29
Jan
14

Rise and Shine

On This Day: President Obama meets with members of his Cabinet in the Cabinet Room of the White House, Jan. 29, 2010 (Photo by Pete Souza)

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Today:

10:10: The President tours Costco, Lanham, Maryland

10:25: Delivers remarks

11:20: Departs Joint Base Andrews en route Pittsburgh

12:15: Arrives Pittsburgh

1:20: Tours U. S. Steel Irvin Plant, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania

1:45: Delivers remarks

3:10: Departs Pittsburgh

4:05: Arrives Joint Base Andrews

4:20: Arrives the White House

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@WhiteHouse

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Eugene Robinson: Obama’s Best State Of The Union Speech

With a strong, optimistic beginning and an unforgettable ending, that may have been President Obama’s best State of the Union speech. Apparently none of the commentators who have been saying his presidency is on its last legs bothered to let him know. He opened with a portrait of the country – not an America gripped by crisis or mired in despondency, but a sunny place where unemployment is falling, school test scores are rising, housing prices are recovering, deficits are shrinking and manufacturing jobs are coming home.

the president’s tone throughout the speech was buoyant, not sour. His defense of the Affordable Care Act was an observation that House Republicans’ first 40 useless votes to repeal the law really should suffice. Even when he bludgeoned the GOP over long-term unemployment benefits or the minimum wage, he did it with a smile. His argument for equal pay and family leave? “It’s time to do away with workplace policies that belong in a ‘Mad Men’ episode.” His call for raising the federal minimum wage to $10.10? “Join the rest of the country. Say yes. Give America a raise.”

The end of the speech, a tribute to wounded Sgt. 1st Class Cory Remsburg, was an indelible moment. To end with such a powerful story of bravery and resilience gave emotional depth to the overall theme of the speech: America is back. I don’t know how much of his agenda Obama will achieve. But I’m pretty sure the last three years of his presidency won’t be boring.

More here

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Charles Pierce: The State Of Our Union Is Long

Once again, he was the only obvious president in the room, much good may that do him. He did not rile up the base. He was not combative. He did not dwell on issues that his base wanted to hear. (If you had “Keystone XL,” or “NSA,” or “TPP” in your State of the Union drinking game, you probably wound up as the designated driver.) But he was firm on one thing. He is not going to be a lame duck as long as he can still walk. There were a lot of sentences that began with some variation of, “If Congress won’t act…” And he can still throw a sneaky right hand over the top: Now, I do not expect to convince my Republican friends on the merits of this law. But I know that the American people are not interested in refighting old battles. So again, if you have specific plans to cut costs, cover more people, increase choice, tell America what you’d do differently. Let’s see if the numbers add up. But let’s not have another 40- something votes to repeal a law that’s already helping millions of Americans like Amanda.

He was extraordinarily strong in spots, particularly on voting rights, where he plainly had a lot to say, and said it all, and on the process of getting the country off what he rather daringly described as the “permanent war footing” it had been on since 2001. But, if this speech burned no barns, it didn’t sound anything like a last chance, either. The president seemed to have a pen and one hand, and that well-worn olive branch still in the other. He is what he always has been, the coolest head in the room. You can never say he isn’t that.

More here

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BBC: Stem Cell ‘Major Discovery’ Claimed

Stem cell researchers are heralding a “major scientific discovery”, with the potential to start a new age of personalised medicine. Scientists in Japan showed stem cells can now be made quickly just by dipping blood cells into acid. Stem cells can transform into any tissue and are already being trialled for healing the eye, heart and brain. The latest development, published in the journal Nature, could make the technology cheaper, faster and safer.

The human body is built of cells with a specific role - nerve cells, liver cells, muscle cells - and that role is fixed. However, stem cells can become any other type of cell, and they have become a major field of research in medicine for their potential to regenerate the body. Embryos are one, ethically charged, source of stem cells. Nobel prize winning research also showed that skin cells could be “genetically reprogrammed” to become stem cells (termed induced pluripotent stem cells).

More here

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NYT: The Diminished State Of The Union

Every winter since 2009, President Obama has stood at the podium of the House and pleaded for the cooperation of Congress. For the last three State of the Union speeches, he has largely been ignored. That has left a growing trail of unfinished business: background checks for gun buyers, immigration reform, a higher minimum wage, tax fairness, universal preschool. This year was different. Mr. Obama’s speech on Tuesday night acknowledged the obvious: Congress has become a dead end for most of the big, muscular uses of government to redress income inequality and improve the economy for all, because of implacable Republican opposition.

