‘Obstructionists:’ Obama’s Political Message of the Week
EmailABC News' David Kerley and Karen Travers report:
"Obstructionists!"
Look for President Obama to go beyond the “driving into the ditch” and don’t switch the car into “reverse” and start calling Republicans “obstructionists.”
Evidence item number one: New York Times quote of Senator Mitch McConnell. On the flight out to Milwaukee to visit a battery factory which received stimulus money, spokesman Bill Burton telegraphed the tone saying McConnell is quoted as saying, "I wish we would have been able to obstruct more.”
McConnell was referring to all the legislation democrats were able to pass this year, but Burton tried to broaden that adding that it is, "indicative of Republican views."
The President is visiting four states in the Midwest and West I the next three days. A lot of campaigning, and fundraising as the President again tries to convince voters they have a “choice” in November.
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Thank you Repubs for obstructing.
Posted by: scott | August 16, 2010, 1:59 pm 1:59 pm
“Thank you Repubs for obstructing.”
Anytime at all!
Posted by: Senator Reid | August 16, 2010, 2:08 pm 2:08 pm
“I wish we would have been able to OBSTRUCT more”. LOL…LOL….If that statement doesn’t just “say it all”. I’ll bet that quote doesn’t make it it on Limbaugh, Beck, Hannity, “Faux News in general” or any other right wing pundit’s program! LOL…LOL Hey…middle class America…are you paying attention?
Posted by: CND FOX | August 16, 2010, 2:15 pm 2:15 pm
@Progressive Mama, Ryan et al:
Any comments from The Usual Suspects about Issa’s report? Here’s an interesting comment from PJM:
“One of the more shocking abuses listed in the report is the Department of Justice’s hiring of a liberal blogger, apparently with the express intention of attacking conservative bloggers.
Tiffany Russo, former campaign blogger for John Edwards, was hired by the DOJ’s Office of Public Affairs (OPA) to direct its ‘new media efforts.’ The report notes that these efforts include Russo searching online for news items and blog entries critical of the president’s agenda, and then attacking the author or contents either anonymously or through a pseudonym.”
This is something I wish the moderators of this board paid more attention to.
Posted by: Had it up to here with paid posters! | August 16, 2010, 2:25 pm 2:25 pm
Obstructing the dictator can be viewed as the Patriotic thing to do.
Posted by: Rick McDaniel | August 16, 2010, 2:28 pm 2:28 pm
What the hell are republicans paid to do. If you obstruct you better have an alternative..they didn’t to every issue they just wanted to say no like some spoiled brats. I am an independant who is so disgusted with how selfish and worthless the republicans have been since obama was elected I will never vote for them again.
Posted by: brian | August 16, 2010, 2:34 pm 2:34 pm
brian, you believe that hog wash that the democrats tell you, no IDEAS, republicans have plenty but are told over and over again, we don’t want your Ideas, we(the democrats) like to drive the car further into the ditch, so noone can get it out.
Posted by: Lizzie | August 16, 2010, 2:41 pm 2:41 pm
“Lizzie”…hate to be the one to tell you this but it appears “Brian” has actually been paying attention to what is going on…and you haven’t. I too will never vote Republican again. There is just too much divisiveness, pandering to the “extremes”, negativity, no leadership …and no tolerance for moderates who were once a big part of the party. They only represent the “wealthy”, Lizzie. They do not care about people like you, Brian or me …at all.
Posted by: CND FOX | August 16, 2010, 3:04 pm 3:04 pm
“”"”"”middle class America…are you paying attention?”"”"”"
Posted by: CND FOX
Oh we are. I guess if Obama says it, it must be so? How about the Dems “obstructing” when they were asked to use the stimulus funds for unemployment extensions? I only wish the GOP could have “obstructed” the insurance regulation before it was signed.
Posted by: lfrichar | August 16, 2010, 3:14 pm 3:14 pm
“‘Obstructionists:’ Obama’s Political Message of the Week”
Politial message of the week????? Where have you guys been? He’s been spouting this since he started up with his awful and useless Stimulus package. This is nothing new and the constant drumbeat of these tired analogies shows how awful and clueless this administration is. They are tone deaf and completely out of touch with the american people which is reflected in the latest poll numbers.
Posted by: J.R. | August 16, 2010, 3:18 pm 3:18 pm
We should all live in harmony.. and never attempt to derail our arch enemies.. we need a bipartisan colonic..
Posted by: Dontget818 | August 16, 2010, 3:21 pm 3:21 pm
Mr. Bush’s doctrine: If you are not with us, you are against us.
Mr. Obama’s doctrine: If you are not with me, you are against everyone else.
Posted by: young_voter | August 16, 2010, 3:39 pm 3:39 pm
“Lizzie”…hate to be the one to tell you this but it appears “Brian” has actually been paying attention to what is going on…and you haven’t. I too will never vote Republican again. There is just too much divisiveness, pandering to the “extremes”, negativity, no leadership …and no tolerance for moderates who were once a big part of the party. They only represent the “wealthy”, Lizzie. They do not care about people like you, Brian or me …at all.
