DAVID GREGORY: You said that Republicans have a hard time saying yes. Particularly to you.
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: Yeah.
DAVID GREGORY: What is it about you, Mr. President, that you think is so hard to say yes to?
If I had been there, I would have flung my shoes at his face.
Just finished to watch the interview on line. I’m constantly amazed by the inability, or unwillingness, of the Washington Press to acknowledge the fact that the republican party has been taken over by its most ideological, rigid, elements. Serious political analysts have written about this, and the Washington pundits still refuse to see the truth.
And yes they always seem to put all fault on him. One hypothesis I have is that President Obama has refused to play the game of Washington politics, the cocktail circuit thing, the flattering the egos of everyone especially the media people, etc. We’re heard hints of that… when Chris Matthews says for example that President Obama has to work on “making friends” in Washington.
They view President Obama as an outsider. Washington is like Versailles before the French Revolution. They have their code of conduct, and since President Obama doesn’t follow it, they are rejecting him. They can’t wait for him to get out of DC, so Washington can go back to “normal”.
The Washington press is owned by the same entities that own the Republican party. If you keep that in mind, then nothing will amaze or surprise you about them any more.
Dear Heavens – David brooks is attacking the President for being “too nice” – AFTER – listening to the President say – both sides don’t do it
Why oh why are these people given a pay check
He sure did. He made his case succinctly to the American people despite David trying his damnest to blame the President for the inaction in Congress. On another note, I just love listening to Doris Kearn Goodwin talk. She’s so reasonable and wise. She explains thing in such a way that makes it fresh and interesting. I wish she had been my history teacher in college.
LOVE THIS UT….YOU CAN’T WIN OVER GRACE,MATURITY AND CALM. THE REPUBS. HAVE NEVER CEASED CHASING THE PRESIDENT WITH THEIR OLD IDEOLOGICAL CONSPIRACY THEORIES, THE FACT THAT AN AFRICAN AMERICAN WON THE PRESIDENCY AND MUCH TO THEIR DISGUST IS THEIR ‘COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF! OF COURSE THE REPUB. OWNED MEDIA PLAYS RIGHT ALONG WITH THIS GAME,ONE INITIALLY STARTED BY THE REPUBS TO PLANT FEAR MONGERING SEEDS OVER PBO’S ORIGIN AND THEY’VE BEEN WATERING THEM SINCE 2008. THEY COULDN’T WAIT TO CHASE THE EVANGELICALS AND LACE THE PRESIDENT’S TERM WITH BIBLICAL HORROR STORIES. THEY CONTINUE TO DO SO IN EVERY EFFORT TO TERRORIZE HIS AGENDA. FORTUNATELY, HE IS NOT A BUSH BOY ROBOT…HE KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND HE’S WAY AHEAD OF THEM….THAT’S MY 2 CENTS! THEY DON’T CALL HIM THE ENERGIZER BUNNY PRESIDENT FOR NOTHIN’!!!!!!!…:)
Then Todd suggests the GOP should have a “really big fight” about the debt level – how to suggest another political deadlock before solving the first one – they have no shame
That’s the only way they in the media get to have an audience…
Only when they sensationalize potential trouble for the country do they get what the think is a captive audience…
Without manipulated and contrived ‘news’ reports or punditry stemming from goading the GOP on to destroy our union, the chuck Todd’s of the world remain even less relevant than they already are…
Good morning Todville and Chips, I’m watching MTP it is on a slower schedule. As much as I loathe David Gregory I ‘m only watching to hear our President. Did anyone notice the glee in David’s eyes when he told our President gun Control would not work? Maybe, I loathe David Gregory so much I thought I saw something that was not there. Nonetheless, how did that magazine work out David since he wants to speak of what doesn’t work?
It’s so good to see PBO shut David Gregory down. We are coming to reactions now on our local NBC. Yes, it is a false equivalency. The meme both parties are at fault is a fallacy. It is the republicans and the tea party the media should explicitly denote as not wanting to come together and have intentionally created the fiscal cliff .
Tell me this didn’t happen (just cut and pasted it from balloon-juice):
DAVID GREGORY: You said that Republicans have a hard time saying yes. Particularly to you.
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: Yeah.
DAVID GREGORY: What is it about you, Mr. President, that you think is so hard to say yes to?
I’d say Gregory is being very subtle. Perhaps, it would’ve, sound better if Gregory had said you are an intelligent, compassionate Black President why can’t the Republicans say yes to you?.
Gregory thought he’d get the President to say “Have ya noticed I’m black?” The President knows the pundits’ game. We know their game. The President put up with Gregory to get the message out to the American people, which we just watched, and he was great. Gregory will walk around thinking he got “the big get,” when all he did was show HOW HIGH his ratings could be and HOW LOW they’ll be again next week without the President as a guest. (I was reminded I hadn’t watched MTP for so long personally, that I had forgotten they had a roundtable as the second half. Tim Russert was So.Much.Better.)
These idiots don’t even know what the President said on the campaign – they were obviously too busy listening to Romney
The woman on the panel (don’t know her) – said this is the first time she has heard “from the middle class out” – PBO used that ALL the time on the campaign – I live in Australia! – and I know that. Maybe she needs to read TOD.
Oh dear – now we have chat on the wonderful Reagan and Clinton – Clinton sold his ideas – what! – health care???
Hi 99ts and TODers!
The woman on the panel was historian Doris Kerns Goodwin – author of “A Team of Rivals” – and she was making a historical comment. I don’t think she was claiming that she had never heard the phrase “from the middle class out” before. I believe Ms Goodwin was noting that the President has created a new frame that places the middle class at the fulcrum of economy prosperity.
Call me crazy 2nd half viewership may drop off, but most viewers will probably watch the entire program, unlike those of us who know the roundtable players, and they will see exactly what PBO was talking about in his interview. I think it will be interesting to see the nation’s response to this show as folks watch it today on tv and online. I won’t equate it with the 47% video but it may be a real eye-opener for many. Stay tuned. . . .
If ever there was any doubt that Tom Brokaw needs to quit his white privilege prejudiced crap, today is the day. He just said on MTP that Pres. Obama “doesn’t work hard enough.”
He needs to take a look at himself and realize he’s a bloody bigoted asshole.
UT
You just expressed it much better than me. I yelled at my TV STFU Brockaw you have more rocks in your head than what it sounds like coming out of your mouth.
Everyone please contact NBC News and voice your complaint about Tom Brokaw.
MSNBC
One MSNBC Plaza
Secaucus, NJ 07094
Phone Number
Fax Number 201-583-5000
201-583-5453 world@msnbc.com
NBC
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112 Phone Number
Fax Number 212-664-4444
212-664-4426
NBC Nightly News
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112 Phone Number
D.C. Phone
Fax Number 212-664-4971
202-885-4259
202-362-2009
What did Brokaw say, because after POTUS finish his interview I turn the channel. I know how those people are so I didn’t want to listen to them and I didn’t.
I sent an email and a tweet. I don’t know if the pundits have a say as to who will be on their show and I really don’t care. I watch very few, but when I was watching Rachel, every time Tom was on I changed the channel.
Great idea on the ratings. Think I’ll watch the replay on MSNBC just for that reason! I want Gregory to know we would not ordinarily be watching his mug.
