Graham to Obama: If you use reconciliation on health care, it’ll kill amnesty
posted at 9:20 pm on March 11, 2010 by Allahpundit
Er … yeah. I hadn’t thought of it that way. The time for talk is over. The time for amnesty has begun.
It’s so crazy it just. might. work.
Graham, along with Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), met with Obama to update him on their efforts to advance immigration reform legislation. During the meeting, Graham said he made it clear to the president that the already difficult task of passing immigration reform becomes even harder when reconciliation is in play.
“I expressed, in no uncertain terms, my belief that immigration reform could come to a halt for the year if health care reconciliation goes forward. For more than a year, health care has sucked most of the energy out of the room. Using reconciliation to push health care through will make it much harder for Congress to come together on a topic as important as immigration,” Graham said in a statement.
The One’s response: Some statesmanlike hemming and hawing punctuated by a reminder that his commitment to comprehensive immigration reform is “unwavering.” Then he held a separate meeting with amnesty advocacy groups and came out vowing to have a bipartisan (giggle) “framework” for a bill in place by March 21. Which is a lovely pander, but as we discussed last night, that’s as far as this trainwreck in the making is getting this year. But never mind that. I’m more interested in Graham’s motivation here. Is this (a) a thinly veiled threat that he’ll walk away from immigration reform if Obama proceeds with reconciliation? (b) A simple statement of fact, that bipartisan relations will be poisoned by such a raw show of political power on an issue as hot-button as health care? (c) A devilish ploy to try to peel off members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus by convincing them that a vote for O-Care is a de facto vote to kill immigration reform next year? Or (d) a sincere appraisal by a heartfelt amnesty shill that Democratic shenanigans on health care are going to kill his dream? I know which way I’m betting.
Exit question: Will Rush be pushing amnesty on tomorrow’s show? Operation Chaos, take two!
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 »
God this is such a farce. Graham is an absurdist masterpiece. If he didn’t exist, we’d have to invent him.
promachus on March 11, 2010 at 9:23 PM
It’s too late, Lindsey.
d1carter on March 11, 2010 at 9:24 PM
it is pretty amusing seeing Obama put on the spot over this.
rob verdi on March 11, 2010 at 9:24 PM
Ha!
“silver linings”, nice
BobH on March 11, 2010 at 9:24 PM
No, Lindsey. We’ll kill amnesty just like we did last time.
SouthernGent on March 11, 2010 at 9:26 PM
I think Graham is a little upset that he never got a “Massa massage.”
Mark1971 on March 11, 2010 at 9:27 PM
Graham is being foolish here if he thinks Obama wants to go along with his ideas of reform. Documenting illegals? Tightening border restrictions? Path to citizenship? Ha!
It’ll be “U.S. Citizenship for the World!” when Obama does immigration.
ROCnPhilly on March 11, 2010 at 9:27 PM
(d)
aquaviva on March 11, 2010 at 9:27 PM
Is this like “Move KSM’s trial to a military tribunal and it will help you close Gitmo?” or did Graham swear off that bit of quid pro quo?
Wethal on March 11, 2010 at 9:27 PM
Graham is working with Chuckie Schumer. That requires a whole lotta sincerity.
Buy Danish on March 11, 2010 at 9:29 PM
Lindsey wanted amnesty, and Lindsey continues to want amnesty. It is not a scheme; it is just another way to RULE against the will of the American people.
mobydutch on March 11, 2010 at 9:29 PM
Teh Won would sell Rahm to the Iranians for target practice if he could get this bill passed as a result.
GnuBreed on March 11, 2010 at 9:29 PM
Dear god what the hell is wrong with that guy.
Thune on March 11, 2010 at 9:29 PM
Oh, and by the way, Lindsey, don’t think you’ll be getting amnesty come November 2014, either.
Dusty on March 11, 2010 at 9:29 PM
I think Graham is a little upset that he never got a “Massa massage.”
Mark1971 on March 11, 2010 at 9:27 PM
//
Cute:)
ohiobabe on March 11, 2010 at 9:30 PM
Ship of fools.
abobo on March 11, 2010 at 9:30 PM
It’s questions phrased thusly that keep me reading AP.