“America does not stand still, and neither will I,” he said. “So wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families, that’s what I’m going to do.” Raising the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour for federal contract workers might benefit only a few hundred-thousand people, but it increases the pressure on other businesses and, ultimately, Congress to raise the wage for everyone. One particularly promising request the president made of Congress was to expand the earned-income tax credit, which now benefits 15 million families a year, to workers without children. That would not only boost the incomes of many at the bottom of the ladder, but it would provide the incentive to work that many Republicans say they support.

More here

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Brian Beutler: The Right’s Agenda Is Reviled: The Lesson From Obama’s Confident State Of The Union

Intentionally or otherwise, Obama’s speech was a reminder to Democrats that the storm clouds of Obamacare implementation have obscured their view of the popular platform the party ran on so confidently in 2012. That there are a series of issues that animate Democratic constituencies on the docket, both ahead of 2014 and beyond, and all of them are political and substantive winners for the party.

To the extent that the GOP agenda isn’t in flux or concealed by sensitivity training, it remains broadly less popular than the Democratic agenda. Republicans understand this well enough to recognize that they need to at least pretend to want to narrow inequality, but these ideas don’t layer neatly atop the existing party platform.

And, of course, in the long run, fanatical opposition to national health care isn’t easily compatible with any serious equality agenda. Democrats don’t have that problem. And structurally that puts them in a sound place, even if the politics of the moment feel pretty wobbly.

More here

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madmen_sotu-09-638x359

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Annie-Rose Strasser: Obama Goes Full Feminist: ‘Time To Do Away With Workplace Policies That Belong In A ‘Mad Men’ Episode’

President Obama let his feminist flag fly during his State of the Union address on Tuesday night. Citing pay disparity and paid leave policy, he argued — to loud applause — that women are still unequal in the United States, and that there are policies that can change that: Today, women make up about half our workforce. But they still make 77 cents for every dollar a man earns. That is wrong, and in 2014, it’s an embarrassment. A woman deserves equal pay for equal work. She deserves to have a baby without sacrificing her job. A mother deserves a day off to care for a sick child or sick parent without running into hardship – and you know what, a father does, too. It’s time to do away with workplace policies that belong in a “Mad Men” episode. Let’s work together – Congress, the White House, and businesses from Wall Street to Main Street – to give every woman the opportunity she deserves. Because I believe when women succeed, America succeeds.

The President’s ‘Mad Men’-era assessment is apt. Women earn less than their male counterparts in the United States no matter their job, industry, or education. Nationally, women earn 77 cents on a man’s dollar — and that number is not getting better. It affects women right out of college and women at the tops of their fields. Obama is right to call out leave policy, as well, as an issue that keeps women on unequal footing in the workforce. The U.S. is one of the few developed nations without any requirement for paid maternity leave. Over 40 percent of women are forced to take unpaid leave from their jobs when they get pregnant, while about 25 percent quit or are forced out.

More here

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USA Today: Obama Unveils New Retirement Savings Plan: ‘MyRA’

A new savings plan will allow Americans to buy savings bonds in a starter retirement account that “guarantees a decent return with no risk of losing what you put in,” President Obama said Tuesday evening in his State of the Union address. Details: Safe: The new savings bonds would have its principal guaranteed by the U.S. government, much like a traditional savings bond. Tax benefits: The MyRA bond would be like a Roth IRA: Your contributions would not be tax-deductible, but your earnings would be free from tax when you withdraw it. As with a Roth, your contributions can be taken out tax-free at any time.

Affordable: Minimum initial investment could be as low as $25, and subsequent investments could be as little as $5, through payroll deduction. Savers can keep the same account when they change jobs. Rates: Savers will earn interest at the same variable interest rate as the federal employees’ Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Government Securities Investment Fund. The fund earned 1.74% last year. Availability: The MyRA would be open to households earning up to $191,000 a year through their employers. Employers won’t incur any cost to offer the MyRAs. You’ll be able to save up to $15,000 a year for up to 30 years before transferring to a private Roth IRA.

More here

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Ryan Cooper: In The State Of The Union, Obama Pledges Strong Action On Climate Change

During President Obama’s speech tonight, he announced many different ways he would use the executive branch to pursue strong action on climate change. The policy framework hasn’t changed. Instead, this is a good signal that President Obama intends to finish what he has started. To a first approximation, climate change is about coal. The oldest and filthiest coal-fired power plants are already being retired, squeezed by cheap natural gas and ever-cheaper renewables on one side, and the EPA on the other. With a bit of luck, and if the president keeps up the pressure, by the time he hands off to his successor coal will be on a permanently downward trajectory.

