Obama asks workers to tell Congressman to vote for stimulus; no one does
posted at 3:20 pm on February 13, 2009 by Allahpundit
Yes, it’s Tapper again, mining more comedy gold from that clusterfark of a stimulus “rally” Obama held yesterday at Caterpillar’s plant in Illinois. Sensing his chance to squeeze one measly vote out of the House GOP caucus and thereby sanctify the bill as “bipartisan,” The One tried leaning on new Republican congressman Aaron Schock by putting him on the spot in front of the plant’s employees. Big mistake. I’ll let Schock take it from there.
Evidently Tapper humiliated Gibbs again at today’s White House presser, too, by refusing to let him spin his way out of Obama’s lie about Caterpillar rehiring people if the stimulus passed. I’m looking for video but haven’t found it yet. Can anyone help? Exit question: At least two major polls show more support for the bill than opposition, with Gallup topping out at 59 percent. And yet not a single Caterpillar employee asked Schock to vote for it? Really?
Blowback
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I hope Aaron Schock is my Governor some day.
WashJeff on February 13, 2009 at 3:22 PM
No mention of Schock winning “hottest freshman” over at HuffPo?
;-)
Abby Adams on February 13, 2009 at 3:23 PM
Schock and Awe!
carbon_footprint on February 13, 2009 at 3:24 PM
Excellent exit question!
ladyingray on February 13, 2009 at 3:24 PM
He is hot!
bopbottle on February 13, 2009 at 3:25 PM
How did this go from 37% supporting this the other day magically to 59% now? I’m not buying it.
JammieWearingFool on February 13, 2009 at 3:26 PM
It would seem over 1000 people actually do care.
infidel on February 13, 2009 at 3:26 PM
Allah, i am confused, are you saying Schock is a liar? Or are you saying the polls cant be trusted?
MDWNJ on February 13, 2009 at 3:26 PM
We’ll all be bankrupt and enslaved, but we’ll have a good laugh at this sometime down the road.
Vashta.Nerada on February 13, 2009 at 3:26 PM
Racists!
Obviously these workers are just obstructionists who don’t deserve a good factory job. Perhaps they can spend sometime in a working camp where they’ll be able to reflect on the error of their way, and be reeducated.
rbj on February 13, 2009 at 3:26 PM
I see two possibilities:
1) The drive-bys polled a lot more Dems than Republicans to get the results they wanted.
2) The public after days of Obama and the Dems screaming about how the sky is falling and it’ll be a catastrophe if the bill doesn’t pass caved in and supported it.
Doughboy on February 13, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Allah is this even a question? Gallup tends to poll a few thousand people for its polls that are meant to represent a major chunk of the nation. It’s not devastating for people in areas that elected a GOP congressman to be against the stimulus, especially considering the low number of Republicans who support it. I might also add that someone can support a bill, but not care enough to contact their congressman. As someone who interned for a House rep over one summer constituents hardly ever call.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 13, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Who knew that everyone who works at Caterpillar was unpatriotic?
No bailout for you.
Bishop on February 13, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Tapper will be the big winner after all this. He’ll be the top dog at ABC before the year is out.
spmat on February 13, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Nice line.
Spirit of 1776 on February 13, 2009 at 3:29 PM
I know he is very easy on the eyes.. There should be a concerted effort by AP and Ed to post Schock pictures (for the ladies).
Illinidiva on February 13, 2009 at 3:29 PM
Caterpillar employees had a choice….get involved or go on break. Marlboros and CrispyCremes won the day.
Limerick on February 13, 2009 at 3:29 PM
When calling to register my displeasure for this bill, my representatives asked my zip code, not my place of employment. I think is safe to say he really doesn’t know of any employees that called. I am sure they will find a willing reporter to debunk the argument.
Cindy Munford on February 13, 2009 at 3:29 PM
Good Lincoln quote…
On the exit question… think on this for a second…
I know a LOT of people… and very few of them quickly change their mind about anything. Many folks DO change their minds, but it takes a bit more than a speech from a politician that very few people probably even watched…
It was like the election… the polls kept swinging… but NO ONE I KNOW didn’t vote for who they said they were going to vote for in the first place, IF they had made up their mind…
I’m really begining to wonder at the validity of polling methods.
Romeo13 on February 13, 2009 at 3:30 PM
Why is Obama trying to hold on so tight to the leftist base? He is going to lose them eventually anyway. Wouldn’t it be more productive to really move to the center?
Dr Evil on February 13, 2009 at 3:30 PM
They got ACORN to run the polls.
rbj on February 13, 2009 at 3:30 PM
These polls are taking sampling data from Obama’s new group handling the census.
BuckeyeSam on February 13, 2009 at 3:31 PM
How did this go from 37% supporting this the other day magically to 59% now? I’m not buying it.
