-- se7en --

im a little unclear as to what the supposed scandal with Bill Richardson exactly entails.

are we to believe that NO COMPANY that ever does government contract work is allowed to donate to political campaigns?





[Edited on January 4, 2009 at 11:58 PM. Reason : ]

1/4/2009 11:57:09 PM

Panetta to Be Named C.I.A. Director

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/05/panetta-to-be-named-cia-director/

Former chief budget adviser and chief of staff to Bill Clinton. LOL!

Is it still a "Rush/Hannity point," Kraiyon et al?

[Edited on January 5, 2009 at 3:00 PM. Reason : Change We Can Believe In. ]

1/5/2009 2:59:36 PM

Quote :

"Blair is somewhat renowned in U.S. Naval circles for attempting to water ski behind his destroyer the USS Cochrane when he was the Skipper."

1/5/2009 3:19:30 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szrzUDODznE

That merry band of Clintonistas is back!

1/5/2009 3:26:49 PM

^^^ who is Kraiyon? i know it's a twist on someone's name, but i swear I've forgotten whose.

tell me though, is it really funny to? is it like a clever joke? do you feel it makes your points more credible when you create playground insults on screen names?

most importantly, do you wonder why everyone treats you like some demented old retard?

1/5/2009 4:56:30 PM

so Obama shows us that he has no real desire to deal with terrorism by appointing ANOTHER Clinton lackey to one of the most important intelligence jobs

1/6/2009 1:03:12 AM

^^ i'm not sure what he's going for with that one... is he trying to make it sound like "cry on" or "crayon"?

1/6/2009 1:08:25 AM

I continue to be amused to the degrees at your anguish from Obama's nomination, particularly because he hasn't even taken office yet.

I think it's that stout 4-8 year loan of your sheer frustration that reminds me there's so much more fun to come!

1/6/2009 9:47:28 AM

well if he starts taking us towards prosperity, there'll be no reason to moan, right?

hahahaha

ne'ermind

1/6/2009 10:39:45 AM

Quote :

"I continue to be amused to the degrees at your anguish from Obama's nomination, particularly because he hasn't even taken office yet."

This is an amusing canard which has been playing out for the last two months. Supporters can lavish whatever praise they want upon the guy, and despite the fact that he's trying to do plenty "before he's even in office," he's totally immune to criticism.

"But he hasn't taken office yet! Just wait 'n see!"

Because the guy has done nothing to broadcast policy. Nothing at all. I mean, it's not like he setup his own fictional "Office of the President Elect", began announcing nominees, giving weekly policy broadcasts, spelling out positions over the web, or so forth.

So really, what grounds would there ever be to criticize the guy?

1/6/2009 12:04:18 PM

RAWR RAWR RAWR

KING DOUCHEBAG HERE

1/6/2009 1:59:07 PM

Quote :

"Supporters can lavish whatever praise they want upon the guy, and despite the fact that he's trying to do plenty "before he's even in office," he's totally immune to criticism."

Let's not stretch color down to monochrome here. You don't need to take my response to the idea that I think Obama is immune to criticism. I've seen plenty of positive to neutral to negative thread comments about Obama's work so far. Some commentary rightfully made...some not so much. Yes, I know there are users that jerk him off at every opportunity. Same could be said about other politicians across the aisle and spectrum...whatever.

The point here though is that when I respond to hooksaw...well....let's just say I feel my response is warranted. This is a user that invariably always posts regular and ready rapid-fire bursts of criticism and negativity to everything Obama does...down to the breakfast cereal he eats. It's with complete abandon.

1/6/2009 2:21:01 PM

Quote :

"Let's not stretch color down to monochrome here. You don't need to take my response to the idea that I think Obama is immune to criticism. I've seen plenty of positive to neutral to negative thread comments about Obama's work so far. Some commentary rightfully made...some not so much."

The fact remains, however, that every time a criticism is launched at Obama's proposed policies, there's always someone coming out of the woodwork to say, "But he's not in office yet!" I mean, come on, here. If you're walking around creating a fictional "Office of the President-Elect", I think that moots any objection whatsoever that, "The guy hasn't even been sworn in yet!"

