Good afternoon, TOD. I’ve just read through PBO’s website on Romney: romneyeconomics.com. If you haven’t done so yet, try to read it. It is a perfect resource — simple, easy to navigate, and very effective at making Willard’s record plain.
I just watched Colin Powell’s interview on Today and I think he’s probably going to endorse Obama later this year. I get he’s playing it safe, but when he talks about Obama, you can tell he does so with pride. But I could be wrong. What do you guys think?
DI, I thought he was nitpicking. POTUS could not solve all the problems we as a country were facing. Here’s a couple of examples:
“I think he has been (a transformational figure), (but) not completely,’’ Powell told Matt Lauer. “There are some things that he has done that I wish he had not done – for example, leave Guantanamo open. I would’ve closed that rapidly. He tried, (and) he was stopped by Congress.” So, if was stopped by Congress how does that affect your endorsement?
“He stabilized the financial system, he brought about stability in the economy, (and) he fixed the auto industry. I think he took us out – not completely out – he took us out of the most difficult problem we were facing at that time, which was an economy that was collapsing. It’s improving, but not fast enough. His number one goal for the rest of this year, as it should’ve been for the whole four years, is to get the economy running again.” Wasn’t he doing that all these years — the economy? Did the auto industry just jump start itself? What about the banks in freefall? If congress had done its job, I think POTUS could have achieved a hell of a lot more. But then, we all know this. That’s why I kindly called it nitpicking.
Drunken Irishman, I had a very similar take as you. They were together at a recent Kennedy Center event and seemed to be enjoying each other’s company greatly.
Both Gen Colin Powell and his dear wife are great friends of the First Couple. In fact PBO has said himself that he routinely seeks advice from him on very important matters
That was Super Good, vc! So glad I saw that! That’s it..Cory Booker is outta Whack! He so did not know how to pull it off..take lessons from this guy..jay smooth is right.
Oh yeah, WoS, in 2008 the cat always seemed to be part of the act. I got so used to him/her that I didn’t see him after a while unless he pushed himself forcefully into the scene – something he wasn’t at all shy to do.
It was a rare moment of pique for Ann Romney, not meant for public consumption, and one that opened a window onto the private world of the would-be first lady. Dressage is not for the faint of wallet; it requires healthy outlays of cash for upkeep, training, transportation and veterinary care. Insurance documents in the court file indicate that from November 2006 to November 2007, Ann Romney paid $7,800 to insure five horses against mortality and theft for amounts ranging from $50,000 to $135,000 per horse, which she said was far less than their value. “I self-insure for the rest,” she testified. “Just expensive to have insurance.”
Ebeling’s demanding nature, Romney said, sometimes causes a strain. “We all get upset at certain times with anybody that is, you know, especially a German,” Romney said.
Romney’s lawyers wanted to keep the case out of the public eye. In December 2010, one of her attorneys sent a letter to Robyn Ranke, the attorney for Norris, expressing dismay that Ranke refused to sign a confidentiality agreement.
Desertflower, you are a treasure. Thanks for sharing this important piece. It must be shared widely. I also clicked on the video where the author was being interviewed and he was very good. The fact that the American people are not familiar with this story is exactly why I strongly believe that the U.S. media is failing the American people miserably. In fact I would go even further and contend that the U.S. media, acting for the most part as the propaganda voice of the GOP, are undermining our Democracy. Democracy can’t function very well if the people are uninformed or misinformed.
Hi all! I was late hearing about what Booker said on Sunday. I actually have not listened to any of the interviews, but have gotten the gist if what appended on twitter. oh man! Recently I had taken an interest in following Booker’s political career on twitter. I read through the beginning of tien’s writing yesterday on here and I should go ahead and read the rest. I feel bad Booker is feeling the wrath from all the PBO supporters, but hey our loyalty is to PBO and getting him re-elected and we don’t like it when someone messes with that! I saw a tweet earlier that said something like ” I liked Cory Booker better when he was helping to put out fires rather then starting fires for Democrats.” anyway, it is probably time to move away from this topic. I only bring it up because I have been missing in action on here for a few days. I loved listening to PBO in Joplin last night and I look forward to watching the clips above. Hope everyone is well.
FACT CHECKER: Mitt Romney’s claim that 100,000 auto jobs have been lost under Obama
——————————————
The Pinocchio Test (FOUR)
Romney’s remarks make little sense. Not only is his claim of creating 100,000 jobs at Bain untenable, but also his assertion that 100,000 jobs have been lost in the auto industry “on the president’s watch” does not add up.
Yes, there were some painful cuts in the auto industry at the start of Obama’s presidency, largely because tough choices had to be made. One could argue whether those choices were necessary or effective, but the bottom line is clear: No matter how you slice it, jobs overall have grown substantially in the auto industry under Obama. In fact, it is one of the bright spots of today’s economy.
Obama camp rebukes Clyburn
By ALEXANDER BURNS | 5/22/12 2:59 PM
South Carolian Rep. Jim Clyburn was wrong to accuse Bain Capital of “raping” companies in a Tuesday interview, the Obama campaign said in a statement.-//
Good Grief! These Surrogates on the Democratic side are politically inept, or ate they doing this on purpose? Hmmm!
I’m sorry but I don’t get this. The video attack ads about Romney’s Bain didn’t use the term “rape” but the substance of the videos was quite clear. I hope the Obama campaign is only uncomfortable about the use of the word “raping” but is not backing off . What Romney did is vulture capitalism, not venture capitalism.
ROVE: President Obama is not cleaning up the mess he inherited from the GOP fast enough, so vote for the GOP.
The best lies money can buy
By Steve Benen
—————————————–
Indeed, the great irony of the ad is that it’s Karl Rove attacking Obama for the fiscal policies the president inherited from Rove’s old boss.
The Times write-up focuses on the ad’s efficacy, and I suppose it’s possible uninformed voters who are easily swayed by nonsense, policy gibberish, and outright falsehoods will find it compelling.
But perhaps now would be a good time to note that efficacy and honesty aren’t the same thing, and the latter matters more than the former.
.
.
As for the indifference to Crossroads’ dishonesty, the political world has become inured to the constant lying, and it’s not a healthy development. As Bouie concluded, “It’s not hard to find an independent evaluation of each claim, and yet, it’s rare that news outlets challenge the Romney campaign — or Republicans in general — on any of it. The GOP is running the most mendacious presidential campaign in recent memory, and the collective response has been a shrug.”
Of all the falsehoods told about President Barack Obama, the biggest whopper is the one about his reckless spending spree.
As would-be president Mitt Romney tells it: “I will lead us out of this debt and spending inferno.”
