Month: July 2011

Categories
Politics

Reporter Runs Into Bachmann’s Bodyguards… Somewhat!

Michele Bachmann thought the event was over. Apparently, that was the plan all along – after the main political event was over, approach the microphone, make your statement, then exit the stage to extremely loud music, loud enough to drown out any questions reporters might toss your way.

The plan was in effect. Bachmann approached the podium and made her statement. It was a response to a piece on the Daily Caller about the migraines she often gets. The migraines that sometimes leave her “incapacitated” for days. Bachmann made her statement: “I’m prescribed medication that I take on occasion whenever symptoms arise and they keep my migraines under control, but I’d like to be abundantly clear, my ability to function effectively has never been impeded by migraines and … will not affect my ability to serve as commander in chief.”

She turned away from the microphone as the music started blasting. The plan was in full effect. Reporters were shouting questions to no avail, the music was doing its job.

But Brian Ross wouldn’t take the hint. The ABC News investigative reporter just wanted to get one question answered, “have you ever missed a house vote because of your migraines?”

The following recollection is from Time correspondent Michael Crowley as he described, to CNN’s Lisa Sylvester, the drama that unfolded next:

“As soon as she finished the statement, they turned the PA system on really loud with the music playing so loud that it was really hard to even try to ask her a question if you wanted to,” Crowley said. “But Brian [Ross], you know, started asking, you know, in a kind of dogged voice, ‘Have you ever missed a house vote because of your migraine – have you ever missed a roll call vote.’ And she ignored him and walked away quickly.”

Crowley continued: “Brian started to chase after her, you know, just repeating the question the way a reporter does … but there was nothing particularly unusual about it. And then at one point, she kind of went behind the stage she was on – her car was parked there – and Brian sort of went around behind the stage as well.”

Then the account turns especially dramatic: “A couple of guys really just came at him [Brian Ross],” Crowley said. “There were a few cops there and there were what looked to me like two bodyguards…and their hands were on him. They were…sort of manhandling and pushing him and you know at one point it looked like they were kind of holding him back, pulling him away from her as he was just trying to ask her this question. And she just ignored the question…And got in her car and drove away.”

Crowley’s account of what happened was confirmed by ABC News.

Categories
Politics Republican Wisconsin

Democrats Win First Recall Effort In Wisconsin

In the first recall election in Wisconsin, a Democratic Senator manhandled his Republican opponent, convincingly defeating the sorry sap by a 2 to 1 ratio. With 65% of the polls reporting, the Associated Press called the election for Senator Dave Hansen, Democratic Senator for Green Bay.

“Scott Walker and his cronies pulled out all the stops trying to defeat Dave Hansen,” said the Wisconsin Democratic Party, “and the people of the 30th Senate District said loudly and clearly Tuesday, ‘Enough!’”

And former Democratic Senator Russ Feingold sent his congratulations via the Twitter machine, saying;

“Congratulations to WI Senator Hansen on his victory. We are one step closer to stopping Gov. Walker’s agenda. Forward.”

Hansen’s win on Tuesday now leaves eight more recall elections – 2 recalls for Democrats and 6 for Republicans. Most of the other recall elections will take place in August.

To win control of the upper chamber, Democrats need a total of three wins. By taking control, Democrats can block most of Governor Scott Walker’s policies.

Soon after taking office in January, Scott Walker began a series of far-reaching policy initiatives, including stripping public workers in Wisconsin of their collective bargaining rights. That move triggered massive protests throughout Wisconsin, leading to the present recall efforts. Walker himself would be eligible for recall in January of 2012.

Categories
Featured Medicare Republican

Allen West To Debbie Wasserman-Schultz – “You Want A Personal Fight?”

Allen West wrote a scalding letter to Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, calling her the “most vile, unprofessional and despicable member of the US House of Representatives.” The Republican congressman was responding to what he thought was an attack from Schultz, when she took to the floor of the House today, after West had spoken.

