I think the truly awful thing about the challenge to Boehner's election is that many seem to believe that he is not conservative, and worse, that he is not conservative enough. I'm sure progressives know to whom I am referring when I say that any further to the right, for the Republican Funeral, and we will be staring a certain 1920's-style political movement right in its ugly face. It has already popped up in Europe. We had better be very, very careful.
Is it not true that the Koch's will be the recipients of the biggest financial benefits of the XL Pipeline. Just what we need to do, make the Koch's more powerful and rich. LOL! What a joke. Here NYC, I used to love the NY State Theater but now I become nauseous when I see the name David Koch plastered on the marble facade. I wonder what Mr. Ever-tan Boehner reaps from the XL deal. I read that he is in the pocket of tobacco, tanning bed and many other corps. I view both sides of the aisle in DC with such contempt and disgust, the greater percentage to the GOP dopes.
2
Congressional GOP leadership is living Bismarck's nightmare.
House members cannot tell Senators from their own membership but they know they don't like Speaker Boehner of their own party.
Faculties for conceiving a deal are long gone.
House members cannot tell Senators from their own membership but they know they don't like Speaker Boehner of their own party.
Faculties for conceiving a deal are long gone.
2
Mitch McConnell having the nerve to say "Why don't we get started?" is like Mrs. O'Leary saying
"Who's job is it to check on the cow?"
"Who's job is it to check on the cow?"
7
Mica's got it wrong. There has not been extreme left in a long time in this country, if ever. The Republicans are the ones giving in to extremist ideas.
6
By the time they vote on this pipeline oil will be $25 a barrel. It would not be profitable for years the Saudis made sure of that by increasing production.
1
In that case we are deeply in the Saudi's debt.
Not only have they provided saved us from pollution, but also provided us with less expensive fuel.
Not only have they provided saved us from pollution, but also provided us with less expensive fuel.
1
This is remarkable. The congressional Republicans, who have done so much to destroy civility in Congress (though some Democrats are guilty, too) are going to restore civility? I wonder.
5
The GOP changed the filibuster rules designed to protect the minority??
the GOP is now ready to put forth legislation because they have the control of both houses. They are giving the illusion that they are the one's to affect change on the polarized political climate, when in reality they are going to shove down the throats of America their conservative agenda starting with the Keystone Pipeline. News Flash: oil glut on the market and this pipeline is no longer needed.
Boehner hugging and kissing Pelosi? TMI
Boehner hugging and kissing Pelosi? TMI
7
Well, thank God. Here I thought we had the most Americans EVER unemployed!! Keystone will create 45,000 AMERICAN jobs, but Democrats don't think we need that . . . which is why they are now significantly in the minority and are going to lose the next Presidential election as well.
Jobs, jobs, jobs. That's what Main Street - not Wall Street - wants.
Jobs, jobs, jobs. That's what Main Street - not Wall Street - wants.
Keystone will create less than 2,000 permanent jobs.
You have been sold a package of manure.
You have been sold a package of manure.
4
Per the article: "Boehner moved swiftly on Tuesday to punish Mr. Webster for his disloyalty, deciding to strip him of his seat on the powerful Rules Committee, a top Republican said."
Webster showed voting symbolically can get you fired in this GOP House with lightening speed.
Scalise showed courting the racists among use can get you promoted and supported in this GOP House without a hint of concern.
Representative John L. Mica of Florida said about Obama “The truth is he’s playing to his extreme environmental left.” I guess when you are looking at it from the extreme head in the sand Right the real truth is that anything not to the right of center is the extreme left by your definition.
Yesterday's antics indicate it is going to be a long cold 2 years in terms of this Congress doing anything good for America and its people. At least when doing nothing, they were not promoting intentional harm.
Racists, Climate Change Deniers, Gun Control Opponents, Affordable Health Care Haters, Christians in Name Only, Immigration Reform Obstructionists, Voter Suppressionists and haters of the down and out. Not much to proud of here. Not much positive but plenty of negative to look forward to.
Enjoy. We deserve it. We elected them by our own choice, willing ignorance, by crook (gerrymandering and voter suppression) or by not voting at all.
We let it happen. Remember that in 2016, if this country survives until then.
Webster showed voting symbolically can get you fired in this GOP House with lightening speed.
Scalise showed courting the racists among use can get you promoted and supported in this GOP House without a hint of concern.
Representative John L. Mica of Florida said about Obama “The truth is he’s playing to his extreme environmental left.” I guess when you are looking at it from the extreme head in the sand Right the real truth is that anything not to the right of center is the extreme left by your definition.
Yesterday's antics indicate it is going to be a long cold 2 years in terms of this Congress doing anything good for America and its people. At least when doing nothing, they were not promoting intentional harm.
Racists, Climate Change Deniers, Gun Control Opponents, Affordable Health Care Haters, Christians in Name Only, Immigration Reform Obstructionists, Voter Suppressionists and haters of the down and out. Not much to proud of here. Not much positive but plenty of negative to look forward to.
Enjoy. We deserve it. We elected them by our own choice, willing ignorance, by crook (gerrymandering and voter suppression) or by not voting at all.
We let it happen. Remember that in 2016, if this country survives until then.
10
And some people wonder why we are called ugly Americans.
2
This is being overblown, Boehner was always going to be re-affirmed. Now the job of crafting bipartisan legislation begins. If they are smart, they will pass things like Keystone which do have bipartisan support and the support of the majority of the country (sorry east and west coast). Force the president's hand, and see what happens. Going after things the far right wing wants will as it always has, hurt the repubs..Maybe they are smarter now after getting hammered..we'll see. The president could easily become the obstructionist if the repubs play this right by going for the middle ground, which is clearly what the country wanted by electing them this past fall.
2
.Most Americans are not in favor of Keystone. The few jobs it will provide does not offset the ecological damage it will cause.
Profit may be America's god, but there are still some who do not worship with greed.
Profit may be America's god, but there are still some who do not worship with greed.
4
Now we'll see if the Senate Democrats were paying attention...
Now the Republicans can maintain gridlock by fighting amongst themselves instead of fighting with the Democrats. If anyone out there really believes that this new Congress is going to make big changes I am afraid that they are going to be very disappointed. Fortunately we all seem to muddle through in spite of them.
3
With such a large amount of disruption and distrust in the GOP and our Government as a whole---nothing for we the people will ever be accomplished.
And as the GOP states that they are:
"pledging to restore function and civility to a body that has become a symbol of disorder for most Americans." I serious doubt that they will ever be able to accomplish this!
And the reason why is that our Government as a whole but especially the GOP continue to favors corporations over what We Want! And such is the failure of our Government as whole!
Can We trust Our Own Government to represent Us and our wants and needs, NO! In fact, they have proven that they won't represent Us and Our wants and needs as they favor corporation over we the Americans!
And as the GOP states that they are:
"pledging to restore function and civility to a body that has become a symbol of disorder for most Americans." I serious doubt that they will ever be able to accomplish this!
And the reason why is that our Government as a whole but especially the GOP continue to favors corporations over what We Want! And such is the failure of our Government as whole!
Can We trust Our Own Government to represent Us and our wants and needs, NO! In fact, they have proven that they won't represent Us and Our wants and needs as they favor corporation over we the Americans!
2
This better be the LAST budget with a TRILLION dollars of new debt or there WILL be revolt . . . at the grassroots.
The Republican majority will continue to push an "our way or the high way" ideological approach. Imagine Mr. "Mica of Florida, insisting that the president had dashed hopes of bipartisan compromise on the first day of the new Congress. “The truth is he’s playing to his extreme environmental left.” This may come as a shock to Mr. Mica, but he may be playing to his un-environmental right and other far right groups. Mr. Mica demonizes the President, others steal the thunder of Mr. Boehner, and the party still want to dismantle the Affordable Care Act for goodness sake. But who am I to question what most American's know. The Republican party is a mess, and they do not believe in compromise. Then, they complain when they don't get compromise. Mr. Boehner's words say it all, "it's still just me."
4
The photo of the Boehener-Pelosi kiss reminded me of my divorce. Very bitter, both our attorneys shouting, arguing and being condescending toward each other in order to secure what was best for their individual clients. Not long after, ran into both of them at a bar drinking it up and acting as old friends. All posturing had been a ruse for the sole purpose of poisoning themselves to assure their value. Quite the eye opener.
4
... No when to hold em no when to fold em... The Keystone Pipeline has become something it is not. If adequate safeguards are in place to preclude major oil spills than the pipeline itself is not a major threat to the environment. Pipelines are capable of transporting a variety of products. Oil will get extracted in the Tar Sands whether it gets built or not. If this pipeline could be interconnected to carry some of the crude currently being carried by rail it would probably be a plus to the environment in the long term. There is a much higher risk of spills and catastrophe hauling crude on the rails. I strongly support moving away from fossil fuels to mitigate global warming and cleaning the air. Does anyone have any figures to demonstrate how not building the pipeline will reduce carbon emissions? In the meantime the marketplace may make all the hoopla about the pipeline redundant as the Saudis keep flooding world markets with crude to drive the cost of extraction from shale prohibitive. Keystone may be needed to offset that. Mr President there are other matters on which to expend your political capital. After all most pipelines have shut-off valves if the need arises to close one.
1
Voted Republican, Democrat, and independent, mostly based on principles, but most often identified with GOP. Now I just want to take off the jersey. Red, Blue is all stupid. All that matters for me is the constitution, civil rights, fiscal responsibility and the rule of law and due process. I hoped the GOP represented that but in the end most in DC are bloated, self important, out of touch, money-mongers. Sad to say now I look to the local level, community, friends, neighbors to survive. The parties make me feel like this... http://youtu.be/uERQDT5qsdY
She had to push him away - like the repubs should have.
1
Considering the approval rating of Congress, variously reported to be 7% and 25%, Speaker Boehner needs to refrain from stating that he is doing or advocating "what the American people want". Congress has not been looking after their people in quite some time. They only have their own welfare in mind and remember who is paying their bills outside their salary. It is Corporate America and a few ideologues who finance the Republican party. They do ot have the majority of people behind them, especially if gerrymandering were outlawed.
8
Great video of the House applauding the do-nothing, obstructionsist John Boehner. He has presided over the House which has been in recess for six years. The GOP likes this track record.
5
"The democratic system cannot be operated without effective opposition...It is just as necessary that the party in power should never outrage the minority. That means that it must listen to the minority and be moved by the criticisms of the minority. That means that its measures must take account of the minority's objections, and that in administering measures it must remember that the minority may, become the majority..."
Walter Lippmann
The Indispensable Opposition
2
Boehner deserves the exact same level of bipartisanship he provided when the Republican were not in control--none. Republicans care more about bending their knee in worship of the 1% , and the business-can-do-anything and to-hell-with-with-the-environment and if-I-can't-have=my-way-I-will-hold-my-breath-until-I-turn -blue (and destroy the whole country TEA Party)than they do about people, rights of the disaffected, and the middle class. PEOPLE are more important than PROFITS. We need to safe guard the planet for FUTURE GENERATIONS and not just exploit it for the present one. We need term limits for Congress and for the members of the Supreme Court as a start. And we need a dramatic and continual failure of the Republican Congress to get the short sighted populace to vote them out of office in 2016
2
But look at the "American People" as Boehner calls us who still support and vote for these Republican "malicious obstructionists".
I don't have a lot of faith in what is about to happen, and I won't rely on the American public to wake up in time for the next election. Wishing and hoping for the change that we need is not the same as working and sweating for it. "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride." We get the American Government we work to create.
3
At least the Repubs are rejecting the fundamentalists in their midst. These fundies always want to be called "conservatives" but they are not that. They are fundies to the heart of themselves and finally are noted as such.
1
Well, I never thought I would say this but enjoy your majority Republicans. If you don't put up true Conservatives to lead the party I am not going to vote next time around. Most likely Jeb will run and I won't vote for him either.
It is a sad day when Conservatives feel that there really isn't a better of two evils.
It is a sad day when Conservatives feel that there really isn't a better of two evils.
2
Paraphrasal of the GOP basis for political stability: "I'll rant and rave and block any governance until I obtain power. THEN I'll be nice and cooperative." So will the GOP inherit the same scorched-Earth obstinacy from the Democrats in return?
1
At the end of the Reagan Administration, I remember reading in the Wall Street Journal an article by one of the editors lamenting the fact that Republicans essentially were good at complaining, but not at managing. They pretty much provided proof of that over the ensuing years. Let's hope that, by some miracle, someone in the party has recently developed management skills that will benefit the country, not just the party. Old habits do die hard, though.
But it doesn't really appear they have benefitted the party either, does it, considering the turmoil they are in. Who are the winners here? Hard to figure.
But it doesn't really appear they have benefitted the party either, does it, considering the turmoil they are in. Who are the winners here? Hard to figure.
1
"Govern," of course, would have been a better word than "manage."
They do manage to get their way a lot.
They do manage to get their way a lot.
By the look of that 'embrace,' Mr. Boehner was smart to have the gavel in-hand Before he swooped-in for that smooch.
4
I might have been encouraged if the votes against John Boehner had been Republicans that thought the G.O.P. needed to "clean up it's act." But no, These were the fringe crackpots that still think the world is flat, women should be seen and not heard, etc. If the picture of Boehner "embracing" Nancy Pelosi doesn't speak volumes on the current state of Washington, I'll eat my hat.
3
Republican's lack of backbone and any interest in citizens is clear.
"Do not bother OUR group, as we are only interested in our own deals."
Boehner & group is reason I left the Republican party.
"Do not bother OUR group, as we are only interested in our own deals."
Boehner & group is reason I left the Republican party.
3
"House Republicans were less restrained, expressing fury about the president’s threat. “It’s toxic. It’s poisonous,” said Representative John L. Mica of Florida"
Well Sir, welcome to your world. The revisionist history with the radical right runs 24/7.
Well Sir, welcome to your world. The revisionist history with the radical right runs 24/7.
3
"Republicans had not controlled both chambers at once in eight years." Hmmm, fifteen minus eight makes the last time Republicans controlled both chambers 2007, the year that the Global Meltdown of 2008 began. And did not Republicans also just pass the Cromnibus, a bill that includes a provision permitting players like JP Morgan Chase and other White-Collar Criminals to once again deal in "Derivatives?" Gosh, we are a stupid and insipid people.
8
You are spot on. Americans are complete idiots ; at least those that voted the Republican criminals back in control of the Congress. It was a Republican controlled Congress and Presidency that gave birth to the Great Recession when we were losing 800,000 jobs per month and when millions of Americans suffered the misery of failed Republican policies and mismanagement. The Republican voters did not suffer misery? Its difficult to grasp how this demographic of the American electorate is so obtuse, stupid, and ignorant. What do Americans now expect from the least productive Speaker and Congress in US history? The Republicans shut the government down twice and purposely hurt the US credit rating... and all due to their narcissism and other hate driven lunacy. They actually blocked jobs bills and mimimum wage increases. When American kids were being gunned down by assault weapons the Republicans actually blocked action to make our kids safer. The Republicans spent billions deceiving the gullible and the stupid on climate change. Its truly embarrassing to be an American. The worst party in US history gets rewarded and the President who single handedly righted the economy gets demonized. Logic, reason, and rationality do not apply to this country of coward gun clingers and environmental haters. This is insanity.
4
The part about who represents the greatest landmass is telling: that Republicans oversee an area that is largely rural means they represent and area that is largely white. I knew a lot of this country was not emotionally ready for a President of different color. It's almost shocking. Almost. I think it's telling that by and large those areas have a lower rate of higher educated people is telling too. I guess that's why Fox News and ads funded by the billionaire Koch brothers worked so well.
I'm just so glad I was raised by the folks I had. Our family wasn't very "higher educated" to put it politely but we did not suffer from the disease of racism. My folks walked the walk, based on their religious views. Very Catholic. And as very true Catholic people they saw all people as perfectly equal in the eyes of their faith. Hence passing on to myself and siblings the idea of seeing someone's accomplishments only. Well, I see the accomplishments of our president and I am very proud of him. My parents, if they were still with us, would be very proud of him . . and they did not share the same skin color.
My President has walked the walk that helps people these last six years and I haven't seen any of that from the Republicans. I am not proud of our country's Republicans. It's just that simple.
I'm just so glad I was raised by the folks I had. Our family wasn't very "higher educated" to put it politely but we did not suffer from the disease of racism. My folks walked the walk, based on their religious views. Very Catholic. And as very true Catholic people they saw all people as perfectly equal in the eyes of their faith. Hence passing on to myself and siblings the idea of seeing someone's accomplishments only. Well, I see the accomplishments of our president and I am very proud of him. My parents, if they were still with us, would be very proud of him . . and they did not share the same skin color.
My President has walked the walk that helps people these last six years and I haven't seen any of that from the Republicans. I am not proud of our country's Republicans. It's just that simple.
9
“It’s toxic. It’s poisonous,” said Representative John L. Mica of Florida, insisting that the president had dashed hopes of bipartisan compromise on the first day of the new Congress. “The truth is he’s playing to his extreme environmental left.” Not true, just not catering to the oil companies that would be the only ones to benefit from the pipeline while putting the land and people in the way of it at risk.
6
addressing the House chamber after the vote, Mr. Boehner made no overt mention of the discord within his party, but urged his colleagues to set aside their differences and prove their skeptics wrong.
Then right after this, he turns around and punishes those who voted against him, rather than trying to be conciliatory and win them over. Good luck in getting the party to rally round you, Mr. Speaker. Your vengeful tactics just empowered them to fight you all the more. NOT a good sign for the GOP.
Then right after this, he turns around and punishes those who voted against him, rather than trying to be conciliatory and win them over. Good luck in getting the party to rally round you, Mr. Speaker. Your vengeful tactics just empowered them to fight you all the more. NOT a good sign for the GOP.
5
Make sure Boehner and McConnell read this article and its less than happy comments. Please.
4
Boehner is a light-weight. He has sat too long for any good he has been doing, and has precipitated a veritable vacuum in leadership so big it invites bloviating upstarts like Cruz and Rand Paul to step in with their reckless mischief and wreak havoc
4
With any luck in a few more years of unbridled greed by the wealthy few, the incompetence of government, the changing demographics of the nation,and the corrupting influence of money in politics this nation will enter a new Progressive Era....it can't come too soon.
2
That both the far right and the far left of his party appose him is the best sign that Boehner may be the right man for the job. Now, if he can bring together a moderate majority within his party and appeal to the moderates from the Democratic party, the House may get some things done that are actually positive for the Country and its citizens.
There is no far left left in the Republican Party, they have been shrinking the tent size election by election. White Christian Heterosexual Males that favor big business over working people. Men who believe rewarding the rich makes more sense than helping the poor. They are politically all moved far to the right.
2
They failed for 8 Bush years. They failed for Bush '41's 4 years. They failed during the Trickle Down Reagan years. They failed during the Hoover and Harding years...and they will fail again. Why?
Because the GOP good ole bois believe they can "force" Americans to do whatever they want us to do. Think again. The entire premise of the GOP today is to ram things down Americans' throats whether we want to pay for it with our tax dollars or not.
It is high time for the Justice Dept. to stop playing footsie with these GOP politicians paying Pay to Play. Conflict of influence and being complicit in influence peddling is not part of democracy.
It will be so wonderful to watch the GOP boys don their gladiator chain mail and duke it out with each other. This is a watershed year for the GOP. They either make it or they break their party. Gohmert hates Boehner. Ryan is on the wane now that Christie is up his nose and Cruz is still the Alberta Keystone convoy.
When you take taxpayer dollars and hand it to Big Oil in the tens of billions when Big Oil overspeculated on its production and is up in arms over OPEC's refusal to cut their production, you see just why Keystone is the Big Oil states biggest priority. If TX, OK, WY, ND and the rest of the Confederates want it, they should pay for it out of their tax dollars.
CON states are the most militant about states' rights when their state is in question. When it isn't, they trample states rights in other states with impunity.
Because the GOP good ole bois believe they can "force" Americans to do whatever they want us to do. Think again. The entire premise of the GOP today is to ram things down Americans' throats whether we want to pay for it with our tax dollars or not.
It is high time for the Justice Dept. to stop playing footsie with these GOP politicians paying Pay to Play. Conflict of influence and being complicit in influence peddling is not part of democracy.
It will be so wonderful to watch the GOP boys don their gladiator chain mail and duke it out with each other. This is a watershed year for the GOP. They either make it or they break their party. Gohmert hates Boehner. Ryan is on the wane now that Christie is up his nose and Cruz is still the Alberta Keystone convoy.
When you take taxpayer dollars and hand it to Big Oil in the tens of billions when Big Oil overspeculated on its production and is up in arms over OPEC's refusal to cut their production, you see just why Keystone is the Big Oil states biggest priority. If TX, OK, WY, ND and the rest of the Confederates want it, they should pay for it out of their tax dollars.
CON states are the most militant about states' rights when their state is in question. When it isn't, they trample states rights in other states with impunity.
5
The President has declared he will veto the Keystone Pipeline if it hits his desk. Democrats have blocked even a hearing on the subject. No apparent willingness to openly discuss/debate the pro's and con's. But Republicans are the party of "no". It's funny how that works.
2
I hope the Republicans teach the President and his fellow Democrats a lesson, and show them what bipartisan rule is all about. This system is supposed to be one of checks and balances, not one-party rule as the Democrats would have it.
2
Speaker Boehner had a hard day in spite of winning his election as speaker. Nancy had a great opportunity to bring him down for good. All she had to do was fall on her sword by giving him a big kiss when he bent down. A long passionate kiss withe her arms around his neck. It may have killed her but would have insured her of Sainthood and saved the world at the same time.
2
if Nancy Pelosi wont sue Boehner for sexual harassment THAT is a crime.
if this happened anywhere else who could expect to get away with such conduct.
isn't there some way we the people - and i KNOW i am not the only one who feels this way - could bring some action against Boehner?????
PLEASE!!!!!!!!
if this happened anywhere else who could expect to get away with such conduct.
isn't there some way we the people - and i KNOW i am not the only one who feels this way - could bring some action against Boehner?????
PLEASE!!!!!!!!
This is the end of the Republican Party. Libertarian or Bust. disaffected Dems will join.
The dreariness of the GOP is still there. And the party wasn't smart
enough to change the leadership by presenting new faces willing
to govern responsibly.
Boehner and McConnell will never be able to undo the damage they have done to their branch of government.
enough to change the leadership by presenting new faces willing
to govern responsibly.
Boehner and McConnell will never be able to undo the damage they have done to their branch of government.
