Blackout: Pelosi turns off the lights as GOP demands action on drilling; Update: Video added; Update: Protest ends — with “God Bless America”
posted at 2:00 pm on August 1, 2008 by Allahpundit
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A transparent stunt but an awfully shrewd one. The cameras are off so we’re forced to rely on Politico for running updates. What a scene:
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and the Democrats adjourned the House and turned off the lights and killed the microphones, but Republicans are still on the floor talking gas prices.
Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) and other GOP leaders opposed the motion to adjourn the House, arguing that Pelosi’s refusal to schedule a vote allowing offshore drilling is hurting the American economy. They have refused to leave the floor after the adjournment motion passed at 11:23 a.m. and are busy bashing Pelosi and her fellow Democrats for leaving town for the August recess…
“This is the people’s House,” Rep, Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.) said. “This is not Pelosi’s politiburo.”
Democratic aides were furious at the GOP stunt, and reporters were kicked out of the Speaker’s Lobby, the space next to the House floor where they normally interview lawmakers.
“You’re not covering this, are you?” complaing one senior Democratic aide. Another called the Republicans “morons” for staying on the floor…
The scene on the floor is kind of crazy. Normally, members are not allowed to speak directly to the visitor galleries, or visitors are prohibited from cheering. But in this case, the members are walking up and down on the floor during their speeches, standing on cheers, the visitors are cheering loudly. Some members even brought in visitors, who are now sitting on the House floor in the seats normally filled by lawmakers, cheering and clapping. Very funny.
GOP whip Roy Blunt issued a statement asking all Republican House members who are still in town to come to the floor. Exit question: What are the odds that someone there will be smart enough to fetch a camcorder from one of the offices near the chamber and record this for YouTubing? Eric Cantor, the deputy whip, has shown some ‘Net savvy in the past. Chop chop.
Update: And no sooner do I write those words than I get a tip that Rep. John Culberson is taping — and Twittering! — outside the chamber. Stay tuned. Click the image to watch.
Update: The boss is pleased, especially with the use of new media to get the word out.
My main post on the House GOP revolt is here and I’ll keep updating it. But I’m breaking out a separate post on the Republicans’ very savvy use of Twitter to circumvent the Democrat blackout and overcome the absence of C-SPAN cameras– and their outreach to conservative blogs to spread the word.
This is the change we’ve been waiting for, Beltway GOP.
Finally!
Update: Pete Hokestra says Capitol Hill security is ready to shut down the party promptly at 4:30 lest the GOP reap any more goodwill from this than they already have. Meanwhile, Politico’s still updating fast and furiously. Money quote:
Rep. Tom Cole (Okla.), chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, said the dimly lit chamber is a “vision of the future by the Democrat Party: The lights are out, there’s no power, and the air conditioning is gonna go off soon.”
Update: It’s all over as of 5 p.m., carried off to the tune of “God Bless America.” NBC says even congressmen not known for oratory caught the fee-vah in the chamber. Says Mike Pence, “We will be here through the break.”
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There’s at least one report of people having been escorted out after a certain time. Not sure if that (having to shut down by a certain time) had something to do with it.
If you recall, Reps said CHP was under strict orders to close the Capitol by 4:30. Perhaps they extended it to 5.
amerpundit on August 1, 2008 at 5:48 PM
I say we stay on this thread until the house gets called back.
AverageJoe on August 1, 2008 at 5:48 PM
Yea…like I said.
1GooDDaDDy on August 1, 2008 at 5:48 PM
Culberson’s still giving interviews.
amerpundit on August 1, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Aha! If that’s the case, then, I’m not mad. At the Republicans, that it.
Pelosi, on the other hand, well…
Anna on August 1, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Changes everything. Will somebody report this accurately? Our Representatives being escorted out of the people’s house? Shameless.
Ordinary1 on August 1, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Lizzy on Blog Talk Radio says Capitol Police started escorting people out at 5pm.
ganeshpuri89 on August 1, 2008 at 5:49 PM
So, if the Capitol Police had strict orders to vacate the place, is this the police state that the libs said the GOP would bring? looks like Nancy done brought it.
bbz123 on August 1, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Come on… keep the fight going. This is not Pelosi’s blob… this is the blog of the people!
