CNN

This thread is hilarious...

And, I really wish that you people could get it right. The United States government is a Federal Republic...it took about 4 of you to get that wrong...

Obama is right, we don't need to conform to the Republicans so don't engage yourself in their none sensical trivial bull which is much about nothing. Stay focused, we will the next election.

Compromising with Obama is like compromising with the devil. How anyone can support this idiot is beyond comprehension,

There is no such thing as bipartisanship. It is simply a term used by the party in power to browbeat the party out of power. Grow up people. We have a two party system. It will always be ugly and contentious. I would be very concerned if we had just one party (unless it was MY party).

It takes two to "bicker," Mr President. Abandon your efforts to impose ever more intrusive government on the country and we'll stop "bickering."

I hope President Obama is wrong...I hope the Rethugs continue on their path to destruction...
It's going to be a Loooong time before a Rethug lives in the WH again.
Change has come to America....Rethugs!!!!! LOL!LOL!

Republicans can stop their whining and get on the train the only way I will vote for them is if they propose abolishing the monetary system itself until then stop whining about its inevitable shortcomings Obama is trying to plug

Look at any country in the world that has socialized medicine.It does not work and now this country;s medical system will be ruined also. And I am a democrat.

Republicans are scrambling to come up with a new winning formula. But it won't be as easy as it was last time, when their Southern Strategy split off the white southern element through the use of racist code words and an appeal to religious fundamentalists. By alienating people of color the GOP has consigned itself to a long time in the wilderness. I anticipate at least 16 years of Democratic rule. The disaster of the 8 years of Bush-Cheney accelerated this process.

No offense Mr. President, , , , but if the Republicans maintain their obstructionist ways, they will become irrelevant and will eventually whither away. This is much preferred.

It's a savvy political ploy straight out of the Emmanuel/Carville strategy book. It one press conference the Democrats dictate the Republican agenda for opposition and pronounces failure. What's really pathetic is the Republicans will go for it, properly avoiding any serious consideration of issues the President doesn't want them involved in.
It was Emmanuel and Carville who anointed Limbaugh the head of the GOP and branded Steele a Tom. The Party swallowed that hook, line and sinker. Cheney even bought it. Why shouldn't it work for the agenda?

Where was all this bipartisanship the last 8 years.
The only thing you are getting out of Obama is help out those who screw themselves over. I over spent my credit card can you help me out of debt.
I bought a 1 million dollar hhouse when i could only afford a 75,000 dollar house when is amerca going to wake up and realise itself that people need to do things for themselves and not rely on others?

Call me the last of the optimists, but I still have hope that Obama and his 'crowd' will come back to their senses and REDUCE the tax load on those who are working to earn their way. Come back to their senses and quit giving money away to people who NEVER worked and give it to those on Social Security who earned all of those tax dollars.

Wow Johnq

You sure told me. Let me reword it then. We the people in this REPUBLIC... democratic Republic.. elected Barack Obama because the MAJORITY of people in this Democratic Republic wanted to elect a president who represented the changes that Obama is offering. Therefore.. once again.. the Republicans are still fighting the will of the people.

I think he really wants to change things. I don't want it. I don't want him to take opportunity away from the people. I don't want to live in another kind of society. I like America and I want John McCain to be President.

Amen Jarred!!!

- except that Texas leaving bit...

everything that comes out of his mouth is a LIE!

Fat chance, those southern republicans will be aganist any and everything that comes from President Obama, they will even load any spending bills with pork, complain and still vote aganist it. They will keep wining about partisanship however, americans know their true agenda.

Hey Reatte, Beaumont, Texas:

I hope you get your wish and die a Republican dummy that you are. Going by your logic, all those big businesses and and small businesses with their hands out who cried to the Bush administration that they are too big to fail are a bunch of freeloaders. It is capitalism when big and small capitalists come hat in hand to the government, but socialism, when poor and middle class people do the same. I now have it figured out. Government should only be there just for the rich. That's what conservatism is all about.

Wow, Jarrod. That was perfect, really. That is by far the most succinct, yet accurate, explanation I've heard of the eight preceding Obama's inauguration. I wish I could have come up with it myself, but I'm just regaining my senses following the abuse of America by the Bush administration and the Republican party.

