You don't think Trump might be looking forward to FEMA relief if Mar al Lago gets smashed by Hurricane Irma?
6
One of the scenarios I expected from Trump relates to the statement Trump made when he was a Democrat. He attacked the intelligence of the GOP and commented how easy it would be to trick them. His candidacy and early term follow that same logic. He is being as outrageous as possible, and the GOP does nothing. This whole thing ism an act to show how low the GOP will go on morals, ethics, and the law as long as it is done by a Republican.
I've always wondered if Trump was out to destroy the Republican Party and then come out as a Democrat or Independent. Trump is a hustler and an actor. Trump holds grudges. Trump has no boundaries. Trump targeted the less educated, the less intelligent and the bigots as he ran. He went for the bottom feeders and attached them to the GOP. It culminated with the Nazis coming out and killing Americans. He has shifted the GOP to the point where it is basically a next century version of Nazi Germany and Czarist Russia with ethnic cleansing and pogroms.
Now Trump can use the meme "Chaos, panic, and disorder. My work here is done." and leave the GOP. The wealthiest, most powerful in business and politics just got played like a country bumpkin playing Three Card Monte at Battery Park.
I've always wondered if Trump was out to destroy the Republican Party and then come out as a Democrat or Independent. Trump is a hustler and an actor. Trump holds grudges. Trump has no boundaries. Trump targeted the less educated, the less intelligent and the bigots as he ran. He went for the bottom feeders and attached them to the GOP. It culminated with the Nazis coming out and killing Americans. He has shifted the GOP to the point where it is basically a next century version of Nazi Germany and Czarist Russia with ethnic cleansing and pogroms.
Now Trump can use the meme "Chaos, panic, and disorder. My work here is done." and leave the GOP. The wealthiest, most powerful in business and politics just got played like a country bumpkin playing Three Card Monte at Battery Park.
6
Mr. Trump is terrified about what will come out of the Russia investigations including the potential money laundering allegations. So for the past two months he has tried to secure his base by praising the good people who marched with Nazi and Klan members in Virginia, pardoned convicted racist Joe Arpaio and went after DACA to show he was tough on immigration. Now he is trying to make nice with his opponents because he might have to schmooze them in preparation for what happens after the Russiagate opens and floods the White House.
4
Okay, Trump voters, we told you so!
NOW, "The Donald" has even betrayed YOU, the people who put him into office (after he LOST by 3 Million Votes to Hillary Clinton.)
We told you that you couldn't trust this man. He stabbed his most prominent supporters in the back---Gingrich, Giuliani and that big, bellicose, bullying governor from NJ---and NOW he's done it to you too.
STILL think Donald J. Trump is going to "save the country" and "drain the swamp?" More likely he's laughing at how gullible you were on that day back in November.
NOW, "The Donald" has even betrayed YOU, the people who put him into office (after he LOST by 3 Million Votes to Hillary Clinton.)
We told you that you couldn't trust this man. He stabbed his most prominent supporters in the back---Gingrich, Giuliani and that big, bellicose, bullying governor from NJ---and NOW he's done it to you too.
STILL think Donald J. Trump is going to "save the country" and "drain the swamp?" More likely he's laughing at how gullible you were on that day back in November.
4
Trump did exactly what he should have done. We don't even have a good estimate of how much will be needed in Texas, Louisiana, and now Florida. Threatening to shut down the government is absurd. It is pushing political agenda instead of the people's needs. Congress will have to work together. He has done the same thing with the Dreamers program This is something that shouldn't be at the whim of one person, Obama started this because congress was a failure of action. Now Trump has said work out something or I'll
shut it down until you do, Six months is plenty of time. He has also sent a warning about other work such as a tax overhaul. He is saying "I'll work with anyone to get something done." Trump doesn't owe party leaders anything. They fought against him during his campaign to get the nomination. We will see what happens.
shut it down until you do, Six months is plenty of time. He has also sent a warning about other work such as a tax overhaul. He is saying "I'll work with anyone to get something done." Trump doesn't owe party leaders anything. They fought against him during his campaign to get the nomination. We will see what happens.
I urge my fellow Democrats to be cautious in making deals with President Trump. The Republicans own Trump; he is their property. Making a deal with the Donald is like making a deal with your neighbor to drive their very expensive and highly unreliable open top sports car - when it rains you don't want to drive it and when it breaks down you don't want to share the inflated cost of repair.
Trump found the money faucet!
2
Even a stopped clock shows the right time twice a day.
Just so, Trump's malignant narcissism may align him with sensible policy on occasion. Amid legislative impasse and withering criticism from all but neo-Nazi's, Trump's ego has taken refuge with Dems.
But soon enough, the worm will turn as Donald returns to looking for love in all the wrong places. Democrats would do well to stick to their principles and continue to criticize what is outrageous or simply wrong, and wait for Trump to be hungry enough to sit down to a decent proposal.
Instead of waiting for Mr. Goodbar, America now waits for Mr. Foul Mouth -- such a throw back to the late '70's that saw his rise in NYC. Both caution against passivity in the face of a lethal liason.
Just so, Trump's malignant narcissism may align him with sensible policy on occasion. Amid legislative impasse and withering criticism from all but neo-Nazi's, Trump's ego has taken refuge with Dems.
But soon enough, the worm will turn as Donald returns to looking for love in all the wrong places. Democrats would do well to stick to their principles and continue to criticize what is outrageous or simply wrong, and wait for Trump to be hungry enough to sit down to a decent proposal.
Instead of waiting for Mr. Goodbar, America now waits for Mr. Foul Mouth -- such a throw back to the late '70's that saw his rise in NYC. Both caution against passivity in the face of a lethal liason.
3
Trump to Republicans: that's how you get things done. Just agree with them. Schummer to McConnell: Oh SNAP!!!!
1
Remember, folks, that the Freedom Works crew are the billionaires. They have been relying on the Republican control of all three branches of government to seal their agenda of defunding or eliminating all New Deal and Great Society programs, deregulation of business, and drastic cuts to their own taxes. The "freedom " they seek is to exploit our commonly held resources and to beggar the citizenry by eliminating minimum wage laws. These are not grassroots organizations; they are premium Astroturf.
5
Could have used more analysis by the reporters as to the substance and comparison of the the Republican and Democratic proposals put forth to Trump in their meeting; and, the 'why' in how they differed.
All this article tells us is that they were at odds; something already well known.
The only bit of 'news' is that Trump sided with the Democrats; but, why?
All this article tells us is that they were at odds; something already well known.
The only bit of 'news' is that Trump sided with the Democrats; but, why?
3
The headline should read: Trump Finally Acts Like a President! And Democrats like the "Loyal Opposition". Maybe it's the start of something new... like government.
2
Well-beyond this episode and what's on a school lunch menu, there are far great forces at work.
But great job of attempting to pander the usual pablum as news to the middle and lower-class readership.
But great job of attempting to pander the usual pablum as news to the middle and lower-class readership.
2
Trump's so-called deal sends a clear message to Republican leaders in Congress. Quash those investigations into my Russian connections or I will cooperate with Democrats.
3
Finally something bipartisan. I wonder how it's going to bite us?
1
The right has gotten so much of their wish list from Donald that it seems silly that there is so much squabbling over a compromise with the left to fund the government for three months and to raise the debt ceiling which has to be done anyway to fund the wall, military spending, etc. Throwing a bone to the Democrats has a lot of people head scratching and is probably a good move by Donald who didnt lose his base over Charleston and wont lose it over this. It is in line with his running of the west wing where he plays people off each other and stirs internal conflicts for his own amusement / to get the best out of people.
1
Once again it's only the Democrats who are willing to work across the lines to find a solution. Trump knew what a disaster it would be if the debt ceiling wasn't met. McConnell and Ryan were willing to destroy our economy for some ridiculous principle. But Trump knew he couldn't survive yet another political disaster.
2
Trump's angry at the Republican Congress. In his mind, they have not brought to fruition his dreams of eliminating Obama care or lowering taxes for the wealthy. They were "disloyal" to him after his pro-White Supremicist remarks.
Never mind that the Federal government is navigating the seas like a ghost ship, with so many unfilled positions it's a marvel that it's not yet broken on the rocks.
Never mind that Trump's existing agency appointments, fully supported by Republicans, have essentially destroyed the purpose of these agencies and Cabinet posts, and they now serve the wealthy.
Trump's anger at Republicans will not cease until they have destroyed every scintilla of Obama's legacy--even if this destruction menaces Americans and the environment.
So he, in extreme choler, negotiated with the Dems to prod the Republicans. That the debt ceiling had to be raised should not have even been an issue--it's fiscal, not political. Aid for Harvey and Irma also goes unsaid, and 2 more hurricanes are following on their heels.
So this outcome was good, but, Trump's philosophy and desires haven't changed a bit. Dems, proceed with extreme caution.
Never mind that the Federal government is navigating the seas like a ghost ship, with so many unfilled positions it's a marvel that it's not yet broken on the rocks.
Never mind that Trump's existing agency appointments, fully supported by Republicans, have essentially destroyed the purpose of these agencies and Cabinet posts, and they now serve the wealthy.
Trump's anger at Republicans will not cease until they have destroyed every scintilla of Obama's legacy--even if this destruction menaces Americans and the environment.
So he, in extreme choler, negotiated with the Dems to prod the Republicans. That the debt ceiling had to be raised should not have even been an issue--it's fiscal, not political. Aid for Harvey and Irma also goes unsaid, and 2 more hurricanes are following on their heels.
So this outcome was good, but, Trump's philosophy and desires haven't changed a bit. Dems, proceed with extreme caution.
4
The Schumer-Pelosi dynamic negotiating duo has exposed, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the fellow is not, and has never been, a negotiator. All his business failures (there are several) are irrefutable proof of his inability to enter into serious discussions with an opponent. But this easy and quick caving in to the dynamic duo has also shown his enormous power over the GOP. He knows that, at the end of the day, GOPers have no other alternative but to support his stance, as Mitch McConnell did so easily and Paul Ryan, and the rest of the right-wing flock will do, like it or not (what else are they going to do?).
His agreement with the Schumer-Pelosi duo will bring other, not so beneficial, effects to the GOP. It puts Dems on the driving seat in the upcoming discussions on the GOP’s agenda on tax reform, rebuilding the infra structure, and the absurd wall. Political Xmas in September for Dems. GOPers won’t be able to go back home and explain their failures to their constituency and we are still one year away from the next election.
His agreement with the Schumer-Pelosi duo will bring other, not so beneficial, effects to the GOP. It puts Dems on the driving seat in the upcoming discussions on the GOP’s agenda on tax reform, rebuilding the infra structure, and the absurd wall. Political Xmas in September for Dems. GOPers won’t be able to go back home and explain their failures to their constituency and we are still one year away from the next election.
4
I don't understand. Why was a "deal" even necessary? Republicans had no choice but throw lots of federal money at Republican Texas for Harvey relief and both Ryan and McConnell were already promising to raise the debt ceiling to avert a government shutdown. Democrats would go along with both those items because they are humane, responsible and necessary. Also, what did Democrats get out of the "deal"? Whatever it was, why do they trust Trump to keep his deals?
3
Are you certain Trump actually knew what he was doing? Perhaps it just came out of his mouth on a momentary impulse?
4
Hey Chuck and Nancy, next step, can you get us back into the Paris climate accord?
7
Sad.
The GOP in Congress had it all and just couldn't get their act together.
Obamacare should now be in the dustbin of history.
Taxes should have been cut.
There should now be wall along the southern border keeping out illegal aliens and drugs.
Tariffs should have been imposed to protect American jobs.
Instead, the GOP decided to ignore the people who elected them and appease Wall Street, K Street, and the media. It's been "Read My Lips. No New Taxes" all over again.
They never learn.
The obvious answer is to oust all the RINOs and the Democrats in red states so that there is a real Republican congress to support President Trump.
The GOP in Congress had it all and just couldn't get their act together.
Obamacare should now be in the dustbin of history.
Taxes should have been cut.
There should now be wall along the southern border keeping out illegal aliens and drugs.
Tariffs should have been imposed to protect American jobs.
Instead, the GOP decided to ignore the people who elected them and appease Wall Street, K Street, and the media. It's been "Read My Lips. No New Taxes" all over again.
They never learn.
The obvious answer is to oust all the RINOs and the Democrats in red states so that there is a real Republican congress to support President Trump.
1
Who you going to blame, GOP and the Base?
1
Seems to me 3 months at a time funding was good enough for the Republicans when Obama was president.
Now they're suddenly "concerned" about political jockeying?
Now they're suddenly "concerned" about political jockeying?
8
The right wing of the congressional GOP is the toothless tail that has been wagging the GOP dog for years. For them, not raising the debt ceiling is an issue of politics masquerading as morality: government must stop spending and taxing, do less, get smaller.
They picked a poor time to vent. Now they want to portray not helping hurricane victims as also a matter of morality, along with deporting all those criminals protected by DACA.
When Ryan and McConnell are able to uncross their eyes today, they are going to realize what a favor Trump just did for them.
They picked a poor time to vent. Now they want to portray not helping hurricane victims as also a matter of morality, along with deporting all those criminals protected by DACA.
When Ryan and McConnell are able to uncross their eyes today, they are going to realize what a favor Trump just did for them.
3
Standby.... I expect impeachment proceedings to be fast tracked soon. Russia didn't matter, NATO didn't matter, North Korea and nuclear war didn't matter, but working with the Democrats.... them fighting words to the GOP.
9
Were it not so serious, it would be laughable that Trump has again poked his finger in Republican eyes. That the Republican majority in Congress continue to support the president confirms just how hypocritical they are. Trump's intentions to support the Democrat proposal may not be pure as the driven snow, but they are correct.
1
I hope that as part of their "negotiating" Schumer and Pelosi wrote in that Trump's border wall will not be funded. Otherwise - seems to me, Trump got what HE wanted.
The NYT commenters are up in arms because Trump reached an agreement with democrats. Is there anything that you people DON'T complain about?
3
Trump is also willing to compromise on immigration, as long as he gets the border wall. The wall will increase the value of real estate near the wall under the general rule that good fences make good neighbors.
Trump’s new-found friends in the Democratic Party may also provide an alternative path to tax reform that keeps the Estate Tax on multi-millionares and eliminates the indefinite deferral of foreign income and capital appreciation. Mr. Trump and those in the top 10% (including the ultra wealthy 1%) know how to get rich with non-taxable asset appreciation. Government tax experts now understand that little of this wealth will trickle down because the transfer down is discouraged by a taxable event such as capital gains taxation or repatriation.
While Congress intended to help the wealthy invest in business, the tax rules turned out only to help the wealthy increase their share of wealth while middle class families and the poor (together 90% of the population) have slowly reduced their share of family wealth. Half the population lost 70% of their family share of wealth over the last 20 years in spite of well-intentioned tax provisions and a near universal shift to two-adult working families.
Democrats need to think out of the box on tax reform and may be surprised to find a willing partner in Donald Trump – (the only politician ever to support a national wealth tax). See https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/05/opinion/rich-getting-richer-taxes.htm...
Trump’s new-found friends in the Democratic Party may also provide an alternative path to tax reform that keeps the Estate Tax on multi-millionares and eliminates the indefinite deferral of foreign income and capital appreciation. Mr. Trump and those in the top 10% (including the ultra wealthy 1%) know how to get rich with non-taxable asset appreciation. Government tax experts now understand that little of this wealth will trickle down because the transfer down is discouraged by a taxable event such as capital gains taxation or repatriation.
While Congress intended to help the wealthy invest in business, the tax rules turned out only to help the wealthy increase their share of wealth while middle class families and the poor (together 90% of the population) have slowly reduced their share of family wealth. Half the population lost 70% of their family share of wealth over the last 20 years in spite of well-intentioned tax provisions and a near universal shift to two-adult working families.
Democrats need to think out of the box on tax reform and may be surprised to find a willing partner in Donald Trump – (the only politician ever to support a national wealth tax). See https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/05/opinion/rich-getting-richer-taxes.htm...
5
If Congress is going to spend $8 billion on Harvey aid for FEMA, then there should be $8 billion in new taxes along with it.
The greatest danger to our country is that Congress has dissociated spending and taxation and the result is an exploding federal government debt that will eventually lead to the collapse of the US financial system.
If Congress added a $100 surcharge to every tax return filed next year to pay for Harvey relief, then taxpayers would start to ask important questions like:
1. How is the money going to be spent?
2. Where does it go?
3. Who is responsible for reporting how it is spent and what good it did?
Huge amounts of FEMA spending on Katrina was totally wasted due to standard federal bureaucratic incompetence and corruption. People should not assume that federal spending necessarily accomplishes good in proportion to the spending.
The greatest danger to our country is that Congress has dissociated spending and taxation and the result is an exploding federal government debt that will eventually lead to the collapse of the US financial system.
If Congress added a $100 surcharge to every tax return filed next year to pay for Harvey relief, then taxpayers would start to ask important questions like:
1. How is the money going to be spent?
2. Where does it go?
3. Who is responsible for reporting how it is spent and what good it did?
Huge amounts of FEMA spending on Katrina was totally wasted due to standard federal bureaucratic incompetence and corruption. People should not assume that federal spending necessarily accomplishes good in proportion to the spending.
2
If the US government debt is threatening to collapse the financial system why is the yield on US government Treasuries today at 2.04%?
1
@ Michael Mendelson-
Manipulation of interest rates by governments and their minions in central banks.
Massive buying of bonds by US Federal Reserve, Bank of Japan, and European Central Bank. When they run out of ability to buy bonds to prop up prices, the house cards that is the world financial system will collapse.
Manipulation of interest rates by governments and their minions in central banks.
Massive buying of bonds by US Federal Reserve, Bank of Japan, and European Central Bank. When they run out of ability to buy bonds to prop up prices, the house cards that is the world financial system will collapse.
Huge amounts were wasted on Iraq as well as Katrina because of cronyism in the Bush administration. Those were businessmen making hay while they could. Didn't KRB lose nine billion dollars without any repercussions? Didn't Chaney and friends send inexperienced young men to Iraq with suitcases full of cash which they could not account for?
1
Texas Gov Abbott boasts the state has a $10 billion "rainy day fund." Well Gov, it's raining. I propose that for every $1 US taxpayers send in Federal aid, Texas needs to pony up $10.
5
Trump is an unmitigated disaster who, on Russia's schedule, is destroying our country. Americans, including tiki bearing losers, don't want to think so Putin and Russian troll farms did it for them. It is not too late but silly alt-parties see the crack in the back of our country and want to exploit it to their ends and in doing so seal all of our fates. Like we let the oligarchs do to the former eastern Europe after the end if the cold war. Turnabout is fair play.There appear to be few adults of any political stripe in Congress. The small group against gerrymandering is the first small glimmer of hope. What can you do to nourish the hope and get rid of the alts of any stripe? Let's start with a discussion of how BEST to help following these hurricanes. I think that handing out money and letting people rebuild in a flood zone because Houston doesn't want zoning, should be rewarded with NO federal funds. Hypocrites like Cruz et al who vote money solely for themselves and not for others in need should resign or be removed from office. Invalidating Trump's election would be the correct thing to do. What do you think.
2
In Celebration of Being Backwards
I grant you this is merely my conjecture, but I imagine the cost of our preparing our infrastructure to mitigate natural disasters like Katrina, Sandy, and Harvey (and probably Irma) -- and no one would expect infrastructure protections to be perfect -- is nothing as compared to the cost of cleaning up something that is called "a once-in-a-hundred-years" catastrophe.
The cost of cleaning up Harvey will be on the order of to $190 billion (according to AccruWeather), but I'll wager that intelligent infrastructure preparation in Houston costing $20 billion (spread over 10 years and involving quite wonderful job creation) would make the cost of cleaning up after the next Harvey something on the order of, say, $7.9 billion, the pittance that Donald J. Trump has asked Congress to contribute to the endeavor.
If you'd like to know how ignorant our government is about opportunities like that, listen to NPR's Rachel Martin interview Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Ben Carson ...
http://www.npr.org/2017/09/06/548819256/harvey-recovery-will-take-time-h...
Whew!
I grant you this is merely my conjecture, but I imagine the cost of our preparing our infrastructure to mitigate natural disasters like Katrina, Sandy, and Harvey (and probably Irma) -- and no one would expect infrastructure protections to be perfect -- is nothing as compared to the cost of cleaning up something that is called "a once-in-a-hundred-years" catastrophe.
The cost of cleaning up Harvey will be on the order of to $190 billion (according to AccruWeather), but I'll wager that intelligent infrastructure preparation in Houston costing $20 billion (spread over 10 years and involving quite wonderful job creation) would make the cost of cleaning up after the next Harvey something on the order of, say, $7.9 billion, the pittance that Donald J. Trump has asked Congress to contribute to the endeavor.
If you'd like to know how ignorant our government is about opportunities like that, listen to NPR's Rachel Martin interview Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Ben Carson ...
http://www.npr.org/2017/09/06/548819256/harvey-recovery-will-take-time-h...
Whew!
5
If Trump was smart---which he is not---he has a real opportunity to build a coalition of democrats and moderate Republicans to pass legislation that would both increase his popularity and address the concerns of his base. Although the Republican party appears to be in control of our government---in reality they are out of control with tribal factions serving as obstacles to any meaningful legislation. Trump is in that rare position to both pass FDR lite legislation and appease his base by a mixture of his make America great again routine and concrete benefits from the deals he makes with his new coalition. With some real legislative victories under his belt, he could isolate the extremes of the Republican party. Trump's is by nature not an ideologue, he is an opportunists. Of course the problem with this entire scenario is a disciplined strategy to build this coalition---which, given Trump's personality will never materialize.
2
Says one thing, does something else. As usual. This one I'll take, even if he is a "day trader."
The master of the art of the deal finally made a deal: the Pelosi-Schumer-Trump deal. Trump embraced his old friend Chuck Schumer. Trump has been a longtime supporter of Schumer when Trump claimed he was a Dem. Being a Dem in NYC is the smart thing to do. Though far from smart, the man with no particular political philosophy, Trump is a political weather vane. He will go whichever way the wind blows. Now that the Dems have Trump where they want him, how long will Ryan last? Bannon and his crew of cranks already have Ryan in their sights. What a mess the Republicans wrought when they embraced Trump. They are finally realizing why no one in Manhattan will have anything to do with Trump. He will drop anyone to benefit himself and increase his popularity. The problem is the Dems especially his long time "friend" Schumer has had Trump's number for years. Blind side indeed.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
3
Cue the talking heads saying..."this is when he became presidential..." as if that moment will ever REALLY come. Zebras don't grow spots.
That said, it IS time for the tea party purists to demand his resignation as a "RINO" for committing THE Cardinal, unforgivable, unthinkable act of working with the sane party....
That said, it IS time for the tea party purists to demand his resignation as a "RINO" for committing THE Cardinal, unforgivable, unthinkable act of working with the sane party....
3
“To play politics with the debt ceiling, like Schumer and Pelosi apparently are doing, I don’t think is a good idea,” Mr. Ryan said.
A denunciation of playing politics from Mr. Ryan. How novel. From the supreme politician.
A denunciation of playing politics from Mr. Ryan. How novel. From the supreme politician.
4
So I think Schumer and Pelosi just proved who the real master negotiatorsl are. Mr. Art of the Deal just accepted the Democrats first offer , which means the Republicans now will face another divisive debt ceiling vote in 3 months, & have no leverage on the rest of their agenda. Well played!
2
Mr Trump seems to being criticized, even by journalists, for a deal that moves Harvey relief forward and allows the US government to function. The alternative card, that people seem to think he should have played, would be to add more irrelevant fiscal conditions to the relief. Why has it come to pass that the "wiser" thing to do is be meaner and hold Harvey damage hostage for more?
The Republicans have a logjam and no accomplishments because they know how to oppose (Democrats and each other) but can't govern. It won't be better in six months or twelve. So trump, for once, moved the agenda forward.
The Republicans have a logjam and no accomplishments because they know how to oppose (Democrats and each other) but can't govern. It won't be better in six months or twelve. So trump, for once, moved the agenda forward.
3
"The aid measure passed 419 to 3. The “no” votes were Republican."
How about saying who the 3 were? Don't ya think people might be interested in who they are? Who they represent? Maybe you could ask them why? I realize it's a busy period for you folks, but, you might want to try to provide some relevant details...
How about saying who the 3 were? Don't ya think people might be interested in who they are? Who they represent? Maybe you could ask them why? I realize it's a busy period for you folks, but, you might want to try to provide some relevant details...
3
Something's missing here. Doesn't this "deal" require legislation for it to take effect, and don't the Republicans hold the majority in both houses? How does Trump agreeing to a proposal by Schumer and Pelosi translate into getting it done legislatively?
Maybe because Trump can override a veto? Just a guess; this is a good question and I am not sure of the answer.
Could it be that Donald doesn't want to be distracted by negotiations while Mar a Largo is threatened?
1
"Chuck and Nancy"...that really has to infuriate the
conservatives.
conservatives.
2
America has always been up for sale to the highest bidders. But in this case with the Russians it is the lowest, courtesy of Zuckerberg/Facebook.
Unfettered Corporatocracy and Capitalism (greed) will be the death of Democracy and our nation. It's also known as Fascism.
Unfettered Corporatocracy and Capitalism (greed) will be the death of Democracy and our nation. It's also known as Fascism.
1
What happened to Trump requiring local and state governments to match 25 percent of the federal dollars they receive. Maybe we should give Texas back to Mexico AsIs.
2
And Texas has $10 BILLION dollars in a rainy day fund. Hmmm.
This indiscretion may be a game changer. While Republicans may have chosen to turn blind eyes to conflicts that might result in Mr. Trumps removal in the past, they may begin to look upon such a change much more favorably now. They have their supreme court pick in place already and at some point will turn from damage control to regime change - its what they do.
1
I can't shake the feeling that the Republican leadership has no followers; Ryan and McConnell can't deliver their own members so the president has to go it alone. Sad to see the Republicans squander this relatively rare chance to truly make a difference.
2
Yes if you call the destruction of our democracy making a difference.
Republicans make a difference? You lost me.
The Donald would do anything for a win. Even work with the devil himself.
2
Maybe that's the ticket for the Democrats. Get into the hot-spots with Trump ( Air Force One, Mar-a-Lago, Trump Plaza.... )to stop the death spiral our country is headed. Maybe the stop-gap arrangement is just kicking the can down the road but for now it would help our dire urgent needs to start the recovery process from weather disasters. And the "WALL" is forgotten for the moment. But I can assure you, Sen.Chuck Schumer will cringe every time he sees the posted picture and send chills down Sen. Heidi Heitkamp's spine when she remembers Trump calling her a good woman. Or if they don't, it sends a chill down my spine that our country is in free fall.
2
Dear GOP: Frankenstein also thought he controlled his creature. He was wrong. Please enjoy, boys. You were warned, many, many times.
15
Trump Rocks! The GOP leadership's efforts to isolate the President have failed. Donald Trump will divide and conquer. Establish new working coalitions. Destroy Ryan and McConnell. President Trump will outmaneuver his opponents at every turn. He'll agree to DACA in weeks. Take and deserve the credit for legalizing it. By Christmas he'll have a deal on border security and tax reform or he will pivot again to another coalition. America First will not be denied. #MAGA!
4
Soon after he will be in jail. Collusion, treason, obstruction, and money laundering.
