President Barack Obama - Term 1 and 2 Thread

[7 Wishes]

OH and 7...this ABSOLUTELY was a referendum on Obama's healthcare plans for one, and the over all perception of the Democrats for another.

I vehemently disagree since Massachusetts, as previously stated, already HAS universal health care that is very popular among the populace.

No, this vote reflected overall dissatisfaction with the direction (or lack thereof) in the Obama Administration. Cock-ley lost the vote because she was an incompetent elitist, and Brown appealed to the common man.

Well, I'm all ears. Maybe this IS the right direction. I don't know.

However, those pansy Democrats need to realize the GOP never had more than a ten seat majority, and the Democrats had the reigns the last two years of the Bush "Administration" - and good old W. whose policies are to blame for the current financial crisis, still managed to get all his hodgepodge and poorly-planned legislation through.

At least Republicans stand for something and fight for their beliefs. The Democrats are like a bunch of doddering old ladies at a book of the month club. Pathetic.

[separate_wayz]

The exit polling will be fascinating to analyze. But the magnitude of much of it is already known.

The Democrats are losing independents horribly. Much has been said about 2010 being bad for Democrats, but not as bad as 1994. Don't count on it. If independents continue to flee the Democratic Party, this year could turn into a disaster for the Dems.

In 1994, Republicans gained 52 House seats, but only 34 came from defeating incumbents. 22 of the remaining came from open seats (formerly Democratic), with the Republicans losing 4 open seats to Democrats that year. Net change: +52 seats for the GOP.

But this year is entirely different, as it's shaping up to be a so-called wave election. In such an election, the focus on open seats is misplaced. The GOP could easily defeat 35 incumbents at the moment. If independents continue to abandon the Democrats, those numbers could swell beyond 50 incumbents defeated. Factor in a minimum of 8 vulnerable open House seats (currently Dem), and the numbers could grow to 58 or more -- worse than 1994 for the Dems.

The Democratic Party has extraordinarily misinterpreted their own electoral successes in 2008 and presently fails to understand the current populist groundswell against the bulk of their political agenda.

[RossValoryRocks]

OH and 7...this ABSOLUTELY was a referendum on Obama's healthcare plans for one, and the over all perception of the Democrats for another.

I vehemently disagree since Massachusetts, as previously stated, already HAS universal health care that is very popular among the populace.

Disagree all you want, but when you add in NJ and Virginia to the mix, you can see the populace is pushing back.

The people don't want this monstrosity of a Healthcare bill, it will bankrupt this country, and EVERYONE knows it.

The Massachusetts populace has healthcare provided, ok, all well and good, They don't want to pay for something they won't use, and will raise their taxes. Good on them. I don't want to pay for it either.

The Libs have been in charge effectively for the last 3 years and counting, and the country has tanked ON THEIR WATCH. They had 2 years prior to the economy going in the tank to do something, and didn't do it despite warnings it was going to happen. They've had another year since to fix it, and instead of getting the economy on track, they are trying to find new ways to make it even WORSE with this healthcare crock of shit bill.

Obama better pull a Clinton and come back to the center, or he will be pulling a Jimmy Carter...1 and done.

[Ehwmatt]

OH and 7...this ABSOLUTELY was a referendum on Obama's healthcare plans for one, and the over all perception of the Democrats for another.

I vehemently disagree since Massachusetts, as previously stated, already HAS universal health care that is very popular among the populace.

Disagree all you want, but when you add in NJ and Virginia to the mix, you can see the populace is pushing back.

The people don't want this monstrosity of a Healthcare bill, it will bankrupt this country, and EVERYONE knows it.

The Massachusetts populace has healthcare provided, ok, all well and good, They don't want to pay for something they won't use, and will raise their taxes. Good on them. I don't want to pay for it either.

The Libs have been in charge effectively for the last 3 years and counting, and the country has tanked ON THEIR WATCH. They had 2 years prior to the economy going in the tank to do something, and didn't do it despite warnings it was going to happen. They've had another year since to fix it, and instead of getting the economy on track, they are trying to find new ways to make it even WORSE with this healthcare crock of shit bill.

Obama better pull a Clinton and come back to the center, or he will be pulling a Jimmy Carter...1 and done.