Obama sounds awfully sure of himself. He is willing to let the public do what he promised in the way of bi partisanship, that sure didn't turn out too well. It is his way or no way and he has made a few mistakes so he should understand that he is not right all the time.
He was perfectly willing to release the photos until the Military stepped in and advised him how much harm this would create for the military. It just doesn't hurt to listen.

"They don't want bickering...and when they realize that?"
Wait a minute, if we didn't want it, then we would have already realized that...you are trying to put words into people's mouths.

The Republicans are history. There is nothing to compromise about.

...we'll have an open out-stretched hand from me...weird...this guy thinks we all need him to "save" us...I'll wait for Jesus.

Republican's have demonstrated time and time again (Hoover, Reagan, Bushes), that they are incapable of governing in an effective manner. However, they are not all that bad as the opposition party. They kept Bill Clinton from falling into the extreme liberalism trap, and: no matter what you think of Bill's personal (private) behaviors, he was the most effective president of the last fifty years. I strongly believe in the two party system. It is not necessary that we all join hands in consensus agreement on every issue.

I wouldn't count on my President looking for the repigs to agree with anything he has too offer. The repigs wants to see Obama fail. That's all nothing else.

Obama is ONE and DONE--the economy is sinking into a depression and he will eventually pay the price--his popularity will wilt as unemplyoment continues to rise and people are forced out of their homes-

Republican politicians will have to start supporting the president or face their pissed-off electorate. We are tired of the RNC puppets trying to block everything Obama suggests.

You are absolutely correct that the people want results right now, Mr. President.

It's going to be enjoyable watching you explain over the course of the next three years why after spending so much money, we will be in a stagflated economy with no real positive result.

The government will not decide which doctor you go to . Do you people not listen??? I have health insurance and I work but I pay a fortune and my perscription coverage is terrible. I have a rare condition and Pay almost 400.00 a month and thats with insurance. I barely get by. I sure want help if I can get it. And so do a lot of people. The repo idiots need to wake up. If you don't start working with the President you can forget the next election. Im keeping a list of all the crazies and sure don"t plan to vote for any of them. It is obvious that most repos are not to bright or they wouldn't be so against health care reform.

The American public don't want a bad result, or "quick fix." We need a plan- and a plan B- since plan A doesn't always work. We need what is best for our country- right now and in the long run. I think Americans will compromise where they have to in order to put the country's best interest first. Let's make sure that what is best for the country is what we are striving for.

@ROBIN:

I had a job, and I earned it, for fifty years. Now I'm elderly, disabled, and poor, and I need the government's help.

Get over it.

We don't set our elderly out on ice floes to be eaten by polar bears.

Love all these socialists blabbing about Nobama and the Demo elites that they support. How many of you people have defended this country? Not too many I bet. My 20 years of service give you the right to push your nonsense. Spending money you don't have to fix the problems that people who can control themselves is the answer? I think not. So now you have Congress full of people who want to spend money that does not belong to them to bail out a bunch of people who spent money they didn't have to begin with. You guys make me sick. Get a job stop depending on others you bunch of whinning idiots. EARN YOUR KEEP!!!!!!!!!! STOP WHINNING AND DO FOR YOURSELVES. BY THE WAY " IN GOD WE TRUST " "GOD BLESS AMERICAN AND THE TROOPS THAT KEEP U.S. FREE.

The President may be engaging in wishful thinking. These Republicans are desperate. They don't see any benefit for them to work with this President. Remember, they are now the party of NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Most of their leaders believe that the only way to regain their conservative highground is by saying NO! to whatever the President and the Democratic Congress want to implement to clean up the frigging mess they created. They are aware that they may be in the wilderness for years if the Prez and the Dems clean up their mess just like FDR did, Clinton did after Reagan and Papa Bush, and Obama is now doing after Bush Jr.

What Republican Party?? OH there still is one???

Well I think the Republican party has left a foul taste in Majority of Americans Mouths and Rush Limbaugh is continuing to make us NOT Like Republicans anymore. Its making me for one scared to even attempt to vote that way knowing the things he says and the majority of Republicans who follow what he says and supports it.

