We'd LOVE to see Nancy stay as minority leader...we'd love have her to kick around for another two years...and it would allow us keep pinning all the liberal moves on the Obama, Reid, Pelosi team that is already known for dirty dealing, corruption and moves towards socialism.....If I were Obama I'd tell her it's time to go home and sit in the rocker on the porch of the winery!!!!
In the Wake of Tuesday's Shellacking, the Current Speaker May Remain in Congress and in Leadership
By JONATHAN KARL November 4, 2010
In the wake of Tuesday's shellacking, outgoing Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, has been widely expected to step down as the Democratic leader and leave Congress.
Not so fast.
High-level Democratic sources in the House tell ABC News Pelosi is seriously considering staying in Congress and running for the position of minority leader.
Pelosi is methodically calling every Democratic House member who won on Tuesday, as well as many who lost, sources tell ABC News. In the process, she is weighing her options and gauging her support.
Some of Pelosi's closest allies are encouraging her to stay and to lead the Democratic effort to win back their majority. Those encouraging her are arguing, in part, that she can unify the progressives in the caucus, and more importantly, that nobody in the House can raise money for the next campaign better than Pelosi.
Rep. Heath Shuler (D-NC), a member of the conservative Democratic Blue Dog coalition, is urging Pelosi not to run and threatening to challenge her if she does. Another member of the Blue Dog coalition, Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT), told Politico that Pelosi should not stay on.
"We just got whupped," he said.
But the Blue Dog coalition was decimated on Tuesday; more than half of its members, 29, lost. Only 28 remain. For the most part, the Democrats who survived Tuesday are the more liberal members, including Pelosi's strongest supporters.
A more serious threat to Pelosi would come from Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), currently the number two Democrat in the House. But Hoyer has previously assured Pelosi – publicly and privately – that he will not run against her. Pelosi and Hoyer had a one-on-one meeting late yesterday that lasted more than 90 minutes. Neither of them will say what was discussed.
Pelosi told ABC's Diane Sawyer in an interview Wednesday that she would let the Democratic caucus decide who would represent them in the House.
"In our caucus, we always do things by consensus. And when we have that consensus, we'll have some announcement to make," Pelosi said.
"I'll have a conversation with my caucus, I'll have a conversation with my family and – pray over it, and decide how – to go forward. But today isn't that day. Today is the day to congratulate John Boehner and the Republicans, to speak and listen to my colleagues who are not coming back. To again, respect the wishes of the American people."
Pelosi added, "It's never been about me. It's about how our caucus goes forward to fight, continue our fight for the middle class."
Today, in an interview with The Huffington Post, Pelosi said she remains on the fence about her future.
"I've gotten a positive response, but I haven't gone to a place where I've made a decision about that," she said. "Only today have I even looked at messages or anything that relate to me from ... members, friends, progressives ... And of course the ones you will hear from are the ones who want you to run. ... But I'll be very honest with you, it hasn't been something I've -- maybe tonight when I get home and after everybody goes to sleep and start reading the memos and calling people if it's not too late -- or at least I can call the West Coast, then I'll have more of an appraisal of it. But that's a subject for what comes next."
Friday, November 5, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Obama and the Democrats DO NOT GET IT!
Obama and the Democrats DON'T GET IT.....McConnell and Boehner get it...they are talking right, but they have to stand tough!
Obama Invites GOP Leaders to White House; McConnell Remains Defiant
Published November 04, 2010 | FoxNews.com
President Obama and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Saying he got the message from voters, President Obama invited Republican and Democratic leaders of Congress to the White House after he returns from his trip to Asia to discuss the economy, tax cuts and unemployment insurance.
Following a Cabinet meeting, Obama told reporters he invited presumptive House Speaker John Boehner and top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell to meet with him on Nov. 18. The meeting is also to include current House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
The president said he wants the bipartisan meeting to be a substantive discussion on the economy. He also wants the Senate to pass a nuclear-arms treaty with Russia during an upcoming lame-duck session.
