AFL-CIO chief says ObamaCare “shoved down the Republicans’ throats” …

posted at 2:55 pm on September 8, 2010 by Ed Morrissey

I’ll give AFL-CIO chief Richard Trumka decent marks for accuracy, if not imagery, in this clip from a speech given in the bright afterglow of the passage of ObamaCare in April of this year. He hails Nancy Pelosi for her work in getting ObamaCare passed, although the real work actually occurred in the Senate. Pelosi, after all, had a 77-seat majority with no filibuster rule, so she didn’t really shove this down the throats of Republicans as much as she shoved ObamaCare down the throats of recalcitrant Blue Dog Democrats who wanted to win another election in their lifetime. But Trumka is dead-on about what that process actually produced:

“Without Nancy Pelosi, health care [sic] wouldn’t have happened, because all the guys that were sitting around the table wanted to fold their cards and go for these little itty-bitty rights. She’s the one who had the backbone to say no. We stuck together, and we got a historic victory, and she drove it down the Republicans’ throats and out their backsides.”

Classy! And what comes out of one’s backside is … what, exactly, Mr. Trumka? Don’t bother to answer; sixty percent of American voters already know the answer, which is why they want ObamaCare repealed.

Note: I put the [sic] in the quote because Trumka, like so many other ObamaCare supporters, seem to believe that health care only came into being on March 23rd of this year.  Health care has been happening in this country for centuries without government intervention — and there will be less of it happening under ObamaCare, or at least fewer people providing it.

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down the Republicans’ throats and out their backsides

This procedure is covered under Obamacare.

Emperor Norton on September 8, 2010 at 2:59 PM

Hey Dicky, how’s that Card Check thing working out?

For all those hundreds of millions, you got a crappy health care bill that will likely be repealed.

But hey, you skimmed your $10 million off the top, so who cares about those poor suckers who paid their union dues all those years.

You got yours.

NoDonkey on September 8, 2010 at 2:59 PM

If the Republicans take Congress in November they should joke about outlawing unions. Just for the reaction.

Cindy Munford on September 8, 2010 at 2:59 PM

Lovely wallpaper there.

leftnomore on September 8, 2010 at 3:00 PM

We stuck together, and we got a historic victory, and she drove it down the Republicans’ throats and out their backsides.”

And on the 2nd of November, Richard, the same thing is going to happy with you and San Fran Nan.

Only the process will be reversed.

JohnGalt23 on September 8, 2010 at 3:00 PM

Apparently, they drove it out their backsides so hard a little fecal matter splashed back on ‘em…now the Democrats can’t get the stink off for some reason.

Wyznowski on September 8, 2010 at 3:00 PM

Guess the moron doesn’t understand that when Obamcare finally and fully kicks in the first people to lose their jobs will be his people. the rich?..they’ll still be rich..and rightly so.

galtg on September 8, 2010 at 3:00 PM

Solidarity forever…

Set that against Obama’s taking on the “special interests.”
The union “special interests” have him in their back pocket.

Drained Brain on September 8, 2010 at 3:00 PM

happen with that is

JohnGalt23 on September 8, 2010 at 3:01 PM

We have to de-certify govt employee unions.

Akzed on September 8, 2010 at 3:01 PM

enjoy it while it lasts there chubby….those who laughs lasts, lasts hardest…..

ted c on September 8, 2010 at 3:01 PM

This idiot makes movies about union thugs look squishy. What a POS.

retiredeagle on September 8, 2010 at 3:02 PM

I think that Trumka looks like on of Sadaam Hussein’s henchman. The guy behind him, is that Irwin Corey?

Vince on September 8, 2010 at 3:02 PM

Even if we can’t get enough seats to override a veto to repeal 0bamacare, they better not fund it in any way. Also, try to take down all of those other laws and regulations that were stuffed in that bill.

Mirimichi on September 8, 2010 at 3:03 PM

what, exactly, Mr. Trumka?

60%?

maverick muse on September 8, 2010 at 3:04 PM

Union leaders are the worst kind of trash this society has to offer.

