Obama Confident the Fight for Control of the House is Still Very Close
EmailABC News' Sunlen Miller reports: President Obama didn’t quite say that he’s confident the Democrats will remain in control of the House after Election Day. But he did say he’s still confident that it still is a very close race. “I still feel confident that it is a very close race in terms of the House. You've got close races all across the country,” President Obama said, “So we're going to have to wait and see what happens. And a lot of it is going to depend on turnout.” In a radio interview with talk show host Michael Smerconish the president said that that voters across the board want the country to move forward and not play political games after the election. “My expectation is that Republicans, should they win additional seats, should they be in a position to hopefully take more responsibility working with us, are going to say to themselves that it's important for us to show some accomplishments over the next couple years.” The president said the key question for voters is what agenda will bring about growth for the middle class over the next two years, and said that it’s “very hard to figure out from the Republicans” what their agenda would be. “Nobody believes that tax cuts for the wealthiest 2 percent is somehow going to significantly cut our unemployment rate. Nobody thinks that us cutting education is going to prepare us for long-term competitiveness. Nobody thinks, by the way, that Republicans actually have a very good track record when it comes to dealing with debt and deficits. ” Obama predicted that regardless the outcome of the election that Democrats and Republicans “should be able to get some agreement” to get control of the nation’s deficits. “We've got to make sure that moving forward we're doing so on a responsible way, and that the best way for us to do it is to do it with a scalpel, not a machete, and to make sure that the cuts we're making are not eliminating those things that are going to help us grow,” Obama said “If we can make sure that we are eliminating wasteful programs while at the same time growing the economy, that should be the sweet spot that we're aiming for.” Asked why those who supported the health care bill have not been running on their vote, as Obama once predicted, Obama blamed the third party ads. “There was an awful lot of misinformation about this health care bill while we were debating it, and that has continued after we have finished debating it and after it's into law. So, you know, I recognize that, you know, folks feel barraged by negative information.” But the president countered that he believes people should not be embarrassed by their vote, something that he tries to uphold with the decisions he makes in the White House “You wake up every day; you do what you think is right, and you make sure that you're not embarrassed about what you thought was right, even if it's not politically expedient. And that's how I've tried to govern.” Asked how he can regain the support of the Independent voters this election, President Obama said that conservative Smerconish, who endorsed the president in 2008, is “pretty representative” of voters. “People who aren’t strictly liberal or conservative, have a whole mix of ideas on a whole bunch of different issues,” Obama described, “I think it is fair to say that they are hungry for a different tone in Washington.” The president said he has not been successful in changing the tone in Washington and take some responsibility for that. “Partly because we were in such a crisis mode that we had to act fast and not getting cooperation from the other side, not getting cooperation from the Republicans, my attitude was that I can’t just let us stall and let us fall over a cliff. We had to just keep on moving. And that means that we didn’t spend all the time that I might have just focusing on how we recreate a sense of consensus in this country.” Obama said after the election, regardless of what happens, it is one of his responsibilities, and of the Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress, to recognize that people don’t want to hear bickering. -Sunlen Miller
Biden Reflects on Grief, Suicidal Thoughts 
Is Congress Sounding Dumber?
he still doesnt get it. if you want cooperation one must also cooperate. nancy pelosi,harry reid and obama are incapable of copperating with anyone.
Posted by: catman | October 27, 2010, 1:50 pm 1:50 pm
Help: Where can I find a bonehead?
Posted by: fat cat | October 27, 2010, 2:00 pm 2:00 pm
“Asked how he can regain the support of the Independent voters this election, President Obama said that conservative Smerconish, who endorsed the president in 2008, is “pretty representative” of voters.”
I don’t know anything about this guy Smerconish, but I can assuredly state that if he endorsed Obama in 08 and still stands by him then he is not a conservative. He is being used by the White House so as to make Obama appear more mainstream.
Posted by: J.R. | October 27, 2010, 2:01 pm 2:01 pm
“I don’t know anything about this guy Smerconish, but I can assuredly state that if he endorsed Obama in 08 and still stands by him then he is not a conservative”
Political Punch:Smerconish” “Terrorism. The candidates disagree as to where to prosecute the war against Islamic fundamentalists. Barack Obama is correct in saying the front line in that battle is not Iraq, it’s the Afghan-Pakistan border. Osama bin Laden crossed that border from Tora Bora in December 2001, and we stopped pursuit. The Bush administration outsourced the hunt for bin Laden and, instead, invaded Iraq.
“No one in Iraq caused the death of 3,000 Americans on 9/11. Our invasion was based on a false predicate, so we have no business being there, regardless of whether the surge is working. Our focus must be the tribal-ruled FATA region in Pakistan. Only recently has our military engaged al-Qaeda there in operations that mirror those Obama was ridiculed for recommending in August 2007.
