I don't care if they show up in the Oval Office in jogging attire. Just so long as they get things done and rescue the middle class. Mister Card it is time for you and your lowlife uppity white trash to STFU.
Dave of the Jungle
· 10 months ago
Adolph Hitler was very big on decorum and civic ritual.
nicho
· 10 months ago
And was very careful about which outfit he wore.
Savage8862
· 10 months ago
My father always told me that when I was faced with troubling issues in my life, I was to roll up my sleeves and hit it head on - and work through it. That is what Obama has chosen to do. He and his staff have rolled up their sleeves tackle this dreadful economy that President Bush and the properly dressed staff left him.
President Obama and his staff have chosen to work - President Bush and his staff chose to ignore the problems and hoped they went away. Prime example - Bush ignorance and failure with Katrina.
grandma
· 10 months ago
Bush liked to dress like a cowboy too....didn't make him one tho.
Dave of the Jungle
· 10 months ago
All Hat; No Cattle
Ken Clark
· 10 months ago
10 Gallon Hat, 1 oz brain (if that)
MNPundit
· 10 months ago
I think this is a dog-whistle racial thing. Locker-room ==> Black Athelete ==> famous for their out-appearance (physical) instead of their minds. So basically I think he's insinuating that Obama is all flash no substance just like other black athletes who make good.
So that really pisses me off.
moreleesafer
· 10 months ago
oh yeah....it is a racial statement. They are essentially accusing him of n!gger!ng up the Oval Office. Making it seem like he showed up to work looking like a rapper with a big @$$ clock around his neck and a blinged out grill.
You honor the office and respect it by understanding that you are an employee of the American people who put you there and understanding that you are not a king who uses the Constitution to figuratively wipe your butt.
Personally, I could care less what he wears to the damn office. Well, I would prefer he wore a Speedo just because it would allow many more pics of the eye candy that is Obama. But I digress...........
Steve_in_CNJ
· 10 months ago
what was Card wearing when he ambushed the half-dead Ashcroft in his hospital bed to get "permission" to violate the FISA statute and conduct illegal domestic spying?
pdxprobert
· 10 months ago
What was he wearing when he participated in the outing of an undercover CIA agent...
Henry Hill
· 10 months ago
"Andy Card carried my mother's groceries all the way home. You know why? It was outta respect. ..."
Goodfella W. Bush
kittycatastrophe
· 10 months ago
So, wearing business casual in the Oval Office is disrespectful but pissing all over The Constitution in full business attire while in the Oval Office isn't? Gotcha asshole.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 10 months ago
the Onion was probably writing this article when it turned out to be true.
vegasbaby
· 10 months ago
oh that's so rich coming from a tool like card...
let's see: shredding the constitution: no problem
take off your suit jacket: end of civilization...
got it!!!
Mister_Flailey
· 10 months ago
It's a dog whistle and you guys apparently aren't hearing it.
It's about the black guys that come in and ruin the place. Meant to conjure up that loud black family wearing sweatpants across the restaurant. Etc.
The neighborhood is gone to hell. Nobody respects the place any more, they won't even wear a tie. And so on.
This has NOTHING to do with clothing. Just like the Clintons trashing the white house story had nothing to do with that either.
That story was a dog whistle saying the non-stop white trash party and orgy is over.
This story is the dog whistle saying the club is no longer respectable now that they've been forced to let the wrong kind of people in.
sherifffruitfly
· 10 months ago
White folks don't hear it. We ARE it.
scottinsf
· 10 months ago
Wow! Thanks for pointing that out. Without you explaining that I never would've figured that out on my own. I was so blind but you showed me the light. Thank you so much.
mora31
· 10 months ago
could not have said it better. it's the good old uppity negro has risen above his station, alas there goes the neighborhood. jake tapper did a piece on this dress code/change in style nonsense the other day, and much like john predicted also managed to throw in rove's nonsense about too many people working in the west wing for bonus points; oh and they made sure not to forget that the obamas are being more social and apparently "enjoying the perks of being president," but they assured us they didn't mean to imply that obama wasn't working hard or anything. you know, i'm not saying... i'm just saying...
I think he is trying to draw a parallel in people's minds between Obama's "disrespect" for the Oval Office and that other Democratic President who "disrespected" the Oval Office. Just more Rovian bullshit.
reef the dog
· 10 months ago
It's interesting that Card says Obama wears "no shirt, no tie" in the Oval Office when there is absolutely nothing to back that up. So in Card's world, Obama is literally SHIRTLESS in the Oval Office during business hours. This is simply ridiculous, and certainly borders on racism.
