The bipartisan leadership of Congress sounded optimistic what they addressed reporters outside the entrance to the West Wing on Friday following their meeting with the president, vice president and members of the White House economic team. House Speaker John Boehner spoke first, calling the meeting "constructive" and vowing to keep additional revenue on the table:
We had a very constructive meeting with the president to talk about America's fiscal problem. I outlined a framework that deals with reforming our tax code and reforming our spending and I believe that the framework that I've outlined in our meeting today is consistent with the President's call for a fair and balanced approach. To show our seriousness, we've put revenue on the table, as long as it's accompanied by serious spending cuts. And while we're going to continue to have revenue on the table, it's going to be incumbent for my colleagues to show the American people that we're serious about cutting spending and solving our fiscal dilemma. Now I believe that we can do this and aver the fiscal cliff that's right in front of us today.
Next, Majority Leader Harry Reid stepped up to the the microphone. Using the common parlance of Washington D.C., Reid also called the meeting "constructive," repeatedly saying that he felt "very good" about what the leaders discussed, and promising not to wait until the last possible moment to get a deal done:
This isn't the first time that we've dealt with these issues. We feel we understand what the problem is and we've felt very – I feel very good about what we were able to talk about in there. We have the cornerstones of being able to work something out. We're both going to have to give up some of the things that we know are a problem. And so it's like when you arrive at a point where we all know something has to be done. There is no more 'let's do it some other time.' We're going to do it now and I think we feel very comfortable with each other and this isn't something we're going to wait until the last day of December to get it done. We have a plan. We're going to move forward on it. We're going to work during the Thanksgiving recess. We're going to meet with the president when we come back the first week – at least that's as I understand it. So I think it was a very constructive meeting. I feel very good about what we were able to talk about.
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi spoke next, emphasizing that her priority was to send a strong signal to consumers and the markets that the leaders are committed to finding a solution. Pelosi also acknowledged that if they aren't able to find a solution, the consequences could be severe:
It was a very constructive meeting. We had a recognition that every person in America knows that we must reach agreement. The speaker spoke about a framework going into next year, I was focusing on how we send a message of confidence to consumers, to the markets in the short run too. That is to say that we should have a goal, in terms of how much deficit reduction, we should have a deadline before Christmas. We should share some milestones of success so that confidence can build as we reach out solution, because if we do not reach agreement not only will we miss the opportunity for doing something good for our economy and lifting the spirits and the confidence in our country we will have an economic downturn that must be avoided. We understand our responsibility there. We understand our responsibility there. We understand that it has to be about cuts, it has to be about revenue, it has to be about growth, it has to be about the future. So as we cut investments and as we talk about revenue we have to do so in a way that promotes growth and supports the future. It was good. I feel confident that a solution may be in sight.
Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was brief and arguably the least enthusiastic. While he acknowledged that Republicans in the senate are "prepared to put revenue on the table," he also emphasized his caucus' view that spending was the primary problem:
I can only echo the observations of the other leaders that it was constructive meeting. We all understand where we are. I can say on the part of my members that we fully understand that you can't save the country until you have entitlement programs that fit the demographics of the changing America in the coming years. We're prepared to put revenue on the table provided we fix the real problem even though most of my members, I think without exception, believe that we're in the dilemma we're in not because we tax too little but because we spend too much.
McConnell finished his comments with praise for the president's upcoming trip to Burma, a country the leader said he has had "a longstanding interest in over the last 20 years."
Press Secretary Jay Carney put out this readout from the White House following the meeting, also sounding fairly optimistic:
Today, the President met with the bipartisan, bicameral leadership of Congress at the White House for over an hour. The President and the leadership had a constructive meeting and agreed to do everything possible to find a solution that averts the so-called “fiscal cliff,” and to work together to find a balanced approach to reduce our deficit that includes both revenues and cuts in spending and encourages our long-term economic and job growth. Both sides agreed that while there may be differences in our preferred approaches, we will continue a constructive process to find a solution and come to a conclusion as soon as possible. Members of the President’s senior team will continue meetings and discussions with Members of Congress and staff over the next several days while the President travels in Asia.
I'll believe it when I see it.
What else are they going to say? They're politicians.
Changing the subject just a bit,
Petraeus said his report stated Benghazi was a Al Queda linked terror attack from the start. The kicker is he also stated, "somebody" pulled that line out of his report! This directly contradicts that "video" claim!
Steveo if you are going to quote General Petraeus ...please do so accurately.
"Gen Petraeus told the lawmakers that references to terror groups were removed from the final version of the administration's "talking points" on Benghazi, although he was not sure which federal agency deleted it.
Democrats said the former CIA director made clear the change was made for intelligence, not political reasons.
"The general was adamant there was no politicization of the process, no White House interference or political agenda," said Representative Adam Schiff. "He completely debunked that idea."
FOR THE UMPTEENTH TIME, SUSAN RICE SPOKE TO THE PUBLIC USING THE UNCLASSIFIED TALKING POINTS APPROVED BY THE INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY. MOVE ON BECAUSE YOU ARE JUST CONTINUING TO EMBARRASS YOURSELF LIKE THE GRUMPY OLD MAN MCCAIN.
OF COURSE, NOBODY WILL APOLOGIZE TO SUSAN RICE, ESPECIALLY SENATORS WHO THINK NOBODY CAN TELL THEM WHAT TO DO.
Sorry December, but the only embarrassment is Benghazi (to the administration). Move on? For whose sake, December?
