July 21, 2011
— Ace It's pretty simple. Obama's great big trump card is threatening to default the nation.
So you take that off the table.
You pass two bills:
1) Allow a conditional increase in the debt limit of up to $200 billion for use only to avoid default. The money could be borrowed only if the Treasury secretary certifies that the funds will be used only for debt service and that there is no other source of funds available for the purpose. Take away the default argument from the president.2) Prioritize the use of tax revenue in the event of no increase in borrowing authority so that military pay and Social Security checks would not be affected.
Obama and the Democrats would surely like to veto/refuse to pass this.
But what exactly would be their public reason for so doing? The real reason is that they are giving up leverage by holding the nation's credit rating hostage; but they can't say that aloud.
What would they say? If the House acts to make sure no default happens during this period of negotiations and brinksmanship, what exactly is Obama's reason for refusing to safeguard the nation's credit rating?
I don't know. I don't imagine they have a very good reason, apart from dismissing it, vaguely, as "partisan posturing" or something.
Here's why this is important. Boehner was on Rush Limbaugh, stating there was no deal, public or private.
But when pressed, Boehner says it's important to have a back-up plan to make sure we don't default.
Now, if Boehner isn't doing as Morris suggests, then his back-up plan is certainly some form of capitulation to Obama.
Which means that Obama's strategy wins -- he runs out the clock, presents the Republicans with a potential disaster he's personally engineered, and then demands they give in to him to avert that engineered disaster at the last moment.
Dick Morris' plan would strip away that hostage-takers' advantage Obama currently enjoys.
Posted by: Ace at
12:14 PM
| Comments (154)
Post contains 338 words, total size 2 kb.
Posted by: Ronnocomot at July 21, 2011 12:16 PM (nQR0p)
Posted by: IreneFingIrene at July 21, 2011 12:17 PM (JKe0g)
"uh, uh.. ah.. this will never pass the Senate.. so, I uh.. uh.. won't even consider it."
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at July 21, 2011 12:18 PM (f9c2L)
Posted by: teh wind at July 21, 2011 12:19 PM (L0bMN)
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at July 21, 2011 12:20 PM (f9c2L)
The media would scream if the Republicans did that.
So we should do it.
I think something that keeps being over looked is the Senate. How can anything get through the senate?
Posted by: Ben at July 21, 2011 12:21 PM (wuv1c)
Reid is insisting on a bill that is "fair." Fair = Tax hikes for people who pay taxes.
What is fair about making any taxpayer pay shit such as govt pensioners and the DREAM Act for illegals?
and frigging cowboy poetry
Posted by: soothsayer at July 21, 2011 12:21 PM (G/zuv)
Also, Zerohedge is reporting that the details of the "non deal" are a 2.5 Trillion raise in return for tax reform in 2012 and cuts sometime later.
Take it for what it's worth.
Posted by: Ben at July 21, 2011 12:22 PM (wuv1c)
Posted by: eastvalleyphx at July 21, 2011 12:22 PM (qiOph)
Prioritize the use of tax revenue in the event of no increase in borrowing authority so that military pay and Social Security checks would not be affected.
Will someone, anyone, in the Republican leadership please point out over and over and over again that the Social Security funds are supposedly in a lockbox and that there's no freaking reason for SS checks to be affected by any shutdown unless that whole lockbox thing is a vicious vicious lie?
Posted by: alexthechick at July 21, 2011 12:22 PM (VtjlW)
Nothing can.
August ought to be.... interesting.
Posted by: The War Between the Undead States at July 21, 2011 12:22 PM (G3Smk)
Posted by: that guy that doesn't read all the comments at July 21, 2011 04:15 PM (GTbGH)
ha. ha.
PS
Obama is a stuttering clusterfuck of a miserable failure.
Posted by: IreneFingIrene at July 21, 2011 04:17 PM (JKe0g)
OK, that was funny.
Posted by: GGE of the Moron Horde at July 21, 2011 12:22 PM (f4gk9)
In my opinion Obama is a stuttering clusterfuck of a miserable failure.
But maybe that's just me.