JammieWearingFool on February 13, 2009 at 3:26 PM
Bet you can’t wait to see how Texas and Oklahoma lose five million citizens while New York and California gain ten million after the 2010 census.
Demorat number games.
Bishop on February 13, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Well, it’s much easier to manipulate polls than to get real employees to contact their Rep. to urge him to support a bill that will help destroy the US economy.
blue13326 on February 13, 2009 at 3:31 PM
It’s Gallup–’nuff said.
jeanie on February 13, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Most people see this pile of crap for what it is, I don’t care what the polls show.
james23 on February 13, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Its starting to get ridiculous the number of times Obama is getting pwn3d by anyone not an obvious worshipper of his.
Defector01 on February 13, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Awesome! A bit of Shock and Awe coming out of Illinois…who knew that could happen?!
ornery_independent on February 13, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Which rep? Was his first name Mark?
a capella on February 13, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Because The Messiah is a Marxist and the leftist base is as close as he can get to the communist party.
johnsteele on February 13, 2009 at 3:32 PM
G-d bless Aaron Schock.
progressoverpeace on February 13, 2009 at 3:33 PM
No way that 59% actually favor this abomination. But you have to consider 1) the wording of the poll question, and 2) the way that they aggregate the data.
The Inner Party knows exactly how to spin this.
It’s like some episode of Twilight Zone. The vast majority do not support it, but alien forces make it seem that they do. The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street.
connertown on February 13, 2009 at 3:34 PM
Wait until they grant amnesty to 50 million more lying democrat cheaters.
saiga on February 13, 2009 at 3:34 PM
I am so proud – Aaron Schock is our Congressman!!!!! I have met him when he first started to run for office, and I was impressed with him then!
mkosin on February 13, 2009 at 3:34 PM
Terry Moran asked Obama the other day why he doesn’t do something to cause Republicans to fear him. I dunno, I never met a scary mime.
Limerick on February 13, 2009 at 3:35 PM
I just like how every time Obama tries to pull a fast one on a member of the GOP lately it ends up turning around and biting him on the ass.
Dreadnought223 on February 13, 2009 at 3:35 PM
You better watch him. Guys like him often wind up with skirt trouble.
saiga on February 13, 2009 at 3:36 PM
From Change.gov
*Unless bill is $1T pork barrel project
Tacitus_SGL on February 13, 2009 at 3:37 PM
Something tells me Aaron won’t get the nod for Commerce Secretary.
Christien on February 13, 2009 at 3:37 PM
Actualy, this is a very interesting little bit of political theatre.
Historicly, (at least in my lifetime) the President did NOT use his office to call out political rivals. It was considered beneath the dignity of the Office.
Bambai calling on Schock to stand up, and basicly calling him on the carpet for a political position???? Wow… just wow…
Presidential Politics going personal? Using the Bully Pulpit of the Presidency ITSELF to “call out” a Freshman Congressman??? And then, to get ROLLED by that Freshman Congressman???
Not a good move Mr. Precedent.
Romeo13 on February 13, 2009 at 3:38 PM
AWESOME! I’ve been saying this since TARP 1. I was uneasy about the first 150 billion stimulus this time last year. I’m glad that they recognize that this is a LOT OF MONEY. Anytime you do something with a LOT OF MONEY, prudence is the better part of valor.
The money has to come from somewhere. They don’t know where it is going to come from. If the people don’t have any money (or jobs) in a recession, they can’t pay taxes. . . so where is the revenue going to come from for this spending program.
Hopefully the adults will prevail. . . but I doubt it.
ThackerAgency on February 13, 2009 at 3:38 PM
More lies and disinformation from NObama troll Hacks!
I began calling my representatives (both Senate and House) during Clinton’s impeachment and haven’t stopped yet!
As for calling about this bill, good luck trying to get through to your reps–you get full email and voice mail boxes.
That’s why I’ve opted for blast-faxes 3 times from the American Conservative Union!
Jenfidel on February 13, 2009 at 3:38 PM
That was inspiring. Especially from such a young man.
JiangxiDad on February 13, 2009 at 3:39 PM
Whenever Obama confronts something in the real world, rather than in his rigged, prefabricated media/Democrat world, ever notice that he craps the bed?
He’s nothing beyond a guy who can read a speech off of a teleprompter.
Can we hold another election and get rid of this clown act?
NoDonkey on February 13, 2009 at 3:39 PM
Hack is in. Can we have a post about why this bill is good for the USA (I assume you support it given past posts. if you do not, disregard my request). I don’t have the stomach to visit progressive sites.
WashJeff on February 13, 2009 at 3:40 PM
When I call I usually give my name and area. Then I launch into my spiel and I use as much background of who I am, who my family is and what I know about the facts so that they know exactly why I’m against it.
When I wind down they do eventually get a chance to ask for my zip code.