2
Nothing has changed, the marxists own boehner. The American people voted for a change, put conservatives in power, boehner underminded them, again. boehner won't stand up to obama and the pig stye in power, but he will go after other conservatives that want to get America back on track. If not the American people, who is boehner getting his marching orders from? And WHY? boehner will now become vindictive, a narcissist, he will move his allies into the subcommittees to follow his puppet masters' agenda. You can bet it is not going to be to help the American people.
Be a wonderful thing if Boehner, O'Connell and Obama stand start behaving as statesmen to get things done and not prisoners of ideology!
1
Reading these comments, one would believe that the 'GOP' is a person that everyone hates. But for some reason, the GOP is in the majority of the House and Senate. Doens't mean that we all want a conservative agenda. But then when the Dems held the majority it didn't mean we were all interested in a progressive agenda.
Is is possible that most of us would like to see moderation and don't really care so much about extreme positions? I believe yes, but one wouldn't get that idea here. Sad, but the readers don't seem to understand that the House is made up of representatives of the people. Yes, some of those are conservative, just as some are progressive. And they have the right to be heard.
Is is possible that most of us would like to see moderation and don't really care so much about extreme positions? I believe yes, but one wouldn't get that idea here. Sad, but the readers don't seem to understand that the House is made up of representatives of the people. Yes, some of those are conservative, just as some are progressive. And they have the right to be heard.
2
He might still be the leader but if those who stood against him stick together they can foil all his happy plans
1
I find it laughable that the GOP is now pleading with the Democrats to put aside partisan differences and "get something done", when for the past 6 years, they employed the very same tactics, with what I will predict, were far nastier undertones than anything the Dems can come up with.
2
Seeing is believing. That's a good pic with old Boehner kissing Pelousi. It tells American's where they stand with this congress no matter how they voted.
It really does not matter who the GOP has elected, they are the same. The GOP is an echo chamber of bad ideas. I for one will not be voting for a republican in a very long time given the parties track record over the past 15 years starting with the disasters election of George Bush.
2
Many middle class voters , who voted Republican,especially those 66% who chose not to vote in the midterms, will deeply regret their decisions as the Republicans strip the middle class of benefits, social security, medicare, healthcare, and increase their taxes while favoring the rich in a thousand new ways. Democrats are not perfect but the Republicans will do the will of their backers.
,
,
1
In 2008 Obama was elected President of the United States by a wide margin, with 64% of those eligible voting. In 2012 he was re-elected with a higher percentage of the popular vote than John Kennedy in 1960, Richard Nixon in 1968, Jimmy Carter in 1976, Ronald Reagan in 1980, Bill Clinton in 1992 or 1996 or George Bush in 2000 or 2004. That's a mandate. From his first days in office, the GOP denied him that mandate.
The GOP took control of Congress with only 33% of those eligible to vote casting a ballot and are acting like they have a huge mandate. Now that is gall.
The GOP took control of Congress with only 33% of those eligible to vote casting a ballot and are acting like they have a huge mandate. Now that is gall.
6
John,
So, in your world, you can simply ignore elections whose results you didn't like, and pretend they never happened? Is that really a precedent you want to set?
What are you going to do in 2016, bring Obama down to Mexico and call him President-in-exile?
So, in your world, you can simply ignore elections whose results you didn't like, and pretend they never happened? Is that really a precedent you want to set?
What are you going to do in 2016, bring Obama down to Mexico and call him President-in-exile?
1
There's no pretending here. Winning the support of only 16% of all eligible voters is not a mandate, period.
1
'one congressman voted for Rand Paul for speaker...' Shouldn't this be grounds to remove this seat from Congress?
1
That image of Boehner and Pelosi just about says it all. Boehner and Pelosi hugging just gives me chills of abject horror. Whoever in the republican party thinks keeping him is to the advantage of the American people, must be a high ranking socialist cadre member posing as a Republican. Boehner and Pelosi have done so much to destroy this once great Country that it is amazing. Lenin must be twirling around in his grave, ditto all the other tyrants who sought to destroy us. All they had to do was what Kruschev hit on, let us do it from within by using the Democrtic Party and converting the Country Club Republicans who just want to be loved. Does anyone have the list of who voted for him?
File away that still image of Boehner kissing Pelosi with raised gavel in hand as a candidate for the best images of 2015!
Function and civility--Boehner and McConnell and their lot in Congress don't know the meaning of the words. Why would they begin to understand what they mean after six years of abusing them?
1
Boehner has no spine, he will cave into most of their moronic ideas. It is going to be a long two years and the veto pen and it's kids will get plenty of exercise.
This seems to be a non story. He got over 90% of the vote. It looks to me that the NYT wanted their to an "embarrassing challenge," but, even though there was not much of one, the Times still ran a story. I do not particularly like John Boehner, and the paper certainly does not, but this did not seem like much.
1
It's the largest vote of no confidence in the History of Congress
2
What a bunch of cowards. 60% of Republican, and independents who vote Republican, voters wanted Boehner ousted, yet merely 10% of the House voted against Boehner. That is some disconnect.
Amd I see some real "conservatives" like Blackburn voted for Boehner, and media darling bulldog Gowdy didn't vote, mysteriously. Newly minted Mia Love apparently was bought and paid for by Johnny Boy, so she towed the line and voted for Boehner. So in less than 5 minutes as a Rep, she is corrupted by the system.
The GOP is going to lose again in 2016, as they believe that being Dem-lite is the path to victory. Neither Boehner nor McConnell are leaders or statesmen, but merely corporatist puppets who align with Obama while telling their voters that they are conservatives.
Amd I see some real "conservatives" like Blackburn voted for Boehner, and media darling bulldog Gowdy didn't vote, mysteriously. Newly minted Mia Love apparently was bought and paid for by Johnny Boy, so she towed the line and voted for Boehner. So in less than 5 minutes as a Rep, she is corrupted by the system.
The GOP is going to lose again in 2016, as they believe that being Dem-lite is the path to victory. Neither Boehner nor McConnell are leaders or statesmen, but merely corporatist puppets who align with Obama while telling their voters that they are conservatives.
1
The Republicans got 20 million fewer votes for the senate than Democrats, and they seriously think they have a mandate?
If the GOP wants to show itself as a new party for We The People, they need to create new campaign finance reform legislation to remove ro greatly reduce the effect of big special interest money (e.g. - NRA, unions, Koch Bros. and Soros).
Otherwise Congress will ignore voices from We the People while listening intently to big special interests who provide $$$ for elections and re-elections
Otherwise Congress will ignore voices from We the People while listening intently to big special interests who provide $$$ for elections and re-elections
Our troubles are just beginning. The two party paradigm is a lie. We don't have any real choices. It does not matter what we want. If you want to know who controls you just ask yourself who it is in America that you can not criticize no matter how egregious the crime. They treat this country like it is their door mat. Give someone control of a nations currency and it won't be long before they control the nations politics and future. It is easy to get away with criminal acts on their part because they have made a deal with the devil. We are in a spiritual battle and it will only be when enough people understand this that we can begin to take our country back.
Back from who and back to where?
1
Boehner and McConnell are both riding the Tiger. They have an outspoken, radical, angry minority within their party that is going to continue to want to wreck the President, and teach that man a lesson, no matter. It should make for a couple of interesting years.
I despair for the next two years. Where are the MODERATE Republicans! Why have they gone into hiding?
Readers of this column already are already convinced of the mega-hypocrisy of these extremist Republicans. How will the Democrats convince those voters in the South and West of the Republicans' lies and distortions? That the only jobs program the Republicans have for the middle- and lower-classes is war?
Will the Democrats stand up and say - simply, directly, frequently, with facts in hand - how well the economy and the country are doing BECAUSE of President Obama? Despite Republican temper tantrums and lies? Despite Republicans absolute refusal to accept responsibility for the economic and military messes they handed to President Obama?
Show the facts! Describe how much more could have been accomplished if the Republicans had been the "loyal opposition" instead of hypocritical obstructionists.
Readers of this column already are already convinced of the mega-hypocrisy of these extremist Republicans. How will the Democrats convince those voters in the South and West of the Republicans' lies and distortions? That the only jobs program the Republicans have for the middle- and lower-classes is war?
Will the Democrats stand up and say - simply, directly, frequently, with facts in hand - how well the economy and the country are doing BECAUSE of President Obama? Despite Republican temper tantrums and lies? Despite Republicans absolute refusal to accept responsibility for the economic and military messes they handed to President Obama?
Show the facts! Describe how much more could have been accomplished if the Republicans had been the "loyal opposition" instead of hypocritical obstructionists.
1
Those four words say it all, and why the brave rebels did what they did: "Boehner and Pelosi embrace". We're doomed.
With almost zero feedback from Democrats, Republicans can and do say what they want about anything....and get away with it. True or untrue, they have set the debate since 2008 and have had zero pushback, at least pushback that meant something......
What a mess
What a mess
1
Shame on Boehner and the ones who vote on he's favor.
Pelosi looks like she can't push him away fast enough, (not on the lips, John) and he looks like he's ready to bop her with the gavel...just in case she pushes away a little too hard in front of the camera.
Let the fun begin. Except to the American people - it is not one bit funny.
Let the fun begin. Except to the American people - it is not one bit funny.
2
"President Obama has said that he would veto the item that Republicans have made their first order of business..."
Could it be possible that Republicans chose their number one item of business knowing exactly what would happen all so that Mitch McConnell could stand there and say:
"We all know that one of the things the Senate is best at doing is not doing much,” he said. “Why don’t we get started?” Good lord, Margaret, it doesn't take a genius to have seen this coming and all for a one day delay?
While I am absolutely calling no one and idiot, I am reminded of The Tragedy of Macbeth in which Macbeth says:
"Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing." Macbeth
Gosh, could we just get down to business and park all dreams of becoming an actor at the door? I'm beginning to wonder if these folks have talent agents in waiting rather than the American People.
Could it be possible that Republicans chose their number one item of business knowing exactly what would happen all so that Mitch McConnell could stand there and say:
"We all know that one of the things the Senate is best at doing is not doing much,” he said. “Why don’t we get started?” Good lord, Margaret, it doesn't take a genius to have seen this coming and all for a one day delay?
While I am absolutely calling no one and idiot, I am reminded of The Tragedy of Macbeth in which Macbeth says:
"Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing." Macbeth
Gosh, could we just get down to business and park all dreams of becoming an actor at the door? I'm beginning to wonder if these folks have talent agents in waiting rather than the American People.
4
So Boehner is still the House majority leader? And the GOP said this Congress will be is a new dawn? lLoks like the same old, same old.
John Stewart was spot on about this "new" GOP led Congress on the Daily Show. Why is Boehner weirdly tanned? And McConnell, the Senate majority leader, wants the GOP to "not look scary"? REALLY? That's the GOP solution! - all smoke and mirrors and no change?
America knows what to expect with the GOP running both houses of Congress. More pro-corporate regulatory and tax breaks in "hopes" that fair wage jobs for Americans in America somehow magically result even though trickle down economics failed. Supply side economics actually caused a trickle up where the upper 1% and corporations took in Trillions of lost tax revenue and failed to produce an equivalent number of fair wage jobs for Americans.
America needs Congress to pass new campaign finance reform legislation to allow voices of We The People to be heard as loud, or louder, than We the Big Money Special Interests.
Otherwise we spiral further toward plutocracy!
John Stewart was spot on about this "new" GOP led Congress on the Daily Show. Why is Boehner weirdly tanned? And McConnell, the Senate majority leader, wants the GOP to "not look scary"? REALLY? That's the GOP solution! - all smoke and mirrors and no change?
America knows what to expect with the GOP running both houses of Congress. More pro-corporate regulatory and tax breaks in "hopes" that fair wage jobs for Americans in America somehow magically result even though trickle down economics failed. Supply side economics actually caused a trickle up where the upper 1% and corporations took in Trillions of lost tax revenue and failed to produce an equivalent number of fair wage jobs for Americans.
America needs Congress to pass new campaign finance reform legislation to allow voices of We The People to be heard as loud, or louder, than We the Big Money Special Interests.
Otherwise we spiral further toward plutocracy!
1
This travesty of government called the two Houses is already listing toward the side of catastrophe in their hopes for a Republican White House in 2016. There can be no progress where there is no unity; what is being revealed is how self-indulgent and disloyal to the Constitution they have become because of their deep-seated relationships with lobbies. They lack moral fiber and principles. And more scandals are likely to be revealed in the coming months. Woe betide them.
I see in other news articles that several of those who voted against Boehner have lost coveted committee appointments which they had expected. Boehner's office says that this was not in any way retaliation, which of course no one should believe. That doesn't add anything to his credibility. We will see if he is able to lead the House GOP in reality as time goes by.
Bill Gross says that 'the good times are over!' Well, the economies of Banana Republics don't really grow, and the economies of the world do resemble Banana Republics, if one considers that nearly all markets have been rigged, and only a few people are getting rich by it.
Quantitative Easing, which will probably come to Europe in the near future, had the effect of inflating the price of assets, but it created no new assets. QE had the further adverse effect of forcing massive overinvestment in Commodities Based Emerging Markets, and oil was the most manipulated market of all. Since 2008, the only entities lending were to be found among the Shadow Banking Sector, and even this driver of economies was limited by a shortage of bonds to be posted as collateral to cover overnight bank borrowing in sums equally as great as before the crash.
Investors seem to understand that Commodity, Bond, and Equity Markets are not supposed to explode upward all at the same time, and that when the fundamentals catch up with prices there will be hell to pay. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand the relationship between depressed wages and final demand. Income inequality is bad for the economy. So what if a few people get rich!
Stunningly, when it all corrects the rich have been set up to get even richer. The Public Subsidy has been fortified when no one was looking. Hilariously, the serious men among us think Barack Obama is a socialist. Yet, look at what he has wrought! Funny huh?
Quantitative Easing, which will probably come to Europe in the near future, had the effect of inflating the price of assets, but it created no new assets. QE had the further adverse effect of forcing massive overinvestment in Commodities Based Emerging Markets, and oil was the most manipulated market of all. Since 2008, the only entities lending were to be found among the Shadow Banking Sector, and even this driver of economies was limited by a shortage of bonds to be posted as collateral to cover overnight bank borrowing in sums equally as great as before the crash.
Investors seem to understand that Commodity, Bond, and Equity Markets are not supposed to explode upward all at the same time, and that when the fundamentals catch up with prices there will be hell to pay. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand the relationship between depressed wages and final demand. Income inequality is bad for the economy. So what if a few people get rich!
Stunningly, when it all corrects the rich have been set up to get even richer. The Public Subsidy has been fortified when no one was looking. Hilariously, the serious men among us think Barack Obama is a socialist. Yet, look at what he has wrought! Funny huh?
1
With their traditional and petrified incompetence and venality, Congressional wingnuts themselves provide us with the silver lining to their dark cloud: guaranteed Senate & POTUS victories two years hence. It's just a flat-out shame that the price we all have to pay is the certain wretchedness and misery they will cause to millions in the meantime.
The article picture of Boehner kissing a clearly reluctant and even offended Pelosi is rather vile. He hates her and everything she stands for, and well she knows it. This chauvinistic, sexist behavior, driven by outmoded and degrading rules of conduct, have no place in the workplace of 2015 - including the halls of Congress.
Sometimes a picture really does say a thousand words... This picture is one of that type.
Sometimes a picture really does say a thousand words... This picture is one of that type.
1
The whole Tea Party Challenge and ultimate defeat to Boehner was completely orchestrated. They want to give the impression to Tea Partiers that their support matters without actually having to concede any actual power, so they set up a phony election challenge, with an outcome set up to look close but really never had a chance of actually succeeding.
Now the Tea Party media outlets can all say, "guys, we're really close to gaining power, you just got to fight a little harder and we'll get there".
Now the Tea Party media outlets can all say, "guys, we're really close to gaining power, you just got to fight a little harder and we'll get there".
It's sad that many on the Left don 't understand that the purpose of the House of Representatives is just that, to represent those that vote for them...As I read through many of the posts on these pages, it seems they think that a single mindset with an R or D attached to the end of it is representing the people...Our teachers have failed generations of Americans...
3
It is apparent that in the last two mid terms the American people want to move away from progressivism and closer to the center /right that America as a nation prefers. The landslide victories for Republicans indicates that America wants Mr. Obama's runaway agenda stopped not compromised with. Mr. Obama and Democrats had two years when he was first elected with super majorities in both houses and never acted on things like immigration yet recently The President said he acted on immigration alone because Republicans would not. Hopefully the remaining Democrats will start governing for and with the American people instead of constantly pushing an agenda that is unpopular with them.
3
". . . extreme environmental left"..I love that. As if Rep. Mica is somehow in the ideological center? His egocentrically distorted viewpoint pretty much sums up what we can expect from Congress in the next 2 years.
The "Oath" is meaningless. Boehner scraped by and we will continue to suffer his weak ineptitude.
I cannot say that I am surprised.
I cannot say that I am surprised.
Reading the comments is always interesting, particularly when it comes to topics such as this.
I would remind all the disgruntled that voter turnout was nothing short of horrible in support of moderate GOPers and Democrats. Those voters, who for whatever reason, found that compromise on their particular positions warranted a "no confidence" posture. Or maybe punish the President because he hasn't been able to keep all of his promises.
We get the poison we deserve. It is so much easier to bitch about the other side than it was to make an effort to support the best candidates.
I would remind all the disgruntled that voter turnout was nothing short of horrible in support of moderate GOPers and Democrats. Those voters, who for whatever reason, found that compromise on their particular positions warranted a "no confidence" posture. Or maybe punish the President because he hasn't been able to keep all of his promises.
We get the poison we deserve. It is so much easier to bitch about the other side than it was to make an effort to support the best candidates.
2
I don't know why so much is made of the fact that Boehner's election was not unanimous. Is there a group of nearly 250 people where there is not a difference of opinion? I don't think that Boehner has the stuff to challenge the opposition by dropping his rule that a bill must be approved only with a Republican majority. You can't complain about the lack of bipartisanship of the other side if you insist on passing bills by yourself. This Republican congress is hell-bent on destroying things rather than building them. Let's see if they achieve anything.
2
What rule are you talking about? "This Republican Congress" has been in session for one day and you already have concluded they are "hell-bent" on destroying things rather than build them. As I too often see when I look at reader's comments there is this firm position taken against the other side backed by no facts.
1
The GOP won the majority inCongress by telling voters that it would no longer be the Party of No, and would govern in a positive manner. They're off to a disingenuous start. Let's see them put their money where the mouths are.
Mr. Boehner and McConnell, what are you specifically going to do to change your party's behavior?
Mr. Boehner and McConnell, what are you specifically going to do to change your party's behavior?
6
The GOP rarely puts money in their mouths. K Street puts it in their pocket thanks to a heinous SCOTUS ruling on Citizens United.
I thought McConnell's quote was very telling when he wanted the GOP to "not look scary".
It speaks volumes that appearances are more important than action.
I thought McConnell's quote was very telling when he wanted the GOP to "not look scary".
It speaks volumes that appearances are more important than action.
Let the ransacking begin.
14
The picture of Pelosi and Boehner speaks volumes but Pelosi's face says it all. It's just awkward. In few other workplaces would kissing a fellow employee, and that is what they are, be acceptable.
I hope McConnell greets Reid in the same way ... Tho I suspect this special greeting is only available to the female congressmen.
I hope McConnell greets Reid in the same way ... Tho I suspect this special greeting is only available to the female congressmen.
14
"Female congressmen"?
It says everything about Boehner. Another year of a man who just isn't up to the job he has. Oh well...
I hope the Republicans realize they are on double secret probation. If they think they can return to the old Republican MO of 2000 to 2006 with unbridled spending, pork and entitlements passed on emergency appropriations bills I am going to go nuts, register as an Independent, and fly to Washington to personally throw my representative out of his office.
11
Action on your part, J. Gottfred. A friend just wrote in from overseas about an international humanitarian agency where they are letting people go. "America is in a turmoil, impacting on us in many ways..."The Economy".
Clearly you 'realize' that the Dems have a hall pass, license to kill and a get out of jail free card. Responsible people will realize that there is a collective responsibility of the congress to govern.
1
Third-ranking House Republican addresses a white supremacist group and can't recall why or who they were.
A Republican governor going to prison for fraud.
Another Republican Representative forced to the House because of criminal tax evasion.
G.O.P! That's how we roll!
A Republican governor going to prison for fraud.
Another Republican Representative forced to the House because of criminal tax evasion.
G.O.P! That's how we roll!
21
And countless Democrats are indicted for crimes as well. Is that how the Dems roll? Guess so.
2
Why vote at all....
Until the Sumpreme Court overturns Citizens United and corporations stop controlling our government voting in national elections is a waste of time.
Vote for your local school board and dog catcher.
Until the Sumpreme Court overturns Citizens United and corporations stop controlling our government voting in national elections is a waste of time.
Vote for your local school board and dog catcher.
11
The reasons you cite are all the more reason to get out and vote. Put your x in the box next to the candidates and referendums that you like. That's finally what makes a democracy work, massive citizen participation. 36% voter turn-out in last November's election was really poor. So approximately just over 50% of 36% of those who voted, or ~ 18.5% decided the outcome. If you agree with the outcome, well that's great for your side. If you don't agree, then at the next opportunity you need to participate with your vote and encourage other like-minded others to vote so that there is a possibility of making a change. That's how democracy is supposed to work and does work if enough interested people participate in the process.
1
We need a new political party "Campaign Finance Reform NOW"
Anyone can join. Congressional representatives up for election will have only one mission - make new legislation to replace McCain-Feingold and reduce the ideological SCOTUS 5-4 ruling in Citizens.
Also, all candidates remain in office only one term so regardless of their achievements, they cannot be "bought" by special interest money that offers to fund their re-election.
Sound good? I am hoping to launch this party in prep for the 201t6 elections.
Anyone can join. Congressional representatives up for election will have only one mission - make new legislation to replace McCain-Feingold and reduce the ideological SCOTUS 5-4 ruling in Citizens.
Also, all candidates remain in office only one term so regardless of their achievements, they cannot be "bought" by special interest money that offers to fund their re-election.
Sound good? I am hoping to launch this party in prep for the 201t6 elections.
2
John Boehner is a a good ole boy. In the best sense of the words. His embrace of Nancy Pelosi is hilarious. He truly is a friendly guy.
The problem is he is playing hard ball for a nasty team. He would make a better Democrat. With a kiss like that I find it hard to believe he has no sympathy for working people, little guys, or truly disadvantaged souls.
I say this sincerely. I don't understand why a jovial man like Mr. Boehner suits up with the Republicans.
The problem is he is playing hard ball for a nasty team. He would make a better Democrat. With a kiss like that I find it hard to believe he has no sympathy for working people, little guys, or truly disadvantaged souls.
I say this sincerely. I don't understand why a jovial man like Mr. Boehner suits up with the Republicans.