I do that ALL the time CEB – bringing over your last post for you – I was so busy reading it – I missed the new post – I will never be first – sigh
CEB
December 30, 2012 at 10:38 am
The pundits and the repubs. just do not seem to get what has happened with the re-election of PBO. There is a sea change in American life that was reflected in his/our win. We will no longer stand for the abuses of power by elected officials, the media, the 1% and the influence of the so-called social conservatives (bigots). We out-number them and we and PBO know how to go around them to get things done. PBO’s words about what citizenship is are beginning to resonate with more people. Our country has changed and we will not be going back to blindness, ignorance, inactivity, or to being victims. The enemies of the people (msm, repubs. and their allies) do not seem to know that their days are numbered, or maybe the problem is that they do know, but will continue to use their no-longer effective weapons to stem the tide of our evolution. It takes awhile, but justice, goodness, and fairness win in the end. I am in awe of PBO; how this man who is filled with empathy, humor, gentleness, candor, optimism, and brilliance, is slowly and shaping the lives of millions, here and abroad, for generations to come. We are so blessed to see this, to be a part of it, to add our hands to the plow that is preparing the field for a bountiful harvest in the lives of so many. I could never imagine that I would live to see this. We are on the cusp of a new Golden Age.
100% true ceb. Saw someone here post a WH press release saying that their vids have been by 100 million viewers. These third rate corrupt punks will not match even a millionth of that viewership. They are all circling the drain.
Yes, I am on this page with you. Let it be so. Foward. And we should save our energy. If we watch assholes
and llisten to what their ignorant minds send out of their mouths, we owe it to ourselves and the future to
have no reaction. Do not feed the dinosaurs. It is time for them to become extinct.
I just had the same thing happen to me with my AZ rep RWNJ…..I pressed “post” and there was no There, there. It was infuriating!! I wrote such a damn good post!
President Obama was so excellent on MTP that Gregory didn’t even really bother me. Any time Gregory tried to ask some asinine question, Obama just slapped it down and put it in place. Gregory could do no harm, he was no match for this superb, quick and smart-thinking president. PBO always displays so much insight and common sense and decency, you would have to be blinded by the most severe case of hate to find fault with anything he says. There will never be a president of this caliber again. He is on another level, way beyond what we have ever hoped to see.
I agree dotster3, POTUS was excellent! D.Gregory is such an asshole, but POTUS exercised the patience of a parent and the steel of a secure MAN in his explanations to this dufuss.
I know the tools that sit in pious opinion on the Round Table, so I changed the channel when the President finished speaking.
Let’s remember POTUS suppose to be on vacation with his family, if it wasn’t for the foolish behavior of the radical extreme Republicans, that is were he will be. Both POTUS and FLOTUS do their best to make sure the girls have a normal life. So hopefully the Obama ladies is enjoying the rest of their vacation.
True. I don’t have a problem with them being in Hawaii but something about PBO and Bo spending New Year’s Eve without the ladies doesn’t sit well with me. They should be together as 1 family.
Indeed. While I’m watching the Twilight Zone marathon on New Year’s Eve, I will take comfort in knowing that I’m not the weirdest person on planet, with Knoller polishing off his once-frozen Christmas presents while he watches the ball drop.
One of the things that really struck me was as Tom Brokaw was pulling out his magazine “Shotgun News” He was talking about that PBO was the one who wanted change in gun laws – not the american people and I was like whaaaaaaa? And then they all started talking about how PBO should go on a train across the country talking about changing gun laws and I’m like huuuuuuuhhh?
You guys are IN WASHINGTON! Are you not listening to the endless petitions to change gun laws? Make NRA a taxable organization (do you guys know they don’t pay taxes? they’re exempt – like churches) There’s plenty of grassroots things happening right now!
PBO was so calm and self-assured I think even the most nervous citizen could understand that despite the insane republican party the USA will be OK.
In other words, time for that great photo: Chill The F___ Out, I’ve Got This.
I love my President.
I like seeing all of the trappings of the presidency around PBO when he gives these interviews; great home advantage (even though he does not need it). I love the fact that the media must come to him; that he graciously allows them to come (for our benefit). I am sure that the thing that they hate the most is the fact that a Black man is the one with the power (I know he is bi-racial, but in this country, as Dr. Gates said, Black trumps everything). That question that Gregory asked about why repubs.were so resistant to him, was his attempt to get PBO to go racial. The president would never say it, but we all know that racism and classism are at the heart of their hate, anger, and intransigence.
Yes, and add to that, no matter what race he is, President Obama has every personal characteristic and attribute they do not have. And it drives them crazy. I love that fact, too.
Yes, yes and yes. PBO knew exactly where Gregory was going and addressed it the way he should have. I also liked the way the President kept using David’s name. That too was filled with meaning and demonstrated who had the power in the room and who didn’t.
Morning all! Hope everyone had a nice Christmas. I think I will just watch MTP on line and only the President’s interview. I don’t want to see anything else on that show, or any of the Sunday shows.
America’s reckless politicians may still take the country over the cliff into an uncertain land where recession looms.
But President Obama has sprung his trap. The Republicans are in a corner – over a barrel – although perilously unaware of their plight. Before the election, during the election and since his victory, he has insisted the rich must pay a little more in taxes. It is a policy that appeals to his party but doesn’t really make much of an economic impact. But its purpose is political, not fiscal.
//
But enough may realise that Mr Obama is manoeuvring to stick their party in aspic and stop them changing in the wake of their defeat in November. He would stick a label on them that would brand them not only out of touch, but so fanatically wedded to the demands of the rich that they are unconcerned about the damage they could do to their country and its people.
It could turn out differently, but I suspect the Republicans are either about to cave in or to lose the blame game.
South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham conceded defeat in the fiscal cliff negotiations Sunday morning, saying “hats off to the president.”
In an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” Graham complimented President Barack Obama for sticking to his guns in talks with congressional Republicans.
“He stood his ground. He’s going to get tax rate increases,” Graham said. “It will be a political victory for the president.”
“The president won. The president campaigned on raising rates and he’s going to get a rate increase,” he added.
Lindsey is trying to show his hateful supporters in South Carolina that he is a tough man. He’s running scare that they will run someone against him in 2014 or is it 2013, so the big bad pretender is trying to be tough. You know like he show how tough he was bullying the black woman.
The Club for Growth has pretty much promised him that he’ll be primaried, anniebella. He knows that if he lies enough, the voters in SC won’t know that he’s lying. He’s trying to scare them, which isn’t hard to do. Newt Gingrich persuaded them to vote for him by simply carrying around a gas can. Graham knows that he needs to appear to hate the president in order to be re-elected in SC.
Dear President @BarackObama once again, gracefully, you demonstrate how irrelevant #NEWSTAINERS like Gregory & Brokaw are. Yes We Know— Bobfr (@Our4thEstate) December 30, 2012
Ed Henry, another clueless media dunce, just throws out dishonest snark, displaying lack of knowledge and Obama history, continually embarrasses himself:
@edhenryTV Except for the fact that he started his political career serving in the Illinois State Senate which is in Springfield— Dan Pfeiffer (@pfeiffer44) December 30, 2012
He’s so pathetic.
Most Unproductive Congress in 60 Years…..
the 112th Congress is set to go down in American history as the most unproductive session since the 1940s… Obama has signed 219 bills passed by the 112th Congress into law. With less than a week to go in the year, there are currently another 20 bills pending presidential action. In comparison, the last Congress passed 383 bills, while the one before it passed 460.”