Here’s the money quote: Over the past eight years, the United States has reduced our total carbon pollution more than any other nation on Earth. But we have to act with more urgency – because a changing climate is already harming western communities struggling with drought, and coastal cities dealing with floods. That’s why I directed my administration to work with states, utilities, and others to set new standards on the amount of carbon pollution our power plants are allowed to dump into the air.

The final sentence is the key one. Remember, the EPA still hasn’t even finalized its rule for carbon pollution from existing coal-fired power plants, yet it has managed to close down dozens of plants using rules governing mercury and particulate emissions. Should it come out with an even slightly aggressive rule, it could force all coal plants to eventually shut down. Doing that tomorrow would be ill-advised, but if phased in over a decade or so, the long-term benefits would be spectacular.

More here

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On This Day:

President Obama during a budget meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Jan. 29, 2009 (Photo by Pete Souza)

Surrounded by members of Congress, and Lilly Ledbetter, President Obama signs the Lilly Ledbetter Bill, Jan. 29, 2009

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Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, a Republican member of the Cabinet, feigns being a blocking back for President Obama as he arrives backstage to meet with GOP House leaders before speaking to their issues conference at the Renaissance Baltimore Harbor Place Hotel in Baltimore, Md., Jan. 29, 2010 (Photo by Pete Souza)

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President Obama is briefed on the events in Egypt during a meeting with his national security team in the Situation Room of the White House, Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011 (Photo by Pete Souza)

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The first family walk together to the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, Jan. 29, 2012

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President Obama delivers remarks on immigration at Del Sol High School in Las Vegas, Nev., Jan. 29, 2013 (Photo by Pete Souza)

President Obama signs an accompanying letter to Congressional leaders after signing H.R. 152, which provides fiscal year 2013 supplemental appropriations to respond to and recover from the severe damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Jan. 29, 2013 (Photo by Pete Souza)

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173 Responses to “Rise and Shine”


  1. 1 Nerdy Wonka
    January 29, 2025 at 10:00 am

    HEADS UP: President Obama is speaking at 10:20AM EST / 9:20AM CST.

    http://www.whitehouse.gov/live

  2. 6 hopefruit2
    January 29, 2025 at 10:02 am

    G’morning UT, Chips, TOD, lurkers, everyone and congrats NW on #1! Thanks for another wonderful R & S roundup and for the heads-up on PBO this morning. :)

  3. 8 JER
    January 29, 2025 at 10:04 am

    Good Morning everybody. Great post NW.

  4. 10 Nerdy Wonka
    January 29, 2025 at 10:06 am

  5. 12 gobrooklyn
    January 29, 2025 at 10:10 am

    Good morning everyone!

    UPDATE:

    Went to the doctor and got the results from my scans and they aren’t good.

    The cancer has spread to my liver and it’s gotten worse in my bones. The tumor in my breast has also gotten larger. I need a more aggressive treatment so my oncologist will be putting me on chemo and a clinical trial drug within a couple of weeks. This is in addition to the possible fracture near my hip bone/lower spine. They had to call my mother in the room because I started to cry. I’m feeling better today…

    • 13 JER
      January 29, 2025 at 10:12 am

      Thinking of you GB and keeping you in my prayers.

    • 14 sherijr
      January 29, 2025 at 10:13 am

      Ohh (((((((((((GoBrooklyn)))))))))))) Sending Love & Hope to you.

    • 15 Layla
      January 29, 2025 at 10:16 am

      Oh Dear God GB! I am so sorry about this news. My only advice is make the choice that is good for you! I will continue to pray as always. Layla

    • 16 Wanda N VA 4 Obama
      January 29, 2025 at 10:20 am

      I will keep you in my prayers GB.

    • 18 symmetry11
      January 29, 2025 at 10:23 am

      GB….I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers.

    • January 29, 2025 at 10:26 am

      Oh GB, I just don’t know what to say, we are all praying your news would be encouraging. We’ll put our hope in that clinical trial drug, you hear amazing stories about how successful they can be. Endless love to you GB, you’re inspirational.

    • 21 amk for obama
      January 29, 2025 at 10:31 am

      So Sorry, gb. My lil sis beat breast cancer and she is fully healthy now. Praying you too can beat it.