2
Maybe he suits up with Republicans because, contrary to what the other side would have us all believe, there are a lot of very good people who are Republicans. I too was struck by the embrace/kiss he extended to Pelosi. But more because of her looking looking like she was cringing. I thought that said a lot about her.
I have no trouble at all believing that he has no sympathy for working people, little guys or truly disadvantaged souls. This is not a man who thinks outside the box. By the way, would you want him to kiss you?
And the WHOLE 11%, the opposition to Boehner, decided to caucus among themselves. A clear groundswell! Quit griping! We now have the majority in the House and Senate. It is time to get to work! Just because you think so, the entire nation is not you.
Does Boehner turn more orange with every additional Republican elected? I thought my television's color settings had gone off. It's not surprising that the Speaker would call on the President to "cooperate", though his real meaning was "capitulate". Not surprising, but supremely hypocritical. If you thought it was bad before, just watch the next two years. It will test Lincoln's theory that one cannot fool all of the people all of the time.
20
This American's television, and I am fortunate to have one, is going to remain turned off so that none of these political people are in view of one's eyes.
Mr. Figliozzi,
At this stage and for the longest time, it does appear that many of us wish to be fooled.
At this stage and for the longest time, it does appear that many of us wish to be fooled.
Obama, while running for President, announced that he would filibuster the FISA bill. He then went to DC and voted for it without a whimper of protest. I'll believe he will veto the Keystone XL pipeline bill when and if he actually does it. His promises don't mean a thing.
6
As compared to the GOP in Congress who likely will re-try failed trickle down economics that never made fair wage jobs for Americans in America equal to the TRILLIONS of lost tax revenue given away to the wealthy and corporations… the so called "job creators".
Three decades of failed supply side Reaganomics has actually caused a "trickle up" where the upper 1% and corporations have become wealthier yet middle and lower class working Americans have not seen their lives and wages improve.
Three decades of failed supply side Reaganomics has actually caused a "trickle up" where the upper 1% and corporations have become wealthier yet middle and lower class working Americans have not seen their lives and wages improve.
"Takes the reins" That's a good one. The only entity that is taking the reins is/are corporations.
18
It's funny how the Tea Party faction in the House is still referred to as the 'conservative' members.
I think something good may come from the House winning so many seats in 2014, because a lot of these folks are not necessarily Tea Party. It may mean that even if Boehner uses the Hastert rule( (majority of the majority), he may still have enough of a majority of Republican members to pass needed legislation, even if the Tea Party continues with its obstructionist ways. To do so may require compromise with the democrats in the House, rather than giving in to the insane Tea Party demands. That's exactly what we saw with the Omnibus budget bill. They(the Tea Party) was effectively marginalized as the bill was passed with a majority of the Republicans and a substantial number of Democrats, although the Tea Party folks seemed intent on forcing another government shutdown.
I know it may well be fantasy, or wishful thinking, to believe that Republicans and Democrats in the House can actually compromise and pass bills that may be mutually beneficial to both parties. But for the Republicans to do otherwise may be an effort in futility, as President Obama will surely have his veto pen ready.
I think something good may come from the House winning so many seats in 2014, because a lot of these folks are not necessarily Tea Party. It may mean that even if Boehner uses the Hastert rule( (majority of the majority), he may still have enough of a majority of Republican members to pass needed legislation, even if the Tea Party continues with its obstructionist ways. To do so may require compromise with the democrats in the House, rather than giving in to the insane Tea Party demands. That's exactly what we saw with the Omnibus budget bill. They(the Tea Party) was effectively marginalized as the bill was passed with a majority of the Republicans and a substantial number of Democrats, although the Tea Party folks seemed intent on forcing another government shutdown.
I know it may well be fantasy, or wishful thinking, to believe that Republicans and Democrats in the House can actually compromise and pass bills that may be mutually beneficial to both parties. But for the Republicans to do otherwise may be an effort in futility, as President Obama will surely have his veto pen ready.
1
How about if they pass something that is beneficial to the People of the US, rather than "mutually beneficial to both parties"?
Mutually beneficial to both parties? What about the citizens of the USA?
1
I'm guessing 768 days until the Democrat Senate Majority retakes the Senate; 1498 until the Democrat Majority retakes the House...but who's counting?
6
I've brushed up my counting for the last 4 years. Finally got to quit yesterday.
Enjoy the exercise!
Enjoy the exercise!
1
When it comes to the House, was any one really expecting anything different from the last few years? About the only thing I think will happen is a slight increase in the likelihood of bills getting through both chambers, but with the Dems doing the blocking in the Senate this time around, for which I'm thankful.
7
Boehner is not in a position within is own party to make any constructive moves. Why he would start off voting on a pipeline that is no longer needed is just one example of how his hands are tied. I hope things get better within his party, but I really do not expect reason to enter any time soon.
4
Mr. Boehner is in a position to shut down the Government again if we do not toe the line and behave to his liking.
But that pipeline will create jobs - 55 of them as I understand it. How great is that?
Please, please, please stop refering to the extreme right wing of the Republican party as conservatives. They're not conservative. They're right wing extremist regressives intent on destroying our government because of their petty, selfish beliefs. Calling them conservatives is insulting to true conservatives. It's as foolish as calling left wing, tree hugging vegans liberals. True liberals and conservatives are not that different at the end of the day. They both want what's best for the Nation and only differ on how best to get there. The hate filled, foaming at the mouth nuts to the far right and left have more in common with each other than they want us to believe.
16
The GOP are fiscal conservative hypocrites who also suppose themselves to be social conservatives to attract the evangelical Christian vote.
Well the New Year starts off pretty much like the several years that proceeded it; a Speaker embarressed by his own members. Now with the Senate in the hands of the Republicans, Boehner's will have double the pressure to control the red hots. The opening shot proves it will not be easy for him. The Tea Party smells blood after the American public gave the Republicans a resounding (God help us all) victory in the mid terms.
4
Only in Washington, D.C. does John Boehner get a standing ovation. At anything.
11
The true "obstructionists" show their color, Blue. They are just using other tactics this time around. Hopefully, the American electorate will see through all of this and vote them out of office and replace a capable person in the White House.
1
Funny that video is -- Nancy Pelosi looks like she'd rather kiss a frog than being smooched by John Boehner. Can't blame her, really...
15
The accompanying photo of Boehner "kissing" representative Pelosi is nothing short of sexual assault. I'm sure the advance was not invited or welcomed and to execute the maneuver while wielding a large weapon (gavel) is clearly a representation of how the Republican leadership views their relationship to women.
6
Mr. Wilson,
If former President Bush can give a back-rub to the Chancellor of Germany, a big bear hug from Mr. Boehner in a moment of exhilaration is small potatoes and just gooey.
If former President Bush can give a back-rub to the Chancellor of Germany, a big bear hug from Mr. Boehner in a moment of exhilaration is small potatoes and just gooey.
Rep. Mulvaney's observation is on spot. “This was an effort driven as much by talk radio as by a thoughtful and principled effort to make a change.”
Our elected representatives are no better-grounded in the art and polity of governance than the dumbed-down mobs that delivered them to their seats.
Angels and ministers of Grace, defend us!
Our elected representatives are no better-grounded in the art and polity of governance than the dumbed-down mobs that delivered them to their seats.
Angels and ministers of Grace, defend us!
5
Would he be kissing a male minority leader?
6
With Florida ending civil marriage as we know it in order not to give weddings to gay people? Not very likely!
How do we expect Congress to work together if the Republican Party is so disjointed?
2
Our politicians long ago stopped making sense. They'll grab onto any thought if they thought it might please their lobbyists. Now everyone is on board against inequality, immigration ,whatever...they'll just mumble on and produce nothing. Why do we need them? Really, they're a Potemkin village. The real movers and shakers are the giant wads of money waiting in the wings. Old saying: there is just one party in this country- The party of the rich ,with its two branches, Democrats and Republicans .
12
They are all joke Democrats and Republicans. I predict they will accomplish nothing as always but cost us a fortune for their mismanagement. In the Arab world mismanagement is a crime. How do we awaken them to the reality of governing? They are reckless. John Boehner has no clue.
3
What democrat knows better than Pelosi the myriad of meaning in a kiss? Unfortunately, she will have to read the bills to find out.
2
A picture's worth a thousand words is how the saying goes, but looking at Boehner kissing Nancy Pelosi I can only say "ugh."
2
I agree with many comments about the Speaker and the Republican congress being unwilling to accomplish anything during their tenure. One thing that has not been commented on (that I have seen) is that I do not think that Rep. Pelosi offered a hug much less a kiss. Would Speaker Boehner kissed a man offering him the gavel? She certainly was not embracing him, nor did she offer her cheek for a kiss. It just goes to show how unaware of sexist actions still exist in his world.
3
Perhaps Women's Rights are about to take a plunge.
This is a great day for our Nation that we will finally have a Congress that will uphold the values that has made ours a great Country.
I'd have voted against him too, if they'd let me.
2
Lots of sour grapes comments on this page today
2
Well from my democratic point of view..it is better to have Boehner than whoever in the Republican Party.
1
Here's an idea: if all these righter-than-right wing conservatives are so fed up with Boehner and the rest of the GOP, then why don't they go and start their own party with their own agenda?
It's astounding really, that a country of 300,000,000+ that considers itself the greatest democracy in the world hasn't had a legitimate 3rd party since the Whigs in the 1860s.
It's astounding really, that a country of 300,000,000+ that considers itself the greatest democracy in the world hasn't had a legitimate 3rd party since the Whigs in the 1860s.
3
I have an issue with the kiss, personally. ... Inappropriate in a professional setting unless it is a unilateral custom and tradition...
3
Great. The obstructionist criminal traitors who ruined this country from Reagan to Bush are back in the drivers seat to complete the job. They should be in jail; not running a government they claim to so hate.
6
The problem is people are too busy, too stressed, and getting too much misinformation from Murdoch media to be able to have the critical thinking necessary to devine truth from propaganda that emotionally manipulates human anger and bigotry impulses.
The right is thoroughly discredited by the facts whether its climate change (yes its getting more real by the day), the wall street meltdown (no fannie didn't do it otherwise countries like Ireland and Spain wouldnt have also had a housing bubble), tax cuts (no, Bush proved they don't create jobs) and this list goes on.
What we need are forceful and articulate voices that can push back against the misinformation. Obama needs to up his game and Eliz Warren needs to step up hers....
The right is thoroughly discredited by the facts whether its climate change (yes its getting more real by the day), the wall street meltdown (no fannie didn't do it otherwise countries like Ireland and Spain wouldnt have also had a housing bubble), tax cuts (no, Bush proved they don't create jobs) and this list goes on.
What we need are forceful and articulate voices that can push back against the misinformation. Obama needs to up his game and Eliz Warren needs to step up hers....
7
Unfortunately, truly intelligent people are too smart to want these positions.
Okay, just the picture of Boehner kissing Pelosi and the body language. A thousand words. (Kudos to the photog).
4
that photo of boehner & pelosi hugging-priceless! perfect upcoming SNL skit! the lightness of nothing in politics, once again.
2
The XL is good for about 50 permanent jobs, but billions for the Koch Brothers who own the largest slice if the tar sands, big benefactors of the Goops, although at $50-$60/BBL. it will likely never be built because tar sands cost more to develop.
Look for the Goops to champion war with Iran to raise oil prices, although I think the president will veto the Keystone bill.
50 permanent jobs. That's the Repubs idea of a strong economy policy.
Guess it works in Peoria.
Look for the Goops to champion war with Iran to raise oil prices, although I think the president will veto the Keystone bill.
50 permanent jobs. That's the Repubs idea of a strong economy policy.
Guess it works in Peoria.
2
At or near the top of the Republican Congress' agenda: the Keystone pipeline. What do several states' agriculture, the food we Americans and the world need or underground water sources matter? Republicans must have an ace in the hole: a reserve planet.
10
There is no Planet B.
2
"1984" is now here in ways that we could not predict; a revealing if sinister political novel on the part of an author, and while it would be tempting to blame modern technology, a lot of the blame for this state of affairs, is on us.
I understand that many inside the beltway types think this vote may be a rebuke to the Speaker. As a bystander, not even remotely connected to the Washington, DC political scene, I see Speaker Boehner's vote as a victory, achieving a 90% positive favorable rating. If only our U.S. Congress could see such favorable ratings when being polled.
One thing for sure, the vote allows the political leadership to see who can be counted on with future votes. Yes, those voting against Speaker Boehner may have stood their ground, however, many Americans when polled want Congress to work with effectiveness and efficacy. A 90% vote of confidence is quite an accomplishment considering the diversity of the Republican Party.
I look forward to watching Speaker Boehner's leadership and political skills as he forges votes from both parties to move important legislation along. There are many issues that are bipartisan needing to be addressed. Congratulations! to the new Speaker of the House.
One thing for sure, the vote allows the political leadership to see who can be counted on with future votes. Yes, those voting against Speaker Boehner may have stood their ground, however, many Americans when polled want Congress to work with effectiveness and efficacy. A 90% vote of confidence is quite an accomplishment considering the diversity of the Republican Party.
I look forward to watching Speaker Boehner's leadership and political skills as he forges votes from both parties to move important legislation along. There are many issues that are bipartisan needing to be addressed. Congratulations! to the new Speaker of the House.
"I see Speaker Boehner's vote as a victory, achieving a 90% positive favorable rating."
Yes, a REAL victory for America.
Yes, a REAL victory for America.
It shows that he can't control his party. The nuts on the extreme right are out of control. This is good news for America. It means the Republicans are going to have a hard time getting anything done.
3
"Mr. Boehner and Mr. McConnell have already set in motion the process to hold votes on approving the Keystone XL pipeline, a project they have both championed as a job creator."
These two did absolutely nothing about job creation, or anything else for the middle class for the last 6 years, and now all of a sudden they are "for" creating what is correctly estimated to be 50 permanent Keystone pipeline jobs. It is the Koch Brothers that they want to benefit, as the trickle down will be to them. But with the price of oil rapidly dropping, the Alberta tar sands oil and Keystone pipeline hopefully will become a white elephant to be hung around Boener and McConnell's necks.
These two did absolutely nothing about job creation, or anything else for the middle class for the last 6 years, and now all of a sudden they are "for" creating what is correctly estimated to be 50 permanent Keystone pipeline jobs. It is the Koch Brothers that they want to benefit, as the trickle down will be to them. But with the price of oil rapidly dropping, the Alberta tar sands oil and Keystone pipeline hopefully will become a white elephant to be hung around Boener and McConnell's necks.
6
You have to have people willing to compromise if you want to get anything done. All this crowing and posturing do not assure me at all that anything good will get done for the majority of the American populace. It baffles me that working people in this country still believe in a trickle-down effect in the economy. Really? Making the Koch brothers richer will put money in my pocket? Really? Does anyone believe these guys are interested in bringing back jobs that pay $20.00/hr. Even Steve Jobs told Obama that tech jobs were not coming back here. Companies run on efficiencies; they aren't charities. And efficiencies always mean putting Americans out of work. So keep on deluding yourselves, working people, that the politicians have got your back. Job creation = McDonald's, Taco Bell, Walmart. I hope everyone is happy with all generations living together because that's the only way families are going to make it. Everyone lives in one household and contributes to the household. Isn't that the "Christian" model?
6
I love the line "many of whom had no legislative experience at all" towards the middle of the story. Oh, no! How horrible!! A bunch of people with no experience raping the taxpayers year after year!! Grab the smelling salts!!
4
Raping the taxpayers year after year? You're from Minnesota--are you a Michele Bachmann supporter? You sound every bit as sensible as one.
2
We know what the GOP is against [pay equality,marriage equality,income equality, and racial equality]...we simply don't know what they are for.
5
The 1% - they don't have enough - they want more and the GOP will do their bidding.
2
For? GOP for? Hmmm...higher campaing contributions?
1
OK, Mr. Boehner you have your speakership sewed up. Twenty malcontents are silenced, at least until you try and get something passed they don't want, and you will have to deal with that.
Now ----------let's see what you and your party are capable of other than divisiveness, hate for a president, annoyance for the average American insisting you do something for the country, and your outright contempt for those who aren't "your kind" and need social services.
Now ----------let's see what you and your party are capable of other than divisiveness, hate for a president, annoyance for the average American insisting you do something for the country, and your outright contempt for those who aren't "your kind" and need social services.
4
"Make my Day", to quote President Reagan although it has ruined mine. And yet this American, who is beginning to wonder when and where we fell on our crowns, is starting to hum.
It doesn't really matter anymore because America is a Republic, it always has been, and the next President, as a matter of course, is going to be a Republican. It could work out if we had a viable candidate, and we have quite a choice on the political platter, an unappetizing one at last count, but a runner with a mind and not just a suit may pop up. Just planning to tighten my seat belt, and hope that it's not going to get as bad as it gets. Probably 80% of the population is singing 'Happy Days are Here Again' and remember tomorrow is another day.
A relief that I am not a typist in the political corporate world anymore, and while everyone else has an eye to the Presidential elections, this might be just the right time to begin watching 'Downton Abbey' while the rest of the crowd duke it out and enjoy time watching football and eating organic cheese dip with green tea chips if they can afford it.
True, one can vote and in fact it's nearly mandatory, but why waste more precious time when one already knows the outcome? If anybody asks, and they have on occasion, where you come from, just tell them that you're an American and a foreigner in your own Country.
It doesn't really matter anymore because America is a Republic, it always has been, and the next President, as a matter of course, is going to be a Republican. It could work out if we had a viable candidate, and we have quite a choice on the political platter, an unappetizing one at last count, but a runner with a mind and not just a suit may pop up. Just planning to tighten my seat belt, and hope that it's not going to get as bad as it gets. Probably 80% of the population is singing 'Happy Days are Here Again' and remember tomorrow is another day.
A relief that I am not a typist in the political corporate world anymore, and while everyone else has an eye to the Presidential elections, this might be just the right time to begin watching 'Downton Abbey' while the rest of the crowd duke it out and enjoy time watching football and eating organic cheese dip with green tea chips if they can afford it.
True, one can vote and in fact it's nearly mandatory, but why waste more precious time when one already knows the outcome? If anybody asks, and they have on occasion, where you come from, just tell them that you're an American and a foreigner in your own Country.
1
First order of business for these GOP people in the House and Senate, starting tomorrow guaranteed: Vote to repeal the ACA, and vote to restrict abortion somehow.
Fanatics can't change their minds and won't change the subject. And let's drop right now the nonsense that there are politicians who favor "more" versus "fewer" regulations. The true distinction is between politicians who support "elite favoring" versus "non-elite favoring" regulations. Politicians from both parties favor imposition of regulations of one kind or another. It's just that the regulations favored by Mitch McConnell differ greatly from the ones favored by Bernie Sanders.
Fanatics can't change their minds and won't change the subject. And let's drop right now the nonsense that there are politicians who favor "more" versus "fewer" regulations. The true distinction is between politicians who support "elite favoring" versus "non-elite favoring" regulations. Politicians from both parties favor imposition of regulations of one kind or another. It's just that the regulations favored by Mitch McConnell differ greatly from the ones favored by Bernie Sanders.
5
warren/sanders 2016
Why would Boehner kiss Nancy Pelosi? That's really insulting! He should have shook hands.
3
When we have a president or politician who shows true innate good manners, it does not seem to be appreciated.
the republicans are obstructionists? what percentage of bills that were passed by the house did former senate majority leader reid bring to the floor? he did more to obstruct the workings of congress than anyone.
1
Sounds like "the expectations are high for more Republican" gridlock and Obama bashing at all costs, even if it means destroying the economy and environment (again).
5
That picture says it all and we're in trouble. The republican party (brand) is over and it's all about what progressive socialist democrat is elected. I've never done it before and this will be the first time, writing in a candidate for the November 2016 ballot. I have a couple conservatives in mind.
The Speaker deserved election if only because he has the best full tan of all the Anglo members. So full and so tan it looks a lot like the Republican platform - phony policy based on fake facts.
7
Boehner is a creep, unworthy of the positions he has held. The picture of him kissing Nancy Pelosi is simply nauseating.
6
They're two peas in a pod. Time for you to wake up. Time to stop looking at everything like a sporting event
2
Bohner kissing Pilosi was sexism at its purest.
9
An offensive people to some, it is more to this viewer a photo of 'The Big Man is back again to protect the Little Woman' and to follow his lead without a political opinion in her head, while passing the corn beef sandwiches and looking pretty.
I can't believe that this man is from my hometown and specifically the district in greater Cincinnati where my family now resides. My family stands for the direct opposite politically.
And Mitch McConnell is from Kentucky. Just across the river. What is up with that part of the country? Hanging out in metro Cincinnati (which includes northern Kentucky) it's sufficiently cosmopolitan. You don't get a feeling of drowning in Bible belt pathos at all. Are people voting? I'm very disappointed with Ohio and where it is going. I'm afraid for it and this nation actually.
And Mitch McConnell is from Kentucky. Just across the river. What is up with that part of the country? Hanging out in metro Cincinnati (which includes northern Kentucky) it's sufficiently cosmopolitan. You don't get a feeling of drowning in Bible belt pathos at all. Are people voting? I'm very disappointed with Ohio and where it is going. I'm afraid for it and this nation actually.
4
The picture of Boehner kissing Pelosi is disturbing. How is this appropriate? Would he have kissed a guy? It is so patronizing. I guess there is no HR department.
Understand, I think we, as a society, have become way too uptight about many things, but this just appears so demeaning.
And by her face she clearly has not said 'yes'.
Understand, I think we, as a society, have become way too uptight about many things, but this just appears so demeaning.
And by her face she clearly has not said 'yes'.
7
'I'm in control of the situation, and there is nothing for you to worry about any more'.
I'd like to see Quinten Tarantino's version of that kiss. He does evil-to-smarmy so well.
2
Republicans are liars, manipulative and quite frankly, Un-American in their grab for power. They were voted in by a minority. These cretins will do anything to achieve their goal of turning the country into an oligarchy. They have no soul nor caring for 90% of the citizenry. The sad part is...non-voters...the American people did it to themselves. What's worse, Democrats never stand up for what people want and that's why there are so many non-voters. I'm done with providing money to democrats until they get a clue. A grim situation this is.
8
I'm not ready to hand Obama a bouquet -- his first mistake was not to rein in the banksters when he had the chance, and I have no idea if he'll fight for Social Security, Medicare, the environment and against further deregulation. But these guys. . . will not stop until they've privatized everything for the benefit of their patrons.
11
Watch out now for the bankers, followed by the lawyers, and for The Middle Class, a reminder to be careful with one's pennies.
remember what happened to louie xvi and marie antoinette?