"I think it's clear that the voters sent a message, which is, they want us to focus on the economy and jobs and moving this country forward," the president said. "They're concerned about making sure that taxpayer money is not wasted, and they want to change the tone here in Washington, where the two parties are coming together and focusing on the people's business as opposed to scoring political points."
McConnell, who spoke at the Heritage Foundation on Thursday, caught flak for saying after Tuesday's election that his primary objective now is to convince voters to remove Obama from office in 2012.
Acknowledging the conflict that followed, McConnell said Thursday that aside from repealing and replacing the health care law, Republicans' primary legislative goals are to end bailouts, cut spending and shrink the size and scope of government.
"The only way to do all these things it is to put someone in the White House who won’t veto any of these things. We can hope the president will start listening to the electorate after Tuesday’s election. But we can't plan on it," he said.
McConnell said Republicans will provide a firewall to Democrats trying to raise taxes on any American "especially in the middle of a recession."
"We will loudly oppose future stimulus bills that only stimulate the deficit and fight any further job-killing regulations," he said. "We will fight tooth and nail on behalf of Americans struggling to find and create jobs."
"The formula is simple, really," he said. "When the administration agrees with the American people, we will agree with the administration. If the administration wants cooperation, it will have to begin to move in our direction."
The administration appears to be moving in the Republican direction on one issue: the Bush tax cuts.
White House chief spokesman Robert Gibbs said Thursday that Obama is open to some kind of compromise on the Bush tax cuts. Republicans want to extend them for all Americans, including the wealthy, while Obama favors limiting them to individuals making $200,000 and less and families earning $250,000 and less.
Obama is willing to extend tax cuts for all Americans for one or two years, Gibbs said.
While it remains to be seen whether both sides can work together on other issues, the president sounded an optimistic tone in his remarks.
"People are still catching their breath from the election. The dust is still settling," Obama said. "But the one thing I'm absolutely certain of is the American people don't want us just standing still. They don't want us engaged in gridlock. They want us to do the people's business, partly because they understand that the world is not standing still."
Boehner on Thursday released his new leadership document, "Pillars of a New Majority," which compiles five major speeches he gave earlier this year as Republicans geared up to seize a majority in the House.
In the foreword, Boehner writes that Obama has to decide "whether he will heed the will of the people and work with us to address their concerns, or continue on a path the people have rejected."
"If he joins us in listening to the people and acknowledges their demand for smaller, more accountable government, much can be achieved," he writes.
While Obama was clearly humbled by Tuesday's devastating setback, he still struck a defiant tone at a White House press conference Wednesday.
"No one party will be able to dictate where we go from here," he said in a clear warning to Republicans that he won't simply bow to their demands for a sharply conservative switch in economic policy.
Obama Invites GOP Leaders to White House; McConnell Remains Defiant
Published November 04, 2010 | FoxNews.com
President Obama and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Saying he got the message from voters, President Obama invited Republican and Democratic leaders of Congress to the White House after he returns from his trip to Asia to discuss the economy, tax cuts and unemployment insurance.
Following a Cabinet meeting, Obama told reporters he invited presumptive House Speaker John Boehner and top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell to meet with him on Nov. 18. The meeting is also to include current House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
The president said he wants the bipartisan meeting to be a substantive discussion on the economy. He also wants the Senate to pass a nuclear-arms treaty with Russia during an upcoming lame-duck session.
"I think it's clear that the voters sent a message, which is, they want us to focus on the economy and jobs and moving this country forward," the president said. "They're concerned about making sure that taxpayer money is not wasted, and they want to change the tone here in Washington, where the two parties are coming together and focusing on the people's business as opposed to scoring political points."
McConnell, who spoke at the Heritage Foundation on Thursday, caught flak for saying after Tuesday's election that his primary objective now is to convince voters to remove Obama from office in 2012.
Acknowledging the conflict that followed, McConnell said Thursday that aside from repealing and replacing the health care law, Republicans' primary legislative goals are to end bailouts, cut spending and shrink the size and scope of government.
"The only way to do all these things it is to put someone in the White House who won’t veto any of these things. We can hope the president will start listening to the electorate after Tuesday’s election. But we can't plan on it," he said.
