John Cornyn on Senate GOP Question Time with Obama: Er, no thanks
posted at 9:07 pm on February 5, 2010 by Allahpundit
If there were any lingering doubts about who got the better of last week’s Question Time session, this should settle them.
The White House has suggested that it would like Obama to address the Senate GOP Conference, with TV cameras present. Obama administration officials are eager for voters to see Obama operate in a format he relishes — and handle his former Senate colleagues the same way he did last week to House Republicans at their annual retreat…
“They don’t want anything to do with it,” said a GOP insider. “They want the whole thing to just go away.”
Republicans have considered several different formats for any session with Obama, including a “roundtable discussion,” but don’t believe that it will benefit them politically if Obama comes off as well as he did in Baltimore…
Cornyn acknowledged that Obama was “in his element” in his meeting with House Republicans.
“I can see why he and his handlers would want to replicate that,” Cornyn said. “I think we’re more interested in serious public policy issues rather than providing another photo-opportunity for the president.”
The One said last night at that fundraiser that he’s ready to “call on Republicans” to have them present their ideas, so his confidence appears to be up. In all candor, when I think about it, there aren’t many Senate Republicans I’d be eager to see going one on one with him. Coburn or Kyl could make things interesting, and Graham can be a pitbull during Senate questioning of cabinet officials, but who else is ready to stand in there? Thune, maybe? The pickings are slim, my friends.
Update: From National Journal’s poll of “political insiders,” 82 percent of Democrats think their party would benefit from another Question Time session. Among Republicans, just 46 percent think so compared to 52 percent who say it wouldn’t. Sample quotes:
“It was a stupid decision to allow the Q&A to be televised. Obama wiped the floor. We are still not that good at messaging. I think our leaders start to believe their own press releases. We are the same party the voters rejected in ’06 and ’08.”
“Talking policy is the wrong move: Republicans just need to oppose President Obama.”…
“Whether GOP leadership gets it or not, we do not yet have a member or members capable of scoring significant points in this format.”
“He’s better at it than we are: Obama has the ability to make the Democrats appear reasonable; Reid and Pelosi do not. We want more of Reid and Pelosi.”
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »
And yet we we want to diss on the only Republican who’s routinely taking him on.
promachus on February 5, 2010 at 9:09 PM
Dance with the Czars? No thanks.
Cybergeezer on February 5, 2010 at 9:09 PM
Send Ace.
JammieWearingFool on February 5, 2010 at 9:10 PM
He’d just use them as a prop. Pretending to be bi-partisan when it’s the last thing he’s doing. The man is a douche, and I wouldn’t even look at him if I were in Congress.
SouthernGent on February 5, 2010 at 9:10 PM
Dumb idea to have him speak in the first place.
Fletch54 on February 5, 2010 at 9:10 PM
There was only one health care meeting with republicans for like 7-8 months last year… if he wanted to call them up he should have done it then…
ninjapirate on February 5, 2010 at 9:13 PM
Sessions? Ah hell, you’re right..slim pickins indeed.Ugh.
changer1701 on February 5, 2010 at 9:14 PM
BTW, as that washington post guy pointed out… he built a straw man to bat down a question from Blanche Lincoln… It’s pointless to talk to this guy… it’s all straw men and false contrasting…
ninjapirate on February 5, 2010 at 9:16 PM
Senators are all blowhards.
Put Obama up in front of the Representatives of the people.
pedestrian on February 5, 2010 at 9:16 PM
Obama would lash out in a fit of adolescent anger or break down in sobbing if he had to endure what the British Prime Minister endures.
daesleeper on February 5, 2010 at 9:17 PM
I’d pay good money to see Mark Levin tear Obozo up… and he would.
txag92 on February 5, 2010 at 9:17 PM
Hey GOP Insider… STFU…
ninjapirate on February 5, 2010 at 9:18 PM
One on one is a win for the Republicans because it minimizes the POTUS. He should not be addressing them one on one like a debate. They win even when they lose in that scenario.
Regarding the true take-home of this piece, please note it takes editorializing to push the image message: “We’re always happy to hear from the president, but I don’t really feel any compelling need to do it [on camera],” Texas Sen. John Cornyn, the Republicans’ chief campaign strategist, told POLITICO.
Also as the other part:
Why?