4
I applaud your enthusiasm, but giving your hypothesis the best benefit of the doubt about Trump's thought process, your premise is based on the assumption that Congress, or any coalition thereòf, can actually pass a bill that would make it to Trump's desk to sign, and do so before His Fickleness flipflops on his stance again. Good luck.
Interesting. No one is talking about the Russians or racism. Keep that distraction coming.
4
Wow. For the Tea Party faithful this is so much worse than Trump colluding with the Russians to fix the election. This is... Trump colluding and conspiring...
with Democrats!!!
with Democrats!!!
14
Evidently, the greatest sin a Republican politician can commit is to agree with Democrats on an issue. It doesn't matter that they have no choice but to raise the debt limit and fund the government. Doing it with Democratic support is totally unacceptable. John Boehner resorted to working with Democrats on a few critical bills, since the Republicans couldn't agree on anything, and lost his job. To "conservatives" (=radical right-wingers), anything Democrats support is the "swamp".
I am a bit puzzled: Ryan, not trump, determines what bills come to a vote in the House. Can he not still lard the bill with poison pills to ensure that Democrats will have to vote no?
I am a bit puzzled: Ryan, not trump, determines what bills come to a vote in the House. Can he not still lard the bill with poison pills to ensure that Democrats will have to vote no?
4
"Who knows? Something's happening, something good..." Maybe Pres. Trump will give up playing games on his tweeter and just do the best deal he can find to help recreate the middle class, uplift the tired, poor, and huddled masses yearning to breathe free, and make America really truly great again after all.
2
Simple math--he finally figured out that there are more Democrats in both houses than there are extreme conservatives.
3
Now is the time for the democrat to make a deal on the following items with the president:
1) Make a pact with Canada to arrange immigration of all dreamers to Canada
2) Ask Canada to fight with US to resolve North Korea conflict
1) Make a pact with Canada to arrange immigration of all dreamers to Canada
2) Ask Canada to fight with US to resolve North Korea conflict
I imagine Trump shaving every morning (sorry for the image) and, while admiring himself, he wonders how he can come up with the biggest shock of the day. It's all he has. Anyway, I'm not surprised by anything he does or says. But I do feel nauseaous way too much.
1
Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
4
I'm not sure I can attribute this to any smart or innovative thinking on the part of 45, but it certainly is a great deal for America, not to ention the Democrats. The Dems get to put the artificial but Republican hated debt ceiling on the table again in December along with the most real budget. That will get them a lot of bargaining power In this year's final month.
However, where in this so-called negotiation was DACA relief? Did Schumer and Pelosi purposely leave it on the table until December? That may be good negotiating tactics, but it leaves the 800,000 Dreamers standing in limbo, not knowing their future. While many DACA recipients will be able to apply for a two year extension before the March 2018 expiration of that program, imagine if your future, or that of your children, was that uncertain. The Democratic leadership continues to use them as pawns in the games on Capitol Hill, and if they arent succesful in gaining some sort of exception for them in those December negotiations (or earlier), they will become cannon fodder for the Freedom Caucus wing of the Republican party that controls the larger party by holding votes hostage to their un-American ideology.
However, where in this so-called negotiation was DACA relief? Did Schumer and Pelosi purposely leave it on the table until December? That may be good negotiating tactics, but it leaves the 800,000 Dreamers standing in limbo, not knowing their future. While many DACA recipients will be able to apply for a two year extension before the March 2018 expiration of that program, imagine if your future, or that of your children, was that uncertain. The Democratic leadership continues to use them as pawns in the games on Capitol Hill, and if they arent succesful in gaining some sort of exception for them in those December negotiations (or earlier), they will become cannon fodder for the Freedom Caucus wing of the Republican party that controls the larger party by holding votes hostage to their un-American ideology.
This is all pretty hilarious. There aren't enough "conservatives" in the House of either party to vote for the things Trump wants to get done. Most certainly, he is courting the House majority which includes Democrats so he can get something done. He cut a deal. I'm a conservative, but the ones in the House aren't getting things done. They are obstructionist in my opinion. If they keep that up, they will facilitate House seats flipping Democrat, when the voters get tired of inaction. I think the Republicans have gotten "used" to doing nothing.
8
Every bill should include funding as this one does. This one is funded through debt included in the same bill.
1
A debt ceiling is nothing more than an excuse to not raise taxes. I understand borrowing in the short term to get things done and then pay for it, but this has become a gimmick. We decide x, y and z, realize we can't afford it. Instead we borrow the money plus interest and never raise taxes to actually pay for the things we want or need in this country. This is sad, we want/need a war? Raise taxes and pay for it. We want / need infrastructure, raise taxes and pay for it.
Except of course that people will then start to care about politics because it's affecting their pay directly, even though it affects us all indirectly through debt we will have to pay one day.
Except of course that people will then start to care about politics because it's affecting their pay directly, even though it affects us all indirectly through debt we will have to pay one day.
18
I disagree. There are times when it makes sense for the government to go further into debt; investing on infrastructure is a good example. The past decade would have been the best time to invest in infrastructural development because of the historically-low interest rate facing the government. Republicans had no interest in a program that would expand employment and create wealth while Obama was in office. Interest rates are still low enough that a massive investment in infrastructure makes sense, but again I don't think the Freedom Caucus wing of the Republican party has the intelligence to reach the same conclusion. And the Democrats are rightly nervous that such an investment under Trump would just end up lining the pockets of his big developer buddies and not get spent on hiring workers at decent wages.
1
Ivanka saw the unflattering editorial in the Times this week and decided to demonstrate her power. Interesting how all the Republicans bristled when she came into the room. No one has the power over Donald Trump that she does. She's also undoubtedly the one behind Daddy's vow to revisit the Dreamers. If the Republicans don't kiss and make up internally soon Trump may very well morph into an Obama Democrat. Just for her.
In the photo of Trump and Schumer, is that the first time we've ever seen Mike Pence chuckle out loud? Maybe he smiled because for once he was watching Donald do something that really astounded him.
In the photo of Trump and Schumer, is that the first time we've ever seen Mike Pence chuckle out loud? Maybe he smiled because for once he was watching Donald do something that really astounded him.
4
I had the exact same thought.
For the Donald it's all about being liked. Having a 35% approval rating is killing him. The negative response to his dumb repeal of DACA has also stunned him. He'll do whatever he can to see his numbers go up--even if it means working with the Democrats and backtracking on his "principles"...of which he has none!
11
So I'm not sure I get it.
Is raising the debt ceiling a Congressional Act or can the President do it, binding, on his word alone? Does the Republican Congress have to follow his "agreement" with the dreaded team of Schumer and Pelosi?
Don't get me wrong, I'm happy but incredulous. Was that all it took?
I can see a way to more favorable legislation in the future if we, the Democratic party are dealing only with Trump. He is not ideological, but transactional, so we redesign our legislative campaign to give Trump a few shiny objects in exchange for important laws he won't read or understand, or take advice from those who do, anyway.
I could get to like this. The Trump, Shumer, Pelosi triumvirate. With Ryan and McConnell shivering in their timbers, GOP sheeples afraid to openly defy Trump as they are wont to do, with few exceptions.
Freedom Works and For America can go climb a rope, we Democrats have the President with us, just like the last 8 years.
Is raising the debt ceiling a Congressional Act or can the President do it, binding, on his word alone? Does the Republican Congress have to follow his "agreement" with the dreaded team of Schumer and Pelosi?
Don't get me wrong, I'm happy but incredulous. Was that all it took?
I can see a way to more favorable legislation in the future if we, the Democratic party are dealing only with Trump. He is not ideological, but transactional, so we redesign our legislative campaign to give Trump a few shiny objects in exchange for important laws he won't read or understand, or take advice from those who do, anyway.
I could get to like this. The Trump, Shumer, Pelosi triumvirate. With Ryan and McConnell shivering in their timbers, GOP sheeples afraid to openly defy Trump as they are wont to do, with few exceptions.
Freedom Works and For America can go climb a rope, we Democrats have the President with us, just like the last 8 years.
3
President Trump is looking to get reelected. Co-opting dupes like Pelosi and Schumer, to help out in that ultimate goal is easy for him. His popularity goes up, the debt limit gets raised and Republicans get back in line. In addition, the wing-nut section of the Democratic Party is howling with rage, because their leaders worked with the enemy. It's called "The Art of the Deal" - read it and understand.
2
I wonder what the democrats traded behind the scenes for this public coup? I hope its not the Obama Care repeal and replace to block grant that L Graham is pushing.
1
I live in upstate NY, very pro-Trump and the opposite of the urban part of the state like NYC. I was making a new friend and the subject of Trump came up and I truthfully said that I don't allow politics to affect my relationships. I respect others that deserve respect even if I disagree with their views. I pointed out that Trump is a liar and a hypocrite, this is easily proven by things called facts but in so doing I qualified my opinion by saying he is not stupid. A narcissist, liar, hypocrite but not stupid.
As we look at Trump's presidency so far we can see that he has made a fool of himself repeatedly and marginalized his support down to his core supporters only. The only reason he had any relationship stronger with the GOP than with the Democrats is because he ran as a republican so it is not surprising that when he actually had a chance to take credit for doing something most people like he would jump at it. Trump will do or say anything to promote himself. So for all his faults one aspect of his personality serves us all well in one respect; he is not loyal to anyone but himself including the GOP and this will force bipartisanship. What a wonderful positive side affect of a really terrible affliction!
As we look at Trump's presidency so far we can see that he has made a fool of himself repeatedly and marginalized his support down to his core supporters only. The only reason he had any relationship stronger with the GOP than with the Democrats is because he ran as a republican so it is not surprising that when he actually had a chance to take credit for doing something most people like he would jump at it. Trump will do or say anything to promote himself. So for all his faults one aspect of his personality serves us all well in one respect; he is not loyal to anyone but himself including the GOP and this will force bipartisanship. What a wonderful positive side affect of a really terrible affliction!
5
I find it a total hoot that the Right is more concerned about Trump striking a deal with his own liberal countrymen (Democrats) than they are that he's potentially struck deals with a hostile nation-state (Russia).
25
I would be careful projecting some type of policy goal with this development. In my opinion the only constant Trump has shown is his ability to lie, and this descision is most likely more about Trump. He gets to be a hero to the south in delivering hurricane relief funding. Perhaps this helps illuminate why he won the election, with a campaign message that we do not have to compromise to or even consider the well being of those who are different from ourselves. While it seems Republicans are getting a taste of their own medicine here, there is no evidence that I see that Trump is now going to be a public servant for all Americans.
3
Sorry Republicans. Its what happens when you elect a president who has no core values or interest in how government works.
11
I'm far from a Trump supporter, but this action strikes me as a very smart move by Trump to get the GOP Congressional swamp under control.
After endorsing DACA, and blaming Obama's EO upon congressional inaction, he tossed the matter right back to the GOP Congress with a timer. Then, yesterday, just when GOP leadership figured he "must" back their efforts to extend the debt ceiling through the 2018 midterms, he endorsed the Democrats' Christmas-extension, which appears to be his way of telling McConnell and Ryan that he owes them nothing, and that they'll have to give him something for whatever they expect.
After discovering that Congress ignored his orders to fix Obamacare, he seems to have found highly novel ways to punish both his Cabinet and Congress for resisting his agenda.
After endorsing DACA, and blaming Obama's EO upon congressional inaction, he tossed the matter right back to the GOP Congress with a timer. Then, yesterday, just when GOP leadership figured he "must" back their efforts to extend the debt ceiling through the 2018 midterms, he endorsed the Democrats' Christmas-extension, which appears to be his way of telling McConnell and Ryan that he owes them nothing, and that they'll have to give him something for whatever they expect.
After discovering that Congress ignored his orders to fix Obamacare, he seems to have found highly novel ways to punish both his Cabinet and Congress for resisting his agenda.
6
Forgive me but I'd like someone who paid a little more attention than me in Civics class to explain this. Through what mechanism of our Government's balance of powers are Trump, Schumer and Pelosi allowed to determine the debt limit? Isn't there some sort of legislative process? Isn't there a vote?
1
Yes, the Speaker will put up a bill, and the House will vote. Pelosi will deliver the votes necessary in the House, and Schumer will provide the votes necessary to get 60 votes in the Senate.
1
A significant minority of Republicans want to raise the debt ceiling and support Harvey relief. Combined with most Democrats, they constitute a majority.
Ryan and McConnell promote their party's agenda at the expense of small-d democratic majorities. That's why we don't have immigration reform, for example. Infrastructure spending may be another.
Trump's support for the Democratic proposal leaves the congressional minorities with no cover. They can't claim to be the majority, and can't claim to support the president's agenda. But don't worry: they're not going anywhere. They'll be back in the news soon enough.
Ryan and McConnell promote their party's agenda at the expense of small-d democratic majorities. That's why we don't have immigration reform, for example. Infrastructure spending may be another.
Trump's support for the Democratic proposal leaves the congressional minorities with no cover. They can't claim to be the majority, and can't claim to support the president's agenda. But don't worry: they're not going anywhere. They'll be back in the news soon enough.
1
Today's headlines all focus on the fact the President betrayed the GOP in reaching a deal with Democrats. What gives? If the President slights the Democrats the media deride him for betraying bipartisanship but if he reaches across the aisle the media deride him for betraying his party! Again, we as a country want to have it both ways and instead of focusing on what should be important to the country we focus on what may or may not be important to the political parties. News flash, the GOP and the Democratic Party are not the country. They are simply vehicles reflecting the views of their sympathizers, which may or may not be the views of the majority of this country's citizens.
As long as we continue to believe that they are THE country we will continue to be mired in division and animosity.
As long as we continue to believe that they are THE country we will continue to be mired in division and animosity.
1
So the last people he happened to talk to before it was time to make a decision were Chuck and Nancy. That is all. Expecting a tectonic shift to a suddenly rational Trump is foolish.
5
"“To play politics with the debt ceiling, like Schumer and Pelosi apparently are doing, I don’t think is a good idea,” Mr. Ryan said."
You just can't make this stuff up. You can't.
You just can't make this stuff up. You can't.
13
Democrats may be in for a surprise. Do not for a minute think that this unstable, mercurial, and narcissistic President will stick to any script. He will play the fiddle while Rome burns.
3
They are good politicians all... meaning they know what they are doing.
1
I just hope that this is the start of some sot of bipartisanship. We have to work together to really fulfill President Trump's MAGA theme. We need to be rooted in reality and do the right thing rather than the party thing. Maybe this shock to the Republican establishment will result in a reboot...?
Aside from the actual deal, which allows some necessary movement in Congress, Dems should be very careful going forward. Trump is still a delusional and foolish man and not a good person to be connected with. Lie down with the devil and all that......
3
Obama was largely a Do Nothing president because he was held hostage by his Congressional party and was not trusted by the Republicans. Hence, "legislation" by Executive Order. Trump, amoral as he is, may have learned he can get more from his party when they are convinced he will cross the isle for support. It is also barely possible he was genuinely moved by Harvey's victims suffering and saw no reason to tie their future and well being the Conservative's static agenda. Getting something constructive done is more useful than ideological sterility.
3
He sided with sanity. The Rs want that crisis stuff to keep going, Donald said enough. The truth is it doesn't matter. Just make it work for the American People.
3
Great photo of 45 and Senator Schumer sharing! Super framing amidst flower blossoms. A sign of the future???
1
"From your mouth to God's ear," as my grandmother used to say. Dont count on it being a sign of anything, as you can't count on Trump for anything but lies and flipflops.
If past follows prologue I'm betting Ivanka Trump & Jared Kushner are planning yet another, quick, "out of Washington" vacation to escape scrutiny and comment over the President's latest series of decisions.
3
Dear writers: You keep doing it! Every time I read the words "Trump" and "strategy" in the same sentence, I start to laugh. When will you figure this guy out? (And when will Republicans?) Narcissists are human weather vanes. This is what they do.
3
This is out of character for Trump. Why?
Hastily building goodwill with the Dems before Mueller's investigation reveals something?
Hastily building goodwill with the Dems before Mueller's investigation reveals something?
4
It's completely in character for Trump--an impulsive decision that will ultimately alienate the very people he'll need in order to enact the GOP agenda. He just wanted a win. Don't get me wrong. I'm all for it. But it shows that he's not a strategic thinker.
2
Trump plays Chinese checkers (and not very well) while the rest of the world is playing chess. The same is true for Trump and Congress.
Republicans need to remember that the hated Bill Clinton left them a balanced budget and a surplus. But they blew it all on tax cuts and a stupid war. OK, so Bill knew how to work with Republicans.
5
Right on!
I just love the expression on McConnell's face. Indeed, it's the exact same one that appeared when John McCain, with his forever classic "thumbs down" gesture, drove the proverbial wooden stake through McConnell's heart and that of his despicable "Repeal and Replace" debacle. Hallelujah!
7
Congress agreed on something Wow it's a miracle.
Today is Day 229 of our Collective National Nightmare and I am feeling fine!
Who'd have thought that our leaders doing something, anything would be a top story in the NYT? You can't make this stuff up.
Who'd have thought that our leaders doing something, anything would be a top story in the NYT? You can't make this stuff up.
3
This is all about one thing.......Donald Trump....his ego has been satisfied.
3
What artistry in that deal ! What histrionics by Ryan. This makes it official - there are no fiscally Conservative Republicans left in the White House - if there ever were - only the odd RINO party hack, some out-of-the- closet Democrats, the usual camp followers and the plutocratic globalists. The coup failed because there never was a coup.
1
Trump is like a box of chocolates. You never know what yer going to get. Forrest Gump, Donald grump. Too bad this box is full of old crusty things that look like they be good but the after taste is certain to be bitter. The mid terms can't get here soon enough.
3
Why do I get the queasy feeling that Chuck and Nancy just walked into a trap?
2
Just maybe, Trump might start watching and reading the real news. ABC, CBS, NBC, NY Times, Washington Post, etc. Just maybe he will stop watching Fox the fake news.
2
"45" called Senator Schumer "Cryin' Chuck Schumer," so I don't think anything "45" says can be believed. Beware Dems, he will turn on you in a heartbeat.
2
So the "obstructionist and political" Democrats came to a bipartisan deal with Trump who had castigated them since his inauguration, something the Republicans refused to do with Obama from the day he was elected and whom Obama tried to seduce into agreements. The irony is delicious!
4
"To play politics with the debt ceiling...I don't think is a good idea"--Paul Ryan, the House Republican leader. Wow. That's all I can say. Wow.
3
Democrats gave Trump an obvious chance to look like a deal maker, with Harvey aid in the background, and he took it. The reality is that Trump can turn on the Dems in December once Harvey is out of the news. Many will applaud Trump, but this was really low hanging fruit. We have set the bar really low.
3
So I read this twice. Seems that conservatives are angry, but not at the RESULT of the budget deal, which they can't argue is substantially different from their own aims. They are angry at the process: A, because it involved bipartisanship (and in this toxic political climate, co-operation is treason), and B, because now they can't manage the budget process to advance their non-budget agenda (i.e. the usual riders and non-budgetary nonsense) No lawmakers have attacked the policy details, because they are not unlike the details that would have emerged anyway -- there is only a narrow range of workable numbers in any case. They have not even tried to paint the issue as bad for America or Americans, but rather decried it as bad for the Republican party and the conservative agenda. Not even pretending anymore that citizens matter, only politics and power. Nice show, boys and girls. When you get over your tantrum, you still have to clean up your mess.
4
I don't think either of those things annoy the Republican leadership as much as the need to take a second vote on the debt ceiling before the 2018 elections. By then we won't have issues like Harvey clouding the agenda. The Republicans will have to corral the Freedom Caucus and fellow travelers into voting to increase the debt or cut another deal with Democrats. This will put the Republican anti-spending crowd in the limelight as primary elections for their seats begin to take place.
All this will come on top of the Republican leadership refusing to move forward with a DACA bill since it would violate the "Hastert rule."
There's little substantive in this deal. Any so-called victory for the Democrats was procedural.
All this will come on top of the Republican leadership refusing to move forward with a DACA bill since it would violate the "Hastert rule."
There's little substantive in this deal. Any so-called victory for the Democrats was procedural.
Trump struck a deal to keep the government open and send aid to hurricane victims and the Republicans are surprised and horrified?
I guess they had a better plan like they did with healthcare.
I guess they had a better plan like they did with healthcare.
2
Yet, Trump is extremely unstable, generally out of depth, and erratic, and he can be pulled back into the camp of the dedicatedly and meticulously scheming debt hawks any minute, the more so since they are still vastly overrepresented in the hidden, at best log-free, White House and other meetings, in the internet pits he visits when Kelly is off, or even when Kelly is on it, and in the neo-FoxNewsist fact schisms he is predominantly exposed to.
They will work him. And Kushner.
All these departmental budget cuts are still the program they want to go with, right? Plus the desperately coveted boon of the tax cuts for the already ultrawealthy.
And no one in his admin is even thinking about cleaning up what's hidden behind the Delaware veilware of all the anonymous onshore shell company tax shelters, let alone try take a look at the trillions and trillions and yet other trillions hiding underneath all the Bermudas and Bahamas buck burqas, Cayman Islands niqabs etc.
Add to that, Trump seems to have become quickly addicted as President to war rhetoric, as if he has found himself caught behind a hypnotizing pinball machine that keeps giving him happy hormonal releases, from Venezuela to Iran to North Korea, so expanding military spending will put pressure on other optional spending space.
This way the bumping into the debt ceiling will keep on have America reeling.
They will work him. And Kushner.
All these departmental budget cuts are still the program they want to go with, right? Plus the desperately coveted boon of the tax cuts for the already ultrawealthy.
And no one in his admin is even thinking about cleaning up what's hidden behind the Delaware veilware of all the anonymous onshore shell company tax shelters, let alone try take a look at the trillions and trillions and yet other trillions hiding underneath all the Bermudas and Bahamas buck burqas, Cayman Islands niqabs etc.
Add to that, Trump seems to have become quickly addicted as President to war rhetoric, as if he has found himself caught behind a hypnotizing pinball machine that keeps giving him happy hormonal releases, from Venezuela to Iran to North Korea, so expanding military spending will put pressure on other optional spending space.
This way the bumping into the debt ceiling will keep on have America reeling.
2
There are no victories and this is still not governing. What has been achieved? The lights will not go off for the Federal Government for another three months and there will hurricane relief (something which should be a given). The fact that Trump enjoys playing power games is nothing new or exceptional. To see any of this as a basis for celebration just shows the extent to which we have been hypnotized into accepting destructive dysfunction as normal.
1
I haven't been this shocked since the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact was signed.
3
So refreshing to have a non political player in the white; it is quire refreshing.
1
In an institutional health setting, this is called "Staff-Splitting" behavior: divide and conquer; pitting one against another; most often just to see what happens or to distract attention from a real issue.
Look at his smile through the window as he speaks to his new buddy "Chuck" and later to another new buddy "Nancy".
Look at his smile through the window as he speaks to his new buddy "Chuck" and later to another new buddy "Nancy".
2
Since trump does not care to understand details of any issue other than to gain a "win", my guess is he made this deal simply to "hit back" at republicans for failing to pass the disastrous health care act. What better way to do so than with Democratic and Republican leaders sitting in his office.
4
The Arpaio pardon was a finger in the constitution's eye. He was pardoned for contempt of court. A sheriff willingly disobeyed the court and Trump congratulated him for it. If the president can pardon people that disobey the courts, the courts become perks to stop him from declaring martial law.
But the Democratic centrists get one compromise (that hasn't been signed yet) and their ball to compromise for the sake of compromise.
The Republicans wouldn't have given democrats this deal, so Democrats just gave up a bargaining chip. Of course democrats are for hurricane aid, but how about holding tax increases on bikinis hostage to the debt ceiling?
Of course not. Schumer has already caved on tax increases..
But the Democratic centrists get one compromise (that hasn't been signed yet) and their ball to compromise for the sake of compromise.
The Republicans wouldn't have given democrats this deal, so Democrats just gave up a bargaining chip. Of course democrats are for hurricane aid, but how about holding tax increases on bikinis hostage to the debt ceiling?
Of course not. Schumer has already caved on tax increases..
1
You completely misunderstand what happened. The Democrats have gained many bargaining chips in this deal, which they will use in the run up to 12/15. Ryan and McConnell understand that, which is why they are so distressed.
1
I don't understand how this works. Doesn't the Republican leadership of the House and Senate have to bring the bills to the floor? How can the Democrats and President get around that?
The Trump Schumer Pelosi grouping is ideologically cohesive and could be stable and productive should the Dems get control of House and Senate in 2018. Can we even rule out Trump changing parties and returning to his roots?
3
You've got to hand it to Trump. Whether you like him or not, whether you agree with his policies or not, he is His Own Man.
And that individualism and authenticity appeals to people... paradoxically even when he misstates facts or conjures up a retrospective fictionalization, he does it with an authentic bluster quite his own. And he is okay to subvert his own principles or policy based on what he thinks is right whether for him ( the Comey firing), or for a sentiment (military engagement in Syria because of his sympathy the children) or for the country (this deal with the Democrats).
I doubt a leader can succeed in this environment with this style
And that individualism and authenticity appeals to people... paradoxically even when he misstates facts or conjures up a retrospective fictionalization, he does it with an authentic bluster quite his own. And he is okay to subvert his own principles or policy based on what he thinks is right whether for him ( the Comey firing), or for a sentiment (military engagement in Syria because of his sympathy the children) or for the country (this deal with the Democrats).
I doubt a leader can succeed in this environment with this style
1
Well yes if you call being a self absorbed, greedy, narcissist being his own man, and if you can discount the fact that Putin pretty well owns him.
1
Seems Trump is trying to do the right thing however the Republicans leaders keep playing politics as usual and continue to try and hijack the agenda. Trump was elected precisely to offset the politics as usual game playing in Washington politics. Hopefully, this is the first step for Trump to move forward and bypass his own party who are only playing a waiting game to get their man in the White House.
This agreement isn't really about the debt ceiling or the hurricane relief. This is all about intramural republican politics.
Mr Trump basically signaled to Mr Ryan, Mr McConnell, and the republican neo cons that if they don't have his back, he won't cover theirs. Trump is not running for office in 2018. Many republicans are. He's letting them know that he has a long memory.
Mr Trump basically signaled to Mr Ryan, Mr McConnell, and the republican neo cons that if they don't have his back, he won't cover theirs. Trump is not running for office in 2018. Many republicans are. He's letting them know that he has a long memory.
This could easily backfire. I've predicted that at some point Trump would do to republicans what he does eventually to everyone, turn on them. I further opined that when he did they would throw him under the bus before he could do it to them, and then kick him to the curb. As the investigations proceed and the country otherwise stumbles along, I'm reminded of the Chinese saying "may you live in interesting times".
Great job, Coach Trump. You rolled out a basketball and saw that the discombobulated children were hopelessly squabbling over whose ball it was and the game would never even begin. You blew the whistle, got their attention and they are now beginning to play for real. As they play, you will teach them the rules, ensure that they are enforced and foster opportunity changing the rules for the best possible experience and the common good. I think I will enjoy watching this and other games; getting involved by cajoling, kibitzing, cheering and booing as I see fit. For I, too, will be an active participant and a potential beneficiary who has much to gain from a game well played.