Boehner's leadership skills may be questionable, and the NYT photo of him kissing Pelosi is repugnant, but at least the Republicans now have control of both houses of Congress and can now move forward with
sensible legislation (ok XL Pipeline, repeal of Obamacare's MDET, tax reform, deportation of illegal Mexicans, etc.) that was blocked by Harry Reid's obstructionist Senate.
sensible legislation (ok XL Pipeline, repeal of Obamacare's MDET, tax reform, deportation of illegal Mexicans, etc.) that was blocked by Harry Reid's obstructionist Senate.
3
Mr. Boehner may well think this vote for him is a victory but the Republican right will be watching. If he doesn't listen to them he faces a guaranteed election primary come 2016.
1
The next two years are going to be precious.
1. The Republican party will now have to Skit or get off the pot. They actually will have to pass legislation that means something and is not just a talking point for their evening jobs on Foxnews.
2. The media will have to own up to what they have nurtured - the outcry and outrage based politics of the last 15+ years is reaching its critical point, this is where the balloon will explode and all the hot air will escape in one rapid, unpredictable gust. Where will the debris land?
Fun times. Precious times. And hopefully one during which the sensible and good will keep their heads and hearts about themselves and steer the country in the proper path.
Oh, BTW, we don't care who is the leading contender for 2016, we still have a lot of unfinished business from 2014. Cheers.
1. The Republican party will now have to Skit or get off the pot. They actually will have to pass legislation that means something and is not just a talking point for their evening jobs on Foxnews.
2. The media will have to own up to what they have nurtured - the outcry and outrage based politics of the last 15+ years is reaching its critical point, this is where the balloon will explode and all the hot air will escape in one rapid, unpredictable gust. Where will the debris land?
Fun times. Precious times. And hopefully one during which the sensible and good will keep their heads and hearts about themselves and steer the country in the proper path.
Oh, BTW, we don't care who is the leading contender for 2016, we still have a lot of unfinished business from 2014. Cheers.
5
Once again congress defy's the american people, who knew it would come to this???
1
Who knew? Anyone who's been paying attention for the past three decades!
Ha! The Boehner-Pelosi kiss is as real as the GOP's interest in being part of the govening process. Not a happening thing...........
2
That the same guy who was caught handing out checks from tobacco interests to members of Congress on the floor of the House in 1995, prior to a vote on tobacco, paid no political price and became Speaker of the House is mind-boggling. And appalling.
Then again, this is the modern Republican Party.
Then again, this is the modern Republican Party.
8
John Thune is a joke. The story of the current administration is trying to desperately recover from the abyss the Bush years left us in. What unmitigated gall.
8
One picture is worth a thousand words. The photographer who caught John
Boehner, gavel in hand, kissing and hugging Nancy Pelosi, should get a prize for how much the picture tells us if we look at it carefully.
Boehner, gavel in hand, kissing and hugging Nancy Pelosi, should get a prize for how much the picture tells us if we look at it carefully.
5
Imagine what the economy would be like if the GOP was not led by the deranged crowd whose interest was not the good of the republic but to destroy the system within like a fifth column.
For the past 6 years, they have shown no desire for governing but rather for soundbites, grandstanding (Sen. Ted Cruz), or telling the viewers of Fox News how the president is a dictator.
They like to consider themselves patriots whose have the best interests of the country at heart. Yet, all you have to do is look at their actions. They are more concerned with transferring more wealth to the rich than working with the Democrats so all Americans can benefit from the improving economy.
However, it is just a matter of times before the crazies in the GOP get antsy and decide that they going to look out for their base instead of the nation. Then the country will see that they are not fit to govern and should be a permanent minority party on the national scene.
In closing, if this was the old Soviet Union, they would be considered traitors and enemies of the people. And we know how that regime dealt with such people.
For the past 6 years, they have shown no desire for governing but rather for soundbites, grandstanding (Sen. Ted Cruz), or telling the viewers of Fox News how the president is a dictator.
They like to consider themselves patriots whose have the best interests of the country at heart. Yet, all you have to do is look at their actions. They are more concerned with transferring more wealth to the rich than working with the Democrats so all Americans can benefit from the improving economy.
However, it is just a matter of times before the crazies in the GOP get antsy and decide that they going to look out for their base instead of the nation. Then the country will see that they are not fit to govern and should be a permanent minority party on the national scene.
In closing, if this was the old Soviet Union, they would be considered traitors and enemies of the people. And we know how that regime dealt with such people.
5
And, in two years, when they lose control of the House and/or Senate, they'll wonder why. Perhaps: Gohmert, religious bigots, Tea Partyers, racists, the Koch brothers, intellectual bankruptcy, hypocrisy, Cruz, Boehner, any of their candidates for the presidency, their vicious social Darwinism, the NRA, creationism, climate-change denial, sexism, Rush Limbaugh---are among the many reasons why.
5
Far more terrifying is the very real prospect that the Gomerts, Palins, TPs, Kochs, Cruz, Boehner, et.al., actually win the Presidency as well as control Congress. Will America prove itself that nihilist, pathetic, and plain stupid? I have no confidence it will not.
The photo of Boehner sloppily kissing Pelosi--with her barely containing her repulsion--is really priceless! You ought to run a caption contest!
13
The only dissent they like is the crushable kind.
4
Sorry if I laugh at most of these comments, but it's as if you dems didn't get the memo sent loud and clear on November 11th...
5
Oh you mean the lowest turnout election in 100 years that also enjoyed widespread voter suppression in minority regions and ungodly amounts of dark money 70% of which was republican?
Best government the coke brothers and wall street can buy.
P.S. the 56 republican senators received over 4 million less overall votes than the 44 dem senators.
Best government the coke brothers and wall street can buy.
P.S. the 56 republican senators received over 4 million less overall votes than the 44 dem senators.
3
Was the message, if you throw enough barriers to voting up and gerrymander the districts till they look like a piece of modern art, and then sprinkle millions of dollars worth of false advertising, you can win?
2
Dan, you are not sorry at all; you are happy, and we have enough phonies among us already.
"In the House, Republicans have their largest majority since the post-World War II era, 246 seats."
This sentence is unfinished. Every single time this fact is quoted, it should be contextualized with the following fact. They have 246 seats because of gerrymandering. Period. Unfair and unequal elections they are proud of.
This sentence is unfinished. Every single time this fact is quoted, it should be contextualized with the following fact. They have 246 seats because of gerrymandering. Period. Unfair and unequal elections they are proud of.
8
2014: More conservatives were elected or upset SITTING liberals than anytime in history, and we wanted Bohner gone and we want Obama gone, and we do not want a Bush, clinton, Obama's Kennedy's! and WE the voters are still out here waiting for our chance in 2016! MORE of the same RINO Progressive double speak, and I can bet that there will not be a vote that either side predicts.
EVERY REpublican won except where the Repubs put up more RINO's, and then they lost. THUNE is likely to go next if he keeps this up.
EVERY REpublican won except where the Repubs put up more RINO's, and then they lost. THUNE is likely to go next if he keeps this up.
3
If they keep this up, there may not be a need for republican ballots in 2016...They really don't seem to get it at all...
1
Economic pain, Mr. Thune? You mean higher minimum wages in some states? Falling gas prices? Health insurance, FINALLY? The best stock market activity since GWB left DC? The job market picking up since GWB left DC? You mean THAT economic pain?
I think the economic pain we're feeling is mostly represented by the audacity of the multi-million/billion-dollar salaries paid to executives and their "personhood" corporations. So maybe start by fixing THAT instead of plunking a pipeline down the middle of the country, mkay?
I think the economic pain we're feeling is mostly represented by the audacity of the multi-million/billion-dollar salaries paid to executives and their "personhood" corporations. So maybe start by fixing THAT instead of plunking a pipeline down the middle of the country, mkay?
5
You know, past Senators would call the late Ted Kennedy "The Lion of the Senate". I always thought that Boehner was the Lion of the House.
I don't know that he's particularly untruthful.
The image speaks much louder than the words. She's turning away from him, her right hand looks as if it's ready to push or claw, and he's got a gavel aimed at her face. It sums up the state of relations in Congress.
2
The photo taken by Jonathan Ernst of Mr. Boehner with fellow members of Congress on Tuesday is revealing, exposing faces that show anxiety, heads are down and look at the expressions of the people surrounding the Leader.
Having been pounded in the last election, Dems console themselves with stories of dissent within the GOP. There may be dissenting opinions, but there won't be dissenting actions. Does anyone think the far-right will not push for Keystone XL? That they won't lend their votes to replacing the ACA? That they will, in a fit of pique, vote Obama's way on immigration?
2
Yeah, America really needs those 56 jobs the pipeline will eventually add.
1
It is the Koch pipeline not the Keystone pipeline. They own a large share of the tar sands real estate. The have positions in the pipeline itself and the refineries in Texas. So for $250 million they bought a Congress that will pass as their first order of business a pipeline that will do exactly what?
1) It will make the Koch's much more money than $250 million
2) It will transport toxic bitumen 1500 miles across the U.S. with all the attendant risks to the environment along the pipeline
3) It will add to the air pollution at the refineries due to it's dirty composition
4) It will lead to massive amounts of refinery coke slag staying in the U.S
5) The end product will be shipped and sold to our competitors in China so the can be helped in pricing us out of manufacturing markets.
Yes, considering all this nation's problems, building that pipeline certainly is a a dumb choice as the first item on the agenda ( unless you consider it a payoff to their financial backers)
I hope these Republican patriots remember that the Koch fortune started by the father adding Stalin
1) It will make the Koch's much more money than $250 million
2) It will transport toxic bitumen 1500 miles across the U.S. with all the attendant risks to the environment along the pipeline
3) It will add to the air pollution at the refineries due to it's dirty composition
4) It will lead to massive amounts of refinery coke slag staying in the U.S
5) The end product will be shipped and sold to our competitors in China so the can be helped in pricing us out of manufacturing markets.
Yes, considering all this nation's problems, building that pipeline certainly is a a dumb choice as the first item on the agenda ( unless you consider it a payoff to their financial backers)
I hope these Republican patriots remember that the Koch fortune started by the father adding Stalin
11
How do you "add" Stalin?
While I agree that Republicans should have opposed Mr. Boehner's leadership, it should not have been based on his not being conservative enough. The opposition should have come from the last few remaining sane members of the party, not from the extremists who play dangerous games of brinkmanship and try to shut down the government when they don't get their way.
What has happened to the GOP? There was a time when the extremists were barely acknowledged by the mainstream. These days, the John Birch Society would be considered centrists, white supremacists have the ear of the third most powerful man in congress, clean water and air are not considered as important natural resources as profits from Canada's tar sands, and the only agenda of the party is to stop the president from doing his job, while their elected members refuse to do their own. I certainly hope we can throw these cretins out of office in two years before they do too much damage.
What has happened to the GOP? There was a time when the extremists were barely acknowledged by the mainstream. These days, the John Birch Society would be considered centrists, white supremacists have the ear of the third most powerful man in congress, clean water and air are not considered as important natural resources as profits from Canada's tar sands, and the only agenda of the party is to stop the president from doing his job, while their elected members refuse to do their own. I certainly hope we can throw these cretins out of office in two years before they do too much damage.
12
Please name the "white Supremacists"in congress.
1
And yet Obama delayed the mandates that Cruz had asked for, for far longer than Ted Cruz had asked for...Tell me again who needlessly 'shutdown the government'...
1
“Our first priority for the next two years,” said Senator John Thune of South Dakota, a member of the Republican leadership, “will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration.”
Actually he changed his name from: Joseph Goebbels.
“If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.
Joseph Goebbels
Actually he changed his name from: Joseph Goebbels.
“If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.
Joseph Goebbels
9
John Boehner strikes me as a decent man whose highest and best use was as a bartender. He doesn't deserve the grief he is sure to suffer from his own Republican conference and its wack-right, more-American-than-thou (and me) zealots.
3
Well deserved. Because he has been so effective looking out for the poor and the middle class...............
9
John Thune made me laugh ruefully:
“Our first priority for the next two years,” said Senator John Thune of South Dakota, a member of the Republican leadership, “will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration.”
Really, the Obama administration is responsible for economic pain? Republicans blocked every single policy that would increase employment., mitigate unemployment, reduce health and education costs and control the rapaciousness of Wall Street and the financial industry.
Despite this, oil prices are down, effectively increasing incomes for many Americans, and the stock market is hitting new highs. Unemployment has dropped despite the Republicans. The National Debt has dropped precipitously. The "economic pain" felt during the past 6 years has been the result of the aftermath of the horrendous Bush administration. President Obama has mitigated this.
So Thune's claim of "economic pain" is just another Republican lie designed to deceive the public. After a while these pieces of unsubstantiated rhetoric do little more than rattle around the GOP echo chamber.
“Our first priority for the next two years,” said Senator John Thune of South Dakota, a member of the Republican leadership, “will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration.”
Really, the Obama administration is responsible for economic pain? Republicans blocked every single policy that would increase employment., mitigate unemployment, reduce health and education costs and control the rapaciousness of Wall Street and the financial industry.
Despite this, oil prices are down, effectively increasing incomes for many Americans, and the stock market is hitting new highs. Unemployment has dropped despite the Republicans. The National Debt has dropped precipitously. The "economic pain" felt during the past 6 years has been the result of the aftermath of the horrendous Bush administration. President Obama has mitigated this.
So Thune's claim of "economic pain" is just another Republican lie designed to deceive the public. After a while these pieces of unsubstantiated rhetoric do little more than rattle around the GOP echo chamber.
242
It is really quit simple; people who like a speaker always believe them no matter what is said. Therein lies the power of the political lies.
Is it a lie to deceive the public, or are the Republicans so out of touch that they cannot see we have had an economic recovery? Remember, this is the party that bases its economic policy on Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged, a work of fiction by a bourgeoisie refugee . It's a little like basing political strategy on Macbeth.
1
I find it hilarious that those to whom Gruber was referring haven't a clue who he was referring to...
Our founders were all too right, and it is killing this country. "Faction" they called it back then and they hated it, and rabid party and ideological partisanship is what we call it now. An unwillingness to see the issues through another's eyes or to walk in another's shoes, even for a moment. Talking points, on both sides, replacing reasoned debate. Worse yet, this is all enabled by a Greek chorus of entertainers, posing as wise seers, on talk radio and cable (including MSNBC along with the larger louder far right). Add in the secret funding streams of campaigns and secret donors of big money, all to advance narrow mercantile and financial interests. It sure as heck isn't what Mr. Madison intended in drafting our Constitution or what the authors of the Federalist papers hoped for.
Add in totally uninspiring elected leaders (with a few exceptions) from the White House to the Speakership and his team, to the backslapping male Senators of both parties. I used to criticize the slackers who never voted or never knew or cared who controlled the government or who was their Senator or congressman. But this dysfunction has me wondering if the cheerfully uninformed and uninterested crowd has a point.
Add in totally uninspiring elected leaders (with a few exceptions) from the White House to the Speakership and his team, to the backslapping male Senators of both parties. I used to criticize the slackers who never voted or never knew or cared who controlled the government or who was their Senator or congressman. But this dysfunction has me wondering if the cheerfully uninformed and uninterested crowd has a point.
2
“Our first priority for the next two years,” said Senator John Thune of South Dakota, a member of the Republican leadership, “will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration.”
The good Senator clearly has a future as a staff writer for _The Onion_.
The good Senator clearly has a future as a staff writer for _The Onion_.
22
I see no mention of the millions of ozerocare signups that would prequalify him.
This is the Confederacy redux, circa 1865. Mutually mistrustful, each state the self-anointed steward of the truth, and all of them dying of a theory.
8
I was REALLY hoping for Louie Gohmert or Ted Yoho (Yahoo?) to be named! What a fun 2 years that would be!
8
Seems to me that one can be conservative and principled without being stupid. The so-called principled protest offered by the two dozen or so malcontents served no purpose but to give permission for Boehner to isolate them on committees and in other ways. In order for the Republicans to increase the possibilities of seizing the White House in 2016, they are going to have to pass bills that get signed into law. By ignoring the most rigid in the party, Boehner will rely instead on the reasonable Conservatives in his party and the middle of the road and rightward leaning Democrats to gain victories.
All in all this was the first in what will be many, many victories for Boehner and the Republicans in congress. Move over Tea Party extremists, you day in the sun is fast fading away.
All in all this was the first in what will be many, many victories for Boehner and the Republicans in congress. Move over Tea Party extremists, you day in the sun is fast fading away.
2
" Boehner will rely instead on the reasonable Conservatives in his party" aka.. liberal-in-disguise..
The republicans first priority is to pipe oil extracted from tar sands in Canada to the gulf coast a distance of nearly 3000 miles, then have it refined to produce even more oil, oil that produces more pollution and global waming than oil directly extracted by traditional methods, then have the oil shipped to other countries. It's going to be a long two years before the next election !!
13
The price of oil being what it is, the Canadian tar sand producers will not be starting any pipeline any time soon. So, the reality is, it's a moot subject in economic terms. It takes politicians a while to get the message.
I neither consider the pipeline an environmental catastrophe or an economic miracle. Pipelines are built all the time in the US. Why I haven't seen even one news report comparing any one of them to the Tar Sand proposal, is beyond me. The reason you might not know about these pipelines is because they don't create that much employment. As for damage, pipelines in America have been in use well over a century.
I neither consider the pipeline an environmental catastrophe or an economic miracle. Pipelines are built all the time in the US. Why I haven't seen even one news report comparing any one of them to the Tar Sand proposal, is beyond me. The reason you might not know about these pipelines is because they don't create that much employment. As for damage, pipelines in America have been in use well over a century.
1
Oh, Boehner is in charge. Once again. Expect the same outstanding bipartisian progress we have seen over the last so many years. So refreshing.........
7
Perhaps one might use irony instead of sarcasm here.
The writers seem to think Boehner should be embarrassed. But I wonder if he is. I don't think he should be. Since when is a caucus or a party or any other organization supposed to be perfectly in agreement. The fact is he has the votes. There's a saying: Those who have the votes vote. Those who don't talk.
2
24 GOP members voted AGAINST Boehner? On what grounds? That he was too compromising? That he conversed in private too frequently or was seen too often in the company of the President? What a joke the US Congress has become.
Alas, the two parties out-do one another almost daily as to which is sillier and more deluded.
Alas, the two parties out-do one another almost daily as to which is sillier and more deluded.
3
Because he's wishy-washy and fails to listen to his own people or any of his voters.
1
why is it embarassing to have a challenge? isn't it how democracy is supposed to work? I think this is an example of the media picking on republicans.
5
It is embarrassing because, when the outcome is never really in question as in this case, most caucuses vote in unison as a show of solidarity and as a matter of respect for the new leader.
2
I thank God that our Republic is safe for at least another two years.
4
Now that it's all said and done, it is more apparent than ever that the Republican party and the 114th Congress is still as factious, if not more so, than ever before.
5
Don't underestimate the ability of the Republican establishment to blow it. They're cowards.
10
If "two dozen" consistently fail to support Boehner then his support is a very thin majority ( about 51%). Nancy Pelosi may have just become John A. Boehner's best friend. Should be interesting to watch.
6
Sorry that I can't feel any sympathy for Mr. Boehner. I find his effectiveness and his demeanor to be lacking. Had his fellow Republican's have voted: 25 in favor of his remaining Speaker and 216 opposed it would be a more accurate appraisal of his speakership the past four years.
7
At least we won't have to see Mr. Boehner looking as if he is about to pounce on the President anymore during his addresses, or look to the Heavens as a victim or martyr.
I know it's hopeless but I'll say it again to Senator Thune. Tax cuts for corporations and the rich and further deregulation were the cause of the great recession and the demise of the middle class. That approach s not a solution. That the Keystone XL pipeline has anything to do with job creation is still another sick Republican joke.
19
Republicans now own it -- our U.S. Congress. Watch them reveal themselves despite average Americans' and economically below-average Americans' best interest. And despite Republican congressmen's own political interest. They can't help themselves.
7
The GOP owns deregulation of the CDS market and putting the taxpayers on the hook when it implodes. Unfortunately, the public is too ignorant to understand how bad this and other Republican policies are for them.
4
The goal of this Republican-led Congress is to do whatever it takes to tee the ball up for the upcoming Republican presidential and Congressional campaign. Bills will be passed with the intent of getting vetoed by Pres. Obama or with putting Democrats in very uncomfortable positions, like the recent CROmnibus Bill that forced Democrats to vote for shutdown or for defanging the derivatives regs. Show trial hearings will be held, looking for the election campaign sound bite.
The last time the Republicans held majorities in both houses of Congress, the country went to war under false pretenses, then botched the occupation, costing the country billions and thousands of dead and maimed soldeir's, and presided over the apex of Wall Street greed, resulting in the Great Recession. For the last 4 years the Republican-controlled House has done nothing but pass legislation without a prayer of success, held show trials, force the government to shutdown and lead the country to the brink of default on the debt.
It is probably unrealistically optimistic to think that they will be less destructive this go-round.
The last time the Republicans held majorities in both houses of Congress, the country went to war under false pretenses, then botched the occupation, costing the country billions and thousands of dead and maimed soldeir's, and presided over the apex of Wall Street greed, resulting in the Great Recession. For the last 4 years the Republican-controlled House has done nothing but pass legislation without a prayer of success, held show trials, force the government to shutdown and lead the country to the brink of default on the debt.
It is probably unrealistically optimistic to think that they will be less destructive this go-round.
32
Geez, we are in for a couple of rough years.
10
Pass the "If Your Liked Your Doctor and Insurance Plan, You Can Have Them Back" Act of 2015
Let Obama veto it in the most cynical political action in history
Let Obama veto it in the most cynical political action in history
7
They should pass the "Elections Have Consequences" Act.
1
This article is incomplete; who are the two dozen that voted against Boehner?
11
And why, exactly?
2
What doesn't kill you in politics makes you stronger and less likely others will take you on.
Democrats still have a slice and dice political message to various special interest groups. They are about to learn what laser-like focus on a path to political dominance really means. Winning in 2016 is the Republican's next agenda item.
Obama is left alone. Unfocused as ever. Unable to execute a coherent message and about to get placed upon his desk, poll tested issues Republicans feel will resonate with 2016 voters.
He’s about to pay the price personally for his 2008-2010 naïve conciliatory efforts to reach out to Republicans.
Democrats still have a slice and dice political message to various special interest groups. They are about to learn what laser-like focus on a path to political dominance really means. Winning in 2016 is the Republican's next agenda item.
Obama is left alone. Unfocused as ever. Unable to execute a coherent message and about to get placed upon his desk, poll tested issues Republicans feel will resonate with 2016 voters.
He’s about to pay the price personally for his 2008-2010 naïve conciliatory efforts to reach out to Republicans.
