Video: Reid sets a low bar
posted at 12:14 pm on May 5, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
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Harry Reid appeared on the Today show to reassure Americans that Barack Obama can pick a Supreme Court justice, but we can be forgiven for not feeling terribly sanguine after Reid’s endorsement. Reid says we can expect the same competence and research that have gone into Barack Obama’s Cabinet appointments.
Yikes:
For the record, Barack Obama has one of the worst transition records in American history. He has tied Bill Clinton for Cabinet appointment failures (resignations and/or confirmation failures), and managed to set that record within just a few weeks. Obama is only one back from John Tyler’s record of ignominy, and Tyler took two years to set it.
Let’s recap the Greatest Transition EvahTM:
- Bill Richardson – Original Commerce Secretary appointee, had to withdraw when Obama administration found out that federal investigators weren’t joking around about a pay-for-play probe that had been public since last August.
- Tom Daschle – Original HHS Secretary nominee, withdrew when he admitted not paying taxes on lobbyist bennies, a double-whammy on Obama’s stated ethics standards.
- Tim Geithner – Confirmed as Treasury Secretary despite evading tens of thousands of dollars in income taxes, despite having been reimbursed by his employer to cover them. Blames TurboTax, and the Senate somehow buys the excuse.
- Judd Gregg – Obama’s second abortive attempt to appoint a Commerce Secretary, who bolts when Obama tries undermining his authority on the Census and ignores his budgetary concerns.
- Hillary Clinton – Pay-for-play allegations almost derail her confirmation as Secretary of State.
- Hilda Solis – The Labor Secretary has to explain tax problems of her own.
- Kathleen Sebelius – Doesn’t tell the entire truth about her connections to late-term abortionist and has a pay-for-play scandal on the horizon. Confirmed, but probably shouldn’t start working with an interior designer just yet.
- Third choice at Commerce Gary Locke’s unanswered ethics problems.
- On the lighter side, Energy Secretary Stephen Chu’s belated realization that oil production falls under his purview.
Plus, we have the sub-Cabinet appointment fiascoes:
- Approaching two dozen waivers for the no-lobbyist pledge in the first two weeks of his presidency.
- Sanjay Gupta.
- Vivek Kundra’s criminal record.
- Nancy Killefer’s tax problems.
- Chas Freeman’s intemperate 9/11 comments and connections to China.
- Urban czar Adolfo Carrion.
- Annette Nazareth at Treasury.
- Auto czar Steve Rattner’s alleged involvement in a kickback scheme with a New York pension fund.
This isn’t even quite an exhaustive list. Reid thinks this track record should reassure us? What’s he trying to do, audition for VP?
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Reid, the “mesmerized” convert. Confidence “con” game.
By the way, do note the Taliban hostages in Pakistan.
maverick muse on May 5, 2009 at 12:17 PM
If this is the most ethical Congress, Administration and government ever…then it is time to change my Party affiliation from Republican to Libertine.
As for Reid…who keeps voting this old fool into office again and again?
coldwarrior on May 5, 2009 at 12:17 PM
I saw this before I left for work. As I can’t see the video.
Harry was talking about gouging those over seas American Corps and taxing the heck out of them. Great.. just Great!
upinak on May 5, 2009 at 12:18 PM
A guy who’s only famous for being petty, vindictive, and wrong is reassuring me about the quality of Democratic Supreme Court picks. Riiiiiiight.
RBMN on May 5, 2009 at 12:18 PM
You peoples shut up! Obama great man. He make wonderful picks!
You stay quiet or ACORN peoples come find you.
/s/
J. Stalin
darwin on May 5, 2009 at 12:19 PM
What is the difference between Jesus and Obama?
Jesus knew how to assemble a cabinet
400lb Gorilla on May 5, 2009 at 12:19 PM
Did he realize what he says or is he really that blind?
Defector01 on May 5, 2009 at 12:19 PM
“Enchanting” is the word that comes to mind.
/sarc
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on May 5, 2009 at 12:20 PM
“I won”.
