Obama Says Gambling On McCain Is A Risk We Can't Afford
According to advance text sent our way by an Obama aide, Obama will use McCain's affection for gambling as a jumping off point to portray the Arizona Senator as a risk we can't afford to take on the economy.
Obama will hit this riff in his remarks later today in Colorado:
I read the other day that Senator McCain likes to gamble. He likes to roll those dice. And that's okay. I enjoy a little friendly game of poker myself every now and then.But one thing I know is this -- we can't afford to gamble on four more years of the same disastrous economic policies we've had for the last eight.
I know that when Senator McCain says he wants to bring the same kind of deregulation to our health care system that he helped bring to our banking system -- his words -- well, that's a bet we can't afford. We can't afford to roll the dice by privatizing Social Security, and wagering the nest egg of millions of Americans on Wall Street. We can't afford to gamble on more of the same trickle down philosophy that showers tax breaks on big corporations and the wealthiest few. We've tried that. It doesn't work.
More excerpts after the jump.
Late Update: This is, in a sense, the flip-side of the McCain campaign's efforts to cast Obama as "risky" on national security. The 9/11 attacks happened seven years ago, and now the thing that's scaring the heck out of everyone is not terrorism, but the economic meltdown. That's what has everyone on edge, something that could grow even more pronounced with no bailout solution agreed upon -- making it easier to cast McCain as the risky, frightening choice.
That is the choice in this election. Because Senator McCain has followed this philosophy for twenty-six years in Washington and now he's running to give us another four. He's fought against common-sense regulations for decades, he's called for less regulation twenty times just this year, and he said in a recent interview that he thought de-regulation has actually helped grow our economy. Senator, what economy are you talking about?At a time when we're putting hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars on the line, Senator McCain still wants to spend $200 billion on tax breaks for the biggest corporations in America. He wants to give a $700,000 tax break to the average Fortune 500 CEO, but not one dime of relief to more than 100 million middle-class Americans. He likes to talk about how he'll take on the corporate lobbyists in Washington, but he put seven of them in charge of his campaign. And if you think those lobbyists are working day and night to elect my opponent just to put themselves out of business, well I've got a bridge to sell you up in Alaska.
You see, Senator McCain just doesn't get it - he doesn't get that this crisis on Wall Street hit Main Street a long time ago. That's why his first response to the greatest fiscal meltdown in generations was to say that the "fundamentals of the economy are strong," and why he didn't say the words "middle-class" once in an entire 90-minute debate.
I read the other day that Senator McCain likes to gamble. He likes to roll those dice. And that's ok. I enjoy a little friendly game of poker myself every now and then.
But one thing I know is this - we can't afford to gamble on four more years of the same disastrous economic policies we've had for the last eight.
I know that when Senator McCain says he wants to bring the same kind of deregulation to our health care system that he helped bring to our banking system - his words - well, that's a bet we can't afford. We can't afford to roll the dice by privatizing Social Security, and wagering the nest egg of millions of Americans on Wall Street. We can't afford to gamble on more of the same trickle down philosophy that showers tax breaks on big corporations and the wealthiest few. We've tried that. It doesn't work.
With our economy at risk, and our future in the balance, the greatest risk in this election is to repeat the same mistakes of the past. We can't take a chance on the same losing game.
I like that Obama is turning McCain's own debate "talking point" against him (the "he doesn't get it" meme). Because it actually works in this context.
September 29, 2008 1:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Political ju-jitsu. Exactly what the Repugs used to try to do to the Dems. Right on target.
September 29, 2008 2:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Greg, if this bill doesnt pass, and right now it aint looking good, this isnt good for McCain. He needed this bill to pass more than BO. The Republican party just spit in McCain's face.
September 29, 2008 1:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah.
He suspended his campaign to get involved with the week old debate so as to get everyone back on track.
What puzzles me is, when McCain said to get things back on track did he mean disrupting the process to wrankle the Democrats or did he mean to enegerize the House repugs to shove a stick between the spokes of this bill and bring it crashing down to defeat?
September 29, 2008 2:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Couldn't spit in his face because he was nowhere to be found.
September 29, 2008 3:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
The "not mentioning the middle class" theme is outstanding. He's simply taking something that McCain actually did (failed to do, that is) and pointing that out to audiences.