1
At least with Gohmert we'd have some entertainment value to ameliorate the pain. Now it will just be an outright agonizing two years.
11
"For Mr. Boehner, meanwhile, by squashing a conservative uprising and winning handily sent a strong signal to House Republicans, as well as conservative outside groups, that he will not be cowed by recalcitrant members of his conference."
-----------------
The over confident Boehner and the rest of of the House members that keep refusing to listen to their constituents, better be aware we no longer support them!
-----------------
The over confident Boehner and the rest of of the House members that keep refusing to listen to their constituents, better be aware we no longer support them!
4
Boehner will lead to nothing more than uncontrolled spending, higher taxes, erosion of American infrastructure, growth of government and a fundamental "check and balance" that is supposed to be on the executive branch of government made "toothless". Boehner is a Democrat in his actions, his votes and his leadership. How does this help America?
11
Tony, not sure how Boehner's policies in any way resemble those of the true Democrats. Size of government isn't the issue. It's whether government helps to make the country a better place by lifting up and enriching the lives of its people or devotes itself to war, more war, spying on the American people, and giving handouts to the rich.
9
Tony, you're kidding, right?
2
I wonder how long it will take to the Republicans to stop saying without even understanding the question or the matter.
2
The GOP claims they will now pursue "pragmatism," yet they've blocked every initiative of President Obama, one of the most pragmatic, non-ideological leaders in our history.
16
Boehner owns millions of dollars of obamacare-related stocks. Now you know why he does what he does. Same with most of congress. Its all about rigging their bets and selling out their countrymen for personal gain. They have exempted themselves from insider trading laws. Look up how many members of congress are dual citizens. How can a dual citizen be trusted to put THIS country first, especially when they engage in insider trading?? This is true for both sides. This govt is not just broken... its far worse than most people realize...
10
Wow, you learn something new every day... I didn't realize that it was even a thing to worry about "dual citizenship". Turns out there's lots of discussion about it.
In far right blogs.
Oh, and what they're principally concerned about is dual US - ISRAELI citizenship. Meaning: they're worried about too many Jewish members of Congress.
Yikes.
In far right blogs.
Oh, and what they're principally concerned about is dual US - ISRAELI citizenship. Meaning: they're worried about too many Jewish members of Congress.
Yikes.
Is President Obama's preemptive veto declaration on Keystone good or bad politics? I have no idea knowing less about that than black holes, another phenomenon where even light can't escape.
Given short term perspectives and the currently negative economics for the tar sands-oil dependent pipeline, perhaps that project would shelve itself without use of any political capital to fight it. Why the fightin' words that further fuel the fire of knee-jerk opposition to anything Obama?
Given short term perspectives and the currently negative economics for the tar sands-oil dependent pipeline, perhaps that project would shelve itself without use of any political capital to fight it. Why the fightin' words that further fuel the fire of knee-jerk opposition to anything Obama?
2
To the residents of Staten Island, NY that voted overwhelmingly for federally indicted Grimm, the biggest decision he had to make today was what McDonald's breakfast to order. Taxation without Representation - Cost to taxpayers for a special election due to his intransigence $900,000.
17
Any loss for the Tea Party is a win for America.
25
The Democrats are in the great hands of the far left Progressives and thus they can act in complete unity.
Yeah, smaller government, lower taxes, less regulation and actually following the Constitution are such horrible, crazy ideas.
4
Smaller gubmint for thee and not for me, lower taxes for me and not for thee, less regulation for me and not for thee, and the only part of the Constitution that matters, the 2nd amendment, for both of us, I guess. Did I fix it for ya?
1
"“Our first priority for the next two years,” said Senator John Thune of South Dakota, a member of the Republican leadership, “will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration.”"
He was immediately seen writhing on the ground trying to put out the fire that had engulfed his lower half.
He was immediately seen writhing on the ground trying to put out the fire that had engulfed his lower half.
22
Our first priority for the next two years,” said Senator John Thune of South Dakota, a member of the Republican leadership, “will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration.”
This is one for the all time hypocrite book! Put his face next to definition in Websters...............
This is one for the all time hypocrite book! Put his face next to definition in Websters...............
20
“Our first priority for the next two years,” said Senator John Thune of South Dakota, “will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration.”
Are you kidding me? Does Thune only watch Fox News? Does he not read a newspaper? The economy under Obama is rebounding nicely from the disaster inflicted by Thune's party, and would have been even stronger had it not been for Thune and his party's obstructionism. How craven and cynical can you get??
Are you kidding me? Does Thune only watch Fox News? Does he not read a newspaper? The economy under Obama is rebounding nicely from the disaster inflicted by Thune's party, and would have been even stronger had it not been for Thune and his party's obstructionism. How craven and cynical can you get??
32
Marcus, You remind me of a guy who called in the tornado while he was in his storm shelter and after the storm passed went outside and loudly proclaimed: what a lovely day!
Yes, that's the reason 47 million people are on food stamps, poverty is at it's highest rate in over 40 years, college debt is at an all time high and 12 million people have quit looking for jobs ! If that is your idea of prosperity, I'd like to know your definition of a depression !
2
Oh, boy, we're in for it now. The Republican'ts are in the hen house and the first thing they do is go after one another. Gohmert, Yoho, Cruz. Doesn't quite have the ring of "Tinkers to Chance to Evers".
The first order of business announced by Mr. Boehner is the Keystone Pipeline, an above ground pipe cutting through the height of America from the tar sands of Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. Can anything happen to an above line pipe? Of course not. But, at least we already know that Mr. Obama will veto the effort but time well spent according to Mr. Boehner. Good beginning boys and girls.
I wish them well (to give them the benefit of doubt) but my expectations are lower than ancient whale dung at the bottom of the ocean.
The first order of business announced by Mr. Boehner is the Keystone Pipeline, an above ground pipe cutting through the height of America from the tar sands of Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. Can anything happen to an above line pipe? Of course not. But, at least we already know that Mr. Obama will veto the effort but time well spent according to Mr. Boehner. Good beginning boys and girls.
I wish them well (to give them the benefit of doubt) but my expectations are lower than ancient whale dung at the bottom of the ocean.
8
Why hasn't Obama seen it your way over the years he has been stalling.
1
Which part of our "economic pain", Senator Thune? The Dow being at 16,000 or unemployment being a bazillion-percent better than when Bush checked out?
18
Even better than 16,000 - it closed today at 17,371!!
2
Same old tactics; no new strategies. My prediction is that this congress, like many before, will resort to passing bills with numerous poison pills. There will be plenty of whining, finger pointing, hyperbole, rhetoric, and claims that they are channeling the will of the American people.
We would be fools to believe that this Congress is intent on providing good government. Good government would mean incremental improvements to tax reform, ACA tweaks, immigration, etc. Try a few lean bills instead of the all-encompassing-save-the-country bills. Good luck.
We would be fools to believe that this Congress is intent on providing good government. Good government would mean incremental improvements to tax reform, ACA tweaks, immigration, etc. Try a few lean bills instead of the all-encompassing-save-the-country bills. Good luck.
16
Sen. Thune, the "economy" as a whole is not doing poorly with the DOW over 18000 and GDP growth at 5%. It is the middle class, working class, and poor who could be better off, but thanks to the GOP and their support of unfair tax policies, resistance to raising the min wage, and fight against health care for all, we are not.
Everyone should be benefiting from the record economic recovery, but Republicans tell us to wait for the few at the top to distribute the crumbs off their tables. Good luck with that!
Everyone should be benefiting from the record economic recovery, but Republicans tell us to wait for the few at the top to distribute the crumbs off their tables. Good luck with that!
17
Jay,
You need to think about what you are saying a little bit more. You cannot, with a straight face, simply claim that everything 'good' has resulted from blue policies and everything 'bad' comes from red policies. The situation is far more complex than that. For example, perhaps the low unemployment is partly due to low (minimum) wages? Wages certainly have an effect on employment. Maybe those "unfair" tax policies are driving quite a bit of that DOW gain you are so proud of? They likely are.
We can argue all day whether it is better to have 10% unemployment and a $10 minimum wage or 5% unemployment and a $5 minimum wage, but you cannot seriously argue that the two are not linked. We can also argue about the merits of a skyrocketing DOW versus tax breaks for the investors who are fueling that... but again, they are two sides of the same coin.
Please stop with the red v blue cheerleading, or vice versa. You and your ilk are killing this country.
You need to think about what you are saying a little bit more. You cannot, with a straight face, simply claim that everything 'good' has resulted from blue policies and everything 'bad' comes from red policies. The situation is far more complex than that. For example, perhaps the low unemployment is partly due to low (minimum) wages? Wages certainly have an effect on employment. Maybe those "unfair" tax policies are driving quite a bit of that DOW gain you are so proud of? They likely are.
We can argue all day whether it is better to have 10% unemployment and a $10 minimum wage or 5% unemployment and a $5 minimum wage, but you cannot seriously argue that the two are not linked. We can also argue about the merits of a skyrocketing DOW versus tax breaks for the investors who are fueling that... but again, they are two sides of the same coin.
Please stop with the red v blue cheerleading, or vice versa. You and your ilk are killing this country.
Wait until Obama vetoes legislation that is passed by Congress. Then we'll see who the obstructionist really is.
2
Obama will finally be forced to perform his executive role. He might just be so busy vetoing that he'll be too busy to legislate and act unilaterally.
That's one way to keep him from doing too much damage.
That's one way to keep him from doing too much damage.
1
Obama won't have much to veto. This Congress will be worse than the last two. The last two Congresses, led by the GOP, are on record as the worst two Congresses in the entire history of our country.
You assume that the GOP will write and pass bills that can make it to the president's desk. What a joke!
You assume that the GOP will write and pass bills that can make it to the president's desk. What a joke!
7
Yes, Tony, goodie goodie that the republican congress is bought and paid for by big oil and the only person doing the right thing is, thank god, the president.
4
I don't know about anyone else but I'm so relieved. I'd hate for anything of value to actually be accomplished in the House of Representatives.
As I spend my day talking to half of the service providers in the country explaining to them how their billing and invoicing works, and why they've erred, it's good to know Congress is johnny on the sport it's incompetence.
As I spend my day talking to half of the service providers in the country explaining to them how their billing and invoicing works, and why they've erred, it's good to know Congress is johnny on the sport it's incompetence.
6
Let's see how the Senate and House do on delivering a functioning government for the next two years. I'm sure that a return to the golden age of the 1950s would make some Republicans very happy. However, they ought to remember that taxes were much higher on the rich, there was more prejudice against Italians, Hispanics, Catholics, women, African Americans, etc. If we went back even further in our history, most of these people would not be elected to office. Therefore they should consider themselves lucky to serve, if serving is what you can call the constant refusal to do anything that might make Obama look good.
8
The comments of today and recent days about how effective the GOP plans to be is in direct conflict with their history and even against the words being spoken by some of their leadership. John Thune's comment in this article: “Our first priority for the next two years,” said Senator John Thune of South Dakota, a member of the Republican leadership, “will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration.” pretty much says it all. For the GOP to put forth the continued finger of blame onto the President is ludicrous on its face and telling in its content. The GOP has never put forth a tax reform plan, an alternative to the ACA, an immigration bill or any other piece of legislation that shows the slightest interest in actually doing their job of governance. Are we truly supposed to believe that now that they control both houses that magically somehow they are going to show any genuine interest in helping the 99% of people so damaged by the inaction of the last 6 years? I'm not smelling what they're stepping in....
9
Boehner is probably not too "embarrassed." More likely relieved and probably celebrating right about now. Maybe even euphoric.
1
For him, kissing Nancy Pelosi is the definition of euphoric.
The fact that Boehner is apparently not conservative *enough* for some Republicans reminds me of how the royal family members of Saudi Arabia--a group of people (nominal "allies" of the United States) who espouse the extremely intolerant, unforgiving, antediluvian strain of 18th century Wahhabist Islamic thought--are NOT conservative enough for the even MORE extreme anti-monarchical militants who exist in that country and wish to overthrow the government.
6
For the last four years the Republicans have insured that nothing would get done by spending all their time working on things that could never reach the floor of the Senate. Now they can only do more of the same by using all their time working on things the President will never sign.
This is progress because?
This is progress because?
33
So that's how you're spinning Senate obstruction? It was caused by "things that could never reach the floor of the Senate"?
Quite the gatekeeping act Reid had going there.
Quite the gatekeeping act Reid had going there.
3
Obstruction is what the GOP has been doing for the last 6 years. Quit apologizing for them and open your eyes.
5
Tell your President to sign their laws. Problem solved.
Boehner won the Speakership again?! This can almost make me cry! However, if the nihilism continues again, under his leadership, it is my country that will be crying , further!!!
5
“Our first priority for the next two years,” said Senator John Thune of South Dakota, a member of the Republican leadership, “will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration.”
How can these people spout this rubbish with a straight face when the economy has been resuscitated from the near death it suffered from when the Bush administration was in charge?
How can these people spout this rubbish with a straight face when the economy has been resuscitated from the near death it suffered from when the Bush administration was in charge?
58
Short lived. Wait until the true colors come out in the wash and there will be an outcry in 2016. This Congress is elected by the minority population in the U.S.
If you do not believe this statement is true then do the math, NY, NJ, MI and CA sends two Senators while Alabama, LA, Mississippi and the South with an aggregate population smaller than CA. is over represented. Let us not mention the re-drawn districts in the South which keep producing a biased right wing '50s mind set Congress.
I say wake up and smell the café.
If you do not believe this statement is true then do the math, NY, NJ, MI and CA sends two Senators while Alabama, LA, Mississippi and the South with an aggregate population smaller than CA. is over represented. Let us not mention the re-drawn districts in the South which keep producing a biased right wing '50s mind set Congress.
I say wake up and smell the café.
14
You're thinking 1850s I assume.
Abuse of power by over-represented states will suffer the same fate as any other abuse of power: the power will be curbed eventually.
2
The small states are "over-represented" in the senate only; this is a good thing. Imagine how terrible our country would be without that protection from the tyranny of the majority.
1
We can moan and groan about the devastation the GOP has in store for us all, but what good does it do?
It was We the People who voted them in. A Republican with a character similar to, say, Mugabe, would never have a chance unless he could get a majority of his constituents to vote for him because they LIKE his ideas about destroying his country and clobbering every citizen who isn't on his side.
A candidate who can ACTUALLY promote war with Mexico, or view a raped woman as having "buyer's remorse," or think of single parents as being a kind of child abuse - I could go on and on - can never get elected by responsible voters. Yet they DO get elected.
It's time we looked at OURSELVES. The blame for all the nutjobs in Congress always falls back on the voters who put them there.
The problem in America is - US.
And We the People got that way because for decades we neglected our educational system, particularly in rural and slum areas. Ignorance is a gem to those who want to do destructive things. Fanaticism moves right in and obtains a total hold on their minds. Hate flourishes. And the politicians they elect care NOTHING about the peoples' lousy attitudes. They pander to them only long enough to get elected. Their own REAL agendas are entirely to make the rich richer.
We the People. Who once were "good men and true," have now become "malevolent men and destructive."
We have only ourselves to blame. We bought that bullet by appalling neglect of education.
It was We the People who voted them in. A Republican with a character similar to, say, Mugabe, would never have a chance unless he could get a majority of his constituents to vote for him because they LIKE his ideas about destroying his country and clobbering every citizen who isn't on his side.
A candidate who can ACTUALLY promote war with Mexico, or view a raped woman as having "buyer's remorse," or think of single parents as being a kind of child abuse - I could go on and on - can never get elected by responsible voters. Yet they DO get elected.
It's time we looked at OURSELVES. The blame for all the nutjobs in Congress always falls back on the voters who put them there.
The problem in America is - US.
And We the People got that way because for decades we neglected our educational system, particularly in rural and slum areas. Ignorance is a gem to those who want to do destructive things. Fanaticism moves right in and obtains a total hold on their minds. Hate flourishes. And the politicians they elect care NOTHING about the peoples' lousy attitudes. They pander to them only long enough to get elected. Their own REAL agendas are entirely to make the rich richer.
We the People. Who once were "good men and true," have now become "malevolent men and destructive."
We have only ourselves to blame. We bought that bullet by appalling neglect of education.
37
I agree with the assessment of Mugabe, but as with many other elected officials, were are the clearly better alternatives?
I await the Republicans' pragmatic response to President Obama's veto of the Keystone XL pipeline. But I'm not going to hold my breath.
6
Maybe Mr. Obama will not veto it. If they build it, it will be their Solyndra.
2
Maybe Mr. Obama will not veto it. If they build it, it will be their Solyndra.
Can anybody remember a GOP bill that had a positive effect for America?
31
Yes.
President Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency, and President Reagan signed and endorsed the international Convention against Torture.
There are many other examples from history, but that was then . . .
President Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency, and President Reagan signed and endorsed the international Convention against Torture.
There are many other examples from history, but that was then . . .
4
President Lincoln ended slavery.
2
these guys will be trying to take credit for the economic recovery come next week
15
First, Thune's comments on the economy are very confusing. He is correct that the "American people" are experiencing economic pain, but it isn't because the economy is doing poorly (the DOW in the 1700's?), but because the economic burdens placed on the middle class have stifled its growth. A refusal to even consider raising taxes on the people who have benefited most from the economic growth of the last few years has led to wage stagnation, reduced benefits, and the increased burdens placed on the middle class by infrastructural underdevelopment (e.g. parents of public school students here in NYC being REQUIRED to supply the classrooms with things like soap and paper towels? Things like rising tuition at our public colleges, the re-investment of our educational expenditures towards testing companies and away from good teachers in good facilities, support for families in need, are a stark contrast with the values this country was founded upon.
Secondly, there is the subliminal vilification of the middle class. Teachers, cops, factory workers, firefighters, and those pesky unions they have are now "un-American." In the midst of the inevitable capitalist drive towards efficiency and quantitative analysis the humanity of the middle class is being stripped away.
And finally, and echoing a previous comment, equating "Conservatism" and "Pragmatism" makes no logical sense. Pragmatism isn't "practicality," it is about flexibility, humility, fallibilism.
Secondly, there is the subliminal vilification of the middle class. Teachers, cops, factory workers, firefighters, and those pesky unions they have are now "un-American." In the midst of the inevitable capitalist drive towards efficiency and quantitative analysis the humanity of the middle class is being stripped away.
And finally, and echoing a previous comment, equating "Conservatism" and "Pragmatism" makes no logical sense. Pragmatism isn't "practicality," it is about flexibility, humility, fallibilism.
30
Sadly, the DOW is not the economy. They are, in fact, two quite different things, as we've had the opportunity to observe these past few years.
2
This is twice as much as I expected after reading the article about an hour ago. Does this constitute "humiliation" or just a threat of things to come.
Since I have no allegiance to Republicans, my interest is in seeing them fail because of their policies, as well as their tolerance for all the fringies that were part and parcel of their "mandate." (OK, it wasn't a mandate, despite their claims--not when only 36% of voters voted).
With all the serious problems facing the US, their immediate agenda is laughable. Helping a foreign country transport its oil for sale to Europe, as prices fall through the roof, is laughable. It belongs last, not first, of any to do list. It shows just how out of touch Republicans are with the real concerns of US citizens who are unemployed, under-employed, struggling to stay off food stamps while earning a paltry minimum wage, placing safeguards on voting rights, working to ease tensions between African Americans and whites, building our infrastructure (bridges, not environment-blasting pipelines), and compromising on a complete tax overhaul that doesn't reward the rich on the backs of the poor and middle class.
Only when Republicans get real with average Americans, instead of paying back energy titans and Wall Street, will I believe Congress is being constructive.
Of course, the biggest question is: why did they wait so long to try to govern?
Since I have no allegiance to Republicans, my interest is in seeing them fail because of their policies, as well as their tolerance for all the fringies that were part and parcel of their "mandate." (OK, it wasn't a mandate, despite their claims--not when only 36% of voters voted).
With all the serious problems facing the US, their immediate agenda is laughable. Helping a foreign country transport its oil for sale to Europe, as prices fall through the roof, is laughable. It belongs last, not first, of any to do list. It shows just how out of touch Republicans are with the real concerns of US citizens who are unemployed, under-employed, struggling to stay off food stamps while earning a paltry minimum wage, placing safeguards on voting rights, working to ease tensions between African Americans and whites, building our infrastructure (bridges, not environment-blasting pipelines), and compromising on a complete tax overhaul that doesn't reward the rich on the backs of the poor and middle class.
Only when Republicans get real with average Americans, instead of paying back energy titans and Wall Street, will I believe Congress is being constructive.
Of course, the biggest question is: why did they wait so long to try to govern?
14
Boehner has already shown he is a poor leader. I am so disappointed that this is the best our nation can do for Speaker of the House, the person who takes over if the President and Vice President cannot fulfill their duties. There are other women and me who could have been so much better for the country. We must engage with our representatives to make sure that what is best for our country trumps what is best for the respective political parties.
6
I love the NYT and I quote: "diminishing somewhat what should have been a day of euphoria for the party." The Republicans were crying all the way to their committee chairmanships after waxing the Dems in the last election. The biggest issue for the dems is the fight for the "soul" of the party (and I use the term loosely) between the Obama-Warren extremists and the Hillary head fakers.
2
Very disappointing. Boehner needed to go. Now it will be more of the same.
2
Boehner should resign and allow a compromise for the leadership. His dirty tricks should not be tolerated by Republicans.
1
Dear Senator Thune: Where have you been for the last 14 years? America is recovering from the worst economic virus since the Great Depression; a worldwide pandemic spread from tax cuts, bank deregulation, and the redistribution of wealth central to the Bush Administration economic policies. The treatment required to contain this near fatal economic plague cost trillions of tax dollars and lots of expensive vaccinations to help prevent another outbreak - treatments often denied by conservatives and frequently over prescribed by self interested incumbents from both parties.
I know it is politically expedient to blame Obama for the 2007 Republican Plague, but tread lightly along that path. It is now the GOP's mission to maintain an 18K DOW, 1.99 gas, and 5.6% unemployment. Good luck.
I know it is politically expedient to blame Obama for the 2007 Republican Plague, but tread lightly along that path. It is now the GOP's mission to maintain an 18K DOW, 1.99 gas, and 5.6% unemployment. Good luck.
13
The 18K Dow is due to quantitive easing but the FED and little else. $1.99 Gas is due to fracking on PRIVATE land by PRIVATE companies in spite of Obama. 5.6% unemployment is due to millions leaving the work force, not because of an increase in the number of jobs. So much for your Republican Plague.
3
Not to mention an economy that is growing at a 5% clip. I agree... good luck GOP
2
At the root of it all was the abuse of monetary policy that destroyed traditional banking and offloaded artificial interest rate risk onto an unsuspecting global public of naive investors.
