It truly amazes me what garbage the right-wingers will post – of course fed to them by Lush Rumballs and the rest of the right-wing pundit cabal! It's even more intereting to see people tie Obama and Emanuel to the Chicago machine when they have a hsisdtory of calling the machine out on many issues. Apparently these people also know little of anything about Chicago. I live in San Antonio – now – but I was raised in Chicago and am very familiar with Obama, Emanuel and Jarrett, etc. These people will get things done – not feather the nests of Halliburton or KBR for their friends!

Rob and Larry:

It's great to know that you both have crystal balls to gaze into & taroh cards with which to see the future so clearly.

My, if only all of our Government offilicals, elected and otherwise, had your powers! You know, if the Republicans could have only seen what was coming as clearly as you two seem to, perhaps we wouldn't be in the mess you propose. Or if only the Dems had been able to see so far into the future as you guys seem to be able we'd be living in Utopia!

I think I've caught on to both of you: You enjoy writing stuff to see how much crap you can stir up!

Matt,

Careful with your belief that one should not be forced to accept the new orthodoxy. After 1/20/09, that sort of thinking will land you in the reeducation camp.

So that you will fit in, repeat after me: I accept and welcome the gay lifestyle. Abortion is a right. Self-defense is not. The rich should pay all excess earnings to the government. I accept and welcome . . .

Matt,

Careful with your believe that one should not be forced to accept the new orthodoxy. After 1/20/09, that sort of thinking will land you in the reeducation camp.

So that you will fit in, repeat after me: I accept and welcome the gay lifestyle. Abortion is a right. Self-defense is not. The rich should pay all excess earnings to the government. I accept and welcome . . .

I think a lot of folks here are confused about "Change"; what it means and how it happens. Perhaps its because some of the people are missing the picture. Let me explain with an analogy.

If you eat a dish every day, you get sick and tired of it and look for a change. The new dish will most likely have same ingredients but the master of change is the Chef. The Chef takes the same ingredients and by using his creativity, imagination and skills cooks up a brand new dish that can be rejoiced by the diners.

Yes, on surface, Obama is picking qualified people who were in some shape or fashion part of some previous administrations. These are smart people who understand the issues (like the ingredients of the dish mentioned above). However, the "Chef", in this case Mr. Obama, will hopefully, using his creativity, imagination and intelligence will cook a new dish that entire America can rejoice.

Love for All – Hatred for None.

Rob: it's okay, it really is…

Rahm, please advise your boss not to keep Bob Gate, we need change. No one from current administration

This is definitely CHANGE. If the past administration had tried this tactic, our problems would not be so dramatic!

When You Have "Hornet'sin the Red Sea",… You should Destroy The Nest…. "East to West of Yemen" is a Pirates Lair, always has been..

Let's discuss things in a non-political view as politics has ruined the vision of the Founding Fathers. To rid ourselves of the internal conflict among all the people, we need to address the root causes:
1) No national language – a culture has to communicate freely and clearly among its inhabitants for any type of unity to exist.
2) Government promotion of cultural diversity – does this bring about the "melting pot" that America was so proud of and worked so well for generations?
3) Citizenship – is not a right won by walking across a border, having a baby , and the baby is automatically a citizen. At least one parent should be a citizen to have that designation. Remove the stimulus / incentive and illegal immigration will lessen.

Matt,
Gay rights and abortion rights are not shoving anything down anyone's throat. If you don't like it, don't do it. However, conservatives insist on actually shoving their views on everyone else by forcing people to live as they do by denying equal rights and private choices. Don't you see the difference? It's a matter of minding your own business. Allowing gay rights does not force anything on you, unless you think that will make you gay and want to marry a gay man or something. On the other hand, denying people equal rights is saying that those people must not be allowed to live as they choose; hence, shoving your views down their throats.

It's good to see the Obama administration reaching out to find solutions beyond partisanship. Many Americans welcome this smart & diplomatic approach to politics.

God bless America!

If it is not left wing Liberal nothing will be posted one here.