Scrappy on September 8, 2010 at 3:05 PM

He just can’t help reverting back to his leg breaker roots.

a capella on September 8, 2010 at 3:05 PM

This guy is really an arrogant tool.

I love how he declared war on Sarah Palin with that speech at the labor convention in Anchorage, then got pummeled with counter battery fire from her.

Michelle Malkin sized up the range, and fired the Big Bertha:

Big Labor’s legacy of violence

By Michelle Malkin • September 3, 2010 09:31 AM

To mark Labor Day 2010, President Obama will join hands with AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka in Milwaukee and pose as champions of the working class. Bad move. Trumka’s organizing record is a shameful reminder of the union movement’s violent and corrupt foundations.

The new Obama/AFL-CIO power alliance — underwritten with $40 million in hard-earned worker dues — is a midterm shotgun marriage of Beltway brass knuckles and Big Labor brawn. Trumka warmed up his rhetorical muscles this past week with full-frontal attacks on former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. He indignantly accused her of “getting close to calling for violence” and suggested that her criticism of Tea Party-bashing labor bosses amounted to “terrorizing” workers.

Trumka and Obama will cast Big Labor as an unassailable force for good in American history. But when it comes to terrorizing workers, Trumka knows whereof he speaks.

Meet Eddie York. He was a workingman whose story will never scroll across Obama’s teleprompter. A nonunion contractor who operated heavy equipment, York was shot to death during a strike called by the United Mine Workers 17 years ago. Workmates who tried to come to his rescue were beaten in an ensuing melee. The head of the UMW spearheading the wave of strikes at that time? Richard Trumka. Responding to concerns about violence, he shrugged to the Virginian-Pilot in September 1993: “I’m saying if you strike a match and you put your finger in it, you’re likely to get burned.” Incendiary rhetoric, anyone?

That, ladies and gentlemen, was a direct hit on the Trumka Bunker, by a very heavy caliber round.

Brian1972 on September 8, 2010 at 3:05 PM

She’s the one who had the backbone to say no. We stuck together, and we got a historic victory, and she drove it down the Republicans’ throats and out their backsides.”

Classy! And what comes out of one’s backside is … what, exactly, Mr. Trumka? Don’t bother to answer; sixty percent of American voters already know the answer, which is why they want ObamaCare repealed.

The voters will shove the liberals “out their backsides” and the sh*ty impertinent rat bastards will be crying and whining for a long time to come.

Trumka is a blind fool.

Schadenfreude on September 8, 2010 at 3:06 PM

Unions will be gone in ten years. All of them, public first.

Mason on September 8, 2010 at 3:06 PM

they better not fund it in any way. Also, try to take down all of those other laws and regulations that were stuffed in that bill.

Mirimichi on September 8, 2010 at 3:03 PM

Excellent. Furthermore, REMOVE THE TAXES NOW!

Otherwise, it’s Republicans playing the same as usual game, pretending to be fiscal conservatives while taxes remain in effect. “Temporary cuts” and “Rebates” are for the dogs, exactly how Republicans in seniority power positions see constituents.

maverick muse on September 8, 2010 at 3:06 PM

Single-handedly, focusing on ObamaCare, versus economy/jobs, will catapult the liberals into oblivion for a while, and hopefully the unions will get a reality check soon.

Schadenfreude on September 8, 2010 at 3:07 PM

A damning bit of video that should be used often in GOP campaign ads.

dogsoldier on September 8, 2010 at 3:08 PM

Classy! And what comes out of one’s backside is … what, exactly, Mr. Trumka?

How does an ignorant tool with a 3/4 inch forehead and matching brainpower rise to the top of a noble enterprize?

I guess this jackass is a fitting symbol of his union’s values and principles. In other words, they’re not just worthless, but dangerous and destructive.

ontherocks on September 8, 2010 at 3:08 PM

He s/b featured in ads until Nov. 02, 2010.

Schadenfreude on September 8, 2010 at 3:08 PM

I hate Communists.

JammieWearingFool on September 8, 2010 at 3:09 PM

Corrected:

…she drove it down the Republicans’ American people’s throats and out their backsides.”

albill on September 8, 2010 at 3:09 PM

let me thank you for Nancy Pelosi

This is not registering in my brain. I recognize all the words in that sentence but have never seen them used in that order before.