1
The NYT is so quick to identify conservatives as right wing, far right wing, center right. Some would wonder is there a left wing, far left wing or center left. These labels are never used to describe those adherents of the progressive/liberal ideology. Why is that?
9
And especially when it comes to the far left-wing Elizabeth Warren. She's just a Democrat.
5
Never? Sure about that?
1
what would be better terminology: kind of conservative, conservative and severely conservative (hat tip to Mr. Romney)?
3
But remember: The Tea Party is utterly defeated and not affecting anything at all!
Go along, get along Big Government is at an end. You will finally have some actual opposition.
Go along, get along Big Government is at an end. You will finally have some actual opposition.
This was the final straw for me. I'm bolting the Republican party. A pox on both parties.
5
Let's see how much cooperation Boehner will get in his own party with the likes of Grover Norquist, Rand Paul, and Ted Cruz lurking in the wings to either derail or compromise the movement .
12
At this point, compromising with Boehner is the same and compromising with Obama. Boehner's movement (and likely your's) is not a conservative movement.
9
Except for the fact Bohener has NO authority to actually compromise. Those same congressmen who voted against him will block any attempt at compromise with the President. They'd rather burn the ship of state to the gunwales than work with someone not of their same (limited) mind set.
3
Whatever movement it is it has got to be one that doesn't include stagnation, gridlock or stalling tactics the nation is sick of. The conservative movement is breached with right-wing fanatics whose only intent is for singular, self recognition appealing to a fraction of Republicans. If this is the final strategy be prepared for a Clinton landslide in 2016 .
I am disappointed in the two dozen votes but opportunity lies ahead. The XL pipeline will be the test. After President Obama vetoes it, the house will see democrats joining republicans to over ride. The test will be in the senate. The old senate was one vote short. An over ride would set the way for compromise.
1
I'm sure John Boehner will get over the "sting" of having 24 yahoos from his caucus vote against him. He just needs to keep another 6 members in line to be able to get votes through without significant Democrat support, which is his ideal plan for governing. Let's see how he plays that going forward.
1
With proper attribution to Sondheim:
Send in the clowns - don't bother, they're here.
Send in the clowns - don't bother, they're here.
14
The point is he won. Far right Representatives made their point for their far right constituents. Now it's on to business for the House. How many of the two dozen will vote against Keystone? How many against repeal of the A.C.A. (although doomed by a certain repeal by the President)? How many against repeal of specific provisions of the A.C.A.? Zero.
1
So John Thune thinks he can peddle the idea that approving the Keystone pipeline is going to alleviate Americans' economic pain? If this is standard Republican thinking, this bunch is going to be tripping over itself from the starting line.
12
Ah yes, and this is the party that is going to "work together." Great start on that agenda!
7
You mean the way Obama always tried to "work together"? Why do you liberals think government has to be one-sided to work? The day you complain about Obama and the democrats pushing their uncompromising will down our throats is the day you might be taken seriously. The majority of the people are tired of hypocrisy.
1
Finishing Senator Thune's statment for him “Our first priority for the next two years, will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration (which was of course caused by our earlier first priority, which was to make Obama a one-term president).”
37
Such honesty never happens in real life.
2
Surely Senator Thune remembers that the "economic pain the American people have experienced" was directly related to President Bush's tax cuts and wars, because "under the Obama administration" the economy has thrived. The facts are, well, just about everywhere! But Republicans don't work with facts now, do they?
48
Sara: you got it wrong. Bush's tax cut benefited the middle class tromendouasly; in fact so well that even Obama agree to extend 99% of them. And if it wasn't for these cuts, the middle class would have suffered much under Obama's rule.
It's you and your democrat friends who prefer to ignore the facts.
It's you and your democrat friends who prefer to ignore the facts.
3
@rimantas: some other facts, i.e., real facts:
Washington Post: "By any measure, the Bush tax cuts have benefited the wealthy more than the middle..."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/01/02/the-legacy-of...
Economic Policy Institute: "As outlined in a new EPI policy memo, the Bush-era tax changes conferred disproportionate benefits to those at the top of the earnings distribution, exacerbating a trend of widening income inequality at a time of already poor wage growth..."
http://www.epi.org/publication/the_bush_tax_cuts_disproportionately_bene...
Washington Post: "By any measure, the Bush tax cuts have benefited the wealthy more than the middle..."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/01/02/the-legacy-of...
Economic Policy Institute: "As outlined in a new EPI policy memo, the Bush-era tax changes conferred disproportionate benefits to those at the top of the earnings distribution, exacerbating a trend of widening income inequality at a time of already poor wage growth..."
http://www.epi.org/publication/the_bush_tax_cuts_disproportionately_bene...
6
Sara, The economy thrived for most of the Third Reich and if I recall there was a little Italian that was lauded for getting the trains to run on time as well.
Basic law of nature/physics/economics: If you tax something you get less of it, if you subsidize something you get more of it.
Basic law of nature/physics/economics: If you tax something you get less of it, if you subsidize something you get more of it.
1
Poster boy for the second-tier country club in town.
8
You should where he was raised, where his dad's bar is and where the Speaker lives now, in West Chester, OH, about mid-way between Cincinnati and Dayton. Not quite second tier but definitely not first tier. First tier is where his much of his funding comes from.
4
Boehner is as bad as Obama. Just another politician. We needed to make a change and it didn't happen
5
"Bipartisanship" for the new Congress is going to mean trying to get the two Republican parties, the Right and the Far Right, to cooperate with each other.
31
They will continue to help the nobles confiscate the commons. What else is new?
17
Great film: The Rise and Fall of Versailles. Narrations in the film about the court of Louie XVI, could have been describing the US Congress of today.
“The expectations are high for Republicans to deliver on their promise of making Congress work like a functional governing body again.”
Too early to order up the mariachi band in celebration. Meanwhile, let’s just see how long this Republican love-fest lasts.
Too early to order up the mariachi band in celebration. Meanwhile, let’s just see how long this Republican love-fest lasts.
6
Cassandra, I hear what you're saying, but most GOP members might not respond well to a mariachi band playing folk music from Mexico. On the other hand, a mariachi band would be quite ironic.
3
What is really holding our country back is the urgent need for a viable 3rd party. It is becoming more and more difficult to distinguish between the parties, as though they are one and the same. Voters gave the Republicans all they needed to move forward, and in less than 48 hours we were betrayed. They do this, both parties, now days, with impunity.
We no longer have a government! Just like time politicians who tell us what we want to hear in order to stay in office. Too must corporate influence!
We no longer have a government! Just like time politicians who tell us what we want to hear in order to stay in office. Too must corporate influence!
8
Short of nationally chartered political parties, the states will make sure that only the Democratic and Republican brands are national in scope.
Republicans currently align themselves with corporations. They do not want to give basic civil rights to same sex couples...and want to take away abortion rights for women. 81% of the party wants the death penalty. Repubs want to kill the EPA...and unions. What is "difficult to distinguish" between these people and Democrats??
1
Agree 100 %, I am no longer a Republican today!!!!! At least the
Banks and Wall Street happy. No party that still believes in
American Traditional Family values, ethics, love thy neighbor as
Thyself and support all our Constitution, Bill of Rights. Doesnt exist
Anymore. Just support the communist UN One World Global Power
The rich Elite want to control us all. I am fed up with the current
GOVT. AGENDA of hate, anger, divided country and noone in
GOVT. SEEMS TO CARE or do anything , but far left likes to keep it
Stirred up. We like the Mid East here.
Banks and Wall Street happy. No party that still believes in
American Traditional Family values, ethics, love thy neighbor as
Thyself and support all our Constitution, Bill of Rights. Doesnt exist
Anymore. Just support the communist UN One World Global Power
The rich Elite want to control us all. I am fed up with the current
GOVT. AGENDA of hate, anger, divided country and noone in
GOVT. SEEMS TO CARE or do anything , but far left likes to keep it
Stirred up. We like the Mid East here.
I'm sure the hungry, homeless, the working poor are so relieved their lives will change for the better, as the empathetic Boehner, McConnell duo are in complete control of the congressional agendas now.
21
What about the struggling middle class Dave? They don't benefit from either party. The middle class is sick and tired of congress pandering to the left and the right while they reach deeper and deeper into our pockets to fulfill their agendas. If the middle class isn't shored up their won't be any money for the "hungry, homeless, and working poor". I have empathy for the poor and down trodden, but I also have a great deal of empathy for kid who can't get ANY economic support to attend college cause his/her parents make a whopping $65,000.00 a year! Disgraceful. Our health care cost more, our taxes our higher than any other group, we pay the majority of property taxes, flood control tax, vehicle tax, higher insurance to protect our investment in our homes, higher insurance because we drive the cars that keep the auto industry going. The list goes on and on and who speaks for us? NO ONE. This country will not be fit to live in should this demographic disappear. Our daughter graduated from a prestigious university after getting merit based grants and scholarships and still owes 25,000.00 in loans and it took her 2 years to find a decent job that pays her $18.00 an hour? And, this after a $65,000 education? This should be the priority of congress and nothing else.
2
Elizabeth Warren speaks for us. So does Bernie Sanders
Warren/Sanders 2016
Warren/Sanders 2016
I couldn't agree with you more Jodi, but they have to speak up. The middle class have voted themselves away starting with President Regan.
The American people overwhelmingly voted to end Obama's
monarchy and open border/welfare edict. The GOP and the
country are now history as the borders flood with peasants
looking for free healthcare, Snap and tax credits. The USA
has just committed irrevocable suicide. It's an embarrassment
that only 2 dozen had the integrity to stand with the 60% of
republicans who firmly opposed Boehner.
monarchy and open border/welfare edict. The GOP and the
country are now history as the borders flood with peasants
looking for free healthcare, Snap and tax credits. The USA
has just committed irrevocable suicide. It's an embarrassment
that only 2 dozen had the integrity to stand with the 60% of
republicans who firmly opposed Boehner.
7
I must have missed the "Obama monarchy". When did it begin and do you now the meaning of a monarchy?
6
Well, I wouldn't call it "overwhelming" at 37% of the voting public. However, I do think the reason we have a Republican controlled house and Senate is that the people who voted, Republicans and Independents are scared. Obama has done a lot of good things, rescuing the economy, smart foreign policy, trying to help the sick and under insured, students, etc., but some of his domestic policies have caused a deeper divide along racial and ethnic lines. We are not sure what it going to happen with millions of undocumented aliens coming out of the shadows is going to mean to an all ready over burdened social safety net. I believe that most Americans with citizenship do not believe that one cent of our tax dollars should go to this group before it benefits those holding that Citizenship should they need it. So, the pendulum swings back the other way..............if always does.
As the country is "now history", I'm sure you'll soon be a refugee looking for a better place, yes?
5
Worst Speaker in history. Hands down.
A guy who thinks the solution to the sinking Ship of State is to add ballast: or is it bombast?
A guy who thinks the solution to the sinking Ship of State is to add ballast: or is it bombast?
10
The irony here is text book : one of the least effective Speakers in our country's history has returned to leading, and that word for this purpose is loosly defined, the party of "no" and ineffectiveness.
7
Alas, Boehner is very effective at fundraising, which appears to be all that matters these days. Consider this, from CNN: "As the top fundraiser for his party he raised over $100 million for GOP members and candidates and traveled to more than 150 events over the 2014 midterm cycle."
34
The fundraising ability of Mitt Romney is likely what has revived talk of him running again in 2016. He hasn't been proposing anything new or different from what lost him the last Presidential election. He has said that he isn't going to run again, but his track record of inconsistency definitely makes this a "show me" statement.
The republican party is getting close to the point where they might as well just elect a dollar bill as president in a symbolic gesture and then resume sticking their heads in the sand as the world burns.
Methinks Mr. Boehner ought to place a quick call to Gov. Brownback in Kansas.
Both won re-election to their posts. Both are gonna have TONS of fun during the coming term trying to deal with the consequences of their own and their party's policies. For Boehner it is trying to govern a group of increasingly doctrinaire members of the party's rightermost wing and trying to keep the wackier of their positions and statements out of the mainstream media where it might frighten the women and horses.
For Mr. Brownback, there is the first-term joy of essentially destroying the remains of moderate Republicanism in his state, and pushing through a Draconian set of tax cuts on grounds that a zillion flowers of economic joy would flower across the prairie as a result. Sadly, the State's own court system is now telling Sam that his state isn't meeting its constitutional requirements on adequate funding for schools even as he tries to deal with a rapidly rising deficit caused by....his success in the first term
It looked like Sam was poised to lose in November. One guesses that with each passing day over the next four years, he will be wishing he had.
Both won re-election to their posts. Both are gonna have TONS of fun during the coming term trying to deal with the consequences of their own and their party's policies. For Boehner it is trying to govern a group of increasingly doctrinaire members of the party's rightermost wing and trying to keep the wackier of their positions and statements out of the mainstream media where it might frighten the women and horses.
For Mr. Brownback, there is the first-term joy of essentially destroying the remains of moderate Republicanism in his state, and pushing through a Draconian set of tax cuts on grounds that a zillion flowers of economic joy would flower across the prairie as a result. Sadly, the State's own court system is now telling Sam that his state isn't meeting its constitutional requirements on adequate funding for schools even as he tries to deal with a rapidly rising deficit caused by....his success in the first term
It looked like Sam was poised to lose in November. One guesses that with each passing day over the next four years, he will be wishing he had.
6
“Our first priority for the next two years,” said Senator John Thune of South Dakota, a member of the Republican leadership, “will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration.”
On one hand we had the worst recession since the great depression; a collapsing stock market and real estate market; soring debt; a war based on a lie that has cost thousands of lives and trillions of dollars while giving out tax cuts to the wealthiest people handed to us by the republicans.
On the other we have a doubling market, millions of new jobs; steady economic growth; energy independence; the end of mindless wars; the best economy among all industrialized nations; healthcare for millions of people under President Obama and the Democrats without one bit of help from the Republicans not to mention the republicans shut down the government.
That there is even one person left in this country voting for a republican is sickening. That the American people, largely by their own indifference and ignorance allowed them to add to their power is heart breaking.
That Senator Thune should make such a comment is insane, and that no one is challenging to lunacy of such a comment is pathetic.
On one hand we had the worst recession since the great depression; a collapsing stock market and real estate market; soring debt; a war based on a lie that has cost thousands of lives and trillions of dollars while giving out tax cuts to the wealthiest people handed to us by the republicans.
On the other we have a doubling market, millions of new jobs; steady economic growth; energy independence; the end of mindless wars; the best economy among all industrialized nations; healthcare for millions of people under President Obama and the Democrats without one bit of help from the Republicans not to mention the republicans shut down the government.
That there is even one person left in this country voting for a republican is sickening. That the American people, largely by their own indifference and ignorance allowed them to add to their power is heart breaking.
That Senator Thune should make such a comment is insane, and that no one is challenging to lunacy of such a comment is pathetic.
43
Seriously? Boehner? I'm from Kevin McCarthy's district and will donate and campaign against him vigorously in 15 months for his support of this fraud. I just hope Boehner doesn't turn a corner too fast, Kevin will break his neck.
Reminds me of Bob (Never met a tax I didn't like) Dole only with less intellect (and that is hard to believe). A feral survival mentality but not a guy I would charge up a hill with and die.
Last month showed his true colors. Oh sure, lots of (breaking) wind but in the end, nothing at all will change. Probably doesn't matter anyway since the tipping point to a new meltdown ("New housing policies", ~$20T in debt (and another $80-100T in unfunded liabilities), and 3rd world nations unable to pay their debts because of low oil prices and inflation increases) seems to have been reached.
Hang on the ride is going to be bumpy.
Reminds me of Bob (Never met a tax I didn't like) Dole only with less intellect (and that is hard to believe). A feral survival mentality but not a guy I would charge up a hill with and die.
Last month showed his true colors. Oh sure, lots of (breaking) wind but in the end, nothing at all will change. Probably doesn't matter anyway since the tipping point to a new meltdown ("New housing policies", ~$20T in debt (and another $80-100T in unfunded liabilities), and 3rd world nations unable to pay their debts because of low oil prices and inflation increases) seems to have been reached.
Hang on the ride is going to be bumpy.
4
Here we go again. Democrats are always looking for the lemon in the Republican lemonade. You lost big time and no amount of cavilling and complaining is going to change that. If you're smart, you'll try to learn something from it, but you won't. Instead you'll just lay the groundwork for another Republican victory in 2016, helped along by Obama, of course, who doesn't give a fig about his own party. Feeling used?
6
No, feeling like you have no idea what a presidential veto is. And the next Democrat elected in 2016 will use it if necessary.
1
Just one thing: Who's this "you"?
3
Takes some nerve, labeling Democrats complainers following the past 6 years of whining, obstruction and tantrums from the Republicans. The difference is, we recognize this recent loss. The same certainly can't be said for Republicans in 2008 and 2012. You might want to step outside the glass house for some fresh air.
5
Our newly reelected-Speaker Boehner appears to have survived a rebellion in his own party that hasn’t been seen in 90 years. That has to hurt. Nevertheless, Mr. Boehner did survive to remain Speaker and I’m unsure that anyone else from this contentious group of representatives could have been elected.
Nevertheless, this election seems to be just the first round in a series of battles in the ongoing war within the Republican members of the House. I think the divide within the Republican members is so great that it can be said that there are three competing parties in the House, not two, with an extreme right wing seemly always read for battle, unwilling to compromise, with burning desire to investigate but not legislate, and continually feeding the right-wing media and bloggers to inflame the base with their dubious "facts."
Speaker Boehner and the House Republicans on paper seem to have real opportunity. They have increased their majority and now have a Republican Senate that should be willing to take up what they’ve passed. However, I believe that the extreme right wing believes that it won something in the last election and will do everything it can to achieve what it wants and to block anything that it doesn’t like. I think Mr. Boehner will see what was an internal conflict during the last session, turn into a full-fledged war during this one. I do not envy him and I suspect that over the next two year he might wish that he’d lost the election for Speaker.
Nevertheless, this election seems to be just the first round in a series of battles in the ongoing war within the Republican members of the House. I think the divide within the Republican members is so great that it can be said that there are three competing parties in the House, not two, with an extreme right wing seemly always read for battle, unwilling to compromise, with burning desire to investigate but not legislate, and continually feeding the right-wing media and bloggers to inflame the base with their dubious "facts."
Speaker Boehner and the House Republicans on paper seem to have real opportunity. They have increased their majority and now have a Republican Senate that should be willing to take up what they’ve passed. However, I believe that the extreme right wing believes that it won something in the last election and will do everything it can to achieve what it wants and to block anything that it doesn’t like. I think Mr. Boehner will see what was an internal conflict during the last session, turn into a full-fledged war during this one. I do not envy him and I suspect that over the next two year he might wish that he’d lost the election for Speaker.
70
The Republicans should have learned from Pelosi: We don't have to read or understand legislation. We won't know what is in it until we pass it. But trust us folks, it will be great. That is transparency.
I agree with you but for now it all represents one party. The tea party may as well be a third party, but America's current system won't let it be one. Heres a cheer if we actually end up adopting a third party system....waits another 100 years
The Republican party has become a leftist party. Calling Republicans that are conservative "extreme right wingers" is only an effort to make your own views seem mainstream when in fact you are following leftists views.
Civil war within the party is eminent.
Civil war within the party is eminent.
The odds on the GOP doing anything worthwhile for the poor and the middle class are Slim to none.
And Slim is out of town.
And Slim is out of town.
27
The real danger is that the GOP will try to unravel many of the good things Obama has done. They don't want to do anything, they want to un-do everything.
4
To tell the truth: This quip about Slim being out of town is from a John Sandford novel. Love his books!!!!!!!
Are the Republicans still going to flog the same tired boilerplate about Obama and the economy as indicated by Senator Thune?
It is now statistically indisputable that the economy is a heck of a lot better under the current president than under the previous one--you know, the Republican.
It is now statistically indisputable that the economy is a heck of a lot better under the current president than under the previous one--you know, the Republican.
20
Of course Keystone would be the first thing on the Republican agenda. Despite the low cost of oil, the potential environmental diaster, the minimal permanent jobs, the export of the oil after transiting the hearland and aquafers of the US, use of imminent domain to confiscate property, etc., the first priority is to pay the Koch Brothers back on their political investment.
99
Welcome back, Speaker Boehner, to the most nihilistic Congress in my lifetime.
I'm confident that with your asylum skills, the Party of No, No Ideas and No Taxes can continue to beat back the forces of reason, compromise and facts that continue to dominate the reality-based community.
With partisan GOP hacks like the great Senator John Thune from South Dakota supporting your cause who said “our first priority for the next two years will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration”.....it will be great to watch you and Mitch McConnell lead America back to the unregulated GOP glory days of 2008 when Republican leadership drove America off a cliff.
Can't wait to see the GOP null set of new ideas.
I'm confident that with your asylum skills, the Party of No, No Ideas and No Taxes can continue to beat back the forces of reason, compromise and facts that continue to dominate the reality-based community.
With partisan GOP hacks like the great Senator John Thune from South Dakota supporting your cause who said “our first priority for the next two years will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration”.....it will be great to watch you and Mitch McConnell lead America back to the unregulated GOP glory days of 2008 when Republican leadership drove America off a cliff.
Can't wait to see the GOP null set of new ideas.
324
I might even be ok with the extremist conservative hacks if they just openly admitted they got elected because they got rich, don't care about ethics, and enjoy money over actually, well, working.
If the GOP wants to show their "pragmatic" side, they can start with eliminating the subsidy cliff for working Americans. People at the 400% Federal Poverty Level, face steep, I mean STEEP, cliff for a single additional earned $.. in the order of multiple thousands of dollars. 400% FPL is not rich by any means, and it is the class of folks GOP purports to love and idealize -- they have a job, they pay for their own things, they are not on food stamp etc.
Like all tax credits in a good tax system, it should be gradually tapered down to zero instead of falling off a cliff.
The only sticking point is it will require money. But I am sure they can find some from the tax loop-holes they keep talking about.
8
If the XL Pipeline is now seen as a job creator, the Republicans haven't changed one bit. Everything is a job creator: paying people $10 per hour to read newspapers would be a great job creator; it would save newspapers and lead to full employment. We don't need this pipeline because oil is cheap and pipelines always leak because the builders of pipelines don't care that they don't. The amount they are fined for leaks is nothing compared with the profits they make. If politicians talk seriously about the economy, have them stop calling it job creation. We build tanks we don't need because it's jobs. We waste fortunes of money because they create jobs! Get to the real issues!
285
Well said! We have to note that the GOP (and a lot of Dems) are not so concerned about jobs when it comes to enabling the corporate big boys to ship jobs to sweatshops overseas.
