Republicans Gaining On Democrats

From the November 3. 2009 Judiciary Report article

U.S. President Obama

The U.S. gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, the latter already decided, with Republican Bob McDonnell emerging as the winner, and the former state holding a GOP lead, has made it clear, Obama’s presidential initiatives are hurting the Democratic Party, as stated two months ago. Obama also needs to think about the 2012 elections.

Yes, one wants to act with integrity and take the road one feels is the best course of action, but the public has been speaking and the White House has not been listening. Neither has Congress, which currently holds a Democratic majority. The current senatorial races is a rebuke from the American people.

Did Washington learn nothing from George W. Bush’s bad decisions as a politician. If you fail to listen to the people, you are going to have problems. This holds true in any world democracy.

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GOP Gaining On The Democrats

Republican Christie captures NJ governor's seat

Posted: 11/03/2009 02:01:23 PM MST - TRENTON, N.J.—Chris Christie, an aggressive former prosecutor who racked up a perfect conviction rate in public corruption cases and became the darling of New Jersey's Republican Party establishment, has unseated the deep-pocketed but unpopular Gov. Jon Corzine.

Christie, 47, on Tuesday became the first member of his party in a dozen years to win a statewide contest in heavily Democratic New Jersey. President Barack Obama invested heavily in the race, campaigning with Corzine five times on three separate visits...

Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina, who was sharply criticized when he yelled, "You lie," during Obama's health care speech to a joint session of Congress, stumped for Christie in the campaign's final weekend.

http://www.denverpost.com

Obama Accused Of Playing Political Favorites

A politician playing favorites with donors and top fundraisers, giving them special perks, if you know what I mean! Nooo! This is unheard of! Who knew such a thing existed! If you can't tell by now, I'm being sarcastic.

However, the head of the Republican Party, Michael Steele, is as serious as a heart attack, in accusing U.S. President, Barack Obama, of impropriety, in playing political favorites, lavishing favors and special treatment on his top donors, fundraisers and political benefactors.

Michael Steele

Presidents are not to do certain things, but let's be honest here, they do. I don't agree with it, but they do. However, it appears, President Obama just happened to get caught, as did Clinton.

And as crooked as former President George W. Bush was and particularly former Vice President, Dick Cheney, two men that called a very bloody war to steal oil, who you know were throwing around favors behind the scenes like Madonna and Demi Moore at a plastic surgeon's office, several Commanders-in-Chief are guilty of this.

EXCLUSIVE: Democratic donors rewarded with W.H. perks

During his first nine months in office, President Obama has quietly rewarded scores of top Democratic donors with VIP access to the White House, private briefings with administration advisers and invitations to important speeches and town-hall meetings.

High-dollar fundraisers have been promised access to senior White House officials in exchange for pledges to donate $30,400 personally or to bundle $300,000 in contributions ahead of the 2010 midterm elections, according to internal Democratic National Committee documents obtained by The Washington Times.

One top donor described in an interview with The Times being given a birthday visit to the Oval Office. Another was allowed use of a White House-complex bowling alley for his family. Bundlers closest to the president were invited to watch a movie in the red-walled theater in the basement of the presidential mansion.

Mr. Obama invited his top New York bundler, UBS Americas CEO Robert Wolf, to golf with him during the president's Martha's Vineyard vacation in August. At least 39 donors and fundraisers also were treated to a lavish White House reception on St. Patrick's Day, where the fountains on the North and South Lawns were dyed green, photos and video reviewed by The Times and CBS News also show...

http://washingtontimes.com

Steele demands investigation into alleged WH perks for top Dem donors

10/28/09 09:40 AM ET - Republicans called for an investigation into allegations that President Barack Obama gave top donors special access to the White House on Wednesday.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) demanded an investigation into a report published in The Washington Times that top donors to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) had been rewarded with access to privileged White House tours, behind-the-scenes briefings and other perks.

RNC Chairman Michael Steele said that the White House had effectively become a "full-service resort" during Obama's tenure, likening the alleged access to the benefits former President Bill Clinton had offered to some friends and top donors during his time in office.

