Business to loose their jobs ….then “roll the dice”. And when the workers jobs are gone then the US Treasury will loose 100′s of billions more in tax revenues……..
Democrats you need to be PRO-business if you want the American economy to recover.
Wake up and turn on your “commonsenses”.

Posted by: perceptions | February 4, 2009, 9:00 am 9:00 am

we give 8 years to an incompetent buffoon and we can’t give this guy a month before writing him off? no where else but American.

Posted by: sickntired | February 4, 2009, 9:03 am 9:03 am

Biden said “it is patriotic to pay taxes”
I wonder how he feels to be part of an administration who thinks it is OK NOT to pay taxes.

Posted by: CW | February 4, 2009, 9:03 am 9:03 am

Went door to door for him in the primaries, gave money (and I have the t-shirt to prove it), believe in what he says, but disappointed in what he’s done. As I’m sure many are. I think the Geithner appointment was a mistake. Maybe Geithner did make an honest mistake – but still.
Daschle was a huge mistake. Obama is right, one of the biggest problems the country faces is the lack of accountability. Rumsfeld and Tenet get medals. Remember the brokers around 2001 that got caught with emails saying that the dot-com stocks they were pushing were worthless? Slapped with an 80 million dollar severance package….
Bonuses and bathroom fixtures.
So Obama pushes the new ea of responsibility, except for Daschle. Very, very, disappointing.
However -
The last guy wouldn’t have admitted a mistake. I teach my kids that it’s Human to make mistakes, but you gotta own up to them, and then you have to fix them. And you can’t make the same one twice. The last guy not only wouldn’t admit a mistake, he would lie about it, tell us that he actually hadn’t made a mistake, and then later on tell us that he really did do that, but not only was it not a mistake, it was the right thing to do and up yours I’m going to keep on doing it.
I’m thinking about the torture thing here…..
I hope that Obama has learned a lesson. Unlike the last guy, I think he is capable of learning lessons, and capable of real humility. And he has a wife who seems to be capable of pulling his ego back down to earth when needed.
Given the real choices we had for President this time around, I still think we made the best choice. Hopefully Obama still has or can regain the level of credibility he needs with the American people to encourage us to get to work with him.
Please, President Obama, don’t do anything like this ever again.

Posted by: Steve From NH | February 4, 2009, 9:07 am 9:07 am

Obama just needs to quit being the gentleman and taking everyone’s word for it when he asks if they have any background problems. He’s got the resources of the federal government to find this out for himself. And the ones he’s had difficulty with disgust me.

Posted by: Kitty Wilberforce | February 4, 2009, 9:07 am 9:07 am

He gets points for admitting errors. Perhaps he can curb the obvious elitism and go back to the less obvious.
Few points of the Bailout:
$335 million for education related to sexually transmitted diseases
$650 million for coupons to help people make the switch to digital TV
$50 million for the national endowment for the arts.
$150 million for the Smithsonian Institute
$2 million for child care subsidies.
$400 million for global warming research
$2.4 million for carbon-capture demonstration projects
$1.5 million for a National Institute of Health/Institute of Medicine report to Congress
$70 million to help people quit smoking
Aren’t we glad they aren’t wasting money on useless things like border security, roads, bridges, defense, education, water supplies, waste treatment, energy, health care. …
$50 million for pretty pictures and ballet while our borders are unguarded.
$400 million for research while interstate bridges fall into rivers.
$70 million to help people quit smoking while our veterans live homeless and sick.
Obama is making mistakes he isn’t admitting to.

Posted by: Oonogil | February 4, 2009, 9:09 am 9:09 am

Neither you Rick Klein you are perfect. You just write long articles and I admit and many others that I do not read everything to the end!
I like our President each day which passes. Different kind of leading. Not like George (not George the brother) who admitted his mistakes on his way out. That was totally WRONG!!!!!!

Posted by: Rosie | February 4, 2009, 9:10 am 9:10 am

July 4th, 2009 every citizen march on their state capitol and demand reform of government on every level!!!

Posted by: hkdakota | February 4, 2009, 9:10 am 9:10 am

Let’s give the President a break on this Daschle. Never mind the “misunderstanding” on the driver and limo; Daschle did not report all of his income on speaking engagements and reported too much in charitable donations. Those weren’t “honest mistakes”. Those were planned. And it happened over several years. How was the President to know of this fraud?

Posted by: Don | February 4, 2009, 9:12 am 9:12 am

Ahoy there chaos; since life is lived in the shades of grey, in between the two extremes, you have nothing to worry about
Obama need not have apologised. In picking people for their ability to do the work he is also weeding out the old Washington for a clean slade; he has to wipe it first still with chalk marks for a second swipe.
Order is on the other side of chaos

Posted by: order | February 4, 2009, 9:12 am 9:12 am

President Obama is coming perilously close to squandering the deluge of goodwill that ushered him into office. The best thing going for him as president is his credibility and promise for change. If he loses that, he loses everything—and will be seen as just another politician. How can such an intelligent man allow the many current problems of credibility (mostly self-inflicted)—after such a beautiful campaign? Will he be so willing to disappoint his ardent supporters, especially these idealistic young people who helped to make his Presidency possible? Will we in the end come to conclude that the “beautiful one” is not yet born? “Man may be a little lower than angels” (Judge Leaned Hand), but he can aspire to be principled and honest. That has been the beauty and power of Obama’s campaign! As Wilheim Liebknecht emphasized: “Principle is indivisible. It is either wholly kept or wholly sacrificed. The slightest concession on matters of principle infers the abandonment of principle.” How could Obama so readily abandon principle in favor of expediency? Yet, principle had seemed to be the very essence of his appeal, campaign and power? Democrats know how to present the right ideas; but they often fail, because of their own contradictions, to govern well, to their detriment! Gradually, Obama’s credibility is chipping away. If he will not recognize this, let him think of 2010 and 2012–and what has emboldened his political adversaries. Oh, “What experience and history teach us is that people and government never have leaned anything from it,” bemoaned Georg Wilheim Hegel. What Obama presented us during his great campaign was a reason to hope again and a program of change. As Mazzini informed us about the success of a program of change, “its development must be confined to men who are believers in it, and emancipated from every tie or connection with any principle of an opposite nature.” That means no lobbyists, no tax evaders, no naysayers, and no opposite Republican economic ideals of the last eight years that is largely responsible for the present economic malaise!

Posted by: Dr. Sam | February 4, 2009, 9:13 am 9:13 am

“I agree. Obama lacks the experience to lead this country. BHO approval rating today is 37%.”
According to whom? This is the third straight day of people citing polling data that can’t be found anywhere.
I think he’s knows exactly what he’s doing. He wanted Dashcle. And who cares if these taxes related to a car service. Sure, he should pay them, but it’s not like he lied about Capital Gains or his income. A freaking driver. And as George said…that’s something that could obviously blow up on a lot of people on the hill. At least he’s publicly issuing a mea culpa. Even if he did know and was willing to take the gamble, which I have a hunch he did.
He hasn’t lost a drop of political capital.

Posted by: Silky_Johnson | February 4, 2009, 9:14 am 9:14 am

I think he made too much of this yesterday. Confront the mistake and move on. Major Republican leaders also agreed that Tom Daschle was the best person for the DHHS job and to lead a reform of the healthcare system. (A system that sees us pay more than any other industrialized country for healthcare and yet we are not even in the top 30 countries in terms of life expectancy.) I don’t think this idea that “we are powerful and important therefore we are above paying taxes” is the particular problem of one political party. I would love to see every member of Congress and all political appointees get audited. What’s that saying about those that live in glass houses?

Posted by: TSnow27604 | February 4, 2009, 9:14 am 9:14 am

I am still waiting for the change. Aren’t these all old Washington players? How is this different? Wake up America. You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig. Remember that one?
BTW, it doesn’t matter if admits to it being a mistake. The American people need to understand that elected officials are held to a higher standard that the rest of us so his appology is irrelevant. Poor judgement is not a quality that Americans need in a President.

Posted by: Adriana | February 4, 2009, 9:15 am 9:15 am

is the 37 % approval rating correct ? where did you see that ?

Posted by: chaos | February 4, 2009, 9:17 am 9:17 am

They’re making up these polling numbers.

Posted by: Silky_Johnson | February 4, 2009, 9:20 am 9:20 am

I watched snippets of the interviews last night. My first reaction listening to the New President “damn, I like this man.” Obama lowers my blood pressure, he calms me. I love his intelligence, his sureness, his complexity, his eyes!
Yesterday I was all riled up, reading posts on this blog and others attacking Democrats, today I am “jellin’.” I love this new President!

Posted by: Amy | February 4, 2009, 9:20 am 9:20 am

Posted by: Txjedi | February 4, 2009, 9:20 am 9:20 am

“President Obama is coming perilously close to squandering the deluge of goodwill that ushered him into office.”
No, he’s not. Even if he were, it wouldn’t matter. Many of us realize that the warm fuzzy was cosmetic. We voted for him to fix things, first and foremost. Would I prefer these people’s noses were perfectly clean? Of course. But the best people for the job are rarely perfect. He’s had his eye on Daschle for this for a long time. It’s a shame.

Posted by: Silky_Johnson | February 4, 2009, 9:21 am 9:21 am

This guy (Bush)had no experience and was making decisions before understanding the unintended consequences. It was going to be a long 8 years.

Posted by: Paul | February 4, 2009, 9:22 am 9:22 am

Obama screws up and he is put on a pedestal for it. He still strongly supported Daschel’s nomination despite all of the information coming out about him. Daschel is no novice in the scheme of things. He also had a real conflict of interest since he was part of the health care bandwagon and recipient of their money. Obama only now says he made a mistake since Daschel removed his name. There’s something wrong with this picture.

Posted by: Fran | February 4, 2009, 9:24 am 9:24 am

The problem here is that even after Pres. Obama knew about Daschle’s quandry, he still supported him. Loyalty is nice, and Obama needn’t have kicked Daschle hard on the bum on the way out the door, but he showed him out the door.
Contrition is nice, but Obama is only apologizing and taking responsibility because he had no choice. The hypocrisy of his promises of “change,” “transparency” and “accountability” was apparent for everyone to see. If Daschle had been able to keep his tax problems a secret from the public, I think we all know the Obama administration would have pushed him through without telling anyone.
As others are saying, it seems America bought into image over substance with this last election. There are some serious experience and character deficits with our new president. They were clear before the election, but too many people wanted to believe Obama was a new Messiah who deserved the job because he offered placating catchprhases and looked good in a swimsuit. We have truly become a shallow nation, and we are already seeing the consequences of our superficial choices.

Posted by: Quin | February 4, 2009, 9:25 am 9:25 am

“This guy has no experience and is making decisions before understanding the unintended consequences. It is going to be a long 4 years.” This is the kind of comment that comes from a totally uninformed person who accepts the shallow gossip dished out daily by the pathetic American news media. Some reporters and readers were even critical that Obama took time out to read to school children. Yet, the foreign press reported on several major issues Obama worked on yesterday that have great impact on the U.S. and countries around the world. Anyone care to guess what they were, or take the time to find out what is really going on? Obama has made remarkable strides forward for the country in two weeks, yet the media morons continue to hype tabloid level garbage and chicken little news. The country is finally in good hands and the media and a narrow little band of cretans continues to work to undermine the stability of this country.

Posted by: Dean | February 4, 2009, 9:25 am 9:25 am

How is it that people aren’t outraged that he wants to raise taxes yet he picks people who don’t pay. THAT IS INSANITY. Stop being sheep people and think for yourselves! It os not OK to not pay taxes.
Maybe these officials realized that they could put thier money to better use than giving it to the wasteful vortex of government.

Posted by: Aiden | February 4, 2009, 9:25 am 9:25 am

At least he Admitted his Mistake. maybe this will only make Him stronger,I never once heard Bush say he made Mistakes and boy did he Make alot! The only thing I heard Bush say was a Mistake on his part was MISSON ACCOMPLISHED!

Posted by: Angie | February 4, 2009, 9:27 am 9:27 am

obama thinks his nominee’s and his friends are above the law..
Has he fired the tax cheat Geitner?
Noper.
Obama has special rules.. No Heat for You, A greenhouse type heat for himself.
the guy won’t even put on a sweater to stay warm.. he’s “above that”

Posted by: verdinet | February 4, 2009, 9:28 am 9:28 am

I trust president Obama more than I have any president in a long long time. He is entitled to make missteps, they all do, it is inevitable. But here again he proves he is a good man and believes in the things he is saying, and if you take his willingness to admit a mistake as weakness, I think you will find otheriwsein the coming years. I just wish the Republican party would show more real concern for the state of our country, put aside their petty and inconsequential power struggles and make more effort to work together with him for the true better ment of our nation and our world. I am discouraged by the demeanor of these professional politicians that this is not going to happen, not part of their plans. They will go on protecting the narrow interests of the wealthy and clawing to take back the power the American people stripped them of in November. I hope Americans are watching this circus, and seeing who the selfish obstructionists truly are in our government, so they can vote the rest of them out next election.