Posted by: eleven at July 21, 2011 12:23 PM (7DB+a)
I've been wondering why we're not doing this.
I don't know. How's your leg? Are you feeling any better?
Posted by: Ben at July 21, 2011 12:23 PM (wuv1c)
Also, Zerohedge is reporting that the details of the "non deal" are a 2.5 Trillion raise in return for tax reform in 2012 and cuts sometime later.
But when is the hamburger to be served?
Posted by: Wimpy at July 21, 2011 12:23 PM (QKKT0)
@1
That never gets old.
I'll admit that when I jump into a thread a bit late I so want to use that.
Posted by: alexthechick at July 21, 2011 12:23 PM (VtjlW)
I think something that keeps being over looked is the Senate. How can anything get through the senate?
Posted by: Ben at July 21, 2011 04:21 PM (wuv1c)
A great big barrel of Ex Lax, that's how.
Posted by: GGE of the Moron Horde at July 21, 2011 12:24 PM (f4gk9)
I don't know. I don't imagine they have a very good reason, apart from dismissing it, vaguely, as "partisan posturing" or something.
Their best argument would be along the lines of "The Republicans in the house passed a budget that requires x borrowing, and now they refuse to provide authorization to borrow for these items. Services that even the Republicans say are vital, they now threaten to cut, in order to play political games with our nations roads, soldiers, research, children, and seniors. Like they somehow don't believe taking care of sick kids and honoring promises to our grandparents are investments worth funding."
Then never address the fact that we don't have the money, our credit is at risk, and Democrats won't even pass a budget.
Posted by: Some says at July 21, 2011 12:24 PM (vI8R6)
-------
Yeah, that about sums it up.
I find him a zillion times more interesting that Karl Rove. But I confess that's partly based on personality. Something about Morris reminds me of Igor mixed with George Costanza. He amuses me.
Posted by: Y-not at July 21, 2011 12:24 PM (5H6zj)
Still reeling from what Dr. Lew told you, Harry?
Posted by: '80sBaby at July 21, 2011 12:25 PM (o2lIv)
Well, I think he's a cluttering lusterfuck of a miserable failure.
Posted by: Y-not at July 21, 2011 12:26 PM (5H6zj)
Posted by: J.J. Sefton at July 21, 2011 12:26 PM (UlUS4)
I don't know. How's your leg? Are you feeling any better?
We've got him in intensive care....
Still Much Danger!!!!!!
Posted by: eleven at July 21, 2011 12:26 PM (7DB+a)
They don't have to say anything. Headline soundbites will be written on their behalf, they'll read them, repeat them to the same people who came up with them, and be quoted.
Even if that weren't so, the problem with any idea anything like this one is that you're performing spin/brinksmanship/whatever way down in a black hole of government-accounting bullshit that makes no sense to anyone outside the hole. It doesn't matter what you're doing in there.
I mean, look at the words in your Morris blockquote. Whose language is that? Nobody's.
People understand "default." That's a thing in their lives. People understand "no check." It happens to them. And Obama said those words first, so you lose.
Have lost. Past tense. This was over, as a spin/brinksmanship/whatever event, as soon as he said the words.
Posted by: oblig. at July 21, 2011 12:26 PM (xvZW9)
Posted by: Charlie Gibson, Broadcasting Live From the Grooveyard of Stale Memes at July 21, 2011 12:27 PM (QKKT0)
Reid is giving his finger to the House and a bipartisan bill?
Well, those 5 Democrats, including Heath Shuler need to step up and tell Reid that he can stick his bony old finger up his ass.
Posted by: soothsayer at July 21, 2011 12:28 PM (G/zuv)
That's the word on the street, yo.
Posted by: toby928™ at July 21, 2011 12:28 PM (GTbGH)
And didn't a guy named O'Donnell dodge the draft?
Posted by: Y-not at July 21, 2011 12:28 PM (5H6zj)
Posted by: eastvalleyphx at July 21, 2011 12:28 PM (qiOph)
But the key is very simple:
1) Pay SS/Medicare/military abroad.
2) Pay debt.
3) military below O-3 or so at home
4) start listing things on 'reduced pay'
99) EPA/ACORN/whatever.
