Here in Maryland not a single Representative lost their seats in the House of Representatives. Everyone voted overwhelmingly for their Rep. but some decided to crossover and vote for Hogan because as I’ve been told, “our taxes are too damn high”, “we are being taxed to death”, “enough with taxing everything we touch in this state”. Folks this is what messaging discipline by Republicans and a large dose of selfishness by the voters will get you. Well educated, intelligent people were convinced that although they enjoy all the benefits of a well run state, they just couldn’t stomach paying taxes for these benefits. You reap what you sow. Wait until this guy pulls out his real Republican hat and starts cutting programs to benefit his rich benefactors at their expense.
As a side note…I’m a little concerned that the Brown loss is going to have a negative affect on Martin O’Malley as well. These tax increases were on his watch and the Hogan Campaign gave the National Republicans the playbook on how to go after him. Apparently you just pound away on the tax issue until it sticks. It’s a pocketbook/wallet issue that apparently anyone will fall for.
Dems need to show what taxes give back to the state: show jobs created, infrastructure projects, whatever. It may take us 20 years but don’t say taxes, say “investment”. We ALL win. We ALL benefit.
Donna, at some point people are going to have to stop being dazzled by a pretty message. If you and I can see though the b.s. well then so can everyone else. Messaging isn’t the Democrats problem, standing up for the message is the problem. The Democrats could have won the midterms if they stood up for the message that President Obama was preaching, but they ran away from it.
It wasn’t a matter of standing up for President Obama’s message here in MD. That was not the problem. Anthony Brown and other’s did that quite well here in my state. The problem was a selfish electorate that didn’t care that they have good schools, roads and a safe environment to raise their families. They only cared about the fact that they have a few less dollars in their pockets to spend and that is real and tangible to people. Brown touted the successes here in our state but people simply didn’t care. It may not be right or fair but that was the reality on the ground that on Tuesday shocked Browns campaign. For the rest…they just didn’t bother to go vote and they will pay a mighty price for that!!!
I think you all don’t understand….that standing up for the message was not the problem here in this state. They voted their pocketbooks….plan and simple.
I do understand what you’re saying Donna. I know a lot of people too - who are not connecting the dots - good schools, roads, etc are the result of state funds, taxes and people don’t want to pay, but they want these services to be good. The tax message was all they heard. And then we have those who just won’t participate in their Civic duty.
Exactly GG. It wasn’t about PBO or his message in this state it was about apathy and their wallet. Anthony stood strong in his support of PBO but the pocketbook trumped everything! He could have talked until he was blue in the face about where their tax dollars were going and it wouldn’t have made a difference.
But when little Johnnie can’t read and turns into a drug dealer because he has great math skills - who do they blame when he gets gunned down? The school system, the teachers, but never do they realize they play a part in the scenario too. When the potholes tear up your front-end after a bad winter of endless salt - who do they blame? Certainly not themselves for not wanting to pay taxes for infrastructure maintenance.
I think they just did not want to vote for the blk guy for governor…there have been so many explanations given about why folks voteed the way they did…it still think that this trumps them all
I’m sure that played a small part in that loss but I have heard from too many blacks that crossed over in that election. Also, AA’s way out number Whites in most of this state. If the AA’s that voted in this election had stayed with Brown he would have won.
Yep and this is his own county. Prince George’s County is the wealthiest African American-majority county in the United States. They were mad because they had to pay a little more and just enough of them that voted took it out on Brown.
Donna, I have a wealthy friend he lives in PG. A community known as Woodmoor. He’s always pissed at the amount of taxes he pays. But he’s pissed for different reasons. I doubt that he would ever vote Republican. He’s pissed at the treatment of President Obama and the batshitcrazy Republicans. He owns his own business, pays his taxes and says he still gets treated like a second class citizen. He’s had banks turn him down when his profits are over a million a year. He finally went to a “black” bank for the improvements he wanted to make in his business. I just find it in really hard to believe that many AA’s voted for Hogan. I can believe that far too many sat on their lazy butts and didn’t vote. I’m live in Silver Spring, Montgomery County and voted early. My sister voted on Tuesday and said there were few people at her precinct. It was around 10:00am, but it should have far more people there.
Oh yeah, my “lizard” brain wants to believe that the machines were hacked. It’s just easier to believe that rather than Americans are this stupid, lazy and racist.
Woodmore is the Beverly Hills of PG County. A very-very “nice” gated community. :)
I have family that voted on Tuesday as well and they said the same that there were no lines and that there was hardly anyone there when they voted. Upper middle class whites abandoned Brown in this election…which is why he lost Howard and Baltimore County. When you couple that with enough blacks that weren’t happy about raised taxes you get a loss of epic proportions. Voter apathy was horrible in this election.
Congrats Donna. Hogan ran that ad about everything being taxed up to and including children’s backpacks. The ad also called Brown “2nd string” which I found offensive. So Hogan is going to cut everybody’s taxes? Yeah right. He’ll cut corporate taxes and raise taxes on the middle class to pay for every else. If he doesn’t raise middle class folks taxes, then he’ll try to cut education, etc. Say good Maryland to having the best schools in the nation!
Yep Yep because I just taught myself how to do this and it ain’t easy. I guess I can make the size smaller but I haven’t figured that part out yet. :shock:
Congrats Donna on your Gold :star:
WH presser is LIVE on 11-07-14 with Josh “The Voice” Earnest
NSA Dr Rice was the 1st to speak.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/live/press-briefing-press-secretary-josh-earnest-33
Earnest said POTUS is Not making any personnel announcements today. He acknowledged that there were reports, but he was not going to make any personnel announcements.