I’m wondering if some of the CAT employees were angry after the CEO contradicted Obama and called Schock to give him an earful.
INC on February 13, 2009 at 3:40 PM
I think they will try to harm him now. He must ask for help if he needs it.
JiangxiDad on February 13, 2009 at 3:40 PM
Amen. The polls like the media are on an unprecedented ego trip.
sherry on February 13, 2009 at 3:40 PM
Did you read the Tapper link?
cs89 on February 13, 2009 at 3:42 PM
I thought this was a highly manipulative and nasty thing to do. So extraordinarily unpresidential.
Obama is acting like a Chicago thug.
INC on February 13, 2009 at 3:42 PM
I know the old saying about polls, but for some reason I think they aren’t right this time. Something is quirky about all the numbers all up and down, over the place.
Topsecretk9 on February 13, 2009 at 3:42 PM
YES!!!!
DL13 on February 13, 2009 at 3:43 PM
I think I’m in love.
SoxNation on February 13, 2009 at 3:43 PM
BTW, congrats to anyone who’s represented by Schock!
He is articulate, tenacious and knows his U.S. history.
I predict a bright future in store for this young man.
GOP the Next Generation: Aaron Schock
Jenfidel on February 13, 2009 at 3:43 PM
As someone who interned for a House rep over one summer constituents hardly ever call.
DeathFromMediaHacks on February 13, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Barney Frank?
Bishop on February 13, 2009 at 3:44 PM
Unfortunately, he’s not acting.
Y-not on February 13, 2009 at 3:44 PM
He didn’t say they phoned him. He was at the plant.
From the article:
TAPPER: …Oh, I’m sorry, Aaron Schock. President Obama urged…Caterpillar employees to lobby him; he went to the floor of the House today and said that he had stayed around for half-an-hour and not one Caterpillar employee came to him and urged him to — to vote for the stimulus package and, in fact, over the course of time, 1,400 Caterpillar employees have urged him to oppose the stimulus package.
Bobbertsan on February 13, 2009 at 3:45 PM
Ha. He trained him well.
genso on February 13, 2009 at 3:45 PM
Maybe they’re polling during the daytime hours when most of the people sitting at home are unemployed Democrats?
katiejane on February 13, 2009 at 3:46 PM
Someone with balls… It’s about time.
Claypigeon on February 13, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Too funny!
Cindy Munford on February 13, 2009 at 3:47 PM
:) I’m very happy that we got him. I thought LaHood was a decent guy but Schock’s much more solid on the issues.
VanPalin on February 13, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Anyone read the comments on abc website? Comedy gold, I tells ya.
Especially the brain trust who says that Tapper and Schock are after their 15 minutes of fame. Or that The Republicans are looking for tax breaks because they’re rich or that the stimulus bill is not full of pork. Yeah, THAT’S it.
mjk on February 13, 2009 at 3:50 PM
I was answering Allah’s Really. People nitpick, you have to cover all of the possibilities especially in D.C.
Cindy Munford on February 13, 2009 at 3:50 PM
Hahahahahaha!
Texas Gal on February 13, 2009 at 3:51 PM
It’s easy to get pwn3d when you are a damn light weght and a liar….
Dritanian on February 13, 2009 at 3:52 PM
Unfortunately I am not a tirade sort of person on the phone. My emails are another matter.
Cindy Munford on February 13, 2009 at 3:53 PM
Sounds like he had a pretty active switchboard to me:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barney_Frank#Steve_Gobie
Tacitus_SGL on February 13, 2009 at 3:53 PM
I wouldn’t be surprised if it was 59% approve of the way Obama is handling the Porkulus bill. I’ve seen polls in that range recently.
Of course these people would say that about Obama regardless of what he actually did.
MarkTheGreat on February 13, 2009 at 3:53 PM
Yes, it really was bullying, and yes, Obama is a Chicago thug. BTW, Ray LaHood, the Transportation Secy, used to represent the district and is another IL thug. He is part of the IL Combine (the Republican half) and is connected to William Cellini, who is the head of the cement producers association and has been indicted because of his connections to Blago. John Kass (best source for understanding Chicago corruption) was railing against the appointment when it happened. It wouldn’t shock me if LaHood is the next person under the wheels of the Obama bus, because Cellini is sleazy and will flip when given the chance.
Illinidiva on February 13, 2009 at 3:54 PM
Productive in what way? That’s how the house swings, and everything in the Obamessiah’s history indicates that the leftist base is where he belongs, ideologically. I think he moved to the center to clinch the nomination and win the election, not because it’s where he feels most comfortable.
ProfessorMiao on February 13, 2009 at 3:55 PM
I have seen few politicians as petty as Barry is proving. I have never seen a president who even made it to the same ball park in terms of pettyness.
