Here are Obama's words from tonight.

President Obama's statement on tentative debt deal



He said he had been "concerned about the impact that it has had on business confidence and consumer confidence and the economy as a whole over the last month."

Meanwhile, I have been very concerned about seniors and the tension put on them by wondering how much of their livelihood they would lose. He did not mention us in his words.

I am gathering he only heard from those on the right in the emails and calls. At least his words sound that way.

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They have already proposed reducing the Corporate tax rate from 35% to 23% and closing some loop holes.. How long do you think it will take for these same Corporations to find new loop holes? No this is not about gaining revenues and everyone knows it..

And the teabaggers went crazy.

I think he thinks he has shown he can mange the mess in DC.

But really, is there any hope left of doing that? Obama is in a real tough spot: between a rock and a hard place. Looks like he may have worked himself free?

This weak-helpless-President narrative is ridiculous. That he was forced into it by the Tea Party hostage-takers is not even remotely credible. Glenn Greenwald explodes this myth, if you care to check it out:

http://www.salon.com/news/opinion/glenn_greenwald/2011/08/01/debt_ceiling/index.html

Or you can continue the fantasy that he was in "a real tough spot."

How could we ever have thought that that this jellyfish had what it takes to be president?

tax reform means lowering the corp tax rate, I've heard talk of a flat tax.

repub's have talking about a flat tax and those pesky tax forms for years.

"Could've" sounds a lot like "could of".

:hi:

:hi: :hug:

see me make a mistake (& there are many), I hope you'll return the favor. :)

:hug:

I have people in Congress to speak for me, by taking them out of the process I lose my voice and that is un-constitutional

No taxes without representation, I believe this country was built on this pricipal

out democracy.

We are a nation of ten year olds, looking for a transformer to save the day...

PB

representation in Congress. I don't see how they can actually get away with this.

It is so clear to anyone who is being objective that he wants to cut entitlements, that he is determined to
cut entitlements. Denial around here is amazing.

wants reform. Bill Clinton did the same thing with welfare and the balanced budget

Reform mean cuts, pure and simple. it is just that some around here cannot admit it.

He didn't just say he wanted it, he signed it into law. Now, poor people can't get welfare unless they have kids. People waiting to get on disability can't get on welfare. If you're between 18 and 65, and you're not breeding, it's tough luck for you.

He was the first to hack away at the social safety net. I fear Obama will follow in his footsteps.

what in the hell do you want?

You know, end the illegal, immoral, unnecessary and disastrous wars; tax those who can pay, individuals and corporations; stop welfare for Wall Street and use the powers of government to make life better for ALL Americans. That's just me, a registererd Democrat since 1976.

The republican lite nonsense is just crapola, shined up purdy like for those not used to such things.

Is is someone who will cave on every issue. He for whom no issue is so important or unimportant that he won't lie about it. He doesn't deserve more time, It's bad we can't recall the SOB.

I would be laughing my A** off, except the abject ignorance of so many people is disheartening beyond words...

Democrats have a secret plan to kill off all poor people?
The movement toward this goal started soon after it was implemented in the late 60s. Nixon's administration didn't kill it, Carter did what he could to defend it but he did get on board some of the movement in that direction. Then came Reagan and welfare mom stereotyping and hateful rhetoric that successfully courted Democrats who were feeling a bad economy. Bush 1 wasn't quite as aggressive but the assumptions and resulting "conventional wisdom" had become embedded in the national dialogue.

As soon as a Democrat took office, Rs took advantage of the existing stereotypes to get the public on their side.
The new Gen X voters grew up with the "conventional wisdom" claiming laziness, having more and more kids for increased welfare, "welfare moms" driving Cadillacs, etc.
"Welfare reform" was a very popular idea. Bill Clinton did the best he could. If they had had their way there would be no food stamps and the assistance for people with children would exist.

There is nothing new about a Democrat having to fight a majority on these social safety net issues. There is much more protection than people here think. People should read it all IN CONTEXT. Selecting passages the confirm biases against Obama is not intellectually honest.

