Obama Makes Plea to ‘Pass This Bill’ 100-Plus Times
EmailIn six speeches during the course of seven days, President Obama has hammered home his call for Congress to act on his $447 billion jobs plan, saying some version of the phrase “pass this bill” more than 100 times.
The president repeated the rallying cry 18 times in his speech to Congress, another 18 times at his stop in Richmond, Va., 12 times in his Rose Garden address, 18 times in Columbus, Ohio., 24 times in Raleigh, N.C., and 12 times at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Gala in Washington, D.C., for a grand total of (drum roll, please) 102.
But are Congress and the American people getting the message?
Republicans on Capitol Hill continue to oppose the president’s plan to pay for his $447 billion bill through a series of tax increases. House Speaker John Boehner will unveil today an alternative path to create jobs, focusing on tax reform by broadening the base of the tax structure without raising taxes.
Despite Obama’s multi-state sales pitch, Americans remain skeptical that the president’s plan can create jobs as promised. The latest Bloomberg poll found that a majority of Americans, 51 percent, do not believe Obama’s jobs bill will lower the nation’s 9.1 percent unemployment rate.
Asked about the numbers Wednesday, the White House had a glass-half-full approach. “We are not done with pressing Congress and reaching out to the American people about the need to take this action and to take it now,” White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters Wednesday. “There is no higher priority than the need to grow the economy and create jobs. We are confident that members of Congress have been hearing that from their constituents. And the president will continue to urge Americans everywhere he goes to let their voices be heard in Washington, with their representatives, about the urgent need to take action.”
The president’s attempts to rally public momentum to “pass this bill” are also falling flat. Obama has repeatedly called on Americans to call, tweet, fax and even carrier pigeon a message to Congress, but in-boxes on Capitol Hill have yet to overflow with messages from constituents urging them to act.
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It’s telling that even Harry isn’t wild about the bill.
Some handler’s inspiration to have President Obama harangue the Congress with “Pass the bill now” throughout the joint session he demanded has backfired.
Politico also reported he was shocked to learn from a young English teacher that some students attend classes in “trailers,” i.e. modular portable classrooms.
Next he’ll learn that some people actually live in trailers. No doubt more stimulus bills will emerge to combat these social injustices.
Posted by: Oliver Shagnasty | September 15, 2011, 10:54 am 10:54 am
Pass this bill! I’m not one that needs the help, but I know lots of people that do. Please House members, pass the bill and give these people the help they need! This is not about Obama, it’s about the citizens of the USA.
Posted by: Sandy | September 15, 2011, 11:12 am 11:12 am
“Even Harry isn’t wild about the bill.” -Oliver Shagnasty
Well said.
Is anyone in government talking about regulation reform? I’m not sure what congress can do on that front, but if they could just make it easier for businesses to make a buck they just may start hiring more people to help them do so.
Posted by: Larry | September 15, 2011, 11:36 am 11:36 am
This bill has not even been submitted to congress. A bill has to be submitted through a member of congress to be brought to the floor. On Wednesday Texas Rep, Louie
Gohmert Republican, submitted his own version of the American Jobs Act and brought to the floor. Thus Obama’s version when submitted will need a new name.
So we now see who is really Campaigning and not focused like a laser on jobs.
Posted by: deadwrestler | September 15, 2011, 11:39 am 11:39 am
What bill? He hasn’t submitted one yet. Until he does, there is no bill. Sandy sounds like a plant; I wonder if she works in the White House basement, furiously typing out forum posts to build astroturf support for a bill he hasn’t even bothered to write down. NOBAMA2012.
Posted by: jrobinson | September 15, 2011, 11:52 am 11:52 am
THERE IS NO BILL!!! No Dem has written, filed or otherwise lifted a finger to create the ‘Bill’ that Obama is screaming to pass. It’s all Kabuki theater! Disgraceful.
Posted by: Steve | September 15, 2011, 11:53 am 11:53 am
The bill hasn’t been submitted because that would allow C.B.O. to score it. Do Obama’s numbers add up?
Posted by: Larry | September 15, 2011, 12:02 pm 12:02 pm
“The president’s attempts to rally public momentum to “pass this bill” are also falling flat. ”
Maybe the President could submit the bill you know, in writing, before the continued admonishment of Congress to pass something they haven’t even seen!
