CNN

republicans on this post (and elsewhere) keep saying the dems are gonna spend us to economic oblivion...but facts are much better guages of reality than mindless rants. the last president to balance the budget was...clinton. the last president to spend us to oblivion was...bush. facts matter guys.

obama has nothing to fear of pelosi and reid...they have the same basic goals and view. if he should be cautious of anyone, it should be the *few* repubs who definately want to see him fail. their motives are fuzzy – why would any american want an AMERICAN president to fail?? race? party affiliation? ideology? terrorists want our president to fail...where does that put some of the anti-obama people?? it's ok to oppose a president's policies – it is not ok to wish him/her bad luck, maliciousness, and failure.

bottom line:
obama succeeds – we all win
obama fails – we all lose

to the few republicans out there who despise obama (regardless of 'reason'), give the man a chance. the guy is reaching out, playing it cool, more proactive and visible than bush, and inspiring. so far, he is on track to being a GREAT american president...75% of us amreicans are seeing it so far. (and by the way – *sarc* 75% of americans are NOT dems, so that should tell you something if you are in the 25% that simply will not give the man a chance)
your beloved bush & co. wanted nothing from the dems., but look at obama! even *if* it is just a photo op – it's far more inclusive than bush's admin.

To Robin, "Mike, well said, I'm pretty sick of Proud American myself"

Why are you two sick of proud Americans? LOL....

Seriously, I am proud to be an American. God bless America!

How interesting to hear the Republicans NOW whining, "they better include us...." The Bush occupation was the least inclusive EVER.....the Republicans thumbed their collective noses at any Democrat that had the AUDACITY to complain about non-inclusion...for goodness sake the VP even used the "f" word to let one Dem know where they stood. Only because of the 2004 elections, when Democrats won a majority, did the Republicans even have to consider cooperating....Now they see it from the other side and are sounding all pouty...I hope the country recognizes the uncooperative attitude being exhibited before the new president is even in office.

Inuk of the north – you seem to forget that the house & senate republicans refused to cooperate with Pres. Bush's "bank bailout for the rich" until $150 BILLION in pork was added to the bill. And don't forget about Alaska's "bridge to nowhere" pork project brought to the senate by the republican senator and initially fully supported by the republican Governor. Even though the bridge never got built, Alaska still got the money. You are a hypocrit for blaming pork projects solely on the democrats.

Pelosi is an empty skirt- – -I voted a straight dem ticket in 2006 Hoping that would get "w' impeached- -Then the almighty Pelosi takes it off the table. Throw her under the bus

Haters, Happy New Year!

It's time to fold up your tents and go home...lights out...pencil broke, that's all she wrote. President Obama is getting sworn in 12009. I pray for a beautiful day. No rain, sleet or snow. Rev. James Dobson, please tell your raindancer to sit this one out.

A merry heart is like a medicine, it'll cure whatever ails you. Happiness is contagious. The statements against PE Obama are beyond bashing. They are hateful. They come from malcontented hearts. Don't make a resolution this year. This year, make it your goal to be at peace with yourself and others. Thank you.

Please, all you that live and vote in CA, specifically Pelosi's district....VOTE HER OUT. She is weak and wishy washy, she didn't have the guts to go after W when she had the chance, so has to go.

Greg Pottstown, Pa. = No one in the world could name something good that Bush did, your kidding right?

I am so sick of the GOP group that spreads their hate here to us Dems that are trying to be positive for our future. We have our right to defend ourselves when the GOP supporters defend the last 8 yrs. of failed policies. CAN'T YOU SEE OUR POINT OF VIEW BY THE TAIL SPIN OUR COUNTRY IS IN? Yes the bailout of wallstreet had added pork, but the final signature was PRES. BUSH, AM I CORRECT? We are hated around the world because of bulling tactics, and greed for war!!! Just chill out and leave you racism and hate at the door please. PE OBAMA NEED US TO PULL TOGETHER FOR THE BETTER OF ALL.THANK YOU

My heart hurts when I think of not being a Republican.. Looks like I will have to get with Democrats and work for the better of the country, but my heart isn't in it. Who would want to be in a party of inclusion of all Americans?