—
Kerry cares (Rangel too!). Now yes, he doesn’t like to pay any taxes regarding his yacht. You know, taxes that would help pay for the Mass. state health plan, but nothing we can’t fix with federal money!
Posted by: Sloop | August 16, 2010, 3:44 pm 3:44 pm
Change we can believe in:
By pairing official events each day with political ones, the White House can bill taxpayers for most of the cost of the trip, a tradition that predates Obama and one he plans to continue aggressively.
Posted by: Jim Tayberry | August 16, 2010, 3:46 pm 3:46 pm
does any voter other than a disenfranchised liberal actually care what the big o has to say anymore? frankly the gop is being heroic by not saying yes to these clowns. the country wants the gop to say no…in case the libs havent noticed they have been on the wrong side of every issue by a large margin.
Posted by: catman | August 16, 2010, 3:48 pm 3:48 pm
The POTUS hasn’t really had a new speech since he was wuppin’ on Hillary.. and she nailed it.. angels will sing down from heaven and the sky will open.. it plays well to only a very limited audience..
Posted by: Dontget818 | August 16, 2010, 3:51 pm 3:51 pm
Obstructing? Barry O – what will you call it after Nov.?
Usurping the pretender to the throne?
Posted by: Teddy | August 16, 2010, 3:59 pm 3:59 pm
The Republicans ARE obstructionists, so it may as well be the message.
What is their agenda? What do they actually stand for that is any different than what they stood for when we voted so many out???
Nada. Nothing. Zilch.
Posted by: Cara | August 16, 2010, 4:39 pm 4:39 pm
Missouri voted 71% to oppose his centerpiece legislation on healthcare. It is not only the republicans who don’t like the direction he is driving this country.
Posted by: Jeff | August 16, 2010, 4:52 pm 4:52 pm
cara…the gop is saving us from further destruction. thats there agenda. they also stand for work and jobs rather than extended and continual handouts.the point is as bad as the gop was the dems have proven to be worse. the country prefers 5% vs 10% unemployment. this administration has proven to be as incompetent as hilary said they would be.
Posted by: catman | August 16, 2010, 4:56 pm 4:56 pm
the country prefers 5% vs 10% unemployment. this administration has proven to be as incompetent as hilary said they would be.
—
It won’t be above 8%.
Posted by: Orszag | August 16, 2010, 5:00 pm 5:00 pm
these nifty news nuggets are nothing more than daily doggie bones thrown across the White house lawn so the “watch dogs” in the press have something juicy to chase while the US treasury is being drained. Some may be getting wise to the strategy…Jake?
Posted by: cindy | August 16, 2010, 5:00 pm 5:00 pm
Just like the North was “obstructing” the South’s attempts to further slavery across the continent and then secede from the Union that wouldn’t let them. When an administration’s agenda is to destroy the country by systematically usurping state and individual rights through more idiotic Federal control, you’d be a fool NOT to “obstruct” those attempts. In the mouth of President Obama and his parrot posse, the term has gone from derisive to overused to meaningless to actually complimentary.
Posted by: Publius | August 16, 2010, 5:03 pm 5:03 pm
LEADERSHIP is about direction…
Management has to do with speed, coordination and logistics going in that direction.
The WORKERS are chopping their way through the jungle.
The MANAGERS are coordinating, making sure the tools are sharp, etc.
The LEADERS climb a tree and shout: “Wrong jungle!”
The MANAGERS shout back: “Be quiet! We’re making progress!”
Posted by: Jim Tayberry | August 16, 2010, 5:13 pm 5:13 pm
” they also stand for work and jobs ”
If that’s what they stand for, they have a terrible record with very little, if any, accomplishment historically, stretching back many years, and nothing that demonstrates they’re standing for that now when jobs is the number one concern of the American people.
Instead they distract with fabricated controversy — the mosque, Shirley Sherrod, etc, etc, etc.
What about jobs, GOP? why have you blocked jobs bills?
No wonder they’re so unpopular and don’t try to articulate what they allegedly stand for. Their own record will get throw back in their face, and they’ll be asked for ideas, of which they have nada. zilch. zippo. Just the tax cuts for the wealthiest among us who have been accumulating a bigger and bigger portion of our resources , tax cuts which Cantor has admitted dig a bigger hole.
Posted by: Cara | August 16, 2010, 6:31 pm 6:31 pm
If bad policy is being proposed, “obstruction” is the only moral and rational path to take. Saying Republicans are “obstructionist” implies that Obama’s policies are inherently good and blocking them is just a stubborn intent to stop progress. Most of us do not believe this is progress, so these Republicans are faithfully representing their constituents. I’m not saying they have no other motivations, but the fact is that most of us are glad they are “obstructing.” Sorry, but you live in the United States, a center-right, moderate-conservative country. The left is a minority in this country, and you can’t force your policies and views on everyone else just because you have a President who dishonestly hoped and changed himself into office, convincing independents to vote for him. He’s not going to get the independent vote again.