Facts are pesky things……this was 2 days after pres Obama was sworn in with 70M votes…..the most votes ever.
2 DAYS aft Obama inaugurated DC press announced that if GOP refused to cooperate, it was Obama's fault. Completely. http://t.co/Jz58fYQ687
— Eric Boehlert (@EricBoehlert) November 7, 2025
Jan 29th Cheney was accusing pres Obama of aiding the Al Qaeda network.
Jan 20th, 2009…..GOPers met to solidify their opposition with 19 in attendance at a Steak House in DC. Funny to read that Eric Cantor is whining that POTUS didn’t call him after he lost his primary race?
One suggestion…..One Dems demand equal time. Two, when they come on these shows…..have a plan on your answers and don’t let them intimidate you……answer with your Core Talking points no matter the distraction to distort the issue at hand.
Donna, regarding taxes and Gov O’Malley. He’ll have even more evidence of the inequitable tax structure in America than PBO had in 2008. He can leverage it in his response to the #KOCHSTERS should he decide to run for President. More roads crumbling, bridges collapsing, schools closing in MD because of the policies of the dude that just go elected will only strengthen his message. If our overall economy continues to improve while large numbers of Americans continue to struggle that will also enable him to be a strong advocate for closing loopholes & taxing the rich.
Also, by the time 2016 rolls around, people will have a chance to see what so-called “lower taxes” gets them…crumbling infrastructure and increased crime….
A dear friend wrote me a letter full of anger and frustration about the election, and I wrote this back, and thought I would share it here:
Everything you say is true, but it’s all been true as far as back as FDR, certainly. They bailed on Obama in 2012, no one fought back the attacks on Kerry, Gore refused to let Clinton campaign for him, even though he was still really popular, Nader gave us Bush, Dems bailed on Clinton during his presidency and even voted to impeach him. Carter’s second term campaign was bankrupted by being primaried by Teddy Kennedy, the progressives bailed on Hubert Humphrey, so gave us Nixon, and then pushed McGovern, who took all of Massachusetts. Humphrey wouldn’t run on the good Johnson did. They refused to take Truman seriously. And Eleanor Roosevelt said that FDR’s biggest problems BY FAR came from progressives. I don’t know when Will Rogers said “I don’t belong to an organized party, I’m a Democrat,” but he died in 1935, so it was before then.
So, evidently, this is the Democratic Party. Always has been, looks like it will be this way for a while. The stakes feel high now, but not as high as the 30’s, when they couldn’t bring themselves to support FDR. Rich white guys were always buying elections. Evidently, the most vitriolic campaign in our history was between Jefferson and Adams, who didn’t speak to each other for the rest of their lives. All through the 1800s there were plenty of people (all white men, of course) voting out of anger, and plenty of demagogues to stoke them. Plus a lot of right wing religious noise.
I’m not resigned to this, but I have to find some other state than constant anger and angst about it. I’ve been fired up about politics all my adult life, and it’s hard to imagine not paying it the kind of attention I have. And there’s plenty to be unhappy about — right wing religious resurgence all over the globe. The oligarchy. Going backwards on rights we fought for decades ago. The pathetic voting rate. (Though India has a great voting rate, and they just voted in a right wing religious party.) There’s so much bad available to be upset about. It’s hard to find another path.
But yesterday I looked at Obama’s serene, even happy face. He definitely has something I don’t have, but I’d like some. Look at the Dalai Lama’s face, after all he has suffered, and all he has seen his people suffer. They are both operating out of boundless compassion, faith in themselves and their connection to the divine, love for those around them, and extending to the world at large.
Lovely writing. PBO says it’s because he comes from Hawaii. People in the Islands look at the world a little differently. They are more open hearted and forgiving.
betseyc you have me in tears. tears of relief and gratitude! i’ve been gnashing my teeth over the despicable way dem candidates ran from pbo’s accomplishments, and then to see the voters elect so many bizarre and idiotic representatives- it’s been painful. i know everyone here has felt that pain, and worked through it by gotv and pushing the truth about the candidates. still, now, it hurts.
but you’re right, it has been this way for a very long time. and yet president barack obama was elected twice, by huge margins. he is a shining beacon of wisdom, and a reminder of what can be done in spite of our sad history. this blog is a source of sanity for so many of us, because it offers a community acting as his support and in his honor. and hopefully also, on our good days, we can smile in spite of the crazy.
This is a beautiful reply. I will print it out and read it over again - it is the last word on this election.
I was upset about the low ‘millenial’ turnout, but I was one of the people who voted and worked for McGovern, and John Anderson. I didn’t do it because I wanted the to punish anyone. I was just politically naive (only 17 in 1968). I followed the lead of others without really understanding the harm it was doing. I’ve looked at that over the past year and regretted that I didn’t support Humphrey who was a decent man and not the old has-been I was told about. I can’t blame the young people today for doing what I did and following the loudest voices without real experience to measure them against.
I was in despair Tuesday night and I have finally worked my way to a more peaceful place. I don’t think President Obama was to surprised by the results; his polling information has always been spot on. I think he could see this coming and prepared himself for it. I admire his strength so much; “boundless compassion, faith in themselves and their connection to the divine, love for those around them” - that says it all. The thing that hurt the most was remembering that in so many speeches his main goal was to awaken us to our power as citizens and to inspire us to participate fully in our own government. That the Democrats would turn away from that is unbelievable. However, our president is ready to continue the battle, step by step and so am I. God bless and protect our beautiful president.