The discussion was about the Republicans Cut, Cap and Balance legislation, one that West supports. Debbie’s only mistake, was apparently questioning “the gentleman’s” support for the legislation.

“The gentleman from Florida, who represents thousands of Medicare beneficiaries, as do I, is supportive of this plan that would increase costs for Medicare beneficiaries, unbelievable from a Member from South Florida,” Wasserman Schultz said. She made the point that the legislation “slashes Medicaid and critical investments essential to winning the future in favor of protecting tax breaks for Big Oil, millionaires, and companies who ship American jobs overseas.”

Although Schultz did not mention West by name, West showed his total lack of decency and attacked Debbie in this letter, posted below.

From: Z112 West, Allen
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 04:48 PM
To: Wasserman Schultz, Debbie
Cc: McCarthy, Kevin; Blyth, Jonathan; Pelosi, Nancy; Cantor, Eric
Subject: Unprofessional and Inappropriate Sophomoric Behavior from Wasserman-Schultz

Look, Debbie, I understand that after I departed the House floor you directed your floor speech comments directly towards me. Let me make myself perfectly clear, you want a personal fight, I am happy to oblige. You are the most vile, unprofessional ,and despicable member of the US House of Representatives. If you have something to say to me, stop being a coward and say it to my face, otherwise, shut the heck up. Focus on your own congressional district!

I am bringing your actions today to our Majority Leader and Majority Whip and from this time forward, understand that I shall defend myself forthright against your heinous characterless behavior……which dates back to the disgusting protest you ordered at my campaign hqs, October 2010 in Deerfield Beach.

You have proven repeatedly that you are not a Lady, therefore, shall not be afforded due respect from me!

Steadfast and Loyal

Congressman Allen B West (R-FL)

Way to beat up on a woman Mr.West. Did you learn that in your “honorary” days in the military?

Categories
Politics Repeal

President Obama Supports Defense Of Marriage Act.

President Obama will support a recent bill to repeal DOMA – Defense Of Marriage Act. In so doing, the President is signalling his acceptance of marriage as between two people, not necessarily a man and a woman. In answering a question today from Metro Weekly, the White House Press Secretary Jay Carney had this to say about the President’s support of the repeal bill called Respect of Marriage Act.

 I can tell you that the President has long called for a legislative repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, which continues to have a real impact on the lives of real people — our families, friends and neighbors. He is proud to support the Respect for Marriage Act, introduced by Sen. Feinstein and Congressman [Jerrold] Nadler [(D-N.Y.)], which would take DOMA off the books once and for all. This legislation would uphold the principle that the federal government should not deny gay and lesbian couples the same rights and legal protections as straight couples.

Categories
Politics

Michele Bachmann’s Migraines Leaves Her “Incapacitated.”

On Monday, The Daily Caller filed a report claiming that Michele Bachmann suffers from severe migraine headaches that have led to hospitalizations in the past, and leaving her “incapacitated.”  The online publication did not list their source for the information, but apparently, there are some truths to the report, as Bachmann herself rushed to set the record straight.

She did not deny the story, but said in a statement, “let me be abundantly clear – my ability to function effectively has never been impeded by migraines and will not affect my ability to serve as commander-in-chief.”

The report from The Daily Caller states,

The Minnesota Republican frequently suffers from stress-induced medical episodes that she has characterized as severe headaches. These episodes, say witnesses, occur once a week on average and can “incapacitate” her for days at time. On at least three occasions, Bachmann has landed in the hospital as a result.

In her statement, Bachmann says that her episodes are easily controlled:  “Like nearly 30 million other Americans, I experience migraines that are easily controlled with medication.”

Bachmann is running neck and neck with Mitt Romney for the Republican nomination to run against President Obama in 2012.

Although it’s unfortunate to hear of Bachmann’s suffering, one has to wonder how she would handle the rigorous demands of the Office of The President, when she can’t handle the two-week-work, one-week-off schedule of the House of Representatives.