We lose.
gwelf on May 5, 2009 at 12:20 PM
LOL
gwelf on May 5, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Dumbell
Loxodonta on May 5, 2009 at 12:21 PM
The ACORN folks………..who are now under criminal investigation in Nevada.
Knucklehead on May 5, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Harry “The War Is Lost” Reid displays tell-tale signs and symptoms of his Oral-Rectal Connectivity disease.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on May 5, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Please tell me this is all just a nightmare…
JetBoy on May 5, 2009 at 12:25 PM
“What’s he trying to do, audition for VP?”
So obvious a failure, it’s always overlooked.
Dusty on May 5, 2009 at 12:26 PM
You forgot the 17 empty spots at Treasury, right when the US is trying to coordinate with other nations for a global response to the recession.
rbj on May 5, 2009 at 12:27 PM
I’m glad to know the next Supreme Court nominee doesn’t pay their taxes. Thanks, Harry.
MadisonConservative on May 5, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Harry Reid is obviously not Nostradamus.
bluelightbrigade on May 5, 2009 at 12:29 PM
Hey, what’s Judge Judy doing these days?
Wyznowski on May 5, 2009 at 12:29 PM
Harriett Myers.
Akzed on May 5, 2009 at 12:30 PM
Is he freakin kidding?
He looks at Obama, and his managerial skills in picking appointments , as nothing to worry about?
Bahahahahahahahahheee heee heee heee ho, giggle snort giggle snort bahahahahahahahhahahaha
capejasmine on May 5, 2009 at 12:32 PM
OT: I haven’t seen this posted anywhere.
Obama is already arresting “rightwingers” using the Patriot Act. 16 year old homeschool kid (sounds dangerous) held for last 60 days as enemy combatant by the FBI.
faraway on May 5, 2009 at 12:33 PM
That may be the first time Reid said something nobody can argue with.
Star20 on May 5, 2009 at 12:33 PM
Eric Holder named Attorney General after passing on the pardon recommendations for Marc Rich and other criminals on Bill Clinton’s last day in the White House.
John Kerry’s brother named general counsel at Commerce.
Lanny Breuer named to head Criminal Division at Justice after suborning Roger Clemens’ perjury before the U.S. Congress and defending the Clintons.
Elena Kagan named Solicitor General despite never even being a member of the Supreme Court Bar.
Ron Sims named Deputy HUD Secretary despite his involvement in a massive coverup of voter fraud in King County in the 2004 gubernatorial election. (Michelle has reported extensively on this.)
Tom Donilon named Deputy National Security Advisor despite beign chief lobbyist at Fannie Mae while it was cooking its books, paying $90 million in bonuses to Frank Raines, Jamie Gorelick, and other Clinton cronies, and trying to get its regulator fired.
These are just off the top of my head.
rockmom on May 5, 2009 at 12:37 PM
I’m trying to stay open-minded to the day when Ogabe announces that he has nominated himself for the Supreme Court; I mean I know the guy is a demi-god, but can he handle that extra hat while still solving all the world’s problems as POTUS?
Bishop on May 5, 2009 at 12:39 PM
David Stevens named FHA Commissioner after directing Long and Foster’s real estate agents to steer buyers to L&F’s mortgage company, and after being the guy who started Freddie Ma’s subprime loan program.
rockmom on May 5, 2009 at 12:40 PM
Yup! I knew this was coming. And Democrats seem happy to see it happen. Do away with the opposition, so they can do what they want.
capejasmine on May 5, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Hello Harry!? Have you been awake and listening to Obama’s cabinet picks?? Tax evaders etc., what the hell are you doing in Washington Harry??? You have been there too long!
afotia on May 5, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Obama’s first 100 days was a disgrace, and Reid’s either too blind to see it or so craven he’ll lie about it to your face. Oh well.
As to the pick, maybe Michigan’s former Attorney General & current Gov. Jennifer Granholm? She’s been quite involved in the Obama campaign.
cs89 on May 5, 2009 at 12:58 PM
Well, the Constitution says that you can’t have both jobs at the same time. At least that’s what I think it says. What counts is what the Supreme Court says it says, so you never know.