I also liked how he said that McCAin's response to the economy disaster was a "Katrina like response".
September 29, 2008 1:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
If this bill doesnt pass, I guess McCain is going to have to suspend his campaign again. And rush back to Washington.
September 29, 2008 1:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Did he un-suspend his campaign at any time? Because I didn't hear about it.
September 29, 2008 3:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is such an unpatriotic blog.
How can you condone Obama attacking a decorated POW like this over and over again?
September 29, 2008 1:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Exactly, this has to be about job creation.
September 29, 2008 2:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Job Creation: CrapShooters for mcCain!
September 29, 2008 2:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
We should teach job creationism in public schools.
September 29, 2008 2:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hoo boy! Just heard a Charles Osgood bit on the radio about McSame's and Obama's pronouncements on the bailout:
After a few excerpts from the candidates, Charlie ends with man-in-the-street quips:
Bob Viering, Bank Manager...
Scott LeDoux, County Commissioner...
Ka-POW!
Transcript here.
September 29, 2008 2:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
My friend, don't get bitter, Barack never attacked McSame service to this country, it's not the issue here, don't spin...
The issue here is his policies, the same failed Bush policies that got us into trouble that McInsane wants to continue, even double down.
September 29, 2008 4:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
I guess the Republicans are doubling down on "free markets"...?
September 29, 2008 1:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, like allowing the free markets to do as they pleased, worked so well the first time.
September 29, 2008 2:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Full court press in the final period. :)
September 29, 2008 2:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
The Bailout Bill looks like it won't pass, so, is it safe to assume McCain will have to suspend his campaign again?
September 29, 2008 2:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, I don't know anything about craps but didn't Obama just contrast the two games the campaigns are playing? Sweet...
September 29, 2008 2:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Get your mcShame craps trinkets:
http://images.google.com/images?q=pink%20dice&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wi
September 29, 2008 2:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
I love that he's using the gambling analogy (referencing Sunday's front page investigative piece on McCain's gambling ties). The DNC is up with a new ad on McCain's gambling this morning.
McCain just wants to gamble away our lives - That's what it all comes down to.
McCain is either in Washington, or maybe Sedona attempting the tutorial/crash course on Palin (that's where she's headed), but either way, I'm sure he's getting in a couple of high stakes craps games on a regular basis.
September 29, 2008 2:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
If there are any House Dems who haven't voted yet, they should all vote nay. Never trust the crazy GOP fuckers in the House - never.
That said, I do agree that Obama has distanced himself enough from this bill to be relatively safe. And if it doesn't pass, well, then the maverick fixer failed, didn't he?
I think if the market continues to tank because no recovery plan is in place, people will start to change their minds about it and come to a point where many people are finding themselves today - even this compromise sucks, any compromise will suck, but we have no great or even good options and we need to do something.
And the reason we have no good options and the reason we need to do something is 8 years of Bush and 25+ years of flawed GOP/conservative/Club for Growth fiscal ideology.
September 29, 2008 2:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Most Americans don't want a bailout.
September 29, 2008 2:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
If the credit markets don't loosen up, many Americans may find themselves laid off. That may change their mind over the "bailout". Or, the Dow dropping 600 points a day for a couple of days might do the trick.
Or not.
September 29, 2008 2:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
One can only imagine what is going to happen in the overseas markets tomorrow. This could get real bad real fast.
September 29, 2008 2:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes.
But hey! At least we didn't bail out some shift minority person who shouldn't have gotten that loan in the first place, did we?
September 29, 2008 2:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes and I think most people want to see some action out of Congress. While the Repugs are fiddling, stocks are crashing.
September 29, 2008 2:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Look at the overseas markets right now! Europe sank!
September 29, 2008 2:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes I know.
I have had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach for days now.
I don't think we've bottomed out yet - dammit.
September 29, 2008 2:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
US consumers still are a primary fuel for the global economy. The perception that we are tanking, with no lines of credit to buy consumer goods, will send massive shockwave through the global stock markets.
September 29, 2008 2:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Loosing ones' job because the economy tanks will be a real career option that company's will be exercising shortly.
September 29, 2008 2:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is one of those times when the politicians need to not listen to the polls. And do a better job of explaining this mess.