Hell, even he acts like he already owns the place.

You may not mean it in that sense, but the general phenomena persists regardless.

1/6/2009 2:27:34 PM

I don't know, sounds to me like rotten grapes about Obama's hubris than anything. Given the unprecedented void of leadership from the real president - do you suppose the American people would do better with less engagement and activity from Obama?

For Pete's sake man, every poll that has been conducted during this transition phase in the past two months show landmark approval ratings with how he has conducted things so far with gaining support. Obviously the public approves of his engagement...or are you to much of a cynic to say that matters even in the slightest? Additionally, the market has responded or at least stabilized to some of his actions as well.

Not to get off track here, but my point here is that A) Obama's actions are a shitload better than anything Bush is doing and again B) the real meat comes when he does take office.

[Edited on January 6, 2009 at 2:53 PM. Reason : -]

[Edited on January 6, 2009 at 2:54 PM. Reason : -]

1/6/2009 2:50:53 PM

Quote :

"I don't know, sounds to me like rotten grapes about Obama's hubris than anything. Given the unprecedented void of leadership from the real president - do you suppose the American people would do better with less engagement and activity from Obama?"

Not my point in the least. My point is simply that if you're going to walk around acting like you're already in charge, immunity from criticism ceases.

You either get the blanket protection from criticism that comes from not being in charge, you open yourself up to it. It is the idea that Obama can walk around acting like the Executive while his supporters blindly shield him from any and all criticism of his proposed policies under the canard, "But he's not in office yet!" that I'm taking issue with.

Look, that's awesome that he's showing initiative and such. But as a result, that means those policies he's proposed are open to criticism. The line, "But he's not in office yet!" is complete bullshit is my point. Just in case I've yet to make that clear enough yet.

Quote :

"For Pete's sake man, every poll that has been conducted during this transition phase in the past two months show landmark approval ratings with how he has conducted things so far with gaining support. Obviously the public approves of his engagement...or are you to much of a cynic to say that matters even in the slightest? Additionally, the market has responded or at least stabilized to some of his actions as well."

Fan-freaking-tastic. One can only wait with bated breath to see what miracles emerge when the guy actually does take office, as opposed to simply pretending to be in charge as he is now.

Again, however, not my point. Either Obama gets credit for "leadership" and thus bears the burden of criticism that comes with it - thus dispensing with this bullshit canard, "But he's not in office!" once and for all - or we stop pretending the guy already inhabits the White House. Pick one.

Quote :

"Not to get off track here, but my point here is that A) Obama's actions are a shitload better than anything Bush is doing and again B) the real meat comes when he does take office."

Fantastic. Still doesn't invalidate my point in the least.

1/6/2009 3:07:57 PM

But I'm not trying to invalidate your point man. All I've been trying to do was validate mine.

1/6/2009 3:29:29 PM

CNN: Gupta approached about surgeon general post

Quote :

"WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Barack Obama's reported choice for surgeon general, CNN medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta, could bring a dose of star power to a job that hasn't had that much clout in decades."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iK-HcHUUvd-qrIKL6P_w8NTb2LdAD95I6BBO0

I was pulling for Dr. Phil.

BTW, the whole Blago mess, the Richardson withdrawal, and now the grumbling over the Panetta nomination are really starting to bog things down for Obama. Be careful what you wish for--you get all the heartaches and headaches that come with the job.

1/7/2009 4:32:55 AM

aha. funny ... and true.

1/7/2009 11:16:42 AM

^^ well, we can only aspire to develop the kind of blinders that Bushies have developed over the past 8 years to ignore his discretions or missteps.

1/7/2009 11:18:24 AM

^ Tu quoque much? STFU.

1/7/2009 5:13:18 PM

you know, you make it damn near impossible for anyone to ever want to admit they ever agree with you.

it's like you set out to make yourself as repugnant as possible.

1/7/2009 5:42:27 PM

The fuck is this shit?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtDSwyCPEsQ

[Edited on January 8, 2009 at 12:40 AM. Reason : .]

