February 13, 2009
Posted: February 13th, 2009 03:22 PM ET

From
Gregg is opposed to Obama's first major piece of legislation.
Gregg is opposed to Obama's first major piece of legislation.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Republican Sen. Judd Gregg is putting a final exclamation point on his withdrawal as Barack Obama’s designee for Commerce Secretary with a promise to vote against the president’s economic stimulus package.

Gregg’s office confirmed the decision Friday.

The New Hampshire senator cited the stimulus package as a primary reason for backing out of the job offer, calling the bill and potential changes to Census oversight “irresolvable conflicts for me.”

“We are functioning from a different set of views on many critical items of policy,” Gregg said in a statement Thursday.

The House approved the stimulus plan Friday afternoon, and a Senate vote is expected later in the day. Two weeks ago, Gregg voted against the Senate version of the bill.

Filed under: Judd Gregg


OH Happy Day   February 13th, 2009 8:23 pm ET

Judd Gregg can see Russia from his House .....You Betcha!!!

Daniel, Atlanta, GA   February 13th, 2009 8:22 pm ET

Let him go, Mr. President!

John L in StL Mo.   February 13th, 2009 8:17 pm ET

This invertabrant had the chance to be apart of something meaningful instead he chose to be the fat , ugly girl at the dance he needs to resign so that a true citizen can step foward and serve the people.

Jennifer   February 13th, 2009 8:16 pm ET

I'm from New Hampshire and thank Judd Gregg for taking a stand against this stimulus package. I think he tried to compromise because he knows how important it is to get things done regardless of party affiliation. However, as someone who owns a business myself, I see some serious problems with this so-called "economic" stimulus package myself. I think we definitely need job creation and strategies and incentives to stimulate the economy, but the bill, in its present format, will unfortunately not do this as the public-at-large wants to beleive. I know there are many who will dispute my statement and they have the right to their opinion but time will tell, anyway.

HT   February 13th, 2009 8:11 pm ET

This guy is a joke. First he solicits this cabinet position, pledging bi-partisanship, then a week later he decides that he is opposed to the president's views? Sounds like he was strong armed by the Republican base. Oh well, good riddance to another disingenuous politician trying to save his butt.

Maryann   February 13th, 2009 8:04 pm ET

Wow ! Sure is a lot of hoopla over the census–Hum–maybe Gregg wanted the job to "protect" the census--OH OH -- Could this be ANOTHER republican coverup about to be uncovered.

mw   February 13th, 2009 7:56 pm ET

Gregg afraid not to follow Rush's orders.

judy   February 13th, 2009 7:50 pm ET

Republicans,................... party first.................. country last!!!

fatima   February 13th, 2009 7:48 pm ET

As someone pointed out that this could politics as usual, or he couldn't handle the pressure and/or the threat from the Right. But, you don't walk away after accepting the position. That shows lack of back-bone, and lack of credibility. He should have thought through all the issues before accepting the position. He is not a guy right out of school to say I was misled.

Susan in NC   February 13th, 2009 7:48 pm ET

Gregg is a Republican "puppet: and a coward - good riddance!

Gerry in Va. for Obama.   February 13th, 2009 7:43 pm ET

Of course he will. Would we democrats expect anything else from a diehard republican? PLUS, the fact that he got cought with his true face hanging out in the cabinet position he turned down. That would make it a double reason to figure he would vote against anything democrat.
He really planned on doing a karl rove/george bush number on the democrats and the census and before he got found out and the census taken away from him .... OUCH.... Time to exit right for the two faced skunk... So of course he's going to vote against anything Obama/democrat...

susan   February 13th, 2009 7:41 pm ET

It is actually good thing that he withdrew for the following reasons:

1. He actually wanted to ban the Dept of Commerce.
2) This guy is not a friend of the common man. "He has been a champion of eliminating any limits on H-1B "guest worker" visas, telling Microsoft's Bill Gates in 2007 that he "agreed 100 percent" that there should be no limits on them. Gregg acknowledged that his colleagues would not be inclined to support such a radical proposal; he introduced legislation last year raising the limit on H-1B "guest worker" visas from 65,000 to 115,000 and the advanced-degree exemption to 30,000 visas for the next three years. ".
3) He proposed a total global ban on secure encryption right after 9/11. Such mandates would come under Dept of Commerce.

once upon a horse   February 13th, 2009 7:40 pm ET

"DUH" and this is a surprise? And to all these people who think that this bill will not work, if it DOES work I guess you'll be unhappy with it, right? I just would like to hear an alternative that would work better than I guess more tax cuts for the wealthy.

Chris   February 13th, 2009 7:22 pm ET

Smart man – This bill is awful. ALMOST $800 BILLION!!! Are you kidding me? This doesn't even include other (bank, auto, etc.) bailouts. Ridiculous.

JSU-TIGER99   February 13th, 2009 7:18 pm ET

Who is speaking for Gregg, Him or the RNC it is funny to see so call grown men act like little girls because they can not get a new dress,GOP members like Gregg say they want it their way or the highway they are the ones that put this country in the mess it is in now.

Jen, Cali   February 13th, 2009 7:17 pm ET

Dear Republican Senators:

Please vote PRESENT on the so-called "stimulus" plan.

unity   February 13th, 2009 7:16 pm ET

so what?

Matthew, Detroit   February 13th, 2009 7:13 pm ET

Senator Judd Gregg has integrity.

He thought he could believe in what Barack said but he found out it was not true.

They tried to run a game on him and it did not work.

Barack is taking over the census. Why?

William   February 13th, 2009 7:06 pm ET

Gregg's position is one of the reasons our country is in the shape it's in. Let's just set back and do nothing and watch the rich get richer while everyone else starves to death. That's the Republican way. Set back and rake it in off the blood and sweat of hard working Americans ,and when times get tough give everyone a bonus and get rid of the actual workers. Let us not forget how much this war has cost American taxpayers. Where were these concerned Senators when they voted to keep sending money to rebuild a foreign country while ours was going down the crapper.

Ben   February 13th, 2009 7:03 pm ET

Gregg can go to hell!

mike   February 13th, 2009 7:02 pm ET

I see Uhbama has his flag pin on.

CAMI   February 13th, 2009 7:01 pm ET

Well knock me over with a feather. Like I didn't see that coming. LOL I don't think that staying in lockstep with the partyline is going to stand them in good stead when the next elections come around. Vote your conscience and the individual issues people. That's what you have a brain for. Show some backbone and don't just follow out of fear of your own party leadership. They'll toss you out with the bathwater as soon as it suits them, regardless of whether you toady up to them now, or not.

Herbie   February 13th, 2009 6:59 pm ET

TYPICAL REPUBLICAN! IT'S A GOOD THING HE DROPPED OUT BECAUSE HE WOULD NOT EVER SUPPORT PRES. OBAMA. JUST ANOTHER ONE WHO WANTS ALL THE GLORY. GOOD JOB GREGG.....
GO HAVE DINNER WITH MC SHAME AT ONE OF HIS 7 MANSIONS.

CHANGE.COM   February 13th, 2009 6:58 pm ET

Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Gregg you are pathetic. Obama brought you to the cabinet position exactly because your different views will provide balance as he seeks to guide this country out the economic conundrum the GOP has put us in. Instead, you chickened out because the GOP saw you as a traitor? Shame on you for choosing party over country.

John   February 13th, 2009 6:57 pm ET

Am I the only person who saw the smirk on Gregg's face when he made his announcement? Watch the video: he looks like the kid who just stole all the marbles and thinks he got away with it.. Let's be fair though, Ann says that the rules for the job were changed after he accepted it. If that is so then why isn't the GOP using this "fact" to further undermine the new administration? I do however have to disagree with posts that suggest President Obama is looking for people who will disagree with him. I don't think that makes sense politically.

CHANGE.COM   February 13th, 2009 6:57 pm ET

CNN, why are you not censuring my comments by refusing to post them? It's been weeks since you last allowed my comment to be posted. Yet, you allow some nutheads to post unintelligible comments all the time.

Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Gregg you are pathetic. Obama brought you to the cabinet position exactly because your different views will provide balance as he seeks to guide this country out the economic conundrum the GOP has put us in. Instead, you chickened out because the GOP saw you as a traitor? Shame on you for choosing party over country.

Scott L   February 13th, 2009 6:53 pm ET

Gregg came to realize how liberal Obama really is.

About time someone woke up.

I Wonder   February 13th, 2009 6:53 pm ET

Judd received a call this week from his fellow republicans and they ripped his backbone out of his body this is why he stepped down.He knew that this administration was for change when he accepted the position..who did he think Obama was Bush and nothing would change? Being in in the cabinet he knew he couldn't vote against the stimulus because the republicans were going to make him pay because he would have never been confirmed.One might wonder if they are holding something over him but on the other hand to go against his fellow republican senators is like going up against Al Capone this is how they work they would have never do anything not to see Obama succeed just look at how many republicans voted for this package even at the risk of the american people suffering for years to come.Shame on all of them and I hope they can't sleep at night

Vicki5   February 13th, 2009 6:45 pm ET

I would sure like to know what the republicans had on Gregg. What a coward he is.

Marlon   February 13th, 2009 6:44 pm ET

Gregg is a coward! He's afraid to do the right thing. He wanted to support a cause because he believed in change, then overnight he changed his mind. Who influenced you Senator? Can you not stand on your own two feet? It was expected...it's the Republican way. First you outsource, then you backsource. Nevertheless, you really weren't independent enough to be on Obama's team anyway.