Proud American is a shallow and fake as Nancy Pelosi.

Yeah, JM, a family with children is really a threat... there's such a thing as too much paranoia. If you don't believe me, check out Boston Irish on this same thread.

There's nothing wrong with Muslims and you both know it. However, there IS something wrong with the overzealousness and paranoia that the radical, jihadist Muslims embody, and now, you're mirroring those same qualities on an internet thread.

Fact is, you're the threat. You're all the terrorists for being so freaked out by people not like you and loud mouthing your way across an internet board. You certainly scare me. Go cause trouble somewhere else.

Congressional leadership? Is that what you call this dog and pony show? Leadership? Hardly.

Attack, Attack, Attack. I'm sitting here draped in the American Flag with tear stained eyes. You see I can't understand why Republicans refuse to accept me. My entire life all I ever wanted was to be a Republican, all I wanted was to be clueless, lack vision, bankrupted,a loser and attack others who saw the world different than me. Dear God this hurts so bad. Yes I wanted a chance to be sent to federal prison for lying, cheating, stealing and yes I've looked forward to being stop by police drunk driving and revealing I had a bastard child that lived around the corner with my lover and not my wife. I wanted to get caught with a hooker, busted in airport restroom,coming on to underage Senate paiges, viewing kiddy porn and then have my picture taken with my wife leaving church, Yes I wanted to be a Republican. I want to be dumber than a rock and walk into Saks and Nordstorm and spend $200,000 on clothes and stick other Republican Idiots with the bill. But no, it looks like I will never be accepted as a Republican. Maybe if Gods willing the men and women from a party called democrats who swept the nation in the house and Senate and Governor and even the White House this past November will accept me. I hear their a party with a vision and a plan to move the country forward and there a party of inclusion for all American.

Pelosi, Reid, Frank, and Dodd need to be shoved out of the way for any real progress to occur. You can give old bathhouse Barney and Chris Dodd at least partial credit for the sub-prime mess that started this economic mess. Pelosi and Reid only care about partisan power politics. I didn't vote for Obama, but his recent centrist talk and actions give me hope that he might make some positive changes if these idiots are kept under control.

My prediction in 2o9 the Middle East country will begin the process of coming together as one people and build an economy that rally theirs old ancient civilization we all cherish even today.

Gotta look busy now! After all, it about perception isn't it?

For what it's worth – there most certainly should be airtight oversight on any ERP – the Repubs and Dems should be able to agree on that given the blindness of Treasury with the first billions. I expect that Obama will indeed reach out, willing to hear and even incorporate Repub input. I also expect that McConnell and Boehner will still rant and pout that Obama hasn't given them everything they wanted – because they are political old-timers who's loyalty lies not to America but to the GOP as they know it (even though their party is withering on the vine!)

Now we and the world will see if the Republicans are going to work to get this country back for the people or if they will continue to be obstructionist.

Pelosi and Reid are two horsemen of the economic apocalypse. The stimulus bill will have bridges to nowhere, vanity projects, pet projects, pork barrelling and the biggest deficit and debt in the history of the world.

The greenback will sink 25% before Pelosi and Reid are done spending.

The stench surrounding the Dems coming from Illinois is bound to linger for a while and might get worse. In a couple of years we'll be thinking 2008 wasn't that bad.

"Just a photo op?" Typical political comment. Heaven forbid Obama might actually be trying to do something good for the country! Heaven forbid a Republican might have to admit that Obama is more in control and has better ideas right now than Bush has been or had for the past 8 years. Heaven forbid that some anti-Democratic folks on this very board might have to bite their tongues soon and admit that Obama was the right choice for this country's future. Time will tell, but I'm betting on Barack.
And Mike, it's actually VERY American, and indeed required, to speak out against any politician who has worked so hard to take away our rights and the rights of others (ask an Iraqi mother who has lost her husband and children how much good she thinks we have done there.) It's Bush who is anti-American, condoning torture and taking away our privacy rights in the name of "security." Neither has made us or Iraq more secure; both have corrupted our democracy and are grounds for impeachment. And what does Bush have to say about Israel attacking Gaza with the missiles and bombs WE give them? Nothing.

