GOP’s New Plan: Keep Punishing America

Idiocy will continue
Politics • Views: 23,028

Here we go again, folks. The Republican Party’s plot to hold the nation hostage in order to kill the Affordable Care Act is not working out very well for them, but are they going to climb down off the ledge now and get back to work?

No, silly! Of course not. They’re going to drag out this ordeal as long as possible, because… well, who really knows why? GOP’s New Strategy: Avert Default but Keep Government Shut.

The GOP’s idea man, Erick Erickson

Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) announced Thursday that the House will move forward with a six-week debt limit extension after pitching the idea to his Republican conference during a closed-door meeting.

The plan would sustain the government shutdown — now in its 10th day — while temporarily averting a catastrophic debt default by authorizing continued borrowing through Nov. 22. Conservative activists like Heritage Action’s chief and RedState blogger Erick Erickson paved the way for this plan this week by calling on the GOP to wage their fight against Obamacare on the government funding measure, rather than the debt ceiling.

“What we’re going to do is to offer the president, today, the ability to move a temporary increase in the debt ceiling,” Boehner told reporters after the meeting, “and an agreement to go to conference on the budget for his willingness to sit down and discuss with us a way forward to reopen the government and to start to deal with America’s pressing problems.”

That’s right — the big-brained idea man responsible for this new strategy is none other than Erick “Justice Souter is a goat-f*cking child molester” Erickson. This, right here, is why the GOP is in such a ridiculous mess. Their agenda is being set by the likes of Erickson and the hate propagandists of breitbart.com.

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307 comments
1 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:25:31am

Glad to know Boehner listens to adults goat fucking child molesters for policy advice. Has Erickson ever been elected to anything in his whole life and I include third grade class body president in that.

2 Targetpractice  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:26:16am

It’s so cute, that they think the shutdown that is destroying their poll numbers still gives them any sort of leverage.

3 Absalom, Absalom, Obdicut  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:26:56am

The government shutdown costs us a fortune. It is really crippling scientific research, which can’t just be turned off and on. The GOP have confirmed that they are absolute economic morons. Even the ones doing this for ‘tactical reasons: there is no possible way it’s worth it, with the damage that’s being done.

4 Eclectic Cyborg  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:26:58am

I also just posted a page on this.

5 Eclectic Cyborg  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:28:03am

“What we’re going to do is to offer the president, today, the ability to move a temporary increase in the debt ceiling,”

No, more like you are going to spit in his face, kick him in the nuts and expect him to like it.

6 GlutenFreeJesus  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:28:15am

Who the fuck elected him?

7 Varek Raith  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:29:29am

Fuckers.

8 brennant  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:29:55am

I wish the president made zero indication that he would even consider a short-term deal. The cracks were showing yesterday in the GOP. He and Reid should have added even more pressure today.

Right now the ball is in the President’s court. Where it should not be.

9 makeitstop  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:30:09am

Has the White House told Boehner to go fuck himself (in so many words) yet?

If not, they should get on that.

10 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:31:21am

re: #6 GlutenFreeJesus

Who the fuck elected him?

That’s what I want to know. Boehner’s getting his how to advice from a blogger? I don’t have a clue what Erickson has actually ever done in government outside of being a shill.

11 The Mountain That Blogs  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:31:42am

Everyone is operating under the assumption that if Boehner acts responsibly, he’ll lose his Speakership, but who is going to take his place? House GOP knows that if they aren’t absolutely united around another candidate, they will end up with Nancy Pelosi, so who is it going to be—Ted Yoho? Gohmert? Hannity?

12 jaunte  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:32:01am

Everyone The U.S. Government Owes Money To, In One Graph

13 erik_t  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:32:04am

re: #9 makeitstop

Has the White House told Boehner to go fuck himself (in so many words) yet?

If not, they should get on that.

They basically said “well we’ll see what we think when you manage to pass something”.

I think this was a good answer.

14 klys  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:32:08am

re: #8 brennant

I wish the president made zero indication that he would even consider a short-term deal. The cracks were showing yesterday in the GOP. He and Reid should have added even more pressure today.

Right now the ball is in the President’s court. Where it should not be.

He did indicate he would consider a short-term deal of both the debt ceiling and the government shutdown.

This is only the debt ceiling. I think the response will be no dice.

15 Targetpractice  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:32:40am

re: #8 brennant

I wish the president made zero indication that he would even consider a short-term deal. The cracks were showing yesterday in the GOP. He and Reid should have added even more pressure today.

Right now the ball is in the President’s court. Where it should not be.

I read the exact opposite. By putting forth this idea today, the GOP leadership at least has indicated that they’re not truly serious about breaching the debt ceiling. That’s a pretty significant tell after days of Boehner thundering that we’re on “the path to default.” So now we wait and see if they actually write down this proposal and put it on the floor.

16 b.d.  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:33:14am

re: #9 makeitstop

Has the White House told Boehner to go fuck himself (in so many words) yet?

If not, they should get on that.

kinda:

17 jaunte  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:33:44am

re: #12 jaunte

Everyone The U.S. Government Owes Money To, In One Graph

I’m starting to think this is all about shrinking that dark blue box on the lower left and shoving the contents up into the dark brown box in the upper right.

18 EPR-radar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:33:47am

It looks like this garbage will contain sufficient poison pills to reject it out of hand.

The legislation hasn’t been finalized yet. It’s expected to omit unrelated policy measures but may require an agreement to negotiate a longer-term solution, according to one source. And the U.S. would not be permitted to take extraordinary measures to borrow after Nov. 22. The country’s borrowing authority is currently set to be exhausted next Thursday on Oct. 17.

These extraordinary measures are why we didn’t default back in may.

19 CriticalDragon1177  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:33:56am

Charles Johnson,

Someone should ask him how keeping the government shut down is going to get anything done. Obama is not going to de-fund Obama Care and Foreign Nations are not going to forgive our debt. Simply raising the debt ceiling and keeping the government shut down will just make things worse.

20 klys  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:34:03am

re: #15 Targetpractice

I read the exact opposite. By putting forth this idea today, the GOP leadership at least has indicated that they’re not truly serious about breaching the debt ceiling. That’s a pretty significant tell after days of Boehner thundering that we’re on “the path to default.” So now we wait and see if they actually write down this proposal and put it on the floor.

And if Sir John of the Orange can sell it to the caucus or violates the Hastert Rule to have the Democrats vote for it.

Or if this is another one of his “oh yeah, we’ll do that” handshake agreements like the one he made in July with Harry Reid.

21 kerFuFFler  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:34:15am

re: #3 Absalom, Absalom, Obdicut

The government shutdown costs us a fortune. It is really crippling scientific research, which can’t just be turned off and on. The GOP have confirmed that they are absolute economic morons. Even the ones doing this for ‘tactical reasons: there is no possible way it’s worth it, with the damage that’s being done.

The problem is the bad effects for shutting down research are only felt directly by relatively few people, the researchers. The indirect effects of not having access to some helpful medicine or other bit of technology may never be recognized because people won’t recognize what they are missing if it never ended up getting invented.

22 kirkspencer  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:34:25am

Minor point - the ball isn’t in the president’s court. The Senate has to agree to this first. Now I know Obama will get blamed if it’s rejected but let’s not fall into that trap ourselves, please.

23 Aqua Obama  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:34:35am

There is nothing to “negotiate” over. It’s really saying a lot that they’re actually proposing something that could potentially keep the government shut down the for two months.

24 S'latch  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:34:48am

The Republicans should not control any part of government again for a long time. I hope the voters understand. I have confidence that they will.

25 brennant  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:35:03am

re: #15 Targetpractice

I read the exact opposite. By putting forth this idea today, the GOP leadership at least has indicated that they’re not truly serious about breaching the debt ceiling. That’s a pretty significant tell after days of Boehner thundering that we’re on “the path to default.” So now we wait and see if they actually write down this proposal and put it on the floor.

I guess I want to see tons and tons of pressure. I want the WH to offer nothing, except to repeat the same mantra: Clean CR, Raise the debt limit and then we’ll talk. Over and over and over until the House gets it. We cannot continue this way with the debt ceiling and CRs.

26 klys  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:35:20am

re: #24 Lawrence Schmerel

The Republicans should not control any part of government again for a long time. I hope the voters understand. I have confidence that they will.

I wish I had that confidence. Instead I have confidence that there are a lot of idiots out there.

27 GlutenFreeJesus  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:35:20am

No more short-term “deals”. GOP, either do your fucking job and vote on a clean CR or get out of the way so the adults can get things back on track. We aren’t going to revisit this bullshit every couple of weeks.

28 Interesting Times  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:36:17am

re: #24 Lawrence Schmerel

The Republicans should not control any part of government again for a long time EVER.

Fixed. As for whether “voters will understand”, the worthless corporate media is doing their damnedest to ensure they won’t.

29 jaunte  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:36:17am
30 Targetpractice  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:36:37am

re: #25 brennant

I guess I want to see tons and tons of pressure. I want the WH to offer nothing, except to repeat the same mantra: Clean CR, Raise the debt limit and then we’ll talk. Over and over and over until the House gets it. We cannot continue this way with the debt ceiling and CRs.

They have today, they did yesterday. The difference is that the GOP interpreted his statement yesterday as some sort of crack between him and Congressional Dems, one they could drive a wedge into by saying “Well, he said he’d raise it temporarily.” But he made it clear that the shutdown has to end as well as the debt ceiling increased, anything less is a non-starter.

31 Sionainn  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:37:18am

Why would Obama and the Democrats agree to a six week extension so we can then spend another six weeks doing the same old shit?

32 EmmaAnne  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:37:53am

From Ruthless People:


Sam Stone: What’s this phone call about?
Ken Kessler: We call to make you an offer. An offer you can’t refuse.
Sam Stone: Low?
Ken Kessler: Yeah, $10,000.
Sam Stone: Fat chance!
Ken Kessler: Mr. Stone, this is no joke! We’re desperate people! We…
Sam Stone: Time out! I believe this is a joke pal and you’re it! The last time we spoke you said my wife would be in the morgue if I didn’t pay. Well, I didn’t pay and just today I was at the morgue and she wasn’t there. You lied to me! You know what I think?
Ken Kessler: [beat] No.
Sam Stone: You got no nuts! What do I have to do? Put a gun in your hand, aim and pull your finger down you spineless wimp! I dare you to kill her!
[Sam hangs up]
Sam Stone: Now that oughta do it!

33 klys  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:38:17am

re: #30 Targetpractice

They have today, they did yesterday. The difference is that the GOP interpreted his statement yesterday as some sort of crack between him and Congressional Dems, one they could drive a wedge into by saying “Well, he said he’d raise it temporarily.” But he made it clear that the shutdown has to end as well as the debt ceiling increased, anything less is a non-starter.

And the reality is, there’s a substantial faction in the House GOP that would prefer to keep some aspects of the government permanently shut down. Hence the push for partial funding measures. They think the shutdown is a good thing because the “essential” stuff is still happening.

34 Backwoods_Sleuth  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:38:59am

re: #11 The Mountain That Blogs

Everyone is operating under the assumption that if Boehner acts responsibly, he’ll lose his Speakership, but who is going to take his place? House GOP knows that if they aren’t absolutely united around another candidate, they will end up with Nancy Pelosi, so who is it going to be—Ted Yoho? Gohmert? Hannity?

Alan West!!!

no, seriously, there are TP congresscritters who have floated that idea more than once…

35 Aqua Obama  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:39:56am

I wish Obama would have insisted on a long term deal during the press conference. But if Obama came out in favor of even a short term deal teabaggers would probably vote against that.

