Santorum: Obama Had 'Little To Do' With Fall of Gaddafi

Santorum: Obama Had ‘Little To Do’ With Fall of Gaddafi

Spreading that Santorum goodwill again

PoliticsAugust 2011 • Views: 33,071

Here’s a roundup of GOP reactions to the fall of the Gaddafi regime; predictably, none of the presidential candidates give any credit to the Obama administration, but Rick Santorum comes right out and says “this indecisive President had little to do with it.”

“Ridding the world of the likes of Gadhafi is a good thing, but this indecisive President had little to do with this triumph. The stated task from the very beginning for this administration was to determine whether the US can positively influence the direction of the successor government. As we have seen in Egypt, the euphoria of toppling a dictator does not always result in more security for us and our allies in the region.”

Allies guided rebel ‘pincer’ assault on Tripoli

Jump to bottom

144 comments

wrenchwench Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:14:31pm

A million or so Libyans disagree.

Image: libyasquare.jpg

_RememberTonyC Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:15:22pm

Obama may have not been the "Alpha Dog" in this operation, but he surely had SOMETHING to do with Khadafy's ouster.

What did Sanitorium (sic) have to say about who was responsible for getting bin laden?

makeitstop Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:18:24pm

RWC had it right last night. Santorum is little more than an ankle-biter, and the rest will soon follow suit.

It drives them absolutely crazy when Obama enjoys success - and as Charles has often said, it's a very short drive.

Charleston Chew Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:19:50pm

Nice one-two punch, Santorum: "The President had nothing to do with this victory and also, uh, it's not even a victory."

I'm starting to think that the reason Republicans want so-called "tort reform" is because they're afraid we're all gonna sue them for damage to our eye-rolling muscles.

Interesting Times Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:19:52pm

On a related note, though Col. Moammar Gadhafi has not yet been captured, there's an exclusive photo of the expression he'll have once he is.

Gus Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:20:08pm

Let me see if I have this right. So Obama "gets us into this war over in Libya" and then several months later "he has little to do with the fall of Gaddafi"? Is that right?

Gus Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:21:43pm

George W. Bush had little to do with the fall of Saddam Hussein. Yeah, it was that other guy. What's his name. Dennis Kucinich that did it.

Bulworth Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:24:34pm

"But, but he isn't giving Bush any credit!"

"Obama's taking a victory lap"

"The fall of Gadhafi means radical Islams will take over Libya"

"Obama should have done more, sooner"

"How many $trillions is this costing us?"

"Obama should invite Bush to the Gaddafi capture"

Kragar Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:24:40pm

Funny, that not what NATO has to say on the matter.

The rapid weekend advance of Libyan rebel troops into Tripoli was the result of an opposition strategy put in place two weeks ago with the advice of British, French and Qatari special forces on the ground, along with an earlier decision by the Obama administration to share additional intelligence on the positions of Libyan government forces, according to NATO and U.S. military and intelligence officials.

Shiplord Kirel Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:25:30pm

Our friend Kragar has posted some additional information that sheds light on Obama's role.

Allies guided rebel 'pincer' assault on Tripoli

The rapid weekend advance of Libyan rebel troops into Tripoli was the result of an opposition strategy put in place two weeks ago with the advice of British, French and Qatari special forces on the ground, along with an earlier decision by the Obama administration to share additional intelligence on the positions of Libyan government forces, according to NATO and U.S. military and intelligence officials. (emphasis added)

It may not be apparent to Santorum and his partisans, but we have intelligence assets the allies do not. A lot of this is already shared with the NATO allies as a matter of routine. Any decision to go beyond that level would necessarily involve some especially sensitive assets, since these would the ones to which the allies do not have routine access. That decision could only come from the White House.

SpaceJesus Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:25:30pm

Wait, hasn't the right been spending the last several months trying to make this into "Obama's third War" wherein Obama is spending too much fighting it and acting in an unconstitutional manner by not asking for Congressional approval?

Iwouldprefernotto Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:26:00pm

Even if true, who cares? I should now vote for a hater, because Obama--in your opinion--had nothing to do with the fall of Gaddalfi?

Answer me this person with an ungoogleable name: WHY SHOULD ANYONE VOTE FOR YOU????????

Kragar Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:26:07pm

re: #10 Shiplord Kirel

Our friend Kragar has posted some additional information that sheds light on Obama's role.

Allies guided rebel 'pincer' assault on Tripoli

It may not be apparent to Santorum and his partisans, but we have intelligence assets the allies do not. A lot of this is already shared with the NATO allies as a matter of routine. Any decision to go beyond that level would necessarily involve some especially sensitive assets, since these would the ones to which the allies do not have routine access. That decision could only come from the White House.

The GOP has no use for intelligence!

Shiplord Kirel Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:26:20pm

re: #9 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

GMTA

wrenchwench Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:26:36pm

re: #11 SpaceJesus

Wait, hasn't the right been spending the last several months trying to make this into "Obama's third War" wherein Obama is spending too much fighting it and acting in an unconstitutional manner by not asking for Congressional approval?

That was yesterday. Sheesh. You liberals, always living in the past....

Bulworth Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:27:02pm

"Obama only went into Libya because Hilary Clinton and the JCS made him"

iossarian Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:27:49pm

re: #13 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

The GOP has no use for intelligence!

LOL.

"Intelligence, how does it work?"

Gus Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:28:41pm

It's jealously. Mark my word. All this kvetching by the Republicans regarding Obama and Libya. They're freaking out because it's nearly coming to an end and quite successfully military speaking.

Kragar Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:29:10pm

So let me get this straight.

The GOP gets us to invade 2 countries, costing us billions, with no clear strategy to get out, and its patriotic.