Posted by: J.R. | September 15, 2011, 12:09 pm 12:09 pm
“Obama Makes Plea to ‘Pass This Bill’ 100-Plus Times” – ABC News
This is starting to get embarrassing.
We don’t even know how it will be paid for yet.
Besides, what’s Bama going to say if it doesn’t get passed after all of his begging?
Embarrassing.
Posted by: Noz | September 15, 2011, 12:12 pm 12:12 pm
Larry, I’m sure everyone is looking forward to a CBO score. Did you hear what Elmendorf said yesterday? It’s at US News, Obama Jobs Plan seems to get a boost from CBO
Posted by: Kimberly | September 15, 2011, 12:13 pm 12:13 pm
The reason the dim’s haven’t posted a bill is because they are too busy writing hidden regulations, favors to unions and political hacks to be included in bill. Correct title for Bill should be Obama’s election slush fund!
Posted by: Cav16 | September 15, 2011, 12:17 pm 12:17 pm
Posted by: Kimberly | September 15, 2011, 12:13 pm 12:13 pm
From April testimony before Congress by C.B.O. Director Doug Elmendorf:
“No, Mr. Chairman. We don’t estimate speeches.”
Posted by: Larry | September 15, 2011, 12:35 pm 12:35 pm
You would think the constitutional scholar the press tells us the President is,
would know only a member of Congress is allowed to introduce a bill.
And a week later after his speech,that fact no one in his party introduced the bill
to the Congress floor should tell you what they think of it. Also the begging for the bill to pass shows his ignorance to the American people. Politics, Politics, that’s all this guy is playing.
Posted by: deadwrestler | September 15, 2011, 12:38 pm 12:38 pm
he is a lame duck. the dems in general are lame ducks and they know it. to basically propose more of the same is not what a majority of the public was looking for. frankly i am surprised that this is even close to the best one can do over a 3 week vacation when your job is on the line. most americans aare so tired of special treatment for the unions at everyone elses expense.
i want the economy cooking but this administration is hell bent on rewarding the users rather than the providers.
finally the solondra deal is going to consume the focus here for a while.
i am tired of amateur hour
Posted by: catman | September 15, 2011, 12:52 pm 12:52 pm
If the bill is something Obama and democrats want you know it must be something horrible for our country and involves over-spending.
Posted by: Paulie | September 15, 2011, 1:04 pm 1:04 pm
Unemployment claims up again this month…… I guess Obama should have worked on “jobs” instead of Obamacare andf Dodd-Frank for the last two years!!!!!! —- He’s TOAST in 14 months!!!
Posted by: TheLoyalOpposition | September 15, 2011, 1:05 pm 1:05 pm
TheLoyalOpposition : unfortunately when there is some miniscule increase in hiring maybe .5 % around the christmas hiring season in nov and december Obama will tout it as a miracle and say his policy is working (when the bill probably wont even be passed yet). Mark my words Obama will even try to take credit for holiday hiring of people who wrap christmas gifts.
Posted by: Paulie | September 15, 2011, 1:18 pm 1:18 pm
if they could just make it easier for businesses to make a buck they just may start hiring more people to help them do so.
Posted by: Larry | September 15, 2011, 11:36 am 11:36 am
Corporations have been making record profits under Obama! What is needed is what Obama proposed – more money circulating in the hands of consumers.
Posted by: Todd | September 15, 2011, 1:39 pm 1:39 pm
Pres Barry’s ‘pass this bill now’ mantra is a sad sight to see and hear. He wants to pay for it with tax hikes that he couldn’t even get the old Democratic Congress to pass.
Aside from small bits that might pass as bipartisan gestures, the bill has zero chance of becoming law anytime soon, no matter how often the president demands immediate action. Lefty Robert Reich says it plainly wasn’t meant to pass; centrist Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) calls it “terrible”!
Tuesday’s election results in NY show that the socialist agenda is not working…
Posted by: bl | September 15, 2011, 1:41 pm 1:41 pm
Perhaps the President should sneak in a subliminal message at all the movie theaters where in between the popcorn and cola advertising he could send a 1/10 of one second ” call your Congreeman and tell them to pass this bill message”. The populace would never know it and would run to the phones calling their Representative immediately.
Posted by: DAVID | September 15, 2011, 1:48 pm 1:48 pm
Today Obama said to a crowd “If you love me, help me pass this bill!” —– Pathetic!!