Tommy_G on September 8, 2010 at 3:09 PM

Union leaders are the worst kind of trash this society has to offer.

Scrappy on September 8, 2010 at 3:05 PM

Don’t let mannerisms fool you into thinking that politicians running both majority parties are any better.

Listen to his tapes. Nixon’s Quaker mouth was every bit Trumka’s match.

maverick muse on September 8, 2010 at 3:09 PM

The face of the Democratic Party.

WisCon on September 8, 2010 at 3:10 PM

Beelzebub.

Akzed on September 8, 2010 at 3:10 PM

A damning bit of video that should be used often in GOP campaign ads.

dogsoldier on September 8, 2010 at 3:08 PM

Encore!

maverick muse on September 8, 2010 at 3:10 PM

and hopefully the unions will get a reality check soon.

Schadenfreude on September 8, 2010 at 3:07 PM

the bill?

the pink slip?

maverick muse on September 8, 2010 at 3:12 PM

the bill?

the pink slip?

maverick muse on September 8, 2010 at 3:12 PM

The faucet turned down.

Schadenfreude on September 8, 2010 at 3:13 PM

THUG!!

reshas1 on September 8, 2010 at 3:15 PM

…and as Nazi Policey is so fond of saying after another shameless sellout of American values:

Ho is me!!

Sweet_Thang on September 8, 2010 at 3:17 PM

Unions will be gone in ten years. All of them, public first.

Mason on September 8, 2010 at 3:06 PM

I hope you are right.

Mirimichi on September 8, 2010 at 3:19 PM

Perfect illustration of the way leftists think. They don’t want it? FORCE IT ON THEM.

capitalist piglet on September 8, 2010 at 3:19 PM

CHANGE is coming for this worthless fata** and his legions of parasitic goons.

And it’s going right down their throats.

Good Lt on September 8, 2010 at 3:20 PM

This fat greedy pig is a symbol of what is wrong with our country.

slickwillie2001 on September 8, 2010 at 3:20 PM

And what comes out of one’s backside is … what, exactly, Mr. Trumka?

Skittles and caqmpaigne.

If it weren’t for those damn racist teabaggurzzz, you’d all be sh*tting Skittles by now. Just remember that in November, wingnutz.

Good Lt on September 8, 2010 at 3:22 PM

Tell me if that guy doesn’t look like the stereotypical organized crime thug standing there.

InterestedObserver on September 8, 2010 at 3:24 PM

We need to throw a net over that whole room full of escapees…Nanzi Pelosi…?

d1carter on September 8, 2010 at 3:26 PM

Another Hoffa

ultracon on September 8, 2010 at 3:27 PM

“In effect, we’ve gotten bipartisan support among Democrats in the House….Now we’ll have to work on genuine bipartisanship in the future.” – Henry Waxman (D, moron)

I don’t think the Dems think bipartisanship like you and I do.

Sir Napsalot on September 8, 2010 at 3:29 PM

so she didn’t really shove this down the throats of Republicans as much as she shoved ObamaCare down the throats of recalcitrant Blue Dog Democrats who wanted to win another election in their lifetime

Yes, but she had to pass this blue dog’s breakfast first and she did it.

Every one of these Bills she put forward is virtually unintelligible, which is why they are causing the myriad problems they are for the private sector – they make no damned sense.

And no elected Democrat read any of them.

Which makes you wonder, who the hell is writing them? Why isn’t anyone putting the finger on them?

Every single WORD in every Bill should be attributed to an author. WHO WROTE THIS?

Lobbyist? Donor? Staffer? Who exactly?

NoDonkey on September 8, 2010 at 3:30 PM

We stuck together, and we got a historic victory, and she drove it down the Republicans’ American’s throats and out their backsides.”

FIFY. And they will be returning the favor come November.

RadClown on September 8, 2010 at 3:31 PM

What vile pigs these Democrat leaders are. And all who follow them are even worse.

iconoclast on September 8, 2010 at 3:32 PM

and she [Pelosi] drove it down the Republicans’ throats and out their backsides.”

