White House: Hey, we love bipartisanship!
posted at 1:35 pm on August 19, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
It didn’t take long for the White House to backpedal from the New York Times story this morning. In the morning briefing, Jake Tapper reports that Robert Gibbs sung the praises of bipartisanship and declared that they could work for a long time before they abandoned efforts to work with Republicans on health care reform. In fact, Gibbs suggested that President Obama would shoot himself into space if it would help:
“Absolutely not,” Gibbs said. “We continue to be hopeful that we can get bipartisan support and will continue to work with those that are interested in doing that.”
“Our goal is to get this done in a bipartisan way,” he said. “There are several more weeks to go in potential negotiations between Republicans and Democrats. I don’t know why we would short circuit any of that now.”
Gibbs said if that were the intention, he would go on vacation. “I don’t know why on August 19 we would declare on something that would be voted on in either September or October that the possibility is only 51 votes,” he said.
The president’s spokesman said Mr. Obama would “orbit the moon” if he thought it would help bring progress in health care reform .
Don’t give us any ideas, Robert. Some of us may think that would be a good start.
Apparently, the White House is a little smarter than the Capitol Hill gang that fed the reconciliation idea to the New York Times. However, it’s more than just a little disingenuous. After all, this is the same President that declared “I won” when Republicans wanted a seat at the table for Porkulus’ creation. Obama blew a chance to spread the blame in case of failure with that move; perhaps he learned a lesson this time.
The best bet for Democrats might be to follow James Carville’s advice, which is to let Republicans and Blue Dog Democrats bury ObamaCare in a Senate filibuster. They could get onto other business and run in the midterms on GOP obstructionism, as long as they could explain how 40 Republicans managed to outbox Harry Reid to kill their signature domestic-policy agenda item. That would be placing a big bet on the notion that ObamaCare is wildly popular and its obstruction a cause for resentment among a majority of voters, when all of the evidence shows the opposite. But at least the Democrats would finally get a clear-cut, undeniable message on single-payer and its Trojan horses.
Blowback
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It sure would!
Daggett on August 19, 2009 at 1:37 PM
Baghdad Bob Gibbs was against it before he was for it…
Keef Overbite on August 19, 2009 at 1:37 PM
To the moon, Alice.
lorien1973 on August 19, 2009 at 1:38 PM
I am thoroughly enjoying this spectacle. Thoroughly.
Cuffy Meigs on August 19, 2009 at 1:38 PM
I do wonder why, with August being ObamaCare month, I keep hearing radio commericals that only focus on my senator’s (Sherrod Brown) support of Cap N trade.
myrenovations on August 19, 2009 at 1:39 PM
actions > words?
HoustonRight on August 19, 2009 at 1:39 PM
Remember how the VC tricked the Americans during Tet?
How the KR tricked Cambodians when they offered peace?
Yeah. The same thing is going to happen.
madmonkphotog on August 19, 2009 at 1:40 PM
how about we just moon Obama instead?
search4truth on August 19, 2009 at 1:40 PM
Goes off to do research on catapults with the power to send objects into lunar orbit. . .
rbj on August 19, 2009 at 1:41 PM
Obama I, ready for lift-off.
ICBM on August 19, 2009 at 1:42 PM
4…3…2…1
Earth below us, drifting, falling….
floating waffer…Obama is losing allllll
upinak on August 19, 2009 at 1:42 PM
And the GOP could run on “We killed socialized medicine.”
Wethal on August 19, 2009 at 1:42 PM
I am not sure that anyone in this administration knows where anyone else in this administration stands on anything. If you don’t like what one person has to say just wait a while because someone else will soon say the opposite.
Gulchie on August 19, 2009 at 1:43 PM
I’m sure we could raise the money overnight to fund his lunar mission.
TXUS on August 19, 2009 at 1:43 PM
LOL. When have they ever tried to work with Republicans? I guess trying to pick two or three Republican RINOs to hide behind qualifies as “work[ing] with”.
This is too much of a joke and Tapper is a useful idiot.
progressoverpeace on August 19, 2009 at 1:44 PM
Carville’s idea is ridiculous. In 1994 and 2002 the Dems tried compromise and/or incompetence around health care and then tax cuts and Iraq, and then they got whipped. Whether or not health care passes, every Dem, however they vote, will be painted as a granny-killing socialist. The only way to fight back is with a win.
R’s have proved from the beginning that they have no interest in compromise or bipartisanship. Obama should tell them to kiss off and do what he was elected to do.
