Open thread: Obama’s debt-ceiling presser, take 3
posted at 10:45 am on July 15, 2011 by Ed Morrissey
Has Barack Obama ever had three press conferences in 17 days? That’s about the extent of the history we can expect as Obama takes his case to the people; apparently, against all odds, Eric Cantor called his bluff. Obama has nothing better to do, after all, since he canceled the debt-ceiling negotiations for today:
President Barack Obama suspended U.S. budget negotiations for the day on Friday to give congressional leaders a chance to come up with a “plan of action” on how to unblock talks meant to cut deficits and avert a debt default.
Obama, who had vowed to meet top lawmakers every day until a deal is reached to raise the U.S. debt limit, gave top Democrats and Republicans until Saturday morning to reconsider their positions in the high-stakes negotiations.
He will hold a news conference on Friday at 11:00 a.m. EDT while awaiting feedback from meetings on Capitol Hill due to take place in the morning.
The debt negotiations may resume over the weekend.
Today’s big suspense: will the White House allow reporters to actually question the President at this press conference, or is that beneath the dignity of an administration that spends its time rebutting Tweets? And when will Obama actually arrive for his 11 am press conference today? I’m claiming 11:25 in the pool, by the way.
Even if Obama has stomped out of the room (again), MSNBC reports that momentum is gathering on a debt-ceiling plan, although not the one Obama wants:
With time growing short and warnings more dire, the first, fragile signs emerged Thursday of a possible compromise to raise the nation’s debt limit and avert a potentially catastrophic default on Aug. 2.
Under a plan discussed by the Senate’s top two leaders, President Barack Obama would receive enhanced authority to raise the debt limit at the same time procedures would be set in motion that could lead to federal spending cuts.
Word that Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky were at work on the fallback plan came as Obama and congressional leaders met for a fifth straight day in debt-crisis talks at the White House.
Rich Lowry says that Reid’s involvement in the McConnell plan has actually begun making it better, and it’s not hard to see why that might be:
Interestingly, the McConnell proposal seems to be getting better with Democratic input, although it’s all still very murky. I think this goes to show that Democrats want to be able to say they paired some cuts with a debt-limit increase.
Stay tuned to see whether Obama calls this “bluff” in today’s presser. If I can find an embed for live video, I’ll post it here.
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Scott Whoresey.
VegasRick on July 15, 2011 at 11:36 AM
No. The emperor has no clothes. But the WH press corps is unwilling to point it out.
BuckeyeSam on July 15, 2011 at 11:36 AM
Wait, didn’t he say he wanted a deal done by today? Am I missing something?
Notorious GOP on July 15, 2011 at 11:36 AM
he said “I will win”
Ris4victory on July 15, 2011 at 11:36 AM
An arrogant, condescending, ignorant, immature child.
Key West Reader on July 15, 2011 at 11:37 AM
Paul Krugman hardest hit.
BKeyser on July 15, 2011 at 11:37 AM
Oh Lord – he just said that we don’t need to discuss deficits and debts 5-10 years from now – he thinks if we do an itty bit now it will all go away!!
Ris4victory on July 15, 2011 at 11:37 AM
Grrrr. “Fiscal house in order. Fiscal house in order. Squawwwwwyk!” “Fiscal house in order”
Aghhhhh
Key West Reader on July 15, 2011 at 11:37 AM
I would just love for a reporter to ask bho a question where he goes ballistic on the tube for all to see!
L
letget on July 15, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Win the Future (WTF!!)
Philly on July 15, 2011 at 11:38 AM
I stole this
Drudge has a link to the JEFs “80% of Americans want tax increases” quote and it goes to “404-Not Found.”
faraway on July 15, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Completely useless presser.
BuckeyeSam on July 15, 2011 at 11:38 AM
37 minutes of talking, and said absolutely nothing.
BobMbx on July 15, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Another threat against the Republicans, who he ALLUDES TO by way of referring to people with “rigid, ideological positions…”
Then threatens with “and we’re gonna’ remember that at the polls.”