AverageJoe on August 1, 2008 at 5:49 PM
If I were them, I’d go limp. They’d have to drag my heavy, dead-weight butt outta the People’s House.
Anna on August 1, 2008 at 5:50 PM
Anna,maybe that is what DC needs
ConservativePartyNow on August 1, 2008 at 5:50 PM
sorry….not Pelosi’s BLOG, not BLOB. Just thinking of Peloci’s BLOB makes me sick.
AverageJoe on August 1, 2008 at 5:51 PM
Thanx. It makes a difference.
Ordinary1 on August 1, 2008 at 5:51 PM
Tap the kegs!
Light the bonfires!
Storm the streets with pitchforks!
BallisticBob on August 1, 2008 at 5:51 PM
Keep beating this drum:
DEMOCRATS- THE NO ENERGY PARTY.
Smack them with it till it hurts them as much as their obstructionism hurts our wallets.
The only thing oily about the Democrats is their demeanor.
profitsbeard on August 1, 2008 at 5:51 PM
No Twitter, No Peace!
Immolate on August 1, 2008 at 5:51 PM
Au contraire, the fact is that it was an historic moment (even the idiot Fox News Producer produced that factoid) so to say it was “nothing new” is silly.
Moreover, it was brilliant political theater, and besides, w.t.f. did you expect them to do anyway? It was Pelosi who refuses to let the House vote on these issues.
You were fine and filled with enthusiasm. It would have been nice if they could have stayed, but without lights, audio, or a/c it’s pretty difficult and ultimately rather futile. They’ve made their point and if Bush can come back with a double whammy by calling them back to Congress, it’s, dare I say, mission accomplished.
Buy Danish on August 1, 2008 at 5:52 PM
I remember doing student politics in elementary/middle school. We pretended to be city council, that sort of thing. I say, let’s get some kids in there, see how they do.
I bet most people wouldn’t even notice.
Anna on August 1, 2008 at 5:52 PM
Would be nice if they could find another place, invite cameras, and keep going. Like maybe 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Dispersing peacefully makes it look like they gave up and lost. First time I’ve ever wished we had some crazy-ass protester types in our party like the libs. They’d superglue themselves to the Speaker’s chair or something.
aero on August 1, 2008 at 5:52 PM
Oh cool…. 800 posts. I can go now. Did my work. See’ya.
AverageJoe on August 1, 2008 at 5:53 PM
My Uncle has been a Capitol Police officer for 25 years. I’ll have to give him a call tonight and see if he has any details.
arteest on August 1, 2008 at 5:53 PM
Heh, like that guy in England who tried to glue himself to the PM?
Anna on August 1, 2008 at 5:53 PM
Culberson Tweet:
Still doing interviews, but the MSM will downplay this big time.
Ordinary1 on August 1, 2008 at 5:54 PM
Ah. So, the elitist Defeatocrats can’t handle the heat, and they take their ball and go home. They shut off the lights, turn off the AC, and kill the mics in order to “silence” those who have the gall to disagree with them. How dare they!
Pelosi’s Politbiuro INDEED!
The only thing left is for Pelosi to start throwing her dissenters into the gulag for daring to oppose her and her minions.
Good Lord what a foul and despicable party the Democrats are.
SilverStar830 on August 1, 2008 at 5:54 PM
Be it enacted by student congress assembled…
Ordinary1 on August 1, 2008 at 5:55 PM
They quit? What a farce.
ronsfi on August 1, 2008 at 5:56 PM
So Pelosi DID shut it down? That’s what happened? She cleared it via the police? It’s a shame the Republicans went quietly, but if so, wow.
That should backfire bigtime.
Vanceone on August 1, 2008 at 5:56 PM
Did you read the thread ronsfi?
Immolate on August 1, 2008 at 5:56 PM
I have to say, I’m proud of the House GOP today. They stood their ground and defied General Secretary Nancy “Blinksalot” Pelosi’s Do-Nothing strategy.
More of this, please.
I’d like to see President Bush holding a press conference with House GOP leaders tomorrow to publicly embarrass the Dems.
amerpundit on August 1, 2008 at 5:57 PM
Hit refresh and this thread is fading. I was hoping we’d hit 1,000 first. Maybe by tomorrow.