Categories
Barack Obama Chris Matthews Politics Republican

Who Is The Puppet Master of Congressional Republicans?

His name is Grover Norquist – The author of a pledge that over 230 Republican House members, 41 Republican Senators and more than 1,100 state officeholders, from state representatives to governors have signed. The Pledge forces these members to promise that no matter what the circumstance, no matter how dire the situation, they will not raise taxes.

Norquist appeared on Hardball with Chris Mathews yesterday and defended his position and that of the signers of the pledge. He was asked many times by Mathews to describe any scenario where he would allow the signers to do what’s right for the country instead of holding to the pledge, but Norquist managed to sidestep the question, choosing instead to bark the same old talking point that the pledge is “what the American people want”, despite recent polls that show over 70% of Americans disagree with Republicans on this matter.

America must raise its debt ceiling from $14.3 trillion by August 2nd to meet our financial responsibilities worldwide. Republicans, who for decades have tried to cut spending on programs benefiting the poor and middle class, turned down over $3 trillion in those cuts offered by Democrats because taking that offer would mean they must agree to closing some tax loopholes for millionaires.

Congressional Republicans have made a pledge of allegiance to Grover Norquist, instead of making it to the Flag of The United States of America.

Categories
Politics United States

Bill Clinton – I’d Use The 14th Amendment To Raise The Debt Ceiling

How important is it for America to pay its bills? It is so important, that the United States Constitution demands it.

Well former President Bill Clinton is voicing his opinion, and according to what he Joe Conason, he would invoke the 14th Amendment – “without hesitation, and force the courts to stop me.”

“I think the Constitution is clear and I think this idea that the Congress gets to vote twice on whether to pay for [expenditures] it has appropriated is crazy,” Clinton said in an interview with journalist Joe Conason.

Clinton said he would turn to the Constitution “if it came to that,” but doesn’t think that Obama will need to. “It looks to me like they’re going to make an agreement, and that’s smart,” he said.

President Obama has not directly mention the 14th amendment as an option for getting the debt ceiling raised, and is presently negotiating with Republicans to get it done through Congress.

Categories
job creation Mitt Romney Politics Republican

Mitt Romney’s Record – 47th In Job Creation As Governor

We’ve all heard Mitt Romney’s claim that while he was governor of Massachusetts, he was known as a ‘job creator’. Well, that’s Romney’s claim, but it’s simply not the facts. The DNC has put together a little video shedding some light on Romney’s boast. The fact is, that out of all 50 states, Romney’s economic policies came in at number 47th in job creation.

The Ad.

Categories
Barack Obama democrats Politics

Poll Shows 51% of Republicans Disapprove With Republican Leaders On Debt Crisis

Americans are paying attention. In a new poll conducted by CBS, 71% of Americans are against the way the Republicans are handling the debt ceiling issue, with only 21% giving the Republicans their approval.

President Obama and the Democrats received a little better rating, with 43% approving and 48% disapproving of the way they’re handling the crisis. But what’s troublesome for Republicans is the polling of their own supporters, where voters identifying themselves as Republicans are turning against their leaders. The report claims;

Even half of the Republican respondents (51 percent) voiced disapproval of how members of their own party in Congress are handling the talks. Far fewer Democrats expressed disapproval of their own party’s handling (32 percent) or President Obama’s (22 percent) of the urgent quest to raise the nation’s debt limit ahead of a looming default on Aug. 2 if action isn’t taken.

See more of the Poll here.

Categories
Politics

Warren Buffett – Republicans Are Trying to “Blow America’s Brains Out!”

He is one of the richest man in America… in the world for that matter, and if the Republicans get their way, Warren Buffett would be the perfect example of the rich in America who will directly benefit from their no-tax policies. But Mr. Buffett is operating in the realm of reality, and he knows that what the Republicans are trying to do – balance the budget on the backs of the poor – is simply not possible. Warren Buffett is speaking out, saying that the Republicans are “playing Russian roulette” with America.