It’s not called the Labor Movement for nothing.

Barnestormer on September 8, 2010 at 3:32 PM

Yeah, and now they’re trying to polish it.

hoosiermama on September 8, 2010 at 3:33 PM

When his polls tanked, when swing voters fled, when Virginia, New Jersey, and then Massachusetts all smacked him upside, they told him to ignore them, and the New Yorker, the New Republic, and the liberal bloggers all urged him on. Health care would emerge as his passport to greatness.

“Pass. The. Damn. Bill.” They urged on their Web sites. He did.

He passed the damn bill, and the People. Abhorred. It.

Schadenfreude on September 8, 2010 at 3:34 PM

If the Republicans take Congress in November they should joke about outlawing unions. Just for the reaction.

Cindy Munford on September 8, 2010 at 2:59 PM

Why joke about it? Unions are a threat to all Americans.

Vashta.Nerada on September 8, 2010 at 3:34 PM

Richard Trumka: The Poor Man’s Jimmy Hoffa.

pilamaye on September 8, 2010 at 3:35 PM

NoDonkey

The bills were written by 20 year old staffers and consultants over the past few years, and then this steaming pile of horse manure was brought out as the centerpiece for this current thousand year Reich.

Dhuka on September 8, 2010 at 3:36 PM

As Tom Bevan wrote when Chait had his brainstorm, they “seem to have no comprehension of the political consequences of pursuing action that treats the public — not just in Massaschusetts, but across the country — with such utter contempt.”

Same source, as above

Schadenfreude on September 8, 2010 at 3:36 PM

And who can forget during the run up of ObamaCare, they (Obama and Democrats) against huge swell of opposition changed their angles (universal healthcare, no, it is universal health insurance, no, no, it is ….)

Up to the day Obama signed on the bill, nobody really knows what’s in it.

Sir Napsalot on September 8, 2010 at 3:37 PM

We can have some Corporations spend money using this in commercials.

seven on September 8, 2010 at 3:38 PM

“Without Nancy Pelosi, health care [sic] wouldn’t have happened, because all the guys that were sitting around the table wanted to fold their cards and go for these little itty-bitty rights. She’s the one who had the backbone to say no. We stuck together, and we got a historic victory, and she drove it down the Republicans’ Americans throats’ and out their backsides.”

FTFY.

But hey, you union goons got yours, didn’t ya, courtesy of us serfs?

Rae on September 8, 2010 at 3:38 PM

When poison is forced down a person’s throat, he/she usually vomits.

Dear Mr. Trumka and Ma’am Pelosi, enjoy the sweet perfume of 50 million collective barfs next November 2 !!! Yummy!

Steve Z on September 8, 2010 at 3:38 PM

The guy behind him, is that Irwin Corey?

Vince on September 8, 2010 at 3:02 PM

Probably–and looking for work, as the World’s Foremost Authority now resides in the WH.

Barnestormer on September 8, 2010 at 3:42 PM

Trumka was a sh!t when he presided over the decline of the UMWA, and he is a sh!t now.

May he be as successful at the AFL-CIO as he was at the UMWA.

hillbillyjim on September 8, 2010 at 3:43 PM

Repeal the NLRA or apply the antitrust laws to unions. Something should be done; Congress 2011?

Firefly_76 on September 8, 2010 at 3:44 PM

Trumki just wait until November. You’d have to eat that what comes out of backside.

antisocial on September 8, 2010 at 3:47 PM

Another Hoffa

ultracon on September 8, 2010 at 3:27 PM

Don’t tease me…..

BigWyo on September 8, 2010 at 3:47 PM

Trumka proves the old adage is still true today. People will just wonder if you are an idiot unless you open your mouth and remove all doubt.

volsense on September 8, 2010 at 3:47 PM

Dhuka on September 8, 2010 at 3:36 PM

Wouldn’t surprise me, you could put a coloring book in front of Pelosi and tell her it’s a health care Bill and she would go out and try and pass it.

I seriously doubt the woman is even literate.

