Vitter: GOP Senators are “scared to death” of Obama and his polling numbers
posted at 3:30 pm on February 3, 2009 by Allahpundit
A quickie from this morning’s chat with Laura Ingraham courtesy of her producer, Tom Elliott. The observation’s unremarkable — the boss mocks the, er, “B.O. Republicans” several times a day — but it’s unusual to hear them called out this way by one of their own. Here’s the roll on Holder’s confirmation, to which Vitter refers. Maverick voted yes, but is it true that he’s “scared to death” of Obama? If so, why’s his PAC sending me e-mails like this with a link to this petition?
Yesterday, the Senate began debate on an economic stimulus package that is intended to get our economy back on track and help Americans who are suffering through these difficult times. Unfortunately, the proposal on the table is big on the giveaways for the special interests and corporate high rollers, yet short on help for ordinary working Americans. I cannot and do not support the package on the table from the Democrats and the Obama Administration. Our country does not need just another spending bill, particularly not one that will load future generations with the burden of massive debt. We need a short term stimulus bill that will directly help people, create jobs, and provide a jolt to our economy.
The One’s approval rating is still a robust 64 percent, down from a high of 83 during the transition, but he’s bound to take a (small) hit over today’s Daschle/Killefer fiasco. Does that mean more leverage for the GOP in stimulus negotiations? Thanks, tax cheaters!
Blowback
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It’s a week or so in; you’d expect his numbers to be somewhat decent for a while. It’s not called a honeymoon for no reason.
But doesn’t mean you have to lay down and take it. That’s the media’s job.
lorien1973 on February 3, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Screw his polling numbers. Start being conservatives and you won’t have to worry about them.
commenter on February 3, 2009 at 3:32 PM
That’s dumb. Obama’s poll numbers are harder now that he has to actually govern as president rather than just talk about what he would do if he were president.
Governing is a little tougher than campaigning isn’t it, Barack?
t.ferg on February 3, 2009 at 3:33 PM
That’s dumb. Obama’s poll numbers are
harderlower now that he has to actually govern as president rather than just talk about what he would do if he were president.Governing is a little tougher than campaigning isn’t it, Barack?
t.ferg on February 3, 2009 at 3:33 PM
t.ferg on February 3, 2009 at 3:33 PM
Eh, a little cosmetic pruning and it’ll be good to go. The key is really how much of the totally ineffective long term spending the donks will give up. Not much, I’ll bet.
a capella on February 3, 2009 at 3:34 PM
Wimps. President Bush had a 63% approval rating at the end of his third year in office. Popularity is fleeting. Concentrate on your convictions and job — not what polls currently say the president is experiencing as an approval rating.
amerpundit on February 3, 2009 at 3:35 PM
RAS has him at 61% and Dem Corps has him at 55%.
artist on February 3, 2009 at 3:36 PM
Uh. Obama’s number is 61%. Which is lower than any other president at this specific time in their administration.
They need to get over it and do what is right.
Enoxo on February 3, 2009 at 3:36 PM
Write your congressional representatives to demand tax audits of every nominee and high-level advisor in the Obama administration.
notagool on February 3, 2009 at 3:36 PM
GOP Senators better be scared of their constituents if they don’t do what’s right on this damn stimulus…
catmman on February 3, 2009 at 3:37 PM
Step #1 for GOP defeat:
Admit fear, Pander to weakness & start maneuvering with poll numbers as your guide to integrity.
Your doing pretty well there Repubs. Idiot.
portlandon on February 3, 2009 at 3:37 PM
The GOP needs to be scared of the voters that voted them in!
grapeknutz on February 3, 2009 at 3:38 PM
Sixties doesn’t seem all that high of an approval rating for a POTUS barely into the honeymoon phase.
BadgerHawk on February 3, 2009 at 3:38 PM
Can we say his approval rating dropped 20 points in two weeks?
Phoenician on February 3, 2009 at 3:38 PM
They still acted like asses even when Bush’s numbers were in the dump….what’s the difference now?
