President Barack Obama - Term 1 and 2 Thread

[7 Wishes]

Heh heh...you said "shrinkage".

Seriously, though. Spending a trillion dollars in Iraq might have affected the economy just somewhat, perhaps, don't you think? Gore would obviously have never invaded.

[G.I.Jim]

Heh heh...you said "shrinkage".

Seriously, though. Spending a trillion dollars in Iraq might have affected the economy just somewhat, perhaps, don't you think? Gore would obviously have never invaded.

Nope... he would have just spent 10 trillion dollars on promoting his "buy your carbon footprint" mission. Of course he would make NOTHING out of the deal himself. I hope that mother fucker visits the Redwoods, and has one fall on his hypocritical ass! How many redwood trees would it take to build that non-energy efficient mansion that he lives in? I'm sure he thinks about the environment when he's in his SUV caravan, or his private jet though.

[7 Wishes]

Well, his twenty thousand dollar a month electricity habit was a tad hypocritical.

The problem with Gore is that no one could stay awake long enough to figure out if he was making sense or not.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Interest rates would have been driven down as a result of the tech bust,

True, but who sets interest rates?
It was Alan Greenspan, the Aynn Rand disciple and unabashed Reaganite deregulator.
Since the 80s, the country's monetary policy has been shaped by his policies - the same guy who urged Clinton to get rid of Glass Steagall, and refused all efforts to regulate derivatives and credit default swaps.
And this same "hands off" mindset was endemic throughout the Bush administration.
Predatory lending regulations were gutted, and just like FEMA, hacks were appointed to crucial oversight positions like the SEC, CFTC, and Office of Comptroller of Currency. Those that sounded the alarm about the impending housing collapse were fired.
Instead, "Let the free market handle it!" became the ruling order of the day.
Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Republican Michael Oxley, who tried and failed to reform the industry in 2005, said -

"The problem with those guys at the White House, they had all the answers and they didn't think they had to listen to anyone, including the Treasury Secretary. They were driving the ideological train. He was in the caboose, and they were in the engine room."

Would a President Gore have made similar bad choices?
I dunno.
Greenspan most likely would've stayed on, but I think it’s a safe bet that regulation wouldn’t have been viewed as such a dirty word.

..poor people would have been pushed into home ownership that they couldn't afford (probably more so) thanks to enablement of idiot finance minds in Congress like Barney Frank and Chris Dodd and....the piper would have come home to roost sometime between 2007 and 2008, under Gore or Kerry....

Barney Frank and poor people did not force the too-big-to-fail investment banks to buy up subprime mortgages, bundle them into complex derivatives, and give them false Triple A ratings, or force AIG to start insuring those toxic subprime mortgages.
The truth is, while it's easy to fault Bush or Cadillac driving welfare queens, neither scapegoat begins to do a financial apocalyptic meltdown of this scale justice.

[strangegrey]

Interest rates would have been driven down as a result of the tech bust,

True, but who sets interest rates?
It was Alan Greenspan, the Aynn Rand disciple and unabashed Reaganite deregulator.
Since the 80s, the country's monetary policy has been shaped by his policies - the same guy who urged Clinton to get rid of Glass Steagall, and refused all efforts to regulate derivatives and credit default swaps.

You'll get no argument from me. The very point I was making was that Monetary policy would have been much the same over a Bush, Gore or Kerry presidency.

However, I will state that repeal of Glass-Steagall, instead of reform of it, is the match that lit the fire on collateralized debt obligations, credit default swaps and massive unhealthy derivative trading....There are plenty of people that blame Bush for this economy, but forget to consider this one signature that William Jefferson Clinton put down on paper which set this whole economic storm rolling....

Barney Frank and poor people did not force the too-big-to-fail investment banks to buy up subprime mortgages, bundle them into complex derivatives, and give them false Triple A ratings, or force AIG to start insuring those toxic subprime mortgages.
The truth is, while it's easy to fault Bush or Cadillac driving welfare queens, neither scapegoat begins to do a financial apocalyptic meltdown of this scale justice.

See above regarding CDOs, CDSs, etc. The fact of the matter is that home-ownership was a pet project of the left (something Bush helped along, I might add) during the entire Bush presidency. Looking the other way, while predatory lending practices paved the way for a ton of bad mortgages dragging down financial institutions with the above mentioned CDO's...and CDS that banks couldn't pay out. Dodd and Frank hold significant responsibility here, looked the other way.....then crafted TARP I&II legislation to cover their criminal asses.