36 Eclectic Cyborg  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:40:05am

re: #29 jaunte

[Embedded content]

Screw that commie nonsense! God can HEAL EVERYONE!!

37 GlutenFreeJesus  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:40:10am

re: #33 klys

And the reality is, there’s a substantial faction in the House GOP that would prefer to keep some aspects of the government permanently shut down. Hence the push for partial funding measures. They think the shutdown is a good thing because the “essential” stuff is still happening.

They got their gym. Fuck everything/one else.

38 Ming  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:40:23am

Of all the things to take an apocalyptic stand on, Congressional Republicans have chosen the Affordable Care Act, which may be the very best hope to show that the PRIVATE health insurance system can be made to work with universal coverage.

If some crazy group of communists focused their ire on the Affordable Care Act, because they want to prove that the private insurance system cannot work, this would make more sense. In that case, the communists would want the ACA to fail, so it would be replaced by health coverage by the government.

It makes no sense for people who call themselves “conservatives” to be so deranged about the Affordable Care Act. Mitt Romney did something very similar in Massachusetts. The ACA has already brought many people into the PRIVATE insurance system, and will continue to do so.

Not only does this Republican position make no sense, but they’re doubling-down in the extreme. A friend of mine was furloughed from her job with the government. I told her I thought she would get back pay. She reminded me that she’s a contractor, and won’t get paid. She could use the money, like most people who are touched by the current shutdown.

I see no alternative for the Republicans, except (in this particular area of the shutdown and debt ceiling) complete unconditional surrender. Nothing else is acceptable. Their behavior undermines our constitution and our system of government.

39 thedopefishlives  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:40:26am

Erick, son of Erick,
This fish sends his sincerest wishes that you shut your piehole and stop being a douchecanoe.
That is all.

Afternoon Lizardim.

40 Eclectic Cyborg  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:42:08am

I am personally ALL FOR an honest, thorough examination of government spending. I have no doubt there’s a ton of waste that can be trimmed.

But this can all happen without the economy being held hostage at the same time.

41 Shiplord Kirel  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:42:13am

re: #33 klys

And the reality is, there’s a substantial faction in the House GOP that would prefer to keep some aspects of the government permanently shut down. Hence the push for partial funding measures. They think the shutdown is a good thing because the “essential” stuff is still happening.

A non-negligible portion of their base wants to shut down all government functions, so they can use their guns to take control and rebuild from scratch in accord with their Galt/theocrat/racist/sexist (ie unworkable even for dictatorship) fantasies.

42 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:42:33am

re: #9 makeitstop

Has the White House told Boehner to go fuck himself (in so many words) yet?

If not, they should get on that.

They won’t, because avoiding default is too important. Considerations of blame aside, the president genuinely does not want a default and dismissing this proposal out of hand would raise the risk of that outcome.

43 EPR-radar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:42:43am

re: #33 klys

And the reality is, there’s a substantial faction in the House GOP that would prefer to keep some aspects of the government permanently shut down. Hence the push for partial funding measures. They think the shutdown is a good thing because the “essential” stuff is still happening.

The fact that the GOP has a good chance of retaining the House in 2014 despite all this crap is depressing.

25% or so of the country has been taught to hate and fear everyone who isn’t a member of their stinking tribe of backward haters, and the Teabaggers in Congress are faithfully representing these constituents.

44 Eclectic Cyborg  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:44:01am

If I was Obama, I’d tell the GOP to add an end to the shutdown to the proposal or I’m not discussing anything.

45 Ian G.  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:44:22am

Boehner has reached his “Ransom of Red Chief” moment. If Obama holds out a little longer, Orange John will be begging the President to save him from the teabaggers. He’ll be offering single-payer and an expansion of food stamp benefits.

//// (only a little)

46 jaunte  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:44:53am

re: #35 Carlos Danger

I wish Obama would have insisted on a long term deal during the press conference. But if Obama came out in favor of even a short term deal teabaggers would probably vote against that.

The tea party insanity is at such a pitch that if Obama speaks strongly in favor of veterans getting their government checks, the teabaggers will deride the vets as freeloaders and begin to devise ‘means testing.’

47 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:45:10am

re: #44 Eclectic Cyborg

If I was Obama, I’d tell the GOP to add an end to the shutdown to the proposal or I’m not discussing anything.

Then he’d be the one to line the two together and if default happened he’d catch a large share of the blame.

48 thecommodore  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:45:18am

re: #20 klys

And if Sir John of the Orange can sell it to the caucus or violates the Hastert Rule to have the Democrats vote for it.

Or if this is another one of his “oh yeah, we’ll do that” handshake agreements like the one he made in July with Harry Reid.

The stock market’s loving it so far. Dow up 233 as of now.

49 thedopefishlives  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:45:23am

re: #44 Eclectic Cyborg

If I was Obama, I’d tell the GOP to add an end to the shutdown to the proposal or I’m not discussing anything.

I’d actually take a more deceptive tack: I’d agree to discuss with them. When they sat down at the negotiating table, I’d be like, “Okay, here’s my proposal, take it or leave it. Uh-uh-uh, no discussing, no debating, no arguing; I agreed to negotiate, but I never said on whose terms.”

50 Vicious Babushka  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:45:33am

Prudence doing the IMAX projection thing.

51 Dr. Matt  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:45:53am

If you hate the government this much, you shouldn’t be working for it. End of story.

52 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:46:07am

re: #51 Dr. Matt

If you hate the government this much, you shouldn’t be working for it. End of story.

I’ve been saying this for years.

53 Targetpractice  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:46:21am

re: #42 Dark_Falcon

They won’t, because avoiding default is too important. Considerations of blame aside, the president genuinely does not want a default and dismissing this proposal out of hand would raise the risk of that outcome.

No it wouldn’t. Not unless every House Republican is willing to take the blame for a default. Boehner even putting this proposal on the table shows he’s not willing to allow a default. So agreeing to the tying of the debt ceiling to talks is and should be deemed publicly a non-starter.

54 Dr Lizardo  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:46:28am

re: #45 Ian G.

Boehner has reached his “Ransom of Red Chief” moment. If Obama holds out a little longer, Orange John will be begging the President to save him from the teabaggers. He’ll be offering single-payer and an expansion of food stamp benefits.

If Obama can hold out until next Tuesday or Wednesday evening, the GOP will capitulate. At that point, at that 11th hour, it becomes do-or-die for Boehner and the House GOP. Either he lifts the ‘Hastert Rule’ and allows for the clean votes, or it all blows up, and the GOP will get the blame.

His choice.

55 thecommodore  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:46:53am

re: #48 thecommodore

The stock market’s loving it so far. Dow up 233 as of now.

AND IT’S BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE GOP LEADERSHIP OF THE TEA PARTY AND PRINCIPLED INTELLECTUALS LIKE ERICK ERICKSON WHO HAVE MADE BARRYCADES BACK DOWN ON HIS MARXIST FASCIST MEDICINE AGENDA BECAUSE THE FIRST STEP IN TYRANNY IS SOCIALIZING MEDICINE I HEARD BEN CARSON SAY THAT ON LARRY ELDER’S SHOW YESTERDAY!!!!!!!11TY

56 thedopefishlives  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:47:02am

re: #54 Dr Lizardo

If Obama can hold out until next Tuesday or Wednesday evening, the GOP will capitulate. At that point, at that 11th hour, it becomes do-or-die for Boehner and the House GOP. Either he lifts the ‘Hastert Rule’ and allows for the clean votes, or it all blows up, and the GOP will get the blame.

His choice.

It’s the world’s most ridiculous game of chicken. Why are we even playing this?

57 Vicious Babushka  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:47:11am

Steve Stockman now into default denialism.

58 EPR-radar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:47:32am

re: #42 Dark_Falcon

They won’t, because avoiding default is too important. Considerations of blame aside, the president genuinely does not want a default and dismissing this proposal out of hand would raise the risk of that outcome.

A poison pill like no extraordinary measures, if included in anything that makes it out of the House, makes the deal a non-starter. Among other things, that would seem to cause an immediate crisis, since extraordinary measures have been in place since May to defer the debt ceiling deadline as much as possible.

The Republicans really do need to take 100.00% of the blame for this, and must receive exactly 0.00% of their wish list for letting the debt ceiling and CR hostages go.

59 Aqua Obama  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:47:35am

re: #47 Dark_Falcon

Then he’d be the one to line the two together and if default happened he’d catch a large share of the blame.

This is a totally manufactured crisis. Obama can’t keep acting like a goalie trying to keep the economy from blowing up. Republicans are simply going to have to stop lobbing bombs at him.

60 Dr Lizardo  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:49:53am

re: #56 thedopefishlives

It’s the world’s most ridiculous game of chicken. Why are we even playing this?

I know. The Teahadis are desperate, and desperate people do strange things. Some things are forgivable; the classic “man steals a loaf of bread to feed his starving child”.

Threatening the US and global economy over the ACA……..not so much.

61 elizajane  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:49:56am

Interesting counter-intuitive argument from Ambinder: what the Republican Revolution has already accomplished for those who are waging this battle.

The “hostage-takers” have already succeeded in:

1. Closing the government at will;

2. Smashing the hierarchy of one of America’s two major political parties;

3. Redefining the meaning of small government conservatism and significantly changing the expectations of small government conservatives;

4. Cutting the government with a hacksaw;

5. Ensuring their re-election.

Democrats will not be able to participate in the practice of governing until they understand that, to a large extent, their opponents have won.

I think it’s a scarey-good argument and we do need to recognize that the terrain on which this battle is being fought is not quite the same as the one we normally think of as “our government.”

theweek.com

62 leftynyc  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:50:12am

re: #34 Backwoods_Sleuth

Alan West!!!

no, seriously, there are TP congresscritters who have floated that idea more than once…

I’m pretty sure you have to actually be a member of congress to be speaker. West lost his election.

63 Shiplord Kirel  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:50:40am

Republicans blaming Obama:

If a mugger points a gun at your head and demands your wallet, are you the one committing a robbery?

64 erik_t  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:50:46am

re: #62 leftynyc

I’m pretty sure you have to actually be a member of congress to be speaker. West lost his election.

You actually don’t!

Our Constitution is a little weird.

65 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:51:01am

re: #62 leftynyc

I’m pretty sure you have to actually be a member of congress to be speaker. West lost his election.

You don’t actually but like they’re going to make some former one term Congressman Speaker and expect that to work better htan Boehner who has been awful.

66 kirkspencer  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:51:11am

re: #57 Vicious Babushka

Steve Stockman now into default denialism.

[Embedded content]

Here’s the problem with that letter from Moody’s: it’s wrong.

paraphrasing, it says that failing to raise the debt ceiling does not stop government from receiving revenues, and that Moody’s believes the government will spend those revenues servicing its debt before (or instead of) paying for other government services.

67 Aqua Obama  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:51:18am
68 Vicious Babushka  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:51:43am
69 Targetpractice  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:51:59am

re: #67 Carlos Danger

[Embedded content]

If that happens, then this is gonna get real interesting.

70 Political Atheist  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:52:02am

Oh FFS! Just got back off the road, jumping in for a few. Rush, that big wart om the AM band was just lying his ass off. Way past his usual game. Obama of course personally selected the most painful things to shut down, just to cause as much pain as possible on the American people. Motive? To increase our perception of abject dependence on the growing (wtf?!) government. Because the sequester was not painful enough.

71 Jack Burton  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:52:11am

re: #57 Vicious Babushka

Steve Stockman now into default denialism.

“Obama isn’t telling the truth”

Followed by three paragraphs that are in their entirety factually incorrect and the poster should know better or is engaged in more intellectual dishonesty.