LibTired on March 11, 2010 at 9:30 PM
Obama cares more for Obamacare than shamnesty.
Obamacare will make him an Historic Figure, like FDR for Social Security or LBJ for Medicare. One more amnesty won’t get him nearly as much praise in lefty history books.
Wethal on March 11, 2010 at 9:31 PM
What an effing shamnesty from Grahamnesty. Hey Milkaholic Lindsay, listen up! If bajillions of illegals flooding over the border, filling our prisons, collapsing our school systems and hospitals and not paying taxes is so terrific, how could you let a little thing like unprincipled parliamentary gimmicks throw a monkey wrench into it?
Graham, I spit on you. I officially stop eating Graham crackers.
Western_Civ on March 11, 2010 at 9:31 PM
obama is in too deep with ObamaCare for immigration to stop this.
lavell12 on March 11, 2010 at 9:31 PM
May the “Law of Unintended Consequences” be especially unkind to all involved…
… They just don’t get it, do they?
Seven Percent Solution on March 11, 2010 at 9:32 PM
Too much time spent in the company of “Maverick” McCain.
Wethal on March 11, 2010 at 9:32 PM
(d)
ladyingray on March 11, 2010 at 9:33 PM
Lindsay G.Rahm Emmanuel
Western_Civ on March 11, 2010 at 9:33 PM
Someone has photos and is threatening to out him.
I’m serious.
ROCnPhilly on March 11, 2010 at 9:33 PM
This is nonsense. It would mean Graham’s pro-invader position was never principled in the first place if he would forsake the job squatters/wage depressors over something Democrat politicians did. How does that gain him and other pro-invader Republicans any political ground?
Buddahpundit on March 11, 2010 at 9:33 PM
Someone said that they have worked with Graham in the Reserves/NG and that there is more there than meets the eye. Whoever you are- I hope you are right.
Going with devilish ploy. For now.
But amnesty without a wall and national biometric cards are a non option, and citizenship with severe penalties for coming here illegally and a long timeline before access to any entitlements is a must.
journeyintothewhirlwind on March 11, 2010 at 9:33 PM
Doesn’t seem to matter what’s right or wrong, just who has the most influence. What a country.
PaCadle on March 11, 2010 at 9:35 PM
I am not on Hayworth’s campaign staff, but I know without a doubt that if McCain wins in Arizona, he will be right there with his bud, Lindsey Graham, on every issue.
mobydutch on March 11, 2010 at 9:35 PM
And Graham, sohuld shamnesty ever pass, the Dems would take all the credit, tell the illegsl they had to drag a few FOP members kicking and screaming to their side and tell the new citizens that they should register as Dem to get all those great government benefits. And don’t forget to join a union, too.
Wethal on March 11, 2010 at 9:35 PM
You know what the sad thing about this is? Graham actually IS smart enough (no, really, he actually IS) to pull off (c).
But like Allah said, we know which letter best represents his motivation here.
Vyce on March 11, 2010 at 9:35 PM
Citizens of South Carolina, you know what you have to do. You have roughly four years until the primary. Get busy.
chris999 on March 11, 2010 at 9:36 PM
F***ing hell. Isn’t this nightmare over yet?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on March 11, 2010 at 9:36 PM
How bizarre, these people are truly tone deaf. I hope it works Graham. They will be going from one losing program to a disaster.
whbates on March 11, 2010 at 9:37 PM
I don’t even know what to say about Graham anymore. So, I’m just gonna sit here, snorfle pudding, and curse the people of South Carolina.
Emily M. on March 11, 2010 at 9:37 PM
I say we encourage Lindsey on this one and if it works…turn around, stab him in the back (metaphorically of course)and NUKE him right out of office. You know…. double cross him just like he has to the conservatives for years!!!
katy on March 11, 2010 at 9:37 PM
Reconciliation is a distraction. Ramming the Senate bill down our throats is war.