Posted by: Al at July 21, 2011 12:29 PM (nBfuO)
Posted by: Bob Saget at July 21, 2011 12:29 PM (F/4zf)
Yep. Especially the voice.
And lack of neck.
The whole enchilada.
Posted by: Y-not at July 21, 2011 12:29 PM (5H6zj)
Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 21, 2011 12:29 PM (i6RpT)
......
I ask that exact same question on the libtard blogs just to watch their heads explode.
Most of the time they say I just don't understand that it's really there.. in the box.. in the treasury notes! Idiots.
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at July 21, 2011 12:31 PM (f9c2L)
Posted by: eastvalleyphx at July 21, 2011 04:28 PM (qiOph)
So now you have two short legs?
Posted by: GGE of the Moron Horde at July 21, 2011 12:31 PM (f4gk9)
It says "Obama is a stuttering clusterfuck of a miserable failure"
Posted by: eastvalleyphx at July 21, 2011 12:31 PM (qiOph)
Posted by: alexthechick at July 21, 2011 04:22 PM (VtjlW)
+1
Posted by: willow at July 21, 2011 12:31 PM (h+qn8)
and the market rebounds after S&P downgrades US debt!
I can't make sense out of Wall Street's behavior.
Posted by: soothsayer at July 21, 2011 12:32 PM (G/zuv)
Posted by: eleven at July 21, 2011 12:32 PM (7DB+a)
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at July 21, 2011 04:31 PM (f9c2L)
In the box, it's in, the box, in the notes, the notes of treasury, in the box!
Posted by: Stuttering Clusterfuck of Miserable Failure at July 21, 2011 12:33 PM (f4gk9)
and the market rebounds after S&P downgrades US debt!
I can't make sense out of Wall Street's behavior.
Trading my the WS guys who didn't get caught up in the brothel scandal.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at July 21, 2011 12:34 PM (71Fka)
Earlier when S&P downgraded, the leftist media started spinning and blaming Republicans.
But now it's all good because it appears that the Republicans aren't caving Greece made a debt deal!
Wait, what?
Posted by: soothsayer at July 21, 2011 12:34 PM (G/zuv)
Posted by: SWAT Team Gang of 6 at July 21, 2011 12:34 PM (8rJkX)
Dick Morris obviously is confusing Obama with someone who'd actually be held accountable for his actions.
Posted by: Tsar Nicholas II at July 21, 2011 12:34 PM (f8XyF)
I wish they'd say this, too. How hard is it to say, "What default? Just a few days ago the Press Secretary- who, presumably, speaks for the President- indicated there would be no default."
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at July 21, 2011 12:36 PM (8y9MW)
I've never lived through such a crappy 2 years of my life, and Yes I blame Obama and His creepy ideas.
i wonder how many other middle class families he has helped ruin.
Posted by: willow at July 21, 2011 12:36 PM (h+qn8)
So we shoot the hostage to save the terrorist?
Posted by: SWAT Team Gang of 6 at July 21, 2011 04:34 PM (8rJkX)
Whoa.
Dude, that sounds awesome.
Posted by: Keanu Reeves at July 21, 2011 12:36 PM (71Fka)
Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 21, 2011 12:37 PM (i6RpT)
you gotta love this from a CNBC story:
"In a media blitz following the announcement by Standard & Poor's that it had revised its outlook on the US from stable to negative, Geithner said there was "no risk" of a downgrade."
No risk of a downgrade, Geithner says. That was Tuesday, two days ago.
Posted by: soothsayer at July 21, 2011 12:37 PM (G/zuv)
i wonder how many other middle class families he has helped ruin.
What's 2.2% divided by the American work force?
Posted by: Ben at July 21, 2011 12:37 PM (wuv1c)
I guess no one in Washington saw that CNN poll that said that 2/3 of those polled APPROVE of CCB and a Balanced Budget Amendment.
Or do they only cite the polls that reflect what they want to hear?
Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, TX at July 21, 2011 12:38 PM (/kd4o)
Posted by: Hrothgar at July 21, 2011 12:39 PM (yrGif)
Posted by: 'Nam Grunt at July 21, 2011 12:39 PM (M5A8b)
Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 21, 2011 04:37 PM (i6RpT)
Ow. Soda burns nose. Also, soda on monitor is not good.