72 simoom  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:52:11am

re: #42 Dark_Falcon

They won’t, because avoiding default is too important. Considerations of blame aside, the president genuinely does not want a default and dismissing this proposal out of hand would raise the risk of that outcome.

Agreed. The Dems will take any clean debt ceiling extension (they’ve already said as much), because they actually care about the incremental, escalating damage the occurs as the deadline approaches, and if they refused a debt ceiling extension unless the government is reopened they’d essentially be joining the GOP in using the threat of default as leverage, reinforcing its future use as such. The Dems should absolutely continue to refuse broader budget negotiations as long as the shutdown continues though.

If the rumors about the House GOP attaching limits on Treasury powers to the debt ceiling bill are true though, that needs to be stripped out in the Senate.

73 Dr Lizardo  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:53:01am

re: #68 Vicious Babushka

[Embedded content]

Heh……Moody’s are the last people on the planet I’d take financial advice from after that debacle. I’d get better advice talking to my goldfish.

74 kirkspencer  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:54:31am

re: #71 Jack Burton

Followed by three paragraphs that are in their entirety factually incorrect and the poster should know better or is engaged in more intellectual dishonesty.

erm, while the paraphraphs are facutally incorrect they are direct quotes from the letter Moody’s sent to Congress the other day. Fair’s fair.

75 Jack Burton  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:54:46am

re: #73 Dr Lizardo

Heh……Moody’s are the last people on the planet I’d take financial advice from after that debacle. I’d get better advice talking to my goldfish.

After that completely stupid/dishonest memo, no wonder they rated The Bank of EvilLehman Brothers’ credit fine until they crashed and burned.

76 Dr Lizardo  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:55:40am

re: #75 Jack Burton

After that completely stupid/dishonest memo, no wonder they rated The Bank of EvilLehman Brothers’ credit fine until they crashed and burned.

LOLOL. The Bank of Evil.

From “Despicable Me”, wasn’t that?

77 jaunte  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:55:43am

re: #63 Shiplord Kirel

Republicans blaming Obama:

If a mugger points a gun at your head and demands your wallet, are you the one committing a robbery?

78 Backwoods_Sleuth  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:56:40am

re: #62 leftynyc

I’m pretty sure you have to actually be a member of congress to be speaker. West lost his election.

nope. Speaker doesn’t have to be a member of the House.

79 piratedan  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:56:44am

re: #61 elizajane

Interesting counter-intuitive argument from Ambinder: what the Republican Revolution has already accomplished for those who are waging this battle.

I think it’s a scarey-good argument and we do need to recognize that the terrain on which this battle is being fought is not quite the same as the one we normally think of as “our government.”

theweek.com

well I’m not so sure about #5, because I think simply “accepting” that as a given that they’ll all be re-elected is at least a mild case of chutzpah considering the poll numbers that exist for the Congressional GOP… but hey, if they’re right, we’ll be sorry, if we’re right, they’ll be sorry.

80 Jack Burton  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:56:49am

re: #76 Dr Lizardo

Bingo.

Image: 5313841_f496.jpg

81 Dr Lizardo  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:57:51am

re: #80 Jack Burton

Bingo.

Image: 5313841_f496.jpg

LOL. That’s what I thought; I laughed pretty hard when I saw that - great little topical gag thrown in for the adult audience members.

82 Charles Johnson  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 11:59:08am
83 Gus  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:00:52pm

So I guess any day now Prudence will become a GOP consultant.

84 sagehen  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:00:53pm

re: #21 kerFuFFler

The problem is the bad effects for shutting down research are only felt directly by relatively few people, the researchers. The indirect effects of not having access to some helpful medicine or other bit of technology may never be recognized because people won’t recognize what they are missing if it never ended up getting invented.

It’ll still be invented, just not in America.

85 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:00:59pm

re: #72 simoom

Agreed. The Dems will take any clean debt ceiling extension (they’ve already said as much), because they actually care about the incremental, escalating damage the occurs as the deadline approaches, and if they refused a debt ceiling extension unless the government is reopened they’d essentially be joining the GOP in using the threat of default as leverage, reinforcing its future use as such. The Dems should absolutely continue to refuse broader budget negotiations as long as the shutdown continues though.

If the rumors about the House GOP attaching limits on Treasury powers to the debt ceiling bill are true though, that needs to be stripped out in the Senate.

If that were included, then it would not be a clean increase.

But it might be better to make a counter-proposal instead of just stripping it. We’ve all been worried about the CDC, so how about offering a micro bill funding the CDC plus the budget bill for the Justice Department in exchange for the Treasury limits being dropped. That would fund important priorities and allow the GOP to claim a win while getting rid of the problematic limits.

86 Charles Johnson  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:01:01pm

The GOP is playing the part of Daffy Duck.

Youtube Video

87 Gus  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:01:11pm

The GOP has morphed into a blogger movement.

88 Vicious Babushka  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:01:44pm

Wingnuts keep Tweeting that in 2006 Obama voted against raising the debt ceiling, as if someone who once holds an opinion is never, ever, ever allowed to change his mind EVER.

Kind of like the stalkers think about Charles.

89 Vicious Babushka  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:02:03pm

re: #83 Gus

So I guess any day now Prudence will become a GOP consultant.

How do you know she isn’t already?

90 Skip Intro  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:02:12pm

re: #47 Dark_Falcon

Then he’d be the one to line the two together and if default happened he’d catch a large share of the blame.

He’s already catching a large share of the blame. Allowing himself to be blackmailed isn’t going to improve things for him, or any future President.

The GOP wants to default on the debt, and claims no one will notice. OK, there’s one way to find out. When it turns out they’re wrong, I’d go nuclear with ads quoting every single Tea Bagger about that, and make sure everyone other than a Fox News viewer understands exactly what happened and why their IRA/401k is now worth half of what it was in August.

91 Targetpractice  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:02:15pm

There are several ways that Democrats could make this proposal work for them, assuming what’s been leaked resembles the bill that it put on the House floor. Amending in a six-week temporary CR is something Senate Republicans would very likely support as they’re pretty tired of the shutdown nonsense and don’t think they’re going to get anything out of it. Stripping out the language binding the Treasury’s hands in the event no deal is reached in six weeks. And possibly including language that the temporary increase is not dependent on the White House agreeing to talks.

Sending that back to the House would probably give Boehner a serious case of heartburn.

92 Aqua Obama  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:02:45pm

re: #61 elizajane

Pretty sure firing all your employees, cutting off pensions, and absconding to Jamaica on a low-tax holiday is legal too, but 99% of the country loses.

93 makeitstop  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:03:42pm

re: #45 Ian G.

Boehner has reached his “Ransom of Red Chief” moment. If Obama holds out a little longer, Orange John will be begging the President to save him from the teabaggers. He’ll be offering single-payer and an expansion of food stamp benefits.

//// (only a little)

Upding for the O Henry ref.

94 Aqua Obama  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:05:35pm

re: #85 Dark_Falcon

What’s this all about, though? Debt, the ACA, or the Treasury’s debt-ceiling controls? What’s the goddamn message here?

95 The Mountain That Blogs  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:05:45pm

re: #62 leftynyc

Like others have said, you actually don’t. West even got two votes back in January when Boehner was elected—from Paul “lies from the pit of hell” Broun, and GOHMERT! himself.

Stockman voted present, Amash voted for Labrador, and Labrador didn’t vote at all.

96 Vicious Babushka  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:06:54pm

re: #85 Dark_Falcon

how about offering a micro bill

That’s exactly what the GOP has been doing.

“Let’s take a vote on which hostage we will release in exchange for more concessions!”

97 leftynyc  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:08:06pm

re: #64 erik_t

You actually don’t!

Our Constitution is a little weird.

Seriously? They don’t have to have been elected?

98 Aqua Obama  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:08:39pm

The GOP wins, we all lose.

Part Infinity.

99 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:08:59pm

re: #94 Carlos Danger

What’s this all about, though? Debt, the ACA, or the Treasury’s debt-ceiling controls? What’s the goddamn message here?

I don’t know. I’m just trying to figure out ways to prevent disaster and in time restore normalcy. The issue for me is to prevent default first and then see what else can be done.

100 Skip Intro  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:09:35pm

re: #97 leftynyc

Seriously? They don’t have to have been elected?

Nope. Glenn Beck could be voted Speaker.

101 simoom  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:09:57pm

Boehner’s latest plan should be seen as clarifying about how little the GOP actually cares about the gov’t being shutdown, as it’s an endorsement of another month of gov’t shutdown. Even if budget negotiations commenced, and I don’t think they will, negotiating a “Grand Bargain” is a lengthy process that is essentially guaranteed to fail in the end.

I’m also not looking forward to the media continuing to humor RW, evidence-free conspiracy theories about the pain they’ve ordered being carried too far in the few places they’ve hypocritically decided to care about. The response to that should always be, how can you feign so much outrage about these individual anecdotal hardships and be so sanguine about six more weeks of hardship exacted on hundreds of thousands of Americans, for no other reason than partisan leverage.

102 erik_t  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:09:58pm

re: #97 leftynyc

Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution states, “The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers.”

Although the Constitution does not require the Speaker to be a Member of the House, all Speakers have been Members.

clerk.house.gov

103 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:10:05pm

re: #100 Skip Intro

Nope. Glenn Beck could be voted Speaker.

Don’t give them ideas. That’s a horrible thought.

104 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:10:09pm

re: #96 Vicious Babushka

That’s exactly what the GOP has been doing.

“Let’s take a vote on which hostage we will release in exchange for more concessions!”

Better that than a hostage being shot.

/I don’t agree with the ‘hostage-taker metaphor, but ‘When in Rome’…

105 kirkspencer  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:10:22pm

re: #85 Dark_Falcon

If that were included, then it would not be a clean increase.

But it might be better to make a counter-proposal instead of just stripping it. We’ve all been worried about the CDC, so how about offering a micro bill funding the CDC plus the budget bill for the Justice Department in exchange for the Treasury limits being dropped. That would fund important priorities and allow the GOP to claim a win while getting rid of the problematic limits.

No. That microbill method’s already been tried, and there’s a reason it was rejected.

Right now the pressure is on both sides. If the things for which the Republican congresscritters will take heat get funded and the other stuff doesn’t, they have no pressure on their side.

The thing is, Dark, that everything the government does is important to someone. WIC, CDC, Customs, Head Start, Courts, and more - despite Reagan’s lie the government is here to help. So just funding the stuff one side wants is defacto surrendering the negotiation to that side.

Actually, the really big thing is that this is an attempt to destroy the constitution. Oh, I’m sure the players don’t think so but it is. It’s the attempt to allow one house of the government to dictate terms to the other house and the presidency - ‘regardless of votes and history play our way or we’ll blow up the government.’ The absolute baseline of the oath they take should deny using the nation as a hostage.

That play needs broken as surely as South Carolina’s attempts at nullification and the farmer’s attempt to remove taxes on whiskey.

106 b.d.  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:10:47pm

re: #100 Skip Intro

Nope. Glenn Beck could be voted Speaker.

Pay cut, more responsibility, less influence.

107 Gus  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:10:49pm
108 Vicious Babushka  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:11:30pm

re: #104 Dark_Falcon

Better that than a hostage being shot.

/I don’t agree with the ‘hostage-taker metaphor, but ‘When in Rome’…

Another metaphor:

LET’S TAKE A VOTE ON WHICH CUTE HELPLESS KITTEH WE WON’T DROWN IN EXCHANGE FOR MOAR CONCESSIONS!!!1!!