“The 104th Congress (1995-1996) currently holds the ignominious distinction of being the least productive session of Congress … Just 333 bills became law during that two-year period, meaning the 112th Congress needs to send nearly 100 more bills to Obama’s desk in the next few days if it wants to avoid going down in history — an unlikely prospect, considering that both chambers are squarely focused on averting the ‘fiscal cliff’ before the new year.”
I have 99% faith in PBO and that everything will turn out just fine. I don’t know if it’s because it’s Sunday or if it’s my meds but I’m feeling at ease.
Could you post this list in a way that it is available to be linked in tweets, etc., and others can offer suggestions:
16 sensible steps to gun ownership in America
1 Mandatory liability insurance for ANY person using a gun of any type;
2 Proof of insurance to purchase a gun of any type and ammunition of any type;
3 Stringent limits on the amount of ammunition one can purchase – if we can do it for Sudafed we can certainly do it for ammunition and ammunition reloading equipment and components;
4 Rigorous gun training (for the type of gun used) including safety prior to issuing a license – said license required before insurance is issued;
5 License required before a person is legally authorized to use or purchase a gun and ammunition;
6 License must be renewed annually;
7 License includes mandatory 28 day waiting period, background check for any criminal record (including juvenile criminal record), & mental health check (paid for by revenues collected from license fees on guns, ammunition excise tax, and license fees for certification of user);
8 License fee on each gun – renewed every 3 years;
9 Excise tax on ammunition to the equivalent of at least 50% the retail purchase price per round;
10 Excise tax on all reloading equipment, casings, gun powder, etc equivalent to at least 50% the retail purchase price;
11 Mandatory jail sentences, structured appropriately, for violation of any of the above;
12 Stringent product liability on manufacturers of guns, ammunition and the makings of ammunition if their product is used illegally;
13 Shutter all online ability to purchase guns, ammunition and makings of ammunition;
14 Restrict sales at gun shows to all the standards required at any wholesale/retail outlet with the added exception that any purchase must be shipped, i.e., can’t leave a gun show with a gun, ammunition or the makings of ammunition;
15 Total ban on combat weapons (and any semi-automatic rifle or shotgun with a magazine size larger than 5 rounds);
16 Sellers of weapons, whether stores or gun shows or private individuals, be licensed, have liability insurance, and also be subject to criminal penalties if they sell to anyone whose license, insurance, etc is not in order (just like liquor stores).
No attribution required – folk can just copy and paste it into emails, their blogs, their FB pages, etc. Since I don’t do FB or a blog, etc (just no time for it) – if Chips can create a link to the list that folk can easily find in the right hand column of this blog, then it can be used in tweets, terse emails, etc.
We must remember Brokaw is like Dan Rather, two washed up old news men who is trying to remain in the game. So they won’t be forgotten. Brokaw is full of alot of B.S.
Dear @DavidGregory Hint: you & other #NEWSTAINERS continue to look foolish to the majority of Americans as you peddle 'false equivalency.'— Bobfr (@Our4thEstate) December 30, 2012
G’m TOD. I think PBO did an excellent job on MTP. In as much as I dislike Gregory, I must say that I think he gave our Prez. a chance
to get his points across and not talk over him like a lot of interviewers do. PBO was calm, clear precise in explaining to the American people
what is going on with this Republican created circus. I was so pleased at how he simplified the message, even explaining the chained CPI, that
even a teabagger could understand.
We have your back MR PRESIDENT. Keep breaking it down and exposing the no-good Repubs. People are listening and understanding.
They are also learning to tune out the 4th Estate, as there was a loud, collective CLICK after your interview ended…mine included.
LOL I had this vision of that one on the bottom being David Gregory and the rest of them piled up on him, furious because he failed to make PBO look bad!
Mark does know his numbers… RT @aspirational12: By @markknoller's count, David Gregory was handed his ass by POTUS on MTP @ least 50 times— April (@ReignOfApril) December 30, 2012
Happy New Years to the TOD family! This was a great year in many ways. Not only did President Obama easily win re-election over the lying Mitten, but we had some strides in the marriage equality arena and the unemployment rate continued to dip as more jobs were created. And the Democratic Convention still makes me smile — diversity, great speeches, upbeat music and just an all around good time.
Hope 2013 goes well for all of you — especially Chipsticks who has given us this great site.
Dear @JoeBiden the NRA not only should be denied any tax exempt status, it must be held accountable as a lobbyist for the weapons industry.— Bobfr (@Our4thEstate) December 30, 2012
Boehner & his band of idiots caused themselves to have to "work" NYE. If work for the rest of us was $75 hr to push a Yes/No button once…— ForUS50 (@FORUS50) December 30, 2012
Boehner & his band of idiots caused themselves to have to "work" NYE. If work for the rest of us was $75 hr to push a Yes/No button once…— ForUS50 (@FORUS50) December 30, 2012
lovelyplains, Now what would they be saying if POTUS did that? He can’t go on vacation in peace, or even go play golf, but Boehner goes out drinking and the media says nothing.
Boehner’s habit of hitting the D.C. bars was discussed on ‘Morning Joe,’ and it was as if it doesn’t matter. It was treated like a joke. If PBO did that, republicans would never let him forget it.
The double standard in regards to PBO is just astonishing, I get to upset even conjuring the myriad of examples that instantly come to mind. My suggestion was buy a ranch like Dubya/Reagan wear a cowboy hat and clear brush for a 1/3 of your presidency and * I’m sure they wouldnt have a problem with that right *
“The New New Deal: The Hidden Story of Change in the Obama Era”
By Michael Grunwald
About the Program (50 Minutes)
—————————————
Michael Grunwald, senior national correspondent for TIME magazine, presents his thoughts on the $800 billion stimulus bill, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. Michael Grunwald speaks at Barnes & Noble Booksellers in New York City.
I bought the book a couple of weeks ago – ordered it at a local bookstore in the Netherlands (2 weeks delivery delay).
It’s excellent. For a physicist, it’s a delight to read – thank God the President appointed a Nobel Laureate in Physics as the head of his Energy Department.
… Obey Gravity – It’s The Law (and climate change, and evolution, etc.)
Sometimes I just have to shake my head in disbelief and even a certain sorrow when I see how lesser men try to treat our president. We have a dream leader; one that people all over the world envies us for having and he has to spend valuable, productive time dealing with idiots who act against the will of the people and their own self-interest. We have a man who is brilliant, yet has humility; he does not have to always hear his own voice. He is a pragmatic idealist who is more interested in getting things done than he is about than being concerned about a party line. He is a wonderfully empathetic man who has a gentle heart that can be and has been broken, but he is also a steely-eyed, war-time commander-in-chief who will go after our enemies far and wide, with patience and determination to keep us safe. He has the political courage to move our country forward, no matter the cost because as he has said, he came to Washington to do something, not to be something. He plays hard and to win, trash-talking as he does so, no matter the game, while also being a baby-whisper and a dad who strategizes middle school relationships with his daughters. He is the hugger-in-chief (this makes WASP men like George and Tom Brokaw very uncomfortable), the cool cat who rocks out to Led Zeppelin and Jazz. He is a husband who loves and respects his wife, his best friend; who always tells women who says that he is cute: “I will tell Michelle that you said so.” He is honest, even about his imperfections; he has a megawatt smile that lights up a room and he can sing. He wants us and our country to be the best that we can be and he works very hard, every day, to do what he can to make this possible. What is there not to like in a man who has such gifts.?