You have stated this history of our party perfectly. Depressing yet we must hope and work to endure. Our President shows us our need to engage by example. He is my inspiration at this time and does not disappoint me.
The whole checks and balances of our branches of government seems so pointless when it comes to the Supreme Court. Once they’re appointed, the only check is to impeach the individual judge, right? What are the chances of that happening? If they have an agenda…and there are those currently on the court that seem to have one…how do you stop them?
A FUNDAMENTALLY DISHONEST SOLICITATION OF RIGHT-WING JUDICIAL ACTIVISM
Do the high court’s conservatives see themselves as judges or partisan activists? Do they believe cherry-picking an ambiguous phrase in a massive statute is reason enough to destroy the American health care system?
If contemporary politics weren’t quite so twisted, these questions would be easier to answer. For now, however, I’m reminded of Brian Beutler’s analysis from July, which still rings true: the case “was and remains a fundamentally dishonest solicitation of right-wing judicial activism.”
so, maybe putin is feeling some heat from this? maybe pbo’s long game is showing results? any chance the msm will connect these dots? answers: yes, yes, and not likely.
Nancy says:
In conclusion, the point I want to make with all of this is that lots of pundits and political strategists are in the process of suggesting that - as a result of the midterm losses - Democrats should abandon Obama’s efforts to expand the electorate and instead focus on how they can win support from southern white working class voters. I read that as: “Standing up for civil rights is not going well with white voters, so its time to abandon that one.” You can FOR SURE count me out on that idea!!!!
Horizons: Democrats: Now is NOT the time to abandon the Obam… http://t.co/e2ndHzdWYN
After Criticizing Journalists Who Are Too Close To Politicians, Sharyl Attkisson Parties With Darrell Issa
Oversight Chairman’s Praise Implodes Her Claims Of Non-Partisanship
Sharyl Attkisson was toasted by Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA) at a party last night promoting her new book. The former CBS News reporter has previously criticized other reporters for being too cozy with those they cover, denied promoting a conservative agenda, and insisted that her extensive reporting relationship with Issa “doesn’t mean we like each other.”
During the event at a Georgetown home, Issa reportedly praised Attkisson, telling the audience that “his committee wouldn’t be able to do its job without journalists like” Attkisson, while criticizing NBC and MSNBC.
Someone, please explain the Obamacare subsidy case that the Republican controlled Supreme Court wants to take up. What makes the subsidies wrong? The Republicans in Congress and the Senate must be afraid to touch it, so they want the Court to do their dirty work. Thanks
The SCOTUS took this up before the full DC Circuit to schedule a re-hearing. That tells you all you need to know about what is going to happen. They new that would be 2 ya’s in Federal Circuit Courts, so the Supremes just rolled over the DC Court with their announcement.
It seems to me that would make health coverage inaccessible to me and millions of Americans. We are not eligible for medicaid because income is too high. We now live in CA and our premium is $40 a month for a Silver plus plan (for a family of 2). In NV, it was $240 a month with a $3,000 a month subsidy (for a family of 2). So subsidies are critical to making Obamacare work.
it is not only individuals who would lose out…it is the insurance companies as well..i wonder what they are going to do to prevent that from happening…should be interesting to see
And that is exactly what infuriates GOP (the subsidies).
After we thought this week could not get worse, SCOTUS must be itching to give the gift of declaring subsidies unconstitutional as a house warming present for the Senate and 114th Congress.
SCOTUS is in the process of completing undermining this country, denying health care to millions, to the extent that only the elite can afford medical insurance.
We thought Citizens United was bad, but this would be far, far worse.
The argument is that subsidies are allowed for states that set their own exchanges and that the law does not allow subsidies for states that did not set up their own exchanges and where the federal government does the work on behalf of the states. Mostly GOP states.
If a person has gotten their insurance through a state run exchange, nothing happens. If they got it through a federally run exchange, if the SC rules in favor of the plaintiffs, they woudl lose their subsidies.
This is an extremely unusual action by the SC. They usually only take cases like this if district courts are split, which is not the case here. Only 4 justices ate needed to accept a case.
They could still hear the case and choose not to rule on it, they could, in effect support the lower court decisions, which means nothing changes, or they can overturn the lower courts decisions which would result in the consequences I outlined above.
It will be a 5-4 decision. The only question is which way.
I do find it ironic that they chose to take this up afetr the GOP won the Senate.
Prediction, 5-4 to support the lower court decisions. Everything will be okay.
I agree Japa. The only reason why the court is reviewing this is because of Alito, Thomas, Scalia, and Kennedy. It only takes four and like you I don’t think Roberts will want to go down this road. You will have millions of people affected including insurance companies. On top of that the majority of lower courts when it’s all said and down will rule on the side of the administration.
I’m a little more cynical but hopeful. The whole issue hinges on what is really no more than a typo. The cynic in me sees them agreeing with that but that the language is “clear”, and sending it back to Congress to fix. Which this Congress will not do. SCOTUS keeps its hands clean.
My knowledge of ACA is meager, but what I heard on the radio is exactly what Japa said — those states that current allow subsidies could continue to do so (idon — this would include CA) other states would be SOL.
Infuriating that MSM allow GOP talking points of “liberal activist” justices, but NEVER use that term with the most meddlesome SCOTUS in modern history.