Alana the answer is simple not all conservatives are religious and trying to force their ideas upon you. Religion and being conservative are not hand in hand. I'm conservative and by no means does my religion or lack of religion change the fact that I do not feel the Federal government needs to be involved in every aspect of our lives. Thats what we have states for.

I could ask the same of you as to why all liberals keep trying to shove homosexuality, gay marriage, government aid on everything, and abortion upon people that think differently? See? not every Liberal does that but I can make a generalization backed by no actual instance that they do much like you did about conservatives.

I notice a pattern here. The more neutral or pro-democrat the story line, the more pathetic the posts are from the non-Obama supporters. They seem to come out in droves when a store shows democrats in a favorable light, even if the subject of the story line benefits republicans. Only sore losers can make this story into a negative. You can bet they would be criticing Obama and his staff if they were showing no signs of reaching out. I think the sorry losers who are still bitter about not winning need to take their negativity to the other doomsday naysayers on the Fox News comment boards.

He should have taken the new Attorney General with him to let them know any corruption will be met with subpoenas and indictments – a new day is coming and political crimes will be punished; that goes for the dems too but the republicans have a more sorted history.

In four years ,we will all HAVE to vote Republican,you will see,starting next year, your rock star will have burned out,and reality will set in.

The Democrats are now a powerful force. When Rahm calls, the repubs better jump to attention. Obama will kill them with kindness. Rahm will just kill them if they step out of line. Perfect duo.

Boy this is how an Adminstration should work…. check out my President Elect…. he has not made it into the office as of yet but he is sure getting things prepared …. how cool is that?

Rahm is just what Obama and the democrats need.
He is smart, outspoken, and will do what it takes to get things done.
He will deal with the big mouth republicans (Boehener) and not let them take over.

As long as the Republicans ideas are what the Democrats want to hear,we will all work together.I don't think the Republicans want to be Socialist,or the Democrats want to be conservative though.It's going to be bad.

Ok guys – a new sheriff is in town, so let's all work together and fix this mess that you have got us into. Give me two ranks. Either you are with me, or agianst me. If you are with me, two steps forward and form a line behind me; if you are against me -about face- and watch the door. This is no time for selfishness. This ist he progressive army for properity. Am I clear?

To Chris in MN November 20th, 2008 4:13 pm ET –

You want to talk messed up? Give Obama, Reid, and Pelosi 3 months and you'll see a level of messed up the Republicans couldn't acheive even if they tried.

Oh, and things were going good until the DEMOCRATS let Fannie and Freddie get away with the stuff they pulled. The single digit approval ratings didn't happen until AFTER Reid and Pelosi took over. Here's something for you, I will be that a year from now, when people realize they were hoodwinked by the failed community organizer, the combined approval ratings of Obama and Congress will still be lower than Bush at his lowest. Of course seeing as you all live in la-la land, you'll never believe it.

Brendan,
you MUST have Rahm confused with Tom Delay and Karl Rove…

Well now we are supposed to work together after 8 years of demonizing ,obstructing and sabotaging anything republican! Whoopdee do!

I find it amazing how anyone can claim that the Republicans are the big, evil, rich people when Obama rasied/swindled/stole over 600 million dollars, some of his friends are some of the richest people in the world (hello Oprah).

And all you better be careful when Obama raises taxes. Seeing as most of you are mooching off the money your parents worked hard for, or some trust fund you didn't lift a finger to contribute to, your cushy meal ticket's gonna dry up and you may actually have to go out and get a real job. Either that or you're a mindless drone, in which case you should be thankful Obama hasn't told you to jump off a cliff, cause you and your fellow lemmings probably would.

You GOP people lost get over it!! For 8 years Americans had to listen to your messed up way of thinking. That's why we are faced with disaster right now. So quit your complaining……just a party of whiners.

Steve, I find it interesting that you think the Chicago people could do anything worst than what Bush and the republicans have already accomplished such as bankrupting America – I hope your church has good free meals.