Not to mention the MA healthcare plan faces a serious solvency issue sooner, rather than later... in fact, it has faced such virtually since its inception.

I'm sure that was not lost on MA voters.

[G.I.Jim]

OH and 7...this ABSOLUTELY was a referendum on Obama's healthcare plans for one, and the over all perception of the Democrats for another.

I vehemently disagree since Massachusetts, as previously stated, already HAS universal health care that is very popular among the populace.

No, this vote reflected overall dissatisfaction with the direction (or lack thereof) in the Obama Administration. Cock-ley lost the vote because she was an incompetent elitist, and Brown appealed to the common man.

Well, I'm all ears. Maybe this IS the right direction. I don't know.

However, those pansy Democrats need to realize the GOP never had more than a ten seat majority, and the Democrats had the reigns the last two years of the Bush "Administration" - and good old W. whose policies are to blame for the current financial crisis, still managed to get all his hodgepodge and poorly-planned legislation through.

At least Republicans stand for something and fight for their beliefs. The Democrats are like a bunch of doddering old ladies at a book of the month club. Pathetic.

Dan, I think this is the 1st political post of yours that I have actually agreed with! I think I've come to terms with the fact that I'm no longer a "Republican", and now consider myself an independent. I dissagree with what BOTH parties are doing now, and next time I vote, it won't be down party lines. I have a very conservative set of beliefs and values, and for me... there aren't many politicians out there that share that belief anymore. They might SAY they are conservatives, yet spend as much money as the Dems. Next election I'll be doing my research and voting based on their track records... NOT because they're affiliated with one party or the other. I made a mistake last year, and it won't happen again.

To me, what the Democrats are doing is suicide for their careers. This country will not have health care, or other things crammed down our throats! We elect these assholes, and they work for US. NOT the other way around. I hope they look at these tea parties, and this election yesterday and take notes. They need to lay off of this health care, quit spending money we'll never earn, and straighten out the damn ecomony. That, and stop blaming Bush for everything that EVER happens. I can dream can't I?

[conversationpc]

I think I've come to terms with the fact that I'm no longer a "Republican", and now consider myself an independent.

Halle-frickin'-lujah!

[conversationpc]

I vehemently disagree since Massachusetts, as previously stated, already HAS universal health care that is very popular among the populace.

Someone on the Rachel Maddow show brought that up while I was watching last night but it just doesn't jive with what I've seen and heard in the news. Both candidates talked a lot about the current healthcare reform efforts and people there were talking about it also, so it was certainly on the radar.

[Ehwmatt]

I vehemently disagree since Massachusetts, as previously stated, already HAS universal health care that is very popular among the populace.

Someone on the Rachel Maddow show brought that up while I was watching last night but it just doesn't jive with what I've seen and heard in the news. Both candidates talked a lot about the current healthcare reform efforts and people there were talking about it also, so it was certainly on the radar.

Solvency issues have viciously plagued The MA program from its implementation. Hell, since before it was implemented even. That's a financial bomb waiting to explode.

[RossValoryRocks]

I vehemently disagree since Massachusetts, as previously stated, already HAS universal health care that is very popular among the populace.

Someone on the Rachel Maddow show brought that up while I was watching last night but it just doesn't jive with what I've seen and heard in the news. Both candidates talked a lot about the current healthcare reform efforts and people there were talking about it also, so it was certainly on the radar.

Solvency issues have viciously plagued The MA program from its implementation. Hell, since before it was implemented even. That's a financial bomb waiting to explode.

<sarcasm generator>You guys are missing the point, it doesn't MATTER if we cannot fund it...we will raise taxes on whomever we have to...unless they are members of Unions that supported us, or states who's Senators require a little greasing to give a yes vote on somethign we want! <sarcasm generator off>

Look unfunded liabilites of our government DWARF the listed nation debt of $12 some odd trillion, like 6 to 10 TIMES more...so why no add another?

The people be damned...

If they want to REALLY fix health care, make impossible to sue for millions of dollars, because you got a hang nail trimmed a little to close by your doctor, and make it so that GROSS NEGLIGENCE is the only kind of lawsuit that can be brought...or hell make it like auto insurance, you can get health insurance with full or limited tort, and pay accordingly.

