On This Day: A Christmas tree frames President Obama as he talks on the phone in the Oval Office, Dec. 12, 2009 (Photo by Pete Souza)
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Today (all times Eastern):
12:45: Jay Carney briefs the press
7:15: VP Biden delivers remarks at U.S. Global Leadership Coalition Annual Tribute Dinner
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@WhiteHouse: Holiday lights in the Rose Garden
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Steve Benen: Obamacare enrollment soars in November
About a month ago, the Obama administration released its enrollment totals for the Affordable Care Act, offering data that covered just the first month of the open-enrollment period. Given the systemic problems with healthcare.gov, the figures were expected to fall far short of projections, and they did – 106,185 consumers signed up for health insurance through an exchange in October, and only about a quarter of that total signed up by way of the federal marketplace.
The totals were vastly improved in November …. Note that the enrollment totals do not include 1.9 million Americans who have not yet selected a plan, but who’ve gone through the eligibility process. Also note, these totals include the period before the darn website got fixed.
….Whether the right wants to admit it or not, I can think of about 1.2 million reasons – and growing – why the Affordable Care Act isn’t going away.
Full post here
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FACT: The demand for health insurance in the new marketplace is still growing. pic.twitter.com/vdWt243tS1
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 11, 2025
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but….selfie! RT @JuddLegum BREAKING: Embattled HealthCare website sees dramatic enrollment surge in November http://t.co/3Qzx0Bl6Nc
— Eric Boehlert (@EricBoehlert) December 11, 2025
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Obamacare enrollments have risen to 1.2 million and surge suggests we are making up for lost time in October. But those are just facts.
— Jon Lovett (@jonlovett) December 11, 2025
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Jim Stuart’s New Blog: Deep Currents, Surface Storms - Healthcare (2) http://t.co/REm7pUNKUn
— Jim Stuart (@jstuart902) December 11, 2025
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Brian Beutler: How to tell which Republicans care about their constituents’ health
A new moral dilemma: Now that Healthcare.gov is working, some Republicans have a moral quandary to consider
…. Healthcare.gov is now working well enough to sign up tens of thousands of people a day. The improvement is both anecdotal and rooted in data. The administration, its allies, and insurance companies are now stepping up enrollment campaigns that were put on ice in October and November. Thousands of people whose insurers canceled their coverage, or who got stuck on Healthcare.gov last month, are now relieved to find reasonable options available on the federal exchange ahead of the Dec. 23 deadline to sign up for coverage that begins Jan. 1.
…. But if the big story is the turning tide of Healthcare.gov, the corollary is that committee Democrats don’t have to sit around playing defense against GOP attacks. They can attempt to reorient the debate around Republican efforts to discourage enrollment — particularly now that their constituents can, for the most part, actually access the law’s benefits.
Full post here
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Analysts predict surge in health care enrollment http://t.co/7eGQZ08foR via @USATODAY
— BWD (@theonlyadult) December 12, 2025
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#Obamacare: The Number Of Women Who Aren’t Charged Co-Pays For Birth Control Has Jumped 25%. http://t.co/VR4CLblSBn pic.twitter.com/n2HYhPZ8eN
— Nerdy Wonka (@NerdyWonka) December 12, 2025
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Since October, 1.2 million have gained Obamacare coverage “Not a good idea to bet against the American people ” CF http://t.co/zbYm5i0NGm
— Chaka Fattah (@chakafattah) December 11, 2025
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Please read this: Special Investigation: How Insurers Are Hiding Obamacare Benefits From Customers http://t.co/jLCgbzoFWb
— Dr. Vicki Hayes (@WonderfulwomanK) December 12, 2025
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David Ignatius: Obama’s relentlessly pragmatic diplomacy
This has been a year when America re-embraced diplomacy after a frustrating decade of war, displaying a relentlessly pragmatic approach that recalls the days of such deal-making secretaries of state as Henry Kissinger and James A. Baker III.
The secret diplomatic machinations have been dizzying, and sometimes disorienting. President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry have opened doors and created opportunities for settling intractable conflicts…..
