(CNN) – President Obama has finally responded personally to the so-called the "tea party" movement – a move amongst some conservatives that criticizes the new administration's policies on taxes, spending, and borrowing during a national economic crisis.
Those critics, he said, were "just waving tea bags around."
"I know you've been hearing all these arguments about, oh, 'Obama is just spending crazy,'" the president said at a town hall event in Arnold, Missouri Wednesday. "Well, let me make a point. Number one, we inherited a $1.3 trillion deficit - that wasn't from my - that wasn't me."
"Number two, there is almost uniform consensus among economists that in the middle of the biggest crisis - financial crisis since the Great Depression, we had to take extraordinary steps. So you've got a lot of Republican economists who agree that we had to do a stimulus package and we had to do something about the banks."
The president told the audience that the federal government's biggest long term fiscal challenges are its commitments for Medicare and Medicaid.
"That's why I've said we've got to have health reform this year - to drive down costs and make health care affordable for American families, businesses and for our government," said Obama.
On his 100th day in office, Obama said he would like to have a "serious" discussion" about how the federal government can rein in spending and meet its long term obligations.
"So, you know, when you see - those of you who are watching certain news channels on which I'm not very popular and you see folks waving tea bags around, let me just remind them that I am happy to have a serious conversation about how we are going to cut our health care costs down over the long term, how we're going to stabilize Social Security."
"But let's not play games and pretend that the reason is because of the [$787 billion stimulus bill], because that's just a fraction of the overall problem that we've got."
The national "tea party" movement was inspired by CNBC correspondent Rick Santelli's late February outburst on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Joined by several traders, Santelli expressed frustration about the Obama administration's plan to increase government spending in the hopes of turning around the economy and helping homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages. During the outburst, Santelli suggested the idea of having a "Chicago tea party" on the shores of Lake Michigan.
From CNN Politics
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Go OBAMA!
duplicity doubled again
Republicans screaming "Don't fix it, just ignore it, cut taxes for the rich and torture the other 95% of america" in 3.....2......1
How asesome is that!!??? Our President just dissed FOX News!!!
Yeah, they were just waving tea bags around. The time for revolution lasted for 8 years, and I didn't see these people waving tea bags around protesting a dictatorial government. Where were they for the last 8 years?
This guy can not handle criticizm, I think that is going to be his downfall.
I can not believe he is responding to tea party movement.
He is very much concerned about his popularity, and the fact that somebody does not like him or think like him does not sit well with him.
super funny. call them out on their BS. NO BODY TAXING anybody so what in the h-ll are they mad about . hahahaa.
CNBC& FOX, there you have it...put your tea where your bag is!
you won't be laughing when you're working as a "coolie" for the Chinese government.
Tea Baggers. Just a bunch of people still upset that they lost... To a black man.
His Point Number One is to point his finger at the previous administration?!?? I guess that's the Democratic flavor of leadership. Of course, that's the platform he ran on ( even though Bush left the White House because of term limits ), so I guess this is what we got.
This will be " The administration of excuses". Good luck with that.
"So you've got a lot of Republican economists who agree that we had to do a stimulus package"
Is this anything like having a lot of democrats agree/support that waterboarding needed to be done, "in the middle of the biggest crisis" in 2001? Sounds the same.
787 billion is about half our national debt!!!! in 100 short days Obama has taken "thier" 1.3 trillion in just debt and turned it into 2 trillion with CHINAS money.
The spending has got to stop!!
Im single and IM the one bailing out the country, NOT the families of ppl that complain. I pay 2x the taxes of a family of 4 making 3 times as much as i do!!!
How is this right? And all you (families) are on here saying that Obama is the "savior" of this country, well when YOU start putting in your FAIR share you can have a REAL complaint. I will be registering to vote for the first time in 20 years, why? OBAMA, I will be voting AGAINST him in 2012. Looks like the democratic "trick" of getting (young) ppl to register to vote will work against them next time!!!
heydude
Wow it took 15 days to say that?
has any one seen a report, read some clip, or in some other way bin made aware of a replacement, for our dearly departed Mr. Kellerman, at Freddie Mac. perhaps, someone could give us a hint, as to what Mr. Kellermans' upcoming report would reflect..maybe there is an investigative reporter out there somewhere..
"So, you know, when you see — those of you who are watching certain news channels on which I'm not very popular and you see folks waving tea bags around, let me just remind them that I am happy to have a serious conversation about how we are going to cut our health care costs down over the long term, how we're going to stabilize Social Security."
At least he realizes that he isn't very popular on one network...too bad he is still acting like a campaigner instead of the prez. Don't diminish those of us who disagree with you, because we have a right to "wave tea bags around" as much as he does wasting all of our money! At least some of us are actually calling him to task for wasting it.