I vote all Democrat anyday anymore. Republicans are losing it. I wouldnt be suprised if some Republicans slipped away and formed a new party and Republicans become obsolete

Why is it with most dictators they think that compromise involves obedience and submission to their views? If Bush talked like this there would be tons of people on here calling him a facists. Yet when Barack Obama says it the sheep willingly follow and idiots talking about how great his speech was.

When did half of America surrender their ability to think for themseves?

So..... compromise now means one side doesn't give in at all and the other side has full control. That sounds more like dictatorship... Might want to look up the definition of "compromise".

Americans voted for Obama because they liked him – not his policies. The Republicans do not need to compromise – all they have to do is wait out Obama's personal popularity – and the loss of Democrat seats in 2010.

Republicans hate. They are incapable of working with, listening to or respecting anyone who does not think or look EXACTLY as they do. It was their downfall in 2008 and it will continue to be their downfall.

No matter. We will go along without them and they will, of course, suck up as much of the reformed health care system that they can.

Get over yourself folks. Founding Fathers my foot. America needs a new direction. No one is steering completely away from what the founding fathers had in mind but I am sure they did not have that an AA President would be here today in mind.

So the public is going to do what he should have done from the day he won to the day he was sworn into office? Not so fast. Public ain't doing your dirty work for you or pick up your dirty socks for you. You screwed bipartisanship with your stimulus bill and now you want the public to do your job for $0. Use your mouthpiece Michelle. She has been good at it so far. Invite Elmo.

Now barack is going to build a nice social medicare system. Bankrupt the country, destroy pharmaceuticals, ruin our health care, and make people stand in line like they do in europe.
Yes he will get a not so smart public to support him in destroying the United States of America. King barack the great person who brought the USA down will be remembered in the history books as would Chavez in Venezuela.

I predict the party of no will get voted out

and with any luck the independants will rise from their ashes

Robin – I hope you never lose your job because then you will have no health care. Obama's plan will allow you to BUY into a health care plan like what Congress enjoys.

Sniffit:

100% of the American people are going to receive a tax increase. It will either be direct (income tax) or indirect (payroll tax, reduced tax deduction, cap & trade, etc.).

Don't be naive. Obama promised change and that is what he will leave you with.

Obama is a scumbag

term limits are the answer. 2 just like the president and we will have bi partisanship.

Do people not even educate themselves on what the proposed policies are? The healthcare plan is supposed to allow those that have insurance to keep it (even encourage it) and to provide health insurance for those that can't get it. While some will complain about tax payers paying for health insurance for others, we already do! We pay for the emergency care that these patients receive at hospitals. If we could get them healthcare, they could focus on preventative medicine (that's the president's plan) and in turn would cost the taxpayer LESS because fewer patients would need the expensive emergency care that the taxpayers have to pay for. Pay attention, people

The Republicans don't listen to the American people. They do as they please and hire Madison Ave. to spin it for them. It worked for a long time until the public wised up!

Polls show America loves Obama. But the polls also show:

We don't want socialized health care.
We don't want terrorist prison pictures released.
We want less bailout, less gov't ownship of banks and car companies
We don't want higher taxes.
We do want stem cells
We want gay rights (split 50/50 on the marriage thing)
We want to get Bin Ladin but we want out of the wars
We want a balanced budget
We want better education and education choice

I think both sides need to compromise not just the Republicans.

My bad ceasr chavez not the idiot dictator from Venezuela

It's time for a better medical health care programs. I hear rep's in the House & Senate dog national health care programs in other nations like Canada, and the UK. They neglect to mention the other nations whose health systems work great. I know this because I've lived in both systems, and many Euro nations have great health care where a 85 year old with cancer is under the knife in weeks, you can't sue the doctor, because the individual is much more involved in the entire procedure. There are great models out there, the doctors don't aren't short changed because they don't have to pay out the nose for malpractice insurance. That's the only one's who lose are lawyers, and insurance companies. That's alright with me.

Obama, if ever empties Ft. Knox with more debts, more billions for war no change here, his advisers are the same breed with Bush only with a different collar, same old special interests groups with top priority of dovetailing policies towards preferential treatment for "them". Tthe only thing new in the White House is the sleeveless dress of his wife.

We NEED health care reform. The problem with current health care system is it heavily favors large business, if an employee gets sick (meaning they have to draw on their medical for a long period of time) the increase in everyone's premiums are essentially non-existent.