Such an bully he is. Petulent. Immature short pants in the Presidency.
Lourdes on July 15, 2011 at 11:35 AM
So the Republicans in the House at least should pass the short term bill and make Obama veto it. Otherwise they look like the whipping boys they’ve become.
sandee on July 15, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Strike 3……..You’re Out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Knucklehead on July 15, 2011 at 11:38 AM
So he left the podium.
I bet he demands an early lunch with great big martinis.
Lourdes on July 15, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Who’s his fluffer? That was quite the performance.
SouthernGent on July 15, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Win the future!
catwrangler on July 15, 2011 at 11:38 AM
“Most things I’ve proposed are traditionally bipartisan” . . .
What planet is this guy on?
Ryan Anthony on July 15, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Go Karl Rove.
Philly on July 15, 2011 at 11:39 AM
Rove is tearing him a new one on Fox News.
BuckeyeSam on July 15, 2011 at 11:39 AM
WOW – if the Republicans don’t hold their ground after that – there is no hope.
What an awful excuse for a President. What an awful excuse for a man.
gophergirl on July 15, 2011 at 11:39 AM
Someone got his meds right, or he thinks McConnell’s plan will fly.
Cody1991 on July 15, 2011 at 11:39 AM
Yeah, I think that’s the point. :-D
SouthernGent on July 15, 2011 at 11:39 AM
Rove is really putting on the pounds.
catwrangler on July 15, 2011 at 11:40 AM
Rove just said:
“He has platitudes that…that don’t lead ANYwhere!”
:)
Lourdes on July 15, 2011 at 11:40 AM
He’s right. both dems and marxists love it
ConservativePartyNow on July 15, 2011 at 11:40 AM
Another repeat at Fox on Barry blaming Bush again.
Knucklehead on July 15, 2011 at 11:40 AM
You don’t PAY FOR TAX CUTS!! You let people keep more of their money you deal with it!
Darksean on July 15, 2011 at 11:40 AM
Seriously, if you believe a word this man says at this point, you’re certifiable. It’s fine if you don’t care(well it’s not fine, but at least I can understand that mentality). But for anyone who’s paid any attention to his first 2 1/2 years in office, you can’t possibly listen to this drivel without at least rolling your eyes.
Doughboy on July 15, 2011 at 11:40 AM
Fox is replaying the blame Bush part.
BTW: what does “paying for tax cuts” mean? Federal income tax is not a federal government entitlement.
BuckeyeSam on July 15, 2011 at 11:41 AM
Obama is obviously delusional. He needs to seek help. God help us all.
ctmom on July 15, 2011 at 11:41 AM
No, Barry, we need someone else to do your job.
Philly on July 15, 2011 at 11:42 AM
Punish your enemies.
BobMbx on July 15, 2011 at 11:42 AM
Did Obama mention ‘revenues in tax codes’ or some such ridiculous things?
Sir Napsalot on July 15, 2011 at 11:42 AM
What makes me even madder than Obama’s lies and petulant attacks is the Friggin press corps! Just once could someone ask him a REAL question?
sandee on July 15, 2011 at 11:43 AM
I think the bury your money or hide it in a mattress plan is looking better.
Philly on July 15, 2011 at 11:43 AM
Yes, God help us. I cannot believe a guy like this is leading the greatest country on earth. Vapid, blithering idiot. My children are tired of me telling them that this will be the worst president of their lifetimes…but I want them to remember this.
hoosiermama on July 15, 2011 at 11:43 AM
Headline: “Obama on Debt Crisis – Greece and Armageddon”
Will they use it?
faraway on July 15, 2011 at 11:45 AM
Nope, but he hit every one of my bingo words and now I am falling down drunk!
/kidding
Key West Reader on July 15, 2011 at 11:45 AM
I thought that about Carter, and then we got Obummer. Your kids need to brace themselves!!!
Steve Z on July 15, 2011 at 11:46 AM
I liked the part of the presser where Obama said that DC needs to deal with its problems like families do as they sit at the kitchen table.