    • 24 gobrooklyn
      January 29, 2025 at 10:32 am

      Thanks, guys. Thanks for the support.

    • 25 dotster3
      January 29, 2025 at 10:37 am

      So sorry, gb. Pulling for you. Hoping that this new aggressive treatment will bring more encouraging scan results next time. Sending my most positive thoughts your way.

    • 26 Nena20409
      January 29, 2025 at 10:39 am

      {{{Love+Hugs+Prayers}}}

      My sincerest and warmest best wishes. I am wishing you the very best to get better.

    • 27 Nerdy Wonka
      January 29, 2025 at 10:42 am

      I am so sorry GB, but please never give up hope. Keep up that fighting spirit, grit, determination, and optimism. We are pulling for you everyday. We are on your side and are rooting for you. You are an inspiration to us all.

    • 29 No Child Left Behind
      January 29, 2025 at 10:45 am

      I’ll add your name in my prayer list, GB. I am going through something similar and do understand. Remain brave and hopeful.

    • 38 taiping1
      January 29, 2025 at 10:47 am

      We are all praying for you and in awe of your spirit and indomitable will. Keep fighting!

    • 39 anniebella
      January 29, 2025 at 10:48 am

      Oh gobrooklyn, I am so sorry to hear this. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    • 40 meta
      January 29, 2025 at 10:49 am

      Oh GoB, I’m so sorry. I was looking for you yesterday.
      We are all holding you close and sending you our very best.
      Stay strong and keep the faith. Your team of doctors are working for your recovery.

    • 41 COS
      January 29, 2025 at 10:50 am

      My prayers are with you GB. So sorry to hear.

    • 42 gobrooklyn
      January 29, 2025 at 11:16 am

      Thanks again for the well wishes. Of course, I will keep you all updated.

    • 45 africa
      January 29, 2025 at 11:19 am

      (((((((hugs GB)))))))

    • 46 jacquelineoboomer
      January 29, 2025 at 11:20 am

      We are with you all the way through your treatment, GB! Blessings.

    • 47 PoliticalJunkessa
      January 29, 2025 at 11:21 am

      Thinking of you and praying for you, sweetheart. Hugs, hugs, hugs (((((((gobrooklyn))))))) ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

    • 48 hopefruit2
      January 29, 2025 at 11:22 am

      GB - our thoughts are with you. Sending some warm, positive and healing vibes your way. As everyone here has said, we are rooting for you and your courage remains an inspiration to us.

    • 49 swbluega
      January 29, 2025 at 11:24 am

      I am sorry to hear that GoBrooklyn. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

    • 50 LadyTNT
      January 29, 2025 at 11:25 am

      Sorry to hear this GB. You are a strong woman and will overcome this. It will be hard but you have your family, friends, and us to lift you up. Stay blessed! You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    • 51 GGail
      January 29, 2025 at 11:51 am

      Oh sweetie GB - all I can do is give you a tender {{{{{{{HUG}}}}}}

    • 52 Judith Fardig
      January 29, 2025 at 12:05 pm

      Dear GB - just adding my healing vibes to all the others rooting for you in this tough time. NCLB, you too!!

    • 53 Bill R.
      January 29, 2025 at 12:16 pm

      Keeping you in my prayerful concern. Peace and blessings upon you.

    • 54 57andfemale
      January 29, 2025 at 12:19 pm

      Oh, dear gobrooklyn. I’m so sorry to hear this news. Sending healing energy and prayers your way. Take strength from your TOD family, who are with you all the way.

    • 55 pkayden
      January 29, 2025 at 12:28 pm

      Praying for you, GB. Nothing but good thoughts!

    • January 29, 2025 at 12:42 pm

      You are in my prayers, GoBrooklyn.

    • 57 Lovepolitics2008
      January 29, 2025 at 12:52 pm

      I’m so sorry to hear that gobrooklyn. I don’t post very often but, as all other members of the TOD, I just send my thoughts and prayers to you.

      And you know, we’re a big group so never hesitate to come for a big “hug” when you need it !!

    • 58 nathkatun7
      January 29, 2025 at 12:57 pm

      GB, I am so sorry to hear about the sad news. I pray that you will be able to beat this. Miracles do happen.

    • 59 MightyPamela
      January 29, 2025 at 1:01 pm

      {{{{{gb}}}}}

    • 60 0388jojothecat
      January 29, 2025 at 1:09 pm

      Your TOD familys’ prayers and positive energy will help lift you up during your treatment. Know that our prayers are 20+ Million strong ((((Hugs and lots of love)))).