McConnell said Republicans will provide a firewall to Democrats trying to raise taxes on any American "especially in the middle of a recession."
"We will loudly oppose future stimulus bills that only stimulate the deficit and fight any further job-killing regulations," he said. "We will fight tooth and nail on behalf of Americans struggling to find and create jobs."
"The formula is simple, really," he said. "When the administration agrees with the American people, we will agree with the administration. If the administration wants cooperation, it will have to begin to move in our direction."
The administration appears to be moving in the Republican direction on one issue: the Bush tax cuts.
White House chief spokesman Robert Gibbs said Thursday that Obama is open to some kind of compromise on the Bush tax cuts. Republicans want to extend them for all Americans, including the wealthy, while Obama favors limiting them to individuals making $200,000 and less and families earning $250,000 and less.
Obama is willing to extend tax cuts for all Americans for one or two years, Gibbs said.
While it remains to be seen whether both sides can work together on other issues, the president sounded an optimistic tone in his remarks.
"People are still catching their breath from the election. The dust is still settling," Obama said. "But the one thing I'm absolutely certain of is the American people don't want us just standing still. They don't want us engaged in gridlock. They want us to do the people's business, partly because they understand that the world is not standing still."
Boehner on Thursday released his new leadership document, "Pillars of a New Majority," which compiles five major speeches he gave earlier this year as Republicans geared up to seize a majority in the House.
In the foreword, Boehner writes that Obama has to decide "whether he will heed the will of the people and work with us to address their concerns, or continue on a path the people have rejected."
"If he joins us in listening to the people and acknowledges their demand for smaller, more accountable government, much can be achieved," he writes.
While Obama was clearly humbled by Tuesday's devastating setback, he still struck a defiant tone at a White House press conference Wednesday.
"No one party will be able to dictate where we go from here," he said in a clear warning to Republicans that he won't simply bow to their demands for a sharply conservative switch in economic policy.
Barack and "Dirty" Harry Reid still don't Get It!
Obama and "Dirty" Harry Reid still are not listening to the American People....the strong message sent by the American People evidently hasn't been received or like in the past they just don't give a damn what the American People want!!!!
White House Signals Obama Open to Compromise on Bush Tax Cuts Extension
Published November 04, 2010
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs signaled Thursday that the president is open to compromise on the Bush tax cuts, saying he expects a "big chunk" of the looming lame-duck session to be spent tackling that issue.
Congress adjourned before the election without taking action on the cuts, as Republicans insisted on extending them for all income levels and Democratic leaders pushed for a middle-class only extension. President Obama, reacting to his party's historic losses in Congress on Election Day, said Wednesday that he's "absolutely" willing to negotiate on the issue.
Gibbs said Thursday that the president still does not want to permanently extend the tax cuts, set to expire at the end of the year, for wealthy Americans. But that would leave open the possibility of a temporary extension for the wealthy, alongside a more permanent extension for the middle class.
"Obviously ... making those tax cuts for the upper end permanent is something that the president does not believe is a good idea," Gibbs said. "But this is something that I presume will take up a big chunk of the lame duck congressional session."
He also said the issue could dominate a meeting the president has invited congressional leaders from both parties to on Nov. 18.
"He's certainly willing to listen to both sides," Gibbs said.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, after watching Republicans pick up six seats in the Senate, also suggested he's willing to budge on the tax cuts, though he said a permanent extension for everybody "won't happen."
"We're not ostriches with our head in the sand some place," he said. "We're willing to pull our head out and look around if they have some better ideas."
White House Signals Obama Open to Compromise on Bush Tax Cuts Extension
Published November 04, 2010
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs signaled Thursday that the president is open to compromise on the Bush tax cuts, saying he expects a "big chunk" of the looming lame-duck session to be spent tackling that issue.
Congress adjourned before the election without taking action on the cuts, as Republicans insisted on extending them for all income levels and Democratic leaders pushed for a middle-class only extension. President Obama, reacting to his party's historic losses in Congress on Election Day, said Wednesday that he's "absolutely" willing to negotiate on the issue.