Posted by: iamwomaninmi | February 4, 2009, 9:28 am 9:28 am

I would prefer a President who is above reproach. But after eight years of conservative blame gaming, endless Republican evasion (Anthony “I do not recall” Gonzalez, stone walling, and crazed wingnut finger pointing I will settle for one that can construct coherent sentences and tell the truth at the same time. I’ll happily support a President with enough basic respect for We the People to look us in the eye and own up and take some accountability when he makes a mistake. Big improvement over throwing his underlings under the bus or telling Brownie he did a heckuva job when everyone knew otherwise. Changing the culture of Washinton is something that would take years and a replacement of all the bitter partisans left there on both sides of the aisle. Obama has made eff

Posted by: Ordermogner | February 4, 2009, 9:30 am 9:30 am

OK then. So I guess I can just not pay taxes and say oops and it will all be well. Thanks Obama!

Posted by: Sammy | February 4, 2009, 9:32 am 9:32 am

“President Obama is coming perilously close to squandering the deluge of goodwill that ushered him into office.” Hey, you get quoted twice today. Here’s a given; you and a absolute minority in this country never had any goodwill towards Obama, so he hasn’t lost anything. He will probably never GAIN and goodwill from you, so he’s lost nothing. The people who voted for him have not become faint of heart or determination that he is doing a good job, is already on track to get us out of the trenches, and still has 65-69% of the country behind him. That includes therepublicans-conservatives-independents who crossed over and voted against the Neanderthals and for Obama.

Posted by: Dean | February 4, 2009, 9:32 am 9:32 am

Hey ABC – Can we get an in depth analysis of Obama’s lack of competency here? Sort of like you did on Bush when he was reading to grade school kids on 9/11. You know, ask the question how could the president be so incompetent over and over again. I mean you did it for a president that faced the unthinkable on 9/11 right? So why not do it for a president facing the every day challenge all presidents face in forming their cabinet? Looking forward to your analysis of Obama’s poor competency. I won’t hold my breath!

Posted by: WakeUpABC | February 4, 2009, 9:34 am 9:34 am

The leader of the free world has screwed up. He gets a pass from the press. Hope he does not get that 3:00am call and say oh yeah send a nuke!!

Posted by: Jim Rod | February 4, 2009, 9:36 am 9:36 am

Why can;t we just give him up to 2 years to righten the ship it won’t fix itself overnight,, heck those bailout companies and the government don;t even know where they spent the money.. how sad is that!!!

Posted by: jd | February 4, 2009, 9:38 am 9:38 am

As a past McCain supporter and someone always sceptical of the integrity and principals of all politicians. I applaud my new president for not ignoring the more important threat to his moral high ground. That being a business as usual attitude by the established morass of washington. I am encouraged by this recognition that
a higher standard is required for those in public service. That this standard should apply to all regardless of political philosophy or party affiliation.
Good job Mr. President!

Posted by: Aloneinthemidle | February 4, 2009, 9:42 am 9:42 am

McCain is speaking out strongly against Obama’s plan even though the man is admittedly clueless on economic related issues.
McCain feels so strongly, he will be absent from the Senate floor and unable to cast a vote on the stimulus.
Hypocrisy at its finest.

Posted by: Paige | February 4, 2009, 9:42 am 9:42 am

It was no small thing to hear a president say he had made a mistake. He didn’t ask us what the definition of THE was and he didn’t foolishly proclaim he was right with evidence to the contrary. I can’t recall seeing this since Reagan said “mistakes were made.”
As for changing the subject? I certainly hope so. When you make a mistake you try to fix it and move on. He has more on his plate than making the pundit circuit talking about Daschle.

Posted by: Liv | February 4, 2009, 9:45 am 9:45 am

I think America may be having buyer’s remorse. Perhaps the press should have scrutinized this guy instead of giving him their rubber stamp of approval.
He now not only pals around with preachers who hate America and white people, slumlords who are now in federal prison, terrorists who bombed our gov’t buildings, but apparently also people who never pay their taxes.
BO, your judge of character is impeccable!

Posted by: BOstinks | February 4, 2009, 9:47 am 9:47 am

“As others are saying, it seems America bought into image over substance with this last election. There are some serious experience and character deficits with our new president. They were clear before the election, but too many people wanted to believe Obama was a new Messiah who deserved the job because he offered placating catchprhases and looked good in a swimsuit. We have truly become a shallow nation, and we are already seeing the consequences of our superficial choices.”
He is doing a brilliant job so far. And he took a gamble to get who he wanted. It didn’t work out. So be it. Should these guys pay their taxes? YES. But far too many people on the right’s default position is to throw the baby out with the bath water.

Posted by: Silky_Johnson | February 4, 2009, 9:49 am 9:49 am

Obama picked people like Daschle and Clinton, who have had years of experience, to try and push through his agenda as quickly as possible at a time when the country needs help. He went with experience and probably overlooked a few points of contention. That being said it is rather refreshing still to have a President who takes accountability for his mistakes as he did in his statements, something that Bush Jr. certainly never has done still, even with all of his glaring mistakes. His biggest regret in all his exit interviews was a missed Katrina photo op.
Posted by: Ordermonger
_______________________________________
Ordermonger, the problem is, this is the man who’s Vice President said it was our “patriotic duty” to pay higher taxes. Isn’t “taxing the wealthy” a large part of his ideology?
Then he appoints arrogant wealthy people who do not pay their taxes. I don’t know what this looks like to you but to many people, this looks hypocritical. You honestly think a simple “apology” will fix this?
As for Bush and Hurricane Katrina, he apologized many times for the aftermath. Your party saw fit not only to blame him for the handling of the aftermath but also for the hurricane itself. Bush “caused” the hurricane through global warming. Well you all have to say SOMETHING to get elected.

Posted by: marco | February 4, 2009, 9:49 am 9:49 am

The real not pay your taxes guys are the Republicans who under Bush gave the rich huge tax cuts. Protest that “conservatives.”

Posted by: Paul | February 4, 2009, 9:50 am 9:50 am

The next thing Obama should apologize for is this Trillion dollar “stimulus” package. Drop the package.
Fellow citizens, call/write your senators to ditch this deal. It will put us into debt to the Chinese, if we can’t pay it back they’ll own us!

Posted by: BT | February 4, 2009, 9:51 am 9:51 am

“I think America may be having buyer’s remorse.”
I think you are out of touch with America.

Posted by: Silky_Johnson | February 4, 2009, 9:51 am 9:51 am

How is this his first black eye. Heck it was broke last august that Bill Richardson was being investigated for pay to play and Obama still nominated him. I have a feeling that this is simply a case of birds flocking together.

Posted by: Sha | February 4, 2009, 9:51 am 9:51 am

Democrat leaders love Taxes cause joe blow pays them and they don’t. If joe blow doesn’t pay he goes to jail if a Democrat leader doesn’t pay he gets a position in the Whitehouse

Posted by: sha | February 4, 2009, 9:54 am 9:54 am

Paul
Well, when the wealthiest 10% of Americans pay 70% of all the taxes, naturally, those 10% will receive the biggest tax breaks. Crazy logic, huh?
That’s almost as crazy as BO giving 95% of Americans a tax break when 50% of Americans pay no federal taxes.

Posted by: BOstinks | February 4, 2009, 9:55 am 9:55 am

The real not pay your taxes guys are the Republicans who under Bush gave the rich huge tax cuts. Protest that “conservatives.”
Paul
—————————————-
Paul there is a huge difference between tax cuts and tax avoidance. I would hope you could see the differnece.
Wake up sheeple! It is the dawn of the do as I say not as I do era.

Posted by: Sammy | February 4, 2009, 9:57 am 9:57 am

sickandtired that boffoon was the president of the united states. This boffoon is also the president of the united states in your words. He has made stupid almost uneducated mistakes. Who in the heck is screening these people? Daffy Duck? We are talking about the highest office in the land and this guy can not even pick one person

Posted by: Jim Rod | February 4, 2009, 10:00 am 10:00 am

Don’t be too hard on Obama….
He is in the beginning of his on-the-job training program….remember Clinton tried to point this out during the campaign?
We have elected an inexperienced unknown person as President….
Be prepared for more of this….

Posted by: opedanderson | February 4, 2009, 10:03 am 10:03 am

When all else fails, blame Bush.
Just what was Bush’s approval rating again? So “who” are you trying to upset with your bashing???
It really shows your childish desperation. Obama has falling approval ratings. Which means that there are those of us that voted for him who nolonger approve of him.
Bashing Bush is preaching to the chior and makes you seem pathetic.

Posted by: Angie and the like | February 4, 2009, 10:03 am 10:03 am

Can anyone imagine if McCain won and all of his appointments were tax cheats?
Do you think anderson cooper would have asked him the hardball questions like he asked BO last nite?
“Tell me mr. president, have you had a cigarette in white house”?

Posted by: BOstinks | February 4, 2009, 10:04 am 10:04 am

“First black eye”? Did you forget Geithner ? What about Robert Reich’s racist statement ? This is what you get when you elect a Chicago hack politician with no experience.

Posted by: Ron | February 4, 2009, 10:07 am 10:07 am

Isn’t it “special” that the LSM describes obama as “an ‘angry,’ ‘disappointed,’ and deeply apologetic president, owning up to missteps”?
That’s pretty amazing, considering the walloping that George W. Bush was given in HIS early “missteps” in the Presidency! When THOSE “missteps” were reported on, they were the subject of intense derision, disgust, and even overt hatred on the part of the media and of liberals as well, yet now, the media darling in the White House is being given all sorts of cover for HIS lack of judgment and “missteps”!!
Amazing what the support of a fawning media can do for your image, eh??!

Posted by: Chisco3 | February 4, 2009, 10:07 am 10:07 am

People defend Obama blindly. They are addicted to him like it’s political porn!

Posted by: Katrina | February 4, 2009, 10:09 am 10:09 am

He has a hell of a lot to fix. The problems go far deeper than the obvious.
He has a lot of ability. He has a wonderful sense of the underlying values and principles that can be built on for the future. He also an infrastructure of people that he can use that have grown with a great number of flaws. He has to work with what he has and try and mend it as he trys to move toward an overall success.
I believe Obama can get the foundations for a good future in order. Yes, keep an eye on him, help him achieve what needs to be achieved in the best way possible. But stand behind him, watch his back as he’s got all of our backs. We don’t need a war within our country any more. Hard Conservatives and Hard Liberals need to cave to the interests of the overwhelming majority. Get everybody on the same broad track where there is room for everyone.
We got a lot to fix. We are divided and conquered by too much infighting. Debate needs to be focused on finding the best way to make things as ideal as possible for now and the future.

Posted by: Ryan | February 4, 2009, 10:09 am 10:09 am

Oonogil, Wow talk about splitting hairs.
Less than 1% of the $700 Billion! If that’s
really going to pass the package, then
there is something wrong. Republicans
are become anal retentive these days. I
bet you were in the crowd cheering Stevens
with his $ 400 million dollar “Bridge to
nowhere.” What about Former Pres. Bushes
wonderful $82 Billion loan to AIG? They are
now over 3 months behind in their payments!
Over $67 Million in interest alone that is owed
us! Unless bush called it a socialistic move.

Posted by: spacerook1 | February 4, 2009, 10:11 am 10:11 am

I don’t consider admiting a mistake a black eye. He is taking responsibility and that is a “change.” Remember, he has been dealing with the lack of responsibility of the last 8 yrs of republican leadership and they won’t admit their mistakes. Mc Cain who said “the economy is strong” is the biggest loser and now he wants to re-write Obama’s plan. That would be a mistake.

Posted by: Pat Napolitano Marietta. Ga. | February 4, 2009, 10:13 am 10:13 am

Obama spent two years explaining how intelligent and well educated he was and led all to believe in his perfection. Now, he’s made the staff and cabinet selection process look like “monkeys playing football”. Somehow he left the honesty and integrity characteristics off his list of qualifying criteria. Geithner is tainted and, hopefully, all the other “ethically challenged” have dropped out.

Posted by: N'erdowell | February 4, 2009, 10:15 am 10:15 am

You guys are funny. And really sad, ultimately.