Posted by: Chiara | August 16, 2010, 6:32 pm 6:32 pm
“Chiara”…while you have been asleep with your “obstructionist fantasies”; the center, the moderates and educated independents have left the party and will continue to vote for the party that wants to be progressive NOT regressive. Besides…it has been made very clear by the conservative extremists that dominate the right …that we were not welcome anyway. Oh…the President will be re-elected Chiara…and he will get more done in the process.
Posted by: CND FOX | August 16, 2010, 7:59 pm 7:59 pm
Posted by: Chiara | Aug 16, 2010 6:32:14 PM
If the Republicans had any policy or constructive approaches to offer, that would be a different thing. So far all they have offered is their tax cuts (in place during the economic collapse and the doubling of the deficit), vague generalities and negative attacks.
The Republicans criticize ‘lack of transparency’ of the part of this administration, but the Republicans have never offered any transparency whatsoever. It is pure hypocrisy.
Posted by: strataphered | August 16, 2010, 8:03 pm 8:03 pm
The key tactic of the community organizer is to identify an opponent, then vilify him, then bring him to heel… When your only tool is a hammer, all your problems start to look like nails…
Posted by: Quo Warranto? | August 16, 2010, 10:56 pm 10:56 pm
Let’s face it America, all of Obama’s messages have been political, and arrogant and cynical.
The man is so out of touch that he thinks we are out of touch.
Let’s show Obama a thing or two about politics and rip His congress from his grasp in November.
Posted by: Ed Taylor | August 17, 2010, 12:48 am 12:48 am
“The Republicans criticize ‘lack of transparency’ of the part of this administration, but the Republicans have never offered any transparency whatsoever. It is pure hypocrisy.”
If President Obama and the Democrats had not made such a big deal about transparency, hope and change, etc. to get the swing voters put them into office I would agree that it is hypocrisy. But to call someone on failing to deliver what was promised is not.
Posted by: Publius | August 17, 2010, 2:02 am 2:02 am
Please keep Obstructing, Republicans.
Posted by: IndependentVoice | August 17, 2010, 2:18 am 2:18 am
White House, House, Senate in Democrat control, and this is the Republicans fault… PLEASE!
Posted by: CBA | August 17, 2010, 5:42 am 5:42 am
The president thus did not ultimately take a courageous stand at all. Perhaps facing a Muslim crowd in the White House, he was moved to take a principled position, but all it took was perhaps just one quick meeting with his staff after that iftar for him to change his mind, reach for his legalese hat, parse words and say that he did not say what he said.
======
That’s what happens, so often on so many issues. Experience would have made a difference, some thing Our Greatest Smartest Clueless Leader could benefit from.
Posted by: skinny dog | August 17, 2010, 1:58 pm 1:58 pm
@Progressive Mama, Ryan et al:
Any comments from The Usual Suspects about Issa’s report? Here’s an interesting comment from PJM:
“One of the more shocking abuses listed in the report is the Department of Justice’s hiring of a liberal blogger, apparently with the express intention of attacking conservative bloggers.
Tiffany Russo, former campaign blogger for John Edwards, was hired by the DOJ’s Office of Public Affairs (OPA) to direct its ‘new media efforts.’ The report notes that these efforts include Russo searching online for news items and blog entries critical of the president’s agenda, and then attacking the author or contents either anonymously or through a pseudonym.”
This is something I wish the moderators of this board paid more attention to.
Posted by: Had it up to here with paid posters! | Aug 16, 2010 2:25:04 PM
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Agreed!
Some boards, at the very least, will bounce anyone who tries to post from the same account using different names. I’d love to see that implemented here and I bet it would cut down on some of the worst problems this way.
Posted by: Who Wants to Know | August 17, 2010, 2:37 pm 2:37 pm
Kerry cares (Rangel too!). Now yes, he doesn’t like to pay any taxes regarding his yacht. You know, taxes that would help pay for the Mass. state health plan, but nothing we can’t fix with federal money!
Posted by: Sloop | Aug 16, 2010 3:44:48 PM
::::::::::::::::
Add Maxine Waters to the list – your hard earned tax dollars sure helped her poor poor husband out with his little bank problem – even tho that bank was the least qualified to get funds.
Posted by: Who Wants to Know | August 17, 2010, 2:39 pm 2:39 pm
Tax Payers Dollars At Waste For obstructions. Arrest The Elite Like they arrest the poor. If leaders are suppose to set the example, how did our country get in such a mess!!!!! What happened to Liberty of the American People!!!
Posted by: Guess Who | August 18, 2010, 11:28 pm 11:28 pm
We spend so much time focusing on politics….it would sure be a breath of fresh air to get to the truth for a change.
Posted by: Guess Who | August 18, 2010, 11:36 pm 11:36 pm
A simple thought…if you lie to your own people and deny them their rights youre most apt to do it to anybody… Hmmm could this be how wars get started..on bad business? Reform Bills.. a fancy little word for a bunch of underwriting to cover up a mess that should of been addressed from the beginning
Posted by: Guess Who | August 18, 2010, 11:43 pm 11:43 pm