Obama kills Bin Laden and is instrumental in toppling, and he doesn't deserve any credit, plus, its his fault we're still in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Is that about it?

Bulworth Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:29:19pm

Dare I pay a visit to Fox Nation to see what witty and insightful things they have to say about Libya?

SpaceJesus Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:29:50pm

re: #20 Bulworth

haha, you can just go to fox's main site for that

Charleston Chew Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:30:45pm

re: #19 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

So let me get this straight.

The GOP gets us to invade 2 countries, costing us billions, with no clear strategy to get out, and its patriotic.

Obama kills Bin Laden and is instrumental in toppling, and he doesn't deserve any credit, plus, its his fault we're still in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Is that about it?

It's like you're quoting RNC strategy memos.

Shiplord Kirel Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:30:48pm

re: #18 Gus 802

It's jealously. Mark my word. All this kvetching by the Republicans regarding Obama and Libya. They're freaking out because it's nearly coming to an end and quite successfully military speaking.

Without a doubt. Their prophet, Saint Ronald of the Raygun, went after Gaddafi too and failed to bag him. They can't stand it that someone from the opposition has succeeded yet again where they failed.

Charleston Chew Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:31:31pm

re: #20 Bulworth

Dare I pay a visit to Fox Nation to see what witty and insightful things they have to say about Libya?

I enjoy them the most any time the President's succeeding.

Gus Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:31:39pm

re: #16 Bulworth

"Obama only went into Libya because Hilary Clinton and the JCS made him"

//

...

BARRACK HUSSEIN OBAMA HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH NATO AND THE USA GOING TO LIBYA TO OUST GADDAFI!!11ty CLEARLY THE PENTAGON OR SOMEONE ELSE WENT OVER HIS HEAD TO MAKE THIS DECISIVE MOVE TO BRING FREEDOM TO THE LIBYAN PEOPLE!!11TY OBAMA COULD NOT HAVE THOUGHT OF THIS HIMSELF! NOT EVEN CLOSE BECAUSE HE'S STILL ON HIS APOLOGY TOUR OF THE WORLD!!11TY OBVIOUSLY A CONSERVATIVE WAS BEHIND THIS.

Gus Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:32:58pm

re: #23 Shiplord Kirel

Without a doubt. Their prophet, Saint Ronald of the Raygun, went after Gaddafi too and failed to bag him. They can't stand it that someone from the opposition has succeeded yet again where they failed.

Ha! Great sound bite too.

Obama succeeds where Reagan failed!

Shwing! That's gotta hurt.

Bulworth Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:33:16pm

re: #21 SpaceJesus

haha, you can just go to fox's main site for that

The media FAIL yesterday was a site to behold. MSNBC was running something about body snatching in NYC. CNN was running some fluffy entertainment stuff. CNN finally switched over to its international network. It's domestic stable of hosts obviously aren't up for this sort of thing.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:33:31pm

re: #1 wrenchwench

A million or so Libyans disagree.

Image: libyasquare.jpg

That's kind of cute.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:33:45pm

Meh. In a few months: it was Obama's fault that he toppled Kaddafi and let those riff-raff Islamists take power, that MB stooge!

Bulworth Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:35:48pm

The important thing is, What does Rush say? Unless Rush tells me, I won't know who to credit/blame for the success/failure of overthrowing Kaddafi. //

Charleston Chew Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:35:57pm

re: #23 Shiplord Kirel

Without a doubt. Their prophet, Saint Ronald of the Raygun, went after Gaddafi too and failed to bag him. They can't stand it that someone from the opposition has succeeded yet again where they failed.

It may be even more basic than that. These people are upset that a Democrat is even allowed to be Commander-In-Chief. "But, but, that's supposed to be our military! It's in the constitution or Bible or something."

Gus Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:36:08pm

re: #29 Sergey Romanov

Meh. In a few months: it was Obama's fault that he toppled Kaddafi and let those riff-raff Islamists take power, that MB stooge!

We were better off with Gaddafi in power! At least he kept the militant Islamists under tight control!!11ty

wrenchwench Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:36:22pm

re: #29 Sergey Romanov

Meh. In a few months: it was Obama's fault that he toppled Kaddafi and let those riff-raff Islamists take power, that MB stooge!

I was thinking that would happen toady. So far, the Shrieking Harpy is focused on pimping her book.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:36:53pm

re: #8 Bulworth

"But, but he isn't giving Bush any credit!"

"Obama's taking a victory lap"

"The fall of Gadhafi means radical Islams will take over Libya"

"Obama should have done more, sooner"

"How many $trillions is this costing us?"

"Obama should invite Bush to the Gaddafi capture"

//

I'm not terribly optimistic about the future of Libya, but this is absolutely ridiculous. Especially now that I'm seeing dark warnings coming across my Facebook account about how the rebels are 'jihadists'. We can tell this because they beheaded someone. (Apparently, all of the Tudor monarchs were jihadists. This was concealed from me in my sharia-compliant college history courses.)

For all I know, the rebels are jihadists. However, Ghadaffi's record as a sponsor of terrorism is, er, a matter of record. Apparently that has simply been wiped away in some people's minds.

Jaysus, I understood these folks wanting to keep Mubarak, but Mad Mo?

Shiplord Kirel Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:37:14pm

The alleged lefty Ayers-loving pinko peacenik Obama has turned out to be a veritable warlord: Presiding over the death of bin Laden, ordering the eradication of pirates, backing the overthrow of dictators, drone-zapping terrorists, and otherwise cleaning up the trash left by the Bush gang.

Gus Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:37:33pm

A little preemptive of course. But this is for the wingnuts...