El_Terrible on March 11, 2010 at 9:37 PM
Graham, the maverick understudy, has to take over for lead actor McCain while McCain is otherwise occupied pretending to be conservative (until November, that is.)
Wethal on March 11, 2010 at 9:38 PM
nancy Graham instills fear and trembling in me.
thomasaur on March 11, 2010 at 9:38 PM
Immigration rate needs to be tied to the unemployment rate…
No illegals should be normalized to full citizenship until the virtual fence is finished.
Get those two items in there and I’m to go…
ninjapirate on March 11, 2010 at 9:41 PM
Hey Nancy Pants Graham…please STFU and GTFO!
STG, I cannot stand that individual.
Gothguy on March 11, 2010 at 9:42 PM
No, we don’t given in on either. Comprehensive is the new F.Y..
Cindy Munford on March 11, 2010 at 9:43 PM
Anyone who would stand next to Chuck Schmarmyer on anything is a revolting sack of fatuousity. Begone with you, cur!
drunyan8315 on March 11, 2010 at 9:43 PM
How can SC not get rid of this guy?
Haunches on March 11, 2010 at 9:43 PM
+100
MeatHeadinCA on March 11, 2010 at 9:43 PM
Are you kidding me…?
Seven Percent Solution on March 11, 2010 at 9:45 PM
Either that, or he’s a secret genius.
…ok, that was hilarious. Straight face not kept.
flyawaybird on March 11, 2010 at 9:45 PM
Don’t curse ‘em all. I’ve got kin who hate him more than Sherman. If you have any chocolate pudding with caramel swirl, I’ll have a teeny bite.
katy the mean old lady on March 11, 2010 at 9:45 PM
Graham is really strong when it comes to Iraq and other foreign policies but appears so week on so many other things.
lavell12 on March 11, 2010 at 9:46 PM
His name is Lindsey. Thats quite a burden. I believe it caused him to start using eyeliner.
Itchee Dryback on March 11, 2010 at 9:46 PM
What is McCain’s opinion b/c that is all that matters b/c we all know that Graham can’t do anything without his approval.
lavell12 on March 11, 2010 at 9:47 PM
Ron Paul meetups have taken over two counters in S.C., and have voted on censure resolutions against Graham.
Spathi on March 11, 2010 at 9:48 PM
So amnesty will halt for 2010
and come back in 2011 ?
Is that what Ms Lindsey is sayin ?
In other words :
If Hussain wants to ram amnesty down our throats, he should not ram healthscare up our bu22s, in 2010
Or Hussain can ram up healthscare down our throats in 2010 and in 2011 he can ram amnesty up our bu22s
In any case…we are being rammed from both ends, in 2010 and 2011 …right Clay Aiken ?
macncheez on March 11, 2010 at 9:49 PM
One way or the other, the GOP is going to betray you.
True_King on March 11, 2010 at 9:49 PM
Hey, maybe we should start seeing how well Lindsey polls in Florida?
Maybe he’ll be the one who takes down Obama in ’12.
Or something.
Graham/Romney ’12?
Romney/Graham ’12?
Kensington on March 11, 2010 at 9:50 PM
Well, I wonder if it will affect the outcome of the elections in AZ if McCain starts giving treats to his lap dog…
MeatHeadinCA on March 11, 2010 at 9:51 PM
Goa now! Lindsey is a perfectly acceptable man’s name in the South.
katy the mean old lady on March 11, 2010 at 9:51 PM
Said it before. DeMint needs to recruit someone and build him up to primary Graham in 2014.
Course, it’s still better than being represented by Sherrod Brown ;-(
KeepOhioRed on March 11, 2010 at 9:51 PM
You know how to excite Allah, don’t you?
MeatHeadinCA on March 11, 2010 at 9:51 PM
Goa=Whoa
katy the mean old lady on March 11, 2010 at 9:52 PM
I’m going to start re-reading Term Limits right now. It’s the only thing that will make me feel better about this whole health care/amnesty cluster.
citrus on March 11, 2010 at 9:52 PM
“we’re gonna tell the bigots to shut up and we’re gonna get this right”
hummm, wonder what he means by bigots? He couldn’t mean those of us who support the idea of legally coming into the country could he?
katy on March 11, 2010 at 9:52 PM
Graham just became aware of the bloodletting that’s going to occur in November.