"The seriousness of this issue requires an immediate investigation looking into the degree and details of fundraising efforts between the White House and DNC, whether there was any quid pro quo offered to donors, and the names of White House officials who were involved in such activities," Steele said Wednesday in a statement...

http://thehill.com

Congress Passes Gay Rights Bill

Congress has passed a gay rights bill that, "Extends hate crime protections to gays." It also includes crimes, "Based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

Republicans were concerned and rightfully so, that said bill would attempt to regulate speech regarding gays and violate people's Constitutional right to freedom of religion and freedom of speech, as homosexuals have attempted to use existing legislation, to unlawfully silence those that peacefully disagree with their lifestyle choices.

It was stated, "At the urging of Republicans the bill was changed to strengthen free speech protections to assure that a religious leader or any other person cannot be prosecuted on the basis of his or her speech, beliefs or association."

Congress extends hate crime protections to gays

WASHINGTON — Physical attacks on people based on their sexual orientation will join the list of federal hate crimes in a major expansion of the civil rights-era law Congress approved Thursday and sent to President Barack Obama.

A priority of the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., that had been on the congressional agenda for a decade, the measure expands current law to include crimes based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. The measure is named for Matthew Shepard, the gay Wyoming college student murdered 11 years ago.

To assure its passage after years of frustrated efforts, Democratic supporters attached the measure to a must-pass $680 billion defense policy bill the Senate approved 68-29. The House passed the defense bill earlier this month.

Many Republicans, normally staunch supporters of defense bills, voted against the bill because of the hate crimes provision. All the no votes were Republicans except for Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., who supported the hate crimes provision but opposes what he says is the open-ended military commitment in Afghanistan.

"The inclusion of the controversial language of the hate crimes legislation, which is unrelated to our national defense, is deeply troubling," said Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala...

The FBI says more than half of reported hate crimes are motivated by racial bias. Next most frequent are crimes based on religious bias, at around 18 percent, and sexual orientation, at 16 percent.

At the urging of Republicans the bill was changed to strengthen free speech protections to assure that a religious leader or any other person cannot be prosecuted on the basis of his or her speech, beliefs or association.

"Nothing in this legislation diminishes an American's freedom of religion, freedom of speech or press or the freedom to assemble," said Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md. "Let me be clear. The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act targets acts, not speech."

That didn't convince Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., who said the bill was a "dangerous step" toward thought crimes. He asked whether the bill would "serve as a warning to people not to speak out too loudly about their religious views."

Tony Perkins, president of the conservative Family Research Council, said the measure was "part of a radical social agenda that could ultimately silence Christians and use the force of government to marginalize anyone whose faith is at odds with homosexuality."

The defense bill is H.R. 2647.

On the Net: Congress: http://thomas.loc.gov

http://www.google.com

Dems vs. Repubs

U.S. President Barack Obama

The war in Washington between the Democrats and the Republicans is getting scary again, like Madonna without makeup.

America’s two main political parties are virulently fighting each other, even going as far as shutting off lights in meetings out of disgust and locking the opposition out of hearings for allegedly behaving like children.

They are also duking it out in the polls and fundraising, with Congressional infighting reaching new highs.

As Rodney King said “Can’t we all just get along.” Of course not. It’s politics. The so-called power struggle and party affiliations often carries more influence than seeking what’s best for a nation.

Oprah Winfrey To Interview Sarah Pailin

Oprah Winfrey

U.S. talk show host, Oprah Winfrey, is finally going to interview former Vice Presidential candidate, Sarah Palin. Winfrey caught a lot of flak for refusing to interview Palin during the 2008 U.S. Presidential election, opting to only do shows with now President, Barack Obama and his Democratic contingent.

Sarah Palin

There is much she can discuss with Palin, such as the 2008 campaign (which would have been a more timely discussion in 2008), items that have been reported in the press about her marriage, the dad of her grandchild selling stories on the family and why she resigned as the Governor of Alaska.

Sarah Palin To Finally Appear On Oprah

Posted on Oct 20, 2009 @ 05:00PM - Sarah Palin is taking the TV plunge: she has finally agreed to appear on Oprah. On November 16, she and Oprah Winfrey will meet for the first time during the already much-hyped episode...

http://www.radaronline.com

Obama Says Health Care Bill Not Perfect

"Video: Obama :Health Care Bill "Not Perfect"

U.S. President Barack Obama issued a speech yesterday on the merits and faults of the current health care bill that senators are battling it out over in Congress, with the Democrats in favor of it and Republicans firmly against it.

Whistling the lyric, "Me and my shadow strolling down the avenue"

Lone Republican Senator, Olympia Snowe, pictured above, has sided with the Democrats on health care, much to the dismay of her party.