However this is not the case for people who are self employed or run a small business, if a workers gets sick either premiums immediately increase. In this situation small company are either forced to drop the person from the company's medical policy, or force everyone to pay the higher premium.

Having the government partly pay for private insurance is a good thing, it will drastically reduce costs and will be much more fairer to smaller companies and self-employed workers.

Obama's definition of "compromise" is that he'll let them spit instead of swallow.

I hope that's okay here at CNN... I know MSNBC uses porn references in its news, and CNN is pretty much the same as MSNBC, politically.

Nice post Gerda. Numbers and facts tend to scare liberals

When all you listen to is Fox Snooze and Rush Limbow what else can you believe but the sky is falling. If the conservatives don't come around soon they will be left in the dust.

Leesa you and your ilk lashed out from day 1 of Bush's Presidency. You didn't support a thing he did. Seems like the tables have simply turned.

I hope the Republicans stay with what they know is correct. By the way, these Republicans in congress represent the millions of Americans who voted them in. These Americans want representation and so far they have had that. Deal with it Obama and don't try to push a piece of garbage through just to say it got done. Health care is too important to do half-assed.

You guys are so funny. The insurance companies ARE RUNNING YOUR LIFE right now. So all is happening is that how health insurance is run will change and cost will lower. If you think you are controlling your own healthcare now, you are funny. Spare me the big brother stuff. You people are so funny. What happens if you loose your job tomorrow...you have no insurance. Thanks to Obama, you can get a reduction on COBRA payments but what about when that is done. Some people worship their job like it will be there tomorrow and think they have healthcare related freedom with these big greedy insurance companies but they are sadly mistaken. I worked for insurance for nearly a decade doing IT work. You would vomit if you knew insurance company profit margins and what the insurance brokers make. Gross.

So much for freedom of the press...My last 5 comments have died in committe....Is obama in a dark room reviewing these things?

@Mississippi Mike,

Since you blog, one can assume that you can read. Therefore, if you go back and read what the article actually said as opposed to what you want it to say, you will find that he wants "compromise" not "my way or the highway". There is a difference. I'm sure you can find a dictionary and figure out what that difference is...

@ Bob in PA:

You're not into getting taxed 45-50%? You must have not liked the Bush years then. Because if you add up the taxes that you pay - Federal, State, Local, Sales, Payroll, Property, etc., you were getting taxed in that range for the past 8 years (and probably closer to the last 40 years). Taxes are not an invention of Barack Obama. What he is saying is that he wants to use your tax dollars for different purposes than Bush. Whether those things are what we should be spending on is a debate worth having. But saying that Obama raised your taxes sky high is just false - there's no basis for that statement. It's just a fantasy talking point for the Republicans who anticipate needing to raise taxes (which they would have to have done anyway, regardless of whether a Republican or a Democrat is in the White House).

You have a job so you earned your health coverage, Robin? What world of entitlement do you live in? My husband and I are self employed and each work 12 – 15 hours a day. Because we are over 50 very few insurers will even come near us, so, we pay $15,000 per year for premiums for a plan with a $5000 deductible for each of us. Try that on for size, all of you who think everything is just hunky dory because you have employer paid health coverage. Americans like me understand and back oue President 100% in his efforts to bring affordable and accessible healthcare to ALL Americans.

Since I am a rich, old white Republican, I have decided to go ahead and pay for everyones healthcare. Yep...thats right. All the rest of you young, hip democrats can go ahead and quit your jobs.

Relax and smoke a joint...I got this...

Unfortunatly that out-stretched hand will be for "collecting" more tax money.

sorry libs, republicans are going to oppose you on bad policy, and support you on good policy. unfortunately there is not much that is good. call us back when you have something.

i want to know examples where democrats have compromised with republicans over the past 8 years?

Lock step with Obama. Only Obama is right. The Cult of Obama.

This member of the "Public" isn't going to pressure anyone to go along with Obama's spending frenzy. Due to Obama's misguided spending frenzy, for the next decade we will experience deficits in excess of a trillion dollars each year (Source:Kiplinger Forecast).

Won't be able to lay that debt at Bush's feet, Dimwitcrats.