I DON'T KNOW, FOR WHOSE SAKE ARE YOU HOUNDING THE UN AMBASSADOR INSTEAD OF FOCUSING ON THE INVESTIGATION? HOW ABOUT ATTENDING THE MEETINGS INSTEAD OF HAVING A PRESS CONFERENCE TO FURTHER YOUR POLITICAL AGENDA AND THUS EMBARRASSING YOURSELF? ARE THESE THE ACTS OF RESPONSIBLE LEADERS OR ADULTS FOR THAT MATTER? NO. THE ELECTION IS OVER AND THERE ARE STILL SOME REPUBLICANS WHO CONTINUE TO BE COMBATIVE OVER BENGHAZI INSTEAD OF FOCUSING THEIR EFFORTS ON WORKING WITH THE ADMINISTRATION ON GETTING JUSTICE DONE FOR OUR FALLEN.
December,
What political agenda? Once again, regardless of your thoughts, I am not embarrassing myself. I am sure you want folks to shut up about Benghazi but that is not going to happen! Sure the election is over. The conversation isn't!!
Decemebre,
Do you really think Amb Susan Rice is concerned with ME "hounding her"? If she is concerned about me and not Congress, she has problems!
I don't feel like I, or anyone else, wants to shove this story in a box and put it a dark closet.
I hate to diss Petraeus right now, but since he was going through a huge life-changing moment at the time Benghazi was happening and it turns out he, as head of the CIA, might have been distracted enough to pay attention to info on the ground – what if he is responsible? I don't feel like I want to drag him through the mud but, would you? Was he beating his chest to get more protection after the Republicans denied the funding??
A terrible tragedy happened. We are never going to know everything all the time everywhere there are Americans working in dangerous places.
However, the biggest loud mouths making the biggest a$$es out of themselves are John Mc Cain, Lindsey Graham and the ever annoying Rand Paul. John McCain and Rand Paul didn't even go to the most important briefing on the events of that day given by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the CIA, the FBI, the State Dept and others WHO ACTUALLY KNOW SOMETHING to the Committee they both are SUPPOSSEDLY holding seats on. In fact of the EIGHT REPUBLICANS on that Committee ONLY THREE OF THEM SHOWED UP FOR THE BRIEFING. Are you 'outraged about that'? I'M STEAMED ABOUT IT!! That they couldn't bother to do that one thing tells me it isn't about those murdered Americans.
Cynthia L,
Again, we are in agreement. There is NO excuse for anyone to miss that briefing. This is too important to play with. In addition, I don't want to see any of those who were absent on anybody's news show tomorrow. They missed the briefing and they have nothing of interest to say to me!
Steveo: did you really say what political agenda? Are you from Colorado? because you a smoking some good stuff
@mcskadittle,
Pray tell what would my political agenda be?
Jean,
You the police now? Btw, didn't the president tell folks to leave Rice alone because she had nothing to do with Benghazi yet there she was bouncing from show to show, talking about....Benghanzi and a video! As much as you want you cannot and will not have it both ways. I guess you never heard of paraphrasing?
Gen. Petraeus himself told lawmakers that the suspected role of Qaeda affliliates was withheld to avoid tipping them off. That, my friend, is the biggest law efforcement tactic used until ALL the facts are in that allow them to correctly target the perpetrators.
He also said, that at the time 20 different intelligence reports indicated that anger about the film may be to blame. The CIA eventually disproved those reports but not before Petraeus' initial briefing to Congress and the CIA, knowing that their unclassified talking points would be going out on the next days news decided to let them be given. 'THEY' made that call.
Take it up with the CIA, Steveo. Me, I'm more interested in catching those that committed the crime. And, interested in knowing why the Administration's request for $440 Million for Security upgrades for our consulates was more than Congress wanted to provide.
Hello Jean and Steveo,
Jean, congratulations.....You and a majority of the American People spoke last week – and We All Won!
Steveo...I see you are back to trying to sound like you know what you are talking about – trying to bi-partisan / non- partisan / with a large dose of incoherence.
Say what you like about Benghazi, The consistent "Line from the White House was from THE CIA (DE-CLASSIFIED) What part of that don't you people understand. The only words that the White House changed were "consulate to diplomatic facility" Whose side are you fools on anyway? The reason the WH, Susan Rice et. al, didn't use the firebrand rhetoric of "Song Bird John McCain" was it was CLASSIFED! Now go lay down, take your nap and leave Jean2009 alone.
Steveo, you sir are looking like a putz. Watch how much complaining you hear from the GOP faithful about this....LOL it won't be an issue anymore because we learned that the talking points were crafted for PUBLIC CONSUMPTION and signed off by Petraeus and NDI. Do you really think it is responsible to come out with ALL THE FACTS THE DAY AFTER AN EVENT THAT TAKES THE LIVES OF 4 AMERICANS. What world do you feckless fools live in? There are people ( enemies) listening when we tell the american people about such tragedies.
Wow dude, I though You had a smidgeon of good common sense, Ahh But alas we are yet disappointed this is not the case – sigh
Cynthia,
I agree those who committed this act must be brought to justice. And whether Congress dropped the ball , whether the administration, or a combination of the two, we need to ensure this does not happen again!
Steveo.... What you stated was not paraphrasing it was spinning..
Jean,
I said it was paraphrasing! Thank you!
Steveo jargon = paraphrasing ....commonly known as selectively parsing a quote to spin the topic. Hey Steveo how is that egg on your face, now that the Intel community said they supplied the talking points for Ambassador Rice to use.?