Posted by: GGE of the Moron Horde at July 21, 2011 12:39 PM (f4gk9)
I've never lived through such a crappy 2 years of my life
Hang in there, willow.
In fairness, 1992-1993 were probably even worse for me. Clinton, hubby had a lousy job, Boston economy was still in a downturn, my mom got (and died of) cancer, I was sexually harassed at work, and my husband threw out his knee thereby delaying our ability to leave Boston (for Houston - yay!) by six months while he recuperated.
But I am more pessimistic now, even if I'm less miserable, if you know what I mean.
Posted by: Y-not at July 21, 2011 12:40 PM (5H6zj)
I think you want to multiply there.
Posted by: Waterhouse at July 21, 2011 04:40 PM (ktytq)
and write the smaller amount on Line 23...
Posted by: GGE of the Moron Horde at July 21, 2011 12:41 PM (f4gk9)
I can't make sense out of Wall Street's behavior."
The market is aching for stability, looking for truth. US debt should have been downgraded already and the markets know it. A downgrade would be validation of what they know should've already happened. When it does happen, it's a rational act and rational traders can say, "OK, that's out of the way for now. Let's see where we can go from here," rather than the current mode of, "This is nucking futs!"
Posted by: AnonymousDrivel at July 21, 2011 12:41 PM (r4t7/)
What's 2.2% divided by the American work force?
I think you want to multiply there.
I was told that there was no math on this blog.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at July 21, 2011 12:42 PM (71Fka)
Posted by: Jimmuy at July 21, 2011 12:42 PM (sFOv5)
They've discussed one but Reid and Pelosi do not want tax reform and such a high amount of spending cuts. It also appears that the Dems were the ones behind the NYT story.
Roll Call version
Posted by: '80sBaby at July 21, 2011 12:43 PM (o2lIv)
I hate to trade in gossip, but I heard somewhere that Obama is a stuttering clusterfuck of a miserable failure.
Strange. We haven't heard that. We'll start looking into it. Maybe next week. Maybe.
Posted by: MFM at July 21, 2011 12:43 PM (zayET)
sorry about your stuff in 90s
we have had our downs also, but nothing like this. I actually worry about americas future and my childrens future.
Posted by: willow at July 21, 2011 12:43 PM (h+qn8)
I'm not saying Morris is teh ghey but I'll bet a dollar to a doughnut he would hold a cock in his mouth for awhile.
I hear he's actually a toe man.
Posted by: jewells45 at July 21, 2011 12:44 PM (Z71Vg)
Posted by: I'm in a New York state of mind at July 21, 2011 12:44 PM (4sQwu)
Posted by: eastvalleyphx
So now you have two short legs?
Posted by: GGE of the Moron Horde
I'm crying laughing...
Posted by: Hobbitopoly at July 21, 2011 12:45 PM (h1p5V)
Posted by: I'm in a New York state of mind at July 21, 2011 04:44 PM (4sQwu)
Well yeah....duh.
Posted by: MSM at July 21, 2011 12:45 PM (X6akg)
Posted by: King Barry at July 21, 2011 12:45 PM (tf9Ne)
Posted by: left wing economist at July 21, 2011 12:45 PM (VidfH)
Posted by: Boehner's evil twin at July 21, 2011 12:46 PM (BvTwT)
but i did just read where a foot had a nipple on it. maybe a foot and .. well maybe fetishes can be surprising at times.
Posted by: willow at July 21, 2011 12:46 PM (h+qn8)
Posted by: willow at July 21, 2011 04:46 PM (h+qn
Go on...
Posted by: GGE of the Moron Horde at July 21, 2011 12:47 PM (f4gk9)
Any talk of a deal in any obviously liberal outlets (read: all of them) is simply Democratic spin attempts. Having done this twice now, one would think they realize making these claims is counterproductive.
Posted by: imp at July 21, 2011 12:47 PM (UaxA0)
I guess no one in Washington saw that CNN poll that said that 2/3 of those polled APPROVE of CCB and a Balanced Budget Amendment.