First thing Trump ever did that receives my enthusiastic support. Sorry to the Republicans bemoaning the loss of a bargaining chip. People's lives and their health and security are at stake. Trump's non-partisan response was exact;y what he promised during his campaign, and what almost everyone in the country wanted. Why do Republicans keep thinking that they have a mandate to destroy healthcare, cut taxes on the wealthy, or play games with people's lives to please the Kochs and other billionaires. They don't. Now get to work approving an already written DACA. Democrats and Independents in this country are really eager to serve people - for longer than the 12 days Congress will even be in session during September.
2
This could very well be Trump's playbook going forward with Kelly in place and Bannon out of the way; but make no mistake, people thinking this is revolutionary is greatly mistaken.
Divide and conquer predates Kelly and Bannon. Having Ivanka walk into the room while they were doing backroom dealing is a choreographed move. Delaying the debt ceiling, which is an invented crisis against Democratic presidents, and no one has managed to come out ahead by owning it. And funding Harvey is a forgone conclusion, now that the recipients are the super red Texas.
So people should stop congratulate themselves too much when compromise was the normal of action before the extremists make it a dirty word
Divide and conquer predates Kelly and Bannon. Having Ivanka walk into the room while they were doing backroom dealing is a choreographed move. Delaying the debt ceiling, which is an invented crisis against Democratic presidents, and no one has managed to come out ahead by owning it. And funding Harvey is a forgone conclusion, now that the recipients are the super red Texas.
So people should stop congratulate themselves too much when compromise was the normal of action before the extremists make it a dirty word
7
"now that the recipients are the super red Texas."....
... Yet, there are Republican congressmen on television just this morning complaining. Sublime.
... Yet, there are Republican congressmen on television just this morning complaining. Sublime.
2
That was everything that I wanted to say!
1
Lets get over the politics and get back to bi partisanship to legislate. The President knows to go across the aisle if it means getting bills passed. I truly believe most folks of both parties can meet towards center or want to compromise to do so for their constituents. Its about time congress get off it's duff and start working for their bosses, the citizens of the US.
12
Sure. You can trust Trump. He never goes back on his word.
What's halfway between lesser evil and greater evil?
What's halfway between lesser evil and greater evil?
1
Well, it's a deal, that seems clear. Unfortunately, it is a better deal for The Republican President and his Republican Party. Here are the reasons.
First, it gives the Republicans a reprieve. A short, but vital reprieve. The Republicans can continue to avoid their responsibility to govern for three more months.
Second, it clears the field for the Republicans to pass another round of tax cuts. The Republican President traveled to North Dakota to stump for tax cuts. By inviting Sen. Heidi Heitkamp to travel with him, he is lining up Democratic support for a "bipartisan" tax cuts. It's Heitkamp this week. Maybe Sen. Joe Manchin next week and then Sen. Claire McCaskill. This deal sets a precedent that gives Senate Democrats cover for supporting Republican tax cuts.
Third, it enables McConnell and Ryan to continue to avoid having to compromise with Democrats on the debt ceiling and on disaster relief bill. The Republicans probably cannot pass either a Republican increase in the debt ceiling or a Republican disaster relief bill. The real disaster for Republicans would be for Ryan and McConnell to openly compromise with Schumer and Pelosi on those two big issues.
Donald Trump made a deal that enables Republicans to blame Democrats both for holding hurricane victims hostage and for driving up the national debt. So, at the end of the day, the score is Trump 1, Democrats 0.
First, it gives the Republicans a reprieve. A short, but vital reprieve. The Republicans can continue to avoid their responsibility to govern for three more months.
Second, it clears the field for the Republicans to pass another round of tax cuts. The Republican President traveled to North Dakota to stump for tax cuts. By inviting Sen. Heidi Heitkamp to travel with him, he is lining up Democratic support for a "bipartisan" tax cuts. It's Heitkamp this week. Maybe Sen. Joe Manchin next week and then Sen. Claire McCaskill. This deal sets a precedent that gives Senate Democrats cover for supporting Republican tax cuts.
Third, it enables McConnell and Ryan to continue to avoid having to compromise with Democrats on the debt ceiling and on disaster relief bill. The Republicans probably cannot pass either a Republican increase in the debt ceiling or a Republican disaster relief bill. The real disaster for Republicans would be for Ryan and McConnell to openly compromise with Schumer and Pelosi on those two big issues.
Donald Trump made a deal that enables Republicans to blame Democrats both for holding hurricane victims hostage and for driving up the national debt. So, at the end of the day, the score is Trump 1, Democrats 0.
4
There is no reprieve when you are the party that controls all three branches of government. That type of thinking is why McConnell and Ryan are striding toward irrelevancy.
2
"The Republicans can continue to avoid their responsibility to govern for three more months."
They were demanding 18 months (i.e. after the 2018 election), then begged for 6 during the meeting and lost that too, so the Democrats have succeeded in putting a lot more pressure on them.
They were demanding 18 months (i.e. after the 2018 election), then begged for 6 during the meeting and lost that too, so the Democrats have succeeded in putting a lot more pressure on them.
1
Well, I was right. As a non Trump hater, I kept telling the haters that the Trumpster has no ideology, his principles are malleable, and you can make a deal with him. Give him a few bricks in the Wall, and immigration reform will happen. Treat him with respect, like it or not, and much good can be accomplished. But, I am sure the Dems will fall back into the identity politics and little will get done. The Dems should let the media play with all the side shows, Arpaio and so on, and concentrate on taxes, health care, infrastructure and immigration.
6
The Dems aren't the only ones who play identity politics. Look at the NRA and the pickup truck driving, white working class men who somehow are attracted to the union busting, low wage, business preferring party known as the Republicans.
Addendum: I'm a retired union member who has driven pickup trucks for the last 17 years. However, I always knew which party stood up for the working class. And it wasn't the Republicans.
Addendum: I'm a retired union member who has driven pickup trucks for the last 17 years. However, I always knew which party stood up for the working class. And it wasn't the Republicans.
3
The last thing the county need is tax cuts for the super rich, and Democrats are getting ready to cave again.
I hate to agree, but you are right. Let Twitter focus on despising 45. He loves attention. Even a little respect will cause him to bend in the other parties direction. Abuse his insatiable desire for love by giving him a tiny, tiny bit of respect and Congress could work wonders.
I expect tomorrow he'll call the bill a disaster.
15
Ryan and McConnell endorsed Trump knowing full well the hot mess he is. And America has watched patiently as both of these congressional leaders have cowardly let Trump walk all over American values, American institutions, and American democratic norms. From grabbing female genitals to supporting neo-Nazis, Trump has run rough-shod over everything wer Americans truly value, and Ryan and McConnell have been almost utterly silent, afraid to hold our president accountable. And now that Trump attacks the GOP and works with Democrats, they are shell-shocked. The GOP does not care if Trump destroys America, but, by God, they are upset that he is destroying the GOP. And yet they endorsed him knowing full well what they signed up for. It really is too much.
31
President Trump did something right. That's a good thing. Maybe, despite the odds and his reputation, he might be a successful president. We will see what happens.
3
Yes, and maybe the tooth fairy is real and will give us all a unicorn.
1
Why are democrats so eager to work with this walking constitutional crisis?
McConnell's comments underscore how poisonous his views are. As if Trump was elected to serve his interests. And as if it is horrible that Trump should agree with the views of other Americans when he thinks it's a better way forward. McConnell is vile
2
Republicans can't govern.
Beyond the fact that they ideologically oppose government (unless their state is underwater) they agree on little else. The health care law failure illustrates this.
Trump has recognized what has been clear to me for a very long time- Congressional Republicans can't deliver. So he made a very rational choice to work in a bipartisan manner.
Not that I like Trump... but credit where it's due.
Beyond the fact that they ideologically oppose government (unless their state is underwater) they agree on little else. The health care law failure illustrates this.
Trump has recognized what has been clear to me for a very long time- Congressional Republicans can't deliver. So he made a very rational choice to work in a bipartisan manner.
Not that I like Trump... but credit where it's due.
7
The Donald is an Independent that ran as a Republican and probably could have run as a Democrat. In real estate and reality TV this would be called staging, but a good result is a good result. Maybe this is the Donald that people hoped for and voted for? Who knows. Maybe Big D saved those Republican stuffed suits from embarrassing themselves and accomplished some good in the process.
2
Wow. The Donald just did what he has been doing since taking office. Kicking the can down the road. It's a sad day when we get all impressed that the president didn't allow the republicans in congress take the country hostage (again) by threatening to default on our debts.....for the next four months anyway. Still waiting for Trump to unveil all his brilliant plans that he bragged about during the campaign.
Democrats would never have back someone like Trump.
Sometimes I despair. Democrats say they value compromise, yet when you compromise with them, they crow and strut and talk about how they fooled you, how you caved in to them, how you lost the inning. What kind of way is that to get people to compromise with you again in the future??
9
Exactly what is it you're blaming Democrats for?
RE: "they crow and strut and talk about how they fooled you, how you caved in to them, how you lost the inning."
That is a stupid thing to do. Is it the Democrats who are doing this or just the talking heads at MSNBC? When I heard talking heads doing that I cringed. Stupid I thought.
That is a stupid thing to do. Is it the Democrats who are doing this or just the talking heads at MSNBC? When I heard talking heads doing that I cringed. Stupid I thought.
2
So Trump backs a deal with the Democrats and alienates the Republican base for the first time. It sends the message that the Republicans in congress are on Trump's bad side and that will hurt them in 2018. Trump could shoot someone on 5th Avenue and still get support, so alienating his base will only hurt the Republicans he has jettisoned.
To make matters worse, he put the hot potato of DACA in congress' lap forcing them to alienate the masses of latino voters, further debilitating their 2018 chances of reelection. Trump gets to look like he's kept a campaign promise and when congress fails to act as they have failed all year, Trump will take back the DACA decision and blame congress for it all.
Trump is at war with the republicans in congress and he's probably happy to work with Democrats just so long as he has a constituency who will empower him. My guess is that he's concluded that Republicans can't/ won't empower him so he'll collude with the Democrats instead -- he's a moral relativist, and it matter not who butters his bread just so it is greasy and good.
To make matters worse, he put the hot potato of DACA in congress' lap forcing them to alienate the masses of latino voters, further debilitating their 2018 chances of reelection. Trump gets to look like he's kept a campaign promise and when congress fails to act as they have failed all year, Trump will take back the DACA decision and blame congress for it all.
Trump is at war with the republicans in congress and he's probably happy to work with Democrats just so long as he has a constituency who will empower him. My guess is that he's concluded that Republicans can't/ won't empower him so he'll collude with the Democrats instead -- he's a moral relativist, and it matter not who butters his bread just so it is greasy and good.
11
Drop policy, let's get personal: if you believe Trump's endorsement of the Schumer/Pelosi plan is a bipartisan act you are a fool! It is political blackmail, a Trump specialty, his new tact for governing. Nobody's “happy” about him playing one side off the other; as he wants to blackmail Democrats into paying for the border wall that he begged Mexico to fund by delaying DACA, and as he wants to publicly embarrass and punish Republicans for their failures to meet his legislative demands. As always, he seeks to gain from humiliation. Ugliness is his glory.
Trump preempted a given fact: Congress would have risen the debt ceiling on its own without his intervention, he added nothing. He gained the appearance of bipartisanship at no cost—except to those who see through his scheme.
He gives real meaning to the phrase, “an uphill climb to the bottom.”
Trump preempted a given fact: Congress would have risen the debt ceiling on its own without his intervention, he added nothing. He gained the appearance of bipartisanship at no cost—except to those who see through his scheme.
He gives real meaning to the phrase, “an uphill climb to the bottom.”
27
Interesting. All this is becoming too complicated for me to understand, like an uncomfortable dream which is messaging important information that is beyond my grasp.
I am aware everything he does is a con. The fact that Republicans are disturbed gives me something pleasant on which to focus.
I am aware everything he does is a con. The fact that Republicans are disturbed gives me something pleasant on which to focus.
1
It is my honest belief that the Republicans are mostly upset because THEY did not get the Chance to Politicize raising the debt ceiling in the orchestrated fashion that they had already laid out for themselves. To be undercut by the President on this matter, him going 180 degrees away from what was telegraphed by his party was just Shocking, I dare say, Shocking.
The fact that he dared to allow the Democrats to count coup as well as deny the Republicans their well thought out drama over raising the debt limit is nearly too much for The Party Of NO. How Dare he collude with The Other Party...well, it seems that Trump, unlike the rest of the Republicans, remembers that the Democrats are Americans too, and that to get it over with and allow the spending to happen, without the drama, is best for the Nation. He does Not need to allow the pre-programmed hate and vitriol to spew forth uninhibited, now that he has the bully pulpit: that is reserved for Him, Thank You, and delivered via Tweet.
And Besides, this gets aid to the victims, raises the cap, which would have been raised anyhow, gives a limit, timewise, for the Repubs to come up with something better than just the trauma drama routine and, most of all, sets them with notice that he is His Own Person, not beholden to the Party Line if it hurts The People and a time frame to keep the spending well reigned in.
At least it is certainly starting to look that way, and I will admit to a great deal of surprise over this all.
The fact that he dared to allow the Democrats to count coup as well as deny the Republicans their well thought out drama over raising the debt limit is nearly too much for The Party Of NO. How Dare he collude with The Other Party...well, it seems that Trump, unlike the rest of the Republicans, remembers that the Democrats are Americans too, and that to get it over with and allow the spending to happen, without the drama, is best for the Nation. He does Not need to allow the pre-programmed hate and vitriol to spew forth uninhibited, now that he has the bully pulpit: that is reserved for Him, Thank You, and delivered via Tweet.
And Besides, this gets aid to the victims, raises the cap, which would have been raised anyhow, gives a limit, timewise, for the Repubs to come up with something better than just the trauma drama routine and, most of all, sets them with notice that he is His Own Person, not beholden to the Party Line if it hurts The People and a time frame to keep the spending well reigned in.
At least it is certainly starting to look that way, and I will admit to a great deal of surprise over this all.
5
The ethically and morally compromised Trump enabler Paul Ryan gets his well deserved comeuppance.
I don't know about you, but I'm loving it!
I don't know about you, but I'm loving it!
28
Love the handle and the comment !!
2
And of course, he is going to get credit for it. Democrats shouldn't cooperate with him and his party, period.
1
In this regard, it was the Dem' shrewd move, and it was Trump who cooperated. You do realize one of the largest cities in the US was just visited by disaster, right?
7
Political genius. The republican party has been "distancing" themselves from our president for months and months. Now their shocked at this deal with the rabid haters of President Trump? ROTFL The president is teaching everyone a lesson. Mess with me and I'll make you jump my way. How? Let the crazies argue about Russians ad nauseum - defection. DACA dropped on Congress. Resist - followed by the Democrats doing a photo op. with the president. LOL This president knows how to use the media & desperate politicians. Yup, it's going to be a fun four (4) years or more.
1
He got played by Schumer. The Democrats gave up nothing and strengthened their hand against McConnell and Ryan. Trump was desperate and it shows. Schumer was patient and it paid off.
17
I like Schumer more and more.
1
So how long have you not known that he's a John Lindsay Democrat?
1
Well played Nancy and Chuck. Very well played.
10
The Dems are dancing to the devil's violin. DJT will not hold up his end to any so-called deal. This is a big mistake.
7
Good for Trump. Paul Ryan's support has been lukewarm at best. Think of the dreamer and the pardoned sheriff. Ryan always asks how high when the media says jump. He thinks he's going to be president one day. Take a lesson from Hillary. Political weather vanes hardly ever get elected president.
8
Ryan just a few days ago said he hoped that Trump wouldn't end DACA. He has changed his tune now, spitting out the Republican talking point of "our immigration system is broken."
Gee, if only Ryan had some power in the House of Representatives like being Speaker or something
Gee, if only Ryan had some power in the House of Representatives like being Speaker or something
1
Duhn-daduhn-dunh, duhn-daDUNH! Duhn-daduhn-dunh, duhn-daduhnDUNHDUNH! (Indiana Jones theme.)
I've been predicting for a long time that we'd know when Trump was getting ready to move seriously forward when he started using BOTH Republicans AND Democrats like barnyard animals. His presidency will have little legacy value other than as a catalyst to force warring congressional polarities to work together more effectively unless he articulates policy positions that are emblematic of the personal convictions he's expressed over forty years of public life; and unless he begins exploiting the fact that he has a foot in each major ideological camp, cahooting with one faction then the next for votes.
Could be that this is the witching hour.
If it works, despite the best efforts of social conservatives and economic liberals, I think this is what we can expect after four years: a progressive arc on major social issues, such as (eventually) abortion, voting rights and LGBTQ acceptance; and a conservative arc on issues that impact on the economy, including taxes and regulation. On immigration it's clear that he'd prefer to protect the "Dreamers" and may do it himself in six months if Congress can't get its act together (a good bet), but he's gonna build that wall and close the illegal spigot by ALL means at his disposal. Foreign and defense policy will have a forward-leaning posture, but we don't yet know how far he'll go -- how he handles North Korea likely will inform us.
I've been predicting for a long time that we'd know when Trump was getting ready to move seriously forward when he started using BOTH Republicans AND Democrats like barnyard animals. His presidency will have little legacy value other than as a catalyst to force warring congressional polarities to work together more effectively unless he articulates policy positions that are emblematic of the personal convictions he's expressed over forty years of public life; and unless he begins exploiting the fact that he has a foot in each major ideological camp, cahooting with one faction then the next for votes.
Could be that this is the witching hour.
If it works, despite the best efforts of social conservatives and economic liberals, I think this is what we can expect after four years: a progressive arc on major social issues, such as (eventually) abortion, voting rights and LGBTQ acceptance; and a conservative arc on issues that impact on the economy, including taxes and regulation. On immigration it's clear that he'd prefer to protect the "Dreamers" and may do it himself in six months if Congress can't get its act together (a good bet), but he's gonna build that wall and close the illegal spigot by ALL means at his disposal. Foreign and defense policy will have a forward-leaning posture, but we don't yet know how far he'll go -- how he handles North Korea likely will inform us.
3
Some focus on Republicans' "chagrin" that Trump has trumped them. My advice to my own fellow-travelers is be patient: he'll use and abuse Democrats equally to get the legislation he wants. NEITHER side is going to love this president, but he could begin to grow on most of America.
2
I assume your comment that Trump, 'Could begin to grow on most of America", is tongue in cheek.
Those gaining the most from a Trump Presidency are the 0.1% who stand to gain billions from his tax reform plans. Gutting the ACA would have seen billions flow to the mega rich who don't need it, by taking healthcare away from those who do need it. Trump is consistently inconsistent. He shuffles from one Trump stuff up to the next, without missing a beat.
If Trump does grow on most of America, it will show that ethics, substance, empathy, ability and governing for the good of the nation, have been hijacked by Trump and replaced with continual dysfunctional chaos.
Inane tweets and more self congratulatory rallies are not Presidential.
Those gaining the most from a Trump Presidency are the 0.1% who stand to gain billions from his tax reform plans. Gutting the ACA would have seen billions flow to the mega rich who don't need it, by taking healthcare away from those who do need it. Trump is consistently inconsistent. He shuffles from one Trump stuff up to the next, without missing a beat.
If Trump does grow on most of America, it will show that ethics, substance, empathy, ability and governing for the good of the nation, have been hijacked by Trump and replaced with continual dysfunctional chaos.
Inane tweets and more self congratulatory rallies are not Presidential.
24
Your fairy tale ignores all that he has done as President on social issues and his lack of personal convictions other than self-promotion & greed, with hints of racism and sexism. Nice spin effort though
6
So much for the "dealmaker"! Well played Dems. Let him take the credit, it is guaranteed to upset his party!
Next time meet with him without the GOP leaders, flatter him, tell him how smart he is, make him think your plans are all his very great ideas and then take him and his party to the cleaners! Finally his stupidity is an advantage.
Next time meet with him without the GOP leaders, flatter him, tell him how smart he is, make him think your plans are all his very great ideas and then take him and his party to the cleaners! Finally his stupidity is an advantage.
14
One way Trump "wins" is by blindsiding people who thought they had his support. That's all this is. Please: you think there's some tricky political strategy here?
9
I'm sorry, but I find this utterly hilarious. Had I known that "too much winning" would mean cutting deals with the Democrats in order to get legislation passed, I might have considered voting for this imbecile...... Nah. The thing is, everyone still thinks the man is somehow playing three-dimensional chess. I think it's more likely that he's either too stupid or too impatient (or both) to figure out that he got played for a total sucker on this one. Such a deal maker. The quote from Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) says it all: “He’s the best deal-maker ever. Don’t you know? I mean, he’s got a book out!” Which book was, um, ghost written by someone who now openly calls him a total fraud and charlatan. Chickens, meet roost.
24
Gee, wonder if the Republican party will start thinking Impeachment
is not such a bad idea and slithering up to Pence. I am laughing at
what a few commenters said about Irma hitting Mar a largo, and Trump
having his hand out for a couple of billion from recovery aid to fix it
pretty again.
You know Trump is desperate to be liked and not bright, and
I think he agreed to the first thing the Democrats offered,
the same way he let Putin get everything Putin wanted and
Trump got nothing in return at their famous meeting.
Also the Republicans have not been subtle about their
distain for him. His new best friends the Democrats! Yes
the Republicans got the leader they deserved!
is not such a bad idea and slithering up to Pence. I am laughing at
what a few commenters said about Irma hitting Mar a largo, and Trump
having his hand out for a couple of billion from recovery aid to fix it
pretty again.
You know Trump is desperate to be liked and not bright, and
I think he agreed to the first thing the Democrats offered,
the same way he let Putin get everything Putin wanted and
Trump got nothing in return at their famous meeting.
Also the Republicans have not been subtle about their
distain for him. His new best friends the Democrats! Yes
the Republicans got the leader they deserved!
12
The Founding Fathers look more and more like Geniuses when we see the system of checks and balances playing out like this, in unexpected ways, before our eyes.
10
Everything else was peanuts to GOP. But siding with Dems??? That should be the last straw. Will GOP start the impeachment process at last?
7
From the article; “To play politics with the debt ceiling, like Schumer and Pelosi apparently are doing, I don’t think is a good idea,” Mr. Ryan said...
Wow. This from the guy who in the past has demanded that any debt limit be tied to cuts to government spending? For years, the republicans have been playing games of economic hostage taking, demanding a sacrificial social program be put on the chopping before they'd consent to raising the debt ceiling. There's simply no moral center with a hack like Ryan; as a politician, he's little more than a situational opportunist.
Wow. This from the guy who in the past has demanded that any debt limit be tied to cuts to government spending? For years, the republicans have been playing games of economic hostage taking, demanding a sacrificial social program be put on the chopping before they'd consent to raising the debt ceiling. There's simply no moral center with a hack like Ryan; as a politician, he's little more than a situational opportunist.
28
Ryan is an Ayn Rand hack, and with his getting his come-uppance, finally, I will go to sleep with a smile on my face for the first time in weeks. The far right is far too close to buying the government of all of us, and it is high time they were brought up short.
7
What are the chances Trump did this in an effort to garner some respect if not sympathy (at last) because the "Russia thing" is about to boil over?
Or, what are the odds that he simply screwed up?
Or maybe he's he really a crafty leader after all?
I doubt it's the third, but at any rate, this gesture will be forgotten or overshadowed in a NY minute.
Or, what are the odds that he simply screwed up?
Or maybe he's he really a crafty leader after all?
I doubt it's the third, but at any rate, this gesture will be forgotten or overshadowed in a NY minute.
5
Unless I'm mistaken, this is the first thing Trump has done that democrats can't find a reason to hate. (With the possible exception of appointing an Obama holdover to the VA.)
Does this make him any less irredeemable? Nope.
Does this make him any less irredeemable? Nope.
10
I'd be surprised if Trump actually has any interest one way or another in the debt ceiling issue. Given his past behavior, he's probably only interested in being friendly with Democrats so they will help him stop the Mueller investigation and his possible impeachment. He is only interested in himself, nothing else.
14
Many commenters appear to ascribe some sly Machiavellian strategy to explain Trump’s decision here.
I, for one, find NO evidence that he has ANY strategy, policy OR ‘core values’ to uphold.
He has been on both sides (or NO side) of any issue one could name.
Chaos is his sole objective because chaos draws attention to himself and obscures the reality that he has NO IDEA what he’s doing!
I, for one, find NO evidence that he has ANY strategy, policy OR ‘core values’ to uphold.
He has been on both sides (or NO side) of any issue one could name.
Chaos is his sole objective because chaos draws attention to himself and obscures the reality that he has NO IDEA what he’s doing!
26
He's not really a Republican … never was; nor is he a Democrat. He's like an opportunistic virus that's been using the Republican Party as a host. But before a virus kills a host it must jump to another to survive.
28
No he's not. Before this is done, it will be the Republicans who most want him out of the White House. Not because he's a Democrat but because he has a long-standing relationship with Chuck Schumer and he realizes the Republicans sit around and do nothing.
It is almost shocking to see Trump behave rationally. The Republicans being what they are, Trump had no other choice . Besides , he needed to distract from DACA .
5
Why do a three month deal for politics sake, Democrats? This is not winning politics but an indication of too much partisanship. Republicans are of course all over the place on this with their leadership aching for a much longer debt limit agreement while rank and file seem highly opposed to any increase. Frankly, the recurring debt limit fiasco is rooted in a relic from a previous time that creates absurdities in our current politics--I wish it could be fixed and out of our politics. The US must not default on its debt. What sort of dumb threat is this?
5
Lets hope that IRMA does not create further funding problems. It is unfathomable that IRMA could create damage greater than Harvey at a time like this. President Trump was very wise not to allow people like Meadows dictate the legislative agenda. We all remember how that turned out last time.
As the agenda get packed with more disasters it will be more and more difficult to get anything else done unless there is true bipartisanship.
Trump took a bold and strategic move that might have saved his Presidency.
As the agenda get packed with more disasters it will be more and more difficult to get anything else done unless there is true bipartisanship.
Trump took a bold and strategic move that might have saved his Presidency.
Now be nice to me about that whole Russian thing...
3
Did you read the article? Does it look like Schumer or Pelosi had to give something to get something? No ... because they didn't. Trump got played ... again. Schumer has known him for decades and seen how it's done.
4
I hope the Democrats don't get too happy about bargaining with the devil. He will stab them in the back too.
7
You ain't seen nothin' yet folks. If the Republicans continue to be too much of a pain in the rear end for Trump you will see him switching parties and become a Democrat just in time for the 2020 election. Now, that would be the political upset of the century. The Conservative Republicans should stop trying to block progress.
This is a move worthy of Lyndon Johnson. He knew how to wheel and deal and make it happen.
You can't leave these victims of the hurricanes in limbo just because you decided to be obstructionist. And, the same is true with the DACA's. Congress needs to act. And, like it or not, if Congress doesn't act, and the Republicans continue to be a pain in the rear like the usually are, and hold progress Trump will take them out to the woodshed for a trip they will never forget.
This is a move worthy of Lyndon Johnson. He knew how to wheel and deal and make it happen.
You can't leave these victims of the hurricanes in limbo just because you decided to be obstructionist. And, the same is true with the DACA's. Congress needs to act. And, like it or not, if Congress doesn't act, and the Republicans continue to be a pain in the rear like the usually are, and hold progress Trump will take them out to the woodshed for a trip they will never forget.