The Man of The Crowd
· 10 months ago
I'm with Mister_Flailey on this one... it's simple coded racism. Don't expect this to go away anytime soon.
Roddy McCorley
· 10 months ago
There's an unspoken subtext to all of this, most memorably articulated by Ed Begley's character in 12 Angry Men: "You know how those people are!"
It's not going to stop, either. They will keep finding oblique ways to rephrase that basic idea.
KarenMrsLloydRichards
· 10 months ago
Like racist Jim DeMint referring to Obama "mugging" him and the country with the Stimulus Package.
RainbowPhoenix
· 10 months ago
There can be no respect for the office if there is no respect for what that office represents. Reagan and the Bushes had nothing but contempt for the meaning of the office.
Same crap, different a-hole
· 10 months ago
What Dubya should be held responsible for, is not just disrespecting the office, he should be held responsible for all the people that also lost respect for the office under his tenure.
sherifffruitfly
· 10 months ago
There goes the neighborhood!
roflmao!
Certain sorts of people are really, really funny.
JetSetter
· 10 months ago
For Card, Bush et al, "respect" is a costume one puts on in order to appear "presidential" (like a flight suit, or a cowboy hat), whereas for Obama, he asks that we not to judge him by the color of his suit jacket, but by the content of his character.
Same crap, different a-hole
· 10 months ago
Card is a tool. The Bush administration certainly disrespected, not the office, but the post. The entire national govt is a joke, due to generations of opportunist politicians disrespecting their posts.
Obama hasn't disrespected the office, or the post. But that doesn't mean he won't.
Chris Murphy
· 10 months ago
It's ok to torture, imprison, and spy on people, but a jacket and tie is required!
An_American_Karol
· 10 months ago
Bush was an empty suit.
devlzadvocate
· 10 months ago
I expect Linsay Graham will introduce a White House Dress Code Bill. I will ask my representatives to ensure it states he must wear a dress.
Joneses
· 10 months ago
Bush and Co. could wear gold clothing, and I still would have no respect for him nor his bushies. They alone have loss all respect for the office and our country.
Obama has restored it. Simple fact. These people will complain about anything, they are petty SOBs.
Same crap, different a-hole
· 10 months ago
It hasn't been restored. If Dubya can be pres twice, and do what he did, the office is a joke.
IowaDem
· 10 months ago
Card and friends (Repubs) have a long-standing strategy of diverting attention from what really matters. They use distraction, distortion, and downright nonsense to the max. Their goal is to continually define their opponents' motives negatively and hassle them constantly so as to interfere in any way possible with their ability to succeed. In this case...Pfff! As if the chosen outfit (window dressing) makes a difference in performance. Who cares what our leaders wear when they are getting down to business? My yardstick is the mentality level, creativity in problem solving and the moral compass they employ.
Older_Wiser
· 10 months ago
Don't these idiotic white elitists understand that the way you show respect for the office of the president is to be true to the OATH of office and the sworn duty to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States?
I guess a suit and tie is far, far more important. Appearances, not substance.
Rufus
· 10 months ago
Is this the same Oval Office where Bush greeted new staffers with his butt toots. Yes, so much respect.
Rob Mule
· 10 months ago
This dress code nonsense is one of the more absurd arguments promoted by the idea-bankrupt Bush failures...the "locker room experience" also seems a particularly loony and somewhat racist criticism in light of dumb Dubya's epic cross training sessions. Sour grape Bushies should remember the Obama's are also a global fashion phenom who can and have remade and will continue to remake modern formal, casual and office wear standards.
mikeyDe
· 10 months ago
When the White House was conceived, powdered wigs, ruffled shirts, and hosiery were what lent respect to the office. Besides, it's the 21st century and people still wear suit and neckties a la 1800? I think we can do better than that.
Rab
· 10 months ago
Lets put on a tuxedo and fuck over the American people, oh, lets not. With the shithole the shrub left us its time to put on the levis and wear a grubby t-shirt and do some heavy lifting.
Nzuix
· 10 months ago
John, so much for respecting the Presidency! Is it torture or the gross violation of the rule of law and for this guy to be crying foul about Pres. Obama not spotting a jacket is like suing an F15 to kill a cricket. The Wingnuts are confused and we know it. Let them tremble and we are waiting for these fools at the voting booth next year.
nicho
· 10 months ago
MEMO TO ANDY CARD: Eat shit.