Ordinary1 on August 1, 2008 at 5:57 PM
All the was left for Pelosi to do was to take off her hoof and bang it on the podium ala Krazy Nikita.
BallisticBob on August 1, 2008 at 5:58 PM
I’ll hang for the K ;)
Immolate on August 1, 2008 at 5:58 PM
Yes, yes, yes. Keep up the pressure!
Ordinary1 on August 1, 2008 at 5:58 PM
Thank you. The one day I had meetings all day and I missed all the fun.
This is great. I think the R’s have really caught on to could give them the majority and they ought to be planning around it. The RNCC really ought to come up with some generic House ads to run in all 50 states, promoting the solidarity of the party in bringing down our energy bills and they can use some of this video.
Dusty on August 1, 2008 at 5:59 PM
That is what happened. The police cleared them out on Pelosi’s orders. It should backfire. It should cause outrage. It should cause a shockwave to go through the American electorate to have our elected representatives shut down like that, perhaps unconstitutionally, and then to be hustled out by police like criminals for having a debate the people want in the people’s House.
If anyone covers it outside the blogosphere.
aero on August 1, 2008 at 5:59 PM
Well, I know I did my part. Seriously, though, this whole thing made me feel a bit better. The whole thing with gas prices is really affecting my family personally, and I needed something to give me some hope. Real hope.
Anna on August 1, 2008 at 6:00 PM
I’m at work and trying to keep up. Perhaps you could enlighten me. Last I could make out they Quit at 5pm.
ronsfi on August 1, 2008 at 6:00 PM
Ha.
Agreed.
Well, I feel like I jinxed it. I wanted to come home to see something live, but it ended shortly afterwards.
Esthier on August 1, 2008 at 6:00 PM
I think we who called and emailed might have forced FNC to cover the story. Shep didn’t seem happy about it.
aero on August 1, 2008 at 6:01 PM
Don’t feel bad. I usually feel like a thread-killer, as the threads always die down right after I start posting. Today was different, though. Besides, you know that something went down in the House… which is more than we can say for most Americans.
Anna on August 1, 2008 at 6:02 PM
ronsfi: they were escorted out by the badges. Like most civil, good-hearted people do, they complied with the officers.
Immolate on August 1, 2008 at 6:02 PM
Reports stated that Capitol Hill Police were under strict orders to close/clear out the Capitol by 4:30PM. They ended up finishing the protest at 5PM. Robert Bluey of Heritage reported being escorted out by CHP around that time.
amerpundit on August 1, 2008 at 6:02 PM
Fox news showing some nice clips now.
BacaDog on August 1, 2008 at 6:02 PM
Sorry…haven’t had time yet to read all comments, but wanted to throw into the mix that I just phoned my Congressman, John Tanner who of course voted for adjournment, and found his Washington office and 3 of his ‘local’ offices closed at 1635, Opined on the voice mail that I was just ‘tickled’ that they could all leave for vacation but sadly i could not and come election time it would remain in my memory. Suggest one and all call now and see just who is ’still in business’ and who has effectively blown us all off. AAARRRRGGHHHH!!!
dustoffmom on August 1, 2008 at 6:02 PM
Hope and Change! High energy prices affect everyone EXCEPT the wealthy. The Democrats are seizing a real opportunity to tick off the working class of the country. If they won’t let us drill for our own oil then the least they can do is show the world what they are really about. Power at all cost. American families be damned.
Ordinary1 on August 1, 2008 at 6:03 PM
Brett Baer on FOX is leading with story now.
Whole bunch of coverage on energy.
Showed Bush saying the only thing between America and all this oil is the American congress.
Lily on August 1, 2008 at 6:04 PM
What are the Republicans gonna do about it?
Maybe they should go ahead and do it
Go ahead?
Feel the heat, pushing them to decide
Feel the heat, burning them up, ready or not
Some like it hot and some sweat
When the heat is on
Some feel the heat and decide that
They can´t go on
Some like it hot, but you can´t tell how hot
Til you try
Some like it hot, so turn up the heat
Til Pelosi fries
MB4 on August 1, 2008 at 6:04 PM
Sorry Danish, my mistake. Must have been your characterization of high school and clueless twit that threw me off. I confess I turn down the sound on my TV when she is on because I can’t stand her inability to conduct a knowledgeable interview.