Clinton raised taxes on the rich - Obama cuts them, then cuts SSI on top of that
Clinton won his negotiation with Repugs - Repugs won with Obama
Obama throws unions under the bus - Clinton supported unions
Clinton signed FMLA - Obama wants to cut SSI, Medicare & Medicaid

You tell me which is the more progressive?

I DO think that Obama does like working with Repukes better than REGULAR Democrats! Blue Dogs & DLC are probably even to the left of him! So many say they really "like" him as a person, but he compromises way too much. Now, I'm not sure how much I like him anymore. How any real Democrat can look at this and think he did a good job is beyond me. I doubt he ever wanted any moderate Democrats elected. When I think of people like Ned Lamont and Russ Feingold and the person who ran against Blanche Lincoln, and remember who the WH supported, it's a very telling story!

I can barely say his name without a tone of disgust coming out of my mouth. I've thought long and hard about this, and I knew it wasn't going to be good whatever happened, but we're down to the wire and I HAVE to believe what my ears are hearing. I feel like out in some La La Land and maybe I find my way back.

Guess not... color me completely BETRAYED!
:grr: :nuke:

Clinton signs DADT into law, Obama repeals it.
Clinton signs DOMA into law, Obama declares it to be unconstitutional.

So in the bizzaro world that parent posts exist in, the left hates gays and the right loves them.

that he wants to cut the safety net.

http://www.thirdway.org/press_releases/166 - 8/1/11


“But to finish the job, the next steps toward such a bargain must involve tough choices on both sides – Republicans must be willing to throw out their pledges and support an increase in revenues; Democrats must tell their core supporters that the only way to save entitlements like Medicare and Social Security is to reform them. Both options must be on the table immediately, and neither side should view their absence in the current deal as an opportunity to declare them off-limits."

Dismantling medicare and social security is his goal. We already know from his capitulations to the oil industry that he also intends to decimate the EPA. Obama plans to undo everything that Democrats have done to help the American People.

the man is pure evil. we would have been better off with McCain....maybe even with Caribou Barbie.

We paid for these programs but now that they are no longer available to skim, they are to be cut.

SS is all I have to look forward to. And my future is in the hands of those who would rather reward the wealthy for crashing the global economy than ensure that a threshold of stability and dignity is provided to the masses who allow the elite to hold their lofty place in this f*cked up society.

Obama and the dems (and the repukes, for that matter) have no idea how radicalized I've become watching the democratic party morph into the smiling face of corporatism. Piss on 'em. I'm done. I can't possibly be alone.

It was weak before he took office and he just finished it off tonight.

I said this in a posting yesterday and was called juvenile.

People are in denial. We need to accept what Obama is and take to the streets.

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I actually think that Hillary would have done a better job and I said that I would never support her because Clinton sold us down the river. Now I know that he sold us down a stream compared to Obama!

We need a real Democrat to run against Obama in the primary.

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I said this in a posting yesterday and was called juvenile.

People are in denial. We need to accept what Obama is and take to the streets.

started out in the early 70`s and i watched my trade go overseas in the 70`s , 80`s,and 90`s. by 2002 it was hit and miss till i retired. $586 is what i make on social security.course that`s been cut 2% a year and when medicare kicks in even more.

i really don`t give a shit about myself but i`ve got a granddaughter and a great granddaughter on the way...that`s why i`m pissed off. what the hell kind of future are they going to have if we don`t fight now?

Yes, some of those morons post on DU.

:shrug:

... will those cuts kick in automatically?

in unless the next round of talks with the "super Congress" fail to deliver then next 1.7 trillion in reductions. And even then, it may only affect VA, Homeland Security, and overseas consulates. Can you say "shell game?"

And I didn't think he'd be very good.

:cry:

that someone comes along and replies with the Clapping Obama video! That would be epic! :P

"I believe that we need to make some modest adjustments to programs like Medicare..."

....I never thought I'd live to see the day a Democratic President begin the destruction of Medicare....

....Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid need expansion not contraction, meanwhile the corporations roll merrily along profiting from the human trauma they cause....

....I can no longer smile through my tears at the gullibility of the American people....

How about we reform that little issue with Medicare...