NoDonkey on September 8, 2010 at 3:48 PM

Note: I put the [sic] in the quote because Trumka, like so many other ObamaCare supporters, seem to believe that health care only came into being on March 23rd of this year. Health care has been happening in this country for centuries without government intervention — and there will be less of it happening under ObamaCare, or at least fewer people providing it.

Right on.

mikeyboss on September 8, 2010 at 3:49 PM

What a douche.

Red Cloud on September 8, 2010 at 3:53 PM

This would make an excellent political ad – for the Republicans. “Nancy Pelosi drove healthcare down Republicans’ throats…”

paul1149 on September 8, 2010 at 3:54 PM

Just remember on Nov 1, how many were clapping, and how important it is that we get every vote we can out to silence them.

right2bright on September 8, 2010 at 3:55 PM

If this cave man could understand anything he would realize that the coming tsunami of economic disaster is the unfunded union pension funds of the public workers. Just imagine if JFK could see what his bill to allow public workers the right to unionize has done to our country. The fact that only politicians have the authority to change public worker’s union contracts means that they will never be changed. Tax payers will someday have to rebel and demand an end to these unions. After all we are their bosses!

inspectorudy on September 8, 2010 at 4:03 PM

AFL-CIO chief says ObamaCare “shoved down the Republicans’ throats”

When you shove something down the people throat don’t be surprized when they puke it back up at ya!
On the bright side, this guy would make a good spokeshole for what’s left of the FAILD Obama Presidentcy.

DSchoen on September 8, 2010 at 4:03 PM

Richard Trumka signals the return of gangsters and thugs as union bosses.

bw222 on September 8, 2010 at 4:06 PM

Unions- government sanctioned extortion…

BigWyo on September 8, 2010 at 4:08 PM

Richard Trumka: The Poor Man’s Jimmy Hoffa.

pilamaye on September 8, 2010 at 3:35 PM

I’m sure at some point these two will meet. Maybe sooner than later? Shoot, hell needs unions, too.

ziggyville on September 8, 2010 at 4:14 PM

Utter scum. And he should keep his sick little fantasies to himself.
Pukes like this really need to be given the boot.

Grayson on September 8, 2010 at 4:22 PM

Every single WORD in every Bill should be attributed to an author. WHO WROTE THIS?

Lobbyist? Donor? Staffer? Who exactly?

NoDonkey on September 8, 2010 at 3:30 PM

If there were even a small bit of justice, every “legislator” who either never wrote, nor read bills but voted for them just the same, such as obamacare and finreg, should be led from the impeachment dock to the prison cell.

The “system” isn’t broken.

The “system” is one of the best in the world. The “system” doesn’t commit criminal acts of grand larceny and treason.

The people infesting the system do.

Blaming a noun called the “system” is a great way for the citizenry to be diverted while being robbed blind by real live people.

The job of “legislator” isn’t public service, it’s becoming a multi-millionaire/stalinist control freak asap in whatever grifting, crooked way possible. There’s a bottomless pit of money flowing through DC every second of every day. More the fool if you don’t grab every bit you can, because no one is watching the watchers anymore.

It’s a free-for-all and if obama can’t break the nation with the baby and elderly murdering obamacare, multi-trillion dollar thefts and resulting deficit, it will be by God’s hand alone that we are spared.

tigerlily on September 8, 2010 at 4:22 PM

Methinks Trumka took a trip out Pelosi’s backside.

RandyChandler on September 8, 2010 at 4:31 PM

Freudina slip from ‘bright’ Maxine Waters.

Schadenfreude on September 8, 2010 at 4:43 PM

She’s the one who had the backbone to say no. We stuck together, and we got a historic victory, and she drove it down the Republicans’ throats and out their backsides.

What’s infuriating about statements like this is in the benefits they emphasize.

Maybe I’m naive, but I’d like to believe that at some point the massive overreaching healthcare overhaul was based on good (although misguided) intentions, but as it progressed, it seems, it became more and more about pure spite, and at this point, that seems the only “redeeming” quality.

Notice that this guy isn’t touting relief offered to the families that this may help or the supposed lower costs everyone is going to enjoy; it’s all about victory, and sticking it to the Republicans…that’s it; those are the two things this bill accomplishes.