Okay. Families have to establish priorities and give up programs. Underwriting horsesh*t programs while threatening defense cuts doesn’t reflect my priorities.
BuckeyeSam on July 15, 2011 at 11:46 AM
Liberals have long professed that tax cuts are spending, because when taxes are cut you have to make up the “lost” revenue with other funds.
Yeah, I know.
Missy on July 15, 2011 at 11:46 AM
Make every single federal employee contribute 15% of their salaries to their retirement and health care plans. Deficit problem solved.
Key West Reader on July 15, 2011 at 11:47 AM
I just saw an AARP ad, telling millions of seniors to fight the cuts and fix everything by fixing fraud and abuse.
Cindy Munford on July 15, 2011 at 11:47 AM
In other words, I could listen to “Inagoddadvida” and get deeper meaning than what PBHO just delivered?
Bishop on July 15, 2011 at 11:47 AM
Because they had to sell the dining room table to pay the rent.
Steve Z on July 15, 2011 at 11:47 AM
If they do, they get blacklisted. Still you’d hope that one of them is concerned enough for the nation to take one for the team.
slickwillie2001 on July 15, 2011 at 11:47 AM
True. He makes Carter look Jeffersonian.
hoosiermama on July 15, 2011 at 11:47 AM
To clear the palate, so to speak, read this:
What Obama could sacrifice to protect Social Security
It’s sauerkraut to Obama’s jello.
Lourdes on July 15, 2011 at 11:48 AM
If that was Obama’s attempt to “take it to the
streetpeople”, I’d say he failed. Maybe what he aught to do is travel around the country and talk to people. He can have meetings with people over lunch or dinner, and hey, he can charge them thousands of dollars per plate and kill two birds with one stone. Get ready, “people”, here comes Obama!FloatingRock on July 15, 2011 at 11:48 AM
Frankly…. yes.
golfmann on July 15, 2011 at 11:48 AM
Who said it? “Another way of putting it is when, you know, I’m busy and Nancy busy with our mop cleaning up somebody else’s mess — we don’t want somebody sitting back saying, you’re not holding the mop the right way. (Applause.) Why don’t you grab a mop, why don’t you help clean up. (Applause.) You’re not mopping fast enough. (Laughter.) That’s a socialist mop. (Laughter and applause.) Grab a mop — let’s get to work.”
Geez, this dope just keeps recycling the same old BS, year after year, like he has been pre-programed or something.
MayorDaley on July 15, 2011 at 11:49 AM
In other words, I could listen to “Inagoddadvida” and get deeper meaning than what PBHO just delivered?
Bishop on July 15, 2011 at 11:47 AM
I love that song! And yes…
sandee on July 15, 2011 at 11:49 AM
“Stop the world; I want to get off!”
McCain’s ’08 TARP suspended potus campaign, precedence for “inheritor” Obama ’11 during our nation’s economic ruin.
maverick muse on July 15, 2011 at 11:50 AM
I had to do that after I finished college. I remember the pressure acutely to this day: first the dining room table, then the bedroom furniture, last the t.v.
Lourdes on July 15, 2011 at 11:51 AM
I’d rather hear that from someone less likely to stab the conservative in the back.
Extrafishy on July 15, 2011 at 11:51 AM
Gist:
So…… taking it to the people means to lie and state that 80% are on your side and for tax cuts?
Sounds like another ABC (or whoever) poll to on the way.
golfmann on July 15, 2011 at 11:52 AM
whoops!
Tax INCREASES!
Freudian?
golfmann on July 15, 2011 at 11:52 AM
Can’t watch him, talk about BLOVIATING..
reshas1 on July 15, 2011 at 11:54 AM
We usually threaten to starve Grandma and Grandpa when push comes to shove. It’s always worked well for our family.
Greg Toombs on July 15, 2011 at 11:59 AM
Not only is SS not flush, but under Obama’s view, current SS payroll deductions are available to apply to other federal obligations even if that results in a shortfall to current SS beneficiaries. That is the necessary inference to be drawn from his recent SS threat. I hope that realization sinks in when the immediate crisis ends and people have time to reflect.
