Sestak: Heck, Pelosi isn’t even transparent to her own caucus!
posted at 4:50 pm on January 7, 2010 by Ed Morrissey
Here’s a good capper to the explosion of criticism this week to the decision to hide the ObamaCare negotiations in secrecy, and this one comes from Nancy Pelosi’s own caucus. Joe Sestak (D-PA) wants to run for Arlen Specter’s Senate seat, so he’s already tilting at the party establishment. However, Sestak may find himself in agreement with an expanding universe of people who find the Democratic caucus a “disappointment,” courtesy of the GOP:
“They said it would be transparent. Why isn’t it? At times, I find the caucus is a real disappointment. We aren’t transparent, not just to the public but at times to the members.”
Well, what’s he supposed to say? That hiding the bill in a backroom until a floor vote is the very model of openness? Oh, wait — that is what Pelosi said, isn’t it? When even her own caucus and Jack Cafferty aren’t buying it …
Blowback
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Delicious. More, please!
OmahaConservative on January 7, 2010 at 4:52 PM
Sestak is a ballsack!
Gob on January 7, 2010 at 4:53 PM
Next the Dems will say they were with the Tea Party people all along!
barnone on January 7, 2010 at 4:53 PM
Mavericky!
ThePrez on January 7, 2010 at 4:55 PM
So why don’t people like Sestak stand up to Pelosi? Don’t support the legislation she’s trying to ram through without even giving them time to read it.
Doughboy on January 7, 2010 at 4:55 PM
He’s a Democrat he will say what needs to be said to be elected and vote the party line!
YOU LIE! Is all you need to know about Democrats vote the bastrids out!
dhunter on January 7, 2010 at 4:57 PM
Isn’t that cute? He’ll whine before voting the way she wants.
lorien1973 on January 7, 2010 at 4:58 PM
I have a remote feeling that this might happen.
Rndguy on January 7, 2010 at 4:59 PM
doughboy: i don’t know why congressmen like Sestak don’t stand up to Pelosi except that she must control every dime coming out of that place.
for example, my lame congressman, Perriello (Dem, 5th CD VA), said he would not, under any circumstances, vote for a healthcare bill that had fed funding for abortion or raise deficit. what do you bet he does?
they are all spineless wimps & liars. they all need to come home.
kelley in virginia on January 7, 2010 at 4:59 PM
The steaming pile of dung will still pass. The Dems who are “complaining” right now (and their complaints are in the “waiter, could you heat up my coffee?” class, nothing indicating substance or willingness to go against their leaders) are only a “favor” away from being good little robots and doing the bidding on Harry, Nancy, and the Chicago Jesus.
MrScribbler on January 7, 2010 at 5:00 PM
I can’t understand why a former Admiral is a socialist but it seems to be the end result of elitists. They care so much about the little guy they just want to run his life for him!
tim c on January 7, 2010 at 5:00 PM
The house of cards is collapsing.
More popcorn, please.
Mark Boabaca on January 7, 2010 at 5:00 PM
A question I have is why do the 2 independents caucus with the democrats and not the republicans?
milwife88 on January 7, 2010 at 5:01 PM
Words, just words.
Sestak is just building his street creeds, ‘don’t look at my vote, look I am speaking truth to power’ and run his military background to death.
Sir Napsalot on January 7, 2010 at 5:02 PM
But for a lifetime salary and lifetime health care (much better than ANYTHING we’ll get to see) I’m sure he’ll come around. After all what’s a little hypocrisy, selling your soul etc?
Deckard on January 7, 2010 at 5:03 PM
Sestack…running for Senator of Land of the Lost.
Vigilante on January 7, 2010 at 5:03 PM
They’re all suckers for the Botox Queen with a whip.
Perverts.
Cody1991 on January 7, 2010 at 5:06 PM
Bernie Sanders is a Socialist. He is to the left of the Democrats. Joe Lieberman is actually a Democrat who was slammed by his own party. It is only an internal kerfuffle. He probably is afraid that Connceticut is so blue that he would lose if he caucused with the Republicans.
Note that he finally voted for the monstrosity.
sabbahillel on January 7, 2010 at 5:07 PM
Sestack…running for Senator of Land of the Lost.
Vigilante on January 7, 2010 at 5:03 PM
LMOA! I loved this…and am old enough to get it! (Loved that show as a tyke!)