But even so...I'm getting off point. I generally agree with you that there's PLENTY of blame to go around. This is a perfect financial storm....it's far too simplistic to blame Hayseed for his role and ignore Greenspan's contribution, Bubba's, Frank's, Dodd's...and most recently, Obama's.

Obama's 10 month attack on capitalism has a direct corelation with the job losses experienced between last winter and today....and the number of jobs lost is dreadfully large.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Obama's 10 month attack on capitalism has a direct corelation with the job losses experienced between last winter and today....and the number of jobs lost is dreadfully large.

This is where you lose me.
If Obama’s Goldman-Sachs owned financial team don’t even have the balls to restore Glass-Steagall, what makes you think he’s waging an attack on anything but his own base’s unrealistic expectations?
He's talked a good game about reforming, but I haven't seen it.
The only economic policy that is out and out leftism is the Keynesian stimulus bill.

[7 Wishes]

Right. Now the scientists AND statisticians are wrong.

Ugh. Enough already.

[7 Wishes]

Please explain. You've lost me again...and apparently 90% of the scientific community and U.N. as well.

[donnaplease]

BTW, if you think that the current rate is only 10.2%, you're naive. It's likely MUCH higher. Current estimates are around 17%....

Well, it's around 50% at my house...

[RedWingFan]

Now this is what the military was made for.....to make the Peaceful Won look more TOTUSential...
JERK.....
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 04_pf.html

Obama to the Troops: 'You guys make a pretty good photo op'...

Yeah, Dead or alive.....they make a good photo op. Remember his "paying tribute" to a dead soldier with the entire White House photo team a few weeks ago? This guy's disgusting!

[The_Noble_Cause]

Yeah, Dead or alive.....they make a good photo op.

The troops laughed at the "photo-op" crack.
They *got* it.
So just what exactly is your problem?
Sady, none of that post-modern humor was on display as his predescessor served a plastic turkey with a straight face.

Remember his "paying tribute" to a dead soldier with the entire White House photo team a few weeks ago? This guy's disgusting!

Yeah, because no sitting President has ever gone to Dover before.
Go ahead, throw Ronnie Raygun under the bus to continue scoring points against Obama, I dare ya.

[Lula]

i recall troops/military brass and families welcoming the president's presence at dover as it brought attention to the continued loss of life and sacrifices being made in our name.

you all can continue throwing mud and insults and hope something sticks. sad you use the military, don't you like america?

[strangegrey]

you all can continue throwing mud and insults and hope something sticks. sad you use the military, don't you like america?

Oh, I see....because we think YoMama is a buffoon, we don't like America....
....nice to see you're getting the liberal media action plans sent right to your home.

When YoMama can make a sound military decision, we'll change to throwing mud of a different nature. Right now, all of the military mud is sticking. Our 'commander-in-chief' hasn't made a sound military decision in 10 months. He's going to end up looking like James Buchanan when he's done fucking up Washington's top brass.

[Ehwmatt]

you all can continue throwing mud and insults and hope something sticks. sad you use the military, don't you like america?

Oh, I see....because we think YoMama is a buffoon, we don't like America....
....nice to see you're getting the liberal media action plans sent right to your home.

When YoMama can make a sound military decision, we'll change to throwing mud of a different nature. Right now, all of the military mud is sticking. Our 'commander-in-chief' hasn't made a sound military decision in 10 months. He's going to end up looking like James Buchanan when he's done fucking up Washington's top brass.

lol, the hate America card. How convenient.

[Lula]

you all can continue throwing mud and insults and hope something sticks. sad you use the military, don't you like america?

Oh, I see....because we think YoMama is a buffoon, we don't like America....
....nice to see you're getting the liberal media action plans sent right to your home.

When YoMama can make a sound military decision, we'll change to throwing mud of a different nature. Right now, all of the military mud is sticking. Our 'commander-in-chief' hasn't made a sound military decision in 10 months. He's going to end up looking like James Buchanan when he's done fucking up Washington's top brass.

you've taken what i've said out of context. i am simply referring to the photo op statement. as for your claim of what is delivered to my home, sorry. i wish i had time to watch the t.v. and do more than skim a few headlines, as it is i'm running a few days late and listen to news radio in the car on weekday's commute. i'm one of those free thinkers, make my own decisions, and follow my own philosophy. i am not condemning obama for not rushing to send more troops into afghanistan. as much as i hate this ongoing loss of life, it will probably be necessary to launch a serious stepped up attack or just get out of dodge. i don't blame him for not acting swiftly with our troops lives at risk.