Almost everyone believes that Obama has presided over a massive increase in federal spending, an “inferno” of spending that threatens our jobs, our businesses and our children’s future. Even Democrats seem to think it’s true.
But it didn’t happen. Although there was a big stimulus bill under Obama, federal spending is rising at the slowest pace since Dwight Eisenhower brought the Korean War to an end in the 1950s
Controlling lady parts more important than Jesus' message – Cardinal Dolan: church may give up feeding poor over BC: msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp…— Liberal Librarian (@Lib_Librarian) May 22, 2012
Rep. King compares immigrants to dogs
By GLENN THRUSH | 5/22/12 4:15 PM EDT
Wonder why Republicans are having trouble with Hispanics this cycle?
Try this. Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), arguably the most conservative member of the House, was chatting to small crowd in Pocahontas, Iowa the other day, laying out his vision for picking good immigrants from the bad ones.
The comparison that sprung to mind: Dog breeding.
“You want a good bird dog? You want one that’s going to be aggressive? Pick the one that’s the friskiest … not the one that’s over there sleeping in the corner,” King said, according to Salon’s Alex Seitz-Wald, citing video captured by an American Bridge tracker.
King suggested lazy immigrants should be avoided as well. “You get the pick of the litter and you got yourself a pretty good bird dog. Well, we’ve got the pick of every donor civilization on the planet,” King said. “We’ve got the vigor from the planet to come to America.”
Thanks for posting the vid of Joplin Chipsticks, so in awe of President Obama. This is Integrity on display.
I remember when President Obama was in England when the tornado hit Joplin and the round clock media coverage…and his speech to the community on the Sunday once he got back it was just beautiful… including stating that he would not forget them long after the media coverage had gone, he kept his word…and I am sure the people of Joplin remember.
Did he run his mouth during the Pennsylvania primary? Of course he did. This is Bain calling in it’s chips for donating to certain People, like Rendekl!
Run his campaign politely, ask that bastard Ed Rendell how do he think Karl Rove, those super pacs which supports Mitt Romney, and Mitt Romney, ask Rendell if those Republicans are going to run a polite campaign. I think the Obama campaign knows what they are doing, if they need Ed Rendell advice I’m sure they will ask for it,but tell Rendell don’t sit by the phone waiting.
Ed Rendell is a loser and a hasbeen. What he says means nothing to anybody. He enjoys hearing himself talk like all loudmouths. Right now he’s bloating his own ego by appearing on tv. He’s not worth the energy or the outrage.
This is the same Ed Rendell who together with James Carville are the Clinton attack dogs who go for the jugular immitating the most crass and most negative style of republican attack!!!
This Ed Rendell who always screams that President Obama should “man up” and stop trying to be nice!!!
This Ed Rendell now wants the Obama campaign to be “polite” to Mitt Romney and his corporate masters!!!
Please go away Ed Rendell your expiration date has long passed and like putrid milk you stink!!!
Anniebella, Rendell is recently divorced, chasing younger women, and is probably worried about his bank account more than anything else. He cares only about himself and cannot be trusted. When these pundits speak it should be required that their outside business interests be revealed. Many of these retired pols make fees by bringing business and money to financial organizations.
Rendel was a dirty so and so when he said and did (nothing positive) anything to support and try to get his pal Hillary elected. Rendel and Harold Ford sit on the Morning Joe set and they think they are important…both of them envy POB!
Chris really put Rendell and Heilemen on the hot seat. The one thing I agree with Ed Rendell on is that nobody other that political nuts like me know who Cory Booker is.
Ed Rendell was really sleazy with his skinning and grinning.
This is not catching fire at all, at least not like the marriage equality thing did.
P.M. Carpenter has the best take on this, if your nerves need a break.
I’ve never liked Ed Rendell. This is why. Campaigns aren’t run politely. They’ve never been run politely. You do that and you’re going to lose. No candidate in the history of presidential politics ever amounted to anything by being nice on the campaign trail.
I remember in the 2008 Primary where Rendell was trying to insist that Obama had to pay his people to get out the vote for him instead of letting him bring in his own people to go around to get out the vote. As I remember Obama used his own people regardless of what Rendell wanted.
Somebody needs to ask Rendell if Hillary was running the same campaign right now would he and these other self serving surrogates be coming out like this? Hurting her run for a second term?
Chips – Yardarm asked me to post for him that there has been a death in his family and he wanted to let the TODers know that he will be offline awhile. I told him I knew his TOD family will be sharing in his family’s sadness and would all be thinking about him.
Oh my. May Yardarm and family be granted a quiet and sweetness of strength as they go through this time. My deep condolences to you, Yardarm.((((((( Praying for a sweet angel to surround you at this time.))))))) Love to you, my dear friend.HZ
Chips – I’ll pass on these replies to my comment to him, so he doesn’t miss them. I’m guessing he knows the warmth everyone is sending to him and his family.
I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Yardarm’s loss! Please pass on to him my deep condolences! I hope he and his family find strength to cope. I just lost a family member three weeks ago and the sadness still lingers.
I’m so sorry to hear about the death in Yardam’s family. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.
Thank you jacqueline for letting us know.
I really can’t handle listening to the snide Mr. Steele today. Somebody please recap this segment of Chris’s show for my faint heart and frayed nerves.
Yes. And he is right. Where the fuck are the high ranking dem surrogates? They need to have at least one strong supporter on every Sunday show from now until the election! And ALL on message! It is time to march!
The reason is, half the Democrats in the House are wall street connected.
This is tough for her! She is trying to stick up for the President and at the same time, not say anything bad about the DLC Democrats!
“Democrats have accepted more political donations than Republicans from executives at Bain Capital, complicating the left’s plan to attack Mitt Romney for his record at the private-equity firm.”
This is why I identify as an Obamacrat first and secondly as a Democrat. The reason Booker and Rendell keep giving these mealy-mouthed responses in support of the President and full-throated praise of private equity firms like Bain is because they are compromised by them.
They have to deal with the sources of their campaign cash and how it affects their ability to tell the truth about Bain. My President, on the other hand, is free and correct to continue drawing the contrast between Romney and himself by focusing on Bain. He is correctly educating Americans about the painful consequences of Romney’s vampire capitalism and the imminent threat it poses to the middle class and the most vulnerable among us if Romney imposed his inhumane, profits-over-people, economic sensibility on the nation as President of the United States.
Did somebody tell MSNBC to lay off Cory Booker? I expected somebody to have a segment on the retraction he made last night on Maddow.
Annnnnd.. I really miss Sue Duvall Smith and Now, @no spin. I hope we can hang tougher together from now on.