Besides, as POTUS, he’s Da Man. As a Justice, he’d be one of nine. That’s a step down.
The Monster on May 5, 2009 at 12:58 PM
It has to be low! Who can clear a high bar yet still favor continuing the War On Unborn Children?
jgapinoy on May 5, 2009 at 1:00 PM
Eyes Wide Shut.
Ed, is that a TNG reference?
therightscoop on May 5, 2009 at 1:13 PM
Reid is still an idiot.
Nothing new here. Move on, folks.
ladyingray on May 5, 2009 at 1:31 PM
You forgot the biggest fiasco of all: Gibbs. I suppose he’ll make the list after he’s fired.
tommuck on May 5, 2009 at 1:47 PM
This is about as funny as watching that Beavis lookalike, Tim Geithner,Secretary of the Treasury, explaining how he’s going to crack down on tax cheats. And Obama stood right there with him. This administration is a bad joke.
kens on May 5, 2009 at 1:48 PM
Harry Reid is a huge mystery.
Incompetant, stupid, ugly, venal, uncharismatic.
He must mail every citizen of his state a $100 check every month.
They can be no other explanation.
notagool on May 5, 2009 at 1:58 PM
Reid is like Biden, the gift that keeps on giving. You’ll have to pardon Harry. Unless it happens to be about Nevada politics and real estate deals, Harry’s pretty stupid.
GarandFan on May 5, 2009 at 2:17 PM
notagool on May 5, 2009 at 1:58 PM
Part of it’s six-year terms. His 1998 contest with Ensign was close, but he won handily in 2004. He wasn’t in the national spotlight as much until he succeeded Daschle as Minority Leader in 2005, then became Majority Leader in 2006. He seemed much more ridiculous on the national stage.
I’d give him a 50/50 chance of holding onto his seat in 2010. 25% if Romney decides to do our country a favor and take him out.
cs89 on May 5, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Lord only knows what kind of pick he’d make based on his choices so far. Something tells me on this one there will be a lot of pressure from Reid/Pelosi/Soros, etc., and Obama will end up picking their fave.
scalleywag on May 5, 2009 at 2:43 PM
I picture a mass of voters — rumpled suits, in need of a shave, sleep deprived — pulling one more nickel out their pockets, saying “I’m due for a jackpot. THIS time I’ll win!” as they plunk the nickel into the slot, pull the lever, and… lemons. Pull one more nickel out of their pockets, ….
RegularJoe on May 5, 2009 at 3:32 PM
The same people who helped ‘Bugsy’ Siegel start Lost Wages.
SeniorD on May 5, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Think about what is going on. Reid, Peloser, Murtha, Dodd, Frank, Finestein, Boxer…..the list goes on an on. These people are obviously corrupt, lying thieves. Without accountability there can be no credibility. The ignorance of the American electorate is totally unbelievable. When our leaders are nothing but human trash, the only result in the end is absolute failure.
volsense on May 5, 2009 at 7:41 PM
This would be a fine time to recall the nomination of Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court was suggested to then-president Bush by the same Harry Reid.
She is still available, as far as I can tell, and probably fits the current president’s changing criteria…
LaMonte on May 5, 2009 at 8:27 PM
At the time, and maybe as a prophet, Harry Reid said:
In my view, the Supreme Court would benefit from the addition of a justice who has real experience as a practicing lawyer. The current justices have all been chosen from the lower federal courts. A nominee with relevant non-judicial experience would bring a different and useful perspective to the Court.
Of course, he forgot to mention that ‘empathy‘ thing…
LaMonte on May 5, 2009 at 8:51 PM
To the morons who voted for him and the lazy traitors who refused to vote, this kind of stuff means nothing. Why? Because they can still watch “American Idol” every week.
csdeven on May 6, 2009 at 9:47 AM
What is the difference between Jesus and Obama (take two)?
Jesus didn’t think he was Obama.
mwdiver on May 6, 2009 at 10:53 AM
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