Another day, another lobbyist waiver
posted at 12:55 pm on March 20, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Remember when Barack Obama pledged that lobbyists would have no place in his administration? That pledge barely lasted out Inauguration Day, and within two weeks, the list of “waivers” had grown so large that Jake Tapper demanded to see the government waiver application forms laying around the West Wing. The Obama administration had better break out Form WH-LW1 again for their new appointment at State:
President Barack Obama’s pledge to outlaw lobbyists from his administration is being tested again. His pick for assistant secretary of state for legislative affairs is Richard Verma, a partner at the Steptoe & Johnson law firm.
Obama’s lobbying rules, though, forbid appointees from working in government on issues they had advocated for. An administration official told Foreign Policy’s The Cable blog that a waiver would not be required for Verma because he had not lobbied the State Department.
Senate records, however, indicate that Verma had lobbied the State Department last fall on behalf of the U.S.-India Business Council, which was actively trying to win congressional approval of a deal between the two countries on civilian nuclear cooperation.
The White House did not immediately return a request for comment.
Oopsie! Did Obama’s vetting team on the Greatest Transition Ever miss that one? Forget to check on lobbying records … for a lobbyist? In the department to which they appointed him?
Either they’re incompetent, or they’re simply lying. Maybe that’s too harsh. After all, they could be both.
Blowback
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Looks like the Teleprompter President epic fails again.
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Barack-Obama-Thanks-Himself-In-Teleprompt-Blunder-During-Address-With-Irish-PM-On-St-Patricks-Day/Article/200903315243932?lpos=World_News_First_World_News_Article_Teaser_Region_1&lid=ARTICLE_15243932_Barack_Obama_Thanks_Himself_In_Teleprompt_Blunder_During_Address_With_Irish_PM_On_St_Patricks_Day
LimeyGeek on March 20, 2009 at 12:58 PM
Like shooting fish in barrel.
WashJeff on March 20, 2009 at 12:58 PM
You’re on fire today, Ed.
Pasalubong on March 20, 2009 at 12:58 PM
Seriously, folks, what’s it going to take to get these turds thrown out of Washington?
PBoilermaker on March 20, 2009 at 12:58 PM
I-N-C-O-M-P-T-E-N-C-E
rplat on March 20, 2009 at 12:59 PM
Hypocrite-in-Chief
Disturb the Universe on March 20, 2009 at 1:00 PM
BOTH!
Disturb the Universe on March 20, 2009 at 1:01 PM
Every day there is another one, two or more revelations of duplicity and incompetence. I think this is not incompetence, its part of the plan.
Its a bit like ‘let them eat cake’; keep the rubes busy with this cr*p while we run roughshod over what used to be America. Trillions in bailouts and pure spending, payoffs and rewards for Democratic party supporters, the GIVE act laying the groundwork for Obama’s brownshirts, cap-and-trade to destroy our energy system and put another nail in the coffin of our economy, and the list goes on and on.
johnsteele on March 20, 2009 at 1:01 PM
Do it all Ed. What does Allah do around here besides snipe at conservatives and post pro-atheism propaganda?
Kjeil on March 20, 2009 at 1:01 PM
Oh, but nevermind this…aren’t those AIG guys greedy?/
Disturb the Universe on March 20, 2009 at 1:01 PM
That’s what a good night’s sleep will do for you.
ladyingray on March 20, 2009 at 1:02 PM
Ed, you might consider changing your address, your name and your appearance. You could be deemed TOTUS Enemy #1.
carbon_footprint on March 20, 2009 at 1:04 PM
intentional, malevolent incompetence.
rbj on March 20, 2009 at 1:05 PM
………. what does the teleprompter have to say?
That’s the only thing in charge……….
Seven Percent Solution on March 20, 2009 at 1:05 PM
This guy is like the worst #1 Draft Pick EVER!
marklmail on March 20, 2009 at 1:06 PM
It’s almost April, should there still be a “transition” ?
lorien1973 on March 20, 2009 at 1:06 PM
Guess they ran out of tax cheats. Now are working on the lobbist list.