This is going to be a tough, tough run. Our nerves and faith are going to be tested. Sometimes, we will let loose and say some things that we should not say. That is true in all relationships, even digital ones.
This is a place, often, for cathartic expression. Sometimes, we will blow up. But if we leave at the slightest disagreement, then we are letting the other side win. We are going to need thick skin going into this election season, just as well develop it here.
WASHINGTON (CNN) – The Obama campaign is targeting Mitt Romney’s record not just in private business but now his public sector job as well—part of an effort to undermine his credibility.
“As governor he slashed funding for education, worker training and manufacturing and vetoed legislation that would have prevented outsourcing,” said campaign spokesman Ben LaBolt.
Senior administration officials suggested Romney’s tenure as governor had been virtually ignored by the candidate himself and pointing that out to Americans was a relevant argument.
They’re driving that theme hard in defense of attacks on their opponent’s role at private equity firm Bain Capital.
“He is not going out there touting his experience in Massachusetts,” the president told reporters Monday.
I need some help here TODers….I’m doing a list of great surrogates for the President…..people that you know won’t stab the President in the back or go way off message and end up in a Karl Rove ad……
I think of Krystal Ball
Stephanie Cutter
Gov Martin O’Malley
I’m not talking about David Axelrod or DWS…people who actually run the campaign but people that the campaign should use more.
Obama leads Romney in NBC/ WSJ by 4…….but ZZOMMGG Chucky said the gays and Bin Laden football spiking was sure to dooom the President. Gotta get that paycheck huh Chuck
In the newest poll, Obama leads Romney among African Americans (88 percent to 2 percent), 18 to 34 year olds (55 percent to 35 percent), women (53 percent to 38 percent), independents (44 percent to 36 percent), and seniors (46 percent to 44 percent).
Why not?!?!? Obama SHOULD be leading with seniors at this point. They are receiving their rebate checks from the ACA, and the Ryan plan is terrifying to any senior who has been paying attention.
Why not? I am a senior and I am an enthusiastic supporter of President Obama! I am also already receiving from the ACA, best known as the Obama Care tangible benefits since the cost of my medicine has gone down. Please don’t assume that all seniors share the bigoted people you see focused on by the GOP. I know many seniors who love the President and are working very hard to ensure that he is re-elected. I guarantee you this election is not going to be a replica of 2010 when many senior was misled about the ACA! Also many seniors are absolutely opposed to the Ryan plan.
Imagine you’re a hiring manager. Now imagine there’s an applicant for a critical job who thinks they’re entitled to that job, refuses to answer interview questions so you can discern whether they understand the job, won’t discuss or prove their qualifications for the job, and thinks it unnecessary to say how they plan to perform the job. Would you hire that applicant? Really?
Mitt Romney wants the most important job on the planet.
You, the voter, are the hiring manager. Would you hire him? Really?
I love this! I don’t even think that Willard “Mitt” Romneym while he was running Bain Capital, would hire some one who refuses to answer truthfully interview questions or acts as if he/she were entitled to the job.
Reporting in from the road, at a motel in “the wilds of Pa.”—–(western Pa.)—-so far not real wild and crazy, unless you count cracking open a stella artois—-on way to see grandkids in Ct.—-granddaughter wanted us in attendance for her “all city orchestra” concert. She chose to play the viola. What’s a viola? Anyhoo—-the only highlights—–we were riding alongside a whole fleet of homeland security SUVs, obviously heading back from the NATO summit in Chgo. We decided we like it alot when Democrats are in charge. Everything planned for any eventuality, that summit was designed to the tiniest detail, receiving high praise from Chgo news media. And PBO noting Fema’s Craig Fugate last night in Joplin and all the excellent and capable work he’s done there—-remember Brownie? And the other highlight—–4 Obama-Biden bumper stickers, 0 Romney.
Chuck Todd on nightly news says that a 34 point lead for Hispanics, 15 point lead amongst women and a 4 point overall is actually bad news for Obama.
He also snuck in Karl Roves new ad…
Ha!
jovie141, you must remember when listening to Chuckie Todd, he’s full of alot of Bull sh*t. If this was revise Chuckie would be saying what great news for Mitt. Chuckie is no different than David Gregory and all those other journalists who suppose to be fair and balance, but every time they open their mouth they are anti-Obama. These guys are in the GOP hip pockets. And they don’t even try to hide it anymore.
I saw his breathless reporting. I thought he was going to announce Obama was down 20—–and then the details! See on twitter that Obama up big w/independents in this poll also. Todd and the boys must get a bib bonus if they can make this a HORSE RACE!
The thing I saw was the Rove ad. Roves two groups are running negative ads about the President, some 35 million dollars worth, and yet they get it played for free on the nightly news.
Amazing!
Todd is all excited about the part HE PLAYED in a recent poll, talking as if he wrote up the whole thing himself (on Hardball anyway). It’s all about ego.
Back in February, Mitt Romney asserted that he’s “not concerned with the very poor,” because “we have food stamps, we have Medicaid, we have housing vouchers, we have programs to help the poor.” However, according to an analysis by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, Romney’s economic plan would throw 13 million people off of food stamps entirely or force him to cut benefits by nearly $2,000 per family per year:
Cuts in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly the Food Stamp Program) would throw 13 million low-income people off the benefit rolls, cut benefits deeply — by over $1,800 a year for a family of four — or some combination of the two. These cuts would primarily affect poor families with children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
I am so proud of my President. I am sick and tired of people who think that running a business is the same thing as governing a diverse country like the United States! VP Biden was absolutely right. Mitt Romney and his enablers don’t get it! George W. Bush touted his business credentials. Just look at the economic mess he created. I’ve said it before and I will say it again: we don’t need no other f****in businessman ruining the country the way the last business President did. We need a President with a vision and with determination to create an economy that benefits all Americans, and not just the people at the top.
Important to remember that many of people most disappointed with PBO managed to be disappointed without ever supporting him.— rootless (@rootless_e) May 22, 2012
Knoxville — Two days before President Barack Obama’s scheduled visit to Central Iowa, Obama For America Communications Director Erin Siedler said the campaign is confident that the President will be able to carry Iowa in November.
I just found some time to watch the Cory Booker interview on MTP. Freelancing doesn’t begin to describe it. CB just needs to own up and say,” Folks, I thought I was smarter than I really am, that’s my bad”. If I were the Obama campaign, I wouldn’t let Cory Booker anywhere near a microphone. He came, he played and he scored an own goal and not only that….am beyond pissed….I am trying to avoid going all ethnic on him….dis mofo…what the heck was he thinking?!!