MarkTheGreat on February 13, 2009 at 3:55 PM
My tirades are infrequent, but when I’ve gone on one to an office it was because it was well-deserved and it was fact-filled.
I don’t use profanity and I don’t scream. But I do let them know what I think.
INC on February 13, 2009 at 3:56 PM
Johnson was close and if the internet was around then more would have been aware of that. Of course, Obama and Johnson have a great deal in common, though no one wants to make that comparison.
genso on February 13, 2009 at 3:57 PM
Thanks for the info. It really helps to get the background on these guys.
INC on February 13, 2009 at 3:57 PM
Schock
President
2012
mankai on February 13, 2009 at 3:58 PM
Excellent speech, Rep. Schock. And yes, this bill stinks to high heaven, which is exactly why the corrupt dirtbag Pelosi and her minions made sure the public would not have any time to see and comment on the final version. But with no GOP votes in the House, and only 3 idiot GOP votes in the Senate, the Dims will own this awful POS legislation. And when working and taxpaying Americans finally do realize what’s in it, heads will roll.
AZCoyote on February 13, 2009 at 3:58 PM
It was interesting that he did have an exact number of people from Caterpillar that urged him not to vote for the Bill. If you are a Republican representative from Illinois it must be lonely.
Cindy Munford on February 13, 2009 at 3:58 PM
What a handsome man. Oh, and I like what he said too.
Sue on February 13, 2009 at 3:58 PM
Wow – he represents a pretty historic district!
hawksruleva on February 13, 2009 at 3:58 PM
I’m sure even freshmen Congressman have staffers. If I remember right, he was including people who approached him and Cat workers who had contacted his office.
hawksruleva on February 13, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Doesn’t meet the Constitutional requirements. He’ll only be 31 on election day.
Illinidiva on February 13, 2009 at 4:00 PM
I wish I had the knack. Sometimes I call from work, so of course I am staying really low key. When I am at home I’ll call the D.C. offices. What I lack in tone I make up in volume, I email people with the phone numbers and then nag.
Cindy Munford on February 13, 2009 at 4:02 PM
That was awesome.
CP on February 13, 2009 at 4:04 PM
It was good info, especially when they coordinate from several offices. Are you in Virginia?
Cindy Munford on February 13, 2009 at 4:05 PM
None at the plant asked him to vote for it. Maybe the pro-stimulus people were too busy running after Obama for an autograph.
He doesn’t say how many calls or emails he has gotten for the bill, but apparently not enough to sway his vote to “yes”.
MayBee on February 13, 2009 at 4:05 PM
I was just “reinterpreting” the living Constitution. When the Founders wrote “35″ they actually meant that gay marriages should be legalized, mothers may rip children from their wombs, healt care is a “right” and anybody who “feels” old enough to be President should be able to run.
mankai on February 13, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Comrades, see Snitch.Gov to report any unusual activity to the State
faraway on February 13, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Here is the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOTXWF1H3Wk
Glenn Jericho on February 13, 2009 at 4:12 PM
faraway on February 13, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Welcome message for new thoughtcriminals
Dr Evil on February 13, 2009 at 4:13 PM
What a handsome man. Oh, and I like what he said too.
Sue on February 13, 2009 at 3:58 PM
Ok, knock it off.
It’s fine for the guys to ogle and drool over Palin and the hot economist chick, but saying a dude is hot…that’s just not right.
Please confine yourselves to appropriate verbal discourse.
Bishop on February 13, 2009 at 4:17 PM
Those Caterpillar people, all the do is cling to their religion and their guns. What do they know? Psha.
The One. The Messiah. He will prevail. In Obama We Trust.
And that Jake Tapper chump? I’ve forwarded instructions to Winston, over at the Ministry of Truth, to have all records of Tapper’s existence expunged.
The People’s Committee for Bipartisan Unity cannot allow Tapper’s propaganda and truth-seeking to prevent us from caring for you, our children, in your time of need.
Victory gin will be served in the lobby in 5 minutes.
Montana on February 13, 2009 at 4:22 PM
Great post about this schlockfest of a bill. Especially love the line:
redfoxbluestate on February 13, 2009 at 4:24 PM
I’m not either, Jammie. Not one bit. We’ve been jerked around by the nose with polls for the last year and I’m sick of it. If you can’t win by playing honestly in the arena of ideas, then you’ve LOST. Don’t cheat.
Bob's Kid on February 13, 2009 at 4:26 PM
I’ve yet to speak to 1 person about this bill who supports it. I honestly cannot imagine who this 59% represents.
angryed on February 13, 2009 at 4:29 PM
I want to see the question in the polls.
KBird on February 13, 2009 at 4:31 PM
FN “A”!
TheSitRep on February 13, 2009 at 4:32 PM
Here here.
I really really REALLY hope Jake keeps this up. Gibbs is a weasel.
Dubn8tr on February 13, 2009 at 4:34 PM
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