September 29, 2008 2:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
A Rasmussen poll released today shows that those numbers are changing...and quickly. Plus, as people learn more about the bill they learn that the compromise was not the original Paulson plan. That original plan was the one the really hated. They didn't like this one either - neither do I - but I do think other than the hard core Club for Growth types, people - both in Congress and in the voting public - are starting to believe that something needs to be done. They may not understand all the details but when they hear about the markets dropping 500 because it didn't pass, people are going to start getting nervous.
There are no good answers to this problem. Holding and/or voting "nay" because the bill doesn't include a suspension of the cap gains tax - or some other such C of G silliness - is just not acceptable. Sure, 90+ Dems voted against it, but with 100 GOPers, this thing would have passed. Didn't happen.
Way to go, Boehner and McCain.
September 29, 2008 2:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
When small businesses start running into problems because of credit lines, and have to start laying off employees, people will start paying even closer attention.
September 29, 2008 2:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's already happening.
I know of one person so far that has faced that - his boss is thinking of closing because he had it in the market and it's gone.
September 29, 2008 2:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
The House GOP are rejecting this for all the wrong reasons, but at the end of the day they may accidentally save us from ourselves. This $700B is not going to unfreeze the credit markets, and none of that money is ever going to come back. These securities are worth at most .5% of their book value. Make no mistake... this is a temporary band-aid that only delays the inevitable correction and in the process lines a bunch of pockets and hands the next generation a $700B bill with interest.
Nobody, and I mean nobody, has even attempted to make a credible argument as to why they are so sure this will FIX THE PROBLEM. Why? Because they can't. The ones who are grudgingly supporting it now are doing so only because it's a Hail Mary in the confidence game.
September 29, 2008 2:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Delaying the inevitable correction" sounds a lot like "small business shutting down" is an inevitable event.
September 29, 2008 2:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sadly, it probably is. We're in a situation that's strikingly similar to, but much larger than, Japan's that came with the last housing crash. They tried to band-aid it. They zombified their banks and other businesses with government debt. The end result was an enormous bill and over a decade of recession. Over a decade... it really is a band-aid choice. Stuff is going to return to equilibrium, and we can drag it out or not. Better regulation and saner policy could have stopped us from getting so far OFF of 'normal', and we should immediately move in that direction for the future, but in terms of the current mess any intervention short of hitting the 'Reset' button on the national debt, and consumer debt, is likely to just make things worse and drag it out.
There's a lot of talk about this on economics blogs from the liberal Keynesian to the libertarian Austrian school. It's bringing together people in that domain like nothing ever has before. Most of the exceptions seem to be people like Paulson and Bernanke who stand to gain billions while you lose your job and your kids pay the bill.
September 29, 2008 3:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for those insights. Maybe now with everyone talking about (people who actuall know about this stuff, like economists) better solutions will be produced.
I have multiple relatives who own or work for small businesses. While I can understand your larger point, the fact that family members of mine are going to pay the price for what people on Wall Street did, and Congress ignored, is galling. I know that this bill, even with the improvements, was a stinker, but when you have family members talking about who they're going to lay off, it's difficult to keep the long term status of our nation in mind. This may be inevitable, but it tears me apart what it's probably going to do to people I love.
September 29, 2008 3:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey, I might be getting my notice by the end of the week. My dad's business already went belly-up. I feel you. All the more reason to get it over with quick and move on with recovering, I guess is my attitude.
September 29, 2008 3:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well Paul Krugman, Economist, disagrees with you and
I agree with Krugman.
September 29, 2008 3:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Krugman is smart, but let's not forget that he has his blind spots. Just think back to all his invective in favor of Hillary's GOP-style economic record during the primaries...
September 29, 2008 3:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was as mad at him about that as anyone was.
This is economics. This is different - way different. That goes without saying, actually.
yo?
September 29, 2008 3:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Krugman agrees that his plan is likely a waste and an empty gesture. He doesn't support it on the merits. He supports it on the basis of: "It's better than nothing because at least it might be enough of an illusion to stop a complete run on the banks and the stock market." That's the point of contention. Even he doesn't think for a second that this is a *good* idea--see his reaction this afternoon to the vote on the bill in his blog.