The thing about the pro-Bain Dems
By ALEXANDER BURNS | 5/22/12 5:45 PM EDT
The number of semi-prominent Democrats criticizing the Obama camp’s messaging on Bain Capital continues to grow one by one; former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell became the latest Dem to step up and defend private equity, calling President Barack Obama’s Bain attacks “disappointing.”
The big caveat with Rendell is that he currently works for a law firm, Ballard Spahr, that has a big mergers-and-acquisitions practice, and sells its private-equity expertise in these terms: “Our more than 70 M&A/private equity attorneys represent buyers (both strategic and financial) and sellers ranging from small, privately held companies to multinational public companies in transactions that span small and middle markets to multibillion-dollar mergers. Because of the scale of our practice and depth of our deal experience, we are responsive to the unique requirements of every client and transaction, no matter the deal type or size or relevant industry.”
Similar disclaimers apply to other critics of the Bain strategy. It’s been widely noted that Cory Booker raised big cash from private equity and other financial services companies. Since leaving office, Harold Ford has worked for Bank of America and Morgan Stanley. Ex-auto czar Steven Rattner actually founded a private equity firm and ended up in legal hot water for his finance activities. So when these guys chastise the Obama campaign, it’s not as if they’re speaking from an unbiased perspective.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that their criticism isn’t relevant. It just means that it’s partly a reflection of the close relationship between the financial services industry and leading figures in both political parties, many of whom end up padding their retirement accounts by way of the institutions Team Obama’s now attacking.
Pretty sad to realize once again that President Obama is hampered by his own party. The people from the left who are arguing that President Obama just has to “talk tough” to enact change better wake up.
??? If I’m not mistaken, CBO points out among other things the consequences of austerity… says that attacking the deficit too quickly will hurt the economy.
The People’s View
Boom?
Bam!
Congrats Irishman!
Bing!
Chips Chica, when are you having the award ceremony for today’s firsts? Inquiring mind wants to know
We have a WINNER! Congrats DI
Good afternoon, TOD. I’ve just read through PBO’s website on Romney: romneyeconomics.com. If you haven’t done so yet, try to read it. It is a perfect resource — simple, easy to navigate, and very effective at making Willard’s record plain.
Pass it on!
I just watched Colin Powell’s interview on Today and I think he’s probably going to endorse Obama later this year. I get he’s playing it safe, but when he talks about Obama, you can tell he does so with pride. But I could be wrong. What do you guys think?
DI, I thought he was nitpicking. POTUS could not solve all the problems we as a country were facing. Here’s a couple of examples:
“I think he has been (a transformational figure), (but) not completely,’’ Powell told Matt Lauer. “There are some things that he has done that I wish he had not done – for example, leave Guantanamo open. I would’ve closed that rapidly. He tried, (and) he was stopped by Congress.” So, if was stopped by Congress how does that affect your endorsement?
“He stabilized the financial system, he brought about stability in the economy, (and) he fixed the auto industry. I think he took us out – not completely out – he took us out of the most difficult problem we were facing at that time, which was an economy that was collapsing. It’s improving, but not fast enough. His number one goal for the rest of this year, as it should’ve been for the whole four years, is to get the economy running again.” Wasn’t he doing that all these years — the economy? Did the auto industry just jump start itself? What about the banks in freefall? If congress had done its job, I think POTUS could have achieved a hell of a lot more. But then, we all know this. That’s why I kindly called it nitpicking.
Drunken Irishman, I had a very similar take as you. They were together at a recent Kennedy Center event and seemed to be enjoying each other’s company greatly.
Both Gen Colin Powell and his dear wife are great friends of the First Couple. In fact PBO has said himself that he routinely seeks advice from him on very important matters
I have absolutely no wish to perpetuate the cory story; only wanted to share Jay Smooth ‘cos I usually enjoy the way he presents his viewpoint
That was good! Thanks for posting it…..I enjoy hearing people’s points of view on this.
Thanks vc. That short piece caught me up on that situation.
No prob! More often than not Jay Smooth makes me laugh.
This was the first time i ‘met’ him in 2008 -
http://www.illdoctrine.com/2008/07/how_to_tell_people_they_sound.html
Thanks for that 2008 link, vc!
O, he totally made me Laugh! And, that’s a Good thing.
That was Super Good, vc! So glad I saw that! That’s it..Cory Booker is outta Whack! He so did not know how to pull it off..take lessons from this guy..jay smooth is right.
Muchas Gracias, vc! That should be so funny, jay smooth style!
That was good but I found myself becoming distracted by the activities of the cat in the bottom left of the screen.
Not that left…the other left. I should just go to bed.
Conversation on the last thread….about Kay Bailey Hutchison…belongs to THIS group, doesn’t she? WTH?
http://thinkprogress.org/election/2012/05/22/488382/gop-women-caucus/
Members Of New GOP Women’s Caucus Voted Against Equality For Women
File that under I’ve got mine–you’re on your own.
File it also under Zombey women from Hell.
Good west coast afternoon Chipsticks & TOD family. I haven’t been able to read all posts so if this is a repeat, please excuse….
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-ann-romney-dressage-20120522,0,5056646.story
It was a rare moment of pique for Ann Romney, not meant for public consumption, and one that opened a window onto the private world of the would-be first lady. Dressage is not for the faint of wallet; it requires healthy outlays of cash for upkeep, training, transportation and veterinary care. Insurance documents in the court file indicate that from November 2006 to November 2007, Ann Romney paid $7,800 to insure five horses against mortality and theft for amounts ranging from $50,000 to $135,000 per horse, which she said was far less than their value. “I self-insure for the rest,” she testified. “Just expensive to have insurance.”
Ebeling’s demanding nature, Romney said, sometimes causes a strain. “We all get upset at certain times with anybody that is, you know, especially a German,” Romney said.
Romney’s lawyers wanted to keep the case out of the public eye. In December 2010, one of her attorneys sent a letter to Robyn Ranke, the attorney for Norris, expressing dismay that Ranke refused to sign a confidentiality agreement.
Can someone Tweet this? Otherwise pass along….
http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2012/05/22/charts-biggest-whopper-about-president-obama-his-reckless-spending-spree/
Done!
Desertflower, you are a treasure. Thanks for sharing this important piece. It must be shared widely. I also clicked on the video where the author was being interviewed and he was very good. The fact that the American people are not familiar with this story is exactly why I strongly believe that the U.S. media is failing the American people miserably. In fact I would go even further and contend that the U.S. media, acting for the most part as the propaganda voice of the GOP, are undermining our Democracy. Democracy can’t function very well if the people are uninformed or misinformed.