So the point being that Obama wins when he gets to demagogue the Republicans. By not participating they take away his one and only tool: image projection.
Spirit of 1776 on February 5, 2010 at 9:19 PM
Missed opportunity. It should be easy to confront Obama about all his lies, without teleprompters, and expose him in front of tv cameras. What the hell is wrong with the Senate GOP? Are they really that insecure? They are handing the Obamacrats a propaganda victory, where they could have turned the tables on him.
In the House Thaddeus McCotter would demolish Obama.
modifiedcontent on February 5, 2010 at 9:19 PM
Scott Brown seems to do just fine talking fiscal conservatism.
Doughboy on February 5, 2010 at 9:19 PM
DeMint and Inhofe come to mind.
califcon on February 5, 2010 at 9:20 PM
That would be all shades of awesome. Let the Ewok win.
Spirit of 1776 on February 5, 2010 at 9:20 PM
Then why are we paying you a single fuc%ing $0.10?
Seven Percent Solution on February 5, 2010 at 9:22 PM
Spineless pr*cks
The Ugly American on February 5, 2010 at 9:23 PM
Why would a Republican want to appear on camera with such a shameless liar.
Someone willing to just make stuff up and lie to your face while on camera is impossible to debate. Palin found that out in her debate with OBiden.
There is no time to rebut all the lies and factual errors and it takes the honest person off their topic.
Pinnochio gets to look all bipartisan and cooperative while shamelessly lying his ass off!
It is an old marxist trick…lie…the ends always justify the means.
The other guy is all hohorable and plays by Marcus of Queensbury rules while the shameless liar scores bigtime.
McCain could tell ya about this if he’s figured it out yet!
dhunter on February 5, 2010 at 9:23 PM
41
Schadenfreude on February 5, 2010 at 9:23 PM
Don’t get sucked in by that shyster Cornyn . . . he’s all form and no substance but he puts on a good public show that can’t benefit the conservative cause. Tell him you’ll deal with his proposals when he submits then in legislative form . . . enough of his two-bit dog and pony show.
rplat on February 5, 2010 at 9:23 PM
“Mr. President, you didn’t care to talk to us when your chips were up; now that they’re down, you want to be friends. You’re a phony”.
The right have no balls. They should do the best for the country, more than be arrogant like McConnell, and send Obama flying on a broom.
Schadenfreude on February 5, 2010 at 9:26 PM
Nope, not happening.
If your opponent is drowning, you don’t hand him a life preserver, particularly not one of his own choice.
Obama has nothing to latch onto following his Super Bowl sitdown with Cougar Katie. He ought not be provided with any further parlor tricks.
PhoenixUniversal on February 5, 2010 at 9:27 PM
Grow some balls, senators! Sheesh.
HornetSting on February 5, 2010 at 9:28 PM
Cornyn disappoints me every time I hear something about him. He’s the one that choose to send $$$ to Crist early on to take out Rubio. He is NOT conservative, plus he’s a politician and it shows.
UnderstandingisPower on February 5, 2010 at 9:29 PM
If the republicans in the senate are unable to conjure a few questions that will reveal to the nation what a worthless fascist the president is, then they need to be replaced by senators that can.
Browncoatone on February 5, 2010 at 9:29 PM
I agree with Cornyn, but for a different reason. I once heard that when a Senator looks in the mirror, he sees a president. I don’t think I could handle watching that much arrogance in one room. I would like the question time to continue, but only with House members of the opposition.
Kafir on February 5, 2010 at 9:31 PM
AMEN!!!Browncoatone.
mobydutch on February 5, 2010 at 9:34 PM
Why would a Republican want to appear on camera with such a shameless liar.
Someone willing to just make stuff up and lie to your face while on camera is impossible to debate. Palin found that out in her debate with OBiden.
There is no time to rebut all the lies and factual errors and it takes the honest person off their topic.
Pinnochio gets to look all bipartisan and cooperative while shamelessly lying his ass off!
It is an old marxist trick…lie…the ends always justify the means.
The other guy is all hohorable and plays by Marcus of Queensbury rules while the shameless liar scores bigtime.