A meeting between Harry Reid, Nancy Piglosi and the great"himself barkobana, God help us all, he is the only one that save us from this gang of underworld garbage

As a Democrat, we would be better served if neither Pelosi or Reid were in charge. We as a party could seal our political power for the next 20 years, but instead, mark my words...these 2 idiots will destroy Obama's chance of changing Govt for the better. In 2 years, you will see a major swing back to the GOP.

I pray Reid, Pelosi and Dodd don't become the biggest problems for the Obama administration.
So far Obama has shown a brilliant effort to work towards the center. and cross party lines to get things done.
Those three are so far left they could really get in the way of all the good Obama can do.
I voted for Obama and wish him all the best. I don't agree with everything he has done but how does.
He can't go to far wrong by governing from the center if Reid, Pelosi and Dodd will cross the isle and help him him instead of wasting time to settle old scores.

Obama is the president-elect and not a babysitter for Congress. But then again the country hasn't had a president in 8 years.

Proud American-well said. I am pretty sick of Bush myself

Congressional leadership? Isn't that an oxymoron?

I don't think that leadership and Congressional should be used in the same sentence. Unless it is regarding lack thereof...

This is the same Congress that sat on their hands for the last two years. Both sides ahve done absolutely nothing except screw the taxpayers, aka. thier bosses.

Sounds GREAT....another handout......i can go buy some crack! thanks Obama

Texas Teacher has got to be a member of the NEA (another moveon.org front) How much did they give to ACORN. Scary to think she may acutally be teaching children.

Proud American January 2nd, 2009 2:52 pm ET

What's really odd about this article is the Idiot sitting president. I wonder how many time in the past eight years has he met with Congressional leadership?

Lots of times, probably as many as any other president if you took an average.

I have a Question. Can you name anything bush did that was good. If not then you are looking for his down falls and turning a blind eye to all els.

Boston Irish, Of course the democrats are going to meet together before inviting the republicans in. The great thing about being the majority is that you decide what is done and how its done. The democrat leadership will open up to republican influence and urge all parties to make there intentions known. However they first need to “get all there ducks in a row” to establish what there values and official position on the issue is, before opening up to debate/ compromise. This is an act of organization rather than partisanship.

McConnell's office says he will release another statement Friday, reiterating the concerns he raised early this week.

They had no problem giving away our tax money to the fat cat, but dont want us too get a piece of the pie. I hate them all. I need a bail out too.

Texas Teacher,

I am not a hard right voter. I am more than happy to support Obama and hope he dose well as President.
That said, I hope that you are not a real teacher. If repubs never listened to the left then why did they let Ted Kennedy wright no child left behind? You are constantly wrong with the facts you present. Your opinion is your opinion and thats fine. Learn some civics and some history and then maybe you will not sound so moronic when you make statements.

I hope Obama is meeting to tell them to take a hike. Reid is an idiot and Nancy Pelosi is the most useless Speaker in modern times. Our party needs strong, intelligent leadership, not these two monkeys!!

Reid and Pelosi are just to old. All the old Repleb. and Dems are useless look what they did to our country with all their power fighting. Nothing got done for 8 years. All of them Repebs and Dems need to be removed.

What a group! Harry Nancy and Obama.
If you think the last four years have been bad just wait until this bunch gets through making changes.
Now we will see what Obama means by change and odds are that none of these know it alls will be happy with the results.
So far they have paid most of their election debts with bailouts(payoffs) with tax payer dollars and the rest are getting in line with their hand out and Obama is pushing Harry and Nancy to ram a trilloin dollar payoff through before these dupes catch on.
Welcome to politics Chicago style!

Sharon Walker,

We as American citizens have a civic duty to report suspicious activity, especially on air planes. Too bad if it was a misunderstanding! Better to be safe than sorry. You are part of the problem trying to pressure people not to speak up when they suspect something is wrong. If I was on a plane and didn't feel safe, I'd be screaming bloody murder. My life is worth more than potentially "offending" someone. Get over it.