Hi all! I was late hearing about what Booker said on Sunday. I actually have not listened to any of the interviews, but have gotten the gist if what appended on twitter. oh man! Recently I had taken an interest in following Booker’s political career on twitter. I read through the beginning of tien’s writing yesterday on here and I should go ahead and read the rest. I feel bad Booker is feeling the wrath from all the PBO supporters, but hey our loyalty is to PBO and getting him re-elected and we don’t like it when someone messes with that! I saw a tweet earlier that said something like ” I liked Cory Booker better when he was helping to put out fires rather then starting fires for Democrats.” anyway, it is probably time to move away from this topic. I only bring it up because I have been missing in action on here for a few days. I loved listening to PBO in Joplin last night and I look forward to watching the clips above. Hope everyone is well.
FACT CHECKER: Mitt Romney’s claim that 100,000 auto jobs have been lost under Obama
——————————————
The Pinocchio Test (FOUR)
Romney’s remarks make little sense. Not only is his claim of creating 100,000 jobs at Bain untenable, but also his assertion that 100,000 jobs have been lost in the auto industry “on the president’s watch” does not add up.
Yes, there were some painful cuts in the auto industry at the start of Obama’s presidency, largely because tough choices had to be made. One could argue whether those choices were necessary or effective, but the bottom line is clear: No matter how you slice it, jobs overall have grown substantially in the auto industry under Obama. In fact, it is one of the bright spots of today’s economy.
————————————-
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/post/mitt-romneys-claim-that-100000-auto-jobs-have-been-lost-under-obama/2012/05/17/gIQA9wYMXU_blog.html?hpid=z1
Obama camp rebukes Clyburn
By ALEXANDER BURNS | 5/22/12 2:59 PM
South Carolian Rep. Jim Clyburn was wrong to accuse Bain Capital of “raping” companies in a Tuesday interview, the Obama campaign said in a statement.-//
Good Grief! These Surrogates on the Democratic side are politically inept, or ate they doing this on purpose? Hmmm!
This will be the new SHINY OBJECT. Every show on network and cable will have to run a segment about this. Good Grief is right. Unbelievable.
Eh, we’ll see. I think Rep. Clyburn’s been in hot water before, so he’ll probably be ignored.
LL, I hope you are right.
I’m sorry but I don’t get this. The video attack ads about Romney’s Bain didn’t use the term “rape” but the substance of the videos was quite clear. I hope the Obama campaign is only uncomfortable about the use of the word “raping” but is not backing off . What Romney did is vulture capitalism, not venture capitalism.
When I saw that “raping” comment from Clyburn..I thought, “oh oh”. PObama does like to keep the discourse civil.
More Random News: best invention for switching off talking heads!
TV Remote Control Inventor Eugene Polley, dies (1915-2012)
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/tv-remote-control-inventor-eugene-polley-1915-2012-2012-05-21
ROVE: President Obama is not cleaning up the mess he inherited from the GOP fast enough, so vote for the GOP.
The best lies money can buy
By Steve Benen
—————————————–
Indeed, the great irony of the ad is that it’s Karl Rove attacking Obama for the fiscal policies the president inherited from Rove’s old boss.
The Times write-up focuses on the ad’s efficacy, and I suppose it’s possible uninformed voters who are easily swayed by nonsense, policy gibberish, and outright falsehoods will find it compelling.
But perhaps now would be a good time to note that efficacy and honesty aren’t the same thing, and the latter matters more than the former.
.
.
As for the indifference to Crossroads’ dishonesty, the political world has become inured to the constant lying, and it’s not a healthy development. As Bouie concluded, “It’s not hard to find an independent evaluation of each claim, and yet, it’s rare that news outlets challenge the Romney campaign — or Republicans in general — on any of it. The GOP is running the most mendacious presidential campaign in recent memory, and the collective response has been a shrug.”
—————————————–
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/22/11814765-the-best-lies-money-can-buy?lite
Obama spending binge never happened
Commentary: Government outlays rising at slowest pace since 1950s
http://www.marketwatch.com/Story/story/print?guid=D3522D2A-A37E-11E1-827E-002128049AD6
Of all the falsehoods told about President Barack Obama, the biggest whopper is the one about his reckless spending spree.
As would-be president Mitt Romney tells it: “I will lead us out of this debt and spending inferno.”
Almost everyone believes that Obama has presided over a massive increase in federal spending, an “inferno” of spending that threatens our jobs, our businesses and our children’s future. Even Democrats seem to think it’s true.
But it didn’t happen. Although there was a big stimulus bill under Obama, federal spending is rising at the slowest pace since Dwight Eisenhower brought the Korean War to an end in the 1950s
Love this, ll!
Bravo, Liberal Librarian! You really hit the nail on the head.
Here’s a Bashir clip about Mitt & SuperPACs
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/47524804#47524804
Rep. King compares immigrants to dogs
By GLENN THRUSH | 5/22/12 4:15 PM EDT
Wonder why Republicans are having trouble with Hispanics this cycle?
Try this. Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), arguably the most conservative member of the House, was chatting to small crowd in Pocahontas, Iowa the other day, laying out his vision for picking good immigrants from the bad ones.
The comparison that sprung to mind: Dog breeding.
“You want a good bird dog? You want one that’s going to be aggressive? Pick the one that’s the friskiest … not the one that’s over there sleeping in the corner,” King said, according to Salon’s Alex Seitz-Wald, citing video captured by an American Bridge tracker.
King suggested lazy immigrants should be avoided as well. “You get the pick of the litter and you got yourself a pretty good bird dog. Well, we’ve got the pick of every donor civilization on the planet,” King said. “We’ve got the vigor from the planet to come to America.”
How Nice?
And so the GOP reveal themselves for what they really are: heartless and stupid.
And this man is a member of Congress? What’s is wrong with some people in Iowa who elected this guy?
Afternoon TOD
Thanks for posting the vid of Joplin Chipsticks, so in awe of President Obama. This is Integrity on display.
I remember when President Obama was in England when the tornado hit Joplin and the round clock media coverage…and his speech to the community on the Sunday once he got back it was just beautiful… including stating that he would not forget them long after the media coverage had gone, he kept his word…and I am sure the people of Joplin remember.
BWD is you are lurking, I love your Blog site as well.
Will someone who tweets send a message to Ed Rendell? Rendell wants Obama to run his campaign politely? How well did that work out for Feingold?
We’ve all been hurt by Feingold retaining his political purity.
Did he run his mouth during the Pennsylvania primary? Of course he did. This is Bain calling in it’s chips for donating to certain People, like Rendekl!