      • 61 carolyn
        January 29, 2025 at 1:50 pm

        gb, just got to the village and read your news……you will be in my prayers every day.

      • 62 LDS
        January 29, 2025 at 1:57 pm

        Dear GB, I am just catching up here. I am praying for your healing and will continue to keep you on my prayer list. The strength that you are able to tap into each day is what is keeping you fighting on. I pray for the strength to keep you. There is so much love here for you. Thank you for allowing us to express it as the healing process begins and continues inside and outside.
        God bless you and your family as you face this challenge together with love.

    • 63 Gc
      January 29, 2025 at 1:55 pm

      I am so deeply sorry, GB. I have had BC twice and am now totally clean. It is a horrible journey though.

      • 64 gobrooklyn
        January 29, 2025 at 4:11 pm

        Very happy that you made it out ok. Everything with this disease is new to me. Even going to the doctor’s this much is new.

    • 65 susanne
      January 29, 2025 at 3:15 pm

      dear gb, sending you hugs and prayers.

    • 66 Gazelle
      January 29, 2025 at 4:11 pm

      GB, sending you the grandest of lovely thoughts! Hugs!

    • 67 Tally
      January 29, 2025 at 4:34 pm

      Hey girl - just saw this. I’m going to send you some stuff that I want you to watch and read, because I said so. /Puts Big Sister hat on…

      I want to preface this by saying, I am the MOST BORING/STRAIGHT-LACED person when it comes to this, but I’ve had to seek out this info for my own reasons, and I have to say my mind has been BLOWN with all the stuff I didn’t know.

      First, I want you to go watch this:

      Then I want you to send your email to Chips, to send to me. :) I’m not crazy, I promise.

      XOXOXOX

    • 69 whatisworking
      January 29, 2025 at 5:29 pm

      Dear GB sending virtual hugs and positive thoughts. We will help in any way we can.

    • 70 Betsy
      January 29, 2025 at 6:44 pm

      Dearest gobrooklyn,
      Be assured that you will be in my prayers daily. You are such an amazing person. I am sure you are scared, but we all are with you. You are not alone.

    • 71 Obama Grandmama
      January 29, 2025 at 8:36 pm

      Gobrooklyn*********** I am sooooooooo sorry. I only wish I could say or do something that would help you. I have always enjoyed reading your posts and hope you can continue to do whatever helps you the most. My prayers will include you and your family.

    • 72 a4alice
      January 29, 2025 at 9:22 pm

      hey gb. really late but found LL’s entry on your update. thankyou for letting us know what is happening to you. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to send prayers on your behalf and thoughts of care and comfort.

  6. 73 vcprezofan2
    January 29, 2025 at 10:11 am

    Good Morning, NerdyW! For some reason I can rarely hear your footsteps when you enter the village with a post under your arm - why is that , do you think?



    You won’t answer me, I know. ;) /Probably fearful of revealing your secret :grin:/

    One of these days I’m going to dedicate myself to breaking this left-behind-by-Utal trend, but rest easy for now; I’m too busy and tired these days to go for it.

  7. 74 JER
    January 29, 2025 at 10:13 am

    This stream is up now: http://www.cbsnews.com/liveFeed/widget.shtml

  8. 75 taiping1
    January 29, 2025 at 10:14 am

    Great round-up. TOD is a true haven from GOP-spin of the media. Thanks NW and Chips for your exceptional SOTU coverage. The Democracy Corps poll is in line with our take: the President speaks for all of us.

  9. 76 vcprezofan2
    January 29, 2025 at 10:19 am

    UTAL - Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for the timely heads up re PBO’s speech! I would have missed it because I’ve been rambling around (looking for trouble), and I’m one of those who like to hear his speeches ‘live’. THANKS!

  10. 78 JER
    January 29, 2025 at 10:25 am

  11. 79 amk for obama
    January 29, 2025 at 10:29 am

    Look at all those wimmin around him.

  12. 80 Vicki
    January 29, 2025 at 10:31 am

    A very strong R&S today. What I particularly like is that Eugene Robinson’s piece is up first. Mr. Robinson expresses how a lot of us feel this morning.
    TY, NW

  13. 82 vcprezofan2
    January 29, 2025 at 10:31 am

    The more I think of it, the more I’m seeing the lemonade that can be made out of the GOPs ‘strategy’ to bring contrary people to the #SOTU. I’m seriously leaning to a ‘bring ’em on’. Our President always throws enough seeds of information out that a few may well fall ‘right’. ;)

    • 83 Nena20409
      January 29, 2025 at 10:46 am

      Here something that some Never ask.