JJack Jodell   February 13th, 2009 6:42 pm ET

Typical uncaring, uncooperative partisan Republican. I hope the voters of New Hampshire teach him a lesson next time!

person   February 13th, 2009 6:27 pm ET

inbreds in the right wing, that's all I have to say! Banjos playin in the background.

reg   February 13th, 2009 6:23 pm ET

Greg was a simple GOP plant whose attempts at grabbing power throgh the Census were thrown off track. They throw words like "socialism" around to try to create boogiemen out of the Dems and President Obama. What conservative GOP members can't control, they try and destroy, and that includes America.

person   February 13th, 2009 6:22 pm ET

he has to vote against it otherwise there would be a horsehead in bed when he wakes up,

Anonymous   February 13th, 2009 6:21 pm ET

What a phony Gregg is. He ran away with his tail between his legs after the republican terrorists yelled at him. He shouldn't be in a cabinet position for Dems or Reps.

Terry, TX   February 13th, 2009 6:19 pm ET

I find Senator Gregg.... and honorable man.

President Obama was dishonorable to remove the Census from the Commerce Department to Rahm Emmanuel... on behalf of the Black and Hispanic Caucus... this is also the Black Caucus who was in bed with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.... Rep Waters, Rep Meeks, Rep Clay and Rep Davis....along with Barney Franks and Chris Dodds. The Black and Hispanic Caucuses are idiots. As an American Hispanic .... I am thoroughly disgusted with the lot of them.. It was this group along with NCAAP and LULAC who have allowed illegal aliens in the Pork Package. They are dismantling the E-Verify Illegal Alien Check....it's not in the Pork Package and they don't renew in March. Email your representative, senators and White House.

ken   February 13th, 2009 6:19 pm ET

As expected!

Terry, TX   February 13th, 2009 6:18 pm ET

I find Senator Gregg.... and honorable man.
President Obama was dishonorable to remove the Census from the Commerce Department to Rahm Emmanuel... on behalf of the Black and Hispanic Caucus... this is also the Black Caucus who was in bed with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.... Rep Waters, Rep Meeks, Rep Clay and Rep Davis....along with Barney Franks and Chris Dodds. The Black and Hispanic Caucuses are idiots. As an American Hispanic .... I am thoroughly disgusted with the lot of them.. It was this group along with NCAAP and LULAC who have allowed illegal aliens in the Pork Package. They are dismantling the E-Verify Illegal Alien Check....it's not in the Pork Package and they don't renew in March. Email your representative, senators and White House.

Jon Davis   February 13th, 2009 6:15 pm ET

Sen. Gregg is a pathetic, hypocritical lying jerk.

spy   February 13th, 2009 6:12 pm ET

I figured he just took the job to spy around.. he's a pair or pink panties

Stu-Florida   February 13th, 2009 6:08 pm ET

This clearly shows there is still a "Good 'ol Boys Club" in the Republican Party. They got to him...
Judd Gregg is a spinless jellyfish. Now lets get down to business!
Unite and work together... for a change!

Ed's Kate   February 13th, 2009 6:07 pm ET

Just a thought!!!
Coud it be that the Republicans thought he could pull off a refocus of the Census to do redistricting to help the Republicans like what was done in Texas? When the light dawned he might not be able to do this he opted out of the job. Just a thought!!!

MLH   February 13th, 2009 6:01 pm ET

Sounds like the guy did the right thing. If he has a fundamental disagreement with President Obama's economic policy, he shouldn't sign on as Commerce Sec.

Roberto   February 13th, 2009 5:58 pm ET

The Republicans are in a tail-spin trying to find their new identity, and they're not going to make any sense for a few years. They'll huddle together like freezing baby chickens pretending to be far right idealists and in the process make themselves inoperative and irrelevant to progress. Totally lost.

itbeme   February 13th, 2009 5:57 pm ET

sounds like my 3 year old grandkids....they don't get their way, they pout and throw a fit. To bad this just happens to be one of our 'leaders'...

v best   February 13th, 2009 5:54 pm ET

The concept is actually very simple. The GOP are just trying to confuse us as usually. Instead of helping the country in this state of crisis, they are busy playing their famous game ‘me first, country last’ but make no mistake GOP, the people will give you their answer in 2010. If you can’t look out for the people the you should not be in the senate. All this talk about tax cut is just to support the only ones you look out for, the rich. They are the ones that will always have jobs. Even, a 5yr old child know that if daddy doesn’t have a job, daddy can’t pay tax. So even a 100% tax cut will not help daddy. 5million job loss, in 1or 2yrs, another 5million, so GOP tell me how tax cut will help 10million people with no jobs to tax. & how will local govt & states balance their budgets with no revenues to collect (no property tax & no income tax due to home loss & job loss). & yet their expenses tripled, in some states quadrupled.

K Fergus   February 13th, 2009 5:54 pm ET

Gregg has demonstrated that he has no backbone. He has succumbed to the whims of his party hacks. If he couldn't back the President, then he shouldn't have agreed to take the job in the first place.

Gregg knows he demonstrated a lack of backbone for which he will be accountable in the next election. That's why he said he won't run in 2010. Let's wait and see if he changes his mind. Let's hope his constituents remember come election time.

PC   February 13th, 2009 5:53 pm ET

Thank you Sen. Gregg - I applaud your decision whole heartedly. You can put lipstick on this porkulus, but it's still a porkulus!

Nola   February 13th, 2009 5:51 pm ET

Just goes to show that Gregg does not have a brain of his own. The Republican Minority Leader is in control. He tells them when and what to think, as well as, when and what not to think.

Typical White Person   February 13th, 2009 5:50 pm ET

The Republicans are now the Taliban? You people are scarey and so's your "leader".

Once you vote Black   February 13th, 2009 5:49 pm ET

The GOP is out of touch. This guy just made himself look silly. I predict a 3rd party in 2012 if the GOP cannot get themselves together. Most Repubs are not a patient as other Americans. Hey, where is PUMA?

Carole Burns   February 13th, 2009 5:48 pm ET

Good for him – at least he didn't sell out his principles to become a party to socialism.

FOR THE PEOPLE   February 13th, 2009 5:44 pm ET

IT SEEMS YOU CAN'T TRUST A REPULICAN!!!

Geo1   February 13th, 2009 5:43 pm ET

He stated that he is honest, but I don't think so. He cannot change; he is GOP and cannot make up his own mind. Too bad!! I sure can make up my mind.

The Lady   February 13th, 2009 5:42 pm ET

I am not shocked, glad you are gone you have no backbone. What ever the GOP said to you to scare you will come out anyway.

rich   February 13th, 2009 5:41 pm ET

Confused hipocrit of the first order.

Mike in Vancouver   February 13th, 2009 5:39 pm ET

Man oh man! Maybe the Republicans should adopt another line of thinking. Maybe if they supported the bill, they would be looked at like true "mavericks" and by breaking out of their obstructionist stance be viewed so much more positively than at the moment. When the stimulus bill starts to work, they can then share in the glory and save their political worths while making the true claim that they participated in bipartisan politics. WIN – WIN. Unbelievable.

Jackson, Seattle   February 13th, 2009 5:38 pm ET

So, at first Gregg lobbies for the job, then he turns the job down. First he is for the stimulus, then he is against the stimulus. This sounds an awful lot like the "flipflopping" tag they tried to pin on John Kerry. You think the Republicans will accuse Gregg of flipflopping? Of course not. When Republicans do something, it is ok. When Democrats do it, it is wrong.

Hypocrisy alive and well in the GOP.

Had It   February 13th, 2009 5:36 pm ET

We knew that – this is not news - the Grand Obstructionist Party raises it's ugly face again.

Patriot Guy   February 13th, 2009 5:28 pm ET

Judd Gregg, you're a good man! Thanks for coming to your senses and telling Obama to TAKE THE JOB AND SHOVE IT! Keep up the good work!

Rick Roberts   February 13th, 2009 5:28 pm ET

First the guy wants the job, then he doesn't. Tell me that McCain had nothing to do with this. Hey John, I repect you as a war hero but YOU LOST. Give up the ghost. You lost because the country wanted "ChANGE" and you proved that the GOP will never change. That is why you are in the Senate and not doing Obama's job. Get over it.
If the GOP doesn't change it's ways, you will lose even more in 2010. I know, you got a black head of the GOP. First you got an idiot to replace Hilary, now a black guy to head your party. How transparent is that?
I don't know if our President will do good but we need to give him a chance. McCain, you are a sore loser and I lost all respect for you. You are really a loser.

Barbara Ca   February 13th, 2009 5:22 pm ET

Senator Gregg and every other republican politician who voted against the Stimulus bill is simply showing us HOW IRRELEVANT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HAS BECOME (except for 3 members) in helping to put our country back on the correct track financially.

Think about what you are doing republicans.

Trying to make our new President fail is just the same as trying to make our country fail.

The Artful Dodger   February 13th, 2009 5:20 pm ET

Soon, the Republican Party, and those who still support its hypocrisy, will be a fringe party catering only to those who yearn for the past when sexual predators still did their deeds in the closet, when family values meant daddy coming home and beating up the family with impunity, and women were relegated to roles dictated to by men. A past when war was the first act of diplomacy, rather than the last. A past when companies trampled on the rights of workers, and corporations siphoned off every penny they could from the average citizen.

JR   February 13th, 2009 5:20 pm ET

At what point will Republicans be willing to support anything that benefits our own citizens? any use of our money is labeled welfare, socialist etc.
At what point will they listen to economists & experts rather than the sound of their own voice & egos?
We are rebuilding Iraq for the second time in the last quarter century – isn't it time to take care of our own & rebuild our own country before it is even more cost prohibative & our society weakened further?

WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!   February 13th, 2009 5:19 pm ET

IT'S AMAZING HOW THIS COUNTRY IS SPLIT IN HALF.

DEMOCRATS-GULLIBLE, DOESN'T REALLY UNDERSTAND WHATS IN THE STIMULUS BILL, PUTS ALL HOPE OF SOME KIND OF CHANGE ON OBAMA, WHEN ANYTHING GOES WRONG ALWAYS BLAME BUSH, AND TYPICALLY IS NOT REAL EDUCATED!!!!!!!