Posted by: TheLoyalOpposition | September 15, 2011, 1:53 pm 1:53 pm
“What is needed is what Obama proposed – more money circulating in the hands of consumers.” -Todd
Money from Obama’s stash?
Posted by: Larry | September 15, 2011, 1:56 pm 1:56 pm
Posted by: Larry | September 15, 2011, 1:56 pm 1:56 pm
Or Obama’s Money Tree (TM). You can’t miss it. There’s a unicorn resting underneath it.
Posted by: Mary | September 15, 2011, 2:06 pm 2:06 pm
Posted by: Larry | September 15, 2011, 1:56 pm 1:56 pm
Corporations have been making record profits under Obama! What is needed is what Obama proposed – more money circulating in the hands of consumers.
All the money is currently being hoarded by the wealthiest in America.
Posted by: Todd | September 15, 2011, 2:18 pm 2:18 pm
“All the money is currently being hoarded by the wealthiest in America.”
Posted by: Todd | September 15, 2011, 2:18 pm 2:18 pm
Oh my gosh! Then go take it, Todd!
Posted by: Mary | September 15, 2011, 2:38 pm 2:38 pm
Larry, he didn’t estimate the speech, but he did say increasing the debt somewhat in the short-term, while cutting the deficit in the medium and long-term was the “most efficient” way to create “a short-term economic boost and longer-term fiscal sustainability.” He also noted that hikes in taxes or slashes in government spending could harm the fragile economic recovery.
Roubini says about the same thing.
According to Gallup, Americans– including a preponderance of independents– would like Congress to pass the bill
Posted by: Kimberly | September 15, 2011, 2:40 pm 2:40 pm
According to Gallup, Americans– including a preponderance of independents– would like Congress to pass the bill
Posted by: Kimberly | September 15, 2011, 2:40 pm 2:40 pm
Who cares what experts, independents and regular Americans think – only the Republicans have those special lines to God and the truth. We saw that under the Republican president Bush.
Posted by: Barbara | September 15, 2011, 2:44 pm 2:44 pm
Posted by: Kimberly | September 15, 2011, 2:40 pm 2:40 pm
Americans– including a preponderance of independents– don’t have a clue what’s in the bill. 51% of Americans won’t even pay the tab for the bill. A bunch of wishy-washy independents put Obama in power. Who cares what they think?
Posted by: Chuck | September 15, 2011, 3:02 pm 3:02 pm
Posted by: Chuck | September 15, 2011, 3:02 pm 3:02 pm
Yeah, who cares what experts, independents and regular Americans think – only the Republicans have those special lines to God and the truth. We saw that under the Republican president Bush.
Posted by: Barbara | September 15, 2011, 3:22 pm 3:22 pm
They are the type to say
“the Glass is half full”
I’m like”
“Who drank half my water?”
Posted by: Glass Half What? | September 15, 2011, 4:11 pm 4:11 pm
“Yeah, who cares what experts, independents and regular Americans think – only the Republicans have those special lines to God and the truth. We saw that under the Republican president Bush.” – Barbara
Isn’t it nice that the folks in NY9 are able think and vote.
In the past you might accuse them of being on auto-pilot considering 90 years of Demo Voting.
Posted by: Noz | September 15, 2011, 4:13 pm 4:13 pm
Posted by: Noz | September 15, 2011, 4:13 pm 4:13 pm
. . . he did say increasing the debt somewhat in the short-term, while cutting the deficit in the medium and long-term was the “most efficient” way to create “a short-term economic boost and longer-term fiscal sustainability.” He also noted that hikes in taxes or slashes in government spending could harm the fragile economic recovery.
Roubini says about the same thing.
According to Gallup, Americans– including a preponderance of independents– would like Congress to pass the bill
Posted by: Kimberly | September 15, 2011, 2:40 pm 2:40 pm
Who cares what experts, independents and regular Americans think – only the Republicans have those special lines to God and the truth. We saw that under the Republican president Bush.
Posted by: Barbara | September 15, 2011, 4:23 pm 4:23 pm
Posted by: Barbara | September 15, 2011, 4:23 pm 4:23 pm
Constantly repeating yourself is a symptom of schizophrenia or Alzheimer’s. In the blogosphere, it’s considered spam.
Posted by: Don | September 15, 2011, 5:10 pm 5:10 pm
Bigots!