      During any other past POTUS how many of these so called Rightie media personalities cared to attend the SOTU?

      Today, due to their Love/Hate ODS obsessive instincts, they flock to WHDC and Now the SOTU address just to be Near a Man many of them loudly profess to Hate?

      When I dislike, loathe or even hate anyone…..full disclosure, I have Only really hated ONE person……..in my life…..I avoid them and Think very little of them. Somehow, the more these people claim to Hate pres Obama, the more they want to be near him, talk about him and seek attention of him……..That my friends is Twisted and in my opinion, neurotic.

      • 84 jacquelineoboomer
        January 29, 2025 at 11:49 am

        I believe they all want to BE him, actually. Thus, the conflicted actions.

        • 85 Lovepolitics2008
          January 29, 2025 at 12:41 pm

          Or at least they know, deep inside, how brilliant the man is, and how much charisma he has. And they wish… oh they wish so hard… that their party would find a leader of the same caliber.

    • 87 hopefruit2
      January 29, 2025 at 11:18 am

      Hiya vc! I posted a comment about the Duck Dynasty guy on the previous thread - of course my timing was off (right before the R & S thread popped up)! So I’m reposting it here:

      // I’m about to post something that many might disagree with, but that’s what I saw:

      The Duck Dynasty fella didn’t look too happy standing with all those GOP reps/Senators and taking pics. Something tells me that he had an internal dialogue going on last night – and a conflicted one at that. In the picture of him and his wife, that many people interpreted as “crass” he looks as though he is actually listening to what the President is saying, and heeding those words. The FOX NEWS/MSM caricature of PBO is not what he personally witnessed last night and it’s bothering him. Something tells me that if no one was looking, Duck fella would’ve rather taken a pic with PBO than just about any GOP rep/senator at that event last night. //

      • 88 PoliticalJunkessa
        January 29, 2025 at 11:31 am

        The most dangerous place for a garden-variety hater (not a professional hater) to be is in the audience of the President — odds are, they’ll become a fan, lol!

        • 89 hopefruit2
          January 29, 2025 at 11:33 am

          Indeed PJ. That’s why the media gets veeeerrrrry nervous whenever PBO has to give a live speech. Because people get to see the man for who he is, and not the amusement park distortion that they like to portray.

        • 90 meta
          January 29, 2025 at 12:54 pm

          I don’t know how on earth you can meet or see and listen to PBO and not be absolutely impressed by him. He’s a superb thinker, compassionate, funny, strong and off-the-charts charismatic. His interests are wide-ranging yet he can hang with ordinary citizens. The total package AND a piece of pie.

    • 91 PoliticalJunkessa
      January 29, 2025 at 11:34 am

      *hugging and running* (((((((VC-kins))))))) Have a good day, I’ll be back later! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

  14. 93 JER
    January 29, 2025 at 10:42 am

  15. 95 anniebella
    January 29, 2025 at 10:44 am

    What was the name of that song they played after POTUS finish speaking? I know it was the Boss, Bruce Springsteen singing. I remember that song all during the 2012 Presidential campaign.

    • 96 Layla
      January 29, 2025 at 10:46 am

      is it we take care of our own…

    • 98 JER
      January 29, 2025 at 10:48 am

      Land of Hope And Dreams - Bruce Springsteen

      • 99 anniebella
        January 29, 2025 at 10:53 am

        Thank you JER, that’s the song. Land of Hopes and Dreams.

        • 100 anniebella
          January 29, 2025 at 10:58 am

          I tell you I really came to like that song during the 2012 election, and I started to like Springsteen’s music too.

          • 101 daisydem
            January 29, 2025 at 11:38 am

            Welcome to the fold of those of us who love, love the Boss and his music and who are grateful to him for his support of our beloved President Obama! My son got me listening to Springsteen when I was in my forties (though Springsteen and I are the same age, I really did not listen to him in my 20’s, I don’t know why) and now we have been to see him live twice and had an awesome experience each time.

  16. 102 Nerdy Wonka
    January 29, 2025 at 10:49 am

  17. 103 Nena20409
    January 29, 2025 at 10:50 am

    Good Morning TOD Villagers.
    Sunny. Still in the negative degrees. Off still. But Hopeful.