Image: obama-mission-accomplished-medium.jpg

Kwa kwa!

Charleston Chew Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:37:44pm

re: #25 Gus 802

BARRACK HUSSEIN OBAMA HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH NATO AND THE USA GOING TO LIBYA TO OUST GADDAFI!!11ty CLEARLY THE PENTAGON OR SOMEONE ELSE WENT OVER HIS HEAD TO MAKE THIS DECISIVE MOVE TO BRING FREEDOM TO THE LIBYAN PEOPLE!!11TY OBAMA COULD NOT HAVE THOUGHT OF THIS HIMSELF! NOT EVEN CLOSE BECAUSE HE'S STILL ON HIS APOLOGY TOUR OF THE WORLD!!11TY OBVIOUSLY A CONSERVATIVE WAS BEHIND THIS.

The short version would be, "Any time the President succeeds it's because a white person made him do it."

Gus Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:40:52pm

re: #37 Charleston Chew

The short version would be, "Any time the President succeeds it's because a white person made him do it."

Yep. Sort of like Bush when he had Colin Powell and Condi Rice going to bat for him.

No, wait...

Lidane Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:42:05pm

Cue the 'splodey heads:

FCC Eliminates Fairness Doctrine in Rules Shake-Up

Shiplord Kirel Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:43:39pm

What a wretched little man Santorum is.

Besides common decency and any respect for their own heritage, today's GOP also lacks a sense of the ridiculous. They are actually in the position of questioning the forcible removal of the mad-dog Gaddafi, a monster who has killed dozens of Americans and thousands of others, and they don't even pause to consider what they are doing.

Gus Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:44:01pm

So seriously. Has any Republican said anything good so far? Any one?

makeitstop Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:44:26pm

re: #39 Lidane

Cue the 'splodey heads:

FCC Eliminates Fairness Doctrine in Rules Shake-Up

Yeah, 'fairness.' How...quaint.

I can't tell you how sad that story makes me. With that, the media is probably lost forever.

Lidane Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:44:54pm

re: #13 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

The GOP has no use for intelligence!

And they've been proving it for decades. =P

Gus Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:44:59pm

re: #40 Shiplord Kirel

What a wretched little man Santorum is.

Besides common decency and any respect for their own heritage, today's GOP also lacks a sense of the ridiculous. They are actually in the position of questioning the forcible removal of the mad-dog Gaddafi, a monster who has killed dozens of Americans and thousands of others, and they don't even pause to consider what they are doing.

And not one single ounce of respect for the office of the president. No a single drop. I've never seen such wretched souls.

Kragar Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:45:03pm

re: #39 Lidane

Cue the 'splodey heads:

FCC Eliminates Fairness Doctrine in Rules Shake-Up

"Obviously, this was done so Obama and his friends could further marginalize conservative media outlets and let the mainstream media push them out of business. I can't wait to hear Rush, Beck, Hannity and the Fox news guys rip this apart."

Lidane Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:46:01pm

re: #41 Gus 802

So seriously. Has any Republican said anything good so far? Any one?

LOL you. As if any elected or paid Republican is going to give Obama any credit for anything.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:46:51pm

re: #33 wrenchwench

I was thinking that would happen toady. So far, the Shrieking Harpy is focused on pimping her book.

She did write a paean to GOP tho:

Monday, August 22, 2011
Which Party Stands for Shared Values, Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness?

By their acts ye shall know them, and so we know them.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today (22 August 2011), in Jerusalem, met with a Price/Cantor delegation of 25 Republican members of the House of Representatives.

So who do you stand with, America? The party that supports the Muslim Brotherhood or the party that supports Israel? It's essentially a question of choosing good over evil.

The Jewish homeland has been under siege by jihadists firing hundreds of rockets from Gaza over the past few days. I love that the Republicans took this proud and vocal stand for the world to see. Obama does not represent the American people, he represents seditious special interests that seek to undermine American hegemony and relinquish American sovereignty. America will not elect an anti-Israel president again. That is why Ron Paul has no shot and anyone tied to Grover Norquist will reek of his Muslim Brotherhood stench.

America will send a clear and resounding message to the world November 2012. He will be history and the healing will begin.

Gus Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:47:22pm

re: #46 Lidane

LOL you. As if any elected or paid Republican is going to give Obama any credit for anything.

I always believe in giving people a second chance.

Shiplord Kirel Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:47:56pm

re: #44 Gus 802

And not one single ounce of respect for the office of the president. No a single drop. I've never seen such wretched souls.

Teddy Roosevelt needs to rise from the grave and show them what it was like when a Republican still had a big stick.

Gus Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:48:30pm

re: #47 Sergey Romanov

She did write a paean to GOP tho:

Speaking of wretched.

wrenchwench Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:48:51pm

re: #47 Sergey Romanov

She did write a paean to GOP tho:

I was wondering why I spelled "today" as "toady".

Lidane Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:49:58pm

re: #47 Sergey Romanov

I love how Grover Norquist is apparently part of the party that stands with the Muslim Brotherhood. That will always be hilarious to me.

Targetpractice Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:50:02pm

Gotta love how, when the "Coalition of the Willing" knocks down a dictator, it was due to the hard work and sacrifice of our brave president.

But when NATO, with the UN's blessing, assists in the knocking down of a dictator, it's nothing special.

Wonder if the GOP still wishes to impeach him for violating the WPA?

elizajane Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:50:20pm

Santorum nothing: John McCain, along with L. Graham, issues the following disgustingly weasely statement:

“We also commend our British, French, and other allies, as well as our Arab partners, especially Qatar and the UAE, for their leadership in this conflict. Americans can be proud of the role our country has played in helping to defeat Qaddafi, but we regret that this success was so long in coming due to the failure of the United States to employ the full weight of our airpower.”