I know folks are concerned about this "change" thing where Obama's appointees are concerned. Or rather, the non-change that seems to be occurring since there are a lot of familiar faces popping up. But my take on it is different. I don't believe you should change simply for the sake of change! The familiar faces that Obama is calling upon are experienced and PROVEN professionals. Keep in mind, Obama's experience in Washington is limited. So, he needs to surround himself with people who've done the job before and who he can trust — or at least keep close enough to keep an eye on. LOL!

The republicans need to go in the wilderness for at least 2 decades before their views can be refurbished and in steps with regular Americans. Until then, the people categorically reject the repubs views on what government has to be doing and government policies at large as they relate to the repubs.

I am not a fan of Emanuel, but i think he is pretty loyal to the people he serves. thus he will take marching orders from Obama and make things happen. i am at least willing to give him a chance.

Rick, you are the clown. You and some others don't even give them a chance. At least he is reaching out to the other side, wich we need to do to be sucessful. You and so many need to grow up and open your minds. Upps maybe you dont have any minds.

i'm glad that baracks campaign team is sticking with him. his cabinet picks ,so far, aren't showing much 'change', though. mostly clintons and DC insiders. "if you keep playing the same DC games ,with the same DC players, why would you expect different results?", i believe is what barack said.

I find it interesting that the republican folks from areas of the country that have fed on republican pork for so long now object to any ideas that might help the rest of the country.

@Rick and Steve: you must be the 'real Americans' Palin talked about. I was wondering who she thought was so self-absorbed and delusional as to think America should continue down the failed path of Bush, McCain and the abhorrent [R] policies. Thanks for clearing that up — here I thought Miss Trailer Trash 2008 was just shooting off at the mouth — but the underbelly of America really does exist!

BTW, the previous comment was directed at Vicki5 (and Rick, obviously).

Well with a 34% favorable rating it seems like it's about time that republicans start listening to some democrat ideas about bringing this country back from economic oblivion caused by Bush and the republicans.

Oh come on, even a jr. high schooler knows better than that (and I would know, being one)

Beggers will not be choosers come January 20,2009.

"Rahm Emanuel has a temper like a keg of nitroglycerine. Even look at him wrong and he blows up. " – EW

It's interesting you say that considering that it upset you enough to slam him. It's almost as if you're so intricately entangled within this "Down with the Dems!" mindset that you're blindly making comments and accusations that can easily be applied to any republican.

Neither party is perfect, and I'm sure people will come on here trying to instigate unnecessary frustration. The fact of the matter is, Republicans had their chance, the American people decided it was time for something new, and so here we stand. Whether or not you agree with what has transpired over the last few weeks or what is happening with this particular article, would mean nothing in another country that does not share our freedoms.

People would be less likely to strangle one another over politics if they could all recognize that everyone has an opinion regardless of what anyone thinks is "true or accurate". This lack of respect from both sides is disgusting and the people who cannot view opinions objectively have no chance of responding with something meaningful or well-formed.

did they ask him about "DEAD, "DEAD", "DEAD"?

Well at least obama and his newly Administration is trying to reach across the Asile, I dont recall the my way or the highway Bush ever doing it! @@@ RICK you know what will be funny when it takes a good 16 years or so for the Republicans to come back now thats funny hahahahahlololo

Rick…You sound like you are from, say Jr. High. Grow up.

Mess with Rahm…he'll give them change they can really believe in…a change of shorts that is. Seriously, I think it is great that he had a chance to meet with Republicans and discuss bipartisan ways to work together.

Change you can believe in? lol…what a joke……it's going to be fun laughing at these clowns for the next 4 years.

Republicans pretty much have had their way for six of the last eight years. Now they are going to have to listen to some new ideas, they can get with it or not. Americans decided we are not interested in much of anything a Republican is selling. They would do themselves a great service by serving all of the country, instead of those just like them. The President-Elect is not ignoring them, like they ignored the American people for the last eight years. The incoming administration is extending the olive branch. The Republicans need to get over their old-fashioned butt kicking and reach out for the branch. It will take us all working together to move forward.