Conservative does not mean sticking your finger in the air to see which way the wind is blowing.
Pull your heads out and fight.
HornetSting on February 3, 2009 at 3:38 PM
FIFY
califcon on February 3, 2009 at 3:38 PM
These RINOS should be worried about their own polling numbers with conservatives and republicans.
Obama’s cult of personality is fading off as is his approval ratings.
jencab on February 3, 2009 at 3:39 PM
You can, but your home address, workplace, social Sec # & email address will be posted online by the KOS.
Re-education camp here we come.
portlandon on February 3, 2009 at 3:40 PM
President Obama is getting a good lesson on the value of “pulling out” early!
Mr_Magoo on February 3, 2009 at 3:41 PM
Clearly the Republicans should run against the weaker horses for now – Pelosi, Reid, Franks, Dodd, Rangle, Rahm, et all. Just kind of bypass The One for now.
When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.
- Confucius
MB4 on February 3, 2009 at 3:41 PM
Unfortunately, pulling out can be messy…
Just saying.
Mr_Magoo on February 3, 2009 at 3:42 PM
I’ll give you a poll number. WE LOST, SO GROW A PAIR, GOP!
marklmail on February 3, 2009 at 3:42 PM
gulp.
Phoenician on February 3, 2009 at 3:42 PM
What’s his removal rating?
fogw on February 3, 2009 at 3:43 PM
The Republicans best worry about their poll numbers. Because if they don’t get some cajones and start opposing Obama, they are toast. They are tone deaf. Let’s chip in and buy them hearing aids and send them to their offices!!! Along with some caffeine to wake them up.
suzyk on February 3, 2009 at 3:43 PM
Headline:
“Daschel Pulls Out Early
Obama Left Unsatisfied”
Mr_Magoo on February 3, 2009 at 3:44 PM
I wonder if Mr. Obama knows what happens when you light a candle at both ends…….
…………… he’s starting to look like the result.
Seven Percent Solution on February 3, 2009 at 3:44 PM
People are by nature fickle, and it is easy to persuade them of something, but difficult to keep them persuaded.
- Niccolo Machiavelli
MB4 on February 3, 2009 at 3:44 PM
Oh baloney- Bush was a little higher than Obama in 2001- condsidering the 2000 election debacle, I wouldnt crow if I were Obama.
Obama the brilliant organizer can’t even put together a Cabinet.
Plus Americans are firmly against Obama’s first 2 executive orders.
Obama’s flailing.
Chuck Schick on February 3, 2009 at 3:45 PM
Time to find some GOP senators with a spine and get rid of the gutless shaking wonders that hold the office now.
Wander on February 3, 2009 at 3:45 PM
Didn’t one Democracy Corps poll have Obama at 55%?
promachus on February 3, 2009 at 3:46 PM
The middle third of the country will drop Obama like a rock star drops a groupie if Obama doesn’t get it together.
The first two weeks have proved that he’s nothing new. And, as word gets out about what’s in Pelosi’s stimulus package, the middle third of the country is going to realize that they didn’t vote for Obama to usher in Pelosi’s view of the country.
By the way, Barry, have your aides finished all those Tupperware Party invitations? You know, all those home parties to chat up the stimulus bill.
Is anyone willing to suck it up and volunteer to infiltrate one of these parties? It sounds like an Amway deal, doesn’t it?
BuckeyeSam on February 3, 2009 at 3:47 PM
FIFY – but a great idea
Jimmy Doolittle on February 3, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Ha Ha.
+10
portlandon on February 3, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Give him a break. He’s learning on the job. I don’t think community organizer prepared him as much as he thought. I think he’s more like the dog that caught the bus.
genso on February 3, 2009 at 3:47 PM
The way I see this, a nearly 20 point drop in just two short weeks since he has actually been president (as opposed to when he was making believe he already was) is HUGE.
All the hopeychange folks who voted for him are quickly becoming disillusioned. Hell, even the Times and AP are hinting that the glow is flickering on the halo.