Now who's apologizing for America?

[Link: mccain.senate.gov...]

Lidane Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:51:05pm

re: #53 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

Wonder if the GOP still wishes to impeach him for violating the WPA?

Pfft. Some of them still want to impeach him for Being POTUS While Black.

NJDhockeyfan Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:51:40pm

"The use of force and ultimatums has not worked. As the war enters its sixth month, it is time for the US president and secretary of state to clean up the mess they've created with this needless military intervention, and to work to seriously to bring about a negotiated end to this war."

~ Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio)

Shiplord Kirel Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:52:31pm

re: #53 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

Gotta love how, when the "Coalition of the Willing" knocks down a dictator, it was due to the hard work and sacrifice of our brave president.

But when NATO, with the UN's blessing, assists in the knocking down of a dictator, it's nothing special.

Wonder if the GOP still wishes to impeach him for violating the WPA?

It would be quite a show. They could bring Gaddafi to testify about the grievous losses and pain Obama's unlawful actions have caused him, assuming he hasn't gotten the Mussolini treatment by then.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:52:43pm

re: #54 elizajane

Santorum nothing: John McCain, along with L. Graham, issues the following disgustingly weasely statement:

“We also commend our British, French, and other allies, as well as our Arab partners, especially Qatar and the UAE, for their leadership in this conflict. Americans can be proud of the role our country has played in helping to defeat Qaddafi, but we regret that this success was so long in coming due to the failure of the United States to employ the full weight of our airpower.”

Now who's apologizing for America?

[Link: mccain.senate.gov...]

Anti-American!/

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:53:08pm

Honest question. Does the POTUS (either party) have to play a pivotal role in every damn thing that happens on the planet?

Shouldn't the POTUS let some things play out on their own?

Lidane Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:53:48pm

re: #56 NJDhockeyfan

Kucinich needs to go spend time chasing UFOs. That would be a more productive use of his time.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:54:39pm

re: #56 NJDhockeyfan

"The use of force and ultimatums has not worked. As the war enters its sixth month, it is time for the US president and secretary of state to clean up the mess they've created with this needless military intervention, and to work to seriously to bring about a negotiated end to this war."

~ Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio)

Kucinich has never met a war he liked.

Shiplord Kirel Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:55:01pm

re: #60 Lidane

Kucinich needs to go spend time chasing UFOs. That would be a more productive use of his time.

Our mind-control satellites finally got to him but, alas, they still need some work.

elizajane Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:55:07pm

As Steve Benen points out:

....if McCain and Graham really want to complain about why “this success was so long in coming,” maybe they can talk more about their trip to Tripoli two years ago, when both McCain and Graham cozied up to Gaddafi, even visiting with him at the dictator’s home, discussing delivery of American military equipment to the Libyan regime. Both senators shook Gaddafi’s hand; McCain even bowed a little."

[Link: www.washingtonmonthly.com...]

The Republicans. Just when you thought they couldn't get any more hypocritical.

engineer cat Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:55:34pm

President had little to do with this triumph

reality can be so inconvenient

OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:55:48pm

re: #55 Lidane

Pfft. Some of them still want to impeach him for Being POTUS While Black.

...and not apologizing. They love us, so long as we hate ourselves.

NJDhockeyfan Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:56:11pm

re: #60 Lidane

Kucinich needs to go spend time chasing UFOs. That would be a more productive use of his time.

I'm looking for a Kucinich/McKinney 2012 bumper sticker on somebody's car.

engineer cat Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:57:10pm

re: #40 Shiplord Kirel

What a wretched little man Santorum is.

Besides common decency and any respect for their own heritage, today's GOP also lacks a sense of the ridiculous. They are actually in the position of questioning the forcible removal of the mad-dog Gaddafi, a monster who has killed dozens of Americans and thousands of others, and they don't even pause to consider what they are doing.

i think the gop is finally beginning to lose the perfect pitch it had for so many years in terms of political positioning, and beginning to loudly commit itself to very unpopular points of view

Lidane Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:57:17pm

Cue more 'splodey heads, since Orrin Hatch just dodged a bullet:

Report: Chaffetz Won’t Challenge Hatch For GOP Senate Nomination

OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:57:22pm

re: #63 elizajane

The Republicans. Just when you thought they couldn't get any more hypocritical.

They can't even keep up with their own lies. F'ing sociopaths.

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:57:36pm

re: #66 NJDhockeyfan

I'm looking for a Kucinich/McKinney 2012 bumper sticker on somebody's car.

It'll be on a Forester.

Big Steve Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:57:49pm

re: #56 NJDhockeyfan

"The use of force and ultimatums has not worked. As the war enters its sixth month, it is time for the US president and secretary of state to clean up the mess they've created with this needless military intervention, and to work to seriously to bring about a negotiated end to this war."

~ Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio)

We can always count on Dennis to be the left's embodiment of the magic balance fairy.

nines09 Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:57:55pm

Rick Santorum. Where brain cells go to die. True cretin.

Charleston Chew Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:58:18pm

re: #12 Iwouldprefernotto

Even if true, who cares? I should now vote for a hater, because Obama--in your opinion--had nothing to do with the fall of Gaddalfi?

Answer me this person with an ungoogleable name: WHY SHOULD ANYONE VOTE FOR YOU???

I'd respect all the candidates a lot more if they spent more time telling me why they're great, the GOP's great, America's great, etc. I might disagree with them but I'd respect it compared to the litany of complaints about the President, the media, even the country itself. I mean, "Because America Is Shit" is not a good campaign slogan.