Brat4life on March 20, 2009 at 1:06 PM
Wife kicked Ed out of the house last night and he slept at a Holiday Inn.
WashJeff on March 20, 2009 at 1:06 PM
Courage and sacrifice sprinkled with lots of organization.
javamartini on March 20, 2009 at 1:07 PM
Ummm I would like to see Obama give a mea culpa speech in which he just comes out and says everything he said during the campaign was hooey and refuses to be held to anything.
At least he would get points for being honest about lying. Irony intended.
petunia on March 20, 2009 at 1:08 PM
They are both.
becki51758 on March 20, 2009 at 1:09 PM
Seriously, folks, what’s it going to take to get these turds thrown out of Washington?
PBoilermaker on March 20, 2009 at 12:58 PM
Five thousand outraged American patriots jamming every square inch of the Congress buildings, backed up by one million other people standing silently on the Washington mall.
Bishop on March 20, 2009 at 1:10 PM
Idealism meets reality, and punts.
swede7 on March 20, 2009 at 1:10 PM
+100
becki51758 on March 20, 2009 at 1:10 PM
Bailing out failure – $173 Billion
Bonuses for failure – $165 Million
$103 Thousand from AIG to Chris “LSoS” Dodd
$101 Thousand from AIG to Barack “Uh” Obama
Distracting the public from the robbery of our progeny?
– Priceless.
——————————–
When the bar has been set so high, why on earth would we pay attention to such a trivial matter as Obama LYING about being transparent or his hiring practices? C’mon, there are more than enough “real” issues to ding Obambi and the libtards in Congress with…
BTW, can someone ask Nancy “Stretch” Pelosi if we can get the “real patriots” (illegal immigrants) to pay the bill that’s coming?
Geministorm on March 20, 2009 at 1:11 PM
Very large monkeys.
TexasDan on March 20, 2009 at 1:12 PM
Five thousand outraged American patriots jamming every square inch of the Congress buildings, backed up by one million other people standing silently on the Washington mall.
Bishop on March 20, 2009 at 1:10 PM
Date and time please!
milwife88 on March 20, 2009 at 1:13 PM
Barack Obama = Kwame Brown?
Doughboy on March 20, 2009 at 1:13 PM
Aw, c’mon Ed! It’s not like they actually meant to keep that promise! That “no lobbyist” stuff is just stuff you say when you’re on the campaign trail. It doesn’t mean anything.
gridlock2 on March 20, 2009 at 1:14 PM
Fixed that for ya Bishop, I’m shooting for the moon.
Knucklehead on March 20, 2009 at 1:14 PM
I think Obama’s Tuesday address is going to start with him pressing the
overchargereset button.WashJeff on March 20, 2009 at 1:14 PM
becki51758 on March 20, 2009 at 1:10 PM
I just hope this happens peacefully and not with pitchforks or worse.
There is an outrage building out here in places where elitist politicians don’t reside, people who aren’t normally political are getting political and veering to what might be called the fringe.
The pols aren’t listening and sooner or later someone, or a group of someones, is going to make them listen.
Bishop on March 20, 2009 at 1:15 PM
FIFY. LOL
ladyingray on March 20, 2009 at 1:16 PM
April 15th
Knucklehead on March 20, 2009 at 1:16 PM
I wasn’t going to watch Obama’s prime time special, mostly because he is just so irritating, but the more this kind of stuff piles up, it might just become Must See TV.
myrenovations on March 20, 2009 at 1:17 PM
Hey, Ed, kudos on the Rush mention again today. We really do appreciate your journalistic chops and they are needed more than ever.
I am grateful for Tapper, I really am. But I wonder if, like Sam Donaldson, there is a limit to his enthusiasm for investigating Democrats.
Terrie on March 20, 2009 at 1:17 PM
Fixed that for ya Bishop, I’m shooting for the moon.
Knucklehead on March 20, 2009 at 1:14 PM
I was looking at it from a logistical standpoint; I figured perhaps only five thousand people could actually fit in Congress without having people die from the pressure of bodies.