Gob on January 7, 2010 at 5:07 PM
And yet, Mr Sestack still votes and caucus’ with the Democrats, even though he knows they aren’t being transparent.
Says a lot, doesn’t it?
PappaMac on January 7, 2010 at 5:08 PM
Sestak is listed as a Roman Catholic in his bio, yet he gets a 100 score from NARAL. WTF kind of Catholic is he, anyway?
OmahaConservative on January 7, 2010 at 5:08 PM
OT: Gibbs looks like he just stepped out of the woodshed.
d1carter on January 7, 2010 at 5:08 PM
Why doesn’t Shep run a tape of the WH liars during his show and let us listen to Beck.
thomasaur on January 7, 2010 at 5:09 PM
He’s mostly pissed at Pelosi because he wants a public option and he knows it’s going to be dropped. He is running to the extreme left in the Senate primary for some reason. This isn’t a terribly liberal state – even Ed Rendell and Bob Casey essentially ran as conservative Dems. So I don’t know what Sestak thinks he has to gain by supporting this crap sandwich now.
rockmom on January 7, 2010 at 5:10 PM
Well, that’s two votes against Periello, just in this thread. I don’t know which of the many GOP guys will win nomination, but I would hope he’s better than Periello.
hawksruleva on January 7, 2010 at 5:12 PM
Doesn’t FNC realize that most people turn them down when The Liars come out?
thomasaur on January 7, 2010 at 5:12 PM
A Catholic who has decided he wants to move from being a congressman from a pro-choice district to a senator from a pro-life state.
billy on January 7, 2010 at 5:13 PM
He and Nancy Pelosi go to the same church.
Mark Boabaca on January 7, 2010 at 5:13 PM
I think Joe would do just fine on the campaign trail as a Republican, but he’d be just another RINO then. As an independent, he wields a lot more power in the current situation.
hawksruleva on January 7, 2010 at 5:14 PM
There you go again, Joe! Trying to be independent when all you’re really doing is running for the senate.
SouthernGent on January 7, 2010 at 5:14 PM
Maybe the kind who’s a fan of eugenics?
hawksruleva on January 7, 2010 at 5:15 PM
When are these jerks going to come to their senses and realize passing this monstrosity just for the sake of passing something is political suicide?
joedoe on January 7, 2010 at 5:16 PM
ENUF on these boobs trying to explain the systemic failures- they always seem to pre-pemt Mr. Beck don’t they – With pillsbury doughgirl as Head of Homeland – I really feel a lot safer now
huskerdiva on January 7, 2010 at 5:17 PM
+1
d1carter on January 7, 2010 at 5:17 PM
Listen Mr. Brennan…..we the people will decide who is doing a stellar job! wHY DO THEY ALWAYS CUT IN ON BECK……HMMMMMM
justonevictory on January 7, 2010 at 5:17 PM
pre-empt- so damn mad I hit the wrong keys!
huskerdiva on January 7, 2010 at 5:17 PM
This is all just show. Like Nelson from Nebraska, he will end up voting for this bill, and he will be part of the downgrading of our health care. I will bet a dollar, which is all I will have left after this passes, that all of these whiny, self righteous, elitists, scum bags will end up voting for this monster. History is calling them, unfortunately, it will be some of the darkest history of our country.
kam582 on January 7, 2010 at 5:18 PM
ENUF on these boobs trying to explain the systemic failures- they always seem to pre-pemt Mr. Beck don’t they – With pillsbury doughgirl as Head of Homeland – I really feel a lot safer now
huskerdiva on January 7, 2010 at 5:17 PM
I think OB+ama plans his news conferences around Beck’s time slot.
derft on January 7, 2010 at 5:19 PM
A harbinger of things to come. It’s now very convenient even for ultra-Dems to run against their own leadership. Doesn’t mean a thing about their own positions, just convenient. If nothing else, things could get interesting in Nov for Reid and Pelosi.
paul1149 on January 7, 2010 at 5:19 PM
Sestak is my congressman, and I send him emails and letters all the time. He always responds with 5 or 6 page missives on his position, totally ignoring my statements and questions.
At least he’s taken himself out of politics by running against Specter.