Obama is a jack booted socialist thug.

Americans do want results now. I wonder if those desired results are tripling (conservative estimate) the federal deficit, reduction in defense spending, and socialized healthcare.

Coming from the mouth of the most partisan politician we have. He does nothing but lie and play games with us. It's a good thing the Office of the President of the United States is bigger than him. He does not speak for Republicans, never has and never will. Many Americans, like myself, do not agree with his policies. The Republican party only lost an election not their ideals and what they stand for, as much as the Dems would love to think they have.

I want all of the people who oppose this to give up their medicare. It's the same freaking thing. Socialism I tell you! Ha What a bunch of idiots. The party of "NO" is getting old really fast. Even some of them are starting to realize you can't fight President Obama on every singe issue and nomination. They lost the election for a reason. No one cares what they think anyway. All they do is obstruct and whine. Just a bunch of two year olds in dire need of a nap.

Nationalize health care what a stupid idea. Look to the north they have and that why many of the come to the USA for certain treatments. We dont need to be forced to see certain doctors take medicines and treatment that not going to help us. Congress can't do there jobs and they sure aren't doctors.

Oh please.Obama's version of what a compromise is..."Do as I say....". Its laughable to think that all this money he has shelled out is actually going to work!!! it is NOT! We will find that this money has done nothing to the economy...and yet he wants full support for his crazy agenda so he can say "everyone in washington supported it".

And they wonder why the majority of Independent's like me went for Obama? The Republican Party needs a major over-haul. They should start by telling Rush Limbaugh and all the other loud-mouthed self-impressed verbally bloated demi-gods to step away from the mike.

Sorry to burst your bubble Obama, but not everyone thinks your spending habits are a good thing. I for one support the Republicans to just say NO. I wish the one here in CA that folded and voted with the Dems would have stood up for the tax payers, but instead sold us out. Now we are all paying through the nose to bail out the overspending of the Dems here. Learn from the example of California and just say NO.

@Tulsa May 14th, 2009 4:52 pm ET Who wrote:
Another classy speach from our President.
Uh, Republicans, That's what bipartisanship looks like

"They don't want bickering. And when they realize that, they'll have an open, outstretched hand from me."

I am assuming that is what you meant by bipartisan. The sooner the Republicans admit I'm right , the sooner I will outstretch my hand.

Sounds like Liberal compromise.

YES we will. Americans are SICK of getting screwed over for 8 long years. We're NO LONGER going to sit back and just swallow the Republican Kool-Aid laced with arsenic.

Can the government please buy me a new dictionary?

Mine doesn't define "bipartisanship" as doing whatever the other guy says so it must be wrong...

Better Think Again Obama, We Know Who You Are. Just like Pelosi, you and her are straight factual LIERS. Pelosi has been briefed, You hire Tax Cheats and say they are clean. As a Republican I will NEVER COMPRONISE WITH YOUR MISLEADING TACTICS and YOUR LIES.

"Robin May 14th, 2009 5:10 pm ET: It will be detrimental to our Country to have Senators and Congressmen that do nothing but tell the President how wonderful he is"

Hey Robin, then what the hell was it that went of for 8 years under Bush??? Congress, Senate, and Supreme Court completely rolling over for Georgie......not a single spine among them for EIGHT LONG YEARS....time to give something else a try...don't cha' think?

Hey Republicans, YOU GUYS LOST...LOL! That means Americans are tired of your stinking policies for the wealthy and powerful. When you LOSE, you have live with the consequences...LOL!

We American voters should force Obama to compromise on his extreme leftist liberal socialism.

Gerda Edwards – Answer, the DEMS! Everytime the Republicans get the upper hand they leave a mess for the dems to deal with. FACT, not spin.

there's that word FORCE again he will FORCE people to do what he wants.
Obama the Dictator.

or they will become extinct!!

Yeah, I know, Obama says the public will force them, but does anyone really believe that? Seriously? He will do the forcing, just by using the same tactics he used in his run for the senate in illinois.

Robin, CONGRATULATIONS for your great health... Hope you never really NEED to feel the discricionary policies of the healthcare and insurance companies... and in the remote possiblity that you already had to know what I am talking about, please tell us which is your company.