109 Gus  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:11:54pm
110 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:12:00pm

re: #105 kirkspencer

No. That microbill method’s already been tried, and there’s a reason it was rejected.

Right now the pressure is on both sides. If the things for which the Republican congresscritters will take heat get funded and the other stuff doesn’t, they have no pressure on their side.

The thing is, Dark, that everything the government does is important to someone. WIC, CDC, Customs, Head Start, Courts, and more - despite Reagan’s lie the government is here to help. So just funding the stuff one side wants is defacto surrendering the negotiation to that side.

Actually, the really big thing is that this is an attempt to destroy the constitution. Oh, I’m sure the players don’t think so but it is. It’s the attempt to allow one house of the government to dictate terms to the other house and the presidency - ‘regardless of votes and history play our way or we’ll blow up the government.’ The absolute baseline of the oath they take should deny using the nation as a hostage.

That play needs broken as surely as South Carolina’s attempts at nullification and the farmer’s attempt to remove taxes on whiskey.

The highlighted so much. The fact of the matter while the NPS being closed has made all the news and phony outrages that things that effect real people like HeadStart are being effected here. And I’m sorry that bothers me a lot more than some tourist who won’t be able to see a memorial. I feel bad but the former bothers me much more than teh latter ever will.

111 sagehen  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:12:30pm

re: #88 Vicious Babushka

Wingnuts keep Tweeting that in 2006 Obama voted against raising the debt ceiling, as if someone who once holds an opinion is never, ever, ever allowed to change his mind EVER.

Kind of like the stalkers think about Charles.

He knew it was symbolic, there was more than enough votes for it to pass so he took the opportunity to do a little grandstanding. Hardly the same thing at all.

112 leftynyc  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:12:31pm

re: #100 Skip Intro

Nope. Glenn Beck could be voted Speaker.

OK - that gave me a very sharp pain in my head. I do love days when I learn something new.

113 Dr Lizardo  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:12:41pm

re: #99 Dark_Falcon

I don’t know. I’m just trying to figure out ways to prevent disaster and in time restore normalcy. The issue for me is to prevent default first and then see what else can be done.

The way to prevent disaster is for a clean vote on the debt-ceiling increase. Then a clean vote on the continuing resolution.

Then the GOP and President Obama can sit down and negotiate. And if I were President Obama, I’d be having the Attorney General take a case to the SCOTUS to have the debt ceiling ruled unconstitutional.

114 Targetpractice  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:13:14pm
115 Gus  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:13:27pm

Welp. Like I said the other day. These people are weird.

116 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:13:29pm

re: #109 Gus

[Embedded content]

Yeah Obama ordered it. Stick to acting James and out of politics. Let’s ignore the fact that Woods’ party are the ones who shut down the government over a law that would make health care more affordable for many of those same vets while we’re at it too. This meme is fucking ridiculous even by right wing standards.

117 Dr Lizardo  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:13:32pm

re: #107 Gus

[Embedded content]

Wingnut Logic 101. I take it that Freeper passed the class with flying colors.

118 piratedan  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:13:46pm

from the Balloon Juice commentariat:

WSJ says House plan would permanently remove power of Treasury to use “extraordinary measures” The debt limit extension is not clean it appears.
assholes.. Lew kept us going by using extraordinary measures for months…

Unsure of this since it was referenced originally at Costa’s site and I haven’t got the link to that, if so, it means that if this is true, the real objective of the Tea Party is to maintain their ability to guillotine the government by means of controlling the purse by any means necessary

119 Vicious Babushka  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:13:48pm

re: #109 Gus

James Woods Greatest Film Moments
Youtube Video

120 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:13:54pm

re: #109 Gus

[Embedded content]

I thought conservatives were supposed to be more cautious about taking political cues from actors.

/I know, I know.

121 Skip Intro  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:15:17pm

re: #106 b.d.

Pay cut, more responsibility, less influence.

How about Sheriff Joe Arpaio?

He’d still be a better choice than Louie Gohmert, Steve Stockman, Steve King, Scott DesJarlais, Ted Yoho; do I need to go on?

122 jaunte  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:15:47pm

More ‘where’s mine’ free-riderism from the GOP base.

123 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:16:02pm

re: #121 Skip Intro

How about Sheriff Joe Arpaio?

He’d still be a better choice than Louie Gohmert, Steve Stockman, Steve King, Scott DesJarlais, Ted Yoho; do I need to go on?

Well if we’re at it. I’d nominate Archie Bunker.

124 thedopefishlives  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:16:49pm

re: #107 Gus

What is this I don’t even.

125 simoom  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:16:54pm

re: #85 Dark_Falcon

But it might be better to make a counter-proposal instead of just stripping it. We’ve all been worried about the CDC, so how about offering a micro bill funding the CDC plus the budget bill for the Justice Department in exchange for the Treasury limits being dropped. That would fund important priorities and allow the GOP to claim a win while getting rid of the problematic limits.

The micro bills seem like a really bad idea to me. The GOP has previously shown little compunction about crippling federal agencies they don’t like by blocking all nominations for legally required boards and leadership positions. If lots of micro-bills are allowed, at some point they’ll have funded everything their base approves of, and then their base will pivot and begin pressuring them to never refund the many aspects of gov’t they despise.

126 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:17:14pm

re: #122 jaunte

[Embedded content]

More ‘where’s mine’ free-riderism from the GOP base.

So fuck you, I got mine. Yep that’s the mentality of the Republican base at its finest err worst.

127 Shiplord Kirel  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:17:18pm

re: #123 HappyWarrior

Well if we’re at it. I’d nominate Archie Bunker.

Archie was a dyed in the wool lib by current RWNJ standards: Liked working people, supported unions, thought we were on the right side in WW2.

128 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:17:44pm

re: #127 Shiplord Kirel

Archie was a dyed in the wool lib by current RWNJ standards: Liked working people, supported unions, thought we were on the right side in WW2.

Heh fair enough.

129 freetoken  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:18:08pm

I don’t want to give Erickson so much credit.

The real forces, and brains, behind the ledge-walking strategy are the big money men who hate that the rest of society wants to regulate them for the safety of the whole society.

130 Shiplord Kirel  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:19:47pm

The GOP is composed of saboteurs, hypocrites, con-men, thugs, nutcases, and Kremlin sympathizers. I will lose what faith I have in the American electorate if these grifters aren’t run out of town on a rail during next year’s elections.

131 Skip Intro  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:20:17pm

re: #122 jaunte

[Embedded content]

More ‘where’s mine’ free-riderism from the GOP base.

Of course when this guy or his kids get ill he’ll be the first one at the ER demanding the rest of us pick up the tab for his care.

132 Dr Lizardo  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:21:13pm

re: #127 Shiplord Kirel

Archie was a dyed in the wool lib by current RWNJ standards: Liked working people, supported unions, thought we were on the right side in WW2.

Heh. Archie was a bigot, to be sure, but he was not a bad human being. Abrasive, strident, sure; but he wasn’t like the outright sociopaths we see on the RW nowadays.

133 Vicious Babushka  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:21:43pm

re: #130 Shiplord Kirel

The GOP is composed of saboteurs, hypocrites, con-men, thugs, nutcases, and Kremlin sympathizers. I will lose what faith I have in the American electorate if these grifters aren’t run out of town on a rail during next year’s elections.

They are rustlers, cut throats, murderers, bounty hunters, desperados, mugs, pugs, thugs, nitwits, halfwits, dimwits, vipers, snipers, con men, Indian agents, Mexican bandits, muggers, buggerers, bushwhackers, hornswogglers, horse thieves, bull dykes, train robbers, bank robbers, ass-kickers, shit-kickers, and Methodists!

134 Backwoods_Sleuth  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:22:10pm

re: #131 Skip Intro

Of course when this guy or his kids get ill he’ll be the first one at the ER demanding the rest of us pick up the tab for his care.

And demanding to be moved to the head of the triage list screaming DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM??? DO YOU????11!!?

135 thedopefishlives  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:23:20pm

re: #133 Vicious Babushka

They are rustlers, cut throats, murderers, bounty hunters, desperados, mugs, pugs, thugs, nitwits, halfwits, dimwits, vipers, snipers, con men, Indian agents, Mexican bandits, muggers, buggerers, bushwhackers, hornswogglers, horse thieves, bull dykes, train robbers, bank robbers, ass-kickers, shit-kickers, and Methodists!

Hallelujah, holy shit! Where’s the Tylenol?

136 Jack Burton  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:24:01pm

re: #133 Vicious Babushka

They are rustlers, cut throats, murderers, bounty hunters, desperados, mugs, pugs, thugs, nitwits, halfwits, dimwits, vipers, snipers, con men, Indian agents, Mexican bandits, muggers, buggerers, bushwhackers, hornswogglers, horse thieves, bull dykes, train robbers, bank robbers, ass-kickers, shit-kickers, and Methodists!

Qualifications?
Stampeding Cattle.
That’s not much of a crime.
Through the Vatican.
Kinky. Sign here.

137 piratedan  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:24:38pm

re: #133 Vicious Babushka

+1 for the Blazing Saddles ref so who’s the GOP Hedley Lamarr?

138 Vicious Babushka  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:24:49pm

Aww poor baby had widdle feewings hurt.

139 Absalom, Absalom, Obdicut  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:25:24pm

The person doing the on-campus recruiting for the Marine Corps at Hunter College is Captain Matthew Talibon. Great last name for a Marine. One letter away.

140 Vicious Babushka  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:25:32pm

re: #137 piratedan

+1 for the Blazing Saddles ref so who’s the GOP Hedley Lamarr?

They drove him off the picture.

141 Dr Lizardo  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:25:33pm

re: #137 piratedan

+1 for the Blazing Saddles ref so who’s the GOP Hedley Lamarr?

Sadly, being the GOP Hedley Lamarr would require intellect and a certain reptilian charm.

142 piratedan  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:26:05pm

re: #138 Vicious Babushka

he’s an actor, how about he apply the concept of Context?

143 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:26:33pm

re: #138 Vicious Babushka

Aww poor baby had widdle feewings hurt.

[Embedded content]

You want polite viewpoints? Ha-ha. Talk to your friends who likened the president to perhaps the most evil man who ever lived over the national parks beign closed and then we’ll talk. God, what a dumbhead.

144 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:28:09pm

The sad thing is I do like James Woods. I like his movies but politically he’s such a dumbass.

145 Lidane  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:28:16pm

“I was talking about some other crazed German dictator!”

146 b.d.  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:29:19pm

re: #138 Vicious Babushka

Aww poor baby had widdle feewings hurt.

[Embedded content]

Watch out Voight, Woods is gunning for your part!

147 Ian G.  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:30:04pm

re: #88 Vicious Babushka

Wingnuts keep Tweeting that in 2006 Obama voted against raising the debt ceiling, as if someone who once holds an opinion is never, ever, ever allowed to change his mind EVER.

I’m confused. Does that mean voting against a debt limit increase is a good or bad thing. For wingers, everything the President does must be bad thing, so raising the debt ceiling….good?

148 jaunte  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:30:06pm
149 piratedan  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:31:35pm

re: #148 jaunte

[Embedded content]

because once you give in, everything will be alright and they’ll let you live your life in peace forever more… ///////

150 Dr. Matt  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:32:01pm

re: #138 Vicious Babushka

I thought librul Hollywood types are not suppose to use their “celebrity” to push their political agenda…..what gives?

151 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:32:16pm

re: #145 Lidane

“I was talking about some other crazed German dictator!”

[Embedded content]

You know shit for brains, if you’re oging to liken our democratically elected president to one of the worst monsters in history, own up to it, don’t back away from it just because you can’t handle being called out because you’re a moron with no sense of historical perspective.