Tell them mr President!!
Just like most other politicians, Obama does not understand that many Americans are tired of the government getting larger and larger with no end in sight to the growth. In 2008, while many businesses were cutting payrolls, the government increased the number of its employees. Whenever the government begins a new program, it never goes away. Obama promised to cut PROGRAMS, not just spending. Have we heard of one program on the chopping block? NO! He only proposed that his Cabinet cut $100 milllion in spending. Compared to the budget proposal for next year, that is the equivalent of a person making $90,000 per year deciding to order water instead of a soft drink at ONE MEAL PER YEAR.
So the president is making fun of Millions of voters? The president is criticizing American people for voicing dissatisfaction and frustration in a peaceful manner? Wow, that is pretty un-American. President Obama - America first.
You tell 'em, Barack!!! Although the entire tea bag story is overblown. The numbers reported by FOX are bogus as to attendance. Let a few malcontents whine. Let Republicans be the party of "No." The president is trying to fix an eight year mess and that requires drastic measures.
You tell 'em MR. President.
He's right you know.
Mr President,
We pay alot of money for our branches of government to govern............I expect you and our Congress to figure out how to rein in spending............and consider reducing our long term obligations. It is those obligations we can no longer afford. I expect you to live within our means, not print and spend as much as you want.
"...didn't happen on my watch..." "...I inherited this deficit..." He needs to stop the bellyachin, pointing the finger at "..it was the last guy's fault" whining. If he would spend less time getting his face on television (and stop listening to that pack of idiots he calls a staff, more properly it should be listed as a 'staph') and working the problems, he might actually make some progress.
"rein in spending"? Is that what he's doing right now by spending trillions.
Under his philosophy, if I was in debt then the best way to get out of it is to spend more money.
Great. Thanks for the advice, but I think I'll stick with cutting my expenses first which is a philosophy you Mr. President don't seem to understand.
The "blame it on George Bush excuse" has just about run it's course....it's on Barry now.
Everyone is in agreement. The spending under Bush was wrong.
And how does our Fearless Leader respond? By insulting Americans and spending even more money.
Please do not throw FDR in my face either. History shows the New Deal did not work and the Depression was prolonged because of it.
The tea party attendees were not just conservatives. Although I was not involved in attending a tea party, I know several people who were, and none of them are Republican's or what would be considered conservatives.
As usual, you are misleading people.
Don't you ever get sick of lying to the public?
The stimulus package + the bank bailouts + the financing and nationalizion of the auto industry + fighting two wars + socialized health care + cap and trade + TARP + mortgage refinancing... What hasn't he spent money on? Oh right, national defense. That's what the tea parties are all about!
As a economist there is uniform agreement that this is a mistake. That is a flat out lie, that he is telling. If you are a socialist it makes since but if you have ever had a basic economics class you know he is either clueless or flat out telling a lie. Did Bush blame Clinton for the tech bubble or 9/11? He really has zero class and understanding of markets. He needs to be reading books by Buffett who has already said what he is doing is a mistake. You cant spend you way out of debt.
"Certain news channels?" Obama – it was on ALL NEWS CHANNELS! Yes – and Obama has LIED about ending the war, giving the middle class a tax break and has spent, spent, spent at taxpayers expense! So now that we have an extra $5.00 in our paycheck our mayors and governors are raising our taxes and adding on fees for trash pickup. We need a change from tax and spend democrats – they are running this country into the ground!
Those critics, he said, were "just waving tea bags around."
Really, It seemed to me that the relevance of a tea party was to speak out about being over taxed. One thing Obama and democrats are unwilling to talk about. I would like to see Obama do an interview (with a news agency that doesn't get a tingle running up their leg when he speaks) about his opinion on the amount of taxes we pay, and i don't mean just Income taxes. I mean the hole deal from gas to electric to food to property and on down the line.
All Obama did was avoid the real topic and take a shot at citizens who are tiered of working half the year just to pay taxes.
now here is a president that pays attention to what is going on around him. remember when bush was asked about the 4.00 a gallon gas, he said that he didn't hear about it.
Glad that he is doing what he did during the election and calling people on the carpet when they are not giving out the right information.
He is right he did not create this mess our economy is in. We had a President for 8 years and for 6 years the Republicans held the reins.
He did not want to mention FOX News by name but after spending time watching it at my mothers house I have to say they are not fair, they are really not balanced. My mother is a conservative, I am an independant, I voted for who I think will do a good job for me not who is affilitiated with one certain party. After watching the "Fair and Balanced" views, I will still with CNN who does honestly have guests from both sides talking intelligently about the issues.
The President is on the right track....Americans need to give him some time.
I am so glad he finally responded to those "teabagging" fools!!!!!
