TWIN
I just watched the event on C-SPAN, which I'd guess many in the GOP caucus would lose power. His points about the untruths and rancor generated just to win elections while kicking the problems of the country down the road, was a point made many times.
I hope GOP caucus members in that room have a tiny bit of a light come on that calls to their better selves as Americans and have 2nd thoughts about the ultrapartisanship that's served no one for many years, maybe individual politicians, but not our citizens.
The last question by (?) - a long list and litany of GOP talking points - was the perfect summation. Obama knows his facts like nobody's business and not only pointed out how untrue and politically motivaated the Congressman's list of GOP talking points were, but made a point of laying out the facts; $8 trillion worth of added deficits projected were left on his doorstep before he'd passed a single bill, that he came to office following a $1.3 trillion dollar deficit for 2009.
Boehner's on now (with a spring tan LOL). Boehner's asking "where are the jobs?". I hope he means they intend to work in concert to get us back on track. We won't get 7 million jobs lost the past 2 years back, but we certainly need to do something.
Cantor's on now talking about offshore drilling (jobs for how many?).
Well, it was a historical first step for this to be broadcast on TV. They should do it once a month from now to eternity like Britain's "Question Time".
As to the GOP's complaint their ideas aren't considered, I think Obama laid that to rest by, for instance, knowing Paul Ryan's plan for deficit reduction by rote - as Obama knew his other facts.
It was good the GOP didn't bash him in their press conference following this meeting. Let's hope there's some more. It's not as though we can enact every idea the GOP have - there are philosophical differences - but, Obama is certainly open to ANY good ideas.
I sure hope we're beyond tax cuts as the do-all-end-all. Those 2 for the uber wealthy account for a large portion of the deficit outside the $700 Billion in debt service and Medicare Part D.
The top 10% own 76% of America's wealth, yet now, because of capital gains rte @ 15% (they earn most of the income from capital gains) we're getting deeper in the hole.
It's not as though Obama hasn't gone to the Hill or had Republican leadership to the WH numerous time seeking bipartisanship, but it's a good sign the GOP reciprocated. Hope it continues. Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neill met once a week over cigars and cards. It's time to move beyond the Newt Gingrich/Tom Delay style of 'slash and burn' politics.
Have yourself a great day, TWINPAC. You're a very nice person, and it's always great to talk to you.