Posted by: Silky_Johnson | February 4, 2009, 10:16 am 10:16 am

I still like him. He made some mistakes, he admitted them quickly, I think he learned not to repeat them. Let’s move on to the main agenda.

Posted by: Bill Graves | February 4, 2009, 10:17 am 10:17 am

Big deal, every president has some nominees that don’t make it, as did Bush, as did Clinton, etc. This isn’t something new. In fact I dont care really, its the health and human services, not exactly the same as secretary of state. Sooner or later the position will get filled. Must be a slow news day.

Posted by: Scotti | February 4, 2009, 10:17 am 10:17 am

Paige, That’s because he has an appointment
to be on the Letterman show again.

Posted by: spacerook1 | February 4, 2009, 10:17 am 10:17 am

Let’s see, millions of people out of work, companies closing all over the place, foreclosed houses everywhere, our military fighting wars, and Obama is at a grade school reading a book for a photo op. It looks like the most dangerous place to be in between Obama and a tv camera.

Posted by: sweetskeeter67 | February 4, 2009, 10:20 am 10:20 am

To all those people who gripe that illegal aliens don’t contribute to taxes, look at our own politicians! And so far they are all white politicians who have dodged paying taxes. Why is it always those who point the finger are the most guilty themselves?

Posted by: AnnNewYork | February 4, 2009, 10:20 am 10:20 am

Katrina, certain people defend Bush blindly too. They are addicted to him like cocaine!

Posted by: spacerook1 | February 4, 2009, 10:22 am 10:22 am

Word on the street is that MORE cabinet posts are about to get outed as tax cheats! More! Good job Rahm! Keep your ears peeled folks. It’s about to get even uglier. If that’s possible! This is change we can believe in folks! Oh how we need another Ronald Reagan!

Posted by: Riffy | February 4, 2009, 10:22 am 10:22 am

Things are so different now. Can you imagine George W. Bush ever admitting a mistake, even something as serious as Katrina or WMDs? Can you imagine a GOP administration capping executive bonuses and compensation for bailed out companies evem though it is the only sensible thing to do? Can you imagine a GOP administration tightening SEC rules and oversight so Madoff is less likely to happen again? Can you imagine a GOP administration even caring about anybody but the rich CEOs with their billion of dollars in bonuses and the Madoff types? I can’t. I thank God for the change. Now those of us who love to see an administration that really cares for ordinary people need to stand up and support Obama.

Posted by: JAB | February 4, 2009, 10:22 am 10:22 am

So they want government workers to drive environment friendly cars? Isn’t that a good thing? Isn’t that setting a good example, walking the talk, in the fight against global warming and sending a “the US is going green” message to the rest of the world? And aren’t these cars going to be bought from one of our Big Three that are suffering from the slow economy? Why are we so against this again? And there’s potholes all over the freeway on the way to work today, need to hire people to fix them, plenty of people out of work, why aren’t we supporting freeway construction? Republicans, really, we could do more than just bail out rich CEO’s don’t you think?

Posted by: Scotti | February 4, 2009, 10:24 am 10:24 am

Hey JAB you may want to take a look at Madoff’s political friends and his contributees! Here’s a hint. They ain’t Republicans! This is about to get too ugly for even the Obama syncophants to explain away.

Posted by: Riffy | February 4, 2009, 10:26 am 10:26 am

Republicans scrutinizing every little Obama move dying to rip him to shreds, why don’t you guys do something useful, get a job, do some volunteer work, join the army….do something besides watch Obama’s behind will ya?

Posted by: Scotti | February 4, 2009, 10:26 am 10:26 am

Mr Mc Cain “the economy is strong” and “no restrictions’ senator now has a lot to say about the President’s plan. Who cares what he thinks. He has made some mistakes like saying the economy is strong, he hasn’t admitted that yet, nor has he admitted that Palin was not qualified. So when he admits to this, then and only then can he criticize President Obama.

Posted by: Pat Napolitano Marietta. Ga. | February 4, 2009, 10:28 am 10:28 am

LOL Scotti, you’re right, if Obama gets a pimple, Republicans will run around screaming, “Look look, he’s not perfect, he has a zit! Palin never got zits! We’re doomed we’re doomed, we shoulda choose Palin!”

Posted by: Jess | February 4, 2009, 10:30 am 10:30 am

Yeah Scotti! Can you imagine Republicans trying to undermine the cult of Barry! I mean that never happened to Bush! LOL! Please name all the Bush appointees that were tax cheats. In three short weeks Barry has shattered Bush’s record of hiring tax cheats! Change baby!

Posted by: Riffy | February 4, 2009, 10:30 am 10:30 am

37% approval rating according to dittoheads, no doubt. Please, please keep El Rushbo front and center!

Posted by: Denise | February 4, 2009, 10:31 am 10:31 am

Of course this is a black eye, and rightfully so!!!
Remember that 63 question application for employment in his cabinet?
Everyone was swooning over the idea that there would be NO corruption in his administration. What happened?
It shows Obama lacks what it takes. He should have known everything negative about all of these people. That also gave Obama a reason to fire these people, but he didn’t. He waited for them to step down themselves. No backbone.

Posted by: Tom | February 4, 2009, 10:32 am 10:32 am

I seem to recall a few of Bush’s cohorts who are now in jail i.e. Libby and a few others.

Posted by: Pat Napolitano Marietta. Ga. | February 4, 2009, 10:33 am 10:33 am

Pat you really want to go down that road? Really? Because I’m loaded for bear, and facts can’t be distorted my friend.

Posted by: Riffy | February 4, 2009, 10:37 am 10:37 am

I really think that everyone should give Pres.Obama a chance. I know if yall put the Bushy shidiggy. Then I know can at least let the President try to get us out the bushes.

Posted by: Sylvia | February 4, 2009, 10:38 am 10:38 am

The people who were solidliy against Barack Obama all along seem to be pretending that current events impact or confirm their views. I doubt it. Postings on this site are usually full of their one sided rants, complete with the same name calling that’s on talk radio (usually word for word).When I read things like “unknown”,”messiah”,”incompetent” and the other verbage that Hannity and Limbaugh use in their daily brainwashing, I realize that we don’t need to worry about external enimies.The real threat to our society is within, such as the libel and slander that goes out unchecked over the airways. The people who have double standards, are offended to be considered rascist for not being fair to the President are a much bigger threat to America than anything else on Earth. They want want to keep fights going over anything because Bush lost and because they never expected to see a black man in the White House. UNITY; Forget about it! Obama’s enimies are the remnants of the Jesse Helm’s wing of the GOP. They will die before ever confronting their hatred of anyone who is different or thinks differently than they do.

Posted by: Mike in Carolina | February 4, 2009, 10:38 am 10:38 am

“It’s about to get even uglier.”
You mean uglier than the blood of 4000+ Americans on the President’s hands?

Posted by: Silky_Johnson | February 4, 2009, 10:38 am 10:38 am

Let’s keep things in perspective, folks.

Posted by: Silky_Johnson | February 4, 2009, 10:39 am 10:39 am

Riffy…Hmm yeah i do believe that most of Bush’s nominees committed much worse crimes AFTER they were appointed. Gonzales and Libby comes to mind. And then of coarse there’s Bush and Cheney, breaking laws left and right and not getting called out on it (there’s still time)…almost wish all Bush had ever done his entire time in office was cheat a little on his taxes, that woulda been better for the country. I don’t have time (I’m at work) to look up Bush’s nominee failures, but I was alive and I do remember he had some too.

Posted by: Scotti | February 4, 2009, 10:39 am 10:39 am

It appears anyone who had the audacity to question BO’s judgement might have been justified after all.
When his
-pastor of 20 years was exposed as a racist, anti-American nut.
-biggest senate campaign organizer, Rezko, turned out to be a slumlord worthy of federal prison (who also helped the obama’s purchase their million dollar mansion via a “sweetheart” deal),
-campaign kick off party was housed at an unrepentent terrorist’s house.
These might have been clues that BO’s judge of character may not have been the best. Now it appears that all of his friends are tax cheats. SHOCKING!
I can’t wait for BO’s next use of “that is uuhh not the uuhh person that I uuuuhhh knew”

Posted by: BOstinks | February 4, 2009, 10:41 am 10:41 am

Obama says “I screwed up” that’s really his answer? He used that about Rev. Wright, about his elitist remarks,and about his sexist treatment of women. Is that going to be his answer for everything? Is he screwed up? Will that go down as the great quote from the great orator Obama?give me a break!

Posted by: 7april77 | February 4, 2009, 10:42 am 10:42 am

This is the beginning of the end of everything we know and love in America. The Dems’ are going to destroy big business and the dollar. Hyperinflation will kick in IF the economy picks up IF the “stimulus” package is passed as is. We need to let the economy “heal” itself and “kill” off buinesses/banks that made bad desicions. People who took loans they couldn’t afford need to lose their house. Americans need to be held responsible and awaken to the fact that we HAVE to EARN a living.
The Dems’ are going to try and pass a bill that requires all conserative talk shows to show opposing views. This is the beginning of censorship. If you don’t like what Rush says, turn the freakin’ channel.
I can only hope that Obama does bring change without destroying everything that makes this country great (i.e. freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, a free-market, and democrazy).
Socialism is no way to go – look at Europe. We have been the leader in technology, living standards, and democrazy for over 200 years and we are about to give it all away b/c we have grown lazy.
NO MORE HANDOUTS!

Posted by: Nathan | February 4, 2009, 10:42 am 10:42 am

This is going to be 4 years of miss-steps and “Oh gee ….. I’m sorry”. I hope there will be an America left after this administration is through making decisions made due to lack of experience.

Posted by: atlanta3430 | February 4, 2009, 10:44 am 10:44 am

Republican media is loud, narcissistic and snobbish as ever, they slander disgusting hate on the airwaves every day, then they have the nerve cry about so called “liberal media”. Who in the “liberal media” compares to Rush Limbaugh and his “I want Obama to fail”? We all heard that didn’t we? Seems like all I ever hear is Rush said this, ORielly said that, Glenn Back is indignant…etc. The truth is is that that there is way too much twisted cockamaney divisive CONSERVATIVE media being pumped out there and a lot of more money being spent on it than the few liberal sideshows (Kieth Olberman, and that’s about the only personality that compares).

Posted by: Scotti | February 4, 2009, 10:47 am 10:47 am

We knew this was coming.
A cursory look at Obama’s entire life reveals that he lacks the ability to judge the character and integrity of his associates. I mean honestly did anybody expect someone who would consider Jeremiah Wright a “spiritual advisor” and thought nothing of funneling funds for a organization directed by William Ayers to be someone to trust with questions of character and competence.
Are any of the Obam-phants now beginning to realize why the non-droolers were always wondering why all of Obama’s associates were so unbelievably strange and ugly?
This is the result of not getting an adequate answer!
But at least B. Hussein still has some of the more delusional still hanging on to the “hopeychangy” but some people can rationalize anything. Of course, only the most idiotic believed that best and brightest of this nation would spend their life hanging out at ACORN workshops, Trinity sermons, and seminars with dried up hippy “revolutionists”. That is Obama world.
I am sure with the aid of the MSM, Obama and his adorers will move on to the next debacle and we will again hear: “This is his 1st real misstep!”. We are already on version 426 of that theme. Congrats, you were 425!

Posted by: LogicalUS | February 4, 2009, 10:50 am 10:50 am

I get soooo tired of reading direct quotes and name calling direct from talk radio on this site. Doesn’t anyone have a comment that came from their own analysis of events? What would you have to say if Hannity and Limbaugh didn’t put words in your mouth everyday? I know, you’d resort to the true racist comments before code words such as “liberal”,”unknown” and “radical” became the norm. There have actually been calls for impeachment of the new President as if having opposite views from the right is a high crime or misdeameanor. The pure intolerance and racism is trully on full display on this site(along with denial).

Posted by: Mike in Carolina | February 4, 2009, 10:52 am 10:52 am

Nathan Republicans and thier president’s failure to regulate predatory lending caused this mess. Even ORielly admits that. If the American economy is in trouble I place the blame squarely at the Republicans feet. They spent twice more than Clinton did. They gave us wars without solutions. They failed to requlate. They caused the storm and now their crying that it’s raining. Democrats didn’t win the white house because the economy was shining. Even in 2006 there were terrible signs that collapse was imminent, and what did republicans do for the next two years? Fillibuster, veto, did everything in their power to sabotage and destroy any hope of stopping this calamity. Even now they continue to do so. Opposed to a highway admendment that would put millions currently out of work people to work fixing our crumbling highways and making money, but hey bailing out the rich is OK (has that solved anything?).