Bleeds Blue on August 19, 2009 at 1:44 PM
Is it just me or is the filthy liar in the White House blowing his shot at seizing healthcare by such an unfocused message? Not that I’m complaining but every press briefing starts with toad boy clarifying what somebody said or didn’t say or whatever. The filthy liar is committed to a public plan or he’s open to other ideas. The filthy liar is willing to compromise or he’s going to go it alone. The filthy liar’s plan is going to be budget neutral or it is going to raise taxes…..
I’d suggest the filthy liar blew this by going out on the campaign trail before he knew what he was selling. Now, the public is just pissed off.
highhopes on August 19, 2009 at 1:44 PM
I say we give it a go. Then again, we’d have to use Russian space hardware….
NickelAndDime on August 19, 2009 at 1:44 PM
Gibbs is almost as repulsive as Barney Frank.
Almost.
OhEssYouCowboys on August 19, 2009 at 1:45 PM
How do they neogiate with the party of “No”. I thought the Republicans weren’t offering any ideas, just blocking theirs. Luckily the media isn’t required to look into what the Republicans have to offer.
Cindy Munford on August 19, 2009 at 1:45 PM
No negotiations. No compromises. Nothing.
elduende on August 19, 2009 at 1:45 PM
Takes two to compromise.
lorien1973 on August 19, 2009 at 1:45 PM
Yay! I dream of the day, complete with dancing in the streets and confetti made up of all the dreaded, shredded HR 3200 copies.
misslizzi on August 19, 2009 at 1:46 PM
Hard to compromise when the whore in the Speaker’s chair doesn’t allow the GOP in on the discussion.
highhopes on August 19, 2009 at 1:46 PM
Too many czars, not enough subjects.
WashJeff on August 19, 2009 at 1:46 PM
elduende on August 19, 2009 at 1:45 PM
You were right on the other thread, compadre. He is a hijacking Troll.
kingsjester on August 19, 2009 at 1:46 PM
I intend a long “in your face” e-mail to the rat bastard traitor Congressman of mine.
highhopes on August 19, 2009 at 1:47 PM
They are always floating an idea, getting stuff stirred up and then retreating. I don’t believe a word they say.
TXMomof3 on August 19, 2009 at 1:47 PM
Ogabe isn’t about to let average Americans derail his plans, the ol’ ego couldn’t take the hit.
Even if Ogabe and the ‘rats do shelve HC for a while, they still have a full quiver of other equally bright schemes to foist upon the nation, such as immigration “reform” or gun control.
Bishop on August 19, 2009 at 1:47 PM
I was thing something more like:
To Infinity. And beyond!
alilianstrom on August 19, 2009 at 1:47 PM
Talk about turning language upside down, Obama has me seeing Party of ‘No’ as a pretty damn positive thing.
misslizzi on August 19, 2009 at 1:47 PM
Thanks KJ.
elduende on August 19, 2009 at 1:48 PM
I hope they use the “road runner thrust move”…
ladyingray on August 19, 2009 at 1:48 PM
I guess people are like the the weather. But at least they stay static and do not disipate.
upinak on August 19, 2009 at 1:48 PM
Today’s caption contest winner: Ed Morissey.
LOL!
Gaunilon on August 19, 2009 at 1:49 PM
LMFAO! Coffee out NOSE!
upinak on August 19, 2009 at 1:49 PM
Question 84:
Bipartisan is to Democrat as:
a) Bengal tiger is to peach
b) Wind is to calm water
c) Consensual is to prison gang rape
Laura in Maryland on August 19, 2009 at 1:49 PM
I’m with you, Cuffy. Bad as it is having Obama in the WH with iron-clad majorities in Congress, it’s been hysterical watching the American Peoples’ reaction to the inmates running the asylum.
I love it when liberal incompetence is on full display.
SAMinVA on August 19, 2009 at 1:50 PM
Governing is hard! Amateurs in the Whitehouse….
jwp1964 on August 19, 2009 at 1:50 PM
Laura I take D.. all of thee above.
upinak on August 19, 2009 at 1:50 PM
If he wants to shoot himself into space to help pass health care, could he take Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi with him?
hachiban on August 19, 2009 at 1:50 PM
Obama thinks the moon is made of government cheese.
LibTired on August 19, 2009 at 1:50 PM
In other words “We work as a team but we do it my way”.
Hellrider on August 19, 2009 at 1:50 PM
I am thoroughly enjoying this spectacle. Thoroughly.
Cuffy Meigs on August 19, 2009 at 1:38 PM
Me too. It gets better every day.
txag92 on August 19, 2009 at 1:50 PM
The idiot messiah was elected to be a Precedent. Nothing else … as he’s too stupid to be expected to do anything else. Thanks for the retard.
progressoverpeace on August 19, 2009 at 1:50 PM
Party of “know.” We know all about the confiscations and State-control that parasitism and Socialism dictate to the People.