REPUBLICANS- TYPICALLY EDUCATED, READS THE PAPER AND WATCH THE NEWS, IS COMPLETELY AGAINST THE STIMULUS BILL BECAUSE THEY KNOW ITS FULL OF MOSTLY SPENDING, CAN SEE WHO OBAMA REALLY IS, SCARED TO DEATH FOR THIS COUNTRY BECAUSE THEY CAN SEE WHATS COMING!!!!!

A Realist   February 13th, 2009 5:17 pm ET

This guy is a creep. Good riddance!

John Air Force Vet   February 13th, 2009 5:16 pm ET

These are not even Republicans anymore. They a idiologs with a vengence against Democracy!

Mike Dallas   February 13th, 2009 5:14 pm ET

@ann

Sorry Annie it has been reported from many sources that Gregg wanted the position and he went to Reid and ask him to put in a good word for him with President Obama.

Either the vetting team found something really bad or Lush Limprick took the boy to the woodshed.

I know you want so badly to blame President Obama, but reality says otherwise, except the reality in that parallel universe you listen to in the morning.

Caligirl   February 13th, 2009 5:12 pm ET

MR-TN February 13th, 2009 4:15 pm ET

IS IT ME, OR DO YOU GUYS NOTICE THAT THE MEDIA IS DESPERATELY TRYING TO DESTORY OBAMA AND THE "CHANGE" MESSAGE WITH THE HELP OF THE "TALIBAN" REPUBLICANS?

I think that after the election and inauguration, the republicans and the media have decided that they have to destory him. I think they are really scared of him and have decided to spin as much negativity at him as possible. I also think that we Americans need to REALLY stop listen to their garbage. THe media are trying to brain-wash us. We cannot allow this! Be selective and research information on line as much as possible. We have to take back our country, stay informed with facts, not spin and help this president help us. Change won't be easy when you are fighting the FEAR of change.

_________________________________________________

BBC tends to be pretty straight-forward news

adods   February 13th, 2009 5:10 pm ET

My bet is that Judd's vetters found some skeletons in his closet. Why else would he withdraw from confirmation AND announce he will not run for re-election in 2010?

Mernoush   February 13th, 2009 5:10 pm ET

I'm so happy this guy is now out of president Obama's cabinet.

Kyle   February 13th, 2009 5:06 pm ET

Sad commentary when a PUBLIC SERVANT can't see past POLITICS to work in the best interest of the country. Lincoln and Obama both chose to include differing viewpoints from cabinet members, but unlike Obama, Lincoln's opponents still desired what was best for all Americans first and foremost. This was clearly a slap in the face to Obama and shows the true treachery of the Rebublican philosophy of deny, denigrate and do nothing.

Ray Fisher, Albuquerque, NM   February 13th, 2009 5:04 pm ET

I dont think this guy could make a decision if it killed him. What an indecisve loser!!!

Emily   February 13th, 2009 5:03 pm ET

This man should be ashamed. He is obviously a weak person and therefore subject to having the GOP jump all over him. Obama doesn't need cowards in his cabinet. I say farewell to bad rubish.

Bud in NC   February 13th, 2009 5:03 pm ET

This phony will start to tell the truth when pigs learn to fly. Just another politician (Repub naturally) who has as much integrity as a rattle snake. If you reach inside a sack of rattle snakes, you can easily predict the outcome. Nuff said about working together y'all.

Proud American   February 13th, 2009 5:02 pm ET

Moron....

Mickey S   February 13th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

Way To Go Senator Gregg.
You are Change I can Believe In!

Gabriel Danaher   February 13th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

As per earlier comment – We are not surprised
The GODFATHER (Rush) spoke and the soldier listened.....Character all the way..........

mmike   February 13th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

Republicans mantra, "country first" ya right!

Pepper Hanrahan   February 13th, 2009 4:59 pm ET

The people of New Hampshire must be so proud. A guy who says yes and then says no! Wow. I feel sorry for New Hampshire. They have the upmost politician! Follows the party in lockstep!

Meka   February 13th, 2009 4:58 pm ET

GREGG'S VOTE WON'T COUNT IN 2010!

CONGRESS TERM LIMITS . . . 12 YEARS, NO RETIREMENT!

Donna   February 13th, 2009 4:58 pm ET

One more example of the GOP standing shoulder to shoulder to barricade change from coming to our country. Even when someone is giving the opportunity to be part of leading us into the future, he turns tail and runs back to join the blockade. Cowardly, shameful, and putrid – the whole lot of them.

James   February 13th, 2009 4:57 pm ET

Give me a break the politicizing of the census is why he is leaving period! Why give him a position then take the power away from that position? The Whitehouse can not control the census.

Matthew, Detroit   February 13th, 2009 4:57 pm ET

Gregg. For all that dont understand, this is what integrity means.

ran   February 13th, 2009 4:56 pm ET

I hope the good people of NH votes this gut out if he changes his mind to run again. He is so typical of a Republican: Obstruct any thing that does not promote you simple ideologies.

Virginia Veterans   February 13th, 2009 4:56 pm ET

Gregg Judd voted 'Yes' on the Iraq War. But, will vote 'No' to improve America.

Perhaps it was best for him to leave.

joy   February 13th, 2009 4:55 pm ET

Enough with this Gregg thing!

Sniffit   February 13th, 2009 4:54 pm ET

@ Ann, who said "Mr. Obama and Emanuel changed the rules regarding Census Bureau after the nomination."

Newsflash: He's the President and that is his prerogative. Moreover, Gregg has been a Senator for a couple decades...he knew very well that Obama woul dbe his boss and that his job would be to perform his duties according to the way Obama wanted them to be performed. And WITHOUT ANY DOUBT, Gregg also knew well before he even thought up this silly GOP scheme, that he and Obama would not see eye to eye in most things concerning the economy. They've know each other for quite some time and unless he lived under a rock for the past 2 years, he knows what Obama campaigned for. His attempt to get the position was motivated by trying to control the census and his withdrawal was politically motivated because he didn't get the census, the GOP needs his vote to block the bill and because they simply wanted to throw egg in Obama's face.

Thomas   February 13th, 2009 4:53 pm ET

CNN could you please tell me the total cost $ of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan ?

This Stimulus Bill is to restructure "our " country after 8 years of neglect and abandon by the Bush blue NEOCON dog republicans .

I can't believe House Republican Leader John Boehner's statement.
He feels rushed , as like into a war for WMDs ?
He hopes the stimulus package works , yet wont vote for it, what kind of BS is that ?
The republicans hope for economic failure , and dream of the 2012 election.

CHANGE.COM   February 13th, 2009 4:53 pm ET

Gregg you are pathetic. Obama brought you to the cabinet position exactly because your different views will provide balance as he seeks to guide this country out the economic conundrum the GOP has put us in. Instead, you chickened out because the GOP saw you as a traitor? Shame on you for choosing party over country.

Billiam   February 13th, 2009 4:52 pm ET

Judd Gregg knew Obama position before he asked for the job.
He didn't want the job. He wanted the spotlight.
If Reoublicans are not going to help Obama with this country's problems, they can just go home.

Sue   February 13th, 2009 4:52 pm ET

Surprise, surprise! Another Republican against Obama. And this is news because...???

John M in CA   February 13th, 2009 4:52 pm ET

Heaven forbid a Republican vote outside the peer pressure. Whimps.

Dave   February 13th, 2009 4:51 pm ET

He should vote against it, if that is his conscience. I will also vote against him, given the chance... as is my conscience.

JB   February 13th, 2009 4:51 pm ET

What happened to no pork? Museums, high speed railes and things being spent in 4 years. That is not a stimulus.

More Of The Same   February 13th, 2009 4:51 pm ET

Yes Deborah and your out of touch with the american people idiot

JB   February 13th, 2009 4:50 pm ET

The news media needs to investigate Obama and the census. The White House is up to no good.

ANGIE-OH   February 13th, 2009 4:50 pm ET

oh plz . this guy is nuts. he is the one that ASKED TO BE Commerce Secretary. President Obama didn't ask him. the repubs are a bunch jealous haters. they wants the president to failed. He is trying to reach across the aisle. they don't care the cost. they only think of themselves. that is what is wrong with those losers. busy/cheney mentality. liars, cheaters and war mongers. It is so sad, they just don't get it. BIG TIME LOSERS!!!!!!!!!!!

Louise   February 13th, 2009 4:49 pm ET

Not to worry, this is all going to backfire on them. Change has and will continue to come to America. Mark this day and comment down so that when the backfire happens, you will know that God is in charge of this Presidency and you can't fight with God.

beevee   February 13th, 2009 4:49 pm ET

What a moron. He did not know that he will have to work with a democratic president. Why does'nt he tell the truth. He is spine less and caved into the coersion by the GOP leaders.

Shayne in NH   February 13th, 2009 4:49 pm ET

I live in New Hampshire and I can say with rough confidence from listening to folks that Gregg will not get re-elected. People are not happy with him, seem to think of him as a sell-out and, more importantly, putting his career ahead of country. It's so ironic because now his senate seat will be most likely replaced with a democrat or independent in 2010. The harder the GOP tries the more they fail. Unfortunately, they are dragging us down with them. I pray we do not befall the fate of Rome.

Is This "Change"   February 13th, 2009 4:49 pm ET

Explain to me how a railroad from L.A. to Las Vegas (Pelosi & Reids Home States)gets $4 billion, and a Coal plant in Illinois(Obamas Home State) gets $2 billion and the home buyer program gets cut?

Last I heard we have a mortgage crisis in America and not a pet project bill to fill politiicians wallets.
This is not "Change", this is just straight up wrong.