Posted by: Scotti | February 4, 2009, 10:53 am 10:53 am

just wait till he has to apologize for sending us towards a pre-WW2 germany where they spent themselves into governmental collapse

Posted by: adam | February 4, 2009, 10:54 am 10:54 am

Silky
How about the blood of 700,000 iraqis murdered by saddam’s chemical weapons that he supposedly never had on bill clinton’s hands? Bill gave speech after speech about how dangerous saddam was, how he needed to be stopped/taken out, how he had WMD’s and was trying to acquire more, but bill was just a little too busy being accused of rape by juanita brodderick and sticking his cigar in paula jones/lewinsky.
Tell me silky, were you one of the liberal hippies protesting the “evil” Vietnam war? Did you help America to wash it’s hands of the south vietnamese, which left them exposed to the north’s advances. In case you didn’t know, MILLIONS of south vietnamese were murdered by the north or sent to reducation camps after people like you and jane fonda got your way.
Thank you liberals! Great job!

Posted by: BOstinks | February 4, 2009, 10:55 am 10:55 am

Obama’s “stimulus” package should be broken into individual line item measures immediately and voted upon from that perspective with questionable items allowed to fall by the wayside. A person who cannot even vet his own position appointees effectively should be raising red flags all over the place and certainly not be given any kind of blanket support for something as large as the stimulus package.
Obama should rethink his grandiose ideas for America immediately and replace them with common sense actions which can stand up to what is going to be ever increasing scrutiny.

Posted by: chuck, Illinois | February 4, 2009, 10:55 am 10:55 am

Big deal, every president has some nominees that don’t make it, as did Bush, as did Clinton, etc. This isn’t something new. It’s normal. In fact I dont care really, its the health and human services, not exactly the same as secretary of state. Sooner or later the position will get filled. Must be a slow news day. Show me a president of the last 50 years that ever had all of his nominees get appointed.

Posted by: Scotti | February 4, 2009, 10:56 am 10:56 am

This is in response to a post above.
650 million for people to switch to digital TV is DUMB. I can’t think of anyone that NEEDS to watch TV. I’d like to see the donations behind that program.
Global climate change research is important sadly enough. Our world environment is rather crucial and we have a heavy enough footprint to change it now. We have to know what we are doing to adjust what we are doing.
Carbon capture is far more important than most anything you could think of and it strikes me as beyond short sighted if you are bringing that up funding for that as a “mistake.”
I had thought infrastructure (bridges, roads and so forth) was part of the funding. Infrastructure construction projects seem an excellent way to get our economy busy and better and if that isn’t there that’s a big mistake.
A report on our medical system is GREAT! We are spending huge amounts of money. We need to get an idea of what is taking up the cost and maybe interject some wisdom into the mix. As an important aside, we also need to understand the long term effects of our health care on our future. Are our descendants going to be slaves to a health care system because we are now passing on defective genes that would normally have killed us before we could replicate? Probably. We need to look at this highly controversial issue rather than fear it. Children should not be born slaves but they will be if fortunes are required just to keep them alive. A healthy baby may one day be a great rarity and we need to look this possibility in the eye.
If we get a sexually transmitted plague we will be more than crippled financially. Just looking at the usual variety of STDs, they are in general very expensive. Medical costs, productivity costs, quality of life/social costs. Prevention is cheaper than cures and often for STDs there are no cures. Abstinence is the most effective method for avoidance but replication drives often override caution. One slip up can land a teenage girl with aids. I’d like a world where sex had more to do with long term love and their was less risk of disease spread as well.
Smoking is similarly expensive.
The arts sometimes are the soul to give us hope and tenacity for our future. That said, I know very little about what the money has funded. Be balanced in your judgment of it however. There is a tendency by critics to only point out the foulest cherries sponsored rather than the overall work.
I find the child care subsidies to be a very good choice for the future. Yes, some people seem incapable of being fully functional parents. Good child care and education can keep those children from being dysfunctional adults. However that can be taken too far yes. I’d like to have more children myself but fear being able to take care of them. Where do FICA payments go exactly? I don’t want so much money going to irresponsible breeders that I can’t breed responsibly myself. I don’t see a perfect system that’s going to work here but we should work for what is best overall and review over time.
This all is in response to the above post quoted again here:
Few points of the Bailout:
$335 million for education related to sexually transmitted diseases
$650 million for coupons to help people make the switch to digital TV
$50 million for the national endowment for the arts.
$150 million for the Smithsonian Institute
$2 million for child care subsidies.
$400 million for global warming research
$2.4 million for carbon-capture demonstration projects
$1.5 million for a National Institute of Health/Institute of Medicine report to Congress
$70 million to help people quit smoking
Aren’t we glad they aren’t wasting money on useless things like border security, roads, bridges, defense, education, water supplies, waste treatment, energy, health care. …
$50 million for pretty pictures and ballet while our borders are unguarded.
$400 million for research while interstate bridges fall into rivers.
$70 million to help people quit smoking while our veterans live homeless and sick.

Posted by: Ryan | February 4, 2009, 10:57 am 10:57 am

“A cursory look at Obama’s entire life reveals that he lacks the ability to judge the character and integrity of his associates.”
Not at all. It reveals that he knows what’s what, but that you nancies just can’t deal with the truth. Rev. Wright was coming from a very authentic and justified place, but you all just can’t handle it. Politics is a dirty business and sometimes you have to roll in doo-doo to get things done. Obama has proven to be a very practical and pragmatic decision-maker to date and the Daschle thing was obviously a risk he was willing to take considering all he had in the bank.

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 10:59 am 10:59 am

Could today be the day? Still waiting for Geithner to step down. It would be the honorable thing to do. As the eloquent Silky put it, many are willing to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Interesting appraisal, Silky. The baby gets thrown out with the bathwater when the bathwater has become so dirty the baby is no longer visible in it. There’s a lot of dirt in the bathwater. Come on Tim, step up and be a man. Give us the peace of mind we need. How crazy are we to trust an income tax evader with a key to the US Treasury?

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 10:59 am 10:59 am

Obama is right on target. He’s trying to govern right in the middle (where most of the country is). That’s why people on the far left and far right of the political spectrum are not very happy. He’s right where he should be. Obama is one strong cookie. Whenever I watch McCain on the Senate floor talking about economic issues, I thank the Lord that Obama won. McCain is essentially clueless. But I have to admit (as a registered Democrat) that Democrats have all the right ideas, but do not have party discipline; Republicans are totally bankrupt in terms of economic ideas, but have tremendous party discipline. Pelosi and Reid are going to be continual headaches to Obama, and Rahm Emanuel is going to have to get them under control. I believe Obama (last night) called both into his office and brought them back to reality. Bravo, Obama.

Posted by: Laura Brown | February 4, 2009, 10:59 am 10:59 am

Obamadrones can not be deterred in their sycophantic love affair with this guy. They always fall back on the “blame Bush” mode. It’s all so unseemly really. Obama made a career out of, oh wait, he hasn’t had a career! This is his first job! From a community activist (read-leftist rabble-rouser) to a backbencher in the Illinois state senate then it was onto a full 143 days in the US Senate before he started his presidential run! This is their guy! You drones can have him! In two years he looses the majority, and in four we hand the keys to the WH back to the adults.

Posted by: Riffy | February 4, 2009, 10:59 am 10:59 am

BOstinks I do believe we were trying to get Osama Bin Laden, not Saddam Hussein…or have you forgotten about 9-11 and the American people that Osama Bin Laden and Al Queda killed…? To the world, we looked like idiots going into Iraq, and in subsequent violence in an occupied country, lots of Iraqis and 5000 Americans sent there have died and Saddam wasn’t in charge at all, do those lives not figure into your tallies?

Posted by: Scotti | February 4, 2009, 11:00 am 11:00 am

Scotti
Are you insane? The republicans caused the mess? Even oreilly admitts that? YOU ARE LYING. Please list some republicans on capitol hill who called for ZERO regulation of fannie/freddie?
Here are a few dems who did just that..
-Maxine Waters
-Barney franks
-Chris dodd
-Chuck schumer
-Ed rangel
-harry ried
All of these TOP DEMOCRATS can be seen via you tube (which is about as unbiased as it gets) fighting against ANY REGULATION OF FANNIE/FREDDIE.
Barney franks, the head of the senate housing comittee said as recently as 2006 “any regulation of fannie/freddie will only decrease the amount of affordable housing” (who at the same time was having a gay affair with the head of fannie may). Thank you for doing your job mainstream media in keeping our politicians honest!

Posted by: BOstinks | February 4, 2009, 11:02 am 11:02 am

“What would you have to say if Hannity and Limbaugh didn’t put words in your mouth everyday?”
Nurse Ratchet, I don’t WANNA take my pill today.

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 11:02 am 11:02 am

There was no excuse. These are “his” questions from tax section of his application. Google them.
33 Please furnish a copy of each federal and state (and, if applicable, municipal or foreign) tax return, including any amended return, for 2005 and all subsequent years. If filed separately, furnish the same documents for your spouse.
34 Have you and your spouse filed all required federal, state, local and foreign income tax returns?
35 Have you or your spouse ever filed a late tax return without a valid extension? If so describe the circumstances and resolution of the matter.
36 Have you ever paid any tax penalties? If so, describe the circumstances and the resolution of the matter.
37 Has a tax lien or other collection procedure ever been instituted against you or your spouse by federal, state or local authorities? If so, describe the circumstances and the resolution of the matter.
38 Have you ever not paid U.S. and/or state income taxes because you were not a resident in the United State, or for any other reason?
39 Have you ever been or do you have any expectation that you will be the subject of any tax, financial, or other audit or inquiry? If so, please describe.
40 Have you have participated in an investment program or partnership which has been audited or investigated by federal, state or local authorities? If so, please describe the circumstances and the resolution of the matter.
41 Please answer each of the questions in this section for your spouse (for the past ten years) and for any business with which you have been affiliated as an officer, director, partner, trustee or significant owner (i.e., any ownership interest of more than 5%).

Posted by: Tom | February 4, 2009, 11:02 am 11:02 am

Riffy HA! And Limbaughdrones cannot remove thier lips from Limbaugh’s behind. Sticks and stones. Maybe you could try getting an education at a school as opposed to an education from somebody on the radio making money to spread hate.

Posted by: Scotti | February 4, 2009, 11:02 am 11:02 am

“Tell me silky, were you one of the liberal hippies protesting the “evil” Vietnam war?”
I wasn’t born yet, but I wouldn’t have protested, I’d have wrote my representatives and let them know how I felt.

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 11:03 am 11:03 am

Just wait, this is only the beginning.The stimulus bill is the biggest theft in American history and it is being pushed by a Chicago thug. Just wait for all the other scandals. Of course for some of you, Obama could rape a nun ont he white house lawn and you’d just blame Bush.

Posted by: Batjac | February 4, 2009, 11:03 am 11:03 am

“How about the blood of 700,000 iraqis murdered by saddam’s chemical weapons that he supposedly never had on bill clinton’s hands?”
I love how it’s only when a Republican president requires defending for bad ideas that this logic gets employed by the right. There are attrocities happening all over the world all the time. This was not what Iraq was about. Period. Stop trying to rewrite history.

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 11:06 am 11:06 am

Mike in Carolina; Speaking of wars without ends, Obama wants to escalate our troop presence in Afghanistan to as many as 60,000. Exactly what is our goal in Afghanistan since in all probability Osama Bin Laden isn’t there?

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 11:06 am 11:06 am

How messed up is our tax code if the people who helped create it and administer it can not even understand it? This would be like hearing NASA engineers say “We don’t really know how this whole shuttle thing works, we just hit a button, it takes off, and we cross our fingers until it lands.” It is not like people have not been complaining that the tax code is out of control. We see now that the reason it is not simplified is that the people in charge do not really care if they get it right or not. The people are the only ones worried about getting in trouble. Maybe we need a flat tax. Maybe we just need to do a re-write of the tax code from scratch to simplify the existing process. The only thing that is certain is that what we have now is not working. Despite all that is going one, nobody is talking about fixing anything.
http://federalistblogs.wordpress.com/

Posted by: FederalistBlogs | February 4, 2009, 11:06 am 11:06 am

“Obamadrones can not be deterred in their sycophantic love affair with this guy. They always fall back on the “blame Bush” mode.”
No, the “blame Bush mode” is a response to clowns like you all acting like your decision-making is so superior, yet look at what you’re responsible for. Bush was all you guys. So as long as you whine about taxes for a limo service triggering a pending apocolypse, there are going to be those who will remind you of what YOU’RE responsible for.