Or do they only cite the polls that reflect what they want to hear?
Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, TX at July 21, 2011 04:38 PMYes.
Duh.
Posted by: This is CNN at July 21, 2011 12:49 PM (ZJ2JH)
but i did just read where a foot had a nipple on it. maybe a foot and .. well maybe fetishes can be surprising at times.
Well, now see there? A man could kill two birds with one stone, or satisfy two fetishes at the same time...
Posted by: jewells45 at July 21, 2011 12:49 PM (Z71Vg)
/Chuck Todd
Also, McConnell did not agree to Reid's plan to rush CCB-- or he hasn't yet, anyway.
Posted by: '80sBaby at July 21, 2011 12:50 PM (o2lIv)
Posted by: 'Nam Grunt at July 21, 2011 12:51 PM (M5A8b)
"Cong Dem leaders (both chambers) have been summoned for a WH meeting at 530p today, sources tell me."
Again?? Jesus, they must have a well worn path there by now.
Posted by: jewells45 at July 21, 2011 12:52 PM (Z71Vg)
Posted by: 'Nam Grunt
So that's what you young hep cats are calling it nowadays?
Posted by: Blue Hen at July 21, 2011 12:52 PM (6rX0K)
One Congressional aide said the administration briefed leaders on the potential for a deficit reduction deal with House Republicans that would not include tax revenue changes but would include the “promise” of a future deal on tax reform that would eventually bring in more revenues. The aide said the potential agreement would include “significant cuts, including to entitlements, but only the promise of revenues in a future, hypothetical tax reform deal. There would be no up-front, guaranteed revenues.”
I could live with that deal if the cuts were big enough.
Posted by: Long-time Commenter, First-time Reader at July 21, 2011 12:52 PM (Jbj03)
Posted by: '80sBaby at July 21, 2011 04:43 PM (o2lIv)
I would think Pelosi and Reid would feel compelled to Throw all their funds into making their dreams come true.
who knew they weren't talking about actually being committed to their causes.
Posted by: willow at July 21, 2011 12:52 PM (h+qn8)
I've never lived through such a crappy 2 years of my life, and Yes I blame Obama and His creepy ideas. Posted by: willow
Ya know, once you embrace the doom things don't seem as bad. As sarcastic and flippant as it may sound, we know that the GOP will cut a deal that will include more spending. The collective economic can will be kicked down the road again toward some consequence. So why stress over it?
Tend to the more important things in your life, and let your Deity of preference take care of the rest. Happiness, or in this case peace of mind, is a choice.
Posted by: Paul Anka at July 21, 2011 12:52 PM (/9Ezq)
Only one.
Cut, Cap and Balance.
That's it. Obama has no plan, the Gang of Six's plan can't be ready in time.
Posted by: AmishDude at July 21, 2011 12:52 PM (T0NGe)
Posted by: Hrothgar
The when isn't a question either. It will be 12:30 AM EST on Saturday, July 30, 2011.
Pass the bill at the last minute in the dead of night to reduce press coverage and to argue they, regrettably, had to make a deal or else the world would end.
Head out for the August recess and wait for the outrage from the right to burn itself out while they relax in their lairs.
We have seen this move before, you know...
Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at July 21, 2011 12:53 PM (EeYDk)
The vote will either be tomorrow or Saturday (as previously planned). Durbin will ensure all the Dems vote no.
Posted by: '80sBaby at July 21, 2011 12:54 PM (o2lIv)
Posted by: '80sBaby at July 21, 2011 04:50 PM (o2lIv)
I'm no insider but that sounds like good strategy. If it's the only thing on the table by the end of next week, the Senate will be pressured to take it.
Posted by: AmishDude at July 21, 2011 12:54 PM (T0NGe)
he's like 0 for his last 1,000 at bats, right?
For predictions, yes. For political strategy and tactics, no.
Posted by: Curmudgeon at July 21, 2011 12:54 PM (ujg0T)
No discussions. A vote in the Senate on CCB. They are trying to avoid that. Letting them do that is a loss and a scripted one at that.