Sniffit   February 13th, 2009 4:48 pm ET

Breaking News: The Sky is Blue. Story at 10.

OS   February 13th, 2009 4:47 pm ET

Wow, it's pretty priceless that you think the media would ever try to harm Obama. It's also priceless that so many of you believe Obama does anything except for show. He doesn't want dissenters. That's why this whole thing is being forced down our throats without Congress, let alone the American people, getting time to read and consider every aspect of the bill. That's why the health care changes are being slipped through rather than debated out in the open. That's why the next bank bill is being hidden until they can ram that through too. All Obama has to say is that "this is a new era of transparency" and all the sheep buy it and then look the other way when it's just the opposite.

W Action   February 13th, 2009 4:47 pm ET

Another Limbaugh-following, Christianist-fearing, failed and soon-to-be-out-of office GOP politician. After now deciding he won't even run for re-election in 2010, Sen. Gregg has gone from a Cabinet choice to a lobbyist-in-training in less than a week.

What a disgrace that must feel like to him! He should be comforted, though, that D.C. Republicans are being nice to him again (to his face anyway), and some big law firm will be paying him big bucks in just 23 months for his access to the Senate cloak room. Failing upward is the GOP way!

Bob from Kentucky   February 13th, 2009 4:47 pm ET

The Republicans aren't willing to risk more blame by voting for or taking responsibility for anything. I predict that they will likely continue to get exactly what they deserve for the "effort". The Republican party has become an intellectual desert.

thomas   February 13th, 2009 4:46 pm ET

It is apparent that the Republicans don't plan participate in government for the next four years, so if you are looking for representation, you just might want to start recalling some of these bumps-on-a-log and hire somebody that wants to solve problems.

Sheryl   February 13th, 2009 4:45 pm ET

A sign of his true color, if that is how he operates, we all better off without him.

Cynthia   February 13th, 2009 4:44 pm ET

I say good riddance! President Obama stop trying to win over people who are too old and too scared to change. You can do better get a Democrat and stop wasting time with these selfish spoiled-rotten republicans.

Yamini from San Diego   February 13th, 2009 4:43 pm ET

That IS the Whole Point (I don’t care whatever this sukker does and maybe he is a Short seller)…

ALL of us need to have TRUST , CONFIDENCE AND a sense of HOPE”FUL”NESS OTHERWISE not just Obama but Boehner OR Connell OR their unknown moms CANNOT fix this mess – it is very similar to the example of good parenting and good schools… someone can only try to restore that confidence but if you all fukkers keep whining and complaining then NOTHING will help…

Now it IS EXTREMELY important how wisely this taxpayer money is spent by the administration and Obama MUST stick to his words & commitment because there are SO MANY of these motherfukkers ready to fix tennis and golf courts using this money!!!

John T from SC 2   February 13th, 2009 4:43 pm ET

Give yourself s a hand. His change is doing an OLD political trick.

Have your friends and enemies fight each other (or supporters and detractors) and they aren't LOOKING AT HIM . (Older than the Roman Senate)

Wow he IS good ..

AND YOU ARE BEING PLAYED the more he gets you to fight each other.

Why do you think he brings up Rush Limbaugh or says things against pres BUSH.

SAME OLD POLITICS just done very very well.

I guess the change is he does it so masterfully.

Has he united the country at all? NO HE NEEDS THE DIVISION.

Caligirl   February 13th, 2009 4:42 pm ET

Republican puppet.

I am thoroughly convinced that the Republicans don't care about the average American.

I'll bet Lincoln would be ashamed of the GOP.

GOP use to stand for Grand Ole Party.
GOP now stands for Greety Old Pigs.

Mel of Alexandria, Virginia   February 13th, 2009 4:42 pm ET

The self-serving Republicans are trying to make dishonor look like honor, but if it looks like a skunk and does what a skunk does ---.

RLE   February 13th, 2009 4:41 pm ET

the repubs' plan back fired they thought they were going to wreak havoc and control the census thereby control the redistricting but when President Obama stopped that plan now Gregg gets out. President Obama is a couple steps ahead of the repubs

Simmy   February 13th, 2009 4:39 pm ET

Loser to the 12th power. No *****.

Judy   February 13th, 2009 4:38 pm ET

Judd is a Judas!

Ann   February 13th, 2009 4:37 pm ET

Alicia "This guy 'asked' to be the Commerce Secretary. Gregg asked."

so now everyone who asks Mr. Obama for a job gets it? You are so naive. Mr. Obama and Emanuel changed the rules regarding Census Bureau after the nomination. Gregg was selected just to show how bipartisan is Mr. Obama. Lets be serious, don't buy everything they try to sell you.

mary, colorado   February 13th, 2009 4:37 pm ET

Republicans seem more like trouble-makers than Americans who are trying to strengthen the American democracy so it fits everyone. This idiot begged for the job then decided he couldn't agree with President Obama's ideas. He knew that in the first place, he just wanted to start trouble between the 2 factions.

As far as I'm concerned, those types of Republicans can stay on their own side and let the more intelligent ones take over.

Truth Bomb Thrower   February 13th, 2009 4:35 pm ET

Good going, Senator Gregg. I bet it feels good to have your backbone back. Thanks for voting against this criminal, idiotic, pork bill.

Seattle   February 13th, 2009 4:35 pm ET

I Hoped the door slamed turn-coat in the rear as he left but with an after thought he is so full of it may be a bad idea.
He asked Republican Daddy and daddy said no no no don't you remember Judd its Republican party and the rich you are 100% for nothing else ,nothing else............................................................... .

Obama 2012   February 13th, 2009 4:35 pm ET

Who cares that this jelly-back coward did not vote.

And, to you"Deborah"...you and others like you are going to make the republicans become extinct, which will be great for this country!! So, keep on with your narrow thinking and being bias. I have never known of such "so called intelligent and educated people" be so dumb.

obama-mama   February 13th, 2009 4:35 pm ET

Who cares

Lucy   February 13th, 2009 4:34 pm ET

15 minutes of fame.....He some large part of a horse's anatomy

tom   February 13th, 2009 4:34 pm ET

Gregg was a republican plant. Like a Trojan Horse, he was planted by Baenert to redraw the census districts so as to give huge advantages to Republican districts in the next elections. When the Obama folks found out what he was up to, they outed him and he quit rather than be publically outed.

Ekbaaaal from Pakistan   February 13th, 2009 4:34 pm ET

How about locking ALL these motherfukkers (Congress, Senate and Obama) in a Gas Chamber....

Let the economy fix itself – huh :-)

US is FULL of mourons

Sniffit   February 13th, 2009 4:33 pm ET

In touch? The only thing Gregg touches is himself...at night...and that's why the GOP dinosaurs shall go extinct.

Good comment:   February 13th, 2009 4:32 pm ET

"I found out what the deal was with Judd Gregg... Aparently, the woman that was going to be named to replace him in the Senate was somehow involved in the Shaheen-Sununu problem concerning the crashing of the Democratic phone bank in the NH primaries, which was illegal, and people have been indicted and convicted over it. As a result, she was NEVER going to be named, Gregg had to pull out of the Cabinet because the governor of NH was going to have to name a Democrat after the fiasco surfaced. End of deal... everybody goes home. This was NOT about Obama or Gregg's inability to play nice, it was a back-door deal that got torn apart by potential scandal. Go figure!"
–comment I read from a smart lady.

Clavel   February 13th, 2009 4:32 pm ET

President Obama, please give up on the Republicans! They're only interested in running this country into the ground. It's time to vote them ALL out of office.

Matt   February 13th, 2009 4:30 pm ET

67% of American support "A "stimulus bill. Not this stimulus bill. If we are not allowed to see it, if no one has a chance to read it. Why should anyone support it.

Putting blind faith in your government is insanity.

Murray   February 13th, 2009 4:28 pm ET

How Republican in our post-partisan congress (note the sarcasm here). It is clear the Republicans are having some trouble looking past their many defeats to try to get in touch with the American people (who, by the way, hate the partisan tone to so much of today's politics!).

Cheryl   February 13th, 2009 4:28 pm ET

What do you call people who seek to bring down the government and the whole country by blocking any attempts to fix an economic disaster they created? Traitors?

Robin, Tampa FL   February 13th, 2009 4:28 pm ET

This is unbelievable ... this is like pouring salt into an open wound. It's very clear the GOP are trying their hardest to screw over President Obama at every opportunity they can get.

CWD   February 13th, 2009 4:27 pm ET

One word sums up Gregg. .douchenozzle.

Time to stuff this bipartisan BS and get on with running the country. Screw the republicans.

MG   February 13th, 2009 4:27 pm ET

CNN,

Please get your facts right. The Senate vote was cast earlier this week and not 2 weeks ago as you report. Also, Gregg recused himself from voting and did not vote against it as you report. Plus you might like to do some research and check Gregg's interview on CNBC immediately after he was nominated for Commerce sercretary where he goes and sells the same stimulus that he now plans to vote against and cannot believe that any other GOP would vote in favour of.

Also, was Gregg asleep all this time? The stimulus debate has been going on for 3 weeks now – well before he was nominated. Didn't he know then if he would or would not vote for it? This coupled with his speel on CNBC makes me think that he caved in to GOP pressure rather than decide to stick to his "principles" – whatever they may be.

hakeemsdad, Florida   February 13th, 2009 4:27 pm ET

What an idiot!!!

Didn't he know what Obama stand for before asking for the job!
So who gave him the right to waste the past several weeks of the country?
People like him and Deborah are praying for Obama to fail the country and cheer after that.

After that they will say see we told you.
The reality is that him and most of the Republicans don't care about this country the only thing they want let give tax cuts to the rich so they could become richer.
Average Joes (not the plumber) and Susies, etc. don't have a job who cares (give them tax cut it will be good for them when they find a job!)