Run his campaign politely, ask that bastard Ed Rendell how do he think Karl Rove, those super pacs which supports Mitt Romney, and Mitt Romney, ask Rendell if those Republicans are going to run a polite campaign. I think the Obama campaign knows what they are doing, if they need Ed Rendell advice I’m sure they will ask for it,but tell Rendell don’t sit by the phone waiting.
Ed Rendell is a loser and a hasbeen. What he says means nothing to anybody. He enjoys hearing himself talk like all loudmouths. Right now he’s bloating his own ego by appearing on tv. He’s not worth the energy or the outrage.
This is the same Ed Rendell who together with James Carville are the Clinton attack dogs who go for the jugular immitating the most crass and most negative style of republican attack!!!
This Ed Rendell who always screams that President Obama should “man up” and stop trying to be nice!!!
This Ed Rendell now wants the Obama campaign to be “polite” to Mitt Romney and his corporate masters!!!
Please go away Ed Rendell your expiration date has long passed and like putrid milk you stink!!!
Anniebella, Rendell is recently divorced, chasing younger women, and is probably worried about his bank account more than anything else. He cares only about himself and cannot be trusted. When these pundits speak it should be required that their outside business interests be revealed. Many of these retired pols make fees by bringing business and money to financial organizations.
Ding, ding, ding, ding!!! Bill, you must be a Pennsylvanian. If you’re not, I have to say that you pretty savvy about our “Fast Eddie”
Didn’t he criticize President Obama in the past for not being combative enough with republicans ?
Methinks that DLC people are getting threats from big money backers….
Rendel was a dirty so and so when he said and did (nothing positive) anything to support and try to get his pal Hillary elected. Rendel and Harold Ford sit on the Morning Joe set and they think they are important…both of them envy POB!
Chris really put Rendell and Heilemen on the hot seat. The one thing I agree with Ed Rendell on is that nobody other that political nuts like me know who Cory Booker is.
Ed Rendell was really sleazy with his skinning and grinning.
This is not catching fire at all, at least not like the marriage equality thing did.
P.M. Carpenter has the best take on this, if your nerves need a break.
Ed Rendell IS sleazy and I would say that his remarks about Booker apply to himself. Rendell who?
I’ve never liked Ed Rendell. This is why. Campaigns aren’t run politely. They’ve never been run politely. You do that and you’re going to lose. No candidate in the history of presidential politics ever amounted to anything by being nice on the campaign trail.
Obama/Biden 2012
Rendel WAS NOT POLITE during the 2008 primary!
I remember in the 2008 Primary where Rendell was trying to insist that Obama had to pay his people to get out the vote for him instead of letting him bring in his own people to go around to get out the vote. As I remember Obama used his own people regardless of what Rendell wanted.
Chris Mathews is disgusted by Ed Rendell & he told him to his face.
Rendell’s Twitter account isn’t active yet, but Tweety’s segment with him is the talk of my TL.
LL please watch the replay of Hardball. I was stunned how he called out Ed Rendell.
I think Tweety’s all in, finally. Jesus, took him long enough.
Somebody needs to ask Rendell if Hillary was running the same campaign right now would he and these other self serving surrogates be coming out like this? Hurting her run for a second term?
We have to keep an eye out for these rotten Democrats like Ed Rendell, Gavin Newsom etc.!!!
They are not our friends even though they have a “D” after their name!!!
They in my opinion are more harmful to our cause than the already acknowledged and identified enemies in the GOP!!!
That is why for me Cory Booker’s behavior stung!!!
We know and recognise the enemy on the other side and thus are not surprised when they attack!!!
What hurts and discombobulates and causes damage to our well-laid plans are team mates who throw a wrench in the process – like Cory Booker did!!!
Chips – Yardarm asked me to post for him that there has been a death in his family and he wanted to let the TODers know that he will be offline awhile. I told him I knew his TOD family will be sharing in his family’s sadness and would all be thinking about him.
Oh no!!! Please, give him our best!
Please extend my condolences to him.
Thank you Jacqueline.
We’re thinking of him. Blessings from TOD.
I ‘m so sorry about Yardarm’s loss. I feel like I know him personally. My condolences to him and his family.
JO’Boomer. Please extend my condolences to my on-line buddy. Thanks
Please extend my deep condolences to Yardarm and his family also, I am so sorry for his loss.
My sympathies! Thinking of him!
The light of God’s love will heal Yardarm and his family…and so it is!
Oh dear. So sorry to hear this news. Please send yardarm condolences from our TOD family…..and hugs.
Oh my. May Yardarm and family be granted a quiet and sweetness of strength as they go through this time. My deep condolences to you, Yardarm.((((((( Praying for a sweet angel to surround you at this time.))))))) Love to you, my dear friend.HZ
Delurking for just a moment. Please convey my condolences to Yardarm and his family. Universal difficult time for any family.
very sorry to hear about the loss! may Yardarm and family find some solace
Jacqueline, thank you so much for letting us know. Yardarm, we’re thinking of you, so so sorry. Take care, love ya.
Chips – I’ll pass on these replies to my comment to him, so he doesn’t miss them. I’m guessing he knows the warmth everyone is sending to him and his family.
Please convey my deepest sympathies. He is in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Yardarm’s loss! Please pass on to him my deep condolences! I hope he and his family find strength to cope. I just lost a family member three weeks ago and the sadness still lingers.
I’m so sorry to hear about the death in Yardam’s family. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.
Thank you jacqueline for letting us know.
Hi Chips – everyone — How about T-shirts, Mugs ….
#PRESSON
All Hillary Clinton supporters! Time for Meeting, they want something!
I really can’t handle listening to the snide Mr. Steele today. Somebody please recap this segment of Chris’s show for my faint heart and frayed nerves.
I feel better knowing that I’m not the only one who turns off the t.v whenever that pos shows up!!!
What a shameless, self hating idiot!!!
I was just half listening..
Did Tweety do a segment with DWS and some guy about how HORRIBLE the Democrats messaging is and how poor their surrogates are ????
Yes. And he is right. Where the fuck are the high ranking dem surrogates? They need to have at least one strong supporter on every Sunday show from now until the election! And ALL on message! It is time to march!
It is getting ridiculous, it’s like a freaking conspiracy
I love DWS but she had a weak response. I have never seen her as unable to present her side as she was this afternoon.
Weak is right. She really was not adequate today.
The reason is, half the Democrats in the House are wall street connected.
This is tough for her! She is trying to stick up for the President and at the same time, not say anything bad about the DLC Democrats!