There is more to a program than just the poeple who get the services FYI

I think "fraud" is just a talking point. Cut payments to providers, they will cut patients.

http://www.hanys.org/communications/pr/2011/2011-08-01_federal_debt_ceiling_deal.pdf


"Leaders talk about protecting seniors, but fail to mention that any Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement cuts to providers are de facto cuts to patients’ benefits when access to care is restricted and services contract. Hospitals and health systems cannot be viable providers of care under repeated rounds of reimbursement cuts,” said Mr. Sisto. “Moreover, this ongoing march to cut government reimbursement to providers is a drag on the economy and threatens the role health care has been playing to stabilize the economy and create jobs during this critical time. These benefits will be lost if hospitals are forced to lay off staff and eliminate services to survive. It is time for government to pay fairly for the care provided, or rethink the magnitude of its promises to our seniors.”

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So why in the hell is he a Democrat? :grr:

What kind of stupid DINO convention is he planning to have in Charlotte, NC?

unless you have lots of money............

he receives less opposition from Democrats if he is one.

He should go back to worrying about Malia's weight.

We DO NOT need to reduce the deficit NOW. We need to STIMULATE THE ECONOMY NOW.

If President Obama really wanted to help the working class/middle class, retirees, the disabled, he would be POUNDING that meme home. He is a Trojan horse Democrat.

The devil is in the details: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1633077

Now, this process has been messy; it’s taken far too long.  I've been concerned about the impact that it has had on business confidence and consumer confidence and the economy as a whole over the last month.  Nevertheless, ultimately, the leaders of both parties have found their way toward compromise.  And I want to thank them for that. 

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/07/31/remarks-president

Business confidence? Yes, I'm sure all those small businesses out there will rush on down to the bank and get financing so they can expand their business and hire more employees. :eyes:

Consumer confidence? I honestly don't know what it's going to take for the idiots in Washington to realize that our economy is no longer driven by consumer confidence and consumer spending. :eyes:

But, it's all good. Both sides got to kick start their 2012 political campaigns but throwing out the bullshit they will feed us over the next 1+ year.

I feel all warm and cozy. It's because I just pissed my pants.

this address will overshadow it all.

Bye bye SS and Medicare.

The rethug wet dream has finally come true and it took a democrat president to make it happen!

Damn, just damn!

DC's getting to look like a Cult more every day.

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Obama cares only for himself and the rich and powerful.

The first Black president will be the nail in the coffin of this country. How ironic!

We've seen it over and over and over again, and his presidency has almost completely caved in.

the Right. Primarily his corporate benefactors.

Anyone who thinks this president gives a damn about what letters or calls he receives is a naive fool. I'm sure the interns he is paying to sort through all this stuff are probably deeply effected. But the man himself doesn't care for anyone except Mammon.

this balanced approach you speak of is killing me, and millions of americans. your balanced approach has landed a big, fat elephant on my back, and honestly, i cannot bear the burden now, so please stop asking me to sacrifice. warren buffet and other billionaires believe they should be paying more taxes, and i am glad you agree. but please stop asking people who are already hurting to shoulder more of the burden because the people responsible for this mess chose to remain in denial. might i suggest that you talk about: extending unemployment benefits, suspending taxes and penalties on 401k early withdrawals, and job creation...that is, if you truly want to inspire people. telling people who are already suffering that they need to suffer more probably isn't the best strategery.

warmly,
a person who really hopes you change

p.s. knock off the reagan stuff.

this balanced approach you speak of is killing me, and millions of regular americans. your balanced approached has landed a big, fat elephant on my back, and honestly, i cannot bear the burden now, so please stop asking me to sacrifice. warren buffet and other billionaires believe they should be paying more taxes, and i am glad you agree. but please stop asking people who are already hurting to shoulder more of the burden because the people responsible for this mess chose to remain in denial. might i suggest that you talk about: extending unemployment benefits, suspending taxes and penalties on 401k early withdrawals, and job creation...that is, if you truly want to inspire people. telling people who are already suffering that they need to suffer more probably isn't the best strategery.

warmly,
a person who really wants you to wake up