Posted by: Gerri | September 15, 2011, 5:20 pm 5:20 pm
I love how everyone says he’s trying to raise taxes…when in reality he’s just trying to remove the tax cuts for the wealthy that were given during g the bush area….which happened to be one of the causes of the downfall of the economy. Wealthy people never had those tax cuts until bush came into office…why no one can see a correlation between the idiotic policies bush put into place and the downfall of our economy is beyond me. And Obama is blamed for not fixing things. How can he fix things if congress refuses to reverse the cause of the problems?
Posted by: jason | September 15, 2011, 5:27 pm 5:27 pm
“I love how everyone says he’s trying to raise taxes…when in reality he’s just trying to remove the tax cuts for the wealthy that were given during g the bush area….which happened to be one of the causes of the downfall of the economy.”
Posted by: jason | September 15, 2011, 5:27 pm 5:27 pm
You mean the same tax cuts Obama extended when Democrats controlled both chambers of Congress and the ones he personally took advantage of to save $100,000 on his 2010 taxes even though he’s a multi-millionaire and doesn’t need the money?
Posted by: Chuck | September 15, 2011, 5:31 pm 5:31 pm
Yes I am receding to the ones that were extended in 2010 the AFTER the republicans were voted in as the house majority. Im not going to lie….I don’t like how throughout the 4 years even when the democrats had control…they still caved to the GOP demands..but that’s a whole different argument.
Posted by: jason | September 15, 2011, 5:52 pm 5:52 pm
over educated elites always make the erroneous assumptions that people actually think like they do and will react like they do. thats where chaos comes into play and the mess we are in.
of the ten richest people in the u.s. only one graduated college. go figure.
Posted by: catman | September 15, 2011, 5:53 pm 5:53 pm
Posted by: catman | September 15, 2011, 5:53 pm 5:53 pm
Who cares what experts, independents and regular Americans think – only the Republicans have those special lines to God and the truth. We saw that under the Republican president Bush.
Posted by: Sandy | September 15, 2011, 6:18 pm 6:18 pm
I like how the President negotiated and got unemployment extensions for 13 months for regular Americans, payroll tax deductions for regular working Americans,and kept in place those tax reductions for all of us. It was the best decision for the economic times. President Obama is far pragmatically smarter than droollng ideologues.
Posted by: Jim | September 15, 2011, 6:23 pm 6:23 pm
“Wealthy people never had those tax cuts until bush came into office” – Jason
Wrong.
In the late 80s the highest tax rate was 28%.
Right now it’s 33%
“payroll tax deductions for regular working Americans” – Jim
Under funding Social Security is just another of the many Barry mistakes.
Posted by: Noz | September 15, 2011, 6:46 pm 6:46 pm
“Pass this bill”! “Tear down this wall”!
Posted by: newcountryman | September 15, 2011, 7:17 pm 7:17 pm
“I like how the President negotiated and got unemployment extensions for 13 months for regular Americans…”
Posted by: Jim | September 15, 2011, 6:23 pm 6:23 pm
It’s called welfare, and it didn’t create any jobs. Obama is an idiot. The horrific state of the current economy proves it. You’re suffering from Stockholm Syndrome.
Posted by: Chuck | September 15, 2011, 8:33 pm 8:33 pm
Posted by: Sandy | September 15, 2011, 6:18 pm 6:18 pm
Who cares what sockpuppets think?
Posted by: Chuck | September 15, 2011, 8:34 pm 8:34 pm
Who cares what sockpuppets think?
Posted by: Chuck | September 15, 2011, 8:34 pm 8:34 pm
Who cares what experts, independents and regular Americans think – certainly not the Republicans have those special lines to God and the truth. We saw that under the Republican president Bush.
Posted by: Sandy | September 15, 2011, 9:15 pm 9:15 pm
” Pass it now, Pass it right away” . Say what? There is no bill to pass. It’s political gimmick in an attempt to blame the GOP as party of “‘no”.
Same old tactics get old and Americans do not buy Obama’s wicked chess game any more. Bill Turner is a living proof. Ask him why the Jews voted for a GOP candidate after ninety years that would not.
Posted by: ACDC2012 | September 15, 2011, 9:44 pm 9:44 pm
There is no bill to pass. It’s political gimmick in an attempt to blame the GOP as party of “‘no”.