Bishop on March 20, 2009 at 1:17 PM
Just don’t get to close to the Senate because then Dingy Harry might smell you!!
Dire Straits on March 20, 2009 at 1:21 PM
Audacity of Hypocrisy
Audacity of Deceit
Audacity of Incompetence
It all continues. Nothing new here, folks. Move along.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on March 20, 2009 at 1:21 PM
It could be an all-time classic hour of television….if the press actually asked him some tough questions. What are the odds of that happening though?
Doughboy on March 20, 2009 at 1:22 PM
Wow, Ed, your transformation from mild mannered reporter for the Daily Planet on Jan 19th into O’kryptoniteman today is a welcome change of pace. Glad to watch as the burrs from the Barry astroturf rile you up.
Limerick on March 20, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Verma is a Harry Reid plant too. A total payoff to Reid to hire him.
rockmom on March 20, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Question five on the Obama Questionnaire: Have you or your spouse ever registered as a lobbyist or other legislative agent to influence federal or state legislation or administrative acts.
Tommy_G on March 20, 2009 at 1:25 PM
If we turn out in droves around the country on April 15, then perhaps Bishop’s plan will be enacted yet this year. Let’s roll!
Christian Conservative on March 20, 2009 at 1:25 PM
This Hopey-Changey administration will go down,
HISTORICALY,as the Administration,that danced to the
tune of SuperTramp,
Crime of the Century!
canopfor on March 20, 2009 at 1:26 PM
It can be an all time classic regardless. If the MSM refuses to ask him any difficult questions while outside the whole world is on fire with questions… That could be fun.
myrenovations on March 20, 2009 at 1:26 PM
That’s an empowering idea, but can you imagine the FREAKS this would bring out from the left? Axelrod would mobilize his web-bots and there would be bloodshed. (and of course, the right would be blamed for inciting the riots) Barry’s minions are idiots- they would be the ones with the pitchforks.
anniekc on March 20, 2009 at 1:27 PM
Face it.
Hussein’s regime doesn’t give a rat’s patootie about the best interests of this nation. It doesn’t care about the Constitution, even though on more than one occasion he’s claims to be a constitutional professor. It doesn’t care about input from the people, unless it’s unconditional praise. It doesn’t care about the voice of the people via the legislative branch, unless that branch is coming up with ways to violate the Constitution (see former comment).
All the mannerisms of a dictator.
madmonkphotog on March 20, 2009 at 1:29 PM
Obama is becoming a lobbyist for Big Waver.
29Victor on March 20, 2009 at 1:30 PM
Obama channeling Nixon –
“I am NOT a crook!! They are! That’s why I hire them!”
Dr. Dog on March 20, 2009 at 1:30 PM
I agree…dissent is good, but the threats and intimidation are not. It makes us look as bad as the liberals and their hateful attitudes.
becki51758 on March 20, 2009 at 1:32 PM
The train wreck that keeps on wrecking.
AubieJon on March 20, 2009 at 1:32 PM
Seriously. We need to go.
There needs to be a website where we can go and get info. We need a place to register/confirm our plan to attend. Then we need to go.
Oink on March 20, 2009 at 1:32 PM
Check Out my week in Review it is all about Special Interest Groups.
http://youhavetobethistalltogoonthisride.blogspot.com/2009/03/tgif-circus-life-week-in-review-flea.html
Including
The Obama Administration decide to not to go ahead with their plans for Wounded Veterans Medical needs. President Obama will not pursue a proposal that would have allowed the VA to charge private insurance companies for the treatment of veterans with service- and war-related injuries, read more here. That was a REAL FLEA BRAINED IDEA.
Dr Evil on March 20, 2009 at 1:32 PM
anniekc on March 20, 2009 at 1:27 PM
Bring it, let them come.
Gathering of Eagles on a scale that would amaze, patriotic, outraged but PEACEFUL Americans gathering to protest the enactment of a new royal class in Congress, while the edges are assaulted by screaming, frothing pigs of the left.