Posted by: Papa Editor at July 21, 2011 04:49 PM (Zs83Q)
There was a repub senator on Levin yesterday (can't remember his name to save me) that said that the CCB vote would probably happen Saturday.
Posted by: MFM at July 21, 2011 12:54 PM (zayET)
Posted by: nickless at July 21, 2011 12:54 PM (MMC8r)
This idea that "no ceiling hike doesn't necessarily mean default" is a distinction without a difference. The ONLY reason default is a catastrophe is the downgrade means higher interest costs for years, eating up even more of the budget. So some cute plan to avoid technical default that still gets a downgrade is completely meaningless.
The GOOD news for our side is the ratings agencies are also reminding everyone that just raising the debt ceiling is not enough - we MUST also deal with the debt problem to the tune of at least $4 trillion cut in the current 10-year budget window. So Obama and the Democrats can't just bullshit their way out of it.
Posted by: Adjoran at July 21, 2011 12:55 PM (VfmLu)
Posted by: '80sBaby at July 21, 2011 04:54 PM (o2lIv)
Then it needs to be publicized: Countdown to default.
Make the vote the biggest thing ever and let everybody see the Dems vote no.
Posted by: AmishDude at July 21, 2011 12:55 PM (T0NGe)
No.
Posted by: pep at July 21, 2011 12:56 PM (6TB1Z)
It occurs to me that Obummers basic threat is: "If you don't let me waste all your wealth and destroy your credit rating permanently, I will attempt to destroy your credit rating immediately."
Doesn't seem to be much point in worrying about a threat as absurd as that one. Threats only work is one of the choices is actually better than the other.
Posted by: jc at July 21, 2011 12:56 PM (i8c5b)
You're already passed a "back-up plan", Orange Crush.
Otherwise, WTF was "Cut Cap and Balance"? You know, that piece of actual legislation you've passed that even 66% of people polled by CN-freaking-N support.
The Party of StupidTM is doing a great job snatching defeat from the jaws of victory here.
Posted by: DocJ at July 21, 2011 12:57 PM (AWzOz)
Then it needs to be publicized: Countdown to default.
Make the vote the biggest thing ever and let everybody see the Dems vote no.
Posted by: AmishDude at July 21, 2011 04:55 PM (T0NGe)
agree
Posted by: willow at July 21, 2011 12:57 PM (h+qn8)
Posted by: Andrew Weiner at July 21, 2011 04:49 PM (71Fka)
You people really need to grow up.
Posted by: Peter Gozinya at July 21, 2011 12:57 PM (w3g9z)
You pass two bills:
Aahhh, specificity, the enemy of Progressivism. That's brilliant, is what it is.
Which explains why teh Pubbies will never do it, although I'm tempted to go over to the Speaker's blog and post that, just so he'll know that we know he's behind the curve again.
Posted by: BackwardsBoy at July 21, 2011 12:58 PM (d0Tfm)
I guess no one in Washington saw that CNN poll that said that 2/3 of those polled APPROVE of CCB and a Balanced Budget Amendment.
Or do they only cite the polls that reflect what they want to hear?
Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, TX at July 21, 2011 04:38 PMJames McDermott,( D-ouche) was on Medved, and said that the poll was meaningless because the people either ignorant or stupid. Not 2 minutes later, a caller asks him if he's saying the American people are stupid, and he chuckles condescendingly and says No, I was talking about the Congress. Caller went nonlinear.
If you're going to lie through your teeth, don't do it when millions of people are listening.
Posted by: pep at July 21, 2011 12:59 PM (6TB1Z)
They're royally ticked at what they've heard and are concerned that Obama might cave because the Clintonistas in the Admin. tell him to do so. A compromise on taxes would be good for Obama in the long-run but not so for them. Same with "high" spending cuts:
The Senate Democratic lunch was confrontational, sources said, with sharp questions directed at White House budget director Jacob Lew, who was briefing the caucus on efforts to reach a deal before the Aug. 2 deadline to raise the debt ceiling. (Politico)
I still don't see how this can be resolved, I really don't. Many House and some Senate Rs won't vote for actual tax increases and the Dems won't agree to a deal without them. Same with spending cuts (in the reverse scenario).