Obama has no idea what he's talking about regarding the economy. Inheritng a deficit does not make it OK to create a MUCH worse one. His "stimulus" spends most of the money in years 2,3 & 4 so CAN'T help now when it is needed. Spending on a hodge podge of pet projects MAY create or "save" some jobs, but most of them will disappear when the proiects are completed (i.e. bridges are built). They are not permanent jobs! Government run health care is proven to be MORE expensive and less efficient. Finally, I accept his invitation to have a "serious discussion" about all of these things. Come visit our small business (the economic backbone of America) and I'll show Mr. President what works and what doesn't, clearly and specifically.
Still blaming Bush instead of stepping up and owning it. We will never get this guy to fix anything if he cannot get his brain out of the past.
If you listened to the news clip, you received, a clear concise and articulate response to the tea party people. It made sense. One would think, that after hearing that logical explanation of his fiscal policy, that the tea parties were really stupid and unnecessary. But those poeple who were protesting aren't listening to the president. They don't care about the logic. They are listening to Rush and Hannity and Faux News. In spite of the proof that is being presented to them they will continue to be naysayers. They are truly rebels without a cause. The tea parties were nothing more than a celebration of willful ignorance.
What will they say when things get better? when people start working? What will they do then? Will they admit they were wrong?
It's about time Obama answered back to his critics...now all h
Yes we inherited a 1.3 trillion dollar debt under the Bush administratinon, so where was the "tea party" then – out having a coffee break.
Can you believe it? A president who THINKS in terms of the Constitution of the United States. What's the world coming to?
It's about time Obama answered his critics, but he shouldn't listen to them too much otherwise he'll start doubting every decision he makes.
Ha ha, serious conversation when the marching orders were to call each and every person at one of these events a racist.
Hey don't want to lose all your money = racist
Don't want to live under a socialist nation = racist
Speak the truth about libs = racist
Call people like Steele, Powell, and Rice the N word = Tolerant Open-minded great human being
(you support this if you vote Democrat)
"Well, let me make a point. Number one, we inherited a $1.3 trillion deficit — that wasn't from my — that wasn't me."
I love quotes like this. It doesn't matter what party is in office, it's always someone else's fault that we are in the shape we are in. I am guessing the current Prez wasn't in office in the last few years when the prior administration was creating a deficit.
This is all we hear anymore from our government Dems and Reps.."It's not my fault... it was them."
Bravo for responsibility, oh wait...
Remove 'tea bags' from the equation. Now. You've got A LOT of really angry Americans who don't like how you're spending their hard EARNED tax money.
Taxes are high today and their going to get higher. FACT
Spending is stupidly high right now, and it's goign to get higher. FACT
Cap and Trade (failed in Europe)
Nationalized HealthCare (failed in Europe)
Illegal Immigration (failed in Europe)
All 3 of these are coming down the pike. We're "investing' alright. Investing in failed policies. Isn't that what Obama is preaching that we're trying to get away from? What a joke. Welcome to reality people.
Most of the teabaggers didn't even know what they hell they were protesting, they just hate Obama because someone who thinks for them hates him. How about forming your own opinion of the world?
He hasn't commented on it because of it's irrelevance. It was a bunch of white republican racists who really had nothing to object to other than the fact that the new president is african american. Here in Pennsylvania it was laughable the group that turned out. They all looked like religious right wing zealots and their subserviant wives. It really didn't demand any comment. It was nothing but pure republican rancor.
"The national "tea party" movement was inspired by CNBC correspondent Rick Santelli's late February outburst on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange."
I saw this nonsense. I couldn't believe a grown man would be so childish.
Give me the Warren Buffetts and the Bill Gross(s) for real insight.
Leave the tea baggers in their playpen sucking on their thumbs.
Mr. President; tea parties were attended by dems, moderates, independents, and conservatives/republicans protesting the incredible spending fest that you have embarked on......yeah we get it mr. president, you inherited a big deficit.......that line is getting real old and has nothing to do with the projected 9-10 TRILLION deficits you plan to create.........and yes, we needed a stimulus package to help save our economy and the banks, but those same economists who said we needed the stimulus have overwhelmingly stated that your spending is way over the top, is not very stimulative where its needed, and is full of PORK which will bloat the government and create more WASTE.......and then you tell us with a straight face that you're going to fix our health care system because of wasteful spending.....our healthcare system and economy are gonna catch swine flu with you at the helm..... .and those of us who watch certain news channels on which you're not very popular are the 60 million voters who didn't vote for you because that's the only channel thats not part of your campaign team.......
"just waving tea bags around."
LOL! And you people thought he had no sense of humor and couldn't be funny hahahaha...hilarious. And the GOP's double-entendre nightmare continues...
If this dismissing of the citizens of the United States of America is not a wake up call to everyone, I do not know what it will take. This President doesn't have any intention of maintaining our republic as an independant nation. His only thoughts are about bring about a new world order.
