No wonder McCain's campaign went tits up.

Watching part of McCain's performance on the floor of the Senate last night it's clear he's drifted even farther into his "Get the hell off my lawn!" mode. He's just playing scenes with himself. Obama doesn't need him and his own party wants to blame him (and Bush) for their pummeling. So unless it's a 1-vote margin and his vote is desperately required, the man is irrelevant.

So unless it's a 1-vote margin and his vote is desperately required, the man is irrelevant.
#2 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis

Its really sad that you're treated as irrelevant in the United States Senate unless your vote is needed... not that McCain isn't an ornery old curmudgeon or anything.

the man is irrelevant

----

So you're ok with all the earmarks?

HAGBARD -

I'd agree, there is more than a little pathos in John McCain's story. JFK spoke of stark reality when recounting, "Victory has a thousands fathers, but defeat is an orphan." So, quite often, are the defeated. Whatever anger McCain might've had before the presidential campaign has probably only been magnified by his defeat last November.

So you're ok with all the earmarks?

My favorite part of all this is that the Republicans, percentage wise, (wrt numbers in the Senate) have more in earmarks than the Democrats, but still have their "NO!" vote on record.

Nothing like taking a "principled" stand and getting your projects paid.

By all means, rush this one too so the Messiah can sign it on Friday. The only good news is that the stock market won't tank on Saturday.

So you're ok with all the earmarks?

#4 | Posted by Pirate

I don't particularly love the pork in this bill. However, a couple of points should be made (or were already made).

The omnibus bill does stem from the previous administration. I think Obama just wants to get it out of the way and get a fresh start.

By the way, the bill to require that the names of sponsors of earmarks be made public was originally co-sponsored by Obama. Congress failed to pass it.

He will be proposing new earmark regulations this week for bills going forward. We'll see how much push-back he gets from Congress on them.

While the idea of vetoing the bill makes a great talking point and sounds real good on a blog, I'm not sure that in reality it would actually be helpful in this economic climate.

I think Obama just wants to get it out of the way and get a fresh start.
Posted by SanAntonioRogue

I sure as hell wouldn't define that as Leadership / Change.

#5 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis

I don't necessarily feel bad for him, per se... more for the system which makes it possible/acceptable to treat a senator that way.

his seat is probably the only thing he has left. his wife would probably leave him as soon as he retired. he's got a few million of his own though, so my empathy will only go so far.

Nothing like taking a "principled" stand and getting your projects paid.
#6 | Posted by YAV

I get you, but I don't necessarily think that its unprincipled to behave this way but more an act of preservation.

There are tax deductions which I don't think are right... but while I voice my objection to them in principle, I take them because to do so would put me at a disadvantage.

I think Obama just wants to get it out of the way and get a fresh start

Just exactly when will anyone start holding this guy responsible?

Oh, riiiiiiigghhhhtttt....never.

Fucking sheep, Bah! Bah!

Fucking sheep, Bah! Bah!

Posted by American1st

Are you under the impression that makes you sound smart, clever, or original? Just curious.

"The Senate voted overwhelmingly to preserve thousands of earmarks in a $410 billion spending bill on Tuesday,...."

CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN

I've said it over and over...changing the person in the Oval Office won't do a whole lot. There are 535 in assholes in Congress with thousands and thousands of staff members and thousands and thousands of employees in the State Department, Treasury, Defense, etc that have been there for decades and will be there long after Obama is gone. The only option the person sitting at the desk in the Oval Desk can do to stop this is to veto and hope it isn't overridden. In this case, it probably will be signed.
(Sigh)...No problem, it's like Chuckie Schumer said, there are just a few little "porkie" things in it..
A FEW!? 8500/9000 are just a FEW!? Remember...we're gonna REELECT 98% of these assholes, a bunch of them next year! There's not gonna be any "Change to believe in" until we can most of 'em.

The omnibus bill does stem from the previous administration. I think Obama just wants to get it out of the way and get a fresh start.

----

So what? It hasn't passed yet and Obama is the President now. His signature is his approval.

we're gonna REELECT 98% of these assholes, a bunch of them next year! There's not gonna be any "Change to believe in" until we can most of 'em.
#14 | Posted by jestgettinalong

The usual retort is... "start with your guys first".

"Just exactly when will anyone start holding this guy responsible?

"Oh, riiiiiiigghhhhtttt....never.

"Fucking sheep, Bah! Bah!"

Posted by American1st at 2009-03-04 08:40 AM

I was listening to NPR this morning and the Dem talking point on Sunday was "This is last years business. We just want to move on."

In other words, don't scrutinize us, and hold us accountable for what Obama pledged. Barack doesn't like to be questioned.