Have a nice day.
stubbornliberal
· 10 months ago
I don't care what President Obama wears in the Oval Office. He's done more in two weeks than Bush did in 8 years. I just wish the Bushies would stop the whining.
Indigo
· 10 months ago
The Obstructionist Party is very good at discovering things to be unhappy about. Next thing you know, they'll be complaining that there are Negroes in the Oval Office. Irrelevant? So are the Obstructionists.
Ozone
· 10 months ago
You can tell Bush never had a real job in his life.
brb915
· 10 months ago
I'll respect Bush right up the length of my middle finger
brb915
· 10 months ago
WTF.....................wear a tie folks, never mind sh*tting on the Constitution, pissing up our middle class, and don't forget a heaping helping of Steamy hot Hubris to go with it
Ozone
· 10 months ago
Bush spent a third of his presidency on vacation.
How respectful is that?
lewis stoole
· 10 months ago
didn't bush greet some high school girls who wore sandals to the white house? the girls thought it was ok because the sandals were designer. regardless, the point here is that bush is a f-face and speaks with a forked tongue.
bob keskulovich
· 10 months ago
Not only does Andrew Card embarass himself in front of everyone with a functioning brain, he embarasses everyone from Massachusetts, and most sadly his parents. What a dope.
paulbe
· 10 months ago
Andrew Card, wasn't he the one who respected the Presidency by giving Bush his progress report on the 911 plot that day in the Bradenton school, then walked away without waiting for instructions, almost as though he knew he wouldn't be getting any? He'd be an interesting Sodium Pentothal waterboard wouldn't he.
larry
· 10 months ago
Andy Card is confused...but I suppose if it some how make that hack feel better that he was in a suit and tie as he and the President and the entire administration shit on the constitution daily and took the nation to an economic abyss that will require generations to repair then thats ok I suppose but what it is not and he did not was respect the office, the nations and its people.
KarenMrsLloydRichards
· 10 months ago
Nobody has shown up in the Obama White House without a shirt, except in Card's diseased racist imagination.
vkobaya
· 10 months ago
Yeah, right! You know Bush had a crown, purple robes and a septer already made for him to use when he made himself life time president/emperor. Unfortunately for him, he made himself so absurdly unpopular and hated that even the most crazed military could not support a coup d'etat.. Respect the president! Bull! The office is only the office of a common man elevated for 8 years to respond to the will of the American people, not to trample on their necks and become their lord and master. Obama is a common man. His dress reflects his egalitarian origins, not the bullshit American royalty of the Bushs. Caroline Kennedy probably had the skills represent New York well as its senator, but I'll be damned if she should have been given the office simply on her family's status as American royalty. I applaud that Obama dress reflects his very egalitarian origins and that we see in him the American promise that anyone of us regardless of family, race, creed or gender can rise to the presidency. We will be in serious trouble when the Bushs have an exclusive hold on the office based on their lineage as American royalty.
Harry R. Sohl
· 10 months ago
Why, even the guy at Abu Ghraib balancing on a cardboard box - with wires on his thumbs that he thought would electrocute him if he stumbled - had enough respect for "the symbol of freedom for the world, the Oval Office" to wear a decent coat (and hat!) while being tortured during Bush and Card's reign.
And, Bush wasn't wearing a jacket a jacket on August 6th, 2001 when Harriet Miers handed him a Presidential Daily Briefing (you know, a historical document!) titled "Bin Laden Determined to Strike inside US".
Maybe that explains why he couldn't be bothered to read it?
shell
· 10 months ago
This is high drama! Obama -- and any American paying the slightest bit of attention the past years -- saw this coming. Obama didn't wear a jacket. He knew what the GOP thought about that topic. And he even brought in the official photographer. Good for him. He knew the vast majority of those seeing the picture wouldn't give a rat's ass. But Andy Card and the GOP just had to play to their base (the vast majority of which don't even own a suit jacket).
The only thing I don't understand is how the GOPers can keep doing this -- and not be embarrassed.
Bob Buckler
· 10 months ago
Nixon wore a coat and tie in the oval office, so it's obviously not about the clothes. Respect for theoval office? Case closed.
Pharie Pleigh
· 10 months ago
I have a question for anybody reading out there.
But, first some brief background...