If you value your freedom I would wake up people! We are being sold into servidude.
I've been saying that all along. That they aren't really protesting anything or they're making things up. Its been childish behavior.
Obama;s #1 is a pitiful excuse, the same people that are criticizing him for spending too much are probably a lot of the same people who criticized Bush.
Obama's number 2 in this story is absolutely wrong. There is not a consensus about what to do in this crisis. How can people listen to that and nod their head?
Have you seen the movie "Bolt"? They artfully use the made up word redonkulous. This is what the tea baggers are. And while all of them aren't racist, more than a few are. The whole bunch of them should be ashamed.
This man is completely out of touch with millions of normal Americans. Drinking game tonight – a shot for every time he says inherited.
He inherited a $1.3 trillion dollar deficit and does not want to be outdone by Bush so he will triple it before he leaves office. This logic that he has inherited a deficit and poor economy and can only spend his way out of the hole is a joke. He is using this ruse as a means to spend like a typical liberal while appealing to Conservatives by saying, I had to do it. I hope he is prepared for the next president to continuely jab him about what he or she is going to inherit from Obama!
Tell them Mr.President. They don't have a clue what a serious conversation is or what an actual idea is. All "they" know how to do is cry and rant (i.e glenn beck, sean hannity, limbaugh) and cry socialism.
You may have inherited the deficit, but driving it up is your fault, Spending more on items that are unnecessary are your fault and the stimulus spending is your fault. Lack of Jobs is your fault.
You asked for cuuts from federal employees, why dont you ask people who do it for a living. ITS CALLED LEAN MANUFACTURING. If Obama and the Congress would try LEAN MANUFACTURING they would see that expenses and waste can be cut, but Obama doesnt want to try.
Obama and the Congress only want to spend and not listen to suggestions.
I think the tea party actually came back and slapped the Republican Party. Most of the teabaggers do not even keep up with all that Obama has done for this nation. They were just upset that there is a Democrat in the White House. It has been said that the Republican party is dying, this may actually be a reality since now only 21 percent of Americans identify themselves as Republican. Jump off the sinking ship before it's to late!
MR PRESIDENT
Grow up and respond to criticisim like a man. When ronald regan won the president the economy was in worse shape than today. He put his vision with tax cuts. Not once did he complain that he inherited
the mess from Carter. He explained his vision as a great communicator. When Bush took Office after Clinton the economy was on a downslide. He put his vision like a man and never complained that he inherited the mess. If you feel that you must spend in order to save this economy than say so. Many americans diagree with your policy of spending, so just explain to us why you need to spend without insulting us. I thought petty politics is over. I see it is not.
When will Obama learn to shut up! I stared out liking this guy, now that I've learned that he has absolutly no clue how to acomplish anything. I'm tired of hearing him or anything about him. He is a classic novice manager, plenty of activity but no achievment.
Number one, we inherited a $1.3 trillion deficit — that wasn't from my — that wasn't me."
Can you imagine what the next president is going to say he inherited from Obama – a $10 trillion deficit. Either that or we will all be speaking Mandarin by then.
The Pied Piper of Hamelin will lead u to the end... His music is beautiful and can lead mice and men....when its time to pay he will end your day....beware of the taxes he will pose..u will wish they had been exposed. Umderstand what he will do because he will take advantage of you.
"But let's not play games and pretend that the reason is because of the [$787 billion stimulus bill], because that's just a fraction of the overall problem that we've got."
Oh you got that right... don't forget the 3.7 Trillion dollar budget you passed... you know 1.7 Trillion higher than the one your blaming it on.
That... plus the mass increase in buisness, death, and investment taxes... You havne't even touched healthcare yet which isn't going to be free. The 9 thousand ear marks you said you wouldn't do because you never waste a crisis.
You know... 1981 was worse... so get over the depression crap... and since it's turning... are you going to STOP the rest of the money???? doubt it.... NEVER WASTE A CRISIS... your admins words... not mine.
He didn't have to do that. They made fools of themselves all on their own. They're tea bag.gers! Something needs to be done about The F Word Channel though, as Jack Cafferty would call it. Isn't there such a thing as media mal-practice?? Or aren't there any laws against inciting violence? Why is Charles Man.son in jail if Glenn Be.ck and Sean Han.nity are allowed to spew their hate and encourage violence against the government freely? (Drive a stake throught the bloodsuckers hearts?? Come on now)
THEY WERE JUST WAVING TEA BAGS AROUND
Love him hes funny! But really President Obama you Know it was Nothing More then a Fox driven Hate Fest for you!