[Lula]

silly boy, i didn't say "hate" america! that word is too strong, i said "don't like." you'll never get it, but that's okay since you only think about yourself.

[Ehwmatt]

silly boy, i didn't say "hate" america! that word is too strong, i said "don't like." you'll never get it, but that's okay since you only think about yourself and your family members.

Fixed it for ya, book it.

[Ehwmatt]

silly boy, i didn't say "hate" america! that word is too strong, i said "don't like." you'll never get it, but that's okay since you only think about yourself.

No, I do get it, 55% of the fruits of my labor aren't enough for you guys, just give me the number you want and be done with it, 60%, 70% maybe 75%? I'll adapt and prosper anyway, unless of course you want it all. Which I think some libs do. At that point will be fighting though.

You crack me up so much FF. We GOTTA get together at a show in Ohio sometime and drink beers. Let me know whenever a good show is coming to Cinci, you guys get some stuff we miss and vice versa

[Saint John]

silly boy, i didn't say "hate" america! that word is too strong, i said "don't like." you'll never get it, but that's okay since you only think about yourself.

No, I do get it, 55% of the fruits of my labor aren't enough for you guys, just give me the number you want and be done with it, 60%, 70% maybe 75%? I'll adapt and prosper anyway, unless of course you want it all. Which I think some libs do. At that point will be fighting though.

You crack me up so much FF. We GOTTA get together at a show in Ohio sometime and drink beers. Let me know whenever a good show is coming to Cinci, you guys get some stuff we miss and vice versa

Count me in, douchebag.

[Ehwmatt]

silly boy, i didn't say "hate" america! that word is too strong, i said "don't like." you'll never get it, but that's okay since you only think about yourself.

No, I do get it, 55% of the fruits of my labor aren't enough for you guys, just give me the number you want and be done with it, 60%, 70% maybe 75%? I'll adapt and prosper anyway, unless of course you want it all. Which I think some libs do. At that point will be fighting though.

You crack me up so much FF. We GOTTA get together at a show in Ohio sometime and drink beers. Let me know whenever a good show is coming to Cinci, you guys get some stuff we miss and vice versa

Count me in, douchebag.

Alright you fucker, just no Bryan Adams solo acoustic *puking*

[Saint John]

If you selfish bastards hurry up we could make tonights Phish show. I hear the parking lot burittos are to die for.

That group blows, dude.

[Ehwmatt]

If you selfish bastards hurry up we could make tonights Phish show. I hear the parking lot burittos are to die for.

That group blows, dude.

LOL, are they really playing in Cinci? I hear the parking lot brownies are even better

[treetopovskaya]

you all can continue throwing mud and insults and hope something sticks. sad you use the military, don't you like america?

Oh, I see....because we think YoMama is a buffoon, we don't like America....
....nice to see you're getting the liberal media action plans sent right to your home.

When YoMama can make a sound military decision, we'll change to throwing mud of a different nature. Right now, all of the military mud is sticking. Our 'commander-in-chief' hasn't made a sound military decision in 10 months. He's going to end up looking like James Buchanan when he's done fucking up Washington's top brass.

lol, the hate America card. How convenient.

i thought it was that we don't like other countries & only cared about americans. };CP

[Lula]

When YoMama can make a sound military decision, we'll change to throwing mud of a different nature. Right now, all of the military mud is sticking. Our 'commander-in-chief' hasn't made a sound military decision in 10 months.

Unless I'm mistaken, Obama increased troops to Afghanistan back in February, it was one of his first presidential acts.
Does that not count as a "sound military decision", Frank?
I am glad we have a President that understands the gravity of committing soldiers to battle.
Colin Powell was on TV recently and he said Obama should take his time with Afghanistan.
I agree!

[Lula]

Happy to share this. I think the "opt out" option is a good addition. The debate will be interesting.


WASHINGTON – Invoking the memory of Edward M. Kennedy, Democrats united Saturday night to push historic health care legislation past a key Senate hurdle over the opposition of Republicans eager to inflict a punishing defeat on President Barack Obama. There was not a vote to spare.

The 60-39 vote cleared the way for a bruising, full-scale debate beginning after Thanksgiving on the legislation, which is designed to extend coverage to roughly 31 million who lack it, crack down on insurance company practices that deny or dilute benefits and curtail the growth of spending on medical care nationally.