    Fantastic Job here at TOD by Chips, NW, Commenters, lurkers and Newcomers.
    I watched the SOTU address on both C-SPAN and MSNBC. Fantastic. TOD didn’t disappoint on the coverage. Thank You all.

    many in the Southern states are experiencing icy and freezing weather. I share their pain. Be well.

  18. 104 Nerdy Wonka
    January 29, 2025 at 10:50 am

  19. 105 Nerdy Wonka
    January 29, 2025 at 10:52 am

  20. 108 Nena20409
    January 29, 2025 at 11:02 am

    Sweet.

    I hope all TODers in this region affected by this Icy weather are taking care of themselves.

  21. 115 anniebella
    January 29, 2025 at 11:03 am

    76% of viewers who listen to the SOTU speech liked it. Now tell me again why POTUS should listen to David Corn and Harold Ford.

  22. 117 Nena20409
    January 29, 2025 at 11:08 am

    This Friday, POTUS sits down with TeaNN’s Jake Taper. This is perfect. WHY? I am not a fan of Taper or O’Reilly. The interview with O’Reilly is this Sunday. What POTUS says on Friday would carry through Sunday Shows and O’Reilly will be reacting to events Not making his type of bombastic news.

    • 118 donna dem 4 obama
      January 29, 2025 at 11:32 am

      O’Reilly will still be disrespectful and outrageous. Those folks on Fox don’t care about what’s said on the other stations because they don’t feel they are legit.

      I’ll pass on this interview. I swore off of anything regarding Fox News in 2008 and haven’t gone back. O’Reilly will only do a few minutes of the interview pre-game and then he will finish the interview on his show on Monday. At least that’s how these things have been done in the past. Anything to milk a few more viewers using the socialist, american hating muslim for more ratings.

  23. 121 Allison
    January 29, 2025 at 11:09 am

  24. 124 hopefruit2
    January 29, 2025 at 11:31 am

    :)

    • 125 Nena20409
      January 29, 2025 at 11:35 am

      COSTCO. Mad Men. Pizza place in MN. ACA. Many were recognized beautifully by the POTUS with the Mostest. Awesome.

  25. 126 Nena20409
    January 29, 2025 at 11:39 am

    Bill de Blasio said Grimm owed the TV1 reporter an apology. 17 mins later, Grimm apologies and is now going to take the reporter to lunch?

    Hmm?

    http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/michael-grimm-michael-scotto-apology

  26. 129 JER
    January 29, 2025 at 11:39 am

  27. 130 CEB
    January 29, 2025 at 11:40 am

    Good morning TOD ohana; still on a high from the slam dunk that was PBO’s SOTU address.

    Great Rise and Shine NW/UT.

    37 degrees, dark skies and expected rain, but no ice in NE Florida this morning. This lucky recently retired gal will be staying in (gym workout on a warmer day later in the week), drinking coffee and watching the speech again.

    The biggest thing that the haters and racist cannot get over is that President Barack Hussein Obama (even his name is an affront to them; I just love it) is a Black man who “ain’t scurred,” who does not ask for permission from those who would be overlords, who has the audacity to not be affected by their lies and slander, who is content with who he is and has the confidence to show it; a man who has a talented, smart and beautiful wife (and is probably having much better sex than they are) and thriving daughters that would make any parent proud. PBO is the man that they want to be, doing the job that they think that they should have and inspite of all that they have done to bring him down, he is till there, twice elected, beloved and respected by most of the people here and abroad.

    • 131 jacquelineoboomer
      January 29, 2025 at 11:50 am

      *lucky recently retired gal*

      Nothing like that feeling, is there??!!!! Yeehaw!

      • 132 CEB
        January 29, 2025 at 12:17 pm

        It is the best, especially after 30 years of being a teacher (high school ELA).

        • 133 jacquelineoboomer
          January 29, 2025 at 12:22 pm

          Wow! Teachers are some of the hardest-working people in our country, that’s for sure, especially at the high-school level.

          I worked for the Navy for 30 years and 4 years for the private sector, and retired at 52! (I cheated after that as a freelancer writer for my old Navy command, but worked from home, so that barely counts as “a job.”) Have never regretted for one minute that I retired when I did!

  28. 134 gobrooklyn
    January 29, 2025 at 11:50 am

    Hi;

    Can’t reply individually to those who replied to my update so I just wanted to say thanks for the love and support. I will need it going forward.

    • 135 Allison
      January 29, 2025 at 11:53 am

      My prayers are with you GB. Continue the good fight.