152 Sol Berdinowitz  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:32:38pm

re: #145 Lidane

“I was talking about some other crazed German dictator!”

[Embedded content]

Hitler won a plurality and simply disenfranchised the other parties…so add stupid to bigoted

153 Tigger2  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:32:53pm

I hope the American people punish them for decades for this shit.

154 Gus  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:33:00pm

bbl

155 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:33:14pm

re: #150 Dr. Matt

I thought librul Hollywood types are not suppose to use their “celebrity” to push their political agenda…..what gives?

Only if they’re librul. Remember the right is the ideology that bitches about actors and then sends them to the senate, hi Fred Thompson or even the WH, hi, Ronnie Reagan and yes I know Reagan was governor before president but the point stays the same.

156 ProTARDISLiberal  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:33:34pm

re: #152 Sol Berdinowitz

That is exactly how the Muslim Brotherhood acted in Egypt.

Which is why I am such a big proponent of them getting banned,

157 jaunte  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:33:35pm

re: #138 Vicious Babushka

Aww poor baby had widdle feewings hurt.

[Embedded content]

He’s positioning himself as the next go-to spokeman for reverse mortgages.

158 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:34:26pm

Simple thing I learned at a young age. If you say something dumb. Don’t be upset if you’re called out on it or mocked.

159 Dr. Matt  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:34:53pm

re: #157 jaunte

He’s positioning himself as the next go-to spokesman for reverse mortgages.

Or a goldline rep.

160 Lidane  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:35:27pm
161 makeitstop  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:35:35pm

re: #148 jaunte

Peak stupid: “Obama should just give in.”

Time for Kinsley to cash out and retire. That’s about the most ludicrous thing I’ve ever read.

162 bratwurst  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:36:45pm

Didn’t the right used to think it was wrong for people in show biz to opine on politics? I seem to recall an entire book on the topic!

163 aagcobb  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:37:51pm

re: #61 elizajane

Interesting counter-intuitive argument from Ambinder: what the Republican Revolution has already accomplished for those who are waging this battle.

I think it’s a scarey-good argument and we do need to recognize that the terrain on which this battle is being fought is not quite the same as the one we normally think of as “our government.”

theweek.com

This is a great point, because by acting insane and never being satisfied, look at what they have accomplished: Bush tax cuts made permanent for all but a tiny fraction of the richest Americans, deep across-the-board spending cuts in the sequester, and the Democrats agreement to keep spending at the sequester level in the CR. Is it any wonder they keep pushing to see what else they can get? Its like they took lessons in negotiating from the Kims of North Korea.

164 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:38:00pm

re: #162 bratwurst

Didn’t the right used to think it was wrong for people in show biz to opine on politics? I seem to recall an entire book on the topic!

YEah but that’s only for celebrities they disagree with. Perfectly okay for them to have Ted Nugent spout off their talking points but don’t let George Clooney say he supports the president.

165 blueraven  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:38:20pm

re: #72 simoom

Agreed. The Dems will take any clean debt ceiling extension (they’ve already said as much), because they actually care about the incremental, escalating damage the occurs as the deadline approaches, and if they refused a debt ceiling extension unless the government is reopened they’d essentially be joining the GOP in using the threat of default as leverage, reinforcing its future use as such. The Dems should absolutely continue to refuse broader budget negotiations as long as the shutdown continues though.

If the rumors about the House GOP attaching limits on Treasury powers to the debt ceiling bill are true though, that needs to be stripped out in the Senate.

Also, if it is rejected out of hand it doesnt get a vote.
I want to see the vote. Not sure if Boehner can get it passed.
If the treasury power strip is in there, I dont see Democrats voting for it.

166 b.d.  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:38:21pm

re: #145 Lidane

“I was talking about some other crazed German dictator!”

[Embedded content]

She was talking about that nice Mr. Hilter who is renting a room in a Somerset boarding house.


//

167 Aqua Obama  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:39:21pm

re: #160 Lidane

[Embedded content]

That will just encourage the tea-partiers…!

168 Dr. Matt  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:39:24pm
Defense Department Deputy Secretary Ashton Carter will retire in December, the Pentagon announced Thursday.

Carter plans to leave the department Dec. 4, according to a statement from Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. Carter has served at the department for more than 4 1/2 years as both the the Pentagon No. 2 and the department’s chief weapons buyer.

Hagel said he “reluctantly accepted” Carter’s decision.

federalnewsradio.com

Of course, Reuters couldn’t report it accurately:


169 Interesting Times  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:39:49pm

Is the 14 amendment option truly off the table, though? I know Obama said it would result in jacked-up interest rates, but would it be worth it if it got rid of the debt ceiling once and for all? (the high interest rates are supposed to result from litigation uncertainty, but that assumes it would be litigated in the first place…you’d think the money men would be against that?)

170 Kragar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:41:34pm

Steve Lonegan: Obama Will Cave On The Shutdown When I Win My Election

Lonegan’s campaign issued a statement encouraging Republicans in Washington “not to capitulate to the president’s unreasonable demands” until after Wednesday’s special U.S. Senate election in New Jersey. According to Lonegan, he will win that race against Democratic Newark, N.J. Mayor Cory Booker. That in turn will cause Obama to give in to the Republican demands to stop the health care law.

“When I win, Obama will fold,” Lonegan said in the statement.

Lonegan has been gaining in recent polls, though Booker still has a double-digit lead. However, his statement said Lonegan believes “his internal polling shows a neck-and-neck race in the U.S. Senate contest and that all the momentum is in his favor.”

171 CuriousLurker  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:41:35pm

re: #107 Gus

lolwut?

Wow, along with the paranoid delusions, the misogyny & racism in this scumbag’s timeline are beyond vile.

172 Skip Intro  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:42:05pm

re: #161 makeitstop

Kinsley is an idiot.

Meanwhile, will the Republicans really take the past couple of weeks as a precedent and push him around on every issue that comes up? Highly unlikely. They are already getting most of the blame. They surely don’t look forward to trying to convince voters it was such a swell experience that they’re going to put us through it again and again.

No, next time they’ll demand he resign, after first agreeing to cut Medicare and SS, eliminate the EPA, the FDA, sell the National Parks, close the Post Office, eliminate the Federal Minimum Wage. Or else.

Just for starters.

173 Kragar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:43:17pm

re: #171 CuriousLurker

[Embedded content]


lolwut?

Wow, along with the paranoid delusions, the misogyny & racism in this scumbag’s timeline are beyond vile.

Everyone at Free Republic enjoys sexual gratification with pine cones. The complete lack of evidence is the evidence. What else are they trying to hide?

174 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:44:00pm

re: #172 Skip Intro

Kinsley is an idiot.

No, next time they’ll demand he resign, after first agreeing to cut Medicare and SS, eliminate the EPA, the FDA, sell the National Parks, close the Post Office, eliminate the Federal Minimum Wage. Or else.

Just for starters.

Exactly, Kinsley needs to realize that POTUS had to draw a line in the sand. The fact of the matter is that this shutdown at its core is in large part happening because a good chunk of Congressional Republicans not only refuse to accept ACA is law but they don’t accept Barack Obama is their president. That can’t be compromised or even conceded with them. They hate everything about President Obama from him himself but also his family, his daughters, and even his dogs.

175 Kragar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:44:20pm

OK, your ICK moment of the day…

Ariel Castro May Have Died Of Auto-Erotic Asphyxiation, Not Suicide

176 Shiplord Kirel  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:44:26pm

re: #173 Kragar

Everyone at Free Republic enjoys sexual gratification with pine cones. The complete lack of evidence is the evidence. What else are they trying to hide?

The Dobermans and live octopi who accompany them on these excursions.

177 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:44:52pm

re: #171 CuriousLurker

[Embedded content]


lolwut?

Wow, along with the paranoid delusions, the misogyny & racism in this scumbag’s timeline are beyond vile.

I have it on good authority that Jim Robinson drinks urine and eats shit. The absence of evidence is the cover up!//

178 Lidane  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:45:18pm

re: #148 jaunte

Michael Kinsley is still around? That guy was such a spineless weasel on Crossfire he made Alan Colmes look like a hellfire and brimstone ideologue.

TNR should offer him a reitrement package and send him off to pastrue. That was the dumbest thing I’ve read in ages.

179 darthstar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:45:43pm
180 Aqua Obama  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:45:47pm

re: #99 Dark_Falcon

I don’t know. I’m just trying to figure out ways to prevent disaster and in time restore normalcy. The issue for me is to prevent default first and then see what else can be done.

Finding ways to prevent default doesn’t involve needless obfuscation of the core issue. Everything except funding the government and dealing with settled law is purely academic.

181 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:46:33pm

re: #179 darthstar

[Embedded content]

Only 70%?

182 Decatur Deb  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:46:43pm

re: #175 Kragar

OK, your ICK moment of the day…

Ariel Castro May Have Died Of Auto-Erotic Asphyxiation, Not Suicide

Then at least he died doing something he loved.

183 CuriousLurker  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:47:55pm

re: #175 Kragar

OK, your ICK moment of the day…

Ariel Castro May Have Died Of Auto-Erotic Asphyxiation, Not Suicide

Ewwwwww

184 blueraven  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:48:22pm

re: #169 Interesting Times

Is the 14 amendment option truly off the table, though? I know Obama said it would result in jacked-up interest rates, but would it be worth it if it got rid of the debt ceiling once and for all? (the high interest rates are supposed to result from litigation uncertainty, but that assumes it would be litigated in the first place…you’d think the money men would be against that?)

Maybe if it were the absolute last option left, but here is what he said about it.

I know there’s been some discussion, for example, about my powers under the 14th Amendment to go ahead and ignore the debt ceiling law. Setting aside the legal analysis, what matters is — is that if you start having a situation in which there — there’s legal controversy about the U.S. Treasury’s authority to issue debt, the damage will have been done even if that were constitutional, because people wouldn’t be sure. It’d be tied up in litigation for a long time. That’s going to make people nervous.

So — so a lot of the strategies that people have talked about — well, the president can roll out a big coin and — or, you know, he can — he can resort to some other constitutional measure — what people ignore is that ultimately what matters is, what do the people who are buying Treasury bills think? And again, I’ll — I’ll just boil it down in very personal terms.

If you’re buying a house, and you’re not sure whether the seller has title to the house, you’re going to be pretty nervous about buying it. And at minimum, you’d want a much cheaper price to buy that house because you wouldn’t be sure whether or not you’re going to own it at the end. Most of us would just walk away because no matter how much we like the house, we’d say to ourselves the last thing I want is to find out after I’ve bought it that I don’t actually own it.

Well, the same thing is true if I’m buying Treasury bills from the U.S. government, and here I am sitting here — you know, what if there’s a Supreme Court case deciding that these aren’t valid, that these aren’t, you know, valid legal instruments obligating the U.S. government to pay me? I’m going to be stressed, which means I may not purchase. And if I do purchase them, I’m going to ask for a big premium.

So there are no magic bullets here.

185 darthstar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:48:56pm

re: #175 Kragar

OK, your ICK moment of the day…

Ariel Castro May Have Died Of Auto-Erotic Asphyxiation, Not Suicide

He always wanted to go coming.

186 Lidane  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:49:14pm

re: #181 HappyWarrior

Only 70%?

The other 30% are just asking questions.

187 leftynyc  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:49:23pm

re: #133 Vicious Babushka

They are rustlers, cut throats, murderers, bounty hunters, desperados, mugs, pugs, thugs, nitwits, halfwits, dimwits, vipers, snipers, con men, Indian agents, Mexican bandits, muggers, buggerers, bushwhackers, hornswogglers, horse thieves, bull dykes, train robbers, bank robbers, ass-kickers, shit-kickers, and Methodists!