Hello Jean. I have a question I asked you a couple of weeks ago. It was probably posted too late. Although, this may be way off topic. Why did you refer to Arnold S as a pig?
What would you call a man who father's a child with the household staff? The epithet "pig" may be generous and kind, and I don't think I'm the first to use the term..
The what would you call Bill Clinton and Jesse Jackson?
Yo jean,
Not egg on my face! I just checked! But thanks for you concern! Appreciated! Happy Thanksgiving Jean, these blogs wouldn't be the same with you!
Do you have absolute proof either of them has an out of wedlock child with a servant?
Jean, you are nitpicking. Jesse Jackson fathered a child not with his wife. Later he admitted to it. Bill Clinton cheated on his family 3 times, once with a 21 year old intern. I agree that Arnold is a pig. But I believe the same for the other two. I find it hard to believe that the fact it was a servant makes that big of a difference. All three had affairs, one with an intern young enough to be his daughter. And you accept this as okay. Well, thank you for answering my question honestly. Wish you and your family a great Thanksgiving tomorrow.
Steveo, Grow up. There are no reports saying anything was done on purpose.
I think it would sound much worse to say it was a terrorist attack and yet it wasn't. They had reports that it COULD, COULD, COULD, be an al-queada linked attack. But they also had reports from the start that it was liked to the riots and the youtube video, why do you only say that they had repots that COULD be al queada linked but you don't say that they also had pages and pages and pages of reports thay they thought it was the youtube video and the riots? Are you half stupid to be giving out only half the story, or you are only giving out the part that makes your point, and take the part out that takes your point away?
By the way, saying it was a terrorist attack without knowing for sure is MUCH worse then the alternative. You know why? Because when America affirms that they are or were attacked by terrorists, other terrorists, specially those IN the USA, gets hyped up and can actually cause a threat inside the country. Thats why as soon as they said it was actually an al-quaeda linked for sure, the level of security went up in the USA. Because other terrorists will take the opportunity and be influenced and motivated to attack us.
And if you want to complain that this administration was transparent, stop being stupid and realize that we don't have to know everything that is going on, because terrorists watch TV too. Classified information or unclassified, sometimes you have to be careful of what you are saying if you don't know FOR SURE what is going on. Just like they said it COULD, MIGHT, did not know FOR SURE, if it was terrorism, or the youtube video. Plus, if you actually READ on PETREAUS said, there were talking points in which was deleted from the agency. You can read one paragraph to make up your case against Obama, but it makes you look stupid and illiterate because the next paragraph that you avoided, contradicts your case 100%. Finally, I see someone stupider than Mccain. Stupid!
Whether it happened on purpose or not, it happened! for your info, So your asking me to grow up while your sounding like a three year old? Nice Frank, real nice!
You would do well to take your own advice!!
Nice try Steveo: We aren't biting- This is about the fiscal cliff try to stay on topic, which I know always presents a problem with you guys.
Changing the subject just a bit? Seriously? Just a bit? What does your comment have to do with the article? What purpose to you wish to achieve? Is it because you are watching your "beloved" leaders cave to the inevitability that revenue must be raised if the tax cuts to the middle class are to be kept and instead you want to focus on some belief in your head that there is a conspiracy afoot? Maybe up the meds?
18,500 workers at Hostess just lost their jobs, because of union demands ... even the famous Hostess Twinkies have become extinct as a result. America's farmers and ranchers are about to take a huge hit, thanks to death tax being reestablished on January one. Food chains, and thousands of other businesses are about to lay off millions of employees, thanks to obamacare. Printing and dumping 40 Billion dollars a month into our economy is causing massive inflation. High gas prices are increasing the cost of everything for middle class Americans. Obama wants to raise taxes on everybody ... and our National debt has risen to over a Trillion a year. All of this is a result of Dear Leader, Barack Obama's incredibly stupid policies ... and yet, the brain washed obama stooges continue to defend him.
No Hostess Brands was bought by venture capitalist bent on breaking up the company and selling off the pieces to the highest bidders....end of story.
The union ruined the company.
Frankie....Amazing the union hadn't ruined the Hostess Brands company founded in 1930 until after it was purchased by greedy venture capitalist.....the baker's union has been around since 1886. That is what is wrong with your picture.
Now that the middle Eastern countries want to deny the U.S. oil ... as a weapon ... we can question Obama's wisdom in banning the Keystone Pipeline, drilling in Anwr, and off shore. After all, when American commerce, and American drivers screech to a halt ... we can always turn to wind mills and solar panels for solace.
The Baker's Union has been around since 1886? You could be right but Unions didn't become an issue until the Industrial Revoloution materialized. There was a report, if accurate, that a clerk, at Hostess was making 48,000 dollars salery. Excessive in most labor jobs. The Auto Unions before the crash were making between 65 and 78 dollars per hour in wages and benifits.That is one reason gM and Chrysler went Bankrupt. There is only so much money you can squeeze out of the economy until it breaks. Obama Care is stretching the economy beyond the breaking point. Some of you had better wake up.
I belileve it was some of the drivers, who are also given commissions on the stores they brought into the fold who made that amount.