He needs to move back to Washington to spend time with his high paid lobbyist wife . . . and quit visiting the county where his parents happened to have brought him up a long time ago . . .
phillypolitics on January 7, 2010 at 5:20 PM
And as for Sestak……nice tryet stopping the bill would be your only saving grace
justonevictory on January 7, 2010 at 5:21 PM
Well, he’s captain obvious about it at this point, how many times, now??? When will Fox wise up and save it for Bret or Sheps show???
huskerdiva on January 7, 2010 at 5:21 PM
I live in Pennsylvania and I find Sestack a real disappointment. Don’t be fooled. He’s left of Specter and loves to hear himself weave flowing tapestries of BS. This is a stunt to ingratiate himself. Don’t believe a word he says.
ROCnPhilly on January 7, 2010 at 5:21 PM
He’s a heel hound. Or maybe just a lap dog. You climb into Pelousy’s lap, you get up with fleas at a minimum.
GnuBreed on January 7, 2010 at 5:22 PM
FIFY: You have to account for inflation, the collapse of the dollar, and the new currency we will use after Obamacare passes.
Mark Boabaca on January 7, 2010 at 5:22 PM
huskerdiva on January 7, 2010 at 5:21 PM
Seems like every time.
derft on January 7, 2010 at 5:23 PM
not holding my breath on that one- but am sending more money to Scott Brown in Mass!
huskerdiva on January 7, 2010 at 5:24 PM
Noticed that before. Obama always cuts in on Beck or waits til O’Reilly is on.
ROCnPhilly on January 7, 2010 at 5:24 PM
Average or typical. Like all of the catholics that vote for a pro-abortion official.
AnotherOpinion on January 7, 2010 at 5:24 PM
So Sleestack hisses about Pelosi, it doesn’t mean he won’t do as he is told when the vote comes around again.
Bishop on January 7, 2010 at 5:26 PM
Exactly how Sen. Ma’am-whore Boxer responded to me when she was my senator.
OmahaConservative on January 7, 2010 at 5:28 PM
Sestak is also on the small business committee of the House. He came up with this atrocious jobs proposal, showing his total lack of experience in the business world (he’s a military guy):
http://urethaneblog.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/12/response-to-the-congressman-joe-sestak-jobs-plan.html
phillypolitics on January 7, 2010 at 5:28 PM
Is this anything new? I thought I read something quite some time ago about how Pelosi doesn’t even allow input from most Democrats on legislation.
malclave on January 7, 2010 at 5:28 PM
Big talker…he’ll cave too!!!
yoda on January 7, 2010 at 5:28 PM
God Bless you! I sent more today.
OmahaConservative on January 7, 2010 at 5:29 PM
A couple of more facelifts and Nancy’s skin will literally become more transparent.
daddio on January 7, 2010 at 5:31 PM
Some of the lamest video you’ll see is when Anthony Weiner (D-NY) is propped up by Joe Sestak in an interview (1-2x on Oreilly’s show). I think that Weiner and his fellow Dems love to ride on Sestak’s military credibility and they use his bona fides to make their points in such a limp wristed, beta sorta way.
Sestak just threw his own caucus under the bus. A fact that says nothing about his own arm getting twisted and falling into line for Queen Nancy.
ted c on January 7, 2010 at 5:34 PM
Only way to try to make up for our dear Senator “Judas”
huskerdiva on January 7, 2010 at 5:34 PM
wow, you’re all over that guy aren’t you. How’re things looking up there in Browns country?
ted c on January 7, 2010 at 5:35 PM
Zell Miller was the last honest Democrat … What has happened to them? Is tyranny the only thing they know anymore?
tarpon on January 7, 2010 at 5:36 PM
First, they lie to you about this whole bill and it’s process…Then they turn around and insult your intelligence and pretend that they understand your anger!!Nice try Mr.Sleastack… via Land of the Lost!!
Robbya on January 7, 2010 at 5:38 PM
LMAO!! OR maybe it will just tear apart when she lets loose with one of her big oh so disingenuous smiles…
huskerdiva on January 7, 2010 at 5:38 PM
tarpon on January 7, 2010 at 5:36 PM
Zell was the last Democrat to care more about his country then his party. To answer your question, YES.
derft on January 7, 2010 at 5:40 PM
I think that’s in the job spec titled, “Blue Dog Democrat”: bark loudly enough at Dem leadership to fool your constituents into believing you actually represent their wishes, then quietly vote their way when they throw you a nice, juicy, red-meat earmark or three to chew on.
Someone earlier wondered how a retired Admiral could be a leftist. Well, it’s easy. Flag officers are usually quite politically astute to begin with, as it is an unwritten job requirement for the role – especially since they must be confirmed by Congress, IIRC. We’re getting the crop of retired flag officers turned politicians who were promoted during the Clinton presidency. Wes Clark is another one if these military political animals.