LOL - the same thing ran through my head when I read that.

188 Aqua Obama  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:49:47pm

More about that Senate plan:

Senate Republicans are unhappy with a House GOP plan to raise the debt ceiling for six weeks without funding the federal government. They are coalescing around their own proposal to pair a short-term debt-ceiling increase with a year-long stopgap to fund the government.

The package would also include a repeal of ObamaCare’s medical-device tax and language to require income verification of people who apply for healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, say GOP sources familiar with the talks.

Some Senate Republicans are willing to extend the debt limit for as long as six months, while others say the extension should only last for a few months.

thehill.com

189 Targetpractice  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:50:35pm

re: #148 jaunte

[Embedded content]

You got Erickson out there trying to assure the TPers that the pollings actually not that bad because it’s better than ‘95, Michael. Wasn’t the whole talk right before the shutdown that the GOP wouldn’t dare do is that things would be as bad or worse than ‘95?

Yegods.

190 Tigger2  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:50:43pm

re: #179 darthstar

[Embedded content]

The upding was for Alex’s pic I think she’s hot. lol

191 leftynyc  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:50:49pm

re: #138 Vicious Babushka

Aww poor baby had widdle feewings hurt.

[Embedded content]

He thinks calling President Obama an abomination is polite? What an asshole.

192 Internet Tough Guy  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:51:09pm

re: #188 Carlos Danger

Senate Republicans basically are discussing the length of the middle finger they’re giving the House.

193 Lidane  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:52:22pm
194 aagcobb  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:52:29pm

re: #141 Dr Lizardo

Sadly, being the GOP Hedley Lamarr would require intellect and a certain reptilian charm.

Ted Cruz, he is a Princeton/Harvard grad, and definitely reptilian.

195 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:53:02pm

Okay Texas Democrats please run Julian or Joachim Castro against Ted Cruz or Cornyn since Wendy Davis seems to have her eye on the governor’s mansion.

196 Decatur Deb  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:53:08pm

re: #194 aagcobb

Ted Cruz, he is a Princeton/Harvard grad, and definitely reptilian.

No true reptilian..

197 Lidane  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:53:23pm

re: #188 Carlos Danger

198 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:53:36pm

re: #193 Lidane

[Embedded content]

President Romney sure looked great handling the Syria crisis.

199 Sol Berdinowitz  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:54:23pm

re: #198 HappyWarrior

President Romney sure looked great handling the Syria crisis.

and bailing out the auto industry

200 EPR-radar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:54:31pm

re: #188 Carlos Danger

What is this crap about only extending the debt ceiling by a few months? If this debt ceiling stupidity is something that is permitted to exist, then increasing it should be enough to cover years, not months or days.

Much better, of course, would be to lock in the old Gephardt rule, where appropriations are deemed to raise the debt ceiling sufficient to cover the amounts appropriated.

201 leftynyc  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:54:48pm

re: #161 makeitstop

Time for Kinsley to cash out and retire. That’s about the most ludicrous thing I’ve ever read.

Precisely how Democrats got the reputation for being weak and why the pubs think they just have to wait the President out and he’ll cave. Worst advice ever - for the President and our country.

202 Kragar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:54:49pm

Fischer Praises Putin, Calls Him a ‘Lion of Christianity’

203 darthstar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:55:05pm
204 Skip Intro  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:55:08pm

This probably would have been a good day to unload all your stocks.

205 Dr. Matt  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:55:24pm

The RIght Stuff…..

Sad face.

206 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:55:46pm

re: #202 Kragar

Fischer Praises Putin, Calls Him a ‘Lion of Christianity’

Nice to see the Christofascist embracing the former KGB man tongue in mouth.

207 darthstar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:55:50pm

re: #190 Tigger2

The upding was for Alex’s pic I think she’s hot. lol

Sexiest woman on the news, in my opinion. In part, because she’s hot, but also because she’s smart.

208 darthstar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:56:38pm

This is the House’s idea of a clean bill?

209 Decatur Deb  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:56:52pm

re: #202 Kragar

Fischer Praises Putin, Calls Him a ‘Lion of Christianity’

Bad translation again: “Lyin’ Christian”.

210 Kragar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:57:04pm

re: #203 darthstar

You just know that RWNJ are going to claim this was a cunning plan.

211 Skip Intro  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:57:26pm

re: #208 darthstar

This is the House’s idea of a clean bill?

[Embedded content]

They need more hostages.

212 The Mountain That Blogs  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:58:03pm

re: #205 Dr. Matt

:(

Glenn is the last one left, isn’t he.

213 Lidane  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:58:29pm

re: #208 darthstar

This is the House’s idea of a clean bill?

[Embedded content]

O HAI total non-starter everywhere outside the House.

What a joke. No POTUS would agree to that, Democrat OR Republican.

214 simoom  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:58:35pm

re: #208 darthstar

Senate needs to strip that out. The price for briefly avoiding default can’t be making default more likely in perpetuity.

215 blueraven  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:58:40pm

re: #208 darthstar

This is the House’s idea of a clean bill?

[Embedded content]

Oh HELL no.

216 piratedan  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:58:51pm

re: #181 HappyWarrior

doesn’t include the camera and technical people who just have jobs.

217 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:59:04pm

re: #212 The Mountain That Blogs

:(

Glenn is the last one left, isn’t he.

I think so. Always liked him. My Dad met him when Dad was a kid because Glenn was living in Arlington, Va.

218 ObserverArt  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:59:15pm

Are there any actual thinking Republicans anymore? Seriously. I have never witnessed such buffoonery in all my life. This would be uproariously funny if it wasn’t a real reality show. The Marx brothers couldn’t write this, and they were great for having four running joke riffs going in one scene at a time.

That’s it! Maybe the Republicans are doing this for the show, the ratings. Really selling it for the viewers.

Like Republican BooBoo or Dick Dynasty.

219 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:59:33pm

re: #216 piratedan

doesn’t include the camera and technical people who just have jobs.

Ah good point.

220 Dr. Matt  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 12:59:55pm

re: #212 The Mountain That Blogs

:(

Glenn is the last one left, isn’t he.

Crap. Didn’t think of that….I think you’re right.

221 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:00:34pm

re: #218 ObserverArt

Are there any actual thinking Republicans anymore? Seriously. I have never witnessed such buffoonery in all my life. This would be uproariously funny if it wasn’t a real reality show. The Marx brothers couldn’t write this, and they were great for having four running joke riffs going in one scene at a time.

That’s it! Maybe the Republicans are doing this for the show, the ratings. Really selling it for the viewers.

Like Republican BooBoo or Dick Dynasty.

All the serious Republicans I think either became Dems or Independents, are out of any position of power, or died. Dent from PA seems relatively sane though but he’s still voted for the numerous repeals of ACA.

222 piratedan  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:01:44pm

re: #208 darthstar

ty for finding the link…. these guys can’t help themselves can they? surprised they don’t leave graffiti on the walls when they visit the WH, it’s we must fuck over the current system 24/7/365

223 Skip Intro  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:03:50pm

Comment about the Kinsley plan:

If it weren’t for Eric Erickson, this would be the dumbest thing I’ve read all day.

224 Dr Lizardo  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:04:12pm

re: #208 darthstar

This is the House’s idea of a clean bill?

[Embedded content]

DOA.

225 EPR-radar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:04:48pm

re: #208 darthstar

That’s like ‘releasing’ a hostage after making the hostage wear a radio controlled bomb around the neck.

226 Interesting Times  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:06:12pm

re: #223 Skip Intro

Comment about the Kinsley plan:

If it weren’t for Eric Erickson, this would be the dumbest thing I’ve read all day.

Ha, thanks for that. I was going to ask if the article allowed comments, and if so, are they calling out Teh Derp™

(srlsy, this Kinsley must be a secret koch operative pretending to be a liberal)

227 Lidane  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:06:17pm
228 uncah91  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:06:57pm

Obama has to be open to a clean short term debt increase.

Otherwise, the script completely flips and he is one making demands that lead to default.

He doesn’t have to negotiate anything else while the debt ceiling is close at hand. But he has to be open to ANY length clean increase of the ceiling.

229 wrenchwench  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:08:02pm

re: #228 uncah91

Obama has to be open to a clean short term debt increase.

Otherwise, the script completely flips and he is one making demands that lead to default.

He doesn’t have to negotiate anything else while the debt ceiling is close at hand. But he has to be open to ANY length clean increase of the ceiling.

No matter how short?

Could be crazy.

230 Skip Intro  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:08:05pm

re: #228 uncah91

Obama has to be open to a clean short term debt increase.

Otherwise, the script completely flips and he is one making demands that lead to default.

He doesn’t have to negotiate anything else while the debt ceiling is close at hand. But he has to be open to ANY length clean increase of the ceiling.

Then what?

231 Targetpractice  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:08:16pm

re: #208 darthstar

This is the House’s idea of a clean bill?

[Embedded content]

It’s the method to the madness Ryan was describing this morning of saying that any further debt ceiling increase past Nov 22nd would be dependent on how much “savings” are agreed to in the talks.

232 Lidane  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:10:03pm

re: #228 uncah91

Obama has to be open to a clean short term debt increase.

He IS open to a clean debt increase. He’s also open to a clean CR to fund and reopen the government. He’s been saying that for ages now.

It’s the GOP who keep adding all these insane demands because Boehner has lost total control of his caucus and the teabaggers think they can pull this shit.

233 Dr. Matt  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:11:36pm

re: #227 Lidane

Credit where due: Glenn Beck is a lunatic but @theblaze is frequently a legit/useful site: t.co t.co
— Right Wing Watch (@RightWingWatch) October 10, 2013

Even though Glenn Beck’s own website debunks the claim, here is the first comment:

I caught a news broadcast this morning that said the site was supposed to have cost near $94 million, then said that it had reportedly cost the $600 plus million. But, that it had actually cost some $930 million so far. Either way, what a deal that was?

234 EPR-radar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:11:43pm

re: #228 uncah91

Obama has to be open to a clean short term debt increase.

Otherwise, the script completely flips and he is one making demands that lead to default.

He doesn’t have to negotiate anything else while the debt ceiling is close at hand. But he has to be open to ANY length clean increase of the ceiling.

Passage of any completely clean debt ceiling increase, no matter how short, will be seen as a loss by many teabaggers. If the GOP wants to repeat this process many times, fine with me. If they also take most of the PR hit from the ongoing shutdown circus, so much the better.

GOP delenda est.

235 blueraven  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:12:44pm

re: #228 uncah91

Obama has to be open to a clean short term debt increase.

Otherwise, the script completely flips and he is one making demands that lead to default.

He doesn’t have to negotiate anything else while the debt ceiling is close at hand. But he has to be open to ANY length clean increase of the ceiling.

I agree…if it is clean.
This will allow more time and pressure on the GOP. They are buckling now.

236 Mattand  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:13:20pm

re: #85 Dark_Falcon

If that were included, then it would not be a clean increase.

But it might be better to make a counter-proposal instead of just stripping it. We’ve all been worried about the CDC, so how about offering a micro bill funding the CDC plus the budget bill for the Justice Department in exchange for the Treasury limits being dropped. That would fund important priorities and allow the GOP to claim a win while getting rid of the problematic limits.

How about the GOP stop threatening the country because they got their asses kicked on the ACA, and their supporters stop saying shit like this nickel and dime garbage is good thing?