On the HRC point: it *was* about economics. That's the whole point. He thought that HRC's health plan, which like most of her plans of the last 8 years was just a government-grant of a for-profit oligopoly to her millionaire private sector friends, was somehow better than just dropping the charade (and dropping the cost to taxpayer's of building a profit margin into a monopoly service) and going single-payer. His support of her was based entirely on inexplicable support of her on all sorts of economic idiocy for which he's based the GOP for years. It was bizarre.
September 29, 2008 3:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Doh. First sentence, "this plan" not "his plan".
September 29, 2008 3:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Read 538.com for his analysis of the bailout polling. It's all about how the question is phrased.
September 29, 2008 2:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Most Americans don't want the crisis in the financial industry to trickle down to Main St. either.
September 29, 2008 2:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Read Nate Silver's analysis of the bailout polling.
September 29, 2008 2:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bailout R.I.P. (2008-2008)
We now back to square one...
September 29, 2008 2:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Guess mcShame being in DC sure fixed things, didn't it?
Drama Queen Craps Shooter!
September 29, 2008 2:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bet those winger talking points about McCain being responsible for this plan coming together are quietly being ditched right now.
September 29, 2008 2:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
There's a Gambler we can believe in!
September 29, 2008 2:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't gamble ON mcCain. But get out the word about his gambling. JOIN NOW:
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/09/crapshooters-for-mccain-name-c.php
Have fun at fundie events or mcShame rallies by joining: CrapShooters for mcCain.
September 29, 2008 2:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Brilliant tactic. Obama is so smart.
September 29, 2008 2:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
And the other good thing about this analogy is that many people have already described McCain as a gambler--Ed Rollins, e.g., Obama isn't inventing anything new, he's simply building on what's out there.
And after today's flameout in the House of Representatives and the Dow Jones, people are not going to want to gamble, and, they're going to be royally pissed off at Republicans.
Me?
I think I'll be working when I'm 75 at this point.
September 29, 2008 2:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wasn't McCain in Ohio bragging about his role in getting this bill together? That he was CENTRAL to the compromise? I bet he's regretting that now.
This was a shitty moves by Republicans. Shitty move.
September 29, 2008 2:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Shitty move, indeed, the ramifications of which will be felt far and wide.
But hey: Ronald Reagan's coffin is safe (see below).
September 29, 2008 2:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
I may need to go and sign up for Social Security in Jan. Before it ends.
September 29, 2008 2:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Harsh. But True. Bailout bill failing is a huge advantage for Obama. It's failing on the republican watch as well.
I don't think it should pass until WS takes a few more hits.
September 29, 2008 2:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
You betcha!
Now the msShame twins and the repubs own the financial melt-down today!
September 29, 2008 2:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
We can't afford to roll the dice by privatizing Social Security, and wagering the nest egg of millions of Americans on Wall Street.
Excellent! GOBAMA!
September 29, 2008 2:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't think this bill failure is going to help anyone, politically or otherwise.
September 29, 2008 2:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
It does. Absolutely does. If it passed, Republicans would be running ads across the nation, in every congressional district, cliaming Democrat Congress wrote $700 Bil blank check to Wall Street.
I'm sure McLame would've flip-flopped and voted against the Bill and pivoted Obama has the Wall-Street rescuer.
A few more days of this blood bath, and public opinion will change. I don't think it's politically adept to pass the bill when majority of Americans don't approve.
September 29, 2008 2:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hope you're right, but we're playing with fire.
September 29, 2008 2:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
And don't forget liberal idiot like Kos blaming Pelosi for the bill. It's clear we need a few more heart bleeds before everyone is on board. All of us must get the taste of the ramifications of inaction.
September 29, 2008 2:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
The global economy is so much a house of cards as was our particular mess. There's a tipping point which, once arrived at, there won't be turning back for quite some time. No one quite knows where that point is. So good luck to us all.
September 29, 2008 2:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's exactly my concern. Stocks are one thing... everyone expects those to go up and down. But if people start fleeing "safe" investments like money markets, there will be trouble.
September 29, 2008 3:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes and right now I'm damn mad - at the Repug holdouts, at the whining liberals, at the whole damn thing.
The Repugs broke this - they broke the country. They have to fix it, someone does and I'm way beyond politics here - I no longer care how anything looks vis-a-vis the election -
we're bleeding out, folks. No more politics, no more brilliant tactics - fuck that - I want it to stop.