Gibbs said Thursday that the president still does not want to permanently extend the tax cuts, set to expire at the end of the year, for wealthy Americans. But that would leave open the possibility of a temporary extension for the wealthy, alongside a more permanent extension for the middle class.
"Obviously ... making those tax cuts for the upper end permanent is something that the president does not believe is a good idea," Gibbs said. "But this is something that I presume will take up a big chunk of the lame duck congressional session."
He also said the issue could dominate a meeting the president has invited congressional leaders from both parties to on Nov. 18.
"He's certainly willing to listen to both sides," Gibbs said.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, after watching Republicans pick up six seats in the Senate, also suggested he's willing to budge on the tax cuts, though he said a permanent extension for everybody "won't happen."
"We're not ostriches with our head in the sand some place," he said. "We're willing to pull our head out and look around if they have some better ideas."
Great Advice from the Heritage Foundation for Republicans to follow to START to get spending/the deficit under control!
Get To Work On Spending Cuts
On October 15, 2008, well after the financial collapse had begun, President Barack Obama promised the American people during the third presidential debate: "What I've done throughout this campaign is to propose a net spending cut." The verdict is out on how many Americans believed President Obama then, but the verdict is in on his first two years in office: instead of a net spending cut, federal spending has exploded. Since 2008, federal spending has surged from $25,000 to $30,000 per household. And under President Obama's budget it would reach $36,000 per household by 2020. Even if Congress allowed President Obama's preferred tax hikes to become law, his budget would double the national debt to more than $20 trillion by 2020.
With these facts in mind, CBS News' Chip Reid asked the President yesterday: "Republicans say more than anything else what this election was about was spending. ... Do you accept the fact that any kind of spending to create jobs is dead at this point?" The President responded: "I think the American people are absolutely concerned about spending and debt -- and deficits." Good for the President for acknowledging these concerns. But after providing lip service to concerns about spending the President then went on to talk about all the "investments" he wanted to make in supertrains, supercomputers, and Singapore's airport. The President just can't help himself: he is addicted to federal spending. And it is the next Congress' job to make him to stop.
Congress must craft a solution for our nation's long term entitlement spending problems. But our nation's economy also needs a strong signal that this Congress is serious about cutting spending now. That will let job creators know that their taxes are not destined to be higher. Specifically, Congress must Get to Work immediately:
Stop Digging: Any new unemployment assistance should be offset by spending cuts elsewhere. Any remaining unobligated TARP funds should be rescinded before they can be allocated to new spending. Most important, lawmakers must repeal Obamacare, a ticking spending and deficit time bomb.
Freeze Spending: Congress must by law ensure that the total amount of discretionary budget authority for the Federal Government in fiscal year 2011 cannot exceed the total amount in fiscal year 2010.
Cut Spending: Congress must immediately cut at least $170 billion from the federal budget (CBO baseline) for fiscal year 2012. This is only a significant and plausible first step – more will be necessary.
Ban Corporate Welfare: Lawmakers should reform America’s largest corporate welfare program—farm subsidies, which are overwhelmingly distributed to large, profitable agribusinesses rather than struggling family farmers. Other corporate welfare programs like the Technology Innovation Program should be eliminated.
Bring Federal Pay in Line with the Private Sector: Congress should bring equity to federal pay and align federal compensation with market rates. When fully implemented it would save taxpayers approximately $47 billion a year.
Today at 11 AM, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) will give a special address at The Heritage Foundation (you can watch his remarks live on Facebook, here). According to his office, Sen. McConnell will make his own spending promise to the American people: "We will vote to freeze and cut discretionary spending. We will fight to make sure that any spending bill that reaches the Senate floor is amendable, so members can vote for the spending cuts Americans are asking for. We will push to bring up and vote for House passed spending rescission bills."
This is a good start. But it is just that: a start. The conservative movement, the Tea Party, and the American people must be vigilant. We must pay close attention to what this Congress does and be prepared to hold them accountable. That is why The Heritage Foundation has created the Solutions for America: Get to Work checklist. The first item on the list: Freeze and Cut Spending. This is part of a five part series outlining the five overriding actions, representing the BARE MINIMUM REQUIRED for Congress to fulfill its electoral mandate. You can download and print all of the "Get to Work" fact sheets and checklist, here.