In MA, I watched Sen. Scott Brown win by being a likable, friendly guy in a truck who was opposed by a Democrat who's message was "Scott Brown's a big poopy head". I guess I should actually be happy the kooks didn't learn a lesson from this.

Kragar Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:58:40pm

re: #59 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Honest question. Does the POTUS (either party) have to play a pivotal role in every damn thing that happens on the planet?

Shouldn't the POTUS let some things play out on their own?

The most recent Republican president is responsible for all good news, while the most recent Democrat president is responsible for all bad news.

Hope that clears things up.

zora Mon, Aug 22, 2011 12:58:43pm

re: #35 Shiplord Kirel

The alleged lefty Ayers-loving pinko peacenik Obama has turned out to be a veritable warlord: Presiding over the death of bin Laden, ordering the eradication of pirates, backing the overthrow of dictators, drone-zapping terrorists, and otherwise cleaning up the trash left by the Bush gang.

all while being the recipient of a nobel peace prize. priceless.

engineer cat Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:00:34pm

a little heads up from the freeperati

And a new book is coming out on Kindle (saw the author on Fox and Friends this morning) titled: “Rick Perry and His Eggheads: Inside the Brainiest Political Operation in America, A Sneak Preview from The Victory Lab.”

interesting...

Charleston Chew Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:02:15pm

re: #54 elizajane

Santorum nothing: John McCain, along with L. Graham, issues the following disgustingly weasely statement:

“We also commend our British, French, and other allies, as well as our Arab partners, especially Qatar and the UAE, for their leadership in this conflict. Americans can be proud of the role our country has played in helping to defeat Qaddafi, but we regret that this success was so long in coming due to the failure of the United States to employ the full weight of our airpower.”

Now who's apologizing for America?

[Link: mccain.senate.gov...]

The President is literally the last person on earth they're willing to give credit. And to prove it, they're actually listing everyone else on earth.

NJDhockeyfan Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:02:16pm

re: #71 Big Steve

We can always count on Dennis to be the left's embodiment of the magic balance fairy.

Here is his campaign t-shirt.

OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:03:03pm

re: #66 NJDhockeyfan

I'm looking for a Kucinich/McKinney 2012 bumper sticker on somebody's car.

Ugh, don't give them any ideas.

In fact, these people really do want McKlanny to be their nominee, but she's already supposedly running for Congress again, this time as a so-called "Independent".

9_9

ProGunLiberal Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:03:46pm

Wha??

baysontheroad JAMES BAYS
Mad dash for journalists trying to get to #LIBYA complicated by wildcat strike action by Tunis air staff.

NJDhockeyfan Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:04:36pm

re: #79 OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin

Ugh, don't give them any ideas.

In fact, these people really do want McKlanny to be their nominee, but she's already supposedly running for Congress again, this time as a so-called "Independent".

9_9

Is she giving up on the Green Party?

Charleston Chew Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:05:39pm

re: #76 engineer dog

A Sneak Preview from The Victory Lab.

LOL. Priceless.

Atlas Fails Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:05:40pm

Santorum has become a caricature of a politician. Living in PA, I remember when the guy was taken seriously; Pittsburgh and Philadelphia moderates tolerated him because he managed to attach himself to welfare reform, and the rural whites in between loved his socially conservative red meat. Unfortunately for him, his dog whistle must have started malfunctioning early in '00s, as we saw with his infamous "man on dog" comments. He should be a cautionary tale to socon Republicans: don't let your actual opinions slip out, because they'll probably sound batshit crazy to everyone outside the GOP base.

Killgore Trout Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:05:47pm

Ding ding ding. Dow closes with a modest gain of 35 points but I'm very thankful to be off the roller coaster for now. I have enough liquidity to carry me through the next year or two or business operating costs. Fuck this economy and everything about it, I've had it.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:05:50pm

re: #66 NJDhockeyfan

I'm looking for a Kucinich/McKinney 2012 bumper sticker on somebody's car.

Well, he could always run as a Green.

McKinney's been burning up the carpet defending Gaddafi's regime. She's gonna go nuts now.

Obdicut Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:06:40pm

re: #42 makeitstop

Yeah, 'fairness.' How...quaint.

I can't tell you how sad that story makes me. With that, the media is probably lost forever.

There was never a way to enforce it. There's better ways of dealing with the problem.

Gus Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:06:44pm

re: #58 Sergey Romanov

Anti-American!/

Only when there's a Republican in the White House.

Obdicut Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:07:47pm

re: #84 Killgore Trout

Ding ding ding. Dow closes with a modest gain of 35 points but I'm very thankful to be off the roller coaster for now. I have enough liquidity to carry me through the next year or two or business operating costs. Fuck this economy and everything about it, I've had it.

Seriously. I have 2/3 of my expected income lined up, and no clue where I'm going to get the rest from. The good news is all the work I have is from now until May, so I have until then to find it.

RadicalModerate Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:08:11pm

re: #76 engineer dog

a little heads up from the freeperati

And a new book is coming out on Kindle (saw the author on Fox and Friends this morning) titled: “Rick Perry and His Eggheads: Inside the Brainiest Political Operation in America, A Sneak Preview from The Victory Lab.”

interesting...

Once again, Perry's gang of teahadists employ Orwellian Newspeak in their propoganda.

ProGunLiberal Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:08:48pm

re: #80 ProLifeLiberal

If I am understanding this correctly, Tunis is striking.

What are they hitting?

Killgore Trout Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:09:27pm

Somethings going on here: Goldman Sachs shares drop 5.5% before close

18 minutes ago: Exclusive: Goldman CEO hires high-profile defense attorney

Goldman Sachs Chief Executive Lloyd Blankfein has hired Reid Weingarten, a high-profile Washington defense attorney whose past clients include a former Enron accounting officer, according to a government source familiar with the matter.
Blankfein, 56, is in his sixth year at the helm of the largest U.S. investment bank, which has spent two years dodging accusations of conflicts of interest and fraud.