THE CALIFORNIA BUDGET PROBLEM
California is currently less than 30 days away from issuing IOU's instead of money to everybody who she owes money to. Those intended recipients include State employees, State pension funds, State-employed contractors, senior housing programs, State-funded medical programs and education funding (to name a few). The state will be run on an outdated system known as "script" - or IOU's as of this coming March 1st, 2009.
Here are the issues:
1. The budget was supposed to be signed in May and enacted in September 2008. We're now in February of 2009 and *STILL* do not have a budget!!
2. Most states in our Union require a majority of more than 50% of the State legislature to pass the annual State budget. However, California voted in a law that requires a 2/3 approval from State legislators before passing. This has given leverage to those who feel that they are underrepresented (generally the far right-leaning Republican Party which is outnumbered by the more moderate Republicans and Democrats.)
3. About a month ago, in an unusual bipartisan effort, the California Democrats worked with the California Republicans to come up with a budget. Nobody *loved* the budget, but both sides of the isle were willing to work together and make concessions to pass a budget that's already WAY overdue. California Senator and Congressmen included Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in all of the budget negotiations, asked for and received the Governor's input and were told by the office of the Governor that they had his approval. After hammering out the details, they presented the budget to the Governor and he promptly vetoed it.
4. California is in debt 42 Billion and counting... --------------------------------------------------
HOW DOES THIS AFFECT YOU IF YOU'RE NOT FROM CALIFORNIA?
AND, WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?
The answers to these questions are as follows:
1. California has the strongest economy of the 50 States in the Union. If California were its own country, it would have the 7th largest economy of all countries in the world.
2. If the California economy fails, California will drop from the current 8% unemployment and a deep recession into even higher unemployment (10%, 15% or 20 %?) and a possible Depression.
Foreclosures are already at 10% and will skyrocket to who knows where... (20%, 30% or 40%)?
3. Economically speaking... "As California goes, so goes the Nation."
4. If the California economy goes over a cliff, it will drag the rest of the United States down with it.
5. If the United States economy goes over a cliff, it will drag the World economy with it.
6. We will be headed from a Recession into a Depression. --------------------------------------------------------
A SMALL GROUP OF DEEPLY COMMITTED BUT SOMEWHAT CRAZY PEOPLE CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS
1. This would not be happening if the California budget process followed the same budget processes that most States in the Union follow (Only 50% approval, not 2/3).
2. A **VERY** small group of **VERY** committed, foaming-at-the-mouth, Neocon, Extreme right-wing nutjob Legislators with GW Bush values and ideals are holding California hostage because they refuse to allow **ANY** new taxes.
3. Is it possible that such a small handful of Extremist Legislators could actually throw California, the United States and the World into a Depression within the next 30 days?
4. is this situation a National Security Threat?
5. If Schwarzenegger cannot find an answer soon... lets say within the next week (so far his vetoes have been a part of the problem not the solution) what will California do?
6. Should the Federal Government view this as a threat to our National Security and step in if necessary? Perhaps help moderate a solution that Schwarzenegger and the California Democrats and Republicans have not been able to agree to yet?
All Comments
President Obama and his staff have chosen to work - President Bush and his staff chose to ignore the problems and hoped they went away. Prime example - Bush ignorance and failure with Katrina.
So that really pisses me off.
Making it seem like he showed up to work looking like a rapper with a big @$$ clock around his neck and a blinged out grill.
You honor the office and respect it by understanding that you are an employee of the American people who put you there and understanding that you are not a king who uses the Constitution to figuratively wipe your butt.
Personally, I could care less what he wears to the damn office. Well, I would prefer he wore a Speedo just because it would allow many more pics of the eye candy that is Obama. But I digress...........
Goodfella W. Bush
let's see: shredding the constitution: no problem
take off your suit jacket: end of civilization...
got it!!!
It's about the black guys that come in and ruin the place. Meant to conjure up that loud black family wearing sweatpants across the restaurant. Etc.
The neighborhood is gone to hell. Nobody respects the place any more, they won't even wear a tie. And so on.
This has NOTHING to do with clothing. Just like the Clintons trashing the white house story had nothing to do with that either.
That story was a dog whistle saying the non-stop white trash party and orgy is over.