Texas Teacher = My mistake I think I got the current sitting President confused with Bo Bo the clown. It will never happen again.

Mike, Syracuse NY = It's not that I dislike Republicans or Bush it's just that I'm sick of listening to you people go on and on about nothing. Americans gave Republicans a chance and lets be real YOU COULDN'T DO THE JOB. Please don't try to make me one of you, I love everyone. Please join the rest of the Country on Jan 20th at noon in welcoming real leadership to Washington D.C. God Bless You little idiot.

Why isn't Obama meeting with both leaders of both parties at the same time? That seems like the fair thing to do. Sounds to me like Pelosi & Reid want to get their comments in while the Republicans aren't there. My words to Obama are DON'T TRUST PELOSI OR REID.

Mike,

Well said! I'm pretty sick of Proud American myself.

Rob Stumpf = From what I understand the Idiot wasnt allowed on the hill except to have a picture taken with other Idiot Republicans. I feel sorry for you Rob, your mom must have been a total drunk while pregent with you because your a complete Idiot. Please sit back and what real leadership in action and allow Mr. Obama to show you how government should be run. Jan 20th at noon will be the start of a new dawn in America, yes real true leadership. God Bless You little Idiot.

If the Republican party has something intelligent to add or is truely concerned about oversight then that is great! Just don't show up to the table with nothing but hate, and pointless objection. It doesn't matter what party in the Government comes up with the next "bailout" its not going to work. Most of our politicians have zero business experience because they've always worked in Government...and if the federal government was a business it would go bankrupt every year. So you do the math.

And for the record GOP, your leader(Yes, he still is your leader) could lie like he already did before, he doesn't have to be sincere...(like if people believe him already).

Your a bunch of morons GOP!! You can't even be on the same page...

Yay! Countdown to the BIG SPEND. Wonder how quickly O-boy and his NONCHANGE cronies can spend it all? Valentine's Day?

For all those praying for Obama...pray harder. Dealing with Pelosi and Reid, he will need all the prayers he can get.

Good luck PE. I did not vote for you, but I support you.

As for this article.... don't you worry, folks, this administration and congress with run things just fine.... unlike the Repubs, they will take into consideration what the Repubs have to say, but Barack Obama is the President... make NO mistake about that!

I hope we can get something done to change things unlike the Repubs determination to destroy us in the name of making the Rich richer and the Poor.... oh, who gives a dam.... darn!

Well at least there are three going to be there. This way if they vote on something there will be a majority consensus.

Proud American... .Bush Jr. ran nothing... he was just a bumbling figure head for the real "deciders".... Bush Sr., Cheney and the rest of the black hearted gang....

18 More days, folks, 'til we're free from the Village Idiot. Wheeeee

This is a comment unrelated to the above story for a reason. A few days ago, here on Ticker, it stated that Muslims here in the US are wanting more of a say in the running of the government and have appealed to Obama about it. Why are they doing it now that Obama is going to take office? Why didn't they appeal to Bush or anyone else in government regarding this? This story on Ticker was allowed only two comments and then it was removed, never to be seen again. What gives? I wouldn't think Obama, being Christian, would be anymore likely to give Muslims more of a say in running the government than anyone else. Hmmmmm, something is not quite right.

What Obama needs is the same kind of rubber stamp congress that Bush had. The senate is full of GOP members waiting to stand in direct and natural opposition to his policies...
Why? Because republicans stand in direct opposition to Democrats and Obama is playing for the other team as far as they are concerned.
But Obama will not have that. No Democratic president ever does. But we will succeed none the less and clean up the mess left by Bush

PE OBAMA will communicate the fact that this package will have no earmarks or pork. He will tell them that there will be strict regulation to insure no funny business by anyone. This is going to be a great start for America to get back on Her feet. It will take a team effort from both sides to make this happen. We pray that the GOP will go with the flow and make this investment happen. Putting our people to work and improving our roads,bridges and energy consumption will be money well spent !!! THANK YOU PE AND YOUR HARD WORKING TEAM

In the 8-years Bush was in office he didn't bother to lead from the middle by including feedback and input from the Democratic party. What a nice change in politics to have a president reach his hand out to the other side and say lets work together. I hope this trend continues and people can stop dividing our great nation into "blue" or "red". We are all Americans who want a better future for not only ourselves but our children and grandchildren. Why don't we all take a step back and stop the hate filled comments towards our fellow Americans.
We are stronger united than divided. We are one nation under God.
God Bless America. God Bless our troops. God Bless President Obama!!!