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 11:09 am 11:09 am

Having no more defense for the “mistake”, I mean “messiah”, Mike from Carolina of course throws out the racists attack.
Hey, Mike, the color of Obama skin doesn’t have anything to do with his lack of qualifications and expertise to hold the Presidency.
Do you actually believe that best and brightest of this nation would spend his life hanging out at ACORN workshops, Trinity sermons, and seminars with dried up hippy “revolutionists”?
Obama has been a failure at everything in his life to this point except self-promotion so why would he not fail at this most difficult task? It is a certainly and he is in over his head.

Posted by: LogicalUS | February 4, 2009, 11:10 am 11:10 am

O’REILLY: “And all of these ideologues, it gets me angry. I do talk radio and most of talk radio is conservative-dominated ideologues, Kool-Aid-drinking idiots — idiots — screaming at you, “This is socialism,” this is this, this is that, “It’s Clinton’s fault.” “It’s Clinton’s fault.” “It’s Clinton’s fault”? Clinton hasn’t been in office in eight years. It’s Bush’s fault. It happened on Bush’s watch. You know, Bush could’ve prevented this. He could’ve gone in easily and said, “Merrill Lynch is dealing in bad paper.” He could have said that. “Merrill Lynch is dealing in bad paper.” “Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac — they’re dealing in bad paper,” so you, the investor, don’t invest in those companies.” You think they would have continued to deal in bad paper?
LIS WIEHL (co-host): I don’t think so.
O’REILLY: No, they would not. One time, he had to say that. And he’d probably didn’t even have to say it. He could’ve called them up and say, “You’re dealing in bad paper, and if you don’t stop it, I’m going out and telling everybody.” No.
“

Posted by: Scotti | February 4, 2009, 11:11 am 11:11 am

“Exactly what is our goal in Afghanistan since in all probability Osama Bin Laden isn’t there?”
I think you know exactly what it is. We can’t set up in Pakistan.

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 11:12 am 11:12 am

Scotti I need not listen to talk radio to get my fill on what Barry is all about. I have read his two books, and I have read his “bible” Rules For Radicals by Sal Alinsky. That’s all I need, thank you very much. I know enough to know when I’m dealing with straight up syncophnats, and you sir, are a syncophant!

Posted by: Riffy | February 4, 2009, 11:12 am 11:12 am

“Obama has been a failure at everything in his life to this point except self-promotion”
Say what? That’s funny.

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 11:15 am 11:15 am

Silky you speak as if you think you know what you’re talking about! You have ZERO clue as to my feelings towards Bush! I’m not talking about Bush! I’m talking about the most under qualified president in the history of the USA. I’m talking about Barry son! Get with the program! Ronald Reagan would have chewed this little man-child up and spit him before you could say Bush sucks!

Posted by: Riffy | February 4, 2009, 11:17 am 11:17 am

Oh, good heavens, who let the vultures out?
It’s been 2 weeks. Give the guy a break, back off and let him try to lead us through the mess. He’d scheduled those “ill-timed” interviews earlier, and could hardly cancel them after Daschle dropped out.
Have a sense of timing, people. The country’s in a difficult enough situation. Bitter bickering and censure among us isn’t productive, conducive to progress or very grown-up.

Posted by: cemoor | February 4, 2009, 11:17 am 11:17 am

why does he have to compare every thing that obama does to president Bush? why? he won, he is in office, he is over all. why? keep bashing g.bush? if this additude, this constant reminder of what Bush did in office could some how goes wrong. people are crazy these day. who to say. cause this can lead people to hate the pres. Bush. enough already. stop! get over it. fix it. move on.

Posted by: maria tamez | February 4, 2009, 11:18 am 11:18 am

“A cursory look at Obama’s entire life reveals that he lacks the ability to judge the character and integrity of his associates.”
He just ran the most perfect campaign in Presidential history, I think he’s a pretty good judge of the character and integrity of his associates. P.S. He also sent George Mitchell, the guy who helped broker the Northern Ireland Peace, to the Middle East, that’s pretty good judgment, in my book.

Posted by: Amy | February 4, 2009, 11:18 am 11:18 am

You mean a sycophant? And it’s way too early to call that putt, pal. What a sorry way to view people. I feel bad for you. Honestly. You just want to be mad all day long. You don’t know what to do if you’re not angry and assigning blame to somebody else. Who about we give the President time enough to actually accomplish something prior to writing the book on his ability as a President. I know it’s a lot to ask, but c’mon already.

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 11:19 am 11:19 am

scotti
Oreilly is a fair guy, he has blamed socialist democrats like barney frank, maxine waters and harry reid just as much (if not more) for the housing crisis. Your statement of saying bill blames solely the republicans is wrong.
However, the collapse was at bush’s feet since it was on his watch. But do you remember what the socialist democrats were screaming in 2003 when he did call for more oversight of fannie/freddie??
“You mean repunlicans just don’t like poor people, we must give them affordable housing!”

Posted by: BOstinks | February 4, 2009, 11:20 am 11:20 am

“Silky you speak as if you think you know what you’re talking about! You have ZERO clue as to my feelings towards Bush!”
So you didn’t vote for George Bush?

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 11:21 am 11:21 am

A man is known by the company he keeps, who he chooses for friends and who choose him for an enemy.
A man can innocently choose a friend who is of low character or with little honor, maybe two. He can even mistakenly choose a friend who makes himself an enemy of our nation.
Mistakes happen and we all have questionable judgement on occasion. When a man repeatedly associates with criminals and those of low morals, I have to question his. When a man repeatedly makes friends of those who would and have harmed our nation and those who speak against our nation, I have to believe he has the same thoughts.
Obama repeats his mistakes. Are they really mistakes? We have to assume that the man either lacks judgment or lacks honor and patriotism. It’s one or the other. Which?

Posted by: Oonogil | February 4, 2009, 11:26 am 11:26 am

Yes he apologized for making a mistake. Good on him. BUT HE MADE THE SAME MISTAKE 3 TIMES IN TWO WEEKS! What does that say about his decision making skills? He signed an Executive Order to “close the revolving door on lobbyists”. Then needed waivers for 4 lobbyist he nominated in two weeks! What does that say about him keeping his word? Where is the change we were all promised? This is business as usual in DC!!! I’m mad as he11 about it. THIS IS NOT WHAT WE WERE PROMISED!!!

Posted by: LT63 | February 4, 2009, 11:28 am 11:28 am

Mad? Moi? Hardly! I’m not just even close to convinced that Barry is going to be a good president! To date he has done exactly nothing right by way of appointments! I ask you to speak honestly for just one second here. Had Bush tried to appoint not one, not two, but three separate cabinet officials that were tax evaders would YOU have given him the benefit of the doubt? Would the Democrats just roll over and abide by the fact that a Republican chair of the House, Ways, and Means committee was also a tax cheat ala- Cadillac Charlie Rangal? I don’t like Obama because I know his history. I know of his radical associates. I know that the media totally covered for him. I know that Soros, a devoted socialist, bankrolled him. I know that he wants to expand the federal government well beyond the size than the Founders had ever intended. I know all this, not because I listen to lard ass Rush! I know it because I do my own research! He’s a joke, and soon enough the big “I told you so” will rearing it’s ugly head.

Posted by: Riffy | February 4, 2009, 11:29 am 11:29 am

“Obama repeats his mistakes.”
No, he doesn’t. You just don’t like who he hangs out with and it’s the path of least resistance for him to call it a mistake and move on. He has more important things to deal with.

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 11:30 am 11:30 am

“What does that say about his decision making skills?”
I think people are mistaking balls for bad decision-making.

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 11:31 am 11:31 am

Concerning reform of the healthcare industry: It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to come to the conclusion that lawsuits have contributed greatly to rising costs of healthcare. It would be ridiculous to think lawyers would do anything at all to correct this problem since lawyers are getting rich from malpractice and malfeasance lawsuits against doctors, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies. Pharmaceutical companies charge more for their drugs in the US than outside the US. Healthcare insurors are likely taking advantage of us by charging unrealistic rates for insurance while denying claims. Because insurors limit the amounts they will pay to something less than the doctors charge, doctors must first overcharge for their services to get what they need to stay in practice. Therefore insurors, for profit businesses, are merely a convenient middleman that could conveniently be eliminated. Tom Daschle has been cozy with both insurors and pharmaceutical companies of late. Last year alone they paid him over $200,000 for speaking engagements. Now, since he’s stepped down, their spokespeople are disgruntled. They say he was the best man for the job. Of course, they own him. He’s been bought and paid for. Losing him, a lawyer, as the person to reform the industry was the best thing that could have happened for the people.

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 11:35 am 11:35 am

BOstinks The problem is not poor people, everybody wants to own a home. The problem is letting the lenders go rampant with far too risky debts and interest rates. It coulda been addressed stopped at any time with republican controlled president and congress. It wasn’t. It’s too late NOW. Not saying Dems are blameless. But they simply weren’t in total power like that for all that time while the crises was growing…and Bush had the biggest say of all. I can’t see any choice but to blame bush and his secretaries of commerce for not seeing this and doing something about it when they had the power to do it.

Posted by: Scotti | February 4, 2009, 11:35 am 11:35 am

“A man is known by the company he keeps, who he chooses for friends and who choose him for an enemy.
A man can innocently choose a friend who is of low character or with little honor, maybe two. He can even mistakenly choose a friend who makes himself an enemy of our nation.
Mistakes happen and we all have questionable judgement on occasion. When a man repeatedly associates with criminals and those of low morals, I have to question his. When a man repeatedly makes friends of those who would and have harmed our nation and those who speak against our nation, I have to believe he has the same thoughts.
Obama repeats his mistakes. Are they really mistakes? We have to assume that the man either lacks judgment or lacks honor and patriotism. It’s one or the other. Which?”
Bam! There it is! Not that this means anything to the drones, but us real Americans get it Oonogil! Great post!

Posted by: Riffy | February 4, 2009, 11:36 am 11:36 am

Sorry Scotti,
You can’t blame Bush for anything any more than the Republicans blamed Clinton for the last 8 years. Bush is gone, just like Clinton.
Everything that happens for the next 4 year is the total responsibility of the Democratic president and the totally controlled Democratic Congress. There is no way for anyone to blame anyone but Democrats for the stimulus bill or anything else that has happened since the inauguration. Good or bad, Democrats deserve the total credit or blame for the next 4 year.
You can count on me to point that out.
I am not one to say “I told you so.” But I did.

Posted by: Oonogil | February 4, 2009, 11:37 am 11:37 am

My hats off to Obama and Daschel-
Never in the last 8 years has any Republican ever admitted being wrong nor for that matter accountable. This only makes me more convinced we are on the right track with this NEW administrtion. I have not heard an apology from the Republicans for all the lies, WMD, 9-11 warning not taken seriously-deregulation and apologizing to the American people for their mistakes with our economy-I am so mad at the Republicans because of the mess they created under the Bush administration-I say Good for Obama and good for Daschel. I love how we are critical of Obama not having experience but IN THAT CASE-LOOK AT WHAT THE EXPERIENCE BROUGHT US FROM THE CAPITAL-
THE WORST ECONOMY SINCE 1929-2 WARS-OIL HOSTAGE TAKING-LOSS OF JOBS/RETIREMENT
SO MAYBE HAVING EXPERIENCE IN BEING GREEDY AND RIGHT WING IS THE PROBLEM-
I have more hope in the new administration than I would ever had with the Republicans!

Posted by: Sophia | February 4, 2009, 11:39 am 11:39 am

I think it’s funny that some leftists still feel the need to invoke Bush Derangement Syndrome when trying to cover for the Obamessiah’s missteps. Of course GWB actually had management experience – whether you liked him or not, he was a CEO and a decision maker. Obama, not so much.

Posted by: Joanne600 | February 4, 2009, 11:40 am 11:40 am

“I am not one to say “I told you so.” But I did.”
About what?

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 11:40 am 11:40 am

“whether you liked him or not, he was a CEO and a decision maker.”
Of course…he was the decidir. Made sum tuff d’cisions.

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 11:42 am 11:42 am

He said “I screwed up”. This inexperienced politician has the lives our our service men/women in his hands?
He clearly is not up for this job!
He already cannot sleep at night, let alone make an intelligent decision.
He’s never run a business let alone
a kool-aid stand and he’s in control
of our country..??? He is a puppet..who is the puppeteer? Soros???

Posted by: reilly | February 4, 2009, 11:42 am 11:42 am

I like the fact he too the blame when have you seen anther president do this?Admitting he made a mistake..I agree he should have stepped down……

Posted by: NH voter | February 4, 2009, 11:44 am 11:44 am

mmonroe..: If you don’t see the relevance of Afganistan, I can’t help you because unlike many who post on this site, I don’t believe I have the simple answers to the very complex issues that we face. ‘Sorry you drank the kool-aid that personalizes the whole bin laden thing. As much as I hate to admit it, Bin Laden achieved his goal and is not as important now. He sought to destablize our economy and make us concentrate on our fear of terrorism. He succeeded.