Posted by: '80sBaby at July 21, 2011 01:00 PM (o2lIv)
One thing about this. If Boehner/McConnell cave and give us shit in the hand again, they know the repub brand is over. I really don't think they want to do this.
Posted by: Soona at July 21, 2011 01:02 PM (zayET)
The Back-Up Plan: Cut, Cap, and Balance (if that's what the GOP's going with instead of Ryan reform or whatever) and "everyone" is part of the action.
There's no need for endless plans from which President Incompetent can pick, choose, and demagogue. Submit the "Back-Up Plan" and go on vacation. Tell the press they've accumulated 14 golfing days off while they were working on the details and Obama was polishing his putter. Government needs to be balanced, you see.
Posted by: AnonymousDrivel at July 21, 2011 01:05 PM (r4t7/)
Posted by: '80sBaby at July 21, 2011 01:07 PM (o2lIv)
~Rich Lowry, who has many sources on the Hill
Posted by: '80sBaby at July 21, 2011 01:09 PM (o2lIv)
Posted by: bergerbilder at July 21, 2011 01:09 PM (S1Ttj)
Guys in the House are adamant that thereÂ’s no deal and suspect something about the talks was leaked to Senate Democrats, who have spun it into something it isnÂ’t out of fear of a deal not to their liking.
UPDATE: A GOP senate source calls the reports of a deal “wildly overoptimistic,” and believes Chuck Schumer is trying to blow something up that might include Medicare.
Posted by: '80sBaby at July 21, 2011 01:11 PM (o2lIv)
Posted by: Joe Mama at July 21, 2011 01:13 PM (CYoZS)
Posted by: Doc at July 21, 2011 01:15 PM (XUVyF)
Posted by: President Cluttering Fusterstuck of a miserable failure at July 21, 2011 01:16 PM (8rJkX)
Here's what's going on: Republicans are playing governance and Democrats are playing politics. Maybe some GOPers are thinking that if there's a default they'll get blamed no matter what, but none of them wants a default as a matter of public policy.
The Democrats, as usual, are simply children. They don't care about default.
I'll say this again: They do not care.
They can play chicken because they have nothing to lose. Republicans are supposed to be adults and Democrats are allowed to play politics.
Well, they should care because the GOP can let Obama force a default. The economy is his and his alone. Doubly so because of the active and public measures he took like Obamacare and the stimulus.
Why did Clinton win with the last shutdown? Because the economy was fine. It was just inside Washington baseball. The Republicans were just making a power play, according to the media. I think the people generally get that this thing is serious. Not all, but enough that the Dems won't benefit in the near-term and certainly not in the long term.
Posted by: AmishDude at July 21, 2011 01:21 PM (T0NGe)
believes Chuck Schumer is trying to blow something up that might include Medicare.
Schumer is SUCH a dick.
Posted by: Curmudgeon at July 21, 2011 01:22 PM (ujg0T)
Women and children can be careless. Not men.
Posted by: Vito Corleone at July 21, 2011 01:23 PM (6TB1Z)
Posted by: Al Gore at July 21, 2011 01:32 PM (Jotvs)
Schumer is SUCH a dick.
Posted by: Curmudgeon at July 21, 2011 05:22 PM (ujg0T)
Yep. He is probably the worst human being in the Senate.
Posted by: AmishDude at July 21, 2011 01:35 PM (T0NGe)
table, motion to - A Senator may move to table any pending question. The motion is not debatable, and agreement to the motion is equivalent to defeating the question tabled. The motion is used to dispose quickly of questions the Senate does not wish to consider further.
Posted by: '80sBaby at July 21, 2011 01:37 PM (o2lIv)
Posted by: x11b1p at July 21, 2011 03:06 PM (nVLlM)
Posted by: Molon Labe at July 21, 2011 06:40 PM (g5MrG)
Hide Comments | Add Comment | Refresh | Top
64 queries taking 0.2126 seconds, 282 records returned.
Powered by Minx 1.1.6c-pink.
Posted by: that guy that doesn't read all the comments at July 21, 2011 12:15 PM (GTbGH)