McCain could tell ya about this if he’s figured it out yet!
dhunter on February 5, 2010 at 9:23 PM
—————————————————
+1000
.
ms on February 5, 2010 at 9:35 PM
DO NOT DEBATE THIS LIAR! You cannot win. He will shamelessly lie his ass off and honest men can’t rebut a POTUS who lies about everything just to push himself and his agenda.
The media will cover for him and play only the soundbites they want the sheeple to hear.
Pinnochio will only gain. Do not hand him a lifeline. He has worn out the American people, he has lost three elections (where he actively campaigned), the Olympics, the Global Warming Summit had heads of State hiding from him.
Do not be the strawman he seeks to knockdown to burnish his credentials.
Without and enemy, without a crisis he is toast, do not hand him either.
THE CRISIS IS COMING ANYWAY he and Holder made sure of that!
dhunter on February 5, 2010 at 9:36 PM
Stuff like this does not matter. Most people could care less.
Terrye on February 5, 2010 at 9:37 PM
.
Interesting commentary coming from a recluse and/or a hermit of a blogger. Maybe if they were serving pizza … oh wait, how about texting in the questions to the slim pickings he calls republican senators?
Americannodash on February 5, 2010 at 9:38 PM
If it was as easy as all that, Obama would not be president today.
Terrye on February 5, 2010 at 9:38 PM
I am not so sure it is a question of balls. Obama is on TV all the time everywhere everyday….why give him another chance to prance and preen? It is not as if he is honest or anything.
Terrye on February 5, 2010 at 9:40 PM
DO NOT DEBATE THIS LIAR! You cannot win. He will shamelessly lie his ass off and honest men can’t rebut a POTUS who lies about everything just to push himself and his agenda.
The media will cover for him and play only the soundbites they want the sheeple to hear.
Pinnochio will only gain. Do not hand him a lifeline. He has worn out the American people, he has lost three elections (where he actively campaigned), the Olympics, the Global Warming Summit had heads of State hiding from him.
Do not be the strawman he seeks to knockdown to burnish his credentials.
Without and enemy, without a crisis he is toast, do not hand him either.
THE CRISIS IS COMING ANYWAY he and Holder made sure of that!
dhunter on February 5, 2010 at 9:36 PM
———————————————————-
+1001
.
ms on February 5, 2010 at 9:40 PM
It was the format, stupid.
The mics were instantly shut off after the question. And then the camera went directly to Obama with no audio (or visual) rebuttal.
It’d be like having a debate and not showing the other candidate’s expression or allowing him/her to rebut and followup.
Dumb format.
kevinkristy on February 5, 2010 at 9:43 PM
And Treacher (without painkillers)…
And Liz…
And Megyn…
We’ll save Sarah for the real debates.
turfmann on February 5, 2010 at 9:44 PM
The problem with that question/answer session is that no one had the guts to flat-out call Obama out as a liar. As long as the Pubs feel constrained not to publicly question Obama’s motives, they are hog-tied. It’s going to take a party-wide Joe-Wilson-like epiphany to break free of the decorum that silences the truth.
paul1149 on February 5, 2010 at 9:45 PM
Gee, The House Republicans only had a full year of disastrous Obama policies to nail his sorry ass to the wall with and they punted.
Sounds like the Senate Republicans don’t have the stomach for the kill either.
What a bunch of pansies.
David2.0 on February 5, 2010 at 9:48 PM
Amen.
+100
David2.0 on February 5, 2010 at 9:49 PM
I don’t know – I think when the dust settles on this Q&A stuff the winner might very well be Paul Ryan.
I think it’s smart not to do it now but they shouldn’t close the book on it.
gophergirl on February 5, 2010 at 9:49 PM
He has shown the people that already! The thinkers and voters have rejected him. HE LOST THREE ELECTIONS! His numbers are worse than they appear. Leave him tied to the HealthCare attempted takeover, it is killing him. He is about ready to bail leavin his Demrats to take the heat.
Do not save his ass by giving him a forum to show how much smarter, more reasonable he is.
HE WILL LIE AND REPUBLICANS WILL LOSE.
The only thing he knows is campaigning , organizing voters with a strawman, an enemy. Do not be the enemy he slays thus boosting his image.
He has destroyed his credibilty. Which campaign promise has he kept? He lied his way into office! Ask Hillary, ask Mccain (maybe). Ask Hillarys supporters who are now helping us. He will destroy a Republican who has limited time and plays by the rules.