This is want we want to see, both sides of the isle working together….we all want this country to get working again, so roll on Jan 20th so we can get new leadership in place and get cracking.

now that is how to walk the talk

He doesn't "welcome their ideas and their concepts" one bit. Abortion, taxes, gay marriage, smaller government. Who's he fooling? And when you look at the mess Chicago is in (county board, tax rate, schools), you have to wonder what anyone saw in this clown or Obama to think they're going to fix anything. They're a couple of Chicago machine politicians, nothing more. Their true incompetence shouldn't take long to surface. They're out of their league. Must be why they're calling all the Clintonites out of retirement to run things, since they know they themselves can't.

alana, you put your question to the wrong people. True conservatives are not the ones insisting on legislating their religion……those people would be the religious rightwing…..and those people are far from conservative, although they have the MSM hoodwinked into labeling them 'conservative'. The rightwing and the [R] party is full of religious reactionary zealots — behavior that is a far cry from conservative, and more like the Taliban or al queda, the very tools they use to fear-monger for political purposes. It cracks me up that [R]s still think they are the party of conservatives. I voted for Obama and [D] congresspeople, and I'll put up my conservative credentials against 95% of the [R]s anyday…..I'm conservative, not stupid.

PEBO – Pres elect Barack Obama is doing all the right things so far. He is also reaching out to repubs to get things done. Hoepfully he will be able to do it.

Republican still don't get it. Americans are done with gridlock, excuses and fingerpointing. They are already poised to block the new administration just because he is a winner. Best not to cause too much trouble or you will be back on the block, job hunting.

All business Rahm….taking charge.

You're all reading me wrong. I favor Emanuel. he's going to get things done in spite of the GOP!

The "Hammer"? How's he doing these days?!

The GOP are going toget a good ole fashion dose of trips to the woodshed if they even try to block important legislation!

Give 'em hell Rahm!!!!!!! They gave it to us

Do the darn thing Rahm….Lay your smackdown on these lazy clowns.

I see the far-right-vile comments are here, under an article about doing the best for our Nation. Which is something the Bush/Cheney administration has failed miserably at!

What's amusing about the far-right-bloggers, is that they never explain nor excuse Bush/Cheney. They just keep spewing the same GOP-vile that lost them the election……. and the American people!

-Rep. Rahm Emanuel, President-elect Barack Obama's future chief of staff, met with Republican leaders on the Hill Thursday, saying "We welcome their ideas and their concepts."

Hopefully none of the Republicans were standing directly in front of him, lest they be poked by his growing nose.

Is that a toilet I hear flushing? Nope, just America under this new administration. The only ones who are going to come out on top these next 4 years are Obama and his pals. Everyone else (including those delusional enough to actually believe the stuff he was spreading) will be suffering. That's the Chicago way!

Oh, and to Ralph Il November 20th, 2008 3:14 pm ET – just who do you think Obama, Oprah, Pelosi, Dodd, and Frank are, the dirt poor? Granted you voted for Obama so you're not that smart to begin with, but really.

Brendan H from San Antonio, how is that any different than how the "hammer" ran congress under the republicans? The republican party just wrote laws without even showing them to the democrats and you criticize Rahm?

just do it boys!

Can a conservative answer this question for me? Since you believe in smaller government and you don’t want the government interfering in your religion then why do you insist on the legislating your religious beliefs and forcing on others?

Heh. At least Ralph IL admints that it is stealing.

Rahm Emanuel has a temper like a keg of nitroglycerine. Even look at him wrong and he blows up.

If you look up partisanship in the dictionary theer is a picture of Emanuel.

"Brendan H., San Antonio, TX:

You mean he will copy the GOP play book ?

BIPARTIANSHIP BIPARTINSHIP good choice on Rahm President Obama Good choice!

Finally someone knows what the problem is. Now lets find a solution.

Let us steal from the Rich for a change.

"My name is Rahm
Emanuel and I'm an expert at executive hardball. Let me explain to you how we're going to run the country together. If you choose not to get in lock step, we have files on all of you which we are prepared to share with your constituents at election time. Got it?
Any Questions?
No?
Good!!!