I see his numbers ticking downward and would guess that they will settle out at about 45% by the end of summer. And that’s not because I hope he fails; it’s because he is failing–failing to live up to all his hopenchange BS.
Now, if something happens on the other, more excitable side of the world, then all bets are off. The decline will be dramatic and severe. Unlike others on this forum, I cannot foresee The Messiah robustly responding to terrorism of any sort. And that will be his undoing.
IrishEi on February 3, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Believe me, those numbers are falling every day.
Another Allah panty-twist – a day (or, two weeks) late and a dollar short.
If the dumbass Senate Republicans believed this, they wouldn’t be fighting the stimulus package at all. At least the House Republicans had some backbone and told Zero to stick it.
A couple of weeks like the last two, Bambi’s numbers may not be 50%. He’ll never see the 90% that GWB had after 9/11. I’m even starting to see leakages in the MSM love balloons. This Daschle thing and Geitner running the damn IRS – that will really get people excited about Bambi, after all the civil rights bullcrap has worn off. Maybe they’ll start remembering that he’s really not very black at all, and is just in way over his head.
Oh, and that 3-stage Iranian rocket? Let’s cut out missile defense and kiss Ahmenijad’s ass some more. That’s a real vote-getter. Watch Bibi’s numbers next week in Israel while our own little Bambi stumbles around apologizing for our big bad buildings hurting those poor 9/11 terrorists.
Hold the course and fight this lying socialist scumbag.
TexasJew on February 3, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Hey, I’m ‘scared to death’ of Obama too.
Maybe for a different reason.
faraway on February 3, 2009 at 3:49 PM
Would that be better described as a “nosedive” or “freefall”?
malclave on February 3, 2009 at 3:49 PM
“Pelosi Thrusts Forward on Condom Distribution.”
BuckeyeSam on February 3, 2009 at 3:50 PM
Vitter and GOP Senators–stop looking at Obama’s poll numbers and start paying attention to the backbone and conservative message of Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin, and Michael Steele to abandon bipartisanship and stand up for what you believe in.
technopeasant on February 3, 2009 at 3:50 PM
Yes. The Republicans better start worrying about their own voters. We need to be putting the fear of God into the likes of McConnel, Graham, et al. 0′d stimulus package does not need to be “pared down”. It needs to be SCRAPPED. Lets see if these GOP senators have the nerve that the Congressional Republicans did.
DrStock on February 3, 2009 at 3:51 PM
Just sit tight. Make sure that there’s wide viewing of Gibbs. That’ll move things in the right direction.
drjohn on February 3, 2009 at 3:52 PM
Didn’t one Democracy Corps poll have Obama at 55%?
Yup
artist on February 3, 2009 at 3:53 PM
as Rahm says, “don’t let a good crisis go to waste”. I’d be holding Press conferences calling Obama’s lobby and tax issues. Something like “the contradictions of his campaign promises are making people wonder…” vague, but to the point.
marklmail on February 3, 2009 at 3:55 PM
I agree. He’s awful. And today I saw Axelrod, who I realize isn’t supposed to be in front of a camera much, but they have to make sure he’s never in front of a camera. He’s really awful.
BuckeyeSam on February 3, 2009 at 3:56 PM
If I were the filthy bastard, I’d be more concerned about losing 19 “popularity points” in just two weeks than spineless GOP Senators. It appears that the filthy bastard is using up all his political capital defending tax cheats and the wholesale socialism of the Democrat’s stimulus plan that was created without any GOP input.
Stupid people were duped into thinking that Obama offered something different but instead they got a filthy Chicago poltician, Democrat ethics, and a clueless cadre of criminals running the nation.
The short honeymooon proves that buyers’ remorse is already sinking in and if the filthy bastard doesn’t act now, he will be a lame duck in his first year. He needs to prove that he is ethical (big big challenge), he needs to prove that he is bipartisan (hiring three RINOS for the cabinet doesn’t cut it when his attitude is “I won so STFU), and finally he needs to start leading instead of doing the presidential equivilent of voting present.
highhopes on February 3, 2009 at 3:57 PM
Nah….