Posted by: ACDC2012 | September 15, 2011, 9:44 pm 9:44 pm
Wrong again. The text of the American Jobs Act is on line and quite easily searched.
Posted by: Darla | September 15, 2011, 10:05 pm 10:05 pm
Obama told a meeting of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. “There are times where — until Nancy Pelosi is speaker again — I’d like to work my way around Congress.”
This is what we’re facing folks. He wants to be King.
Posted by: newcountryman | September 15, 2011, 10:15 pm 10:15 pm
Obama told a meeting of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. “There are times where — until Nancy Pelosi is speaker again — I’d like to work my way around Congress.”
This is what we’re facing folks. He wants to be King.
Posted by: newcountryman | September 15, 2011, 10:15 pm 10:15 pm
Wrong. He was talking about how the Republican party in Congress is unwilling and unable to deal with illegal immigration – the Republican had control of Congress for 12 straight years and did nothing to address illegal immigrants.
Posted by: Darla | September 15, 2011, 10:33 pm 10:33 pm
Darla, really. Let’s me re phrase again, we have a guy who appeared no national TV and cried sixteen times ” Pass it right away” as a peddler. There was no bill, wasn’t there on Thursday evening before the football game?
Has the bill been filed the day this guy showed a stack of paper in front of press meeting a few days ago ?
Ask the country to do something that’s not there is nothing but smokes and mirror.
ANW, Solyndra Stimulus part one is going to unveil all the dirty laundry while we are asked to pass it right away another Solyndra Stimulus part two. Are we that stupid? I do not believe we are.
Posted by: acdc2012 | September 15, 2011, 11:04 pm 11:04 pm
Are we that stupid? I do not believe we are.
Posted by: acdc2012 | September 15, 2011, 11:04 pm 11:04 pm
Well, you were poorly informed enough not to know the text of the Act is on line. Unfortunately, being ill-informed leads the way for stupid comments.
The full text of the American Jobs Act was put on the internet on Monday. Seems you should be a little less hasty to leap to criticism and pay a little more attention to what’s going on.
If you’re so concerned, read it. That’s why the White House put it there.
Posted by: Darla | September 15, 2011, 11:35 pm 11:35 pm
Solyndra stimulus is a living proof of what the Stmulus part deux will lead us to. Why bother? I have a job, a real job to do . No, not the kind of jobs that Food stamp Queen Nancy Pelosi wants me to do by staying on welfare.
The ” pass it right now” is a laughing stock and a dirty spot in America history that will be ended on 2012. Bill Turner is a living proof that Americans are not stupid. I believe we, the people are well informed enough. Again, ask Bill Turner , if you know who he is .
Posted by: acdc2012 | September 15, 2011, 11:55 pm 11:55 pm
Posted by: acdc2012 | September 15, 2011, 11:55 pm 11:55 pm
Oh well you have a job, why bother reading the Act that you comment so foolishly on? Better to speak from ignorance. Oh you’re well informed alright. LOL!
Posted by: Darla | September 16, 2011, 12:18 am 12:18 am
I ask again :
1. What date did the President file the ” Stimulus plan part two” ?
2. Why did the President ask the American people ” Pass it right away ” without presenting his bill the same time on September the 8th?
Something is wrong with the picture here and you must be so stupid to buy the crap without knowing what it is the same time.
With all due respect , I have a late dinner . I will feel better after I take a crap and we will talk again in 2012.
Posted by: acdc2012 | September 16, 2011, 12:36 am 12:36 am
The republicans are so near sighted they can’t see the forest for the trees. For those who say government spending doesn’t create jobs, how do you explain defense spending? Tell the Raytheon, Lockheed, Boeing, etc employees whose jobs are directly derived from defense spending that is doesn’t work.
What’s the difference if government spending creates jobs by building ships, airplanes and missiles, from creating jobs fixing roads, bridges and other infrastructure?
Posted by: tferretti | September 16, 2011, 9:14 am 9:14 am
May I remind someone that the NET jobs created for August 2011 is zero, nada. Over half million dollars of stimulus money created jobs at Solyndra however the ” WOW” factor now disappeared with 1,100 jobs lost at Solyndra along with taxpayers’ money.
Is it a money laundry scheme or is it a honest falied job creation policy? That remains to be a question mark.
Posted by: acdc2012 | September 16, 2011, 10:21 am 10:21 am