“Last spring, Obama told me, ‘It’s not that I was opposed to war [in Iraq]. It’s that I felt we had a war that we had not finished.’ Even Sen. Joe Lieberman conceded to me just last Friday that ‘the headquarters of our opposition, our enemies today,’ is the FATA.”"
Posted by: Ryan C (resident curmudgeon) | October 27, 2010, 2:17 pm 2:17 pm
Justice Elena Kagan’s first vote is against an execution
The newest member of the Supreme Court is in the minority in backing a stay of execution over questions about the safety of a drug to be used in a lethal injection. Shortly after the stay was overturned Tuesday, Arizona executed Jeffrey Landrigan.
I just don’t understand… didn’t they know lethal injection is not safe?
Please vote for me.. I am listening
Posted by: A democrat candidate | October 27, 2010, 2:21 pm 2:21 pm
He is either a stone-cold idiot, or a bald faced liar. It’s that simple
Posted by: Lincoln's Ghost | October 27, 2010, 2:25 pm 2:25 pm
nancy pelosi,harry reid and obama are incapable of copperating with anyone.
————
Really? How so? Public option – gone. Afghanistan – we’re still there. Those were both HUGE compromises us libs made to attempt to pass through legislation, but nothing was ever good enough for you guys. I have nothing but contempt for you Republicans after the last two years.
Posted by: nic | October 27, 2010, 2:25 pm 2:25 pm
So if Americans overwhelmingly vote out hard leftists & the GOP takes control of the House – - no reasoning politician could view this as anything but a REBUKE of the DEM controlled Congress & the President’s performance. But his doesn’t get through Obama’s ears???????
Posted by: WILL | October 27, 2010, 2:26 pm 2:26 pm
Please vote for me.. give me 2 more years
there may be a Starbucks gift card in it for you
Posted by: A democrat candidate | October 27, 2010, 2:27 pm 2:27 pm
He is either a stone-cold idiot, or a bald faced liar.
———
Sadly, the most brilliant and honest politician to come around in our lifetime has rescued our country from what would have been complete diseaster, and you’re too brainwashed to even recognize it. Don’t like unemployment at 9%? Try 16% — the lowest figure most economists say the level would be now without stimulus and TARP.
Obama 2012. Sorry, you guys had your chance, and proved your complete incompetence.
Posted by: nic | October 27, 2010, 2:28 pm 2:28 pm
So if Americans overwhelmingly vote out hard leftists & the GOP takes control of the House – - no reasoning politician could view this as anything but a REBUKE of the DEM controlled Congress & the President’s performance.
————-
And what do you call what happened JUST 2 YEARS ago, when Obama kicked McCain’s a$$ and the Dems made HUGE gains in both the House and Senate? Sorry, but changes in control of Congress have occurred in the last three election cycles. It doesn’t mean a thing — only that independents are fickle and can be easily manipulated by the media.
Posted by: nic | October 27, 2010, 2:32 pm 2:32 pm
I have nothing but contempt for you Republicans after the last two years.
Posted by: nic
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
you go nic I’m right behind you. its not my fault that our military is not going to get to vote this year..just because they gave me 7 months to get those ballots shipped overseas.
vote for me, I am an honest man
Posted by: A democrat candidate | October 27, 2010, 2:32 pm 2:32 pm
But his doesn’t get through Obama’s ears???????
———-
When Bush’s approval rating was at 27 percent for two years, he stayed the course. When he lost control of Congress to the Dems in 2004, he stayed the course. So buck up, let the adult take the wheel, and everything will be fine. It’s only been two years…good grief.
Posted by: nic | October 27, 2010, 2:34 pm 2:34 pm
You Lie !
Posted by: nat turner | October 27, 2010, 2:34 pm 2:34 pm
In Illinois 11th district our democratic rep
will not point out she voted for Obama-care,
cap and trade or that she voted for the
stimulus. She refuses open town hall meetings and cries her opponent is going
to get your social security. Why in the world
would anyone ever vote for her?
DEBBIE HAVERSON
Posted by: deadwrestler | October 27, 2010, 2:34 pm 2:34 pm
“Posted by: deadwrestler | Oct 27, 2010 2:34:32 PM”
Not for nothing but is that the wisest screen name for a Republican given McMahon’s run for Senate?
Posted by: Ryan C (resident curmudgeon) | October 27, 2010, 2:37 pm 2:37 pm
When he lost control of Congress to the Dems in 2004, he stayed the course. So buck up, let the adult take the wheel, and everything will be fine. It’s only been two years…good grief.