The spectator galleries were full for the unusual Saturday night showdown, and applause broke out briefly when the vote was announced. In a measure of the significance of the moment, senators sat quietly in their seats, standing only when they were called upon to vote..........

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_health_care_overhaul

[Barb]

Here's a good one, for the life of me I can't figure out what they're afraid of. Oh, wait a minute yes I do, she's gonna fly over Berkley in a helicopter and start shooting liberals like wolves.

President seeks $500,000 for ads to rebut Palin

November 21, 11:50 AMRaleigh Political Buzz ExaminerMatthew Cook

Another e-mail from info@barackobama.com hit my inbox yesterday. The subject: Sarah Palin.

It begins: "Right now, Sarah Palin is on a highly publicized, nationwide book tour, attacking President Obama and his plan for health reform at every turn."

The mail goes on to say "It's dangerous. Remember, this is the person who coined the term "Death Panels" -- and opened the flood gates for months of false attacks by special interests and partisan extremists."

"Whatever lie comes next will be widely covered by the media, then constantly echoed by right-wing attack groups and others who are trying to defeat reform."

"So we're setting a big goal: $500,000 in the next week to help push back against Sarah Palin and her allies.....We need to be prepared. And we're counting on you help. Can you chip in $5?"

So it has come to this: a sitting president soliciting donations for counter-attack ads on a former VP nominee hockey mom that most of the mainstream media rediculed in the last election. If her claims are so outrageous, why bother spending the money to respond? Maybe because a lot of people are listening to her, and many of them might just agree with what she is saying.

[RossValoryRocks]

Happy to share this. I think the "opt out" option is a good addition. The debate will be interesting.


WASHINGTON – Invoking the memory of Edward M. Kennedy, Democrats united Saturday night to push historic health care legislation past a key Senate hurdle over the opposition of Republicans eager to inflict a punishing defeat on President Barack Obama. There was not a vote to spare.

The 60-39 vote cleared the way for a bruising, full-scale debate beginning after Thanksgiving on the legislation, which is designed to extend coverage to roughly 31 million who lack it, crack down on insurance company practices that deny or dilute benefits and curtail the growth of spending on medical care nationally.

The spectator galleries were full for the unusual Saturday night showdown, and applause broke out briefly when the vote was announced. In a measure of the significance of the moment, senators sat quietly in their seats, standing only when they were called upon to vote..........

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_health_care_overhaul

Yeah "opt out" but you still gotta pay...not that it matters...it won't pass Constitutional muster, Insurance is this country is INTRASTATE so the Federal government has no right to regulate it...I expect the first lawsuit with in hours, if not minutes of the final bills passage.

And the Democrats are going to pay heavy price for it come 2010.

[Lula]

And the Democrats are going to pay heavy price for it come 2010.

Depends what the Democrats can show for it.
Wasn’t it Bill Clinton who said "run on your record" or something like that?
as I understand it, most of this bill doesn't take effect for years, but some provisions set in immediately.
Things like banning recissions and insuring those with pre-existing conditions could end up more popular than you may think.
Either way, I’m just glad sick people are going to get the help they need.

[Rick]

And the Democrats are going to pay heavy price for it come 2010.

Depends what the Democrats can show for it.
Wasn’t it Bill Clinton who said "run on your record" or something like that?
as I understand it, most of this bill doesn't take effect for years, but some provisions set in immediately.
Things like banning recissions and insuring those with pre-existing conditions could end up more popular than you may think.
Either way, I’m just glad sick people are going to get the help they need.

You and I are, but the right wing would rather see them be ill than have to give a dime to help them, sadly. If someone didn't say before me, "If your favorite word is "me", you're 'Right'.

[RedWingFan]

And the Democrats are going to pay heavy price for it come 2010.

Depends what the Democrats can show for it.
Wasn’t it Bill Clinton who said "run on your record" or something like that?
as I understand it, most of this bill doesn't take effect for years, but some provisions set in immediately.
Things like banning recissions and insuring those with pre-existing conditions could end up more popular than you may think.
Either way, I’m just glad sick people are going to get the help they need.

You and I are, but the right wing would rather see them be ill than have to give a dime to help them, sadly. If someone didn't say before me, "If your favorite word is "me", you're 'Right'.

You dopes are advocating have people die sooner, not purposely of course...just due to your own incompetence!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGPumAMkn_0