The Iran nuclear agreement was the most striking example of the willingness to engage former adversaries…..
Israelis I talked to afterward were impressed (if not always convinced) by the dry, precise clarity of Obama’s argument for testing the Iranians
More here
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The People’s View: As Usual, Liberals Attacking Budget Deal Miss the Long Game
Yesterday, Paul Ryan and Patty Murray announced a budget deal that eases up on the dumb sequestration, meets the House and Senate budget numbers in the middle, raises minimal revenue and avoids another government shutdown. And right on cue, ideologues on the Right and Left have begun to pounce at any hint of compromise.
John Boehner is taking flack from - and lashing out at - the right wing of activists who are incensed at the fact that House Republicans would strike any deal at all that could win President Obama’s blessing, even a qualified one. Groups like Heritage Action and Americans for Prosperity (hmm… they seem to have a funding source in common) are lobbying Republicans to scuttle the deal, crying foul at the GOP’s agreement of $45 billion in higher spending than their previous position.
But if the Right wing fanatics are good at whipping up the Republican party into a frenzy, our own ideologues have also been honing their skills of whining and short-sightedness. Yesterday, it started with Ezra Klein….
More here
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ThinkProgress: What You Need To Know About The Budget Deal
Late Tuesday night, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) announced that they had come to an agreement on a budget deal, ending negotiations begun as part of the agreement to re-open the government in October. The deal still has to be passed by the House and Senate and then implemented by appropriations committees by January 15. Here’s what you need to know about what’s in the Murray-Ryan agreement….
More here
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USA Today: Obama to hold moment of silence for Newtown victims
President Obama will lead a moment of silence Saturday to mark the one-year anniversary of the deadly school shooting in Newtown, Conn.
The president and first lady Michelle Obama will honor the lives of the 26 people — including 20 children — who died in the attack at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
More here
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TPM: Biden Says His Ancestors ‘Didn’t All Come Here Legally’
Before you decry “illegal immigrants,” Joe Biden thinks you ought to check your own familial history. That’s what the vice president said Wednesday during an online forum in response to a questioner who claimed her family immigrated to the United States legally from Ireland in the 19th century.
“My great-great grandparents came escaping the famine and they didn’t all come here legally,” Biden said, as quoted by Politico. “They didn’t all come legally. And the existence of the system isn’t all truncated like it is now. I’d check your ancestry to make sure that they did come legally if that’s a concern to you.”
More here
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This might just be the greatest toon in the history of tooniness:
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Thanks to the penetrating coverage of the Mandela memorial, I learned what a “Selfie” is. Where have I been?
— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) December 11, 2025
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Exclusive - TIME Magazine “Grifter of the Year” Glenn Greenwald. December 23, 2025 pic.twitter.com/ZnVyLnqXZy
— Ｇｕｓ (@Gus_802) December 12, 2025
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On This Day:
President Obama smiles while talking with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on the phone in the Oval Office, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009 (Photo by Pete Souza)
The First Family at “Christmas in Washington” at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., Dec. 12, 2010
First Lady Michelle Obama and Bo, the Obama family dog, greet audience members at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Dec. 12, 2011.
President Obama walks along the Colonnade of the White House, Dec. 12, 2012 (Photo by Pete Souza)
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MoooOOOooorning!
White House.gov
1sstttt
:shock: Mooooorning Mister! Mooooorning everyone!
I am :shock: :shock: :shock: myself.
Own up, you’re on performance-enhancing drugs?
Do freshly roasted peanuts count as drugs? If yes, then yes.
Ah ha, that’s your secret?? These kind of ones?
Is there any other kind? My fav munchies since age 1 month.
“since age 1 month”
:lol: You were an easy baby to feed!
That would explain my nuttiness too.
See, I was going to say that, but my better nature briefly took over.
wimmin/smh
Min nuts/smh
see below.
Morning Chips. On my way out for the day but I admit to being somewhat mesmerized by the idiotic melodrama on CSPAN. Last night Rachel showed the workers setting up the cots. For what? What are they accomplishing? They prove they can slow things down? Was that in doubt?
Real lesson is that PBO and Democrats will not be stopped or intimidated.
Second term, kids.
Morning Vicki - oh, I missed all that, have a lot of catching up to do after yesterday!
Thursday is Wednesday ????
Well, Hallelujah! Thank goodness for at least one sensible vote.
Turn on CSPAN and see the depths the Senate GOP has plunged to.
I see Carl Levin paling around with McBitter.
This is the Republicans’ childish way at getting back at Democrats for their vote on the filibuster. It’s kind of a playground “nah, nah, nah, nah, nah……look what I can do.” They are just “showing” the Democrats that they will make their lives miserable by doing the old-fashioned, actually talking filibuster thing, hoping the Democrats will “cave” They will eventually get tired of this prank…they don’t have the stamina…….
grade school playground antics!
Thought “Real Christians” would want to be home with family and friends at Christmas and not play foolish games. :twisted:
Yet David Corn is carrying on about how the GOP won. He can STFU and have a seat.
GOP won what, and Mr. Corn feels that way because.
See my post at the bottom of the last thread…to get more context.
G’morning Chips, TOD, lurkers, everyone and congrats amk on #1! Thank you Chips for another splendid Thursday morning R & S roundup. Love the “old” pics of First Family at Christmas - how time flies!
Congrats amk on 1st. GM Chips. Nice to be back. Finally have a break in the weather. Got my car started, brushed off and loaded empty container for storage. Whoooopi !!!!. :)
GM everyone that was up early for the Early Bird, good post Chips. And THANK YOU ALL for your coverage of the Memorial Service for President Mandela. It was awesome. Thank you for this place of peace. If you don’t hear from me for a bit, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays & Happy Hanuka :) Did I miss anyone? Love you all. Roberta
Chips, I have a comment on Cheesy Puffs, not my bag for the tummy. I can only handle the Crispy kind. :) :) :)
Fabulous Rise and Shine Chiparoo. Spandan’s post on the budget deal is FANTASTIC and thanks for the Think Progress post breaking down the budget deal.
I suspect Democrats and President Obama will use unemployment benefits as a stand alone issue to have intense focus on it and make sure the public is aware of Republicans making people suffer during the holiday season.
The long term view that President Obama has been applying has worked out well for this nation and I’m going to watch and see it play out on this issue and others as we approach 2014.
Thank yoooooooou UT-a-roo!
This^^^^
Mandela’s Crucial Lesson For America — And The Republicans Who Never Learn
By Joe Conason
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Like their predecessors who insisted on spurning Mandela and isolating Cuba, the neoconservatives are too incompetent and narrow-minded to manage American foreign policy on a planet where cooperation is imperative and unilateralism doesn’t work. We should be grateful that the grownups are still in charge – at least for now.
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http://www.nationalmemo.com/joe-conason-12-12/
Chips, this is an absolutely terrific R&S-as usual, the links are so good, I get caught up reading them. Hope everyone is keeping warm and holding Christmas stresses at bay. Best not to think of all that has to get done and live in the moment. Maybe the Republicans will get sick of their own antics this week and realize they’d better get it done and go home or they’ll be opening boxes of coal on Christmas day.
A compleeeeeete pleasure Jackie, so much good Obamacare news especially, I’m sure I missed 90% of it! Thank you Jackie.
HOW TO HELP ON THE SANDY HOOK ANNIVERSARY
==========================================
1) How to help on the Sandy Hook anniversary
Rachel Maddow highlights how Newtown, CT is struggling with the media spotlight on the anniversary of the shooting tragedy - and offers better ways to help.
http://on.msnbc.com/1iUYawp
2) Sandy Hook parents strive to ‘be loving':
David and Francine Wheeler, who lost their six-year-old son Ben at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, reflect on the anniversary of the tragedy.
http://on.msnbc.com/1f5XS02
3) My Sandy Hook Family
http://mysandyhookfamily.org
Repost.
