Obama’s weekly radio address: Do as I say, not as I do
posted at 9:02 am on July 17, 2010 by Diane Suffern
Taking time out of his hectic vacation schedule, President Obama used his weekly radio address to chide Senate Republicans for their clandestine use of a…constitutionally-afforded right to challenge legislation.
Regarding the filibuster of the unemployment benefits extension bill, Obama said:
“But again and again, the partisan minority in the Senate said no. They used procedural tactics to block an up or down vote.” (Emphasis mine.)
Curious, isn’t it? Obama decries Republican use of “procedural tactics” as evasive obstructionism, yet just last week he used his own “procedural tactic” to slip in his 18th recess appointment, Donald Berwick.
Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) delivered the Republican weekly address, targeting Obama’s avoidance of confirmation hearings for his latest controversial appointee:
So, let’s review. Republicans employing a standard Congressional tool to force debate or stall a vote on new legislation = Bad. Obama appointing another czar by employing an executive privilege to avoid debate and evade a vote = Perfectly kosher; what the hell is your problem you partisan hacks?
Know the rules.
Blowback
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Obama is so important that the rules don’t apply. Didn’t y’all know that? s/
jeanie on July 17, 2010 at 9:24 AM
This is just political fighting and finger pointing between parties. It’s the results of these tactics that are important. Keep talking all the time about the end results, Sen. Roberts. We are fighting for the country’s life here. It’s not that O made another recess appointment which is done by both sides, it’s who is the appointee and what he wants to do to us.
Kissmygrits on July 17, 2010 at 9:49 AM
I watched both radio addresses and was struck first by Obama’s typical selectivity on the heels of this backdoor appointment, hence my more humorous approach. But, the gravity of this particular position/appointee isn’t lost on me. An entire post can (and should) be done on Donald Berwick himself.
Bee on July 17, 2010 at 11:13 AM
Yeah, and how about that little procedural tactic called “reconciliation” that they used to pass healthcare reform? It had never before been used to pass such a massive piece of legislation. But, hey, it’s OK when they do it.
JohnInCA on July 17, 2010 at 11:53 AM
18th recess appointment? Wow! That is amazing. This president has 58 Senators from his party and had 59 up until Sen. Byrd died (he only needs 50 for confirmations). Truth be told, there are a handful of GOP senators that will likely vote to confirm most nominees too. The only reason he is doing these recess appointments is that he wants to avoid hearings. He is trying to hide the backgrounds and ideology of these appointees. There really is no other explanation that makes sense.
Given the recent revelations about the way the Justice Dept. is apparently using race in determining its actions, is there any doubt that Berwick will do the same when he makes his rationing decisions? These are truly scary times. It really doesn’t help that most of the media are simply ignoring these stories.
painfulTruthDisciple on July 17, 2010 at 12:22 PM
To be fair, as Ed pointed out, Bush had 15 recess appointments under his belt at the same time in his presidency, but the left screeched pretty loudly about them and held congress in session continually to avoid more.
Agreed about the media blackout. It amazes me that these people don’t realize the implications for their own lives/families, if anything.
Bee on July 17, 2010 at 12:55 PM
It would be worth some of the RNC’s dough to educate America about exactly who Berwick is and exactly what his appointment means.
Death Panels? Naaaah. Never happen.
Pay no attention to the ….
hillbillyjim on July 17, 2010 at 1:32 PM
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Ed Morrissey on July 17, 2010 at 8:02 PM