Posted by: Mike in Carolina | February 4, 2009, 11:44 am 11:44 am

Silky-You are correct, it’s very ballsy nominating people to oversee America’s tax dollars who have been cheating on their tax returns.
Actually, I take that back, barry’s ridiculous apt’s aren’t balllsy at all, he has the fierce protection of the media. They created this socialist monster and they will stop at nothing to protect him. Barry could appt tony rezko to a position and I bet keith olberman would just about fall out of his seat for how brilliant the nomination was.
It’s good to know that barry’s great sense of character judegement hasn’t improved since his historic days of cleaning up chicago’s political system.

Posted by: dave | February 4, 2009, 11:44 am 11:44 am

silky must have got the obama email to blog away as the polls have started to reflect discontent. keep in mind tat jimmy carter had the highest approval rating of any president at innaugaration, we know how that experiment turned out.the problem with obaba is he ran on a platform of promises that cant be attained and his disciples are finally facing that reality.if you carry on like the messiah then people expect messiah like results. there is no honeymoon when the country is suffering.

Posted by: catman | February 4, 2009, 11:45 am 11:45 am

“He already cannot sleep at night, let alone make an intelligent decision.”
He has been nearly flawless in his decision-making for going on 2 years now. Read between the lines and you come to accept the possiblity that he knew these people had tax issues, but still tried to push them through anyway because they were the best people for the job.
Monroe, do you really think Obama was going to let Daschle tailor his healthcare reform bill to suit the insurance and pharmaceutical companies?

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 11:46 am 11:46 am

“silky must have got the obama email to blog away as the polls have started to reflect discontent.”
Those of you citing poll numbers can feel free to post a link any day now.

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 11:46 am 11:46 am

Amy; George Mitchell was a good choice. Some others are highly suspect. As far as the campaign was concerned, the press gave him a free ride. They questioned nothing of his past, not his lack of voting record, not his unsavory associates, not his lack of accomplishments other than campaigns, and not his ruthless methods and socialist backing while getting elected to his senatorial post. The press chose to support him. They could have as easily broken him. Nevertheless, now that he’s there I’m just hoping the press knew what they were doing. I’m hoping he’ll be the greatest president ever. Our nation needs healing in so many ways.

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 11:47 am 11:47 am

silky sd:
“Obama has been a failure at everything in his life to this point except self-promotion”
Say what? That’s funny.”
As a Obam-phant, you sure must know that Obama quit as a “community organizer” after 2 years to go back to school. After getting his Law degree, he quit as an attorney after 4 years in which he handled less cases than a typical junior attorney handles in 1 year. His only executive experience lasted only about 16 months at the Annanberg Challenge before the plug was pulled due to incompetent lack of results for the 155 million dollar grants. William Ayers and his co-hort, Mike Klonsky, made off quit well with the funds they received though. Everybody is aware of his lack of a accomplishment as a back bench state senator and he never even tried as a Senator. In every election until his presidential election, Obama was elected un-opposed after his opponents were forced out of the races.
Of course, he ran the race for President with the help of the Democratic party operation and thru spending 600 million dollars more than McCain and the abundant care of the MSM did get elected President.
But their is little question that Barack Hussein Obama has very little accomplishments to back his claims. But it would be useless to argue the point as we have seen and will see the debacle which happens when a segment of the population elects a man based on “running a good campaign” and “he is just so cool”.
Gird your loins!

Posted by: LogicalUS | February 4, 2009, 11:50 am 11:50 am

BHO 39% approval rating today.
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/scoreboards/by_the_numbers2/by_the_numbers

Posted by: Sue | February 4, 2009, 11:51 am 11:51 am

That’s “Strongly Approve”. HUGE difference. And the important one there is “Leadership”, which is 64%. Anybody who knows how to read polling data will look at that as say this man is being looked on favorably. Which is pretty impressive considering the run of bad press he’s on.

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 11:54 am 11:54 am

I wonder how silky got assign to the acbnews blog?
Silky, did you get to pick or does Barry just send you the action alert with your assignment? Does he use PayPal or send you a check?
All hail, the “messiah”, he has been flawless for two years.
Except for those issues swept away by the MSM:
Rezko land dealing
Nomination debacles
57 states
Rahm & Blago
Threat to invade Pakistan
etc, etc.
Hahahahahah! Flawless!

Posted by: LogicalUS | February 4, 2009, 11:57 am 11:57 am

How is going against your own Executive Order 4 times in two weeks considered having “balls”? How is repeating the same mistake three times in two weeks having “balls”? Am I missing something here? Having balls would have been to put them out on their ears as soon as he found out about their tax problems. Having balls would have been to sign the executive order and then to stick to your guns. Having balls would be stripping the stimulus package of all the waste despite the fallout from Pelosi and crew. I see no example of having balls to this point.

Posted by: LT63 | February 4, 2009, 12:00 pm 12:00 pm

“They questioned nothing of his past,”
Apparently you missed the Rev. Wright loop playing 24/7. The Rezko rehash all over the papers. An entire network designed to criticize Democrats and spread smears (FOX News.) Did you see the ABC debate where George and Charlie questioned Obama’s patriotism repeatedly for the first twenty minutes?
I watched the Gibson interview with Obama last night and all I could think was, what contrast to the Gibson/Palin interview. Same pain in the neck interviewer, but Obama put him away. Obama’s qualities shine through DESPITE our media buffoonery.

Posted by: Amy | February 4, 2009, 12:03 pm 12:03 pm

catman,
You are correct!
“silky must have got the obama email to blog away as the polls have started to reflect discontent. keep in mind tat jimmy carter had the highest approval rating of any president at innaugaration, we know how that experiment turned out.the problem with obaba is he ran on a platform of promises that cant be attained and his disciples are finally facing that reality.if you carry on like the messiah then people expect messiah like results. there is no honeymoon when the country is suffering.”

Posted by: Sue | February 4, 2009, 12:03 pm 12:03 pm

Silky; I would place the order of problems with the healthcare industry in this order 1)Frivilous lawsuit settlements by predatory lawyers and greedy citizens 2)Costs of malpractice insurance caused by frivilous lawsuits(this affects doctors, hospitals, ambulance services, and pharmaceutical companies 3)Middleman “for profit” healthcare insurors 4)Government mandated welfare treatment at emergency rooms 5)Pharmaceutical companies overcharges 6)Corporate owned “for profit” hospitals(they were once state and/or church operated and non-profit institutions before the lawsuits) 7) Rising costs of education for medical professionals.

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 12:03 pm 12:03 pm

“Having balls would have been to put them out on their ears as soon as he found out about their tax problems.”
No, it wouldn’t. And yes, you’re missing the point.

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 12:05 pm 12:05 pm

LogicalUS,
Good Post!

Posted by: Sue | February 4, 2009, 12:05 pm 12:05 pm

He has been in office 3 weeks.

Posted by: markeyh | February 4, 2009, 12:07 pm 12:07 pm

silky if you look at those polls week over week they arent trending up.beating a dead horse here. mr obama is a great orator with that great condesending voice,i will give him that.we just want him to be a leader and whip nancy and the boys into the 21st century and explain to them the difference between stimulus and pork. also to spend 300,000 for each job created seems to be a failure to me.900 bill divided by 3 mill jobs equal 300k per job. kind of makes you sick to think we elect people to come up with this kind of bill.

Posted by: catman | February 4, 2009, 12:08 pm 12:08 pm

Amy; Those biased news programs will rot your mind. They’re good for entertainment purposes only. Their goal is to create a following through controversy. I recommend you stick to NPR for in depth unbiased news presentation without commentary and form your own opinions. That is unless you enjoy the controversy.

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 12:09 pm 12:09 pm

“Let’s give the President a break on this Daschle. Never mind the “misunderstanding” on the driver and limo; Daschle did not report all of his income on speaking engagements and reported too much in charitable donations. Those weren’t “honest mistakes”. Those were planned. And it happened over several years. How was the President to know of this fraud?”
——————————-
Don,
It is called the vetting process!!
A process which Obama either staffed with incompetent people, or HE is ignoring what they are telling him about his nominees!
This is pointing out in fact, what many of us said during the campaign, he has ZERO experience at forming a government. Creating those ethics rules, without understanding that he might actually want someone who is qualifed in a field, who has been working in that field, to actually work from within his presidency in that field. Unfortunately, HE put the road block up himself, then went all over the country promoting it!!!
Not really very smart, or forward looking!
Posted by: Don

Posted by: Mike_C | February 4, 2009, 12:12 pm 12:12 pm

silky —
We know who Obama associates with, we have since the Rev. Wright issue. Ayers and the rest of the long list leave an undeniable indication.
McCain drew flack for not properly vetting Gov. Palin. What about all the people not vetted by the President? Double standard and hypocrisy again, and again?
We know who his associates are including Sen. Feinstein who has repeated her desire to delete parts of the Constitution.
I repeat, poor judgment or lack of honor and patriotism? There isn’t a third choice.

Posted by: Oonogil | February 4, 2009, 12:13 pm 12:13 pm

If he knew about their tax problems BEFORE the nomination, then that’s not just bad judgement…that’s plain stupid. America wants results, but we also want them in an ethical fashion — as he promised in his campaign. The end does not justify the means. Didn’t you have enough of that over the past 8 years?

Posted by: LT63 | February 4, 2009, 12:14 pm 12:14 pm

I think barry O pays silky to keep spreadin the wealth..errr.. message around. hope!change!hope!change!
keep up the good work, silk! there is a sucker born everyday.

Posted by: dave | February 4, 2009, 12:17 pm 12:17 pm

“I repeat, poor judgment or lack of honor and patriotism? There isn’t a third choice.”
There are many more choices. Why does everything have to be boxed and labeled? It’s not that simple. He wants to hear from people. Oftentimes the smartest voice in the room isn’t the most “honorable” in the room, but when push comes to shove the final decisions on policy are his.

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 12:18 pm 12:18 pm

monroeliveson…those problems you cited re health care are valid. dont know if i would order them that way. what i find to be the larger problem with health care costs to those who actually pay for it are: uninsured folks driving the cost up for the insured, ILLEGAL immigrants who pay nothing all in addition to that which you mentioned. i paid 17,510 for health care premiums and out of pockets last year. young people i come accross these days icluding my own college educated kids are CHOOSING not to be insured if there employers wont pay for it because they can just go to the emrgency room.

Posted by: catman | February 4, 2009, 12:19 pm 12:19 pm

“young people i come accross these days icluding my own college educated kids are CHOOSING not to be insured if there employers wont pay for it because they can just go to the emrgency room.”
This is a huge issue.

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 12:21 pm 12:21 pm

It appears barry’s friends don’t like America and don’t really pay any taxes.
I think it’s safe to say that the media can only cover for this creation of theirs for so long. Barry is basically jimmy carter with much better marketing.

Posted by: dave | February 4, 2009, 12:22 pm 12:22 pm

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | Feb 4, 2009 10:59:28 AM;
Monroe, You said; ….. “The baby gets thrown out with the bathwater when the bathwater has become so dirty the baby is no longer visible in it. There’s a lot of dirt in the bathwater. ………”
I say; “Isn’t that a rather Weak Metaphor you’re using, given the circumstance?” I ask, Don’t WE have ‘bigger fish to fry?
The company you’re keeping today, raises some serious questions.

Posted by: bobj72 | February 4, 2009, 12:28 pm 12:28 pm

monroe, you and I have different understandings of the baby/bathwater metaphor. You imply that the dirt is responsible for the baby being thrown out. My understanding has always been that it’s the users choice to irrationally throw the baby out simply because it’s in the water and the water is now dirty.

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 12:35 pm 12:35 pm

Bobj; Good to see you’re still policing the blogs. Silky used that adage, not understanding it’s origin. I’m trying to bring him around to reasonability. He openly admits he’s stealing company time posting on this blog and posts without doing any research. Still there’s hope for him. It’s the youth that must be educated if we are to ever have a better future. Just trying to do my part.

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 12:36 pm 12:36 pm

No one seems to have any answers for Mc Cain and his “the economy is safe” statement. Everyone seems to overlook this mistake which is a far more bigger one. How can he correct something he says is not broken?

Posted by: Pat Napolitano Marietta. Ga. | February 4, 2009, 12:36 pm 12:36 pm

“He openly admits he’s stealing company time”
That’s framing it improperly and is really none of your business. Don’t you have anything better to do with your free time? How sad.