Today Mr Buffett, 80, hit out by claiming the GOP strategy was like a deadly game of chance involving passing around a six-chamber revolver loaded with a single bullet.

‘Five times out of six to raise the debt limit might not be dangerous, but the sixth time could have catastrophic consequences,’ he said at a Wall Street mogul conference in Sun Valley, Idaho.

He added that Republicans were ‘trying to use the incentive now that we’re going to blow your brains out, America, in terms of your debt worthiness over time.’

‘You’re playing with fire when you don’t need to play with fire,’ he also said, adding: ‘We raised the debt ceiling seven times during the Bush Administration,’

The U.S. ran into its $14.29 trillion debt ceiling on May 16, but has since used spending and accounting adjustments, as well as higher-than-expected tax receipts, to continue operating without impact on government obligations.
The Treasury has set August 2nd as the deadline for raising the debt ceiling past the $14.2 trillion mark. Republicans, many in congress who saw no problem raising the debt ceiling for previous Republican administrations, are now the stumbling block, and seem willing to see America default on paying its debts, a move many economists predict will be catastrophic worldwide.
Categories
Elizabeth Warren Politics

Elizabeth Warren Out As Head Of Consumer Protection Agency

Elizabeth Warren, the favored candidate Progressives have pushed over the last few months to head the Consumer Financial Protection Agency, just confirmed that she would not be the nominee. Reports indicates that President Obama has decided to go with Richard Cordray instead, and will make that announcement as early as Monday.

Mrs. Warren explained to The Huffington Post:

“Rich has always had my strong support because he is tough and he is smart-and that’s exactly the combination this new agency needs. He was one of the first senior leaders I recruited for the agency, and his work and commitment have made it clear that he will make a stellar director.”

One of the most vocal voices for Warren’s nomination voiced their disappointment. The Progressive Change Campaign Committee said;

“With her track record of standing up to Wall Street and fighting for consumers, Elizabeth Warren was the best qualified to lead this bureau that she conceived — and we imagine Richard Cordray would agree,” PCCC co-founder Stephanie Taylor said in a statement. “That said, Rich Cordray has been a strong ally of Elizabeth Warren’s and we hope he will continue her legacy of holding Wall Street accountable.”

Mrs. Warren was originally chosen by the Obama Administration to set up the mechanism need for the new agency. The Consumer Financial Protection Agency is scheduled to begin its duties on July 21st.

Because of her liberal stance, it is said that Elizabeth Warren would have never gained the Republican votes in congress necessary for confirmation if the President nominated her.

Richard Cordray is the former Attorney General of Ohio.

Categories
Barack Obama Politics Republican Tax Tax break United States

President Obama – “Wealthiest Americans Must Pay Their Fair Share!”

In his weekly address to the nation, President Obama continued his push for a balanced approach to the nation’s debt problem, and called for Republicans to agree to raising revenues along with spending cuts.

“The truth is, you can’t solve our deficit without cutting spending. But you also can’t solve it without asking the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share – or without taking on loopholes that give special interests and big corporations tax breaks that middle-class Americans don’t get.

It’s pretty simple. I don’t think oil companies should keep getting special tax breaks when they’re making tens of billions in profits. I don’t think hedge fund managers should pay taxes at a lower rate than their secretaries. And I don’t think it’s fair to ask nothing of someone like me when the average family has seen their income decline over the past decade – and when many of you are just trying to stretch every dollar as far as it will go.

We shouldn’t put the burden of deficit reduction on the backs of folks who’ve already borne the brunt of the recession. It’s not reasonable and it’s not right. If we’re going to ask seniors, or students, or middle-class Americans to sacrifice, then we have to ask corporations and the wealthiest Americans to share in that sacrifice.”

The President:

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