1/8/2009 12:39:36 AM

Crickets

1/8/2009 4:13:25 AM

Questions raised about Treasury nominee

Quote :

"Update at 4:50 p.m. ET. More from Baucus. He says he is 'disappointed,' but wants to move forward with confirmation: 'I am disappointed in the errors found in Tim Geithner's tax returns and other information, but I am satisfied that Mr. Geithner has taken the steps necessary to fix these problems," Baucus says in a statement his office has given to reporters. "That's why I intend to move forward as soon as possible with a hearing on his nomination. The president-elect needs a Treasury secretary on day one. We have to roll up our sleeves and get this economy moving again for the American people, and Tim Geithner has the right combination of experience and skill for these difficult economic times. For these reasons, I continue to support his nomination to be the next secretary of the Treasury.'"

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2009/01/61288598/1

If this had been a Republican, many of you would have swooped in here howling something to the effect of: THE TREASURY SECRETARY DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO DO HIS TAXES?! LOLZ!!!

1/13/2009 7:55:56 PM

1/13/2009 8:26:06 PM

1/13/2009 9:25:56 PM

Quote :

"The president-elect needs a Treasury secretary on day one."

So we just ignore the fact that Geithner is a tax-cheat because Obama needs someone in that spot?

These IRS problems really irk me, since it slams down hard on regular people.

1/13/2009 9:58:44 PM

Quote :

"He made a common mistake on his taxes"

They piss me off even more because of comments like this...

"common mistake" = intentionally not paying taxes? The guy will be in charge of the tax policy that he seems to think he doesn't need to follow himself? Fucking unbelievable.

Quote :

"Tim Geithner has the right combination of experience and skill for these difficult economic times. For these reasons, I continue to support his nomination to be the next secretary of the Treasury.""

So we've already singled out the companies that were "too important" to fail, it totally makes sense to single out the individuals too important to our country's future that we can forgive any "minor" problems they've had in the past.

1/14/2009 9:36:48 PM

CNN just announced that Daschle has asked for his appointment to HHS be stopped, and his consideration for the post to be over.

Actually a bit surprised on that one.

2/3/2009 1:11:07 PM

Quote :

"Former chief budget adviser and chief of staff to Bill Clinton. LOL! Is it still a "Rush/Hannity point," Kraiyon et al?"

I find it immensely amusing that some of you are going apeshit over all these Clinton nominees. Why don't you guys fess up and admit that Obama can't pick anyone of which you'll approve?

Seriously Obama's options are:

1) Former Clintonites (including Hillary), which are the only source of experienced Democrats that have worked in the gov't. Note - Keep in mind that selecting from this group helps smooth over tensions created during the primary.

2) GOP and moderates, which are feasible only to a certain extent. You can't appoint someone that will serve as a spy for the opposing side. It's pretty damn hard to find a high ranking and experienced conservative that you can rely on to NOT sell you out given the opportunity. You can however make a better effort to appoint people that will work WITH the opposing side, not AGAINST them... as has been the case with the Bush Administration (Thank God he's back in Crawford Texas... with a local newspaper did NOT endorse him in '04 :beatup

FTR I think keeping Gates on as Sec of Defense was a masterful fucking move for political and practical purposes. Keep the guy that admitted we weren't winning in Iraq and has helped get things turned around.

3) "Washington Outsiders," which again can be a tough sell. You also can't select too many people with zero experience in gov't. Besides, Obama already has credibility issues in that regard. Obama looks like he'll set the right tone for the Administration, whereby we'll see his administration actually try to work with and get feedback from the GOP.

Quote :

"This is an amusing canard which has been playing out for the last two months. Supporters can lavish whatever praise they want upon the guy, and despite the fact that he's trying to do plenty "before he's even in office," he's totally immune to criticism."

Dude, chill the fuck out. Obama's still in that "honeymoon period" after becoming the 1st black president. Of course the public is going to be swooning over him. The popularity ratings mean nothing. Once Obama starts DOING more, there will eventually be something to complain about, and down come the ratings.

As far as the media is concerned,

(A) They're pandering to Obama b/c of the public interest in him. Trust me, Obama's fuckups will get noticed. That's why we have Fox News, The Drudge Report, and most news talk radio hosts.