Posted by: nic
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Way to tell them nic, yeah we took control in 2004 just 2 years ago, so give me more time
Vote for me, I am an honest man
Posted by: A democrat candidate | October 27, 2010, 2:38 pm 2:38 pm
“I still feel confident that it is a very close race in terms of the House.” – President Obama
Ha ha ha ha!
He’s Lying.
Spin to the end baby, spin to the bitter end.
Posted by: Noz | October 27, 2010, 2:38 pm 2:38 pm
“Public option – gone. Afghanistan – we’re still there. Those were both HUGE compromises us libs made to attempt to pass through legislation,” – nic
Yes, those were compromises within the Democrat party to get enough Demos to shove the Health Bill through and to keep the party from splintering.
Posted by: Noz | October 27, 2010, 2:43 pm 2:43 pm
Ryan C resident curmudgeon
She does not stand a chance if
you can smell what the deadwrestler
is cooking!
Posted by: deadwrestler | October 27, 2010, 2:46 pm 2:46 pm
“Public option – gone. Afghanistan – we’re still there. Those were both HUGE compromises us libs made to attempt to pass through legislation,”
Huh? Obama campaigned on increasing the effort in Afghanistan, how is that a compromise??? And the public option was removed to placate fence-sitting democrats, hardly an olive branch to republcians.
Your idea of compromise is why the democrats are in the situation they are and why the One’s approval rating is at 37 percent!
Posted by: J.R. | October 27, 2010, 2:59 pm 2:59 pm
BLOCKBUSTER headline from Nevada: Unknown jumps over Reid and Angle to take lead in senate race. SHOCKING story at:
Peace! :-)
Posted by: Barb Iturate | October 27, 2010, 3:13 pm 3:13 pm
Delusion:
A persistent false psychotic belief regarding the self or persons or objects outside the self that is maintained despite indisputable evidence to the contrary; also : the abnormal state marked by such beliefs.
Posted by: Beckwith | October 27, 2010, 3:15 pm 3:15 pm
“”"”"Obama kicked McCain’s a$$ “”"”"
Posted by: nic
You mean the 53% to 47%? If that is an arse kicking to you, you have issues. Obama won and we are taking a beating because of it. Insurance regulation cost us and our employers money. Credit card legislation gave them time to raise our rates. Obama’s housing refinance programs aren’t worth a dam. He bailed out the banks and they tightened their lending too tight. His possible tax increase, insurance regulation, cap and trade are causing corporations to hang on to their cash in huge piles. His policies are prolonging this recession. You say he’s honest? “Deficit neutral” is a lie. Gitmo, lied. Iraq pullout, BS, we have more private security in there than we ever have. So basically, civilians are doing the part of the military so he can tell you we are out of Iraq. “Insurance premiums won’t go up for a normal family under this plan”, HUGE lie. Gimme a break you brainwashed fool.
Posted by: lfrichar | October 27, 2010, 3:27 pm 3:27 pm
“You mean the 53% to 47%? If that is an arse kicking to you, you have issues”
It was 53 to 46 (or 52.9 to 45.7)
Its the largest popular vote margin of victory in over 20 years.
I think most would consider Bush-Dukakis to be a butt kicking and the percentages are fairly close (in pop vote).
Posted by: Ryan C (resident curmudgeon) | October 27, 2010, 3:38 pm 3:38 pm
“And the public option was removed to placate fence-sitting democrats, hardly an olive branch to republcians.”
While you are correct on Afghanistan.
The public option was removed during the Grassely charade of negotiations.
Posted by: Ryan C (resident curmudgeon) | October 27, 2010, 3:39 pm 3:39 pm
nic….real unemployment is hovering around 16% or more.just admit it and you will feel better. socialism doesnt work and it didnt work after the great depression either and to adopt fdrs plan was nuts. most people know that ww2 ended the depression. we also knew japan tried deficit spending for 10 years and it didnt work. thank god roemer was fired for her major miscalculations.
Posted by: catman | October 27, 2010, 4:14 pm 4:14 pm
I’m predicting the GOP gains 46 seats. Cara says it will be 32. Obama says it’s close to 39 one way or the other.
Ryan C lacks the courage to say anything at all.
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | October 27, 2010, 4:23 pm 4:23 pm
“Well, the big difference here and in ’94 is you’ve got me.”
–B. Hussein Obama, 2009
Woot! Woot! Woot!
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | October 27, 2010, 4:32 pm 4:32 pm
The voting machines will decide this election… Why bother?
Posted by: B.S. | October 27, 2010, 5:13 pm 5:13 pm
“The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is one of the most powerful bureaucracies ever created in American history, with the ability to regulate almost every conceivable consumer credit and financial transaction and with a budget nearly free from congressional oversight. This is but another step by the President showing that he does things his way and the Constitution, the Senate and the public be damned.”
What a shock that right wingers would defend Wall Street ripping off their customers.