Barnestormer on July 15, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Lol
golfmann on July 15, 2011 at 12:00 PM
stuck on phonics
That song references the ancient Hindu holy text:
BHAGAVAD GITA.
I’ve been attempting to read The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita
maverick muse on July 15, 2011 at 12:01 PM
Hey they take taxes and Medicare payments out of Social Security checks. Bigger debt.
Cindy Munford on July 15, 2011 at 12:03 PM
While he works on his huge birthday party plans.
hawksruleva on July 15, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Didn’t Obama originally give Republicans 24 – 36 hrs a day or two ago? He gave the same deadline today.
I guess Obama has redrawn his line in the sand already.
FloatingRock on July 15, 2011 at 12:05 PM
Just for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PyBWLALFLQ
Cindy Munford on July 15, 2011 at 12:06 PM
I missed the presser and don’t want to read through 5 pages of comments…
… I think I know what President Cry Baby said;
Close enough…?
/
Seven Percent Solution on July 15, 2011 at 12:06 PM
Hot Air folks are getting so good at predicting Obie’s press conference material that I don’t even have to watch to know what he is going to say..Thanks Folks!..:)
Dire Straits on July 15, 2011 at 12:08 PM
Ha ha ha ha ha, love it, now I won’t have to watch it either… ROFLMAO
reshas1 on July 15, 2011 at 12:09 PM
LOL!..Good one..:)
Dire Straits on July 15, 2011 at 12:09 PM
Clyde McPhatter?
“Lover please, please come back
Don’t take a train comin’ down the track
Don’t, please don’t, don’t leave me
Don’t leave me in misery”
Barnestormer on July 15, 2011 at 12:13 PM
Should have watched the British Open instead…61 year young Tom Watson hit a hole in one!
Del Dolemonte on July 15, 2011 at 12:28 PM
It’s coming like a
freight trainhigh-speed rail.Naturally Curly on July 15, 2011 at 12:32 PM
It’s Bush’s fault. I’m leaving now to go play golf. Don’t bother me.
Hummer53 on July 15, 2011 at 12:36 PM
That is great!..Watson still bringing magic to British Open..:)
Dire Straits on July 15, 2011 at 12:37 PM
In the administration of the Kennedy Crime Family, we learned that White House doctors will give a president any happy juice required to make it through the day. Don’t think that little Bammie doesn’t take full advantage of that. This is the first real job he had had in his life, and the strain shows.
slickwillie2001 on July 15, 2011 at 12:42 PM
We don´t have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem.
Eat your peas and remove band-aids are both good ideas….
Maybe the best suggestions this Admin can come up with?
gullxn on July 15, 2011 at 12:44 PM
As a working journalist nothing disgusts me more than the slavish sycophants which make up the vast majority of the Washington press corps. I don’t care who the President is or what party he belongs to, he is nothing more or less than any other politician who must be held accountable for his actions and statements.
Jake Tapper is about the only reporter who consistently asks probing, insightful questions.
The decline in broadcast news ratings at the big 3 networks is a direct result of their atrocious agenda driven approach to journalism.
In fact, its not journalism, its propaganda.
mizzoujgrad on July 15, 2011 at 12:48 PM
I only turned in for the last 10 minutes–basically, the lectures he elected to give in response to 2 questions.
But he ended the presser giving himself kudos for rising above his progressive base, and lecturing them that in order to increase the size of government more in the future, we have to deal with our debt problem at least a little bit now.
To me, this was a Joe the Plumber faux pas.
rwenger43 on July 15, 2011 at 1:01 PM
I wish I’d seen that!
ladyingray on July 15, 2011 at 1:09 PM
Sociopath. Delusional narcissistic sociopath.
Midas on July 15, 2011 at 1:12 PM
I thought he was describing himself perfectly!
LASue on July 15, 2011 at 1:19 PM
No unscripted questions… and he can’t handle the scripted ones…
And how about the juxtaposition of Americans not paying attention and 80% of them are behind him? So you like the fact that 80% of the people not paying attention are behind you?