There was what amounts to a typo in the law: in one section the law talks about subsidies applying to the exchanges set up by the states. In ALL other instances the law is clear that it meant ALL exchanges - Federally-run or state-run. The CBO never considered the law in any other way, and there are reams of documents from the drafting committees making the intent clear.
But the language is there, and the one circuit decided that the language ruled the day. The full D. C. circuit was set to hear the case - not just the one 3-judge panel. It is highly unusual for the court to intervene while the case is still in play. But then again, this is a whole new breed of SCOTUS.
My cynical prediction is that SCOTUS will indeed admit that the law does not reflect intent - and send it back to Congress to fix. Understand, it’s a question of a couple of words. But this Congress will not fix it, and both the evil Congress and SCOTUS can blame the other all the while getting what they want: destruction of ACA. Only the 16 state-run exchanges would get the subsidies and the other 34 Federally run exchanges would not, making insurance unaffordable and thereby collapsing the law.
A few weeks ago I would have said that there would be a public backlash. But after the disconnect in this last election, who knows?
Understand, the one negative ruling turned logic on its ear since the intent of the law is very clear. But legalese typos can win.
i just got an email from the dcc saying of the 14 races too close to call, the dems have so far won 7, the rethugs 0. i work as a precinct official and though it’s a very long day, i’m hyper-aware of the importance of validating each voter, each ballot, each and every mark in the book. these close races come down to gotv, and also to clean elections.
Agree, Susanne. It’s also the reason why I insist on every vote being counted and certified before anyone declares themselves a winner. Always happy when early after the polls close that a favored candidate has a lead that would be impossible to overcome, but I still want each voter to know that a candidate does not become elected until all the votes are counted.
I just want to say I agree with Donna about the taxes issue. The dem running Congress in a nearby district was hammered by the repub because property taxes were increased in her town. She however was a freeholder and they don’t raise property taxes. The attacks on tv were relentless ( financed by Rove, the Kochs, and the candidate himself). Plus at the end the repub. made an ad making him seem so nice and caring, but in actuality he is a teabagger.Corbet tried to say Wolf had a secret plan to raise taxes on the middle class. Fortunately, it didn’t work. All repubs run on are taxes, taxes. The president was able to alter that argument because he wanted to cut taxes for the middle class but not the rich. People liked that. Besides the Maryland race, the other one I can’t understand is Iowa.Braley had the first lady out for him several times . He looked like he had the momentum.I’m still shaking my head.
here’s an article in bloomberg, outlining the president’s plans re taxes and immigration. my favorite line: ‘Pfeiffer said the administration’s tax-code selling point is the possibility of getting one-time revenue from the change and using it to pay for roads, bridges and other infrastructure. ‘
he’s determined to complete the tasks he set for himself before running for president, and he has the sense to juggle and balance and work towards his goals from many directions. fact is, the word ‘tax’ is toxic, and yet the taxpayers want services. so shunting the burden back and forth between the opposing interests (the wealthy businesses and the middle class) allows some movement. politics is not pretty, but pbo operates politically with great beauty!
here in IL a ballot initiative to tax millionaires to equalize school funding was voted in overwhelmingly. And the same idiots voted for the billionaire who wants to cut all taxes for the wealthy and corporations.
White House.gov
Did you know….
Here in Maryland not a single Representative lost their seats in the House of Representatives. Everyone voted overwhelmingly for their Rep. but some decided to crossover and vote for Hogan because as I’ve been told, “our taxes are too damn high”, “we are being taxed to death”, “enough with taxing everything we touch in this state”. Folks this is what messaging discipline by Republicans and a large dose of selfishness by the voters will get you. Well educated, intelligent people were convinced that although they enjoy all the benefits of a well run state, they just couldn’t stomach paying taxes for these benefits. You reap what you sow. Wait until this guy pulls out his real Republican hat and starts cutting programs to benefit his rich benefactors at their expense.
As a side note…I’m a little concerned that the Brown loss is going to have a negative affect on Martin O’Malley as well. These tax increases were on his watch and the Hogan Campaign gave the National Republicans the playbook on how to go after him. Apparently you just pound away on the tax issue until it sticks. It’s a pocketbook/wallet issue that apparently anyone will fall for.
Dems need to show what taxes give back to the state: show jobs created, infrastructure projects, whatever. It may take us 20 years but don’t say taxes, say “investment”. We ALL win. We ALL benefit.
Donna, at some point people are going to have to stop being dazzled by a pretty message. If you and I can see though the b.s. well then so can everyone else. Messaging isn’t the Democrats problem, standing up for the message is the problem. The Democrats could have won the midterms if they stood up for the message that President Obama was preaching, but they ran away from it.
and why did they
It wasn’t a matter of standing up for President Obama’s message here in MD. That was not the problem. Anthony Brown and other’s did that quite well here in my state. The problem was a selfish electorate that didn’t care that they have good schools, roads and a safe environment to raise their families. They only cared about the fact that they have a few less dollars in their pockets to spend and that is real and tangible to people. Brown touted the successes here in our state but people simply didn’t care. It may not be right or fair but that was the reality on the ground that on Tuesday shocked Browns campaign. For the rest…they just didn’t bother to go vote and they will pay a mighty price for that!!!
” Messaging isn’t the Democrats problem, standing up for the message is the problem.”
THIS!!!!!!
I think you all don’t understand….that standing up for the message was not the problem here in this state. They voted their pocketbooks….plan and simple.
I do understand what you’re saying Donna. I know a lot of people too - who are not connecting the dots - good schools, roads, etc are the result of state funds, taxes and people don’t want to pay, but they want these services to be good. The tax message was all they heard. And then we have those who just won’t participate in their Civic duty.