On October 15, 2008, well after the financial collapse had begun, President Barack Obama promised the American people during the third presidential debate: "What I've done throughout this campaign is to propose a net spending cut." The verdict is out on how many Americans believed President Obama then, but the verdict is in on his first two years in office: instead of a net spending cut, federal spending has exploded. Since 2008, federal spending has surged from $25,000 to $30,000 per household. And under President Obama's budget it would reach $36,000 per household by 2020. Even if Congress allowed President Obama's preferred tax hikes to become law, his budget would double the national debt to more than $20 trillion by 2020.
With these facts in mind, CBS News' Chip Reid asked the President yesterday: "Republicans say more than anything else what this election was about was spending. ... Do you accept the fact that any kind of spending to create jobs is dead at this point?" The President responded: "I think the American people are absolutely concerned about spending and debt -- and deficits." Good for the President for acknowledging these concerns. But after providing lip service to concerns about spending the President then went on to talk about all the "investments" he wanted to make in supertrains, supercomputers, and Singapore's airport. The President just can't help himself: he is addicted to federal spending. And it is the next Congress' job to make him to stop.
Congress must craft a solution for our nation's long term entitlement spending problems. But our nation's economy also needs a strong signal that this Congress is serious about cutting spending now. That will let job creators know that their taxes are not destined to be higher. Specifically, Congress must Get to Work immediately:
Stop Digging: Any new unemployment assistance should be offset by spending cuts elsewhere. Any remaining unobligated TARP funds should be rescinded before they can be allocated to new spending. Most important, lawmakers must repeal Obamacare, a ticking spending and deficit time bomb.
Freeze Spending: Congress must by law ensure that the total amount of discretionary budget authority for the Federal Government in fiscal year 2011 cannot exceed the total amount in fiscal year 2010.
Cut Spending: Congress must immediately cut at least $170 billion from the federal budget (CBO baseline) for fiscal year 2012. This is only a significant and plausible first step – more will be necessary.
Ban Corporate Welfare: Lawmakers should reform America’s largest corporate welfare program—farm subsidies, which are overwhelmingly distributed to large, profitable agribusinesses rather than struggling family farmers. Other corporate welfare programs like the Technology Innovation Program should be eliminated.
Bring Federal Pay in Line with the Private Sector: Congress should bring equity to federal pay and align federal compensation with market rates. When fully implemented it would save taxpayers approximately $47 billion a year.
Today at 11 AM, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) will give a special address at The Heritage Foundation (you can watch his remarks live on Facebook, here). According to his office, Sen. McConnell will make his own spending promise to the American people: "We will vote to freeze and cut discretionary spending. We will fight to make sure that any spending bill that reaches the Senate floor is amendable, so members can vote for the spending cuts Americans are asking for. We will push to bring up and vote for House passed spending rescission bills."
This is a good start. But it is just that: a start. The conservative movement, the Tea Party, and the American people must be vigilant. We must pay close attention to what this Congress does and be prepared to hold them accountable. That is why The Heritage Foundation has created the Solutions for America: Get to Work checklist. The first item on the list: Freeze and Cut Spending. This is part of a five part series outlining the five overriding actions, representing the BARE MINIMUM REQUIRED for Congress to fulfill its electoral mandate. You can download and print all of the "Get to Work" fact sheets and checklist, here.
"Dirty" Harry Reid....Elections have consequences Harry and YOUR PARTY LOST
"Dirty" Harry Reid....you need to understand....elections have concequences and YOUR party LOST!....Now you have to come to the Republican Partys position or you are right...Nothing will happend!!!!....It's your choice...
Senate Dems warn GOP not to block legislation
By J. Taylor Rushing - 11/03/10 03:46 PM ET
The top three Senate Democrats said the onus was on the newly strengthened GOP conference to cooperate on legislation next year.
Republicans picked up six Senate seats Tuesday night, not enough to take control of the chamber, but the new numbers will make it harder for Democrats to get the necessary 60 votes to proceed on controversial legislation.