“Pelosi plays it safe on Condom Distribution, and pulls it out… of the bill.”
Romeo13 on February 3, 2009 at 3:57 PM
Axelrod looks like a cross between Hitler and the rat from Charlotte’s Web.
HornetSting on February 3, 2009 at 3:58 PM
Headline:
“Daschel Pulls Out Early
Obama Left Unsatisfied”
Mr_Magoo on February 3, 2009 at 3:44 PM
“Pelosi Thrusts Forward on Condom Distribution.”
BuckeyeSam on February 3, 2009 at 3:50 PM
ROTFLMAO. Sheer perfection.
milwife88 on February 3, 2009 at 4:00 PM
QFT!
I, for one, will work tirelessly to see the GOP go the way of the Whigs if they don’t get it together PDQ.
Rae on February 3, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Funny you should make that comparison. Axelrod used a lot of Nazi propaganda techniques and imagery. THAT guy is pulling the strings.
marklmail on February 3, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Are there any real men left in government( other than the military)? Where are the modern day equivalents of our past founding fathers? Is this what several hundred years of freedom produce? Poll watchers and sissy’s?
Most of these guys disgust me…
javamartini on February 3, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Not on your life friend! I love the dog that caught the bus analogy but the filthy bastard in the White House was supposedly ready to lead on day one. If he can’t live up to that arrogant self-proclamation he should be called out on it. The only thing I regret is that he can’t be fired for lying about his qualifications when he applied for the job.
highhopes on February 3, 2009 at 4:02 PM
Check out this latest Obama appointee
Obama Picks Porn Lawyer As Deputy Attorney General
markedmanner on February 3, 2009 at 4:03 PM
Has the Obama administration proven another Abe Lincoln quote…
“You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time….”
Mew
acat on February 3, 2009 at 4:05 PM
I thought the Republicans didn’t govern by Poll Numbers so what difference does Obama’s Poll numbers make?
Dr Evil on February 3, 2009 at 4:06 PM
You mean besides Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi?
Seriously, the problem is that we have a political class. None of these corrupt bastards want to do anything that causes them to lose power or elections. Congress to a man, woman, or whatever (to cover freaks like Barney Frank and Dennis Kucinich) will stand on principle becuase you lose elections if you stand on principle and it makes waves.
highhopes on February 3, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Have you ever seen a dog figure out to do with a bus once he’s caught it?
db on February 3, 2009 at 4:07 PM
I wonder if Obama is hiding under his desk right now, just like his friend Mayor ‘Chocolate City’ Nagin….
HornetSting on February 3, 2009 at 4:08 PM
If they suck up to him, they’ll boost his numbers, and then they’ll get to ride his bus right into the toilet when the wheels come off.
His numbers are not that impressive for a ‘honeymoon’, and they’re sinking a little more every day.
Most of his wounds have been self-inflicted, e.g. his felonious cabinet, but that doesn’t mean the GOP can’t help it along.
JEM on February 3, 2009 at 4:12 PM
…and at the rate he is falling, he theoretically goes into negative territory by July. Stand up and fight to keep our country from going down the tubes.
Vashta.Nerada on February 3, 2009 at 4:12 PM
“Pelosi Pulls Condoms Over Liberal Heads;
Lib Base Feeling Stimulated”
BobMbx on February 3, 2009 at 4:13 PM
This is not unlike the numbers Reagan came in with, only he had a dem. congress to deal with, and they had a fit.
You can’t overcome popular vote, you have to wait it out…I can’t see Obama maintaining this status.
right2bright on February 3, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Soldiers in combat are also “scared” but they control their fear and fight hard for their comrades and their cause. These wormy politicians need to display at least half the courage of the young people the send to die. “Scared” . . . my backside. Get off your pampered, frightened butts and fight this Marxist regime.
rplat on February 3, 2009 at 4:15 PM
Ta-da!!
fiscallyconservative on February 3, 2009 at 4:15 PM
I’m unclear why they need to care. Senators should only concern themselves with the mood at their next election. I doubt Obama will be popular in 2010 and he certainly won’t be popular in 2014. I suppose I can see how the Senators up in 2012 may want to hedge their bets.
thuja on February 3, 2009 at 4:15 PM
I read somewhere it was 55%, but here is Rasmussen’s numbers.
right2bright on February 3, 2009 at 4:18 PM
Hey! For the record, C. Ray was not hiding under his desk during Katrina. He had a suite on the 23rd floor of the Hyatt.
highhopes on February 3, 2009 at 4:21 PM
The Obama Presidency has been an EPIC failure so far.