How many hours did they work compared to the CEOs? This is what YOU DON'T KNOW. Would it be okay that the people doing the actual job of baking the goods, opening new accounts, trucking the stuff all over the country get the haircut and NOT THE SUITS?? I'd like to know what the top-dogs are making, what does their personal healthcare cost the company, what are their benefits compared to someone else who works hard AND what kind of retirement benefits and golden parachutes cost before I throw the employees under the bus. But, you assume because the workers have a union that they are dirt under the fingernails of society. Don't you think that the company might be cannibalized from the top down? Like the car companies whose executives flew around by themselves on company jets whenever they wanted with their top dollar pilots. Or, does that really matter to you, Ray? Is it all about the fancy ties and shiney shoes that never get dirty that screams success and entiltlement that has you dazzled? Let the folks with the boots on the ground, the 'underlings', take the screw because they are unionized?? I'd hate to work for you.
@Ray For some reason asking union workers to take two pay cuts in 4 years....while at the same time raising your top CEO's annual pay 300% from $750,000 to $2,550,000; and from $ 500,000 to $900,000, and from $375,000 to $656,256 for the next two top executives, while selling your merchandise continually at: buy 1 get 2 free...doesn't make any sense other than they were bought by venture capitalist looking to bankrupt the company bleed it dry and sell off the assets.
Jean, your liberal spin and your bias towards unions are showing.
You mention the venture cap company as if they were the bad guy w/Hostess. The bakers Union is totally at fault in this particular issue that ended up closing the company. How do we know this? Because the Teamsters Union People who saw the books said so. Hostess was poorly run until the venture cap people moved in, but, given the contracts and benefits plans Hostess agreed to over the years simply couldn't keep the company solvent. They came to agreement with union that has over 18,000 Hostess Employees. The 5000 people from the Bakers union employed by the company were swayed by their union not to take the final agreement. The venture cap people helped people keep their jobs for several more years than they would have, but your spin makes it sounds like you are trying to make a bad guy out of Romney (again). The election is over. We lost.
JUST HOW BADLY MANAGED IS THIS COMPANY THAT IT CANNOT SURVIVE A STRIKE? SINCE THEY ARE HEADING TO A SECOND BANKRUPTCY, I WOULD SAY THEY ARE RATHER ATROCIOUS. I FEEL BAD FOR THE WORKERS BUT IF THEIR MANAGERS ARE THIS CRAPPY, THERE IS NO POINT IN STAYING ON. THE COMPANY WILL EVENTUALLY COLLAPSE WITH OR WITHOUT UNIONS.
According to news reports, the top management has driven the company into 1 BILLION DOLLARS OF DEBT after only 4 years. It's Bain Capital style of operating according to some financial experts. The top dogs are rolling in the bucks as we speak. A judge has forced them into mediation one last time.
@JS The company was bought by venture capitalist with the sole intent of not putting a single dime into renovation of the out-dated equipment and facilities, they then rewarded those at the top of the pay heap, siphoned off any profit...their whole intent was in breaking up the company and selling it piece meal to the highest bidder.
The union employees had already taken one prior pay-cut amounting to $110 million per year in wages and benefits during the 2004 bankruptcy. That was before the huge reward given the top executives, and I don't think it fair the union be asked again to take a second 8% pay cut. This was not the fault of union employees it is solely the fault of the greedy hogs at the top.
No Ray ...GM and most American car companies had not got their act together and really tackled producing vehicles that were not gas guzzlers, whereas the rest of the world had from necessity already tackled that problem.
Read above "Oh Stupid One"...... The White House and all those who spoke on this issue, were USING THE CIA'S TALKING POINTS EXCLUSIVELY. I want discipline in what my leadership says publically and that's what occur here. Its idiots like you and other tea-fools that even in defeat continue to shout from the roof-tops, ' we weren't wrong we just didn't have enough knuckle dragging idiot votes to take back the White House. Please stick your head back up your "backside" where it was originally located. By 2016 we will have this country back on track, and we really don't require your idiocy to get there
How-Weenie, what were you saying when under Bush 43 we were losing 3/4 (three quarters) a million jobs a month ? Ummm...?????
Obama? You are blaming Obama? Seriously? You are linking your story to Obama? I wonder if you have wet dreams about Obama too. I wonder if you draw Obama's name next to yours with a heart on your notebooks. Do you mistakenly order Obama to eat when you order out? You must have an Obama shirt too I bet. I bet your pet's name must be Obama. You breath and live Obama. For someone that hates Obama, you seem obsessed.
Ha,ha, ho, ho, keep em coming. You Republicans crack me up- Hey chicken little walk out into your corn field and look up_the sky really isn't falling.
@Howard – YES, thre WILL BE enough Doctors & Nurses after the A.C.A is enacted – As a matter of fact, there will be MORE Dr.s & Nurses than we will ever need. The majority of them will be coming IN From India / and a host of Other Countries . Because it's just like everything else in this country – They've priced theirselves "Out" and the people in other countries will come here, and take your Job away from you , in a Heartbeat, if they could.
I don't believe this. Just good photo op
Bipartisan? Pelosi, Reid and Obama shoved the health care law down our throats. People are losing their jobs all over the country. They don't give a damn about being partisan, or for the growth of our economy. And they're all wealthy and act like they care about the poor – how the American people believed these three I'll never know! But – the Benghazi catastrophe is about to explode.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act is one of the best things that ever happened....come back in 4-5 years and I bet you will sing a different tune.
If he doesn't die because of the new death panels.
IF DEATH PANELS WERE EVEN REMOTELY TRUE, I WON'T LOSE ANY SLEEP OVER IT.