41
Not becoming a Dem but maybe starting his own Trump party or, more likely, running as an Independent.
Trump has rarely met with any Democrats and is probably experiencing fatigue with the Republican leadership. His expletive laden phone call with McConnell after the health care debacle must still be poisoning the relationship.
Important though would be that Sen. Schumer shares a NYC background with Trump and probably represents a more familiar type to him.
The DACA decision was vicious, so I' not sure how much moments of reconciliation count for. The knives are out in the Republican Party these days.
Hurricane Irma is bearing down; the victims of Hurricane Harvey are still in crisis; the Dreamers have been sacrificed to the gods of racism; so maybe a little harmony is all one can hope for.
Important though would be that Sen. Schumer shares a NYC background with Trump and probably represents a more familiar type to him.
The DACA decision was vicious, so I' not sure how much moments of reconciliation count for. The knives are out in the Republican Party these days.
Hurricane Irma is bearing down; the victims of Hurricane Harvey are still in crisis; the Dreamers have been sacrificed to the gods of racism; so maybe a little harmony is all one can hope for.
6
If this had their tax reduction for the wealthy businessmen attached republicans would climb over each other to back it. Have not had the chance to agree with this administration, UNTILL now. Way to go !
This evening's news is filled with reports that trump rolled over and sided with the Democrats proving he's not a good negotiator.
Wrong.
trump has positioned the GOP to be in a more powerful place at the beginning of 2018 than they would have been had both parties gone to the mat now over the $8b and debt ceiling in protracted, filled with name-calling, debates.
trump won this round and to think he hasn't is folly.
Come next year, we have the DACA expiration date, Planned Parenthood or Obamacare funding, the Wall, tax cuts, infrastructure: trump will want something from the Democrats in return - and what are Democrats going to say? No?
trump has set the stage to argue that the Democrats are voting against America just before the 2018 mid-terms and all it took was increasing the debt ceiling and $8b.
Next year, the GOP will be thanking trump and the Democrats will be wondering what hit them.
Wrong.
trump has positioned the GOP to be in a more powerful place at the beginning of 2018 than they would have been had both parties gone to the mat now over the $8b and debt ceiling in protracted, filled with name-calling, debates.
trump won this round and to think he hasn't is folly.
Come next year, we have the DACA expiration date, Planned Parenthood or Obamacare funding, the Wall, tax cuts, infrastructure: trump will want something from the Democrats in return - and what are Democrats going to say? No?
trump has set the stage to argue that the Democrats are voting against America just before the 2018 mid-terms and all it took was increasing the debt ceiling and $8b.
Next year, the GOP will be thanking trump and the Democrats will be wondering what hit them.
4
Did you read the article? The GOP is at war with itself. They can't and won't give Trump the legislative victory he needs so he turned to the Democratic leadership. Who managed to make his "victory" conform to their wishes. Schumer waited and made his play once he knew Trump was fed up and itching to stick it to his own party. This has exposed -- again -- the governing dysfunction of the GOP.
1
Outstanding, Donny! Deal with Nancy and Chuck!
President Trump brought to the equation a view seldom seen : fight the battles you can win. All he has done though is put Ryan on notice that he needs to work now to avoid a shut down in December.
2
Wow, he's always full of surprises and glad to see he is getting a few things right.
Quite the deal maker!
Quite the deal maker!
2
One can think the worst in trump ,but you can't deny that he knows how to manipulate people in order to get what he wants from them ,and one thing he's probably discovering is that for him to govern he has better chances with democrats whom are interested in governing
1
At its best, this is how bipartisanship need be encouraged in our decisive age. Let us hope it works moving forward. Starting with DACA.
2
Ouch! That's got to hurt if you're a breitbart republican. But it's great that the President is warming up to real leadership. Democratic leadership!
2
A true populist to the core. Trump's desire for praise makes him unlike previous Republican leaders. It's amazing they were so stupid to gamble on him. Democrats should be happy but wary trusting him only when issues and popularity converge.
5
Why is keeping the government open a bad thing? Isn't that what we send both Republicans and Democrats to DC to do, run the government? The Republicans need to explain why this is bad for the American people.
5
No doubt covered somewhere in 336 below.....
What republicans will vote with the democrats on this, and why not discuss in the story? Democrats can't pass bills by themselves.
What republicans will vote with the democrats on this, and why not discuss in the story? Democrats can't pass bills by themselves.
1
Ummmm. Texas Republicans? Ted Cruz isn't voting against a relief bill for Texas.
1
What exactly are they celebrating? The fact that we owe 20 trillion, fast approaching 21 trillion. The fact that we will have to spend 100 billion ( probably more ) on Harvey recovery, and Irma looks like it will add plenty on top of that. We may have more natural disasters to deal with, or some unexpected financial crisis. It would be one thing if they were happy about maybe cutting the defense budget by 100 billion. Or stopping Trump's wall. Or stop throwing people of color out of the country. The Democratic leadership, happy cause they got the beat on the Republicans to spend more money we don't have. I really have lost all respect for these people. They are doing nothing constructive, just more of the same ol' same ol' .... smiling on the road to ruin.
Orange, NJ
Orange, NJ
4
Just please stop it! We have more money than God, it's only that Republicans only want to spend it on wars and tax cuts for the rich!
4
pjo** what are you talking about? You don't think we have a debt? Do you hear any Dems other than Sanders or Warren and maybe couple others talking about reducing the defense budget. Have you heard Schumer talk about universal healthcare? Talk about living in a bubble and spouting cliches.
2
Split the difference between the Republicans and the Democrats Mr. Trump and you could become a transformational President that helps to heal the terrible divide that is blocking us from moving forward.
I hope we see more of this :)
I hope we see more of this :)
15
No, if Trump and mainstream Republicans reject the Tea Party, Republicans will become a minority party. Ultimately, they won't accept this.
Thank you President Trump for putting the Country first. This is how it is supposed to work. Enough of the same old same old. Lead on!
17
Trump spends some of his time having fun subjugating the Republicans. His game is to play people off each other. In the case of Congress he's playng the D's against the R's -- softening both of them up.
If we are to have any sort of coherent national development and standing, these two parties are going to have to understand that they are better off working together.
If the Democrats and Republicans can identify intelligent, necessary paths of governing, they can run the country and do it without Trump; they can sideline the freak.
Of course Trump would attempt to take credit for it, and his base 'base' would be pleased.
If we are to have any sort of coherent national development and standing, these two parties are going to have to understand that they are better off working together.
If the Democrats and Republicans can identify intelligent, necessary paths of governing, they can run the country and do it without Trump; they can sideline the freak.
Of course Trump would attempt to take credit for it, and his base 'base' would be pleased.
5
Not sure how to evaluate this. Is it the "worst" deal he could have made, or is it rather the best deal he can hope to get? In fact, Schumer and Pelosi offered the logical and rational deal, the sensible deal, and, amazingly, Trump accepted it.
Thinking about it, why would Donald Trump, Mr. Borrower and Mr. Bankruptcy, want ANY debt ceiling at all? I know that's anti-Republican, but is it? We've seen since 1981 that Republicans, before today, were only against raising the Debt Ceiling when a Democrat was President. They raised the debt ceiling like drunken sailors for Reagan and both Bushes, but claimed it was dreadful for Clinton and Obama. But this is Trump, Ryan, and McConnell, both of whom Trump clearly detests. Despite his insults of both Schumer and Pelosi, he's been much harsher on Ryan and McConnell.
BTW, McConnell was SO upset that he forgot to insultingly call Pelosi and Schumer the "Democrat Leadership" and instead called them the proper "Democratic Leadership"!
Thinking about it, why would Donald Trump, Mr. Borrower and Mr. Bankruptcy, want ANY debt ceiling at all? I know that's anti-Republican, but is it? We've seen since 1981 that Republicans, before today, were only against raising the Debt Ceiling when a Democrat was President. They raised the debt ceiling like drunken sailors for Reagan and both Bushes, but claimed it was dreadful for Clinton and Obama. But this is Trump, Ryan, and McConnell, both of whom Trump clearly detests. Despite his insults of both Schumer and Pelosi, he's been much harsher on Ryan and McConnell.
BTW, McConnell was SO upset that he forgot to insultingly call Pelosi and Schumer the "Democrat Leadership" and instead called them the proper "Democratic Leadership"!
13
Cordial, professional meetings that result in a deal, progress, compromise...call it what you will. That's how our government is supposed to work. We're so dysfunctional now that the appearance of a functioning government is ranked up there with The Second Coming.
18
Perhaps this agreement signals that Trump has stumbled upon a central truth of his presidency: his natural allies in the Congress are the Democrats, not the Republicans. He is far more likely to get things done in concert with eager Democrats than cadaverous Republicans.
It is a shame it has taken Mr. Trump, who styles himself a master dealmaker, seven months to get to this point. He started out his run by handing a freebie to the Right, the Gorsuch nomination. They immediately threw it into his face. The lesson should have been learned then, but a lesson learned late is better than a lesson unlearned.
It is a shame it has taken Mr. Trump, who styles himself a master dealmaker, seven months to get to this point. He started out his run by handing a freebie to the Right, the Gorsuch nomination. They immediately threw it into his face. The lesson should have been learned then, but a lesson learned late is better than a lesson unlearned.
9
Let's hope that he continues upon this learned path.
1
After spending the entire campaign promoting their candidate as a great deal maker; it is interesting to see the Republicans objecting to making deals for the sake of making deals. This deal was intended to keep the government from defaulting, at least until the end of the year. If nothing else, this agreement was a blow to the Freedom Caucus, which may now discover the President is willing to avoid open confrontation in favor of bi-partisanship, for however long it lasts.
5
I have to say I find this story refreshing after the litany of terrible news emanating from Washington these last months. Since everyone seems to have forgotten, congress is supposed to work together to develop solutions for running the country. Not every issue is supposed to be a call to war. But the fact that Trump chose to make a quick decision with Democrats here really says nothing, other than perhaps he took his meds today.
6
Trump knows one thing, Republican claims that they can pass a a bill on their own to raise the debt limit, is simply not true. Even Trump knows this, we will see who is playing who with this delay.
5
"...Mr. Trump signaled that he was willing to cross party lines to score some much-desired legislative victories." Here we go again, is everyone going to start thinking he acted presidential and is settling down to govern? Let's not celebrate crossing party lines -- things can change in the tweet of an eye! Amazing to see how Ryan and McConnell look at the Democrats as obstructionists now. Their memories fail to recall that their goal was to make President Obama a one term president. Trump will cross any line to make himself look like the master dealmaker he perceives himself to be.
5
I would not consider this "deal" to be any great achievement. It continues operations of the government for three very short months. Time will go quickly.
I guess this is what constitutes governance these days. One continuing resolution after another within game plan or budget. Given the objectives of Republicans, however, I can see why Democrats see this as a good day.
I guess this is what constitutes governance these days. One continuing resolution after another within game plan or budget. Given the objectives of Republicans, however, I can see why Democrats see this as a good day.
5
But think what this means. They GOP doesn't want to take $10 billion from a $600 or $700 billion defense budget to rebuild a major city. Instead they complain about raising the debt ceiling to rebuild a Greta American city. God forbid they that take 1 percent from the greedy defense contractors to rebuild America. Such patriots! No loyalty to America, no ability to put country before lobbyists and defense contractors.
9
Another example of why Congress is held in such low esteem, and this includes Democrats as well. They have the entire month of August off, yeah, yeah, raising money for their next election run, and all they can muster is a three month extension? At this rate nothing significant is going to come from this Congress.
4
why the 180 billion pricetag? Doesn't insurance cover the vast majority of the damage?
2
No.
2
No. Because Houston allowed development in flood plane areas and didn't mandate flood insurance for said developers and property owners.
6
Not damage to infrastructure or the cost of clean up, and not flood damage for most homeowners and businesses,
5
trump is the master deal maker even those deals that undermine his leverage and are stupid from the gop point of view. i don't think he's aware of how this potentially severely undercuts his agenda. all process but deficient substance.
The real Trump has finally stood up. Trump played the role of Republican to get where he is now and it looks like he has grown tired of being a fake Republican.There could be light at the end of the tunnel and maybe there is a chance for some actual progress in getting things done once again. Letting his own party knew he is willing to deal with Nancy and Chuck must have sat them back on their heels. The McConnel Doctrine of my way or the highway just went down in smoke. Maybe Trump is signalling that after eight months of the Mitch and Paul show he is ready to bring in new players.The hard right must be having nightmares tonight at the sight of Trump dealing with Pelosi.Wouldn't it be grand if both sides of the aisle stop their childish ways and did something with the infrastructure? If the right could pass something without having to appease all of the caucus members of the extreme just maybe something could get done.
7
There is nothing the Trumps love more than having it both ways. Ivanka and Jared have mastered the art: She campaigns vigorously for her father (MAGA hashtags and all) while gracing magazine covers entitled "Why I Disagree With My Dad." He, for his part, is extolled by Trump surrogates as being oh so very smart and at the same time too vacuous to fill out forms and/or read emails correctly. Now The Donald is having a go at it, rescinding DACA one day and, as the Times put it, seeking common cause with Dems on immigration the next. How Trump is suddenly aligned with the Schumers of the Senate on immigration is beyond me.
I guess it makes as much sense as Ivanka being a working-class champion while clapping gleefully as the House passed its AHCA, which strips healthcare from millions of workers. Or as much sense as Jared having both the intellectual capacity to run major gov't initiatives and the inability to file his security clearance forms properly (as well as the idea that an email called "Russia - Clinton - private and confidential" sent at the height of the campaign was about adoption). Fascinating logic if you ask me!
I guess it makes as much sense as Ivanka being a working-class champion while clapping gleefully as the House passed its AHCA, which strips healthcare from millions of workers. Or as much sense as Jared having both the intellectual capacity to run major gov't initiatives and the inability to file his security clearance forms properly (as well as the idea that an email called "Russia - Clinton - private and confidential" sent at the height of the campaign was about adoption). Fascinating logic if you ask me!
9
This is the sort of bipartisanship that the American people want to see. I think President Trump will be working with Pelosi and Schumer more in the future, as they begin to see the benefits of cooperating with him. Bravo to all...
4
Since President Trump's only agenda is to be reelected, he will make deals to that end. Occasionally, it will look just like governing.
11
This is almost too funny. The one thing we can say for sure and for certain is that Donald Trump will always work in his own best interest. We can also say the GOP is so far out in left field they don't even realize
there is a game going on.
there is a game going on.
11
This deal is more a reflection on Schumer's abilities than Trump's. Trump has a better working relationship and more respect for Schumer than McConnell and Ryan, having known him much longer. Whether it's to show unity, to avoid any delay in funding for storm victims or to show McConnell and Ryan who's really in charge, whatever Trump wants, Schumer has figured out a way to appeal to this and yet also achieve his own aims. Schumer and Trump also both have a good sense of timing. This profile of Schumer seems appropriate:
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/03/27/can-chuck-schumer-check-don...
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/03/27/can-chuck-schumer-check-don...
4
It is hard tp predict today what President Trump will do tomorrow, but he and the mainstream Republicans could be shifting toward working with the Democrats on some compromise solutions to the pressing problems America faces -- hurricane relief, health care costs, immigration reform, foreign crises, etc. This could help our country stabilize its rocking ship. Meanwhile the Tea Parry/Freedom Caucus types would be largely isolated from actual decision making. Mr. Bannon would help them make a lot of noise, but that doesn't bring majority votes in Congress or favorable court rulings. None of this would please Mr. trump's voter base very much.
1
This seems to have Bannon written all over it, I don't think Trump could do this on his own.
The republicans were so stupified they went right into their who's on first routine.
The republicans were so stupified they went right into their who's on first routine.
11
Trump senses that the republicans are could to be a losing party for decades to come, so he went with the next best option, its called politics.
11
Of course, the Republicans didn't want the debt ceiling to be an issue in the 2018 elections, so they are fuming that somehow Democrats got some additional political leverage. Boo Hoo Hoo!
What were they going to do? They needed 60 votes to pass the relief effort for Texas. They were only going to get it with Democratic help, and so there had to be a compromise. Do they think they would be more popular by obstructing this aid? Sheesh!
So the Tea Party and Freedom Caucus got squashed in this, but just think of the alternative. Again, they would have torpedoed the hurricane recovery aid just like they tried to torpedo aid for Hurricane Sandy. They are reprehensible.
At some point the GOP must, absolutely must work across the aisle on a bipartisan basis. The Tea Party denizens had better get off the stick they are "sitting" on and start to govern, or they will be toast.
What were they going to do? They needed 60 votes to pass the relief effort for Texas. They were only going to get it with Democratic help, and so there had to be a compromise. Do they think they would be more popular by obstructing this aid? Sheesh!
So the Tea Party and Freedom Caucus got squashed in this, but just think of the alternative. Again, they would have torpedoed the hurricane recovery aid just like they tried to torpedo aid for Hurricane Sandy. They are reprehensible.
At some point the GOP must, absolutely must work across the aisle on a bipartisan basis. The Tea Party denizens had better get off the stick they are "sitting" on and start to govern, or they will be toast.
36
I voted for Trump and I'm rooting for the freedom caucus to get as you say "squashed." I long for a Congress that works together, across party lines. Our country is to diverse to let the far right or left dictate the terms. I could care less that Trump, a republican, works with Democrats. I think it's healthy and I look forward to more of the same,
3
Yes, McConnell stole a supreme court seat, but since then, McConnel live in D.C is not exactly what he expected after Trump surprise victory.
I remember Senator McConnell smug smile when then President elect Trump visited Congress after his surprise win.
What a difference seven months make.
I remember Senator McConnell smug smile when then President elect Trump visited Congress after his surprise win.
What a difference seven months make.
27
I can't wait to hear the liberal media berate Trump about....siding with the Dems on this one.
And a question: the annual debt ceiling debate seems to be ridiculous to me. Will we ever default? No. It's a ridiculous waste of debate time. We should just do away with "a debt ceiling."
And a question: the annual debt ceiling debate seems to be ridiculous to me. Will we ever default? No. It's a ridiculous waste of debate time. We should just do away with "a debt ceiling."
2
No one has done this. Regardless, Trump is still a bigot, profiting off his office, and likely only elected through collusion and intervention by his patron, Putin. Donald Trump is still due for impeachment, no matter what deals he cuts.
4
Why would someone berate Trump for actually behaving like a leader? Even I can't believe it.
John
John
7
I have to laugh any time I see Donald Trump called a Republican. He ran as a Republican, because that provided him the most likely path to victory, but he is not a Republican and he is not a Democrat. He is a dictator and that is the only light in which he sees himself. In any situation the only options he weighs are the ones that are going to bring him the most glory or the most rabid, fervent reaction from his base of angry supporters.
For him, the two political parties are nothing more than the means to achieve this self serving end. Any elected official who expects loyalty from Donald Trump, no matter how often they genuflect before him, is a textbook example of Einstein's definition of insanity.
For him, the two political parties are nothing more than the means to achieve this self serving end. Any elected official who expects loyalty from Donald Trump, no matter how often they genuflect before him, is a textbook example of Einstein's definition of insanity.
18
Trump has switched political affiliations multiple times over the course of his life. It's interesting to see how few people have paid attention to this.
Either Trump is sticking it to McConnell and Ryan, or he has something up his sleeve he's going to hold Dems hostage to.
Or, he got bored and his favorite show was on tv. --so ended the meeting.
Sadly, we know he didn't make the decision he did because he had some empathy and common sense.
Or, he got bored and his favorite show was on tv. --so ended the meeting.
Sadly, we know he didn't make the decision he did because he had some empathy and common sense.
13
To call it "playing politics" whenever those across the aisle propose a different solution, as Ryan just did and McConnell also does, is playing knee-jerk politics.
5
Why all the shock? From the start he never really was one of them and made no bones about it. Just used the GOP to ride into the Oval Office. It's almost funny, and not really a bad move.
12
As that rarest of exotic birds, the "moderate independent voter" (only about 40% of voters fit that bill, and are universally ignored by lefty and righty media alike) I am happy to see a politician, ANY politician, cross the aisle. President Trump has so far not accomplished much at all with numerous attempts to stomp on his predecessor's legacy. Now, a day after murdering DACA, he acts like he wants to fix immigration and the dire situations of immigrant kids, many of whom are contributing US taxpayers, or at least have great potential. Nothing would please me more than to see Mr. Trump come into his own and try to do something good for someone who isn't a billionaire.
11
The Democrats need to be very aware of Trump and his unpredictability, in fact since the Republicans did everything in their power to obstruct Obama, and have done nothing much less speak out against what Trump is doing. Trump has without a doubt, has reinforced the fact that the Republican party is a racist party. Whether or not it's true that is now how most Americans see Trump and the GOP. They have proven to be heartless, morally bankrupt, group of elected officials ever.
9
Any decision that makes Ryan and McConnell both uncomfortable--can't be all bad...
33
One is tempted to comment that even a broken clock is right twice per day - thank you Bill Clinton. Trump's siding with the Democrats on this demonstrates the preference of Trump over a President Pence, who will likely go to his grave having never sided with anyone to the left of John McCain. Yet, there's still the concern about an unbalanced, potentially dangerous Commander-in-Chief. What a choice!
9
For those suggesting this is a good thing -- it isn't on multiple levels
1) A President should never blindside his own party
2) A President shouldn't make major decisions off the cuff in the middle of a meeting
3) The whole constant voting on raising the debt ceiling is foolhardy. A better approach would be for the President to propose a long term fix that includes automatic increases or removes debt ceiling votes entirely
4) Creating a deadline that could cause a government shutdown right before the holiday season could be quite damaging to government employees, to the general public, and to the national economy
So while its nice to see Trump reach across the aisle (for the first time) it is not an indication that he is learning how to govern.
1) A President should never blindside his own party
2) A President shouldn't make major decisions off the cuff in the middle of a meeting
3) The whole constant voting on raising the debt ceiling is foolhardy. A better approach would be for the President to propose a long term fix that includes automatic increases or removes debt ceiling votes entirely
4) Creating a deadline that could cause a government shutdown right before the holiday season could be quite damaging to government employees, to the general public, and to the national economy
So while its nice to see Trump reach across the aisle (for the first time) it is not an indication that he is learning how to govern.
6
1- Trump, party of one.
2- Trump being Trump.
3 - Agreed.
4 - All the more incentive to cut a deal or Congress will kick the can down the road a little further.
Trump does not govern, he dictates.
2- Trump being Trump.
3 - Agreed.
4 - All the more incentive to cut a deal or Congress will kick the can down the road a little further.
Trump does not govern, he dictates.
“To play politics with the debt ceiling, like Schumer and Pelosi apparently are doing, I don’t think is a good idea,” Mr. Ryan said.
Something Paul Ryan and the repubs did every time during the Obama presidency.
Something Paul Ryan and the repubs did every time during the Obama presidency.
25
Ryan, McConnell, and many of the GOP have restrictive, selective memory. They neither recall their behavior or words from 2010 midterms til 2016 elections.
2
To paraphrase and twist the wording of a favorite movie of mine, where Inigo Montoya would state: "Mr. Ryan, you keep saying that word, Politics. I do not think it means what you think it means!"
3
Trump just put the GOP on notice being an ideologue just won't cut it any more. The look on McConnell and Cornyn's face....priceless! The foxes were outsmarted by the hare.
This was a really good day, and maybe a signal that the GOP Congress will have to get off their soapbox and work for a change.
This was a really good day, and maybe a signal that the GOP Congress will have to get off their soapbox and work for a change.
11
Hurricane Trump, completely unpredictable, but sure to leave devastation in its wake.
16
Here's one small instance of what Trump could have been (And who knows? Maybe will realize what he could still be -- there is still time): instead of the blustering loudmouth, a truly independent candidate who can think outside the box, doesn't owe anything to anyone in the political establishment or among the coastal elites who control the country and would be free to really lead and move the country as a whole forward in a time when much of America despises and distrusts their too entrenched politicians beholden to their various special interests, and a dubious mainstream media who rants against Trumpism proclaiming themselves the paragons of truth all the while counting its cash on the way to the bank as the mainstream media's ratings and readership soar from all the sensationalist turmoil fed by breathless headlines and CNN-style "stay tuneds". Who knows?
4
Excellent move, Mr. President. I applaud you, big time.
4
I'll give Trump some credit here (a first) for stepping in with the two most pressing issues post-recess, Harvey relief and the debt ceiling. These both needed to be addressed quickly and he found a way to get that done. There needs to be a debate to drop the debt ceiling, and tie government budgets more closely to GDP, but that's a lengthy process.
It seems the only reason Ryan and McDonnell are steamed is that Schumer and Pelosi were involved. What great team players those two are!
It seems the only reason Ryan and McDonnell are steamed is that Schumer and Pelosi were involved. What great team players those two are!
6
If the congressional republicans were serious about addressing our national debt, then they would stop pushing for their tax cuts for the rich and corporations and start paying down that $20 trillion debt they are largely responsible for. That seems as likely as our seeing Trumps tax returns!
11
Trump is doing this just so he can get SOME legislation passed. He has more Democrats than Republicans who want the government to work (at all.) This is a tactic and little more. Democrats be mindful of what you are agreeing to. Don't fall in love, he is courting you because the Republicans won't fall in line.
The next election of consequence is in 2018, it is time the Democrats were clear-eyed about this - in the national interest. They need to pass prudent legislation and not give Trump his wacko agenda on a platter. They can run as people who actually get things done (good things) and get back the House and Senate first. They need a long game, or they will find they have no game left. This country needs to restore sanity in its politics. The Right is itching for a civil war, but this is 2017, it will not be fought with guns, it will be mental secession by huge groups of people, and foreign interests will take full advantage of those divisions and destroy the Union.
We cannot wait for Hurricanes, Tornadoes and Terrorist events to remind us of our common values and shared principles, it has to be obvious and uppermost in our minds at all times. Cheers.
The next election of consequence is in 2018, it is time the Democrats were clear-eyed about this - in the national interest. They need to pass prudent legislation and not give Trump his wacko agenda on a platter. They can run as people who actually get things done (good things) and get back the House and Senate first. They need a long game, or they will find they have no game left. This country needs to restore sanity in its politics. The Right is itching for a civil war, but this is 2017, it will not be fought with guns, it will be mental secession by huge groups of people, and foreign interests will take full advantage of those divisions and destroy the Union.
We cannot wait for Hurricanes, Tornadoes and Terrorist events to remind us of our common values and shared principles, it has to be obvious and uppermost in our minds at all times. Cheers.
6
Ah ! Is this what bipartisanship looks like ?
I have heard tales of something like that once lived under Bill Clinton, but they could just as well have been a political myth.
President Trump has made a smart move to reach across the aisle. He needs the right on immigration, the left on healthcare, and the center on infrastructure -- small steps to put our country before politics and make it truly great again.
I have heard tales of something like that once lived under Bill Clinton, but they could just as well have been a political myth.
President Trump has made a smart move to reach across the aisle. He needs the right on immigration, the left on healthcare, and the center on infrastructure -- small steps to put our country before politics and make it truly great again.
2
Maybe you were not here or do not remember, but 2007-2008 were years during which a lot of bipartisan work got done - Pelosi was speaker, Reid was Majority Leader and GWBush was President. They passed some really difficult legislation, including TARP and the first stimulus bill to save the economy from the Republican nutbaggery.
