CNN

I have read these blogs for some time and fully understand that most of you are die-hard liberals but at some point you people will have to leave home and get a job. Why is it a bad bill? How about 800 BILLION reasons?

All of you make Democrats look stupid. Seriously. Republicans are partisan? What about the Democrats voting yes "together" – are they partisan beacuse they all vote yes to bad legislation? Apparently not according to you.

I'm an independant and after this election season I'm actually leaning towards to right. True – the GOP acted like idiots and are fractioning in to pieces but the Dems were no better.

John Boner just doesn't get the fact that he and his pals are no longer relevant!!!!!

Wish there was a way we can get rid of these bozos – Boner, Pelosi, Reid, etc. Neither one of these clowns is interested in the country or the people. After giving $700 billion to their loser friends in the banking sector, they are disinclined to do anything for the country but would gladly give another trillion dollars without any accountability.

Maybe it's time for an amendment to the constitution to sweep out all the intransigent rascals in office when the public votes for change.

What a shame !!!

The GOP still doesn't get it: Americans voted for CHANGE! We want action NOW! Get behind the President or get out of the way!

All the Republicans keeping saying is tax cuts. If that is all that comes out of their mouth, we don’t need them. President Obama has extended his hands; and they are refusing to come of the hole that former President Bush drove us into. It's time to move on.

You Dems just don't get it. You can't spend money you don't have. Do any of you really understand what's going on? Doing something just to do something accomplishes nothing.

The only idea the Republicans have had since Reagan is "Tax cuts fix everything." – over and over again. They're oblivious to reality and changing circumstances Even Laffer himself put no numbers on his curve and declined to say where we were on it.

Have these suits learned nothing? They will never realize they are a dying breed.

Not suprised. They are the same people. The only thing that has changed is the President. Those old goats will never change. Just say no but have no ideas of their own. Then they can say President Obama failed.

Too bad President Obama did not anticipate that the GOP does not want change and if it comes they will not allow him to take credit for it. Underlying hatred. What are they bringing to the table. Same ole politics in Washington.

I'm glad to see the Republicans vote against the stimulus package. It will help to condemn them to eternal irrelevance and, hopefull, the Republican Party will go the way of the dodo bird - extinction. We need a new loyal opposition of people who can think.

All the Republicans keeping saying is tax cuts. If that is all that comes out of their mouth, we don’t need them. President Obama has extended his hands and they are refusing to come of the hole that former President Bush drove us into. It's time to move on.

The 168 billion dollar stimulus package in the spring was a bust, business tax cuts make sense only for small businesses as corporations have so many loopholes now that they do not pay what the Republicans claim they do, and Bush's tax breaks for the wealthy did not "trickle down."

Why do republicans look evil?

Big surprise, huh? This is why we Democrats need to stop whining about bipartisanship and push through our agenda regardless of the opinions of Republicans. Obama ineeds to stop looking for political cover in case some of his policies fail.

Republicans only care about themselves. They are unwilling to compromise, give and take....they are not even in the majority, you'd think considering the mess we're in they'd be willing to work together.

Stubborn, stubborn, stubborn.

It figures that the Republicans are going to keep acting the same old way. Prez Obama has already extended the olive branch more than once. Prez Obama has already said that he is going to work for all Americans. The Republicans need to submit new ideas and give constructive criticism, but they are instead just playing the same old games.

The Republicans are the main reason we're in this mess. Don't they owe us a decent effort to fix it? Every voter needs to remember this the next time we have an election. They won't listen until every one of them is voted out of there.

There are the Republicans....the party of "No, No, No". Not that they have any other ideas, they just take whatever the Dems want to do, good or bad, and say vote "No."

Typical Republican all criticism, no new solutions. "It's bad" - gee that's real analytical. We can tell he put tons of thought into that one. It is so obvious that he cares only about his party/political career. If he cared one iota about what is good for our country he would at least try to present a detailed criticism and/or his own ideas. This is exactly why after many years as an Independent I am happy to say that I am now firmly a Democrat. The Republicans need a big change in leadership that is more moderate and willing to be bipartisan.

If I were Democrats I would submit a bill that had NO tax cuts and 300 billion more dollars in spending. If the Republicans don't like the bill now they should see what kind of bill progressives really can submit.

If the Republicans think this is a bad bill, what do they want? Bush nationalized the banks and cut ALL taxes for most corporations. Nothing has worked so far.
I am an American citizen and tax payer (unlike Exxon, for example) and I want new infrastructure and new energy...not new tax cuts that only help a few.

So Boehner and Cantor are the 2 Rep running "their "party?
Only "they "can state what "their" fellow Rep can do?
Wow.
For the rest of America.......I guess these are the "2 "to remember to always call on,write,email,,fax for anything and everything ,no matter where you live /work ,or not/if you have any questions reguarding anything in your life. They are the important ones.........(they think).
Let's be real here................they are NOT the important ones.
The American people are hurting RIGHT NOW. How dare them to think they are so much so..............they are not.
Alot of people are all working together to find solutions,instead of being road blocks.......keep on keeping on.But do remember their names.
When this crisis is past.........and they want someone to vote on something they may bring to the table.......consider it VERY carefully.