[7 Wishes]

Having worked in health care for 12 years, I can tell you from experience the malpractice insurance issue is one that should have been resolved before anything else.

Obama got greedy and tried to eat the whole pie, instead of taking one slice at a time. Had he done that, most people would have been on board if he would have adapted the more cost-prohibitive plan put forth by the moderates.

[Ehwmatt]

Having worked in health care for 12 years, I can tell you from experience the malpractice insurance issue is one that should have been resolved before anything else.

Absolutely, that was the problem I've always had with any attempt to reform anything on either side of this issue. It's never an honest, holistic look at ALL of the problems. Just the ones that are poltically convenient to demonize, i.e. big insurance, "greedy" employers etc. Tort reform isn't politically expedient for the left to attack, since the plaintiffs' bar and the general issue are leftist entities/ideas.

It's just not honest and it's not practical. But that's politics.

[RossValoryRocks]

Having worked in health care for 12 years, I can tell you from experience the malpractice insurance issue is one that should have been resolved before anything else.

Obama got greedy and tried to eat the whole pie, instead of taking one slice at a time. Had he done that, most people would have been on board if he would have adapted the more cost-prohibitive plan put forth by the moderates.

I work in healthcare now, I know doctors that pay 1/2 of their gross income to MP insurance...and they are GP's...which is the low end of Dr. payscale. Sure it looks like they are bringing in a ton of money, but take away the insurance and taxes and they don't make much more net than you or I.

[lights1961]

TNC and Deano must be pissed off at this outcome... how do you explain the bluest of the blue states to come out RED???
and it was 100% about the country as a whole not wanting HEALTH CARE JAMMED down our throats the way the bill is now... and make no mistake
any universal health care leaving millions still uninsured is NOT ABOUT HEALTH CARE pure and simple...

[Rick]

TNC and Deano must be pissed off at this outcome... how do you explain the bluest of the blue states to come out RED???
and it was 100% about the country as a whole not wanting HEALTH CARE JAMMED down our throats the way the bill is now... and make no mistake
any universal health care leaving millions still uninsured is NOT ABOUT HEALTH CARE pure and simple...

Damn straight...it was/is nothing but a power grab and the people see through it. Not to mention the supposed "transparency" we were supposed to get while instead all they did were backroom deals in secret. This election was a complete repudiation of all things Barack Obama.

I disagree. Coakley was just a poor candidate. She didn't campaign, and has a snooty, elitist attitude. If there were someone running on the Democratic ticket with a decent campaign strategy, whom the people liked, the Democrats would still hold that seat. I'm sure there are a few that voted for Brown because of the healthcare plan, but to say it's a complete repudiation of all things Obama is ridiculous.

[Ehwmatt]

TNC and Deano must be pissed off at this outcome... how do you explain the bluest of the blue states to come out RED???
and it was 100% about the country as a whole not wanting HEALTH CARE JAMMED down our throats the way the bill is now... and make no mistake
any universal health care leaving millions still uninsured is NOT ABOUT HEALTH CARE pure and simple...

Damn straight...it was/is nothing but a power grab and the people see through it. Not to mention the supposed "transparency" we were supposed to get while instead all they did were backroom deals in secret. This election was a complete repudiation of all things Barack Obama.

I disagree. Coakley was just a poor candidate. She didn't campaign, and has a snooty, elitist attitude. If there were someone running on the Democratic ticket with a decent campaign strategy, whom the people liked, the Democrats would still hold that seat. I'm sure there are a few that voted for Brown because of the healthcare plan, but to say it's a complete repudiation of all things Obama is ridiculous.

That's not saying much, considering what a Democratic cesspool Mass is and always has been.

Even political pundits on the left are not dismissing the incredible weight/referendum-style effect this election has on Obama and his policies.

[lights1961]

TNC and Deano must be pissed off at this outcome... how do you explain the bluest of the blue states to come out RED???
and it was 100% about the country as a whole not wanting HEALTH CARE JAMMED down our throats the way the bill is now... and make no mistake
any universal health care leaving millions still uninsured is NOT ABOUT HEALTH CARE pure and simple...