Text of the President's speech as provided by the Associated Press:

Good afternoon. Today we reached a critical milestone in our effort to reform our health care system. After many months of thoughtful deliberation, the fifth and final committee responsible for health care reform has passed a proposal that has both Democratic and Republican support.

This effort was made possible by the tireless efforts of Chairman Max Baucus and the other members of the Senate Finance Committee. It's a product of vigorous debate and difficult negotiations.

After the consideration of hundreds of amendments, it includes ideas from both Democrats and Republicans, which is why it enjoys the support of people from both parties. And I want to particularly thank Senator Olympia Snowe for both the political courage and the seriousness of purpose that she's demonstrated throughout this process.

Now, this bill is not perfect, and we have a lot of difficult work ahead of us. There's still significant details and disagreements to be worked out over the next several weeks as the five separate bills from the Senate and the House are merged into one proposal.

But I do believe the work of the Senate Finance Committee has brought us significantly closer to achieving the core objectives I laid out early in September.

Most importantly, this bill goes a long way towards offering security to those who have insurance and affordable options for those who don't. It reins in some of the worst practices of the insurance industry, like the denial of coverage due to preexisting conditions.

It also sets up an insurance exchange that will make coverage affordable for those who don't currently have it. And, as the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has certified, it will slow the growth of health care costs in the long term, and it will not add a penny to our deficit.

The committee's progress over the past several weeks is the culmination of work by all five committees and numerous members of Congress over the better part of this year. We've reached out to stakeholders across the spectrum -- doctors and nurses, businesses and workers, hospitals and even drug companies -- and we've considered a wide variety of ideas and proposals in an effort to find common ground.

As a result of these efforts, we are now closer than ever before to passing health reform. But we're not there yet.

Now's not the time to pat ourselves on the back. Now's not the time to offer ourselves congratulations. Now's the time to dig in and work even harder to get this done.

And in this final phase, I hope that we will continue to engage each other with the spirit of civility and seriousness that has brought us this far and this subject deserves.

I commend the chairman and the committee's members for their achievement and the example that they've set. And I look forward to continuing to work with Congress in the weeks ahead. We are going to get this done.

Thank you very much, everybody.

Vast Right Wing Conspiracy Reboot

Former U.S. President, Bill Clinton and current President, Barack Obama

Former President, Bill "Bubba" Clinton, is insisting there is a "vast, right wing conspiracy" out to get newly elected, Commander-in-Chief, Barack Obama, much like the one his wife, Hillary Clinton, insisted was plotting to destroy him, while he was the Head of State.

I don't doubt members of the right are out to get Obama and want to see him brought down (looks at Rush "I Want Obama To Fail" Limbaugh) but there have also been vast, left wing conspiracies as well, designed to destroy people opposed to their views.

Barack Obama to Michelle Obama: Oh no she didn't! Is Hillary wearing the same dress you're wearing!

Therefore, it is a two way street. Such conspiracies also exist in Corporate America. The end result of that madness was the 2008 financial crisis.

Enough with the conspiracies, already. They benefit no one in the end, as people do reap what they sow in life. God promises it. What you'll end up with is an injured party and a guilty party God punishes for being a victimizer.

Bill Clinton Speaks Of vast, Right-Wing Conspiracy

September 27, 2009 - Bill Clinton says a vast, right-wing conspiracy that once targeted him is now focusing on President Barack Obama.

The ex-president made the comment in a television interview when he was asked about one of the signature moments of the Monica Lewinsky affair over a decade ago. Back then, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton used the term "vast, right-wing conspiracy" to describe how her husband's political enemies were out to destroy his presidency.

Bill Clinton was asked on NBC's "Meet the Press" whether the conspiracy is still there. He replied: "You bet. Sure it is. It's not as strong as it was because America has changed demographically. But it's as virulent as it was."

Clinton said that this time around, the focus is on Obama and "their agenda seems to be wanting him to fail."

http://www.npr.org

Michael Steele: Obama Is Racist

The head of the Republican Party, Michael Steele, has labeled U.S. President Barack Obama, a “racist” for allegedly asking legally blind, New York Governor, David Paterson, not to seek reelection.

Mr. Steele, with all due respect, have you been listening to the Rush Limbaugh show (grin). I do not believe Obama to be a racist for allegedly asking Patterson not to seek a second term. I do believe it has to do with the concern he will lose and cost the Democrats the definitive voice in New York.