The move to retain Weingarten comes as investigations of Goldman and its role in the 2007-2009 financial crisis continue.

NJDhockeyfan Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:09:32pm

re: #85 SanFranciscoZionist

Well, he could always run as a Green.

McKinney's been burning up the carpet defending Gaddafi's regime. She's gonna go nuts now.

She probably cried over the phone with Louis Farrakhan. They both love the genocidal scumbag.

Daniel Ballard Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:10:15pm

re: #42 makeitstop
Gotta disagree there.
About the time we regulate "Fairness" on the web is about the time I'll entertain a similar policy for radio or TV. Till then I'm shedding no tears. If ya don't like whats on go for something else. Hate Rush? Dial up NPR. Or Sports. Or whoever floats your boat.

ProGunLiberal Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:11:23pm

We have a Direct Hitler Comparison. From Wikipedia:

On 22 August, two charred bodies were found in Tripoli that Al Jazeera suggested could be the bodies of Khamis Gaddafi and Abdallah Senussi.

Off to class!

Obdicut Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:11:49pm

re: #92 NJDhockeyfan

She probably cried over the phone with Louis Farrakhan. They both love the genocidal scumbag.

Heh. It's a hoot that the GOP is aligning with Farrakhan and McKinney. Way to follow a great example.

Killgore Trout Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:11:53pm

re: #88 Obdicut

Seriously. I have 2/3 of my expected income lined up, and no clue where I'm going to get the rest from. The good news is all the work I have is from now until May, so I have until then to find it.

Good luck. I'm fed up with the economic uncertainty and chaos. This is a shitty environment to try to run a business and I'm going to insulate myself from all the bullshit as much as possible.

wrenchwench Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:13:18pm

re: #75 zora

all while being the recipient of a nobel peace prize. priceless.

That's caused more heads to explode than anything, and it wasn't even Obama's fault.

Killgore Trout Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:14:27pm

Goldman Cuts U.S. Full-Year Growth Forecast on Signs Recovery Has Stalled

Gus Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:15:11pm

re: #98 Killgore Trout

Goldman Cuts U.S. Full-Year Growth Forecast on Signs Recovery Has Stalled

Really? The recovery has stalled?

I heard it's hot in Africa.

100

wrenchwench Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:15:19pm

re: #90 ProLifeLiberal

If I am understanding this correctly, Tunis is striking.

What are they hitting?

A wildcat strike is a labor strike.

101

Daniel Ballard Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:16:35pm

re: #98 Killgore Trout

We have all heard the bogus conspiracy claims about Goldman. But seriously, if they are consistently accurate to a tenth of a percent, ya gotta wonder how hard they can push on the scale.

102

Killgore Trout Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:20:26pm

Seriously?
Pot plants in firing line as Goldman Sachs cuts costs

Goldman's troops are up in arms over the target of the investment bank's latest round of cost cuts – the humble pot plant.
The bank is thought to spend tens of thousands of pounds a year on the supply and upkeep of plants in its London headquarters but this week ordered that many of them be removed in a bid to cut down on overheads.

Sources say the decision provoked disquiet at the bank and that some employees tried to block the move, leading to a stand-off between the plant pickers and staff.

In some cases, a solution is believed to have been found only after employees agreed to sign forms guaranteeing to take responsibility for particular plants. Many of those plants that were removed are believed to have been given to charities.

103

Killgore Trout Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:21:46pm

re: #101 Rightwingconspirator

We have all heard the bogus conspiracy claims about Goldman. But seriously, if they are consistently accurate to a tenth of a percent, ya gotta wonder how hard they can push on the scale.

I would guess their predictions are probably in line with everybody else. They usually all come out pretty close to each other.

104

Daniel Ballard Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:22:06pm

re: #102 Killgore Trout

Seriously?
Pot plants in firing line as Goldman Sachs cuts costs

LOL LOL LOL.

Potted plants, not cannabis... You had me for a sec there.

105

Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:22:23pm

re: #84 Killgore Trout

The other day I saw something somewhere that stated the recession had been "over" for 2 years.

Right.

106

Killgore Trout Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:23:03pm

re: #104 Rightwingconspirator

LOL LOL LOL.

Potted plants, not cannabis... You had me for a sec there.

Heh

107

Gus Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:23:25pm

re: #102 Killgore Trout

Seriously?
Pot plants in firing line as Goldman Sachs cuts costs

I think they mean potted plants.

108

Kragar Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:24:17pm

re: #102 Killgore Trout

Seriously?
Pot plants in firing line as Goldman Sachs cuts costs

THEY GOT WEED!

109

OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:25:33pm

re: #81 NJDhockeyfan

Is she giving up on the Green Party?

I guess. That was something I read in some lament on FDL (from one of those New Prog dorks) so who knows if any of it's true.

110

Killgore Trout Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:25:49pm

re: #105 EmmmieG

The other day I saw something somewhere that stated the recession had been "over" for 2 years.

Right.

I think technically that may be correct. By definition the recession ends once we get a certain number of quarters with economic growth in a row (3?). Anyways, it doesn't mean we aren't in trouble. Until recently I dismissed predictions of a double dip recession or another collapse. Now I'm not so sure.

111

Linden Arden Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:26:56pm

Ricky - you little dipshit, this past three months should be the blueprint for how to oust a tyrant. Contrast with the failure of Bush/Cheney in Iraq that left the citizens with no skin in the game and hatred of American troops.