Remember, these guys quietly accepted Clinton’s gutting of the military – personnel and logistics – on their watch, so Clinton could wear the fig leaf of a “balanced” budget. That should tell you where their priorities lie.
Wanderlust on January 7, 2010 at 5:41 PM
I really miss Zell- heck of a guy!
huskerdiva on January 7, 2010 at 5:41 PM
I don’t get it. I am a regular person and I would NEVER let someone bully me into voting for something that I felt was wrong. Period. Are they such a bunch of losers that they can not or will not do the right thing here?
bloggless on January 7, 2010 at 5:41 PM
Here’s Weiner and Sestak debating BOR on Grayson, and radical Obama appointees. @ 4:30 gratuitous butt kissing by Weiner on Sestaks Senate run.
ted c on January 7, 2010 at 5:42 PM
From what I can see monitoring the MA media sites, he is closing in on Coakly. She seems to not be very well liked, at all. Even the Boston Globe seems to really like Brown. Laura Ingraham said they were sending out the swimmer’s wife Viki to campaign for Coakley and LI seems very optimistic about this race. The Camelot crowd seem very tepid to ol’ Martha.
I did the same for John Thune to defeat Dasch-hole in SD while I was living in San Diego and had Feinstein and Ma’am-whore Boxer for senators. I have always liked to set my sights on individual candidates more than the RNC when it comes to cutting checks.
OmahaConservative on January 7, 2010 at 5:43 PM
Although it is tantalizing to see the Dems eat their own, Sestak is as big a loser and socialist as Benedict Arlen. I feel sorry for PA Dems having to choose between those two Commie lunkheads in the primary. There is no lesser evil of the two, which is great news for the GOP.
Philly on January 7, 2010 at 5:47 PM
I’m with you- my RNC membership card and prepaid envelope are still sitting by the phone- not sending another red cent to the RNC- until I see some real leadership I’ll be sending individual checks to those candidates who can really make a difference, regardless of what state they may happen to reside in!
huskerdiva on January 7, 2010 at 5:49 PM
It’s about time… lived in burbs of Philly for 12 years and felt like every vote was a waste…
huskerdiva on January 7, 2010 at 5:50 PM
OmahaConservative on January 7, 2010 at 5:43 PM
thanks for the update. I dropped a little change in the pot for Browny earlier this week. I checked out his website a bit. I couldn’t discern if he was much of a conservative or not based on that, but I coulda missed something.
ted c on January 7, 2010 at 5:51 PM
Huskerdiva, I will pray for a conversion of The People’s Republic of Philadelphia into born-again conservatives. I think that will require a miracle, but miracles happen.
Philly on January 7, 2010 at 6:03 PM
At least some of what he learned in his military career still lives within him.
FireBlogger on January 7, 2010 at 6:11 PM
Sestak received BIG monetary support from the DNC and its variant forms in order to unseat Kurt Weldon. Sestak is just as much of a weasel as Specter.
Send your spare money (heh!) to support Republican Pat Toomey, a real conservative (who nearly bounced Specter out of his seat last go-round).
onlineanalyst on January 7, 2010 at 6:15 PM
LegalInsurrection says Scott Brown is winning the online/social media race over Coakley……tweets don’t vote and many Brown followers are out-of-state. But Brown’s triumph online has helped to level the playing field, and will play a crucial role in driving the momentum in the final two weeks, particularly in the get out the vote effort.
Brown has won the online race. While no guarantee of a win on election day, social media has made Brown a much more competitive candidate.
SouthernGent on January 7, 2010 at 4:12 PM
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Lifted from the headlines about the MA gov. race.
OmahaConservative on January 7, 2010 at 6:17 PM
Lifted from the headlines about the MA gov. race.
Sorry, the strikes in mylast post should have been a quote. I hate when that happens.
OmahaConservative on January 7, 2010 at 6:20 PM
Here here to supporting Pat Toomey, who caused Benedict Arlen (like he ever was a conservative) to switch back to the Dem party. He knew he was going to get crushed by Toomey in the GOP primary.
I slam Arlen a lot (deservedly), but switching back to the Donkey party might have been the first honest thing he’s done in 40 years. Maybe he got tired of living a lie, masquerading as a Republican all those decades. Don’t let the door hit you, Arlen.