This story is the dog whistle saying the club is no longer respectable now that they've been forced to let the wrong kind of people in.
jake tapper did a piece on this dress code/change in style nonsense the other day, and much like john predicted also managed to throw in rove's nonsense about too many people working in the west wing for bonus points; oh and they made sure not to forget that the obamas are being more social and apparently "enjoying the perks of being president," but they assured us they didn't mean to imply that obama wasn't working hard or anything. you know, i'm not saying... i'm just saying...
It's the "There goes the neighborhood" cry.
It's not going to stop, either. They will keep finding oblique ways to rephrase that basic idea.
roflmao!
Certain sorts of people are really, really funny.
Obama hasn't disrespected the office, or the post. But that doesn't mean he won't.
Obama has restored it. Simple fact. These people will complain about anything, they are petty SOBs.
I guess a suit and tie is far, far more important. Appearances, not substance.
The Wingnuts are confused and we know it. Let them tremble and we are waiting for these fools at the voting booth next year.
Have a nice day.
How respectful is that?
regardless, the point here is that bush is a f-face and speaks with a forked tongue.
And, Bush wasn't wearing a jacket a jacket on August 6th, 2001 when Harriet Miers handed him a Presidential Daily Briefing (you know, a historical document!) titled "Bin Laden Determined to Strike inside US".
Maybe that explains why he couldn't be bothered to read it?
The only thing I don't understand is how the GOPers can keep doing this -- and not be embarrassed.
But, first some brief background...
THE CALIFORNIA BUDGET PROBLEM
California is currently less than 30 days away from issuing IOU's instead of money to everybody who she owes money to. Those intended recipients include State employees, State pension funds, State-employed contractors, senior housing programs, State-funded medical programs and education funding (to name a few). The state will be run on an outdated system known as "script" - or IOU's as of this coming March 1st, 2009.
Here are the issues:
1. The budget was supposed to be signed in May and enacted in September 2008. We're now in February of 2009 and *STILL* do not have a budget!!
2. Most states in our Union require a majority of more than 50% of the State legislature to pass the annual State budget. However, California voted in a law that requires a 2/3 approval from State legislators before passing. This has given leverage to those who feel that they are underrepresented (generally the far right-leaning Republican Party which is outnumbered by the more moderate Republicans and Democrats.)
3. About a month ago, in an unusual bipartisan effort, the California Democrats worked with the California Republicans to come up with a budget. Nobody *loved* the budget, but both sides of the isle were willing to work together and make concessions to pass a budget that's already WAY overdue. California Senator and Congressmen included Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in all of the budget negotiations, asked for and received the Governor's input and were told by the office of the Governor that they had his approval. After hammering out the details, they presented the budget to the Governor and he promptly vetoed it.
4. California is in debt 42 Billion and counting...
--------------------------------------------------
HOW DOES THIS AFFECT YOU IF YOU'RE NOT FROM CALIFORNIA?
AND, WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?
The answers to these questions are as follows:
1. California has the strongest economy of the 50 States in the Union. If California were its own country, it would have the 7th largest economy of all countries in the world.
2. If the California economy fails, California will drop from the current 8% unemployment and a deep recession into even higher unemployment (10%, 15% or 20 %?) and a possible Depression.
Foreclosures are already at 10% and will skyrocket to who knows where... (20%, 30% or 40%)?
3. Economically speaking... "As California goes, so goes the Nation."
4. If the California economy goes over a cliff, it will drag the rest of the United States down with it.
5. If the United States economy goes over a cliff, it will drag the World economy with it.
6. We will be headed from a Recession into a Depression.
--------------------------------------------------------
A SMALL GROUP OF DEEPLY COMMITTED BUT SOMEWHAT CRAZY PEOPLE CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS
1. This would not be happening if the California budget process followed the same budget processes that most States in the Union follow (Only 50% approval, not 2/3).
2. A **VERY** small group of **VERY** committed, foaming-at-the-mouth, Neocon, Extreme right-wing nutjob Legislators with GW Bush values and ideals are holding California hostage because they refuse to allow **ANY** new taxes.
3. Is it possible that such a small handful of Extremist Legislators could actually throw California, the United States and the World into a Depression within the next 30 days?
4. is this situation a National Security Threat?
5. If Schwarzenegger cannot find an answer soon... lets say within the next week (so far his vetoes have been a part of the problem not the solution) what will California do?
6. Should the Federal Government view this as a threat to our National Security and step in if necessary? Perhaps help moderate a solution that Schwarzenegger and the California Democrats and Republicans have not been able to agree to yet?
I'm curious to hear what others think...