112

Kragar Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:28:12pm

@Reuters Reuters Top News
NATO war plane intercepts scud missile fired from Sirat City in Libya, Al-Jazeera reports

113

Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:28:14pm

re: #110 Killgore Trout

I think technically that may be correct. By definition the recession ends once we get a certain number of quarters with economic growth in a row (3?). Anyways, it doesn't mean we aren't in trouble. Until recently I dismissed predictions of a double dip recession or another collapse. Now I'm not so sure.

Yeah, we'll that technically can come and bail out our schools. They're in deep trouble right now, and with the Comcast ruling (all non-Oregonians can talk amongst themselves right now) it's only going to get worse.

114

Killgore Trout Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:29:17pm

Palestinian cease fire goes as well as expected.....
Kassam explodes near Ashkelon despite Hamas ceasefire call

115

Daniel Ballard Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:30:07pm

re: #112 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

That does not sound right... AA missiles from planes are not known for plunking ballistic missiles of any description. Maybe hit it on the ground? Or a radar intercept?

116

NJDhockeyfan Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:30:35pm

Inspired by Libya, Syrians taunt Assad

BEIRUT — Taking inspiration from the rapid unraveling of the regime in Libya, thousands of Syrians poured into the streets Monday and taunted President Bashar Assad with shouts that his family's 40-year dynasty will be the next dictatorship to crumble.

..."Gadhafi is gone; now it's your turn, Bashar!" protesters shouted in several cities across the country hours after Assad dismissed calls to step down during an interview on state TV. Security forces opened fire in the central city of Homs, killing at least one person.

Shot clock is ticking on Assad's last days in power I think.

117

Kragar Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:30:45pm

re: #114 Killgore Trout

Palestinian cease fire goes as well as expected...
Kassam explodes near Ashkelon despite Hamas ceasefire call

As usual, a Gaza ceasefire means the Israelis are supposed to give the terrorists time to reload.

118

NJDhockeyfan Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:30:54pm

re: #114 Killgore Trout

Palestinian cease fire goes as well as expected...
Kassam explodes near Ashkelon despite Hamas ceasefire call

Peace!
/

119

KingKenrod Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:31:06pm

re: #111 Linden Arden

Ricky - you little dipshit, this past three months should be the blueprint for how to oust a tyrant. Contrast with the failure of Bush/Cheney in Iraq that left the citizens with no skin in the game and hatred of American troops.

The "blueprint" was tried in Iraq for 12 years and did not result in ousting a tyrant. If it had be tried in Afghanistan, it would likely have resulted in a Somalia-type outcome of perpetual civil war.

120

Gus Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:31:20pm

re: #115 Rightwingconspirator

That does not sound right... AA missiles from planes are not known for plunking ballistic missiles of any description. Maybe hit it on the ground? Or a radar intercept?

The plane intercepted the SCUD.

That's one fast jet.

121

Linden Arden Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:31:30pm

re: #105 EmmmieG

A recession is two or more quarters of negative GDP.

We went positive in GDP in Q3 of 2009 and remain positive (for now).

GDP of Q4 2008 was a modern low record of -8.9%.

122

Kragar Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:32:51pm

re: #115 Rightwingconspirator

That does not sound right... AA missiles from planes are not known for plunking ballistic missiles of any description. Maybe hit it on the ground? Or a radar intercept?

Only reports I see all link back to a post on the Al-Jazeera live blog saying it happened. No other source or confirmation at this point.

123

Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:34:02pm

re: #121 Linden Arden

A recession is two or more quarters of negative GDP.

We went positive in GDP in Q3 of 2009 and remain positive (for now).

GDP of Q4 2008 was a modern low record of -8.9%.

I'll go right down to the school and let them know they can restore all the classes they are cutting to save money, and they won't have to close five days this year to save money. The schools that were closed can re-open. The DEQ can stay open the days they currently have scheduled to be closed.

124

Kragar Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:37:06pm

Rebel flag raised over Libyan embassy in Algeria

125

Linden Arden Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:38:15pm

re: #123 EmmmieG

Oh, I sympathize. Cutbacks are happening everywhere.

I suspect we in the midst of a double dip but just don't have the GDP numbers to confirm. I am in finance and the bank stocks are telling me a hell of a double dip is coming.

126

steve_davis Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:39:08pm

re: #4 Charleston Chew

Nice one-two punch, Santorum: "The President had nothing to do with this victory and also, uh, it's not even a victory."

I'm starting to think that the reason Republicans want so-called "tort reform" is because they're afraid we're all gonna sue them for damage to our eye-rolling muscles.

I almost wish the president would come out and say, "Isn't Santorum Latin for anal sex discharge?"

I know he won't, and I'm glad he won't, but still, there's a part of me that would enjoy it. Maybe we can get Kucinich to do it, once he's finished impeaching the president for engaging in a UN police action.

127

Kragar Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:43:30pm

re: #126 steve_davis

I almost wish the president would come out and say, "Isn't Santorum Latin for anal sex discharge?"

I know he won't, and I'm glad he won't, but still, there's a part of me that would enjoy it. Maybe we can get Kucinich to do it, once he's finished impeaching the president for engaging in a UN police action.

Get Biden to do it. He'll say anything.
/

128

Targetpractice Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:44:18pm

I know this sounds weird, but I think we've become spoiled when it comes to modern war. After the years long debacle that was Vietnam, we've since come to revel in the idea that America's military might knows no equal. We've come to expect that anything that we can't roll over with tanks, we can simply bomb into submission. That military campaigns are the short part, with the clean-up being the time-intensive portion.