Wow … if I did not already love and respect him, your summary would make me fall in love and engender respect. Thank you CEB for this portrait of our President. I think you should post this on WH blog.
CEB, thank you so much for this wonderful appraisal of our President. It’s really a shame that most of the people in the U.S. media, the Republican party, and the so called progressives, treat our brilliant and compassionate president with so much hatred and disrespect. Thankfully, the majority of Americans love and respect him.
Pundits want Obama to chauffeur the Country while McConnell, Boehner + McCain give driving directions from the back seat! Hell 2 the nah!— George Monroe (@Nupe117) December 30, 2012
So true. I remember reading that when McConnell was asked what it would take to reach an agreement with PBO, he replied that if the president would take republicans’ ideas without questioning them, then they would be able to compromise with him. I really think so much of the republicans’ opposition to PBO comes from the fact that he thinks for himself. When GWB was POTUS, the republicans in Congress, Rush Limbaugh, and people like Donald Trump could tell him what they wanted him to do, and he would do it. Steve Benen wrote an article in 2009 in which he stated that one reason republicans oppose PBO and were asking him to slow down was because, under GWB, they were not required to work hard. GWB told them what he wanted, then they wrote and passed the bills.
Saw Les Mis last night. Fricking Oscar in every category. Especially Best Actor! I want to capture Hugh Jackman, lock him up in a human sized cage and make him have my babies. That is all!
I didn’t get to see the interview (will watch it later), but saw the “circle jerk” pundit roundup afterward. I just saw this post over at TPM:
“Would it have hurt to have a person of color at the roundtable? Or someone who lives outside of the Beltway? Or someone under the age of forty? Or someone who might have actually voted for Obama?”
My answer was this:
“Yeah, like Equire’s Charles Pierce, Rachel Maddow, Michael Eric Dyson, Ta-Naishi Coates, Joy Reid…and how about our humble host, Josh Micah Marshall?”
I’ve begun to think that programs like MTP would get higher ratings by diversifying their panels and adding some average Americans, including young folks and People of Color. The usual “pundits” on these programs are D.C. insiders who wouldn’t know a piece of sh*t from a bar of chocolate. They all seem to be on the same page—President Obama is a poor leader, ineffective president, and a lazy bum who doesn’t belong in the WH, while republicans are real fiscal conservatives, are always willing to give the president a chance, and never lie, promote conspiracy theories, or use propaganda to mislead Americans. These “pundits” are in bed with the republicans. This is why I think it’s difficult for them to provide unbiased, truthful information to the public. It is because of them that many Americans think that both political parties are to blame for congressional gridlock, when they’re not. They’re loathe to say that republicans are the problem because they’re personal friends with them and make the rounds of the D.C. party circuit together. They branded President Obama an outsider from the start.
@Lawrence We know the #TeaParty is the manifestation of John Birch Society take-over of the GOP. The Kochs' pop would be proud. @NancyPelosi— Bobfr (@Our4thEstate) December 30, 2012
It takes approximately 40,000 ants to equal one human brain, and they still run a colony better than the GOP. #p2#p21— Casey (@pari_passu) December 30, 2012
1995 ad in New York Magazine to "meet author Barack Obama" at Barnes and Noble. http://t.co/1ivgKr0f— Andrew Kaczynski (@BuzzFeedAndrew) December 30, 2012
oy.
Congrats amk on #1
Fast fingers, amk! Congrats!
Doesn’t take much to type two letters.
via bj,
DAVID GREGORY: You said that Republicans have a hard time saying yes. Particularly to you.
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: Yeah.
DAVID GREGORY: What is it about you, Mr. President, that you think is so hard to say yes to?
If I had been there, I would have flung my shoes at his face.
You and me both. What is it about this president that the media presume he’s the villain in this whole thing.
Just finished to watch the interview on line. I’m constantly amazed by the inability, or unwillingness, of the Washington Press to acknowledge the fact that the republican party has been taken over by its most ideological, rigid, elements. Serious political analysts have written about this, and the Washington pundits still refuse to see the truth.
And yes they always seem to put all fault on him. One hypothesis I have is that President Obama has refused to play the game of Washington politics, the cocktail circuit thing, the flattering the egos of everyone especially the media people, etc. We’re heard hints of that… when Chris Matthews says for example that President Obama has to work on “making friends” in Washington.
They view President Obama as an outsider. Washington is like Versailles before the French Revolution. They have their code of conduct, and since President Obama doesn’t follow it, they are rejecting him. They can’t wait for him to get out of DC, so Washington can go back to “normal”.
The Washington press is owned by the same entities that own the Republican party. If you keep that in mind, then nothing will amaze or surprise you about them any more.
It’s called “perks and smoozing”. That’s what those a**holes thrive on.
Applause!!
Good gawd. Retire already, old man.
Your lack of gratitude for that pic is, frankly, shocking.
Congrats on First amk. your are right on it. Good Day All
I LOVE THIS MAN!!!
Good Morning everyone
I’m bout to slap David Gregory. What kind of asinine question was that about “what’s wrong with you?” What’s wrong with Gregory?
Umm, he’s a hater aka Republican
wonderful RT’d
Congratulation amk. Good morning everyone.
Dear Heavens – David brooks is attacking the President for being “too nice” – AFTER – listening to the President say – both sides don’t do it
Why oh why are these people given a pay check
Pres. Obama ate David Gregory and the GOP’s lunch on MTP. His smile at the end was equivalent to dropping the mic and walking away.
He sure did. He made his case succinctly to the American people despite David trying his damnest to blame the President for the inaction in Congress. On another note, I just love listening to Doris Kearn Goodwin talk. She’s so reasonable and wise. She explains thing in such a way that makes it fresh and interesting. I wish she had been my history teacher in college.
LOVE THIS UT….YOU CAN’T WIN OVER GRACE,MATURITY AND CALM. THE REPUBS. HAVE NEVER CEASED CHASING THE PRESIDENT WITH THEIR OLD IDEOLOGICAL CONSPIRACY THEORIES, THE FACT THAT AN AFRICAN AMERICAN WON THE PRESIDENCY AND MUCH TO THEIR DISGUST IS THEIR ‘COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF! OF COURSE THE REPUB. OWNED MEDIA PLAYS RIGHT ALONG WITH THIS GAME,ONE INITIALLY STARTED BY THE REPUBS TO PLANT FEAR MONGERING SEEDS OVER PBO’S ORIGIN AND THEY’VE BEEN WATERING THEM SINCE 2008. THEY COULDN’T WAIT TO CHASE THE EVANGELICALS AND LACE THE PRESIDENT’S TERM WITH BIBLICAL HORROR STORIES. THEY CONTINUE TO DO SO IN EVERY EFFORT TO TERRORIZE HIS AGENDA. FORTUNATELY, HE IS NOT A BUSH BOY ROBOT…HE KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND HE’S WAY AHEAD OF THEM….THAT’S MY 2 CENTS! THEY DON’T CALL HIM THE ENERGIZER BUNNY PRESIDENT FOR NOTHIN’!!!!!!!…:)
Then Todd suggests the GOP should have a “really big fight” about the debt level – how to suggest another political deadlock before solving the first one – they have no shame
That’s the only way they in the media get to have an audience…
Only when they sensationalize potential trouble for the country do they get what the think is a captive audience…
Without manipulated and contrived ‘news’ reports or punditry stemming from goading the GOP on to destroy our union, the chuck Todd’s of the world remain even less relevant than they already are…
Congrats on 1st amk for obama
Had to drag this over
Good morning Todville and Chips, I’m watching MTP it is on a slower schedule. As much as I loathe David Gregory I ‘m only watching to hear our President. Did anyone notice the glee in David’s eyes when he told our President gun Control would not work? Maybe, I loathe David Gregory so much I thought I saw something that was not there. Nonetheless, how did that magazine work out David since he wants to speak of what doesn’t work?