Wake up People!!!
Top 3% of the people in this country own 23% of the GDP!!! I guess republicans think this is not normal lets give them more tax cut so these richest top 3% could own half of the GDP!!!

Go figure it out Deborah (idiot) learn some basic math skills

boered1   February 13th, 2009 4:26 pm ET

I STILL LOVE his comment “We are functioning from a different set of views on many critical items of policy,” Gregg said in a statement Thursday.

THAT WAS WHY President Obama picked you you idiot, for the differing voice, for the other side, to listen to all views in a cabinet meeting not just yes men. I KNOW it is hard for the radical religious right to understand but to be a REAL leader you need to be willing to listen to others, even (or especially) those who disagree with you. This post would have given you the best chance to press your agenda, you would ahve the direct ear of the President and still been able to go on the TV and bad mouth him when things didn't go your way!

Instead you caved to your party, party over substance, party over personal honor, party over country?

idiots

dele   February 13th, 2009 4:25 pm ET

Could Alicia be right? What she said made sense. He was probably out to fix the census. hmmm...
That is scary if it was really the intention of the republicans.
Since when is loyalty to party be above loyalty to country?
I hope people will realize this and what all the repubs out of the senate leaving maybe 3 to 4 behind.
This will teach the repub leaders a lesson.

Mary   February 13th, 2009 4:25 pm ET

No Wonder from Run-away Bride any way.

Chuck   February 13th, 2009 4:23 pm ET

do any of you people know how much a trillion dollars is? hope you all like paying taxes. Hope you like the idea of submarining your children and grand children with a huge tax burden. Hopefully it won't be too much for us to pay off. Many of you might think that we don't have to pay it off or that the government has an endless supply of money. If we can't pay it off and China buys up our debt, hope you liked America when it used to be ours. I almost hope they don't post this because I fear that most people are so ignorant and uneducated that they haven't the slightest idea how this is going to work out. And if this is posted, don't give me a bunch of bull about being a republican or whatever. The republicans are idiots too, they just don't happen to be the current idiots in charge.

Kathleen   February 13th, 2009 4:21 pm ET

Another ploy by Republicans. It is their ultimate goal to see President Obama fail; or should I say the Democratic party fail. People are so gullible. Gregg is opposed to President Obama's policy. Gregg – did you not hear what Obama had to say during the campaign? Yet you compaigned for the position. Who got to you?

Chuck   February 13th, 2009 4:20 pm ET

SHOCKER!!!

Sam   February 13th, 2009 4:20 pm ET

Greg, your political future is over. Americans will remember you running away when your country needed you the most. Republicans are afraid because this is a tough time for the country. They rather see the country go down than see Obama take this country out of the mess Republicans created.

Musical Chairs   February 13th, 2009 4:20 pm ET

Certainly Senator Gregg got an intimate look at the stimulus bill and how the administration intended to use it. I'm sure it's even worse than the American public thinks it is. All in all he's saying this whole scam must be pretty pathetic.

Sometime in 2010 I'm sure we'll see a new cabinet position; Secretary of Excuses.

EBC, MD   February 13th, 2009 4:20 pm ET

GREGG IS A REPUBLICAN SNAKE WITH LIPSTICK!!

Why does his voting NO surprise anyone? LOL.

After campaigning for the JOB and holding a Press Conference stating he WANTED the job; After making a DEAL in order to GET the job, this dick head proves he's nothing but a Republican COWARD!

GOOD RIDDANCE. Men like Gregg are nothing but doormats for the likes of John Boehner, John McCain, Lindsey Graham, etc. These OLD WHITE MEN are so clueless and TERRIFIED that President Obama will succeed. They are scared sh_tless!!

For the REPUGS to do nothing but run off at the mouths over and over, just proves that they are so SCARED at the thought of President Obama succeeding. They can't stand the fact that they are the "minority party" and have NO relevance or power!!

Whose the clowns now? LOL.

Joan   February 13th, 2009 4:18 pm ET

I feel that pres.Obama needs to just ignore the republicans and do whats best for us. They just want to see him fail. I think the stimulus package is good. And I pray that it works out. I trust that Pres. Obama has our best intrust at heart, and atleast he shows us respect as a nation. He doesn't act like he is better then us. Keep up the good work Mr. President.

Marie   February 13th, 2009 4:18 pm ET

He's afraid of his fellow republicans because he knew darn well when he excepted the position that it was for change and not Bush's way.I think Judd received some calls from his fellow senators and was left with no choice but to step down.He can swing it any way he choses to but that's the reality of it.Being a republican and going against the republicans is like going against Al Capone

barry   February 13th, 2009 4:18 pm ET

Jan in CA,

You said that because the president is the Dem now. Did you ever want to say the same while it was still Bush? Don't be hypocrite.

neo   February 13th, 2009 4:17 pm ET

big shock. This belongs on fark withan obvious tag.

Arkansas Guy   February 13th, 2009 4:17 pm ET

Almost $800 billion and nobody in Congress knows what’s in there. We should fire everyone that votes for this... This is not responsible.. If this is Obama's idea of accountability and government reform then look out...

67% of Americans maybe for help... but come on... What if the relief offered could only come at the cost of our children's future? Wait 'till people find out what is really in this thing and that by 2012 it is actually going to hurt our GNP with the majority of the impact coming in 2010...

Go look at some of the stuff that's in this thing and it should make you mad. This is not stimulas, it is pet projects, favors, govenment expansion projects..

David   February 13th, 2009 4:17 pm ET

Why should anyone be surprised that Sen. Gregg is going to vote against the stimulus bill. He says he conservative. Of conservatives, John Stuart Mill wrote:

"Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives."

Accountability   February 13th, 2009 4:17 pm ET

Deborah...

In touch with what people? The newly unemployed? Folks who have overnight found themselves and their families wihtout a home, without health care? Near retirees that just saw their nest egg broken?

Or in touch with rich white fiscal conservatives who are that way because they've got theirs and can ride thisout? In touch with the Christo-Fascists on the right who want to defeat every move of the "Godless" Democrats?

When this is all over and we are back into recovery mode...voters are going to remember those who ignored them and their plight...the Republican Party will implode....good riddance....

GMC   February 13th, 2009 4:16 pm ET

What I don't understand is the lack of concern from the GOP when this monster of a problem was being created. They were like hand puppets. Now all-a-sudden, they got religion....

I don't know the answer but people are hurting out here.

MR-TN   February 13th, 2009 4:15 pm ET

IS IT ME, OR DO YOU GUYS NOTICE THAT THE MEDIA IS DESPERATELY TRYING TO DESTORY OBAMA AND THE "CHANGE" MESSAGE WITH THE HELP OF THE "TALIBAN" REPUBLICANS?

I think that after the election and inauguration, the republicans and the media have decided that they have to destory him. I think they are really scared of him and have decided to spin as much negativity at him as possible. I also think that we Americans need to REALLY stop listen to their garbage. THe media are trying to brain-wash us. We cannot allow this! Be selective and research information on line as much as possible. We have to take back our country, stay informed with facts, not spin and help this president help us. Change won't be easy when you are fighting the FEAR of change.

Don't become sheep!

Go to informative websites and give yourself your news!

Also, boycott the networks by not watching their shows, reading their papers and visiting their websites.

LET'S TAKE BACK OUR COUNTRY!

Simpliticus   February 13th, 2009 4:14 pm ET

Awkward for a once content Obama cabinet member to now convince himself and others that the stimulus bill is not what is required at this time. Of course the Titanic sank, Mt. St. Helens blew, and the Bush administration has cost this country ten trillion dollars but let's vote against the future of this country as this country had its day and forsake the expected recovery that the stimulus plan would provide. But if Gregg sticks to his stupid and ridiculous set of ideological goofiness, maybe he can also raise the Titanic, keep future volcanoes from erupting, and just overlook the insane Bush policies that ran this country into the ground. These things never happened!

Curious   February 13th, 2009 4:14 pm ET

Weren't the details of the bill known to Gregg before he accepted, then declined? I sense Rove is working his peculiar brand of magic here.

matt   February 13th, 2009 4:14 pm ET

This is pathetic

One-time payments to those who don't work: the bill provides a one-time $250 payment. Estimated cost: $14.2 billion.

Kevin   February 13th, 2009 4:13 pm ET

I see now WHY he dropped out of being a contender for the Commerce job. Before, I thought he could've changed my views on Republicans. Well, Jerky Boy, here is your ticket for the tourbus, and I'll make sure to save a place for you right next to your mastodon ancestor come 2010.

jkilvik   February 13th, 2009 4:12 pm ET

He makes those who use the 'wanting to spend more time with my family' excuse sound more credible.

Jon in CA   February 13th, 2009 4:12 pm ET

Two smart moves by the Senator this week: 1) Bailing out of the Euro-Socialist Administration, 2) Voting against the Pork-ulus Bill.

GMC   February 13th, 2009 4:12 pm ET

I think Judd is starting to look kinda silly, and that's sad. its bazaar

maxx Atlanta GA   February 13th, 2009 4:12 pm ET

Good glad to see him leave,,,,,,,he's typical rethug no guts no morals mind controlled idiot. This does not take away our support of our President. He is still the most brilliant leader in modern history!!! Can't take that away from him. Go away rethugs you are irrelevant lost in the desert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Capital Insider   February 13th, 2009 4:11 pm ET

Actually, according to a USA Today poll the number of Americans approving the Stimulus Bill is 59%, up 7% from a few weeks ago. Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 44% of U.S. voters now support the plan.

Sounds like the polls are really differing on what the American People want in the Stimulus Package. I guess if things go poorly with the Stimulus package the Republicans will look good for opposing it. If it goes well, then they will look like Obstructionists. Only time will tell.

david thomas   February 13th, 2009 4:11 pm ET

It seems to me that Senator Gregg has some ethical challenges and could use a little courage as well.