Classy, indeed!

BlueCollarAstronaut on September 8, 2010 at 4:48 PM

I noticed that the Liar in Chief called it health insurance reform in his dumb speech on Monday.

I’m going to send this clip out and help any of my friend who are in doubt understand who the Democrats got in bed with on Obamacare.

CCRWM on September 8, 2010 at 4:53 PM

Yeah, these are the turds that gave us obamacrap.

toongoon on September 8, 2010 at 4:55 PM

My wife does lite bookkeeping for a small local business and she and her boss attended a conference this morning on accounting for and implementing the health care law. They cam out shell shocked and he is seriously considering closing the doors. He is getting close to retirement and said that this law will push him over the edge financially.
Must say that Obama has been very successful in getting what he wants, a ruined America.

Engrpat on September 8, 2010 at 5:06 PM

Big news from Cuba. We Won!

sonnyspats1 on September 8, 2010 at 5:25 PM

Cloward-Piven right on schedule..

adamsmith on September 8, 2010 at 5:33 PM

Engrpat on September 8, 2010 at 5:06 PM

Details welcome. We need more first-hand evidence of Bammie’s depradations.

slickwillie2001 on September 8, 2010 at 5:44 PM

Drain Unions of their power. Vote Democrats out of office at the Federal, state and local levels!

Only 55 days until Election Day! And early voting generally starts 30 days before Election Day.

wren on September 8, 2010 at 6:12 PM

Richard Trumka? Isn’t this the same person that Sarah Palin refered to as a liar?

BetseyRoss on September 8, 2010 at 6:27 PM

I hear Trumka’s hairpiece is covered under Obama Care.

Just his. No one elses.

David2.0 on September 8, 2010 at 6:36 PM

Trumka is a marxist terrorist.

joe btfsplk on September 8, 2010 at 6:46 PM

Trumka could care less about anyone else. His pension and health care are fully funded. The people he represents, not so much. Some are just more equal than others. Just ask Barry.

GarandFan on September 8, 2010 at 6:58 PM

Well, Trumpka, do you know what?

1. We told them if they voted for it they would rue the day they did, and they would be ejected from office.

2. We told them that Nancy Pelosi had little to fear in her Leftist district in San Francisco–but you ignored us.

3. When you gleefully crossed the crowd with the “crap eating” grin, we wanted to see you frown.

In November, this will all come true. I hope it was worth it.

darkmetal on September 8, 2010 at 7:31 PM

Comes a reckoning . . . .

Sherman1864 on September 8, 2010 at 8:40 PM

I am in a sole proprietor plan offered by a regional carrier in the midwest. I like the plan, it is a virtual HMO type of plan. I have had steep increases since I enrolled in 2006, with the 2 steepest increases in 08 and 09. I think the insurance companies were preparing for this debacle.

Last year, when it appeared to be not as likely to pass, I was offered 6 different plans, with a variety of copays and monthly payment amounts, and annual deductibles. The plans this year are either a 9% increase in premium, everything is the same, no deductible, OR a decrease of $65 a month ($110 off new premium), much higher co-pays, and a $2,000 deductible. There is not enough savings in the “new” plan which is “not grandfathered” to switch. Supposedly my current plan is “grandfathered”, whatever that means.

What a clusterfark. REPEAL THE BILL!!!!!!!!!!

karenhasfreedom on September 8, 2010 at 9:18 PM

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka makes $239,000 a year, and is headed for a pension that will be 60% of his peak salary. Nice work if you can get it…

slickwillie2001 on September 8, 2010 at 9:23 PM

I’m a scab worker that took a union job.

Can’t tell you how awesome that is.

Inanemergencydial on September 8, 2010 at 9:46 PM

He should be at the top of Francis’ list

Alden Pyle on September 8, 2010 at 9:46 PM

If the RNC had any cajones, they would play this early and often. The American people need to know that these union thugs do not represent the average Joe six-pack.

And what comes out of one’s backside is … what, exactly

Indeed.

simkeith on September 8, 2010 at 10:04 PM

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