Three years ago today: President Obama greets a young child after a town hall meeting at the Bob Martinez Sports Center at the University of Tampa in Tampa, Fla., Jan. 28, 2010 (Photo by Pete Souza)
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Today:
11:15: President Obama and VP Biden meet with police chiefs to discuss gun control
12:30: Jay Carney briefs the press
1:40: President Obama welcomes the NBA Champion Miami Heat to the White House
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CNN: President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will meet with police chiefs and sheriffs from major cities about gun violence on Monday, a White House official said.
The president is holding the private event one day before launching his push for immigration reform, demonstrating the administration’s plan to press multiple policy goals simultaneously.
After weeks of meetings with various stakeholders in the gun control debate, Obama and Biden announced multiple legislative proposals aimed at curbing gun violence and 23 executive actions on guns and related mental health issues the president can take without congressional approval.
More here
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Bob Woodward (Washington Post): In the first months of the Obama presidency in 2009, Chuck Hagel, who had just finished two terms as a U.S. senator, went to the White House to visit with the friend he had made during the four years they overlapped in the Senate.
So, President Obama asked, what do you think about foreign policy and defense issues?
According to an account that Hagel later gave he told Obama: “We are at a time where there is a new world order. We don’t control it. You must question everything ….. Afghanistan will be defining for your presidency in the first term, perhaps even for a second term.” The key was not to get “bogged down.”
Obama did not say much but listened…..
More here
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AP: A bipartisan group of leading senators has reached agreement on the principles of sweeping legislation to rewrite the nation’s immigration laws. The deal, which was to be announced at a news conference Monday afternoon, covers border security, guest workers and employer verification, as well as a path to citizenship for the 11 million illegal immigrants already in this country.
Although thorny details remain to be negotiated and success is far from certain, the development heralds the start of what could be the most significant effort in years toward overhauling the nation’s inefficient patchwork of immigration laws.
President Barack Obama also is committed to enacting comprehensive immigration legislation and will travel to Nevada on Tuesday to lay out his vision, which is expected to overlap in important ways with the Senate effort.
More here
Greg Sargent: Today a bipartisan group of Senators will unveil the framework for a major new immigration reform bill. You can read the framework right here. The most important fact about the plan is that it articulates as a policy goal the need to provide a path to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants. That was the bottom line for Senate Democrats and immigration reform advocates, and they got four Republican Senators to agree to it.
It’s the price Democrats paid for this concession that could be the problem. It’s a cliche to say at such moments that the “Devil is in the details,” but in this case, boy is the Devil ever in the details…..
More here
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Michael Tomasky: A Response to David Mamet on Gun Control – …. zero would have been the optimal word count for Mamet’s bizarre rant in Newsweek about how Barack Obama, acting on subliminal instruction from Karl Marx, wants to take away his guns and throw his family to the wolves. But he could at least have gotten it down to eight, or even better four. “Me really angry man” would have sufficed.
… I could go on, but I think I’ll follow the old Mamet’s sound advice and refrain from today’s Mamet’s unhousebroken prolixity. It’s basically kind of boring; another rich white man yelping about his taxes and so on. Makes one wish that some of the lurid things these people believe Obama wants to do to them were actually true.
Full post here
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Five years ago today:
Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Edward Kennedy participate in a campaign rally in the Bender Arena at American University January 28, 2008 in Washington, DC. Obama received the endorsement of Sen. Kennedy, Rep. Patrick Kennedy and Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of the late President John. F. Kennedy, who announced her support for Obama in a New York Times opinion piece titled “A President Like My Father.”
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MooOOOooOOOoooorning
Up and at ‘em all you O’s!!!! It’s a great getting up day again on Lake TOD doncha know!!
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay,
My, oh my, what a wonderful day.
Plenty of sunshine headin’ my way,
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay!
January on track to be best stock market month since 1989. I blame Obama.
Morning Cookemom, moooooooorning everyone!
Cookemon, you always make me laugh with your old songs. That song goes back to the old musical “Song of the South”–a classic that
is very hard to find these days. But it sure does make you feel like putting on your dancing shoes early in the am–if only my creaky back would cooperate.
Congrats on 1st cookemom and thank you for all the fun!!!
Congrats on 17M Chips – you’ve created a marvelous community, for sure!!!
#TrustBarack
Thank you Bob!!!!
To Quote: Tina Turner; Chipsticks Keep on Rolling….Rolling.. Rolling…… Rolling on a River…….
Chipsssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats on 17 million hits!!!!!!!!
Now you have me dancing OMF!! Thank you!!
I am singing in my office…. hopefully no one walks in…..
Uh oh!!!!!
Great morning to all!
good morning
Good morning TOD.
Okay, TODobots, it’s Monday! Chips’ favourite day of the week
Morning, you all! Cookemom? 
Five people pushing through the door! Chiparoo, you’d better widen the door before someone gets seriously hurt! CM is very adept at positioning herself to take up most of the space, I notice, but still, four others were hard on her heels. Time for expansion!
Howdy ma’am. Sorry bout that breeze by. I really was going to stop and set a spell with ya, but Chips hollered us all in for breakfast. Couldn’t pass up my place in line for those vittles and stuffs.
Cookem, are you trying to tell me socializing with me took second place to food? Food? My budding ego is demolished. Erased. Obliterated. /smh – food
/
Not just any food, only Chips fine array of delectable edibles would have enticed me the jump that fence we were just about to chat over.