It’s so good to see PBO shut David Gregory down. We are coming to reactions now on our local NBC. Yes, it is a false equivalency. The meme both parties are at fault is a fallacy. It is the republicans and the tea party the media should explicitly denote as not wanting to come together and have intentionally created the fiscal cliff .
Everyone have a nice day and Happy New Year!
Tell me this didn’t happen (just cut and pasted it from balloon-juice):
DAVID GREGORY: You said that Republicans have a hard time saying yes. Particularly to you.
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: Yeah.
DAVID GREGORY: What is it about you, Mr. President, that you think is so hard to say yes to?
These people are disgusting.
I’d say Gregory is being very subtle. Perhaps, it would’ve, sound better if Gregory had said you are an intelligent, compassionate Black President why can’t the Republicans say yes to you?.
Gregory thought he’d get the President to say “Have ya noticed I’m black?” The President knows the pundits’ game. We know their game. The President put up with Gregory to get the message out to the American people, which we just watched, and he was great. Gregory will walk around thinking he got “the big get,” when all he did was show HOW HIGH his ratings could be and HOW LOW they’ll be again next week without the President as a guest. (I was reminded I hadn’t watched MTP for so long personally, that I had forgotten they had a roundtable as the second half. Tim Russert was So.Much.Better.)
This was a fun way to wash my hands of Gregory, again. He can go back to dancing with Karl Rove again. Nobody will notice.
Very nicely done Jacq…
Thanks!
Watching that part reminded me of the segment where Bill Maher went off about the GOP’s racism towards PBO…if you haven’t seen it, it’s here: http://samuel-warde.com/2012/12/bill-maher-on-gop-racism-towards-president-obama-video/ Warning for language.
Ha. David Gregory makes me laugh right now. He’s defending all the “lazy Pundit” crap we’re throwing at him on twitter. Ha! Empty Suit
He said it was from a senior adviser!
These idiots don’t even know what the President said on the campaign – they were obviously too busy listening to Romney
The woman on the panel (don’t know her) – said this is the first time she has heard “from the middle class out” – PBO used that ALL the time on the campaign – I live in Australia! – and I know that. Maybe she needs to read TOD.
Oh dear – now we have chat on the wonderful Reagan and Clinton – Clinton sold his ideas – what! – health care???
Hi 99ts and TODers!
The woman on the panel was historian Doris Kerns Goodwin – author of “A Team of Rivals” – and she was making a historical comment. I don’t think she was claiming that she had never heard the phrase “from the middle class out” before. I believe Ms Goodwin was noting that the President has created a new frame that places the middle class at the fulcrum of economy prosperity.
That Roundtable is really harsh on the President.
Old white men – wanting to run the country but lacking any ability
Call me crazy 2nd half viewership may drop off, but most viewers will probably watch the entire program, unlike those of us who know the roundtable players, and they will see exactly what PBO was talking about in his interview. I think it will be interesting to see the nation’s response to this show as folks watch it today on tv and online. I won’t equate it with the 47% video but it may be a real eye-opener for many. Stay tuned. . . .
You could be right.
This nails it:
If ever there was any doubt that Tom Brokaw needs to quit his white privilege prejudiced crap, today is the day. He just said on MTP that Pres. Obama “doesn’t work hard enough.”
He needs to take a look at himself and realize he’s a bloody bigoted asshole.
UT – they are a group of millionaires telling PBO how to kill off the poor so they can continue their life of privilege
UT
You just expressed it much better than me. I yelled at my TV STFU Brockaw you have more rocks in your head than what it sounds like coming out of your mouth.
Everyone please contact NBC News and voice your complaint about Tom Brokaw.
MSNBC
One MSNBC Plaza
Secaucus, NJ 07094
Phone Number
Fax Number 201-583-5000
201-583-5453 world@msnbc.com
NBC
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112 Phone Number
Fax Number 212-664-4444
212-664-4426
NBC Nightly News
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112 Phone Number
D.C. Phone
Fax Number 212-664-4971
202-885-4259
202-362-2009
Sorry, I was typing my comment below even as you were typing yours.
What did Brokaw say, because after POTUS finish his interview I turn the channel. I know how those people are so I didn’t want to listen to them and I didn’t.
I sent an email and a tweet. I don’t know if the pundits have a say as to who will be on their show and I really don’t care. I watch very few, but when I was watching Rachel, every time Tom was on I changed the channel.
When Brokaw and Dan Rather, and Ezra Klein is on Rachel I refuse to watch.
does anyone have Brokaw’s twitter handle/address – we need to let him & his fellow entitled fellows know exactly what we feel
@tombrokaw
thanks. he is going to be hearing from me ASAP!
The Roundtable really, really wants the President to cut entitlements and the fact that he will not, they don’t like them.
just started watching my broadcast of MTP in my timeline. I have not watched it in a while. I had to tune in in order to give POTUS some huge ratings
Great idea on the ratings. Think I’ll watch the replay on MSNBC just for that reason! I want Gregory to know we would not ordinarily be watching his mug.
I am way too slow! I was working on a long comment when the thread changed. All of my typing for naught. Must work on my speed.
BTW, I have been so pumped up about adding my 2 cents to PBO’s appearance, that I have not greeted everyone. Good morning Chips and TOD ohana.
I do that ALL the time CEB – bringing over your last post for you – I was so busy reading it – I missed the new post – I will never be first – sigh
CEB
December 30, 2012 at 10:38 am
The pundits and the repubs. just do not seem to get what has happened with the re-election of PBO. There is a sea change in American life that was reflected in his/our win. We will no longer stand for the abuses of power by elected officials, the media, the 1% and the influence of the so-called social conservatives (bigots). We out-number them and we and PBO know how to go around them to get things done. PBO’s words about what citizenship is are beginning to resonate with more people. Our country has changed and we will not be going back to blindness, ignorance, inactivity, or to being victims. The enemies of the people (msm, repubs. and their allies) do not seem to know that their days are numbered, or maybe the problem is that they do know, but will continue to use their no-longer effective weapons to stem the tide of our evolution. It takes awhile, but justice, goodness, and fairness win in the end. I am in awe of PBO; how this man who is filled with empathy, humor, gentleness, candor, optimism, and brilliance, is slowly and shaping the lives of millions, here and abroad, for generations to come. We are so blessed to see this, to be a part of it, to add our hands to the plow that is preparing the field for a bountiful harvest in the lives of so many. I could never imagine that I would live to see this. We are on the cusp of a new Golden Age.
100% true ceb. Saw someone here post a WH press release saying that their vids have been by 100 million viewers. These third rate corrupt punks will not match even a millionth of that viewership. They are all circling the drain.
You are so sweet; thank you for doing this! I really need to work on my tech skills so that I can do this myself.
Yes, I am on this page with you. Let it be so. Foward. And we should save our energy. If we watch assholes
and llisten to what their ignorant minds send out of their mouths, we owe it to ourselves and the future to
have no reaction. Do not feed the dinosaurs. It is time for them to become extinct.
VERY WELL SAID CEB and thank you 99ts for bringing this insightful comment over for CEB!
amen ceb! thanks for putting it so clearly!
I just had the same thing happen to me with my AZ rep RWNJ…..I pressed “post” and there was no There, there. It was infuriating!! I wrote such a damn good post!
President Obama was so excellent on MTP that Gregory didn’t even really bother me. Any time Gregory tried to ask some asinine question, Obama just slapped it down and put it in place. Gregory could do no harm, he was no match for this superb, quick and smart-thinking president. PBO always displays so much insight and common sense and decency, you would have to be blinded by the most severe case of hate to find fault with anything he says. There will never be a president of this caliber again. He is on another level, way beyond what we have ever hoped to see.
^^THIS^^
I agree dotster3, POTUS was excellent! D.Gregory is such an asshole, but POTUS exercised the patience of a parent and the steel of a secure MAN in his explanations to this dufuss.
I know the tools that sit in pious opinion on the Round Table, so I changed the channel when the President finished speaking.
Tom Brokaw- cut Entitlements, lower taxes and abolish the 13th amendment.
Just about, not quite, but he wanted to.
Michelle and the girls should fly home to be with dad on New Years.
I think FLOTUS & the Frist Daughters should finish their vacation since the gop ALWAYS attacks them when they go ANYWHERE
Yup. They didn’t sign up for the thugs’ antics. Let them have their peace and quite.
Let’s remember POTUS suppose to be on vacation with his family, if it wasn’t for the foolish behavior of the radical extreme Republicans, that is were he will be. Both POTUS and FLOTUS do their best to make sure the girls have a normal life. So hopefully the Obama ladies is enjoying the rest of their vacation.
True. I don’t have a problem with them being in Hawaii but something about PBO and Bo spending New Year’s Eve without the ladies doesn’t sit well with me. They should be together as 1 family.
I have to say that I absolutely agree…
Politico has a sad. Pres. Obama kicked ass and the beltway media is whining.
Isn’t he the idiot with that idiot hat?
Yup.
Mark Knoller has been eerily quiet all morning. Unless he is traveling (as in air), or sick in bed, why isn’t he tweeting?
Not finished the supersized box of donuts yet. My guess.
Yes, it’s a big box alright! He usually gets several of these as Christmas gifts.
And probably freezes a few boxes with which to ring in the New Year.
Indeed. While I’m watching the Twilight Zone marathon on New Year’s Eve, I will take comfort in knowing that I’m not the weirdest person on planet, with Knoller polishing off his once-frozen Christmas presents while he watches the ball drop.
If he stays up that late, munchin’ the munchkins, dontcha know. May need his ugly sleep (what Pres. Obama might call beauty rest).
There’s nothing for him to count except how many times David Gregory’s ass was handed to him.
LMAO!
One of the things that really struck me was as Tom Brokaw was pulling out his magazine “Shotgun News” He was talking about that PBO was the one who wanted change in gun laws – not the american people and I was like whaaaaaaa? And then they all started talking about how PBO should go on a train across the country talking about changing gun laws and I’m like huuuuuuuhhh?
You guys are IN WASHINGTON! Are you not listening to the endless petitions to change gun laws? Make NRA a taxable organization (do you guys know they don’t pay taxes? they’re exempt – like churches) There’s plenty of grassroots things happening right now!
Click.
GOP has a sad.
Matt K. Lewis prove he doesn’t know better,he doesn’t know a dam thing,only what Fox and Limbaugh tells him.
Who the heck is Mark K. Lewis?
Yes. Wh is he and why should I care??
I think the word “uppity” is perfect for this “panel” of self indulgent rich white folks.
Bravo, AMK! You totally nailed them!
LOL!!
The President sees their clown car in his rearview mirror every day – he’s got this!
Meep, meep!
Road runner baby!
:lol::lol:
PBO was so calm and self-assured I think even the most nervous citizen could understand that despite the insane republican party the USA will be OK.
In other words, time for that great photo: Chill The F___ Out, I’ve Got This.
I love my President.
I’m with you. I thought the President was pitch PERFECT on MTP. And I too love my President.
I like seeing all of the trappings of the presidency around PBO when he gives these interviews; great home advantage (even though he does not need it). I love the fact that the media must come to him; that he graciously allows them to come (for our benefit). I am sure that the thing that they hate the most is the fact that a Black man is the one with the power (I know he is bi-racial, but in this country, as Dr. Gates said, Black trumps everything). That question that Gregory asked about why repubs.were so resistant to him, was his attempt to get PBO to go racial. The president would never say it, but we all know that racism and classism are at the heart of their hate, anger, and intransigence.
Yes, and add to that, no matter what race he is, President Obama has every personal characteristic and attribute they do not have. And it drives them crazy. I love that fact, too.
Yes, yes and yes. PBO knew exactly where Gregory was going and addressed it the way he should have. I also liked the way the President kept using David’s name. That too was filled with meaning and demonstrated who had the power in the room and who didn’t.
Morning all! Hope everyone had a nice Christmas. I think I will just watch MTP on line and only the President’s interview. I don’t want to see anything else on that show, or any of the Sunday shows.
America’s reckless politicians may still take the country over the cliff into an uncertain land where recession looms.
But President Obama has sprung his trap. The Republicans are in a corner – over a barrel – although perilously unaware of their plight. Before the election, during the election and since his victory, he has insisted the rich must pay a little more in taxes. It is a policy that appeals to his party but doesn’t really make much of an economic impact. But its purpose is political, not fiscal.
//
But enough may realise that Mr Obama is manoeuvring to stick their party in aspic and stop them changing in the wake of their defeat in November. He would stick a label on them that would brand them not only out of touch, but so fanatically wedded to the demands of the rich that they are unconcerned about the damage they could do to their country and its people.
It could turn out differently, but I suspect the Republicans are either about to cave in or to lose the blame game.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20869137
My bet, the floor for tax increase will be 300-400 K.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/zekejmiller/gop-senator-concedes-fiscal-cliff-defeat-hats-of
South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham conceded defeat in the fiscal cliff negotiations Sunday morning, saying “hats off to the president.”
In an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” Graham complimented President Barack Obama for sticking to his guns in talks with congressional Republicans.
“He stood his ground. He’s going to get tax rate increases,” Graham said. “It will be a political victory for the president.”
“The president won. The president campaigned on raising rates and he’s going to get a rate increase,” he added.
Stupid ass also said this:
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2012/12/30/1379681/lindsay-graham-i-will-destroy-americas-solvency-unless-the-social-security-retirement-age-is-raised/
I wonder if this fool realizes that POTUS said he wasn’t going to play that game with the repugs, and he will stick to his guns on that issue too.
He’ll find out soon enough. Stupid, stupid man.
They have no idea as to what they do. They will hopefully live to find out
Tell little lying Lindsey Graham, he wants a fight, he will get one.
Lindsey is trying to show his hateful supporters in South Carolina that he is a tough man. He’s running scare that they will run someone against him in 2014 or is it 2013, so the big bad pretender is trying to be tough. You know like he show how tough he was bullying the black woman.
The Club for Growth has pretty much promised him that he’ll be primaried, anniebella. He knows that if he lies enough, the voters in SC won’t know that he’s lying. He’s trying to scare them, which isn’t hard to do. Newt Gingrich persuaded them to vote for him by simply carrying around a gas can. Graham knows that he needs to appear to hate the president in order to be re-elected in SC.