Richardson-gate
Geithner-gate
Daschle-gate
Killefer-gate
Blago/Emmanuel-gate
His appointment/delegation skills has shown to be the worst of any presidents in modern memory
The he blows out with a the complete failure of the Porkulus Bill.
No wonder his poll numbers are dropping like a rock.
According to Scott Rasmussen, most presidents enjoys very high approval ratings (70s or higher) during their first months in office (good-will, all that BS) but Obambi is so pathetic that he is the exception which proves the rule.
Norwegian on February 3, 2009 at 4:21 PM
This is the natural result when men start to consider politics as a career instead of a duty.
They are afraid to say or do anything that might get them fired.
MarkTheGreat on February 3, 2009 at 4:22 PM
They better start being afraid of the voters.
flyoverland on February 3, 2009 at 4:25 PM
FIFY
Vashta.Nerada on February 3, 2009 at 4:26 PM
Why the hell are the GOP Senators worried about Obama’s approval rating when the next election is 1.8 YEARS away.
Please, this is BS. They’re just spineless cowards.
BKennedy on February 3, 2009 at 4:27 PM
I’m talking the Saturday before, when he should have been telling his bars to get out.
I heard he was in Dallas DURING the storm.
HornetSting on February 3, 2009 at 4:28 PM
ANYBODY, I SAY ANYBODY, AFRAID OF B.O.’S RATINGS SHOULDN’T BE REPRESENTING AMERICAN. THIS GUY IS A FRAUD AND A CRIMINAL FROM CHICAGO. MOST OF THE PEOPLE ARE IGNORANT OF WHO HE IS. WHAT ARE THE BRAKE DOWNS OF THE POLL? HOW MANY BLIND/IGNORANT BLACKS ARE POLLED? HOW MANY CRAP WHITES WHO WISH THEY WHERE BLACK POLLED?
LETS TAKE BACK OUR GOVERNMENT. THIS GOVERNMENT IMPEDES AMERICAN PROGRESS.
…… AND YES I’M SHOUTING
Mercy4Me on February 3, 2009 at 4:36 PM
I wouldn’t let Axelrod bag my groceries at Krogers. Seriously, if I met that guy at a function of any kind, I would listen to him for five minutes–and then never spend another minute with him voluntarily for the rest of my life. He defines sleaze, and yet he’s Obama’s closest advisor.
They’ll know you by the company that you keep.
BuckeyeSam on February 3, 2009 at 4:37 PM
Headlines:
“Barney Frank Announces Retirement
Claims He’s All Porked Out“
Mr_Magoo on February 3, 2009 at 4:41 PM
RAAAAAACIST!!!!!!!
UNREPENTANT CONSERVATIVE CAPITOLIST on February 3, 2009 at 4:42 PM
I kind of thought that might be the case. Isn’t it a bit early to think he’d be tanking by now? I think it’s pretty amazing that he isn’t still up in the eighties, given the glassy-eyed response to this guy. Maybe a trance wears off after all.
capitalist piglet on February 3, 2009 at 4:45 PM
“Because after all, what we’ve done, for all intents and purposes, is elect the Shamwow Guy as our president.”
Mr_Magoo on February 3, 2009 at 4:47 PM
Unfortunatly for americans
if the democrats suceed in scaring everyone
into spending whatever they want
then the republicans have no rigth
to ever expect anyone to vote for them again..
I dont care about obams polls or his stuipd numbers
Cant you morons get this through your thick heads..