So when all the armchair generals told us that, by committing our air power to the Libyan rebel cause would roll the whole thing up in a matter of weeks, if not days, we saw it as par for the course. We didn't stop to consider that the rebels were poorly trained, sparsely equipped, and lacking in real support outside of small towns and villages. So the only way some can make sense of the 6 month stretch is that we fraked up, that we didn't do "our part," and "failed" these rebels.

129

Lidane Mon, Aug 22, 2011 1:46:41pm

SC Tea Party Chair Posts Joke About Killing the Obamas on Facebook

It's just a joke! I had no idea it would be an issue."

130

OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin Mon, Aug 22, 2011 2:06:45pm

re: #129 Lidane

SC Tea Party Chair Posts Joke About Killing the Obamas on Facebook

Why are they always so sensitive about everything!! If you can't laugh at yourself, then yur...yur a racist ! Yeah!

131

krypto Mon, Aug 22, 2011 2:07:51pm

Hilarious really! They're claiming Obama had essentially nothing to do with it, after claiming he violated the war powers act to do that nothing.

132

b_sharp Mon, Aug 22, 2011 2:44:11pm

re: #10 Shiplord Kirel

Our friend Kragar has posted some additional information that sheds light on Obama's role.

Allies guided rebel 'pincer' assault on Tripoli

It may not be apparent to Santorum and his partisans, but we have intelligence assets the allies do not. A lot of this is already shared with the NATO allies as a matter of routine. Any decision to go beyond that level would necessarily involve some especially sensitive assets, since these would the ones to which the allies do not have routine access. That decision could only come from the White House.

I thought the shaggidilic Austin Powers was a Brit.

133

b_sharp Mon, Aug 22, 2011 2:47:10pm

re: #19 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

So let me get this straight.

The GOP gets us to invade 2 countries, costing us billions, with no clear strategy to get out, and its patriotic.

Obama kills Bin Laden and is instrumental in toppling, and he doesn't deserve any credit, plus, its his fault we're still in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Is that about it?

Nobody can spin like ~~a whirling dervish~~ the right.

134

Achilles Tang Mon, Aug 22, 2011 2:47:20pm

re: #2 _RememberTonyC

Obama may have not been the "Alpha Dog" in this operation, but he surely had SOMETHING to do with Khadafy's ouster.

What did Sanitorium (sic) have to say about who was responsible for getting bin laden?

Obama

was

the Alpha dog, because if he, the USA, had done nothing nobody else would have. I am on record saying he was slow to act, but in retrospect there were reasons for not being too fast on the draw.

135

Sonoran Supposition Mon, Aug 22, 2011 3:12:55pm

re: #119 KingKenrod

I do agree that Afghanistan and Iraq were much different situations, but that doesn't mean we should have dealt with those countries the way we did. If anything, it shows that nuance is a good thing. Dithering is a good thing.

136

Fortitudine Mon, Aug 22, 2011 3:23:52pm

re: #90 ProLifeLiberal

If I am understanding this correctly, Tunis is striking.

In a certain light and with a lot of makeup, yes.

137

Hal_10000 Mon, Aug 22, 2011 3:41:25pm

There are legitimate criticisms of our Libya policy. You can question whether we should have gotten involved -- Egypt and Tunisia fell without our help. And I would agree that Obama violated the War Powers Act (although the GOP's suspicion of executive power is new). But criticizing him for being "indecisive" or having nothing to do with this is BS. There was no Bush chest-pounding, but he helped bring this about. Of course, if Libya now goes badly -- if radical Islamists take power -- I bet they'll blame him for that, too.

Honestly, if Obama saved a drowning kitten from a river, the GOP would stampede to a microphone to say that really, the kitten was already saved.

138

simoom Mon, Aug 22, 2011 3:41:40pm

re: #1 wrenchwench

A million or so Libyans disagree.

Image: libyasquare.jpg

Is that Susan Rice in the left-most of the four portraits?

139

wrenchwench Mon, Aug 22, 2011 4:04:16pm

re: #138 simoom

Is that Susan Rice in the left-most of the four portraits?

Yes it is.

140

garhighway Mon, Aug 22, 2011 4:25:32pm

re: #126 steve_davis

I almost wish the president would come out and say, "Isn't Santorum Latin for anal sex discharge?"

I know he won't, and I'm glad he won't, but still, there's a part of me that would enjoy it. Maybe we can get Kucinich to do it, once he's finished impeaching the president for engaging in a UN police action.

If he said that, he's be wrong.

It's not Latin.

141

im_gumby_damnit Mon, Aug 22, 2011 7:59:13pm

As John McCain aide Mark Salter recently said after Santorum quipped that McCain (of all people) didn't understand how enhanced interrogations worked:

"For pure, blind stupidity, nobody beats Santorum. In my 20 years in the Senate, I never met a dumber member, which he reminded me of today."

142

[deleted] Tue, Aug 23, 2011 1:31:44am

143

DoverZahal Tue, Aug 23, 2011 6:14:53am

As tweeted by John McCain: [Link: www.washingtonpost.com...] In the McCain knows his "cui honorem, honorem".

144

SidewaysQuark Tue, Aug 23, 2011 8:27:30am

As we have seen in Egypt, the euphoria of toppling a dictator does not always result in more security for us and our allies in the region.

I find it irritating that the wingnuts have thrown in the towel on Egypt as an example of failure. Last I checked, the country was still in a state of flux with no clear winners between secularists and religious zealots. In other words, a little bit like our own country..... ;-)

Spy Mode Auto

This article has been archived.
Comments are closed.

Jump to top

Santorum: Obama Had ‘Little To Do’ With Fall of Gaddafi

► LGF Headlines

► Top 10 Comments

► Bottom Comments

► Recent Comments

► Tools/Info

► Tag Cloud