She takes money from the Private Prison Complex and is advocating for a prison in a residential neighborhood in Florida.
I will try to find the article……
“Democrats have accepted more political donations than Republicans from executives at Bain Capital, complicating the left’s plan to attack Mitt Romney for his record at the private-equity firm.”
http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/205025-dems-receive-more-bain-dollars-than-gop
This is why I identify as an Obamacrat first and secondly as a Democrat. The reason Booker and Rendell keep giving these mealy-mouthed responses in support of the President and full-throated praise of private equity firms like Bain is because they are compromised by them.
They have to deal with the sources of their campaign cash and how it affects their ability to tell the truth about Bain. My President, on the other hand, is free and correct to continue drawing the contrast between Romney and himself by focusing on Bain. He is correctly educating Americans about the painful consequences of Romney’s vampire capitalism and the imminent threat it poses to the middle class and the most vulnerable among us if Romney imposed his inhumane, profits-over-people, economic sensibility on the nation as President of the United States.
Yes it was very disapointing
Yes he did. Think he’s about to do it again.
I agree with Chris today.
SO DO I!!!!!!!!!!! I heard that segment and kept saying “YES”!!
Did somebody tell MSNBC to lay off Cory Booker? I expected somebody to have a segment on the retraction he made last night on Maddow.
Annnnnd.. I really miss Sue Duvall Smith and Now, @no spin. I hope we can hang tougher together from now on.
This is going to be a tough, tough run. Our nerves and faith are going to be tested. Sometimes, we will let loose and say some things that we should not say. That is true in all relationships, even digital ones.
This is a place, often, for cathartic expression. Sometimes, we will blow up. But if we leave at the slightest disagreement, then we are letting the other side win. We are going to need thick skin going into this election season, just as well develop it here.
Okay, that’s it.
He didn’t make a retraction last night…..
No, he didn’t. I should have written “retraction”. Rev.Sharp ton and Kornacki touched on it.
Wonder why all the media disappoints? Great history of what went wrong. http://www.alternet.org/story/155511/how_the_us_press_lost_its_way/
The only good thing about these rogue “surrogates” stabbing the President in the back is that it’s happening before most people are paying attention.
True! I thought of that too.
WASHINGTON (CNN) – The Obama campaign is targeting Mitt Romney’s record not just in private business but now his public sector job as well—part of an effort to undermine his credibility.
“As governor he slashed funding for education, worker training and manufacturing and vetoed legislation that would have prevented outsourcing,” said campaign spokesman Ben LaBolt.
Senior administration officials suggested Romney’s tenure as governor had been virtually ignored by the candidate himself and pointing that out to Americans was a relevant argument.
They’re driving that theme hard in defense of attacks on their opponent’s role at private equity firm Bain Capital.
“He is not going out there touting his experience in Massachusetts,” the president told reporters Monday.
http://whitehouse.blogs.cnn.com/2012/05/22/obama-campaign-targets-romneys-record-as-governor/
Sounds like truth to me!
Great! This should also be our focus. Let’s put aside internecine wars within the Democratic family and focus on our opponents.
I need some help here TODers….I’m doing a list of great surrogates for the President…..people that you know won’t stab the President in the back or go way off message and end up in a Karl Rove ad……
I think of Krystal Ball
Stephanie Cutter
Gov Martin O’Malley
I’m not talking about David Axelrod or DWS…people who actually run the campaign but people that the campaign should use more.
OK I’m stuck at those 3
Anyone else I don’t think about?
Ed Rendell just angered me so much,.
Strickland!
I don’t even know who that is….what’s the first name?
Ted! He was just in Nh for an event!
Deval Patrick!
Villaragosa!
Anniebella.
LOL!!!
Our Chipsticks. But she’d have to come out of hiding.
Last week Romney spoke in Iowa to 250 people, today VP Biden spoke to 450 people. Paging MSM..Paging Chuck Todd…Paging Jake Tapper…Paging Mark Knoller
They’re busy counting the empty seats..
Obama leads Romney in NBC/ WSJ by 4…….but ZZOMMGG Chucky said the gays and Bin Laden football spiking was sure to dooom the President. Gotta get that paycheck huh Chuck
In the newest poll, Obama leads Romney among African Americans (88 percent to 2 percent), 18 to 34 year olds (55 percent to 35 percent), women (53 percent to 38 percent), independents (44 percent to 36 percent), and seniors (46 percent to 44 percent).
President Obama leading with seniors ? I’m sorry to say, I think this poll is not accurate. I would love it to be, but come on…
Why not?!?!? Obama SHOULD be leading with seniors at this point. They are receiving their rebate checks from the ACA, and the Ryan plan is terrifying to any senior who has been paying attention.
Why not? I am a senior and I am an enthusiastic supporter of President Obama! I am also already receiving from the ACA, best known as the Obama Care tangible benefits since the cost of my medicine has gone down. Please don’t assume that all seniors share the bigoted people you see focused on by the GOP. I know many seniors who love the President and are working very hard to ensure that he is re-elected. I guarantee you this election is not going to be a replica of 2010 when many senior was misled about the ACA! Also many seniors are absolutely opposed to the Ryan plan.
Fresh from Priorities USA – Nothing like seeing the Kochsters hammer Romney on Bain, includiing Sarah Palin- Gotta see this video!
Forget politics:
Imagine you’re a hiring manager. Now imagine there’s an applicant for a critical job who thinks they’re entitled to that job, refuses to answer interview questions so you can discern whether they understand the job, won’t discuss or prove their qualifications for the job, and thinks it unnecessary to say how they plan to perform the job. Would you hire that applicant? Really?
Mitt Romney wants the most important job on the planet.
You, the voter, are the hiring manager. Would you hire him? Really?
Dudette, if you could only put the case JUST SO to all (reasonable) Americans!! No further advertising would be needed!
I love this! I don’t even think that Willard “Mitt” Romneym while he was running Bain Capital, would hire some one who refuses to answer truthfully interview questions or acts as if he/she were entitled to the job.
@dudette
Love this!!
“BIRTHER NO MORE”
“Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett backs off his birther quest: “If I embarrassed the state, I apologize but that certainly wasn’t my intent.”
Bennett also said that Obama will “be on the ballot as long as he fills out the same paperwork and does the same things that everybody else has.”
Nick Martin has the latest.”
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2012/05/birther_no_more.php?ref=fpblg
WOW, ol Ken musta had some wicked feedback!
I always thought they are automatically on the ballot once they get the nomination…..
Reporting in from the road, at a motel in “the wilds of Pa.”—–(western Pa.)—-so far not real wild and crazy, unless you count cracking open a stella artois—-on way to see grandkids in Ct.—-granddaughter wanted us in attendance for her “all city orchestra” concert. She chose to play the viola. What’s a viola?
Anyhoo—-the only highlights—–we were riding alongside a whole fleet of homeland security SUVs, obviously heading back from the NATO summit in Chgo. We decided we like it alot when Democrats are in charge. Everything planned for any eventuality, that summit was designed to the tiniest detail, receiving high praise from Chgo news media. And PBO noting Fema’s Craig Fugate last night in Joplin and all the excellent and capable work he’s done there—-remember Brownie? And the other highlight—–4 Obama-Biden bumper stickers, 0 Romney.
Chuck Todd on nightly news says that a 34 point lead for Hispanics, 15 point lead amongst women and a 4 point overall is actually bad news for Obama.
He also snuck in Karl Roves new ad…
Ha!
Please tell me you’re being snarky.
I’m betting that was no snark:) I win, you buy the drinks:)
You know, I’m getting a crater from where I keep hitting my head with the hammer.
True story.
Ugh. There goes another part of my head exploding.
jovie141, you must remember when listening to Chuckie Todd, he’s full of alot of Bull sh*t. If this was revise Chuckie would be saying what great news for Mitt. Chuckie is no different than David Gregory and all those other journalists who suppose to be fair and balance, but every time they open their mouth they are anti-Obama. These guys are in the GOP hip pockets. And they don’t even try to hide it anymore.
Yes, I know. With all that has happened and the President still up 4 points, I would say the Ribney Camp must be nervous!
I saw his breathless reporting. I thought he was going to announce Obama was down 20—–and then the details! See on twitter that Obama up big w/independents in this poll also. Todd and the boys must get a bib bonus if they can make this a HORSE RACE!
The thing I saw was the Rove ad. Roves two groups are running negative ads about the President, some 35 million dollars worth, and yet they get it played for free on the nightly news.
Amazing!
Todd is all excited about the part HE PLAYED in a recent poll, talking as if he wrote up the whole thing himself (on Hardball anyway). It’s all about ego.
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2012/05/22/488079/romney-food-stamps-13/
Back in February, Mitt Romney asserted that he’s “not concerned with the very poor,” because “we have food stamps, we have Medicaid, we have housing vouchers, we have programs to help the poor.” However, according to an analysis by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, Romney’s economic plan would throw 13 million people off of food stamps entirely or force him to cut benefits by nearly $2,000 per family per year:
Cuts in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly the Food Stamp Program) would throw 13 million low-income people off the benefit rolls, cut benefits deeply — by over $1,800 a year for a family of four — or some combination of the two. These cuts would primarily affect poor families with children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Short version: Rot in hell you poor people!
Shiny new object??? http://thinkprogress.org/security/2012/05/22/488505/castro-daughter-gop-outrage-bush/
GOP ‘Appalled’ Over Obama Granting Castro’s Daughter Visa, Ignores Trips Under Bush
The are pathetic
God, that isn’t even muddy copper. That’s the best they can do?
I could be wrong but does ANY President persobally approve visas?
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/22/11813647-two-views-of-a-romney-protest?lite
I laugh/ A lot.
Truth team… Pass it on
I am so proud of my President. I am sick and tired of people who think that running a business is the same thing as governing a diverse country like the United States! VP Biden was absolutely right. Mitt Romney and his enablers don’t get it! George W. Bush touted his business credentials. Just look at the economic mess he created. I’ve said it before and I will say it again: we don’t need no other f****in businessman ruining the country the way the last business President did. We need a President with a vision and with determination to create an economy that benefits all Americans, and not just the people at the top.
Important to note:
Hear, hear!!!
Totally co-sign!
Knoxville — Two days before President Barack Obama’s scheduled visit to Central Iowa, Obama For America Communications Director Erin Siedler said the campaign is confident that the President will be able to carry Iowa in November.
http://journalexpress.net/cnhi/x915985976/Obama-staffer-confident-in-Iowa-victory
I just found some time to watch the Cory Booker interview on MTP. Freelancing doesn’t begin to describe it. CB just needs to own up and say,” Folks, I thought I was smarter than I really am, that’s my bad”. If I were the Obama campaign, I wouldn’t let Cory Booker anywhere near a microphone. He came, he played and he scored an own goal and not only that….am beyond pissed….I am trying to avoid going all ethnic on him….dis mofo…what the heck was he thinking?!!
The thing about the pro-Bain Dems
By ALEXANDER BURNS | 5/22/12 5:45 PM EDT
The number of semi-prominent Democrats criticizing the Obama camp’s messaging on Bain Capital continues to grow one by one; former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell became the latest Dem to step up and defend private equity, calling President Barack Obama’s Bain attacks “disappointing.”
The big caveat with Rendell is that he currently works for a law firm, Ballard Spahr, that has a big mergers-and-acquisitions practice, and sells its private-equity expertise in these terms: “Our more than 70 M&A/private equity attorneys represent buyers (both strategic and financial) and sellers ranging from small, privately held companies to multinational public companies in transactions that span small and middle markets to multibillion-dollar mergers. Because of the scale of our practice and depth of our deal experience, we are responsive to the unique requirements of every client and transaction, no matter the deal type or size or relevant industry.”
Similar disclaimers apply to other critics of the Bain strategy. It’s been widely noted that Cory Booker raised big cash from private equity and other financial services companies. Since leaving office, Harold Ford has worked for Bank of America and Morgan Stanley. Ex-auto czar Steven Rattner actually founded a private equity firm and ended up in legal hot water for his finance activities. So when these guys chastise the Obama campaign, it’s not as if they’re speaking from an unbiased perspective.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that their criticism isn’t relevant. It just means that it’s partly a reflection of the close relationship between the financial services industry and leading figures in both political parties, many of whom end up padding their retirement accounts by way of the institutions Team Obama’s now attacking.
Pretty sad to realize once again that President Obama is hampered by his own party. The people from the left who are arguing that President Obama just has to “talk tough” to enact change better wake up.
CBO just screwed us Democrats! Gave a Present to the GOP. Talking points from now until election Day.
Go look!
jovie141, what is it that the CBO did? Explain to me, okay.
??? If I’m not mistaken, CBO points out among other things the consequences of austerity… says that attacking the deficit too quickly will hurt the economy.
Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett backs off his birther quest: “If I embarrassed the state, I apologize but that certainly wasn’t my intent.”
Bennett also said that Obama will “be on the ballot as long as he fills out the same paperwork and does the same things that everybody else has.”
Nick Martin has the latest.
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2012/05/birther_no_more.php?m=1
Really?