Apparently Mr. Obama is not listening to the American people. To dismiss the tea parties as "people waving tea bags" goes to show how out of touch he is with this country. Yes, he talks to us, but does he listen to us? The answer is NO. The tea parties were not just about "waving tea bags" (he must have tuned into msnbc). The American people are fed up with his spending of our money and piling on others' debts on the hard working taxpayers. LISTEN to the people Mr. president. We did not just wave tea bags, .....you must not have read the signs we were holding!!!
Mr. President, you are wrong to assume that teabaggersand those who incite them are capable of serious conversation. There will always be low information types who will allow themselves to be led by the nose. They have yet to realized that Hannity, Limbaugh and Beck outsourced their protesting to them so they could keep more of their no talent paychecks. Who do these teabaggers think will made up the tax burden when the rich don't pay their fare share? That's right , folks living paycheck to paycheck, but Hannity can go home to his gated community every night paid for by the working class. They would rather cut their nose off to spite their face than admit they are wrong. The only comfort I have is that their numbers are dwindling. Just brush the haters off Mr. President.
The tea baggers were ok with bush rebuilding Iraq yet they have a problem with President Obama rebuilding America.
I'm still waiting for someone (journalist, politician , . . anyone?) to draw the distinction between wasteful spending and investing for future returns. Spending millions (or is it billions?) of dollars in Iraq on a war that never should have been started is wasting money. Spending money to prevent financial collapse and to reform healthcare are investments that will provide financial returns in the future.
Those teabaggers are nothing but partisan hypocrites. They had no problem with Bush Jr. doubling our national debt. They were silent about the burden for future generations then. They should have protested for the past eight years. They didn't. To read their own words upon them 'It's too late!'
Speaking of Banks...I remember seeing Joe (bugsy looking fellow) the President of Addison State Bank 1983-1985 (Northern Trust what ever they are calling it now) Down Town Dallas, Texas 1996. Corner of Field and Ross 7:30 a.m. I think he is backing Al and Hillary......Joe was the one that moved the money around when the wires for Amon came through!!!
While some tea party attendees had a real reason to protest, the GOP and FOX news turned it into a charade and an opportunity to lament their loss at the polls.
The protesters want their cake and eat it too. They say they're overburdened with taxes and want tax cuts, and yet they also want to aleviate the tax burden on future generations. We've heard it for decades now. We've seen the results. These are mutually exclusive. So if you're worried about the debt for future generations then put your money where your mouth is: pay YOUR taxes, pay YOUR debt so that you don't pass that debt down to YOUR children!
Finally !
A President we can believe in.
The republicians just need to go far away. Like an island somewhere.
I would love it if our President would have a town hall with some of the tea partiers (I can't say tea baggers without thinking of the urban dictionary definition and getting my tickle bone in an uproar). He would probably alieve some of their fears that he's a living breathing boogey man. However, most won't be able to understand him, sadly.
Of course.... blame Bush for everything. I suppose Bush also started the swine flu pandemic too, right?
Obama, you're not even a man, because a real man takes responsibility no matter what the obstacles. My son was born with cerebral palsy–does that mean I should just throw my hands in the air when things aren't going well? After all, my wife and I "inherited" the situation, and even though it's been enormously difficult, we've made the most out of everything we've gotten. You wanted the job right? Nobody forced you to take it Mr. President.
Excellent! He basically told them "When you want to discuss things like reasonable adults, I'll be here for that, but when you want to be hysterical and silly, you can go somewhere else because adults are talking." If the Republicans want to behave like children, then that's how we should treat them. And at the moment they're not acting mature enough to be granted any credibility.
Obama is WRONG!
Bush was WRONG!
We have to balance the budget. We have to cut spending. If we want to put out a small amount to stabilize banks fine but they didn't need a huge bail out. That so-called stimulus bill was full of pork, the budget full of earmarks. This is PATHETIC. OBAMA IS PATHETIC!
If he really wants to respond to the Tea Party movement he needs to get serious about fiscal responsibility. We have to stop promising free stuff to people. We need a third party and we need one soon. The tech bubble recession, 9/11 recession, mortgage failure recession – - these are all excuses to borrow money against our children to fund their pathetic pet projects!
First of all, trivializing the actual tea party of the 1700s is quite stupid. Our economy and government have nothing in common with that tea party. It's just a bunch of whining Republicans trying to get a spotlight again instead of working to come up with some creative ideas that aren't just old Bush's ideas over and over that created this mess to start with.
The reason why I don't respect the tea parties is b/c it was filled w/ those who didn't vote for him (which was spinned as if it represented all americans, and yes some DEMS didn't vote Obama), and was advertised for weeks, by FOX news network, and their anchors...that's just not fair and balanced journalism.....most states w/ the biggest turnouts, were and are, red states.....that have never, and will never for the forseeable future vote DEM.........Obama has took the lead of FDR during the depression.....deficit spending....I think it worked......Americans voted FDR in for 4 consecutive terms (is that failure)....FDR passed away as President of the U.S.A., and Truman took over.