1
I agree with your comment totally. I only have one comment to make and that is that extracting oil from the tar sands in Alberta is now way too expensive and Premier Harper is certainly worried about the this new development. It does not pay for Canada or Alberta to be aggressive about extraction of oil from their tar sands. It just proves that's the GOP just wants to please its rich friends like the Koch Brothers and their ilk and the fossil fuel industry and do not care one iota about their constituents.
1
The pipeline means less reliance on dictatorships. You liberals dont care about "liberal" values much these days.
Perhaps history will repeat itself. The last time the Rs had a majority this big, they lost it in the next election.http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/11/1928-congress-last-time-r...
8
These right wing Republicans are a total mess. With apologizes to Flann O'Brien: "When things go wrong and will not come right, Though you do the best you can, When life looks black as the hour of night, A pint of plain is your only man."
4
The so-called " dissent from the right wing' is a lie. In policy there is no difference between Boehner and the fringe. None.
16
Well, one more step on the road to disaster.
17
Does ANYONE really expect the Republicans to do any "governing," no matter who is Speaker?
All they're going to do is seek to score cheap political points, embarrass Obama, thwart nominations, and chip away Affordable Healthcare (overwhelming favored by people who have it!).
All they're going to do is seek to score cheap political points, embarrass Obama, thwart nominations, and chip away Affordable Healthcare (overwhelming favored by people who have it!).
43
You left out three important items:
1. Further restrict minority voting rights
2. Increase restrictions on abortion
3. Name Post Offices
1. Further restrict minority voting rights
2. Increase restrictions on abortion
3. Name Post Offices
6
Oh, this is just so unusual, unexpected, and exciting! Two more years of the incomparable, well-tanned John Boehner, paragon of American politics! Thank you for this "breaking news"!
6
To understand US politics today we look at Vermont's gubernatorial.
Check out what's coming on this Thursday.
With that done, the vote in the House will seem quite sensible.
Check out what's coming on this Thursday.
With that done, the vote in the House will seem quite sensible.
It's fantastic to have John Boehner represent the People as Speaker.
2
NOT an Onion headline:
“Our first priority for the next two years,” said Senator John Thune of South Dakota, a member of the Republican leadership, “will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration.”
I wonder if any of these geniuses are even vaguely aware of the quiet and powerful success story that has been the US economy, especially in the last 12 to 18 months. (Undoubtedly, they are unperturbed by the international economic picture, in which our economy shines especially bright.) And especially as compared to the sad state of economic pain the last GOP administration left us in.
Good luck running on THAT meme in 2016, GOP.
“Our first priority for the next two years,” said Senator John Thune of South Dakota, a member of the Republican leadership, “will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration.”
I wonder if any of these geniuses are even vaguely aware of the quiet and powerful success story that has been the US economy, especially in the last 12 to 18 months. (Undoubtedly, they are unperturbed by the international economic picture, in which our economy shines especially bright.) And especially as compared to the sad state of economic pain the last GOP administration left us in.
Good luck running on THAT meme in 2016, GOP.
101
“Our first priority for the next two years,” said Senator John Thune of South Dakota, a member of the Republican leadership, “will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration.”
No, Sen. Thune. That ship has sailed, and your party did absolutely nothing to help her on her way. Your job for the next two years is to find ways to take credit for the job Mr. Obama and his team have done with little or no cooperation from your side of the aisle.
No, Sen. Thune. That ship has sailed, and your party did absolutely nothing to help her on her way. Your job for the next two years is to find ways to take credit for the job Mr. Obama and his team have done with little or no cooperation from your side of the aisle.
247
Sen. Thune needs to have his head examined. In years past, all Americans could at least agree on whether the economy was up or down, good or bad, working, or not. We knew the difference between action and inaction, and Yes vs. No - at least on big stuff.
Now, failure is success, success is failure, Obstruction is Leadership, and a wholesale almost single-handed pullback from ruin and a Depression is seen as a dismal failure - by those that did their best to aid and abet the failure.
In years to come, people will wonder at our stunning gullibility - why we allowed it. I expect they will look for the moments when it stepped into high gear and find at least three watershed moments:
1). The nation went to war, twice, on a whim - while farming out the support infrastructure for the entire war effort, to the same company the Vice President was deeply involved with, on a no bid contract.
2). Our leaders put the entire cost of the wars on the national credit card - and then buried the costs by not even noting the tens/hundreds of billions as part of our national budget.
3). The economic ruin and debt caused by #2 above was suddenly flipped in a matter of weeks, and blamed on a new President who... had not even been sworn in yet! Debt that did not matter in October, suddenly was job one (and his fault) by December.
The astonishing Lie of #3 above was left to stand and accepted as Reality, with nobody held accountable for spinning one of the biggest lies in our history.
Now, failure is success, success is failure, Obstruction is Leadership, and a wholesale almost single-handed pullback from ruin and a Depression is seen as a dismal failure - by those that did their best to aid and abet the failure.
In years to come, people will wonder at our stunning gullibility - why we allowed it. I expect they will look for the moments when it stepped into high gear and find at least three watershed moments:
1). The nation went to war, twice, on a whim - while farming out the support infrastructure for the entire war effort, to the same company the Vice President was deeply involved with, on a no bid contract.
2). Our leaders put the entire cost of the wars on the national credit card - and then buried the costs by not even noting the tens/hundreds of billions as part of our national budget.
3). The economic ruin and debt caused by #2 above was suddenly flipped in a matter of weeks, and blamed on a new President who... had not even been sworn in yet! Debt that did not matter in October, suddenly was job one (and his fault) by December.
The astonishing Lie of #3 above was left to stand and accepted as Reality, with nobody held accountable for spinning one of the biggest lies in our history.
Why doesn't this story provide the basic news facts such as the vote totals and a listing of who voted and how they voted??? Very annoying that the Times no longer finds it worthwhile to keep readers informed of "just the facts."
24
When repubs last had a majority in 2006, it began the worse economic meltdown in many years. I do not expect Boehner to change anything that will avoid another meltdown. Watch how he protects Wall Street, corporations and the banks - watch how he takes away benefits from the poorest people that need it - also for his vicious attacks on health care that will leave many people unprotected. I could go on but it is making me sick!
29
As you point out the democrats had complete control of both houses of congress from 2007 to 2011. This was the beginning of the bad times. Now things are reversed. I hope that President Obama and Congress understand the opportunities that compromise offer.
1
This is a non-story. Try as you might, you can't change facts with a conceived narrative. The Republicans are now seated in a power position and are poised to get this country back on track.
6
"Back on track"? The first thing they plan to do to get us "back on track" is approve an oil pipeline carrying sludgy Canadian bitumen to the gulf for export, which, according to independent analysis, will provide 50 new full time jobs after construction is complete. I guess getting "back on track" is Republican speak for promoting global warming and giving payback for all those contributions from the oil industry.
15
Back on what track? They have no track record of doing anything useful for this country as a whole (that means the majority).
12
This country is on track, despite all of the obstructionism by the Republicans for the last six years. God knows what the GOP has planned for us going forward. Maybe going backward? Is that a picture of Buffalo Bill, Hozeking?
9
Sorry to hear. The man is not a good Speaker of the House. I am a conservative that is no longer affiliated with the GOP because they are stupid and have earned that name they have been tagged with. I got tired of watching the Democrats and the left kick their behinds in the court of public opinion. I know the Democrats are duplicitous but with the help of the main stream media they are never brought to task. That leaves only the GOP and the on or two media outlets that call confront the left and the Democrats on their duplicitous ways.
1
I think the Democratic Party is so infiltrated by Republicans that it has lost its own identity.
4
Yeah, that "court of public opinion" worked real well in the last election for the Democrats, didn't it?
2
Now that the Republicans hold both houses of congress, I guess we can expect the weekly vote to get rid of Obamacare. ...and not much more. If I were John Boehner, I wouldn't be doing handstands on getting re-elected as House Speaker. He is in for a very long 4 years.
10
Ken, really? The House and its leadership are reelected every two years.
5
Another loss for Americans. We so desperately need a change in leadership. Boehner has nothing to offer. Now we'll limp through the last two years of 0bama's term, compromising, giving in, avoiding conflict and continuing the failed "moderate" agenda. Bah.
5
Hellava performance by Boehner.
Reclaimed the Speaker's office, beating back votes in favor of Louis Gohmert, Ted "The Horse Doctor" Yoho, and Rand Paul and Jeff Sessions, who actually sit in the Senate, not the House.
My only surprise is that some of the extremist miscreant Republicans in the House didn't vote for the Emporor Caligula for Speaker.
Promises to be great theater, watching the first majority Republican Congress in years.
Reclaimed the Speaker's office, beating back votes in favor of Louis Gohmert, Ted "The Horse Doctor" Yoho, and Rand Paul and Jeff Sessions, who actually sit in the Senate, not the House.
My only surprise is that some of the extremist miscreant Republicans in the House didn't vote for the Emporor Caligula for Speaker.
Promises to be great theater, watching the first majority Republican Congress in years.
10
You got that right! If I were Jeb Bush, I'd switch party.
6
The single best thing the Repubs can do for this 114th Congress is to be in session Monday-Friday, week after week, month after month. Yes, take some 3-days weekends now and again, and take a summer vacation, like other Federal Gov't employees. But this idea that Congress only works 100 days per year is absurd!
21
They only "work" that amount of time because they spend the rest of it fund raising (and that's not a political jab....it's one of the most common complaints from members of Congress about the present system (and yet it endures and grows stronger.)
I always loved the supposed story of someone walking outside the Kremlin with Nikita Khruschev and asking him, "How many people work in the Kremlin."
"Maybe half of them," Nikita is said to have replied.
I always loved the supposed story of someone walking outside the Kremlin with Nikita Khruschev and asking him, "How many people work in the Kremlin."
"Maybe half of them," Nikita is said to have replied.
4
Thune blames the dysfunction of the last 6 years on Obama. What a liar! The republicans said up front that they would do everything they could to obstruct Obama and they did everything they could. To now blame their obstruction on Obama is more than dishonest. It is a ridiculous lie. I look forward to Obama vetoing the stupid bills these guys send him and I am going to enjoy their whining and crying when it happens.
44
I wonder if the representatives who voted for Boehner really think that Boehner is the best of them to represent the House? Do they think THIS is how they represent their constituents? Do they agree with what Boehner did as Speaker in the 113th congress?
I have to believe that they were not thinking at all. They simply voted for the status quo because Boehner promised them stuff. Their votes were paid for in exchange for power and prestige. How sad.
I have to believe that they were not thinking at all. They simply voted for the status quo because Boehner promised them stuff. Their votes were paid for in exchange for power and prestige. How sad.
5
Have you looked at the other GOP congressmen? Sadly, Boehner seems to be the best of the lot.
Not saying much. We are in for a sorry time, I'm afraid.
Not saying much. We are in for a sorry time, I'm afraid.
4
"... really think that Boehner is the best of them to represent the House?"
Yes. pretty clearly they do. Can you name a better candidate for Speaker? I think one of the main problems in politics today is that everyone is 'against' politicians and parties, and not 'for' anything or anyone. If you think there is a better candidate for Speaker, name him. Certainly crazy right-wing outliers like Gohmert and Yoho would be terrible, as their beliefs don't coincide with more than 8-10% of Americans.
Yes. pretty clearly they do. Can you name a better candidate for Speaker? I think one of the main problems in politics today is that everyone is 'against' politicians and parties, and not 'for' anything or anyone. If you think there is a better candidate for Speaker, name him. Certainly crazy right-wing outliers like Gohmert and Yoho would be terrible, as their beliefs don't coincide with more than 8-10% of Americans.
3
Have you looked at the other GOP congressmen? Sadly, Boehner seems to be the best of the lot.
Not saying much. We are in for a sorry time, I'm afraid.
Not saying much. We are in for a sorry time, I'm afraid.
3
“Our first priority for the next two years,” said Senator John Thune of South Dakota, a member of the Republican leadership, “will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration.”
Record-breaking stock market, 5% growth in 2015, soaring dollar, reduced unemployment. Yep -- hurts like hell, JT. Bring back Two-Wars George and his team of economic gangsters to plunge us back into recession again.
Record-breaking stock market, 5% growth in 2015, soaring dollar, reduced unemployment. Yep -- hurts like hell, JT. Bring back Two-Wars George and his team of economic gangsters to plunge us back into recession again.
136
Record Stock Market because obama ordered the Fed to pump money into it like crazy. reduced unemployment? part time jobs and govt jobs don't count and faking the numbers by removing the poor souls who gave up doesn't count either. Try again.
2
Guess again
When Obama took office on Jan. 20, 2009, the debt was $10,626,877,048,913.08. Since then, it has increased $7,514,567,086,650.22--which is $65,443 per household, $70,985 per full-time worker and $84,266 per full-time private-sector worker.
And there are still 47 million Americans living in poverty — the highest number in two decades, according to the Census.
Labor Participation Rate Drops To Lowest Since 1978; People Not In Labor Force Rise To Record 92.3 Million
When Obama took office on Jan. 20, 2009, the debt was $10,626,877,048,913.08. Since then, it has increased $7,514,567,086,650.22--which is $65,443 per household, $70,985 per full-time worker and $84,266 per full-time private-sector worker.
And there are still 47 million Americans living in poverty — the highest number in two decades, according to the Census.
Labor Participation Rate Drops To Lowest Since 1978; People Not In Labor Force Rise To Record 92.3 Million
3
My dear Landsford. You do know that the reason for the sudden jump in national debt is that President Obama put both of Bush the lesser's wars on the books so that the cost could no longer be hidden. Or is that little fact just ignored so the GOP can bash the black man in the White House?
16
Mr. Boehner barely fended off a challenge for a leadership post from his own party. So who's the real lame duck in Washington D.C. now?
7
Last Senate session the Dems controlled what went into the hopper but the filibuster threat GOP controlled what came out. This session is reversed. Will the Dems play the filibuster card as the GOP did?
4
That, my friend, hits the nail right on the head. Opposition, taunting and obstruction to everything except the Veteran's Health Care Bill proved to be a Heads I win, Tails you lose tactic. If the economy tanked, it was Obama's fault. If the economy improved, it was because Republicans opposed Obama on everything he tried to do. The drawback to the tactic is that the Democrats can very easily employ the same tactic, leaving us with an ongoing, completely dysfunctional congress.
1
Ommief,
And this why the only way to fix anything is to add at least one more serious viable party. Two-party Democracy does not and cannot work over the long haul.
How much more evidence could we possibly need to prove this?
And this why the only way to fix anything is to add at least one more serious viable party. Two-party Democracy does not and cannot work over the long haul.
How much more evidence could we possibly need to prove this?
With Boehner's victory and the GOP running both houses of congress, those of us that actually still work AND pay taxes will sleep better at night knowing that the forces of stupidity will be keeping the forces of evil in check.
16
Interesting how most tax revenue is created in "blue states", while most of it is doled out to "red states". It's magical how those Democrats can be subsidizing the other half without ever working or paying taxes.
4
Here's some further - and more appropriate analysis: The 12 Representatives who voted against john Boehner represent the MAJORITY of voters in the 2014 midterms. That fact will be laughed at by the GOP (after all, they are OLD), but the long-term affect will carry to 2016.
Boehner is just an Eric Cantor with a pink tie and orange skin. (BTW - Those colors clash Johnny)
Boehner is just an Eric Cantor with a pink tie and orange skin. (BTW - Those colors clash Johnny)
14
What you are saying doesn't even make any sense. A congressional seat is currently set as around 700,000 people. That means that 12 congressmen 'represent' fewer than 9,000,000 people, or somewhat less than the tri-state NY City metro area including suburbs. There are 435 members, so any 12 'represent' less than 2.8% of the electorate. Even the craziest stretch of imagination can't possibly try to correlate the 2.8% of voters represented by these people as being a 'majority' of anything.
The past 3 two-term Presidents saw BOTH houses of congress go to the opposition in their 6th year mid-terms. It is not a 'mandate', it is a reflection of overall dissatisfaction with how the Federal Government has been working in the past 30 years. In 2016, there will almost certainly be a reflex slap back at the GOP for not 'fixing' anything in the next two years, and the presidential election will be determined by how the public views the economy...as it has for the past several elections. The GOP had better 'hope' for a few really bad economic years, or that the public suddenly gets Alzheimer's and forgets that the name 'Clinton' is linked with economic success and budget surpluses, while the name 'Bush' is linked with unfunded Wars and economic collapse....
The past 3 two-term Presidents saw BOTH houses of congress go to the opposition in their 6th year mid-terms. It is not a 'mandate', it is a reflection of overall dissatisfaction with how the Federal Government has been working in the past 30 years. In 2016, there will almost certainly be a reflex slap back at the GOP for not 'fixing' anything in the next two years, and the presidential election will be determined by how the public views the economy...as it has for the past several elections. The GOP had better 'hope' for a few really bad economic years, or that the public suddenly gets Alzheimer's and forgets that the name 'Clinton' is linked with economic success and budget surpluses, while the name 'Bush' is linked with unfunded Wars and economic collapse....
176
First, I am not referring to the district constituents of the 12 representatives. I am referring to the overall opinions of the majority of voters of the 2014 midterms, which (I disagree with your analysis) does indicate a mandate.
Anyone who doesn't see the 2014 as a mandate - and outright rejection of Barack Obama is completely misreading the event. It was a mandate against amnesty (first), the unconstitutional actions of a corrupt POTUS (second) and a failed ACA.
Anyone who doesn't see the 2014 as a mandate - and outright rejection of Barack Obama is completely misreading the event. It was a mandate against amnesty (first), the unconstitutional actions of a corrupt POTUS (second) and a failed ACA.
2
I am afraid you have hour history wrong. The last two times the House & Senate flipped against the Presidents Party they won the next Presidential Election. It took 6 years before it went the other way with Bush and only 2 for Obama. If history repeats, the Republicans take the Presidency in 2016 and the Democrats retake the House in 2022.
1
Senator Thune has absolutely incredible nerve. The Republicans hand President Obama an economy in deep recession. Under his administration, it was pulled back from the brink and is now functioning rather well. Senator Thune would be talking about what a fantastic turn around it has been if it had been a Romney administration.
494
Back from the brink and functioning well you say??? So why is there now the biggest gap ever between the richest and middle class, Most of the wealth by far is in the upper 1% and that has happened during Obama's reign. All the while, so many families still underwater with thier mortgages, or without a home. The real estate market is functioning at it lowest level in 10 years in much of the USA, only some areas have recovered. And don't forget Detroit, a major USA city that has had to declare bankruptcy. The list of issues like this still abound, yet you have the audacity to claim "The economy is doing very well under Mr. Obama... "?? Reality speaks loudly a different tune.
2
No, because under a Romney administration...well, you know!
You must have been living in the Bizarro Universe the past 6 years if you think you have seen a "fantastic turn around"!
Like herding cats. JB will have his hands full to get anything done; especially when BO vetoes all of the silly stuff.
14
So true. Yet even cats can be herded if they have something delicious drawing them forward. Is there anything that calls the GOP forward? Haven't seen anything so far...
5
South Dakota Senator John Thune is a contemporary Republican archetype, a serial distorter of history recent and past, a do-nothing, lockstep conformist who seems to say nothing that isn’t on the list of GOP talking points.
Consider his statement here, that “Our first priority for the next two years will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration.”
Oh, so the implication is that the Great Recession of 2007 is the OBAMA administration’s fault? Even though it began well before President Obama took office? Even though the Bush administration was asleep at the wheel as our financial industry, enabled and encouraged by Republican laissez-faire policies, gambled and lost? I see. It’s Obama’s fault
The Republican Party remains dysfunctional and compromised, largely in the employ of big business and in the thrall of Ayn Rand’s nutty fables. When Wall Street jerks its leash, watch Thune, McConnell, Boehner & Co. come to heel.
So many of the GOP's Capitol Hill cadre are on the take that we can accurately predict their positions and votes on any issue that impacts corporate profits.
John Thune, like other Republican leaders who speak piously and often about furthering the well-being of common folk, does not really give a hoot about them.
Consider his statement here, that “Our first priority for the next two years will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration.”
Oh, so the implication is that the Great Recession of 2007 is the OBAMA administration’s fault? Even though it began well before President Obama took office? Even though the Bush administration was asleep at the wheel as our financial industry, enabled and encouraged by Republican laissez-faire policies, gambled and lost? I see. It’s Obama’s fault
The Republican Party remains dysfunctional and compromised, largely in the employ of big business and in the thrall of Ayn Rand’s nutty fables. When Wall Street jerks its leash, watch Thune, McConnell, Boehner & Co. come to heel.
So many of the GOP's Capitol Hill cadre are on the take that we can accurately predict their positions and votes on any issue that impacts corporate profits.
John Thune, like other Republican leaders who speak piously and often about furthering the well-being of common folk, does not really give a hoot about them.
443
Well, you've hit the nail - those "common folk" who voted in these Republicans ACTUALLY think their candidates DO care about them - and their own vile agendas. They are the GOP "base," and their collective ignorance is towering. It was to gain voters like this that education had been so thoroughly neglected for decades. Now it's paying off. The result is voters who lack the ability to analyze things, so they can't see how they've been wazooed into voting AGAINST their own best interests.
But do they learn anything when their best interests are abused? No way. They'll just blame Democrats, and in particular, Obama. Thus, with these people, the GOP has it made in the shade.
But there is one thing they can't change. Time. In time, the Republicans of Congress today will find themselves at great risk in 2016. They can't help but eagerly begin wreaking their harm on the American people, starting today. After two years of that, the American people will be slathering to be rid of them. It is the very fact that Republicans are glowing with their conquest of the Dems, and so wildly eager to thrust their hateful policies on us all, that will make them so hated by American voters that our next president has every chance of being a Dem.
These next two years might just give them enough rope by which to hang themselves in the next presidential election. Let's watch and see.
But do they learn anything when their best interests are abused? No way. They'll just blame Democrats, and in particular, Obama. Thus, with these people, the GOP has it made in the shade.
But there is one thing they can't change. Time. In time, the Republicans of Congress today will find themselves at great risk in 2016. They can't help but eagerly begin wreaking their harm on the American people, starting today. After two years of that, the American people will be slathering to be rid of them. It is the very fact that Republicans are glowing with their conquest of the Dems, and so wildly eager to thrust their hateful policies on us all, that will make them so hated by American voters that our next president has every chance of being a Dem.
These next two years might just give them enough rope by which to hang themselves in the next presidential election. Let's watch and see.
17
I absolutely agree H.B. And get out there and tell everybody you know all about who the Republicans work for and expose all their lies between now and 2016. Even stupid voters finally deserve to hear the honest truth about the real takers in today's American society.