This just in.

Democrats say it's a great idea, full of hope and promise.

Republicans say it's a terrible idea, full of taxes and Marxism.

I wonder how many time in the past eight years has he met with Congressional leadership? <<

Many times.

But you seriously didn't know that, right?

Then again, Proud American I am sure you have not done any research on the subject. Judging by the way you spelled private either your unbridled hatred got way ahead of your motor skills or you really are mysoginistic i-d-i-o-t you portray in your posts.

Obama depended on so many people and groups. The DNC power brokers, the media who wanted to sell their full-color books, the big corporate donors.

As each shows up like Pelosi here, it will be sad to watch the Big Change switch to the Big Payback.

DE-Evolution (for the stupid people not paying attention):
Change the basic way all politics works in Washington DC
Change what Rebuplicans have been doing
Change what Bush-Republicans are doing
Change some Bush policies
At least Obama is the first non-white pres.
We will change the whitehouse dog (photo-op)
So who needs some bailout money?
everyone go back to watching cable shows and shut up

@Proud American. We get it. You don't like Bush or Republicans. You really don't have to comment about it on every blog regardless of topic. Perhaps after your messiah is sworn in we get get a break from your mindless and clearly anti-American rants.

For all of you who think Christianity is the way and Muslims, Jews, atheists, and us agnostics are just plain crazy, just look at how Christ boned sharon's mind... she's one step away from bombing a clinic. Love thy neighbor, indeed.

When you read of a religion that believes the rest of us shouldn't exist and that requires blind obedience and a religion where martyrs are heros and whose family is compensated for becoming martyrs, then it only stands to reason people may overreact to someone looking like a Muslim who is talking about going to their heaven.

I hope PE Obama makes know to the leadership of the House and Senate that this is not a time for trying to show who has the power. This is a time for all the people of our nation to come together and bring ourselves up out of this mess we are in.

This is a time when we need to help eachother. This is a time when we need to share and give of ourselves to help ourselves and others.

I hope they all realize that they are our leaders and if they do not perform then WE will replace them and continue to do so until we find someone that will produce and lead. We will have to do a lot of the work ourselves but we must have compentent leaders.

It seems to me that politicians are postioning themselves for max. exposure and puplicity. We have had much of that in recent years; I hope there is some way to water that down but it seems congress is looking for more pictures and policy making.

Pelosi and Reed should be voted out, they are useless.

I would hope that they would get rid of Pelosi. She is an ineffective leader. She can't even keep her own party somewhat in line.

Since Pres. elect Obama is going to meet with the democratic leadership; maybe he should suggest giving the economic stimulus to the taxpayers... we know how to stimulate the economy when we have the funds to do it.... they gave the banks OUR money, with no oversight and no controls; infastructure is great but the jobs created by it won't materialize for a year or two; and unfortunately, not all of us can do that type of work...

take the second half of the stimulus and give it to the taxpayers!!!!!!

I predict these to will be in a painting together someday.They will be standing in front of a farm,he in overalls with a pitchfork in hand and her holding a flowerpot with an unknown weed growing from it.

God willing, he'll ask them why the hell they think they need a $47K "cost of living" raise.

In this time of what should be shared sacrifice, if these bums give themselves a raise, I say bring them down.

All I can say is that the democrats better help and support Obama all they can.
The world is watching!

Obama is going to be caught in the middle of a power play with Reid and Pelosi. Just because they are in the same party and support the same liberal ideals doesn't mean that they are going to play nice. Reid knows he is at the apex of his career and he has shown that he is willing to do what it takes to make his goals become reality. Pelosi has no intention of relinquishing her power in the house to the will of Obama. She will her numbers in the house to her benefit, regardless of what Barack has in mind. Also, when all hell breaks loose, who are they going to blame? Bush and Cheney will be playing golf in Texas and pointing the finger toward Washington.