OhEssYouCowboys on August 19, 2009 at 1:51 PM
I find myself doing that whenever I see video of this guy.
Vashta.Nerada on August 19, 2009 at 1:51 PM
Promises, promises. Bi-partisanship? No retreat. No surrender.
kingsjester on August 19, 2009 at 1:51 PM
I’ll bring the NOchos and a bottle of merNOt.
Laura in Maryland on August 19, 2009 at 1:51 PM
Amateur Hour under the Democrat bit tent….
PatriotRider on August 19, 2009 at 1:51 PM
Of the six reams of the house bill how much was written by the GOP?
fourdeucer on August 19, 2009 at 1:51 PM
“I crush your head … later.”
I’m confused; is this said in a Iranian, Venezuelan, or Russian accent? Austrian, perhaps?
dmh0667 on August 19, 2009 at 1:52 PM
Democrat Bi-partisanship is a matter of compromise.
1. You compromise and agree with me.
2. I compromise and let you agree with me.
Daggett on August 19, 2009 at 1:52 PM
dmh0667 on August 19, 2009 at 1:52 PM
Nope. Austrian.
kingsjester on August 19, 2009 at 1:52 PM
Oh, please, man, please, ride GRANNY MAE to Mars.
Lourdes on August 19, 2009 at 1:54 PM
You need to try harder:
January 2, 2007
“But instead of allowing Republicans to fully participate in deliberations, as promised after the Democratic victory in the Nov. 7 midterm elections, Democrats now say they will use House rules to prevent the opposition from offering alternative measures, assuring speedy passage of the bills and allowing their party to trumpet early victories.”
Bishop on August 19, 2009 at 1:54 PM
Maybe he’d better first provide some Obamacare for Cash for Clunkers that’s now officially a bureaucratic mess, as half of New York’s car dealers pull out.
A pretty obvious foreshadowing of a government health care “system.”
Drained Brain on August 19, 2009 at 1:56 PM
Maybe they got a system overload.
Patriot Vet on August 19, 2009 at 1:56 PM
Has there been a single day in the life of the Obama Administration where they have not had to backtrack on something?
David2.0 on August 19, 2009 at 1:56 PM
The only bipartisan thing about this healthcare boondoggle is REJECTION.
marklmail on August 19, 2009 at 1:56 PM
What part of Obama’s promise of bye partisanship did you not understand?
LibTired on August 19, 2009 at 1:57 PM
Just get off the drugs NOW!
the_nile on August 19, 2009 at 1:57 PM
The Joker and his administration are circling the drain at an increasing rate. It is much different governing than it is reading the teleprompter.
tarpon on August 19, 2009 at 1:58 PM
“Bi-partisanship” be damned. I fear anything that comes out of the Beltway, by agreement.
It’s us vs. them.
OhEssYouCowboys on August 19, 2009 at 1:58 PM
No negotiations. No compromise. Kill the bill and faux reform. Time to get radical and start to shrink government.
gonegaltinstl on August 19, 2009 at 1:58 PM
“I won.”
Or, his now classic, where he tried to wrongly demonize and stifle conservatives for the mistakes of leftist social engineering and general stupidity:
“I don’t mind cleaning up after them, but don’t do a lot of talking.”
This ineligible traitor is coming down, along with all the America-haters supporting him.
progressoverpeace on August 19, 2009 at 1:58 PM
Indonesian.
progressoverpeace on August 19, 2009 at 2:00 PM
“But I don’t want the folks who created the mess to do a lot of talking. I want them to get out of the way so we can clean up the mess. I don’t mind cleaning up after them, but don’t do a lot of talking.”
Apparently the GOP is expected to mime their bi-partisanship?
SittingDeadRed on August 19, 2009 at 2:00 PM
They are losing big time if this is all that Gibsy can come up with.
farright on August 19, 2009 at 2:01 PM
B-HO’s idea of compromise: Let’s compromise and do it my way.
TXUS on August 19, 2009 at 2:02 PM
Ground Control to Major Gibbs
Take your Government Healthcare pills and put your helmet on
Ground Control to Major Bob
Commencing countdown, Green engines on
Check ignition and may Barry’s love be with you
Spoken:
Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, Five, Four, Three, Two, One, Lift-off
This is Ground Control to Major Bob
You’ve really made the grade
And the papers want to know whose Brand you wear
Now it’s time to leave the capsule if you dare…..
portlandon on August 19, 2009 at 2:02 PM
Pay attention when your benevolent dictator tells you to STFU! Sorry Chavez wannabe.
jwp1964 on August 19, 2009 at 2:02 PM
Bleeds blue…
Clearly that is the plan and has been the plan all along. What frustrates me is that Repubs have been played like fools.