Majority Leader Harry Reid (Nev.), Majority Whip Dick Durbin (Ill.) and Democratic Conference Vice Chairman Charles Schumer (N.Y.) pledged in a conference call with reporters Wednesday to work with the Republicans but also emphasized the GOP’s responsibility to not block legislation.
Reid, especially, renewed a threat he made before, that Republicans must stop obstructing and start cooperating. The majority leader, who survived a close reelection battle, said he spoke early Wednesday afternoon with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).
“Republicans must take their responsibility to solve the problems of ordinary Americans,” Reid said. “Simply saying ‘no,’ as we’ve had this past Congress … won’t bring jobs back. It won’t strengthen the economy, and it won’t help families who are struggling to make ends meet. ‘No’ is not the answer. It has to be ‘yes.’ Not our ‘yes,’ but a combined ‘yes,’ something we work out — a consensus ‘yes.’”
“Playing to a draw in the United States Senate for political score is not acceptable to the American people,” added Durbin. “We need to work together. The Senate will be the crucible for some of the most important issues of our day.”
Specifically, Schumer said the 112th Congress will “focus on the middle class like a laser,” and he expects, as per tradition, Republicans will insist on tax cuts and Democrats will defend spending on infrastructure. However, Schumer also acknowledged Democrats “don’t have the monopoly on knowledge.”
Asked about the lame-duck session scheduled to start Nov. 15, Reid said “a number of issues” could be taken up and he has begun talks with McConnell on the agenda.
Pointedly, however, Reid signaled Democrats would likely vote against a wholesale extension of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts signed by President George W. Bush, which expire at the end of the year. Democrats would agree to extending the cuts for middle-class families, Reid said, but allowing them for wealthy Americans “is not going to happen” because it would cost $4 trillion.
President Obama has pressed for the cuts to be extended for families making $250,000 or less, while Republicans want an across-the-board extension.
Pressed on how Congress could function in a divided state in 2011, with a Republican-controlled House and Democratic-controlled Senate, Reid repeated that the answer lies with GOP leaders.
“When this government was set up in the 18th century, they knew that there would be problems … This has all happened before,” he said. “The message I repeat today is that the ball is in their court.
“Fifty-three (seats), over my long time in the Senate, is a pretty good majority … We’re comfortable where we are, and we have made the message very clear that we want to work with Republicans. If they’re unwilling to work with us, there’s not a thing we can do about that, but the American people can see that like a very slow curve ball.”
The Senate will have some new members in the lame-duck. The winners of contests in Delaware, West Virginia and Illinois will be sworn-in immediately. Democrats held two of the seats with Chris Coons (D) winning in Delaware and Joe Manchin (D) winning in West Virginia, but Republicans took Illinois with a win by Rep. Mark Kirk.
Senate Dems warn GOP not to block legislation
By J. Taylor Rushing - 11/03/10 03:46 PM ET
The top three Senate Democrats said the onus was on the newly strengthened GOP conference to cooperate on legislation next year.
Republicans picked up six Senate seats Tuesday night, not enough to take control of the chamber, but the new numbers will make it harder for Democrats to get the necessary 60 votes to proceed on controversial legislation.
Majority Leader Harry Reid (Nev.), Majority Whip Dick Durbin (Ill.) and Democratic Conference Vice Chairman Charles Schumer (N.Y.) pledged in a conference call with reporters Wednesday to work with the Republicans but also emphasized the GOP’s responsibility to not block legislation.
Reid, especially, renewed a threat he made before, that Republicans must stop obstructing and start cooperating. The majority leader, who survived a close reelection battle, said he spoke early Wednesday afternoon with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).
“Republicans must take their responsibility to solve the problems of ordinary Americans,” Reid said. “Simply saying ‘no,’ as we’ve had this past Congress … won’t bring jobs back. It won’t strengthen the economy, and it won’t help families who are struggling to make ends meet. ‘No’ is not the answer. It has to be ‘yes.’ Not our ‘yes,’ but a combined ‘yes,’ something we work out — a consensus ‘yes.’”