JR   February 13th, 2009 4:11 pm ET

that figures! so much for his statements 2 weeks ago of putting party politics behind.....now he withdraws as incapable of doing the job in commerce and votes against the stimulas. This does indeed show him incapable of understanding commerce or even the word stimulas.
oh, yes, the better idea was....?
Let's give more tax cuts to the corporations that use every loophole already, send their jobs oversees, and reward failures in excessive bonuses (430 X the rate of avg. employee), mismanage their companies – because they're ready to hire- give me a break!
Let's open up exports more.....with what? If our companies are going out of business and no producing or building anything is taking place – what shall we export? without a stimulas & market recovery there will be no overseas consumer to buy anything (not to mention resentment toward anything American).
Payroll taxes – that would only effect people who still have jobs! This is also the area Republicans cut in the current bill and the one that effects 95% of citizens.
Thanx for your concern – NOT!

Joseph, Los Angeles   February 13th, 2009 4:11 pm ET

Let him...

Let Liberty Ring   February 13th, 2009 4:10 pm ET

Deborah your not in touch with the american people idiot !!!!!!!

naqib   February 13th, 2009 4:10 pm ET

One Trillion down... One Trillion to go... this month alone...

Dang... this is gonna be some kind of record.

Two trillion in one month... gonna smoke Bush's 4 Trillion in 8 years.

Go Bammer... and we haven't even talked health care yet... LOL

Obama Fan   February 13th, 2009 4:10 pm ET

Oh course he is.

I think he planned this perfectly. He withdrew so he could vote NO.

Scum of the earth.

Chad   February 13th, 2009 4:10 pm ET

I'm glad he withdrew if he had no faith in the stimulus bill. He would have been just another Republican wanting to continue Bushonomics. Tax cuts for big business and the wealthy while not creating jobs. When will people understand that by taking the Republican side of this bill you are sticking with what turned this economy upside down. Do people not see this?

arithmetic is liberal   February 13th, 2009 4:10 pm ET

What's the matter with him? Did Mitch McConnell threaten to break his legs or give him cement shoes? What is it with Republicans?

It's times like these where I really think that the party overlords (in both parties) have something on each and every member that they will expose if the party member doesn't do what they want. It is the only way I can explain the completely irrational behavior we see in Washington...

Matt, Nashville   February 13th, 2009 4:09 pm ET

Does it matter? They sold us all out. For a measily $13 a week...

Who's rich now?

Tray   February 13th, 2009 4:07 pm ET

Why is it that I'm not suprise....Obstructionist. I can't wait for 2010!!!!

Dekonti   February 13th, 2009 4:06 pm ET

This is not news. This guy chickened out after his Taliban (oh Republican) friends went after him. He still wanted to be invited to the parties.

Steve (the real one)   February 13th, 2009 4:05 pm ET

Emma, San Jose February 13th, 2009 3:49 pm ET
When GOP members like Gregg say they want it their way or the highway, they are perpetuating the old, proven way to harm this country.
----------
And how is this different from "I won, I'll Trump you on that"? Remember the President speaking these words to a republican? The problem is politics as usual ON BOTH SIDES! You libs just seem to think it is all lrepublicans at fault. You can't strong arm folks to support junk. YES !! Bush did the same, hench, politics as usual!

Hnnh?   February 13th, 2009 4:05 pm ET

Maybe it's all because of his Jack Abramhoff problems.

Shari, NY   February 13th, 2009 4:04 pm ET

Even "tough headed" Mugabe of Zimbabwe is grasping the unity message by sharing power. The Republican party is not in favor of Obama's plan because it was not their conception. If they are so full of wisdom how come they couldn't cram their grandiose ideas into the crania of past governance?

James L.   February 13th, 2009 4:04 pm ET

Good bye and good reidens. Who really gives a rats behind about any republican.

Jorge   February 13th, 2009 4:04 pm ET

Even to this date; that we are the United States of America. We are all divided on many issues. We as people have to unity to better this country and not divide it anymore. The only way that our economy will improve is by people working with and spending into our own economy. Times might be hard but we must face all these tought obstacles and will we get through.

chuck - Tulsa   February 13th, 2009 4:01 pm ET

The repugs are so happy. They have a winning strategy, just fight the President on everything and then; when the economy collapses they can regain power.

Who cares if they started the collapse, they believe the American people have a short memory and they are probably correct.

The only problem with this strategy is that a lot of hard working Americans will get hurt in the process, but at least the Repugs can regain some house seats……………..

Bill, ca   February 13th, 2009 4:01 pm ET

Republicans are a disgrace.

Why didn't these guys give Bush their wonderfull ideas to bring
america out of this mess?

How many times did they try and fail ?

No more of the same folks americans are tired of broken politics from republicans.

Now its time to look forward and bring america to prosperity again.

The whole world is waiting.

GO OBAMA – GO DWMOCRATS !

sick n tired of CNN moderators   February 13th, 2009 4:01 pm ET

But he didn't have a problem voting for Bush's $750 billion bailout of Wall Street though! Typical Republican hypocrite!

pam   February 13th, 2009 4:00 pm ET

Wow – Republicans voting against the will of the people – just like always. BTW – contrary to the lies being spread on this thread, the latest polls show that nearly 60% of American people support the President's stimulus package. It's funny how the repubs always have to lie to get their way – kinda like Iraq, etc.

Dumas McGee   February 13th, 2009 3:59 pm ET

Senators! If you haven't even READ it...then DON'T vote for it!!!

GOP - Grand Obstructionist Party   February 13th, 2009 3:58 pm ET

Imagine, just days ago Gregg said he was in support of the stimulus.

Funny what a few calls from McConnell will do to ya.

Penny - Canada   February 13th, 2009 3:58 pm ET

Sen. Gregg said he wanted to "be himself", but it seems to me that he has succumbed to the horrific peer pressure of the Republican gang.

He really should be ashamed of himself. It is time for all of them to "put aside childish things" , including the gang behaviour, coercion and blind loyalty we so deplore in the schoolyard and which is killing our young people in the streets.

C. S. Lewis once said that our unchecked desire to be included in a group of insiders will make scoundrels of us. Watching the performance of U.S. Republican politicians is a fresh lesson in that truth.

WI Cheesehead   February 13th, 2009 3:58 pm ET

And Obama shouldn't expect much help from the GOP in resolving the country's economic crisis. Not as long as they're listening to Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.

republicans only love children before they're born   February 13th, 2009 3:58 pm ET

@ Deborah @ 3:26pm

Actually, a majority of "the people" approve of the stimulus plan. And we do live in a "majority rules" Democracy.

Jubcha   February 13th, 2009 3:57 pm ET

Love the "born again" fiscal conservatives. What a joke. These GOPers presided over the largest spending spree in history and the largest transfer of American wealth to a foreign country (Iraq) and put 29,000,000 Iraqis on the American welfare system.

Now they decide to get a all conservative? HAHAHAHA. Good stuff man, good stuff.

Sniffit   February 13th, 2009 3:57 pm ET

HAHAHA...and the sky is blue, dogs don't poo where they eat and Why is something so unsuprising even considered newsworthy? I said this yesterday, when it was announced Kennedy would not be there for this vote. Gregg gives them one more, and Kennedy's absence gives the Dems one less. Now, the GOP will ramp up the pressure on the 3 "moderate" Republicans who have supported it so far, and one of them will magically decide against it, thereby blocking the entire bill.

Mark my words: if they block this bill, we all will suffer horribly, but none will suffer more than the GOP in 2010.

Jubcha   February 13th, 2009 3:55 pm ET

Deborah: You are wrong as 67% of American's support the bill. Oops!

jrzshor   February 13th, 2009 3:55 pm ET

i guess he had to resign rather than "obey" the boss.

JV   February 13th, 2009 3:55 pm ET

Can lemmings walk in lockstep? Gregg did. And, now we know the greedy party did not get the e-mail about working well with others. What is the GOP plan– bread lines for Americans? But the bread will go to the rich, the poor will the queue.

Darla Wilshire   February 13th, 2009 3:54 pm ET

Gregg has no credibility from this point on. I'm glad he's not running for reelection. Talk about a turncoat-how would you like that knife inserted, "Et tu, Brute"????

Diane Mo   February 13th, 2009 3:54 pm ET

Another republican having a spoiled baby hissy fit. Not to his liking.OF COURSE THE WEASEL WILL QUIT. REMINDS ME OF A MCCAIN CLONE barf barf.

Nelson Colorado Springs Co.   February 13th, 2009 3:54 pm ET

Well! Does this mean, since their were no Republican vote for the stimulus package THEIR STATE DON'T NEED ANY PART OF THE STIMULUS PACKAGE MONEY guest not

J   February 13th, 2009 3:53 pm ET

There is a shocker!! A group of selfish people who care about no one but themselves and people who give them HUGE amounts of money... If this bill was just money to corporations and tax breaks they would have been foaming at the mouth... Yet... that is the exact same crap thinking that got us into this situation to begin with.

Republicans are out of touch and are unwilling to compromise or work with anyone who is not in lock goose stepping sync with their party.

Patrick   February 13th, 2009 3:51 pm ET

Judd Gregg was FOR the stimulus bill before he was against it. Also, I thought that Gregg recused himself from the Senate vote a couple of weeks ago because he was then a potential member of Obama's Cabinet.

Can you say two-faced?

SHADOW CABINT....?   February 13th, 2009 3:51 pm ET

WELL LETS SEE CNN IS PRES OBAMAS' SHADOW CABINET WITH

WOLF BLITZER, SECRETARY OF THE SITUATION ROOM. WITH HIS

BEST POLITICAL TEAM IN CHARGE OF ALL AND NOTHING.