The confrontation that needs to happen would happen, and America could decide who they want to have in power.
Bishop on March 20, 2009 at 1:33 PM
The “H” in Barack H. Obama stands for “Hypocrite”.
albill on March 20, 2009 at 1:33 PM
It OUGHT to. He is still campaigning.
Dr. Dog on March 20, 2009 at 1:33 PM
look, on 4/15, if we all peaceably assemble somewhere (is that still constitutional?) like our state capitols, The Capitol, our courthouses–somewhere, carrying posters, we will attract attention. and we will get on the local news. and folks watch the local news to see the weather & how many murders occurred during the day.
kelley in virginia on March 20, 2009 at 1:34 PM
I agree…dissent is good, but the threats and intimidation are not. It makes us look as bad as the liberals and their hateful attitudes.
becki51758 on March 20, 2009 at 1:32 PM
There would be no threats, no intimidation from those who want to be heard. What I meant is that someone is eventually going to refuse to yield, not by shooting-up a senator’s campaign headquarters but by refusing to comply with an unconstitutional edict being leveled against them.
They will have support, hopefully, a few hundred or a few thousand people standing with them and forcing Ogabe and his thugs to arrest or punish on a vast scale.
Bishop on March 20, 2009 at 1:37 PM
if we can’t agree on a big march, or if the Fed Capitol or your State Capitol is too far for you, then why don’t you send an email to everyone in your address book to meet you somewhere–it could be in front of a bank that took a bailout for example or a local dem politician’s office (easy to find if you’re in Mass.), & hold up signs, you will be surprised how easy this will be.
kelley in virginia on March 20, 2009 at 1:38 PM
i would say that i would meet in front of our Governor’s Mansion, but I’m not sure if our part-time Governor actually resides there anymore.
kelley in virginia on March 20, 2009 at 1:39 PM
State houses are the place. We won’t change D.C. until we change Mayberry.
Limerick on March 20, 2009 at 1:40 PM
and limerick–those state legislators have the ear of the Congressmen which obviously ain’t working for us.
kelley in virginia on March 20, 2009 at 1:42 PM
I completely agree with your principle, but sadly I have zero faith in the self control or intellect of Obama supporters. If Obama has the inner rage I believe he has, I’d hate to see what his followers have when the “one” is questioned.
anniekc on March 20, 2009 at 1:43 PM
The audacity of DOPES
wildweasel on March 20, 2009 at 1:47 PM
In that case wear overalls with a ballpeen hammer in the loop and a 12″ crescent wrench in the pocket for self-defense.
thomasaur on March 20, 2009 at 1:50 PM
I’d hate to see what his followers have when the “one” is questioned.
anniekc on March 20, 2009 at 1:43 PM
I have the distinct, unsettling feeling that we are all going to find out what Ogabe’s followers are capable of, whether we like it or not. Better that we get it over with while gathered with like-minded people rather than face it alone.
Bishop on March 20, 2009 at 1:50 PM
One GIANT ENEMA.
Instructions for proper application:
1) Remove patient’s head from target orifice.
2) Insert nozzel from 55 gallon drum in said orifice.
3) Turn on high-capacity pump.
4) Run for life to avoid significant outflow of pure, unadulterated crap.
Yoop on March 20, 2009 at 1:53 PM
this is not the lobbying I thought I knew…
sven10077 on March 20, 2009 at 1:55 PM
B=bone
H=head
O=obama
dragondrop on March 20, 2009 at 1:55 PM
Michelle has jumped on board with the Tea Parties. Go to her website, she provides many links on how to get involved.
Michelle links.
Knucklehead on March 20, 2009 at 1:55 PM
We have a constitution?
Main Entry: con·sti·tu·tion
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin constitutio system, fundamental principles (of an institution).
1 : the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it.
I am failing to see any principles that guarantee any rights what so ever, especially coming from this administration.
nolapol on March 20, 2009 at 1:58 PM
There is so much truth in the words on that button. “Overcharge” yep that’s what the Democratic government is doing.