The only one I would trust to take him on would be Rush!
There are no Rushs’ in the Senate!
dhunter on February 5, 2010 at 9:51 PM
I like the analogy about not throwing your drowning enemy a line. Especially when he tied the anvil around his own neck.
Of course, this would all be a different story if the MSM actually fact checked anything that Obama said instead of basking in Obama’s glory.
Hog Wild on February 5, 2010 at 9:51 PM
They need to just tell him that he can debate the Repub Prez candidate in about two years, but in the meantime they need to deal with their Dem counterparts in the Congress….since that’s their job and all.
Patrick S on February 5, 2010 at 9:52 PM
The only way a Q&A with Osama Obama can work is if he’s a)under oath, b)faces contempt/perjury charges for lying (and subsequent imprisonment) and c)is being questioned by people with the Dangling Courage Units to hold his feet to the fire and prevent him from grandstanding.
Ed Morrissey likes the format because it is something he and his blogger pals can sit around and jabber about. That they are totally immersed in the inside-baseball surface minutiae and are ignoring the substance of what is going wrong under the Chicago Jesus’s regime. Reality is irrelevant to them.
The only questioning of Lord B. Hussein I of Indonesia I want to see will come at his trial, after he is removed from office.
MrScribbler on February 5, 2010 at 9:54 PM
MrScribbler on February 5, 2010 at 9:55 PM
That was one of the stupidest thing the GOP did, allow BO to show off on camera. These folks, the GOP, just can’t help but mess up. They are allowing a compulsive liar to lie on TV and make them look like little fools. This was a huge mistake and I just hope they are not dumb enough to do it again, to give this moron who out-smarts the moronic GOP any credibility or air time. Contrary to some on Hot-Air, I saw this from the beginning as a HUGE mistake, typical of what republicans are stupid enough to fall for. And BO was like a stern teacher talking down to unruly students. Not that he was smarter, just that the media will only portray him as the smarter one the GOP as the dumb rednecks. STUPID MOVE BU THE GOP, following nominating McCain and preceding nominating Palin. Jesus said, BE SMART AS SNAKES, before he said BE MEEK AS DOVES. Unlike St. Paul, many conservatives who are also Christians sure are not fooling the first command, be smart. clever like snakes.
immigrantchick on February 5, 2010 at 9:56 PM
I agree to a large extent…and he accomplished it without namecalling as well.
Terrye on February 5, 2010 at 9:56 PM
The Republicans have a better favorability polling. No wonder Obama wants to be seen with them.
Log on February 5, 2010 at 9:58 PM
Under oath and with witnesses or he will lie there also. that could be his downfall. his inabiolity to tell the truth. the narcissist has to lie to further himself, he takes no responsibility for ANYTHING…. present!
It was not Monica Lewinsky, it was not the B.J., it was the evidence on the dress and the LIE to the court that brought Clintoon down!
dhunter on February 5, 2010 at 9:59 PM
I meant, sure are not following the 1st command to be smart as snakes. too fast for my own good, but sure am not moronic like the GOP. TRust me, everyone thinks the GOP will win big, if they do, it will be DESPITE themselves. They truly are a bunch of fools. This move will boost BO’s ratings for a while. the GOP is brainless and Steel is an idiot. He has to go, he truly is not a chess player. He is not even a good checkers or even X and O player.
immigrantchick on February 5, 2010 at 10:00 PM
He presented real plans, plans that Obama still doesn’t have an answer for. I mean if WaPo mentions it in a positive light – he got somewhere.
Plus he took away the rallying cry “the GOP isn’t presenting anything” from Obama and democrats.
I was very impressed by his performance
gophergirl on February 5, 2010 at 10:04 PM
Steele was right. These Republicans are absolutely terrified of black people.