JOHN KING, SECRETATY OF THE MAGIC WALL. CONTROLLING THE

STATE OF THE UNION AND GET ALL THE ANSWERS FROM THE

MAGIC WALL.

ANDERSEN COOPER, SECRETARY OF AC360 ABOUT TURN.

PUZZELING WHATS GOING ON.

CAMPBELL BROWN. SERETARY OF 'NO BIAS, NO BULL'.

SETTING ALL RECORDS STRAIGHT AND PUTS CNN IN THE KNOW

IT ALL. now print this,,,AMERICA NEEDS A BIT HUMOUR

V   February 13th, 2009 3:51 pm ET

You Coward!

Jaime   February 13th, 2009 3:51 pm ET

Greg, give up the lame excuse of "we couldn't see eye to eye on our ideology", it's crap!

Everyone knows that Obama is striving to create an administration of people who don't always agree with him. He doesn't want to surround himself with "yes men/women" he wants people who will challenge him and help him come to the best, most well rounded and thought out decisions.

So Gregg leaving because "they don't agree" is a pathetic facade to cover up the real reason which is Gregg caved into GOP pressure to not help this president in anyway, especially in terms of showing him as Bi-partisan.

The GOP is stupid enough to believe that if Gregg pulls out then they can run around calling Obama out on how "partisan" he is is and how he claims to have 3 republicans in his cabinet but "he lied!"....pathetic.

Most everyone sees this for what it is, another stunt from the GOP to damage Obama and bring scandal to his presidency. but it wont work. American's aren't that dumb.

Jim Doyle   February 13th, 2009 3:51 pm ET

Good riddance to bad rubbish! Obama needs to forget about bipartisanship and tell the Repugs to go to hell! All of them!

Greg Pottstown, Pa.   February 13th, 2009 3:51 pm ET

Leslie February 13th, 2009 3:27 pm ET

Why should Obama even care about selfish right? (Gregg, etc.)
=================================================
Maybe because they are AMERICANS. Are you saying that Obama should only care about democrats. Oh I forgot only republicans are thugs. Right?

Marc   February 13th, 2009 3:51 pm ET

We've spent several decades over spending (at the personal level) and not saving. People are in houses they can't really afford, driving luxury cars they can't really affort; they stopped saving and financed everything on credit. Sometimes high interest (or adjustable) credit. Our government has done the same thing – funding everything every congressman has ever wanted, regardless of how useless it is for the country. Now the economic stimulus package will also be funded by .... Loans! The goverment (meaning "we the people" because the government only has money because they tax us to get it) does not have enough money to pay for these packages. It has to borrow the money. From where? Good question. China has cash (few other countries do) but has problems of its own now. It may well not loan us this money. The alternative will be to simply print more money – we've done it before. That dilutes the value of the money (you're still only worth what you're worth) and starts the cycle of high inflation – a cycle that is hard to stop. The more I look at it the more I think this economic stimulus package is a bad idea. We've screwed up. I think we should correct this the hard way: by allowing some companies to fail and reorganize. And letting some people lose the houses and automobiles that they never really should have purchased. Cut out the cancer and start healing the country. Don't just shake a bunch of antibiotics on the wound and probably make it even worse. We have to fix the source of the problem at this point and then start rebuilding. Surgery then heal. And certainly the pork that has been added to the package is another good indication that we going the wrong way (again).

Don   February 13th, 2009 3:50 pm ET

He's not in touch with this person.

Emma, San Jose   February 13th, 2009 3:49 pm ET

When GOP members like Gregg say they want it their way or the highway, they are perpetuating the old, proven way to harm this country.

Ryan   February 13th, 2009 3:48 pm ET

This guy will be replaced by a Democrat or Independent next election.

Alicia   February 13th, 2009 3:48 pm ET

@ Deborah you have sooooo much to be proud of. This guy 'asked' to be the Commerce Secretary. Gregg asked.

The Republican Trojan Horse. He was going to fix the census.

Gregg has gone public saying it was his fault.

hadelaide   February 13th, 2009 3:46 pm ET

So what else is new? He voted against the SCHIP bill and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. This is the same senator who, when Pres. Obama nominated him for the commerce post, said "You've outlined an extraordinarily bold and aggressive, effective and comprehensive plan for how we can get this country moving". "This is not a time for partisanship. This is not a time when we should stand in our ideological corners and shout at each other. This is a time to govern and govern well." Wake me when he grows some balls.

frank , pennsylvania   February 13th, 2009 3:46 pm ET

He is actually out of touch with the people. He may be in touch with his fellow republicans, who have remained out of touch with the people under the false pretence of protecting the country from turning into a socialist state. The republicans don't really care for the ordinary americans – who they merely use as tools to achieve their selfish goal!

Mary   February 13th, 2009 3:45 pm ET

Big surprise! I guess Sen. Gregg did the right thing in withdrawing from consideration for Commerce Secretary. It appears that he cannot break ranks with the right instead of setting aside politics and working to address the problems at hand. Nothing about President Obama suggests he wants only "yes" men/women around him but if Republicans can't set aside their differences and work with the President, the American people won't be well served. We need people who are willing to work for solutions not just pander to their base.

Kaye -Jacksonville FL   February 13th, 2009 3:45 pm ET

Of course he is....the Republicans suffer from the worse case of political entrenchment ever seen. Their "my way or no way" ideological stubbornness is both infuriating and amusing. They are probably praying that the stimulus is a complete failure so they can holler "told you so", even as our country plummets even further into the ditch they dug for us. How they can rant about "fiscal responsibility" and our children's debt after what they've done for 8 years is simply beyond comprehension. 2010 may be prove to be their undoing...and I'll be working hard to see that result.

Soccer Nana   February 13th, 2009 3:44 pm ET

Who cares what Gregg does? He is back in his comfort zone; so be it. Snakes can only slither; no matter how hard you try, they cannot be trained to walk upright.

Jan in CA   February 13th, 2009 3:43 pm ET

The Republicans don't seem to want Obama to succeed even if it means the country fails. Too bad because this is no small issue. If the American Economy fails the world is going to see a collaps like nothing we have ever known. The Republicans should give up worry about trying to be "Right" and instead team up to help make this situation better for everyone.

elsie   February 13th, 2009 3:43 pm ET

He is lying. He is neck deep in the Abramoff scandel.

Sharon - NC   February 13th, 2009 3:43 pm ET

So he gets the honor of being asked to serve in a President's cabinet, and he sells out just in the nick of time to vote with all of the other out-of-touch Republicans against a stimulus plan\?. Isn't that honorable and patriotic. I don't think he has to worry about not running next time, and somehow I doubt he has mirrors in his home or office out of fear of looking in one. Sad to sell yourself like that.

Chris, Albany, NY   February 13th, 2009 3:42 pm ET

It's not suprising, he's not going to run again anyways. Why should he support it, he's not commin back. Even if he was running for re-election the people would boot him out on his @$$ for not supporting it or the country! He's a red in a blue, blue state.

You know the Republican party is toxic when ... Palin bails on NRCC & CPAC   February 13th, 2009 3:42 pm ET

We already knew that. Thanks for the reminder, CNN, and all your stir-up-the-controversy, hard-hitting, keeping them honest "news".

Bankrupt in Tx   February 13th, 2009 3:42 pm ET

Was GREGG not aware of Obama's policies when he CAMPAIGNED for the job of Commerce Secy? I guess GREGG is not Mr. Bi-Partisan after all. Obama will never be able to please the hard-right Repuglican partisans who will obstruct any idea proposed by Obama even if it is an idea they previously supported.

John in KY   February 13th, 2009 3:41 pm ET

What a gold digger this Senator is!!

bill   February 13th, 2009 3:41 pm ET

who the hell cares how gregg will vote on stimules.obama should just say either get on the train or get the hell out of the way.AMERICA HAS VOTED.DO YOU HEAR THAT CNN. AMERICA MATTERS.

VON BISMARK,Vienna.   February 13th, 2009 3:41 pm ET

Judas in the house!

Richard Neffson   February 13th, 2009 3:40 pm ET

On CNBC just over a week ago Senator Gregg came out strongly for the stimulus package, but now he is againist it. Senator Gregg must be windsurfing with Senator John Kerry.

Cruzan Obama Mama   February 13th, 2009 3:40 pm ET

This just proves to me that the Repubs are not willing to put politics aside to solve this or any problem. He begged for the Sec. of Commerce job and now is caving because he is being isolated and pressured by the people in his own party. They were screaming for bipartisanship, but now want to focus on making obstacles instead of solutions. Great work Repubs!!!!!!

This is the way to help all Americans.....keep up the good working in delaying progresss.

Wolf-Woman Palin Charlotte, NC   February 13th, 2009 3:40 pm ET

One thing you can count on... he will run again. Stimulus bill and census, my rear, the RUSHlicans got after him and he canned!

He will run again and he is now a RUSH hero. For his bravery, he will receive 27 prescriptions, all from diferent Doctors, of pain pills.

Denver Dem   February 13th, 2009 3:40 pm ET

What a loser, has the opportunity to do some good, but bails out b/c the GOP/ REPUBLI KLANS, tells him they can't chance losing the senate seat. Good OLe boy politics at best. I hope the People in his district vote him out for a Democrat and this idiot can see he pissed away a great opportunity.

Bubba   February 13th, 2009 3:38 pm ET

We don't need a Commerce Sec'y who takes orders from Rush Limbaugh.

kayla   February 13th, 2009 3:37 pm ET

he better do what papa rush tells him to do, or else?

Deborah   February 13th, 2009 3:37 pm ET

"You are in touch with the people!"

Correction, I meant:

You are in touch with the idiotic people!

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

Signed, the idiots!