(B) Obama's getting soft treatment. Deal with it. Bush got it after 9/11, Obama gets it after becoming tjhe 1st black president. Both didn't earn it, but they got it anyway. Is it right? No. Is there anything you can do about it? Hell no...


... well actually you can bitch and complain about it... so yeah keep up the good work



[Edited on February 3, 2009 at 1:43 PM. Reason : sdf]

2/3/2009 1:30:03 PM

blog

2/3/2009 1:56:01 PM

Quote :

"CNN just announced that Daschle has asked for his appointment to HHS be stopped, and his consideration for the post to be over. Actually a bit surprised on that one."

I am absolutely ecstatic about this. Now that this socialist holdover from the Dem old guard is gone, I can support the Obama administration fully. Well, at least until he tries to appoint another "health czar" who has written a book on how to implement a "Federal Health Board" to regulate and eventually oversee all health care in this country.

2/3/2009 1:56:37 PM

Erios no offense but your post is idiotic. There is no 'soft treatment' for being a black president.

It's called being "in the office for like 2 weeks treatment". For fuck's sake man, he's brand new. Don't drag race into this. It retardifies the discussion.

[Edited on February 3, 2009 at 2:58 PM. Reason : -]

2/3/2009 2:57:58 PM

Nancy Killefer also stepped out - she was slated to become the "Chief Performance Officer"

guess why?

YOU GOT IT! TAX PROBLEMS.

I say, this confirmation debacle should tell us at least one thing: our tax code is jacked up and should be revamped. My preference? The FairTax.

http://www.fairtax.org/site/PageServer

2/3/2009 3:10:35 PM

have fun preferring that

2/3/2009 3:11:49 PM

I support the fair tax too, with some oversight conditions but I think it's a good idea.

2/3/2009 3:13:24 PM

Either Obama can't find a top democrat that isn't a tax-cheat, or he has an appalling lack of judgement and a terrible vetting team.

And I agree with Kainen and kdawg...the FairTax would fix a lot of problems.

2/3/2009 3:21:55 PM

I don't think it's either but it certainly is embarrassing for his team. His vetters seem pretty pathetic....and I don't doubt there's a ton of politicans with back taxes and f'd up taxes like these guys.

Nevertheless, it's some stumbling out of the gate. He'll have a cushion for bad PR for a while, but he better get his ass in gear on this stimulus bill because that's what really fucking matters. The economy is make or break right now.

2/3/2009 3:43:56 PM

The multitude of issues that his cabinet appointments have had illustrates to me just how much of a straight-shooter Obama really is. When you think about the issues surrounding Hillary, Geithner, Daschle, Richardson, Killefer, Lynn, and countless others eliminated during the vetting process, and then you see that the biggest issue Obama had during a long presidential campaign was his pastor being a firebrand, it's pretty impressive to me just how squeaky clean this guy must be to avoid these pitfalls.

[Edited on February 3, 2009 at 3:54 PM. Reason : 2]

2/3/2009 3:53:28 PM

Quote :

"The multitude of issues that his cabinet appointments have had illustrates to me just how much of a straight-shooter Obama really is."

Not including the pledge to reject any lobbyist desiring a job in his administration, right?

2/3/2009 6:06:09 PM

any active lobbyist. you can continue your witch hunt though, as I see you are determined to.

2/3/2009 6:09:55 PM

really makes you wonder how many of these assholes (republicans and democrats alike) are evading taxes or making "mistakes."

fuckin' a.

2/3/2009 6:15:12 PM

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/08/defense.appointments/

Quote :

"WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President-elect Barack Obama, who campaigned on lessening lobbyist influence in government, has chosen a defense expert who is currently a vice president and lobbyist for one of the country's biggest defense contractors to be his deputy secretary of defense. Obama's transition office announced that William Lynn, an undersecretary of defense in President Bill Clinton's second term, has been nominated as Defense Secretary Robert Gates' deputy. Lynn is currently a senior vice president at Raytheon, which has billions of dollars in Defense Department contracts and is the maker of the Army's Patriot Missile system and the Tomahawk missile used by the Navy. The company is also developing a global positioning satellite communication system with the Air Force. As deputy secretary, Lynn would be involved in the process of budgeting and acquisitions, in addition to running the day-to-day operations of the Defense Department. Obama's transition office acknowledged that appointing a lobbyist did not, on the face of it, seem in line with the president-elect's ethics stance but that Lynn's qualifications and the recommendations that came from both Republicans and Democrats made him the top candidate. "Because Mr. Lynn came so highly recommended from experts across the political spectrum, the president-elect felt it was critical that he fill this position," said Obama transition spokesman Tommy Vietor. Vietor said Lynn and the transition team would create guidelines that would fit the ethics standards of the new administration. Don't Miss Obama calls for 'dramatic action' Obama will ban earmarks from stimulus bill "We are aware that Mr. Lynn lobbied for Raytheon and are working with Mr. Lynn to craft a role for him that is consistent with the president-elect's high standards while balancing the need to fill this critical national security position," Vietor said. During his campaign, Obama took a hard stance against the influence of lobbyists in Washington. His campaign Web site included a promise that "no political appointees in an Obama-Biden administration will be permitted to work on regulations or contracts directly and substantially related to their prior employer for two years." Creating that distance could be difficult given that Gates, who was appointed by President Bush, is making cutting the Pentagon budget a priority and Lynn would be involved at some level. The announcement noted that Lynn's experience both in the public and private sector means he can make "the tough choices necessary to ensure that American tax dollars are spent wisely." Lynn's supporters, including Sen. Jack Reed, R-Rhode Island, and Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Massachusetts -- whom Lynn worked for on Capital Hill -- said in statements they support Lynn's candidacy. "He's a proven leader in both the public and private sectors of the national security community and his previous service in the Department uniquely qualify him to help the Department run more efficiently and effectively," said Kennedy. The transition office also announced other Defense Department nominations, including former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Robert Hale for undersecretary of defense and Michele Flournoy, who was part of Obama's Pentagon transition team, for the undersecretary devoted to policy. Gates interviewed Lynn and the other appointments, according to the Pentagon spokesman. "He interviewed each of them, came away impressed with their personal character and professional credentials, and recommended the president-elect hire them," said spokesman Geoff Morrell."

Currently means active, right Kainen?

2/3/2009 6:27:08 PM

^ Obama is spitting in the face of his supporters, but I don't get where exactly the real conflict is there...?

I'd think someone supposedly more likely to think of military solutions is a good balance to Obama's allegedly more dove-like nature.

Contrast this with Cheney being a Haliburton board member, pushing for a war based on flawed, possibly manufactured evidence, that greatly benefited Haliburton.

2/3/2009 6:40:06 PM

that's one guy chief, not a host of them. Obama admitted he was a special case because he was endorsed heavily by post sides of the aisle as being a complete expert. Even Mccain admitte today he was ok with that one.

2/3/2009 7:04:29 PM

Quote :

"Contrast this with Cheney "

You know, everytime Obama messes something up, his supporters are too quick to jump in with a "Bush did it too!" comparison. All that tells us is that Obama is no different from Bush..a hack politician. The whole "Change" argument gets weaker and weaker with every Bush justification.

I don't care if Bush did it too, or Bush did it worse...Obama told us he was going to be a different politician. And it's looking like just more of the same with a "D" behind the name.

2/3/2009 7:10:53 PM

I love how all of you are writing history books in his 3rd fucking week. The hot air going around this place smells like ass.

2/3/2009 8:24:05 PM

^Actually, it stinks like sex in here. Goddamn log-cabin Republicans.

2/3/2009 8:55:13 PM

Quote :

"I love how all of you are writing history books in his 3rd fucking week"

Please, Obama supporters were writing the fucking history books before he even took office. Bringing that "he's doing a good job already" bullshit before he had even taken office... Justify it all you want either by it being not a big deal or that Bush did the same or worse, but the evidence as of the 3rd fucking week is that it looks to be more of the same ol shit...

I hope he does bring change and does some good things, I honestly do, but appointing people with tax issues, going directly against his lobbyist stance, pushing the piece of shit "stimulus" bill... looks like the same crap to me.

2/3/2009 9:08:06 PM

^^ aha. well played

2/3/2009 10:58:11 PM