The man has a serious dysfunction: he is reading his own press releases and believes them.
ajacksonian on July 15, 2011 at 1:43 PM
pls tell me he didn’t mention Bush :-)…I am not watching anyways but am incredulous that he actually said it…oh, yeah, ok, as in ‘Bush tax cuts’ probably…tztztz, which he himself extended :-)…
jimver on July 15, 2011 at 1:48 PM
“I is the president”
“I will win”
“I always have hope. Don’t you remember my campaign? [laughter] Even after being here for two and a half years, I continue to have hope. You know why I have hope? It’s because of the American people.”
“…because they are stupid, stupid, stupid. They elected me, based on nada. I fooled them all and continue to do so becaue the media dwell happily in my azz and eat what they dwell in”.
Schadenfreude on July 15, 2011 at 1:49 PM
Oops, posted this on wrong thread:
.
Why isn’t anyone talking or reporting on Newt Gingrich ‘s plan as laid out on Hannity the other night: (I couldn’t even find a written transcript anywhere so I typed it myself from video at link & may be off a word or two)
.
(@1:07) “The House Republicans ought to call president Obama’s bluff. President obama said today that he couldn’t guarantee that social security checks would go out on Aug 2nd or Aug 3rd.
The House Republicans ought to go in tomorrow or the next day and pass a $100 billion cut in spending and a $100 billion increase in debt ceiling- so they are exactly balanced. That would take us through Sept & we could call it ‘The Social Security Payment Guarantee Bill’. And then they should say to the president, ‘Here, we’ve taken care of August. All you have to do is get Harry Reid & the Democrats in the Senate to pass it, then you sign it & we can guarantee every senior citizen that they will get their Social Security check. Now Mr. president, are you prepared to stop senior citizens from getting their checks?’ Put the shoe back on HIS foot. Make HIM responsible. And you could do that once a month for the next 18 months. And you could find a $100 billion a month to do that…”
.
Newt goes on to point out the folly of giving the president the unrestrained power to unilaterally make cuts while gambling on the electorate to recognize the fault is entirely the president’s. Maybe if we had honest journalists to ferret out the facts & actually report them as we get closer to Obama’s reelection, that might have a chance. Reality dictates otherwise. McConnell’s plan is a lose/lose for not only conservatives but all of America’s taxpayers.
NightmareOnKStreet on July 15, 2011 at 2:18 PM
.
You said it all.
NightmareOnKStreet on July 15, 2011 at 2:29 PM
Actually, the story I hear is that the singer was so drunk (or other) when they started recording that he could not pronounce “In the Garden of Eden” but they went ahead with a cut anyway. They liked it and left it that way. But who really knows, it’s only rock’n’roll (but I like it)…
BillyWilly on July 15, 2011 at 2:32 PM
The five pages of comments was well worth reading.
HA posters are the best:)
Jvette on July 15, 2011 at 3:01 PM
My above link (@2:18PM) for video of Newt Gingrich’s debt ceiling plan was incorrect. It should have been: Newt Gingrich Sounds Off on Debt Crisis
.
.
I don’t get it. What’s wrong with this plan & why is no one reporting on it? Tell me what the downside would be, if any.
NightmareOnKStreet on July 15, 2011 at 3:02 PM
You need to stop saying that, babe.
Key West Reader on July 15, 2011 at 4:51 PM
More on the McConnell plan:
http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/271942/mcconnell-s-uber-clever-debt-deal-stratagem-larry-kudlow
mountainaires on July 15, 2011 at 5:34 PM
I’ve heard from some seniors and they are scared to death that they will not get their checks next month. A 90yo woman should not be frightened that she won’t be able to pay the rent on a tiny apt or buy groceries just so this thug in chief can boost his reelection. Shame on him! And shame on the media for not correcting his lies.
Kissmygrits on July 15, 2011 at 10:16 PM
“Let me be clear” is the mantra, the set up to another lie.
Americans see through our celophane president.
Cleveland Steamer on July 16, 2011 at 7:47 AM
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