JoAnn   February 13th, 2009 3:37 pm ET

Whatever....vote as you may...the majority of Americans are behind Obama....Take lessons you haters and see how this African American President gets this country back on its feet.....

Angie in Pa   February 13th, 2009 3:36 pm ET

The Republicans are functioning From Rush Limbaughs Point Of View!

CLYDE   February 13th, 2009 3:36 pm ET

I'M SO GLAD THE WHIMP IS GONE! COULDN'T TAKE THE PRESSURE

Bonita   February 13th, 2009 3:35 pm ET

If I were President Obama, I would forget about trying to extend my hand out to them anymore. He has over and over again tried to include them in his administration, stimulus input, etc, but they just want to be difficult and stuck in the past of politics that do nothing, but help us stay in the hole. As I said before, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

republicans hate america   February 13th, 2009 3:34 pm ET

thats because he is like the other republicans that hate this country. and so much for tax cuts they took $100 off the original amount of $500 per person. thats because tax cuts only get support from the GOP if its for foreign companies like haliburton.

obama-mama   February 13th, 2009 3:34 pm ET

Repubs are extinct. Go away

susan   February 13th, 2009 3:34 pm ET

I am not surprised he is a Republican. They vote against anything to help the American people that are poor. They only help the rich.

averiel   February 13th, 2009 3:32 pm ET

Will somebody please let the president know we respect him The GOP only care about the party instead of the people. John McCain the beer rich , kept man, old boy toy of the past is not interested in the working man's plight. His Goal is of politically sconed bitter loser will do what ever he can ,just for the sake of playing with our lives.

political junkie   February 13th, 2009 3:32 pm ET

THE REPUBLICANS MUST REALLY HAVE A LOT TO HIDE!!

HOW COULD YOU LIVE TO ONLY HAVE ONE OPINION, AND SEE THE COUNRTY AND THE WORLD ONE WAY!!

NONE OF THESE PEOPLE SHOULD NEVER RUN FOR PRESIDENT, BECAUSE, VOTERS COULD SUDDENLY DEVELOPE A ONE MINDED VOTE!!!

THEY HAVE ALREADY MORTGAGED OUR CHILDREN AND GRAND CHILDREN'S FUTURE AND COMMITED GENERATION THEFT BY STARTING THE WAR IN IRAQ!!!!!

political junkie   February 13th, 2009 3:31 pm ET

THE REPUBLICANS MUST REALLY HAVE A LOT TO HIDE!!

HOW COULD YOU LIVE TO ONLY HAVE ONE OPINION, AND SEE THE COUNRTY AND THE WORLD ONE WAY!!

NONE OF THESE PEOPLE SHOULD NEVER RUN FOR PRESIDENT, BECAUSE, VOTERS COULD SUDDENLY DEVELOPE A ONE MINDED VOTED!!!

THEY HAVE ALREADY MORTGAGED OUR CHILDREN AND GRAND CHILDREN'S FUTURE AND COMMITED GENERATION THEFT BY STARTING THE WAR IN IRAQ!!!!!

Megan-NH   February 13th, 2009 3:30 pm ET

The people of NH are so mad.....We are going to ship this guy to Alaska!

Deb   February 13th, 2009 3:29 pm ET

Good you are not needed!!!!

Gerry   February 13th, 2009 3:28 pm ET

This is hilarious. The only reason Gregg wanted the Commerce secretary post is so he'd have responsibility for the census and do the same things with the census the GOP have been doing for years-disenfranchising voters.

President Obama saw through this charade and took the census responsibility back and all of a sudden Gregg resigned the post-what a surprise.

I"ve never seen a political party so prepared to do anything to win like the GOP, lying and cheating is normal for them. They're pathetic.

yuri   February 13th, 2009 3:28 pm ET

Bravado, Mr. Gregg I extol your faithful adherence to toe the GOP line. We have a lot of words for your handsome personality beginning with thw letter "W". Weasel, worm, whiner, whimp, and wen ( a form of sebacious cyst growing on the body).

John, Brooklyn, New York   February 13th, 2009 3:28 pm ET

Its very unfortunate that New Hampshire is being represented by such a disingenuous senator. President Obama's point of view on economic stimulus was clearly a matter of public record dating back to the campaign. Gregg had plenty of time and information to "soul search" and determine whether he could align himself with the new administration. Instead of graciously declining – he wavered, equivocated, pouted, and now is apparently vocally opposing the president who he was praising just days ago.

Sadly this is a clear illustration of how New Hamshire should be skeptical of both Gregg's integrity and his judgement.

Leslie   February 13th, 2009 3:27 pm ET

Why should Obama even care about selfish right? (Gregg, etc.)

Phil   February 13th, 2009 3:27 pm ET

Please remove this ungracious guy .

Michael "C" Lorton, Virginia   February 13th, 2009 3:26 pm ET

One comment--–30 pieces of silver.

New Yorker   February 13th, 2009 3:26 pm ET

The country is more divided than ever because of Obama's election and folly since being elected. He and the liberal democrats have a different set of views on many critical items not just with Gregg but with almost 50% of the American people. Gregg was wise to back away from Obama before it was too late.

suz   February 13th, 2009 3:26 pm ET

Gee this comes as such a surprise ! Perhaps Mr. Gregg should have carefully thought through his decision when he sought out and said yes to the postion of Commerce Secretary. Additionally, one wonders how much pressure he is under from the GOP to vote no and to withdraw. If he had not, perhaps he would no longer be a member of the "club".

Just remmeber NH went blue this election and more states that were once red are thinking blue. Why... because the actions of the GOP over the last several years have left many disillusioned and wondering why we should trust anything from the GOP>

This from an independent now turning democrat...One that has voted on both sides of the aisle in elections. However I will be hard pressed to trust anything the GOP party does from now on and I have been voting for 27 years.

Suz, Western NY

Deborah   February 13th, 2009 3:26 pm ET

Congratulations!

You are in touch with the people!

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

Proud Yankee   February 13th, 2009 3:26 pm ET

I'm glad that right winger backed out and he's not running for reelection. he's basically an eco-terrorist .. his environmental record is deplorable. A visit to his district in norther New Hampshire will reveal the worst of the worst when it comes to logging practices. Complete liquidation of tens of thousands of acres of land. Before getting whacked, many of those lands were aerial spayed with pesticides and herbicides. It's a waste land up there.

FreeNLovIt   February 13th, 2009 3:25 pm ET

Good excellent! Now, Obie, please take out all traces of tax cuts for big corporations that do not deserve it. Tax cuts will not help.

Gorbashov - Long Beach, Ca.   February 13th, 2009 3:25 pm ET

Stupid is as stupid does!

What an intellectually bankrupt dolt!

MY PRESIDENT   February 13th, 2009 3:25 pm ET

Gregg, Please just go away.... You serve no purpose because you can't think for yourself.....

gl, Pittsburgh   February 13th, 2009 3:25 pm ET

He is not for the country and let the evil Taliban Republicans talk him down. It is scared of the Taliban Repulicans becaseu they will stop at nothing to destroy any body that get in there way. President Obama just more on with out the TALIBAN REPULICANS EVIL ONES!

G.O.P.: When you got nothing, You got nothing to lose   February 13th, 2009 3:25 pm ET

When the stimulus works and the economy starts its strong comeback in early 2010, the Amercia people will remember who supported the President and who remained mired in the tired ideas of tax cuts for the wealthy, unbridled corporate greed and irresponsibile economic dogma.

s   February 13th, 2009 3:24 pm ET

cow@rd!

grow a spine and stand up for the american people! the people who voted for you... the ones suffering!

what a shame

Jon   February 13th, 2009 3:24 pm ET

Good!!!

Steve   February 13th, 2009 3:24 pm ET

It's very clear what's going on here. The Republicans are underlining their complete disconnect with the American people. By being obstructionist, they are allowing thousands more people to lose their jobs and their homes. The reason that Judd ACTUALLY withdrew is because by becoming the Secretary of Commerce, he leaves his Senate seat open to very likely be filled by a Democrat, making the Democratic majority one step closer to filibuster-proof legislation. He was, at one time very excited to be considered for the Secretary of Commerce. It's obvious that the party leadership has demanded he toe the obstructionist line. Very sad, very sad. 2010 can't get here soon enough. Buh Bye!!

Beverly, NYC   February 13th, 2009 3:24 pm ET

Really? I'm shocked !!

change in America   February 13th, 2009 3:24 pm ET

The Republican got to be voted out the office I am American who need help badly...........2010 will come quick I will vote for demoncrate

NO MORE REPUBLICAN VOTE THEM OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!

AEK   February 13th, 2009 3:23 pm ET

I'm sorry, Judd, your fifteen minutes were up when you bailed out after lying to the President.

Will-South Dakota   February 13th, 2009 3:22 pm ET

Of course he's going to vote no, he's a sheep.

ben   February 13th, 2009 3:21 pm ET

Enough with Gregg!

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

twitter
@PrestonCNN: RT: MMStewart Just posted: Top Dem explains slavery remark, doesn't apologize http://bit.ly/6KEGM3
Updated: Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:27:32 -0800
hambypCNN: Steele and Kaine square off on health care, jobs, and Steele talks (a little bit) about his new book ... http://bit.ly/6kbvKz
Updated: Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:37:59 -0800
@HornickCNN: White House to government: Continue to open up: http://bit.ly/6SC11i
Updated: Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:07:15 -0800
hambypCNN: Michael Steele has a book coming out in Jan. Asked about it on CNN, Steele demurs: "Ya, that's what I'm hearing somewhere down the line."
Updated: Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:52:08 -0800
hambypCNN: @DanDoranBlum nice. hopefully you get two big wins over Pitt in one week.
Updated: Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:42:32 -0800
Categories
Powered by WordPress.com VIP