‘Delectable edibles’? Cheesy puffs? I have to tell you that with this gesture you have fallen irrevocably in my friendship eyes. /smh – muttering/ Cheesy puffs. Delectable edibles. Fence jumping. Friendship just ain’t what it used to be, nevertheless, because *I* know better, I’ll still wish you a happy Monday, CM. [
If she had just paused to say 'hi friend' I would have gotten in ahead of her. Grrrr!]
I love your eyes.
Thank you. They are quite pretty, I think.
Being fairly new to the family, Carolmae, you may not realize..so I’d best tell you that I’m not yet 40. I know I sound mature but that’s only because my mind is … is … is.. advanced. There!
Aren’t YOU supposed to be over on the new thread? Were you listening in to my conversation, or just keeping an eye on me?
39….. Friendship eyes. A mayoress watching out for me. Yep, I’m lucky.
Now that I know how to roll my eyes, I’m just playing!
BTW, you jealous? You have a looooong way to go from 21 to 39!
Good morning from a snowy backyard
GM people
http://www.businessinsider.com/durable-goods-orders-december-2013-1
CRUSHED IT: DURABLE GOODS ORDERS UP 4.6%, MORE THAN DOUBLE ESTIMATES
Morning, TOD…brought this over….and IT’S ALL OBAMA’S FAULT!!!!!
January on track for highest Dow Jones performance since 1989. I guess Obama agrees with taking our country back.. That is what they asked for, right?
Df, those Republicans just can’t catch a break, can they? No matter how hard they try to wreck the economy so PBO will look bad, it keeps bouncing back. And the millionaire Wall St. types wanted Republicans in charge? Smarts and $$ don’t always go together.
I miss Teddy something awful. I just imagine him watching the progress from 2009 to now and thinking to himself: “Yeah, I backed the right guy.”
Still raining here. Ready to build a damn ark! Think that we’re trying to make our total year’s rainfall in one weekend….it needs to stop now! Congrats, Cookemom
Good Morning everyone. I am only imagine what Teddy would say today. So glad he backed PBO.
Hey Chips;
You didn’t see the new article from Charles Pierce or did you post it already and I missed it? Or didn’t you like it?
President of The Whole Country by Charles Pierce
http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/barack-obama-president-whole-country-0213?src=soc_twtr
Hiya GB, I saw it alright last week, I love everything Pierce writes, even when he’s being excessively grumpy! I can’t rememeber if I posted it, I might not have because I was only doing pics and videos around the inauguration. But thank you for the reminder!
Okay.
Good round-up Chips. I read the David Mamet Newsweek piece yesterday and the man is certifiably insane. Just bloody insane. He compared assault weapons to African-Americans. He made an analogy that portrayed assault weapons as infinitely superior to African-Americans and made the jump that affirmative action means African-Americans are inferior. Then he accused Pres. Obama of being a Marxist coming to take citizens guns away. In addition to being batcrap crazy, he doesn’t know how government works. He kept accusing Pres. Obama of passing bills that protect his family while leaving the rest of us to fend for ourselves. Newsflash, Pres. Obama doesn’t pass bills. Congress does. Government 101 FAIL.
As for the bipartisan immigration bill being crafted, I’m on a wait and see mode because we have a long ways to go and the start will be different from the finish.
It’s interesting that these guys were anxious to get ahead of the President on this issue. I think he speaks about it tomorrow.
Isn’t Newsweek going online? guess they are going to be an outlet for people like Mamet.
As for the immigration bill. Wait until Pres.Obama enters the debate. We’ll see what Rubio is made of. I am personally very skeptical. I don’t think the GOP is at all serious. Just desperate.
Mamet is further proof that brilliance in one narrow arena does not make you smart. I haven’t always liked Mamet’s plays, but at least I respected him. Now he’s shown that when he hasn’t got his playwright hat on, he’s as blind as bat and not much swifter on the uptake than Archie Bunker.
G’morning Chips, TOD lurkers, everyone and congrats cookemom on #1!
Chips thanks for all the work you do.
cookemom, congratulations, I really thought I was first.
Indeed it is a great day. I survived the ice sheets in Chicago even with a very, very, bad cold. Tomorrow it will be 61 degrees
How’s that for climate change???? lol:
Our Gov. Quinn is signing a bill that lets illegal immigrants get driver’s licenses.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/17837501-418/gov-quinn-signs-bill-that-lets-illegal-immigrants-get-drivers-licenses.html
TODville have a great day.
Oh yeah you were right there behind getting in the door first thing this morning. I didn’t go out at all during the great Chicago icing this week-end. I do plan to go outside and play during our unseasonably mild day tomorrow. Back into our igloos soon though, cause it’s gonna be in the teens Thursday.
Good West Coast morning Chipsticks & TOD family. It’s only 47 degrees , too cold to be going to work!
Grrrrrrrrrrr ….. morning GGail!
GM folks. Gm chips.’
Why are the senate critters in a sudden hurry to put forth immigration reforms ? What is the catch ?
Morning Amk. It’s curious to me, as Meta said PBO speaks about immigration tomorrow, seems like this group was in a rush to get in before him.
Well, this is what comes to my mind when thugs wanna ‘embrace’ ya.
Ha, yeah, that looks like their kind of welcome alright.
I think it’s because PBO wants to strike while the iron is hot. He will not get a 2nd term honeymoon and he has to back the ‘pubs into a corner on issues that they must act on. This will cause dissension among them and once again the Dems may have to be the deciding vote. Boehner still weak with his own caucus. Same with gun control and climate. The polls are growing steadily in PBO’s favor. Boehner wasn’t too far off about PBO annihilating the Repubs. He is annihilating only a faction of the party, the one that Boehner can’t handle. Boehner should thank him, actually in private, he probably does.
You bring in a fresh perspective, cm. Muchos gracias.
Lets turn the good one and make Nancy speaker again. I hate that Boner is third in line.
Rubio trying to run in 2016. Wants to rehab his image. McGrump has nothing better to do, isn’t he all but irrelevant now? The other two teaheads probably want to make sure there’s no amnesty in the bill, and the 4 democrats……… Well, they’re democrats. What else can you say? But I doubt Chuck and Durbin haven’t talked to PBO about this, just to let him know what they were up to.
I think they want eyes on them, but don’t think their prejudice can stop them from doing something stupid. I copied this from a post on my FB. Richard Haass on @Morning_Joe: “You’re asking me to speculate on something I don’t know anything about.” Joe:”Well, that’s what we do here.”
1:12 PM – 28 Jan 13
Dumb and dumber? Can’t Zig find Micca a better job than this. Wasn’t she once a decent reporter or does she just want to show off her GREAT body. White hair looks silly on a women her age. Only Barbara Bush can pull that off.
Think E.J. Dionne posted it.
Watching that pundit/newsguy, who was at some lunch/meeting in Ohio or somewhere agreeing/condoning voter suppression/reform. So far, no mention of any participation/absence from the festive/secret occasion. The said party, whose daily rundown/walkup show, will have a segment called “OFA a grassroot gold mine”
I was wondering if he would mention any of it today. If Husted hadn’t ran his mouth on Twitter, none of us would have known that that pundit was at that meeting.
Good chart!!
This is freaking fantastic.
http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2013/01/28/corporate-revenue-growth/
Another brick in the recovery road: Revenue rebounds
I have only read the first part of the AP article but this caught my eye … ‘A bipartisan group of [LEADING] senators has reached agreement..’
When did these guys become leading senators?
“The group was made up of eight senators, four from each party: Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). Rubio, of course, was reportedly working on his own plan, which mirrored President Obama’s 2011 proposal.” (Steve Benen at Maddow blog)
It seems to that there are some names there that are desperately chasing around trying to find relevance on some issue – any issue. In my biased opinion it sure hasn’t taken long for AP to ascribe ‘leading’ status to them.
Good spot VC – a bizarre definition of ‘leading’
This is exactly how they weasel their way into the spotlight and the credulous media arbitrarily assign them titles and shower them with accolades they don’t really deserve. I notice in the first article on the subject that was shared here earlier by Susan that they were actually not ‘leading’ at all, but manoeuvring to get before the media. Sure it’s ‘nice’ to see them coming up with something – doing their jobs in other words, but it irks that the motivation is not really because they care.
/…..
The senators were expected to make an announcement this week, but after news broke last Thursday that Obama would speak Tuesday in Las Vegas about what he wants in immigration legislation, the lawmakers agreed quickly last Friday to hold the event at the beginning of this week. Both Democratic and Republican senators were eager to go before Obama to try to wrest control of the process from the White House, according to Senate aides.
The group is notable in that it includes leading Senate Democrats like Durbin and Schumer, veteran Republican senators like McCain and Graham, and then Rubio, who was reported to have first joined the bipartisan working group last week, but according to a Rubio aide, was first approached by the others in December and has worked with them since.
“He’s met with them several times since then. Our staffs have shared a lot of paper,” the aide said, describing the principles as “consistent with everything that Senator Rubio’s been talking about.” ”
……/
Yup. All the 4 thugs are immediate thugs. I just hope the dems were not their usual dumb selves falling for their ‘shenanigans’.
Talking of which, any further peep from phuck toady?
McCain and Graham. Wish they’d go far, far away in another galaxy.
Virginia Governor Bob McDonald, tells his RNC that the Repubs should focus on being community organizers. He acknowledged to them that being a community organizer doesn’t sound so bad now, they know how to win elections. How could anyone in their right mind ever think that having your community behind you would be a bad thing in politics?
I think they always knew that community organizing was a good thing, but as is usually the case, because PBO is the one with the gift, the Rethugs attempted to make it into something bad. The joke was on them in 2012 when their boy Romney with all his billions, suffered a humiliating defeat because he was out-organized on every level by the said community organizer.
Governor McDonnell seems to think he is a legitimate possibility for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. He is a graduate of Pat Robertson’s law school and is nicknamed Governor Ultrasound. What are these people thinking?
They don’t think, it’s all emotion and a very visceral reaction to the mere sight of their President.
Sarah poisoned the well among many others. They’ve got too many bad apples and insincere apples to be relevant on any issue.
Sarah Palin!
This comment is a reply to cookemom’s ” How could anyone in their right mind ever think that having your community behind you would be a bad thing in politics?” My comment was, “Sarah Palin!”
Good morning Ms. Chips and TOD family. I hope for everyone to have a beautiful day today. Congrats Cookemom on being first this lovely Monday morning. Ms. Chips, there use to be a “Media Contact” posted on the right side, am I over looking it?
Morning Ranman! Desperately trying to remember why I removed the Media Contact link, it was probably during the springcleaning of the sidebar a while back. Need to put it back – will do later! Thanks Ranman.
Riding shotgun for you, Chips:) WiW has all that goodness on her site…..
Thank you DF! That original link on the sidebar went to WiW’s site, I have no clue why I removed it – as I said, it probably got lost in the springcleaning! Will definitely put it back later.
G’day y’all! Chipsticks, I think I recall you removed the media link from the sidebar to boost DD4O wishes that people would refrain from dragging in so-called pundit views during the splendid days of the Inauguration. I think. Have a great day everyone, I’ll be in and out, tons of errands and some people to meet today!
Ms. Chips & df, thanks to both for your quick response
We all work together to get it done:)
http://www.whatisworking.com/2011/01/email-addresses.html Go to WiW site…she has worked tirelessly for all these great tidbits! More over there, but this will get you started:)
Japanese carmaker Toyota has regained its slot as the world’s biggest vehicle maker, capping a year of a dramatic turnaround in its fortunes.
Toyota said it sold 9.75 million vehicles in 2012, a jump of more than 22% from a year earlier.
General Motors, which was the biggest vehicle maker in 2011, sold 9.29 million vehicles in 2012.
Toyota’s sales in 2011 were hit by natural disasters in Japan and Thailand which hurt production at its factories.
However, Toyota, and other Japanese carmakers that were affected, have seen a steady recovery since then and have been regaining share in key markets such as the US.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21226611
Greg has a post with the scary details of the Senate’s immigration reform proposal:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2013/01/28/the-morning-plum-the-ground-shifts-on-immigration/
Essentially:
“…the process for putting undocumented immigrants — who will be granted probationary legal status — on a path to citizenship is contingent on a commission deciding that the border is secure. The framework describes that commission this way:
We recognize that Americans living along the Southwest border are key to recognizing and understanding when the border is truly secure. Our legislation will create a commission of governors, attorneys general and community leaders living along the southwest border to monitor the progress of securing our border and to make a recommendation regarding when the bill’s security measures outlined in the legislation are completed.”
This is a real hornet’s nest.
Yeah, that gave me pause too. Deciding when the border is truly secure? That will be never for the GOP. I’m still on a wait and see mode about the final bill because from now until then, there will be a lot of debate, changes, and the like. Plus, right now the GOP is only talk. I want to see what they do when the time for action arrives.
Agreed. We know from every other piece of legislation that this will very likely look very different after it makes its way through the sausage factory.
To those that are upset that a group of Senators are about to announce a proposed immigration reform today, ahead of PBO’s remarks tomorrow, ease up. I think this is great. Everybody knows where our President has stood on this issue. Trust me, he is not bothered by this at all. In fact, it will give him specific things to talk about as well as, if necessary, discuss what else he would like. Our President is extremely good at leading from behind and this is an example of that. Does anyone think that without his leadership on this issue we would even be seeing this come from the Senate?
We talk a lot here about how the House, and more specifically the GOP, needs to come out and talk about what spending cuts they want. This falls into the same category. I, personally, think this is a wonderful move and is not, as one commenter put it, “stabbing the President in the back.”
Morning, Japa.
I for one am not at all upset that the senators are doing their jobs. That’s what they should be doing. That’s what they collect a salary to do. I’m only noting that a) they (in particular, McCain et al) are grandstanding again in the manner in which they are presenting and b) the media is right behind them as usual, crowning them before they have accomplished anything, … oh and c) I don’t like/trust them.
OTH, I trust our guy, so I know that whatever they present, he and his team will work with it, or without it, to get to the best possible place for immigration reform. I am not WORRIED at all if the senators’ little egos make them push to the forefront in order to stand in front of the adults. IMO, the adults can still see over their heads.
PBO and Durbin with Guttierez (sp), all from Illinois, are so far ahead of this whole thing, it boggles the mind that folks think this is a new proposal and that it is being done without PBO’s knowledge and agreement. No way PBO’s speech on this tomorrow doesn’t put the wrapping on the gift that is being presented today. This proposal has probably been sitting around since the beginning of the last term. If nothing else, PBO can keep a secret, is patient to a fault and is stealth when it comes to timing.
‘This proposal has probably been sitting around since the beginning of the last term.’
I wouldn’t doubt that, CM. After all, I have yet to see the GOP plan/prepare anything quickly. I remember when they were going to do their own jobs plan, or their health plan, or their budget plan.
{BTW, I know that my comments on this issue haven’t addressed the Dems who are involved and so I readily confess that I saw ‘McCain’, ‘Graham’, ‘Rubio’ and ‘Flake’ and saw nothing or no-one else. I had absolutely no knowledge of Flake, but I noticed he came from AZ, and he’s a Repub, so….}
I know my Senator, Bob Menendez, has been working on immigration reform for a long time, and It’s very important to him. I’m sure he will back the presidents agenda.
I agree very much with this. PBO has forced them to come out in the open, go against their looney base, pretend like they’re bipartisan, and continue causing dissension between the establishment elite Rinos and the teabutts. Then, at the end of the day, Boehner will still have to rely on Dems in the House to get it done.
Japa21 I agree with you but saying The President is leading from behind is a republican talking piont. the President has said a long time ago that he gets all his facts before talking. His strategy has always been to speak with truth with provable data. Sorry not into the leading from behind meme
Acorn, what Acorn? OFA Organizing For getting back at y’all tearing down Acorn. Be careful what you ask for.
http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/28/16726913-obama-campaign-gives-database-of-millions-of-supporters-to-new-advocacy-group?lite
yeah I read that article this morning… hogwash for the most part, they wrote the thing as if we of OFA are unaware. It was written to be scary.
I think it was written to scare the ‘pubs, as well they should be. They know that OFA folks are very aware of who we are, and what we stand for. How else would we have voluntarily submitted our profile information in order to be involved with this organization? This was written for the Karl Rove’s of the world to sit up and take notice. There’s a new sherrif in town and his posse is like no other. Crossroads? What Crossroads, Karl?
Kinda hard to “give” something to someone that “already” has that database…….
lol.,. Eggzackly my opinion.. the whole article was false basically.
We are scary. You should see me now!
lol… I know you scared me!
Obama Explains How a Thoughtful President Determines When to Intervene
By: Sarah Jones
—————————————–
In one of the best Presidential interviews done in years (an indictment of our media can be seen in the fact that two of the most interesting interviews during the election came from MTV and Jon Stewart), President Obama responded to a question about how he deals with the violence in Syria. His response should serve as a major schooling to the war hawks (especially those who have never been to war).
Here’s an excerpt from The New Republic’s must-read interview with President Obama:
.
.
President Obama is talking about weighing the moral consequences of the use of his presidential power. This is something George W Bush never did. It matters. Students of presidential power should study this excerpt.
Obama’s entire answer is worth careful study, but I’m highlighting this section, “Could it trigger even worse violence or the use of chemical weapons? What offers the best prospect of a stable post-Assad regime?” because these are but a few of the questions we were never allowed to ask before we invaded Iraq.
____________________________
http://www.politicususa.com/obama-expalins-thoughtful-president-determines-intervene.html
John McCain Thinks Republicans Should Own the Hispanic Vote
By: Sarah Jones
—————————————
See, it’s moments like this when immigration reform seems further away rather than nearer. Republicans must stop talking about Hispanics, African Americans and women as if they are something that can be owned. The proper way to say what the Senator meant is to say that Republicans think there are many issues on which their party is in agreement with the top concerns of Hispanics.
But John McCain can’t say that, because it’s not true. See, Hispanics care about more things than just immigration reform. Really.
The Obama campaign figured this out and addressed Hispanics’ concerns about the economy, access to healthcare and education, just as if they were normal Americans. Go figure.
—————————————–
http://www.politicususa.com/mccain-thinks-republicans-hispanic-vote-reasons-working.html
Yup, it”s all about vote bank politics and how to gain power that matters to the thugs. They don’t give a shite about minorities.
Fortunately minorities don’t have short memories and if they do there is too much video out there on how the GOP REALLY feels about them. I don’t think minorities and women are going to flock to the GOP if they change their tune for two years. Besides they are doing everythng to make sure minorities can’t vote….how are they going to reconcile making it hard for us to vote and then ask for us to vote for them?
LH, this is so true. In our community, immigration is no where near the top of the list for many Latinos, Mostly they want a fair chance to get good jobs, start their own businesses, ensure a good education for their children, have access to decent health care and be treated respectfully. It is so like Republicans to pigeon hole people they regard as different, whether it’s Latinos, women, AA’s, Asians. Plus their whole exclusionary philosophy makes them incapable of empathy. They don’t really care about the people involved and that’s what comes across loud and clear.
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/01/28/1502161/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-bipartisan-immigration-reform-framework/ Whatever. Jan Brewer thinks that there’s still headless bodies in the desert and doesn’t like facts. Yeah, this’ll work! NOT!
To run or not to run….that is the question. The good news, it’s a balmy 48 degrees right now. The bad news, it’s misty raining with headwinds at 16 mph. I haven’t been out for a week due to the weather. The indention in this chair is 2 inches deeper from my rear end just sitting here. OK, that does it, I’m off. Besides, I gotta tell my little nature buddies all about the inauguration.
Have a good, safe run, Cookemim, but don’t hurry back until after the next thread has been posted. Give the rest of us a chance. Wait…… I have to go get groceries, something I neglected to do on the weekend. Okay, I’ll leave with you, but I ain’t running. I’ll drive alongside. Make sure you do the full run, you know.
Listed below is an e-mail I sent to NBC VP of Communication Kathy Kelly-Brown regrading Chuck Todd’s meeting with that known high ranking voter suppresion State Rep OH SOS Jon Honsted:
Good morning Kathy, I hope all is well. I’m sure you are aware by now of the controversy surrounding what is perceived to be a meeting by Chuck Todd and OH SOS Jon Husted. MSNBC owe their views an explanation of what actually transpired in this meeting in which Jon Husted stated via tweet that Chuck Todd agree with him on state and national congressional redistricting.
Since Jon Husted is a known high ranking voter suppression organizer and implementer, this does not bold well for Chuck Todd. Because of the appearance, optics, and perception that surrounds what is perceived to be a collusion to suppress the vote and harm our democracy by Chuck Todd and Jon Husted, Chuck will never be trusted again by the majority of MSNBC viewers.
You have many choices on how to address this, but the one choice that will be absolutely disastrous, is to do nothing in hopes that it will blow over. That kind of silence suggests that MSNBC is in agreement with voter suppression tactics.
Please do the right thing and explain to MSNBC viewers what actually happen in that meeting?
Nicely polite, Ranman. Do let us know if you get a written response.
Perfect Ranman, as VC said it’s civil and polite, simply asking for answers – which they are obliged to give to their viewers.
well done, ranman. Polite and to the point. It’s time corporate media be held accountable and not follow pox news style of journalism.
That’s great ranmam11. I would like to send Kelly-Brown a e-mail, if you will please give the address to me.
annie, here is the e-mail for kelly-brown: kathy.kelly-brown@nbcuni.com
Thanks to everyone for the compliments and encouragement. I plan to stay on this and when I get a response, I will surely share it with the TOD family. Thanks again>>
Excellent cogent letter – love to hear her reply. There is a lot we may not know, the one thing we do know is that Husted took advantage of the meeting with his tweet. The longer they stay silent, the more they lose in trust and belief from their viewers and the less folks will watch them. Money speaks and taking viewers away hurts their bottom line.
May I use it and where can I send it?
Good morning Chips & TODs – loved the 60 Minutes last night! Have a great day, & nice song for First Cookemom
))
Good morning TOD and our mama Chips. I am looking forward to reading all the news posted above.
For some reason I’m so afraid of what the rethugs will do with debt limit. My husband plans on retiring this fall and it scares me. I think that’s why I feel I’m out of control of our finances. They could be gone in a day.
Okay, off to do one of my whirlwind grocery shopping sprees, while keeping an eye on Cookemom’s running. A toute a l’heure!
Oi, where’s Kasai? She was meant to have 17 million cupcakes baked in time for the blog reaching 17 million hits – it’s happened, and there is NO sign of her, or the cupcakes. Very, very, very disappointing, Kasai.
woot, woot. Congrats Chips. A great milestone.
Thank you Amk, but still no cupcakes – which is the important issue here.
cupcakes, them cheesy thingys.
wimmin/smh
AWESOME, AWESOME!!!! You rock, Chips.
We all rock together Tnmtngirl!!!
I can’t believe I missed it. Well, in lieu of 17 million cupcakes, you could provide 17 million cheesy puffs.
Mmmmmmmmmmm……. that’s a definition of heaven, Japa!
Congrats, Chipsstar!!
http://zencupcake1.blogspot.com/2009_01_20_archive.html
Ha, the ULTIMATE cupcake!!!!! Thank you Meta
These look tasty too:
Amazing how they do that.
How sweet…..
It’s easy Meta, I throw together creations like that most days.
Have you guys seen Chipsticks cakes? Have you seen her kitchen when she is done baking? Count me out. I don’t want any.
Yay!!!!! Congrats Chiparoo.
Thank you UT, cupcakes all ’round – once Kasai shows up.
May I put in a plug for sugar cookie or choc chip. I’m AM the Cookie Monster. Blue as blue can be.
I’d take any topping at this point Carol, even toothpaste.
Yummy. Cookie, cookie!
As Chips is baking, I’m just helping myself to the extra cakes to make her clean-up after job easier. I have my Ziploc and foil on hand. I’m not calling names but the people hovering around hoping to get some aren’t getting any. Thanks Chips!!!
Wow, Congrats Ms. Chips a great achievement in a short period of time. You’re good, yes you are good.
Thank you Ranman – but I’m often severely bad!!!
Congratulations Chips on your 17 million hits!!! This blog continues to be a force for good in the world of politics and I for one, am glad of this place where I come daily. Thanks again!!
Thank you so much Betsy!!!!
Wow! Congratulations, Chips. 17 million is a big deal!!!
Yes, as jackieG states, this is a Sweet Huge Congratulations to our beautiful Chips. I must say, the cake that Chips baked for my birthday was so elegant and most delicious.
This is the results of hardwork from our Chips who has brought together one of the most terrific families in blogworld. We have one special haven for such a beautiful group of people.
Thank you Chips (((((((((((((((())))))))))))))HZ
Give her time. I bet at least half are in the oven.
They better be Carol, I’m starving.
Sorry Chips
This baking thing is not for me…But I’ve practicing this song all night long since my cupcakes didn’t work out…Please don’t be disappointed….best I could do…Hard to sing or rhyme……..17MILLLLLLLLLLLL Thanks
Congrats!!!!!!
Much Love ~ Kasai
Oi, don’t be making me weepy Kasai – love ya! Thank you.
You can use your pc as wifi hot spot for your cell phone. By installing this free program, your cell will access through your pc, which I found to be much faster than accessing the direct wireless.
http://www.connectify.me/download-hotspot/
…. your cell access internet through your pc …
Also. Too. That tech tip from my son. They are way ahead of us old bones.
I just rewatched the early 60 minutes interview again. PBO has been remarkably steady, a little more serious but comprehensive and detailed in every way while still remaining very humane, thoughtful and inclusive.
Brooklyn in da house.
Immigration reform is finally coming. I am not the slightest bit bothered by the Republican grandstanding. Let them have their moment of awakening. They all know that the bell has rung and the sound cannot be ignored. The country is changing. There will be a path to citizenship for 11 million people living in the shadows. Getting them work permits and eventually the full rights of citizenship will not only be a moral victory, it will boost the economy. For one thing citizenship of now undocumented individuals will immediately lower the average age of Americans which will have a great impact on the future of Social Security. Wages will no longer be depressed by the availability of cheap labor provided by people who have no choice. I am convinced that there will be many details to be worked out. I don’t see a “commission” deciding whether or not the border is “secure”. That’s just a face saving proposal so that politicians can pretend that they are wholly in favor of immigrants as long as there is “security”. Never mind that the “security” is mostly concerned with limiting the number of immigrants. I fully support all efforts to fight criminal activity, gun running, etc. But that is not what some of the immigration alarmists have in mind. But I am nonetheless hopeful that there will be real progress. I believe that President Obama was quite right when he speculated that after his re-election the “fever” of right-wing obstruction may be broken. That “fever” is being broken not because the right wingers have had an ephiphany, but because they can count votes. Does it matter to whom our bigoted press gives credit? Maybe it does in the day-to-day circus we have come accustomed to, but the people will remember who was their advocate when there was no glimmer of hope. They will recall the voices who asked for justice rather than the dealers in political expediency.
The Pity Party gets some new members
By Steve Benen
——————————————-
Indeed, the inescapable reaction to the Boehner/Ryan pity party is that they’re engaging in projection — it’s Republicans who’ve tried to delegitimize Obama. It’s the right that wants to annihilate its rivals. It’s the GOP that’s rejected compromise at every turn, launching a scorched-earth campaign to destroy Obama’s presidency as best they can.
John Boehner and Paul Ryan aren’t describing the folks they see in the White House, they’re describing the folks they see at their own caucus meetings.
————————————————
http://maddowblog.msnbc.com/_news/2013/01/28/16737723-the-pity-party-gets-some-new-members
That was exactly my thought when I first read Boehner’s comments. The thing with abusive, game-playing people is that they cannot believe that others are sincere since they,themselves, see everything as move in a game. Because their only motivation for the past 5 years is to bring down Obama and (for the past 30 years) vanquish the Democrats, they truly cannot comprehend people working from a different set of motives (like wanting to make things better for the country).
Great tweet.
I agree I rather know what Chuckie Todd is up to with Jon Husted?
Morn-ting Chips, Morn-ting TOD!
That 2016 crystal ball cartoon is one of the absolute best. Love it!
I have an email from a Donald McEachin, McEachin for Senate VA. They are asking me to sign a petition to keep the Koch brothers out of Virginia, regarding the redistricting debacle last weekend. I have never heard of this man, no idea how he got my email, and wondering how he knows me. I did donate to Tim Kaine, so that could be the routing for the mailing list. Thoughts?
http://www.donaldmceachin.com/content/tell-koch-brothers-get-out
He is a state Senator. I would guess he got your name from the Kaine list.
Hi Chips,
I just saw that you have gone past the 17 million hits. Congratulations! It is quite an achievement and we know why TOD is so successful. I just wish I could participate more, but I can only access TOD from my desktop – no fancy ipads, smartphones, etc. I am always trying to catch up, but my almost 70 year old brain is slow to change. But I’ll enjoy one of those delicious cupcakes (the ones with the picture of the best President ever) as I’m off again to another meeting. Thank you, Chips, for making my days brighter and keeping me up to date.
Ah Hgerhard, thanks a million, love everything you bring here, you’re jammed with wisdom! Thank you again.
Looks Like We Made it……to 17M Hits…….Congratulations Ms. Chips and TODville Villagers everywhere.
I love the Cup Cakes. The Pictorial on those Cakes……out of sight……It’s the Look, it’s the Look.
Good Morning TOD!
Congrats to Ms. Chips on 17 Million. I probably have 1 Million all by myself
I have been inundated with work since last week so I’m just peeking in to catch up this morning. I completely missed Chuckgate (more on this in a minute). I watched my recorded interview of SOS Clinton and PBO from last night this morning and I found them to have fantastic chemistry, sincerity and overall respect for each other in what I felt was a really good interview that I found myself smiling through most of it.
The gang of 8 are poised to present legislation on Immigration (please remember that very little happens in especially the Senate without PBO knowing about it beforehand, regardless of what the press leads you to believe).
Chuckgate: I read the full ChirpStory (http://chirpstory.com/li/48935) on this event and I’ve concluded that Chuck was made a fool of by Husted but as someone said in the story trail, “when you lie down with dogs, you’ll get up with fleas”. He cries that “twitter” is displaying “guilt by association” simply because he and Husted agreed on gerrymandering reform. He apparently spoke at an event for the Secretary of States this weekend (not a one on one with Husted as was being reported on twitter according to Chuck) and in this talk he shared that he felt that the way to “fix” Congress was to reform the gerrymandering in the districts. I personally agree with this but only a fool would believe that Husted (with his racist, voter suppression self) would think that this was “good” for our democracy. That man wants to stop as many of us from voting as possible and if he can’t stop us then he will put laws into effect like the changes to the electoral college where Urban and Democratic friendly areas count for less in each state.
Chuck Todd was and never has been a very credible “journalist”. He just happened to be in the right place at the right time when Tim Russert passed away. He is an idiot and it was on full display with this whole episode.
Now back to work….
For COOKEMOM:
You know, if Amk was a cartoonist, he’d probably draw something like this:
Just wish that was Boehner, Cantor, Ryan etc laying in the tracks
Ah….. there’s a lovely thought!
Sorry, Bob. darth, dubya, murdock, limpaugh, blair, dumsfeld are ahead of these punks.
But I would have spelt the women right.
Ah, true! Fixed it for you:
Jeebus. You’re too much. How the hell did you do it?
Jay Carney’s briefing due to start at 12:30 ET
http://www.whitehouse.gov/live
Turning tide? Lawmakers look to Pentagon for budget cuts.
As another debt-deal deadline looms this winter in Congress, an unusual alliance of lawmakers has joined forces to put the Pentagon budget under greater scrutiny and to end the almost carte blanche status it enjoyed in the years after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/#storylink=cpy
Good Morning Chips and TOD’ers. Did anyone notice the picture with the little girl with the white sweater? That is the same little girl The President remembers, when he sees her later. This time she has on a blue dress and a blue flower in her hair. She also remembers the close contact with POTUS. She waved when he went by, he came back because he recognized her too. She reached out to him and he picked her up. That is my favorite sequence of photo’s with children. I love the power of recognition in those pictures.