Well a word of advice for Lindsey, Be very careful !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lindsey Graham doesn’t have to ‘appear’ to hate the President…
He and his best buddy John McCain actually do…no pretense there…
He’s just talking to hear himself. Wall Street is not going to play that game again.
Gosh I hope this is true. I always tend to worry about things. I just can’t TRUST republicans; I always worry they’re preparing a coup of some sort.
Well, I am about to fall off the ‘cliff’. Gunnite folks.
Night, amk:) Sleep tight!
And don’t let the bed bugs bite.
Good night AMK.
Rest well, friend!!
Good night; sleep tight.
nitey nite amk
Morning TOD. Thanks Chips for posting the MTP interview. It would not have come on here until noon.
I was proud of POTUS on Meet the Press, he did a wonderful job and he didn’t let Gregory get away with any of his GOP talking points.
THIS!!!! I especially like when he debunked the false equivalency that both parties do the same.
I agree COS.
that was very skillfully done.
Ed Henry, another clueless media dunce, just throws out dishonest snark, displaying lack of knowledge and Obama history, continually embarrasses himself:
Good response from Dan Pfeiffer!
Good Morning Tods:-)
Hope you all having a wonderful holiday season…”Happy New Year”
Thank you, kasai
You Welcome:-) Happy New Year DesertFlower!
1953 over 1000 bills passed! Wow! I believe Eisenhower was President at the time. He truly was the last great Republican President.
Sorry I’m blind as a bat, it was 1955 to 1956. Still Eisenhower though.
yes kashai! thanks! RT”d
Excellent retort, Kasai!
Happy New Year!!
Thank you Dudette…Happy New Year to you as well:-)
Great tweet, Kasai! These so called lazy journalists need to be exposed for who they are.
Well said Kasai.
He’s so pathetic.
Most Unproductive Congress in 60 Years…..
the 112th Congress is set to go down in American history as the most unproductive session since the 1940s… Obama has signed 219 bills passed by the 112th Congress into law. With less than a week to go in the year, there are currently another 20 bills pending presidential action. In comparison, the last Congress passed 383 bills, while the one before it passed 460.”
“The 104th Congress (1995-1996) currently holds the ignominious distinction of being the least productive session of Congress … Just 333 bills became law during that two-year period, meaning the 112th Congress needs to send nearly 100 more bills to Obama’s desk in the next few days if it wants to avoid going down in history — an unlikely prospect, considering that both chambers are squarely focused on averting the ‘fiscal cliff’ before the new year.”
oops didn’t mean to post twice..
Oh, it’s totally worth seeing again. I tweeted tombrokaw also, asking him to keep his ignorant mouth shut.
[I fed the dinosaur . . . . . dang it]
Thank you Sara:-)
I have 99% faith in PBO and that everything will turn out just fine. I don’t know if it’s because it’s Sunday or if it’s my meds but I’m feeling at ease.
good.
Dear Chips,
Could you post this list in a way that it is available to be linked in tweets, etc., and others can offer suggestions:
16 sensible steps to gun ownership in America
1 Mandatory liability insurance for ANY person using a gun of any type;
2 Proof of insurance to purchase a gun of any type and ammunition of any type;
3 Stringent limits on the amount of ammunition one can purchase – if we can do it for Sudafed we can certainly do it for ammunition and ammunition reloading equipment and components;
4 Rigorous gun training (for the type of gun used) including safety prior to issuing a license – said license required before insurance is issued;
5 License required before a person is legally authorized to use or purchase a gun and ammunition;
6 License must be renewed annually;
7 License includes mandatory 28 day waiting period, background check for any criminal record (including juvenile criminal record), & mental health check (paid for by revenues collected from license fees on guns, ammunition excise tax, and license fees for certification of user);
8 License fee on each gun – renewed every 3 years;
9 Excise tax on ammunition to the equivalent of at least 50% the retail purchase price per round;
10 Excise tax on all reloading equipment, casings, gun powder, etc equivalent to at least 50% the retail purchase price;
11 Mandatory jail sentences, structured appropriately, for violation of any of the above;
12 Stringent product liability on manufacturers of guns, ammunition and the makings of ammunition if their product is used illegally;
13 Shutter all online ability to purchase guns, ammunition and makings of ammunition;
14 Restrict sales at gun shows to all the standards required at any wholesale/retail outlet with the added exception that any purchase must be shipped, i.e., can’t leave a gun show with a gun, ammunition or the makings of ammunition;
15 Total ban on combat weapons (and any semi-automatic rifle or shotgun with a magazine size larger than 5 rounds);
16 Sellers of weapons, whether stores or gun shows or private individuals, be licensed, have liability insurance, and also be subject to criminal penalties if they sell to anyone whose license, insurance, etc is not in order (just like liquor stores).
Thank you.
#FORWARD
Yes, how do we incorporate this easily . . . . on FaceBook, for example.
I think I’ll start simply by printing it and memorizing it. yes.
Thank you, Sara.
No attribution required – folk can just copy and paste it into emails, their blogs, their FB pages, etc. Since I don’t do FB or a blog, etc (just no time for it) – if Chips can create a link to the list that folk can easily find in the right hand column of this blog, then it can be used in tweets, terse emails, etc.
#FORWARD
How’s this?
Fantastic!!!! Thank you so much, friend!!!!
#FORWARD
oh! you did it Dudette! Awesome! RT’d
Excellent points, ALL!
Tom brokejaw is full of it.
We must remember Brokaw is like Dan Rather, two washed up old news men who is trying to remain in the game. So they won’t be forgotten. Brokaw is full of alot of B.S.
I think Brokaw is a long-time friend of the Bush family. There’s that lack of objectivity thrashing around in his head, as well.
G’m TOD. I think PBO did an excellent job on MTP. In as much as I dislike Gregory, I must say that I think he gave our Prez. a chance
to get his points across and not talk over him like a lot of interviewers do. PBO was calm, clear precise in explaining to the American people
what is going on with this Republican created circus. I was so pleased at how he simplified the message, even explaining the chained CPI, that
even a teabagger could understand.
We have your back MR PRESIDENT. Keep breaking it down and exposing the no-good Repubs. People are listening and understanding.
They are also learning to tune out the 4th Estate, as there was a loud, collective CLICK after your interview ended…mine included.
I agree, Gregory did give the President a chance to explain his positions, that actually surprised me. POTUS did a wonderful job.
I think I see Chuck Todd and Tom Brokaw’s snarled faces somewhere in that tangled mess.
Maybe Tom Brokaw mean POTUS doesn’t work hard enough throwing parties for Politicians, Washington elites, and old washed news men like him.
Have anyone ever heard Brokaw say a word about how hard Boehner and the Congress work?
Good question, Anniebella.
Never, Anniebella! Brokaw’s disrespect for President Obama is very obvious every time he opens his mouth.
That’s exactly it Annie…
If you don’t socialize with the self-important assholes in D.C, you aren’t considered ‘hard working’…
Getting important things done for the American people just doesn’t count…
LOL I had this vision of that one on the bottom being David Gregory and the rest of them piled up on him, furious because he failed to make PBO look bad!
ROTFLMAO! He sure does April.
And could we ~hope~ that that experience just possibly possibly generate a desire
in David Gregory to transform himself and deepen his character
Yes. Hope is what we do!