Exactly GG. It wasn’t about PBO or his message in this state it was about apathy and their wallet. Anthony stood strong in his support of PBO but the pocketbook trumped everything! He could have talked until he was blue in the face about where their tax dollars were going and it wouldn’t have made a difference.
But when little Johnnie can’t read and turns into a drug dealer because he has great math skills - who do they blame when he gets gunned down? The school system, the teachers, but never do they realize they play a part in the scenario too. When the potholes tear up your front-end after a bad winter of endless salt - who do they blame? Certainly not themselves for not wanting to pay taxes for infrastructure maintenance.
Preach Girl Preach!!!!!
Oh no, I’m just the Choir to you Preacha-girl :-)
Yes Donna. If you read my comment on the previous thread I too am concerned that the Brown loss weakens us and strengthens HRC
“…standing up for the message is the problem.”
There you go…I sooooo agree.
I think they just did not want to vote for the blk guy for governor…there have been so many explanations given about why folks voteed the way they did…it still think that this trumps them all
I’m sure that played a small part in that loss but I have heard from too many blacks that crossed over in that election. Also, AA’s way out number Whites in most of this state. If the AA’s that voted in this election had stayed with Brown he would have won.
Yes, I heard in Prince Georges County with sizeable AA population - fewer of them voted for Brown in 2014 than voted for O’Malley in 2010.
Yep and this is his own county. Prince George’s County is the wealthiest African American-majority county in the United States. They were mad because they had to pay a little more and just enough of them that voted took it out on Brown.
The “I got mine” mentality is a toxic drug that afflicts too many voters in this country.
Donna, I have a wealthy friend he lives in PG. A community known as Woodmoor. He’s always pissed at the amount of taxes he pays. But he’s pissed for different reasons. I doubt that he would ever vote Republican. He’s pissed at the treatment of President Obama and the batshitcrazy Republicans. He owns his own business, pays his taxes and says he still gets treated like a second class citizen. He’s had banks turn him down when his profits are over a million a year. He finally went to a “black” bank for the improvements he wanted to make in his business. I just find it in really hard to believe that many AA’s voted for Hogan. I can believe that far too many sat on their lazy butts and didn’t vote. I’m live in Silver Spring, Montgomery County and voted early. My sister voted on Tuesday and said there were few people at her precinct. It was around 10:00am, but it should have far more people there.
Oh yeah, my “lizard” brain wants to believe that the machines were hacked. It’s just easier to believe that rather than Americans are this stupid, lazy and racist.
Woodmore is the Beverly Hills of PG County. A very-very “nice” gated community. :)
I have family that voted on Tuesday as well and they said the same that there were no lines and that there was hardly anyone there when they voted. Upper middle class whites abandoned Brown in this election…which is why he lost Howard and Baltimore County. When you couple that with enough blacks that weren’t happy about raised taxes you get a loss of epic proportions. Voter apathy was horrible in this election.
Thanks DD for your instructions! and Congrats on First đź’‹
You got it!!!!!
Yea!!!
Congrats Donna. Hogan ran that ad about everything being taxed up to and including children’s backpacks. The ad also called Brown “2nd string” which I found offensive. So Hogan is going to cut everybody’s taxes? Yeah right. He’ll cut corporate taxes and raise taxes on the middle class to pay for every else. If he doesn’t raise middle class folks taxes, then he’ll try to cut education, etc. Say good Maryland to having the best schools in the nation!
Sekind!
I miss amk……………
I missed why he said he was leaving. I really like him, too.
He was devastated at the midterm result. He’s gotta be missing us, too!
✌️
Now how do I make them larger?
đź’€
Holy moly - ?????!!!!!
You can’t. We had that discussion yesterday. You have to go to one of those sites and create a URL and then post it here to make it bigger.
Oh! I just might stick to my crayons and paper :D
Yep Yep because I just taught myself how to do this and it ain’t easy. I guess I can make the size smaller but I haven’t figured that part out yet. :shock:
hahahahaha! but you did good Donna - real good :D
Congrats Donna on your Gold :star:
WH presser is LIVE on 11-07-14 with Josh “The Voice” Earnest
NSA Dr Rice was the 1st to speak.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/live/press-briefing-press-secretary-josh-earnest-33
Earnest said POTUS is Not making any personnel announcements today. He acknowledged that there were reports, but he was not going to make any personnel announcements.
POTUS has not made the decision, Josh added.
đź‘Ť
Ok, now I have to stop and get some work done before I leave today!
Facts are pesky things……this was 2 days after pres Obama was sworn in with 70M votes…..the most votes ever.
Jan 29th Cheney was accusing pres Obama of aiding the Al Qaeda network.
Jan 20th, 2009…..GOPers met to solidify their opposition with 19 in attendance at a Steak House in DC. Funny to read that Eric Cantor is whining that POTUS didn’t call him after he lost his primary race?
This is so true…but what can We the People do…
One suggestion…..One Dems demand equal time. Two, when they come on these shows…..have a plan on your answers and don’t let them intimidate you……answer with your Core Talking points no matter the distraction to distort the issue at hand.
Yes!
President Obama Meets with Cabinet Members
Getty Images
I wish President Obama didn’t look so sad.
Poor guy looks soooo depressed!
That picture made me smile :-)
I was smiling so much - I forgot to say “thank you JER”!!!