His quick analysis showed that he was on the wrong team. Come Nov 4 (ok, January), all this crap slams to a stop. I am eagerly waiting for Boehner to heartily laugh out loud at the White House as he gavels himself in as the Speaker of the House.
His first words must be soundbite-able…..crass, belligerent, on target…like…”The lying stops today” .
BobMbx on March 11, 2010 at 9:53 PM
McCain/Graham 2012!!!
Sorry. I just threw up in my mouth typing it.
BacaDog on March 11, 2010 at 9:54 PM
Maybe Obama will make Lindsey Graham go insane.
Spathi on March 11, 2010 at 9:54 PM
It’s a trick question. The answer is ALL OF THE ABOVE.
GarandFan on March 11, 2010 at 9:56 PM
You can only use reconciliation once per year.
I think Graham is saying he wants to use it for immigration instead of this.
Spathi on March 11, 2010 at 9:56 PM
You mean like… oh, never mind.
katy the mean old lady on March 11, 2010 at 9:57 PM
I’m sure it’s fun playing 3D chess against a machine that brings guns to knife fights…but actually, I prefer simple representational democracy. But then the Obambi wouldn’t get their way.
r keller on March 11, 2010 at 9:58 PM
Our local schools are now half empty since the illegals who bought houses have hot footed it back across the boarder. Then came the really cold weather in Florida which killed most all the crops. Our State unemployment rate yesterday was announced at 12.7% statewide, 14.1% in our county … and now …
Obama wants to steal the jobs that Americans used to have. I will bet that part will be really good for the 2010 elections. Of course Obama expects the illegals to vote in the 2012 elections, for him of course.
The hits for Democrats will just keep coming.
My guess is too many now know that climate change is just a pack of lies, 2:1 in today’s gallup said lie, so that probably isn’t going to work, so executive orders will have to be used to strangle the USA energy reserves with wild horse preserves, and raise prices.
I notice a few days ago, Obama won’t allow offshore drilling for 3 years.
Question, why does Obama want to destroy the middle class?
tarpon on March 11, 2010 at 9:58 PM
You make it sound like people trust the GOP? The Democrats have proven that they are unable to govern on any level? They make the GOP look like the party of fiscal responsibility. The conservative parts of the GOP are great and have proven on the state and national level they can govern and lead the country to prosperity or at least they will stop destroying the economy. The RINO’s like Graham must go.
whbates on March 11, 2010 at 9:58 PM
You might be on to something…
:O)
… The Left and the State Controlled Media never could get it right. Maybe it’s time they found a new profession in this employer rich enviornment?
Seven Percent Solution on March 11, 2010 at 9:59 PM
Yes. They have the money in this country and refuse to share it “fairly.”
Wethal on March 11, 2010 at 10:01 PM
d)
onlineanalyst on March 11, 2010 at 10:01 PM
Graham has to remember what happened to McCain and Bush when they led the charge to pass immigration reform. Funny how he barely brought up the subject again, until after his re-election in 2008.
What would be a perfect situation would have Rubio take up the “cause” (after he wins his seat) with some of the toughest rules for assimilation, tougher border laws and putting those who have played by the rules to the front of the line. Graham seems to want to play by the Dems wish for all out amnesty with full benifits—-buying a huge block of voters—-but we all know 90% will vote Democratic until a generation later when they find out how the liberals are full of nothing but empty promises.
Rovin on March 11, 2010 at 10:01 PM
Best line I’ve seen by anyone on here in a while.