It is the picture of POTUS in the rain and the little girl with blue flower. It’s the eye contact between thees two souls that says “I know you.” It would be great if you could group these pictures together. Also, CONGRATULATIONS on another milestone today! I am here every single day, would be lost without this place. Thanks again for all you do.
via gopolitico
D.C. turns down Donald Trump’s request for tax break
District of Columbia officials are requiring Donald Trump’s organization to pay millions in local property taxes to redevelop the Old Post Office Pavilion into a luxury hotel.
Trump and his daughter Ivanka Trump inquired about whether the district would forgo the taxes to facilitate the redevelopment. But D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray and members of the city council decided not to give a tax break to the famously wealthy Trump family.
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/01/dc-turns-down-donald-trumps-request-for-tax-break-86796.html?hp=r7
For a rich guy he sure acts like he’s never had a dime his whole adult life. “I’m rich. Can you help me out with a 5 spot?”
Life can be phucky, eh Donald?!! LOL!
We are 17 million strong. Chips, this has been a pure joy to watch and participate in the growth of this wonderful blog. This is the best community! Thank you for keeping us all in line and keeping the trolls our. You are the best and I so look forward to 4 more years of this Presidency and following Obama as he becomes ambassador to the world. I truly believe there is a great future.
As always thanks for all the wonderful people here who bring all the information and since of community to all of us. Thank you.
Have a great day!
Thank you sharing the journey Marilyn!
17 million hits! Chips, you are the queen. Congratulations and thank you for the wonderful work you do. Fantastic!!!!
17 million hugs back at ya Proud, thank you!!
Whoooo Chips that Picture of PBO and Senator Kennedy made me go back and re-read that op-ed posted by Caroline Kennedy 5 years ago.
It was a real gem…..
{Snip}
A President Like My Father Twitter
I want a president who understands that his responsibility is to articulate a vision and encourage others to achieve it; who holds himself, and those around him, to the highest ethical standards; who appeals to the hopes of those who still believe in the American Dream, and those around the world who still believe in the American ideal; and who can lift our spirits, and make us believe again that our country needs every one of us to get involved.
I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president — not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/opinion/27kennedy.html?_r=0
Congrats on the magnificent 17M cupcakes, CHIPS! Awesomeness!
No, no, Xtine, Kasai still hasn’t turned up with any cupcakes, never mind 17 million of them.
But thank you!!
Darn,in that case we’ll just to take over the roles of 17M cupcakes! LOL!
Congrats on passing th 17 million mark Chips Darlin’!
Thank you darling Dakotaaaaaaaaaaaa!!
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden meet with representatives from the Major Cities Chiefs Association and Major Counties Sheriffs Association to discuss the Administration’s plans to reduce gun violence in America.
Oooo la la.
My two cents on the bipartisan Senate immigration proposal. I DON’T TRUST ANY OF THEM! They have never been there for PBO. Now they want to try to upstage him and capitalize on his popularity and the popularity of his vision. Rubio and the rest of GOP think it’s their ticket to the White House. But we know the only reason they are backing this is to try and get Hispanic votes. They don’t care about the people.
I think for many of them the handwriting is on the wall as far as demographics go. They either pass something meaningful or say goodbye forever to 20 million voters. But if Rubio and his cohorts think all it takes to lock up the Latino vote is to pass an immigration bill they are in for a severe awakening.
Darn the emergency alerts that come on almost every morning on TV. They are just tests.
Ummmm…PLEASE Proceed Governor.
WooooOOOOooooOOOooooooOOOOoooooah
That’s right – Please proceed, OUR Governor.
Oh, Donna, that’s so funny. Were you the one taking the photo?
17M…wow! I remember when…
. Congrats Chips and TY for this wonderful home 
Ha, we were young back then CTGirl!!!! Thank you, you bundle of loveliness!
When did this blog start? I read your comments on Election Day and the day after. I was sitting home alone. I sure could have used a hang out. Hubby couldn’t get the day off and my friends at OFA.WY weren’t going to watch. I can’t not watch. The first time he won, I wondered what my reaction would be. I thought I’d jump and shout, but I cried and cried and cried. The last thing I expected. I don’t ever remember crying tears of joy. What a wonderful world.
October 2009, Carol.
Thanks, it is so great. I’m thankful everyday for it.
Heads up!
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/01/28/heads-up-president-obama-welcomes-the-miami-heat-to-the-wh/
Wow, it was nice to see the guy that old spit blowing bag , Andrea Mitchell , stuff it. She he did actually say he shoots guns during skeet shooting (paraphasing). The said in fact President Obama did say he does. Ooooo, that woman is just as much an irksome GOP shrill as Chuck Toad
FF: Have you ever fired a gun?
Yes, in fact, up at Camp David, we do skeet shooting all the time.
FF: The whole family?
Not the girls, but oftentimes guests of mine go up there. And I have a profound respect for the traditions of hunting that trace back in this country for generations. And I think those who dismiss that out of hand make a big mistake.
http://www.newrepublic.com/article/112190/obama-interview-2013-sit-down-president
She isn’t even good at her job as far as talking.
Has anybody showed up with a celebration cake? I’m going to go find one.
😜
Congratulations on passing 17 million hits chips and TOD!