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 12:38 pm 12:38 pm

Silky; Long ago people didn’t bathe with regularity. Monthly baths were common. Because water had to be hauled to take baths the same water was used over and over as family members took their baths. Men first, women next and then the children, youngest last. Thusly the saying became a tongue in cheek remark…don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 12:40 pm 12:40 pm

Pat Napolitano Marietta. Ga
Once again, a liberal is wrong, incredible! Actually, McCain said the “fundamentals of our economy are strong”. Which is an accurate statement.
No matter how many times the liberals tell us that it is the worst economy since the depression (actually it’s the worst economy since jimmy carter) the public must remember that America does have the best workforce in the world. History has shown that America is the greatest country God has ever created. The liberals refuse to believe that. We are the wealthiest, most generous and most powerful nation in history of mankind, despite the democrat’s constant attempts to turn us into cuba.
Even with the democrats almost sabotaging our economy by trying to play robin hood with the housing markets, America still has fat poor with pot bellies and cigarettes in their pockets.

Posted by: dave | February 4, 2009, 12:44 pm 12:44 pm

America finally has a leader, not just a President. Bravo President Obama! Admitting error and taking responsibllity to correct and change things in a timely manner is courageous and a true breath of fresh air for the American people!!!

Posted by: karen | February 4, 2009, 12:45 pm 12:45 pm

Pat Napolitano; Don’t blame you for hating Bush and McCain. There’s a lot of hurting going around and someone must be to blame. If you are going to quote you should quote accurately. Paraphrasing misleads. What both Bush and McCain said about the economy was that it is fundamentally strong, meaning the workforce is ready willing and able to work their way out of the recession. The workforce is the fundamental element of our economy.

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 12:50 pm 12:50 pm

Scotti – “It coulda been addressed stopped at any time with republican controlled president and congress. It wasn’t” — Check again.. the fiorst real signs that problems were looming came in 2005. The dems took over the majority in 2006.. Google the cpan video on the congressional hearings in 2006 when republican after republican testified that we were in trouble and Democrat after democrat shot them down and refused to take any action… For that matter, go back to 1998 and google the repeal of the Glass Steagal Act that Clinton signed.. this was what got the ball rolling. I don’t care what you SAY.. this is NOT A REPUIBLICAN CREATED PROBLEM… ITS A DEMOCRAT CREATED AND PROPOGATED PROBLEM.. now I don’t give a D##N about cabinet appointments or poor judgment in the vetting process.. don’t care if it was a mistake, an oversight or anything else.. What I DO care about is righting this economy and saving our country… and guess what.. This so called “stimulus” package is exactly what we DON’T NEED.. It adds another trillion to the national debt and does little if anything to create any jobs.. its more spending, spending and spending… a massive expansion of government that will do nothing to help our standard of living in the short or long run.. Its BAD MEDICINE.. that cures nothing. THIS is what we need to be talking about.. not nominations, resignations and character judgements…what we need to be talking about is why our president thinks that expanding the govenment by 800 billion will fix the economy? This is the poor judgement that will be the end of us all .. not who’s in is cabinet…

Posted by: arkie vet | February 4, 2009, 12:54 pm 12:54 pm

“History has shown that America is the greatest country God has ever created.”
Did you break out your pom-poms for that one?

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 12:55 pm 12:55 pm

mmonroeliveson
Why do you endorse people’s hatred of bush? I agree he should have done more in trying to stop the democrats for FORCING the banking industry to write risky loans in the name of, “affordable housing” as barney franks LOVES to say.
However, he did say in 2003 that the banks need to tighten their lending practices, and I believe there was one party that nearly crucified him for it. That would be the democrats.

Posted by: dave | February 4, 2009, 12:56 pm 12:56 pm

Karen; Amen. I’ve gained a lot of respect for Obama recently. Not so much for his cabinet picks who are turning out to be crooks, but at least he’s willing to admit it when he’s wrong or a bonehead or whatever. Bottom line is everyone makes mistakes. Hopefully he will learn from them. He set some high standards that are going to be hard to live up to in such a corrupt environment. Hopefully he will remain above it all.

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 12:57 pm 12:57 pm

That may be true however, if they understood that fact, how come they could not come up with some solutions even in the last year? I was hoping that Bush would go out on a strong note. I do not hate him I even voted for him the first time. Even so, I could never say like some do…I hope our president fails. If he fails, we all fall deeper into debt. I am pulling for him and I don’t believe an evaluation on him can come in the first three weeks. His success can only be determined in a year or two. This mess cannot be solved in three weeks. So, the republicans (which I was, by the way) need to get behind him and get over the loss.

Posted by: Pat Napolitano Marietta. Ga. | February 4, 2009, 1:00 pm 1:00 pm

Dave; Most of the posters on here post with hatred in their hearts. You seem to hate Obama for instance. Hate hurts the hater more than the hated but people will be people and the hating, right or wrong, will go on. I respect the right to hate, but embrace the love of our country it reflects. It’s just a matter of ones point of view.

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 1:03 pm 1:03 pm

At 11:02 “Tom” posted a relevant comment about the vetting process which goes to the heart of some of the more intelligent comments on this board. It looks like “Silky”, Scotti, Riffy and crowd are more interested in just taking up printed space than making any comment of substance. Why don’t you guys form your own board so comments like Tom’s actually get attention and your “stuff” stops cluttering up the works with empty headed nonsense.

Posted by: chuck, Illinois | February 4, 2009, 1:06 pm 1:06 pm

“At 11:02 “Tom” posted a relevant comment about the vetting process which goes to the heart of some of the more intelligent comments on this board. It looks like “Silky”, Scotti, Riffy and crowd are more interested in just taking up printed space than making any comment of substance. Why don’t you guys form your own board so comments like Tom’s actually get attention and your “stuff” stops cluttering up the works with empty headed nonsense.”
Aaaaaaand, how do YOU spell hypocrite? It’s a blog, if you don’t appreciate what’s being said, move on.

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 1:10 pm 1:10 pm

catman; The problems you described were prioritized as #’s 3&4 on my list. Those were listed in order of significance as I see them. Basically we agree, I just think the problems run much deeper than those two line items alone. Lawsuits and the resultant costs of malpractice insurance are definitely core issues in my mind. Jurors out of sympathy nearly always award money to the plaintiff. No lawsuit settlement has ever corrected a problem or even made the problem better, but everyone helps pay the settlement and legal expenses. How often do you think doctors and healthcare providers actually intentionally cause harm to a patient? Who makes out in these suits? Answer; 1)Lawyers 2)malpractice insurors 3)opportunist plantiffs

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 1:15 pm 1:15 pm

Pat Napolitano; I used to be a Republican myself but that went by the wayside after Nixon. Debate is necessary to keep us from getting too far from the mainstream. Even as we speak, a coalition of centrists has been formed and the good ideas of both parties are emerging in the Economic Stimulus Package as the extremist ideas are being discarded. In my opinion that’s good for America. We’re finally on the right track of bipartisanship and cooperation in government. At least I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 1:27 pm 1:27 pm

barrack is a little slow on the uptake but at least he got it….eventually.
There are hundred of others mistake that he needs to owed up to, wonder how long that’s going to take?

Posted by: Reality2009 | February 4, 2009, 1:28 pm 1:28 pm

Pat Napolitano; this recession has been brewing a long time. I don’t think anyone understood the depth of our problems until fuel costs caused people who were living on the edge financially to lose their homes. Before the fuel crisis we were costing along as if everything was alright. Need I remind you the stock market hit its all time high just before the fuel crisis? then all the other problems started rearing their ugly heads.

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 1:32 pm 1:32 pm

Is abc news going to do a story about the people in Kentucky; who’s suffering from the natural disaster while barrack sipping cocktails at his party?
At least Bush did a fly by….heck of a job there barrack.

Posted by: Reality2009 | February 4, 2009, 1:33 pm 1:33 pm

Sorry, I meant to say coasting, not costing in my last post.

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 1:34 pm 1:34 pm

” Obama admits screw up again “. Is what the title should be.
I remember the phony speech he gave after he admitted to sitting in that racist church for over 10 years.

Posted by: post | February 4, 2009, 1:34 pm 1:34 pm

Post
He was a good member of that anti-American, racist church for 20 years.
I remember that speech, too. I think it was the one where he threw his grandma under the bus, wasn’t it?

Posted by: dave | February 4, 2009, 1:45 pm 1:45 pm

“Why does everything have to be boxed and labeled?”
——————————-
Interesting choice of words, but i would prefer to call it definition. It is hard to discuss things intelligently if everyone has different definitons for the same words.
As an example, your use of “boxed”…
Obama has boxed himself in with his own ethics rules and then breaking them to push people he feels are right for job through the confirmation process.
He did NOT adequately think this problem through when he came up with his “rules” and proudly posted them on his website for everyone to see.
The purpose of doing that was grandstanding during the campaign. Now, time for the rhetoric has passe, and now its down to implementation. This is the part he had ZERO expereince with and the part that myself and others correctly aimed our pre-election criticisms at.
Now, those criticisms have become reality. Let us assume for a moment, that Tom daschle had absoultely no tax issues at all, he would still be ineligible by this
“Close the Revolving Door on Former and Future Employers: No political appointees in an Obama-Biden administration will be permitted to work on regulations or contracts directly and substantially related to their prior employer for two years. And no political appointee will be able to lobby the executive branch after leaving government service during the remainder of the administration.” – One of Obama’s Own Ethics Rules!
Why,…
“Also, the financial disclosure form Daschle filed about a week ago shows that he made more than $200,000 in the past two years speaking to members of the industry that President Barack Obama wants him to reform.”
Now, why would you set up a series of rules that prohibits you from puuling in a person with current & direct experience in that field? Answer: To statisfy the moment on the campaign trail!
In truth, Tim Geithner has the same problem, but because he is “the man” for this job, we just kinda overlook that rule.

Posted by: Mike_C | February 4, 2009, 1:50 pm 1:50 pm

Pat — “That may be true however, if they understood that fact, how come they could not come up with some solutions even in the last year? I was hoping that Bush would go out on a strong note. I do not hate him I even voted for him the first time. Even so, I could never say like some do…I hope our president fails.” First, let me address the first part.. if Republicans and Bush identified problems as early as 2006 and the Democrats who held majority in congress would not allow any open entertainment of policy shifts to avoid the problem.. then what exactly were teh republcians (and Bush ) supposed to do? thye sounded the alamr and got told to sit down and shut up.. as for your second point.. While its easy to denigrate someone for saying theyhope a president fails, the bottom line is that a president or a congressional majority for that matter are measured by their philosophy. If you (like me) recognize and believe that the philosophy will be grossly detrimental to our future, why should we “hope he succeeds”? If, as I believe, the policies of the left are actually capable of doing irreprible damage to the institution we call the USA, why shouldn’t we hope the endeavors fail.. Will we be better off 4 years down the road to say, “well, the country is now incorrectably and permanently changed and damaged, but thats okay because we supported our president while in achieving this”? I don’t think so..

Posted by: arkie vet | February 4, 2009, 1:51 pm 1:51 pm

Ah, yes…it’s been a couple house since the ol’ “grandmother under the bus” talking point. An oldie, but a goodie.
monroe…I haven’t read his entire healthcare platform. Did he address a means to getting a handle on the lawsuits?

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 1:51 pm 1:51 pm

What ever happened to right and wrong? Not paying taxes has always been wrong in my fairly long lifetime, not just an “honest mistake” or “irresponsible behavior”. The integrity of of our country’s leadership is at stake, and I pray they will wake up and admit their wrongs, not honest mistakes.

Posted by: Elizabeth A. Bowers | February 4, 2009, 1:51 pm 1:51 pm

Posted by: Elizabeth A. Bowers | February 4, 2009, 1:52 pm 1:52 pm

Come on. Would you prefer a president to honestly admit ‘I screwed up’ or one who goes, ‘I made all the wrong decisions, but give me credit for having the COURAGE TO MAKE wrong decisions (paraphrase)’ OR, ‘you may not support me now, but historians shall judge me more fairly in future (paraphrased)??!!**%%’
I am amazed at how the intelligent the most powerful man on earth WAS!!