Buddahpundit on February 5, 2010 at 10:04 PM
How about getting their act together and concentrate on taking back the House and Senate. Then isolate him. There is no discussion with this sham of a POTUS.
katy the mean old lady on February 5, 2010 at 10:05 PM
What am I missing? This is the first time I hear that Obsma just did so great…I read he lectured and was arrogant and got a few tough questions from a few new members…
CCRWM on February 5, 2010 at 10:05 PM
This is a constitutional democracy, not a parliamentary democracy. I know it sounds cool and all, but the last ting we need is some Q&A time. The presidency has already become a de facto Prime Ministership, there’s no need to solidify the continued effacement of the separation of powers any further.
paulzummo on February 5, 2010 at 10:06 PM
Cornyn is right, Repubs have nothing to gain. Obama has the podium and therefore the advantage, even the visuals are wrong. The press will push the narrative that he mopped the floor with the Republicans regardless if he did or not. Obama can only gain.
The Republicans do need to step up their game rhetorically however, we need to make sure new candidates going forward are quick, sharp and ready to defend their positions. Bush’s inability (or unwillingness) to do that killed us for years. This is the YouTube age. For starters Republicans could watch videos of Sowell, Friedman, Stein, VDH, et al and get some pointers.
echosyst on February 5, 2010 at 10:06 PM
Utterly pathetic. What sods. I saw Obama’s performance with the congressmen. He offered wider openings for rebuttal than an airport hangar. His argumentation was choppy, evasive and shot through over with shallow bluff. That’s “his element”? Ha! He’s an easy takedown. Easy. He’s a punk. It just takes a little nerve and a functioning attention span. And these ninnies call themselves professional politicians? (Or maybe that’s not what they all themselves. Maybe that’s the problem. They’re so busy trying to look like regular decent folk, they’ve lost their stomach for the fight.) But take some pride in your craft, for God’s sakes! Be what you are. Use logic, rhetoric, morality. Fight! Win! Jeezus.
rrpjr on February 5, 2010 at 10:06 PM
Just what the GOP needs every time they have a meeting.
Obama up on a podium lecturing them on how they need to stop bickering, agree with the Democrats, stop criticizing him, reject Fox News and talk radio and just pass his agenda.
JellyToast on February 5, 2010 at 10:08 PM
Yeah, it was dumb. Boehner really screwed up that one. I mean, the GOP congressmen get to ask a question which takes all of 10 seconds and then Chairman 0bama0 gets to stand up there for minutes on hand spewing his liberal drivel. It was all about him. Maybe if it was a no holds barred debate, where Republicans got equal time to rebut Barry. But, of course that didn’t happen. In fact, hardly anyone there actually challenged him on any of the meaningless drivel he was spewing. Ryan tried, but Barry just gave him the finger. Really sad actually. Boehner should be fired for being such a dumba$$.
WarEagle01 on February 5, 2010 at 10:10 PM
Hahahahahahahaha!!!!
Thread winnah!
The Ugly American on February 5, 2010 at 10:11 PM
It was not a good format. He is the President, they are not.
You must be respectful of the office
Notice that Obama does not feel the same about other people. He calls everyone by their first name. Even in the Dem Q&A…he said Blanche this and Blanche that. So everyone calls him Mr. President, but he does not use the honorific of Senator.
But, on balance, I’m not sure it was that much of a “win” for him…sure his base/press loves him, but they loved him before.
Rasmussen has the disapproval number going back up to 53.
The R’s would be better off spending their time focused on how to win in November.
r keller on February 5, 2010 at 10:12 PM
Hey Ed, the petition a dumb idea.
Our best folk are in business; not sucking off gov’t teat with weak assed comb-overs.
How about Obama chatting with those in Ins. biz who insure MSA’s and actually work in health insurance world?… or, those in energy business not dependent on tax tricks to sell their product?… or, a guy that runs a chain of KFC/Taco Bel/Burger King franchises for a perspective on what it’s like to deal with workforce most impacted by recession – the yutes.
Hell, any real conservative that wants to watch politicians makes stuff up on tv is posturing… cause you know we’d all rather be watching ESPN with a beer and our shotguns nearby.
ps. did I mention the petition a real dumb idea… ;-)
Shivas Irons on February 5, 2010 at 10:13 PM
The whole idea that the GOP needs to ask Obama questions is stupid. That suggests he has all the answers.
JellyToast on February 5, 2010 at 10:13 PM
And even if he screwed up the State Controlled media will spin it as an Obama win.
Its a distraction.
Republicans need to start bashing the Pelosi economy of the past 4 years.
Iblis on February 5, 2010 at 10:13 PM
Obama is a liar. Why give him a forum in which to continue
lying.
thgrant on February 5, 2010 at 10:13 PM
Just by agreeing to meet with Pinnochio, standing at a podium, Republicans lose. Pinnochio has the referees in his pocket. He will take a question and lie his ass off leaving no time for rebutal and the referees running the cameras and providing the commentary will pick their soundbites such that Pinnochio wins and the Repubs are made to look like a bunch of insolent thumb suckers!
Pinnochio has lost his credibility do not hand it back to him!
dhunter on February 5, 2010 at 10:14 PM
I mean, Hey Allahpundit…
ps. the petition still a ridiculously dumb idea.
Watching politicians preen?? Yechhhhhhhh!!!!!
Shivas Irons on February 5, 2010 at 10:14 PM
The problem with the Republicans is that they’re INTIMIDATED and won’t go toe to toe with THE ONE. They need to be willing to stand up and call BULLSHIT! when he starts spouting off about “bipartisanship”, “saving jobs” and “health care reform”.
Until they’re willing to stand up like men, instead of scurrying around like mice, they’d better avoid the Q & A.
GarandFan on February 5, 2010 at 10:15 PM
There is truth and wisdom in what you write.
David2.0 on February 5, 2010 at 10:17 PM
“They don’t want anything to do with it,” said a GOP insider. “They want the whole thing to just go away.”
============================================================
MEMO TO GOP,and RNC
———————–
Do not walk away from Obama,RUN LIKE HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
With the likes of Snake Pelosi,Weasel Rahm,Harry the
War is Lost,and the rest of the Debaucherous Democrats
including the lying LeaderLess Of the FreeWorld aka,
HopeLess/ChangeLess,
DO NOT TRUST THE LIBERALS,they are only thinking and coniving how to politically come out on top,as well
as demonizing YOU,the Republican Party,and besides you
can avoid having your rearends reamed out over Obama’s
lies and assertions!!!!
canopfor on February 5, 2010 at 10:19 PM
There’s one forum Obama will never perform in. That would be at a town hall meeting filled with the people who are suffering the most from his insane fiscal policies. Let’s fill up an arena with nothing but people who have been unemployed for the last 6-8 months, and let them have at his holiness.
That my friends would be a pay-per-view event that I’d pay to watch.
fogw on February 5, 2010 at 10:21 PM
Obama came off well during that “question time”, but to say that he “mopped the floor” with the GOP is something of an overstatement.
The implication being made here is that Republicans are running scared, when it’s anything but that – it’s just pure political strategy. Why would Republicans hold more question times with Obama? Doing that would only be giving HIM a lifeline, because as it is, he’s sinking, along with the rest of his party, and the only thing that MIGHT save him even a little is if the unemployment rate is somewhat better come November (which is probably a tall order).
Republicans basically DO just have to be the “party of no” for the next seven months, and almost coast into large electoral gains. I’ve said this on another board, but this is the reality: despite their “minority party” status and the appearance as being weak and directionless, the GOP essentially has Obama by the balls, whether he (or Democrats) realize it yet. He no longer has the power to cram through whatever he wants, and any attempt to do so only sinks his party even further into the quicksand trap they’ve laid for themselves.
Why would the GOP even THINK of giving Barry a helping hand here?
Vyce on February 5, 2010 at 10:22 PM
have a roundtable with Boehner, Ryan, Cantor, Thune, Coburn and see what Obama says.
cpaulus on February 5, 2010 at 10:25 PM
I don’t think these bloodsuckers see anyting when they look in a mirror.
entropent on February 5, 2010 at 10:26 PM
Krauthammer, Dr.Zero, the Boss and Ed VS. BarryO, Pelosi, Reid, and Emmuel, ten rounds, standard scoring, no 10-count.
I’d pay to see that.
Robert17 on February 5, 2010 at 10:26 PM
Two words: Jeff Sessions. Judd Gregg would do fine as well, for as long as he lasts.
Republicans that can’t imagine taking The One apart on camera ought to just retire.
Pablo on February 5, 2010 at 10:26 PM
Mr. Obama make a lot of snide condescending remarks and gets brownie points from his side of the aisle. History has shown that the president always gets rave reviews after an event but little bit by little bit the things he says are picked apart. Earlier today there was a thread about the Washington Post giving Rep. Ryan’s budget ideas serious consideration. That said, I think giving him a stage is a bad idea. He’s falling apart.
Cindy Munford on February 5, 2010 at 10:31 PM
This is just a continuing ploy by Obama-nation to convince people that it is the Republicans who prevent the Anointed One’s glorious socialist revolution.
Dhuka on February 5, 2010 at 10:31 PM
I’m not sure that they can do that the risk is too great! Why put themselves in a position to be trounced.
They have to have a certain respect for office. What happened to Joe Wilson? He was absolutely correct but was portrayed as an insolent and asked to apologize by no less the McCain.
Sam Alito same story almost. He had Durbin screamin down his neck and Alito was demonized by the press.
Clarence Thomas no less had it right when asked why he did not attend the SOTU. He did not want to give the President the forum to put the Justices on the spot, to elevate himself at their expense, to show his was at least their equal if not their superior
You will elevate the liar by gettin in a pissin match you cannot win. The deck is stacked too far in Pinnoichios’ favor to risk it!
dhunter on February 5, 2010 at 10:32 PM
This is part of the continuing ploy by Obama-nation to convince people that it is the Republicans who kept the Anointed One from carrying out his glorious socialist schemes.
Republicans should shun Obama as one would shun a venomous snake.
And it is rather pathetic that Obama’s only “success” in his first year was a one-on-one with Republicans.
Dhuka on February 5, 2010 at 10:36 PM
GOP = Whigs of 2010
It used to be the Party of Ronald Reagan (brief 8 year period) and then it reverted to it’s Moderate RINO East Coast self. Think about the GOP, it was Dewey, Ike, Nixon (a brief sacrificial offering of Goldwater in ’64, then back to more RINO control of the party until 1980. Then after Reagan left in Jan. 1989 back goes the GOP to it’s RINO east coast Rockefeller self….and they are STILL in control.
Hopeless.
PappyD61 on February 5, 2010 at 10:42 PM
Terrific. So can you all follow this guy’s lead and stop dancing around the fact that you get destroyed when you argue on things the merits?
crr6 on February 5, 2010 at 10:47 PM
Give him a camera and a platform and he will lie like a damn dog. Hes bona fide. Maybe he and Olberman and Matthews can walk thru the next tea party taking questions from Americans. That would be worth seeing!
bluegrass on February 5, 2010 at 10:50 PM
That my friends would be a pay-per-view event that I’d pay to watch.
fogw on February 5, 2010 at 10:21 PM
fogw: Most brilliant idea,could you image the angst on
MSNBC and CNN,in watching Obama getting savaged
at said townhall meetings!:)
canopfor on February 5, 2010 at 10:56 PM
No kidding. If they suck this hard, they shouldn’t be senators.
Daggett on February 5, 2010 at 10:57 PM
Sounds like a strong line up, but I’d pay extra if you threw in Ann Coulter. She’s great at clowning libtard buffoons.
Gang-of-One on February 5, 2010 at 10:57 PM
Get Obama in a debate format instead. This question and answer was BS. One rep gets to ask a 20 second question and he moans on on for 5 minutes about the Republicans being the party of no, faults of previous admins and all he is trying to do is the people’s business. Get Obama in a one on one back and forth and his arguments for his dreadful policies will have holes punched through them like swiss cheese.
tommer74 on February 5, 2010 at 10:58 PM
The Republican leadership is cowardly.
Call Obama out on the BS he spouts! Why is that so difficult?
- 1st – the Republicans need to acknowledge their wayward ways of spending the past 8 years was wrong
– then they need to acknowledge that the spending spree they were a part of was not for the good of the country
- they then should cite the fact that Fannie & Freddie Mac were a big part of what is to blame for this current economic crisis – AND support this with data – and YouTube videos which show Democrats such as Dodd, Frank, and many members of the Congressional Black Caucus who vocally opposed reforming Fannie & Freddie – when the Bush Administration tried to reform it – it was Senate Democrats & House Democrats that prevented any REAL change (see any of NakedEmperorNews vids)
then, the Republicans should:
- renounce further earmarks
- state that they set an example and will not insert earmarks into any future bills and will not be a part of out of control spending sprees anymore
- state that states they represent will return any TARP funds that they received
then the Republicans should:
- call him out on the massive spending
- call him out on the backroom deals
- call him out trying to destroy free enterprise and small businesses
- call him out on his appointment of “czars” w/o vetting
- call him out on why during this recession does he think that while people are losing their jobs – that growing the size of government is the answer – and how does that not mimic socialism?
there is so much these cowards should call him out on…
- tie him to the radical left that he is – such as how could he support destroying this economy further by cap & trade when there is no significant amount of data to support anthropogenic global warming
and on… and on…
It would be a fight. But you have to have some courage to call him out – interrupt him when he makes a bull$hit statement – FIGHT BACK!