1
It is a logical development that since the Apprentice has alienated quite a bit of the GOP that he would go Blue to get his programs which are the bottom line for Trump to not fail. He actually will create bi-partisanship because the GOP does not want to be left out. Trump is probably the only guy capable of this apostasy because he wants the accolades and he does not care where they derive from.
5
Wrong, this is about his making sure there is disaster relief for his properties which will be hit by Irma. It is always just about Trump - he has no interest or compassion for anyone else. He has no patriotic sense. It always boils down to what will get him the most money, power and attention.
3
When Trump ordered the bombing of Syria, many commentators on both the right and the left stated that Trump finally looked Presidential. This was particularly true of certain MSNBC commentators, surprise. There was nothing Presidential about that meaningless action. Being Presidential is about doing the right thing when it goes against the grain, especially making your leaders of the House and Senate look foolish. The Breitbart onslaught is nigh.
Maybe, just maybe, putting aside my suspicions that Trump always seems to give with one hand and take back more with the other, the first sign of something Presidential is upon us. Time will tell.
Maybe, just maybe, putting aside my suspicions that Trump always seems to give with one hand and take back more with the other, the first sign of something Presidential is upon us. Time will tell.
2
I accept all the cautionary posts here, and the angry ones, too.
But we all of us progressives have to take a moment now to exult in the exquisite absurdity of the very id of republicanism coming back (in the form of Trump, no less) to caste the party into the slough of despond —McConnell, Ryan, and their stalwarts are unmoored, just like their Commander in Chief!
But we all of us progressives have to take a moment now to exult in the exquisite absurdity of the very id of republicanism coming back (in the form of Trump, no less) to caste the party into the slough of despond —McConnell, Ryan, and their stalwarts are unmoored, just like their Commander in Chief!
4
Government debt is not only good but necessary for a strong economy. The last time we were debt free was 1835 and it's been 3 centuries for the Brits. In fact, there are many who think we don't have enough government debt. More debt could spur our economy. Government debt equals private wealth. So this debt ceiling discussion is ridiculous and being led by politicians who have no clue how economies work.
2
I'm glad Trump did this, politically speaking. But this is another in a long line of impetuous, snap decisions he's made, in the manner of a ruler. It bothers me... a lot.
5
A rare glimpse of logical sanity amidst a political climate in chaos. How refreshing. I am not sure what to make of this, other than I'm glad a national tragedy will get the funding it needs.
Perhaps Mr. Trump will be more likely to reach deals with whomever in the future, regardless of party. One can hope, anyways.
Perhaps Mr. Trump will be more likely to reach deals with whomever in the future, regardless of party. One can hope, anyways.
3
I don't understand why there is debt limit if it is meaningless. Does anyone know when the federal fiscal year changed, I do, it used to start 1 July but I think they changed it because during Viet Nam war they couldn't meet it. I was in army then. These Congressmen don't care if they look incompetent or stupid sometimes. Did I say "sometimes"? I'm sorry.
I think good government doesn't have these issues. I believe half of the problem is using inaccurate numbers and dreams writing a budget with cuts backs that is too small for what is real. The killer is that taxes will have to be raised. The beast, congress, will still continue its greed and need more over and over again. We really can't get anywhere.
I think good government doesn't have these issues. I believe half of the problem is using inaccurate numbers and dreams writing a budget with cuts backs that is too small for what is real. The killer is that taxes will have to be raised. The beast, congress, will still continue its greed and need more over and over again. We really can't get anywhere.
2
September 30. I was a government contractor for years. It's the busy season, departments have to spend their budgets.
1
You have to understand that many of his core supports are likely to suffer the most from the current weather disasters that are unfolding, as well as any government shutdown. They may have voted for the Republican candidate, but they are populists, not typical core Republican conservatives. Disaster relief is a directly affecting life line for those in the disaster areas, and a Government shutdown cancels jobs and benefits that his core supporters rely on. This action is not that surprising.
5
No mystery here. This is all about Trump. He wants disaster relief for Harvey -- any way he can get it -- so that there will be disaster relief for Irma which will impact significantly his properties in Florida and St. Martin. It is ALWAYS all about TRUMP.
6
You are right, but his interest is also to get SOMETHING done during his presidency. That is probably the driving factor here.
2
This wasn't bipartisanship; it was a public spanking. This was Trump warning Ryan and, especially McConnell, to go back and do his bidding on Trumpcare, taxes, etc. or he's going to team up with Democrats and make Ryan and McConnell look like idiots. But as much as I like seeing Ryan and McConnell chase their own tails, what exactly did the Democrats "win" here?
5
Democrats won the chance to include immigration, infrastructure and other priorities in the debt-ceiling negotiation. Republicans wanted the debate to be about tax reform.
11
Faustian. Watch your backs, everyone.
7
Looks like even Trump is starting to understand that the GOP is full of incompetent partisan hacks that don't know the meaning of the word "compromise." This is like a kick in the teeth to them. Never thought I'd say this but "good for Trump."
10
Democrats need to be very careful in cooperating with Trump. He has proven that he has zero loyalty to anyone or anything, and frequently bites the hand that feeds him.
That said, the debt ceiling did need to be raised, and Harvey victims do deserve relief.
That said, the debt ceiling did need to be raised, and Harvey victims do deserve relief.
21
His loyalty is to himself. And he is interested in actually having an achievement outside of executive orders, one after the other. This really is a no-brainer. Congressional repubs are the ones acting in bad faith. At least they wanted to. Now Trump has basically forced them to be responsible - for once.
4
I'm disappointed in the Democrats. This is the president Republicans wanted. Let them deal with it.
4
He said he wasn't going to do business as usual. And thats been the case, for sure. He'll take whatever deal suits him, regardless of party. I'm not saying it as a slight—this is what brought him all his supporters.
2
When else has he bucked the Republican Party on legislation or policy? This is all about Harvey.
3
Trump is just doing this so that Dems THINK they have bargaining power come the end of the year... then when Dems try brinksmanship, he is going to blame any crisis that arises on them, then blame the media for botching the coverage of it. He will also be able to blame Repubs in congress for letting it happen. As usual, he has set up a strategic situation in which he has everything to gain and not much to lose.
3
Nonsense. If a financial meltdown results because the debt-ceiling is breached and the US credit rating tanks, it will have happened on Trump's watch. He has a tremendous amount to lose. But he probably doesn't even realize it. As usual...
5
These hypocritical Freedom Caucus members would pretend that they hate the deficit while they vote for revenue reduction that makes the deficit much worse. They vote for tax cuts for large companies (who mostly spend their extra money buying back their own stocks) and from billionaires (who mostly spend their extra money buying other's stocks). They are clearly working for the billionaires like Charles Koch, Betsy DeVoss and Rebecca Mercer, who each contributed hundreds of millions to their campaigns. Why do voters fall for this?
23
Trump's instinct - for no reasons other than his self-preservation and malicious personality - is to keep people off balance. So, he throws a bone to the Dems and insults the GOP.
Did he do it for the good of anyone but Trump? No.
Trump will always be Candidate trump, and will never actually fill the office of President.
Did he do it for the good of anyone but Trump? No.
Trump will always be Candidate trump, and will never actually fill the office of President.
14
How can any government work together and make progress when their citizens and leaders have radically different or even irreconcilable political philosophies and goals?
We are suffering nonstop -- my whole life, in fact -- with a very troubled national alliance. We enjoy no real meeting of the minds, not in any significant measure, at least.
Our national divorce is de facto if not de jure. We live side-by-side in different worlds, yet consistently claim that the other side is the stubborn problem while our side possesses the solution. It's a recipe for disaster or failure, at best.
Our dilemma, of course, is not unique in the world; on the contrary, it seems contagious, almost the norm, but we nonetheless need and deserve better, don't we? I'm sick and tired of it, and I've tried for 60 years to be patient with and understanding of our apparently leviathanic challenge. Why can we not solve the common problem of self-government? Is it solvable?
What is wrong with us? Pride? Ignorance? Innate viciousness? Maybe if we knew who we were, we could create sane, safe, and happy societies.
Something needs to change, something big. Our current path is a dead-end, yet we can't seem to get off it.
We are suffering nonstop -- my whole life, in fact -- with a very troubled national alliance. We enjoy no real meeting of the minds, not in any significant measure, at least.
Our national divorce is de facto if not de jure. We live side-by-side in different worlds, yet consistently claim that the other side is the stubborn problem while our side possesses the solution. It's a recipe for disaster or failure, at best.
Our dilemma, of course, is not unique in the world; on the contrary, it seems contagious, almost the norm, but we nonetheless need and deserve better, don't we? I'm sick and tired of it, and I've tried for 60 years to be patient with and understanding of our apparently leviathanic challenge. Why can we not solve the common problem of self-government? Is it solvable?
What is wrong with us? Pride? Ignorance? Innate viciousness? Maybe if we knew who we were, we could create sane, safe, and happy societies.
Something needs to change, something big. Our current path is a dead-end, yet we can't seem to get off it.
2
Somehow, miraculously, Congressional Republicans are going to start seeing Trump's impeachment as a good thing—not because the scale was tipped by any of his several dozen flagrancies, but because he is not toeing their line. And they will justify any action by framing it as evidence the GOP's moral superiority.
6
Apart from the comic relief of Paul Ryan bemoaning Democrats who, "play politics with the debt limit," it's heartening to see President Trump playing Republicans against Democrats.
The more powerful the Democrats present the more Trump will dance with them.
The more powerful the Democrats present the more Trump will dance with them.
7
The debt ceiling should have been eliminated long ago. It was a political fix put into place in the early days of World War I to make the financing of that war politically palatable.
What exists in reality is the amount of the debt the U.S. accrues and its responsibility to pay for what the national government borrows. We have never defaulted on our debt and hopefully never will.
Politically a more useful measure is the percent of the GDP the debt represents, which has more than tripled since Ronald Reagan took Office in 1981. This is a measure of the sacrifice we make by not financing immediately what we spend such as our wars around the world. Pay as you go on these wars, and the surtax increase it would create, would certainly be a strong argument for peace.
What exists in reality is the amount of the debt the U.S. accrues and its responsibility to pay for what the national government borrows. We have never defaulted on our debt and hopefully never will.
Politically a more useful measure is the percent of the GDP the debt represents, which has more than tripled since Ronald Reagan took Office in 1981. This is a measure of the sacrifice we make by not financing immediately what we spend such as our wars around the world. Pay as you go on these wars, and the surtax increase it would create, would certainly be a strong argument for peace.
105
Spot on. Such childish nonsense we fuss with. The rest of the world must be laughing at our ridiculous pettiness.
This is the paradox of democracy, echos of post 9/11 foreign terrorists inducing us to spend billions on because of fear, patronage, and pork barrel politics. Government isn't business, but they overlap, neither survives without the effective operation of both. Voters have backbone, a point of view, know what they want and need. The marvel of the US is that politics and politicians EVER lead where we want and need to go.
Yep, we have a lot of expenses, and this hurricane season (i.e., God sneezing, in contrast to global warming) is just going to be adding to them. If conservatives are going to worry about the debt ceiling and the national deficit they should be willing to entertain the obvious- raise taxes on the affluent! Otherwise, they should keep silent and crawl back under the rock from they routinely emerge every September.
37
"from WHICH they routinely emerge"...
The idea of using hurricane relief as leverage for spending cuts, which would probably but linked to some gov't program that helps the poor, is just plain wrong.
22
The debt limit is not and should never be a ‘thing.’ It’s one of the most ridiculous fake crises ever fabricated. The purpose of the debt ceiling increase is to pay for the appropriations ALREADY MADE by Congress. You don’t want to increase the debt ceiling? Fine. Then don’t vote for the appropriations to begin with. Make your stand with the appropriations vote. But after the spending has already passed don’t vote against paying for it.
64
Couldn't agree more. Every time we have a manufactured debt ceiling crisis it creates chaos in the financial markets and diminishes our standing in the world. I'd like to see a constitutional amendment that mandates that we pay all our bills - if it takes more debt to pay the checks that congress is writing then so be it. The only way to keep the debt from rising is to reduce the underlying spending.
2
I can only hope that Trump will continue to deal with Democrats, who are the sensible ones. Bannon is gone and maybe that helps, as Trump had no ideology of his own. He craves plaudits and accolades, and would love to be a popular and accomplished man. If he hitches his wagon on a star (the dems!) he could actually do some good things. He has never made much sense, is not logical, tells constant lies and is also bizarrely honest and candid, so perhaps a complete turnabout could happen. Where there is life there is hope.
15
Sue,
I agree that Trump could get things done if he were to work with democrats and moderate republicans, but I do not trust him. He has shown that he has no loyalty to anyone or anything, and could very easily turn on the democrats as he has the GOP. He is a dangerous man who needs to be sidelined as much as possible.
I agree that Trump could get things done if he were to work with democrats and moderate republicans, but I do not trust him. He has shown that he has no loyalty to anyone or anything, and could very easily turn on the democrats as he has the GOP. He is a dangerous man who needs to be sidelined as much as possible.
4
On Sept 13, 2016 the NYT reported:
"Under a previous 10-year agreement that expires in 2018, the United States provides about $3 billion a year, but lately Congress has added up to $500 million a year for missile defense."
After America takes care of its own it can take care of countries that have enough of their own.
"Under a previous 10-year agreement that expires in 2018, the United States provides about $3 billion a year, but lately Congress has added up to $500 million a year for missile defense."
After America takes care of its own it can take care of countries that have enough of their own.
Raising the debt ceiling just punts our problems to our grandkids. The US becomes ever more vulnerable to interest rate increases as we increase our debt. And, more borrowing enables lower tax revenue from large companies (who mostly spend their money buying back their own stocks) and from billionaires (who mostly spend their money buying other's stocks). All this while spending more on the military and more on storm relief for selfish Southern Republican states who want to cut the size of big government (except apparently FEMA). We should call on our representatives to NOT raise the debt ceiling just to put pressure on these new spending increases and revenue decreases by the current administration.
1
You're confounding raising the debt CEILING, and raising the DEBT.
What raises the debt is bills signed into law and that aren't paid for, in other words that don't include spending cuts or additional taxes or cuts elsewhere.
Once they're signed into law, the WH has the legal obligation to start implementing them. And it's only during the implementation process that the government literally has to pay money (to citizens, small businesses it works with, foreign governments, ...). IF the bill didn't include a way to pay for it, soon the government won't have the reserves to implement it anymore, even though all the contracts are already signed, and contractors are already doing their job.
You cannot possibly NOT raise a debt ceiling, because that's like first buying a car with your credit card and then refusing to put the money on your account the day your credit card company has to take it.
If you pay with your credit card and you don't have the money, then you'll have to borrow it in order to pay your credit card company in time. THAT's what raising the debt ceiling means, you see?
Not raising it means that our creditors will have the right to impose a fee, so it's even worse than having to pay interests on the debt.
The only way NOT to have to raise the debt ceiling is to pass bills that are entirely paid for, AND to eliminate the Bush deficit.
But Congresses in the past did the opposite (except for the Dem Congress under Obama). So now we have to pay the bills...
What raises the debt is bills signed into law and that aren't paid for, in other words that don't include spending cuts or additional taxes or cuts elsewhere.
Once they're signed into law, the WH has the legal obligation to start implementing them. And it's only during the implementation process that the government literally has to pay money (to citizens, small businesses it works with, foreign governments, ...). IF the bill didn't include a way to pay for it, soon the government won't have the reserves to implement it anymore, even though all the contracts are already signed, and contractors are already doing their job.
You cannot possibly NOT raise a debt ceiling, because that's like first buying a car with your credit card and then refusing to put the money on your account the day your credit card company has to take it.
If you pay with your credit card and you don't have the money, then you'll have to borrow it in order to pay your credit card company in time. THAT's what raising the debt ceiling means, you see?
Not raising it means that our creditors will have the right to impose a fee, so it's even worse than having to pay interests on the debt.
The only way NOT to have to raise the debt ceiling is to pass bills that are entirely paid for, AND to eliminate the Bush deficit.
But Congresses in the past did the opposite (except for the Dem Congress under Obama). So now we have to pay the bills...
8
If you don't like debt, tell your Congressman not to vote for spending bills that incur debt in the first place. That's where you can make a difference to stop the increase in debt. Voting against raising the debt ceiling is just a vote to renege on debts already incurred.
9
You have no understanding of how it works, obviously. These "debts" have already been authorized. If you want less debt added, contact your Congressperson.
1
As a Democrat, of course, I'm happy to see a glimmer of some bipartisanship--if not from the very creator of the policy of "divisiveness" Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, at least--finally--from the President. Perhaps there is a learning curve after all. The most important aspect is that it should ensure that aid gets quickly to the victims of Hurricane Harvey and by-passes the intra-party wrangling of conservative, Tea Party Republicans. So, it's a win for the Democrats, a win--at last--for the President, but most importantly for the victims of Harvey--unless Republicans rebel and return to their "Party of No" roots.
10
I is beyond ironic that Trump's first real "win" (puny though it may be) was delivered care of the Democrats.
20
Anything for attention, and usually it involves causing trouble-- this time making fools out of members of his own party. And now watch him pat himself on the back for choosing country over party.
But the man has no sense of strategy. The only way he'll be impeached is if some Republicans, either with integrity or resentful of his insults, join all Democrats in voting for it. I can imagine that there are now quite a few GOP House and Senate members who would love to see him gone.
But the man has no sense of strategy. The only way he'll be impeached is if some Republicans, either with integrity or resentful of his insults, join all Democrats in voting for it. I can imagine that there are now quite a few GOP House and Senate members who would love to see him gone.
6
It's called "the Art of the Deal". That's right you liberal progressives. Maybe you are going to figure out that Trump is the third party that the independents who voted for him have wanted for so long. I love it. Republicans are a large part of the do-nothing Congress, and so are the Democrats. And they all get the 75% subsidized Obamacare that my family does not get, for which we have to pay. I am not voting for people just because "I want my party to win". I want middle class American to win. I am tired of watching the top 1%, including media moguls, win at the middle class's expense under the Washington establishment's rule (yes, and that includes Obama and Ryan, McConnell and Pelosi, too). If Trump is the guy to jerk Congress people around by their lapels to force them to do their jobs, then so be it. It's about time.
2
I'm happy for you that after 8 months you can make this claim, because to-date he's just be "Art of the Tweet". That said, it ain't a done deal.
6
How about special federal Hurricane recovery tax bills to cover costs. 5 year or 10 year bills.
Ya'll gonna need to raise taxes on the rich when they have all the money you know.
Ya'll gonna need to raise taxes on the rich when they have all the money you know.
5
Conservative economics must be based on alternative facts, because the evidence in the markets for US Treasury securities has indicated for a decade that of all the crises the US may face, having too much public debt at the Federal level is not one of them. Aren't these guys the ones who trust the market to make better decisions at all times than an elite group of politicians and bureaucrats? Well, with the 10Yr Treasury hovering a little over 2.0%, the market is indicating in part that the market is buying what we are selling and given the investment desires and capital needs of the market players they are unlikely to reduce their appetite for our paper anytime soon. A broken clock is right twice a day, but these deficit hawks haven't been right in a decade.
11
My parents used to have an old cat who, when he was feeling annoyed at the world for any reason, would use their bed as a litter box. It looks to me like that's similar to what President Trump just did to the Republican "bed." What's amusing is that Paul Ryan was definitely in there under the covers.
39
Aw shucks. The Dems should have held out for him to release his Tax Returns!
8
Not that they will always find common ground, but if Trump can form a coalition with moderate Democrats and Republicans than Congress can actually start working again and the country will no longer be held hostage to the right wing Freedom Caucus minority. Democrats are going to have to be willing to negotiate.
1
He did this to only annoy the GOP. He is not going to suddenly work with anyone but his own ill-mannered family.
3
Raising the debt ceiling should not be tied to other bills; it is not a political cudgel with which to bludgeon the opposing party. In fact, we should completely abolish the debt ceiling, like almost every other developed country. It is ridiculous to make a repeated source of partisan rancor and government shutdowns an intrinsic part of our governing process, especially when it does nothing to control our national debt. Yes, we should be fiscally responsible and try to reduce our debt, but the debt ceiling does not further this goal.
4
Sorry if I don't see this with any optimism. Past history tells us that it is only a matter of hours, days, or weeks before DT does something crazy to undermine anything good that may come from this.
10
Now if North Korea behaves itself the stock market will be good tomorrow.
2
People kept remarking that Trump "wasn't a real Republican".
So now he's starting to show that.
He may be the first President in history to switch parties while in office.
Oh well, he does like to be unpredictable.
So now he's starting to show that.
He may be the first President in history to switch parties while in office.
Oh well, he does like to be unpredictable.
8
Trump is not a genuine dyed-in-wool Republican. Were it not for the fact that the Democrat candidate had been pre-selected since 2008, (ask Bernie about that) , in a fair primary, Trump might have garnered the Dem nomination.
Un oh, Conservatives.
This may not have been the ideologue you were looking for, and, apparently, you can be outbid.
Now what?
This may not have been the ideologue you were looking for, and, apparently, you can be outbid.
Now what?
6
How about eliminating the pension plan that members of the House and the Senate are entitled to after serving? That might help the debt. Let them contribute to a 401K like the rest of us do.
18
Trump a deal maker. I think not. He's more like a giant wrecking ball.
10
Given Trump's duplicitous tendencies, my first thought is what scheme is he scheming now to avoid impeachment woes? Remember his thinking is "What's good for me" not "What's good for our nation."
7
The fact that Trump wants to move quickly and get things done is a reminder of how inept the GOP congress has been for the last 8 years. They claim everything is sooo complicated because they are unable to come up with any ideas they can agree upon. And then they are unwilling to compromise within their own caucus. Ryan and McConnell represent the worst of American politics. They always put politics ahead of country.
26
"...Harvey aid has drawn opposition from conservatives, who have pushed for any debt limit measure to be coupled with fiscal changes intended to rein in spending." A good start would be the $10 bn Texas is holding in it's rainy-day fund they refuse to release.
13
Senator Schumer and Speaker Pelosi should be applauded for their willingness to engage President Trump and perhaps in the process give Trump the option of shifting his legislative agenda to a more moderate "bi-partisan" program.
12
Ben Sasse?? Didn't he write a book about needing grown-ups. Surely he had more to say than just 'I don't like those people.' Ben, a tweet is not legislating.
6
If Trump would distance himself from McConnell and Ryan and the ideological lunacy of the republicans and align himself occasionally with the Democrats, he could do the country some good and possibly save his presidency.
12
All I can see here is a Democratic delaying tactic. They'll keep extending the debt ceiling until it gets close to 2018 midterms, then dig in their heels and watch Republican contests across the nation implode.
1
I could be wrong but it's been the Republicans who've wanted to shut down the government, repeatedly. Extending the time to authorize paying our bills is better than not paying them.
13
Whilst a majority seem to recognise the insanity of Donald is this perhaps Donald recognising the madness of Republican Party? Even this idiot realised that getting a deal (loathe to say it) even a short term one is better for your country (and world economy and yes that includes Donald's private wealth) is above the pettiness of Republican extremism and their own brand of lunacy?
6
I think Trump just likes to tick people off and this was a good way to tick off some of the Republicans he's been feuding with.
5
“To play politics with the debt ceiling, like Schumer and Pelosi apparently are doing, I don’t think is a good idea,” Mr. Ryan said.
Excuse me, what did the GOP do during the entire 8 years of Obama's presidency if not play politics? What do they call shutting down the government? What part of politics wasn't involved in refusing to tweak the ACA? And they can't claim for one nanosecond that politics wasn't involved in refusing to give Judge Merrick Garland hearing and thereby denying Obama the right to choose a successor to Scalia.
GOP = Greedy Overbearing Politicos (who can't stop lying).
Excuse me, what did the GOP do during the entire 8 years of Obama's presidency if not play politics? What do they call shutting down the government? What part of politics wasn't involved in refusing to tweak the ACA? And they can't claim for one nanosecond that politics wasn't involved in refusing to give Judge Merrick Garland hearing and thereby denying Obama the right to choose a successor to Scalia.
GOP = Greedy Overbearing Politicos (who can't stop lying).
116
Exactly.
And then we're even not talking yet about the fact that when Democrats "play politics", they merely do so in order to remind the government to be responsible and pay its bills.
That they HAVE to force Republicans to do so by tying this to a bill that nobody can disagree with (Texas relief) shows how far off the GOP has become today.
Whereas when the GOP "plays politics", it's the exact opposite: they do so in order to force the majority to pass something that only a small minority (often: their own wealthy donors) want and that ordinary citizens reject ...
Where's the Grand Old Party gone ... ?
And then we're even not talking yet about the fact that when Democrats "play politics", they merely do so in order to remind the government to be responsible and pay its bills.
That they HAVE to force Republicans to do so by tying this to a bill that nobody can disagree with (Texas relief) shows how far off the GOP has become today.
Whereas when the GOP "plays politics", it's the exact opposite: they do so in order to force the majority to pass something that only a small minority (often: their own wealthy donors) want and that ordinary citizens reject ...
Where's the Grand Old Party gone ... ?
8
The GOP has gone to market to buy a fat pig. Then they'll run home and eat all of it at once.
2
YES! This comment by Ryan is the most ridiculous, comical thing I have seen all day. Surprised Trump didn't say it himself, in that regard.
3
To Ryan and McConnell: Cinch up your big boy pants and get ready for the hurricane that hits you where you live. Debt ceiling? We don't need no stinking debt ceiling and this from the guy who sent Steve Mnuchin out to say the funding for the wall should be linked to raising the debt ceiling. So desperate for a win, president flim flam will make any deal necessary to try and claim a victory. So tired from all the winning, we are.
19
Hey, I am all for Trump saying that perhaps the Democrats are worth working with.
36
Some of the interesting things I read was Trump's daughter Ivanka meandered into the meeting & Republicans were quite visibly annoyed. She later showed up for his tax speech in North Dakota, but is considered a non-factor in her father's decisions.
Mr. Trump took the first deal offered--- which was from Democrats--- and an inside source says he considers Republicans a do-nothing Congress,
Someone later quietly remarked it could be karma based on how Republicans treated President Obama.
As to DACA for undocumented young people, Mr. Trump said "we discussed that also today, and Chuck & Nancy would like to see something happen, and so do I. And I said if we can get something to happen, we're going to sign it and we're going to make a lot of happy people."
Conversely, Republicans left looking miserable, and in a statement to the news media, Mitch McConnell noted "The president agreed with Sen. Schumer and Congresswoman Pelosi to do a three month C.R. and a debt ceiling into December. That's what I will be offering."
Mr. Trump took the first deal offered--- which was from Democrats--- and an inside source says he considers Republicans a do-nothing Congress,
Someone later quietly remarked it could be karma based on how Republicans treated President Obama.
As to DACA for undocumented young people, Mr. Trump said "we discussed that also today, and Chuck & Nancy would like to see something happen, and so do I. And I said if we can get something to happen, we're going to sign it and we're going to make a lot of happy people."
Conversely, Republicans left looking miserable, and in a statement to the news media, Mitch McConnell noted "The president agreed with Sen. Schumer and Congresswoman Pelosi to do a three month C.R. and a debt ceiling into December. That's what I will be offering."
12
Hey Ryan - You and your Republican deplorables better wake up. Trump's loyalty is only to himself. If he believes he can work with Democrats to get a deal, that's what he's going to do. Get on my he right side of the issues, with the Democrats, or go off into oblivion.
25
A debt ceiling increase means the US will pay its bills. The fact that we are increasing our long term debt without any option for balancing the budget anytime soon, seems to be irrelevant to Republicans. They just keep saying the same lying hyperbole - to make it appear they give a hoot about economics. Half of the moves tRump has made since taking office, including his rescinding DACA, (and backing out of TPP and CPP), have negative economic impacts. These guys are playing politics, and playing for short term gains, without a thought for the future of our children the country or the world. Give me Democrats any day. They do not represent the swamp in DC. They are politicians, but they have a track record of getting stuff done on behalf of the taxpayer. The Republican agenda is taking us from bad to worse. #FiretheLiars
8
dems are dancing for delaying the fight on a meaningless amount as it relates to a 20 trillion dollar debt problem
1
So, is it your purist position that we must now cut taxes on the rich and corporation to MAGA? I mean your party seems to have two different policy planks and they don't fit together. What do you have against compromise, anyway? Raise taxes on those most able to pay and the debt goes down, see? Income inequality goes down, see? People are happier, see? Oh wait. That last part is the part you guys hate, isn't it? That's why you can't reason or compromise.
7
So-called conservatives blithering about spending and national debt, whimpering that "liberals" are bankrupting the country, blah, blah, blah, and never a syllable about the obscenity that is the military budget. Half a trillion dollars a year these hypocritical liars are willing to throw away on military garbage, but spend a single penny on anything else? Not without a great display of wailing, hand-wringing, screeching disinformation and misdirection for the cameras, and The Base. I think the word "conservative" should be stricken from the language. It no longer means anything.
48
Trump just got played, pure and simple.
3
This is a surprise.
1
This morning I thought Senator Schumer and Leader Pelosi were pushing too hard on the 3 month agreement. Boy was I wrong! Things are going to be rough but maybe just maybe we can salvage something. It would be nice if Republicans thought that maybe just maybe they can salvage something too. That is when real compromise is possible! What President Trump did today was what those marginal voters in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania were waiting for seven months. Somehow he got the message. Let us all cross our fingers.
3
Put yourself in Trump's shoes. You have told so many falsehoods, lies, and misrepresentations, you have contradicted and denied your own statements so many times, that even a guy as practiced in such arts as Trump, can get confused sometimes. So he went for the three month deal thinking that taking a Democratic deal for a short period was better than for a long period. Plus, he had a plane to catch for a campaign rally out west. And what could be more fun than that. And anyway, Ivanka was itching to sit at the center of the table.
A Win!
A Win!
3
Trump going around his own party to work with Democrats! What is next human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!
4
This is a surprise? Any New Yorker will tell you that
Trump is loyal to no one but himself.
Trump is loyal to no one but himself.
3
How do budgets get balanced? In my 70+ years I've learned that businesses and governments do it by under-estimating costs and over-estimating income. On those rare occasions where the budget is realized, it's luck, not skill.
The US has one hurricane to cover with another coming later this week. We have no idea as to what to plan for, let alone try for the fiction of a balanced budget. We should plan for disasters because they happen all the time, but we don't. We have situations that are going to happen on the global stage that are going to cost the US both lives and treasure.
We're going to fund both TX and FL as well as the disasters that we don't yet know about and will not plan for. Congress is battling principles against reality as if the principles are going to save us and make the disasters go away.
Now Trump is "making a deal" with Democrats! Yeah-Right! This is all a reality TV show, only with real-world consequences. But we do enjoy the show and are pretty sure the consequences won't happen. Good Luck with that.
The US has one hurricane to cover with another coming later this week. We have no idea as to what to plan for, let alone try for the fiction of a balanced budget. We should plan for disasters because they happen all the time, but we don't. We have situations that are going to happen on the global stage that are going to cost the US both lives and treasure.
We're going to fund both TX and FL as well as the disasters that we don't yet know about and will not plan for. Congress is battling principles against reality as if the principles are going to save us and make the disasters go away.
Now Trump is "making a deal" with Democrats! Yeah-Right! This is all a reality TV show, only with real-world consequences. But we do enjoy the show and are pretty sure the consequences won't happen. Good Luck with that.
3
The problem is budget reconciliation but Climate Change people! Don't be bamboozled.
As usual, if you want to get something done, call the democrats. If you want sanctimony, posing, and blather, rely on republicans.
55
Advice to DT: continue to work with the Dems if you want any legislative victories. Be forewarned though, doing that will significantly decrease your chances of becoming the worst ever American president.
10
So once again, the congress would not have a budget on time and we the people accept that. Returning the control of congress to same failed talking heads. SHAME!
1
All of this is very good news in many ways. However, let us not forget the investigation into Russia and Trump campaign links to it.
Again, good work has been done, but we have the major problem of a president whose behavior and ethics are questionable to say the least!
Again, good work has been done, but we have the major problem of a president whose behavior and ethics are questionable to say the least!
6
There simply are no words strong enough to express the contempt I feel for the conservative grandstanding by men like Paul Ryan and others of his ilk in various groups like the "Freedom Caucus," at a time of national catastrophe. Seeking to score political points when so many are suffering after Hurricane Harvey is absolutely beyond the pale. These men have no love of country or anything else except their own self interest.
12
The greatest Speaker of the House there was ( and will be again ) ; Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi ( along with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ) know how to play hardball, and are doing so.
They are not going to enter into any agreement that cuts budgets for programs that help the less well off. They know what they are doing.
They know that the President is siding with them to get at the republicans.
THAT is the only reason why they ( republicans ) looked '' grim ''
They are not going to enter into any agreement that cuts budgets for programs that help the less well off. They know what they are doing.
They know that the President is siding with them to get at the republicans.
THAT is the only reason why they ( republicans ) looked '' grim ''
18
Paul Ryan has the gall to accuse the Democrats of "playing politics." Guess he forgot about the eight years of what the GOP did when President Obama was in office. Why do people in Wisconsin keep voting for Paul Ryan??
38
Susan, in fact, they do Not vote for him, but the State is so gerrymandered that he wins anyhow...I thought Everyone knew that about Wisconsin by now...
1
What you are seeing is a President that knows how to negotiate. The previous President had zero negotiating skills while Mr. Trump brings with him five decades of negotiating experience and overcoming real life obstacles.
2
Which no doubt accounts for all the law suits and bankruptcies.
7
"Real life obstacles"? Uh, the only obstacles have been his bankruptcies, and we all know who was on the losing end of those.
In this case, he's like the abusive father who one day brought home ice cream but only gave it to one of his kids. A truly sick human being.
In this case, he's like the abusive father who one day brought home ice cream but only gave it to one of his kids. A truly sick human being.
7
Yes.......there were the bankruptcies.
But PolitiFact says while he did file for bankruptcy protection 6 times, it's not as simple as headlines would trumpet: "Trump was acting, they said, as any investor would. Investors often own many non-integrated companies, which they fund by taking on debt, and some of them inevitably file for bankruptcy, Adam Levitin, a law professor at Georgetown University, previously told us.
He added that people typically wouldn’t personally blame former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney or investor Warren Buffett for individual failures within their investment companies, Bain Capital and Berkshire Hathaway, respectively.
"The only difference is that Trump puts his name on his companies, which means people associate them with him, but he's not at all the leader in the bankruptcy space," Levitin said. http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2016/jun/21/hillary-c...
He also used Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection - not full wipe-out all debt bankruptcy: "Debtors are also protected from other litigation against the business through the imposition of an automatic stay. While the automatic stay is in place, creditors are stayed from any collection attempts or activities against the debtor in possession, and most litigation against the debtor is stayed,[4] or put on hold, until it can be resolved in bankruptcy court, or resumed in its original venue."
But PolitiFact says while he did file for bankruptcy protection 6 times, it's not as simple as headlines would trumpet: "Trump was acting, they said, as any investor would. Investors often own many non-integrated companies, which they fund by taking on debt, and some of them inevitably file for bankruptcy, Adam Levitin, a law professor at Georgetown University, previously told us.
He added that people typically wouldn’t personally blame former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney or investor Warren Buffett for individual failures within their investment companies, Bain Capital and Berkshire Hathaway, respectively.
"The only difference is that Trump puts his name on his companies, which means people associate them with him, but he's not at all the leader in the bankruptcy space," Levitin said. http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2016/jun/21/hillary-c...
He also used Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection - not full wipe-out all debt bankruptcy: "Debtors are also protected from other litigation against the business through the imposition of an automatic stay. While the automatic stay is in place, creditors are stayed from any collection attempts or activities against the debtor in possession, and most litigation against the debtor is stayed,[4] or put on hold, until it can be resolved in bankruptcy court, or resumed in its original venue."
Trump uses another whip to beat the GOP into submission. Excitement about this being a pivot by Trump towards bi-partisanship is ill founded. Trump will continue to be Trump, transactional deals only.
3
What's the lesson here, that democrats can actually work with the President? Maybe this is proof that what this country really needs is a Democratic majority in the Congress. Doesn't matter who's in the white house.
9
Shift the funds for the unnecessary border wall into hurricane disaster relief. That becomes a zeroed-out budget request and shifts the funds to a more productive end use.
With Irma and Jose looming, this is no time to throw money away on a classic "white elephant" project. True conservatives would vote against the border wall as excessive and wasteful government spending.
On the other hand, flooded homes, thousands of homeless people, and some really toxic Super Fund sites that will need more remediation after Harvey will require billions of $$$ to fix very real problems.
If the budget deficit increases as a result, then make cuts to defense spending. Lots of waste there, too.
Problem solved.
With Irma and Jose looming, this is no time to throw money away on a classic "white elephant" project. True conservatives would vote against the border wall as excessive and wasteful government spending.
On the other hand, flooded homes, thousands of homeless people, and some really toxic Super Fund sites that will need more remediation after Harvey will require billions of $$$ to fix very real problems.
If the budget deficit increases as a result, then make cuts to defense spending. Lots of waste there, too.
Problem solved.
2
Terrorism is a gnat compared to havoc climate change can cause. Now it's time to shift $ from the military industrial complex and corporate welfare into the EPA, FEMA, DOE, Ag and all agencies all hands on deck to mitigate what we can with the impending environmental disasters we will be facing with increasing frequency and intensity. The best minds need to be thinking outside the box in all corners.
3
If the GOP right wingers (self styled as "conservatives" but not by any real definition of the term) wanted to cut other programs to pay for Red state disaster aid in FL and TX, victims of the GOP's failure to deal with global warming and destruction of natural wetlands barriers, the GOP could cut the National Flood Insurance Program which creates the disasters by rebuilding in the same flooded areas over and over again.
And there is always the US military budget, TWICE that of Russia and China COMBINED while US allies in Europe out spend Russia 2:1 and allies in Asia spend close to 1:1. Cutting US aircraft carriers from 16 vs. Russia
s 1 and China's 1 to a simple 2:1 superiority (what admiral can't defend US with a 2:1 arms superiority?) would save $25B per carrier, the cost of the new Ford class carriers US is building. Save $250B just on carriers plus another $100B in operations per year.
Could pay down the GOP's military/tax cuts for the rich/Great Recession Wall street scam bailout $19T in debt run up over the last 35 years of Reaganomics run amok.
But GOP is not interested in fiscal conservatism or US national interest, only in a failed ideology of oil wars, tax cuts for rich, out of control military spending, anti-science attacks on environment, education and science research.
And there is always the US military budget, TWICE that of Russia and China COMBINED while US allies in Europe out spend Russia 2:1 and allies in Asia spend close to 1:1. Cutting US aircraft carriers from 16 vs. Russia
s 1 and China's 1 to a simple 2:1 superiority (what admiral can't defend US with a 2:1 arms superiority?) would save $25B per carrier, the cost of the new Ford class carriers US is building. Save $250B just on carriers plus another $100B in operations per year.
Could pay down the GOP's military/tax cuts for the rich/Great Recession Wall street scam bailout $19T in debt run up over the last 35 years of Reaganomics run amok.
But GOP is not interested in fiscal conservatism or US national interest, only in a failed ideology of oil wars, tax cuts for rich, out of control military spending, anti-science attacks on environment, education and science research.
4
With regards to the debt limit, it is simply illogical for conservatives to believe that the issue of debt can in anyway be solved by refusing to raise the debt limit. If they have an issue with the U.S. debt, than solve it through the budgetary process. This holding the "faith and fair credit" of the government hostage to threatened default is nothing more than cutting off your nose to spite your face. It is even more serious than shutting down the government, another childish attempt to backmail moderates and liberals into a corner to achieve their political desires. Neither does anything for debt reduction, just the inverse, they instead increase debt. But as these people only seem to respond to their own echo's and ignore everything else, it seems difficult to talk sense to them. I can't believe I'm saying it, but Trump did the right thing crossing over and reaching out to Schurmer and Pelosi in this instant.
216
“To play politics with the debt ceiling, like Schumer and Pelosi apparently are doing, I don’t think is a good idea,” Mr. Ryan said.
Paul Ryan would rather play politics with people’s lives.
Paul Ryan would rather play politics with people’s lives.
7
If the disaster money is properly targeted so that citizens in the disaster area can report to work, restart refineries, and restore the local economy to pre-storm levels, then the tax revenue will return to the federal government. Without properly targeted relief, fedearal tax revenue from the disaster region will be lost, and the fuel supplies the rest of the nation relies upon will be scarce, affecting national productivity.
The "debt ceiling" is a charade, the alternative to deny relief is unthinkable.
The "debt ceiling" is a charade, the alternative to deny relief is unthinkable.
3
With this neck-snapping change in direction and uncoordinated move, does anyone really think that Trump really thought this through, that this was planned to achieve some legislative agenda down the road? Please. This was a spontaneous, spur-of-the-moment decision Trump made before he thought about the repercussions and before he could take it back. Most likely it was something the last person who spoke to him said, most likely Schumer. That it 'resolved a major dispute' was an unintended consequence. Trump stumbled upon doing the right thing. Please don't think it was calculated.
Am I alone in thinking that the wealthy Republican members of Congress and the White House need increased taxes or decreased pay and benefits?
1
I'm all for offsets when it comes to disaster relief.
I want money targeted toward rebuilding wetlands and creating additional green space in Houston to offset the effects of torrential rain.
I want money tied to demands that Houston pass proper zoning ordinances to offset the runaway growth that added to the effects and costs of this storm.
I want money to study climate change so that local and state governments can plan and rebuild in ways that can offset the worst effect of storms that will only increase in intensity.
I want long term offsets that will help to keep the budget for future disaster relief under control.
It's too bad conservatives can't embrace those sorts of offsets as a part of long term fiscal responsibility.
I want money targeted toward rebuilding wetlands and creating additional green space in Houston to offset the effects of torrential rain.
I want money tied to demands that Houston pass proper zoning ordinances to offset the runaway growth that added to the effects and costs of this storm.
I want money to study climate change so that local and state governments can plan and rebuild in ways that can offset the worst effect of storms that will only increase in intensity.
I want long term offsets that will help to keep the budget for future disaster relief under control.
It's too bad conservatives can't embrace those sorts of offsets as a part of long term fiscal responsibility.
1
"But without addressing the fundamental underlying issues, it set up the prospect for an even bigger clash at the end of the year."
and the contempt for politicians grows and grows. policy preferences notwithstanding, once again they delay, complicate and avoid difficult decisions. why? with this group of politicians it's always about remaining in office so some day they can cash in with a huge payday.
and the contempt for politicians grows and grows. policy preferences notwithstanding, once again they delay, complicate and avoid difficult decisions. why? with this group of politicians it's always about remaining in office so some day they can cash in with a huge payday.
This should be considered a victory for the country that the president was willing to reach across the Isle to side with the democrats for the benefit of our nation. As much as we don't want the debt ceiling to rise without fiscal spending cuts, helping the people of Texas and Florida is our immediate concern.
That being said, if the Republicans really want to scale back fiscal spending, they need to focus on the United States defense budget to start with. If the country's peacetime defense spending is this high and going to keep going higher with every budget, I shudder to think that during wartime, the nation will not be able fund anything. Trimming down the defense budget to the point where it's comparable yet higher than other countries is a start.
There are so many places the exorbitantly high defense budget can allocate funds to. FEMA funding is a form of defense of the United States people from disasters isn't it?
Funding EPA is also a form of defense of the United states from the damaging effects of climate change isn't it?
Funding medical research through NIH and other grants is a form of defense of the United States people from the perils of high drug prices and deadly diseases isn't it?
Funding educational programs for more deserving students is a form of defense of the United States future with good supply of highly educated youth isn't it?
Food for thought
That being said, if the Republicans really want to scale back fiscal spending, they need to focus on the United States defense budget to start with. If the country's peacetime defense spending is this high and going to keep going higher with every budget, I shudder to think that during wartime, the nation will not be able fund anything. Trimming down the defense budget to the point where it's comparable yet higher than other countries is a start.
There are so many places the exorbitantly high defense budget can allocate funds to. FEMA funding is a form of defense of the United States people from disasters isn't it?
Funding EPA is also a form of defense of the United states from the damaging effects of climate change isn't it?
Funding medical research through NIH and other grants is a form of defense of the United States people from the perils of high drug prices and deadly diseases isn't it?
Funding educational programs for more deserving students is a form of defense of the United States future with good supply of highly educated youth isn't it?
Food for thought
We in the Northeast Region are happy to be paying taxes that will be used to aid our fellow countrymen in the Gulf Region. Isn't that what being an American is all about? Standing united to help each other.
5
Great attitude! Whether the hurricanes that hit the Gulf, like Katrina, or the hurricanes that hit the Northeast, like Candy, that is what being American is all about.
1
So this is a good thing.
The idea that one party can completely ignore the representatives of another party and pass whatever bills that their ideologues tell them to probably sounded good to the Republicans when the normal checks and balances were playing out during the Obama administration.
However, there is a pretty wide range of viewpoints in each party, and often the best laws will come from compromise between people of like minds in both parties rather than having one party dragooned by ideologically driven threats from the party fringes (the Freedom Caucus should really not have a veto on all legislation).
And finally, 8 months in, Trump has caught onto this idea and is playing the role of a real deal-making, pragmatic politician and not someone who chants "four legs good, two legs better" (at least today).
It is, of course a matter of waiting to see how well this will play out, but it seems like the go-to policy decision is no longer "What would Breitbart want."
The idea that one party can completely ignore the representatives of another party and pass whatever bills that their ideologues tell them to probably sounded good to the Republicans when the normal checks and balances were playing out during the Obama administration.
However, there is a pretty wide range of viewpoints in each party, and often the best laws will come from compromise between people of like minds in both parties rather than having one party dragooned by ideologically driven threats from the party fringes (the Freedom Caucus should really not have a veto on all legislation).
And finally, 8 months in, Trump has caught onto this idea and is playing the role of a real deal-making, pragmatic politician and not someone who chants "four legs good, two legs better" (at least today).
It is, of course a matter of waiting to see how well this will play out, but it seems like the go-to policy decision is no longer "What would Breitbart want."
110
"the best laws will come from compromise between people of like minds in both parties ... "
A camel is a horse made by committee.
A camel is a horse made by committee.
I'd like to take their "club" for growth and bash them right over the head with it. Who are these people who hate us so much? Why are they telling our employees what to do?
19
a la Alfonso Bedoya in Treasure of Sierra Madre, via Mel Brooks in Blazing Saddles: "We don't need no stinkin' wall."
12
Mr. Ryan responded by saying the Democrats’ proposal was “unworkable, and it could put in jeopardy the kind of hurricane response we need to have.”
“To play politics with the debt ceiling, like Schumer and Pelosi apparently are doing, I don’t think is a good idea,” Mr. Ryan said.
So, it wasn't a good idea when Republicans refused aid to the victims of Hurricane Sandy because it hit the "liberal" northeast?
The GOP: The Grand Old Party of Hypocrites.
“To play politics with the debt ceiling, like Schumer and Pelosi apparently are doing, I don’t think is a good idea,” Mr. Ryan said.
So, it wasn't a good idea when Republicans refused aid to the victims of Hurricane Sandy because it hit the "liberal" northeast?
The GOP: The Grand Old Party of Hypocrites.
42
the only reason trump wanted it was to score a victory. somebody ask trump what a debt ceiling is
11
After beginning with a business or two, and ending up with a net worth of a pretty fair number of billions, I expect Trump knows what a debt ceiling is. He has been turned down for loans in the past, and had to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Chapter 11 buys the business time - time to refinance the debt, time to reorganize - all while supervised by a court. It lets the debtor work his/her way out of a problem and keep the business going.
Yep, he hit a debt ceiling several times.
Yep, he hit a debt ceiling several times.
This is a toughie.
I loathe the Democrats working with Trump on anything.
On the other hand, it really made the Republicans mad.
More popcorn.
I loathe the Democrats working with Trump on anything.
On the other hand, it really made the Republicans mad.
More popcorn.
59
It may well be time to buy into popcorn, butter and salt futures. This is going to be a Long One!
1
Disappointed in Democrats. With this cooperation they're effectively propping up an administration that just spent the long weekend punishing dreamers for their faith in America before driving over them with eight hundred thousand busses.
2
We all complain and think our vote matters. Why then are we so unhappy with ur "so called" government? because you and I don't matter one bit to them. Also, let Houston wait a few months for aid like they made Long Islan NY wait for sandy aid. Let Houston eat cake.
6
Tit for Tat? You mean Dems will allow GOPers to pay to clean up flooding Mar-O-Lago?
5
"“To play politics with the debt ceiling, like Schumer and Pelosi apparently are doing, I don’t think is a good idea,” Mr. Ryan said."
_______
Isn't playing politics with the debt ceiling exactly what the Republicans have been doing for 8 years? Tying a guarantee that we don't default on our good faith and credit, to helping the tens of thousands who've been affected by an "act of God" doesn't seem like something that all those religious zealots in the Freedom Caucus would be so exercised over. But I guess Ryan has to answer to Charles Koch at the end of the day.
_______
Isn't playing politics with the debt ceiling exactly what the Republicans have been doing for 8 years? Tying a guarantee that we don't default on our good faith and credit, to helping the tens of thousands who've been affected by an "act of God" doesn't seem like something that all those religious zealots in the Freedom Caucus would be so exercised over. But I guess Ryan has to answer to Charles Koch at the end of the day.
8
Three Republicans vote against relief for the citizens of Texas. I hope that there were not from Texas. And could they have vote against helping their own citizens in need.
3
This is what Trump needs to do to get himself impeached. I can already hear Republicans saying, "This time he's gone too far!"
15
I assume that Trump knows that in 3 months the problem will belong to President Pence
12
Well, Mr. Stephen Bannon is dancing a jig of joy right now. This is the first of many steps in the path to the destruction of the GOP. He continues to orchestrate the demise of Ryan and McConnell from outside the West Wing and his freedom from the White House will give him the opportunity to deliver the Fire and Fury to decimate the GOP.
5
Schumer and Trump both look pretty happy in that photo-maybe Trump will come to his senses and realize that he could get more done with the Democrats and moderate Republicans than with the nutty, obstructionist Freedom Caucus.
I am not, however, holding my breath.
I am not, however, holding my breath.
32
"...Mr. Ryan responded by saying the Democrats’ proposal was “unworkable, and it could put in jeopardy the kind of hurricane response we need to have"...
Going to be interesting, from here on in...
Trump tried working with (nearly) all of the Republicans - that didn't end well...
Now, perhaps he's going to try working with half of them - and most of the Democrats...
PS - the more I stare at the lead-in picture, NYT...
The more I like it...
A visual metaphor for centrism and bipartisanship...
Schumer squarely in...
Trump tip-toeing in, from the right...
Going to be interesting, from here on in...
Trump tried working with (nearly) all of the Republicans - that didn't end well...
Now, perhaps he's going to try working with half of them - and most of the Democrats...
PS - the more I stare at the lead-in picture, NYT...
The more I like it...
A visual metaphor for centrism and bipartisanship...
Schumer squarely in...
Trump tip-toeing in, from the right...
6
Wouldn't something if Trump started to get things done by working with Democrats and going around his own party?
8
Looks like Paul Ryan has egg on his face again after condemning the plan earlier today. The Tea Party gets to fume and, as usual, the can is kicked down the road again. The GOP controls both Houses of the Congress and the Presidency and nothing every happens unless the Democrats jump in and vote with the "moderate" Republicans in then nick of time.
9
Draining the Swamp. Lets se if the GOP can do better in Houston than they have so far done in Washington. Even here it took the Democrats to remedy a basic human tragedy. Now the Republicans can still label them spendthrifts while remaining the Party of NO. Is everybody happy now???
3
I want the names of the 3 republicans who voted no. Hard ball hardliners deserve no shielding by remaining nameless.
8
Conservatives no longer have ideas for anything, except doing nothing.
6
For this fake president, a deal he makes is more important than his political party.
5
Just remember, wash your hands with soap after shaking hands with the Trumpter and make certain that you do not let your guard down when dealing with this reality showman.
Also, check his tweets to make certain he did not undercut you while sleeping because he could change his off key tune at any point.
In other words, you are not his base.
Also, check his tweets to make certain he did not undercut you while sleeping because he could change his off key tune at any point.
In other words, you are not his base.
Everyone should know by now what the debt ceiling is about - paying the expenditures already spent; (and we know how the Republicans spend and blame Dems). Including Harvey relief or any other pork barrel issue should not be allowed. Now my rant, I am from Long Island NY and I am insulted that Sandy relief funds took almost for f-n ever due to the Republicans and now we want to just throw some billions at Harvey. NO. I am sorry but I have a grudge on the republicans, so let Houston eat cake for a few months. The chickens need to come home to roost.
2
Paul Ryan levying charges of "playing politics"? Are you kidding me? This from the leader of the party that turned the entire 8-year presidency of a decent, principled, intelligent man into one long political game of obstruction obstruction obstruction. Boy. That really tears it. How do the Paul Ryans of the world not see what utter moral frauds and hypocrites they are.
12
They see it. Too busy lining their own pockets to care, though,
1
Is there a bromance developing between Schumer and Trump? - Donald has been known to shapeshift in the past. The country should not hold its collective breath just yet; however, if Trump does begin a trend of siding with the Democrats, Republicans, by the truckload, will start denouncing him.
2
“To play politics with the debt ceiling, like Schumer and Pelosi apparently are doing, I don’t think is a good idea,” Mr. Ryan said.
The man's cluelessness is nearly matched by his shamelessness....you're supposed to say thank you when somebody saves your bacon, gives you another three months' worth of rope with which to hang yourself or not.
The man's cluelessness is nearly matched by his shamelessness....you're supposed to say thank you when somebody saves your bacon, gives you another three months' worth of rope with which to hang yourself or not.
5
If the roles were reversed and CA had a rainy day fund of 10B after a major natural disaster, Republicans would be up in arms that CA pay their fair share. But Dems just acquiesce and simply approve TX get the funds. Always reaching across the aisle to get nothing in return. And THAT'S why Dems continue to lose elections. Stop playing by the rules!
7
It always amuses me to listen to conservatives moan and complain about the deficit. Meanwhile they champion massive tax cuts for the wealthy and businesses that will only drive up the deficit.
6
The real discussion should be taxes: RAISING taxes. We're faced with national disasters, the infrastructure of a second world country, too many wars to count, health care and education costs run amuck and they all cost money, lots of money. We have real problems here and all they want to talk about is cutting taxes. These guys couldn't run a condo association.