And how I wish we could go back a couple of years and see the end of this and reset the whole campaign in 2008. I can’t believe if people had known how bad Obama turned out if they would swoon in quite the same way…
petunia on March 20, 2009 at 1:58 PM
Taxes
Eviscerate
America
Limerick on March 20, 2009 at 1:59 PM
Newt Gringrich has also jumped on the Tea Party bandwagon.
Here’s the link to his page with the schedule.
Newt’s Linky
And here’s the link to other Tea Party information. Offical Tea Party linky
We have to get off our butt’s and really do something about this mess. If you can’t find a party in your area, get moving and start your own.
Knucklehead on March 20, 2009 at 2:02 PM
He’s black. He’s a Democrat. He gets to do anything he desires.
mr1216 on March 20, 2009 at 2:10 PM
Definitely not mutually exclusive. I’d suggest the lying is an effort to obscure the incompetence.
redfoxbluestate on March 20, 2009 at 2:11 PM
Remember when Barack Obama pledged that,……(insert two years of campaign rhetoric here)
christene on March 20, 2009 at 2:14 PM
He’s black/white, he’s liberal/democrat, he’s Christian/muslim, he’s American/Indonesian…he thinks he can do anything.
christene on March 20, 2009 at 2:16 PM
Read my lips, “No more lobbyist.”
Johan Klaus on March 20, 2009 at 2:32 PM
When does this administration assume Humpty Dumpty status?
Gibbs has already put himself in character as baby Hughy.
The Obama administration may be a Fairy Tale but its not Camelot, more like Eagle.
Speakup on March 20, 2009 at 2:47 PM
I know this is probably getting old for some of you, but here goes:
RUN FOR SOMETHING!
Restore our Liberty
pugwriter on March 20, 2009 at 2:48 PM
Almost as funny was Gibbs today talking about how out of whack the whole compensation picture is in corporate America. I remember Michell working for a Chicago hospital for over $300,000.00/year. A job created for her and when she left the job was dissolved. Obama knows first hand out of whack I would say. Also, a $500,000.00 book deal 5 days before taking office is something Obama knows about compensation being out of whack. Talk about speaking out of both sides of your mouth……..
Pardonme on March 20, 2009 at 3:17 PM
I heard Newt on the Dennis Miller radio show this morning. Immediately following Newt was The Nuge, Ted Nugent.
The Newt sang his usual tune; pure politician, full of himself, and full of back peddling and such.
The Nuge was absolutely uplifting, energetic, and spoke of real life American fellowship and really good environmental work being done by some great organizations that are getting no credit for their brilliant work simply because there is no political gain for the media to report on such things.
Net result, the Nuge was the real deal, full of fun and love of country and nature. The politician was something far below that.
Keemo on March 20, 2009 at 3:18 PM
Jake Tapper is one of the few real journalists remaining in the MSM.
Alana on March 20, 2009 at 3:20 PM
Of course he lied. Remember also when Obama swore to defend uphold the Constitution of the United States? Hahaha, good times…good times.
Obama lied, the economy died.
Grafted on March 20, 2009 at 3:24 PM
Wait until you see what they have planned for April 1st… it’ll be a national holiday honoring this Administration.
gekkobear on March 20, 2009 at 4:02 PM
Both…
d1carter on March 20, 2009 at 4:21 PM
I don’t think they even HAVE a “vetting team”.
uncivilized on March 20, 2009 at 4:37 PM
Wow what a record
Treasury = tax cheat
Commerce = Friend of China
State Dept = Hillary Clinton (fundraising) and Friend of India
Labor = Tax Cheating Union Lobbyist who Lobbys self
Trade Rep = Tax Cheat
HHS = Friend of Baby Killer, Medicaid Scandal
Chief of Staff = Banker (w/16 million dollar earnings) Lobbyist, Tax Cheat
can’t thing of anymore at the moment… sure makes me miss the ole Haliburton days.
kringeesmom on March 20, 2009 at 9:52 PM
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