Texas Gal on August 1, 2008 at 6:04 PM
Like I said, it’s the only time I’ve ever wished that we had some crazy lib-style protesters in our ranks. The kind who would superglue themselves to the Speaker’s chair or force the capitol police to physically drag them out.
aero on August 1, 2008 at 6:05 PM
Oh…that’s John Tanner of western TN, 8th district. For any fellow Tennesseans out there.
dustoffmom on August 1, 2008 at 6:05 PM
I hate Madame Speaker.
Califemme on August 1, 2008 at 6:05 PM
I’m stayin’ around for the K comments too
Ordinary1 on August 1, 2008 at 6:05 PM
I can’t wait until I get my form letter from my Rep as to her excuse.
sigh.
Anna on August 1, 2008 at 6:06 PM
Glenn Beck should be good tonight.
BallisticBob on August 1, 2008 at 6:06 PM
This is weird.
I just heard WIBA-AM news report that they are still there, and plan to be there for the next few hours.
MadisonConservative on August 1, 2008 at 6:07 PM
Peace. :)
Buy Danish on August 1, 2008 at 6:07 PM
When it’s a matter of principle and the time comes to stand up to abuse of power, there will be no shortage of volunteers. In this instance, I think they did the right thing.
Immolate on August 1, 2008 at 6:07 PM
Have called Tanner multiple times on this and that….WOW! You are lucky, who is your Rep? I have never recieved a thing from this bozo but a donation request!
dustoffmom on August 1, 2008 at 6:07 PM
The protest got, what, a minute and a half on Special Report?
Quisp on August 1, 2008 at 6:08 PM
I just got his daily e-mail 14 minutes ago. No mention of it. Beck is often off on Friday and they do rerun stuff or the full hour with one recorded guest.
Ordinary1 on August 1, 2008 at 6:08 PM
Well I have to get going. You all have a great one! Be good this weekend!
upinak on August 1, 2008 at 6:08 PM
So is Madame Speaker flying back to CA in that jet we are paying for?
There is a nasty word I have for her ilk but I will not sully MM’s site with it.
bbz123 on August 1, 2008 at 6:09 PM
I think they have shut down all median
If they can’t use cameras or microphones, we may just have to rely on the print media.
OMG it is the New York Times big chance to make it big!
Lily on August 1, 2008 at 6:09 PM
True. On the way home from work I called my mom to tell her.
I started by saying, “Did you hear what happened?”
Unfortunately she thought I was talking about another 9/11 or something, so next time I’ll have to chose my words more carefully for her.
I know you’re right, but it would have been really cool if they’d stayed all weekend, holding interviews and protests.
Yes. None of that rainbows and unicorn stuff. This was genuine and at least shows us that they’re taking it seriously.
Esthier on August 1, 2008 at 6:09 PM
Today we saw shades of America at it’s best…….. my only hope is that before this is over, the shade turns into a burning light……………. then we can see Nancy Pelosi blink.
Seven Percent Solution on August 1, 2008 at 6:10 PM
Maybe if someone would bring them some booze they could stay there longer than a measly few hours.
MB4 on August 1, 2008 at 6:11 PM
From the caught the feevah update:
Bwahahaha. What solutions? Inflate your tires and get a tune up? Tell it to the
judgevoters.Oh, and FOX just began Special Report with this story…
Buy Danish on August 1, 2008 at 6:11 PM
Damn, you’re right. I forgot about that.
BallisticBob on August 1, 2008 at 6:11 PM
Anyone have an inside line on info here? Are they going to be there still tomorrow? Hell, I am plumb broke but I will find the bucks to drive over and be in the Gallery tomorrow….that is if the Capital Police let anyone else in! A fabulous use of limited funds to my way of thinking.
dustoffmom on August 1, 2008 at 6:11 PM
Oh before I go.. AIGA, for the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline has PASSED!
TransCanada has been awarded the official Licence to build the Liquid Natural Gas Pipeline to go from Alaska, into Canada and into IL.
http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/481733.html
As I am not happy about it going thru Canada…. I wish it was an All Alaska Pipeline, this is STILL a MAJOR Accomplishment!