:)
the next two years is going to be a b**ch for Congress. hahahahahahaha
That smile says…keep up and I will show you how we roll. lolololololololololol
BOOM.
Nailed it.
Congrats on 1st Donna!
I miss amk, too, 57.
TY NW
Donna, regarding taxes and Gov O’Malley. He’ll have even more evidence of the inequitable tax structure in America than PBO had in 2008. He can leverage it in his response to the #KOCHSTERS should he decide to run for President. More roads crumbling, bridges collapsing, schools closing in MD because of the policies of the dude that just go elected will only strengthen his message. If our overall economy continues to improve while large numbers of Americans continue to struggle that will also enable him to be a strong advocate for closing loopholes & taxing the rich.
#TrustBarack
You make a good point Bob and I hope you’re right!
Also, by the time 2016 rolls around, people will have a chance to see what so-called “lower taxes” gets them…crumbling infrastructure and increased crime….
A dear friend wrote me a letter full of anger and frustration about the election, and I wrote this back, and thought I would share it here:
Everything you say is true, but it’s all been true as far as back as FDR, certainly. They bailed on Obama in 2012, no one fought back the attacks on Kerry, Gore refused to let Clinton campaign for him, even though he was still really popular, Nader gave us Bush, Dems bailed on Clinton during his presidency and even voted to impeach him. Carter’s second term campaign was bankrupted by being primaried by Teddy Kennedy, the progressives bailed on Hubert Humphrey, so gave us Nixon, and then pushed McGovern, who took all of Massachusetts. Humphrey wouldn’t run on the good Johnson did. They refused to take Truman seriously. And Eleanor Roosevelt said that FDR’s biggest problems BY FAR came from progressives. I don’t know when Will Rogers said “I don’t belong to an organized party, I’m a Democrat,” but he died in 1935, so it was before then.
So, evidently, this is the Democratic Party. Always has been, looks like it will be this way for a while. The stakes feel high now, but not as high as the 30’s, when they couldn’t bring themselves to support FDR. Rich white guys were always buying elections. Evidently, the most vitriolic campaign in our history was between Jefferson and Adams, who didn’t speak to each other for the rest of their lives. All through the 1800s there were plenty of people (all white men, of course) voting out of anger, and plenty of demagogues to stoke them. Plus a lot of right wing religious noise.
I’m not resigned to this, but I have to find some other state than constant anger and angst about it. I’ve been fired up about politics all my adult life, and it’s hard to imagine not paying it the kind of attention I have. And there’s plenty to be unhappy about — right wing religious resurgence all over the globe. The oligarchy. Going backwards on rights we fought for decades ago. The pathetic voting rate. (Though India has a great voting rate, and they just voted in a right wing religious party.) There’s so much bad available to be upset about. It’s hard to find another path.
But yesterday I looked at Obama’s serene, even happy face. He definitely has something I don’t have, but I’d like some. Look at the Dalai Lama’s face, after all he has suffered, and all he has seen his people suffer. They are both operating out of boundless compassion, faith in themselves and their connection to the divine, love for those around them, and extending to the world at large.
I want what they’re having!
Wonderfully stated betseyc and I want what they’re having as well :)
I echo your sentiments betseyc and I too want some of what they’re having. I just commented on PBO’s smiling face (see above).
Lovely writing. PBO says it’s because he comes from Hawaii. People in the Islands look at the world a little differently. They are more open hearted and forgiving.
Perfectly said, betseyc. And I’m with you and Donna; I too want what they’re having. :-)
betseyc you have me in tears. tears of relief and gratitude! i’ve been gnashing my teeth over the despicable way dem candidates ran from pbo’s accomplishments, and then to see the voters elect so many bizarre and idiotic representatives- it’s been painful. i know everyone here has felt that pain, and worked through it by gotv and pushing the truth about the candidates. still, now, it hurts.
but you’re right, it has been this way for a very long time. and yet president barack obama was elected twice, by huge margins. he is a shining beacon of wisdom, and a reminder of what can be done in spite of our sad history. this blog is a source of sanity for so many of us, because it offers a community acting as his support and in his honor. and hopefully also, on our good days, we can smile in spite of the crazy.
Thank you, betseyc, I appreciated this, and am sure it helped your friend back from the edge of the cliff.
Good points! Thanks BetseyC!
This is a beautiful reply. I will print it out and read it over again - it is the last word on this election.
I was upset about the low ‘millenial’ turnout, but I was one of the people who voted and worked for McGovern, and John Anderson. I didn’t do it because I wanted the to punish anyone. I was just politically naive (only 17 in 1968). I followed the lead of others without really understanding the harm it was doing. I’ve looked at that over the past year and regretted that I didn’t support Humphrey who was a decent man and not the old has-been I was told about. I can’t blame the young people today for doing what I did and following the loudest voices without real experience to measure them against.
I was in despair Tuesday night and I have finally worked my way to a more peaceful place. I don’t think President Obama was to surprised by the results; his polling information has always been spot on. I think he could see this coming and prepared himself for it. I admire his strength so much; “boundless compassion, faith in themselves and their connection to the divine, love for those around them” - that says it all. The thing that hurt the most was remembering that in so many speeches his main goal was to awaken us to our power as citizens and to inspire us to participate fully in our own government. That the Democrats would turn away from that is unbelievable. However, our president is ready to continue the battle, step by step and so am I. God bless and protect our beautiful president.
You have stated this history of our party perfectly. Depressing yet we must hope and work to endure. Our President shows us our need to engage by example. He is my inspiration at this time and does not disappoint me.