Obama has no clue what the tea parties are about.
President Obama is absolutely correct !!! Ultimately, we must remember, the long range goal of the GOP is to bankrupt our Fedral Government. This way, they (GOP) can implement the complete privitization of America and institute an American "serf" system without a middle class !!!
If a 1.3 trillion dollar deficit is part of the problem he inherited then how is increasing it 10 fold the solution?
I think the "teabaggers" should take their lead from some of the Conservative Governors who are positioning themselves for a 2012 run.
Don't like the stimulus? SEND YOUR CHECK BACK, and that includes the $600 that GEORGE BUSH mailed you last year.
Come on, we're WAITING..... where's the checks?
Oh, right.
Obama says he admires Lincoln. When Lincoln was sworn in the country was on the verge of Civil War, a much worse situation than we find ourselves today. Yet you won't find one speech where Lincoln blamed his predecessor for the 'mess' he 'inherited'. Lincoln just got down to work saving the Union. Obama should take note. It's not Bush's deficit, it's Obama's deficit and it's getting worse not better. Stop blaming others and FIX IT!
You tell 'em, Obama.
So I guess as a sitting senator in the majority party he had nothing to do with the budget? Maybe he needs to go back to law school and learn how spending bills are passed – they started in the House and the Senate. So in 2006 and 2007 HIS PARTY passed the spending bills that he is now claiming he inherited. He was a voting member of those bills he is now claiming he inherited, and his response – SPEND MORE!
Even the Tea Baggers had no idea why they were there ...
No idea what they were protesting ...
More ... and getting beyond old ... Republican BS
A rare glimpse at the real Obama. Disrespectful towards people that do not agree with him instead of taking their concerns seriously.
Serious conversation?? Really?? Hmmm....you mean a conversation where he stands in front of his teleprompter and puts down, ridicules, and dismisses anyone who disagrees with him and his policies....no REAL commitment to having a conversation....not with anyone who has any suggestions that don't go along with what he has already planned.
As far as this "inherited" business.....he was a part of the congress when this all went down. So, he didn't inherit it, he is one of the owners of it. Remember, the Democrats were in charge of the congress the last 2 years. They could have done a number of things to stop this.
As far as the Tea Parties...they are good for the nation to help us focus on his proposed spending agenda. Otherwise, they will slip in any spending they can in the hope that we aren't paying attention to them!!
He doesn't realize that Republicans don't WANT to bring healthcare costs down anymore than they want us to end our reliance on oil.
It is an observed fact that the average Republican would rather watch $700 Billion flow into middle-eastern countries coffers than into the hands of progressive American corporations. Just the same, they would rather see 50% of our GDP go toward for-profit health insurance than 5% go toward government-run insurance.
"Waving teabags around.".....Ooooh snap !!!! So much for the tea baggers who thought they were spiting the President with their hatefilled signs. This is too funny.
When do these "serious" discussions start...it's been 100 days now. Rhetoric is not the same as discourse.
Obamas 3 favorite words.....I inherited it! He owns the economy now, he is the one who is spending more than all the other presidents put together. His policies are the ones that will make this recession last longer than necessary. He is the one who will be raising our taxes to cover HIS spending habits............just like California, the politicians over spend and the taxpayers pay for it.
I love how every leftist protester is always a champion of the 1st Amendment. Now protesters espousing fiscally conservative views are marginalized by the administration. And don't forget everyone on MSNBC, or CNN's Anderson Cooper (well, who would know better than AC about the perils of "teabagging"?). By the way CNN, is Susan Roesgen back from her "preplanned" vacation yet?
I drew a lot of inspirations from all the bold moves Obama has made in the very short time that he's been in office. What I don't understand is the fact that he wants everyone to love him – that's a dream that will NEVER come true. Mr. Obama, there is no way every American will agree with your approach; the most important thing is to be sure that you have a positive agenda that you've tabled and carefully examined with the brains around you. Constructive criticisms do help a lot too, listen to them and act on them if necessary.
When the huge success comes knocking as a result of the carefully calculated risks that you took; everyone will shower their praises on you and seek to associate themselves with the "Obama Agenda" that pulled America out of the holes. Some will be too proud to eat their words, but at least, they will keep mute. Tea-party or no tea-party, it's called freedom of expression.
Why in world is it necessary to do everything in the first 100days ?? Is there something he’s trying to hide and using his star power to gets things slipped in ?? We are in an unprecedented financial crisis and to pull in heath care reform/spending at the same time just appears to be a power play to implement more social programs that will only put more burden on future generations. I can’t wait to see what other critical social programs can be created due the Swine-Flu crisis.