    • 136 donna dem 4 obama
      January 29, 2025 at 12:16 pm

      GB, I don’t know what to say other than don’t give up hope, stay strong and know that many of us will be praying and pulling for you. I believe through God all things are possible. So I pray for your complete healing.

      May your body be healed.
      May your pain cease,
      May your strength increase,
      May your fears be released,
      May blessings, love, and joy surround you.
      Amen.

      • 137 Mae who love our CIC
        January 29, 2025 at 12:31 pm

        dd4o, these are beautiful words and I too share these sentiments to gb. Take care GB. Healing blessings to you AND I love my President. Awesome as always.

    • 138 LDS
      January 29, 2025 at 2:13 pm

      GB, the fact that you have a desire to respond is enough for me. Your strength is remarkable. You are thinking about others is a testament of who you are. Your strength has helped me today to face a situation that needs to be addressed for my dear sister. Thank you for sharing your challenges. As I sated above! you will be in my prayers.

    • 141 Wiltal
      January 29, 2025 at 3:47 pm

      GB, I am late to this post, but wanted to join the TOD family in sending you healing prayers. I’ll be praying for you daily,

    • 142 Marlz (@marjgra)
      January 29, 2025 at 8:36 pm

      Praying for you recovery, GB… you WILL get over this!

  29. 143 Allison
    January 29, 2025 at 11:51 am

  30. 146 JER
    January 29, 2025 at 11:52 am

    Air Force One is currently en-route to Pittsburgh. Expect arrival around 12:15pm EST.

  31. 148 amk for obama
    January 29, 2025 at 11:53 am

    Ex-president warns Ukraine ‘on brink of civil war’

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25939737

    On that cheerful note, gunnite.

  32. 149 JER
    January 29, 2025 at 11:56 am

    http://www.twitter.com/Matt_Belanger/status/428569267512938496

    • 150 JER
      January 29, 2025 at 11:59 am

      /large

  33. 151 Linda
    January 29, 2025 at 12:01 pm

    Classy Congressman Michael Grimm Has A History Of Outbursts

    http://talkingpointsmemo.com/muckraker/michael-grimm-outbursts

    Holy Moly….this man is dangerous and needs serious help…Yikes

  34. 152 Nena20409
    January 29, 2025 at 12:06 pm

    Oh Shockey Dockey how those pesty Facts keep Blinding the TBGOPers worldview?

    http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/defining-tyranny-down

    Here are the Facts with graphics making a Mockery of TBGOPers insane charges.

  35. 154 JER
    January 29, 2025 at 12:07 pm

    Live Stream Alert: 12:25 PM EST - Vice President Biden Speaks on Education and Workforce Development - Rochester, New York: http://www.whitehouse.gov/live

  36. 155 JER
    January 29, 2025 at 12:12 pm

    LIVE NOW: President Obama arrives in Pittsburgh: http://www.wtae.com/news/watch-action-news-at-noon/-/9681432/23028322/-/sv5wv/-/index.html

  37. 156 Linda
    January 29, 2025 at 12:15 pm

    The Farm Bill passed 251-166

    Repubs fell short again and needed the Dems to pass it.

    http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2014/roll031.xml

  38. 159 MightyPamela
    January 29, 2025 at 12:17 pm

    Mornin’ y’all. Did anyone else here get a begging letter from Cory Booker, cashing in on PBO’s historic SOTU last night?

  39. 164 JER
    January 29, 2025 at 12:31 pm

  40. 165 JER
    January 29, 2025 at 12:38 pm

    WATCH LIVE: Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden in Rochester - http://www.whec.com/news/stories/S3302571.shtml?cat=565

  41. 168 jacquelineoboomer
    January 29, 2025 at 12:39 pm

    I seriously think Cory Booker can’t help himself, and has some kind of personality thingie with very low self esteem, and I’m trying to give him some benefit of the doubt, but this made me laugh:

  42. 170 JER
    January 29, 2025 at 12:41 pm

  43. 171 jacquelineoboomer
    January 29, 2025 at 12:41 pm

  44. 172 Linda
    January 29, 2025 at 12:44 pm

    Good Grief ….now they are reporting on the # of words the President said on a subject compared to last year.

    Guns

    This year 69 words

    Last year 451 words.

    I wish these people would get a real job

    • 173 57andfemale
      January 29, 2025 at 1:34 pm

      Are any of them trying to find ‘Bette from Spokane’ that Cathy McMorris Rogers cited as an example of her premiums going up $700/M because of Obamacare?

      Effing crickets.


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