237 Kragar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:14:37pm

Fox News’ Hasselbeck calls air conditioning ‘the ugly side’ of welfare

“Do these folks really need to be on welfare,” she asked, followed by video of Stossel interview apparent welfare recipients on the street.

“Yeah, I have a TV,” one woman says.

“Yeah, I have a television,” a man tells Stossel.

“Do you have air conditioning,” Stossel presses. “Yes,” the man replies.

“John Stossel checking into that and exposing the ugly side of entitlements,” Hasselbeck remarked following the video clip.

In a second teaser, Stossel probed welfare recipients about having cell phones and the Fox News host again called it “the ugly side of entitlements.”

“Is welfare creating more victims than it’s actually helping?” she later wondered.

238 Mattand  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:14:42pm

Can someone please explain to me how putting off the debt ceiling for six weeks, and allowing the GOP to make more demands, is progress?

Seriously, what am I missing?

239 Lidane  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:15:00pm
240 wrenchwench  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:15:39pm

re: #237 Kragar

Fox News’ Hasselbeck calls air conditioning ‘the ugly side’ of welfare

Fucking libertarians.

241 EPR-radar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:16:27pm

re: #85 Dark_Falcon

If that were included, then it would not be a clean increase.

But it might be better to make a counter-proposal instead of just stripping it. We’ve all been worried about the CDC, so how about offering a micro bill funding the CDC plus the budget bill for the Justice Department in exchange for the Treasury limits being dropped. That would fund important priorities and allow the GOP to claim a win while getting rid of the problematic limits.

The GOP declared war over an issue they cannot reasonably expect to prevail on. Wars escalate.

Minimally, the punishment for that bit of destructive stupidity needs to be that the GOP is forced to end this manufactured crisis without the tiniest thing they can point to as a ‘win’.

242 Skip Intro  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:16:45pm

re: #240 wrenchwench

Fucking libertarians.

Show us how it’s done Elizabeth. Have them turn off the air conditioning on all Fox News sets.

243 Lidane  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:17:15pm

re: #238 Mattand

Can someone please explain to me how putting off the debt ceiling for six weeks, and allowing the GOP to make more demands, is progress?

Seriously, what am I missing?

You’re missing a lobotomy.

Raising the debt ceiling for six weeks while keeping the government shut down is stupid, short-sighted, and allows this shit to keep going and hurting more people.

Boehner needs to swallow his pride and give up on the Hastert rule. Go to the Dems and ask for their help in passing a clean CR and clean debt hike for the next year so all this shit comes to an end. No demands, no conditions, nada. Clean bills. Period.

244 Backwoods_Sleuth  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:17:44pm

re: #237 Kragar

Fox News’ Hasselbeck calls air conditioning ‘the ugly side’ of welfare

I bet they have refrigerators and microwaves, too.

takerz….

245 Political Atheist  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:17:53pm

Is this proof, well at least an indication-That the TP has more pull with the GOP than big corporate interests, despite Citizens United, all that lobbying money etc. etc?

Dow posts its biggest gain this year, rising 322 points, on optimism about a possible debt deal.

If big corporate is being damaged, then why is the GOP holding out? The ACA given them a place or way (if they choose to) dump employee medical coverage. Further cutting costs. Now that’s maybe 2 indications.

246 uncah91  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:18:15pm

re: #232 Lidane

He IS open to a clean debt increase. He’s also open to a clean CR to fund and reopen the government. He’s been saying that for ages now.

It’s the GOP who keep adding all these insane demands because Boehner has lost total control of his caucus and the teabaggers think they can pull this shit.

I understand. I was responding to general sentiments expressed above that he needs to hold out for a long term debt ceiling increase.

re: #230 Skip Intro

Then what?

If the Republicans want to threaten default AGAIN, well, please proceed.

Obama will simply repeat what he has been saying all along. He is happy to negotiate, but not when the GOP is threatening or causing defaults or shutdowns.

247 Skip Intro  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:18:17pm

re: #241 EPR-radar

The GOP declared war over an issue they cannot reasonably expect to prevail on. Wars escalate.

And apparently one they’re no longer interested in.

No, this is about only one thing; putting it to the black guy in the White House.

248 b.d.  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:18:27pm

re: #244 Backwoods_Sleuth

I bet they have refrigerators and microwaves, too.

takerz….

and color TVs

249 Ian G.  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:18:52pm

re: #237 Kragar

Fox News’ Hasselbeck calls air conditioning ‘the ugly side’ of welfare

The “ugly” side of entitlements is that the poor in this country don’t live like the poor in the slums of Calcutta. This is a BAD thing to wingnuts.

Unfuckingbelievable.

250 wrenchwench  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:19:47pm

re: #237 Kragar

Fox News’ Hasselbeck calls air conditioning ‘the ugly side’ of welfare

(VB must be working)

GIVE THEM GRUEL. THAT”S ALL THEY NEED.

251 Mattand  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:20:31pm

re: #243 Lidane

You’re missing a lobotomy.

Raising the debt ceiling for six weeks while keeping the government shut down is stupid, short-sighted, and allows this shit to keep going and hurting more people.

Boehner needs to swallow his pride and give up on the Hastert rule. Go to the Dems and ask for their help in passing a clean CR and clean debt hike for the next year so all this shit comes to an end. No demands, no conditions, nada. Clean bills. Period.

Conservatives Clear The Way For Boehner’s Six-Week Debt Limit Hike

LOL, maybe I do need that lobotomy. The White House can’t seriously be considering this, can they?

252 nines09  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:20:35pm

The GOP/TP really does hate Americans. I see no other reason. They hate John Q Public and look at the populace as a bird would a worm. They will not change until every last one is voted out. The Democrats are far from perfect, but they aren’t trying to hurt me or mine and they aren’t freaking insane.

253 Skip Intro  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:20:57pm

re: #248 b.d.

And heaters, the parasitic bastards.

254 Dr Lizardo  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:21:24pm

re: #250 wrenchwench

(VB must be working)

GIVE THEM GRUEL. THAT”S ALL THEY NEED.

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE GRUEL
DA DA DADADAAA……

255 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:21:42pm

re: #237 Kragar

by their logic those who are that poor should just be in prison with nothing.

256 EPR-radar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:21:44pm

re: #249 Ian G.

The “ugly” side of entitlements is that the poor in this country don’t live like the poor in the slums of Calcutta. This is a BAD thing to wingnuts.

Unfuckingbelievable.

Denied a system of chattel slavery in order to establish who counts as human and who is relegated to being property, wingnuts want to use wealth and poverty to establish this scale.

Thus, it is important for poverty to be as grinding as possible.

257 Backwoods_Sleuth  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:21:44pm

re: #245 GOPHostage#25698724

Is this proof, well at least an indication-That the TP has more pull with the GOP than big corporate interests, despite Citizens United, all that lobbying money etc. etc?

Dow posts its biggest gain this year, rising 322 points, on optimism about a possible debt deal.

If big corporate is being damaged, then why is the GOP holding out? The ACA given them a place or way (if they choose to) dump employee medical coverage. Further cutting costs. Now that’s maybe 2 indications.

Because, according to the Tea Party (“We The People”!!11!!), Obama and the Dems are the party of Big Business and Obama is in the pocket of Wall Street….

258 Ian G.  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:22:23pm

sports.yahoo.com

Ms. Ferlito apologized. Too bad. Had she dug her heels in, started whining about being the real victim and so forth, she might have had a gig with FOX News lined up by this afternoon.

//// (sort of)

259 wrenchwench  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:22:23pm

re: #254 Dr Lizardo

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE GRUEL
DA DA DADADAAA……

GRUEL TO BE KIND

260 blueraven  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:22:39pm

re: #245 GOPHostage#25698724

Is this proof, well at least an indication-That the TP has more pull with the GOP than big corporate interests, despite because of Citizens United, all that lobbying money etc. etc?

261 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:22:47pm

re: #240 wrenchwench

Fucking libertarians.

Yeah how awful that people on welfare don’t suffer from heat exhaustion. What the fuck is wrong with her? This is even more pathetic than Reagan’s equally stupid and bigoted “bucks buying steaks” comment.

262 EPR-radar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:23:38pm

re: #251 Mattand

Conservatives Clear The Way For Boehner’s Six-Week Debt Limit Hike

LOL, maybe I do need that lobotomy. The White House can’t seriously be considering this, can they?

If it has the poison pill of no extraordinary measures by the treasury, it should be DOA in both the Senate and White House.

263 Dr Lizardo  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:24:02pm

re: #259 wrenchwench

GRUEL TO BE KIND

YOU MIGHT THINK I’M CRAZY……
BUT ALL I WANT IS YOU GRUEL

264 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:24:58pm

re: #249 Ian G.

The “ugly” side of entitlements is that the poor in this country don’t live like the poor in the slums of Calcutta. This is a BAD thing to wingnuts.

Unfuckingbelievable.

They won’t be happy until we have “Kick a homeless person for fun day”. Seriously. Have a problem with welfare? Fine, I disagree but if you’re upset that people on welfare are getting air conditioning? There’s something deeply wrong with you and I not only question your ideology but whether you’ve got a soul at all.

265 Skip Intro  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:25:00pm

re: #246 uncah91

I understand. I was responding to general sentiments expressed above that he needs to hold out for a long term debt ceiling increase.

If the Republicans want to threaten default AGAIN, well, please proceed.

Obama will simply repeat what he has been saying all along. He is happy to negotiate, but not when the GOP is threatening or causing defaults or shutdowns.

So the government is still shut down, and in return for a slight reprieve in avoiding default, Obama opens the door for even more TP demands, like cutting SS and Medicare?

Sorry, but at some point enough is enough. I say that’s where we are now. Any short term agreement made with the TP is just going to make them demand more the next time.

266 wrenchwench  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:25:16pm

re: #263 Dr Lizardo

YOU MIGHT THINK I’M CRAZY……
BUT ALL I WANT IS YOU GRUEL

DON’T BE FEED GRUEL TO THE ONE YOU LOVE

267 Targetpractice  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:25:44pm

re: #262 EPR-radar

If it has the poison pill of no extraordinary measures by the treasury, it should be DOA in both the Senate and White House.

Not necessarily. Senate Dems may very well strip that language via amendment.

268 Dr Lizardo  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:26:41pm

re: #266 wrenchwench

DON’T BE FEED GRUEL TO THE ONE YOU LOVE

YOU AND ME AND A DOG NAMED BOO BOWL OF GRUEL

269 Charles Johnson  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:26:49pm
270 Targetpractice  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:27:35pm

re: #269 Charles Johnson

[Embedded content]

Damnit, I wondered where that got off to!

///

271 EPR-radar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:27:44pm

re: #265 Skip Intro

So the government is still shut down, and in return for a slight reprieve in avoiding default, Obama opens the door for even more TP demands, like cutting SS and Medicare?

Sorry, but at some point enough is enough. I say that’s where we are now. Any short term agreement made with the TP is just going to make them demand more the next time.

If the TP gets absolutely nothing for a short term debt ceiling increase, the Dems should accept that and continue the fight over the shutdown.

272 Lidane  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:28:20pm
273 wrenchwench  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:28:20pm

re: #258 Ian G.

sports.yahoo.com

Ms. Ferlito apologized. Too bad. Had she dug her heels in, started whining about being the real victim and so forth, she might have had a gig with FOX News lined up by this afternoon.

//// (sort of)

‘i DIDN’T THINK ABOUT WHAT i WAS SAYING’ Ooops, forgot the capslock.

If racist shit is what comes out when you don’t think about it, you might be a BIG FAT FUCKING RACIST.

(Capslock for symmetry.)