“Playing to a draw in the United States Senate for political score is not acceptable to the American people,” added Durbin. “We need to work together. The Senate will be the crucible for some of the most important issues of our day.”
Specifically, Schumer said the 112th Congress will “focus on the middle class like a laser,” and he expects, as per tradition, Republicans will insist on tax cuts and Democrats will defend spending on infrastructure. However, Schumer also acknowledged Democrats “don’t have the monopoly on knowledge.”
Asked about the lame-duck session scheduled to start Nov. 15, Reid said “a number of issues” could be taken up and he has begun talks with McConnell on the agenda.
Pointedly, however, Reid signaled Democrats would likely vote against a wholesale extension of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts signed by President George W. Bush, which expire at the end of the year. Democrats would agree to extending the cuts for middle-class families, Reid said, but allowing them for wealthy Americans “is not going to happen” because it would cost $4 trillion.
President Obama has pressed for the cuts to be extended for families making $250,000 or less, while Republicans want an across-the-board extension.
Pressed on how Congress could function in a divided state in 2011, with a Republican-controlled House and Democratic-controlled Senate, Reid repeated that the answer lies with GOP leaders.
“When this government was set up in the 18th century, they knew that there would be problems … This has all happened before,” he said. “The message I repeat today is that the ball is in their court.
“Fifty-three (seats), over my long time in the Senate, is a pretty good majority … We’re comfortable where we are, and we have made the message very clear that we want to work with Republicans. If they’re unwilling to work with us, there’s not a thing we can do about that, but the American people can see that like a very slow curve ball.”
The Senate will have some new members in the lame-duck. The winners of contests in Delaware, West Virginia and Illinois will be sworn-in immediately. Democrats held two of the seats with Chris Coons (D) winning in Delaware and Joe Manchin (D) winning in West Virginia, but Republicans took Illinois with a win by Rep. Mark Kirk.
Obama...Still nothing but an Arrogant Elitist that is again Wasting American Taxpayer Dollars!
And this is from a President that just yesterday said "He is in touch with pain of the American People"...but today he's out there spending tons of taxpayer money taking this grand trip....40 military planes, 5 GM Limos, Renting out the WHOLE Taj Hotel (some 800 rooms), taking 3000 people....Is this guy NUTS?????....Now we learn we are redeploying 34 warships to the area....If this place is that dangerous he shouldn't be going there!!!!
Obama remains totally out of touch of reality!....It's again obvious he will NOT change after the midterms...he is simply an arrogant elitist that is going to take his ride as President for every nickel and dime he can get out of the taxpayers pockets....What a DISGRACE!
2012 Can't come soon enough when we can get him out of office for good!
34 warships sent from US for Obama visit
Press Trust of India, Updated: November 04, 2010 19:04 IST
New Delhi: The White House will, of course, stay in Washington but the heart of the famous building will move to India when President Barack Obama lands in Mumbai on Saturday.
Communications set-up, nuclear button, a fleet of limousines and majority of the White House staff will be in India accompanying the President on this three-day visit that will cover Mumbai and Delhi.
He will also be protected by a fleet of 34 warships, including an aircraft carrier, which will patrol the sea lanes off the Mumbai coast during his two-day stay there beginning Saturday. The measure has been taken as Mumbai attack in 2008 took place from the sea.
Arrangements have been put in place for emergency evacuation, if needed.
Obama is expected to fly by a helicopter -- Marine One -- from the city airport to the Indian Navy's helibase INS Shikra at Colaba in south Mumbai.
From there, he will drive down in Lincoln Continental -- the Presidential limousine -- to the nearby the Taj Hotel.
Two jets, armed with advanced communication and security systems, and a fleet of over 40 cars will be part of Obamas convoy.
Around 800 rooms have been booked for the President and his entourage in Taj Hotel and Hyatt.
The President will have a security ring of American elite Secret Service, which are tasked to guard the President, along with National Security Guards (NSG) and personnel from central paramilitary forces and local police in Mumbai and Delhi.
Similar arrangements will be in place in Delhi, with the Air Force One to be kept in all readiness throughout Obama's stay here from Sunday afternoon to Tuesday morning.