Other media sources explain why....4.2 billion allocated to ACCORN is one reason, CNN just omitts this

I am so glad to no longer belong to the GOP. President Obama is not even acting like the typical Democrat. He is acting as an American. We all need to help. The GOP needs to get out of the way or offer at least an alternative solution. My guess is they are so far out of touch with mainstream America they haven't a clue as to what is going on or how to fix it. The GOP resorts to their typical bashing and fear mongering.

throw in another war and they all vote yes

Sue January 27th, 2009 1:17 pm ET

John Boehner is lying about "contraceptives" being in HR.1. There is no such mention… he is trying to rally ultra right wing conservative pro-lifers to vote against the bill. The rubric is covered under "family planning", but mentions nothing about "contraceptives." He is using this gimmick as a means to say that this one example, which he is lying about, is a reason for "wasteful spending."

_______________________________________________________

There is a clause for "family planning" which can translate to abortion and contraceptives ala Planned Parenthood. Weren't you the same person that couldn't spell "illiterate" the other day? Give it a rest.

Wow, you Dems really have no clue how things work in DC do you?
The Republicans have ideas and solutions. Obama needs to be open to listening to them. It sounds like he is willing to do that, unlike that witch Pelosi who has tried to stuff so much pork in this bill it isn't funny.

"Sue", Boehner is lying about anything. Pelosi stuffed the contraceptive piece into the bill after it was written. They can do that ya know. It's called PORK.

And to "J", Obama does NEED the Republicans. He is POTUS, not a king. He does not have absolute power.
The Dems also do not have a filibuster proof majority in the Senate, so he does NEED the Republicans.

What is going on here? Is that fat boy on the radio now the leader of the Republican party. If you try to vote no, you just accepting the blame for blocking someone who would at least try to make things better. Just vote no and you will be unemployed after 2010. Just threaten to hold your breath and turn blue. That approach will go well with your investment in Bank of America.

So much for putting partisanship aside in the best interest of America...Republicans can't seem to help but keep digging their own grave. And the sooner they bury themselves in the history books as a once respected and effective party that went off the deep end crazy. Boehner, Cantor.... they all make me sick.

GOPers, you made this mess. Now either pitch in to help fix it or step aside and let the others do what needs to be done.

Okay, I was all for bipartisanship, and still am, but if the Republicans are just going to be a bunch of cry babies screw 'em, we need ACTION and we NEED IT NOW!!!!

More spending on infrastructure projects and less tax cuts for corporations. We won. Quit bowing to the Republicans. Now.

This Democrat is also urging you to vote NO.!

VOTE NO
VOTE NO
VOTE NO
VOTE NO
VOTE NO
VOTE NO

Sue- if he's lieing about the contraceptives being in the bill, then why is there an article here saying that Obama is ready to take that portion out of the bill?

so the republicans have not learned anything.

if you want to vote against something, fine, but come up with a better idea.

if you can't come up with a better idea, keep your trap shut.

did you not see the results of the election in November?

do you not realize we do not want this type of political game playing, especially when the economy is in crisis?

do you want to be re-electied, or part of the team that allowed our country to fail?

i believe the republicans, in general, are willing to let the country go down the tubes, as long as THEIR constituancy is taken care of.

Typical Radical religious rightwing thinking "We have no negotiating position until someone starts negotiating" Translated it means "Unless they atre wsilling to give us everything we want and drop everything we want dropped we willnot talk with them" Same "reasoning" bush used when discussing meetings with our "enemies". Until they give into our demands we willnot negotiate with them. The radical right STILL does not understand that they ahve a chance, NOW and open only for a short time, to show that they are willing to work for ALL AMERICA and not just the radical rightwingers who voted them into office, that they are willing to work to get GOvernment doing the all the peoples' business and not just play partisian politics. They ahve a man in office, willing to listen and compromise, FOR NOW, they can easily lose that by their all or nothing approach but they should beware if they lose that than it will be ALL or NOTHING and with the Democratic majority in both houses, and the overall support this president has they will end up with NOTHING.

idiots

I hope they vote no. It will make them look like obstructionist and that they don't really care about the rest of us struggling in this economy. The fact that they have no goo alternatives makes them look even stupider. Tax cuts alone is not going to fix this mess. Did we just have 8 years of the big Bush tax cuts. Did that do anything? NO

What's even more ridiculous is this is a man from a state who is in one of the worst financial crisis in the country, and he is denying help to those who really need it. Go Ohio. You keep voting these republicans in who are doing absolutely nothing to help the regular people of OHIO. Sad..

Of course, here comes the bi-partisan GOP. I want to see how many of these remnant [R] congressmem are dumb enough to follow their moronic leadership into political oblivion. They learned a lesson alright from the last election - the WRONG lesson. If it weren't for the abject stupidity of some areas of this country the [D]s would be shooting for having 80 senators after the 2010 elections. When the [R] senators and congressmen start mis-behaving this time, I say Mr. Obama and the [D] leadership should show no mercy. Slash and burn, baby!.... with my full support.

Well it looks like the Republican House has gotten their
message from their leader, Rush Limbaugh!

Hi-

I read with utmost interest Rep.Cantor's comment " we want 100% against" regarding the stimulus bill. Even though I have not read the GOP's whole argument, it reeks of "our-party-first-rest-is- BS" type rancidity.

Certainly, I can not resist the temptation of the thought of their "getting even " attitude with the triumphant Dems, regarding this bill. Hey GOPs! For once, put aside your partisan feelings and try to sound more amicable than what you are now. I think that will be a step in the right direction of service to the nation.

Arrogance will not pay in the long run and you know it already.

So in other words, while millions of americans are hurting and struggling, we've got the GOP playing games. I guess the past 8 years wasn't enough for them? Come on GOP, all of us out here in every day life expect much more of you than this.

GOP: Good Only at Procrastinating

If it's progress, republicans are against it. If it helps america, republicans oppose it. If it doesn't kill our young women and men over seas, republicans hate it. If it doesn't give to their rich buddies and steal from the tax payer, republicans won't stand for it. If it is not their idea, but it's a great idea, they will refuse it.

Republicans, the problem to all of our solutions!

In 2010 please vote out these hypocrite repubs, they don't have the American people intrests at heart only the top 5%.....

IT'S ashame the way law makers take such loose attitudes about our lives, a lot of people in general have very UGLY attitudes towards really
helping anyone, it's not just about President Barrack Obama, it should
be about US AS A PEOPLE and doing what is necessary to make this
country work as a whole for everyone. When will WASHINGTON AND
WE THE PEOPLE REALLY WORK TOGETHER people are suffering,
they are hungry, cold, can't keep the roof over their heads, can't do for
their spouses or children or themselves we are destroying ourselves
and a lot of it has to do with GREED AND HATRED

Excuse me sir but you are one of the people responsible for the mess you have put the american people in so don't be so ignorant and give obama a change to fix the f-up that the little hitler and the rest of your party did.

Michael, I agree with you. I live in Michigan, which has the highest unemployment rate and every day more get added to the unemployment roles. Unemployment barely covers basics. Tax cuts for people on unemployment are not really helpful. I am tired of the Republicans supposedly standing up for what's right or correct over helping people. If they don't want the stimulus, then what are their ideas?

Keep doing this, GOP leaders, and the country will urge your districts to vote no on you.

Republcans – Obstructing American success for 8 years.

They agree to meet to discuss the proposals but before the meeting decide to be against whatever the proposals are. How is this any different than Sadam and the weapons inspectors? WHo is the real enemy to American Progress?

These are the same people that caused these problems, now they want to block anything that is not the same polcies that created the problems? Doing the same thing and expecting a different result is simply crazy!

Go for it and you will be the next republican voted out of office.

Well what else can you expect. The behavior of the republican leaders remind me of my 5 year daughter. If you cannot get your way, throw a fit and refuse to listen to reason. After 8 years of Bush policies resulting in a failing economy, its time for a new approach and ideas.

I have been listening to both parties and it makes me wonder if the GOP had such a good idea, why didn't they present it when Bush was president. Also they are talking about giving more money out with tax credits but what good is a tax credit for people out of a job and unemployment going through the roof the both of you had better come to some type of understanding because after all the money you bailed out the banks was taxpayer money and now the President want to give back to the people some of their money through extending unemployment nad health care the GOP want to close the door. I can tell you one thing if you don't do something that when your time is up you mayas well retire because noone will vote republican again after the supposely raise you all voted in for yourself.

These repubilcan better realize very quickly that this is not about negotiation; it's about compromise for the sake of the American people, who put them in office and can vote their, tanned, lazy, partisian, washington as usaual, butts out of office.

I understand losing power hurts, and you guys are scared. However,
CHANGE IS HERE... and IT AINT GOING NOWHERE!!!! at least for another 4-8 years.
So, get to work, and forget about your country clubs for a while.

Shame on Dana Bush – her bias is showing! She continuously refrains from referring to the President of the USA as "President" Barack Obama and chooses to ignore his title. She is noticeably disrespectful and it is painful to listen to her. CNN, get with the program and stop condoning this obvious and deliberate 'oversight' on the part of one of your so-called "Senior Correspondents".

Boehner's name cracks me up...it's so ironic because the GOP is basically a big fat political gelding at this point.

The Republican leaders are urging their people to vote "no" on the bill, but are they offering anything as a substitute... any solutions? Is their plan to basically keep doing nothing, then blame the democrats for not being able to accomplish anything?

Well what did everyone expect! They helped President Bush to run the economy into the ground and now they expect that we will still give constant tax cuts to the rich and to big business. The only answer Republican leaders have for any problem is tax cuts. Who else in the world would cut taxes while promoting two wars?

They are requesting that all Republicans vote no to the stimulus package and are unable to understand that you can't cut taxes for the unemployed. They do not understand that food stamps and extending unemployment benefits would help more than tax cut especially when people are out of work. It will be interesting to see how united they are to vote against the raise that they are supposed to get this year. Indeed. And why aren't they posting their salaries, benefits and pensions on the Internet to show transparency like President Obama? The answer is that they are hipocrites. Plain and simple!!!

The GOP thrives on division....I just don't get it. Can't they see the only way to help this country is to be unified? Shame on them...

A typical Republican response. We are against it, we don't have an alternative, we just know it is not our plan and therefore it can't be a good plan.... We don't care what the people want, or what 68million voters have say.... SO, we are taking our ball and going home.......

And, to think these people were voted in to help all the people of their districts and state... Shame, shame on all of them.

GOP or Grand Obstructionist Party in full action. After almost bankrupting the nation, they are back to finish the job.

The GOP apparently did not listen to the people in 2006, 2008 and it is clear they don't care American's mandate for change and working together.

When the economy is geeting from bad to worst to disaster to...what's next?... Republicans just don't care!

It is either conservative agenda of tax cuts for riches and corporations and cut of social programs or nothing.

The people has Obama's back on this one and the people will prevail.

We need Obama's stimulus bill and we need it now!!! That was what we voted for!!

If we wanted a GOP stimuls bill we would have voted for McCain/Palin

When you run out of ideas, you can always rely on obstructionist tactics. Well done GOP.

GOP......losers. Now the nah sayers once again. Gee, they drop our enormous deficit on the country, leave our finances in shambles and now want to block efforts to do something. What stupid men.

It would work out much better if Boehner just fell off the face of the earth! This guy is going to be one of those representatives that is an obstacle, rather than a beneficial member of our government. The only thing he is going to do is get in the way of what the American people really need.

They just don't "get it", do they? If we wanted what the Republicans are selling we would have voted for them.

How can tax cuts help when so many people have lost their jobs? If you are not working then you are not paying taxes any way. We need to save the jobs that are still out there and to create new ones. Why don't you get your head out of your whatever and live in the real world for once. WE THE PEOPLE NEED AND WANTED CHANGE SO LET US ALL WORK TOGETHER TO FIND A WAY TO SAVE AMERICA. The last 8 years have not worked. Just look at all the jobs that were lost on Mon. I don't think the repubs care what happens.

where were this idoiots for the last eight years when this county was getting buried with debt and coruption. All they are trying to do it to stay relevent.

Great going guys! First you cause this mess, then you try to stop a forward moving solution from being achieved.

It would work out much better if Boehner just fell off the face of the earth! This guy is going to be one of those representatives that is an obstacle, rather than a beneficial member of our government. The only thing he is going to do is get in the way of what the American people really need.

Okay John Boneheaded!!!! CONSIDER YOURSELF TO BE THE FIRST REPUGNANTAN TO FALL!!! KISS THE HOUSE SEAT GOODBYE!!!!!

Hellow boyz 'n girlz, welcome to the GOP Donkey Show!

Why do the Democrats insist on putting pork in this thing? We dont need money for condoms and ACORN! Obama needs to get the red ink out and line those items out!

Can the unpopularity of this party be any lower, i think so.

I really don't understand why the GOP is so against it.
As it stands, there is no reason to believe that tax cuts will stimulate the economy. about 80% of the working people earn less than 100K. Their tax breaks would only be about 1000 to 2000 a year. That's less than $200 a month. That's a drop in the bucket.

Only the wealthiest will get a significant amount of money. No one in their right mind would invest in this economy. So no jobs will be created.

Clinton increased taxes, and people still made tonns of money.

This is stupid republican partisan tactics. They say they love america, but all they love is themselves.

John Boner has to go right along with Pelosi both are too damened PARTISAN! Nothing will ever get done with these two fighting Bickering Partisan Children And Boner do remember your Party is a minority now! so who gives a sh–t what you think!

If the GOP has better ideas, other than tax cuts, please share. It's going to take more than tax cuts to right this sinking ship.

So the GOP is basically saying that they don't support the stimulus bill on the basis of "It's our perrogative", yet when asked why or what needs to be changed they have nothing better to add. Grandstanding is going to hurt more than you republicans would have imagined. Also, I understand looking at other options and that it is very important for the republican opposition to play a key role in finding a balance solution–but when you have nothing better to add you are basically blocking aide to America. I don't care if you are republicans or democrats–no one party holds the bag of best ideas of the other so stop claiming you do. If the republicans want to do more harm to their parties reputation then keep up the sorry attitudes and bad leadership skills.

Am I correct or not ? Didn't the 53 millions voter speaking that we were not satisfied with your Job for the last 8 years ?

Surprise: You messed it up and have, put not only our very principles our nation was founded on. We no longer want to shot then ask quetions and now believe every person in our nation have Rights and should express what we have seen as wrong and shameful.

Hey, Boner, is it another "crap sandwich"?

Sometimes the best spending is no spending at all.., every good businessman knows that.

The main Republican message here is that tax cuts will work better than government spending. I disagree with this message.

During normal economic times, even mild recessions, tax cuts work because most people will spend the money they save on taxes, which stimulates the economy. But right now, most people are so scared that they will just hang on to that money in case things get worse. This is reflected in stats – consumer debt is down for the first time in years, and consumer savings is up. But even with consumers reducing debt and increasing savings, and with interest rates near zero, banks are still too scared to lend money.

So tax cuts will increase consumer savings and decrease consumer debt, but will not increase consumer spending or bank loans. That's not a way to stimulate our economy. This time around, we'll need direct government spending.

So the GOP is basically saying that they don't support the stimulus bill on the basis of "It's our perrogative", yet when asked why or what needs to be changed they have nothing better to add. Grandstanding is going to hurt more than you republicans would have imagined. Also, I understand looking at other options and that it is very important for the republican opposition to play a key role in finding a balance solution–but when you have nothing better to add you are basically blocking aide to America. I don't care if you are republicans or democrats–no one party holds the bag of best ideas of the other so stop claiming you do. If the republicans want to do more harm to their parties reputation then keep up the sorry attitudes and bad leadership skills.

As far as I know, we voted for a DEMORCRATIC president along with a democratic house and senate majority because we believe that their ideas will better for the economy. The republicans are lucky that Obama is willing to listen to their ideas, especially since their votes aren't needed anyways. Instead of whining to reporters, get to work!

Typical obstructionism once again. We are so sick and tired of it. Any fool can simply say no; it takes some intelligence to actually generate some positive ideas for the bill. You would have thought the Republicans would have learned that by now. Americans are not interested in political gridlock for the sake of power or who is to be in charge. Work together to make progress or you will be completely voted out of government at the next elections. We the people are watching all the politicians....count on it.

All I hear from the GOP are complaints and no solutions. All they want to do is drag their feet. I doubt if they will get 100% opposition to the bill. But if these right wingers want to negotiate, offer solutions and stop bickering. Obviously the President wants this to be a bipartisan bill.

they don't want to get caught with obama and his "TAX CHEATING" treasury puppet.

FAT PORK!

Obama, Pelosi, Reid & Co. call it "Job Stimulus"...but it's nothing but PORK for their causes: $30 Billion to subsidize health insurance, $15 Billion in new Pell Grants, and more tax breaks for people WHO DON'T PAY TAXES.

NONE of that creates 1 new job!

This isn't the Socialist States of America.... but Obama & friends are working hard to get us there! God Help America!!!

Good. I'm not very convinced on this bailout. The government didn't do well with the last $700 million, so why should we give them another $825 million?

This Boner guy is coniving and sneaky.
His party nearly destroyed the country, and he and his cronies want to finish the job.
I support President Obama.

John Boehner needs to vote on what is best for the country and not what is best for the GOP – but then he never has voted on what's best for the country!

This is what happens when you have renegade Democratic House, with Mrs, birth control in charge.
The Republicans are closer to PEBO than his own party.

Note to Democrats in the WH & Congress: Did you not have time to better plan for the 1st week?

What a debacle!

And I hope they do to their own peril. Obama knew good and well they wouldn't support his plan, now he is just showing America that "they don't care about you."

2010 is that far away GOP. You tried to stop Barack with your socialist, marxist, liberal, communist palling-around-with-terrorist crap during the election and he steamrolled you and left McCain broke. Keep at it.

Now we'll see who flinches first.

CHANGE THE STIMULUS BILL SO IT READS THAT EVERY LEGAL AMERICAN TAXPAYER GETS A REBATE CHECK FOR THE AMOUNT BETWEEN $5000-10000 DOLLARS . THIS WILL GET THE ECONOMY UP AND RUNNING FASTER. THAN THE STIMULUS PACKAGES GIVEN TO CORPORATIONS , TO BE USED FOR THEIR OWN GAIN.

I tell you what, let's just do nothing, that is what the Republicans want. Therefore, we can let the Republicans have their way and we can go tank up like the Icelanders did. Won't that be great, everyone out of work, all the jobs gone to overseas and then fighting can break out here in the US and see where that gets us.

I am so tired of the Republicans thinking they only they have the answers, alot of Democrats have good ideas, and we should try some of them. Republicans, quit trying to get your own way like a two year old and help

As if they have any better idea? Either outline your own solution or shut-up. I'm sure they would prefer more of the same Bush policies that got us into this mess in the first place i.e. more deregulation...

What a bunch of losers..What's their idea? More tax cuts that have proven to do nothing for the country.

Oh yeah....good idea...."whipping against it". "Loud cheers" from the Republicans...you betcha..you guys have had a solid 8 years of great economic policies. How pathetic. Don't you get it....the country does not respect your ideas or your plans. Go ahead and be a complete opposition party, this country is done with your ideals, they have not worked. Most of us simply don't care what Boehner and his gang of naysayers think.

Why is it so hard to get a good bill? It's got to be about the give and take. If the Dems get this, then the Reps get something in return. If the Reps demand something, they should give the Dems something. It shouldn't be all or nothing from either party. Gah. THIS is why Washington doesn't work.

So childish....................

100%? They won't get that, ever. Their party is too fractured.

Wow. Now THAT'S what I call public service! C'mon team, who cares about the economy anyway?

Is this a surprise.The republicans are against any program
unless it is for the upper income people.Obama has reach
out to the republicans but they do not want to give anything
except their brainwashed thinking.Where were they at the last
8 years.

kbr got enough so did haliburton now its time for the american workers ,you say no ok start looking for a new job

what does he need the rebubs for!! if the plan is so great he has the votes to make it work. if the plan is so great the dems should forget the repubs.

the reason is the plan stinks, and is a pay-off to keep the dems in power. it will fail and the dems want to find someone to blame.

the bail outs are something that are needed to keep us afloat, but for the sake of all in this country, make them accountable. make sure that what they are doing with our money is the right thing. Meaning that if you want to give them billions, don't allow them to go to china to build new factory's. As far as the banks, what are they doing buying up all the other bqnks if they can't even keep the ones they have out of the red? I don't understand the stupidity as to how this money is being used.

And....what are their ideas?

It's people like Boener, Romney, Kyle that got us into the mess we are in!!! I WAS a republican for over 40 years but this year it was President Obama all the way!!! I voted for and donated to President Obama. I'm still a register republican who, when younger worked for the republican party. NO MORE!!!! These men and men like them have destroyed my country!!!! NOW they will not even work with someone who trying to bend over backwards to work with them. DIsgusting republicans!!! And Rush should be fired!!!

Way to go guys...Please don't let this country go to waste with all these stupid DEMOCRATS running it...Our lives where better off with GW Bush and a Republican Congress..now we have a mess with a bunch of killers on board..Stand strong on our beliefs and keep America safe

And that "better bill" would be exactly what and when?
Just more of the same nay saying from the right with no suggestions other than to lower the taxes on corporations and their wealthy friends. This sounds like more of the same failed ideology that got us into this mess in the first place.

The party of "NO" with NO cooperation, NO ideas, NO sense of right and wrong, NO scruples and NO solutions other than to offer more obstructionism – time for the DEM "nuclear option" perhaps?

Thank you for helping to ensure the GOP's demise!

this is yet another of endless examples for all to see, of the incredible intellect and insight of the modern day Republican Party in general, and it's enlightened leadership in particular!!

Vote against it, and we will remember it come your time for re-election! Just because you have a house or two, or three, a job, health insurance, food on the table, money in the bank - gives you no right to block help to those who are truly hurting. You should be ashamed of yourselves!

Yes that is right... no need to read and formulate your own opinion on the bill.. Republican "They Party of the Follower"

Every year my taxes seem to get lower and lower and the economy gets worse and worse. The sad thing about lowering taxes is that it is so hard to raise them again. America is a consuming society and for years the GOP has taken money and given it to the rich corporations that move their manufacturing jobs to third world countries to cut cost. So, with so many having to take pay cuts to keep afloat, how can they continue to consume. Obama has an answer – not the best one which would be to mandate that any stimulus funds go only to companies that employ American workers – but far better than another tax cut for the rich. Obama wants to negotiate, Boerner wants to stonewall. We'll see who comes out on two when the next election is held. I have a feeling it won't be the Grumpy Old (rich) People party.

I like the fack that all of a sudden the Repubs want to curb spending.
Where were they when Bush spent all the money he spent in 8 years? They were all yes men. Now they want to be distructive. They must be towing Pill Popper Lindrug's line. The American people will see them for who they really are – "******heads* Come 2010, we will get a 63 seat majority for Obama in the Senate, then they can all crawl back to their cubby holes and "cry".

this is going to backfire on the GOP soooo badly! they just dont get it.

While this country is sufering, the republicans are still trying hold things up...

Don't you get it? That is why you are so far in the minority in Congress!!!

You idiots!!!

Well lets see, Obama has been in office for 7 days and already the honeymoon is over. In fact, some of the wacko talk show idiots are calling for his impreachment.

When we will ever learn to work together???? I fear never, what a shame. It is so much easier to destroy than it is to build – seems lots of folks have more experience in the negative mode.

Great, just great!

One of the GOP's main problems, both foreign and domestic, is its inability to commence negotiations. That last quote in the story further illustrates their "we're going to fight you every step of the way" attitude that Americans are sick of.

Boehner looks drunk again. He may end up crying on the house floor. We want Ron Paul to speak for Republicans.

Question to GOP Leaders: where is your proposal?

Typical Republican stance on the issues. Throw stones and complain, but come up with nothing that even resembles a solution or an alternative.

Great. Someone remind them that they were all for putting a war on credit card. Tax cuts will solve the world problems.

viva la partisanship!!!

Carefull GOP..

You can't just be against something without offering legitimate ideas. So far all America has heard is we won't vote yes..

Offer real alternatives that benefit working americans or risk wholesale changes in 2012. Oh & that goes for the Barney franks of Pelosi's & Reids as well.

This message is to Rebulicans and Democrats alike. Stop the foolish games and start talking about solutions that will make this bill more effective! The last quote in this article just sent me boiling. "We have no negotiating position until someone starts negotiating. If the president is coming to negotiate, maybe we'll have something to discuss, but we'll see."
This statement might as well have come a highschooler because it lacks any serious insight or plan of attack. It just sounds sounds like sour grapes to me. Where is the drive to improve our country in these people. While I don't agree with all the fluff that's in this bill, at least Democrats are hard at work trying to do SOMETHING! Come on GOP and Dems, start working together for the sake of our country!

GOP voting against the stimulous bill, but say they will later try to figure out an alternative. THE GOP ARE NOTHING BUT OBSTRUCTIONIST AND NEED TO BE THROWN OUT OF WASHINGTON UNTIL THEY SHOW THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE ENOUGH TO VOTE.

you're going down repugs!

It is so easy to say no, but what do Republicans like Boehner and McConnell offer as an alternative? The same ole, same ole ... attacks on the Democrats.

So much for bipartisanship.

The GOP would rather see the country spiral down even further and more Americans loose their jobs than cooperate with the Democrats.

These Republicans don't love America, they love power and control.

This bill is not even good pork – it is about 50% fat. I say vote , "NO!"

Why did you close the comment column on "President Obama working phones for stimulus"

What is wrong you can't handle negitive comments about your Obama.

Hope the GOP will find the balls to vote for the good of the American people and tell the Dems to take a hike!

Hey Republicans! We'll remember this the next election cycle.

This whole "no on principle" ethic is stupid, no matter what side of the aisle it comes from.

I hope Boehner goes along with the rest of his non-progressive Republican cronies.

Oh, how I wish these guys would get a clue and retire the "us vs them" mentaility. We don't need that right now. They need to stop worrying about Party interests and in-fighting and start worrying about the American people's interests.

We need to get these guys out of office. Get a list of who is up for reelection in 2010 and start sending money to their opponent. Obama won. We elected his ideas, not the republican way of doing things. There is no political benefit for the republicans to support the stimulus. They are messing with our jobs and don't care.

This represents the same old obstructionist games that we can no longer tolerate in Washington. These people have been elected to serve the country in a time of extreme danger to our economy and therefore many individuals jobs, homes and lives. To pout like a bunch of kids on the playground not getting the toy they want is disgusting. Don't they understand that most of us can't afford the time they are wasting by playing their childish games. If they don't like what's on the table they need to step up and offer constructive alternatives and get the job done.

"...you can explain why it's a bad bill."

But they won't, because the only reasons for their opposition are that it was introduced and pushed by Obama and the Dems and because it contains money for family planning....even they know that it's hypocritical in the 21st century to claim "family values" don't include family planning....they just don't want bible thrown at them by their contituents next time they go to their home states.

This is the dumdest thing that I have ever seen.

Can't wait to dump more of the GOP in 2010.

That's fine, really. The GOP is continuing to shoot -itself-in-the-foot.

First the Republicans, do not GET why they LOST the elections! Their vitriolic campaigns and the hate, lies, fear and division they spew!

Secondly, the GOP continues to deny the obvious.... that not only did we, the People, reject their vile politics.... but Obama won by a HUGE margin! A CLEAR MANDATE.

And lastly, the Republicans continue to OBSTRUCT progress and help to the Nation!

All this will get the rest of the Republicans tossed OUT of office in the next elections!

Republicans= egos, obstruction & hate-mongering.

Maybe the stimulus package is bad the way it is but the house Republicans need to offer up an alternative if they have a better solution. Voting no while not having a plan of their own is risky and just plain negative. I personally don't think Republican tax cuts are going to do it . No matter how much money you give people, they won't spend and the only viable spending machine right now is the govt. The only thing is having govt. spend it correctly.

Giving merit to anything a Russ Limbaugh says is completely ridiculous, it just isn’t worth addressing, and there is so much being said by so many that picking out things that merit real consideration is difficult. We keep hearing about bipartisan cooperation and honest conscientious efforts yet it is really difficult to find any. They all say they understand how drastic everything is but it is hard to see their actions as other than more of the same. First off, you would expect that the Republicans would understand that their last eight years in strong, stubborn and even arrogant support of Bush-Cheney, with all of the problems caused there, would now call for less politics, more humility and sincerity and some real cooperation. Second, you would think that after experiencing and criticizing all of the irresponsible spending and actions, favoring Special Interests and a select few, of the Bush-Cheney years, that the Democrats would now be more conscientious and honestly focused on getting it right. Are we to always be stuck with politics as usual? Is the only way for the two-party system to function is as irresponsible and aggressive, competitive and self-serving politics with only subterfuge for the people? Over the last several years and including now, once putting aside the continual and misleading rhetoric, we see our politicians have never been capable of getting over themselves, even now while we are on an express train going into the pits. Osama bin Laden has to be sitting back and laughing as what he tried to do to us, we are now doing to ourselves. Good luck America!

Obstructionists. Vote them OUT

Just say no to the GOP the party of fear, hate, destruction and obstruction.

Funny how these same Republicans had no problem trying to ram-rod a stimulus TARP bill with no restrictions and or guidlines to follow when the shrub was president. This is nothing more than a grandstanding maneuver by them and they will waste more taxpayer money. Disgusting and shameful.......

What am I missing here? Who would possibly want Republican ideas on how to mange and stimulate the economy. Last time I checked there has been more than a doubling of the national debt, budget deficits have gone from 0 to 12 trillion dollars and what do we as a nation have to show for it. 2 wars and what may well be a depression! If I am not mistaken there was an election recently and the outcome was dramatic.

Big surprise there...cuz giving a family a small tax cut is really going to make them run out and buy a new car, house, tv etc. when the family is wondering if there will be a paycheque next month. How on earth do the Repubs think that tax cuts cure everything. They might just want to look back in history to see that make work projects can help.

SOME ONE PLEASE TELL THESE PEOPLE TO CUT THE PETTY ACTIONS AND THINK ABOUT THE COUNTRY AND THE CITIZENS THAT LIVE IN IT!!!

This sounds like school children cheering the possibility that they may not be given any homework.

The country is in freefall with thousands of jobs lost everyday and the GOP is once again all about themselves, all the time. Talk about not putting "Country First." Boehner and McConnell are not idealogues, they are self-serving Party men that would rather see the American people in soup lines than see progress if it comes from the opposition.

So, the President reaches out in a bipartisan fashion. Hours BEFORE the meeting, the Republican leadership says, "Vote no, en bloc." Meanwhile, the economy is shedding jobs at a rate of 10,000's a week. But, "Just say no" wins out over working for AMERICA's interest, because it seems to make "political sense" to these bozo's. I may not agree with everything in the stimulus, and i'm sure some parts of it are likely to be less than 100% successful. This isn't the time to whimper for months over every word or piece of hte puzzle. It's sort of like the old laws requiring fire departments to practice before they can leave on a fire call. Let's get some action, or impeach some obstructionist Republicans.

so the GOP can have their waste of money stimulous which companies spent on reort getaways with n o penalties, but when Obama has a plan that has nbo fun for them they want to throw it away... typical republican

As predicted, the Republicans are going to throw as much sand into the gears as possible. No alternatives to the bill given. No solid arguments against any provisions. No reasons: just anti-Democrat.

Yep the party responsible for getting this country into this mess with a mix of borrow and spend policies and un-regulated financial markets wants to have a say on how we get out of the mess they created....

Yep shame knows no bounds with the "loyal opposition"

Either you guys did a bad job reporting on this, or the Republicans were avoiding specifics about why it's a "bad bill". I want to know a least a couple specific points as to why "there's no reason to vote for it", otherwise I think it's just more democrat vs republican muscle flexing since there's a new Chief in town. Now everyone is trying to muscle up and try to be the alpha male.

So lets get the reporters back to Cantor and ask for a some specifics.

At this point, it doesn't appear the Republicans are willing to make a good faith effort to solve the country's economic problems.

Instead, they seem to want to be obstructionist for obstruction's sake. It looks bad.

They need their own plan if they want to be taken seriously, and it can't be more of the same Bush policies that created this mess in the first place.

Mr Stupid just say now. These clowns are the real enemy of the USA. Say no just for the hell of it. Another republican clown. Get the big red shoes out. Provide a viable solution on hide in a corner.

Translation: $200M for family planning has the GOP completely and utterly beside itself because it would anger the bible-thumper base. Too bad for them BO isn't going to back down or be manipulated...their political games are just widening the hole in their ship.

Obstructionists need to be voted out in 2012 or as soon as they are up for re-election.

"The Boner" will have plenty of time then to lay in his tanning bed.

GOP: Gross "Old" Party a visual aid in how to be losers. Keep moving in the direction you're headed, Mr. President. They are proving that they don't plan to change. Move on without them. You've stuck out the olive branch too many times. Leave them alone. Let them catch up with you.

The Republicans haven't totally ruined America yet – but this shows they are commited to keep trying. Thanks alot , guys

Removing the the family planning provisions is unfortunate. The last thing people need in this economic environment is another mouth to feed. Will Republicans ever recognize that family planning prevents unwanted pregnancy and abortions? Is that so difficult to understand?

These same Republicans supported Bush when he expanded government, increased the deficit by trillions, and spent more on corporate welfare than needy families could ever imagine. If any of these whiners think they have a better plan, let's here it. But continuing the same reckless policies and expecting better results is insanity and unacceptable. Republicans had their chance and for 8 years they blindly approved every destructive policy. Now they have to own it.. I'm so tired of hearing them talk about accountability and refusing to accept it.

The people spoke loud and clear. Continue this incompetence and stubborn allegiance to greed at your own political peril.

GOPers, you made this mess. Now either pitch in to help fix it or step aside and let the others do what needs to be done.

Clearly, the GOP house members have all mastered handling our economy (look at their performance through the past eight years). Now they are showing off their mastery of the arts and crafts of 'winning over the hearts and minds of the voters' – displayed by them in their stellar performance in 2006 and 2008.

Old 'bonehead' and 'can't-do' still have work to do, it seems, to ensure the GOP becomes a totally irrelevant entity. When will they wake up?

Unfortunately, whether true or not, this smacks of good old partisan politics. Rather than simply say "it's bad" why aren't they offering options and ideas to make it better?

The result of this sort of thing is simple: The Republicans will find themselves more and more marginalized, with nothing to offer and no place at the table. If President Obama is asking for their help, they should offer it. If they don't, they can fold the tent and go home.

Whether the result of the bill is successful or not, at least the administration is trying something. The days of pure obstructionism are over, and if that's the route the Republicans take, so are they.

We all have to make sacrifices ourselves (not buying that jet) and not sacrifice of other people (laying people off) the GOP needs to think smarter not make things harder...WOW!

Ten bucks says – watch them flip like pancake in Vermont after they meet with the President.

I hope Obama rips them a new one. GOP petty and childish. Boehner should have done that nonsense when Bush was in office.

John Boehner is lying about "contraceptives" being in HR.1. There is no such mention... he is trying to rally ultra right wing conservative pro-lifers to vote against the bill. The rubric is covered under "family planning", but mentions nothing about "contraceptives." He is using this gimmick as a means to say that this one example, which he is lying about, is a reason for "wasteful spending."

Its a new world, the GOP is nearing its last years, in the next decade they will just simply decease to exist.

Eco nomics is NOT a Republican or Democrat issue, and spending just for the sake of spending won't "stimulate" anything but national debt, inflation, higher taxes.
Too bad the American people are so dumb.

I hope the media shows who is holding up the financial recovery package. I get so sick of Republicans saying we cant spend money, why not just give tax cuts. The answer is we have to spend money to get the economy moving, it is the only way. Tax cuts do nothing to stimulate the economy and if they are anything like the Bush ones, they will cost an addition 82 cents a person because they mail us letters telling us its coming. Beside the point that tax cuts only help those who are working, the that number is decreasing daily. The Republican ideas of economy have put is in the financial straits we are currently in, why dont they see that and change a little.

If you've already decided to vote no even before the meeting, then don't go to the meeting don't waste the president's time nor your own.
Is it so hard to have a constructive debate in DC?

The republicans in the house should realize that Obama does not NEED them. He can shove what ever he wants down their throats. The fact that he is reaching out means that he WANTS them in the discussion. This doesn't mean they should accept whatever but at least sincerely try to be productive.

Unfortunately today the more you reach out the more the other side perceives you as weak. But this new POTUS will teach them otherwise.
"Talk softly and carry a big stick" His big stick is the wave that carried him to the White house.

The last nail in the GOP's coffin is now aligned and the hammer poised...please oh please vote 100% against it.

"It's a bad bill".......really? How bout telling me WHY you think it's a bad bill? With due respect, quit yapping and be part of the solution.

Republicans going to pay dearly for their obstructionist behaviour.

Hmm I have an idea, stop laying people off and complaining about the stimulus. The stimulus wasn't a problem when the GOP was over the cash flow. Very hypocritical. GOP could care less about the majority of the American people. Come on Dems let's get our act together and quit being afraid of the GOP...

I think people are wanting to much out of President Obama and I think he is trying to do to much to fast to please the people, But I think he is doing a great job.

Keep up the good work

The Repubs are playing a sitting duck contest with the President. Democrats we are not going to get the jerks to work with us so hey let's do what we got to do and let them sit on the fence. Why should we give the business and banks more tax cuts when they are not lending or giving jobs. This is stupid and if the Repubs think that they are going to have their way then hey Repubs He?????????? Naw.

Don't just vote no, offer your own solutions. If you have no solutions, then get out of the way so the American people can stop suffering at the hands of your partisan stalling