The two biggest things holding back the Democratic Party are Pelosi & Reid.

One might of thought he has met a couple of them already. But I guess not being in the Bizz very long lends itself to many first-time scenarios!

"It depends on what the meeting is — if it's just a photo op or if they're really reaching out."

A photo op is more than the repubs gave the Dems from 2000-2006 when the Dems were the minority party.

That's funny...a GOP aide worrying about a "photo op"....wondered if he/she complained when McCain tried to "swoop in and save the day" during the bailout fiasco....LOL!!!!!!!!

REGARDING AN ARTICLE ON MSN 9 MUSLIMS REMOVED FROM A PLANE.

Dear Friends:

There is a fobia of some who fly on planes! It is real! There are those who hear through their fear, which may be part of the time we are in where world events includes war also amoung nations with religious historical beginnings. It is with sincerity and trite that I say this I hope the Airlines have good insurance and the individual who responded knows the difference of hate crimes. You have both been wrong!

Not all Arabs or Jewish are evil in thought or action. Most of the planning of 9/11 occurred on the ground. In this time of our Lord 2009 may we all think of the Birth of Christ. There amoung and surrounding the child, the Savior, are Arabs and Jews. So to today christians are of all faiths. So too are we reminded to live in peace to not over react to conversation or thought about where they are on a plane. They were on the plane with you just as those amoung and surrounding Jesus at his birth. I too have thought or said where is the door or looked at the closeness of the engines to my physical being on a plane. A natural instinctive behavior. Does it matter what faith, religion or color of my skin or age?

Perhaps the person who complained may seek counseling religious and medical for peace of mind and peace to be with you.

May I say this that christians believe that all souls and those of the past and present will be on the earth at the time God comes to fight Satan. This would be all those that would be born and unborn, in fetal stage or before, aborted, misscarriaged and all. Judgment day will then be when God fights and destroys all parts, memory of Satan and his followers. Osama Bin Ladin and all his followers or all who have a part of him in him will be judged and burned in hell. All 6 million killed by Hitler no matter what faith will be there and God will save their soul and spirit his chosen people are amoung them and the offspring of those who lived are amoung us today! He could not destroy them. Abortionist you also will be judged for all and each and every murder you commit or committed and all your hateful parts of you amoung them piece by piece. So to those who made cases that allowed this murder. Let us not fear flying nor our neighbor for this the fear of words, conversation, condemned 6 million. How many have been murdered by a knife or suction machine by abortionists? Are they amoung you? Genecide? Are they amoung you?

Ladies and Gentlemen love thy neighbor and fear not their feet movement in a bathroom and set them up where other such actions occur or occurred as in Ted the Senator of Alaska. God help me if I move my feet pulling up my close or adjusting them, or reach for paper or say something about where the door is or the person next to me. Where is the fire extingquisher in relationship to a bathroom or plane engine? Someone smoking reality or with words? Call the police, arrest him, call the FBI, put them off a plane, political garbage and or predjudice. It is written Fear not the darkness, for I am with you. Any one know where? Lady on the plane, conversation you invaded their privacy by listening and oh fear!

Get a lawyer! You committed hate crimes against them and showed you were predjudice. Peace be with you and let it begin with me. Amen. Send a copy of this to the Pope and all religious leaders and Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Please, I am serious! Amen.

IMAGINE SOMEONE WANTING TO WATCH THEIR MOVIE ON A PLANE BEING REMOVED. BUT I WANT TO WATCH THE MOVIE! KICKING AND SCREAMING. COULD THIS HAPPEN?

A CHILD OR ADULT HOW WOULD YOU REACT?

What's really odd about this article is the Idiot sitting president. I wonder how many time in the past eight years has he met with Congressional leadership? I'm blown away how Republicans don't have a clue. Being President of the United States is really a job and if Bush worked in the privite sector he would have been fired years ago. Dear God 3 more weeks.