LibTired on March 11, 2010 at 10:03 PM
If you Google the words useful idiot a picture of Little Lindsey Graham will pop up.Being from S.C. and one who did not vote for him and after talking to others in this state no one is quite sure what happen to him .When he was a congressman he was mostly a straight arrow conservative .But after about 1 year in the sen.he changed very quickly .Some say under the influence of McCain but i have to believe there is a lot more at work here.There have been a lot of whispers about him don,t know if any are true.But there is some thing bad wrong going inside that little brain.
thmcbb on March 11, 2010 at 10:04 PM
As if Lindsey was not causing enough turmoil with bringing back the amnesty mess, he is also pursuing some sort of carbon emmisions tax. He said no more cap n trade; so, he just put a new name on an old piece of crap.
mobydutch on March 11, 2010 at 10:05 PM
One term presidents make these kind of allowances.
Rovin on March 11, 2010 at 10:05 PM
Reminds of a classic line…
Wyle E. Coyote, Super Genius…
Be careful using that ACME Bipartisan Legislation Kit, Lindsey
phreshone on March 11, 2010 at 10:06 PM
He is a LIAR!!!!!
jgdp on March 11, 2010 at 10:06 PM
Where is McCain to help his buddy Linsey? Oh thats right he’s facing a tough election and has to sound “conservative”!
Dire Straits on March 11, 2010 at 10:11 PM
E-Verify and National I.D. card will have nothing to do with immigration other than it will be a quid pro quo.
Dems want amnesty and Guilian\Graham wants state control of all the citizens.
Don’t believe the politicians. The dems and republicans are liars.
Spathi on March 11, 2010 at 10:12 PM
Conservative puppetry is always amusing. Jim Henson comes to mind here. It’s probably not a very large stretch of imagination to include John Patrick Bedell in this thought also.
disillusioned on March 11, 2010 at 10:13 PM
(giggle)
John the Libertarian on March 11, 2010 at 10:17 PM
Who do ya think is PUSHING the bi-( partisan) Lindsey to push amnesty ?
macncheez on March 11, 2010 at 10:19 PM
Too bad Graham wasn’t strapped to the bumper of Harry Reid’s Wife’s car. The man is a festering canker of American politics.
chicagojedi on March 11, 2010 at 10:21 PM
Aren’t (b) and (d) pretty much the same idea?
mikeyboss on March 11, 2010 at 10:22 PM
P. . . p. . . present???
RedNewEnglander on March 11, 2010 at 10:24 PM
I see. John McCain is acting behind the scenes. He has to stay hidden and be a “conservative”. I knew he was there somewhere.
Dire Straits on March 11, 2010 at 10:25 PM
This is the Bernie Madoffing of America, and it is being pushed by democrats…
Think about it.
daesleeper on March 11, 2010 at 10:28 PM
Its BS, they’re both determined to betray their oath of office, they’ll be naked in the shower soon enough.
Speakup on March 11, 2010 at 10:32 PM
Doc, I just wish it was that easy
JusDreamin on March 11, 2010 at 10:34 PM
King Barry and Queen Lindsey !
Sandybourne on March 11, 2010 at 10:35 PM
RINO John McCain is having Linnancy Graham
lead the charge on this for only one reason.……
………McCain is being primaried by a “Conservative” but you can bet the Career politician Juan McCain will be all over this in 2011 ( if he survives the election this year).
PappyD61 on March 11, 2010 at 10:36 PM
Why not make it simple for the illegals. You can stay, work, pay taxes. You can never ever be a citizen and neither can your spouse. See if they take that deal.
xkaydet65 on March 11, 2010 at 10:37 PM
I have this mental image of Lindsey Graham standing outside a Lockheed 14 waving a piece of paper bearing Barak Obama’s signature.
1921 C DRUM on March 11, 2010 at 10:37 PM
Would not come as a surprise…..
1921 C DRUM on March 11, 2010 at 10:43 PM
Oh, this is just hillbilly Machiavellianism. All that needs to happen is one of the so-called Hispanic leaders needs to say that if the Senate doesn’t use Reconciliation, then the Hispanic caucus won’t vote for the bill.
Graham is stumbling, bumbling his way to a touchdown–for the other team.
EMD on March 11, 2010 at 10:47 PM
I just threw up a lot reading that.
1921 C DRUM on March 11, 2010 at 10:55 PM
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »