I think McConnell is right. Obama is definitely not a "fierce advocate" for any principles. He just wants to be the political version of Miss Congeniality.
Butch1
· 4 months ago
It's an hard row to till trying to make everyone like you. Obama will learn in the end that he should have taken Harry Truman's advice, that if you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.
megatronbomb
· 4 months ago
He did that already! ;)
Butch1
· 4 months ago
Bo is the kid's dog. He needs one for himself. ;-)
condew
· 4 months ago
You mean a dog, as in a health care bill nobody likes?
Butch1
· 4 months ago
He may have trouble befriending that type of a "dog." ;-)
Bostonian_Queer_in_Dallas
· 4 months ago
Here is the nation in a near catastrophic mess and these bozos continue to play around with party this and party that. What a bunch of whores
njb53
· 4 months ago
Of course he's right. I'd think that would be fairly obvious by now - isn't it?
McConnell doesn't need a reason to goad any more than a hornet needs a reason to sting.
synical
· 4 months ago
Probably correct. Especially if President Rahm or President Snowe is the one holding the pen. All they have to do is whisper the magical, "bipartisan, bipartisan, bipartisan" spell in his ear and Obama will sign anything that has "Health Care Reform" written on it. It doesn't matter how bad it is for the average citizen because he'll rationalize there's "some good in it". That way he has a "win" and the press (who must also be getting lobbyist money -- via ads?) has a win.
Until Obama does something that truly surprises me, I continue to expect more corporate-enhancing, middle class destroying DC status quo from him and his administration.
Verchiel
· 4 months ago
Unfortunately, he's right.
Obama has shown that he cares very little about the substance of what passes as long as he can try to sell it as being bipartisan...even though all he's doing is selling out the poeple who elected him.
Can't wait 'til the Dems come with their hands out in 2010 and for the life of them, won't be able to figure out why we won't pony up, again.
Indigo
· 4 months ago
Well, let me put it this way: Charlie Crist, our home-grown and handsomely tanned Republican Florida governor and widely noted empty suit signs whatever shows up on his desk, provided only that it fits his campaign to be a US senator. Empty suit is as empty suit does. Will the Big O sign empty suit legislation? My money's on "Yes!"
ginia
· 4 months ago
Actually he's goading YOU, John, and other Democrats who have been critical of Obama. McConnell is trying to make this a wedge issue for Obama between different parts of the his electoral base. And folks are getting played.
John Aravosis
· 4 months ago
Nah, that's easy. If McConnell is trying to play us, then all Obama has to do is fight for the bill he actually promised us during the campaign. Then we all win, and McConnell loses. It's really quite simple.
PresPlatitudes
· 4 months ago
i completely reject your premise: why SHOULDN'T it be a wedge issue if what ends up in the final bill goes against what progressives have been advocating, and is simply a boon to to insurance industry?
as of now, we still don't know what the deal-breakers are with obama, and what he's willing to give away simply in order to sign something that he can call reform. in fact, i think it's perfectly prudent and reasonable for democrats to ask: which one of our "shared" principles are you willing to fight for? specifically, how are they manifested in your understanding of HCR? and more abstractions ain't gonna cut it.
and if obama is going to end up giving away the store, then that wedge already EXISTS, whether you acknowledge it or not.
robertarhodes
· 4 months ago
You make a great point.
Reading some of these posts proves it.
synical
· 4 months ago
Only Obama's actions will make this a wedge issue -- regardless what anyone says up until the moment the pen is in his hand. He signs a robust PO and it's not an issue--he doesn't and it is. The entire GOP could start repeating Mitch's words but the bottom line is what Obama signs or doesn't sign.
How is anyone getting played by McConnell? Does discussing this on a political blog has some overarching influence on what's happening in DC and across the country? If he were goading us into running an ad about Obama signing anything you might have a point. Words are meaningless, Obama's actions will have direct impact on his electoral base.
Maggie Knowles
· 4 months ago
this is what it's going to take to bring real change. Our bodies protesting and getting arrested on the property of the corporations: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Link to campaign: http://www.mobilizeforhealthcare.org/
16 Arrested at Aetna for Demanding Healthcare Submitted by davidswanson on Tue, 2009-09-29 14:58.
* Healthcare * Nonviolent Resistance
By David Swanson
Sixteen people were arrested this morning at 99 Park Ave in New York City for entering the lobby of the health insurance company Aetna and demanding that Aetna stop denying healthcare approved by doctors. This was the beginning of a campaign in which over 300 people have committed to nonviolently risking arrest:
On September 29th in New York City, October 8th in Chicago, and in cities across the country on October 15th, over 100 people who have signed this pledge will put our bodies on the line to challenge the real death panels.
We will enter the offices of the major insurance companies and demand that they cover the care they are denying to their members. We won't leave until they do. The companies will have to decide - admit they're wrong and approve the care, or have us arrested and show the world how far they will go to protect their obscene profits. If we're arrested, some of us will even refuse to give our names and be released until the insurance companies meet our demand.
We hope that our actions will save the lives of some of the people who are being denied critical care by these death panels today. But we know we can save the lives of millions in the years to come by putting a spotlight on just why our system is broken and how urgently we need fundamental change. We will go to jail to demand that the insurance companies stop denying care to their members immediately, but our sacrifice will be a call to our entire nation to stand up to these death panels and demand real reform - Medicare for All - that finally ensures that every one of us gets the health care we need.
You can let Aetna know what you think at (212) 457-0700 or (888) 203-1103 Toll Free.
Butch1
· 4 months ago
I find it interesting that McConnell thinks his cojones are bigger than Obama's. ( well, since Obama has proved he is an eunuch, I guess that was no contest. )
PresPlatitudes
· 4 months ago
clearly, mcconnell is trying to goad obama into being more specific with what he won't compromise away, i.e. what obama considers a deal-breaker.
FIRST, this provides concrete targets for the next round of talking points and pundit shows. and when obama refuses to furnish such specifics, it demonstrates how utterly WITHOUT principles he really is, refusing to state even a single aspect of reform that is indispensable.
and if obama won't list any specifics that he'll absolutely stand behind and fight for, then of course it looks like obama will sign anything.
and while this may not be a popular take, i think progressives have been rightly asking him the same questions: exactly what won't you give away? forget the 11-dimension chess nonsense about keeping your cards close--your supporters don't even know what specifics you're willing to stand your ground on. name SOMETHING that you'll fight for, not just platitudinous abstractions. what WON'T you give away just so you can sign something and call it reform?
limpidglass
· 4 months ago
[T]he president "would sign anything the Congress sent him, provided it had ‘Health Care Reform’ written at the top of the page."
Loth as I am to admit it, I've actually made the same crack, in slightly different words.
It's sad, but we have a president who understands only appearances and cares not a whit whether there's any substance beneath.
RichardS
· 4 months ago
As much as we might hate to admit it....McConnell is probably right. Obama doesn't have the guts to fight republicans...... Chicago politician my foot! If the bill gets to Obama's desk without a public option he will still sign it...telling us all...well something is better than nothing....which will be another lie, because without a public option it will be a NOTHING bill.....
Naja pallida
· 4 months ago
*waits patiently for the long winded speech about how being a pushover is a great American value*
sonofloud
· 4 months ago
Yes he is right, I'm sure he has his own reasons for saying so.....probably so he can boast to his republican base that even having minority status in both houses of Congress they still control the White House.
henrythefifth
· 4 months ago
He's calling Obama and Dems wimps. He's saying it b/c all the signs point to him being able to get away with talking like this. And he might be right.
RitornaVincitor
· 4 months ago
I honestly don't know if this is true or not, but I'm beginning to fear that Obama is aiming for a bill that he can sign - any bill - good or bad - just so he can claim a political victory. Hope I'm wrong!
gloughlin42
· 4 months ago
If it said "Healthcare Reform" ... yes, I think that "empty suit" in the Whitehouse would sign just about anything...
BillFromPA
· 4 months ago
Pathetic gamesmanship by a insurance industry tool who know's he's losing.
condew
· 4 months ago
From your keyboard to God's screen.
HereinDC
· 4 months ago
When one doesn't have a chin...one takes up goading.
PeteWa
· 4 months ago
The dribblings that leave Mitch's greasy chin disguised as words don't concern me much one way or the other.
shell
· 4 months ago
Yes, I think he is right. If he is goading Obama, I would think it would not be in McConnell's favor. But that's just me -- you know, the reality-based community. And yes, I think he would sign anything to say he modified healthcare. Good or bad.
I don't know if we should care or not whether McConnell says this. Seems to me it can only hurt GOPers. But what do I know?
hillcrestdenizen
· 4 months ago
As much as i can't stand that old queer Mitch I'm going to agree with him on this one.
ArizonaWill
· 4 months ago
Excuse me, but as a gay person I would appreciate it if you'd find another scapegoat group to use in denigrating someone you dislike. Thank you.
RobertSanDimas
· 4 months ago
Good for you AZW. I agree. However, if "hillcrestdenizen" is indeed a denizen of the Hillcrest area of San Diego, he may very well be gay himself. I'm sure many of us agree that McConnell is a pathetic closet case.
ArizonaWill
· 4 months ago
I'm tired of my sexual orientation being the most popular denunciation of others. Between/among gay people, such language may make sense, but to use that kind of put-down in public only solidifies the public perception that this is a valid way to denounce someone else. To me, McConnell is "The Turtle" since he resembles this cartoon character from my childhood called Yertle the Turtle. If he is a closet case, I don't want to know about it. The sexual visions this evokes in my head are just to dreadful to contemplate before lunch.
hillcrestdenizen
· 4 months ago
AZW, you have way too much time on your hands and if you're that touchy about your orientation you need to get counseling..
RobertSanDimas
· 4 months ago
Chill, Will. I'm gay too, but you do need to relax a little.
hillcrestdenizen
· 4 months ago
I'm a gay person too so get a grip and stop sniviling.
hillcrestdenizen
· 4 months ago
I'm gay too
if
hillcrestdenizen
· 4 months ago
I'm gay too so get a grip and stop sniviling.? If you're that sensitive about your orientation you need to get counseling.? Now leave me alone you giant runny nose.? You're?dismissed now go away and leave me alone...?
unrepentant_expat
· 4 months ago
[T]he president "would sign anything the Congress sent him, provided it had ‘Health Care Reform’ written at the top of the page."
As would the Repugs who would deny any bill which would provide anything approximating real health care reform.
condew
· 4 months ago
So there is the deal made in Hell; Obama will sign a bill that won't provide anything approximating real health care reform, but be happy, because that is the only way it will be truly "bipartisan", and you know that is the only important thing.
tbhull
· 4 months ago
It may very well be that Obama is a well spoken poser and a fraud. Time will soon tell.
UncleBucky
· 4 months ago
I think McConnell is spewing a spitwad on the wall to see if it will stick.
While Obama is greatly desirous to get a Health Care bill signed, if it is anything less than a strong public option, I will yell and scream at my representative in the White House (via email of course, or by phone center).
But McConnell is trying something, haha.
Ugh.
davefragments
· 4 months ago
They are getting ready for after the bill passes and is signed. then forever it will be the "non-effective" health care reform or the "useless" health care reform... They are laying the groundwork for the next big lie much like the FDR and SS failed lies.
barbarajmay
· 4 months ago
I strongly suspect we elected a wimp. Bush was an idiot and a disgrace, but he certainly knew how to get legislation passed. I think Obama's afraid of his shadow.
JohnnyG
· 4 months ago
I can't wait for Obama to sign a bill without a public option (even the most "robust" of which would be wimpy and ineffective anyway.) It'll be Obama's political downfall and Merry Christmas for me. Fingers crossed.
yaridanjo
· 4 months ago
Maybe what Health Care reform is really about is to legalize organ harvesting. This may not be a change we want.
'Organ Harvesting' is a medical term for organ transplantation. There's nothing illegal about it.
Why do you believe anything on CNSNEWS.COM? It's a GOP newsletter.
yaridanjo
· 4 months ago
Organ harvesting is not exactly ethical when done without the doners consent.
reuters is not exactly a republican propaganda organ and those some 40 odd politicians involved in the NJ program are not republicans I bet. And that incident reflected on Specters' (whatever party he is with these days) proposed legislation.
http://www.forward.com/articles/111473/ Kidney Donation Scandal Sparks New Debate Over Specter’s Organ Legislation "The proposed language cites Israel as a model of a country that has enacted a law providing benefits for organ donors."
And Israel ( and maybe Rahm's brother) is knee deep in that kind of unethical business.
Please take this off-topic comment to the Speaker's Corner open thread located at the top right of the blog front page.
ArizonaWill
· 4 months ago
I cannot believe Obama would be stupid enough to sign a bill that mandates that every citizen have health care insurance, mandates that such coverage come from private insurance companies (no public option), and does nothing to curb private insurance costs or rates of refusal to pay for medical procedures. If he did this, the man would be toast. Every political persuasion in the country would revile him. So, no, I do not think he would sign anything. If he does pass a bill like I described above, he would have to be insane.
condew
· 4 months ago
I, on the other hand, believe he intends to sign into law a bill that requires everybody do exactly what you said, and to please Republicans the subsidies will be cut to the bone. Thus many people will be pushed into poverty and bankruptcy paying fines or buying coverage they don't think they need. The anger in this group will put Republicans back in power, even if they nominate Sarah Palin.
therepguy
· 4 months ago
Hell no!
McConnell is a A** Hole!
ezpz
· 4 months ago
I happen to agree.
Maybe, just maybe like with Joe Wilson, Obama will go out of his way to prove McConnell wrong.
We can hope.....
condew
· 4 months ago
I don't like where this is going: Teabaggers accuse Dems of "death panels", and Dems rewrite the legislation to remove end of life counceling. Teabaggers accuse Dems of covering illegals, Dems cave again and add even more language to exclude illegals. McConnel accuses Obama of being willing to sign any piece of shit put before him, and Obama ...
AdmNaismith
· 4 months ago
He is a push-over. Obama's taking orders from Glen Beck, for f*** sake.
JRV
· 4 months ago
And when he signs that piece of slit, I, loyal Dem, am staying home the next 2 elections. You should, too! Just stay HOME !
tr
· 4 months ago
John. can you put up a poll? I have no doubt that O will sign anything put in front of him. He and his people are not progressives. They barely qualify as liberals on some issues. His protection of the Bush criminals and lack of action on gay rights sum up his modus operandi. He gives a good speech but has no core beliefs and has used issues as a path to power. They think themselves smart "realists" in their lack a principle but they are deluded by conventional wisdom which serves the elites which they identify with and not the party base.
Butch1
· 4 months ago
I think Hilliary Clinton has been proven correct when she said, that he gives a good speech . . .
rayso
· 4 months ago
I think he will sign a bill that doesn't please anyone.
condew
· 4 months ago
I think McConnell is absolutely correct, and free to speak his mind because, at Netroots Nation, Bill Clinton said that once a bill is signed all will be forgiven. I think Obama believes this to the depths of his cold little politician's heart and will sign absolutely anything.
W. Holmes
· 4 months ago
McConnell is correct -- Republicans know that Obama can easily be "rolled".
All Comments
McConnell doesn't need a reason to goad any more than a hornet needs a reason to sting.
Until Obama does something that truly surprises me, I continue to expect more corporate-enhancing, middle class destroying DC status quo from him and his administration.
Obama has shown that he cares very little about the substance of what passes as long as he can try to sell it as being bipartisan...even though all he's doing is selling out the poeple who elected him.
Can't wait 'til the Dems come with their hands out in 2010 and for the life of them, won't be able to figure out why we won't pony up, again.
as of now, we still don't know what the deal-breakers are with obama, and what he's willing to give away simply in order to sign something that he can call reform. in fact, i think it's perfectly prudent and reasonable for democrats to ask: which one of our "shared" principles are you willing to fight for? specifically, how are they manifested in your understanding of HCR? and more abstractions ain't gonna cut it.
and if obama is going to end up giving away the store, then that wedge already EXISTS, whether you acknowledge it or not.
Reading some of these posts proves it.
How is anyone getting played by McConnell? Does discussing this on a political blog has some overarching influence on what's happening in DC and across the country? If he were goading us into running an ad about Obama signing anything you might have a point. Words are meaningless, Obama's actions will have direct impact on his electoral base.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Link to campaign:
http://www.mobilizeforhealthcare.org/
Link to article:
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/46485
16 Arrested at Aetna for Demanding Healthcare
Submitted by davidswanson on Tue, 2009-09-29 14:58.
* Healthcare
* Nonviolent Resistance
By David Swanson
Sixteen people were arrested this morning at 99 Park Ave in New York City for entering the lobby of the health insurance company Aetna and demanding that Aetna stop denying healthcare approved by doctors. This was the beginning of a campaign in which over 300 people have committed to nonviolently risking arrest:
On September 29th in New York City, October 8th in Chicago, and in cities across the country on October 15th, over 100 people who have signed this pledge will put our bodies on the line to challenge the real death panels.
We will enter the offices of the major insurance companies and demand that they cover the care they are denying to their members. We won't leave until they do. The companies will have to decide - admit they're wrong and approve the care, or have us arrested and show the world how far they will go to protect their obscene profits. If we're arrested, some of us will even refuse to give our names and be released until the insurance companies meet our demand.
We hope that our actions will save the lives of some of the people who are being denied critical care by these death panels today. But we know we can save the lives of millions in the years to come by putting a spotlight on just why our system is broken and how urgently we need fundamental change. We will go to jail to demand that the insurance companies stop denying care to their members immediately, but our sacrifice will be a call to our entire nation to stand up to these death panels and demand real reform - Medicare for All - that finally ensures that every one of us gets the health care we need.
You can let Aetna know what you think at (212) 457-0700 or (888) 203-1103 Toll Free.
FIRST, this provides concrete targets for the next round of talking points and pundit shows. and when obama refuses to furnish such specifics, it demonstrates how utterly WITHOUT principles he really is, refusing to state even a single aspect of reform that is indispensable.
and if obama won't list any specifics that he'll absolutely stand behind and fight for, then of course it looks like obama will sign anything.
and while this may not be a popular take, i think progressives have been rightly asking him the same questions: exactly what won't you give away? forget the 11-dimension chess nonsense about keeping your cards close--your supporters don't even know what specifics you're willing to stand your ground on. name SOMETHING that you'll fight for, not just platitudinous abstractions. what WON'T you give away just so you can sign something and call it reform?
Loth as I am to admit it, I've actually made the same crack, in slightly different words.
It's sad, but we have a president who understands only appearances and cares not a whit whether there's any substance beneath.
I don't know if we should care or not whether McConnell says this. Seems to me it can only hurt GOPers. But what do I know?
if
As would the Repugs who would deny any bill which would provide anything approximating real health care reform.
While Obama is greatly desirous to get a Health Care bill signed, if it is anything less than a strong public option, I will yell and scream at my representative in the White House (via email of course, or by phone center).
But McConnell is trying something, haha.
Ugh.
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/53534
Obama Regulation Czar Advocated Removing People’s Organs Without Explicit Consent
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE5...
Mayors, rabbis arrested in NJ corruption probe
Why do you believe anything on CNSNEWS.COM? It's a GOP newsletter.
reuters is not exactly a republican propaganda organ and those some 40 odd politicians involved in the NJ program are not republicans I bet. And that incident reflected on Specters' (whatever party he is with these days) proposed legislation.
http://www.forward.com/articles/111473/
Kidney Donation Scandal Sparks New Debate Over Specter’s Organ Legislation
"The proposed language cites Israel as a model of a country that has enacted a law providing benefits for organ donors."
And Israel ( and maybe Rahm's brother) is knee deep in that kind of unethical business.
http://www.haaretz.co.il/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtm...
Romania probes Israeli adoption agency link in organ trafficking
http://politicaltheatrics.org/2009/09/07/missin...
Missing Algerian Children Had Their Organs Removed
http://www.mombu.com/culture/canada/t-israel-wa...
ISRAEL WANTS YOUR KIDNEY!
http://www.bioedge.org/index.php/bioethics/bioe...
Israeli organ traffickers shift operations to China
http://www.abc.net.au/foreign/2001/ep5-11.htm#lead
MOLDOVA/TURKEY/ISRAEL - ORGAN TRADE
http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2002-01...
Israel Kills, Steals Organs of Palestinian Children
McConnell is a A** Hole!
Maybe, just maybe like with Joe Wilson, Obama will go out of his way to prove McConnell wrong.
We can hope.....