274 uncah91  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:28:59pm

re: #265 Skip Intro

So the government is still shut down, and in return for a slight reprieve in avoiding default, Obama opens the door for even more TP demands, like cutting SS and Medicare?

Sorry, but at some point enough is enough. I say that’s where we are now. Any short term agreement made with the TP is just going to make them demand more the next time.

Think if we get to Oct. 17 and a clean bill (with no poison pills or concessions of any sort) to increase the debt ceiling is on the president’s desk, it would be stupid for him not to sign it, even it is is only for six weeks.

The other option is to actually veto it, and thereby cause default.

275 Skip Intro  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:29:20pm

re: #271 EPR-radar

If the TP gets absolutely nothing for a short term debt ceiling increase, the Dems should accept that and continue the fight over the shutdown.

They won’t accept nothing. There’s nothing in their behavior that suggests they will.

276 makeitstop  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:29:23pm

re: #266 wrenchwench

DON’T BE FEED GRUEL TO THE ONE YOU LOVE A HEART THAT’S TRUE

FTFY

277 EPR-radar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:29:37pm

re: #267 Targetpractice

Not necessarily. Senate Dems may very well strip that language via amendment.

That works, but the house would still have to pass the amended version for it to count. So if the TP really wants the no extraordinary measures by treasury, that will scupper any deal.

278 HappyWarrior  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:29:46pm

re: #272 Lidane

[Embedded content]

Gee I notice a trend. The Tea Party thinks one thing and the rest of the nation thinks another. But don’t call them fringe extremists. That hurts their feewings.

279 EPR-radar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:30:27pm

re: #275 Skip Intro

They won’t accept nothing. There’s nothing in their behavior that suggests they will.

Precisely. Talking about absolutely clean debt ceiling bills is rather like handicapping a unicorn race.

280 Targetpractice  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:31:15pm

re: #277 EPR-radar

That works, but the house would still have to pass the amended version for it to count. So if the TP really wants the no extraordinary measures by treasury, that will scupper any deal.

Or Boehner breaks down at the 11th hour and asks Democrats to help pass the bill, he’s said as much in recent days. He avoid a default, Democrats get a clean debt ceiling increase, and we move forward.

281 makeitstop  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:31:37pm

My #276 got the pencil so it didn’t look like I fell asleep in the middle of a comment.

282 Skip Intro  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:31:45pm

re: #273 wrenchwench

‘i DIDN’T THINK ABOUT WHAT i WAS SAYING’ Ooops, forgot the capslock.

If racist shit is what comes out when you don’t think about it, you might be a BIG FAT FUCKING RACIST.

(Capslock for symmetry.)

Rush Limbaugh has finally found a woman he can respect (right up to the point where she kind of apologized).

283 Dr Lizardo  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:32:36pm

re: #280 Targetpractice

Or Boehner breaks down at the 11th hour and asks Democrats to help pass the bill, he’s said as much in recent days. He avoid a default, Democrats get a clean debt ceiling increase, and we move forward.

I’m still thinking what you’ve just set out there is the endgame.

284 uncah91  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:33:23pm

re: #275 Skip Intro

They won’t accept nothing. There’s nothing in their behavior that suggests they will.

That is probably true, but that doesn’t mean Obama should lose the messaging war by saying he will not sign a clean CR if it is passed simply because it is too short.

Look, if short term debt limit passes it will actually be WORSE for Republicans, because we will be back to talking about how the republicans are threatening default very shortly. This will actually allow it to start become cemented in the broad public’s mind that Republicans really are that crazy.

285 GeneJockey  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:34:07pm

re: #138 Vicious Babushka

Aww poor baby had widdle feewings hurt.

[Embedded content]

Polite differing viewpoint - This is the first time that, during a Government Shutdown, there was an open-air memorial dedicated to veterans of a war with living veterans, after a number of terrorist attacks and threatened attacks on concentrations of people, by terrorists to whom an un-policed crowd at a memorial to an American military victory would look like a mashup of Christmas, New Years, Easter, and Halloween.

286 CuriousLurker  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:34:08pm

OT Drive-by - I don’t know if anyone else has posted this, but I just saw it now. Very sad story:

287 blueraven  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:35:29pm

re: #258 Ian G.

sports.yahoo.com

Ms. Ferlito apologized. Too bad. Had she dug her heels in, started whining about being the real victim and so forth, she might have had a gig with FOX News lined up by this afternoon.

//// (sort of)

At least her apology sounds sincere.

288 Lidane  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:37:43pm

re: #283 Dr Lizardo

I’m still thinking what you’ve just set out there is the endgame.

It’s the only realistic option Boehner has. If he keeps clinging to the Hastert rule we’re going to default because the teabagger idiots will just keep making all kinds of insane demands.

At some point he’s going to have to go to Pelosi and Hoyer and make a deal to get a clean, no strings CR and debt limit hike passed. This will cost him his Speakership and a primary from the right, but the alternative is destroying the global economy to appease a bunch of economic illiterates.

289 William Barnett-Lewis  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:37:50pm

re: #259 wrenchwench

GRUEL TO BE KIND

DON”T FEAR THE GRUEL

290 EPR-radar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:38:11pm

re: #280 Targetpractice

Or Boehner breaks down at the 11th hour and asks Democrats to help pass the bill, he’s said as much in recent days. He avoid a default, Democrats get a clean debt ceiling increase, and we move forward.

One interesting question about this scenario is other amendments the Senate could make to the bill, like actually making it a large enough increase of the debt ceiling to defer the next round of debt ceiling circus for a year or more.

291 wrenchwench  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:38:47pm

re: #287 blueraven

At least her apology sounds sincere.

[Embedded content]

The ‘I’m just a human’ part goes sour for me because she apparently didn’t think about the target of her words that way.

292 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:39:15pm

If only 1/3 of the House is trying to totally get its way and will hold the country hostage, shut down the govt, and allow the economy to come crashing down, why the hell do the other 2/3 allow it?

Get some fucking spine, Congress.

Time to take the gloves off and show them how to run the country—and it’s not the TP way. Ignorant bastards shouldn’t be anywhere near the reins of power.

293 Targetpractice  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:39:28pm

re: #283 Dr Lizardo

I’m still thinking what you’ve just set out there is the endgame.

That’s what I’m figuring. Senate Republicans are supposedly in talks to attack a short-term CR to the bill, assuming it passes the House, so that might be a worthwhile exchange in their minds.

294 lawhawk  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:43:37pm

re: #288 Lidane

It’s the only realistic option Boehner has. If he keeps clinging to the Hastert rule we’re going to default because the teabagger idiots will just keep making all kinds of insane demands.

At some point he’s going to have to go to Pelosi and Hoyer and make a deal to get a clean, no strings CR and debt limit hike passed. This will cost him his Speakership and a primary from the right, but the alternative is destroying the global economy to appease a bunch of economic illiterates.

There’s no one else who can be speaker who wont fall into the same trap Boehner did by giving in to the TP initially. There’s no one who could pose a challenge to Boehner when the new Congress opened in January, so he won by default. They couldn’t have a Speaker challenge now, because that too would give away the game that the GOP is wholly buggered (which it is, but they’re the last to know).

Boehner is running a fractured caucus, but instead of appeasing and appealing to the moderates in his party, he ran to the extortionist TP wing, and they’re the ones calling the shots. That effective makes him a TP extortionist, even if he realizes what he’s doing is batcrap insane, he’s fallen in with that lot.

His potential challengers for the gavel? Cantor - who’s got the same issues. Bachmann? There’s no one who will get the numbers because the TP doesn’t do math.

295 Dr Lizardo  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:49:24pm

re: #288 Lidane

It’s the only realistic option Boehner has. If he keeps clinging to the Hastert rule we’re going to default because the teabagger idiots will just keep making all kinds of insane demands.

At some point he’s going to have to go to Pelosi and Hoyer and make a deal to get a clean, no strings CR and debt limit hike passed. This will cost him his Speakership and a primary from the right, but the alternative is destroying the global economy to appease a bunch of economic illiterates.

It may not cost him his Speakership, if he plays his cards right.

If it were me, I’d ask for the Democrats support in the event of a ‘palace coup’; they support me until the end of the Congress as Speaker, and I lift the ‘Hastert Rule’ for good. No more….gone. Then, I get on board with them for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

Etc., etc.

296 Political Atheist  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:50:28pm

re: #238 Mattand

Can someone please explain to me how putting off the debt ceiling for six weeks, and allowing the GOP to make more demands, is progress?

Seriously, what am I missing?

When you are driving without brakes, every turn made without going over the cliff is “progress”. But if you are going downhill fast…….

297 Justanotherhuman  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:51:47pm

Even the “little” things fall victim to the TP shutdown…and the TP pretends to love tradition.

Capitol’s famous clock falls victim to shutdown

bigstory.ap.org

Fascism isn’t tradition. The TP are some sick mofos.

298 wrenchwench  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:51:50pm

re: #296 GOPHostage#25698724

When you are driving without brakes, every turn made without going over the cliff is “progress”. But if you are going downhill fast…….

Somebody on NPR said it was like playing ‘chicken’, but both drivers have thrown their steering wheels out the window.

299 GeneJockey  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:51:53pm

re: #238 Mattand

Can someone please explain to me how putting off the debt ceiling for six weeks, and allowing the GOP to make more demands, is progress?

Seriously, what am I missing?

It’s progress in the sense that it indicates that the GOP is not ALL falling under the spell of ‘it won’t be so bad’.

300 The Mountain That Blogs  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:53:08pm

re: #294 lawhawk

Turns out I was wrong earlier when I said if Republicans aren’t united around a new choice, you would get Speaker Pelosi. You need an absolute majority of votes cast to become Speaker, and if no one gets that, then they vote again. Boehner only cleared that by seven votes back in January when a bunch of the crackpots didn’t vote for him, that’s why it was a big deal.

Wonder how long that would last for, and what the House can do in the interim.

301 Skip Intro  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:59:19pm

re: #300 The Mountain That Blogs

Wonder how long that would last for, and what the House can do in the interim.

Hopefully months and they’d be completely tied up by it. It would really show the country how totally incompetent they are, since there are still some people who haven’t figured that out yet.

302 Backwoods_Sleuth  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 1:59:24pm

Reposting from upstairs because it’s valid here:


The House GOP’s Little Rule Change That Guaranteed A Shutdown

303 EPR-radar  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 2:14:38pm

re: #297 Justanotherhuman

Even the “little” things fall victim to the TP shutdown…and the TP pretends to love tradition.

Capitol’s famous clock falls victim to shutdown

bigstory.ap.org

Fascism isn’t tradition. The TP are some sick mofos.

The TP is probably as close to a party faction of gleeful self-aware evil as the US has ever known.

304 Drimble Wedge  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 4:55:16pm

The GOP is now officially the Derpublican Party.

305 Egregious Philbin  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 5:41:54pm

Because …uh..uh…Benghazi!

306 steve_davis  Thu, Oct 10, 2013 6:43:39pm

re: #26 klys

I wish I had that confidence. Instead I have confidence that there are a lot of idiots out there.

Think about how stupid the average American is. Then realize that half of us are more stupid than that.

307 nastybrutishntall  Fri, Oct 11, 2013 9:09:58am

re: #88 Vicious Babushka

Teatard: Hey, you say you don’t believe in Santa Claus, but I know for a fact that when you were 5, you did.

Obama: Uh, yes, that is correct.

Teatard: See, even you know Santa Claus is real. You’re just pandering to the anti-Christmas nazis. Because everyone knows reindeer fly - ABOVE the clouds. That’s why we can’t see em, libtard.


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