Oh, that’s brilliant!
No doubt!
UpChuck’s trivia question was …Which State put the first African American in Congress. The ” winner ” said it was South Carolina….when in fact is was Mississippi…..when Hiran Revels replaced Jefferson Davis who became the President of the south.
Another media fail.
You know, Linda, many people I meet don’t think the U.S. Senate is part of Congress. I suppose it has to do with the fact that members of the House of Rep. are called Congress men/women, and members of the Senate are called Senators. Obviously, it’s sad when the media people, like “upChuck,” that people depend on for knowledge, perpetuate ignorance.
who is the architect of WH and what are his rates? I wanna hire him.
Good luck trying to make contact with him :-)
:-D
Ouch. LOL.
I love that entire Pelosi family.
Good morning, TODville.
This is what America looks like:
America’s Christmas card!
Hope and Change is moving #FORWARD
Love the photos of FLOTUS and the elves. I always watch the “Christmas in Washington” special because it’s held at The National Building Museum - that is my favorite building in DC by far! Once upon a time I worked for the FDIC and spent time every year training in DC, so discovered this gem of a place and visited frequently. I love the arches and pillars and symmetry and vastness of it all. Of course getting to see PBO and his family in it these past 4 years has been an added thrill. Can’t wait for this year’s show on Dec. 20… :-)
Also love that building. When we lived in NOVA and went into DC to eityher take guests or just by ourselves, I loved going there.
She is definitely suffering from ‘pelvic congestion’!
Is there a cure for that?
Yep!!!! LOL
I know that everything the President do is news, but you can’t make up your own news, or you shouldn’t make up your own news.
But this is the NY Post, nothing but a rag sheet, and Fox on paper. Do Murdoch still own the Post?
Plum line has a graphic of state by state enrollment that would be good to post here if someone can bring it over . On my phone now so I can’t link it. I think it came from TPM so you could check their as well. Thanks!
LOL.
:lol: Magnificent!
That I am.
Congrats on first amk! I may be late, but I’m here!
Random
Everybody’s happy to get a hug!
Fantastic pic. Just about the same age I guess.
They never learn.
Lyrics are printed in news story.
Oh, my.
I hope to hear that young man again someday! What a beautiful, heartfelt voice along with his choir. You and he brought me to tears. :'(
Splendid!
The Age of Obama. Only 3 countries remain: Egypt, Israel and North Korea. Interesting that Israel isn’t considered by the GOP as part of an Axis of Evil. I’m telling you, the GOP needs to be renamed the GOH for Grand Old Hypocrisy.
They’re tag-teaming! Love it. Right is right - or left, in this case - Ha! And the righteous are always on the same side.
LOVE Pope Francis.
POTUS Obama, I LOVE him more than I can say.
G’day you lot. Here’s something I think is more important than a Presidential selfie.
Hi, there, Yard. Yes, this story is more important by about a mile!
I don’t believe this is an isolated incident either. While we’re cleaning the family room, someones trying to steal the pots and pans from the kitchen.
I know. Your predictions have been both frightening, and - I’m doubly afraid - just as wise. We seem to have a DOJ on high alert and others out on patrol, but ya can’t catch everybody. Not all of the undergrounders.
Time for more prayer and speaking out - and for those among us who are sane, coming together.
AMEN jo. AMEN!
Former HHA, Janet H. warned about Militia activities ins 2009 or 2010 and she was harshly criticized. And now? Who is going to say that she was right?
It beats me?
Thank you Alycee. This is a very important article:
“To combat the global challenges America faces in the world today, we know that we cannot deliver security solely from the barrel of a gun. The United States must combine the tools of development and diplomacy alongside defense to create the stability and prosperity around the globe that is in our national interests, prevents conflict, and sustains peace. That’s what we call smart power.
This may seem unusual coming from two former career military officers, but our experience tells us that America faces vastly different threats now than it did when we entered the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps during the Cold War. And that means we have to rely on new approaches to our security.
Because of globalization, new threats from violent extremists, human-traffickers and drug smugglers to name a few, have emerged who do not respect national boundaries. Unfortunately these enemies are also in the most dangerous in places with corrupt and ineffective governance, persistent poverty and disease, poor educational systems and widespread marginalization of girls and women. We know this from our times as commanders of U.S. forces in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia.
In the 21st century, we cannot create security by building walls, as we did for most of the 20th Century, when we worried about conflict between nation states with large armies, navies and air forces. Instead, we need to build security by building bridges.”
more at the link in the tweet.
Yes We Can
Give ’em “hell” (literally), Bob!
;)
Nice! These two Catholics need to get called out.
Frankly, until Pope Francis, the Church clergy acted just like these wealthy CEOs and corporations; lining their own coat pockets at the expense of their parishioners. Most clergy- all the way to the top — were all about living the high life of expensive homes and vacations and parties. Never practicing for a moment what they preach every Sunday.
Pope Francis is shaming all clergy by his words. And in the process putting the spotlight on these politicians who openly vote for and advocate GREED.
As a Catholic, I’m chuckling at the deer-in-the-headlights look in the eyes of some of the Church hierarchy. Some of the bishops and cardinals don’t know what hit them. Go, Pope Francis!
‘Pope and Hope’
Yep! :)
Now I see why Rush and the Republicans seem to hate the Pope.
Confused or very, very stoopid?
First let me ask did Megan say that Jesus was white? How do they know that Jesus was white. I don’t recall it saying that anywhere in the Bible.
Well, if a person remotely fitting the description of Jesus actually ever existed, he would certainly have not been ‘white,’ Annie :)
Up next, Mary was a blond and worked for Fox News……
blonde
On the contrary. It describes him as the color of burnished copper and hair like lambs wool. Not like Jesus in the movies.
Wait, what? I didn’t believe she said that, so I had to google it. She fucking said that.
Palin and Bachman are not alone.
Megyn Kelley Needs to Listen to a speech at the UN in 1963 by then Emperor of Ethiopia, Halle Selassie(sp)
The late Bob Marley gave tribute to that speech in his song: War. This woman is not Only stupid, but wickedly ignorant for a trained Lawyer…..Logic was suppose to be party of her schooling. Sheesh.
It seems this is the only way to draw attention, around the country! Always! Too bad it’s winter and they’re freezing. But more power to them, and they’re sustained by their just cause.
This hits the right spot I think.
That is just perfect Shipmate, says it ALL!
Agreed Admiral.
Bulls-eye!!! Thanks sailor!!!
Thanks Lootenant. Back to the ‘paint locker’ I go. :-)
Many inferences possible ….
…. but, one would certainly be that Iran is signaling by that budget a major cutback in their nuclear enrichment program.
I clicked the link Bob….. :???:
:)
Google translate is your friend, Chips!
Line - 6 وزارت دفاع
is ‘Department of Defense’ - budget difference between previous fiscal year and the new budget is a reduction of 115,996,480, i.e., a reduction of ~ 85%.
Thanks Bob! That’s an amazing and truly heartening reduction - thank you Barack Obama.
You’re welcome, Chips. And, ‘thank you Barack Obama’ IN_DEED!!!
LOL
GM Amk with your Gold.
Good Day, afternoon, Hello TODers everywhere.
Fantastic Posts. Thanks.
Afternooooooon Nena!
:coo:
Jay is Now at the Podium ;)
http://www.whitehouse.gov/live with Sir, oops, Hon Jay “Clark Kent” Carney
Time: 12:45 PM EDT
http://www.c-span.org/
Time: 1:00 PM EDT
Q: Jay, is it true that Mr Obama replaces the toilet paper roll under instead of over and could we take a picture of that
http://www.c-span.org/flvPop.aspx?id=10737443089
Testing….a pop version.
Jay…..at the WH Podium.
New post: http://theobamadiary.com/2013/12/12/megyn-kelly-santa-is-white-and-real