5
"Trump sides with Democrats." First thought: I need to get to the eye doctor, fast.
23
Somebody, anybody, please provide evidence of a single conviction held by Trump other than commitment to his growing wealth.
37
Playing both sides against the middle seems to be a conviction on the part of this president.
Democrats agreeing with Trump? Trump agreeing with Democrats? "Conservatives" shut out and grumbling?
Who says wolves and sheep cannot lie down together?
Who says wolves and sheep cannot lie down together?
65
Come on, he simply decided to pay his bills, just like all presidents do - and unfortunately only for three months, whereas this should be an annual decision, NOT a three month decision, as the GOP started doing since Obama won the elections.
If this should make us happy, we're truly lowering the bar BELOW the very minimum of what is required once you're hired for this job ...
If this should make us happy, we're truly lowering the bar BELOW the very minimum of what is required once you're hired for this job ...
You seem to miss the bi-partisanship aspect of all of this.
I never thought I would say this, but, "Thanks to President Trump". This needed to be done. Thank goodness he did it. I hope he doesn't change his mind tomorrow. It would have been terrible for Trump if he shut down the government, but worse for the people who would suffer.
I still dream of bipartisanship. Maybe there is hope?
I still dream of bipartisanship. Maybe there is hope?
175
No, there is no hope. Trump is malicious and self interested. Don't rely on him. This is his political equivalent of jujitsu, seeming to give way to allow the weight of the opposing force destroy itself.
1
Isn't that "Thanks to the Democrats"? Mr Trump just agrees with whoever speaks with him last. Today it happened to be Sen Schumer and Rep Pelosi. Most mornings, it happens to be whatever idiotic TV show he is watching.
2
Hold off on the praise for a bit, we don't know the real quid pro quo but we do know that Trump and the republicans lie like rugs.
1
I very, very, very do hate hypocrisy from either party when American lives and livelyhoods are put in danger while they are playing a game of checkers/chess!!!
7
Trump did something right! He put the hurricane victims ahead of the wall.
28
Yes. Now let's see if he'll address our "crumbling"--his words--infrastructure as well, before going back to a building a wall, which we've been doing fine without.
Texas senators Cruz and Cornyn tied hurricane Sandy aid to other things. Shall we hold Harvey aid hostage to Trump wall or debt?
113
Apparently the House and president are. If they fail to raise the debt ceiling, we're all going to be swimming--in a flood of a less viscous substance than water.
Just amazing. Irma is about to destroy a major part of my home state, Florida, and these jerks are busy playing "pass the buck". Ryan knows there's the $10,000,000,00 'rainy day money available, but 5 will get you 50, the top 1% gets it exclusively, and we tote the rest of the bill. Meanwhile, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are being flattened as I type. P.R., as well as the U.S.V.I., both should decide once and for all on statehood if they do or do not want relief. Enough of their free ride. It will be interesting to see just what's left for the actual U.S. states when the mud settles. The average person will be clobbered- as usual, and the 1% will get bailed, again - as usual! Bet on it. 'Mir A Lago' probably already has the paper work filled out!
52
Did Paul Ryan really just accuse the Dems of politicizing the debt-limit increase? He must know his supporters are stupid, because anyone with a brain knows the debt-limit increase wasn't politicized until his party started doing so several years back. That this man is Speaker of the House is no less embarrassing to our country than Trump in the Oval Office and McConnell controlling the Senate. Republican hypocrisy has no limits...
798
Let's play a game. The game is called "Who Said It?"
Here is your first quote:
"You know, Paul, (Ronald) Reagan proved that deficits don't matter. We won the ... elections, this is our due."
Remarks on Paul O'Neill (January 9, 2004)
HINT: artificial heart. Darth Vadar.
Here is your first quote:
"You know, Paul, (Ronald) Reagan proved that deficits don't matter. We won the ... elections, this is our due."
Remarks on Paul O'Neill (January 9, 2004)
HINT: artificial heart. Darth Vadar.
11
He has to ("White House to Ask for $14.5 Billion Down Payment for Harvey Relief"). If he did not do this, there's zero way for him to get a couple of billion dollars HAND OUT for "Mir A Lago" after Irma turns it into yet another swamp for him to drain. And you can bet your entire family that he will try!
28
If it takes a major hurricane to get the GOP to react reasonably, then climate change must be Gods answer to ignorance. Just saying.
137
It is also god's answer to overpopulation.
So now we are three months away from financial contrastrophe, instead of only three weeks. Whoopee!
92
The Party of No. Why these fools get elected is beyond me.
175
There has to be a clear, and thorough investigation of the voting machines and the companies who own them.
Thank goodness Biggs is not my rep. He's despicable nevertheless.
2
OMG! Has a lovefest broken out between Trump and the Democrats?
4
Well, prepare again because Irma is on its way to Florida... Mar-a-Lago is on its path so, be ready to increase the debt limit and fund the government for three months more on top of these three....
30
Why send aid to the "victims" of Harvey? After all this is only fake news and a hoax invented by China to make American business less competitive.
43
This is what makes most of what Trump says or does disgusting. For him everything is a deal, and for someone who made his fortune on real estate, this means a winner and a loser. Harvey relief is about people who have had everything destroyed and have to start all over, but for Trump it's a game to see what he can get.
4
What's a "tax event" and why does the president need to be there?
2
Congress in action is like watching a very bad soap opera!!!
5
"President Trump and congressional leaders agreed on Wednesday to increase the debt limit and fund the government until mid-December..."
Gee, this is presented as though it was an achievement of some sort. Raising the debt ceiling is just a way of paying for expenses already approved by Congress. Funding the Government they were elected to run is...normal, no? Like, if there's no government, there's no need for elected officials.
What a waste of time and energy while there's so much to do: Harvey and Irma, North Korea, Nafta, DACA, Afghanistan, Syria, Irk, Soudan...
Gee, this is presented as though it was an achievement of some sort. Raising the debt ceiling is just a way of paying for expenses already approved by Congress. Funding the Government they were elected to run is...normal, no? Like, if there's no government, there's no need for elected officials.
What a waste of time and energy while there's so much to do: Harvey and Irma, North Korea, Nafta, DACA, Afghanistan, Syria, Irk, Soudan...
27
Wonder if Trump will like the "getting things done" feel of siding with Democrats.
35
See what compromise with the other party gets you, Donald? A Win!
9
I have a message for our illustrious(sic) members of congress. The budget and Harvey disaster relief are two separate and distinct issues. Instead of trying to hide one inside the other like a snake eating itself deal with both independently, openly and honestly with full transparency.
7
"Trump says..." as a qualifier for any phrase renders it meaningless. He said Obama was not born in the US, he said he was a millionaire, he said he had no dealings with Russia, he said he was like a smart person, he said "'Til death do us part" three different times to three different people! If he said it got dark at night, I'd recommend we all get up to look and make sure.
36
I thought that Texas didn't want anything to do with the federal government. Now they need help? Didn't all those Texas congressmen vote against help for the east coast and aren't all those republicans trying to defund FEMA?
I guess we've at least put the stupid wall on hold; we need to keep talking about Russia and tax returns.
I guess we've at least put the stupid wall on hold; we need to keep talking about Russia and tax returns.
196
A three month extension of the debt ceiling? Just three months?
Pathetic.
The debt ceiling law is a fraud enabling a Congress with no fiscal discipline to make believe that it has fiscal discipline. The law has caused nothing but trouble and should be repealed altogether.
Pathetic.
The debt ceiling law is a fraud enabling a Congress with no fiscal discipline to make believe that it has fiscal discipline. The law has caused nothing but trouble and should be repealed altogether.
2
Isn't Texas a big States rights proponent? Didn't Ted Cruz and other Texas republicans vote against the Sandy relief bill? Seems to me that they're a bunch of hypocrites. They want big government money when THEY need it, but not when others do. Same thing with healthcare.
46
How do the three Republicans who voted against relief for victims of Hurricane Harvey live with themselves?
People like this have no place in our government. They're morally bankrupt.
People like this have no place in our government. They're morally bankrupt.
6
Only two questions for our august congressional leaders:
1) Does this move represent strategy, or simple cowardice?
2) Whichever, on whose part?
See you in December !
Regards,
JV
1) Does this move represent strategy, or simple cowardice?
2) Whichever, on whose part?
See you in December !
Regards,
JV
2
I'm 100% for this sort of disaster relief & more. But it seems the entire country's been pulled over to The Dark Side by dint of the perfect political storm. NOW I'm like, Hey, this is what you want? This is what you get. Read : zero aid. Let the (religious) right clean up the mess they created.
6
This seems no where near certain. McConnell wouldn't tie the debt ceiling to the Harvey relief if he didn't think he needed to in order to ensure passage. So, this forces Paul Ryan to have to possibly forgo Freedom Caucus support, and pass a bipartisan bill with the Democrats.
All of this SHOULD happen. It is all things McConnell and Ryan WANT to happen. Let's see if they have the stones.
Trump is the opposite of a fiscal hawk, and so it isn't a surprise he doesn't care about the debt ceiling. I guess I am slightly surprised he didn't cause a panic just to troll liberals. Messing with the debt ceiling is something that would make everyone except Freedom Caucus and Ted Cruz angry, so maybe that is why. His base doesn't care about the deficit.
So, good for him? I dunno.
All of this SHOULD happen. It is all things McConnell and Ryan WANT to happen. Let's see if they have the stones.
Trump is the opposite of a fiscal hawk, and so it isn't a surprise he doesn't care about the debt ceiling. I guess I am slightly surprised he didn't cause a panic just to troll liberals. Messing with the debt ceiling is something that would make everyone except Freedom Caucus and Ted Cruz angry, so maybe that is why. His base doesn't care about the deficit.
So, good for him? I dunno.
2
“To play politics with the debt ceiling, like Schumer and Pelosi apparently are doing, I don’t think this is a very good idea”
-Ryan-today
“The Republican Party demanded that the President negotiate over deficit reduction in exchange for an increase in the debt ceiling”
-Republican House of Representaives-2011
Is this what is called “short term memory loss”, or is it “amnesia”? Poor Mr. Ryan is beginning to learn that you can’t have your cake and eat it too.
Good to see the Democrats starting to get good foothold on this new session of Congress. The Republicans are beginning to realize that they can’t get much done without them. The “Freedom Caucus” will try their continuing resolution of “stonewalling” anything that might increase the budget.
-Ryan-today
“The Republican Party demanded that the President negotiate over deficit reduction in exchange for an increase in the debt ceiling”
-Republican House of Representaives-2011
Is this what is called “short term memory loss”, or is it “amnesia”? Poor Mr. Ryan is beginning to learn that you can’t have your cake and eat it too.
Good to see the Democrats starting to get good foothold on this new session of Congress. The Republicans are beginning to realize that they can’t get much done without them. The “Freedom Caucus” will try their continuing resolution of “stonewalling” anything that might increase the budget.
7
Trump agrees, Dems agree, most Republicans agree except for a few and holy smoke something gets done.
2
sadly, I don't get from this somewhat verbose article exactly how this is good for dems
can a professional explain how this is good for the dems ?
can a professional explain how this is good for the dems ?
1
The president agreed to work with Dems and threw McConnell and Ryan under the bus. I as McConnell said, Republicans have to go along with the president. The recalcitrant Freedom Caucus has been defanged, for now.
Trump also boasted about having dinner withChuck and Nancy."
Trump also boasted about having dinner withChuck and Nancy."
1
You mean to tell me, after President Lunkhead and his henchmen in the Justice Department and Congress decided to destroy the lives of 800,000 young people trying to make America their country and democracy their form of government, that ANY Democrats co-operated with this bunch of miscreants?
Shame on them!
Shame on them!
5
No one should be popping champagne corks over this but at least we're not planning to ingest hemlock. It seems we can choose to govern; to avoid the poisonous menu of the extreme right when circumstances obviate the need.
I'm not holding my breath for further responsible decisions, but for the moment, we seem to have at least a temporary flirtation with sanity. How rare! How refreshing!
I'm not holding my breath for further responsible decisions, but for the moment, we seem to have at least a temporary flirtation with sanity. How rare! How refreshing!
347
Funny. LOL
Wonderful. Republicans are learning to eat their own. I love it.
Now, Democrats - time to unlearn it.
Now, Democrats - time to unlearn it.
12
Nice to see Trump working across the aisle. Doubt it would raise support for me among Democrats but at least it's productive.
1
republicans and their uncontrollable spending and huge debt increases - horrific.
2
Let's keep kicking the can down the road...yet again. 3 months...just in time to ruin the holiday shopping for all retailers...large and small downtowns...argh! How many times can they kick the same can? They are so frustrating...ARGHHH!!!
2
Keep on kickin' ! That can should be kicked clear out of the universe! It was a dumb idea to begin with.
2
Well, I guess it IS a relief to know I'll get my Social Security check three more times, but we've set the bar awfully low.
10
The first thing the president has done right, siding with the Democrats to do the right thing no matter the party. Maybe the first of many. By the way, I voted for H.
17
“To play politics with the debt ceiling, like Schumer and Pelosi apparently are doing, I don’t think is a good idea,” Mr. Ryan said.
I'm playing the world's smallest violin.
I'm playing the world's smallest violin.
202
You should have heard Ryan condemning Pelosi and Shumer in very nasty words for their proposal. He called them unpatriotic and other bad things.
Which, as it happened, Trump preferred to Ryan's plan.
Which, as it happened, Trump preferred to Ryan's plan.
7
Here we see the master of deal making, Donald Trump, in action.
In the 2018 Congressional elections, Trump will crush his Republican opponents in the Senate and House, and will surprise everyone with his independent way of thinking, stealing large chunks of Bernie Sanders platform.
As a lifelong New Yorker, Trump has always been more closely aligned with liberal, even socialist, values than the small brains in the Washington media imagine. But Trump knows that he needs to throw raw meat to his populist base every now and them.
Trump is not racist, not anti-immigrant, not anti-Semitic, not anti-Islam and not anti-women. He is a remarkably effective public speaker, who uses simple, short words to get his message across to simple Americans -- who make up most of the country.
Trump is a wheeler-dealer New York politician, like the wily Chuck Schumer, who says what he has to in order to win elections, but will always compromise with other power holders in the end.
Unlike Obama, Trump is a political genius.
In the 2018 Congressional elections, Trump will crush his Republican opponents in the Senate and House, and will surprise everyone with his independent way of thinking, stealing large chunks of Bernie Sanders platform.
As a lifelong New Yorker, Trump has always been more closely aligned with liberal, even socialist, values than the small brains in the Washington media imagine. But Trump knows that he needs to throw raw meat to his populist base every now and them.
Trump is not racist, not anti-immigrant, not anti-Semitic, not anti-Islam and not anti-women. He is a remarkably effective public speaker, who uses simple, short words to get his message across to simple Americans -- who make up most of the country.
Trump is a wheeler-dealer New York politician, like the wily Chuck Schumer, who says what he has to in order to win elections, but will always compromise with other power holders in the end.
Unlike Obama, Trump is a political genius.
3
Lol ... that's why he gets nothing done, didn't even manage to get elected by a majority of voters, and from the very beginning has historically low approval ratings ... ?
It's all part of him being a "political genius" ... ?
I don't think so ... :-)
General Kelly and Sec. Mnuchin told him not to mess around with the debt-ceiling, now that the GOP controls DC, so he obeyed, and that's it.
In the meanwhile, if he'd be a "remarkable public speaker", don't you think that he'd at least be able to sell his extremely unpopular policy proposals and Executive decisions to a majority of the American people ... ?
Even that he can't do.
All that he does is watching Fox News and then copy-pasting their "message" (read: lies), which fires up the 30% of the American people who are brainwashing by their false narrative, and that's about it.
Paying your bills in time isn't being a political genius, it's simply part of your daily job as president ...
It's all part of him being a "political genius" ... ?
I don't think so ... :-)
General Kelly and Sec. Mnuchin told him not to mess around with the debt-ceiling, now that the GOP controls DC, so he obeyed, and that's it.
In the meanwhile, if he'd be a "remarkable public speaker", don't you think that he'd at least be able to sell his extremely unpopular policy proposals and Executive decisions to a majority of the American people ... ?
Even that he can't do.
All that he does is watching Fox News and then copy-pasting their "message" (read: lies), which fires up the 30% of the American people who are brainwashing by their false narrative, and that's about it.
Paying your bills in time isn't being a political genius, it's simply part of your daily job as president ...
4
This IS a joke, right?
Otherwise, check the water in Budapest!
Otherwise, check the water in Budapest!
1
Nice to know there's someone out there who gets it. I've been a lone wolf with this thinking since the very beginning, crying out from the fiery mind-meld of Brooklyn, NY. Trump reduces political posturing to simple but concrete graph-like figures and he watches the nightly news with an eye on how to shape it the following day. It's all so very brilliant, as day by day the common liberal mind's serial small lies build and build towards a not-too-distant future I like to think of as 'The Great Denial'. Same goes with the common conservative mind. Stay tuned!
While I'm at it, I might as well plug my Off-Off Broadway stage play, 'The Undertow'. www.undertowplay.com
While I'm at it, I might as well plug my Off-Off Broadway stage play, 'The Undertow'. www.undertowplay.com
I guess it beats three hours. What a collection.
3
Ha. There was never going to be any wall. Not before 2018 when they can trot it out to drum up votes from the one-issue, anti-immigrant voters.
The Repub Texas delegation would have also voted en masse against this FEMA funding legislation had not been in aid of their own voters.
9
Looks like all the House members from States effected by Sandie had no issue with helping those in need of disaster relief in Texas. Will be interesting to see how the Senate votes and if Ted Cruz and John Cornyn insist of "offsets" to cover the necessary disaster relief like they did with Sandie. All the Congressional members that voted against Sandie relief and now for Harvey and soon to be Irma relief should be shamed with recurring commercial loops on every network (including FOX) with any clips of them grandstanding on the House/Senate floor or TV shows for through the next election cycle. These hypocrites better vote for funding full relief of any future weather or natural disaster regardless of State location.
2
This is just a "delay and pray" strategy. Trump is looking for a miracle to help him learn how to govern by then. And, obviously, to fund his wall and stoke his ego.
1
The people of Texas need to crack open that rainy day fund of theirs and put some skin in the game, instead of just relying on federal help (which is the status quo given that the state is a net "taker"). It's ridiculous that Gov. Abbott didn't immediately call his state's legislature into session to at least activate a portion of that $10 billion. So much for that ol' independent Texas spirit, I guess.
52
Oh, and by the way, Texans do not have a state income tax. Must be nice to sit on an oil dome. Pretty stingy of them to vote against aid for New Jersey but to accept it for them selves. Let's require them to contribut $10 billion before we give them a dime.
10
I was really looking forward to watching the Republicans shut down the federal government, again . . . is there no pleasure left in this world for a Democrat?
6
How close to the edge of the cliff can we cycle? We need new leaders, all new leaders.
1
Once again Congress kicks the can down the road as to the debt ceiling. If I did my job the way they do, I would be fired, and rightfully so....
Hmmmm, there's an idea.
Hmmmm, there's an idea.
There will always be a few people in congress who think of disaster relief as another give-away to the undeserving. Those poor misguided backward politicians. Nothing can save them, or us, from them.
"Asked if he worried about a backlash from conservatives, Mr. Cornyn told reporters, “None of this is easy, so I guess the answer is no.”
And so Cornyn and his Texas buddies are forced to demonstrate that they are not even really "conservatives;" just stooges put in office to transfer as much wealth to their patrons as possible in whatever manner possible.
And so Cornyn and his Texas buddies are forced to demonstrate that they are not even really "conservatives;" just stooges put in office to transfer as much wealth to their patrons as possible in whatever manner possible.
5
How does that money get disbursed and how long long will it take? It seems like funding for some other yet-to-be named purpose.
“To play politics with the debt ceiling, like Schumer and Pelosi apparently are doing, I don’t think is a good idea,” Mr. Ryan said.
Playing politics you say?
That's interesting.
When did righteously hypocritical politician Ryan change his occupation?
I thought playing politics was his lifeblood and essence....
Playing politics you say?
That's interesting.
When did righteously hypocritical politician Ryan change his occupation?
I thought playing politics was his lifeblood and essence....
1
Whew! All this winning.
I wish you could see the look on my face; I look just like Jeff Sessions announcing a mass deportation of "others."
I wish you could see the look on my face; I look just like Jeff Sessions announcing a mass deportation of "others."
6
Your comment has made my day
1
President Trump attempted to seize 800,000 hostages yesterday to extort money for the construction of a big wall, with a six month deadline, and today the Democrats seized his administration's financing and the debt ceiling with a three month deadline. This is government by the Obama-era GOP rules and standards, and now we'll see whose hostage-taking is more effective to bend the other side's will. The Democrats have an advantage because substantial majorities of Americans support DACA -- about twice as many as support Trump.
2
Congress should be required to stay in DC until an annual budget is produced, The inadequacies of the ACA are addressed, taxes reformed and a fair and just immigrant law is put in place, including a permanent DACA. The extent to which our government now practices incompetence and kleptocracy is frightening. This is why we need less government and not more.
The tea partiers in both houses are absolutely, positively, free to vote NO on the combined Harvey disaster relief and debt ceiling increase bill. See where that failure to govern responsibly NO vote gets you.
3
It is very good news that the Democrats' proposal will result in the victims of Hurricane Harvey receiving prompt federal aid.
It would be better news if Texas Republicans had not been so uncharitable to other states in the past, or at least publicly acknowledged their shameless hypocrisy.
Once a modern Republican, never again an ethical person.
It would be better news if Texas Republicans had not been so uncharitable to other states in the past, or at least publicly acknowledged their shameless hypocrisy.
Once a modern Republican, never again an ethical person.
1
I haven't seen anything. When will the Republicans be asked why they wanted to cut FEMA? The Harvey was a blessing to Trump. I don't think Irma will be.
P.S. I think Sara Huckabee Sanders would be getting criticized a lot more were she not female and overweight. She is starting to make Ron Ziegler look like a truth teller.
P.S. I think Sara Huckabee Sanders would be getting criticized a lot more were she not female and overweight. She is starting to make Ron Ziegler look like a truth teller.
1
If Trump wants to make it deal it should be about fixing our neglected infrastructure, not more money for the military verses money for disaster victims.
2
These Republicans complaining about the Democrats when they have the majority... It just boggles the mind.
2
Teaching Donnie how to work a government can't be easy but showing him how craven the republican party is has to have felt good, not that 45 understands what just happened. No wall, not now, not ever. Good job Nancy and Chuck, keep the heat on them all.....
5
Too bad they can't add a provision barring those Senators and Representatives who voted against providing aid to victims of Sandy from getting relief funds for damages they got from Hurricane Harvey. And may voters in Texas and Louisiana learn more about the importance of Americans sticking together. My heart goes out to the victims of Sandy and Harvey and to those who will be harmed by Irma.
1
Here's a tangential thought with regard to all the billions of dollars that will be needed to help states/US territories recover from these catastrophic storms. We have this base of Trump supporters that claim they voted for him because they need his help to find meaningful employment. Why not create a federally funded (Texas could also use money from their $10 billion "rainy day fund" as well) entity such as the Civilian Conservation Corps and train the people on how to do expert storm recovery and clean-up work. It appears we're going to need a dedicated "army" of civilians to help clean up after these ever more frequent storms. Perhaps you could treat it as a means of gaining college tuition assistance as well. You serve in the "Civilian Corp" for x number of years, get paid a decent wage with health benefits and you get tuition assistance of some sort.
3
If they don't raise the debt ceiling, we're all going to have a disaster on our hands, and not from hurricanes.
1
The Republicans have become the party of procrastination. Six months for DACA, three months on the debt ceiling, appointing diplomats. Are they expecting public opinion to get better? Are they expecting the public to stop paying attention? Are they expecting Trump to start acting like a president instead of a three year old? Nope....not gonna happen.
In the mean time the US loses world cred, people suffer and democracy deteriorates into a TV reality show.
In the mean time the US loses world cred, people suffer and democracy deteriorates into a TV reality show.
3
I laughed out loud when I read that Ryan accuses the Democrats of playing politics with the debt ceiling. That's a good one, Paul!
51
It takes a one-two punch from Harvey and Irma to pound some sense into our wayward president and congress. Giving themselves a 3 month reprieve from this hectic period then probably sinking back into their road and home record of non-accomplishment. This however could be a game-changing time when the focus on international and domestic events simply can not be subjected to kicking the can down the road.
135
not really they are spending money that does not exist and will stil want enormous tax cuts for the 1%
A barely functioning government is the best we can hope for.
We pay them too.
We pay them too.
1
Thank you, President Trump, for stepping back and being objective on this matter. Although I do not always agree with the politics of this Administration, this is the right move to help get Texas back up and running.
1
Once again, Congress fails to put together, let alone pass a budget, balanced or not. I'm disgusted by Congress's unwillingness, over and over again, to take on and complete one of it's most important tasks. Will we ever hold their feet to the fire over this, or do the voters care as little Congress appears to about a balanced budget?
Sure. Link the aid to "spending" cuts. "Spending" on tax evasion (like starrett city, , carried interest, offshore transfers, bankruptcy, conflicts of interest and other things Trump).
While we would prefer to have a competent, functional and benign government working in our behalf, I guess this outcome is better than what could have happened if lawmakers actually followed the absurd policies of those like the odious Club for Growth sitting high and dry in their ivory towers cooking up ways to extract more wealth from actual productive Americans to shove upwards to those who have quite enough. I wish they had enough integrity to admit their disdain for people in need instead of constantly cloaking their ideas in terms of protecting the taxpayers.
And why is it that every we have a major natural disaster they appear to have to figure out what is needed as though it was the first time?
And why is it that every we have a major natural disaster they appear to have to figure out what is needed as though it was the first time?
1
There are three storms out there as I write this. One is coming toward us as a category 5 storm. The other two might go away but until Saturday no one knows for sure. Either way the money need for disaster relief is just going to keep growing. Please keep in mind is not where the storms come on land it is the damage they do once they are.
1
While we are tying things together, I think we should kill two birds with one stone: A steep carbon tax as part of the tax reform. I will help the environment and the federal debt at the same time.
1
I can't believe how dysfunctional Congress is, they need to fire them all and start again, reminding them that country comes first and not special interests. Trump is doing well considering the bozos in both parties but it is incredulous that the US is spending itself into being a second world country and have very little to show in the way of new infrastructure for their outrageous spending over the last decade.
1
Speaker Ryan said that playing politics with the debt ceiling like Schumer and Pelosi are doing, "I don't think is a good idea."
Now we know how the GOP leadership gets their ideas! Thanks, Paul.
Now we know how the GOP leadership gets their ideas! Thanks, Paul.
1
This is good short-term news. But one of the many ironies of this situation is that some of this emergency funding could compensate DACA beneficiaries who will be helping to rebuild the devastated parts of Texas or who were themselves victims. How tragic that they'll be facing deportation even as they work with their fellow Americans to get their communities back on their feet.
2
So the entire picture is coming into focus:
1. The Republican party which is actually two or more disparate factions is clearly highlighted as what they have been for a decade - The Party of No - which is unable to govern even in the face of natural disaster and national security. Their only focus is control and decimation of all the true governmental functions in a social democracy in order to facilitate their corporate donors.