Fucking Unbelievable the pass this guy is getting. And when the pass begins to wear out, those that question him will be deemed racists.

And when the pass begins to wear out, those that question him will be deemed racists.
#19 | Posted by wisgod

Getting a head start, Wisg?

Now that the election's over, the liberals can stop pretending about "business as usual".

The lie every day, and as long as millions of people the likes of which populate this 'blog give them cover, there's no reason for them to change. Ever.

Keep selling. Fraudsters and tax cheats are running the country, with--for now--60% approval ratings. And the direction can only be one way.

Aside from the fact that Obama has broken yet another campaign promise, I'm wondering what the talking point will be in 2010 when he passes another budget full of earmarks. Better start thinking about that today (this means you, AmericanUnity and SanAntonioRogue).

Seems more Dems are becoming unhappy with this bill.

Getting a head start, Wisg?

Posted by Hagbard_Celine

Just practicing.

So the bill from the last administration can't be held accountable under Obama who has to actually sign the POS?

There are millions of earmarks--10 billion plus or minus.

40% from repubs and 60% from dems.

Even under the repubs they had the opposite split for earmarks.

Appears there are millions and millions of pork in this bill for Rahm and Biden requests--who are now in the administration.

If it wasn't so tragic it would be funny.

But it appears some of the wheels are coming off--Feingold, McCaskle, Biyh and two other Dems (?) are poo pooing the earmakrs and want changes.

I'll believe it when I see it.

earmarks

...if the taxpayers had any sense they would commit to defenestration...it is all a bunch of hue!

All these posts whining about evil ear marks. It's politics for simpletons. Pretending that ear marks are a significant part of the bill or that they have anything important to do with whether or not we can restart our economy is just the thinking of those who can't grasp the gargantuan nature of the problems confronting us. These ear marks do not matter except to those who are still pretending that somehow cutting spending will miraculously pull us out of a recession(depression). As usual most folks focus on unimportant side issues instead of the underlying basic economic principles which are necessary to combat the recession. Spending will help end the recession, all spending, it almost doesn't matter what it is spent on. Wars are the most wasteful of all spending but even a war will help our economy because it gets money flowing through the economy. Too many years of "tax cuts" have conditioned so many to the misconception that tax cuts are in and of themselves beneficial to the overall health of the economy.

"Pretending that ear marks are a significant part of the bill "

$32 billion, or 8% of the bill, is made up of earmarks. What percentage or dollar amount would it have to be at before you cared?

Spending will help end the recession, all spending, it almost doesn't matter what it is spent on. - CLUELESS

Who in the hell taught you economics DANNI - you are absolutely so clueless. Your as dumb as a stone. Amazing you keep up the drivel - amazing.

War got us out of the last depression by the way. FDR could not spend his way out. Your a tool, just like the rest of the spenders on capitol hill - on both sides of the aisle.

These ear marks do not matter except to those who are still pretending that somehow cutting spending will miraculously pull us out of a recession(depression).

----

Those earmarks total around $31 billion from what I've read.

Some money goes to pig odor control research and tattoo removal for former gang members.

Quality money being spent there, Danni.

There is $1 million dollars for waste water management in North Pole, Alaska, more than $1 million for so-called Mormon crickets in Utah and $200,000 for tattoo removal in Los Angeles.

"$200,000 for tattoo removal in Los Angeles."

Is Pelosi willing to drive that far to get her eyebrows fixed or will she take her plane?

"$200,000 for tattoo removal in Los Angeles

Now Dubya can get that 'Guckert Was Here' tat removed from his tuchus.

I see no discernible difference between the government now and what it was 6 months ago.

A little less faith based maybe.

The earmarks are the one part of the stimulus package I totally oppose. Especially since, after all this economic collapse, Congress seems to think it is still business as usual. Reality has not yet set in to them, unfortunetly. The worse part is that this pork will put a stigma on the much needed stimulus package. Which is why, though I have a lot of respect for Nancy Pelosi re her success in Congress, I don't see her as a leader, especially not the kind the present times desperately need.

The only good news is that the stock market won't tank on Saturday.

Or today.

s for Obama getting a pass, I'm still waiting for a righty to admit Dubya had the slightest bit of responsibility for 9-11.

In other news, the sun came up again this morning.

I'm waiting for the reichwing to take ANY fucking responsibility for Iraq/Iran, Afghanistan, the economy, etc AT ALL!

#37 | Posted by northguy3

How much did Clinton have?

I'm waiting for the reichwing to take ANY fucking responsibility for Iraq/Iran, Afghanistan, the economy, etc AT ALL!

#39 | Posted by Shawn

You can thank Carter for Iran.

Who wants to vote for a Congressman to represent your city if he can never bring back any pork?