Posted by: Al | February 4, 2009, 2:01 pm 2:01 pm

Al – your paraphrasing is very reasonable, but the reality is that there is a lot of truth in what he said.. The history of this country is filled with presidents who were judged harshly at the time of their presidency and then found later to have been far more successful than most gave them credit for.. Lincoln received severely derogatoy commentary during his presidency .. was blamed for the civil war, and crucified for the emancipation proclamation.. yet today he is revered as a great president.. Roosevelt was revered throughout his presidency as being teh salvation of a nation and it is only now that historians are taking a hard look at his actions and seeing the truth. (UCLA recently release a multiple years in the making study of the Roosevelt years that concluded his actions with regard to the economy did severe long term damage and caused the depression to linger 6 or 7 years longer than it should have).. Most people historically see Roosevelt as righting an economy and restoring a nation.. in fact, when the stock market crashed, unemployment was 14%.. In 38 after all FDRs programs had several years to affect the economy, the unemployment rate was 20%.. WW2 was what actaully brough us out.. All Bush intended to say was..he did his best.. and he cared less what people think of him today than how his effectiveness will be judged historically.. only time will answer that..

Posted by: arkie vet | February 4, 2009, 2:13 pm 2:13 pm

Silky-
A man without honor has nothing. Sounds corny to some but it’s very true. President Obama is a very intelligent man, no one can honestly dispute that. He is now as Bush put it, “the decider”. (It is a real word by the way). Based on some of Obama’s decisions it is clear to see that wisdom is not always included with intellect. I would choose a wise and honorable leader before an unwise, dishonorable, genius. Obama gets points for admitting some of his mistakes. I don’t think he will admit all of them. If he does his list of friends will dissipate severely.
Obama’s past associates are an embarrassment not only to him and his administration but to the nation as a whole. His quality of his choices is at least constant.

Posted by: Oonogil | February 4, 2009, 2:27 pm 2:27 pm

Silky; He promised tort reform

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 2:27 pm 2:27 pm

Daschle was the sacrificial lamb. In a way he paid the price for Geithner’s indescretions. Not much protest about Geithner’s confirmation since Daschle stepped down. Somehow I get the feeling the lesson Obama learned was to spread things out more. That’s probably the extent of his mistake in his mind. He learned he must give the citizens a chance to forget. Three in a row was just too much for us to swallow without some dispepsia.

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 2:36 pm 2:36 pm

oonogil; For sure honor is the only thing we’ll take with us in the end.

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 2:38 pm 2:38 pm

Ah the mighty messiah has made a mistake. Oh well it is forgiven, we all make mistakes even though scores thought it impossible for this man to flaw. At least it wasn’t a big mistake.

Posted by: mel | February 4, 2009, 2:48 pm 2:48 pm

“Daschle was the sacrificial lamb. In a way he paid the price for Geithner’s indescretions. Not much protest about Geithner’s confirmation since Daschle stepped down. Somehow I get the feeling the lesson Obama learned was to spread things out more. That’s probably the extent of his mistake in his mind. He learned he must give the citizens a chance to forget. Three in a row was just too much for us to swallow without some dispepsia.”
See, monroe, we’re not so different. This is my read exactly.

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 2:52 pm 2:52 pm

“we give 8 years to an incompetent buffoon and we can’t give this guy a month before writing him off? no where else but American.”
I agree with you 100% sickntired. Bush set the bar really low. So people relax, it’s only been 15 days.
**Funny how outlook changes when the shoe is on the other foot. If those crying for Obama to be given a chance had given the last guy a chance rather than work against him all the way…
But no, Republicans and Democrats are pretty much the same as Israel and their Muslim neighbors…Whenever trouble can be made, it will be. Those who are accepting the “tainted” choices he’s made as either “a mistake” or as “no big deal” are delusional…these were not mistakes and he wasn’t caught off guard. He’s somewhat shocked to see his words used against him so quickly, however. On the other hand, those who do not accept this as “mistakes” are true to his campaign pledge to wipe this stuff out of Washington…even if Barrack has already given up on that promise. I notice he’s going to cap the pay for executives that receive bailout funds…fair enough…but why no pay cap (better yet pay cuts) on everyone in Federal government until they can balance the budget? Because that would hurt “his” friends.
The truth is that this guy is the same as the rest only he has different friends to protect. And at this point Barrack Obama has made more mistakes in the first 15 days of his Presidency than the other 11 Presidents I’ve witnessed combined.

Posted by: Watching in Amazement | February 4, 2009, 3:07 pm 3:07 pm

silky– you asked the question earlier about the healthcare platform and whether or not the lawsuit problem was addressed.. let me enlighten you to something more important i believe that the issue of frivolous lawsuits.. and I am pulling this from another post on another abc blog .. so i readily admit i did not “discover this”..here goes…
“Section 9201 of the stimulus package establishes the “Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research.”
Tom Daschle, was kind enough to explain the goal of this organization. It is to cut health care costs by preventing Americans from getting treatments that the government decides don’t meet their standards for cost effectiveness. In his 2008 book on health care, he explained that such a council would, “lower overall spending by determining which medicines, treatments and procedures are most effective-and identifying those that do not justify their high price tags.”
Mind you, they are not simply looking to exclude treatments that don’t work, but to exclude treatments that are effective, but whose cost, in their opinion, does not justify their use. You, the patient, and your physician don’t get a vote. This would make the federal government the single most important decision-maker regarding health care for every patient in America.
I don’t think the lawsuits are our chief concern right now.. I think its the US government and this president trying trying to gain unfettered control of a very important part of our lives.. namely our health and healthcare.. are you scared yet silky???

Posted by: arkie vet | February 4, 2009, 3:09 pm 3:09 pm

I’m still waiting for John Kerry to explain Daschle’s tax problem.

Posted by: LongT | February 4, 2009, 3:09 pm 3:09 pm

oh and by the way folks… Obama’s cap on executive pay.. read it closely.. also written inot this is a loop-hole that provides execs the ability to get themsselves exempted from this rule through their own board members.. it looks nice on Obama’s “things accomplished” list, but it really doesn’t carry a lot of weight in the real world…

Posted by: arkie vet | February 4, 2009, 3:15 pm 3:15 pm

Posted by: Scotti | Feb 4, 2009 10:17:13 AM
Big deal, every president has some nominees that don’t make it, as did Bush, as did Clinton, etc. This isn’t something new. In fact I dont care really, its the health and human services, not exactly the same as secretary of state. Sooner or later the position will get filled. Must be a slow news day.
—————————————
Thanks so much! YOU ARE SO RIGHT.
It’s human nature to kick a person when they appear to be down. The way I see it is The News Media have bills to pay also, however it is sad this is the way they’ve chosen to do so. It appears that on all of the stations yesterday, and the article attached to this blog,everyone is delighted at what appears to be DEFEAT. THAT’S NOT NEWS, FOR SOME WHO DON’T KNOW ANY BETTER, YOU INFLUENCE HOW THEY THINK!And they All are spewing out crap.They don’t even agree amoung themselves. I do care for about the post being filled, because I face everyday, the results of people in the US,having cancer and not having any insurance/or those who do have insurance being shocked to know that they have to use all of their OWN assets, before they are eligilble for any type assistance,if any exists.The President wanted Dashel, because he wants UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE, but that didn’t work out. So we move on.

Posted by: fempharoh | February 4, 2009, 3:18 pm 3:18 pm

Watching in Amazement; Run that out a little further. The government is limiting procedures allowed while doctors are performing more and more tests before providing treatments. Why? Because doctors have to cover their butts. All poosibilities have to be eliminated so they won’t get sued. Where does that leave the patient in need of treatment? Will doctors be required to give treatment with minimal testing in spite of the propensity for them to be sued? That leaves the lawyers and insurors squarely in the driver’s seat.

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 3:33 pm 3:33 pm

The President wanted Daschle Because he Knew Daschle was the right Man to bring the People what they voted for AFFORDIABLE HEALTHCARE And he figured Daschle was the one to Change the way Healthcare is ran! But at the same time The President Failed to Realize by keeping him was wrong because of his Tax Issuses. But atleast he owned up admitted its a Mistake and Will learn from it! Give the guy a break hes got alot on his plate! and from what I see he is trying to give the Voters what they Voted for!

Posted by: Angie | February 4, 2009, 3:33 pm 3:33 pm

Why is the treasury appointee still in the cabinet? He is an OBVIOUS Tax CHEAT

Posted by: dunedin | February 4, 2009, 3:47 pm 3:47 pm

What’s become of the spirit of the Hippocratic Oath? Ponder that and tell me with a straight face we don’t need to distance lawyers and insurance companies from the field of medicine. Both are predators, not contributors.

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 3:48 pm 3:48 pm

Wasn’t our Treasury Secretary’s tax problem at least partially about failure to pay social security contributions on an illegal alien he employed? Isn’t there a criminal charge employers are subject to when they hire illegal aliens, or undocumented workers as we might as well all call them since the government is determined to keep them and give them more rights than American born taxpaying, license buying, military serving citizens. Come on Tim. You can show us what leadership abilities and patriotism you possess. Just say I’m not worthy and resign. You’re making your boss look devious.

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 3:59 pm 3:59 pm

What I’d like to know is what is going to be the effect on Rush’s Oxycontin prices? I’m sorry, Rush’s “pharmacist’s” Oxycontin prices. Because after all, there is nothing quite as exhilarating as getting higher than Amy Winehouse, getting on the radio spreadin’ the hatrid, and then kickin’ off to a G(rand)O(xycontin)P(arty).

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 4:13 pm 4:13 pm

Sorry…didn’t have anything substantive to add. I’m agreeing with monroe too much and it’s freaking me out.

Posted by: silky | February 4, 2009, 4:14 pm 4:14 pm

Silky; You must be running low on Kool-Aid. Only kidding. Like you said earlier, we’re not that far apart. It’s just that everyone’s afraid the other guys will get an edge.

Posted by: mmonroeliveson | February 4, 2009, 4:29 pm 4:29 pm

He finally knows what is the difference between preacher and President.

Posted by: cilla | February 4, 2009, 4:34 pm 4:34 pm

It just goes to show every American how hard it is to find a good and honest politician in DC. After being Bushwacked for 8 years it’s good to know that Obama can realize his mistakes take resposibility for them, and stay on point… He is bound to make mistakes as everyone in his position has and will.. the point is how quickly he can recognize mistakes and return to goal.
Keep going baby…Most of us are still behind you.

Posted by: RS | February 4, 2009, 6:05 pm 6:05 pm

At least Obama is making appointments based on qualifications and not on loyalty, as Bush did. Bush appointed cabinet positions to his friends and party loyalists, whether they could do the job or not. That is how we ended up with Rumsfeld (who had to resign), Tenet (cia chief, had to resign), Brown as head of FEMA (had to resign), Gonzales as Attorney General (had to resign) and too many others that I can’t think of right now. Oh yeah, and there were a few who were forced to resign for going against Bush, Nolan Powell and General Shinseki to name two. Obama is doing a great job so far.

Posted by: dave | February 4, 2009, 6:14 pm 6:14 pm

Stimulus Bill? Is our President totally delusional? I thought once George Bush left, all would be good. Will somebody please tell President Obama about VETTING process. Does President Obama owe these nominees because they gave their support and stiffed Hilary Clinton? If President Obama tells America its (his fault) one more time I WILL SCREAM. Our President should not be apologizing with less than one month in office. New politics< all his men are Washington insiders. Something is starting to STINK!!!!!!

Posted by: Deborah | February 5, 2009, 1:19 am 1:19 am

Obama admits to his mistakes only after a quick look at polls to see that public opinion is turning away from him on the issue. That’s not courage, it’s political expediency.

Posted by: Babs | February 5, 2009, 3:02 am 3:02 am

Wow, BHO is an absolute moron who only claims a “mistake” after he’s been caught with both hands in the cookie jar. Yet, after looking at some of the appointments coming up for confirmation he apparently has made many more “mistakes”.
Now combine this with the recent statement out of Queen Pelosi that, if this stimulus package isn’t passed quickly, that every month 500 million AmeriKans will lose their jobs….there are only 350 million AmeriKans currently for you libs who can’t count….and it only leaves one conclusion. AmeriKans, through our nifty recent election, we have screwed up!! And screwed up bigtime!

Posted by: TxBoB | February 5, 2009, 7:57 am 7:57 am

Divided we fall…….
Hang on as we “ALL” go over this cliff.

Posted by: markeyh | February 6, 2009, 9:20 am 9:20 am

Posted by: TxBoB | Feb 5, 2009 7:57:04 AM;
You said; …….”who only claims a “mistake” after he’s been caught with both hands in the cookie jar.”
I say; “Your conclusion lacks substance and reasonableness. It obviously results from “Pent-Up Anger”, suggesting President Barack Obama had committed some sinful, immoral or illegal act. It makes you appear ignorant… (moronic, maybe)…..or blinded by some form of “wild eyed hatred!”

Posted by: bobj72 | February 7, 2009, 4:21 pm 4:21 pm

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