Have a good weekend all!
upinak on August 1, 2008 at 6:11 PM
Another problem with the news coverage is it’s Friday. It’ll be hard to carry over this story to Monday with anything close to today’s excitement and energy. That’s especially true given to today’s apparent lack of coverage.
Ordinary1 on August 1, 2008 at 6:11 PM
Wonder what that means?
Esthier on August 1, 2008 at 6:12 PM
Were I within driving distance I’d offer up my Titos (Texas vodka).
Esthier on August 1, 2008 at 6:13 PM
The Republicans should go out an let the air from all the Dems’ cars so they can’t leave.
profitsbeard on August 1, 2008 at 6:14 PM
FOXNews. Republican Boston Tea Party Comes to an End
Ordinary1 on August 1, 2008 at 6:14 PM
Maybe they are getting the end of it.
upinak on August 1, 2008 at 6:14 PM
Mark Levine is all over this on 77 WABC
ganeshpuri89 on August 1, 2008 at 6:15 PM
857 comments. I’m not gonna make it too 1,000 :-)
Ordinary1 on August 1, 2008 at 6:15 PM
too. to. whatever
Ordinary1 on August 1, 2008 at 6:16 PM
Bathroom breaks are authorized. Short ones.
Immolate on August 1, 2008 at 6:17 PM
From the Fox story:
On what? Getting Democrats reelected while Americans can’t afford gas?
Good.
amerpundit on August 1, 2008 at 6:17 PM
In other news, slightly disappointing, I found out my husband didn’t make chief. He’s okay with it, and so am I… although some more good news today would have been nice.
Anna on August 1, 2008 at 6:18 PM
Don’t waste the good stuff on ‘em at this point. They have got to earn it. For now just ship in some Cripple (50% cheap Champagne + 50% Ripple).
MB4 on August 1, 2008 at 6:20 PM
I’m sorry. Maybe you should go out and celebrate anyway. Just get family to babysit and celebrate a night out without kids.
Esthier on August 1, 2008 at 6:20 PM
They got that wrong. It wasn’t a Boston Tea party it was a Texas tea party.
Nahanni on August 1, 2008 at 6:21 PM
I’ve never had that. Is it any good?
Esthier on August 1, 2008 at 6:21 PM
Funny. Refreshing Twitter and HotAir and cross posting like crazy. Best sick day evah!
Ordinary1 on August 1, 2008 at 6:21 PM
Well, it was nice while it lasted.
I was hoping for a long siege. Like the filibuster from Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, combined with the 1960 Greensboro sit-in.
I had to go run some errands, but heard that reporter from FOX over XM when he said it was a high school prank. That really irritated me at the time, but I somewhat fear that he was correct.
Time will tell, but I’m afraid that this was just another case of the GOP getting my hopes up only to dash them soon after.
LegendHasIt on August 1, 2008 at 6:21 PM
I lol’d
Immolate on August 1, 2008 at 6:22 PM
Why? Don’t most congress critters wear Depends?
MB4 on August 1, 2008 at 6:22 PM
Now what we need to do is email the White House and call the switchboard till they cannot handle it, to call a special session to solve the energy problem and to open up more drilling
ConservativePartyNow on August 1, 2008 at 6:22 PM
Sorry Anna. Hopefully it’ll happen soon!
Ordinary1 on August 1, 2008 at 6:22 PM
Next time we’re near family, that’s on the schedule. At least this means he gets to stay in his current duty station (he just started and loves it). He didn’t even want to test, but you don’t say no to advancement testing.
It was his first time up, he’s been in for 7 years - cause enough for celebration. : )
Anna on August 1, 2008 at 6:23 PM
Sorry, I thought Teddy was back home recovering?
1GooDDaDDy on August 1, 2008 at 6:23 PM
Well I did issue the warning to get some booze to ‘em pronto. You can’t expect them to miss Happy Hour.
MB4 on August 1, 2008 at 6:24 PM
Not these heretofore undiscovered congresscritters. These’uns have big shiney brass ones that clack when they walk.
Immolate on August 1, 2008 at 6:25 PM
If he was correct it’s because jerks like him will portray the story that way. The best things on our side are, the truth, and ordinary folks are getting angry at the Dems.
Ordinary1 on August 1, 2008 at 6:25 PM
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