Fact ….
The Supreme Court has agreed to take the Obamacare subsidies case……and most likely will that a marriage equality case this year too.
Buckle up…..
So our useless supremes are going to do McTurtle’s job for him by destroying Obamacare. How special!
The whole checks and balances of our branches of government seems so pointless when it comes to the Supreme Court. Once they’re appointed, the only check is to impeach the individual judge, right? What are the chances of that happening? If they have an agenda…and there are those currently on the court that seem to have one…how do you stop them?
Prediction: they will admit that it’s probably nothing more than a typo, but it is Congress’ job to fix the typo.
So yes - SCOTUS doing McConnell’s job.
Supreme Court to decide whether to gut â€Obamacare’
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/supreme-court-decide-whether-gut-obamacare#break
A FUNDAMENTALLY DISHONEST SOLICITATION OF RIGHT-WING JUDICIAL ACTIVISM
Do the high court’s conservatives see themselves as judges or partisan activists? Do they believe cherry-picking an ambiguous phrase in a massive statute is reason enough to destroy the American health care system?
If contemporary politics weren’t quite so twisted, these questions would be easier to answer. For now, however, I’m reminded of Brian Beutler’s analysis from July, which still rings true: the case “was and remains a fundamentally dishonest solicitation of right-wing judicial activism.”
so, maybe putin is feeling some heat from this? maybe pbo’s long game is showing results? any chance the msm will connect these dots? answers: yes, yes, and not likely.
Nancy says:
In conclusion, the point I want to make with all of this is that lots of pundits and political strategists are in the process of suggesting that - as a result of the midterm losses - Democrats should abandon Obama’s efforts to expand the electorate and instead focus on how they can win support from southern white working class voters. I read that as: “Standing up for civil rights is not going well with white voters, so its time to abandon that one.” You can FOR SURE count me out on that idea!!!!
they can go right ahead with that one prettyfoot58. There will never be another Democrat in the White House.
And since they have absolutely no chance of winning support from white southern voters, it’s a suicidal strategy.
I have rarely posted here but need to say how much I appreciate this place. An island of sanity; so glad you’re here. Thank you!
Hi Juli- Happy Friday.
Hi Juli ! Nice of you to delurk :-)
Have a great weekend!
Right back atcha, Juli! We keep each other sane, so thank you!
Yep.
#TrustBarack
POTUS is having the Congressional members over to the WH for lunch:
Bibb Lettuce, Frisee and Endive
Heirloom Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Toasted Shallot Dressing
Herb Crusted Sea Bass, Tomato-Lemon Confit Grilled Vegetables
Pumpkin Tart
Vanilla Whipped Cream
Candied Gingerâ€
Sounds super delicious. Too bad some of it’s wasted on ungrateful jerks.
Did the WH forget to add the hemlock to the menu?
They usually hide hemlock, don’t they?
I figure they will toast with it. Best place to hide it.
Nice! Here’s to Hemlock, the crowd replied!
LOLzzZ!!
Any turtle food on the menu? :D
lmao
BWWAAHAHAA
Turtle Mitch will have the Vanilla Whipped cream for all courses - salad, main entre, AND dessert.
All I got out of this, to connect the menu to Congressional Republicans, was:
Heirloom
Crusted
Tart
Whipped
BOOM!!
After Criticizing Journalists Who Are Too Close To Politicians, Sharyl Attkisson Parties With Darrell Issa
Oversight Chairman’s Praise Implodes Her Claims Of Non-Partisanship
Sharyl Attkisson was toasted by Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA) at a party last night promoting her new book. The former CBS News reporter has previously criticized other reporters for being too cozy with those they cover, denied promoting a conservative agenda, and insisted that her extensive reporting relationship with Issa “doesn’t mean we like each other.”
During the event at a Georgetown home, Issa reportedly praised Attkisson, telling the audience that “his committee wouldn’t be able to do its job without journalists like” Attkisson, while criticizing NBC and MSNBC.
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2014/11/07/after-criticizing-journalists-who-are-too-close/201495
thank you. when we accept racism as valid, we lose voters, but we mostly lose our integrity.
gonna tweet that…susanne
thanks prettyfoot- if we don’t stand for something we stand for nothing.
i mean anything, we stand for anything. :)
Someone, please explain the Obamacare subsidy case that the Republican controlled Supreme Court wants to take up. What makes the subsidies wrong? The Republicans in Congress and the Senate must be afraid to touch it, so they want the Court to do their dirty work. Thanks
Sorry - I’m out of that loop!
The SCOTUS took this up before the full DC Circuit to schedule a re-hearing. That tells you all you need to know about what is going to happen. They new that would be 2 ya’s in Federal Circuit Courts, so the Supremes just rolled over the DC Court with their announcement.
It seems to me that would make health coverage inaccessible to me and millions of Americans. We are not eligible for medicaid because income is too high. We now live in CA and our premium is $40 a month for a Silver plus plan (for a family of 2). In NV, it was $240 a month with a $3,000 a month subsidy (for a family of 2). So subsidies are critical to making Obamacare work.
it is not only individuals who would lose out…it is the insurance companies as well..i wonder what they are going to do to prevent that from happening…should be interesting to see
The insurance companies loathe the regulations in this law. They’d be happy to continue to gouge fewer customers than cover more.
And that is exactly what infuriates GOP (the subsidies).
After we thought this week could not get worse, SCOTUS must be itching to give the gift of declaring subsidies unconstitutional as a house warming present for the Senate and 114th Congress.