Maurya Hotel, where the President will stay, has already been swarmed by American security personnel and protective measures have been put in place.
Security drills are already been carried out at the hotel as well as Rajghat which he will visit.
Sources said 13 heavy-lift aircraft with high-tech equipment, three helicopters and 500 US security personnel have arrived in India ahead of Obama's visit.
The US security has also brought interception and obstruction device, sniffer dogs, rescue gadgets.
Apart from Obama's Air Force One, a few private luxury jets carrying top American corporate leaders, who are part of Obama entourage, are also expected to arrive in India in next 2-3 days.
All high-rise buildings in the vicinity of Mumbai's Taj Mahal hotel and Delhi's Maurya Sheraton hotel, where the US President will stay, are being sanitised and security personnel will be positioned on rooftops to prevent any air-borne attack.
The Ridge area - opposite Delhi's Maurya Sheraton hotel - has been illuminated by floodlights as part of the heightened security drill.
The Home Ministry has already issued an alert for Mumbai and Delhi asking authorities to take extra precautions during Obama's visit as well as on Diwali on Friday.
Obama remains totally out of touch of reality!....It's again obvious he will NOT change after the midterms...he is simply an arrogant elitist that is going to take his ride as President for every nickel and dime he can get out of the taxpayers pockets....What a DISGRACE!
2012 Can't come soon enough when we can get him out of office for good!
34 warships sent from US for Obama visit
Press Trust of India, Updated: November 04, 2010 19:04 IST
New Delhi: The White House will, of course, stay in Washington but the heart of the famous building will move to India when President Barack Obama lands in Mumbai on Saturday.
Communications set-up, nuclear button, a fleet of limousines and majority of the White House staff will be in India accompanying the President on this three-day visit that will cover Mumbai and Delhi.
He will also be protected by a fleet of 34 warships, including an aircraft carrier, which will patrol the sea lanes off the Mumbai coast during his two-day stay there beginning Saturday. The measure has been taken as Mumbai attack in 2008 took place from the sea.
Arrangements have been put in place for emergency evacuation, if needed.
Obama is expected to fly by a helicopter -- Marine One -- from the city airport to the Indian Navy's helibase INS Shikra at Colaba in south Mumbai.
From there, he will drive down in Lincoln Continental -- the Presidential limousine -- to the nearby the Taj Hotel.
Two jets, armed with advanced communication and security systems, and a fleet of over 40 cars will be part of Obamas convoy.
Around 800 rooms have been booked for the President and his entourage in Taj Hotel and Hyatt.
The President will have a security ring of American elite Secret Service, which are tasked to guard the President, along with National Security Guards (NSG) and personnel from central paramilitary forces and local police in Mumbai and Delhi.
Similar arrangements will be in place in Delhi, with the Air Force One to be kept in all readiness throughout Obama's stay here from Sunday afternoon to Tuesday morning.
Maurya Hotel, where the President will stay, has already been swarmed by American security personnel and protective measures have been put in place.
Security drills are already been carried out at the hotel as well as Rajghat which he will visit.
Sources said 13 heavy-lift aircraft with high-tech equipment, three helicopters and 500 US security personnel have arrived in India ahead of Obama's visit.
The US security has also brought interception and obstruction device, sniffer dogs, rescue gadgets.
Apart from Obama's Air Force One, a few private luxury jets carrying top American corporate leaders, who are part of Obama entourage, are also expected to arrive in India in next 2-3 days.
All high-rise buildings in the vicinity of Mumbai's Taj Mahal hotel and Delhi's Maurya Sheraton hotel, where the US President will stay, are being sanitised and security personnel will be positioned on rooftops to prevent any air-borne attack.
The Ridge area - opposite Delhi's Maurya Sheraton hotel - has been illuminated by floodlights as part of the heightened security drill.
The Home Ministry has already issued an alert for Mumbai and Delhi asking authorities to take extra precautions during Obama's visit as well as on Diwali on Friday.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Barney Frank....Still an ASS!
What can you say other than Barney Frank is an ASS.....He must make those that voted for him so proud!
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