And shockingly, there are people claiming victory when they have moved Obama’s poll numbers down less than 10% fighting the largest socialist takeover in history.
Sure doesn’t look like a victory when a majority of people have rejected the biggest concerns we’ve raised.
Progressoverpeace would have us believe the white house has been bloodied by this fight.
He uses nihilistic fatalism and proclaims the death of America if this, or any policy really, is passed.
He thinks the birth certificate issue is chipping away at Obama’s trust factor with moderates and independents.
All while calling these mods and indies spineless cowards and traitors.
Can someone point to an election won by the party calling the swing voters traitors?
frumian on August 19, 2009 at 2:03 PM
Liar, liar, emperor’s new pants on fire.
NeighborhoodCatLady on August 19, 2009 at 2:03 PM
Gibbs is on TV now. What a tool this bastard is. Apparently everything is right on track and the filthy liar is just where he wants to be.
highhopes on August 19, 2009 at 2:04 PM
Bawney Fwank choses (c).
TXUS on August 19, 2009 at 2:05 PM
True but I have actually heard Dems say that Republicans have not offered any amendments or ideas. We all know that is b.s. and if we had a media instead of a P.R. Dept. they couldn’t get away with it.
Cindy Munford on August 19, 2009 at 2:05 PM
So this is what it’s like to watch someone shoot themselves in the foot. ;)
capejasmine on August 19, 2009 at 2:05 PM
This administration only succeeds in embarrassing this country on a daily basis. I would ask if they have no shame, however, I already know the answer. Pathetic.
milwife88 on August 19, 2009 at 2:05 PM
It would help, tremendously.
Just take out the words “into space.”
UltimateBob on August 19, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Liberal Lexicon:
Bi-Partisanship: When everyone agrees with you
Un-American: People who disagree with you
BobMbx on August 19, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Then they’ll love Charlie Crist as the new Senator from Florida…unless you people in Florida wake up!?!?
SouthernGent on August 19, 2009 at 2:06 PM
ROFL!!! Well since Buzz Lightyear is taken, we’ll name Obama….Buzz Lighthead! ;)
capejasmine on August 19, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Bush had McClellan, and Barry has Gibbs. 2 of the worst press sec. in history.
portlandon on August 19, 2009 at 2:08 PM
If he wants to shoot himself into space to help pass health care, could he take Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi with him?
hachiban on August 19, 2009 at 1:50 PM
Barney too!
bratkatz13 on August 19, 2009 at 2:08 PM
OMG! The Whore on MSNBC just had a rant that “WE” have do do something to dispel the rumors that are out there about the filthy liar’s plan.
highhopes on August 19, 2009 at 2:08 PM
Uh… err…
Someone should tell Gibbs what it means to be bipolar.
I thought they were going to put their game faces on and shove this down the throats of those numerous pesky Republicans.
Seriously… I think the Left just keeps swinging back and forth becasue… here it comes, trolls… they don’t have a bill. They don’t even have a plan. They just have some lofty rhetoric.
Upstater85 on August 19, 2009 at 2:08 PM
MOONBAT!
Disturb the Universe on August 19, 2009 at 2:09 PM
Buzzed Pothead.
myrenovations on August 19, 2009 at 2:10 PM
Buzz Lightworker
ICBM on August 19, 2009 at 2:10 PM
Certainly two of the least effective. They both come off as defensive and more like propagandists than press secretaries. Tony Snow did it right.
highhopes on August 19, 2009 at 2:10 PM
I dunno how going to the moon will help. They already have the moonbat vote locked up.
Lily on August 19, 2009 at 2:10 PM
BO: “…or else I’ll call ACORN/SEIU and have some of my ‘boys’ come to your house and compromise your skeletal integrity.”
Daggett on August 19, 2009 at 2:10 PM
There’s no doubt they want all the republicans they can dupe into going along with this fiasco. They he can say, we couldn’t have done it without republicans, which is a lie, they have the votes right now to pass it. He has to have someone to blame when it fails, like his other programs have. The republicans that go along with it need to be voted out, as well as any democrat/liberals that vote for it.
pitter43 on August 19, 2009 at 2:11 PM
I’m going with the evil twin theory.
highhopes on August 19, 2009 at 2:11 PM
PT Barnum would be proud of this administration as they are truly a three-ring circus.
ICBM on August 19, 2009 at 2:11 PM
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