September 29, 2008 3:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
From the Times:
Representative Darrell Issa, a Republican, said he was โresoluteโ in his opposition to the measure because it would betray party principles and amount to โa coffin on top of Ronald Reaganโs coffin.โ
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/business/30bailout.html?hp
Such idiocy.
September 29, 2008 2:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
GOP = Party before country.
September 29, 2008 2:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's "Party" - as in CRAPS!
September 29, 2008 2:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Problem is ... they think the Party is the country and resent sharing it with Democrats.
September 29, 2008 2:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good point.
September 29, 2008 2:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Such idiocy
Yes, well, that's our Darrell (Global warming is due to dinosaur farts) Issa....
September 29, 2008 2:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Once again, right when you think Obama's the conciliatory "John's right" go-along, BAM! Even I didn't think the gambling jab would come out this soon. But that's because I have not yet learned "That's the CHICAGO way!"
Compare that to Fred Mertz's clattering rant in Ohio today-- one "get off my lawn" after another.
September 29, 2008 2:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is good. But the real nut of that NYT piece yesterday is not that McCain likes to gamble, but that he likes to do so with the lobbyists for the Casinos he regulates in his capacity as Indian Affairs Cmte Chair.
The Ad captures the "gambling" theme, and suggests we can't risk a gamble on McCain, but misses the hypocrisy of McCain pushing his Maverick image while he shoots craps with big wig Casino lobbyists, who I'm sure are just the finest people in the world.
I give it a 5 out of 10.
September 29, 2008 2:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes
E.G. - he was doing business with Abramoff.
September 29, 2008 2:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
He was also leveraging the Abramoff investigation into his presidential run. That's how he was able to get erstwhile nemeses Reed and Nerdquist on board: the old Damoclean Sword.
September 29, 2008 2:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not to qoute Chicken little...but this could get very scary and bad w/out a bailout bill. The GOP broke it and won't doing anything to fix it!. Thanks McShame for boosting up the neo-con gop house repugicans...
September 29, 2008 2:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Couldn't agree more.
It's damn scary and I think it has sunk the Repugs totally. They broke it and now they are obstructing trying to fix it.
700B bailout or not - and I was dead set against Bush's giveaway -this was a hammered out compromise that hit everyone's high notes and it was a viable fix, according to Krugman and I do believe him on this.
The Repugs just set up the orchestra on the deck of the Titanic and they are playing Good Night Irene, as the ship goes down.
Fucking idiots.
September 29, 2008 2:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Apparently, the GOP torpedoed the bill because Pelosi hurt their feelings. Did anyone hear her speech on the floor?
September 29, 2008 2:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
O Sweet Jesus!
Here I have been trying to cultivate some tolerance for Repugs just cause that's partly Obama's message and they go and do something this fucking political and stupid while our economy hangs over the abyss.
AAAAAAaaaarrrrrrghghghghghgh!
September 29, 2008 2:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why do I get the suspicion that McCain's ploy last week was to ensure the bill would not pass and the Democrats would end up with egg on their face? For some reason, I get the impression the House minority repugs have no clue just how serious the problem is. It's not an US-vs-Them situation. And McCain's grandstanding did nothing more than throw gasoline on a bonfire that was close to getting out of control.
I suspect, he'll don his Mighty Mouse costume and fly to the rescue and try and enforce the repug minority plan that in no way shape or form addressed the problem. That way he can say he saved the nation from financial collapse.
September 29, 2008 2:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't know if the press is going to buy it. Chris Matthews was on MSNBC saying that McCain just failed his first test of leadership.
September 29, 2008 3:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Actually, he failed his second. His first was Palin.
September 29, 2008 3:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Touche.
September 29, 2008 3:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Actually, "a coffin on top of Reagans coffin", sounds like a good thing.
Can we can bury Reaganomics for once and for all.
September 29, 2008 2:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Agreed.
REAGAN SMASH!
REAGAN SMASH
Reagan sleepy
September 29, 2008 2:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
LOL! That's from Family Guy!
September 29, 2008 3:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is, in a sense, the flip-side of the McCain campaign's efforts to cast Obama as "risky" on national security... the thing that's scaring the heck out of everyone is not terrorism, but the economic meltdown... making it easier to cast McCain as the risky, frightening choice.
Um, I dunno, I think McCain's erratic yet stubborn behavior may mark him as potentially risky on as national security as well.
September 29, 2008 2:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Without a doubt!
September 29, 2008 2:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Remember: it's not "erratic yet stubborn", it's "mavericky".
September 29, 2008 2:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was thinking the very same thing!
September 29, 2008 2:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
In the interest of fairness, there were some Republicans who pushed for it, like Paul Ryan of Wisconsin -- "We're in this moment, and if we fail to do the right thing, Heaven help us."
September 29, 2008 2:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
...as well as 90 Dems voting against it.
September 29, 2008 3:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm wondering if that was a tactic to force a certain number of repugs to vote for it.
September 29, 2008 3:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
The repubs broke it.
But they won't own it.
And they won't fix it.
This will make such a simple, easy to understand ad.
September 29, 2008 2:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Love this comment from the NY Times web site:
#23. - Looks like the Titanic's about to get a really expensive deck chair.
โ Kevin, San Francisco
September 29, 2008 2:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
The more the economy is talked the more it does help Obama. And McWar has less and less time. This week will be again about the economy, and the new numbers of the employment will probably get worse which is not going to help McWar...
McWar is having a more and more difficult time to change the narrative at this point...
Today is another big losing day for McWar. He was claiming yesterday that he was he who had rescued the plan. Now, it appears that the Republicans don't buy his leadership...
September 29, 2008 2:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
The Republicans just took complete ownership of the coming recession/depression.
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/09/john-mccain-pulled-up-his-susp.php
September 29, 2008 2:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
True enough. It will be interesting to see how the MSM plays this.
Since 95 Dems didn't vote for it either, it's not a clear cut Republican debacle. Still, they'll probably get the lions share of the blame, which they should.
September 29, 2008 3:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
From what I seen so far on this, the blame is being spread even. In a nutshell: The House Fails To Pass The Bill.
September 29, 2008 3:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
thanks.
September 29, 2008 3:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
I believe they have been painting this as a Peloski-Bu$h initiative and its failure would be the bane of Bu$h and Democrats. So they're dancing in the isles over its' failure. Of course, McCain will weight in and disparage the Democrats for not listening to the House minority plan, a plan that was as light as a lead balloon, and was not taken into consideration in the final draft.
September 29, 2008 3:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
If there's a bright side to this mess, it's watching the Republican party cannibalize its own. Who would have imagined these wingnuts turning on the financial services industry and on corporate America in general like this?
September 29, 2008 2:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
I vaguely remember Truman had a similar problem with a repug Congress and he forced them to remain in session. Anyone know the full story? Perhaps it's the only ace Bu$h has up his sleeve to make the House repug toe-the-line and pass the bill or risk staying in session right up to election day.
September 29, 2008 3:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
If being tortured for 5+ years qualifies McCain to be our next president, then there are more than 250 current and former Gitmo detainees from Afganistan who are qualified to be the next Afgan president.
Was John McCain's Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ever treated? We the people are entitled to know what his med records - all of them - say!!
September 29, 2008 3:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
PTSD was a career ender back then; you were considered weak and unfit. So if he was suffering from it, he kept it to himself.
September 29, 2008 3:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
We need leaders, not gamblers.
September 29, 2008 3:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
I looked at the Intrade this morning, McCain's sell off is accelerating.
September 29, 2008 3:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain is a craps shooter. He plays a game where the odds are against him. He keeps doubling up after a loss, unaware that the concept of table limits guarantees that he will eventually lose it all. He keeps thinking that he's just one lucky roll from recovering his losses.
Obama is a poker player. He plays a game that he can win at if he's the better player. When he sees an opportunity to win the antes at low risk, he takes it. When he holds inferior cards, he avoids the major confrontations. And when he's got a good hand, he will make you pay dearly to stay in the pot with him.
I've heard of several past presidents being fair to excellent poker players. Has there ever been a president with a reputation as a craps player?
September 29, 2008 3:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
There's a reason why its called craps.
September 29, 2008 3:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is it possible to get a plan together that Dems can agree on and pass by themselves? Make the Senate Repubs filibuster it!
September 29, 2008 3:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
What a joke. Obama is the high stakes gambler with the security of the country.
Contrary to all the known evidence at the time Obama was willing to risk a high-stakes gamble that Iraq did not have WMDs. He may have been right that time. But it was high stakes gambling nonetheless. And gamblers are never right 100% of the time.
Obama risked the security of the country not on the facts but on what? A hunch? That's leadership?
BTW, what is Obama's plan for the bailout? Oh, that's right, he doesn't have one, just criticism of others'.
September 29, 2008 3:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
What? No racial slurs in a fogu post?
Why havent you called him a big lipped nigger yet?
September 29, 2008 3:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/28/us/politics/28gambling-web.html?_r=1&hp=&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=all&adxnnlx=1222621737-EixlGzoK0Y4JVG12IFjtiQ
September 29, 2008 3:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Brewers are in the playoffs! WooHoo!
Oh sorry, were you saying something?
September 29, 2008 3:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Being correct on the WMD charade was gambling against the correctly.
Everyone who thinks this is Palin territory funny please reply by saying- "LOL"
LOL
September 29, 2008 3:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
I though McCain was able to deliver the GOP House vote. What a fraud.
This morning he was bragging about it.
September 29, 2008 3:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
link?
September 29, 2008 3:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Mitt Romney was on NBC this morning saying it. Man are you a douche
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080929/pl_afp/usvote_080929144550;_ylt=Ag6nlC00hhcp5toDiOoPyaupg9IF
September 29, 2008 3:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
I believe he did exactly what he intended to do and was highly successful.
September 29, 2008 3:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
And of course let's not forget:
Obama agrees with Bush.
Yup.
Obama agrees with Bush.
September 29, 2008 3:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Your logic works well ..... if you believe in cartoon physics.
September 29, 2008 3:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
So now you're voting for Gingrich?
September 29, 2008 3:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
What's risky would be a Democrat Congress with Obama:
http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=184743
September 29, 2008 3:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey remember when you predicted that McCain would thump Obama in the first debate and it would lead to a free-fall in the polls?
September 29, 2008 3:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
A reasonable assumption. I've said repeatedly that there will be no checks and balances if Obama is elected. Too much power in the hands of one party, regardless of which party, is a recipe for disaster.
September 29, 2008 3:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Risky"?
Hey, you were lecturing me about how the "fundamentals of the economy were sound" just two weeks ago...
September 29, 2008 3:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
How 'bout them dawgs?!!!??!! Guess old St. Mark should've spent more time prepping his team and less time planning everyone's wardrobe.
September 29, 2008 3:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm actually a transplanted Saluki Alumnus, we beat Northern Iowa 27-24...(would've been better if the Bulldogs won too).
September 29, 2008 4:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for voting Democrat back in 06' to "Balance" our government.
September 29, 2008 3:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for voting Democrat back in 06' to "Balance" our government.
September 29, 2008 3:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Pelosi screwed the pooch on this one.
September 29, 2008 3:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is there a transcript of her remarks? I've only seen a small excerpt thus far.
September 29, 2008 3:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Pelosi also said the cost of the bailout "is a number that is staggering, but tells us only the costs of the Bush administration's failed economic policies -- policies built on budgetary recklessness, on an anything-goes mentality, with no regulation, no supervision, and no discipline in the system."
And for this they put the country at risk. Big babies.
September 29, 2008 3:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Josh's got them posted on the main page. I didn't see anything overly controversial there. I just think these guys were looking for any reason to bail.
September 29, 2008 3:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Tell us, Fogu...you were on here the other day saying that McCain was the leader - that he had delivered the deal and was going to walk in to the debate as a conquering hero. How'd that prediction work out for you?
September 29, 2008 3:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Let me tell you something you fuckwit -I wouldn't care if Obama agreed with Adolf fucking Hitler if Hitler had the plan to stop the fall -
I would like to see the thing brought under control before we really crash and I don't give one shit where the idea that stops it comes from.
God can you ever stop thinking about stupid political points?
September 29, 2008 3:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
It would suck to be in the McCain camp right now. I can see Steve Schnidt right now asking Rick Davis, "Why does God love BO so much?"
September 29, 2008 3:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
{{chuckle}}
Kind of amazing, innit?
:)
September 29, 2008 3:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Newt Gingrich: "PALIN IS BIG GAMBLE" !! Sarah NOT READY! George Will: "This Was Avoidable" !!!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=RAKjJOnVD60
September 29, 2008 3:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Where's the person who was quoting Newt at me last night about political suicide?
Hahahahaha!!!!
September 29, 2008 3:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
What's is soooo sickening is that the Repubs are saying they voted against the country's best interest because Pelosi hurt their feelings.
September 29, 2008 3:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, here's some Peptol Bismol for you, from Time's Michael Scherer:
If Scherer of Time is asking this, others in MSM will be asking, as well.
September 29, 2008 3:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
When has Bill Kristol ever been right about anything?
;)
September 29, 2008 3:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
I hope the whole country hears that.
This was a big fucking mistake by the Repugs, IMO. I guess we'll see, but I think they've guaranteed us more big problems until we can stop the slide.
I thought it had stopped but it hasn't and it's very scary.
September 29, 2008 3:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
That was supposed to be a reply to acamus about the Whiny Ass Titty Baby Repugs.
September 29, 2008 3:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
So, as revenge they'll let the economy tank possibly causing people to lose their jobs and their life savings? Nice. That kind of says everything that needs to be said about today's Republican party.
September 29, 2008 3:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
I feel I should preface this with the fact that this is my first post, although I've been tethered to TPM and its comments for a long time.
I'm a small business owner in Richmond, VA and am lucky that my customer base is largely liberal and save me from dealing with conservative/republican folks on a daily basis.
That said, here in Richmond the economy SUCKS HARD, and people are in trouble. Wachovia was one of the biggest players here and as of the past couple months they've been phasing out to St. Louis, and then today the partial buyout. Medium to large sized companies are shutting down, most recently our Renoylds plant closed leaving 500 people out of a job.
It infuriates me that the Republicans are playing games with this shit. Its not that I think the bailout will solve things soon, or at all, or that its even a solid plan. but to do nothing and blame it on some petty bullshit is a slap in the face to everybody working their asses off right now. Can I please not deliver my sales tax this month, because I feel VA doesnt appreciate it enough? Can I not pay my employee b/c he liked a movie and i didnt? fucking please.
September 29, 2008 3:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
If that is the reason the Republicans bailed, I agree, they are being childish. Still Pelosi set herself up for this by giving a highly partisan speech at a critical moment. She gave the Repubs the excuse they needed to vote no.
She has good qualities, but she's not been the most effective Leader.
September 29, 2008 4:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain's sell-off is accelerating, while Obama's trades are still moving higher.
September 29, 2008 3:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
PPP NC Poll
Obama 47 McCain 45
http://publicpolicypolling.blogspot.com/2008/09/obama-takes-lead-in-north-carolina.html
September 29, 2008 3:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Chuck Todd agreed with this movement this morning, moving N.C. Obama's way.
September 29, 2008 4:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here's what McCain staff and surrogates were saying before the vote:
September 29, 2008 3:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
What? No racial slurs in a fogu post?
Why havent you called him a big lipped nigger yet?
Posted by Tyler Oakley
Because fogu is deferring to McCain's useing that line in the last debate,,,, unless, of course, Obama is 67 +/- in the polls and intrade before then.
September 29, 2008 4:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
What? No racial slurs in a fogu post?
Why havent you called him a big lipped nigger yet?
Posted by Tyler Oakley
Because fogu is deferring to McCain's useing that line in the last debate,,,, unless, of course, Obama is 67 +/- in the polls and intrade before then.
September 29, 2008 4:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
I am really glad to see Obama picking up on Snake-Eyes McCain's gambling addiction. I suspect McCain's grandstanding last week is what made them decide they could get some traction on it.
September 29, 2008 4:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
I just finished sewing up my mattress after stuffing my life savings inside.
Speaking of gambling - Maybe Cindy can buy these Chessex Black Velvet Head dice for the old man - Only $2.25. Cindy will have to pay for them, the govt can't afford it.
http://kingzombie.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9&products_id=220
The have a cute black/pink version for Sarah - She can wear them for Thursday's debate - if she shows
September 29, 2008 5:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
When will Ram stop skewing the dam numbers. It's starting to irk my nerves.
September 29, 2008 9:44 PM | Reply | Permalink