Aw Humm,
Just read over on Fox News that A huge Medical Supply Co, STRYKER, a huge supporter of Obama is cutting 1170 from it's work force. There are probably many more to come. But people voted fot it. So what did they gain? More job losses, more Federal Debt, deeper in the hole. Can anyone say Depression?
There aren't enough doctors, or nurses to service the 30 million new patients which obama scare is going to add, at tax payer's expense. Huge numbers of current doctors say they will have to retire early, due to the problems and expenses obama scare presents. Hospitals are already closing, in response to obama scare ... Many doctors are already refusing to provide service to medicare patients, due to Obama scare ... prescriptions are getting more expensive, harder to get, and taking longer to get, due to obama scare ... the quality of care, and the waiting period for treatment is taking longer , and declining, due to obama scare ... and these poxes on the American tax payers, don't even begin to include all the pork, and unknown billions of wasted tax dollars, which were snuck into the obama scare bill ... you know, the one that 64% of the American people said they didn't want ... and the bill that Nancy Piglosi told us to pass, in order to see what was in it !!!
I understand all the rules and regulations for Obama Care are still to be written. I doubt if they all will be written in the next 4 years. There is going to be so much fumblelitis happening it isn't going to be funny. And many States aren't going to set up the whatever but leave it to the Federal Government to do. Finding somebody to do all of it will probably generate a few hundred if not thousand jobs. If they can find somebody to do it. I can just see the Lawsuits now. At least the Trial Lawyers will have work. Any Volunteers??
@Howard "too few doctors" is the 10th myth of 12 myths about the Affordable Health Care Act....it ranks right up there with Death Panels.
Read: Busting The Myths About Health Care Reform
sorry, you looser!
Blah...Blah...Blah...."The shoved in down our throats" wah, wah, wah.....Pull up your big boy/girl pants please. GET OVER IT! Lose the Faux News talking points. Those of us with better than a 5 grade education tire of your feckless complaints.
We are fixing this mess, whether fools like you like it or not. I am tired of having my insurance premiums go up because people walk into the emergency room, run up a $60K bill, and walk away for me and others with insurance to pay it.
The same holds true about taxes. I work everyday and pay my taxes, and proud to do so. You fools seem to have Romnesia / Amnesia....G. Dumbya Bush, said the war would pay for itself – THE WAR DID NOT PAY FOR ITSELF ...Its on a Chinese credit card and the bill is huge. Darth Cheney said " deficits don't matter" DEFICITS DO MATTER .....This is the cost of going to war.....ITS TIME TO PAY THE BAR TAB....."freedom" What a great name for you "freedom having any good sense" would be the most appropo.
A quick trip to a walk in clinic and under the new Obama care you should be able to pick up some drugs to relieve you of your paranoia and anxiety.
Exactly. I think Reid is the big problem now because Pelosi and the Democrats have no power anymore, Thank God.
And you would be wrong as usual.
And you would be annoying and childish......as usual.
Frankie...if you are looking for childish buy a mirror.
Uhh......Dan B, how does it feel to be unabashed imbecile? We just had an election where your stupidity was rejected. The sad thing is the knuckle-draggers in this nation (and we Thank God those folks are not in the majority), continue to complain about the CONSTITUITIONAL RESULTS, The Majority of the America People have spoken and YOUR SIDE DID NOT WIN.
There is nothing worse than a loser standing on the roof tops exspousing his party ideology despite the fact -THAT IDIOCY WAS REJECTED. Go lay down and take a nap
They have not had the power for 2 years- the Republicans have- so now where is your arguement
Back to the topic at hand...
We have heard this story before! Just wait untikl somebodyfeels backed into a corner and game on, again!
Gee, what a surprise, jean disagrees with me. She won't agree with me until Obama does something good for this country.
Dan B,
Did you graduate basic math? I did! Also, I took several courses in Macro-Economics, and Critical Thinking. The take-away for Macro Econ 101, ".......Middle class families are the job creators, as they are the largest purchasing economic block in this country. JOBS ARE CREATED WHEN DEMAND OUTWEIGHS SUPPLY
Take-away from Critical Thinking 101 – We tried lower taxes for the so called "Job Creators" for 10 years and we do not have sufficient job creation. Pragmatism ( a word I'm sure you couldn't define) says try something different. In other words Enstein inspired "doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result is insanity"
Now go Learn Ya Somethin' before sounding off the moronic mantra of the GOP – Tea-a-Turds
CAN'T THE REPUBLITARD WHINING END? YOU STILL WHINE WHEN SOMETHING REMOTELY GOOD HAPPENS. EVEN IF IT ONLY APPEARS THEY ARE ON GOOD TERMS FINALLY, IT IS A POSITIVE CONSIDERING ALL THE NEGATIVITY IN THE PAST.
YEAH SURE, BELIEVE IT WHEN YOU SEE IT. THAT'S FINE. BUT IF YOU THINK THEY WON'T GET ANYTHING DONE AND CAUSE A RECESSION, WELL, YOU SEVERELY UNDERESTIMATE THEIR SELF-PRESERVATION INSTINCT. ANYONE FOUND GUILTY OF FAILING TO COMPROMISE WILL NOT SURVIVE THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS.
When something remotely good does happen then get back to us, in the meantime call someone who cares on your Obamaphone.
You found a mirror!
Ring,ring, hey Frank something good already happened, unless of course you are still listening to Carl Rove.
STOCKS WENT UP AFTER A WEEK LONG OF DECLINE. THAT GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU? WHEN OUR POLITICIANS START ACTING LIKE GROWNUPS FOR ONCE, THE PRIVATE SECTOR SEES THAT AS A POSITIVE SIGN.
OBAMAPHONE? DID YOU MISS THE BOAT BACK TO THE CAYMANS WITH YOUR LOSER UNCLE MITT? THE REAL REPUBLICANS WANT YOU TO SHUT UP NOW.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Is it the Republicans you hate more or Mitt? Because while Mitt has no power over anything, the Republicans have the power to reject any plan the president and Senate come up with.
Dan... Yes...but the GOP has already lost 4 or more seats in the House this go round. Repeating their last four years of obstruction politics might not be the wisest of moves.
Repeating their last four years of obstruction politics might not be the wisest of moves. How does this compare to the Republican gains after 2 years of the same obstruction politics?
Although in this case, I will probably agree with you. Republicans should just pass it everything.
the loonies all stay on this site because everytime they go on any other people with real brains shoot them down. Here they can feed off each other. As barbara bush said yesterday to the republican party you lost get over it. I guess Perterus shot down their conspiercy theory and apparently they refuse to listen to what he said. Gee imagin that a repo listening. Stop trying to educate them just get on line to see what funny stupid thing they have to say each day. These clowns have more time on their hands .Must be a bunch of old farts. If they care so much why arent they out working for there party.? I bet they are all sitting home collecting their social security though. Take it away and listen to them howl. Maybe if they had a union job they would have a better retirment???? Sour grapes seems like.
It's just fun pushing your buttons and watching you respond on que like Pavlov's dog. Since Media Matters, DailyKos and MSNBC are your sources for "news" I wouldn't expect otherwise.
Same way we feel about watching your little heads explode every time you comment about the "President of the USA"
4 more years. But hey Frank don't be depressed because unlike Fox news you can always come here an post your ridiculous comments. We Liberals have a great sense of humor just ask Bill Maher. Thanks for playing.
I was feeling really low one day. Then I heard little voce say "Cheer up, things could get worse." I cheered up, and sure enough, things got worse. Now I have Omana Care.
and that makes you lucky...and finally in step with the rest of the civilized world.
Jean U might as well give up trying didn't U see where he was from?
The most reliable, non-partisan judge is the Congressional Budget Office who states that the Affordable Care Act known as Obamacare DOESN'T ADD TO THE DEBT and in fact, LOWERS THE DEBT.
REPEALING OBAMACARE WOULD ADD $109 BILLION TO THE DEBT THROUGH 2022
The Supreme Court found the Affordable Care Act constitutional AND made the law $84 BILLION CHEAPER when it ruled that states don't have to accept the law's Medicaid expansion.
EXIT POLLS SHOWED THAT ONLY 25% OF THE VOTERS WANTED IT REPEALED.
I have zezo faith in any of the above actors. And even less in the way our government is doing business. You're right, I'm an old (just turned 56) conservative white guy who can remember when the three parts of government actually served as checks and balances. Now it just you scratch my back and I will scratch yours. Illegal, immoral, and if not stopped will continue to take this country straight to hell.
I'll feel for you poor SoBs but I retire in 4.5 years if my current job isn't lost through Obama care and let's face it. You all made your own bed and it will only be right for you all to sleep in it.
I have kids older than you...and they are not conservative, and not whining.
Whelp, the Liberals turned off MSNBC tonight to post Marxist comments.
And you hopped over from FOX?
Geithner: "We should definitely just get rid of the debt ceiling" - Well I guess Santa doesn't have a dent ceiling so why should the government?
There is much constructive advice that some of the commentators above.There is much unconstructive criticism as well. Let's work together to make it better. Rational thought and expression of those thoughts are more constructive to our beings than bashing, whining and blaming. I get my news from Gallup, MSNBC, ABC, CNN, AlJezeera, Fox Entertainment News, my local stations and the people that I encounter every day. More sources better balance.
IF YOU ARE COMPARING OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION TO SANTA CLAUS, THEN YOU ARE DUMBER THAN YOU THOUGHT.
Actually I thought it was YOU who is dumb and it looks like you'll have the trophy of ignorance for life.
IF STUPIDITY IS YOUR PREEXISTING CONDITION, YOU SHOULD BE THANKFUL TO SANTA OBAMA.
I can only hope there's a cure. I'll pray for you, Howard.
And, Frank, knowing how you struggle to have had any sort of positive thought in quite a long time.......I'll pray for you, too.
Thankfully, no one can take you off of any treatment, yoga class or quilting class (wait'a minute) your doctor has prescribed for your recovery just because your insurance company says yer a bum. (With your hand out)
THANK YOU OBAMACARE!!
OBAMA IS FOR AFFORDABLE EDUCATION FOR ALL, BUT THEN AGAIN, THERE IS NO HELPING THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO BE STUPID.
December, I am not certain what our government defines as affordable education. There seems to be a lot of effort towards reducing cost of student loans and providing more grants. I feel more affordable would also mean reducing the cost of education especially tuition cost. After working in academia for 15 years, I have first handed knowledge of the waste which translates to higher tuition cost. I don't believe I have heard any politician, Democrat or Republican, talk about reducing waste.
I'M WITH YOU ON THAT. TUITION IS CRAZY HIGH AND IT HAS BEEN FOR QUITE SOME TIME. IT TOOK ME 4 YEARS TO PAY BACK ALL OF MY LOANS AND BOY, WAS THAT A LOAD OFF MY BACK. I FEEL SORRY FOR THE STUDENTS TODAY BUT WE CANNOT JUST SPEND OUR WAY OUT OF REFORMING EDUCATION, THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR MUST FIND A WAY TO LOWER COST NOT JUST BY ELIMINATING WASTE BUT ALSO THE GREED AROUND IT. GETTING KIDS INTO DEBT IS GREAT BUSINESS FOR SOME APPARENTLY AND THE SCHOOLS GO ALONG WITH IT.
I really don't understand it either:
-larger schools rake in money from sports
-public schools get state money
-Some schools get federal funding
-Tuition still rising
-not counting funds raised by boosters!
Where is all this money going?!
True, schools will continue to spend when they there is money out there.
The Congressional leaders saw the writing on the wall: work for the people or you are history. Take notice, Mr. Boehner. Your are being closely watched: tears and sneaky political tricks won't move voters. Responsible actions will.
Republicans. Will control the Hose for the rest of the Obama admin. That is a mandate in my book.
IF THE ECONOMY GOES INTO RECESSION BECAUSE OF FISCAL CLIFF, MANY REPUBLICANS WILL NOT SURVIVE THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS OF 2014.
BOOK IT.
no one trusts obama...on the left or the right. He operates like a typical muslim...double talk and deception....only way the moron could be president is buy EVERY vote. Good news is...now it's obama's baby no more blame Bush...the continued destruction of the democratic party...thank God.
YOU SOUND SHELL SHOCKED. DON'T WORRY, YOU ARE COVERED BY OBAMACARE.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Diagnosis...you are delusional...FYI....The Affordable Care Act fully covers all mental disorders.
Yeah like this is really Jerry- come on Donald you can do better than that.
December 2012 –
You sound more intelligent than most of the liberals who post here.
Keep up the good work.
Grumpy 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015.
Anyone who thinks John Boehner will compromise is a fool. He will bring down this country out of selfish pride. This man is about the most unpatriotic American that exists.
No December, I don't think so. Obama is not overwhelmingly popular and with your scenario, Democrats in the senate will be blamed and lose their election, so the Republicans will have the senate. I just don't see a DDD ticket, I see a DRD or a DRR.
THAT'S BECAUSE YOU ARE A MORON. I KNOW IT'S SOUNDING REDUNDANT RIGHT NOW BUT IT HAD TO BE SAID. AGAIN.
OBAMA WON BECAUSE OF HIS POPULARITY. THAT'S WHAT THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IS, A POPULARITY CONTEST. HE GOT THE MAJORITY OF THE ELECTORAL AND POPULAR VOTE.
NOT SURE WHAT FANTASY WORLD YOU ARE LIVING IN BUT ALL SIGNS POINT TO REPUBLICANS GOING DOWN IF THEY DON'T CHANGE THEIR TUNE SOON.
Dan B- Yeah and Romney is the President of the USA- God U people are truly stupid.
With everything going on in the world, isn't unusual for one picture to last 5 days? What's up CNN?
Maybe because a picture like this will likely never happen again.
IT IS CERTAINLY A RARITY.
You are probably right!
December,
How ya doing? Everything back to normal?
HEY STEVEO. PRETTY MUCH NORMAL NOW. THE ONLY LINES I HAVE SEEN LATELY IS AT THE SUPERMARKET.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!
I almost forgot. Steveo, Jean, Cynthia and December. Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving Caramon! Happy Thanksgiving all!!
So blessed to have fellow Americans on this Thanksgiving holiday. Peace.
I think most of the press that covers the President have been either on the southeast Asia trip with him, or they are out of the office spending time with their families while the President is out of town, or they have been covering the Middle-East.
They will probably hit us with a barrage of articles about the first of the week.
Have a Happy Turkey Day!
Listening to TV this morning. one individual who was in the negotiating meetings said the Republicans were still talking a hard line. They didn't seem to want resolve the fiscal cliff concern. So nothing has changed from last year. Seems like congress would want to resolve the debt issue and get this nation back on financial track, but guess not. I guess Norquist is having too much power over them.
DON'T LOSE HOPE YET. YES, THEY ARE STILL POSTURING BUT THAT'S ALL THEY ARE DOING. THEY DON'T WANT TO APPEAR WEAK AND SURRENDER TOO QUICKLY. THERE ARE ALREADY NEWS OF PEOPLE RUNNING AWAY AND IGNORING DEAR OLD GROVER. THESE ARE POSITIVE SIGNS FOR THE REPUBLICANS AND THE COUNTRY.
BOTH SIDES NEED TO COME UP WITH SOLUTIONS THAT INCLUDE REVENUE INCREASE AND BUDGET CUTS FOR THE LONG TERM OTHERWISE THEY ARE JUST FOOLING THEMSELVES AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.
I couldn't agree with you more December. I don't envy the Republicans at the moment. They kept control of the House for a reason and it wasn't because Norquist voted for them. Despite the fact that our current tax code of 88,000 pages is too convoluted with loopholes, there is no time to review and rewrite it before the end of the year. Personally, I don't think the tax code will be rewritten at all. Republicans will need to look at tax increases without angering their constituents.
Well December, my response is awaiting mediation for some reason. However, I was agreeing with you completely.
I'm betting they will get down to brass tacks and will settle the fiscal cliff problem with hopefully a reasonable equitable solution for the majority of people. Usually after a lot of screaming and moaning congress winds up doing what they should have done without all the screaming and moaning; and fraying the nerves of the electorate.
The alternative if they don't is we all go over the cliff together, the current tax rates expire December 31st, and go back up to Clinton era numbers. Let the GOP and Norquist see if they can put that Genie back in the bottle...after January 2nd.
Look, negotiation is fine, but if the Democrats think that Repubs are going to agree to a large tax hike, their living in a fantasy world.
Dan -I believe you are right in your conclusion, however I tend to believe that this time there will be concessions on the Revenue and Debt side.Simply the matter has to be resolved.
Btw, Happy early Thanksgiving all.
The handwriting is on the wall. There will be no compromise before the end of the year. That means all tax cuts will expire and with the Senate and the White House in Democrat's control the 1% will be the ultimate losers. The Republicans will be blamed for driving the economy back into a recession and any hope of them holding the House in 2014 will evaporate. This is not going to end well especially for the GOP.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! We are so blessed to have such a wonderful, diverse, and very cool country to live in. THANK YOU TO OUR TROOPS – YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS EVERYDAY.
Awesome words Cynthia L! Ditto for me! Thank you to all of our soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen and Women, including our vets and their families! Happy Thanksgiving!
To every one including my advesaries that I sometimes refer to as idiots,morons and imbeciles. Sometimes even I go over the top. HAPPY THANKSGIVING.I really truly believe that most Americans are more similar than polar opposite even though U can't tell it in the middle of a political season. How many of us don't believe there is a spending and debt problem in the country. How many of us are not for medical coverage that covers everyone. How many don't believe the more affluent can afford to pay more than others. How many don't want our children to have more or at least the same opportunities and standard of living as we have enjoyed. On this day be aware of the blessings, look out for your neighbor and lets get to solving those things that we can.
Norquist need to quit. The Tea Party needs to disappear. They fight with their own party when a republican disagrees with something, and that is sad. But the republicans end up becoming friends with the democrats because the tea party keeps bashing on them. This only makes things a lot better for the Democrats. Lets just get this done now. COME ON!
Look Frank, I'm a Republican, but I don't particularly care for. Look, just because someone is a part of your party doesn't mean you have to like them. Saying that, I don't necessarily agree with tax hikes without a compromise. This is time for compromise.
Sorry, I forgot to say Grover Norquist
Step # 1: Investigate and prosecute Gover Norquist for attempting to undermine our political system. Step #2: Reprimand those meembers of Congress that make deals with deranged lobbyist like Norquist. They are betraying the people's trust. Step # 3: Work together using facts, not Fox talking points. Step #4: Keep in mind you serve a country, not your petty political alliances. Step # 5: Negotiatie in good faith. Good Luck.
People cannot sere two masters...either they serve what is best for most of the American people as they pledged when they took the oath of office, or they can serve Grover Norquist. I say they can't do both; Grover's pledge has got to go.
Maria, some Dems would reprimanded too for associating with lobbyists too, like EPA lobbyists. Everyone in Congress lobby's, it is the thing to do.
We need the EPA lobbyist or our water would be undrinkable and our air not breathable. In some places it has already come to that point...we currently have too many lakes people can't swin in, or eat fish from. We have people blowing the tops of mountains in W.VA....if anything we need the EPA today to do even more than they do.
Read: "Republicans Forget History Again: Why We Need The EPA" by Norbrook ...or Whit Gibbons-"why Do We Need the Environmental Protection Agency"
I was only using EPA lobbying as an example. It could be anyone. And there are plenty of lobbyists that Democrats associate with that aren't as credible, although sometimes I think the EPA goes over the top.
Dan I assume when you say it could be any lobbying group, you mean only those which do not condone the rape and pillage of the environment, worker's rights, the well-being of the sick, elderly or disadvantaged....right?
Dan today is not exactly the best day for you to be kvetching about Democratic lobbyist...or so... it would seem. A garment factory fire in Bangladesh just claimed 112 lives due to deplorable work conditions (plus the many that use child labor) these are some of the route causes for the rise of unions in this country.
Those garment factory workers were basically off-shore Walmart employees...and would be the same way Walmart would like to treat its employees in this country if it were not for what unions have accomplished here. If we had no regulations they would treat their employees here the same as those in other countries without impunity.
............Soooooo, did YOU contact your Congressman and Senators to tell them to COMPROMISE..? ..........or are ya just LAZY...?
I contact mine regularly...little good that it does.
glad to see all the repo loonies on one site. You add so much to the stories posted. Constant reminder of why we didn't elect your guy. You do a service to your party. Hopefully people will look at your comments and never elect another repo again.
this also shows that that so called cliff is a Joke – In truth, the fiscal cliff is nothing more than an arbitrary deadline created by Congress to be replaced with a dramatic flourish and, yes, another arbitrary deadline set a bit further in the future. It’s a shell game created by political con men who have come to believe their own cons.
So people, relax about the over-hyped New Year’s Eve countdown for budget negotiations. Results matter, not the timetable.
Jean, I wouldn't really compare working conditions in Bangladesh to those here, despite who is president or runs Congress. Again, my point is everyone on Capitol Hill interacts with Lobbyists, not all of them good.
Dan, texile factory fires have happened in this country and did take 100s of lives in our past. Workers paid slave wages, packed into spaces in poor conditions where fire broke out and spread quickly. Sad.
I hate to see former office holders or former military become lobbyists right after leaving office and I believe there should be some sort of grace period before they are allowed to work the system for cash.