President Obama to First Lady Michelle: this is for making me sleep on the couch last night.

However, even if he loses, I do not agree with the White House asking him not to seek another term, as he is the first black man in the post and should be allowed to prove himself, even if his poll numbers are dismal. This goes for any minority as the first representative of their race.

Additionally, a lawful incumbent should be given a chance to prove and or redeem himself or herself.

GOP chief hints racism involved in Obama, Paterson controversy

09.21.09 - It provided for some interesting TV watching yesterday...Appearing on Face the Nation on Sunday, Steele was asked for his thoughts on the report that the president has encouraged embattled New York Governor David Paterson to step aside from next year’s primary.

“I found it to be stunning that the White House would send word to one of only two black governors in the country not to run for re-election,” Steele replied.

“I think Governor Paterson’s numbers are about the same as [New Jersey] Governor Jon Corzine’s numbers yet … I don’t know if there’s been a request made of Governor Corzine to step down in New Jersey.”

Baffled, Schiefer blurted, “You don’t think he’s asked him not to run because he’s black?”

“I don’t think that, but look, you have so few [black governors],” Steele said. “Look, if you’re saying it’s the numbers then why isn’t there a call for those other Democrat governors who have low numbers as well.”

“It’s just a curiosity for me,” Steele said.

Many find it curious that Obama got involved in this at all. Paterson’ is struggling politically as it is. More than 70 percent of New Yorkers don’t want him to run again. Even non-white voters don’t support him...

http://features.csmonitor.com

Joe Wilson Censured For Obama Outburst

Video: House Floor Debate: Resolution on Rep. Joe Wilson C-SPAN

Republican congressman, Joe Wilson, was officially censured by the House of Representatives, for an outburst last week, which saw him call President Obama a liar.

Rep. Joe Wilson

Since the incident, Wilson has received a significant cash infusion for his campaign, via donations from conservatives that have rallied around him.

President Obama

However, due to his refusal to apologize to the House of Representatives, only stating sorry to President Obama, he was censured in a formal motion.

Obama, Interrupted

Obama's Shout Out!

U.S. President Barack Obama was interrupted during a televised speech yesterday, after stating his health care initiatives would not cover illegal immigrants. Republican congressional representative, Joe Wilson, shouted at Obama, "You lie."

Okay, then (raised brows). Dude just couldn't hold it anymore and heckled Obama like it was a stand up comedy show. Wilson has since apologized. However, Democrats are calling for Wilson to be censured in what is being labeled very disrespectful conduct.

Side Bar: some people are not taking Obama's Presidency well. Some people are cracking up, not able to hold it in.

Rep. Wilson shouts to Obama during speech: 'You lie'

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A Republican House member shouted "You lie" during President Obama's health care speech to Congress on Wednesday, and members of both parties condemned the heckling.

Rep. Joe Wilson shouted "You lie" after President Obama denied health reform would cover illegal immigrants. After the speech, South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson issued a statement apologizing for his outburst.

"This evening, I let my emotions get the best of me when listening to the president's remarks regarding the coverage of illegal immigrants in the health care bill," the statement said. "While I disagree with the president's statement, my comments were inappropriate and regrettable. I extend sincere apologies to the president for this lack of civility."

Wilson also called the White House to apologize and spoke with Obama's Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, who accepted the apology on the president's behalf, according to a senior administration official.

"We can disagree without being disagreeable," Emanuel said to Wilson, according to the official. "That was the point of the president's speech."

The outburst came when Obama denied that proposed health care legislation would provide free health coverage for illegal immigrants. Immediately, Wilson shouted, "You lie!"

The outburst caused Obama to stop and look toward the heckler. "That's not true," the president responded...

http://www.cnn.com

GOP Gaining On The Democrats

President Barack Obama

According to reports released today, the Republican Party has gained in the polls, due to recent controversy swirling around U.S. President Barack Obama's health care initiatives and stimulus packages.

The Democratic Party still leads in the polls, but the GOP is gaining ground. Many are already looking to the mid-term elections.

Obama's Conundrums

As U.S. President Barack Obama's poll numbers continue to slide, he has found an unlikely ally in former Cuban leader, Fidel Castro. He attributes the opposition to Obama's ideas to racism from the right wing, who dislike the President for being black. Certainly, there are right wing hate groups making active threats on Obama's life, while others utter slurs every chance they get. There are also some Republicans who are racists and unable to adapt to the idea of a black President (hey, be happy he is not using pseudo-words like "misunderestimate"). However, to be fair, as a black person, while he has done some good, I have to state, some of Obama's ideas make me somewhat uneasy for the simple reason I do not believe they will work: 1) $1 trillion in government spending to boost the economy is too much. 2) Health care ideas in their current form need to be redone. 3) Approving the stem cell bill was not a good moral choice. 4.) There are too many troops in the Middle East and it is going to be messy and financially costly. 5.) The public and some sectors of the government, does not know America's true financial books, which bars proper financial planning. As the first black President, I do not wish for him to fail, but I'd be a real hypocrite if I stated I approve of all his ideas, knowing full well the aforementioned five are going to be far more trouble than they are worth. A lot of his ideas also suffer from bad economic timing, based on what he walked into as President - it was like stepping into a pile of doodoo Bush left behind (bad economy, bad war, bad diplomacy). Respectfully, you will look back and see what I'm stating is not unsound, as it is simple economics. By God's grace, I have been right before. However, on Obama's current path, he has not gone astray like Bush did, who plumbed the lowest depths of immorality, liked it and stayed there. Fidel Castro says racist right-wingers fight Obama Tue Aug 25, 2009 2:06am EDT - HAVANA (Reuters) - President Barack Obama is trying to make positive changes in the United States, but is being fought at every turn by right-wingers who hate him because he is black, former Cuban leader Fidel Castro said on Tuesday. In an unusually conciliatory column in the state-run media, Castro said Obama had inherited many problems from his predecessor, George W. Bush, and was trying to resolve them. But the "powerful extreme right won't be happy with anything that diminishes their prerogatives in the slightest way." Obama does not want to change the U.S. political and economic system, but "in spite of that, the extreme right hates him for being African-American and fights what the president does to improve the deteriorated image of that country," Castro wrote. "I don't have the slightest doubt that the racist right will do everything possible to wear him down, blocking his program to get him out of the game one way or another, at the least political cost," he said... http://www.reuters.com White House projects bigger deficits, bigger debt Tuesday Aug 25, 9:44 am ET - WASHINGTON – The federal government faces exploding deficits and mounting debt over the next decade, White House officials predicted Tuesday in a fiscal assessment far bleaker than what the Obama administration had estimated just a few months ago. Figures released by the White House budget office foresee a cumulative $9 trillion deficit from 2010-2019, $2 trillion more than the administration estimated in May. Moreover, the figures show the public debt doubling by 2019 and reaching three-quarters the size of the entire national economy. Obama economic adviser Christina Romer predicted unemployment could reach 10 percent this year and begin a slow decline next year. Still, she said, the average unemployment will be 9.3 in 2009 and 9.8 percent in 2010... http://news.yahoo.com

Obama Addresses Health Care Rumors

Obama Continues Health Care Platform

President Barack Obama

U.S. President Barack Obama, has been battling various rumors, regarding his health care plans for the nation, attempting to combat what the White House is referring to as misinformation, spread by fear-mongering Republicans, trying to torpedo his initiatives.

Obama made reference to alleged "death panels" Republican politician and former Alaska governor, Sarah Palin, stated is apart of the President's national health plans. It is an allegation the President strongly denies.

Obama to Take On Health-Care Critics

...Obama heads to Montana on Friday and Colorado on Saturday for town hall meetings even as his allies are stepping up their efforts to rebut what they describe as "myths" about health-care reform...

Facing questions about whether public support for the health overhaul initiative is sagging, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Thursday that the problem was rooted in misconceptions spread by political opponents.

"Have some of those misconceptions contributed to the poll numbers? I don't doubt that," Gibbs said. "But at the same time, I mean, there's a little cause and effect here, but we're not going to stop pushing back on the misconceptions, whether or not the polling shows one thing or another. The president, again, strongly believes that, and has for years, that it's better to address what people's concerns are and take them on head-on."

One of the most inflammatory charges has been that Obama and Democrats were seeking to implement "death panels," with bureaucrats making decisions about whether elderly or seriously ill patients live or die. The allegation stems in part from a provision in a bill passed by three House committees that would provide Medicare reimbursement to patients seeking end-of-life counseling. On Thursday, lawmakers working on the Senate version said that provision had been dropped from their proposal...

http://www.washingtonpost.com