What's wrong with having your Congressman do some wheeling and dealing in D.C. to get some earmark bucks to build a new park or library in your home town? Isn't that the reason most of them get elected anyway -- to bring back as much money from D.C. as possible to help out the people in their District?

McCain always prides himself on "no earmarks ever" but ask the folks who live in Arizona how they feel about having a Senator who never brings a dime in federal funding to help with any projects for the people of Arizona.

"but ask the folks who live in Arizona how they feel about having a Senator who never brings a dime in federal funding"

That's a fallacy. Arizona is one of the states that gets back more than a dollar for every dollar sent to DC. Earmarks are chickenfeed by comparison. Who needs 'em when you're already ahead of the game?

I just read this morning that 'pork' spending went up 64% during the first 6 years of Bush's presidency.

As for Obama getting a pass, I'm still waiting for a righty to admit Dubya had the slightest bit of responsibility for 9-11.
#37 | Posted by northguy3

I just read this morning that 'pork' spending went up 64% during the first 6 years of Bush's presidency.
#44 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY

Sometimes, whenI read you guys posting like this, it makes me ashamed to call myself a liberal.

The way to get a 'fresh start' is to jam this bill back down the throats of Congress and try to stand behind what little credibility he has left from the campaign trail....we lose nothing by him sending it back down...this is really a test of what he stands for from here on out.. to pass it off as 'old business' shows a resounding weakiness on his part and his advisors.... it is not about the amount of earmarks, but the fact of which campaign promises he can make good... sure, there are creditable earmarks at times, but this is a situation where he can make his party just as credible as himself (IF he is for real)....time to back Pelosi down and let her know where she stands..she has only represented a total embarrassment so far

Uh, HCeline

This thread is about "Earmarks" i.e. "Pork" isn't it?

I just like pointing out to the screaming meemie Limbaugh fans what's what.

This thread is about "Earmarks" i.e. "Pork" isn't it?
I just like pointing out to the screaming meemie Limbaugh fans what's what.
#47 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY

That's not it, bro, and you know it. The implication is that their criticism is invalid because... they do it too. It may be hypocritical to be sure, but that doesn't make the criticism invalid because the point can be made by anybody, not just bitter republicans. I'm making it, and nobody here can characterize any of my positions as even close to GOP.

OK I may get laughed at about this one. If so so be it. But Don't Earmarks stimulate the economies of the particular politicians constituencies?? If this is so then how could earmarks be a bad thing?? Help Me out here.

Larry

I just read this morning that 'pork' spending went up 64% during the first 6 years of Bush's presidency.

#44 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY

Was that before or after reviewing the Lake Michigan Ice photos or the Nashville "we're in the top 10 smart" list? Your posts mean the same as what falls out of the north end of a south bound dog.

Lot of love in the room, as Sammy Davis, Jr. would say.

Uh, I never used the phrase "Top 10".

Have a nice day and don't trip over your keyboard LOL

Have a nice day and don't trip over your keyboard LOL

#52 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY

And don't use yours if your going to bullshit and post facts you think someone may challenge.

Nashville is No. 8 nationally for per-capita income growth. ...ranks among America's smartest cities based on highest concentration of college degrees.

#148 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY

Oh sorry, AU. I referenced the wrong bullshit post of yours. 2 bullshit claims in one post are hard to remember. I'm sure you see my frustration...

Lot of love in this room.

If you have an argument with CNN here's their email address:

I just read this morning that 'pork' spending went up 64% during the first 6 years of Bush's presidency.

#44 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY

He'll have a looooooooooooooong way to go to beat Shrub. %6 TRILLION in debt before the $1 TRILLION for AIG, F/F, Goldman-Sachs, and &750,000,000,000 bailout bill.

Has it occurred to you that had regulators been doing their jobs instead of clipping their fingernails the last 8 years we wouldn't even be discussing the measures necessary to bail us out of the financial crisis?

Heck, $1 TRILLION of the national debt Bush added was from tax cuts we borrowed from China to pay for. Iraq may cost another TRILLION.

It's a pity we're even in this mess after Clinton had surpluses the last two years and added only a grand total of $600 BILLION to the national debt, isn't it?

Bottom line: Anyone in the GOP suddenly trying to blame the Democrats for this mess are utter hypocrites.

He'll have a looooooooooooooong way to go to beat Shrub. %6 TRILLION in debt before the $1 TRILLION for AIG, F/F, Goldman-Sachs, and &750,000,000,000 bailout bill.
--AU

Has it occurred to you that had regulators been doing their jobs instead of clipping their fingernails the last 8 years we wouldn't even be discussing the measures necessary to bail us out of the financial crisis?
--AU

Bottom line: Anyone in the GOP suddenly trying to blame the Democrats for this mess are utter hypocrites.