SCOTUS is in the process of completing undermining this country, denying health care to millions, to the extent that only the elite can afford medical insurance.
We thought Citizens United was bad, but this would be far, far worse.
The argument is that subsidies are allowed for states that set their own exchanges and that the law does not allow subsidies for states that did not set up their own exchanges and where the federal government does the work on behalf of the states. Mostly GOP states.
If a person has gotten their insurance through a state run exchange, nothing happens. If they got it through a federally run exchange, if the SC rules in favor of the plaintiffs, they woudl lose their subsidies.
This is an extremely unusual action by the SC. They usually only take cases like this if district courts are split, which is not the case here. Only 4 justices ate needed to accept a case.
They could still hear the case and choose not to rule on it, they could, in effect support the lower court decisions, which means nothing changes, or they can overturn the lower courts decisions which would result in the consequences I outlined above.
It will be a 5-4 decision. The only question is which way.
I do find it ironic that they chose to take this up afetr the GOP won the Senate.
Prediction, 5-4 to support the lower court decisions. Everything will be okay.
I agree Japa. The only reason why the court is reviewing this is because of Alito, Thomas, Scalia, and Kennedy. It only takes four and like you I don’t think Roberts will want to go down this road. You will have millions of people affected including insurance companies. On top of that the majority of lower courts when it’s all said and down will rule on the side of the administration.
I’m a little more cynical but hopeful. The whole issue hinges on what is really no more than a typo. The cynic in me sees them agreeing with that but that the language is “clear”, and sending it back to Congress to fix. Which this Congress will not do. SCOTUS keeps its hands clean.
Japa and jziglar:
So hope you’re both right.
My knowledge of ACA is meager, but what I heard on the radio is exactly what Japa said — those states that current allow subsidies could continue to do so (idon — this would include CA) other states would be SOL.
Infuriating that MSM allow GOP talking points of “liberal activist” justices, but NEVER use that term with the most meddlesome SCOTUS in modern history.
There was what amounts to a typo in the law: in one section the law talks about subsidies applying to the exchanges set up by the states. In ALL other instances the law is clear that it meant ALL exchanges - Federally-run or state-run. The CBO never considered the law in any other way, and there are reams of documents from the drafting committees making the intent clear.
But the language is there, and the one circuit decided that the language ruled the day. The full D. C. circuit was set to hear the case - not just the one 3-judge panel. It is highly unusual for the court to intervene while the case is still in play. But then again, this is a whole new breed of SCOTUS.
My cynical prediction is that SCOTUS will indeed admit that the law does not reflect intent - and send it back to Congress to fix. Understand, it’s a question of a couple of words. But this Congress will not fix it, and both the evil Congress and SCOTUS can blame the other all the while getting what they want: destruction of ACA. Only the 16 state-run exchanges would get the subsidies and the other 34 Federally run exchanges would not, making insurance unaffordable and thereby collapsing the law.
A few weeks ago I would have said that there would be a public backlash. But after the disconnect in this last election, who knows?
Understand, the one negative ruling turned logic on its ear since the intent of the law is very clear. But legalese typos can win.
Hope this helps.
i just got an email from the dcc saying of the 14 races too close to call, the dems have so far won 7, the rethugs 0. i work as a precinct official and though it’s a very long day, i’m hyper-aware of the importance of validating each voter, each ballot, each and every mark in the book. these close races come down to gotv, and also to clean elections.
Agree, Susanne. It’s also the reason why I insist on every vote being counted and certified before anyone declares themselves a winner. Always happy when early after the polls close that a favored candidate has a lead that would be impossible to overcome, but I still want each voter to know that a candidate does not become elected until all the votes are counted.
Yep. No race is won until it has been certified by the Secretary of State
This.
I just want to say I agree with Donna about the taxes issue. The dem running Congress in a nearby district was hammered by the repub because property taxes were increased in her town. She however was a freeholder and they don’t raise property taxes. The attacks on tv were relentless ( financed by Rove, the Kochs, and the candidate himself). Plus at the end the repub. made an ad making him seem so nice and caring, but in actuality he is a teabagger.Corbet tried to say Wolf had a secret plan to raise taxes on the middle class. Fortunately, it didn’t work. All repubs run on are taxes, taxes. The president was able to alter that argument because he wanted to cut taxes for the middle class but not the rich. People liked that. Besides the Maryland race, the other one I can’t understand is Iowa.Braley had the first lady out for him several times . He looked like he had the momentum.I’m still shaking my head.
here’s an article in bloomberg, outlining the president’s plans re taxes and immigration. my favorite line: ‘Pfeiffer said the administration’s tax-code selling point is the possibility of getting one-time revenue from the change and using it to pay for roads, bridges and other infrastructure. ‘
he’s determined to complete the tasks he set for himself before running for president, and he has the sense to juggle and balance and work towards his goals from many directions. fact is, the word ‘tax’ is toxic, and yet the taxpayers want services. so shunting the burden back and forth between the opposing interests (the wealthy businesses and the middle class) allows some movement. politics is not pretty, but pbo operates politically with great beauty!
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-11-07/obama-to-move-on-immigration-even-with-warning-aide-says.html
here in IL a ballot initiative to tax millionaires to equalize school funding was voted in overwhelmingly. And the same idiots voted for the billionaire who wants to cut all taxes for the wealthy and corporations.
Mind-boggling.
truly. smh, over and over.
New post.
http://theobamadiary.com/2014/11/07/the-presidents-day-25/