5
Mark's comments are based in anger, intolerance and hatred but he is right about one thing. The "Great Recession" was not Obama's doing. It was actually the inevitable outcome of policy decisions made by Clinton which he pursued despite being repeatedly warned by his own advisers.
1
“Our first priority for the next two years,” said Senator John Thune of South Dakota, a member of the Republican leadership, “will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration.”
Amazing he said that without laughing.
Amazing he said that without laughing.
184
What amazes me is that so many Americans believe these lies and distortions of history. It's incredible what people will believe simply because someone says it in an authoritative manner.
22
Well, you have to look at it through HIS prism.
The people he refers to as being in "pain" are the wealthy. They're not raking it in with both hands as they used to. For the average American, even in the GOP "base," the economy has much improved and is still improving. But for the "base," if they're told they're hurting, they'll declare they're in pain, too. They'll think their GOP leaders really DO care about them.
Trouble is, if you can SHOW someone in the "base" how his OWN economic situation has improved these last 6 years, if you can SHOW him the charts that clearly show how vastly the U.S. economy has grown under Obama, and how appallingly close we all were to total economic collapse under Bush, they will be unable - and also unwilling - to acknowledge it. Their own hateful agendas FORCE them to keep siding with the GOP, no matter what.
So of course Thune didn't laugh. He had to make sure his "base" would be expecting their own improved economic status to improve even more under the Republicans. They are people whose attitude is "Don't confuse me with facts." And it works. Even when the Republicans walk all over the people in their "base," they know the blame will be placed on Dems, not themselves.
The result is why they can act with such impunity, robbing and breaking things, while retaining their "base" no matter what they do.
It's kinda handy, huh?
The people he refers to as being in "pain" are the wealthy. They're not raking it in with both hands as they used to. For the average American, even in the GOP "base," the economy has much improved and is still improving. But for the "base," if they're told they're hurting, they'll declare they're in pain, too. They'll think their GOP leaders really DO care about them.
Trouble is, if you can SHOW someone in the "base" how his OWN economic situation has improved these last 6 years, if you can SHOW him the charts that clearly show how vastly the U.S. economy has grown under Obama, and how appallingly close we all were to total economic collapse under Bush, they will be unable - and also unwilling - to acknowledge it. Their own hateful agendas FORCE them to keep siding with the GOP, no matter what.
So of course Thune didn't laugh. He had to make sure his "base" would be expecting their own improved economic status to improve even more under the Republicans. They are people whose attitude is "Don't confuse me with facts." And it works. Even when the Republicans walk all over the people in their "base," they know the blame will be placed on Dems, not themselves.
The result is why they can act with such impunity, robbing and breaking things, while retaining their "base" no matter what they do.
It's kinda handy, huh?
8
HB,
You refer to "facts" and rail against uninformed votes, but also seem under the impression that the 1% is not "raking it in with both hands".
By every measure, they are. And that contradicts the premise of your position.
If you believe that the value of the DOW equates the health of the economy, then you are very poorly informed. The lower and middle classes are not, actually, doing particularly well at the moment. Yes, official unemployment numbers are low, but that is also not a very good indicator, for several reasons you should be aware of. Real wages are stagnant or falling, and massive numbers of Americans are living in poverty. Has it been worse? Yes. Is it great now? No.
You refer to "facts" and rail against uninformed votes, but also seem under the impression that the 1% is not "raking it in with both hands".
By every measure, they are. And that contradicts the premise of your position.
If you believe that the value of the DOW equates the health of the economy, then you are very poorly informed. The lower and middle classes are not, actually, doing particularly well at the moment. Yes, official unemployment numbers are low, but that is also not a very good indicator, for several reasons you should be aware of. Real wages are stagnant or falling, and massive numbers of Americans are living in poverty. Has it been worse? Yes. Is it great now? No.
1
My headline: Boehner Beats Back Dissent to Reclaim Mantle of 'Most Useless House Speaker'.
124
And you’d prefer the Bush recession and unemployment figures, with the Dow at 1/3 of its current level, Senator Thune?
178
The premise that Bush caused the recession rather than the Fed and the housing bubble it created is almost as absurd as the notion that this incompetent president can take any credit for the long-delayed recovery that finally seems to be at hand. Did you conversely blame Mr. Obama for the weak recovery for the past six years? Of course not. 2016 can't come soon enough.
2
The Dow is not the economy, and its current level is solely of function of the Federal government "printing" and loaning trillions of dollars -- dollars borrowed from your grandchildren -- to 'banks' for free. Otherwise, we are making many of the same mistakes we made in the run up to the last Recession, and it will probably happen again soon.
Also, if you believe the official unemployment figures, I have a very nice bridge in Brooklyn you might be interested in.
Things could be and have been worse, but I don't think your two examples mean much, Mr Henderson.
Also, if you believe the official unemployment figures, I have a very nice bridge in Brooklyn you might be interested in.
Things could be and have been worse, but I don't think your two examples mean much, Mr Henderson.
2
David Hillman - If the DOW is not the economy, let's quit subsidizing them with huge tax loopholes, quit creating laws that benefit only them, quit waging wars to secure fertile new markets for them and Congress can quit taking huge donations from them and their lobbiests. Nextly, the Federal government is not in charge of the monetary supply and policy, the Federal Reserve system is and they are not governed by President or Congress.
3
Two more years of fears and tears.
Just goes to show that the GOP does not want to change; it will be the same gridlock we've seen since 2009.
Not that the Democrats are any better, but now they will play the party of "No". Everything hinges if President Obama, the new Herbert Hoover, has grown a backbone yet.
Just goes to show that the GOP does not want to change; it will be the same gridlock we've seen since 2009.
Not that the Democrats are any better, but now they will play the party of "No". Everything hinges if President Obama, the new Herbert Hoover, has grown a backbone yet.
8
You can rail all you want but if the Democrats are leading the country well would they not still be in power?
The GOP is in power because:
1. So called voter fraud prevention rules. Even though voter fraud is non-existent.
2. Gerrymandering.
3. Low voter turnout. Only 1/3 of eligible voters; voted.
4. Flood of money into campaigns.
5. Voter ignorance.
I did say the Democrats are not any better.
Our system is corrupt with money, corrupt with life time politicians and corrupt with very few wealthy people controlling the outcomes.
If you have not noticed, we no longer live in a democracy or republic, but an oligarchy. Our politicians are bought and sold, like was done in Ancient Rome. Slowly we are creating a society of the very few who are the real "citizens" and the rest who slave for them.
It is no small wonder why novels like "Maze Runner" and "Hunger Games" are popular among the under 30 crowd. Because, they see their parents and grandparents taking the US, and the world, down the same path Rome did 2000 years ago.
So, right now it does not matter who is in power, because absolute power corrupts absolutely. And, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”. More familiar as: “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it”.
1. So called voter fraud prevention rules. Even though voter fraud is non-existent.
2. Gerrymandering.
3. Low voter turnout. Only 1/3 of eligible voters; voted.
4. Flood of money into campaigns.
5. Voter ignorance.
I did say the Democrats are not any better.
Our system is corrupt with money, corrupt with life time politicians and corrupt with very few wealthy people controlling the outcomes.
If you have not noticed, we no longer live in a democracy or republic, but an oligarchy. Our politicians are bought and sold, like was done in Ancient Rome. Slowly we are creating a society of the very few who are the real "citizens" and the rest who slave for them.
It is no small wonder why novels like "Maze Runner" and "Hunger Games" are popular among the under 30 crowd. Because, they see their parents and grandparents taking the US, and the world, down the same path Rome did 2000 years ago.
So, right now it does not matter who is in power, because absolute power corrupts absolutely. And, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”. More familiar as: “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it”.
3
Nick,
A few minutes of research will show you that the spending differential between parties in the recent election was tiny. Blaming money for the Republicans' win shows you to be very poorly informed. Democrats lost for many reasons, but amazingly, campaign funds were not one of them.
Also, blaming voter turnout is a weak excuse. If you don't care to be counted, then you just don't count. And then you go and call the people who were smart enough to vote 'ignorant'.
A few minutes of research will show you that the spending differential between parties in the recent election was tiny. Blaming money for the Republicans' win shows you to be very poorly informed. Democrats lost for many reasons, but amazingly, campaign funds were not one of them.
Also, blaming voter turnout is a weak excuse. If you don't care to be counted, then you just don't count. And then you go and call the people who were smart enough to vote 'ignorant'.
When can we look forward to headlines about "The Imperial House Speaker" ?
It seems like the post gains in importance with the amount of hype the Press gives it.
It seems like the post gains in importance with the amount of hype the Press gives it.
9
Good, now what? Asking for Keystone XL to be approved, when the Canadians may themselves not be pursuing it anymore because of falling oil prices. Repealing Obamacare, when it is in a second year of increasingly successful implementation. Attacking the President, when his popularity is rising due to multiple policy successes and the resultant improving economy. Ignoring immigration reform, when a bipartisan bill already passed by the Senate awaits. I await the "pragmatic" accomplishments of this House of Representatives with bated breath.
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You approve Keystone and not worry if the private sector decides to build it or not build it. Today they probably wouldn't. In three years maybe they would. The current oil glut is not reason not to approve it.
1
Wow! Our borders are still the most wide open in the civilized world as we scrutinize our citizens in the name of security and thwarting terrorist attacks? You call what is going on now attempts at immigration reform? A nation without borders is no longer a nation. Don't you have a problem with the fact that anyone can now cross our borders, and once here have a less than 3% chance of being deported?
Speaking of Obamacare, you speak of it in positive terms without recognizing that costs are increasing, and that since all of the other corporations have been taken care of, it was the insurance companies turn to have a feeding frenzy on Americans!
Wake up, we have no friends in our government, we only have a one party system! Also, please note, the people who will run for POTUS in 2016 have already been determined for you!
Speaking of Obamacare, you speak of it in positive terms without recognizing that costs are increasing, and that since all of the other corporations have been taken care of, it was the insurance companies turn to have a feeding frenzy on Americans!
Wake up, we have no friends in our government, we only have a one party system! Also, please note, the people who will run for POTUS in 2016 have already been determined for you!
4
It would be interesting to hear the howls of partisanship if President Obama echoed Mitch Mconnell's well-known post election statement in 2008 that, "The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president," by saying "The single most important thing we want to achieve is for Leader McConnell to be a one-term Senate Majority Leader."
81
I agree. But please don't forget the second item on the right wing's 2016 Christmas list - the Supreme Court. Regardless of the makeup of Congress after the next election, the team that brought us George Bush and Citizens United will be overdue for a coaching change in the next six years. If Obama does not get an appointment, and the torch is passed to the next Republican CEO, I shutter to think what inroads the private sector will have into public policy for decades to come.
6
During the last term I felt that a better appellation for him was "follower of the House" given the number of times he seemed to be following the extreme conservative wing in the House. True, he did get the House to follow him at times,. Now he had twice as many people voting against him. It will be interesting to see how much loyalty he gets from his own party when it comes to contentious votes.
21
Can't wait for the first veto/filibuster!
26
Someone needs to buy this guys a recent newspaper:
“Our first priority for the next two years,” said Senator John Thune of South Dakota, a member of the Republican leadership, “will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration.”
“Our first priority for the next two years,” said Senator John Thune of South Dakota, a member of the Republican leadership, “will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration.”
72
Thune forgot "caused by the lax regulations of banks." That collapse occured during the reign of Dubya, and was an important factor favoring the election of Obama.
Of course Thune is favoring fracking, drilling, Keystone, etc. Is not a bit more more worth a lot more poison in our lives?
Of course Thune is favoring fracking, drilling, Keystone, etc. Is not a bit more more worth a lot more poison in our lives?
13
Here's how the GOP sees pain:
Dow under Bush (1st quarter 2009*): 7000.
Dow under Obama (December 2014): 18,000.
Unemployment (4th quarter 2009*): 10%
Unemployment (4th quarter 2014*): 5%
* Budgets / policy set under Bush Administration
Dow under Bush (1st quarter 2009*): 7000.
Dow under Obama (December 2014): 18,000.
Unemployment (4th quarter 2009*): 10%
Unemployment (4th quarter 2014*): 5%
* Budgets / policy set under Bush Administration
16
That's because Fox News hasn't told the readers yet that the economy has improved.
18
Now we can get down to Repubican business as usual. Let's fund Obamacare, work on immigration reform, raise the debt ceiling, fund foreign wars. Basically, let's do what Obama wants contrary to why Republicans were elected in droves. Staus quo pervails, let's vote for pork.
5
If John Boehner is the voice of reason, we have a problem.
248
That's it: all bets are off between the GOP and me for 2016. I owe them nothing, and 'nothing' is what they will get from me.
18
You are welcome across the aisle. We are also sick of the GOP.
5
“Our first priority for the next two years,” said Senator John Thune of South Dakota, a member of the Republican leadership, “will be alleviating the economic pain the American people have experienced under the Obama administration.”
Economic pain? The economy is doing very well under Mr. Obama, thank you.
But this is what the Republicans call "governing and getting along."
Buckle your seat belts; we're in for a bumpy ride.
Economic pain? The economy is doing very well under Mr. Obama, thank you.
But this is what the Republicans call "governing and getting along."
Buckle your seat belts; we're in for a bumpy ride.
218
I think he means the "economic pain" experienced by his 1% and corporate buddies who haven't had everything go exactly their way, because the Obama administration & previous Senate had at least half an eye out for the rest of the people living in the US.
9
The economy is doing well because of the energy boom. The percentage of new jobs created and population growth in Texas are incredible. Obama had absolutely nothing to do with the energy boom. And now that the boom is over, it will be interesting to see what happens.
3
Joseph albany:
What's been interesting to observe as the oil boom softens is how much the left sounds like OPEC these days. They want to see US energy companies fail. Gleefully awaiting their demise, in fact.
What's been interesting to observe as the oil boom softens is how much the left sounds like OPEC these days. They want to see US energy companies fail. Gleefully awaiting their demise, in fact.
Blah, blah, blah... Let's see if any of these narcissists can actually accomplish anything for the people - all of the people - instead of holding everyone hostage while they argue and blame each other for the massive, shameful inertia.
126
Does it really matter if it's Boehner or some other member of the political right? Let's see what Boehner does with his fellow representative, Scalise, who spoke before known racists. The Republican Party will attempt to take more from the middle class (Is there anyone left in the middle class?) and working class, while catering to those with extreme wealth. According to Republicans, the only valid function of government is to maintain and use the military...
78
...and to make sure everyone else carries a gun so they can be ready when that highly funded military goes after them. Makes sense doesn't it? -- yet these are the crazies who vote for these other crazies.
6
Who has taken most from the middle class? Obama has done more damage than any other president. Wages have fallen. Millions more on welfare...
3
Nathan: that is hogwash. Middle class is eroding but it has everything to do with GOP policy and catering to the wealthy and to corporations and precious little to do with anything Obama has tried to do. Please do your research to find out why wages have stagnated and then use common sense logic. Corporations get enormous "benefits" - so much so that they always (this has been the case time and again) find a way to make more and more profit with fewer people, demanding that they do more. Obama is complicit only because he agreed to continue the tax cuts. Take a look at how corporate profit margins have grown; take a look at how much corporations pay in taxes now versus 50 years ago. Figure out which policies impacted that and then figure out why. We are an oligarchy - that is why the middle class has declined; and that is not Obama's fault nor did it suddenly start under his leadership. Hint: Reagan.
7
Snow Falling on Cadres.... It's going to be a long winter in Washington and the rest of the country with Republicans hellbent on undoing Obama's many accomplishments.
51
What accomplishments?
3
@Nathan: some accomplishments - passing health care legislation, reviving the economy/jobs, a soaring job market, fixing the mortgage mess, financial reform (Dodd/Frank), ending the war in Iraq (2011), eliminated Osama bin laden, repealed "Don't ask/Don't tell", increased fuel efficiency standards, credit card reform.
5
Boehner represents everything wrong with the Republican party. If they want to adopt a more pragmatic approach, keeping Boenher as Speaker would not send that message. Boehner has dragged his feet, obstructed, shut down the government, blocked legislation, and petulantly protested basic governance. He is wrong for the of of House Speaker. Republicans need to turn the page on this stubborn, myopic, tunnel-visioned politician and elect someone--anyone--that will truly be pragmatic and rational.
And now I read in Breaking News he has just reclaimed the post. Oh well, so much for pragmatism. In the future, let's hope our government is not shut down for political points.
And now I read in Breaking News he has just reclaimed the post. Oh well, so much for pragmatism. In the future, let's hope our government is not shut down for political points.
14
Sadly, the ones opposing him would likely be far worse - even though that seems impossible.
2
"The expectations are high for Republicans to deliver on their promise of making Congress work like a functional governing body again. Mr. Boehner and Mr. McConnell have already set in motion the process to hold votes on approving the Keystone XL pipeline, a project they have both championed as a job creator. Proposed Keystone legislation, with bipartisan sponsorship, became the first bill introduced in the new Senate."
I for one do not expect the Congress to "work like a functional governing body again." As for the Keystone XL pipeline I can only urge the President and everyone else with any knowledge at all of the dangers of this project to the environment to veto it and stand against. The pipeline will only serve to benefit the Canadian oil producers and what with the price of oil at a new low, under $50 dollars a barrel, there would seem to be little point to produce and sell more of it. I wonder when was the last time the Congress worked like a functioning body? Probably not since the Johnson years and certainly not since President Obama has been in office. Remember the one term promise made by the senator from Kentucky?
I for one do not expect the Congress to "work like a functional governing body again." As for the Keystone XL pipeline I can only urge the President and everyone else with any knowledge at all of the dangers of this project to the environment to veto it and stand against. The pipeline will only serve to benefit the Canadian oil producers and what with the price of oil at a new low, under $50 dollars a barrel, there would seem to be little point to produce and sell more of it. I wonder when was the last time the Congress worked like a functioning body? Probably not since the Johnson years and certainly not since President Obama has been in office. Remember the one term promise made by the senator from Kentucky?
112
The perils of victory Boehner and McConnell now face: it's time to introduce legislation other than repealing the ACA, time to "act" against President Obama's immigration reform by passing a bill of their own, time to make actual Republican achievements other than talk of suing the President.
31
Actually the Senate passed a bipartisan bill last year but Boehner refused to put it before the House because the TP didn't like it.
12
And what about the 300+ House bills that Reid sat on - and wouldn't even allow discussion on?
3
Pragmatic? Republican? Huh?
I had to look up the word again and that's after using it for 50 years. I was taken aback thinking I had been using the word for something I didn't mean at all! But now I am assured. I used dictionary.com to look up Pragmatism:
noun
1. character or conduct that emphasizes practicality.
2. a philosophical movement or system having various forms, but generally stressing practical consequences as constituting the essential criterion in determining meaning, truth, or value.
Obviously it is an adopted word by Republicans in hopes that no one will notice or it could be totally innocent on their part. Perhaps they confused it with Pretentiousness?
I have another question though. Why does the Honorable Senator Boehner have such a lovely tan? He is obviously odd-man-out in the photo provided.
I had to look up the word again and that's after using it for 50 years. I was taken aback thinking I had been using the word for something I didn't mean at all! But now I am assured. I used dictionary.com to look up Pragmatism:
noun
1. character or conduct that emphasizes practicality.
2. a philosophical movement or system having various forms, but generally stressing practical consequences as constituting the essential criterion in determining meaning, truth, or value.
Obviously it is an adopted word by Republicans in hopes that no one will notice or it could be totally innocent on their part. Perhaps they confused it with Pretentiousness?
I have another question though. Why does the Honorable Senator Boehner have such a lovely tan? He is obviously odd-man-out in the photo provided.
73
clearly, appearances are everything to Boehner. Just like the lies he tells America, such as he is pragmatic instead of dogmatic and intransigent, incapable of leading anyone to true compromise.
4
Looks like Boehner has done it; 29 defections were needed, but only 25 voted for someone else. So he's in by 4, apparently.
42
So, how much time do you think will be spent on in-fighting against these 'dissenters' rather than the work of legislating?
6
He's done an excellent good job herding cats and managing mutinies. It's unlikely democrats will perform this well with their looming fringe eruption.
2
The GOP can move with lightening speed if something should threaten their quick departure from the Capitol on a Thursday night or Friday
138
“Other than going down and creating a scene, what are you going to do?” he said. “And they don’t have an answer to that.”
I believe Mr. Cole has succinctly summed up the GOP platform for the last six years. Lots of "no", but when pressed for an alternative solution, it never emerges.
I believe Mr. Cole has succinctly summed up the GOP platform for the last six years. Lots of "no", but when pressed for an alternative solution, it never emerges.
413
The seem to do well at winning elections though, or weren't you paying attention last Nov. 4th?
3
Yep, really good at buying elections. Governing, not so much.
17
two decades of gerrymandering produced that "win" or have you not been paying attention?
9
This GOP and pragmatism do not belong in the same sentence--for one simple reason. They have done nothing the past 6 years to prove they understand the word's meaning and more importantly, understand its context. They have been malicious obstructionists who have turned their backs on the middle class. They have yet, despite all their rhetoric, to produce a jobs bill or an alternative to AHCA. And interestingly enough--despite their willingness to ignore the facts--the economy is moving forward and, by all measures, AHCA is a success.
726
"Jobs bill"? What foolishness, as if government can create sustainable jobs. Well, I suppose government could pay John Smith $50,000 to dig a ditch, and Joe Jones $50,000 to put the dirt back in the ditch, and using current methodologies that would (seriously, I am not making this up) add $100,000 to GDP.
If you want to study the efficacy of "jobs bills", look no further than the Obama "stimulus", which resulted in rising unemployment following its passage, and the lowest labor force participation rate in nearly 40 years.
If you want to study the efficacy of "jobs bills", look no further than the Obama "stimulus", which resulted in rising unemployment following its passage, and the lowest labor force participation rate in nearly 40 years.
7
Can't wait to see how cooperative and pragmatic the Democrats will be, now that they are the minority party.
10
The question is can the Senate Democrats hold together and prevent the Republicans from passing too much damaging legislation.
I would be shocked if they could or would be as obstructionist as the Republicans were for the last six years. I would like them to shutdown the Senate but Democrats have never had strong party unity or a willingness to fight.
I guess we'll see if Obama is willing to stand up to the Republicans. My bet is he won't. He talks a good game but lacks the will to defend himself much less fight for his objectives.
I would be shocked if they could or would be as obstructionist as the Republicans were for the last six years. I would like them to shutdown the Senate but Democrats have never had strong party unity or a willingness to fight.
I guess we'll see if Obama is willing to stand up to the Republicans. My bet is he won't. He talks a good game but lacks the will to defend himself much less fight for his objectives.
4