Damn straight...it was/is nothing but a power grab and the people see through it. Not to mention the supposed "transparency" we were supposed to get while instead all they did were backroom deals in secret. This election was a complete repudiation of all things Barack Obama.

I disagree. Coakley was just a poor candidate. She didn't campaign, and has a snooty, elitist attitude. If there were someone running on the Democratic ticket with a decent campaign strategy, whom the people liked, the Democrats would still hold that seat. I'm sure there are a few that voted for Brown because of the healthcare plan, but to say it's a complete repudiation of all things Obama is ridiculous.

she lost all the independent voters...is what really happened here.. because the independent voters see the scam that the nation is in now...and are trying to make amends by electing GOP in the house and senate in NOV 2010... all accross the nation.

[Ehwmatt]

They've seen the writing on the wall...

Obama now seeks pared-down health care bill

WASHINGTON – Chastened by the Democratic Senate loss in Massachusetts, President Barack Obama and congressional allies signaled Wednesday they will try to scale back his sweeping health care overhaul in an effort to at least keep parts of it alive.

A simpler, less ambitious bill emerged as an alternative only hours after the loss of the party's crucial 60th Senate seat forced the Democrats to slow their all-out drive to pass Obama's signature legislation and reconsider all options.

No decisions have been made, lawmakers said, but they laid out a new approach that could still include these provisions: limiting the ability of insurance companies to deny coverage to people with medical problems, allowing young adults to stay on their parents' policies, helping small businesses and low-income people pay premiums and changing Medicare to encourage payment for quality care instead of sheer volume of services.

If they do good things like Tort and kicking people out of plans and common sense stuff, then people will listen. Threatning to jail and fine people for not buying the gov plan was just a tad too much for most.

Doubt it, my guess is they are going to try and bury the more egregious/objectionable provisions even deeper in the bill and move things around to try and hide things from us. These fuckers won't concede an inch.

[separate_wayz]

Obama Says 'We Lost Touch'... Didn't Speak 'Directly to American People'...

BUT

Obama's First Year: By The Numbers:
INTERVIEWS: 158
SPEECHES, COMMENTS & REMARKS: 411


Obama way overexposed himself and people picked up on what he really is about..big government. They hid that during the campaign, buy people now realize his radical side. People by and large do not want big government. Gov control over banks, auto companies and potentially healthcare and such do not sit well.

O has now been repudiated in Mass, NJ, and Va. More to come this November.

Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Virginia .... only 54 more states to go!

[RossValoryRocks]

TNC and Deano must be pissed off at this outcome... how do you explain the bluest of the blue states to come out RED???
and it was 100% about the country as a whole not wanting HEALTH CARE JAMMED down our throats the way the bill is now... and make no mistake
any universal health care leaving millions still uninsured is NOT ABOUT HEALTH CARE pure and simple...

Damn straight...it was/is nothing but a power grab and the people see through it. Not to mention the supposed "transparency" we were supposed to get while instead all they did were backroom deals in secret. This election was a complete repudiation of all things Barack Obama.

I disagree. Coakley was just a poor candidate. She didn't campaign, and has a snooty, elitist attitude. If there were someone running on the Democratic ticket with a decent campaign strategy, whom the people liked, the Democrats would still hold that seat. I'm sure there are a few that voted for Brown because of the healthcare plan, but to say it's a complete repudiation of all things Obama is ridiculous.

You obviously don't read polling or watch the news...OVERWHELMINGLY the polling done of voters since yesterday say that healthcare was the absolute top of the heap as far as issues go.

[artist4perry]

The government needs to start listening to the pulse of the people. Both parties. We don't want something we cannot afford, that has back room deals that caters to cronies for votes. People are sick of wasteful spending and a Nanny state. If they pay the bill for health costs; they will control what you eat, if you can get care, and if they think your "cost effective" enough for them to cover. Just watch.........the Burger King Police are on their way..............and that king thingy is creepy.

[Rick]

TNC and Deano must be pissed off at this outcome... how do you explain the bluest of the blue states to come out RED???
and it was 100% about the country as a whole not wanting HEALTH CARE JAMMED down our throats the way the bill is now... and make no mistake
any universal health care leaving millions still uninsured is NOT ABOUT HEALTH CARE pure and simple...