Philly on January 7, 2010 at 6:21 PM
please send your dollar to Scott Brown!!
kringeesmom on January 7, 2010 at 6:22 PM
Amen
BoSox_or_Bust on January 7, 2010 at 6:28 PM
Just sent my money to Brown.
yoda on January 7, 2010 at 6:34 PM
Here is a delicious website that won’t let the democrats hide for this election year:
http://nationalrepublicantrust.com/PelosiIndex/Table_complete.php
According to the pelosi index, this clown voted 100% with pelosi on 9 key issues.
karenhasfreedom on January 7, 2010 at 6:41 PM
Pelosi is getting nailed harder and harder. Result: Madame Speaker will not be granting any more interviews or making public statements.
GarandFan on January 7, 2010 at 6:45 PM
Awesome link. Thanks.
OmahaConservative on January 7, 2010 at 6:47 PM
Setac is typical Pa Dumocrap,if my fellow Pa voters elect him,his story will change as soon as the results are in.As far as lying politicians are conncerned Chitown and New Orleans got nothing on Pa.
DDT on January 7, 2010 at 6:47 PM
The best news is that it’s a virtual lock that Republicans will take Sestak’s House seat back this year. Republicans are climbing all over each other to run, and former U.S. attorney Pat Meehan has already raised over $600,000.
Sestak’s going to be out of a job next January, his replacement will be a Republican, and so will his new Senator. But he can still go to all those Washington cocktail parties with his lobbyist wife.
rockmom on January 7, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Sestak may help the GOP in the long run; one wonders if he’s a Rovian plant.
He’s forcing Arlen to run to the left in the primary. In the general, Arlen would have to fake being a moderate, especially if he wants to capture the important Philly suburbs.
Also Sestak running for this opens up his seat for taking by a GOP candidate – former US Attorney and former Delaware Country (most of the House district is Delaware Count) DA Pat Meehan.
Wethal on January 7, 2010 at 7:13 PM
I’m right there with you! I recommend you photocopy your hand with a raised middle finger, and send that to the RNC in their prepaid envelope, along with the cut-up card.
The RNC sends begging letters, “surveys”, etc. to my hubby all the time. (Dunno why they don’t seem to send me as much… maybe they’re saving their pennies by sending only one piece of mail per household.) He throws them away unopened. I’ll snarf the next one out of the trash and try the middle finger idea myself. :-)
Mary in LA on January 7, 2010 at 7:16 PM
Insert lie. Repeat. Insert lie. Repeat. Have MSM never focus on Truth. Repeat enough, lie becomes Truth. Nancy Pelosi is perfect at this. She gets away with it repeatedly. Newt got censured. Republican RINOs are dumb noobs who enjoy being pawned. Nancy will continue ad infinitum until replaced as Speaker. And when replaced she won’t be any worse for the wear.
Sultry Beauty on January 7, 2010 at 7:19 PM
Call me crazy, but I like Joe Sestak. I’d still prefer Pat Toomey, but if that Senate seat were going to hold a Democrat, we could do much worse than Joe Sestak. For instance, Arlen Specter.
Red Cloud on January 7, 2010 at 7:49 PM
Get ready for Arlen to bail! Sestak is my congressman and, sorry, but he’s still a progressive – and a spineless one at that – who despite what he says about being a mushroom i.e. being kept in the dark and being fed bullshit by Pilosi (his district IS the Mushroom Capital of the World) he voted for this crap sandwich so he’s gonna eat it!!!!! Good-bye Admiral! Your ship has sailed dude!!!!
Dread Pirate Roberts VI on January 7, 2010 at 8:39 PM
pat meehan is a neighbor and nice honest guy. Support him!
I’m so happy Sestak let his ego get in the way to try to move to the Senate
From Delaware County PA
phillypolitics on January 7, 2010 at 8:40 PM
A copy of the U.S. Constitution…lessee here…”caucus”, “caucus”…nope, can’t seem to find it.
Might as well just change Congress to Parliament and admit to the British that we were wrong.
Dr. ZhivBlago on January 8, 2010 at 1:02 AM
Gee….how gutsy of this nobody to criticize someone he won’t have to face if ACORN gets him installed in the Senate. Don’t be surprised in Speaker Pelosi penalizes Pennsylvania (in terms of pork dollars) as revenge for Sestak’s comments. He’d have been better off keeping his mouth shut.
olesparkie on January 8, 2010 at 7:31 AM