This isnt about doing whats RIGHT for america
this isnt about fixing america
No this is a simple PAYOFF to all those
who gave to the messia almost 1 billion dollars to
Purchase the presidency..
No if the republicans do not have the balls to stand up now just because of one poll
then i am sorry you do not deserve to ever be in power
AGAIN…
jcila on February 3, 2009 at 4:48 PM
If the One is worthy of fear, then he should be fought.
New orders for the GOP: Fight, damn you, fight!
Maquis on February 3, 2009 at 4:50 PM
“Now remember, things look bad and it looks like you’re not gonna make it, then you gotta get mean. I mean plumb, mad-dog mean. ‘Cause if you lose your head and you give up then you neither live nor win. That’s just the way it is.”
– The OUTLAW Josey Wales
mojo on February 3, 2009 at 4:52 PM
As of yesterday it was 55% approval.
xler8bmw on February 3, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Why should the RINOs be worried. South Carolina, allegedly a conservative state, just re-elected a top five RINO last November. Graham, who dons the knee pads regularly, must be terrified of Obama and will do anything as long as it gets him on TV. Until conservatives/Republicans stop electing the likes of him, it’s us who should be worried.
orlandocajun on February 3, 2009 at 5:02 PM
Vitter is only scared of more prostitutes outing him wearing diapers.
getalife on February 3, 2009 at 5:09 PM
As many said above, they ought to be concerned about their constituency and what is best for the country.
Here are some numbers to tell you R Senator about:
Poll: Americans Oppose Obama’s First Two Executive Orders
Try not to laugh as you tell them about this:
INC on February 3, 2009 at 5:16 PM
The list of sickening GOP buttfuc**rs who voted to confirm Holder (unethical, unqualified scumbag) is enough to give me an aneurysm.
There is obviously no GOP left in that fuc*ing Senate.
Jaibones on February 3, 2009 at 5:17 PM
Thank you for that info. I have a D and an R Senator and I can tell them both.
INC on February 3, 2009 at 5:18 PM
As has been repeatedly pointed out… the Republicans lost. Whether Republicans govern by polls or not is completely irrelevant to how Democrats govern.
malclave on February 3, 2009 at 5:19 PM
Don’t tell me, Republican Senators are scared of the dark and the boogyman too!
This is just plain ridiculous. We’re two weeks into The Obambi’s administration and already they are scared. What are they going to be by 2010, Democrats?
johnsteele on February 3, 2009 at 5:25 PM
This is not the time for the Republicans to stick their fingers in the air and check the wind. It’s fucking TIME for them to call a halt to the Democratic destruction of this country! That bill is bull shit! Unless it can be fixed, they should ALL vote it down. Let the Dems defend it 2 years from now when things are worse and we’re facing a 20% inflation rate.
GarandFan on February 3, 2009 at 5:34 PM
I posted this on another thread today….look at Rasmussen’s approval index. On 1/20 it was +29. Today it is +15. And it has been steadily dropping since that glorious day.
If after 2 weeks the GOP is ready to cave because Obama is at 60% approval – which is basically where every president has been after 2 weeks – then I’m throwing my hands up in the air and saying fuck it. It’s over.
angryed on February 3, 2009 at 5:44 PM
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET HISTORY!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yiurw9T5p_s
xler8bmw on February 3, 2009 at 6:00 PM
I don’t know about this. I can remember when Republicans went after Clinton oblivious to his approval ratings. I can remember when Democrats were willing to go after Bush when his approval ratings were higher than Obama’s are now.
So I don’t buy this stuff about Republicans being scared of Obama’s numbers.
Terrye on February 3, 2009 at 6:06 PM
In fact it seems to me that I remember a lot of people saying House Republicans would not have the guts to go up against Pelosi on the stimulus, but they did just that.
I don’t think they are afraid of Obama, I think they are afraid of the recession and what it might due to their chances of reelection.
Terrye on February 3, 2009 at 6:10 PM
Senators: you work for us. Not Obama. Who cares what his poll numbers are.
Rockygold on February 3, 2009 at 6:12 PM
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