2. The President is in way over his head, with no real clue on how to LEAD a country either through natural disaster, domestic divide, or international crisis.
3. The Democrats are limited by corruption and lack of inspiring leadership, but they are the only portion of the government which is at all interested in maintaining the vestiges of a social democracy with liberty and justice for all.
Voters should pay attention or run for office.
1. The Republican party which is actually two or more disparate factions is clearly highlighted as what they have been for a decade - The Party of No - which is unable to govern even in the face of natural disaster and national security. Their only focus is control and decimation of all the true governmental functions in a social democracy in order to facilitate their corporate donors.
2. The President is in way over his head, with no real clue on how to LEAD a country either through natural disaster, domestic divide, or international crisis.
3. The Democrats are limited by corruption and lack of inspiring leadership, but they are the only portion of the government which is at all interested in maintaining the vestiges of a social democracy with liberty and justice for all.
Voters should pay attention or run for office.
4
Let's remember that despite all that Republican posturing against raising the debt and not offsetting hurricane spending to Texas with other spending cuts they voted for the bill anyway. Meanwhile when it came to raising the debt under Obama and hurricane aid to New Jersey for Hurricane Sandy many of these same Republicans voted to shut down the government over the debt ceiling and against aid to victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Once again we are reminded that hypocrisy (a fancy term for lying) is very alive and well with Trump and the rest of the Republican Party.
Once again we are reminded that hypocrisy (a fancy term for lying) is very alive and well with Trump and the rest of the Republican Party.
2
Good for Trump! He's obviously putting Harvey and Irma disaster financing ahead of other considerations, at least for now and is giving some GOP Congressional Leaders a bit of their own medicine. Those, within his own party, including many business leaders, that have written him off somewhat precipitously should maybe reconsider...
1
With one thoughtless move Trump just relegated Speaker Ryan and Majority Leader McConnell to the ash heap of history. The Freedom Caucus is no longer relevant and basically Nancy and Chuck are in the driver's seat for the rest of the legislative year and for 2018. Tax Reform, Infrastructure, DACA, you name it, if Nancy and Chuck don't like it, it's not happening.
1
Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't these debt-ceiling debates just grand-standing? The ceiling isn't "real." It's an arbitrary cap on borrowing to cover things that Congress already authorized and decided it wants to pay for. It's not a budget.
All the hand-wringing by "conservatives" about whether it's ok to link this to Harvey relief is absurd. Harvey relief is essential. The debt ceiling is totally artificial. It exists only because Congress wants to be able to show it cares about the debt--but not enough to do something about it (like raise taxes on the rich). By linking it to something essential, they're doing themselves a favor.
All the hand-wringing by "conservatives" about whether it's ok to link this to Harvey relief is absurd. Harvey relief is essential. The debt ceiling is totally artificial. It exists only because Congress wants to be able to show it cares about the debt--but not enough to do something about it (like raise taxes on the rich). By linking it to something essential, they're doing themselves a favor.
667
Things would get "real" very quickly if Congress didn't raise the debt ceiling.
3
Jeremy--best comment thus far. By far!
2
Yes, I understand that. But it would be a totally manufactured crisis.
If Congress wants to cut the debt, they should. The debt ceiling has nothing to do with it.
If Congress wants to cut the debt, they should. The debt ceiling has nothing to do with it.
1
I have mixed emotions about the Democrats wanting to tie the debt ceiling to Harvey funding. Although I of course overwhelmingly approve both funding for Harvey relief and raising the debt ceiling, which is the only responsible option, I feel like it should be a hard and fast rule that you do not politicize the debt ceiling. Ever.
The defaulting on our debt is the fiscal equivalent of launching nukes unilaterally. It is unthinkable. There should never be conditions set. There are reasons to be concerned about our debt, but those concerns should be addressed in the budgeting process, not in keeping the promises to pay debt Congress has already approved.
So, just because I like the bill being attached to the debt ceiling, and prefer the party sponsoring the idea, I feel like this is the wrong thing to do. Both are incredibly reasonable, and anyone who votes against either is a criminal. Tying them together puts both at risk, as it asks for political courage from GOP legislators. Not a good bet.
The defaulting on our debt is the fiscal equivalent of launching nukes unilaterally. It is unthinkable. There should never be conditions set. There are reasons to be concerned about our debt, but those concerns should be addressed in the budgeting process, not in keeping the promises to pay debt Congress has already approved.
So, just because I like the bill being attached to the debt ceiling, and prefer the party sponsoring the idea, I feel like this is the wrong thing to do. Both are incredibly reasonable, and anyone who votes against either is a criminal. Tying them together puts both at risk, as it asks for political courage from GOP legislators. Not a good bet.
111
100% agree. Very uncomfortable with Dems lowering themselves to the level of the Pubs regarding the debt ceiling.
If you do not want to politicize the debt ceiling, then get rid of it. It's a silly thing. Every time the debt increases to the point where it's going to exceed the ceiling, we have a show-fight over it and then increase it. It serves no useful purpose and should be removed. There should be no debt ceiling. That would more closely reflect reality.
1
The government would run out of cash to pay the bills at the end of the month. FEMA is already almost broke. You can't provide Harvey relief without raising the debt ceiling. (But they might as well wait until we see what Irma does first, because that could be another $100B ...)
1
Republicans lead by Speaker Ryan want to cut taxes on the wealthy and on corporations without paying for the resulting shortfall. How is that conservatism?
2
So-called "conservatives" should finally learn that if they pass bills, they have to pay for it, period.
It's absurd to first pass a bill, knowing perfectly well its price tag (= how much the government will have to pay to contractors, small businesses, ordinary citizens, big corporations, banks, foreign governments etc. to implement it) and then, months or even years later, AFTER having signed all those contracts, all of a sudden refuse to pay for it (because THAT is what not raising the debt ceiling comes down to, in the end).
It's simply not responsible governing.
IF they truly believe in fiscally responsible policies, they should start doing what Obama did, and only sign bills into law that are paid for, rather than supporting bills that increase the deficit, as the GOP has constantly proven to do once they control DC.
Of course, after G.W. Bush left with a record, structural $1.4 trillion deficit, that alone isn't even enough anymore to not have to raise the debt ceiling time and again - "structural" means that it won't go away for decades, even if no new unpaid for spending bill is signed into law.
Obama nevertheless already managed to cut Bush's deficit by two thirds. But no president will be able to eliminate it entirely this decade already.
So raising the debt ceiling shouldn't be tied to ANYTHING, and certainly not partisan bills, as the GOP wants.
Trump and the Democrats do the right thing here: force the GOP to pay its bills by tying this to Texas relief.
It's absurd to first pass a bill, knowing perfectly well its price tag (= how much the government will have to pay to contractors, small businesses, ordinary citizens, big corporations, banks, foreign governments etc. to implement it) and then, months or even years later, AFTER having signed all those contracts, all of a sudden refuse to pay for it (because THAT is what not raising the debt ceiling comes down to, in the end).
It's simply not responsible governing.
IF they truly believe in fiscally responsible policies, they should start doing what Obama did, and only sign bills into law that are paid for, rather than supporting bills that increase the deficit, as the GOP has constantly proven to do once they control DC.
Of course, after G.W. Bush left with a record, structural $1.4 trillion deficit, that alone isn't even enough anymore to not have to raise the debt ceiling time and again - "structural" means that it won't go away for decades, even if no new unpaid for spending bill is signed into law.
Obama nevertheless already managed to cut Bush's deficit by two thirds. But no president will be able to eliminate it entirely this decade already.
So raising the debt ceiling shouldn't be tied to ANYTHING, and certainly not partisan bills, as the GOP wants.
Trump and the Democrats do the right thing here: force the GOP to pay its bills by tying this to Texas relief.
3
Since the 2016 election, I have felt that the worst consequences would be that the Republicans gained control of all three branches of the Federal government. I actually applaud the President for supporting a Democratic position on the debt ceiling by connecting it to hurricane relief. The dark side of the extreme right wing part of the Republican Party is really showing itself here. Rather than caring about the hurricane victims, they want to play politics. I must say, as much as it hurts, nice one Mr. President.
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I would applaud him, only I think he acted out of pique, frustration and anger--not out of any deep desire to reach across the aisle or any knowledge of what the number of moths' extensions mean. I think he was mad members of his OWN party came in arguing with each other and being 'pushy', and--lo and behond! In stepped Pelosi and Schumer with an easy plan that would look like 'quick action', 'getting things done', etc. I doubt he has ANY idea why the Democrats are happy with the plan while Republicans are not. He wants to look decisive, he wants to get the Harvey aid out, and feels like members of his party have been nice to his face but then stabbed him in the back. Adversarial relationships he's okay with; disloyalty? Well, Republicans may have made a mistake there with him.
1
To my amazement, every once in a while the guy manages to do the right thing.
It hurts in a good way, FINALLY. I don't know "what" Trump is, but not the Devil.
Nothing new here from the Party of No, keep moving. Paul Ryan, McConnell and most of the 2010 class of empty suits answer only to their plutocrat masters. They did not come to Washington to do something but to destroy things like our System of Democracy. Trump is the perfect leader for this Party the master of carnage and destruction, no matter the cost to We The People. This decision is a WIN for them, that's all that counts. I'm sure we will have a tweet about the Party of Compassion.
1
Trying to understand the optics here. Why was it up to Democrats Schumer and Pelosi to announce this deal? They should have refused to announce it and instead leave it up to Ryan/McConnell to swallow their pride and announce that they had actually agreed to govern responsibly for once.
I like that it took Democratic votes to make this happen and then Conservatives voted to go along with it anyway, even though it violates their "core principles". I guess core principles are simply a matter of convenience when you control Congress and the White House.
I like that it took Democratic votes to make this happen and then Conservatives voted to go along with it anyway, even though it violates their "core principles". I guess core principles are simply a matter of convenience when you control Congress and the White House.
I wonder if these Republican so called budget hawks will take the same position towards tax cuts that would raise the deficit ? I highly doubt it. I expect they'll either just be silent then or try to rely on some sort of voodoo economics like dynamic scoring. The real tell will be whether there is really any tax reform (some taxes go up to pay for those that go down) or if it's just a rouse for a tax cut for favored corporations and the wealth, especially the investor class.
6
Exactly. They don't care one bit about the deficit when it comes to their tax cuts.
4
They also need to stop acting like shutting down the government is some sort of political tool and do one of the major jobs Congress has in its job description- pass a budget. Debate about it, negotiate and get it done. Inefficiency should not be rewarded or condoned. People in the real world do not get paid if they don't do their jobs.
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So Texas in fact has a "Rainy Day" fund, which now totals $10.3 Billion.
It is a state fund, paid in by the Petroleum Industry, which happens to be the leading cause of global warming, as well as the leader in global warming denialism.
Couldn't Texas spend its "rainy day" fund on its own very, very rainy day? And can't the United States agree to MATCH Texas' money, instead of providing all of the aid itself -- to a State that was played such a formidable role in global warming, in growth without zoning, and which constantly boasts about having no regulations on chemical plants, zoning, or commercial growth?
We should ABSOLUTELY help Texas. Especially the people, who don't deserve to lose their homes and their lives.
But, as the Republicans like to say, we could also ask the state to help themselves as well -- not just live off of welfare.
It is a state fund, paid in by the Petroleum Industry, which happens to be the leading cause of global warming, as well as the leader in global warming denialism.
Couldn't Texas spend its "rainy day" fund on its own very, very rainy day? And can't the United States agree to MATCH Texas' money, instead of providing all of the aid itself -- to a State that was played such a formidable role in global warming, in growth without zoning, and which constantly boasts about having no regulations on chemical plants, zoning, or commercial growth?
We should ABSOLUTELY help Texas. Especially the people, who don't deserve to lose their homes and their lives.
But, as the Republicans like to say, we could also ask the state to help themselves as well -- not just live off of welfare.
661
As Joel Osteen might put it, God helps those who help themselves. Amen.
2
No Ben the "petroleum industry" is NOT the leading cause of global warming. The cause of global warming is all of the people on this earth who burn petroleum products to heat, light and cool their homes, grow and transport their food, bring their children to be educated, transport themselves to the market place where they earn a living and maybe, just maybe, will eventually find a suitable substitute for fossil fuels.
What exactly would you have the world's population do Ben, live in the cold and darkness? Have you forsaken all of the petroleum industry's products in your life?
What exactly would you have the world's population do Ben, live in the cold and darkness? Have you forsaken all of the petroleum industry's products in your life?
1
The current funding is for disaster relief, 100% federal; same as response to Sandy and all other natural disasters experienced by any Americans.
Long term flood risk management (FRM) projects (levees/dams/flood barriers/ecosystem restoration/DM beneficial use/nature based features) will have cost share requirements between federal and local sponsor (most likely Texas DEQ).
Lets remember to show some understanding for our fellow Americans in their time of need and hope they accelerate FRM development in light of this event to minimize future risks.
Long term flood risk management (FRM) projects (levees/dams/flood barriers/ecosystem restoration/DM beneficial use/nature based features) will have cost share requirements between federal and local sponsor (most likely Texas DEQ).
Lets remember to show some understanding for our fellow Americans in their time of need and hope they accelerate FRM development in light of this event to minimize future risks.
The do nothing Congress came back to "work" and did nothing again except kick the can down the road so there will be another budget crisis. Just recognize that the federal government needs money in order to operate including paying for the disaster in Houston and the one to come in FL and whatever else happens between now and the end of the year and pass a realistic budget even if it means raising the debt ceiling and increasing taxes. Just do it.
2
Club for Growth is complaining about a balanced budget when the next item on the agenda is tax cuts. Give me a break. Besides, the debt ceiling finances money already spent. Congress is simply authorizing U.S. borrowing against established commitments. I'd like to see the Republican reaction if we bounced their paychecks. We promised to pay you for the full term but you're on furlough. You'd think Ryan and company would be more grateful. Schumer and Pelosi just saved Republicans a lot of time on an already crowded calendar. Fitting how the first House accomplishment since Trump took office isn't even a Republican victory. Once again, someone else had to do the responsible thing.
87
In general, to put it mildly, I disapprove of Mr. Trump.
It seems only fair, then, to acknowledge that in this case, I believe he is doing the right thing.
It seems only fair, then, to acknowledge that in this case, I believe he is doing the right thing.
5
So Republicans are still riding that tired nag called Fiscal Responsibility. Democrats, as usual, took the initiative so that the government will function until December, a mere three months from now. Gee, I'm so glad. And will Donald Trump be trumped in negotiations to fund the government beyond year's end?
Congress is being held hostage by the two anarchy caucuses, the Freedom and the Tea. They don't understand that running a viable government means spending tax money but they want to chain "spending" to entitlement programs, the ones that people living on the margins need just to subsist.
So we can look forward eagerly to a presidential taffy pull with an indifferent Congress to keep the lights on for another quarter. Isn't America great? (Again)?
Congress is being held hostage by the two anarchy caucuses, the Freedom and the Tea. They don't understand that running a viable government means spending tax money but they want to chain "spending" to entitlement programs, the ones that people living on the margins need just to subsist.
So we can look forward eagerly to a presidential taffy pull with an indifferent Congress to keep the lights on for another quarter. Isn't America great? (Again)?
12
I wish the Times and other papers would stop referring to groups such as the Club for Growth as conservative - they're nothing of the sort. Their primary interest seems to be in dismantling the Federal Government to the point that the wealthy are free to pursue any selfish interests they might have with no fear of repercussions. From my perspective, this is quite a radical viewpoint, unless you consider industrialized feudalism to be conservative.
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I don't understand the Republicans who insist on spending cuts to raise the debt ceiling. Raising the ceiling is just agreeing to pay for past spending. It shouldn't be held hostage to debates about future spending.
5
For most of the 20th century and all of the 21st Republicans and other conservatives have advocated for cutting taxes for corporations and the über wealthy, taxes that could pay for re-education, needed infrastructure work, health care, as well as ensure clean air and clean water for everyone.
Elections have consequences and sometimes voters do get what they voted for...
Elections have consequences and sometimes voters do get what they voted for...
5
Republicans need to stop running up the deficit by handing out tax breaks to the wealthy. You can't (legitimately) claim the US has a budget problem and cut taxes for the wealthy at the same time.
I'm not saying to restore the Eisenhower tax rates on the wealthy. GOP dishonesty may or may not reside in their refusal to restore responsible tax rates for the wealthy. However the GOP dishonest does definitely exist in their claiming the US is broke while also trying to cut taxes for the wealthy.
The GOP would be "more" honest if they at least took the position of "we don't want to raise taxes, but we can't afford to cut taxes for the wealthy either."
I'm not saying to restore the Eisenhower tax rates on the wealthy. GOP dishonesty may or may not reside in their refusal to restore responsible tax rates for the wealthy. However the GOP dishonest does definitely exist in their claiming the US is broke while also trying to cut taxes for the wealthy.
The GOP would be "more" honest if they at least took the position of "we don't want to raise taxes, but we can't afford to cut taxes for the wealthy either."
13
Anybody else want to hold their breath until the conservative Republicans' plan for cutting spending to pay for disaster relief - or cutting spending at all for any reason - includes cutting military spending? That would be a bipartisan plan - you tell us the number, and let us point to what gets cut.
6
Harvey makes us realize how bad our infrastructure is and how little the government has invested in preparation for disasters of this magnitude. Our priorities are askew, to be sure.
6
Paul Ryan is accusing Democrats of "playing politics with the debt ceiling?" Good grief, what has the GOP been doing all these years?
240
President Trump, whom I despise, just hung Paul Ryan, whom I despise more fervently, out to dry. I am managing my distress as best I can.
814
Trump has done more damage than Ryan. Gorsuch alone should tell you that.
2
Do you really think his intentention was to hang Mr. Ryan? I don´t.
Mr. Trump seems trying to circumvent the potential for obstruction in his own GOP. That´s the only chance he has in fact. The alternative are 4 long years of more or less hidden obstruction by parts of his own party he can not manage from his office by any means. He should have learned it from his health care disaster caused by, to be polite, by an outside leardership of some wings of his GOP. It seems that he - or a capable (new) strategic advisor - came to realize this.
Mr. Ryan doesn´t matter. We all should have learned this by the failure of Trumpcare attempts at last.
Fasten your seat belts. Now the interesting part is going to start.
Mr. Trump seems trying to circumvent the potential for obstruction in his own GOP. That´s the only chance he has in fact. The alternative are 4 long years of more or less hidden obstruction by parts of his own party he can not manage from his office by any means. He should have learned it from his health care disaster caused by, to be polite, by an outside leardership of some wings of his GOP. It seems that he - or a capable (new) strategic advisor - came to realize this.
Mr. Ryan doesn´t matter. We all should have learned this by the failure of Trumpcare attempts at last.
Fasten your seat belts. Now the interesting part is going to start.
This turn of events makes me cautiously optimistic that Mr. Trump may have decided to take his role as President of the entire country seriously. My hesitance in being fully optimistic is his history of being capricious, forgetful, and vengeful. What price will he extract from Mr. Schumer and Ms. Pelosi (and this country) for this endorsement? I am left wondering what's in it for Mr. Trump, because his history also includes unbridled avarice.
"There doesn't seem to be a will in Congress or in the administration at this point to tackle some of the major drivers of our debt and deficit problem."
Would that be the cost of 2 never ending wars, 2 tax cuts, and medicare expansion, brought to us by the Bush-Cheney administration? Would that be the massive tax-payer bail out for Wall Street and the Banks in 2009?
Of course, lets just keep blaming entitlement programs. Let's not talk about the fact that if people were paid living wages more often then not, they would not need nor qualify for food stamps, and housing and healthcare subsidies. If more people were paid living wages, our nation would also have greater tax revenue.
So tired of these same soundbites and denials from fake conservatives. If we need more money for war, recovery from natural disasters, failing and damaged infrastructure, education, ect, the government needs to increase revenue. Most agencies/dept have had their budgets slashed repeatedly. Enough blaming and complaining. Enough "tax cuts" will save us all nonsense.
Would that be the cost of 2 never ending wars, 2 tax cuts, and medicare expansion, brought to us by the Bush-Cheney administration? Would that be the massive tax-payer bail out for Wall Street and the Banks in 2009?
Of course, lets just keep blaming entitlement programs. Let's not talk about the fact that if people were paid living wages more often then not, they would not need nor qualify for food stamps, and housing and healthcare subsidies. If more people were paid living wages, our nation would also have greater tax revenue.
So tired of these same soundbites and denials from fake conservatives. If we need more money for war, recovery from natural disasters, failing and damaged infrastructure, education, ect, the government needs to increase revenue. Most agencies/dept have had their budgets slashed repeatedly. Enough blaming and complaining. Enough "tax cuts" will save us all nonsense.
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I agree with the point you're making, but when it comes to the 2009 bailout, first of all there was a consensus among economists across the political spectrum that it was absolutely necessary in order to prevent a depression, and secondly, as soon as Obama came into office he attached strings to those loans, which forced banks to pay them back in a timely manner, AND with interests.
Of course, that's the part about the bailout that the Tea Party hoped its supporters would never come to know (if not, they couldn't criticize Obama's "spending" anymore).
Unfortunately, it's also what media on the left, such as the Huffington Post, often omitted to remember, preferring instead to depict Timothy Geithner, at the time Treasury Sec. - and one of the staunchest supporters in the Obama administration of adding these new conditions and making sure that they are respected - as a Wall Street guy and "as a consequence" someone we should hate and who's betraying the agenda candidate Obama had run on etc.
I'm pretty convinced that IF the left would have clearly understood 1. that a bailout is a LOAN, not taxpayer money simply given away to banks, and 2. that there was no other solution at the time, and 3. that thanks to Obama less than four years later already most banks had paid back their loans, WITH interests for the taxpayer ... then the Democrats may have maintained control of Congress in 2010.
And then progressives would have been able to achieve much more, under Obama ...
Of course, that's the part about the bailout that the Tea Party hoped its supporters would never come to know (if not, they couldn't criticize Obama's "spending" anymore).
Unfortunately, it's also what media on the left, such as the Huffington Post, often omitted to remember, preferring instead to depict Timothy Geithner, at the time Treasury Sec. - and one of the staunchest supporters in the Obama administration of adding these new conditions and making sure that they are respected - as a Wall Street guy and "as a consequence" someone we should hate and who's betraying the agenda candidate Obama had run on etc.
I'm pretty convinced that IF the left would have clearly understood 1. that a bailout is a LOAN, not taxpayer money simply given away to banks, and 2. that there was no other solution at the time, and 3. that thanks to Obama less than four years later already most banks had paid back their loans, WITH interests for the taxpayer ... then the Democrats may have maintained control of Congress in 2010.
And then progressives would have been able to achieve much more, under Obama ...
5
You are so correct on this. Don't forget about the 58b they want to add to the war budget.
3
I agree the bailout was necessary. And I am aware that the loans were paid back in full. My point was really that the need for the bailout stemmed from the economic policies enacted by the GOP under Bush. And similarly, the GOP wants nothing but tax cuts, but we need money to rebuild and repair our failing infrastructure, and more money for Iraq and Afghanistan. The money has to come from somewhere, but the conservatives act as if the only solution is just to cut more government programs, and slash more government dept budgets to make up the difference of Trillions of dollars in deficit/debt, just so they can justify more tax cuts.
4
Rep. Amash (R-MI), Rep. Massie (R-KY), and Rep. Biggs (R-AZ) would sooner see disaster victims go unprovided for and the government shut down rather than do their job of legislating. Heavens forbid people cooperate.
The Republicans have made legislating into a game of pin the tale on the donkey.
The Republicans have made legislating into a game of pin the tale on the donkey.
233
The GOP is more concerned with appeasing wealthy conservatives than helping the country. They would rather cut FEMA than deal with flood issues. And let's not forget their misguided desire tor build a wall with taxpayer money.
5
If Amash, Massie and Biggs had been offered sufficient pork, they would have grasped onto the legislation as fast as a Texas Republican at a barbecue hosted by Northern taxpayers.
5
The Democrats are the ones always playing that game..be real.
1
There is no reason why Texas shouldn't use its $10 billion Rainy Day Fund, as Harvey was certainly more than rain. And similar cuts that Ryan et al., desires would only benefit the 1% as usual, which the rest of us would have to unfairly subsidize their swamp with our taxes, in addition to taking a further chunk out of our necessities.
381
exactly....as far as I am concerned, they hsve almost 20 billion for Harvey. let them sccount for evety penny before they get more.
5
Kicking the can down the road, but in how many years do you have not one, but two major weather disasters?
FEMA funding isn't some discretionary expense that requires an offset--you can't leave people on their roofs because you are hell-bent on reducing entitlement programs.
This country has its priorities all out of whack. The only time the GOP agrees to fund something without "offsets" is when it's something near and dear to their hearts, like the military or overhauling some defense equipment that really doesn't need it except for the wants of defense contractors.
Maybe it's time to realize there are some things that only government can do on a large scale, like disaster relief which shouldn't be tied to raising a debt ceiling based on no disaster at all.
This hatred the GOP has for government spending on anything other than their pet priorities [read donors] has got to stop.
FEMA funding isn't some discretionary expense that requires an offset--you can't leave people on their roofs because you are hell-bent on reducing entitlement programs.
This country has its priorities all out of whack. The only time the GOP agrees to fund something without "offsets" is when it's something near and dear to their hearts, like the military or overhauling some defense equipment that really doesn't need it except for the wants of defense contractors.
Maybe it's time to realize there are some things that only government can do on a large scale, like disaster relief which shouldn't be tied to raising a debt ceiling based on no disaster at all.
This hatred the GOP has for government spending on anything other than their pet priorities [read donors] has got to stop.
1185
I find myself almost amazed to say this, but I think Trump is playing this hand just right. This trade-off is a game he understands.
6
By suggesting that every increase in defense spending and every new weapon system is driven by some sort of cronyism to benefit defense contractors is, frankly, insulting to the men and women in uniform. We face a complex world with evolving challenges, and far more often than not, our trusted military generals are the ones behind asking for what they need to protect the U.S. and further its foreign policy goals. Rather than insulting them you should try thanking them for protecting your right to post this garbage.
2
How do you propose to stop it?
Republican kleptocrats control the White House, the Congress and the Supreme Court.
Sooner or later, more likely the former, most Americans will look back upon the Great Recession as "the good old days."
Republican kleptocrats control the White House, the Congress and the Supreme Court.
Sooner or later, more likely the former, most Americans will look back upon the Great Recession as "the good old days."
1
Never mind that the Federal government is navigating the seas like a ghost ship, with so many unfilled positions it's a marvel that it's not yet broken on the rocks.
Never mind that Trump's existing agency appointments, fully supported by Republicans, have essentially destroyed the purpose of these agencies and Cabinet posts, and they now serve the wealthy.
Trump's anger at Republicans will not cease until they have destroyed every scintilla of Obama's, and others', progressive legacies--even if this destruction menaces Americans and the environment.
So he, in extreme choler, negotiated with the Dems to prod the Republicans. That the debt ceiling had to be raised should not have even been an issue--it's fiscal, not political. Aid for Harvey and Irma also goes unsaid, and 2 more hurricanes are following on their heels.
This outcome was good, but, Trump did it out of anger and retribution against the Republicans. His philosophy and desires haven't changed a bit. Dems, proceed with extreme caution.