I know plenty of regular Dems and even liberals that feel the same way. Tell the truth BO, your 2010 Budget is an 800 pound Gorilla from which there is no escape.
Obama is really, really bad aT math.
He says he inherited a $1.3 trillion deficit. He has increased it to 1.9 trilliion.
We needed a stimulus bill. He gave us a $787 billion one full of pork and half of which will not be spent until after 2010 when the economy is supposed to be recovered and growing and no stimulus spending will be needed.
Who says it is all about the 1.9 trillion deficit for this year and a $787 billion stimulus bill.
It is about the stimulus and the bailouts and the current budget which the CBO says will add $9.3 trillion of deficit spending over the next decade.
So let's not pretend it is about 2.7 trillion of new spending. It is about trillions and trillions of new spending and the resulting 9.3 trillion in debt and how the hell you think we can pay for it.
GET A CLUE OBAMA!!!!!
That's just an out an out lie. He inherited a 480 billion dollar deficit which was pretty high and even liberals criticized it, and promptly made it a 2 trillion dollar deficit. And liberals think a 2 trillion dollar deficit is OK.
I wish Obama would stop lying.
You're pretty naive if you think 95% of anyone got tax cuts. If he gives you a tax cut in one bill and then increases everyones' taxes with another bill, that's NOT giving 95% of anyone a tax cut. You people are the most gullible people I have ever seen.
He has no clue....
I don't understand this. Except for the 787 billion dollar recovery bill that was recently passed Obama hasn't spent much yet. Bush was giving away money to the Iraqis and no one held his feet to the fire. MoveOn.org had an ad in 2004 election describing how our children were going to inherit so much debt and no one said anything then. Now that we have a Prsident who started to pay attention to the needs of the country everyone is crying foul. You can't eat your cake and have it too. I just don't get it.
Protesting about taxation with representation has more to do with sour grapes than with tea.
Whatever. Just more babble from an empty suit, teleprompter dependent idiot. I hear the contempt you have for us "tea party" people but make no mistake, we ain't going away and no amount of sarcastic comments are going to make us. So as you make your little speech on a network that loves you, know this, we will not be deterred no matter how much you try to dismiss us by attacking us personally versus speaking about the reasons we were protesting (BTW that is right out of your handbook, "Rules for Radicals" and we know that trick). Also, don’t even try the old line, “They don’t even know what they are protesting” cause it will not fly. This isn’t about your skin color either but the content of your character.
So what solution do you right wingers have other than foaming at the mouth? This is a crisis that has been coming for 30 years. The insanity of the last 8 finally put us here. We have been exporting jobs and cutting taxes on the rich without thinking about how we will get the money to continue to provide services.
Will Obama's plan work? I don't know, I hope so. He is betting his Presidency on it. Other than whining, what do YOU do?
Speaking for myself, in my eyes, President Obama is doing a good job with what he has to deal with. The trainwreck of the economy is starting to slow to where it can begin its eventual climb, unfortunately the inertia of bodies in the form of jobs losses will continue its path until finally climbing back onboard the economic train and recovery will finally be realized.
I as an independent do not always agree with the current administration but I indeed have confidence that they are steering the ship in the right direction but in reality only time will tell. Therefore we all must have patience but keep ever mindful and diligent of unfolding events.
But as I completely disagree with the Republican Party currently in their state of being, I do have hope that somewhere within their own trainwreck some smart Republican can emerge that will provide tangible ideas that mainstream America can embrace and save their party from a disastrous contraction of membership which they are now experiencing. Even our President has said if any of them are listening, he is willing to listen to their NEW ideas, but he cannot listen to any ideas if none are being presented. And if the Republicans are listening, many Americans are willing to listen to new tangible ideas from the republicans but so far none have come forth other than... No, socialist, tea parties, communism, fascist or a whole slew of other name calling.
I believe we need a multi party system. But we will not have one unless a new party is formed to become a national party that appeals to the people or the Republican's stop the trainwreck they are in and rebuild.
When I bought the house, the stove was on fire, so I threw gasoline on it. See, it's not my fault! Unless something good happens of course, then it was me.............
"I know you've been hearing all these arguments about, oh, 'Obama is just spending crazy,'" the president said at a town hall event in Arnold, Missouri Wednesday."
Hey Obama...what was the taxpayer's cost of your Air Force One trip to Missouri and back to D.C.? You talk of Americans needing to sacrifice, maybe you should show a little leadership and sacrifice a few of these feel good publicity trips and stay in Washington.
Tea baggers. They are akin to the grind-up leaves in the bag.
{Peter (CA) April 29th, 2009 5:50 pm ET
So what solution do you right wingers have other than foaming at the mouth? This is a crisis that has been coming for 30 years. The insanity of the last 8 finally put us here. We have been exporting jobs and cutting taxes on the rich without thinking about how we will get the money to continue to provide services.