Of course he will force them to compromise, just like the racist chicago thug he is. We found out that the intelligence quotient of slightly over 50% of the country has declined in recent years, during the last election.

The complete ideology of the core Refiblican party is to bankrupt the American Government...so as to implement the complete privitization of America, and institute a "serf" system to ensure a society of have and have nots....with NO in between....
Those on the moderate outskirts of that ideology will have to "stand up" for themeselves and what they represent... or face their own political peril................

Obama's handlers are so going to get him defeated in 2012 election.

Yes, I get it now.
Become more like Democrats and we will be accepted.
Anyone who says Democrats are bipartisan any more than Republicans are need to stop guzzling the kool-aide. Look at the partisanship on this board and tell me that the politicians should do any better. There are significant differences between the parties and the constituants expect their elected leaders to speak for them. Because many oppose BHO and his policies does not make them a party of "NO". It means they oppose his policies.
The regulars on these CNN boards need to grow up. Just because they are BHO or Democrat ideas, it doesn't make them right.

Alan in Marietta May 14th, 2009 5:29 pm ET

Funny how Rush immediately responds to a 93 year old, but didn't have anything to say about Wanda Sykes. The guy is a PUNK!
-----------------------------
He didn't respond because then the LWLNJs would call him a racist homophobe or something that means the same since most LWLNJs probably do not know such big words.

THIS is bipartisanship? Waiting for the opposition to come over to your side so everybody's on the same page? The Republican Party has shot itself in the foot over and over in the past decade, but the truth of the matter is that having two (or, God willing, someday three or even more) major parties in the political arena is an effective method of presenting the American people with choices in political and social theory. Neither party should ever have the kind of unchecked power that the Republicans squandered or that the Democrats are now enjoying. Fortunately, the kind of overconfidence we are seeing among the Democrats is a self-correcting mechanism; arrogance leads to recklessness, which leads to political losses. Just ask the Republicans.

dicksuckers and carpetmunchers need to be done away with. Or if allowed to exist should not be allowed to have anything to do with children. Our children should not be taught that such a lifestyle choice is ok.

Obama just makes stuff up.

I no longer care if the Republicans are willing to take Pres. Obama's outstretched hand. We need health care reform. We need to take care of our citizens and health care reform is necessary to help our economy improve. Just do it!

I do hope that public pressure will force those pesky Republicans to co-operate, but I'm not holding my breath. I'll leave the breath holding and tantrum throwing to those who do it the best.......the Republicans!

Robin May 14th, 2009 5:57 pm ET

Never had a problem with my healthcare and prescription plan. But then again, I have a job, so I earn it.

Thank you, have a nice day.

Well, that makes you better that us with jobs and no healthcare I guess.

I hope God doesn't decide to smack you down for your arrogance, one day.

No, Just say No to any and all of the bad proposals. Democrats would always block anything that involved a tax cut and allowing those who work for their money to keep some of it. GOP looks out for the interest of those who "work" for their money and Democrats have always wanted to take money from those who "work".

NO, NO, No to bad Democratic proposals and spending sprees.

Im not afraid of terrorists. Im afraid of Republicans. These people are like cro-magnon. Lets all drive massive trucks that get 10 miles to the gallon then go have wars for oil and wave a flag about how much freedom our wars bring. You want to see freedom? Go talk to an Iraqi, ask them how free they are. No jobs, electricity not at pre-war levels, sectarian voilence, the rise of religious extremism. Wow, we accomplished alot. And yet, the flag waving NRA bible thumper party still wont get it. They would rather watch healthcare companies rape us, than reform... because rush told them its socialist. A note: the happiest people on earth are in Denmark, where they get free education and free healthcare. Oh, how terrible socialism is. Of course, Republicans need to avoid education, and educated electorate wouldnt put them in power.

I cannot see America turning the way of France, England, or Germany where the economy is run by socialist governments. Even acts of their parliaments cannot change the cradle to grave jobs (along with high unemployment) or socialized medicine (where medical care is rationed.) The moral decline of this country will certainly guide us to the same position as these countries. God help us.

Jarrod you are nut's did you forget SEPT 11 this is not the same world we use to live !!!! That is why Pres. Bush Spent our money the way he did !!! Your Obama can't say Pres. is spending more money then Pres. Bush EVER DID !!!

Yes, but the american people, the thinking ones anyway, don't want results that are going to be bad for the country. Such as most of the policies Obama has put in place so far. Well, as science has proven, black people are genetically less intelligent than white people(its true, look it up). Even GW had a higher IQ than Obama has (though not by much).

Obama is not a socialist....he is a full-blown communist.

Revenue.

Darn happy fingers!

When Obama first called attention to Rush Limbaugh, I thought it was a mistake, if only because it gave Rush the attention he craves.

However, it has turned into yet another brilliant strategic move by Obama. Sure, the conservatives rallied to Limbaugh's defense, but in the process they have driven any reasonable, moderate Republicans out of the party. Checkmate Obama.

The GOP can stick with Limbaugh and die an embarrassing death, or they can do as Obama suggests and act like grownups. I think I know which path they are going to take, but I pray I'm wrong.

Obama's definition of bi-partisanship is to simply say "Yes" to the bills written by Pelosi and Reed in the House and Senate because "they won." Flowery speeches read off a teleprompter are great for campaigns but not for running an administration, escpecially now that the Democrats are starting to bicker among themselves as to how far left they should go.

I don't have to agree with Limbaugh or Cheney or anyone else to disagree with where Obama wants to take this country!

When I read the egotistical remarks from Obama, I literally get sick to my stomach. Obama is showing strong signs of being unhappy with not being able to control the REPUBLICANS, who the he– does he think he is? He is not a leader, he is only a controller, he needs to get his black head out of the clouds and realize there are many, many, and many more (non democrates) out there who will refuse every thing Obama stands for,he is too much of a radical to be a leader. I pray for strength to make it for his first term, there will never be a second term for him or Saint Pelosi, they sure are a topic for a good discussion. They both in my eyes are a pitiful pair. Betty

Jarrod ... the reason why so few received tax cuts ... is because better than HALF of America doesn't PAY taxes, you nincompoop!

People may fill out tax forms .. but when they get back WAAY more than they paid in due to Earned Income Credits & other garbage ... the Internal Revnue Service is more like the Income Redistribution System.

Well Robin..

It's nice to know your compassion extends only as far as yourself.

I have a great job and pretty decent healthcare also....but I also have some compassion for those getting utterly screwed by over-inflated health costs due to insurance and drug companies.

Yes, I know in your compassion you will just label all of them jobless welfare users. I know the drill.

I doubt if the GOP will ever come around, but that's ok, after 2010 when the GOP is down to 10% it won't make any difference anyway. The President won't need them.

Sorry your majesty, we will NOT accept soialism.

@ Gerda

You're right...that is what I meant...hard to think straight with these GOPers boiling my blood.

As for the raw statistics. NO. That's like looking at the big picture through the eye of a needle and anyone willing to fall for it isn't paying attention.

Leesa, the government doing socail security, medicare, or any form of health care refrom revolving a program that takes money is unconstitutional, and yes its socialism. Just remember that the federal government can't give what it first doesn't take.

If he has both houses of Congress why does he need Republican compromise? This is just a political move, imo. I am not a Republican anymore but I remain a conservative. As long as the idea of the Republican Party is to compromise on their principles, then they can do it without me.

The Democrats are slowly dismantling all that made this country great and as long as the people want that to happen, it will. In a few years the people will wake up, I hope, to the reality. It does seem that the government is striving to kill off any individualism or criticism of its policies. I don't know when, but one day this country will rise up and take it's rights backs.

I am in the top income bracket.
I have worked steadily since the age of 17 (I'm 44).
I work for a major Wall Street firm.
I love this country.
I am a Democrat and I voted for Pres. Obama.
I will undoubtedly pay higher taxes in the future.
I have no regrets.
And I'm not alone.

To those saying republican's ran the country into the ground, those guys were not republicans. Their socaily/religiously consverative democrats. Democrats are now just radical democrats that are not socially/religiously conservative.

@ Gerda

You're right...that is what I meant...hard to think straight with these GOPers boiling my blood.

Yes, we only need to concede the constitution. Oh wait, republican's already did. If I could move to a country that followed our constitution, I would.