Posted by: Ryan C (resident curmudgeon) | October 27, 2010, 5:21 pm 5:21 pm
Democrat pollster Doug Schoen:
“Despite voters feelings toward Obama personally, 56 percent say he does not deserve to be re-elected, while 38 percent say he does deserve to be re-elected president.” Worse, Schoen adds, “43 percent say that Barack Obama has been a better president than George W. Bush, while 48 percent say Bush was a better president than Obama has been.”
The Hyena grins from ear to ear.
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | October 27, 2010, 5:56 pm 5:56 pm
“Democrat pollster Doug Schoen”
ROFLMAO!
Aren’t you gonna pimp his book with Scottie Repulblimussen?
Posted by: Ryan C (resident curmudgeon) | October 27, 2010, 6:06 pm 6:06 pm
I’m predicting the GOP gains 46 seats. Cara says it will be 32. Obama says it’s close to 39 one way or the other.
Ryan C lacks the courage to say anything at all.
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | Oct 27, 2010 4:23:35 PM
You do realize that bullies goad in this manner, right? And that anything less than a 55 seat pick up for Republicans means that Republicans and tea partiers are on a decline
lol.
For all the voters out there, let’s keep it under 39!
Posted by: There is no Planet B | October 27, 2010, 6:11 pm 6:11 pm
Has anyone else heard of a proposed 1% tax on all bank transactions?
Posted by: LongT | October 27, 2010, 7:03 pm 7:03 pm
“And that anything less than a 55 seat pick up for Republicans means that Republicans and tea partiers are on a decline.”
It does? Tell that to Nancy Pelosi. You might want to tell it to the historians, since 55 would be the largest pickup since 1938.
So now Doug Schoen, life-long Democrat who still consults and conducts polls for Democrats, has been drummed out of his party by its zany left-wing fringe? It’s sad, really–I can remember a time when the party was home to moderate, practical men and women of common sense. Now it’s the party of Pelosi and Reid.
And the people prefer Bush to Obama! Woot!
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | October 27, 2010, 7:08 pm 7:08 pm
“And that anything less than a 55 seat pick up for Republicans means that Republicans and tea partiers are on a decline.”
Huh?
Posted by: LongT | October 27, 2010, 7:13 pm 7:13 pm
Douglas Schoen – Founding Partner; Penn, Schoen, and Berland
Doug Schoen was named Pollster of the Year in 1996 by the American Association of Political Consultants
Dr. Schoen was President William Jefferson Clinton’s research and strategic consultant during the 1996 reelection, and has been widely credited with creating and effectively communicating the message that turned around the President’s political fortunes between 1994 and 1996.
And now there’s no room for him in today’s extremist-dominated party. It’s a pity.
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | October 27, 2010, 7:24 pm 7:24 pm
Has anyone else heard of a proposed 1% tax on all bank transactions?
Posted by: LongT | Oct 27, 2010 7:03:51 PM”
You may want to try out snopes instead of taking right wing chain mails at face value.
Posted by: Ryan C (resident curmudgeon) | October 27, 2010, 7:31 pm 7:31 pm
You might want to tell it to the historians, since 55 would be the largest pickup since 1938.
—-
Love it, Planet B.
I totally get it. If, indeed, Obama is the worst president ever, you would think the pick up would be nearly unprecedented, right? Heck, if its just a repeat of ’94 or less, its just right wingers and independents falling for the same crap from many of the same or similar players.
But it won’t be.
Posted by: dawn_marie | October 27, 2010, 8:26 pm 8:26 pm
Unprecedented, that is. It won’t be unprecedented, or truly remarkable.
It will be sad to see Boehner in charge, and many of the committee heads that would become committee heads, however, unprecedented or not, meaningful victory or not, so please, anyone with a brain and concern for the country, vote wisely.
Posted by: dawn_marie | October 27, 2010, 8:28 pm 8:28 pm
“It will be sad to see Boehner in charge” – dawn_marie
Boehner in charge will be a breath of fresh air after the fool Pelosi.
It will be like Spring Time with the flowers in full bloom.
The scent of lavender fills the air.
A hint of the warmth of summer comes with a passing breeze.
Birds singing to greet the hope of another day.
The only dark cloud of dismay in the sky is a Progressive/Liberal one.
LOL
: o )
Posted by: Noz | October 28, 2010, 9:08 am 9:08 am
“Boehner in charge will be a breath of fresh air”
—
Yeah, if you consider polluted oil and tobacco air “fresh”…
woooot! vote for polluted air!
kidding.
Don’t vote Republican. Their candidates are simply the worst… they’ve punted on their responsibilities to the American voters.
We need people with solutions. And that understand the meaning of fresh air.
Posted by: Cara | October 28, 2010, 12:36 pm 12:36 pm