Will Obama's plan work? I don't know, I hope so. He is betting his Presidency on it. Other than whining, what do YOU do?}
Peter – He's betting a bit more than just his "presidency" on this......
There is much more at stake here, than just his legacy.
Well at least he is speaking the truth for once. Look at the junior senator's voting record and you will see that he almost never voted for anything. So I guess he is telling the truth since he didn't vote for much how could he be responsible.
...and then the liberal lemmings attack in 3...2...1...
Mr. President, you're gracious as always.
I wonder about that lady with the tea bags around her hat .....Does anyone know if she's still roaming the streets waving a tea bag flag? She looked so bewildered. It was as if someone dragged her off the street, threw that hat on her head, and put a tea bag flag in her hand to wave...Poor thing....
Once again, our President shows that his fairy tale presidency is nothing but fable after fable. Not only does he continue to blame his "inheriting" a deficit, which he proceeds to TRIPLE, but he adds insult to injury by implying that American's don't know the difference between truth and fiction.
He also said he'd be glad to sit down and have a conversation with someone about how to fix those problems he can't seem to stop throwing money at. Well, I'd be glad to sit down and let him know how to handle it. Anyone with at least a high school level economics class could handle these issues in a more fiscally-sound manner.
All the rigged polls in the world can't change fiction into fact ... and we know the facts. It's way past time we started hearing facts from the White House.
President Obama...You are definitely an intelligent leader. We have lacked leadership for 8 years. Don't worry about the "tea bums", they enjoy their ignorance. They have no brains. They put their trust and beliefs in a drug addict radio dude WHO IS LAUGHING HIS FAT BUTT ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK. Nuff said!
Mr. President – please change your mind on torture. It would make my LIFE if you would send that disgusting human being, if you want to call him a human being, DICK to prison for life!!!!!
GO PRESIDENT OBAMA...YOU ROCK!!
that didn't have their heads in the sand? or run around yelling the sky is falling?
they were participating in a good discussion?
no, couldn't be
must not be listening to Rush or O'Rielly
Wasn't he a member of Congress? Doesn't that mean he was voting for the budgets presented to Congress by President Bush? Oh yeah, that's right, for the entire 2 years of his first and only Senate term, he was running for president and wasn't around to vote for any bills. I guess he really can keep blaming everybody else for the country's problems. By the way, it wasn't FOX News reporters actually protesting. There were thousands of others and it's insulting to just dismiss them the way the other news outlets and now the President has done. I suppose if they had been marching in favor of gay marriage or free abortions, you all would have been throwing rose petals and confetti.
Why should any conversation our President include people who publicly call him vile names and insult his family. That's pretty petty. The the tea baggers screaming and threatening and trying to incite violence.
I got news for you – I don't care how many guns you have stockpiled, you and your friends are no match for the US Military.
I'm tired of listening to racist and disgusting names being thrown around and then hearing the Right cry 'ooo you're pulling the race card'. Sit back and take a gooooood look around. You don't like a Black guy being 'above' you, do you? Thought so. You'll feel better once you realize it. Your hate is not helping. And please read the ENTIRE Constitution, not just the Bill of Rights before you cloak yourself in it. Ditto for the Bible.
Obama will raise taxes on everyone to pay for all of the programs and bigger government, like Bush the 1st and Clinton. He has no choice. I'm a waitin for that free government health care, those fancy government made chevrolets and chryslers, government run banks, and everything government. No more poor, sick, unemployed, or evil disgusting rich people, like David Letterman (12 mil yr), Jon Stewart(4 mil a yr) and Glenn Beck (4 mil a yr). We will have free electric cars, free houses, a 10 hour work week and best of all, no bosses. Everything will be done by consensus. Saint Obama will care for us, his blind, adoring, dependant children. Utopia is just around the corner, except for Afghanistan and Iraq of course. Gosh, Xmas don't be late!! HEIL OBAMA !!! HEIL OBAMA !!!
@Mike in Dallas April 29th, 2009 5:50 pm ET
read this****Bev – NYC April 29th, 2009 4:48 pm ET
Mr. President, you are wrong to assume that teabaggersand those who incite them are capable of serious conversation. There will always be low information types who will allow themselves to be led by the nose. They have yet to realized that Hannity, Limbaugh and Beck outsourced their protesting to them so they could keep more of their no talent paychecks. Who do these teabaggers think will made up the tax burden when the rich don't pay their fare share? That's right , folks living paycheck to paycheck, but Hannity can go home to his gated community every night paid for by the working class. They would rather cut their nose off to spite their face than admit they are wrong. The only comfort I have is that their numbers are dwindling. Just brush the haters off Mr. President.****I AGREE!!!!!