#58 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2009-03-05 12:40 AM

That said, to dismiss criticism of democrat policy because republicans were failures in their own right is the same hypocrisy you decry.

LIVE or DIE

No, that comment wasn't aimed at you.

Personally, after only 44 days, I'm withholding opinion on anything the Democrats do. First they have a huge mess to try to dig us out from under before the pile gets even higher and we can't.

Policy at this point is totally focused on the economy as far as discussions go. What about other policies now being formented such as requiring the Defense Dept. and other government contracts cease "cost plus" contracts that start as, say, $10 billion and end up costing $50 billion in the end?

There are a lot of other policy changes being made that seem pragmatic in their effort to restore rationality. In the case I just cited, if a contractor bid $50,000 to remodel my house and then somehow tried to add on cost after cost overruns until it ended up totaling $250,000, I'd have his balls in a sling in court.

In one year alone he's setting himself up for a deficit that's nearly a quarter of Bush's debt over the last 8.

THIS year's deficit, $1.3 TRILLION, is under Bush's last budget, which will still be his budget until October.

It's a bitch so many people are out of work and revenues will be less at the same time we have to spend trillions trying to keep the economy from going into a free fall.

Perhaps if Paulson had seen fit to share his dire warnings more than three days before he pronounced the imminent collapse of the economy we'd have had time to look at easier treatments before the patient was on life support.

No, that comment wasn't aimed at you.

#61 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY

BTW I'm wiping out the second half of my southern host bottle; I apologize if any of this comes off as drunken rage!

No apology necessary

You know what they say about talking religion or politics anyway .... LOL

The omnibus bill does stem from the previous administration. I think Obama just wants to get it out of the way and get a fresh start.

----

So what? It hasn't passed yet and Obama is the President now. His signature is his approval.

#15 | Posted by Pirate

You guys REALLY can't be that dense. Why would he want ANOTHER fight right now, when there is so much pressing work to be done on the NEW budget and the stimulus/bailout? Be serious. I know that you NEED to find fault with him, but pick something that doesn't make you sound like such obvious partisan hacks, (Wisdog is especially petulannt and whiny these days in this regard).

The omnibus is a done deal, and fighting over it on top of everything else would be stupid.

If you MUST criticize Obama, how about waiting until some of his actual policies show results, one way or the other?

Fucking Unbelievable the pass this guy is getting. And when the pass begins to wear out, those that question him will be deemed racists.

#19 | Posted by wisgod at 2009-03-04 09:02 AM | Reply | Flag:

Questioning your president is your right and duty and does not make you a racist.

Party officials emailing pictures out with watermelons all over the WH lawn does make them racists.

See the difference?

I don't necessarily feel bad for him

I don't feel bad for him at all. I can't.

He marginalized himself by picking a VP candidate that only the bible thumpers and die-hard loyalists could possibly love.

He shot himself in the foot. He had a perfect opportunity to turn his campaign into something positive and get a real message out. Instead, he chose to go negative and be ignored by millions of independant voters.

Here's a hint Republicans. If it's just you versus the democrats, they win hands down. You need independant voters to come to your side and vote with you. Without us, well...how's that minority thing coming?

OK I may get laughed at about this one. If so so be it. But Don't Earmarks stimulate the economies of the particular politicians constituencies?? If this is so then how could earmarks be a bad thing?? Help Me out here.

Well, let's see.

We'll use Jim Clyburn...notoriously porky in my state...

Jim likes to fund pet projects with American tax dollars. Some of the money ends up going to companies or state organizations that his family members work for...

Congress are cautioning Obama - who requested earmarks as an Illinois senator - not to intrude on their constitutional authority to spend.

some of our states 200 million earmarks.$280,000 for the state to research alternative uses of tobacco,$143,000 for a career and technical education program and Takoma Park would get $190,000 for an auditorium.didn't the states just get a ton of money in the pork bill.

Republicans have criticized the bill because it raises spending for most government agencies by an average of 8 percent and includes extra funding for programs that already received more money from Obama's stimulus program.

it's not so much the earmarks it's the 8% increase in the growth of government agencies.

"Senate keeps earmarks in spending"

The BANKING QUEEN got his!

DEFENESTRATION!

"we're going to ban all earmarks."

Barak obama....jan 6, 2009

"I will go over the bill one by one."

in a debate with john mccain

"you are a skinny ex coke user who is lying your black ass off."

afkabl2.....march 5, 2009

Sometimes, when I read you guys posting like this, it makes me ashamed to call myself a liberal.

#45 | Posted by Hagbard_Celine
-----------
There's hope left for you HC. *Joking*

Lonnie