Just consider this line from “We We’re Soldiers Once and Young”:
‘You have the gall to fight me but not the gall to fight the ENEMY?!?!?!? If I see you again… I’ll kill you.”
That is the attitude conservatives should take. And provide real constructive solutions.
Why don’t these people study Alinsky and Sun Tzu – and throw it back into his face? Obama is just a man…. A man who is ideal driven, without any practical administrative common sense – who intentionally or not, along with Reid and Pelosi – are trying to destroy this country.
As long as Senate Republicans are cowardly pu$$ies, they will always get bullied around by a bull$hitter!
Perhaps this means that not even any Senate Republican incumbent should consider themselves as “safe” this November. DUMP them all!!!
Danny on February 5, 2010 at 11:00 PM
Still stuck on style I see. This is what seperates the Allahpundits and the majority of voters these days:
Obama’s rapturous style versus tea party substance
TheBigOldDog on February 5, 2010 at 11:01 PM
Please explain how a Q&A is the equivalent of an “argument on the merits.” The questioner gets to ask a question and the answerer (Obama) gets to drone on about whatever he wants. It’s not a debate on equal footing.
And duh, Dems want more and Repubs want fewer Q&As because the last one went well for Obama. The next one might not.
After all this is the guy who hasn’t done a press conference in seven months. Why is that? What is *he* running scared from?
Missy on February 5, 2010 at 11:05 PM
What a bunch of gutless,overpaid,sissy mary’s.
Send Sarrahcudda……she can handle calling out Mr. 57 states on all his lies and failed policies.
These Republicans need to grow some Cheney balls or get the he!! out of the way and let us elect some real leadership.
How pathetic!!!
Baxter Greene on February 5, 2010 at 11:06 PM
Send in Mark Levin. It would not be a photo op for Obama.
Where is the backbone of the GOP senators? Obama has given us a year of dishonesty and destruction. A session like this should be one “You lie!” moment after another.
And they should include the following: “Why are you fighting lawsuit after lawsuit to keep your birth certificate, passport, and school records hidden? You should do everything you can to prove your Constitutional eligibility when many Americans have questions about it. Will you keep your promises of transparency and authorize the release all the requested vital documents today?”
Cara C on February 5, 2010 at 11:07 PM
I fear the reason he may have done better is that he believes in socialism and and the exploded fallacies of the left more than our gentlemen Republicans of the Senate believe in capitalism.
True, the founders steered away from the British model. However, question time or question period is an excellent medium to hear the clash of ideas. It is a powerful engine: the executive must face questions. I think the Republicans will improve with some practice. Let’s not run scared of the One. Get some preparation, say Dick Morris’ points about “Obvious Deficit Closers” he sent out today.
Some practice and confidence on our side and this One will shrivel like the wicked witch of the west.
AshleyTKing on February 5, 2010 at 11:10 PM
I completely disagree. Without that session with the GOP – we’d have never gotten the session he did with the Democrats.
And THAT session – was a grand slam for the GOP.
HondaV65 on February 5, 2010 at 11:10 PM
No way. He did not lead like a PM on healthcare because deep down he is not a leader. He is playing this POTUS thing.
He will melt, as I felt he was near to doing, during the SOTU.
AshleyTKing on February 5, 2010 at 11:12 PM
Send in Sessions, my Senator, who I choose to HOPE has the balls with talking points from Levin and Limbaugh and let the games begin.
This crap has gone on long enough. SOMEONE has got to stop the madness.
seesalrun on February 5, 2010 at 11:14 PM
The hard part for Republicans is that they deal in truth while Obama has no compunction whatsoever about lying his sorry a$$ off.
Mojave Mark on February 5, 2010 at 11:17 PM
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »