CNN Political Ticker
February 12th, 2009
06:11 PM ET
1095 days ago

Senate Democrats optimistic about 2010, targeting nine states

 Menendez is chairman of the DSCC.
Menendez is chairman of the DSCC.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Nearly two years before Election Day 2010, the Senate Democrat charged with expanding the party's already-strong majority sounded a bullish tone Thursday, suggesting the national mood and political environment make it nearly impossible for the GOP to pick up seats.

"The fear should be on the other side,” New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez, chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, told reporters in his first briefing since assuming the post formerly held by New York Sen. Chuck Schumer.

Menendez's unyielding optimism may seem surprising given how far out the elections remain, and the fact that the president's party historically loses seats in a midterm election, especially when that party controls both houses of Congress and the White House. The Democratic Party’s decades-long majority status in Congress ended with the first midterm of the Clinton presidency.

But Menendez noted five currently-held GOP seats are set to be vacated in 2010, most of them in traditional swing states: Florida, Ohio, Missouri, New Hampshire, Kansas. Meanwhile, no current Democratic senators have plans to retire, though the president's Cabinet appointments have technically left Colorado, New York, Illinois, and Delaware without an incumbent Democrat.

UPDATE: With New Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg removing his name from consideration to be Commerce Secretary, New Hampshire may no longer be an open seat, though Gregg later said he 'probably' would not seek reelection.

Of those five states with outgoing GOP senators, Menendez said the fact that President Obama carried three of them handily and essentially tied Sen. John McCain in Missouri bodes well for Democrats in 2010. He also expressed optimism about Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' chances in that traditional red state should she decide to run there: "If Kathleen Sebelius runs, she will win," Menendez said.

The DSCC chief added a combination of local and national factors make four other Republican-held seats vulnerable - Louisiana,- North Carolina, Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

Incumbent Republican senators are particularly vulnerable, Menendez said, because of their "Bush like" approach the nation's sputtering economy and overwhelming opposition to the White House-backed stimulus bill.

"They just don't get it," Menendez said of his Republican colleagues, "How many more people need to lose their jobs?"

Menendez indicated the committee will support all three Democratic appointees, should they decide to run in their own right - including Illinois Sen. Roland Burris, whom only 37 percent of Illinois voters say should run for the seat in 2010, according to a recent Chicago Tribune poll.

"I presume that any of the appointees who do decide to run will have the support of the committee," Menendez said of Burris.


Filed under: Bob Menendez • Senate
soundoff (563 Responses)
  1. Capt Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah

    Now comes the real Rethuglican test:

    Let’s challenge every Rethuglican that voted against the stimulus package. That they should not accept any of the stimulus money for there state or district.

    Let’s see how many of them can walk the walk; we know they can talk the talk. Lets see them put the money were there mouth is.

    Let’s start with Mr. Depends himself John McCain and Arizona!

    They really need to refuse any of this money because it is all pork! If they are so worried about the budget and borrowing money. Let them refuse are return any money to the U.S. Treasury at once!

    February 12, 2009 03:38 pm at 3:38 pm |
  2. Angie in Pa

    Go Dems get the Do nothing Republicans out!

    February 12, 2009 03:38 pm at 3:38 pm |
  3. Chris from NY

    Oh hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go get them. I will contribute and campaign for any Democrat in my district for a win. Take out all those obstructionists.

    February 12, 2009 03:39 pm at 3:39 pm |
  4. G.O.P.: When you got nothing, You got nothing to lose

    Keep attacking Collins, Snowe and Spector and Obama won't have to wait until 2010 to get a filiubuster-proof majority.

    February 12, 2009 03:43 pm at 3:43 pm |
  5. People who receive Social Security will get a one-time payment of $250.

    Maybe one of the reasons that retired people are going to get a measly one time check of $250 is because Nancy Pelosi set aside $30 million dollars to cater to large contributors who want to save the salt water marsh white mouse in her district. I am amazed that AARP and other Dems are not barking at Pelosi and Reid as they cut the tax rebates and tax cuts in favor of Pork ear mark spending. I don't get it.

    Mr President, on behalf of all the retired people who voted you into office, is $250 the full extent of change we can expect? If so, then you were correct Sir in calling it " change " - for it is pocket change.

    February 12, 2009 03:45 pm at 3:45 pm |
  6. yuri

    Beware Dems! Over confidence will get you nowhere. Try to be cautiously optimistic and that's the politically savvy thing to do.

    February 12, 2009 03:46 pm at 3:46 pm |
  7. James

    Yep, i been saying they just dont get it for some time now, all i know is the way its looking, give the N and NE the stimulus, if the southern states with Republican leadership dont want it, dont give it to them, let them rot in the decaying state they left our country in. From the comments ive seen from people, attacking Obama for everything under the sun, mcbeth, religion, race, actually trying to fix problems created by meatheads, i dont think they really want to see us succeed, is that dumb or what......Fox news and Mtv really do control peoples every thought, p diddy says vote or die, we vote, and we die, fox news says no birth certificate, muslim, terrorist, are we serious??? wake up America before you lay in the bed you made. If you cant see the problem here maybe you should go back to school or pick up a book, whatever the case, shut your mouth if your not offering "constructive" criticism. Yep, they really dont get it. They never will either. (apathy).

    February 12, 2009 03:48 pm at 3:48 pm |
  8. TCM

    @ G.O.P.: When you got nothing, You got nothing to lose -

    Nothing to lose but your freedoms that many fought and died for, for this country....moron...wait until the government is making socialistic decisions for you at every turn....unless, you're the type that can't wipe his nose, and needs uncle sugar to make it all better.....maybe Obama will give you a kiss like he did the "planted," Henrietta Hughes.....

    February 12, 2009 03:50 pm at 3:50 pm |
  9. Laura, Boston

    I don't plan on helping Barney Frank get re-elected! Maybe gains will be made in the Senate but the house with Nancy Pelosi as leader may not have as strong a foundation to weather the economic hurricane we are experiencing.

    February 12, 2009 03:52 pm at 3:52 pm |
  10. Rocco Pompa

    The Republicans just don't get it! I think there are a number of Southern States the Democrats need to focus on, begining with South Carolina, and Alabama. the Senators from these states would support slavary except it is illegal. I sincerely hope the democats can make in-roads in the South! And that from a life long Republican!!!

    February 12, 2009 03:55 pm at 3:55 pm |
  11. Rick

    Any chance the dems had to gain ground in congress has been shot down by Nancy Pelosi. The pork-spending bill will take the dems down in flames. I would blame Obama but I've become convinced that Obama has no idea what's in the bill. He is strickly a puppet for the Pelosi/Reid lunatics. They just tell him where to be and when to be there and he shows up and spits out what he has been programmed to say.

    February 12, 2009 03:58 pm at 3:58 pm |
  12. cbk16

    Any more Democrats elected to congress would just make us a copy of the old Soviet Union. I think after a few months of our socialist experiement, the country will be looking for Capitalism to rescue it.

    February 12, 2009 03:59 pm at 3:59 pm |
  13. Deb

    Go GET THEM DEMS,,,Just let Collin, Snowe and Spector stay

    February 12, 2009 04:00 pm at 4:00 pm |
  14. Unstimulated

    Obstruction of injustice is a noble act.

    February 12, 2009 04:01 pm at 4:01 pm |
  15. Bill

    Ok, seriously, can anyone really predict which party will have an advantage two years from now? I can't believe this is even being spoken about! Anything can happen from now to the next election. If Obama can maintain his image, I imagine the Dems can continue to ride his coattails. If the economy tanks into a depression, well who cares at that point. If the GOP continues on its path of simply opposing everything the Dems do simply because the Dems thought of it, the GOP will lose big time. Bottom line, too many factors and too far out to make any reliable prediction.

    February 12, 2009 04:01 pm at 4:01 pm |
  16. J.P.

    Menendez, if your Naked Emperor signs this bill into law, it will have one of two possible outcomes.

    1. You get absolutely trounced in the 2010 midterms, in a fashion that would make 1994 look mild, or:

    2. Obama signs the legislation launching the next American Revolution, in which people simply refuse to contribute to the government's Taxation without Representation scheme.

    February 12, 2009 04:02 pm at 4:02 pm |
  17. judesuper

    Don't forget Arizona. McCain needs to loose his seat and start his retirement. Let's go get Gabriel Giffords to run agains the tired old guy. She would win. Arizona would finally join the rest of the country, looking forward not back.

    February 12, 2009 04:02 pm at 4:02 pm |
  18. Jon

    Apparently he is not following the polls. Chris Dodd (D-CT) is very vulnerable thanks to his own personal mortgage scandal according to a recent Quinnipiac Poll. A recent Rasmussen “Generic Congressional Ballot" poll has the parties neck and neck. Moreover, Harry Reid has been polling very poorly over the last two or so years.

    February 12, 2009 04:05 pm at 4:05 pm |
  19. Mel of Alexandria, Virginia

    Yes, we should remain optimistic that the people will further side-line these GOP jokers. They certainly have not got the extent to which the ship is taking on water. Their posturing is not about the people's interest, but about how they can look for future elections. They did poorly and still are trying to look good. They have spun so long that they do not realize that their game is up.

    February 12, 2009 04:05 pm at 4:05 pm |
  20. Gaston, a Frenchman in the Midwest

    Go Democrats!!!!! lets remove these Bush wanna- be Republi-cons, it is time for us to concentrate on solving the nation's problems, help President Obama & increase our #s in the US Senate.

    February 12, 2009 04:05 pm at 4:05 pm |
  21. Romney2012

    What's a hoot is all you dems blabbing about getting the republicans out? Well, you've yet to see the socialistic carnage that Obama, Pelosi and Reid are going to cause with the porkulus bill....those of you that do work, will find yourself paying even more for "free" health care, waiting longer for medical attention, paying more for illegal care, ACORN support....all the little goodies that contribute to the detriment of this country....so, if dems get the majority, they'll be able to screw us even faster! Way to go idiots! It's like heading toward a head-on collision, and yelling for the driver to go faster!

    February 12, 2009 04:05 pm at 4:05 pm |
  22. Mike in VA

    Don't bet on it. I'm taking my $13 a week stimulus and making sure you all get canned!

    February 12, 2009 04:07 pm at 4:07 pm |
  23. EBC, MD

    Let the voices of the people send a FINAL message to the deaf toned GOP once and for all!

    I'm sick of hearing John Boehner, Lindsey Graham, Eric Cantor, and the rest of the Republican cry babies yell more "tax breaks" and yet they consistently DO NOTHING while millions of families continue to lose their jobs and homes. So much for the last eight years of tax breaks for the WEALTHY!!!

    I think these REPUGS should go without a PAYCHECK for a change and see how it feels!!!

    WE NEED TO FIRE THESE FOOLS!

    February 12, 2009 04:11 pm at 4:11 pm |
  24. 2010

    I don't blame the Dems for being optimistic. After years of misguided GOP policies, it will be a long time before I ever vote Republican again in FL.

    February 12, 2009 04:11 pm at 4:11 pm |
  25. Kevin

    Looks like the Republicans are getting closer to that window seat on the tourbus to see the Nation's Capitol AND being lined up with their mastodon ancestor.

    February 12, 2009 04:12 pm at 4:12 pm |
  26. carlo

    Go get em! A filibuster proof majority is the only thing that is going to shut the GOP up. Funny, Rush told the GOP to ignore the Dem and do what they wanted and when the Democrats won, they could do what they wanted. Since Rush is their God, why aren't they taking THAT advice?

    February 12, 2009 04:12 pm at 4:12 pm |
  27. geraldine

    I just hope before Dems get voted out they don't do any irreparable harm. Unfortunately their damage will also touch the 46% of the electorate that didn't vote their way.

    And regardless of how inept he was, "but what about what Bush did"? is not a good argument in support of Dems that are clearly on a collision path.

    February 12, 2009 04:14 pm at 4:14 pm |
  28. William, from Cali!

    LET;S SEE HOW "THINGS ARE" .........WHEN 2010 GETS HERE, FIRST!

    February 12, 2009 04:17 pm at 4:17 pm |
  29. arithmetic is liberal

    Every time I see the word "porkulus" in these posts I always hear it in Rush Limbaugh's voice as he tries to get it out from between his corpulent smushed-in cheeks and bloated tongue. I chuckle at the idea of seeing a bloated 500 pound impotent fool trying to protect his paycheck with his dear life as more and more of his former listeners "de-program" themselves from his lies. Then the words "myocardial infarction" float through my head and I laugh even harder. Then I picture how y'all must sound saying 'porkulus' and it looks about the same.

    February 12, 2009 04:17 pm at 4:17 pm |
  30. gt

    democrats are like going to a bar and your buddy, he says drinks are on me ..... then leaves you with the tab....2 years is a very long time

    February 12, 2009 04:19 pm at 4:19 pm |
  31. Chad, Wisco

    I find it funny all these Dem supporters dont want any debate. Do you really think that the country would be better if there was no opposition. Why not just rip up the Bill of Rights, because it would still then just be a handful of people making all the decisions. I might as well move back to England where my family left many generations ago to get away from such a society.

    February 12, 2009 04:19 pm at 4:19 pm |
  32. Joe, Boston

    Maybe instead of worrying about their elections in 2010 they should be more concerned about today's financial mess. People are losing their jobs, their homes and their happiness to life and these useless punks are only concerned about getting re-elected and being a majority in the Congress. What a disgrace! I feel every current member of Congress should be impeached immediately!

    February 12, 2009 04:22 pm at 4:22 pm |
  33. Rob

    WOW, a chicken in every pot ! Hurry up i'm hungry, my rents due and I need gas for my car.

    February 12, 2009 04:22 pm at 4:22 pm |
  34. jaye

    I'm optimistic for the democrats as well.
    We need to get all the republicans out of office – they have and are destroying our country.

    February 12, 2009 04:24 pm at 4:24 pm |
  35. oh man

    I hope the democrats take more seats, but I'm starting to get scared about our party in general. I like what Obama is doing, but it doesn't look like the house and senate are letting him do his job or keep his promises. I think we need to worry about putting the right people in the offices, not just a democrat. Otherwise we are no better than what we just got rid of. We need to get rid of the Pelosi type people if we want to keep power.

    February 12, 2009 04:25 pm at 4:25 pm |
  36. Jon Davis

    If the Democratic Party doesn't get rid of Nancy Pelosi as House Speaker, she could single-handedly blunt any advantage the Democrats currently may have in 2010. We can only have one president at a time...and Nancy Pelosi is not the president.

    February 12, 2009 04:25 pm at 4:25 pm |
  37. Matthew, Detroit

    We will see what happens. If Barack can not fix the country by then all bets will be off. Democrats would then likely lose seats in the house and senate alike.

    February 12, 2009 04:26 pm at 4:26 pm |
  38. naqib

    At least try to find some people to run who pay their taxes... it's a tough job I know... but there might be one or two Dems out there who aren't crooks... but I doubt it.

    February 12, 2009 04:28 pm at 4:28 pm |
  39. Peter

    I understand 2010 is important, but can we wait till December 2009 or January 2010?

    February 12, 2009 04:28 pm at 4:28 pm |
  40. cgsailor

    Time will likely show that our present "leadership" has traded a bad position for a worse one and if true, that will be the 900 lb gorilla in the mid-term elections. Candidates seeking office only have to be better than the incumbent and time will tell how high that bar is set. Neither party has shown much lately...

    February 12, 2009 04:30 pm at 4:30 pm |
  41. southerncousin

    Porkulus, Porkulus, Porkulus, I hear in Charlie Schumers voice, not Rush Limbaugh. Charlies sneered and said nobody cares about the pork. There was a camera on him, the fool just can't help himself.

    February 12, 2009 04:32 pm at 4:32 pm |
  42. Ellie, MD

    Hey Democrats,

    Not to worry, you won't have to do much. The Republicans are doing to do what they do BEST, and that is SELF-DESTRUCT right in front of the American people!!

    Make no mistake, just sit back and watch the divisive, the obstruction, the denials, the excuses, the repeated calls for "tax breaks for the wealthy" over and over and over.

    Republicans want YOU to wait for their plan of the "trickle down" theory to kick in.

    Hey are you feeling the trickle of wealth yet? I mean, it's only been 8 years.....

    February 12, 2009 04:33 pm at 4:33 pm |
  43. Ellie, MD

    Hey Democrats,

    Not to worry, you won't have to do much. The Republicans are going to do what they do BEST, and that is SELF-DESTRUCT right in front of the American people!!

    Make no mistake, just sit back and watch the divisive, the obstruction, the denials, the excuses, the repeated calls for "tax breaks for the wealthy" over and over and over.

    Republicans want YOU to wait for their plan of the "trickle down" theory to kick in.

    Hey are you feeling the trickle of wealth yet? I mean, it's only been 8 years.....

    February 12, 2009 04:34 pm at 4:34 pm |
  44. Diana NJ

    I thought they were vacant already as they have been doing nothing but turning up to vote No, No No No No...

    February 12, 2009 04:35 pm at 4:35 pm |
  45. Farrell, Houston, Tx

    Republicans were so afraid of George W. Bush just like the Iraqis were afraid of Saddan. Now that Obama has toppled the Bush area Republicans are acting like freed Iraqis who have no respect for their liberater. Think about it.

    February 12, 2009 04:36 pm at 4:36 pm |
  46. G.O.P.: When you got nothing, You got nothing to lose

    gt @ 419: Rushpublicans are like going to a bar and your drunk buddy takes your car, smashes it and asks you for the keys to your house.

    February 12, 2009 04:37 pm at 4:37 pm |
  47. sherry

    We will we will rock you!!!
    We will we will rock you!!!

    How do spell relief.............D-E-M-O-C-R-A-T

    February 12, 2009 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  48. Dittohead

    it is possible for them to do it. they can just steal the election. pretty simple.

    February 12, 2009 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  49. mark

    So when Democrats were obstructionists you all claimed that "dissent is patriotic" but when a Republican does it they're evil?

    Double standard.

    February 12, 2009 04:40 pm at 4:40 pm |
  50. Daniel, Atlanta,GA

    Forget the GOP!

    February 12, 2009 04:42 pm at 4:42 pm |
  51. TC

    Hey Romney 2012, were you complaining like this when Bush and his GOP cronies in Congress were spending like drunken sailors and blowing a huge hole in the federal surplus?

    February 12, 2009 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  52. Mitchell from MS

    Don't count your chickens before they hatch! I am predicting gains for the GOP!

    February 12, 2009 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  53. Patriot Guy

    The Democrats are sooooooo determined to destroy this country.......but 2010 may not be as rosey for them as they think. B.O. get old after a while.

    February 12, 2009 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  54. paul oregon

    2010 sounds just great. with the internet things will be quite different.

    February 12, 2009 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  55. Pete

    Why do Republicans feel so comfortable talking about needing to take up arms against the government?

    February 12, 2009 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  56. bob in LA

    Hey Democrats- it's 2009- strat doing your job NOW or maybe it wont be an issue in 2010.

    February 12, 2009 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  57. In Houston, TX

    The GOP is headed for self destruction and they don't know how to stop it. They can't figure out why poeple are not coming to the party and even more are leaving.
    The real issue with the GOP, the reason why they are falling apart is because of their fundamental beliefs. They have chosen the wrong side of every arguement since the 60's and now people are starting realize they were wrong...ON EVERYTHING! They started the anti intellectual movement. Why would you want to hire the guy you would want to have a beer with to run the country?!?
    Because Obama's campaign ran on hope and the GOP stands in natural opposition to the Dems, they became the party of no hope. And that is where they stand now. NO HOPE. The saddest part is their thick headed willful ignorance.
    GO GET 'EM DEMS! there is no hope for the GOP and they are not here to help the people.

    February 12, 2009 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  58. Hommer

    If we can still vote in 2010, Menendez and crew will be looking for caves to hide in when this "stimulus" package doesn't work. Going to be very hard to blame this on the Repubs...

    February 12, 2009 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  59. Independent_me

    I for one will be fasting and praying that the Dems get a fillibuster-proof majority.

    February 12, 2009 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  60. Matt

    Too funny. This a day after a poll was released that showed if the election were held today, the Democrats would lose their majority. It only took a month for people to see through both Hope and Change.

    Good luck in 2010! Unless you grow up, you're going to need it! Keep blaming everyone for your problems... I am sure THAT will get you elected.

    February 12, 2009 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  61. R in Maine

    It is an open seat already.

    February 12, 2009 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  62. Simpliticus

    Think about it! If Democrats do nothing, then the Republicans must stew in their own distress as to how to get reelected. These can hem and haw on this and that but the obvious decline is all too obvious. The key to the Republicans' decline is in the state of the economy. This is why Limbaugh and other right-wing idiots are trying to call this problem the Obama Recession when all of this occurred on Bush's watch and since the Republicans had full sway over six of the eight years, these hope that voters will forget about who caused this mess and IT WAS THE REPUBLICANS, in the hall, with the candlestick. This is why so many Republicans are not running for office any longer because the handwriting is on the wall. Either Republicans remain mired as the minority party or they face the wrath of public discord. Not a nice future for the Republicans!

    February 12, 2009 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  63. Ted

    I love these cute, uneducated people such as JP.
    The American ReRevolution? Lol!

    February 12, 2009 04:48 pm at 4:48 pm |
  64. Ghost

    JP, that sounds like traitorous talk. Believe me, if there was gonna be a revolution anytime soon, it would've been over the last guy.

    Question for all you nay sayers. If all this works, will you re-join the Union or stay in the United State of Alaska?

    February 12, 2009 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  65. Leonard

    New Hampshire may not be open, but it's going blue in 2010!

    February 12, 2009 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  66. Jimmy

    I think that the formula of a Dem President with a Republican congress worked pretty well in the 90s. It scares me to think of one party having absolute power. Nancy Pelosi doesn't need anymore power to change the US into California!

    February 12, 2009 04:52 pm at 4:52 pm |
  67. globalgroove

    My goodness you Republicans are a bitter lot. What part of we need 'CHANGE' don't you get??? And to Romney2012, I made an appointment today to see my dermatologist...first appointment is in September....my point is, even with our current health care system you still have to wait....God forbid you ever have a heart attack and have to lay on a gurney for 3 days in the ER...I did and it was not fun.

    February 12, 2009 04:54 pm at 4:54 pm |
  68. Expat in Canada

    "The Democrats are sooooooo determined to destroy this country…….but 2010 may not be as rosey for them as they think. B.O. get old after a while."

    Seriously, look at where we were in 2000 and where are now and tell us again with a straight face that the Democrats are the one destroying the country.

    February 12, 2009 04:55 pm at 4:55 pm |
  69. Typical White Person

    Pride goeth before the fall...

    February 12, 2009 04:55 pm at 4:55 pm |
  70. Jeffrey in Georgia

    It's all up to the Democrats. They won in '06 and '08 because the Republicans continued to cling to an insane hybrid philosophy in which the worst parts of conservative and liberal thought were combined, and we had ample proof that such a philosophy does not work. Republicans refuse to return to the conservative roots they claim to have, so they remain horrible candidates. The question becomes: Are the Democrats any better?

    The Democrats had two years of congressional control under a Republican president, and they proved that they were just as useless. However, to give them the benefit of the doubt, President Bush wielded executive power like a sledgehammer. So now we're going to give them two years of a majority in congress with a Democrat President. It's quite honestly all up to them. By the election in 2010 we will know if the Democrats are the saviors they claimed to be, or if both parties have become parasites to our nation.

    Of course the Republicans could surprise me and actually reconsider their platform, changing it to something that makes some amount of sense, but given the fact that they seem to have chosen Rush Limbaugh as their new spokesman I highly doubt that will happen.

    February 12, 2009 04:58 pm at 4:58 pm |
  71. David in Bethlehem, PA

    Let's see how we're doing at the end of 2009 before counting the 2010 ballots.

    This is exactly the kind of political BS that opened the door to the mess we now face. Stop worrying about the "party" and focus instead on the people of this nation who need your help today.

    If you can't manage that, 2010 won't matter..................

    February 12, 2009 05:00 pm at 5:00 pm |
  72. Peggy

    It seems that the reason our country is letting thieves and hoodlums...ie...bankers are allowed to make their own rules is that all our polititions think about is the next election and the next and the next.....next.....next.....next..... That's so pathetic.

    February 12, 2009 05:01 pm at 5:01 pm |
  73. USA LOVER

    Unstimulated said

    Obstruction of injustice is a noble act.
    --------------------------------

    agreed....
    so where were YOU for the last EIGHT YEARS OF INJUSTICE???

    or is your NOBILITY conveniently brand new ???

    February 12, 2009 05:01 pm at 5:01 pm |
  74. Mike

    A reply for the patriot guy.
    Hoovers party and the the party which distroyed the US once (1929 – Great Depression) and almost distoyed the US for a second time (Bush 2008) is the GOP

    February 12, 2009 05:02 pm at 5:02 pm |
  75. Marcia, Marcia, Marcia in CA

    Go get them all!!

    February 12, 2009 05:04 pm at 5:04 pm |
  76. cedgar

    All this people stating they will contribute to beat the Republican's
    Where are you going to get the money? The government? Rich
    over sea contributor's?
    I think knowledge of facts will decide who wins. One loud clear
    focus voice over shallows a crowded room of UN-informed.

    February 12, 2009 05:05 pm at 5:05 pm |
  77. bill in montgomery

    Great! To bad the condoms were stripped out of the stimulus package, cause now we won't have any protection from the Democrats in Congress!!!

    February 12, 2009 05:06 pm at 5:06 pm |
  78. Jessica-Independent

    Romney 2012'

    it is funny how you are spitting out the same vocabulary that every republical speaks right now. It seems like you all get your information from one source and just go around spreading it with even processing it in you narrow minded heads. it really make you look like an idiot.

    why don't you try thinking for yourself, butmost importantly getting all the facts and understand the subjects of debate before you chime in. I am really starting to get what peolpe like you that fill the republican party are made of.

    February 12, 2009 05:07 pm at 5:07 pm |
  79. rich

    Obama will get the majority of the next 4 generations of students.And once the rest of the nation recovers from this "republican recession".the rest of the voters, accept those who still approve of GB's job in the white house,will not vote republican.

    February 12, 2009 05:09 pm at 5:09 pm |
  80. george

    generational theft is
    When you cut taxes on budget deficit years. In this case you reap the benefit your kids get NOTHING for the money they gave you.
    generational theft is NOT
    when you run budget deficits to built a school or a bridge or a road. In this case you borrow from your kids but in return you leave them something usufull
    Is this so hard to understand GOPers

    February 12, 2009 05:11 pm at 5:11 pm |
  81. Jack H

    "Seriously, look at where we were in 2000 and where are now and tell us again with a straight face that the Democrats are the one destroying the country."

    Um, look where we were in 2004 and 2006 before DUMocrats took control of CONGRESS and the SENATE.. Hello!

    With a Democratic Congress, Senate, and Whitehouse, the DUMocrats will have nobody to blame. Yeah, fools like Barney Frank can blame Bush, but Americans know that people like Pelosi, Frank, and Reid are just as guilty.

    February 12, 2009 05:12 pm at 5:12 pm |
  82. C

    GET'EM DEMS!!! THE REPUBLICANS HAVE BEEN DYING BY THE SWORD! CATERING TO THE BIG WIGS THAT HAVE LED OUR COUNTRY TO A NEAR COLLAPSE! DON'T WORRY, ONCE YOU ARE OUT OF A JOB, THE FEW REMAINING REPUBLICANS WILL TRY TO GET YOU SOME TAX CUTS TO SURVIVE ON THE STREET... HA HA HA!!!

    February 12, 2009 05:14 pm at 5:14 pm |
  83. Jespere

    Dems are determined to destroy this country? I am at a loss for words - can't comment on a foolish statement like that! Short memory you Repub turds have... BO has been in for 3 wks but has done more than most presidents have in the first 4 years...You jokers should just still with that turd spewer limbaugh's show for you commentary... I am really convinced that lots of Americans are insane! Something is wrong... maybe it's the water!

    February 12, 2009 05:17 pm at 5:17 pm |
  84. Jack H

    Let's see if we can get a DEMOCRAT to pay his taxes first.

    February 12, 2009 05:18 pm at 5:18 pm |
  85. The lonely Libertarian of Liverpool

    I say it is time to dump both parties! neither support the U.S. Constitution, and neither support the will of the people.
    It is timne the the Governemnt returns to being of the people, by the people and FOR the people not the corporate contributors, special interest groups, and lobbyists.

    February 12, 2009 05:19 pm at 5:19 pm |
  86. go_figure

    Since its Menendez's job to be optimistic, I won't label him delusional. But if anyone believes what he says, that person should avoid all used car salesmen and anyone named Jim Jones.

    Viva 1994.

    February 12, 2009 05:20 pm at 5:20 pm |
  87. Eyes of Texas are Upon You

    Sound optimism from another stupid hispanic leader – wow!

    February 12, 2009 05:20 pm at 5:20 pm |
  88. Greg in Colorado

    I have faith in the dems.. we need to support those that are in control and give them ideas and call them instead of just griping about them. Of course the action taken by the GOP is to oppose anything and everything that Obama will do. Now maybe we can call them unpatriotic.. since the majority of the u.s. had to undergo that abuse for the last 8 years. They should fear 2010... like people are going to forget the last 8 years. Good luck GOP have fun being a regional party.

    February 12, 2009 05:20 pm at 5:20 pm |
  89. tiff of Lithia Springs

    The Republicans should be very worried. I will reach into my pockets and volunteer to get rid of these OUT OF TOUCH bozos.

    February 12, 2009 05:21 pm at 5:21 pm |
  90. Mick

    Yeah, just wait until the annointed one's stimulus plan falls on it's face.

    February 12, 2009 05:21 pm at 5:21 pm |
  91. brad

    let just focus on right now.

    February 12, 2009 05:22 pm at 5:22 pm |
  92. Derrick

    The Republican Party is a party of the PAST!

    They will be a marginalized party and the 2010 elections is going to prove this!!!!

    Even the Republican senators in congress are saying this, and this they know is a FACT!

    Proven fact, plain and simple is that anytime a Republican takes office, the economy TANKS! Anyone who believes differently is uneducated and uninformed. Do research, the facts speak for themselves!

    February 12, 2009 05:22 pm at 5:22 pm |
  93. rickymo

    Who cares. Lets focus on the now. And for all of you people who believe this is the begining of the end. This is just the begining from the end of the last 8 years which were the worst time in our history.

    February 12, 2009 05:22 pm at 5:22 pm |
  94. Jim

    He really should be thinking about today. Tomorrow is not a guarantee, and 2010 is a long way off. If the Lord is willing there will be a country here then.

    February 12, 2009 05:23 pm at 5:23 pm |
  95. Diane Panama City Fl

    Another gutless, clueless, obstructionist Republican bites the dust!!! Let him crawl back in his partisan hole where he belongs!!!

    February 12, 2009 05:23 pm at 5:23 pm |
  96. Paul, Riverside CA

    For all the repug TOOLS in the GOP shed, the crap that Gregg just pulled will put an even bigger target on them.

    February 12, 2009 05:23 pm at 5:23 pm |
  97. best way to keep gaining seats is...

    best way to keep gaining seats is to not screw us

    transparency about the bailout

    get our boys home

    clean up this mess Bush left

    February 12, 2009 05:23 pm at 5:23 pm |
  98. naqib

    Expat in Canada

    2000 was the last recession...
    Do a little history lesson...

    2006 Highest GNP in US history
    Greatest housing boom in US history
    255,000 new jobs in third quarter alone

    Dems won congress... all gone

    February 12, 2009 05:23 pm at 5:23 pm |
  99. Felicia

    Man! the dems came in and shut the repigs down, good for them the repigs suck big time.

    February 12, 2009 05:24 pm at 5:24 pm |
  100. Ted T

    Should you guys be focusing on what is in the stimulus bill that will affect our future generations? Do investigation on what part of the bill does the stimulus.

    February 12, 2009 05:25 pm at 5:25 pm |
  101. Walter

    Typical Democrat yahoo counting his chickens before they hatch. Based on the policies that the Democrats are currently pursuing which will clearly fail, they will be going nowhere but down. And you can take that to the bank.

    February 12, 2009 05:25 pm at 5:25 pm |
  102. Paul H

    If things keep going as they are the people will be tired of the Dem's. Especially when congress is basically shoving an agenda down our throats. The voice of the people has been silenced by this government!
    Just watch the way things play out over the next couple of years. Yes we were hungry for change, and hungry for Obama, and the energy he creates with his elegant speech, and just the right words for everyone.
    But with Obama comes the low approval rated congress, and a left agenda that is full of big government, and well as the Venom spewing mouth of Nancy Pelosi. By 2010 if we still have the right to vote, people will be sick of these guys.

    February 12, 2009 05:26 pm at 5:26 pm |
  103. Spencer

    It is strange to watch the Republicans bury themselves in a marble mausoleum. Do they not get it? Do they not realize how angry people are out here? Why are they trying to destroy the nation after eight years of their failures? Doh! Because, that’s what they’ve been trying to do since the days of FDR.
    They overpaid the Wall Street crooks by billions just before Junior slipped out of town! Their wealthy *base* is still on the Riviera drinking champagne and eating chocolate dipped strawberries while *regular Americans* are in breadlines and soup kitchens! Hey! Joe Sixpack! Are you better off then you were a year ago?
    Any party that embraces Rush and Sarah has got big problems. It’s time to finish cleaning house, clear out these bankrupt Republicans, and bring Rush Loudmouth down a peg or two. If the Republicans think obstructionism is a substitute for governing, they have another think coming. The midterm elections are less than two years away, and I have a feeling that another ten seats in the senate will go to the Democrats. Meanwhile, if you have one of these traitors in your neighborhood, get on the phone and tell them to shape up or ship out!

    February 12, 2009 05:26 pm at 5:26 pm |
  104. John in Kansas

    Kansas is a swing state?

    Since when?

    Sebelius is a once-in-a-generation type candidate for the Democratic Party in Kansas. The last time a senate seat was held by a Democrat in Kansas was in the 1939.

    February 12, 2009 05:26 pm at 5:26 pm |
  105. peter from Orlando florida

    I can't wait for Obama to get his first fillibuster from Senate come midterm election 2010.GOP is for Goofy Old people doing nothing.

    the reps are done believe me.their fast ideologists are no more working and that is why they now destroying some good moderate Grand Old Party and threaning them for their seat in 2010.

    February 12, 2009 05:27 pm at 5:27 pm |
  106. Da Professor

    Mendez is right! The GOP should be hiding their face in shame as they have, apparently, NO new ideas to offer a disgusted America. All we hear form them is "bash Obama" at every turn and voice their fight em to the death chant.

    Oddly, you'd think that the GOP Group would have come forward with a few creative ideas to get us out of this Bush economic disaster. BUT ... We hear nothing but the old and failed "tax cuts for the wealthy" and "trickle down economics". Anyone feel the trickle down spray from the past 8 too long years? What a sad group!

    February 12, 2009 05:27 pm at 5:27 pm |
  107. Steve Columbia, SC

    Speaking so early into your new majority is a foolish thing Senator Menendez. One might wait until we see how your new majority performs in Congress and the White House before you predict how the Republican Party should fear the 2010 congressional elections.

    February 12, 2009 05:27 pm at 5:27 pm |
  108. buddy

    This is the type of pompous thinking which puts the right back in the game.

    February 12, 2009 05:27 pm at 5:27 pm |
  109. Glennis

    The little twit. Let's hope he and his cohorts haven't completely destroyed what's left of this country by then.

    February 12, 2009 05:28 pm at 5:28 pm |
  110. JD

    Two words: WISHFUL THINKING!

    February 12, 2009 05:28 pm at 5:28 pm |
  111. Big Al

    One should not count their chickens before they hatch.

    Two years is a lengthy period for the public to wake up and understand what is being done to this country.

    February 12, 2009 05:29 pm at 5:29 pm |
  112. Eyes of Texas are Upon You

    Hey arithmetic! Fools die young!

    February 12, 2009 05:30 pm at 5:30 pm |
  113. les franks

    This is hilarious. If this country still exists as such in 2010, and the disaster that is the "stimulus package" has played out, there is no way that an electorate comprised of people with any residual brain function would vote for a democrat.

    February 12, 2009 05:30 pm at 5:30 pm |
  114. Baaaa... Baaaa... Baaaa ......

    What else would you expect that the "Chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee" would say. You don't think he would actually get uo there and say.... "We may gain seats in 2010........unless things continue to head south.........then theres a high probability that we will get our arses kicked in 2010."

    February 12, 2009 05:30 pm at 5:30 pm |
  115. Steve Columbia, SC

    Miss Angie in PA, are you ready to live in the USSA, the United Socialist State of America under Czar Obama?

    February 12, 2009 05:30 pm at 5:30 pm |
  116. Anonymous

    Senator Menendez needs to realize that without Barak Obama at the top of the ticket Dems may not be as popular as he thinks. Take a look at the runoff election results in Georgia for an indication of things to come in 2010. Not surprisingly Deomocratic challenger Jim Martin drew HALF the votes in the runoff when compared to the November election!!!

    February 12, 2009 05:30 pm at 5:30 pm |
  117. Brad

    GHOST- I am a TAX PAYING CITIZEN OF THE U.S. but can you and these other DEMOCRAPS say the same thing? Oh wait I forget if you get a position in this adminicraption you get to run out and pay your taxes you owe first and call it a small oversight or mistake.
    Only mistake is we elected OLD MONKEY BOY in the first place.
    Gurantee 2010 will be the day that the Democraps run under rocks where they belong.

    February 12, 2009 05:31 pm at 5:31 pm |
  118. tageis

    What about personal responsibility folks? The government can't do everything for you – it's your job to work and make wise decisions. Yes, people are hurting – but what about neighbor helping neighbor instead of asking the government for a hand out. I DON'T WANT A HAND OUT!!!! NO THANKS OBAMA!

    February 12, 2009 05:31 pm at 5:31 pm |
  119. JK

    It's so funny how republicans talk non stop about how democrats are going to "destroy the country" Yo, check your head. You had full control and you BLEW it. Dems get a free ride because the country knows who was responsible for this mess. Bye bye.

    February 12, 2009 05:31 pm at 5:31 pm |
  120. Andy

    This bill that only the mindless people who believe anything Obama says will hopefully hurt the dems chances in 2010. Hard to tell after watching those shameless people in Florida cry and beg the Govt. for handouts. They are the core of the Obama base.

    February 12, 2009 05:32 pm at 5:32 pm |
  121. Russ

    A lot can change in one year........The last year has proven that. I think every single one of our illustrious representatives should realize that we are all watching every move they make, no matter which side of the aisle they sit on. Independents decided the last election. We will decide the next one as well.

    February 12, 2009 05:32 pm at 5:32 pm |
  122. Lee

    The Republican Party has become the rigue party, yjhe obstructionist party, the know-nothing party, the greed-and-steal corporate party, the anti-science party, and the party of domestic and foreign disaster,

    Now that they are becoming a southern regional party strongest in the former confederacy, and still with secessionists among the party, they are being led by ignorant radio commentators, and haters who are against modernity itself.

    Hopefully that party will continue to marginalize itself and another new party may arise.

    February 12, 2009 05:32 pm at 5:32 pm |
  123. gslippy

    That's a lot of big talk for an election 21 months away; a lot will happen by then, most notably the destruction of our economy by the Democrats.

    People are looking for miracles from the Messiah, and when they don't come as fast as they want, they'll consider voting for Republicans again.

    February 12, 2009 05:33 pm at 5:33 pm |
  124. Larry Bahn

    Two years is a long time (actually just over a year & a half) and without some improvement in the economy it will be anyones race. I will be working hard to increase the Dems majority but the worst possible thing is overconfidence. As a former cross country coach I know you never start talking smack until the race is run.

    February 12, 2009 05:33 pm at 5:33 pm |
  125. greed is not good

    The Republican message is stale and obsolete. All they want to do is pretend like it is the 80's and try to keep bringing up Reagan.

    February 12, 2009 05:33 pm at 5:33 pm |
  126. Ellie, MD

    2010 can't come soon enough for me. It's time to send the GOP home for good!

    I'm sick and tired of the same old song and dance. ENOUGH already.

    February 12, 2009 05:33 pm at 5:33 pm |
  127. Mike

    This party's cockiness might just be their downfall. They better first worry about getting this country out of its funk or they will be finding themselves in the minority once again.
    Just like a Democrat though. They think they won these elections because of the wonderful things they've done when in fact it was more due to the ineptness of the previous Congress.
    I'm surprised so many people actually fell for the BS line the Dems were selling.
    Let's see in 2 years where we are at before either side starts tooting their horn. If this so called "stimulus" doesn't work then the Dems have nobody to blame but themselves because it is THEIR plan. Remember absolutely ZERO Repubs voted for it in the house and only three Senators did.
    On the flip side if it works then they can take all the credit and will deserve election day victories in two years.

    February 12, 2009 05:33 pm at 5:33 pm |
  128. LisaB

    Arizona, don't forget Arizona! Time for new ideas and new blood in some of these seats. Look what happened with Stevens in Alaska, longevity does not always mean experience, sometimes it just means stale!!

    February 12, 2009 05:34 pm at 5:34 pm |
  129. Niki

    I'm at the point that I cannot STAND the GOP. I want EVERY one of them to lose their seats. CNN might not even realize this but the American people back President Obama and the way the Republicans are acting is making us MORE loyal to him. I'm also very annoyed that CNN is only critical of the Obama Administration but does not even QUESTION the motives of the GOP. Instead you give them a forum without question. Do your job and analyze both sides.

    February 12, 2009 05:34 pm at 5:34 pm |
  130. CC

    Why can't the Dem's pay their taxes on time like the rest of America?
    Or find cabinet members ???
    HMMM???

    February 12, 2009 05:35 pm at 5:35 pm |
  131. Jo

    Please use the big guns and buy as much air time as you can where seats are coming up. Especially in AZ where the McShame fellow lives. My congressman is a republican and I really hope the democrats can get a good canidate to go after him. I have already seen the republicans have no brains of their own and cannot make any decison with first consulting with their leadership. We need individuals who care about the people and have a mind of their own.

    February 12, 2009 05:35 pm at 5:35 pm |
  132. Silvertide

    That kind of hubris - you know, the kind exhibited by the king of smug, Chuck Schumer, as he misguidedly declares that "nobody cares" about the more "porky" aspects of the stimulus package - can only come back and bite you the behind.

    For the good of the country, I hope that Barack Obama ends up being the best president in history but as a fiscal conservative, I'm not encouraged by his first month in charge.

    February 12, 2009 05:35 pm at 5:35 pm |
  133. Simmy

    Expat in Canada,

    Sweep around your own front door. Mind your business. We'll take care of ours thank you. My President is known around the world. What is your leaders' name? Keep it zipped.

    February 12, 2009 05:36 pm at 5:36 pm |
  134. lifeisgood

    "Joe from Boston"...I'm with you buddy, let's get rid of all of them and get some rep's who care about the people of this country instead wasting their time and OUR money worrying about how many can be elected in the future.

    One other idea I have...let's take away the private health care and pensions that all politicians receive and make them pay into Soc. Sec. like all other working americans do...then I bet we would see some major improvements in Soc. Sec. & Medicare!

    February 12, 2009 05:37 pm at 5:37 pm |
  135. Mike

    I'm thinking of quiting my job and going on welfare. Now that the Dems are in control I'll have free food, health care, and free money every month. Might not be a rich mans bounty but at the rate this party is going we'll all be on welfare someday anyway.
    It's kind of easy to spend money with wreckless abandon when A) it's not yours B) you are not responsible for paying it back and C) You will more than likely blame the whole mess on the Republicans if it doesn't work.
    Good for you Democrats. Keep tooting your own horn. It might just be your undoing.

    February 12, 2009 05:37 pm at 5:37 pm |
  136. change in America

    Yeah the Republican are about to get the boot....No more Republican especially Sarah Palin and McCain

    Demoncrate 2010

    February 12, 2009 05:37 pm at 5:37 pm |
  137. HB In LA

    Get all of these republicans out of office!

    February 12, 2009 05:37 pm at 5:37 pm |
  138. Alicia

    @Expat in Canada If you are an Expat and you now live in Canada, what weight does your opinion hold? Why are you even commenting?

    February 12, 2009 05:37 pm at 5:37 pm |
  139. Jeff

    Thank you for waking up the Republicans. I see a return to the "contract with America" type of Republican party coming! As an Independent, I could support that.

    2010 is going to be our chance to demonstrate our buyer's remorse. Dems are dreaming if they think they'll win the mid-terms with they way they're governing right now!

    Typical of the Democratic party. They'll be in power for a total of four years in 2010, and then the party's over. We're not going to let you spend our grandchildren's money anymore!!

    Let's get back to Capitalism!

    February 12, 2009 05:37 pm at 5:37 pm |
  140. mkase

    "contribute to the detriment of this country"?? Your kidding, right? You really should take a look around you. This country has been gutted by your beloved GOP. They deserve the whatever they get and if they keep conducting themselves as they are, the Grand Old Party will be the Grand Gone Party before long.

    February 12, 2009 05:38 pm at 5:38 pm |
  141. KJ

    Romney2012:

    You are absolutely on the money! How people have been so blinded by this obvious socialistic Obama is beyond me. He and Pelosi and some of the other idiot Dems in Washington are turning this into a socialist country. Why is it that people are having a hard time seeing this? That stimulus isn't going to help anybody, just make things worse for us and our children for years to come. Open your eyes people. Admit you made a mistake. But yet that's something you'll never do. Democrat = Big Government = your life isn't your own anymore. It's theirs! We are less free every single day people.

    February 12, 2009 05:38 pm at 5:38 pm |
  142. Hope

    Based on the fiasco they have taken us through on the stimulus bill I agree with Menendez, the only way we can achieve Universal Health Care is to give Democrats a majority and that we will.

    February 12, 2009 05:38 pm at 5:38 pm |
  143. Dawn in KS

    So what? I don't care what they are optimistic about in 2010. It is only February of 2009. We have 11 months left in this year. DO SOMETHING NOW, WASHINGTON!

    February 12, 2009 05:38 pm at 5:38 pm |
  144. republicans hate america

    that is why republicans do not want to fund education because they know that only stupid people will vote for their backward thinking of spendulus bills of war and tax cuts for foreign companies like haliburton. they hate this country they always have and they always will.

    February 12, 2009 05:40 pm at 5:40 pm |
  145. Burt

    Most Americans are idiots, and easy to manipulate. It's the stupidity of the average citizen that keeps Democrats and Republicans in power. And, of course, fatcat bankers who win either way. Whether you're pro-Democrat or pro-Republican, you're a sucker – plain and simple.

    Plato was right about democracy.

    February 12, 2009 05:40 pm at 5:40 pm |
  146. Mike Mundy, Houston, TX

    Sorry Senator. It will be the Democrats who will get wiped out in 2010 for this outrageous bill you are shoving down our throats!

    February 12, 2009 05:40 pm at 5:40 pm |
  147. Melissa

    Given the behavior of the Republicans, they really shouldn't be optimistic about anything. We're all tired of this "bully" mentality.

    February 12, 2009 05:40 pm at 5:40 pm |
  148. Brian

    I thought Democrats were supposed to hang out here and Republicans were supposed to hang out over on the Fox comment boards no?

    February 12, 2009 05:40 pm at 5:40 pm |
  149. Joanna

    To all those people criticizing the Democrats, I don't see them possibly being able to compete with Republicans in mismanagement. Who can match two wars, turning a budget surplus into a rather large deficit and a recession in just eight years of power?

    February 12, 2009 05:40 pm at 5:40 pm |
  150. bsmith171

    how many bribes has menedez taken this week?

    February 12, 2009 05:41 pm at 5:41 pm |
  151. Roy

    Speaking as a Democrat: BOTH SIDES should quit the rhetoric and get this economic mess solved. Don't you think the biggest issue in the 2010 election will be.....the economy....DUH!
    If both parties fail in 2009, in 2010 we may have a third party like it or not!
    START WORKING TOGETHER-WE ALL HAVE TO LIVE HERE TOGETHER.....like it or not.

    February 12, 2009 05:41 pm at 5:41 pm |
  152. TexasAnnie *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

    Senator, I would hold my tongue a little if I were you. No sense in sounding so cocky. Let's be civil.

    February 12, 2009 05:42 pm at 5:42 pm |
  153. Mike

    To those like Jp talking about revolution and secession...and you have the audacity to call yourselves Americans. You should be ashamed of yourselves. To attack Obama for how the stimulus may not work is the same mentality that had us invade Iraq because it "might" have WMD's.

    Bush was despised in 2008 because of what he did starting 2001, not the other way around. It's hilarious to think that people whose training in economics likely consists of one high school course know more about how to address this crisis than a majority of the people who have made this their life's work.

    All I hear from the opposition is just that...opposition. The only alternative solution is tax cut this, and tax cut that. News flash, people! Tax cuts don't create jobs. If they did, employment should have gone up during the last administration.

    Research the 1930's. I won't go into any similarities or differences between FDR's New Deal and this plan, but the fact of the matter is that the New Deal slow down the Great Depression. In 1929, unemployment was at around 25%. When the ND was enacted, it improved to 10%. History tells us, that the stimulus surely won't solve the crisis, but it will slow down the bleeding long enough to give us time to come up with that ever elusive "perfect" solution.

    February 12, 2009 05:42 pm at 5:42 pm |
  154. DJ

    Let's not forget that the Republicans were going to be the "permanent majority" party after the 2004 elections before the religious right became convinced that they were bullet proof. When the Christian Taliban turned the Constitution into a wash cloth things didn't go so well in the midterms.
    Who knows how things could go between now and 2010? If the Democrats can keep their base under control, and not let them control the party, they'll be all right. If not, well, let's form a third party, because the Republicans are delusional and the Democrats are fools.

    February 12, 2009 05:42 pm at 5:42 pm |
  155. Anna in MN

    I am so grateful to Obama for this stimulus bill. We have 80 "shovel ready" projects and one of them possibly just saved my life or that of a friend/neighbor. The most dangerous highway in our county is on the list to be fixed immediately . . . it wasn't slated until 2013, and possibly later because the state doesn't have money.

    So . . . direct impact to me personally IMMEDIATELY. I will never vote Republican again. People have died on this road, and finally the government is doing something to fix it. Thank you Obama and those who voted for this bill. You have my eternal support.

    It's about time we fixed our falling bridges and failing roads.

    February 12, 2009 05:42 pm at 5:42 pm |
  156. Franky

    You all think is a joke, huh? And a political game, huh? You m--- think I'm playing, huh? You think I am, huh? Alright go ahead, you're the media and the networks everybody else watches and the politicians, go ahead, cry in your f--- room and I'll just make your life easier than Gov Palins...

    February 12, 2009 05:42 pm at 5:42 pm |
  157. Jeff

    The Democratic party is only enjoying this success because there is so much hatred of Bush. Just because you're not Bush, doesn't mean everything you do is justified or correct.

    In two years, it will be Pelosi, Reid, and Obama's America. I'm guessing that will make for big Republican gains in the House and the Senate.

    February 12, 2009 05:42 pm at 5:42 pm |
  158. mkase

    Hey Rick, did you notice that the President let the Congress fight it out and position themselves publicly and then went to the People of this country, presented the facts, and forced the "children" in Congress to get something done that was closer to what HE wanted?

    February 12, 2009 05:42 pm at 5:42 pm |
  159. Steve

    Demcrats are fool to issue such an idiotic warning so far out when their pork laden stimulus and all the money they are printing comes back to haunt them.

    February 12, 2009 05:42 pm at 5:42 pm |
  160. Mike in Houston

    The dems will lose control of both the Senate and House in 2010. Two years of increasing inflation, increasing unemployment, higher deficits and an escalation of war in Afganistan will remind voters that it is never a good idea to put government in the hands of neophites.

    February 12, 2009 05:42 pm at 5:42 pm |
  161. h day

    there is no way the Dems will pick up any more seats! it will swing the other way for sure. As these liberal democrats go along with their greedy ways of all or nothing so soon into this year and Obama's presidency, they will all be voted out over the next two election cycles. THEY ARE IDIOTS AND THEY ARE NOT DOING THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE, aside from people on welfare and illegals.

    February 12, 2009 05:43 pm at 5:43 pm |
  162. Kevin

    "Seriously, look at where we were in 2000 and where are now and tell us again with a straight face that the Democrats are the one destroying the country."

    Things got better from 2000-2006 as Bush's tax cuts helped us get over the .dot com bust, and did not start to tank until the democrats got their control of congress. Still, there's plenty of blame to go around, but those who continue to bash Bush for every breath he took, but get indignant over any criticism of Obama are hypocrites.

    This article was a joke, no balance or responses from republican leadership, no substance at all.

    February 12, 2009 05:43 pm at 5:43 pm |
  163. republicans hate america

    Joe Boston maybe democrats would not be worried about this mess if the republicans had not happily do what they always do determine the utter destruction of this country with joy and lust

    February 12, 2009 05:45 pm at 5:45 pm |
  164. Steve

    It is the Democrats who should fear 2010. This pork barrel package known as "stimulus" is very unpopular (54% opposed, Rasmusson poll). Now Obama and the Democrats own this plan. Election 2010 will be a referendum on this. Why do you think Gregg is withdrawing from his nomination? He saw a sinking ship and jumped off while he still can.

    February 12, 2009 05:45 pm at 5:45 pm |
  165. Franky

    And by the way, the boys wanted me to let you know we'll be having the last laugh in the end...maybe I should let the "American people" decide for themselves, I mean, it is ashame they are cheap and can't afford nothing. Ohh well, it is a shame that the American people sure are missing something, but ohh well, all I know in the end I'm gonna be saying what I told my boy Ed a long time...I told you so and by the way, I am good...

    February 12, 2009 05:46 pm at 5:46 pm |
  166. AnaB

    @KJ: "You are absolutely on the money! How people have been so blinded by this obvious socialistic Obama is beyond me. He and Pelosi and some of the other idiot Dems in Washington are turning this into a socialist country. Why is it that people are having a hard time seeing this?"
    __________________

    Because others cannot see the little fantasy that you have in your head.

    February 12, 2009 05:47 pm at 5:47 pm |
  167. An American

    If this Country ever gets to be a one party Country – does not matter which one – that would be the worse thing that could happen to us. Let's just wait and see what the "chosen one" does over the next four years before you start talking about a 'take over". Obama has to get us out of this mess first without the government owning us – let's see if he can do that.

    February 12, 2009 05:48 pm at 5:48 pm |
  168. Blue is my favourite colour

    I keep hearing the neocons talk about what a bad idea the stimulus package is and how Obama is doing such a bad job. Now you know how we felt when your retarded chimp Bush made mistake after mistake, made a fool of himself and created the disastrous view the world has of America.

    I don't hear John McCain indicating that he has a better plan, and he did not state that he had a better plan during the campaign–he just talked a lot about Obama's plans for the country and how it would ruin us. Note to Republicans: Do you still not see the pattern of behavior here? Republicans are busy moaning about what the president is doing, and trying to stop it, but they have offered no alternatives. If you can't think, or resolve problems yourselves–why on earth should you still represent anyone in the House and Senate?

    February 12, 2009 05:48 pm at 5:48 pm |
  169. arithmetic is liberal

    note to the Limbaugh zombies here: SOCIALISTIC IS NOT A WORD!!!!

    EVery time I am convinced that you are a bunch of fools, you open your mouths and PROVE IT!!!

    I challenge ANY Republican on here to give me a working definition of socialism. If ANY of you can do it without relying on Websters or Wikipedia, I SWEAR TO YOU that I will donate $10 to the Republican Party!!!

    February 12, 2009 05:48 pm at 5:48 pm |
  170. Mike D. in San Diego

    People need to quit rooting for politicians and political parties the same way they root for their favorite football team. I voted for Obama but I'm far from loyal to him. He'll earn my respect not with good speechs but with results. People are already chanting 2010!!! 2012!!! and the Democrats have yet to produce reults (granted they haven't had chance yet.) I'll turn on Obama just as quickly as I voted for him. Quit being loyalists folks and hold them ALL accountable. Don't think your guy or gal in Washington isn't just as capable of being an idiot as Bush was for 8 years...if you can't see that you're a fool I don't care what party you belong to.

    February 12, 2009 05:49 pm at 5:49 pm |
  171. boered1

    WAAAYYYY TO EARLY for this kind of talk from the Democrats! Can't they wait for the ACTUAL ELECTION before touting how well they will do? Stratigically it is foolish to announce Where you will be pushing hard at, politically it is foolish to have so much over confidence, people see this as a sign that you are not worried about governing but about WINNING and sociologically it is foolish because, as we all know, two years is a LONG time in politics and things have a way of changing.. ALOT!

    idiots

    February 12, 2009 05:49 pm at 5:49 pm |
  172. JT in CA

    By that point there won't be any elections. The victorious socialist "democracy" of America will have their goosestepping youth brigades putting down any opposition. Also, the spendulus package will further enhance the Dems voting base as useless citizens who know nothing about our government, the Constitution, or the foundations of their own country will vote in droves. The voting lines will be split between the useless, pea-brained moochers and the supporters of freedom who actually work and pay taxes, unlike many of the Dems.

    February 12, 2009 05:49 pm at 5:49 pm |
  173. JohnL

    It's horrific to want the elimination of a political party in any democracy. Yes, the Republican administration for the past 8 years hasn't been particularly bright, but not totally without merit. Congress has been majority Democrat for the past several years and we are still in our current situation. Please try to remember that not every Republican supported GW and not all Democrats opposed him. Vote for the politicians that will represent the best interests of the public and drop the labels already.

    February 12, 2009 05:50 pm at 5:50 pm |
  174. Deb

    Yes we can and Yes we will!!!!!!

    February 12, 2009 05:50 pm at 5:50 pm |
  175. mkase

    KJ

    yeah, socialism, I can't stand for giving all that taxpayer money to the fools on Wallstreet. We need to get back to Capitalism and since we taxpayers gave them all that money, I guess that means we bought their banks. Throw the bums out of my office!! I have work to do and a substantially larger salary to earn!!!

    February 12, 2009 05:50 pm at 5:50 pm |
  176. Evelyn Mills

    Americans have little patience for Congress and their bickering with little results. About like Nero fiddleing while Rome burnt.By the Repoblican's not voting for the bill it now belongs to President Obama and company.If it fails to work there will be a change

    February 12, 2009 05:51 pm at 5:51 pm |
  177. mark

    dems = idiots. History dictates that at some point the pendulum will swing in the opposite direction. You are not only fools but baffoons. You deserve Obama, Pelosi and Reid. I hope that you too end up in the poor house. You truly do. God save this great land from the tyranny at hand.

    February 12, 2009 05:51 pm at 5:51 pm |
  178. MICK in MESA

    It's obvious even to a casual observer that the obstructionist, party first, plantation repugs and the GOP in general are self destructing before our very eyes.
    Remember the Whigs? Of course not and the GOP and their "idiot-ology" will be put on the trash heap of failed political ideas right along with them...

    February 12, 2009 05:51 pm at 5:51 pm |
  179. Chuck

    The Republican Party is in more trouble than it wants to admit. It is trying to rebuild itself by appealing to demographic groups that are dwindling.

    February 12, 2009 05:51 pm at 5:51 pm |
  180. Gerry In Toronto

    Robert Menendez should walk softly and carry a big stick, instead of a megaphone.

    February 12, 2009 05:51 pm at 5:51 pm |
  181. Sara

    GO DEMOCRATS!!!!!

    I have never been this involved in Politics before, but now I want to stay involved and help the party grow!!!!

    The Republican brand is a dying one!

    February 12, 2009 05:52 pm at 5:52 pm |
  182. mark

    Mike,you are a baffoon and and idiot. FDR's New Deal did nothing to slow the depression. Do your homework boy, history dictates it lasted longer as a result of FDR's policies. Geez.... how much more stupid can Americans get.

    February 12, 2009 05:53 pm at 5:53 pm |
  183. RJ

    judesuper
    Don't forget Arizona. McCain needs to loose his seat and start his retirement. Let's go get Gabriel Giffords to run agains the tired old guy. She would win. Arizona would finally join the rest of the country, looking forward not back.
    -------------------------------–

    That hack?
    You Dems are going to have to bring a stronger candidate than that to beat McCain.

    February 12, 2009 05:53 pm at 5:53 pm |
  184. S.M.R.

    This opinion is very true because the GOP still stick to the idea of trickle down economics: tax cuts for big business and the rich. They can thank Bush and company for their down hill slide and the American people will never forget the shape our Country is in now.The people have spoken and the results will show again in 2010 !!!

    February 12, 2009 05:53 pm at 5:53 pm |
  185. DrMan

    Unbelievable! If the left thinks that the electorate is going to keep them in power in 2010 when unemployment is 10%+ and the stock market is under 7,000, they are even more delusional than I originally thought.

    February 12, 2009 05:53 pm at 5:53 pm |
  186. RogerM

    I have an idea. All democrats can pay taxes at a higher rate since they love to pay more taxes

    February 12, 2009 05:53 pm at 5:53 pm |
  187. Mike

    We are not afraid, and we are more committed than ever to bring our party back from its losses and fight like never before. God, the hubris of the Democrats is unbelievable.

    February 12, 2009 05:54 pm at 5:54 pm |
  188. SarainDALLAS

    Hey TEXAS ANNIE!

    OBAMA WON DALLAS and other major cities in the last election!
    We are getting closer to making TEXAS as BLUE STATE!!!!!

    February 12, 2009 05:54 pm at 5:54 pm |
  189. Mark - Berwyn, PA

    Hey Roberto, get real. In two years this recession is YOURS. And the stimulus package/debacle is YOURS. And our country's next Vietnam (i.e. Afganistan) is YOURS.

    YOUR party should be nervous Roberto.

    February 12, 2009 05:55 pm at 5:55 pm |
  190. Jeff

    KJ February 12th, 2009 5:38 pm ET

    you say the Dems want to control your life but what exactly does the patriot act do, give you more freedom? Dems want your money, Repubs want your liberties, pick which is more important

    February 12, 2009 05:55 pm at 5:55 pm |
  191. payback

    What ever happened to zel miller?......wasn't he who dissed the dems...to join the repubs.........DEMS RULE! can you say who won. THE DEMS. can you say who lost REPUBS.........................

    February 12, 2009 05:56 pm at 5:56 pm |
  192. MADSALL

    Stupid republicans listening to a old senile person like John McCain. He is still upset that he lost and trying everyway he knows to undercut President Obama at the expense of this country. I hope the people remember this next year. He may not be out front, but he is the main engineer because all of this mess the Repubs are stirring up

    Take a rest McCain

    February 12, 2009 05:56 pm at 5:56 pm |
  193. I support President OBAMA

    Republicans your days are number you're party needs change.

    na, na, na, na! hey! hey! hey! GODDBYE!

    February 12, 2009 05:56 pm at 5:56 pm |
  194. Luke Brown

    The Obama election has every indication of being a once-in-a-generation realignment. The Republicans have devastated the economy and destroyed our reputation in the world. In 2010, 2012, and 2014 .... American voters will not forget what George Bush and the Republican party have done to this country.

    Judging from the way the GOP has handled the stimulus politics, it is clear they still don't get it. It wasn't just black people out there with tears of joy in their eyes on Election night. The dreams of most Americans for their country are reflected in the vision of Barack Obama. GOPers need to make peace with that, and figure out what they can do to help him, not stop him.
    .

    February 12, 2009 05:56 pm at 5:56 pm |
  195. Tom

    I hope he's prepared to lose a seat from Connecticut, Senator Dodd is sinking fast!

    Thank God!

    February 12, 2009 05:56 pm at 5:56 pm |
  196. Independent chicago man

    roy, you are so right!!!!! lets keep it real if both side fail to fix things in four years there may be an independent in office soon enought, i'd be up for a third party candidate!!! I mean hey people never though they would see a african american president, who knows maybe a third party candidate could be next!!!

    February 12, 2009 05:56 pm at 5:56 pm |
  197. robert

    What is this country coming to. Will we be a country in 4 years, the way it is looking now we won't we will have the left coast, the right coast (its not right it is just to the right) and then we will have America. I have no desire to live the way they do in Cuba/China/France/UK. I like my freedom and the ability to work and get ahead. The way the Dems want to take us is you work and they take your money and give it to those who don't want to work so every one has the same thing. No thank you. Time for texas to pull out of this mess we have got ourselfs into maybe there will be a chain reaction and others states will pull out.

    February 12, 2009 05:56 pm at 5:56 pm |
  198. Mike Mundy, Houston, TX

    ...oh, and just the arrogance of this guy and these comments, makes me want to roll up my sleeves even more, and fight like mad and like hell to overthrow Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid!

    February 12, 2009 05:57 pm at 5:57 pm |
  199. Andi

    Politicians need to realize that it's not about them. It's about the people. You can see clowns at the circus. Stop the madness and get down to business. Democrats and Republicans!

    February 12, 2009 05:59 pm at 5:59 pm |
  200. Objective Thinking

    "They just don't get it," Menendez said of his Republican colleagues, "How many more people need to lose their jobs?"

    ---------

    Menendez HIMSELF is the one who doesn't get it. Just because someone is against the stimulus doesn't mean they don't think the situation is dire. It doesn't mean they want to "do nothing." I believe CNN posted an article from a libertarian citing some suggestions on what to do. It's perfectly fine if you disagree with the libertarian view of what to do about this situation, but to suggest that anyone who disagrees with YOUR way of solving the problem automatically "doesn't get it" or wants to "do nothing" is just plain ignorant. There are other things we can do besides back your plan.

    February 12, 2009 05:59 pm at 5:59 pm |
  201. Todd (not the Alaska Separatist)

    Run these few remaining Republican scoundrels out of Washington. Republican ex-congressmen and senators can then get jobs as personal shoe shine boys for oil company and bank CEOs, befitting their experience in US Congress.

    February 12, 2009 06:00 pm at 6:00 pm |
  202. Kevin

    The way Democrats are ruining this country in the last three weeks pushing socialism and putting corrupted tax cheats in government I see the biggest turn around in seats in the next several elections favoring Republicans. For any Democrat in Congress now is absolutely delusional if they believe voters in this country is going to put up with their wasteful spending, corruption, and incompetence with solving problems. Socialism will fail and voters will show that, so all you Democrats, fear what is coming.

    February 12, 2009 06:01 pm at 6:01 pm |
  203. Jane in San Francisco

    Let's kick out ALL the Republicans!

    February 12, 2009 06:01 pm at 6:01 pm |
  204. Sick of it all

    Robert Menendez would do well to shut his pie hole and get on with the business of practicing bipartisanship and getting this country back on its feet. For God's sake, are these guys so isolated in D.C. that they need to take a 3rd grade field trip across America to see how bad it is? Both sides: Cut the rhetoric and the HS and get down to the business of saving this country. I really don't care if your ideology matches that of Rush Limbaugh or Al Franken, get off your pampered, spoiled rear ends and MAKE IT HAPPEN! Such idiots who run this poor democracy. May God help us all.

    February 12, 2009 06:01 pm at 6:01 pm |
  205. Otto

    Does anyone remember "The Hammer" Yes, Delay...he did to Texas what the devil does to the GOP. Is it pay back time? It should not be but this is "Poly-Tricks"

    February 12, 2009 06:01 pm at 6:01 pm |
  206. Tex

    Socialism!!! Porkulus!!!! Pelosi!! Democrats destroying America!!!!

    Sounds more like the screams of a dying elephant to me.

    February 12, 2009 06:01 pm at 6:01 pm |
  207. Nancy MI

    The people of this country have a hunger that can and will not be satisfied until the way things are done in DC dramatically change. Not every (D) is loved or safe, but know that the vast majority of the (R) party's leadership needs to wake up, grow up, and pull you head out of the sand or start looking for another occupation. Show us you have some ability or talent other than catering to big business. Instead, look at the big picture, it's not all about you and the game you play is a fool’s game. By no means is it too soon to be thinking about 2010. Bring it on, we're ready and waiting, and we are united.

    February 12, 2009 06:02 pm at 6:02 pm |
  208. Mike (buffalo)

    I vote with roy. This past election was about us poor dumb citizens telling both establishments to shut the h@ll up and get to work doing what is right. I am sock of the nonsense of the business of Washington being the election process. Youre there to govern!!!!

    The GOP did forfeit their right to cal lthe shots by backing the Shrub and the Shotgun for 8 years. But Reid and Pelosi also did by refusing to impeach them because of their crimes. The election game was more important.

    So now both sides: Sit down shut up, and restore this nation before China, Russia, and the Islamic bloc form a real Axis of Evil and take us out of the game!!!!

    February 12, 2009 06:02 pm at 6:02 pm |
  209. Bud Burgoon-Clark

    10,000 Rethuglicriminals at the bottom of the sea would be a good start.

    One of PRESIDENT Obama's priorities should be fixing the public school system that produced the "herds" of Rethuglicriminals who haven't a CLUE about government or economics.

    Revolution? Secession? Tax revolt? A Rethuglicriminal landslide in 2010?

    Man, I want some of what the Rethuglicriminals are smokin' ... that is some GOOD stuff!

    February 12, 2009 06:04 pm at 6:04 pm |
  210. Entiendes Mendez?

    You wil be biting your tongue in 2010 when this welfare hand out bill fails to do anything but put our Country farther in debt.
    Most Americans are realizing that the Democratic party is just a bunch of tax cheating crooks trying to spend their way out of a recession. Entiendes Mendez?

    February 12, 2009 06:04 pm at 6:04 pm |
  211. Nichols in STL

    You keep hearing about this Socialist society but we wouldn't be in this mess if past Republican administrations wouldn't have eliminated good manufacturing jobs for a so called service economy based on the financial sector!! Britain is a service economy and every program that uninformed Americans are whining about they have such as free health care!!

    February 12, 2009 06:04 pm at 6:04 pm |
  212. JodyG

    I've always considered myself an independent and have voted for both sides at varying times. However, the republican party is so out of touch with the people and with the current economic reality, that I voted a straight democratic ticket for the first time in my life, and I will do it again if the republicans don't do something to clean up that party. Where is their fiscal responsibility? Where are the conservative values they believe in? They have turned into the party of spend, spend, spend and hide what you're doing at all costs. They lied to the American public about the WMD's in Iraq. They outed Valerie Plame to get even with her husband. They have spent more money (they didn't have) than any administration before them. They need to do something about their policies and leaders before 2010 or they will become a footnote in history.

    February 12, 2009 06:05 pm at 6:05 pm |
  213. aggie7214

    Mike February 12th, 2009 5:42 pm ET – said:

    "Research the 1930's. I won't go into any similarities or differences between FDR's New Deal and this plan, but the fact of the matter is that the New Deal slow down the Great Depression. In 1929, unemployment was at around 25%. When the ND was enacted, it improved to 10%. History tells us, that the stimulus surely won't solve the crisis, but it will slow down the bleeding long enough to give us time to come up with that ever elusive "perfect" solution."

    Excuse me, but if my memory serves me correct – the absolute bottom of the depression was not until the late 1930's (around 1936-1939) and FDR was on the verge of losing the election in 1940 until that little problem called World War II came around. All his slick talk and socialist programs could not have saved FDR then just as now all the slick talk and socialist programs will not help osama and the democrats now – too bad they don't have a World War III to save them – or maybe that is what they are planning?

    February 12, 2009 06:05 pm at 6:05 pm |
  214. Nestor, Austin, TX

    He'll be right if the stimulus works. But since the stimulus won't work, there will be a bloodbath for Democrats in the House. Republicans will probably pick up a couple of seats in the senate, but in the house the Republicans will probably take back a majority. Obama is so far what REAL conservatives knew he would be, the most radical president in American history. Since America is a center-right country, that won't fly. The house Republicans have gotten their act together, which getting thumped in two straight elections should do. Don't get me wrong, they deserved to get thumped because they lost their way and strayed from conservative principles. Now that they're back to conservatism, they should do well in Nov. '10.

    February 12, 2009 06:05 pm at 6:05 pm |
  215. Rick McDaniel

    The way things look right now, I wouldn't count on that, Dems.

    February 12, 2009 06:05 pm at 6:05 pm |
  216. George Vreeland Hill

    The GOP made such a mess of things in this country with corruption and lies that it may be many years before the voters trust a Republican again.
    Ronald Reagan must be turning over in his grave with the things his Grand Old Party has done.
    For the sake of our future, we must continue to vote Democrats in office.

    George Vreeland Hill

    February 12, 2009 06:05 pm at 6:05 pm |
  217. ryan in texas

    By 2010 Bush will be long gone and the Democrats will have no one to blame.
    Democrats have to have some one to blame (usually the rich or business).
    By then we may have to start paying for the bailout.
    If they can put that off just past the elections, they may be able to hold seats.
    By 2012, however, they will be HATED. The benefits will be long gone and the bills due.
    Looking forward many bills are going to come due as the baby boomers retire.
    The Republicans will try to cut the entitlements and the Democrats will try to fill the trough with taxpayers money. This will make political power go back and forth between the parties until our economy crumbles like Europe.
    Get ready for more polarization and over correction as two parties try to work the steering wheel.

    February 12, 2009 06:06 pm at 6:06 pm |
  218. John

    If this stimulus bill works...those 9 states will be easy.

    February 12, 2009 06:06 pm at 6:06 pm |
  219. fearful for my country

    We need republicans to move from the blue states that are never going red to the states like florida and Pennsylvania etc where all the electoral votes are. I have always been democrat but just tore my card up and registered republican. This wave of corruption by the democrats has got to be stopped.

    February 12, 2009 06:07 pm at 6:07 pm |
  220. PC

    arithmetic is liberal February 12th, 2009 4:17 pm ET
    ------------
    Yep - arithmetic is Liberal! Liberals have NO idea of arithmetic. They just re-invent reality to suit their "bottom line."

    February 12, 2009 06:08 pm at 6:08 pm |
  221. I can see New Guinea

    Hey Mike, get a grip! You already are on welfare, except in the adult world, "welfare" means police and fire service; federally-funded banks and highways; public education; libraries; and Medicare, just to name a few.

    The sheer willfullness of the Republicans at large to blatantly ignore that the government and the deficit became bloated under their watch is breathtaking.

    February 12, 2009 06:08 pm at 6:08 pm |
  222. Andrew

    The Democrats are using Propoganda to win the 2010 elections.

    They are calling it now, so that they can shift the general outlook to them.

    If everyone's voting for the Democrats then I guess that's the right choice.

    It's worked for the past few elections!!

    February 12, 2009 06:08 pm at 6:08 pm |
  223. To Mike:

    Dear Mike: In the United States, the depression, where, at its nadir in 1933, 25 percent of all workers and 37 percent of all nonfarm workers were completely out of work. Some people starved; many others lost their farms and homes. Homeless vagabonds sneaked aboard the freight trains that crossed the nation. Dispossessed cotton farmers, the “Okies,” stuffed their possessions into dilapidated Model Ts and migrated to California in the false hope that the posters about plentiful jobs were true. Although the U.S. economy began to recover in the second quarter of 1933, the recovery largely stalled for most of 1934 and 1935. A more vigorous recovery commenced in late 1935 and continued into 1937, when a new depression occurred. The American economy had yet to fully recover from the Great Depression when the United States was drawn into World War II in December 1941.

    February 12, 2009 06:09 pm at 6:09 pm |
  224. Tyler

    To the gentlemen who wrote:

    "Research the 1930's. I won't go into any similarities or differences between FDR's New Deal and this plan, but the fact of the matter is that the New Deal slow down the Great Depression. In 1929, unemployment was at around 25%. When the ND was enacted, it improved to 10%. History tells us, that the stimulus surely won't solve the crisis, but it will slow down the bleeding long enough to give us time to come up with that ever elusive "perfect" solution."

    In 1929, unemployment was not 25%. It did not peak until the mid 1930s. We did not escape the depression until the onset of WWII. That is what the consensus is and why Milton Friedman and the Monetarists rose to prevalence in the 70s when Keynesian policies (goverment spending) did not work.

    So please, watch the pedantics.

    February 12, 2009 06:09 pm at 6:09 pm |
  225. MADSALL

    what so I have to do to get my comments posted? Tell me and I will do it

    February 12, 2009 06:09 pm at 6:09 pm |
  226. Angie

    KJ: The Dems are turning this into a socialist country? really? all by themselves? The Republicans had nothing to do with the direction we're headed? Government's role increased exponentially during the past 8 years. I'm not saying bigger govt is right or wrong, but responsibility for that is not solely on the Dems' shoulders. Not by a long shot.

    February 12, 2009 06:09 pm at 6:09 pm |
  227. Olegringo, NM

    Menendez is a typical liberal idiot!

    February 12, 2009 06:10 pm at 6:10 pm |
  228. ezlnwv

    Obama says we need to rely on the private sector to rebuild the economy. This is absurd, as it was private sector greed that got us into this mess in the first place.

    Thanks to the corporate media socialism is still stigmatized in the United States. But for the sake of our children we need to repatriate America's resources. We need democratic control over our resources for true change to ever arrive.

    Or we can continue to allow the richest 1% to control over 50% of America's resources and continue to let them run us into the ground.

    February 12, 2009 06:10 pm at 6:10 pm |
  229. RJ

    Both parties bring different but destructive policies. In the wake of a struggling economy, the Congress piled billions of dollars in targeted pork into a stimulus package. We don't have the money to pay for the package. We are borrowing it from other countries, but that is not stopping them from spending ridiculous amounts of money on non-essential programs. The Republicans don't have to attack Obama. If this package fails, the Democrats are sunk and so is the US economy. The Clinton administration helped us on this path. That policy laid the framework for the collapse of the housing market. Banks should not have been made to give loans to those who had little chance of paying it back. Congress failed to stop the funding for the wars. That was Congresses fault not Bush's alone. Short sighted bipartisan arguing is only making this worse.

    February 12, 2009 06:11 pm at 6:11 pm |
  230. Steven in Indiana

    wow.
    are we using our power to create a single party system?
    ummm.
    this isn't what i had in mind.
    the last few days, i've been feeling a bit more conservative.
    where does that leave me?
    -feeling nervous

    February 12, 2009 06:11 pm at 6:11 pm |
  231. Tom

    Hey Senator, not so fast.

    First the democratic president and his inner circle need to begin to lead instead of resorting to fear. Obama's fearful tone while continually talking about the severity of the economic situation and downplaying the potential for recovery is starting to take the bloom off the Democratic rose. This coupled with a recovery plan that Wall Street and the investment community do not believe in (and the ensuing prolonged slump it will ensure) make it about a 50/50 call that Dems will hang on to gains they have made.

    February 12, 2009 06:13 pm at 6:13 pm |
  232. WereGettingHosed

    $800,000,000,000 / 3,500,000 jobs = $225,000 per job
    Those are expensive jobs that probably only pay 1/10th of that.

    February 12, 2009 06:13 pm at 6:13 pm |
  233. Joe

    The Dems already control both Congress & the Presidency so they better get rock-n-rolling to fix the economy if they expect to win more seats. So far they aren't impressing me very much. They don't look like they are doing any better than the Reps did.

    February 12, 2009 06:13 pm at 6:13 pm |
  234. Trollmaster

    Republicans don't deserve to be back in power. They have not shown America that they learned their lessons or admited their mistakes. They'll just return to their borrow and spend, tax cuts fix everything, war mongering, "If you don't agree with me then you hate America" ways. Also the GOP will damage this nation beyond repair if they ever got back in power.

    I don't want to see a 1 party rule, but if the Republican party does not drasticaly change their ways, then voting them out of existence would be considered an act of huge patriotism.

    February 12, 2009 06:14 pm at 6:14 pm |
  235. Vietnam Vet71

    The Democrats are sooooooo determined to destroy this country…….but 2010 may not be as rosey for them as they think. B.O. get old after a while.

    I believe this statement shows the flawed logic we've been under for the past 8 years.

    February 12, 2009 06:14 pm at 6:14 pm |
  236. Hayato

    I'm so tired of Republicans. Phony outrage and childishness has not changed. I am not surprised to see even more Republicans losing their seats in 2010. American people are watching.

    February 12, 2009 06:14 pm at 6:14 pm |
  237. ryan in texas

    Mike – The New Deal didn't help reduce unemployment. The creation of Social Security was not to help elderly people, but to reduce the number of people vying for the same jobs. In the history of man elderly people didn't retire! They kept working, but at a slower or less strenous pace. Their roles shifted, but they still worked. FDR fooled the people into thinking that he eased unemployment. There was mandatory retirement ages imposed. They were no longer "unemployed", but were "retired". Think about it. A retired person IS unemployed.

    February 12, 2009 06:15 pm at 6:15 pm |
  238. March on Limbaughs Castle

    Lets all"the unemployed" meet for lunch at Limbaughs castle and ask him why hes against helping us.Noon on April Fools Day.A day named after him.

    February 12, 2009 06:17 pm at 6:17 pm |
  239. Trollmaster

    in response to Mike's comment:

    Where was the Republican party when they opposed Bush's wastful spending? They were yes men. They lost elections big time for much of what you're accusing the Democrats of.

    If you don't like Democrats, that's cool...support a 3rd party, but to say the answer is to return to Republican ways is just plain stupid based on their horrible track record.

    February 12, 2009 06:18 pm at 6:18 pm |
  240. Jon in CA

    One chicken, two chicken, three chicken, four.....

    February 12, 2009 06:19 pm at 6:19 pm |
  241. Sam

    Leave the Democrats alone, they will implode on their own. It's only been a few weeks and they are falling apart. Obama is so into himself and loves the sound of his voice. While he is flapping his mouth, his eyes and those bigs ear are closed.

    One day the little followers we get tired of soiling themselves at the sound of his, ya knows.

    February 12, 2009 06:19 pm at 6:19 pm |
  242. Frank the Tank

    If the stimulus package works... bad for the GOP

    If the stimulus doesn't work... bad for the left

    Hanging on the balance... both political parties

    February 12, 2009 06:19 pm at 6:19 pm |
  243. r.u. kidding

    Jeff:

    "Thank you for waking up the Republicans. I see a return to the "contract with America" type of Republican party coming! As an Independent, I could support that."
    ________________________________________________________

    Do you mean the "Contract for America" which was drafted on a wave of "morality" by Republicans like Newt Gingrich, Bob Livingston, Henry Hyde, or Larry Craig? (You know...the ones who were cheating on their own wives while claiming higher moral ground than Bill Clinton?)

    Or were you referring to to the "integrity" of the GOP and Republicans like Bob Ney, David Safavian, Italia Federici, Mark Zachares, Steven Griles, among others, who were convicted in the Abramoff scandal? You know...Tom DeLay's buddies?

    Yeah boy...Can't wait to get back to that old Contract For America again. Business as usual.

    February 12, 2009 06:20 pm at 6:20 pm |
  244. Thomas

    What a dumb, arrogant JA. You don't have to go back very many years when things were exactly the opposite of today. Everyone was saying the Democrats are finished, they have no identity, they have no message, they need to find themselves. The Rebpulicans took control of the presidency (because Clinton was far less popular than Democrats believe), the house and the senate. The truth is that many people in this country are never happy and they always blame the people in power. Typically that points to the president. Then they flip the power back to the other side. So keep shooting your mouth you arrogant fool.

    Most of your bloggers are about as arrogant and foolish as this clown.

    February 12, 2009 06:20 pm at 6:20 pm |
  245. Jo from Minnesota

    I also am a former Independent who voted straight ticket democrat in the last election and already plan to do it again in 2010 thanks to the way the republicans are so blatantly acting against the best interests of our country. They do not want any part of bipartisanship and only care about power for their party. They criticize and name-call with no solutions of their own. They are amazingly hypocritical with their sudden worries about spending after they spent like crazy during the last 8 years. All they care about is obstructing President Obama no matter what, even if it causes further problems for our country.

    February 12, 2009 06:20 pm at 6:20 pm |
  246. Bob

    JodyG February 12th, 2009 6:05 pm ET
    I've always considered myself an independent and have voted for both sides at varying times.
    ------
    LIAR!

    February 12, 2009 06:20 pm at 6:20 pm |
  247. MD

    If the stimulus package delivers jobs without corruption on the part of the recipients, every single congressperson and senators who do not vote for the final bill should be replaced by the People.

    I think America has gone through a major transformation after the November elections believing once again that VOTES COUNT.

    Obama must constantly hold Congress accountable to the people and contiue with his toen hall meetings, but this time with regards to healthcare.

    No president in the history of this country has had the love and good will of the nation like Obama. He should contiue to keep the people in the loop and rely on them and lean on them to push his agenda forward.

    February 12, 2009 06:22 pm at 6:22 pm |
  248. Allen in Hartwell GA

    Republican politicians are determined to prove correct their old adage "government is the problem, not the solution". Americans might rather have a politician who thinks that government has a place in the running of this country. The Preamble to the Constitution directs the government to take certain actions, and Republicans do not like that. Until they change their tone I will never vote for another Republican.

    February 12, 2009 06:23 pm at 6:23 pm |
  249. Minnesota Voter

    "$800,000,000,000 / 3,500,000 jobs = $225,000 per job
    Those are expensive jobs that probably only pay 1/10th of that." --Ummm, you are forgeting that much of that money is for PROJECTS that also require materials, etc., so not all of the money is going for salaries. The INVESTMENT will be in our infrastructure and the bonus will be jobs for those who need work. You need to think before you make statements like this.

    February 12, 2009 06:23 pm at 6:23 pm |
  250. Paying Attention Yet??

    We're getting hosed...your figures would be correct if the stimulus was only creating jobs, but it's not. It's going for tax cuts, infrastructure and other things. So, in other words, you're figures are WRONG.

    February 12, 2009 06:23 pm at 6:23 pm |
  251. J in NJ

    Rob should be fearful because it is he that will be looking for a job soon!

    February 12, 2009 06:23 pm at 6:23 pm |
  252. Dan

    GOP must change its ideology to survive in American Politics.

    GOP’s philosophy is Feudalistic, which is, “Wealth only for few, rest all slaves”.

    This philosophy will fail and GOP will be Extinct in a few years.

    February 12, 2009 06:24 pm at 6:24 pm |
  253. Ernie

    AS long as the Right keep Trying to smear Pelosi/Reid and nothing else to offer but the Fail Republican policies and messages of Hate of Rush Limbaugh, American may well loose the Republican Party. Come on True Republicans retake your party, America needs a two party system.

    February 12, 2009 06:25 pm at 6:25 pm |
  254. elana

    The American people are more intelligent than the Repubs seem to think they are. So let's go get em! Vote Democratic in 2010!! The more Democrats in Congress, the better!!

    February 12, 2009 06:25 pm at 6:25 pm |
  255. reggie

    I hate to say it, but he's wrong. The republicans will gain seats. With the dems in full control, they will have noone to blame when they screw everything up.

    February 12, 2009 06:26 pm at 6:26 pm |
  256. jona

    This kind of silly prophecy should be IGNORED by the media and Democrats should be VERY careful about inviting Karma when they are doubling the National debt.

    February 12, 2009 06:26 pm at 6:26 pm |
  257. Ritas

    Republicans have given us the worst economy since the depression and the biggest crooks in history with their deregulations (ie: license to steal by their rich friends) so it seems obvious that they are doomed. God help us if they're not.

    February 12, 2009 06:27 pm at 6:27 pm |
  258. Rachel

    Why aren't you targeting Arizona??? Please SOMEONE GOOD run against John McCain. And then against John Kyl in a few more years. When I listen to them talk, I feel like they are living in the 1950s-! They are not trustworthy-they are out of touch. They try to speak for what "Americans" want and most of the time they are WRONG

    February 12, 2009 06:28 pm at 6:28 pm |
  259. MattM

    Why do this story, rather than reporting something about the changing politican environment? For example, a story that Rasmussen is reporting that Democrats are currently ahead of Republicans on a generic ballot by a whopping ... one point. Or the fact that 44% (a plurality) of US voters think that a name picked randomly out of the phone book could do a better job on the economy than our current Congress.

    Instead, we get yet another story about how Democrats are crushing Republicans?

    February 12, 2009 06:29 pm at 6:29 pm |
  260. Sniffit

    Attention all Dems suffering foreclosure: MOVE TO A REPUBLICAN DISTRICT AND HELP GET RID OF THE GOP.

    February 12, 2009 06:30 pm at 6:30 pm |
  261. Bob

    Pelosi calls bill 'transformational'
    ------------
    Nothing else needs to be said!

    February 12, 2009 06:31 pm at 6:31 pm |
  262. chuckieZ

    By 2010, the majority of Americans who pay their mortgages will be aware that they have been screwed by the bailout and not supportive of Democrats.

    February 12, 2009 06:33 pm at 6:33 pm |
  263. Pat CA

    Who is Menendez? What has he done to impove this county?

    February 12, 2009 06:33 pm at 6:33 pm |
  264. Dave H.

    Is this guy that stupid ? after this Pork bill the Republicans will kill the dummycrats in 2010.

    February 12, 2009 06:33 pm at 6:33 pm |
  265. Rick

    Dan:GOP will be Extinct in a few years.
    I just love these stupid comments that some idiots make !!!
    Enjoy the show liberals and democrats your low ratings are showing !!!
    And by the way you can get off the Bush,Palin, McCain comments now your man is in the white house so you cant go about blaming them anymore makes you all sound like the sore whiners I mean winners that you really are !!!!!!

    February 12, 2009 06:34 pm at 6:34 pm |
  266. mjm

    Let's see how the next two years go.

    February 12, 2009 06:34 pm at 6:34 pm |
  267. John in DC

    Gotta love all the liberal lemmings. Unfortunately, as more and more people depend on the gov't for handouts, the democrats will soon have 80% majorities in congress. Socialism has failed everywhere – and now the US is embracing it as the next great hope.

    February 12, 2009 06:35 pm at 6:35 pm |
  268. How ironic it is I'm a white man!

    How ironic it is that the Republicans are now the minority in this country. See kids, being ignorant biggots never got anyone anywhere!
    What goes around comes around, huh?

    February 12, 2009 06:36 pm at 6:36 pm |
  269. Fan of Common Sense

    Yeah, right. People are already starting to wake up and see Obama, Pelosi, and Reid for what they are. In 2010 the Republicans will take back both the House of Representatives and Senate with seats to spare.

    February 12, 2009 06:36 pm at 6:36 pm |
  270. Cynthia - Arkansas

    I have had my suspisions for a while that some of the "people" posting these hateful, tear-down Obama posts were actually:

    1. Staffers for Republican Senators and Congressman
    2. Being paid by the Republican party.

    My questions was answered the other morning. There were two postings back to back with different "names" on them. They were the same, word for word. I imagine it was a fluke.

    If you think that you will sway public opinion against Obama and the Republicans will regain control, you better think again.

    People have had enough of the NO party! They are against everything that is important in the average persons life. It is really showing more and more every day how truly out of touch the Republican party really is. They toe the line because they are scared to death of the wrath of Rush or O'Reilly. Both blow hards, who only want ratings. They don't care about the American public.

    It will be interesting who can hold their seat in 2010. It will take more than Rush, O'Reilly, Hannity and all the rest of the fear mongers working overtime to win.

    February 12, 2009 06:36 pm at 6:36 pm |
  271. Marc

    Ok everybody... calm down.
    What else would you expect for him to say?
    The attempts of the government to 'reach across the aisle', 'to go bipartisan' and such are sinking fast. It's becoming clear for them that there won't be serious and mature talk with the Republicans, with notable exception.
    All this 'socialistic', 'radical' and other nonsense stuff, ESPECIALLY that ridiculous idea of Mr. Limbaugh about how the plan should be crafted, that Republicans are saying about the President... get a grip on yourselves! In your point of view the stimulus bill and other actions of the new government are wrong and bad for the country. Make your points without name calling, smearings and delusional views of what we have in Washington now.
    There's no need to dig and deepen further the division created by GWB's terms.

    TCM – I stand correct, you were right about the corporate taxes issue

    February 12, 2009 06:39 pm at 6:39 pm |
  272. JB Cal

    I got news for you Jeff, the republicans spent your grandchildren's money a long time ago.

    February 12, 2009 06:39 pm at 6:39 pm |
  273. LM

    Thank you to Collins, Snowe and Spector for being the intelligent, brave souls they are to walk the line of integrity and fairness without faultering. My hat is off to all of you!

    The rest of the repubs must really be scared–they sound just like it as you can tell from these defensive blog comments.

    And, rightly so. I have never seen such a bunch of selfish, self-serving, and brain-washed individuals in my life! They only think of themselves and what they can get from their political ineptness!

    Keep your head high, President Obama. You have a whole lot of country behind you who are rooting for you and your creative jobs program! The repubs are just worried that it WILL WORK and they know that they will lose even more seats in Congress since IT IS
    going to work!

    That is why they keep screaming so loudly that they want it to fail! That is like saying that they want not just this country to fail, but that they want all of us to fail and end up without the basics that we need to live! They don't care if we have enough to eat, or if we have health care so we can continue to live. They just want to RULE and keep their selfish power.

    Everyone who is behind President Obama!! Make it known!! I ask everyone reading this who is for B.O. to write in now!! We have got to stay together and lend the Dems our support!! We are the DECENT people in this country, and that is what this country needs to keep the American Dream alive!!

    Go Dems, Go America!!!

    February 12, 2009 06:40 pm at 6:40 pm |
  274. George

    McCain is on Re-Election mode in 2010.

    NO, THANK YOU Mr. McCain. We Honor you as a Veteran for Serving our Country. We don’t need you in Politics. Please Retire.....

    Thank God we don’t have you as President. You want our Troops to be in Iraq for Ever. We would have respected your ideas, if you would desire our Businesses and Industries in Iraq for ever, rather than our Troop.

    You are a WARMONGER Mr. McCain.

    For the First time, we have both the President and V.P. who are Learned and Elite Lawyers and we Hope they will think Lawfully, Rationally and Prudently, and do the best for our country.

    February 12, 2009 06:41 pm at 6:41 pm |
  275. William

    It amazes me to see all these people that want a one party democracy. IT WON'T work.
    Another thing is I hate how everything got blamed on Bush. First of all it was Clinton who signed the Modernization Act which allowed banks to get into "risky" deals like they did in the 20's. Because everyone in DC thought that this crisis couldn't happen again and now look at our banks, we had to bail them out, and they are still having problems.
    Another thing is Clinton was the one that signed the housing act, what ever it was called, which allowed people that couldn't afford that house to go ahead and get it. Lets see that didn't work it collapsed.
    One more thing, Clinton is the one that signed the Free-Trade Act which is allowing a lot of our jobs to go over seas. And who got blamed for this? Bush did, but whose signiture is on those bills, not Bush's but Clinton's. So before you go off and blame him. think about it. He did a heck of a good job with what he got delt.
    One more thing is everyone is blaming this collapse entirely on the GOP . I would just like to say it was a fairly balanced Senate and House until the Dems took over in 2006 and the collapse happened when they had the Majority.

    February 12, 2009 06:42 pm at 6:42 pm |
  276. Maee

    I am amazed at the talk on the economy. You would think that everyone on this board are the top economist in the world. For the past 8 years, the republicans have spent like drunken sailors and now with our future at stake, they want to act like they are concerned about spending. Give me a break! They would rather the economy failed and the American people suffer, than to work with the democrats to make things better. They are the worst of the worst. The past administration lied to all of us about WMDs, they outed a CIA agent to shut her husband up about the truth, they have broken the law any number of times. They took a surplus and turned it into the largest deficit we have ever had. The republicans are just a bunch of hipocrates and care nothing about anything except keeping their paid to do nothing jobs.

    February 12, 2009 06:42 pm at 6:42 pm |
  277. Rafael VA

    I think Sen. Bob Menendez is smoking pot! Cocky remarks two years before elections. He should first try and see how they are going to keep Corzine in the Governorship in New Jersy before 2010 comes.

    February 12, 2009 06:42 pm at 6:42 pm |
  278. Reality Check Richmond Virginia

    here is one issue facing the Republicans: The demographics/groups etc that they are winning over are shrinking within the overall population of the country while the demographics/groups that find the Democrats appealing are growing, with-in the overall population. The republican party better wake up to the 21st century and re-tool or they will become the Wigs. They need to find a way to appeal to the average person under 50, to minorities, to non-fundementalists. In the years ahead, there will be far less of who is making up their base at the moment.

    February 12, 2009 06:42 pm at 6:42 pm |
  279. Vince

    If Barack Obama does not have our troops out of Iraq by May 20, 2009, the Democrats should fear 2010

    February 12, 2009 06:43 pm at 6:43 pm |
  280. Jim

    As a republican I can't wait for 2010 to roll around. America is starting to see what happens when you have extreme left wing democrats at the helm.

    Spending won't bring jobs back, the open market will. History has proven time and time again that fiscal policy creates recovery not government spending. You will see inflation, more unemployment and rising interest rates down the road as a result of Obama's plan just as we did during the Carter years. Americans aren't stupid, you can't spend your way back to a growing economy.

    Bring on 2010!!!!!

    February 12, 2009 06:43 pm at 6:43 pm |
  281. Ray Fisher, Albuquerque, NM

    Our nation and the Democratic party's hopes, dreams and destiny all reside in the stimulus plan. If successful the world will rejoice if not the world will be foreclosed!!! It is simply that serious as we are teetering on the verge of depression and possibly civil strife as our citizens have lost many skills of survival with our advanced lifestyles. Most folks cannot cook a meal from scratch, plant a garden, sew clothing, self-medicate minor ailments or construct a shelter.

    February 12, 2009 06:43 pm at 6:43 pm |
  282. Lance

    You should be more worried about how Pelosi and Reid could affect the elections nationwide. Two years from now it will be hard to blame everything on Bush especially since Dems will have had control of the house and senate for four years.

    February 12, 2009 06:43 pm at 6:43 pm |
  283. Sniffit

    @ J.P.

    You smoking wha Michael Phelps is smoking? Seriously. daaaaaaaay trippah

    February 12, 2009 06:44 pm at 6:44 pm |
  284. joe

    DEAR REPUBLICANS,

    THIS IS NOT REPUBLICAN HATE, THIS IS SIMPLY A WORDS FROM THE WISE. YOU ARE NOT GOING TO SOLVE ANY PROBLEMS BY BEING OBSTRUCTIONIST, PRES OBAMA DID EVERYTHING HE CAN TO REACH OUT. TAX BREAKS ARE OK, BUT THAT'S WHEN EVERYONE IS WORKING, IF I'M UNEMPLOYED HOW DO I BENEFIT FROM TAX BREAKS..., YEAH OK LET THIS BILLION DOLLAR CORPORATION GET MILLIONS IN TAX CREDIT BUT YET FAIL TO HIRE NEW EMPLOYEE...I BELIEVE G.W.B CALLED IT THE TRICKLE DOWN AFFECT, BUT I THINK REPUBS HAVE A DIFFERENT LAW OF GRAVITY CAUSE TO THEM "WHAT GOES UP DON'T COME DOWN!"

    2010 MIGHT BE THE END OF REPUBLICANS....

    February 12, 2009 06:45 pm at 6:45 pm |
  285. bern n san diego

    repulsive republicans. to think i used to be one. they are liars, worrying only about their "friends" on Wall Street and in the board rooms. any type of stimulus will be quickly shot down by those thugs. we can do without any of them. Just keep the current Demos, the moderates and the lefties, there you have your 2party system.

    February 12, 2009 06:46 pm at 6:46 pm |
  286. Eric

    Ritas, you're a pawn of the media. If you'd do some research instead of eating chips you'd realize that it's the Democrats including Mr. Frank who are to blame. Remember, not everyone can afford a house nor should a house be provided to everyone. It's time Americans took responsibility for their own actions.

    Republicans will be fine as the stimulus will no doubt cause inflation and a situation similar to 1980. The real question should be who's the next Reagan? I vote Romney.

    February 12, 2009 06:47 pm at 6:47 pm |
  287. Lee

    Sorry for America, a conservative state of Abraham Lincoln.

    February 12, 2009 06:48 pm at 6:48 pm |
  288. Afia

    I'am a Democrat, Although i did not vote for John Mcain, I respect him. I think he has done good for the state of Arizona.

    February 12, 2009 06:49 pm at 6:49 pm |
  289. HeavyG

    It took Clinton and the Dems only two years to turn Americas stomach to the spending. Now, only a month into his term, Obama is going to sign into law a huge spending and government expanding bill that is doomed to fail. He will, just as Clinton did, hand control back to the Republicans without them even trying. Just wait and see!!!!!!!!!!!

    February 12, 2009 06:49 pm at 6:49 pm |
  290. G Simbles

    What an Idiot, he just apporved 14 thousand million for special ed, why not just pay the people that babysit them all day more, that helps the economy, you are a moron.. Who are we kidding that with 14 thousand million dollars that we'll ever as a nation receive that level of benefit from this idiots support. Yeah the GOP should sweat because you've proven that roads and infrastruture is far less important than to spend 14 thousand million dollars to help people that at the end of the day will never see that sort of benefit. I can't wait to see your response in how we as a nation are going to reap these benefits 10 fold to help the economy.

    February 12, 2009 06:51 pm at 6:51 pm |
  291. chuck

    JOHN MCCAIN IS LIKE A POISONOUS GAS IN THE SENATE AND SHOULD BE TERMINATED IMMEDIATELY. HE WAS THE ONE WHO CALLED ON ALL THE REPUBLICANS EXCEPT THREE OF THEM TO VOTE AGAINST THE BILL. THIS IS BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!! THE DEMOCRATS WON THE ELECTIONS ON NOVEMBER 04,2008. THE DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENT IS BARACK OBAMA AND HE WILL BE INCHARGED OF THE COUNTRY FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.

    February 12, 2009 06:52 pm at 6:52 pm |
  292. HuskyPhD

    It's this kind of arrogance that cost the Republicans dearly in 2006 and 2008. Looks like it just may cost the Democrats in 2010.

    February 12, 2009 06:52 pm at 6:52 pm |
  293. ray

    ALL REPUBLICANS SHOULD BURN IN HELL AND I HOPE THAT'S SOONER THAN LATER. OOOO HOW I WISH THESE OBSTRUCTIONIST VANISH IN THE GUTTER OF HELL SOON. THESE PEOPLE F,,,THIS COUNTRU UP OVER THE LAST EIGHT YERS AND STILL DOING IT.

    February 12, 2009 06:53 pm at 6:53 pm |
  294. Janssen

    First it's way too early to predict whose going to win in 2010. FIX THE ECONOMY FIRST! Secondly all the republicans here talks like BUSH never made a mistake during his 8 year term! Let's look back what blunders Bush did. 1. 9/11 (homeland security, under his watch) 2. Iraq and Afghanistan 3. Katrina 4. Energy crisis (remember oil was up $150 a barrel?? Only on Bush term this ever happened) 4. home and stock bubble.. so are these all because of corporate America?? The problem is a lot of Americans are greedy, they will do everything just to get ahead even if they know what their doing are WRONG! Now who is suffering?? Americans!

    February 12, 2009 06:53 pm at 6:53 pm |
  295. Jh

    Look at what is happening in your country instead of fighting with each other U should be working with each other to make your country better.
    Obama won and he is trying look what Bush did he gave the banks more money than they need and they are having a party.

    February 12, 2009 06:54 pm at 6:54 pm |
  296. Sharon

    Ah, yes, The Repubs...The party of NO!!!!

    February 12, 2009 06:54 pm at 6:54 pm |
  297. Bayou Blues

    With all the zeros we've been asked to considered lately, it's understandable that 'Were Getting Hosed' got a little confused and added a few extra. Hope his math does result in a new GOP position. They seem to be attracted to flabby thought these days like flies to a corpse.

    February 12, 2009 06:54 pm at 6:54 pm |
  298. P. D.

    Everyone one I know is angry with the Republicans and I from Pennsyvania. They are losing grip of the suburbs with their Religious hypocrisy and support for the rich. By just saying they want tax cuts and nothing else is unacceptable. Why not improve our childrens school? Fix are roads and highways?

    February 12, 2009 06:54 pm at 6:54 pm |
  299. Proud Vet

    Shame on us as a country if we ever allow another Republican in office. They had the White House for 8 years and Congress for 6. What did we get for it?:

    1. An elective war trumped up by cowards who never had the guts to serve in uniform themselves

    2. A devastated economy

    3. A destroyed international reputation

    4. The authorization of torture

    5. Indifference while a great American city drowned

    The list goes on and on.

    Folks, we're lucky we still have a country to call home.

    February 12, 2009 06:54 pm at 6:54 pm |
  300. Louis

    IT'S THE HARD-WORKING TAXPAYERS WHO HAVE FEAR–fear of a wasteful and incompetent government of Republicans and Democrats that has driven our country's economy into the ground. Now they say we should trust them to fix everything. What a pathetic joke. The American people are lied to and ripped off.

    February 12, 2009 06:55 pm at 6:55 pm |
  301. Going down in Ca.

    Best way to keep the Presidency ? Quit lying to us already !
    ALL PORK DIET...
    3 Bil for Science project in Ill. The home state of our President.
    1 Bil for NASA ? Maybe we can not send the shuttle up for a year or two until this is over ? Just a Wild thought !
    Obama tell us this has no Pork ,is like Clinton saying he didn't have sexual relations with that women?
    19 bil to modernize health records ? How hard is it to put it in on internet ,19 bil ? 21 Bil for Cobra for a 60% subsidy? Nobody can afford Cobra with 80% subsidy ? Govt health care will never work but thats on the way !
    Tax Breaks for auto sales and housing ? NY,Ca and Tx got scrwed on housing ! Great, nobody has money to buy but you get a tax break !
    I'm sorry I don't agree that speculators who have multiple houses should get help on all their houses ! Should be your Primary residence.

    I love the 40Bil to stay home longer on unemplyment ? How many jobs is that creating ? These people need jobs ,not incentive to stay home a few more weeks.

    AP doesn't have breakdown like the one I saw.

    Anytime we rushed to do something its always been a disaster !
    Veitnam and Iraq come to mind.

    I'm out

    February 12, 2009 06:55 pm at 6:55 pm |
  302. Nancy B

    Kansas is not a swing state.

    February 12, 2009 06:56 pm at 6:56 pm |
  303. How ironic it is I'm a white man!

    How ironic it is that the Republicans are now the minority in this country. See kids, being ignorant biggots never got anyone anywhere!
    What goes around comes around, huh???

    February 12, 2009 06:56 pm at 6:56 pm |
  304. Lori

    A one-party Congress is a terrible thing (either Democrats or Republicans).

    There needs to be a system of checks and balances in Congress–the Democrats having control of Congress, and the Presidency, is not good for this country.

    Whether you like it or not, Republicans are necessary in our political system.

    And by the way–just because someone disagrees with you does not make them an "obstructionist".

    February 12, 2009 06:56 pm at 6:56 pm |
  305. Antonio

    It has to be a bling person to vote for the Republican, they just think about helping out the reach and discriminate against the minority.

    February 12, 2009 06:56 pm at 6:56 pm |
  306. JoJo

    If they Democrats and Obama consolidate total power in 2010 the Republic will collapse because the people in this country WHO WORK FOR A LIVING will not allow them selves to be raped by the Democrats and Obama.

    February 12, 2009 06:56 pm at 6:56 pm |
  307. Sarty

    The moron Repub not only ruined the economy for 8 years, but are obstructing the path to its recovery.
    Good riddens to Gregg.
    There is a limit to extending a bipartisan hand to these moranic
    repub-stupids.

    February 12, 2009 06:57 pm at 6:57 pm |
  308. Ralph from NJ

    Why does the stimulus bill include almost $1,000,000,000 for STD education? Whether or not that is necessary, I think if the economy is this bad that money would be better spent on something else. For now, maybe they could just say, "Look, find yourself a good clean girl and settle down and you won't get an STD." Whether you're a Democrat or a Republican, does this not make sense?

    February 12, 2009 06:57 pm at 6:57 pm |
  309. barbara campbell

    Don't forget about North Carolina. We replaced Republican Senator Elizabeth Dole with Democrat Kay Hagan in 2008, and Richard Burr (who is farther right than Dole) is up for reelection in 2010. President Obama turned North Carolina from red to blue in the presidential election. Ousting Burr is hardly a long shot.

    February 12, 2009 06:57 pm at 6:57 pm |
  310. Ellie, MD

    My Fellow Americans....

    Don't get upset or pissed off.....because PAYBACKS are a bi–tch and 2010 will once again be a "defining moment". The GOP Party has turned a deaf ear and a blind eye to the millions of families losing their jobs and homes while they focus on getting "RE-ELECTED" in 2010.

    That's what these jerks are focusing on, they don't care about YOU, the only thing they care about is "saving" their butts come 2010.

    SPREAD THE WORD...... VOLUNTEER AND ONCE AGAIN WE WILL CLEAN HOUSE COME 2010!!!

    YES WE WILL!

    YES WE WILL!

    YES WE WILL!

    February 12, 2009 06:58 pm at 6:58 pm |
  311. RealityKing

    America's national debt will be at 90%+ in 2010. Who's afraid of the big bad wolf??

    February 12, 2009 06:58 pm at 6:58 pm |
  312. Texas Teacher

    Surely the Republicans can't imagine that they have a prayers chance in hell to come out of this mess smelling like a rose? These bozos got us into this mess... and Rush Limbaugh and company are the only ones pushing for their agenda.

    !

    February 12, 2009 06:59 pm at 6:59 pm |
  313. sue Haught

    It seems I have heard all this BS before.When the gop was in charge they were so cocky. They sure didn't do any thing but ruin this country in the last 8 yrs. Now they were voted out in 2008 and they are still cocky and all they do is blame the Dem. The Gop is a bunch of little boys trying to be the big kid on the block. I am better than you idea. They have show all of America just how bad they worry about their party instead of their country. When this country needs to come together and help one another all they can talk about is the election of 2010. We need these idiots to get off their high horse and do their job for the rest of the country instead of the rich and big business. If this country gets worse in the next 4 yrs. I for one won't blame the Dem. It will be because it was in a much worst mess then any one thought. And even though the Gop thinks everyone thinks Obama is God we all know that even God probably won't get us out of the mess. It's time for the Gop realize they lost in Nov. And no matter how bad it gets we all know that Pres. Obama didn't make this mess .And we do know who was in charge when all this mess happened. And if you think that we are as stupid as we were 8 yrs. ago you are wrong. So either worry about this country and how we can work together or start finding yourself a new job. We are sick and tired of the same old policies that have gotten us where we are today. And if you don't think it's possible you better think twice. Yes we can, make sure you are not re-elected. And Yes ,we will never again let you take advantage of us again with your lies.

    February 12, 2009 07:00 pm at 7:00 pm |
  314. Peter

    Republicans can't win any elections without the blessings of their God Father Rush limbaugh!. PLease mr. President with all fairness stop appeasing them, you have done your best to extend your bi-partisan hand to them! they can't and will never understand because they only understand language, oil, war tax cuts and witch hunting!! for political gains!.

    February 12, 2009 07:03 pm at 7:03 pm |
  315. Paul

    So much for the politics of hope and change. Obama is the politician stoking FEAR and CATASTROPHE. The reality is that most Americans don't believe things are that bad. Anyone with half a brain knows that the early 1980's were worse than now.

    People don't believe Obama and the Democrats right now. People just don't believe that we need trillion dollar bailouts for this. This fake stimulus bill won't work and there will be hell to pay for the Democrats in 2 years.

    February 12, 2009 07:04 pm at 7:04 pm |
  316. Texas Teacher

    Republicans... go back into your caves! You do NOT have a leg to stand on! We got your number... bozos! Eight years of them!

    I tell you what... every time I hear some Republican say that this stimulus package is exactly what the People do NOT want, I have to laugh! It appears that We, the People, are just chopped liver to them. Along with Limbaugh they think we don't have a brain between our collectives ears! In fact, they are banking on it! *LOL*

    February 12, 2009 07:05 pm at 7:05 pm |
  317. TRUTH

    bush was the first and palin the final nail in the death of the gop, DEMOCRATS should thank bush/cheney, the worst administration ever

    February 12, 2009 07:06 pm at 7:06 pm |
  318. Larry

    I would love to place a wager with any of the hopeful Democrats,you see I have respect for the average American,and they are not going to make this mistake of voting for the destruction of our country again.Only the diehard left wing will stay the course of socialism.This CHANGE that we are getting is not what we voted for !!

    February 12, 2009 07:06 pm at 7:06 pm |
  319. john

    GOP will be voted out i'll double my efforts from Delaware for other states!!

    February 12, 2009 07:07 pm at 7:07 pm |
  320. No Money

    They have all the reason to be optimistics. These republican law makers think everybody is stupid in america.
    It's ok to spend billions of dollars on an endless war.
    It's ok to distribute tax payers money to sunites and chias leaders in Irak to buy temporarly peace.
    It's ok to let CEO's get away with tax payers money with outreagous bonuses
    It's ok to give tax break to companies that are laying peope off.
    It's ok to spend tax payers money on a shameless prison at Gitmo
    The list goes on and on and on and on.

    But it's not ok for democrats to spend the money building roads and bridges, high speed railroads and schools of the 21st century in USA.
    It's not ok for democrats to spend money fixing health care for their childrens futur in USA.
    Overall It's not ok for democrats to spend money FIXING AMERICA.

    WOW amazing. These republicans act like if Democrats just borrow the money and go to sky and spread it to people. By the way I will rather get my tax money used that way than to have somebody go and give it away to people in other countries for a dumb war.

    February 12, 2009 07:09 pm at 7:09 pm |
  321. Steve

    People are impatient today. If this thing isn't fixed by 2010, the Republicans will sweep the house and senate. People voted Obama in to fix things. They won't be happy with the democrats if things aren't . I noticed many of his supporters were peace activist. They won't accept a big war to pull us out either.
    I'm starting to hear lots of grumbling from the new poor. They paid for other people's entitlements all these years, now that they need it, it's not there!

    February 12, 2009 07:10 pm at 7:10 pm |
  322. David in West Virginia

    If this the way Republican intend on legislating, they may not have a single Senator in office that runs in 2010, especially if the Stimulus Plan turns the economy around. The Bush Administration with great Republican support has placed our Country in dire straits, as well as the rest of the civilized world.

    February 12, 2009 07:11 pm at 7:11 pm |
  323. Terry

    Guys like this should worry about their jobs if everyone understood that all this stems back to the Clinton years when he signed NAFTA,the unions warned them of this but still all went along and now everthing comes from China or other parts of the world not in the good ole USA

    February 12, 2009 07:12 pm at 7:12 pm |
  324. Ah'mad

    Menendez should "NOT" have taken that post, he's yet to do anything of value for people of color in the tenth congressional district that his residing over at present. Meanwhile, little do he know, irregardless of money raised and the support he's going to need to return, he won't have. Newark (PHOTO-OP)Mayor, Corey Booger and the north ward of Newark slave (MASTER) of the so-called His'Panics Steven Aduboto will "NOT" be able to cheat and deliver the votes nescessary for him to return.

    February 12, 2009 07:13 pm at 7:13 pm |
  325. John

    Keep up the fear tactics. Keep thinking the people of this great country are stupid. Keep going on the tract that you are going democrats, and the ones who will be scared will be you. You will loose in 2010. Those of you looking for a free ride from This administration, I have only one question. How's that going for you? Not to good huh. Take a close look at the stimulus people, most of the money is not going to create one job. Not one. It does however pay back a lot of lobbyists and their cronies for getting him elected. Keep being in denial. Someday your eyes will open up. I will be here. to tell you that I told you so. If I can still afford my computer. Oh wait, I will go on welfare and get plenty of money.

    February 12, 2009 07:13 pm at 7:13 pm |
  326. Chris

    Excuse me...Crooks on the Republican side. You best check Madoff's voter card...Democrat. Go to youtube and see your wonderful Dems defending the coruption at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac forcing banks to finance mortgages to people who could not aford them. There is plenty of blame left and right. I agree you Dems should step away from the Bong. Just Google how many Dems are under investigation or had to step aside because of not paying taxes that them make me pay.

    February 12, 2009 07:14 pm at 7:14 pm |
  327. Douglas, Los Angeles California

    OK Menendez; I get where you're coming from but lets not get to cocky. We never know what tomorrow brings... stay in the moment and stop fanning flames.

    February 12, 2009 07:14 pm at 7:14 pm |
  328. Brian

    JP shows what some Republicans really think..... They hate the Constitution

    February 12, 2009 07:15 pm at 7:15 pm |
  329. Pepper Hanrahan

    I think the Republicans should be concerned. They marched in lock step with Bush. Now they are obstructing any stimulus that every economist supports. Even if the stimulus fails the issue will be that Obama reached out to the Republicans and they did not extend theirs. The economic situation is a Republican problem beginning with no oversight by Republican Chris Cox at the SEC. Tax cuts will help business but that does not mean they will hire people. Just look at the money given to the automakers. Bush gave them the money and then they turned around and layed off a zillion more people. Those people will not forget who caused this mess, who tried to help them, and who continued to march down that same old tired path.

    February 12, 2009 07:16 pm at 7:16 pm |
  330. John

    Md wrote: February 12th, 2009 6:22 pm ET

    If the stimulus package delivers jobs without corruption on the part of the recipients, every single congressperson and senators who do not vote for the final bill should be replaced by the People.

    ------

    In the same tone, If the stimulus does not work, then everyone who voted for it should be replaced by the people. Right

    February 12, 2009 07:16 pm at 7:16 pm |
  331. David S.

    Lets see spending trillions of dollars of our future generations money so we can get an extra $13 per check in our pockets. Yes what a great stimulus package, you Dems are so full of crap.

    February 12, 2009 07:18 pm at 7:18 pm |
  332. Caligirl

    J.P. February 12th, 2009 4:02 pm ET

    Menendez, if your Naked Emperor signs this bill into law, it will have one of two possible outcomes.

    1. You get absolutely trounced in the 2010 midterms, in a fashion that would make 1994 look mild, or:

    2. Obama signs the legislation launching the next American Revolution, in which people simply refuse to contribute to the government's Taxation without Representation scheme.
    ____________________________________________

    J.P.

    If we are to bother ourselves with a second American revolution, shouldn't it be a revolt against Wall Street and it's greedy CEO's?
    I would think that taking the American tax-payer;'s money and then handing out over 18 billion in bonuses is a dea.th-wish.
    I believe these CEO's have more to fear from the American people than the Democrats do.

    February 12, 2009 07:18 pm at 7:18 pm |
  333. Sleepless in Colorado

    Politicians have lost their minds completely! I voted for Barack but I'm happy to vote for those that will be transparent. We need to be told the truth. If things are the same next year I will vote for the Republican, Communist, Green, Yellow, Purple, etc. party just to get it in the heads of politicians that we could care less about your party affiliation. These fools are playing with house money and think that most Americans aren't paying attention to where it's going. There is crap in the stimulus bill that I hate! It's nice to know that we still have snake oil salesman in D.C.

    Don't get too bold there sir about your chances. Your party might be in for the shock of their lives. I don't believe any of the things that you politicians say. Get the job done and then we'll see about how your party does.

    Independent in Colorado

    February 12, 2009 07:20 pm at 7:20 pm |
  334. Anonymous

    I agree with you on several things, JodyG, but can we really blame EVERY single Republican for everything that George W. Bush did wrong? EVERY single Republican in the country? That's painting with an awfully big brush.

    JodyG February 12th, 2009 6:05 pm ET

    I've always considered myself an independent and have voted for both sides at varying times. However, the republican party is so out of touch with the people and with the current economic reality, that I voted a straight democratic ticket for the first time in my life, and I will do it again if the republicans don't do something to clean up that party. Where is their fiscal responsibility? Where are the conservative values they believe in? They have turned into the party of spend, spend, spend and hide what you're doing at all costs. They lied to the American public about the WMD's in Iraq. They outed Valerie Plame to get even with her husband. They have spent more money (they didn't have) than any administration before them. They need to do something about their policies and leaders before 2010 or they will become a footnote in history

    February 12, 2009 07:20 pm at 7:20 pm |
  335. Randy, San Francisco

    The GOP will lose additional Senate seats because it has decided to be a party of obstruction. How can the GOP be taken seriously when a talk show host has become its new intellectual thinker?

    February 12, 2009 07:20 pm at 7:20 pm |
  336. Jim

    Sniffit February 12th, 2009 6:44 pm ET
    You smoking wha Michael Phelps is smoking? Seriously. daaaaaaaay trippah
    ------–
    Sniffit, still sniffing it at the wrong end? Of course you are! We're SO impressed with your sense of direction!

    February 12, 2009 07:21 pm at 7:21 pm |
  337. Patrick

    "Two years from now it will be hard to blame everything on Bush especially since Dems will have had control of the house and senate for four years."

    Why would it be hard? Over 8 years later republicans still blame Clinton for everything. I have no problem blaming Bush for everything eight to ten years from now.

    Ohh and over 65 years later they still blame the New Deal for everything as well... If I live to 2074 I will still be blaming Bush.

    I guarantee it.

    February 12, 2009 07:21 pm at 7:21 pm |
  338. rich

    "The Death of a Party" coming soon in 2010,2012,etc.Brought to you by the party whose fiscal policys got us in this mess,now known as the "Great republican Recession", now want us to believe doing nothing is the best course.

    February 12, 2009 07:21 pm at 7:21 pm |
  339. lumberman

    Menedez had better not get to excited yet, the moronic do nothing lib congress will get full redress in 2 years. Harry Reid will not be elected again, count on it, Nancy Piglosi will be gone also. Also this do nothing congress will be making bad decisions like they are now, so Mr. slick Menedez can shove it! Angie in Pa can get lost herself.

    February 12, 2009 07:23 pm at 7:23 pm |
  340. cbk16

    With Rasmussen showing only a 1 point Democrat lead in the generic polling for congress, and this being the closest ever on record, it should b e the Democrats who are worried. What planet has this writer been on?

    February 12, 2009 07:24 pm at 7:24 pm |
  341. Patrick

    "I have no desire to live the way they do in Cuba/China/France/UK"

    Funny China has an economy growing five times faster than ours... I wouldn't mind living there especially if I were employed and making good money.

    France/UK... both beautiful countries... friendly people who aren't obsessed with wealth or having the latest car. Streets free from cars in most places....

    Not a problem for me.

    February 12, 2009 07:25 pm at 7:25 pm |
  342. Fred

    What I dont get is the "Joe the Plumber" republicans. They are extremely concerned about getting taxed on money they dont have and never will have..... My brother is one of these, no money, and convinced that his future grand income will be highly taxed by repubs.... It seems to me that both my bro and Joe would do better with dems? can anyone explain this phenomena?

    February 12, 2009 07:25 pm at 7:25 pm |
  343. Rett

    I've seen a few posts about the "Do-Nothing Republicans" which is ironic because Democratics are helping the "do-nothing American people" by giving them the money that the "do-something American people" earn. If everyone would just go to school, get a job, and make some money then everyone could payoff their mortages and the crisis never would have happened. These unpaid mortages are the subprime mortages that were encouraged 10 years ago by the Clinton administration. It was only a matter of time before the economy blew-up from Clinton's actions and just happen to occur during the Bush administration. If Kerry had won in '04 we'd still have the same economic crisis on our hands.

    February 12, 2009 07:25 pm at 7:25 pm |
  344. pointofview

    It is fun to sit back and watch you democrats trying to throw stones with one hand a sweep up your own dirt under a rug. without the media running cover fire your party would have been outed 20 years ago. You all seem to forget 1994

    February 12, 2009 07:25 pm at 7:25 pm |
  345. Harleigh Kiffer

    What an idiot.

    February 12, 2009 07:26 pm at 7:26 pm |
  346. Steve (the real one)

    If the stimulard bill is effective (economists don't agree whether it will or not) the dems will stay strong. If not, absolutely no way the dems will gain seats in fact, they will lose and big! Most people are trying to get through today much less be concerned about 2 years from now! Don't get too cocky dems, you are only 3 .5 weeks in!

    February 12, 2009 07:26 pm at 7:26 pm |
  347. PC

    Pepper Hanrahan February 12th, 2009 7:16 pm ET

    The economic situation is a Republican problem beginning with no oversight by Republican Chris Cox at the SEC . . .
    --------–
    Care to be SPECIFIC, "Pepper Hanrahan"? Care to explain Blarney Frank's BAD subprime mortgage loans to people with NO ability to pay back? I'm waiting, Pepper! You part of ACORN, per chance?

    February 12, 2009 07:27 pm at 7:27 pm |
  348. fred

    2006 quote from White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, "If you think redistricting is always partisan and political which it is...it's going to be on steroids this time."

    Now, everyone saying how bad the repubs were, didn't you vote on Obama to change this whole culture??? Sounds like, when your party isn't in power they're angry, when it is...all is well and the other party should sit back...essentuially we are in a civil war (political), just without the bullets...for now :-(

    February 12, 2009 07:28 pm at 7:28 pm |
  349. Scott

    Elections come down to what have you done for me lately. If the economy continues to tank in spite of the SP than those pocket-book-voters who voted Dem will be back to voting Rep. Elections also have as much to do with the cult of personality and it will be interesting to see who can bring the most charismatic candidates forward in 2010. As an aside I think tax cuts and the SP will hurt rather than help the country but neither presidential candidate offered something different. Anything to get elected; how about no taxes at all?

    February 12, 2009 07:29 pm at 7:29 pm |
  350. Anonymous

    Headline: Senate Republicans optimistic about 2012

    February 12, 2009 07:29 pm at 7:29 pm |
  351. Moe Mullet

    I do not think I have ever seen so many ignorant, ill-informed comments in a single blog in my entire life. If you Obama Drones think the country is behind the Pelosi-Reid Congress, you are sadly out of touch. Who knows what will happen in two and four years? Surely not some Political Hack from either side.

    February 12, 2009 07:29 pm at 7:29 pm |
  352. fred

    Not an Obama supporter but I keep my fingers crossed he does well...BUT the bottom line is, we ALL lose if any one party runs the show! If anything, you should have learned that in ealrly 90's CLinton and 2000-20006 Bush...only when we have TRUE checks and balances can we keep congress SOMEWHAT in check...

    CHANGE (to what?)2006 quote from White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, "If you think redistricting is always partisan and political which it is...it's going to be on steroids this time."

    February 12, 2009 07:30 pm at 7:30 pm |
  353. Rick

    I think all those who voted to bankrupt our children and grandchildrren should fear for their reelections in 2010, because the peoples eyes will be finally opened and the smoke will clear and people will see what the demoncrates truely are and what they have done...........

    February 12, 2009 07:33 pm at 7:33 pm |
  354. Caligirl

    Patrick February 12th, 2009 7:25 pm ET

    "I have no desire to live the way they do in Cuba/China/France/UK"

    Funny China has an economy growing five times faster than ours… I wouldn't mind living there especially if I were employed and making good money.

    France/UK… both beautiful countries… friendly people who aren't obsessed with wealth or having the latest car. Streets free from cars in most places….

    Not a problem for me.
    _______________________________________________

    Me neither, pretty sweet deals for the French and Brits. Now there are 2 governments that really care about their people.

    February 12, 2009 07:34 pm at 7:34 pm |
  355. Denise

    Those "real Americans" with their great moral fiber and "fiscally conservative ideers" are so out of touch. Good thing we don't need them to take care of business. They are busy obstructing the necessary measures because the "economy is fundamentally strong". Maybe in their world.

    February 12, 2009 07:35 pm at 7:35 pm |
  356. Al

    Republicans should be concerned? How long do Democrats think they can hold the record for lowest satisfaction ratings for any Congress in the history of this country, and continue to hold power? Americans are short on patience. Two years from now when unemployment is twice as high, Democrats will be pointing fingers everywhere trying to deflect these the fall-out from the so-called stimulus folly. If you look closely, you can already seem Pelosi, Frank, Reid and others reaching for excuses...

    February 12, 2009 07:35 pm at 7:35 pm |
  357. irishny

    Patrick
    Wouldnt mind living in China??
    Really?

    February 12, 2009 07:35 pm at 7:35 pm |
  358. irishny

    Patrick
    Wouldnt mind living in China??
    Really?
    you do realise that the avergae wage there is about 1/10 what it is in America right??

    February 12, 2009 07:36 pm at 7:36 pm |
  359. Denise

    If Obama did not warn of the dire nature of the nation's economy, he would be criticized for not communicating.

    Why don't you neo-cons move to a country where you support the leadership? Perhaps Russia? Take Palin with you – she can show you where it is.

    February 12, 2009 07:37 pm at 7:37 pm |
  360. Perusing-through

    HOW THE DEMOCRATS CAN ENSURE GROWTH THROUGH 2010 & 2012?

    ANSWERS:
    [1.] – Find a way to keep nasty Airhead Diva Sarah Palin front & center. With Sarah out in front, the Democrats are guaranteed more seats in 2010 & 2012.

    [2.] – Maintain the political center and hold on to newly gained Independents. The Republican Party is NOT likely to regain Independents as long as Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, and Sean Hannity are running the Party.

    February 12, 2009 07:37 pm at 7:37 pm |
  361. JW

    Carters economy was worse by any measurement,. Don't be so quick to say that every economist thinks the stimulus plan is needed. Over 100 economist, two of which have received the Nobel Prize in Economics, do not think the Obama sitmulus plan will work. They have all signed a letter to that effect, that was published in one of the major newspapers.

    February 12, 2009 07:38 pm at 7:38 pm |
  362. Denise

    Hate and ignorance lost.

    Time for the hope team to put the losers away. GOBAMA

    February 12, 2009 07:38 pm at 7:38 pm |
  363. Rob

    Wow. The scariest part are the comments. The "them versus us" attitude from both political parties is absolutely sickening and a disgrace. The politicians in this country are the problem, regardless of party. Half of them aren't qualified to dig a ditch, let alone "represent" their constituents. If they represented us, there would have been no TARP and probably little or no stimulus.

    And for the person that said "every" economist supports the stimulus, you are crazy. Hundreds of econ professors and other scholars across the US signed a petition against the stimulus.

    February 12, 2009 07:38 pm at 7:38 pm |
  364. lady in the know

    Yes, let's make this a one party country. All you people espousing the demise of the Repulicans need to stop being so hateful and saying such stupid things. Our country is built on a two party system to try and keep things in some sort of balance. For one party to have complete control changes the name from the United States to Russia. The Democrats are so drunk with power right now, they can't see the destructive path they are leading us down and with the blessing of our(?) President. He can't possibly be a President for ALL the people when he keeps bashing the Republicans with his continuous campaigning. I have never heard such disrespect for the other party by the President in my life and I think it's horrible on his part. His fear mongering talk has done nothing to make us feel like he has control of anything. And all these people he has brainwashed into thinking they are going to get their bills paid by the government, what a rude awakening they are going to have. As for his "transparency"-where the heck is that? No one has seen the stimulus bill or has any idea what it says. And he promised while campaigning that any bill would be visible on the internet for five days before he signed it. More of HIS rhetoric and lies. Get ready America, this is a blueprint of the next four years. This man has no experience and it is showing now. Everyone should be very afraid.

    February 12, 2009 07:39 pm at 7:39 pm |
  365. Seen it all before

    Menendez is pissing in the wind. By this time next year it will be Obama's depression when the payola, I mean stimulus bill proves to be a bust. and his team doesn't have a clue what it takes to turn things around.

    February 12, 2009 07:39 pm at 7:39 pm |
  366. Kevin

    @Jessica-Independent

    How dare you call anyone an idiot. I am appalled at your pathetic grammar and spelling. If anyone is an idiot, it is you. For you to suggest that anyone understand the subjects of something is a bit like the proverbial pot calling the kettle black when you clearly don't understand basic, third grade grammar.

    February 12, 2009 07:40 pm at 7:40 pm |
  367. Caligirl

    Anonymous February 12th, 2009 7:29 pm ET

    Headline: Senate Republicans optimistic about 2012
    ________________________________________________

    Oh... silly me, I thought that headline was a joke.

    They're serious? LOL ;-)

    February 12, 2009 07:42 pm at 7:42 pm |
  368. Denise

    Senate Repugs optimistic? Please run Palin. She's the epitome of everything America hates. Ignorance and hypocricy.

    Please run Palin 2012 – it will seal the deal for the dream team Obama/Biden 2012 Yeah, baby. Go intelligence.

    February 12, 2009 07:42 pm at 7:42 pm |
  369. Walter

    I can't believe what I'm reading, apparently eight years weren't enough. If I were President Obama, I would quit and give the well respected American electorate eight more years to see if they keep on thinking the same way. God forbid America of this so call well- educated voters and yes GOD BLESS AMERICA.

    p.s: I am a voter myself and I DON'T WANT EIGHT MORE YEARS OF THE SAME. "no matter what"!!!

    February 12, 2009 07:43 pm at 7:43 pm |
  370. julie

    this is going to be messy. i have never seen so many politicians willing to sit back and complain or blame something that will not work without stepping up to the plate and work something out. the republicans keeping yelling how much the stimulus bill will not work, but will not spell out what they think will work.

    The ones that are trying keep getting put down. And then Gregg quits, I thought the republicans were fighters, it seems to me they are unwilling to help and are happy to sit back, do nothing, and wait 4 years. Trust me, as soon as they see what President Obama is trying to do, they will jump on the band wagon and try to take some of the credit.

    February 12, 2009 07:45 pm at 7:45 pm |
  371. dave

    Enjoy your socialist country. You obama idiots have earned it.

    February 12, 2009 07:45 pm at 7:45 pm |
  372. Gur

    Never so any smart Dem in my live, are you?

    February 12, 2009 07:46 pm at 7:46 pm |
  373. Apples for sale

    The republicans are going to know just how General Custer felt.

    February 12, 2009 07:46 pm at 7:46 pm |
  374. Caligirl

    "I have no desire to live the way they do in Cuba/China/France/UK"

    ___________________________________________________

    That's too bad, the citizens of some of these countries maybe taxed more than us, but they don't have the homeless problems and medical debt we do.

    February 12, 2009 07:46 pm at 7:46 pm |
  375. Larry

    --------Democrats are Dreaming---------

    February 12, 2009 07:46 pm at 7:46 pm |
  376. Jacque Bauer

    Indeed Reps are very unhappy and concerned about 2010. We all wonder whether the Dems will still have a country by then.

    If all you looked at were the politics, then the Reps are joyous – who wouldn't be if you look at the loons running things in DC these days. At the current pace, this will be a cake walk for about any Rep.

    February 12, 2009 07:47 pm at 7:47 pm |
  377. Scott

    I've been reading a lot of critical posts from people essentially saying that the SP is wrong. Fine, but what was so RIGHT about the one the Bush Administration came up with? I think there's people who want the Dems to fail "just because" and don't care what happens to the country. They're hurt after the election like fans on the sideline of the big game. Sore losers. You can't imagine how mad Bush made most of us at one point or another and mostly at the end in the last eight years. He didn't try at all to find common ground or appeal to anyone so why should Obama? Actually, I can be mature about it and hope that we win as a people and a country no matter who comes up with the ideas Rep or Dem. Why can't you?

    February 12, 2009 07:47 pm at 7:47 pm |
  378. indy

    Maybe if the Democrats keep creating trillion dollar spending bills, they'll be the ones to worry. It's a little early to be so bold, but it's also easy right now. As far as I'm concerned neither one is better than the other. Though you'll never get that impression from the media.

    February 12, 2009 07:48 pm at 7:48 pm |
  379. BeefyDaddy

    Do you know who America likes even less than congressional Dems?

    Congressional Republicans!

    February 12, 2009 07:49 pm at 7:49 pm |
  380. Dan

    This guy is a moron. He does not know that current stimulus bill will bring them down. They want to bankrupt our country and therefore immediate change is necessary. Every bod ys is getting carried wqay with big talk from Barack who knows nothing to lead.

    February 12, 2009 07:51 pm at 7:51 pm |
  381. Caligirl

    Denise February 12th, 2009 7:42 pm ET

    Senate Repugs optimistic? Please run Palin. She's the epitome of everything America hates. Ignorance and hypocricy.

    Please run Palin 2012 – it will seal the deal for the dream team Obama/Biden 2012 Yeah, baby. Go intelligence.
    ______________________________________________

    Right? lol ;-)

    February 12, 2009 07:51 pm at 7:51 pm |
  382. Perusing-through

    FRED's POSTING: "we ALL lose if any one party runs the show! . . . . only when we have TRUE checks and balances can we keep congress SOMEWHAT in check . . ."

    CORRECTION:
    The nation had checks & balance the last two years of Bush's reign, and NOTHING GOT DONE!! Is this what you want Fred?

    February 12, 2009 07:51 pm at 7:51 pm |
  383. Ryan

    Typical. Now the Democratic Congress is trying the Obama "Doom and Gloom" scare tactic to get Republicans to bow to their whims. Pretty juvenile. If that's all you got, things are looking up. Contrary to what the liberal media is trying their hardest to push, the opinion expressed by this elementary school-like threat does not represent the majority in this country. The pendulum will swing. Be careful what you say and the bridges you burn.

    February 12, 2009 07:52 pm at 7:52 pm |
  384. Marty, FL

    Contrary to false talking points, we are not a center right country. America is a centrist country. That's why the Republican Party is not doing so well. Too many in the GOP do not understand that many Americans want our government working together for us, not party.

    February 12, 2009 07:52 pm at 7:52 pm |
  385. Caligirl

    Al February 12th, 2009 7:35 pm ET

    Republicans should be concerned? How long do Democrats think they can hold the record for lowest satisfaction ratings for any Congress in the history of this country, and continue to hold power? Americans are short on patience. Two years from now when unemployment is twice as high, Democrats will be pointing fingers everywhere trying to deflect these the fall-out from the so-called stimulus folly. If you look closely, you can already seem Pelosi, Frank, Reid and others reaching for excuses…
    ________________________________________________

    You know Al, it may not be the best plan, I will give you that much. However, doing nothing was NOT an option.

    February 12, 2009 07:53 pm at 7:53 pm |
  386. Carolyn Green

    I'm so relieved that so many of you economic brainiacs are against the stimulus bill. I mean, what do the majority of economists know. We have moderate, liberal and conservative economists who are saying that the bill does not go far enough. But they could not possibly know what they are talking about, could they. And what is with all the balony about socialism. What do you think social security is? I hope that you are planning to tell the government no when it is your time to collect social security. There are many government programs, many of which most conservatives use, that are already socialistic in nature. Don't let the facts get in the way. And by the way, none of the stimulus money is going to create any new goverment programs. The money is going to current government entities to help those who have been hard hit by the recession. I have been fortunate to keep my job, but that does not mean that I will tell those that have lost their jobs to go to h___.

    February 12, 2009 07:54 pm at 7:54 pm |
  387. Schratboy

    And we should fear Bob, too. He's a blowhard politico who's sole role is get everyone on the dole. He's fleet of foot and large of mouth, he should do us all a favor and immediately head back South.

    February 12, 2009 07:54 pm at 7:54 pm |
  388. janet, ohio

    They say a despot's greatest fear is his own subjects, so I guess it's Obama that should be afraid of the American people when enough of us begin to see through him.

    February 12, 2009 07:55 pm at 7:55 pm |
  389. Paul

    The way things are being done by the democraps after 1 month they should be the ones who fear 2010.

    February 12, 2009 07:55 pm at 7:55 pm |
  390. Feeling_Good_With_DEMs

    That GOP, what a bunch of losers. They should all be put in jail, let's start with the War Criminals from GW's admin – like Chaney!

    Next lets tax the HELL out of the folks that brought us this meltdown, like the great Bankers that have brought this country to near ruin.

    Last, lets take the guns away from the AIR HEADS in this country (especially in Alaska and the NRA), Rush L lunatics!!

    Hurrah for the DEMS

    February 12, 2009 07:56 pm at 7:56 pm |
  391. Minnesotan

    I'm already looking forward to the next election, so that we can get rid of even more of these crooked Republicans who destroyed our economy and national honor.

    February 12, 2009 07:56 pm at 7:56 pm |
  392. DP

    Scott. I disagree with Obama and Bush for these big government spending deals. I do not have any extra income to pay for the higher taxes it is going to cost to pay it back. We need to wrestle control of the country back from those in power and give it back to the people. All of you Obama supporters have been bought and paid for with the idea free health care and a minimal amount of welfare cash. The American dream is about choosing your profession or career and earning your money. Just because I am successful (not rich) does not mean the government has the right to tax me more so someone else does not have to work.

    February 12, 2009 07:57 pm at 7:57 pm |
  393. Anonymous

    Needless to say I am not a Republican nor Democrat

    But the writing is on the wall.

    Republicans may be history.

    If you are a Republican politician here are some hints

    1. Try to become an Independent
    2. If you can (albeit difficult) try to become a Democrat
    3. See if you get a new job likely under or linked to the current government.
    4. If you can retire with enough resources, this might be a good time.

    I hate to say it but the world sees the Republicans as a “negative force/image”

    Examples
    Bush – viewed by most objective people as a failure
    McCain – a picture of the past – shot down again
    Palin – keeping her eye on Russia just in case they invade Alaska
    Rush – the more he is on the air the more young Americans will flee the party
    Steele – on the wrong side of history

    I wish you guys well but I think you are really in trouble

    In the 21st century try "pragmatism" not "ideology" the latter does not work any more!

    The best to you

    February 12, 2009 07:57 pm at 7:57 pm |
  394. Jimbo - st. louis

    Oh yes we are scared... we are so scared that we are working harder than ever to take back our country. It will start in 2010 and then we'll win back the White House in 2012. We won't need to work too hard to do that because with the likes of Pelosi and Obama everyone will beg for real change.

    Fool them once, shame on you... fool them twice, shame on them!!!

    February 12, 2009 07:58 pm at 7:58 pm |
  395. PC

    J.P.
    If we are to bother ourselves with a second American revolution, shouldn't it be a revolt against Wall Street and it's greedy CEO's?
    -------–
    NO, J.P. - WE should all look in the mirror and admit that WE lived beyond our means, got greedy ourselves, and NOW we expect the government to bail us out. These CEOs just reflect our PERSONAL GREED - nothing more, nothing less! WE ARE TO BLAME - NO ONE ELSE (but, obviously, that is NOT very popular - so let's just keep DREAMING ON!)

    Enter Obama, the "White Knight" - yeah, right!

    February 12, 2009 07:59 pm at 7:59 pm |
  396. Scott

    I know one thing. If the GOP does not start making an effort at a little bipartisanship and compromise, I will certainly be voting against them. The President has reached out several times and certainly a hell of a lot more than the last President did and has only be rebuked for his efforts. It is time these people starting putting the country before their party.

    February 12, 2009 08:00 pm at 8:00 pm |
  397. Caligirl

    Rett February 12th, 2009 7:25 pm ET

    I've seen a few posts about the "Do-Nothing Republicans" which is ironic because Democratics are helping the "do-nothing American people" by giving them the money that the "do-something American people" earn. If everyone would just go to school, get a job, and make some money then everyone could payoff their mortages and the crisis never would have happened. These unpaid mortages are the subprime mortages that were encouraged 10 years ago by the Clinton administration. It was only a matter of time before the economy blew-up from Clinton's actions and just happen to occur during the Bush administration. If Kerry had won in '04 we'd still have the same economic crisis on our hands.
    ____________________________________________________

    Really Rett? Because I'm a wealthy do-something American that is Democrat. I don't want something for nothing, like most hard working Democrats. I would love nothing more to help our less fortunate American citizens. You must be one of those self-absorbed Americans. How sad, there are so many. It makes Americans look cheap and phoney to the rest of the world.

    You might want to read some of the posts on CNN blogs that are put their by some of our friends from other great nations.

    February 12, 2009 08:00 pm at 8:00 pm |
  398. Brian wilson

    Menendez loves illegal aliens and outsourcing American jobs. He is despised here in New Jersey. This country is doomed.......

    February 12, 2009 08:01 pm at 8:01 pm |
  399. Charlie

    Republicans should be optimistic. The public is seldom satisfied with those in power. If the Republicans can reorganize with a moderate voice (not the Rush Linbaughs of the world) they will likely trounce the Democrats in the next election. History does repeat itself.

    Pelosi and Reid are the Republicans best hope. All they need to do is point at them and laugh.

    February 12, 2009 08:02 pm at 8:02 pm |
  400. Ralph from NJ

    @Patrick: Funny China has an economy growing five times faster than ours… I wouldn't mind living there especially if I were employed and making good money.
    __________________________________

    Careful what you wish for.

    February 12, 2009 08:02 pm at 8:02 pm |
  401. arivera

    The republicans spent the last years calling democrats cowards and traitors and it did not pay off for them at the polls. Now they are trying to say the democrats are the ones bringing more bitter partisanship to D.C. These people are going to continue paying a dear price for their hatred of their fellow Americans. The majority knows this and will continue to hold a party that is 99% angry white males and their wives accountable.

    February 12, 2009 08:02 pm at 8:02 pm |
  402. Jero

    I don't know if it is a good thing.
    at first you can say yes, because things will probably be done much quicker, this stimulus bill took another week because of the 60 votes you must have.
    On the other hand, it might cause abuse of power, but then again if the people don't like what they are seeing they can always vote them out of office in 2012.
    So somewhere one party power control scares me but thrills me as well. If things get done if they are over 60 it will be a blow away gig for the GOP!

    February 12, 2009 08:03 pm at 8:03 pm |
  403. Antonio

    When i say the minority i was talking about black spanish and a lot of different races, thru-out the history of the USA the Republican Party has always been racist. The black or Spanish that vote for any Republican should be ashamed of himself or herself.

    February 12, 2009 08:03 pm at 8:03 pm |
  404. Ah'mad

    The last blogger need to come to Newark, NJ and see nothing done, yeah right, Republicans did that.

    February 12, 2009 08:04 pm at 8:04 pm |
  405. Caligirl

    janet, ohio February 12th, 2009 7:55 pm ET

    They say a despot's greatest fear is his own subjects, so I guess it's Obama that should be afraid of the American people when enough of us begin to see through him.
    ____________________________________________

    Truth of the matter is this. Americans are afraid of our government. It's not like France where the governement is afraid of the people. Which by the way is how it should be.

    February 12, 2009 08:04 pm at 8:04 pm |
  406. Jimbo - st. louis

    PATRICK...
    Then MOVE there... please, move.

    February 12, 2009 08:05 pm at 8:05 pm |
  407. grrrreg in jax

    florida will be getting a new democratic senator in 2010 replacing the neo-con bush wannabe mel . so there is one shoe in already :)

    February 12, 2009 08:08 pm at 8:08 pm |
  408. David

    After reading all the posts; to all you right wingnuts, why don’t you go find your own country, leave, get out of the way please! You can have your own fascist country, you can have one idea that you all agree with, maybe RUSH could rule you; sounds like fun EH. The rest of us will go about cleaning up the enormous mess you’ve left us and we’ll put this country back together with a heart and soul!

    February 12, 2009 08:08 pm at 8:08 pm |
  409. CAH

    It is no sure thing if the democrats keep plodding along like we've seen them do these last few weeks. I'm hoping president Obama can get a handle on things because it isn't quite looking like he said it would. I am rather disturbed about the level weakness and concession from the majority party. Bipartisanship is fine if it is two way. But what have we seen except a sandbagging every time? I hope this isn't standard operating procedure for them. They need to get it together.

    February 12, 2009 08:09 pm at 8:09 pm |
  410. Born in the USA

    All these fools should be subject to term limits.

    February 12, 2009 08:10 pm at 8:10 pm |
  411. Dee

    Of course they should fear 2010, since the Democrats are doing SUCH a great job of convincing us all that we're better off with more of THEM in charge...

    February 12, 2009 08:11 pm at 8:11 pm |
  412. Sniffit

    @ pointofview, who said "You all seem to forget 1994"

    HAHAHAHAHA. And you GOPers seem to be ignoring November 4, 2008. Wake up!

    February 12, 2009 08:11 pm at 8:11 pm |
  413. The Great Karnac

    Dixiedogs and Custer?Answer,they were both born losers.

    February 12, 2009 08:15 pm at 8:15 pm |
  414. the other Dan

    Carolyn,,, the political and economic theory that advocates a system of collective or government ownership and management of the production and distribution of goods. The collective nature of socialism, it is to be contrasted to the doctrine of the sanctity of private property that characterizes capitalism. Where capitalism stresses competition and profit, socialism calls for cooperation and social service. I think I'll divorce my wife, live in the same house together, let her collect all these great government services, I'll keep my >100k job and maintain the lifestyle we currently afford. I think I can cooperate and be social for a small time. I'm really tired of beating the bushes, I'll let someone else do it for me. One party, one government, one ruler,,,
    I'm really more optimistic about 2012,,,

    February 12, 2009 08:15 pm at 8:15 pm |
  415. NOT THE KINDA GUY TO SAY I TOLD YOU SO, BUT I TOLD YOU SO

    9 states are the only thing the dems will have in the senate when we are done with them this mid-term.

    February 12, 2009 08:17 pm at 8:17 pm |
  416. Lilly Rose

    You know, all of you people who keep complaining about the stimulus package seem to be devoid of any good ideas. Doing nothing is not an option. Those of you who think it is must still be working and feeling prosperous. Well a lot of people need this to happen. No action at this point would be criminal.

    February 12, 2009 08:19 pm at 8:19 pm |
  417. Texas Jake

    Menendez needs to wake up and smell the coffee, Dems have had the majority for the last 2 years of the Bush term in office. Just enough time to let Barney Frank and Chris Dodd ruin Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with their insider deals and good buddy appointments to these agencies. Now they want this stimulus enema shoved up our #$%, when they can't even account for the first part that went to these banks. If they wanted to stimulate the economy, 1. Give all taxpayers depending on income a $10,000 to $20,000 voucher to go out and buy a new car. The size of the voucher will depend on vehicle type, fuel efficiency and income of taxpayer. 2. Give all taxpayers again depending on income up to a $100,000. voucher to re-finance or for some lucky enough pay off their mortgage. 3. For those taxpayers that are umemployed, a complete refund of all income taxes paid for 2008. This will stimulate the economy, by boosting car sales, heiping the housing market stabilize , and putting money back into the hands of the unemployed who need it badly and out of the grubby hands of the losers in Congress who want to control this money. I guarantee this will cost less than the current plan and you help out the three most in need, the automotive industry, housing, and the unemployed. That is how you stimulate an economy, its not rocket science and its the people's money anyway. our taxes we paid them we should decide how they are spent. Put that in your pipe Mr. Menendez!!!

    February 12, 2009 08:19 pm at 8:19 pm |
  418. Tom

    If the democrats are so sure they are right on this plan. Why, are they running adds on the radion asking people to call republicans and tell them to vote for this BS plan.

    They're wrong and in two years the republicans will gain control and in 2012 this idiot Obama will be gone. This guy talks well but he has nothing upstairs. Just like the Hollywood actors.

    I would like to thank all the people who can not think for themselves and voted this team in. Don't get me wrong the republicans were wrong to select McCain. But he would be a lot better than Obama the dummy.

    February 12, 2009 08:19 pm at 8:19 pm |
  419. Chris Mannoia

    Well, if these goofballs in the Republican party keep all this obstructionist stuff up, we are going to become a "one-party" nation after 2010.

    Obama 12'

    February 12, 2009 08:22 pm at 8:22 pm |
  420. Hayden

    What we should fear even more is total lopsided one party rule. We saw what happened when the GOP was in power, unchecked. Even if the GOP doesn't fight the good fight some party needs to stand up to Obama and his "government knows best" philosophy.

    February 12, 2009 08:22 pm at 8:22 pm |
  421. Rob

    Yep, they have they voter turnout (fraud) units in place.

    February 12, 2009 08:23 pm at 8:23 pm |
  422. True Conservative

    Dems are optimistic!...2010 is going to make 1994 look mild.
    Chris Dodd.......out
    Harry Reid......out
    Dems lose 6-10 seats in the Senate.
    Nancy Pelosi will no longer be speaker!

    February 12, 2009 08:24 pm at 8:24 pm |
  423. Alan Deane

    Janet, how does it benefit you to think like that, to talk like that? What really is the advantage in feeling that Obama is a monster? I should feel sorry for you, but I don't, because if I win, we both win, and if you win, we both lose.

    February 12, 2009 08:25 pm at 8:25 pm |
  424. Patriot

    Yea Jeff, just what we need....more Capitalism! I've had a gut full of Capitalism, and it's nothing more than Feudalism.....look at where it's got us now!

    February 12, 2009 08:25 pm at 8:25 pm |
  425. PC

    THANK YOU, SEN. GREGG - YOU DID GREAT! I ADMIRE YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    February 12, 2009 08:26 pm at 8:26 pm |
  426. sandy

    You know, I think the Republicans would rather do anything than support a Democrat, A Black President. Theirs is truly the sign of politics as usual. The problem is, that they present the same arguments, the same cut taxes propositions, and state that that is the Republican Way. And it’s the wrong way. For those looking for the Change, The New Politics, you just saw it, let each side write down what they want, and then put them in a room and let them fight it out until both sides are somewhat happy. When is the last time you can remember, each side writing down what they wanted, and then getting in a room and forced to iron out their differences with a deadline. I don’t remember it in my 60 yr. history, it usually goes on for months and months at a time. So, if they can’t do it their old way, then they fall back on This is the Republican Way, and it Goes Against my principles, that’s what got us into this mess—THEIR PRINCIPLES—THAT ARE PRO RICH AND CON POOR
    SANDY IN Los Angeles

    February 12, 2009 08:26 pm at 8:26 pm |
  427. Anonymous1

    Socialism is good, better than capitalism. Have a nice day.

    February 12, 2009 08:27 pm at 8:27 pm |
  428. Jarhead

    After the divisive, high handed and totally partisan way the Democrats have rammed the "stimulus bill" down this nations throats–going against the advice of their own "experts" and the CBO, etc–methinks it had best be the split tongued Democrats who had best be nervous about 2010.

    February 12, 2009 08:27 pm at 8:27 pm |
  429. AC

    This man is an embarrasment to my state.

    February 12, 2009 08:27 pm at 8:27 pm |
  430. grrrreg in jax

    Mike February 12th, 2009 5:37 pm ET

    I'm thinking of quiting my job and going on welfare. Now that the Dems are in control I'll have free food, health care, and free money every month. Might not be a rich mans bounty but at the rate this party is going we'll all be on welfare someday anyway.
    It's kind of easy to spend money with wreckless abandon when A) it's not yours B) you are not responsible for paying it back and C) You will more than likely blame the whole mess on the Republicans if it doesn't work.
    Good for you Democrats. Keep tooting your own horn. It might just be your undoing.

    --------------

    just look at it this way Mike, #43 started us down this awful spiral and the extremely low approval ratings at the end of his reign of terror, down in the 20s, right... means that an overwhelming majority, including a large chunk of republicans, think that #43 has caused this nightmare, and because of its horrendous state, most people with common sense already know, it would be nothing short of a miracle if #44 could clean up and reverse the speeding train to hell caused by #43 , in just 4 years , and most certainly not following the tax codes of #43 while we are still in these wars..plus the wealthy will continue sending their money and american jobs to other countries, such as china, india and or to their offshore bank accounts... life is never going to be the same... come back to reality and realize the situation is dire and the solution to solve so many problems can only come from a progressive mind... not old habits that are obviously bad for us

    i have complete faith in president obama, aka #44, i wont even say the name of the one before him#43 he should be on trial against crimes against humanity, creating a war for profit , with the cost of your fellow countrymens lives...soliers, children who believed every lie out of his mouth...sadly some even still to this day.

    February 12, 2009 08:28 pm at 8:28 pm |
  431. Lori

    I agree that the Democrats will get stronger for the following reasons:

    1) People understand that President Obama is in a situation not seen in decades that the Republicans left for him and that he is trying to do something (anything) to TRY and get the economy back on track. It's better than doing nothing
    2) That the Republicans have no other answer to the stimulus- just tax cuts that did not work for the past 8 years. When re-election time comes up, we will realize that just because you opposed the bill (whether it is extremely successful or just stopped some of the bleeding) does not mean that their answers (the Republicans) would have been better. The America people are not that stupid.

    February 12, 2009 08:28 pm at 8:28 pm |
  432. Ula Nejad Sacramento, Ca

    So sad. There are important matters like the economy and national security and our representatives and leaders are worried about being re-elected and who should oversee the census office. Where is the bill.? Are they still working on the final draft?

    February 12, 2009 08:28 pm at 8:28 pm |
  433. Bob

    HA! And everyone thought Bush was bad?! This Obama guy is an ABSOLUTE JOKE! - And he hasn't been in office a month! What happened to hope Big B? Are you just too scared your little (or should I say, big) porkulus package isn't going to work? I thought you were a good speaker - INSPIRE US – with that big bunch of well-articulated hot air of yours! Jan. 20, 2009 – The beginning of an era (or is it error?)

    February 12, 2009 08:29 pm at 8:29 pm |
  434. Mike

    Ha! Only 23 days in and look what the democrats have before us, has this "Stimulus" hit the one trillion dollar mark yet? I have never seen something so absolutely wrong. Look at what they are spending our money on people, look at what it is going to our debt level, a problem you all are leaving my generation to pick up, 800 million for hybrid cars for federal employees?!

    It is the democrats who should fear 2012

    The greatest generation would be ashamed, they weathered the storm, and emerged better than before, here we are with a tiny slice of what they experienced, and people are running for the hills. A bunch of drama queens, time to grow up and deal with it America, No one is going to save you but yourself.

    February 12, 2009 08:30 pm at 8:30 pm |
  435. Andy in San Francisco

    It's amazing how much hate the Liberals on here still have. Especially since they are now in control and spending our country into fiscal collapse. The one consoldation conservatives always have is that we always have more money, better families, better lives. The Left in America is destroying us with their horrible values. Americans can tolerate them very long and will soon kick them out of office as they did the Carter Revolution (joke).

    February 12, 2009 08:31 pm at 8:31 pm |
  436. gl, Pittsburgh

    Patriot Gu – Stop drinking the GOP koolaid. GOP have taking this country down for 8 years.

    February 12, 2009 08:31 pm at 8:31 pm |
  437. Larry

    -------Obama-–Reid-–Pelosi---------

    How to take a recession into a depression in under a month

    February 12, 2009 08:32 pm at 8:32 pm |
  438. Ann

    November, 2010 is a long way off. Let us not count our chickens. I pray for the total elimination of the Republican part but let's not get cocky.

    February 12, 2009 08:32 pm at 8:32 pm |
  439. The people of America

    If the Democratic party actually governs by the principle of representing the interests of the American people and not those of country less multinationals the Republican party will disappear. The only rememberance of the Republican party will be found in the archives of expensive country clubs.

    February 12, 2009 08:33 pm at 8:33 pm |
  440. Sniffit

    @ janet, ohio

    You seem to be forgetting that we ousted the despots back in November. THAT as the undeniable will of the people. Instead of putting all your eggs in the 2010 and 2012 baskets, you GOPers might want to consider listening to that message.

    February 12, 2009 08:35 pm at 8:35 pm |
  441. Death of America by Obama

    carolyn green...........................omg, you are sick with gross stupidity.You've got to be very young. You are just plain dirt stupid.

    February 12, 2009 08:35 pm at 8:35 pm |
  442. rich

    Its true congress has low approval ratings of all time.And within that statistic the republicans approval is lower than the democrats.Ouch,what dose that say.

    February 12, 2009 08:36 pm at 8:36 pm |
  443. Scott, Tucson

    Who are you going to blame two years from now when you're still unemployed and no relieve in sight? Bush and Cheney? That excuse won't fly anymore.

    February 12, 2009 08:37 pm at 8:37 pm |
  444. Andy

    Send them all to Guantanamo!

    February 12, 2009 08:38 pm at 8:38 pm |
  445. Marianne

    Puppet Obama and the Dems better be careful. When all the people who don't get their mortgages paid and let off the hook for their debt and they don't get those jobs they were promised they are not going to be very forgiving. Lets face it the only people who will get the jobs are the skilled, union people. All these people on welfare and making min wage who brought into the crap that came out of Obamas mouth still will be unemployed.

    February 12, 2009 08:38 pm at 8:38 pm |
  446. independent

    Please do something about the two GOP hacks in Georgia

    February 12, 2009 08:38 pm at 8:38 pm |
  447. Slider

    Well, it's always been about the campaign, right Menendez?

    Sell everyone down the river as long as the Democrat Party wins, right? That's all that's important, yes?

    Well, son, campaign on this...

    The CEO of Caterpillar just contradicted your liar of a President stating that this fatuous bill you call a "stimulus" plan will keep Caterpillar from laying off when in fact, the CEO said that won't happen.

    Obama is a liar. Menendez, you are a liar. The Democrat Party are all liars.

    The question is: how many folks will continue to get played?

    February 12, 2009 08:38 pm at 8:38 pm |
  448. Allen in Hartwell GA

    All you people who hate Pelosi and Reid probably do not remember any of the speakers or senate majority leaders from 1994 through 2006. The Republicans took charge of the House in 1994 and of the Senate in 1996. Remember the "Contract With America" which turned out to be the contract on Americans? Before you blame Pelosi and Reid for the problems we are facing today you really should study the subject.

    Sure people are not happy with Congress – they did nothing for us for 10 years – and let the last presidential administration run the country into bankruptcy. Pelosi and Reid have a lot of work to do to repair what the Republican Congress and President managed to mess up.

    February 12, 2009 08:40 pm at 8:40 pm |
  449. BRUTIS

    The Republican Party , including every single member of the Bush, and Chaney CRIME FAMILIES... should be put into PROTECTIVE CUSTODY and all of them, shipped to Cuba, given orange jump suits and a spoon..

    For SPECIAL TRAINING.. Which may take up to 20 years to complete.

    February 12, 2009 08:40 pm at 8:40 pm |
  450. jerry

    boy the democrats are sure full their selfs, its more like they will be losing their seats

    February 12, 2009 08:41 pm at 8:41 pm |
  451. Trollmaster

    I hear all these bad comments on the stimilus bill, but I have yet to hear one alternative from it's Republican type critics, besides more tax cuts, (which is in the stimilus package already) do nothing, or deny there's a problem.

    If you're going to attack the stimilus package (which is not perfect) provide a solid answer or show everyone your crediblity is worthless.

    February 12, 2009 08:42 pm at 8:42 pm |
  452. Jessica Grimes

    to "Caroline" re: social security and socialism....

    Um ... people collect social security because they PAID into the system during their WORKING years.... its is a earned benefit.

    February 12, 2009 08:44 pm at 8:44 pm |
  453. winkie

    Don't worry dems, the party of evil will be more concerned with stealing as much as they can to enrich themselves that they will not be in actually doing anything constructive for the American people. They think we are all so stupid that we cannot see something so obvious. They seem to get their orders from Rush who is nothing but another right wing wacko.
    By 2010 they maybe nothing but another wacko fringe party. How sad for the grand old party... and I mean really old.

    February 12, 2009 08:46 pm at 8:46 pm |
  454. Ray

    Ah Humm,
    After they managed to run off Richard Nixon they thought the Republician Party was dead. After 4 years of Jimmy Carter there was 12 years of Reagan and Bush.

    I wouldn't count my Chickens before they hatch.

    February 12, 2009 08:48 pm at 8:48 pm |
  455. mjm

    @Carolyn Green

    Social security .... How’s that working out? I hear its going broke.

    With socialism, the government has the power. We've already seen that with the bank bailout. We have a government basically dictating what they can and can not do. It is also happening in the auto industry. Where does it stop?

    With Capitalism, the power is with the people. That's what makes America great. That's what makes American unique.

    There are plenty of socialist countries out there. We can't be one of them. We need to be who we are, and that's small government and low taxes.

    That's America.

    February 12, 2009 08:48 pm at 8:48 pm |
  456. EW

    I absolutely love how you Repugs on here seem to think that you will pick up seats if things havent turned around in 2 years. Are you kidding me? PALEAZE......it took 8 years of pathetic Repug "leadership" to get in this complete mess. You actually think people will forget that in 2 years? No wonder the country is in such a sad state. You right wingers are straight-up delusional........

    February 12, 2009 08:49 pm at 8:49 pm |
  457. JonPeter Hartford, CT

    The republican party neeeds to beciome more moderate to attract more of the centrist, moderate vote to balance the democrats. As long as the voive of the republican party is Rush "I hope Obama fails" Limbaugh, the republicans will continue to drive away voters and become less relevant. As the party threatens those who work with the democrats in a bip0artsian fashion their divisive politics becomes obvious.

    The way to break the polarization is for oeither party to move to the center, not become more entrenched in extreme politics. The republicans have an opportunity to marginalize the far right and christian conservative factions and find new inclusive leadership.

    This has to happen for the good of the country. To continue the current course is a fail for the republicans and apotential fail for the country.

    February 12, 2009 08:50 pm at 8:50 pm |
  458. Charlie

    This is insane. Aren't we all Americans? George Washington is probably rolling in his grave right now to see how this two-party system has divided and destroyed the priorities of this country. Democrats are already boasting how they're going gain more in 2010. Can't they put their efforts into things that actually help the country? Predicting big gains for themselves 2 years from now helps no one but their inflated egos.

    February 12, 2009 08:51 pm at 8:51 pm |
  459. TheMason

    Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss.

    Seriously folks, where is the change? Obama campaigned that McCain would be Bush III, but it seems he has picked up the mantle. We have increased spending and tax cuts, all the while we are paying for this by selling bonds (debt) to China. Most of our currency is held in reserve by other countries, and since November we've turned on the presses.

    While Obama's approval ratings appear high...the stimulus ratings are in the tank. If this does not work then 2010 could be a very bleak year for the Democrats. On the other hand if it does work the Republicans are going to get a third straight "thumping". In short: it is far to early for Sen. Menendez to be bullish about anything.

    February 12, 2009 08:52 pm at 8:52 pm |
  460. Matt

    Ridiculous speculation. No one can accurately predict tomorrow's weather?! I liked what was said after the first two weeks of the new presidency: "The past two weeks have been the worst two weeks of Obama's presidency, so far." You ain't seen nothing yet! Who would have thought the Messiah's honeymoon would have been over so fast. Guess Georgie Boy is looking might good right now!

    February 12, 2009 08:53 pm at 8:53 pm |
  461. John

    The arrogance and stupidity of the democratic party is becoming acute. I hope they stay true to their nature and if they do the Republicans will be back!

    February 12, 2009 08:53 pm at 8:53 pm |
  462. John

    The democrats should feel good about their prospects since the republicans only want to be the obstruction party

    February 12, 2009 08:56 pm at 8:56 pm |
  463. Dave- Houston, TX

    Appears to be the death of the Republican Party at last...which is a good thing, considering they seem to have very outdated and outlandish ideas of the economy.

    February 12, 2009 08:58 pm at 8:58 pm |
  464. Dianne

    After the last 8 years of disaster, which we will still be trying to get out of, the GOP should be scared. I would hope the people will not forget. It was bad enough we voted them into the White House once but scary when we did it twice. Or did we?

    February 12, 2009 08:58 pm at 8:58 pm |
  465. stag

    A few more months of BHO, the greatest liar in modern times, and the Dems will be be in really bad shape come 2010. Remember dems, BHO got elected because of the hatred of W, not because of BHO's socialist agenda.

    February 12, 2009 08:58 pm at 8:58 pm |
  466. Mitchell from MS

    @ How ironic I'm a white man

    Learn your history sir, Republicans freed the slaves. What a nation of uneducated twits we have become.

    February 12, 2009 08:59 pm at 8:59 pm |
  467. Ahmedinejad the true leader of the DNC

    If Republicans quit paying taxes the government will not have any revenue because its apparent judging by obama's cabinet picks that democrats don't pay taxes.

    February 12, 2009 08:59 pm at 8:59 pm |
  468. michelle

    the more the republicans come out and put President Obamas
    policies down the more they mire themselves in the muck ....its almost enough to make you laugh
    its like they are in quicksand and more they come out with their rants
    and behaviours the more they sink!!!
    Hellooooooo why dont you sit back shut up and try getting along with the president
    Now wouldnt that be refreshing!!!!

    February 12, 2009 08:59 pm at 8:59 pm |
  469. David in KC

    The GOP had the government steering wheel for 8 years. Their conservative trickle down policies failed. The Right in this country drove themselves into the ditch and have no one to blame but their own ideology.
    The Republicans will be even more irrelevant in '10.

    February 12, 2009 08:59 pm at 8:59 pm |
  470. Mitchell from MS

    To all the Dems, BRING IT ON!!!!!

    February 12, 2009 08:59 pm at 8:59 pm |
  471. Agatha X

    The only thing that can save the Republicans is idiot Democrats saying things like "the Republicans should fear 2010."

    February 12, 2009 09:03 pm at 9:03 pm |
  472. DONT COUNT ON IT DEMS

    Based on the first month in control of all three branches of government, I would not be so confident if I were a Democrat. They are making a mess of this country.

    Obama is sailing the ship of state, the USS Titantic, directly into an iceberg, and it will sink.

    While our ship of state sinks, Nancy Pelosi is busily buying deck chairs, while Harry Reid is yelling at the iceberg, and the President is shooting off flares and rockets looking for somebody to help.

    The debt load we are taking on will hurt future generations for decades as our currency is diminished against all other currencies of the world, making our country's exports worth far less, while making all imports (including oil and cars) far more expensive for all of us. With Social Secruity estimated to go negative in 2017, our country is facing bankruptcy.

    A lot of folks voted for change, but they did not count on having it mean change in their pocketbooks, home values, and retirement accounts.

    February 12, 2009 09:06 pm at 9:06 pm |
  473. Bipartisan

    As an Independent, I voted with the Dems this time around because I was tired of the same old same old I saw in the Republican party. But, the last couple of months have shown me that the Democrats aren't any better. And what's worse, they seem to think they have some kind of mandate and that you must follow their doctrine or get out.

    Remember, either party needs the independent swing vote to win elections. Alienating us with your hatred won't help too much.

    February 12, 2009 09:08 pm at 9:08 pm |
  474. Jean

    May GOD this admin has been a joke from day one.

    Republicans will pick up 40 seats in the house.

    February 12, 2009 09:09 pm at 9:09 pm |
  475. Carl Justus

    The republicans will have to change the way they work for the American people and how they vote if they expect to pick up any seats.
    I firmly believe they will become a minority party with people like Newt Gringrich, Rush Limbaugh, O'reilly, Hannity, North, Coulter, E. Gordon Liddy, and others speaking for the republican party.
    The majority of the people have heard enough from all of that bunch and those in congress do all the listening to them and try to act like they talk.

    February 12, 2009 09:09 pm at 9:09 pm |
  476. Liz

    Liberal baby boomers want to destroy the democratic foundation of this country and turn it into Cuba. My grandfathers' WWII generation is rolling over in their graves. They fought for our freedom while all the draft dodging, hippie boomers have done is look out for themselves. The last 50 years have devastated this country with the boomers in charge. Vote them all out.

    February 12, 2009 09:10 pm at 9:10 pm |
  477. Texas Teacher

    Look... the sooner we can get rid of these moss back republicans, the sooner we can get something done for the rest of us! These stupid repubs are looking to the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Sarah Palin to get them out of their mess. It does just show how out of touch they are!!! The rest of us are looking at them with wonder and dismay. AND they JUST do NOT get IT! They are the past... all they are doing is holding the country back with antiquated policies that got us into this mess.... pitiful!

    February 12, 2009 09:13 pm at 9:13 pm |
  478. Sarge

    RE: Janet in Ohio

    I know that people can see through PRESIDENT OBAMA because he has nothing to hide like the scum bag Republicans do. I hope they get their butts whooped in 2010 because we the Democrats have a fighting chance every time there comes a vote in both chambers and they want to do nothing to with HELPING the American people. That's all the Republicans want is tax cuts for the wealthy once again and another term of Bush/Cheney lies.

    February 12, 2009 09:14 pm at 9:14 pm |
  479. Ajax

    Lots of angry people in here.

    So much for a new tone and change. Same angry folks...

    February 12, 2009 09:15 pm at 9:15 pm |
  480. Anonymous

    BLOWHARD

    February 12, 2009 09:16 pm at 9:16 pm |
  481. Albo58

    Pelosi, Reid, tax cheats, closing Gitmo without a plan, an incredible mistake bill that will cost almost $1T, and this is only after less than a month in office. Yeah, it's obvious that the Republicans are really terrified of the 2010 election!#!

    February 12, 2009 09:16 pm at 9:16 pm |
  482. Texas Teacher

    Janet in Ohio, you just DO NOT get it.... Republican Gal.... you are the past! GET over IT.... you lost.... the rest of us are glad you lost! That is why Obama is getting cheering crowds in Republican States! Come on... get real... you are the ones who are going to wake up one day and find you are all alone... in the middle of no where with NO ONE giving a HOOT what you want or think!

    February 12, 2009 09:17 pm at 9:17 pm |
  483. Craig in St. Louis

    Anyone, anyone is better than GW Bush. This country will be suffering from his inept, incompetent policies for years to come.

    February 12, 2009 09:18 pm at 9:18 pm |
  484. ib

    Social Security is not socialism. I have paid enough into it to know. I will never live long enough to get back out what I have paid into it. I'm in my early 60's and still working full time. It is a tax more than a benefit as far as I am concerned. Obama (my opinion) wants socialism just look at his past record. Look at who his friends were and take a real good look at his past voting record.

    February 12, 2009 09:20 pm at 9:20 pm |
  485. windrider

    As long as the GOP persists in playing solely to its shrinking base of mostly white southern conservatives, the party will continue to lose elections outside its regional strongholds. The limitation of these conservatives is that they are always looking backward for solutions to tomorrow's global problems, one of which is our economy. If they could, these Republicans would clone Ronald Reagan and then would be clueless as to why ideas of 30 years ago don't work today or tomorrow. And until they make the party open to moderate Republicans and independents again, something the current party is not ideologically willing to do, the GOP will remain in the minority for the next couple of elections. But it's OK. Democrats went through the same thing and learned from it; Republicans will do the same, but not without great wailing and loud gnashing of teeth.

    February 12, 2009 09:20 pm at 9:20 pm |
  486. Frank

    The Democtats, Republicans nor the experts know how to fix the economy. If they would let Capitalism work, it would fix itself. Why bailout the banks, auto industry, etc.? If they fail, somebody will put up the money and start them again. The big banks that we are now bailing out did not have government help to start. The auto industry started from nothing and we can't do without the auto. Someone or a group of investors would take over these industries and make them work. Our Congress is only interested in helping out their buddies. Our economy needs to be pruned. When you have a tree that gets too big it does not produce as it should. If the tree is pruned, it produces much better. So, it is with the economy.

    February 12, 2009 09:22 pm at 9:22 pm |
  487. JON

    i'M A DEM BUT IF YOU THINK YOU CAN COUNT OUT THE GOP WE'LL TAKE IT IN THE BACK SIDE IN 2010. WHEN IT COMES TO DIRTY TRICK THE GOP IS THE KING.

    February 12, 2009 09:24 pm at 9:24 pm |
  488. cph9680

    Don't be so certain, Mr. Mendez.
    If the Dems don't play their cards right, they could be in the majority faster than they can blink!

    February 12, 2009 09:24 pm at 9:24 pm |
  489. Michael

    Menedez is such a politcal hack, NJ is a nice place, but people like the corrupt, superficial blowhole Menedez does the state no credit

    February 12, 2009 09:25 pm at 9:25 pm |
  490. Jeremy

    The government is TOO BIG. Democrats will be ousted by 2010.

    February 12, 2009 09:25 pm at 9:25 pm |
  491. Chip

    The closed ranks, zero vote, unified rejection of anything that smacks of democrat-invented attitude of the republicans is evidence that the only way we will get anything done on the hill is to have one party in control. It's sad, but it's true. Our representatives no longer represent us, they think, once they get in office, their constituencies are a vague afterthought. When that happens, its time to redefine democracy.

    February 12, 2009 09:26 pm at 9:26 pm |
  492. aaron

    I'll make it easy, republicans are scared to death Obama's stimulus package is going to be a success. Why are they scared? Because when it does work it'll shoot their philosophy of doing business in the head. They will be a dead party. Does everyone remember the Clinton administration when the country was doing verywell? When we had a surplus!? Listen republicans, tax cuts, DO NOT WORK!

    February 12, 2009 09:28 pm at 9:28 pm |
  493. Proud American

    Republicans should consider another career. 2010 should be the least of those Idiots worries.

    February 12, 2009 09:29 pm at 9:29 pm |
  494. Capitalist

    LOL...All the Liberals on this post complaining about Republicans and their wealth. Listen up, this is a capitalistic free market economy. Not everybody who is wealthy is from Wall Street, including Democratic Pelosi and Reid. They made their wealth from the tax payers!

    February 12, 2009 09:31 pm at 9:31 pm |
  495. Keeping it real

    The republicans are scared of Obama, just like they were scared of MLK and his abilities,and his power over people, the way people hang on to his every word, the way Obama inspires people, to do and to act in ways they have never before, and I'm one of them. They are so scared that his vision is going to turn this country around and that it might be years and years before they (republicans) will hold the reighns again, that they are doing everything under the sun to block him, wonn't work with him, but will work against him. When you sow bad seeds what do you think is going to come up, when your motives are not right , let's see what comes up in 2012. Republicans have been croocked for so long, they don't know how to be straight. When ever Obama comes out of office, that's the day I stop VOTEING.

    February 12, 2009 09:34 pm at 9:34 pm |
  496. bryan

    I don't know about you but |'ll take the Democrats way of stimulating the economy anyday. A way to stimulate the economy based on real economic theory of more government spending to boost GDP and giving money to Americans in stimulus money to boost consumer spending. They are only the biggest parts of both GDP and the economy. Anything's got to work better than the trickle-down or the "throw money at the rich and pray" method. This isn't a try something a billion times and it has to work once right, hasn't worked yet in the last 30 years, maybe this time, how about not. This is going to work and we'll have a bigger majority in congress. Let the repubs vote against the bill and commit political suicide.

    February 12, 2009 09:36 pm at 9:36 pm |
  497. Bridg

    FANTASTIC! I can't wait for those Rethug bums to be trown out.

    February 12, 2009 09:36 pm at 9:36 pm |
  498. eric

    lets cut through the bull. its the economy! if its better and employment and consumer confidence are up the dems will add to their majority. if they do it will be time to dump harry reid as leader. but the economy is regional when it comes to senatorial elections, so there will be degrees of difficulty. hope and change are very powerful themes and the republicans have neither on their side. they also have age against them. kansas, missouri (matt blunt vs. russ carnahan?), kentucky, florida and ohio are most vulnerable. followed by louisiana, alaska, and arizona (mccain can be beat), carly fiorina and meg whitman vs. boxer and loretta sanchez in california is a big loser. but peter king and giuliani in ny could be effective against patterson and whats her name. mike easley in north carolina vs. burr? brad henry in oklahoma vs. coburn? thats just gravy. the dems have the momentum, but are masters at fumbling it all away.

    February 12, 2009 09:37 pm at 9:37 pm |
  499. Greeley

    Why does the republican party leadership hate America?

    February 12, 2009 09:38 pm at 9:38 pm |
  500. Lynn in NM

    There are 2 senators and several representatives that I will not be voting for in 2010. They are Democrats. You don't want to listen to the people, it's time to get you out of office. Wait until they start this revenue sharing, and see where the rich Democrats throw their votes!

    February 12, 2009 09:42 pm at 9:42 pm |
  501. barbra k

    i read many comments. it seems the people want to criticize Obama for
    not having cleanedup the mess yet that the Bush administration and
    all related republican senators and congressmen have left. I guess they
    don't realize it took that administration 8 yrears from day 1 to put us in this
    position. Mr,Obama was installed 1-20-09. It is now 2-12-09. What do
    you expect. He does something and Rush Limbaugh and all republican
    senators pull a ram. They pull peer pressure actions. These are not the sensible representative that people elected. They act like children.

    February 12, 2009 09:44 pm at 9:44 pm |
  502. Charlie in Maine

    I hope he is right we need that. Plerase no pre-mature "Mission Accopmplished "signs though. The best thing to do is to work like hell on behalf of the people and they will come through. If the Republicans keep acting the way they are towards my Senators and maybe we Maine Democrats could woo them an we wouldn't have to wait.

    February 12, 2009 09:47 pm at 9:47 pm |
  503. Lizzy

    Nope.

    If President Obama continues the way he has been secession or revolution will happen before 2010. Nothing personal here but the Rethugs will recapture both houses because the average American is as dumb as butter. No? Give me a break.

    Why is everyone Ma and Pa Kettle in this nation. I agree with Murtha.

    February 12, 2009 09:49 pm at 9:49 pm |
  504. Tina, NC

    Please don't forget NC. We have to get rid of Richard Burr!

    February 12, 2009 09:49 pm at 9:49 pm |
  505. Kathy

    Has anyone noticed how many of the Republicans have a very shorty memory.

    February 12, 2009 09:51 pm at 9:51 pm |
  506. Juan

    Oh, to be a Democrat in the 21st Century!!! Who would have amagined that we would be in a position to help lead our government, electronically, in determining the needs of the people, by the people, for the people. I have been encourage by the withdrawal of the Gregg nomination for Secretary of Commerce.
    If he needs a pickle on his way to the GOP Ranch I will be happy to be the procurer.

    February 12, 2009 09:52 pm at 9:52 pm |
  507. No Incumbents 2010

    Washington DC that's where I want to be gimme gimme gimme gimme living in Washington DC.

    February 12, 2009 09:53 pm at 9:53 pm |
  508. edlynn

    The fact is that the Republican party actively worked against the interests of the majority of the American people. And more and more people are waking up to that fact every day. You GOP die hards can gripe all you like, but the fact remains – there are always consequences for actions, and the GOP will be suffering from the consequences of the Bush Administration and everything else the GOP did while they had the chance, for a long long time. And that is as it should be.

    February 12, 2009 09:58 pm at 9:58 pm |
  509. Matt

    I believe that the democratic party will inplode as it usually does, in fact I think the president will be surprised at how obstructive Ms. Pelosi will be. Mr. Obama is destined to be a one term president and the democrats will show the world how truly out of touch they are, but there will be a destructive trail left behind.

    February 12, 2009 10:02 pm at 10:02 pm |
  510. Rick Sutter

    Greeley, Republicans don't hate America, they hate deadbeats and socialists. Which one are you?

    February 12, 2009 10:03 pm at 10:03 pm |
  511. Hurley

    Republicans are on their way out and deservedly so. They have become a party that's about nothing but religion, as their excitement Palin – who had nothing to recommend her but her evangelicalism – proves. And you don't deserve to be running the country when you've reached adulthood and still need imaginary friends.

    Conservativism got a thorough testing over the past 8 years, and it failed miserably. If Republicans have any hope at all, it's that the mess they made is so huge that it'll take years to fix and the public may forget that they – and they alone – caused it. As of now, however, I'm amazed that they're still showing their faces. They were consistently and catastrophically WRONG about everything this decade, and yet they still think we should listen to them?

    Republicans, if you want any credibility at all, get a track record of success first. You don't have one, so your criticisms are a JOKE. You have FAILED, FAILED, FAILED, and we're not going to hire you again until you've proven you've learned from that failure. So far, you haven't. You can't even take responsiblity for your own actions.

    February 12, 2009 10:04 pm at 10:04 pm |
  512. PT

    WOW! The us -vs- them on this thread is pretty disturbing. Though I must say, it is amusing to see such hatred and intolerance from a group (Demos) whose battle cry is acceptance and tolerance. Is anyone else perplexed by that? Want to change...tolerate this:
    - I'm a white male, hunter, gun-owner and Christian.

    February 12, 2009 10:04 pm at 10:04 pm |
  513. New Thinker

    Both sides need to take the high road considering the dire straits we are experiencing. Setting a good example is the road to victory in 2010. Moderates need to re-take this country away from the extremists on the right and the left. Obama gets it!

    February 12, 2009 10:07 pm at 10:07 pm |
  514. John

    I think the GOP should eat some peanut products from processing plants located in the southeast US.

    February 12, 2009 10:08 pm at 10:08 pm |
  515. jersey

    well menendez is someone to listen to considering how much government corruption there is in this state...him and corzine can take it shove it where the sun don't shine...the rupubs will be back and the messiah will be gone..

    February 12, 2009 10:11 pm at 10:11 pm |
  516. David

    I Like #1's comments – I would like to see Illinois refuse the money and also refuse to pay the tax increases that are coming. Economists have said the average family of 5 will pay an additional $50,000 in taxes in the next 10 years when this stimulus does not work. I fear for this country. Watching California and their terrible fiscal problems. This fiscal mess will continue to mushroom...

    February 12, 2009 10:11 pm at 10:11 pm |
  517. TCM

    Democrats have caused the financial meltdown...this will all become clearer, even to the most ignorant liberal in time to come....the dems will be ousted in 2010...easily

    February 12, 2009 10:11 pm at 10:11 pm |
  518. Lewie

    For the 1st 35 years of my life I proudly voted Republican. However, in November 2010, I will vote for anything Democratic – period. If the Democratic candidate is in a grave, I'll still vote for him/her.

    February 12, 2009 10:11 pm at 10:11 pm |
  519. Sniffit

    @ Kathy

    That actually might explain them wanting to repeat the same mistakes over and over.

    February 12, 2009 10:11 pm at 10:11 pm |
  520. Alicia

    I am from Pennsylvania. Yes STEELERS!!!! I am Independent and always vote for Senator Specter. Senator Specter is proof that not ALL Repubs are shallow and narcissistic fools.

    Senator Specter is a Republican that cares more about the USA than himself. He has put his political career on the line against the Rush and OReilly smear machine.

    I am campaigning for Senator Specter. Also, some Dems in Pennsylvania are already getting on board for Senator Specter.

    The rest of them don't wear flag lapel pins has anyone noticed? Are they no longer Americans?

    February 12, 2009 10:14 pm at 10:14 pm |
  521. mbrown

    Why do so many people think that our government owes them a living? I have worked all my life and have never ever recieved a government handout. Why do people in this day and age think that they have absolutely NO responsibility for managing their own lives?
    Unbelievable.

    February 12, 2009 10:16 pm at 10:16 pm |
  522. David

    #501 – Bush cleanup – look at history. Look at what Bush was dealt on day 1 with the economy (how we forget) and then 8 months into his administration he has the worst terrorism on our land in history. With all of this, he improved our economy to one of the best in history, that is until the Democrates stepped in to office in 2006. Ouch – downhill ever since. Quit blaming Bush for Clinton's mess and don't blame Bush for America's stupidity in 2006. And, don't blame Bush for Obama's inexperience. Take a look at what all Obama did for Illinois – I live here and no one can tell me what he did except vote "Present". The true Obama is coming out of the closet. His days are numbered. Republicans will take both houses in 2010 and the Presidency in 2012 (if not sooner).

    February 12, 2009 10:16 pm at 10:16 pm |
  523. waitaminute

    The Dems need to be careful. They are already starting to sound like the Republicans used to when they had the seats. Things can change in a hurry, folks. It's important to note that they are already starting to talk about "winning seats" and "expanding their majority" instead of fixing the economy or dealing with two wars or global warming or any of those minor issues. If everybody's reaching across the aisle what difference does it make who's got the majority? Why even have an aisle? The gamesmanship goes on and bankers go to the spa on the taxpayer as Joe Working-Schmuck can't find a job. And he can't even have a peanut-butter sandwich without risking his life. Fix this broken wreck of a country and you'll get re-elected!! But don't start talking smack until you've actually done something.

    February 12, 2009 10:16 pm at 10:16 pm |
  524. Conservatives are Dying, Liberals Turning 18

    Firstly, I don't think Dems need to reference comments by a spineless drug addict. However, it really doesn't matter if Obama is successful or not, the demographic shift in this country that Obama rode into office will continue for years to come. Unfortunately, the Repubs lack of love for the real America (not just well off white folks like myself) and the overwelming rejection by the mainstream of so called conservative ideas threatens to make this a one party system. Many would argue that it already is.

    February 12, 2009 10:19 pm at 10:19 pm |
  525. Killa

    Us or Them. Them or Us. Them make a deal with Us. Us make a deal with Them. I don't see We The People anywhere in government today. Both of these parties are chock full of greedy individuals that have no regard for the populace. Stop following those that do not care for you.

    February 12, 2009 10:21 pm at 10:21 pm |
  526. Greg Hodges

    While I would love to see the Democrats truely in charge with a filibuster proof Senate/Congress; and believe it would happen if those elections were held today; two years is a very long time in politics. Alot could hapen, such as another 9/11 attack; and oh how the Republicans would blame Obama were that to happen. Bottom line; no one can predict what the political landscape will really look like at the end of 2010.

    February 12, 2009 10:22 pm at 10:22 pm |
  527. Mike J.

    Kick the bums out! NO rethugs in 2010!

    February 12, 2009 10:22 pm at 10:22 pm |
  528. Gary

    We need 3rd and 4th party candidates. Both Republicans and Democrats have demonstrated no fiscal responsibility and poor insight into this crisis. The Dems are in control and they are ramming through disgraceful pork spending bills with or without a few Republican votes. Until we have a strong third party I guess we have to hope that the Republicans take back just enough seats to keep the Democrats in check but not so much that they can be dangerous again. For sure Nancy Pelosi needs to be replaced, by a Republican or Democrat probably doesn't matter as long as she is no longer in congress, her porkulus bill (formerly know as stimulus) will hurt this country.

    February 12, 2009 10:24 pm at 10:24 pm |
  529. Sleepless in Colorado

    I know that CNN won't post this but I think that it's funny how people are getting mad over comments. Why don't you get off your butts and call your representatives? Get mad! Nobody cares about how mad you are. Sound like a bunch of cry babies with this Democratic vs. Republican crap. These parties could care less about you. For years they have been increasing their pay and power and few of us paid attention. Why don't you go have a barbecue with your neighbors and figure out how to fix what's local? Talk with your children, teach them and stop giving government power to rule your lives. If you get mad because what this idiot says about being optimistic then great! Be loyal Americans, not loyal party affiliates. There is a law that in parks you have to scoop up your dogs mess. Politicians should do the same after they speak.

    February 12, 2009 10:25 pm at 10:25 pm |
  530. Truth Bomb Thrower

    The country has a bad case of B.O. and the Republicans are the deoderant. The G.O.P will be just fine in 2010. I predict they'll take Congress back.

    February 12, 2009 10:26 pm at 10:26 pm |
  531. Independant Thinker

    The democRATs sure are busy BUYING votes.

    February 12, 2009 10:29 pm at 10:29 pm |
  532. Frankie

    This stimulus bill will stimulate nothing but more government and larger deficits. The problem is Republican spending was out of control when they had power so they have little credibility with spending either. Nevertheless the Democrats have outspent them.

    The Republicans can regain the house if they can come up with a vision and even pick up some Senate seats. Maybe another contract with America but one they will live by

    February 12, 2009 10:30 pm at 10:30 pm |
  533. Enough partisanship.

    Lyrics from a song - "There is no monopoly of common sense/On either side of the political fence."

    Although the song was about Cold War relations, reading the comments here indicate there's work to do at home. Please stop the childish name-calling and let's talk like and work like adults who need to get our communities/states/country moving again.

    February 12, 2009 10:31 pm at 10:31 pm |
  534. judy in PA

    From 1950 until Reagan the national debt went down, during thr reagan bush years it went up, during clinton down and during the last bush up again.
    Sounds like the drms handle money better than rthe repubs in the last 20+ years. As of 2008 it was 65% of gdp. So explain why repubs who claim to be conservative raise the debt and the dems who you say are spenders lower the debt?

    February 12, 2009 10:31 pm at 10:31 pm |
  535. John

    The comments on this board show the true intelligence of America. Wait in line for your handouts and take no responsibility. Spending money on pet projects will not stimulate the economy. Obviously there has been a lot of Kool-Aid drinking. Dont reward people who work hard and obey the laws – reward the lazy and stupid (welcome to Socialism).

    February 12, 2009 10:33 pm at 10:33 pm |
  536. WorkinMan

    I got an idea......all the freeloaders (welfare junkies, tax evaders, social security disability frauds), idiots who lived above their means, CEOs who wrecked their companies, and congressional members that want to spend 800 billion of my tax dollars on a mess caused by 'Equal Housing Opportunity' programs- feed them all a nice PB&J compliments of Peanut Corporation of America. I think then they would get the idea of how SICK all of this makes me.

    February 12, 2009 10:41 pm at 10:41 pm |
  537. Grandma

    all the state should be yours only if you do not ask Republicans to vote any more in the Senet

    February 12, 2009 10:44 pm at 10:44 pm |
  538. WorkinMan

    I got an idea.......all the freeloaders (welfare junkies, tax evaders, social security disability frauds), idiots who lived above their means, CEOs who wrecked their companies, Congressional members who voted to spend 800 billion of my tax dollars to fix a problem caused by 'Equal Housing Opportunity' programs- feed them all a juicy PB&J compliments of Peanut Corporation of America. That would be awesome!!!

    February 12, 2009 10:46 pm at 10:46 pm |
  539. DP

    To all of you liberals who expect the government to tax the workers more so you can sit on the couch smoking your free dope while the fields dry up to save a fish...you are going to have to pry my money out of my dead hands. I am not paying taxes so you can have a job. If the head of the IRS can make a simple mistake, so can I.

    February 12, 2009 10:49 pm at 10:49 pm |
  540. Frankie

    Either party needs to express fear on the election in 2010. We have been mislead by both parties, which is why we are experiencing this economic crisis. I have to give credit to Obama, we have to change the way we think, we are in this together. I am fully positive that he is doing is best to make the changes to make this country strong again. The GOP lacks strong leadership and they need to put their pride aside and work together with the Democrats, the Democrat as well needs to do the same. As for the results in 2010, it is still unknown what the results might be. Even I can't predict the future.

    February 12, 2009 10:51 pm at 10:51 pm |
  541. No Incumbents 2010

    Well call me a bitter, gun toting, religion clinging, capitalist pig, but I just don't see it the same way as this Senator in 2010.

    February 12, 2009 10:51 pm at 10:51 pm |
  542. Simmy

    Capt Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah,

    That's a great idea. Have those states exempted from any Stimulus funds. Can you imagine how angry most of those people who listened to Limbaugh, and called Congress against the BILL would be?

    Gov. Sanford, from South Carolina, even said that he would not ask for any of the MONEY, yet 20% of those in his state are living below the poverty level. More than half of the rest are either laid off, or the "working poor," living off food stamps. If they put him back in office, they're gluttons for punishment. Most Republicans seem to have a 19th Cent. mentality in a 21st Cent. world.

    February 12, 2009 10:52 pm at 10:52 pm |
  543. Mberwa, N.Y

    I am an independent, but one thing that saddens me about the republ politicians is that they all act like they dont know and dont even care about whats happening today in our country... they are one of two things
    1) they are either selfish which i hope they are not
    or
    2) they have no clue about fixing the probs we are going thru every day.. if true, come 2010 sen.. menendez's claims will be true..

    February 12, 2009 10:55 pm at 10:55 pm |
  544. D.Tin

    The GOP are gambling that whatever Obama and the Democrats do, the economy will not stabilize or recover. Then they will step in and "save the day". It is a gamble they should not take, because no matter what the people will always remember that they did nothing...

    February 12, 2009 10:56 pm at 10:56 pm |
  545. Soldier girl

    Happy, happy, happy Greg the Republican will not be Commerce Secretary. Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    February 12, 2009 10:56 pm at 10:56 pm |
  546. Dems Have No Chance Now with Reid's Train to Vegas

    We have all heard of Governor Palin's highway to nowhere. Well now we have Senator Harry Reid's high speed train to Las Vegas. Yes folks, included in the stimulus bill (with no earmarks per Obama) is the construction of a high speed train line from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, home of your Senator Reid.

    Ole Harry and President Obama must be hping that the retired folks in LA take their one time $250 supplemental social security check and take it to Las Vegas to give to Harry's friend on the strip.

    Oh, and that $400 million for condoms. Well, Pelosi has put that back in the bill to be voted on Friday.

    There is also included in this jobs bill, as President Obama calls it, a billion dollars for NASA. Maybe the President is going to shoot unemployed people in Florida up into space.

    What the Democrats are trying to pull off here is nothing more than a bank heist from the US Treasury. It is shameful, bordering on criminal, and Americans losing their jobs, their homes, and their retirement savings, will not benefit from this bill whatsoever.

    It is a sad day for America.

    February 12, 2009 10:56 pm at 10:56 pm |
  547. Chad

    Lynn in NM:
    You can only vote for 1 Representative. You know, the one from your district.

    February 12, 2009 10:59 pm at 10:59 pm |
  548. Joe

    You liberals are too funny!!! Remember that the republicans controled congress until the dems took it over in 2006....oh & remind me again.....how long did it take for the dems to mess things up??? President Bush had 52 months of job creation until a little after the dems took over congress. Oh & hate to break it to you morons, but the president doesn't control the economy.

    February 12, 2009 10:59 pm at 10:59 pm |
  549. To Patrick

    Then go to France. Nobody's stopping you.

    February 12, 2009 10:59 pm at 10:59 pm |
  550. GOP=GRAY OLD PARTY

    Hey neofascists, your demise is forthcoming. The number of young people who voted democrat will never tolerate your neanderthal party. You losers can only rely on the old-racists and ignorant in our country for votes. The new generation will never support scum like mccain or the other moron palin. Only the dumb supports your stupid party!

    February 12, 2009 11:00 pm at 11:00 pm |
  551. Bill

    The GOP will pick up 20 House seats if they do NOTHING right. Historical normality.

    And the 'change' has already worn pretty thin. We didn't elect a Presient, we elected a rock star who doesn't know his behind from a hole in the ground and seemingly can't even get his Cabinet filled.

    I'm guessing Menendez plans to run the 'GW Bush is to blame for cavities' campaign again, right?

    Nobody will listen.

    February 12, 2009 11:01 pm at 11:01 pm |
  552. ROC

    Why are Republicans complaining about spending now when did absolutely NOTHING to stop Bush from increasing the national debt to 11 trillion dollars??

    Please.

    February 12, 2009 11:03 pm at 11:03 pm |
  553. David in KC

    The Republicans Hate America. Let's move them out to a rightwing dictatorship if they are so unhappy. Colombia and Israel would be thrilled to see them.

    February 12, 2009 11:03 pm at 11:03 pm |
  554. NC

    GOP will reign in 2010, the american people will react to the democrats BIG GOVERNMENT mentality

    February 12, 2009 11:05 pm at 11:05 pm |
  555. Robert

    Don't worry, the Republicans will get a bailout too!!

    February 12, 2009 11:09 pm at 11:09 pm |
  556. Rob in Detroit Mi.

    The Republicans are digging their own Grave, so go ahead and be a thorn in Obama's side,and putting your own interest ahead of the Majority of the american people,by 2010 atleast nine more Sentoral seat's will belong to the Democrat's. So in closing Rush,Hannity,and the rest of the meathead's in both house's keep up the good work.

    February 12, 2009 11:09 pm at 11:09 pm |
  557. D.Holiday - LTown, OH

    Ready or not...here we come!

    February 12, 2009 11:10 pm at 11:10 pm |
  558. swin5

    You're kidding me, aren't you? By the end of this summer the economy will be in such a state of collapse and it will be so obvious that Obama, Pelosi, Frank, and Reid have no idea what they are doing that you'll then be talking about the Democratic Party being in dire straits.
    Ron Paul – 2012

    February 12, 2009 11:14 pm at 11:14 pm |
  559. Sad Future

    Great! One step closer to Socialism and the end of America. I see all sorts of comments saying that the Republicans hate America. But the Democrats are the ones telling people they cannot make it on their own and need the support of the government to survive. I find that degrading; so let's vote for more of that in 2010. Also, doing nothing is better than doing something bad. But welcome to the new Russia (the American Union); where the public fears criminals (because they have more rights than normal people) and the super elite politicians rule with an iron fist.

    February 12, 2009 11:14 pm at 11:14 pm |
  560. CVS - FL

    It's funny how things truly started going south after the dems took control of the congress. It's also amazing how we have so many failed examples of increased government spending to boost an economy. In the end, it pushes out the private money – leading more and more to a country totally dependent upon the government. But then again, isn't that what Queen Nancy and Prince Harry want?

    February 12, 2009 11:19 pm at 11:19 pm |
  561. r.u. kidding

    The repugs had better be worried about 2010.
    Yes, that's right. Obama has been in office for a whole 3 weeks and he STILL hasn't fixed the economy. Wow, I'm shocked. Seems to me that he already said that the problems run so deep that they might not even be fixed in one four-year term. No one with any sense will hold the economy against him if it isn't fixed by 2010 -no matter what the neocons say.

    Furthermore, the only reason congress had such a low approval rating when the Dems took over is 1.) The repugs will give a poor rating to a Dem, no matter what. 2.) Most Dems were disappointed that Pelosi took impeachment of Bush off the table.

    Funny how neocons try to spin things to their favor. But it won't work in 2010.

    February 12, 2009 11:20 pm at 11:20 pm |
  562. Simmy

    Mitchell from MS,

    "Republicans freed the slaves?"

    Listen, my dear: Our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, and he was a Republican. He was a man of deep convictions and principles. He defied his party and the norm, and paid the ultimate price. He was murdered by Booth, who did not want equality for slaves. He, and most in that day, did not agree with President Lincoln's beliefs concerning slavery. So, it's more accurate to say that President Lincoln, "the man," freed the slaves. Not President Lincoln, the Republican. Got it?

    February 12, 2009 11:20 pm at 11:20 pm |
  563. Otto

    The Republican party is a dying beast with a large mouth named Rush. They own the media and use it despite the fact they are essentially un-American. We're all board with their talking points which degrade real thoughtful and caring dialogue, and then lead us to nowhere. All of their candidates (the worst I've seen in my lifetime), pundits and presiding members in the last election acted as if they were ravaged and cornered animals whose only alternative was to attack the oposition with diversions and trivial personality jibes. No ideas, no positive message, no truth, no direction, absolutely nothing that could be considered pertinent to real Americans. Their only alternative is to go back to Ripon Wisconsin and start over.

    Otto

    February 12, 2009 11:30 pm at 11:30 pm |

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