Damn straight...it was/is nothing but a power grab and the people see through it. Not to mention the supposed "transparency" we were supposed to get while instead all they did were backroom deals in secret. This election was a complete repudiation of all things Barack Obama.

I disagree. Coakley was just a poor candidate. She didn't campaign, and has a snooty, elitist attitude. If there were someone running on the Democratic ticket with a decent campaign strategy, whom the people liked, the Democrats would still hold that seat. I'm sure there are a few that voted for Brown because of the healthcare plan, but to say it's a complete repudiation of all things Obama is ridiculous.

You obviously don't read polling or watch the news...OVERWHELMINGLY the polling done of voters since yesterday say that healthcare was the absolute top of the heap as far as issues go.

You are correct, I don't read or watch polling news. My post was to refute the part of FF's post that I bolded.

[Saint John]

Last night was another resounding "FUCK YOU!!!" to the 2 party system's dominance in politics. The Republicans were soundly defeated a year ago and the trend right now is the exact same for the democrats. It finally seems as though there's a chance for a third party to come in and makeup for what the other two parties have been sorely lacking ... the best interest of the people.

[artist4perry]

Last night was another resounding "FUCK YOU!!!" to the 2 party system's dominance in politics. The Republicans were soundly defeated a year ago and the trend right now is the exact same for the democrats. It finally seems as though there's a chance for a third party to come in and makeup for what the other two parties have been sorely lacking ... the best interest of the people.

SJ............we agree on something! Call the press!

[Saint John]

Last night was another resounding "FUCK YOU!!!" to the 2 party system's dominance in politics. The Republicans were soundly defeated a year ago and the trend right now is the exact same for the democrats. It finally seems as though there's a chance for a third party to come in and makeup for what the other two parties have been sorely lacking ... the best interest of the people.

SJ............we agree on something! Call the press!

Your vegetative state is finally over.

[7 Wishes]

I have a couple of very left-leaning family members who are now, officially, registered Independents.

Dan, you are spot on - the time has passed for the two-party system.

[RocknRoll]

I have a couple of very left-leaning family members who are now, officially, registered Independents.

Dan, you are spot on - the time has passed for the two-party system.

As long as it's not a system like France.

Frech Political Parties.
· The Union for a Popular Movement (UMP)
· The Union for French Democracy (UDF)
· The Socialist Party (PS)
· The French Communist Party
· The Greens
· The National Front
· The Movement for France (MPF)
· The Left Radical Party (PRG)

[Ehwmatt]

I have a couple of very left-leaning family members who are now, officially, registered Independents.

Dan, you are spot on - the time has passed for the two-party system.

As long as it's not a system like France.

Frech Political Parties.
· The Union for a Popular Movement (UMP)
· The Union for French Democracy (UDF)
· The Socialist Party (PS)
· The French Communist Party
· The Greens
· The National Front
· The Movement for France (MPF)
· The Left Radical Party (PRG)

Nothing ever better be like France here

[artist4perry]

Last night was another resounding "FUCK YOU!!!" to the 2 party system's dominance in politics. The Republicans were soundly defeated a year ago and the trend right now is the exact same for the democrats. It finally seems as though there's a chance for a third party to come in and makeup for what the other two parties have been sorely lacking ... the best interest of the people.

SJ............we agree on something! Call the press!

Your vegetative state is finally over.

Who says it is?

[separate_wayz]

Massachusetts special election results -- January 19, 2010

Scott Brown (Republican) 1,168,107 51.94%

Martha Coakley (Democrat) 1,058,682 47.07%

Joseph L. Kennedy (Independent) 22,237 0.99%

TOTAL 2,249,026 100%


Not much evidence of "rejection of the two-party system". Looks more like a rejection of the one-party system.

[Rick]

Last night was another resounding "FUCK YOU!!!" to the 2 party system's dominance in politics. The Republicans were soundly defeated a year ago and the trend right now is the exact same for the democrats. It finally seems as though there's a chance for a third party to come in and makeup for what the other two parties have been sorely lacking ... the best interest of the people.

Amen to that!