Is it possible for the leopard to change its spots? I highly doubt David Gregory has what it takes to grow.
Happy New Years to the TOD family! This was a great year in many ways. Not only did President Obama easily win re-election over the lying Mitten, but we had some strides in the marriage equality arena and the unemployment rate continued to dip as more jobs were created. And the Democratic Convention still makes me smile — diversity, great speeches, upbeat music and just an all around good time.
Hope 2013 goes well for all of you — especially Chipsticks who has given us this great site.
thank you bob – that just fries my fritters!
Good morning everyone and Happy Holidays!!
Just astounding that he doesn’t give a shit about anything.
lovelyplains, Now what would they be saying if POTUS did that? He can’t go on vacation in peace, or even go play golf, but Boehner goes out drinking and the media says nothing.
Boehner’s habit of hitting the D.C. bars was discussed on ‘Morning Joe,’ and it was as if it doesn’t matter. It was treated like a joke. If PBO did that, republicans would never let him forget it.
The double standard in regards to PBO is just astonishing, I get to upset even conjuring the myriad of examples that instantly come to mind. My suggestion was buy a ranch like Dubya/Reagan wear a cowboy hat and clear brush for a 1/3 of your presidency and * I’m sure they wouldnt have a problem with that right *
CSPAN BOOKTV:
“The New New Deal: The Hidden Story of Change in the Obama Era”
By Michael Grunwald
About the Program (50 Minutes)
—————————————
Michael Grunwald, senior national correspondent for TIME magazine, presents his thoughts on the $800 billion stimulus bill, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. Michael Grunwald speaks at Barnes & Noble Booksellers in New York City.
—————————————
http://www.booktv.org/Program/13770/The+New+New+Deal+The+Hidden+Story+of+Change+in+the+Obama+Era.aspx
I bought the book a couple of weeks ago – ordered it at a local bookstore in the Netherlands (2 weeks delivery delay).
It’s excellent. For a physicist, it’s a delight to read – thank God the President appointed a Nobel Laureate in Physics as the head of his Energy Department.
… Obey Gravity – It’s The Law (and climate change, and evolution, etc.)
thanks for the recommendation, ladyhawke and toonmoene. just ordered it from the library.
Sometimes I just have to shake my head in disbelief and even a certain sorrow when I see how lesser men try to treat our president. We have a dream leader; one that people all over the world envies us for having and he has to spend valuable, productive time dealing with idiots who act against the will of the people and their own self-interest. We have a man who is brilliant, yet has humility; he does not have to always hear his own voice. He is a pragmatic idealist who is more interested in getting things done than he is about than being concerned about a party line. He is a wonderfully empathetic man who has a gentle heart that can be and has been broken, but he is also a steely-eyed, war-time commander-in-chief who will go after our enemies far and wide, with patience and determination to keep us safe. He has the political courage to move our country forward, no matter the cost because as he has said, he came to Washington to do something, not to be something. He plays hard and to win, trash-talking as he does so, no matter the game, while also being a baby-whisper and a dad who strategizes middle school relationships with his daughters. He is the hugger-in-chief (this makes WASP men like George and Tom Brokaw very uncomfortable), the cool cat who rocks out to Led Zeppelin and Jazz. He is a husband who loves and respects his wife, his best friend; who always tells women who says that he is cute: “I will tell Michelle that you said so.” He is honest, even about his imperfections; he has a megawatt smile that lights up a room and he can sing. He wants us and our country to be the best that we can be and he works very hard, every day, to do what he can to make this possible. What is there not to like in a man who has such gifts.?
copy this one hundred thousand times, CEB. thank you
This^^^^. I don’t get it either.
Wow … if I did not already love and respect him, your summary would make me fall in love and engender respect. Thank you CEB for this portrait of our President. I think you should post this on WH blog.
Thanks guys; I was “full” as the old folks use to say, and just needed to let it out for my own peace of mind.
I agree, CEB this was beautiful and I believe he would love to see it.
CEB, thank you so much for this wonderful appraisal of our President. It’s really a shame that most of the people in the U.S. media, the Republican party, and the so called progressives, treat our brilliant and compassionate president with so much hatred and disrespect. Thankfully, the majority of Americans love and respect him.
This is hilarious. [Not For Those Who Lack A Sense Of Humor]
I howled! This is the funniest thing I have seen in a while. Thanks for the link; now I will clean the laugh-sprinkles from my monitor.
LOL!
AMEN!!!
THIS!!!
In other words….’Driving Ms. Boehner’.
that’s perfect!
So true. I remember reading that when McConnell was asked what it would take to reach an agreement with PBO, he replied that if the president would take republicans’ ideas without questioning them, then they would be able to compromise with him. I really think so much of the republicans’ opposition to PBO comes from the fact that he thinks for himself. When GWB was POTUS, the republicans in Congress, Rush Limbaugh, and people like Donald Trump could tell him what they wanted him to do, and he would do it. Steve Benen wrote an article in 2009 in which he stated that one reason republicans oppose PBO and were asking him to slow down was because, under GWB, they were not required to work hard. GWB told them what he wanted, then they wrote and passed the bills.
Double AMEN!!!
We are heading out for brunch and then to see Les Mis.
So, if the TV talkers are to be believed, by the time I get back to TOD and TV, the entire matter of over the cliff or not will be resolved.
I trust Barack Obama.
Film envy over here. Gotta go see Les Mis soon! Enjoy!
Saw Les Mis last night. Fricking Oscar in every category. Especially Best Actor! I want to capture Hugh Jackman, lock him up in a human sized cage and make him have my babies. That is all!
I didn’t get to see the interview (will watch it later), but saw the “circle jerk” pundit roundup afterward. I just saw this post over at TPM:
“Would it have hurt to have a person of color at the roundtable? Or someone who lives outside of the Beltway? Or someone under the age of forty? Or someone who might have actually voted for Obama?”
My answer was this:
“Yeah, like Equire’s Charles Pierce, Rachel Maddow, Michael Eric Dyson, Ta-Naishi Coates, Joy Reid…and how about our humble host, Josh Micah Marshall?”
How about the Mayor of Atlanta.
I’ve begun to think that programs like MTP would get higher ratings by diversifying their panels and adding some average Americans, including young folks and People of Color. The usual “pundits” on these programs are D.C. insiders who wouldn’t know a piece of sh*t from a bar of chocolate. They all seem to be on the same page—President Obama is a poor leader, ineffective president, and a lazy bum who doesn’t belong in the WH, while republicans are real fiscal conservatives, are always willing to give the president a chance, and never lie, promote conspiracy theories, or use propaganda to mislead Americans. These “pundits” are in bed with the republicans. This is why I think it’s difficult for them to provide unbiased, truthful information to the public. It is because of them that many Americans think that both political parties are to blame for congressional gridlock, when they’re not. They’re loathe to say that republicans are the problem because they’re personal friends with them and make the rounds of the D.C. party circuit together. They branded President Obama an outsider from the start.
Ants for congress 2014!
New post everyone, back in a bit:
http://theobamadiary.com/2012/12/30/chat-away-94/
Chips: this picture is from a 1995-ish review of PBO’s first book:
photo/1
Sorry, this is the review one.
photo/1
Sorry but why does Buzz feed want folks to check out the coat…
I don’t know; it is a sharp coat.
Fiscal cliff talks hit a “major setback.” Are you freaking kidding me?