He only want to compromise so if things go bad he can say it was bipartisan !!! ( and it will go bad, and that will prove he is not God but a MARXIST )

Hey all you liberals, I did not hear you say praise be to him after each of your posts.

I've been a republican 3+ decades and would love a quality, affordable health care system. This is the 3rd time i've been w/out health insurance due to not enough $ to pay for it and for 5 yrs paid $330/month plus $1500 deductible plus $250 RX deductible because i was self employed...but i earned too much $ for the state programs....there has to be a way to provide health care to everyone in a responsible way, w/lots of preventive care and education. Stop fighting against it. Work together to create a good system!

I dont care what republicans do. They ran America into the ground with wars and tax cuts for the rich. No care about education, jobs, equal rights, and they call rebuilding America 'socialism' (it was democracy when we are rebuilding Iraq tho????). Im tired of being told what can go on in the bedroom, that alcohol is ok, but I should go to jail for weed, that I am not American if I dont just vote on guns and wave my bible around. These people are stupid. They ran up the deficit on crap, and then when Obama tries to spend some to improve OUR lives, suddenly they are fiscal conservatives again. Where were you when we were giving tax breaks to the richest one percent? Or are all republicans that one percent? Trickle down bs, I havent had a raise in 3 years, my ceo just built a new 2 million dollar house. Enough. Obama, restore America's pride. Science, research, intelligence, education. If Texas wants to leave the union and only cares about guns, so be it. The rest of us will be better off.

To Adam:
"So Obama wants the government to decide which doctor I use, which medicines I can take, when (and if) I can receive treatment, how much my doctor makes….
Wow, I never realized how great socialism is."

Adam, is this not what the insurance companies are already doing?

Keep lashing out at Obama's ideas so NOTHING can get done these next 3-4 years!
You should actually look up the definition of Socialism. There in NOT a picture of Obama next to it.

-Leesa

Sniffit May 14th, 2009 5:52 pm ET, "Tapdancing christ guys…it's called a "democratic republic." BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS!!!! READ SOME!!!"
=============================
Ummmm...I think you mean a "Constitutional Republic." "Democratic republic" is an oxymoron - majority rule with representative rule are mutually exclusive.
But I agree, books are good things.

WhoCares? May 14th, 2009 5:43 pm ET

Robin,

Would you rather have FOR-PROFIT Drug Companies and Insurance Companies running our health care?

Please…THINK….
______________________________________________________

Never had a problem with my healthcare and prescription plan. But then again, I have a job, so I earn it.

Thank you, have a nice day.

GOP has had the Presidency for 20 out of the last 28 years, and congress from 1996-2006. Are they inept or what? In all that time all they did was make our enviroment worse, punch a $10 trillion hole through our economy, had a major terrorist attack on our soil, went to war over fake WMD's, botched Hurricane Katrina relief effort, wire tapped private citizens (isn 't this against Rep beliefs?) and outed a CIA agent...which is treason. How can a true Christian keep voting for these people? And you Righties are affraid of Obama? Look in the mirror...most people are scared of you these days!

@ jc, who said "The people didn't like the bailouts and they won't like tax increases. "

A. The bailout bus got started by Bush and the GOP. Obama own the stimulus plan, not the bailouts. Unfortunately for the GOP, the stimulus plan appears to be putting up some good numbers lately...although they'll deny the existence of teh statistics unti they're blue in the face.

B. I'm pretty sure most of the 95% of the people who do not experience a tax increase are NOT going to give a flying poke at a rolling donut about the tax increases experienced by 2-5% of the people.

Let me see. Dems have the White House and both houses of Congress. Why do you even need the Republicans? As I watch what is going on, I do not want any part of it. You won the election, you are already in control, why would we want to hop on this train reck? If Obama is so awesome, why not take a moment and enjoy your victory.You do not need the Republicans at this point... except to blame when all of this come crashing down. Thanks but no thanks."The only right the minority party have in congress is to recive a pay check."

Reatte, Beaumont – Please learn to spell and write a coherent sentence when you post. Your ignorance is showing. You are providing ample evidence on the stereotypes of the Republican party and Texans.

Daniel - Mesquite, Texas May 14th, 2009 5:47 pm ET

....No compromise will have to be made with the Republicans because soon they will have control of Congress again....
----

Could CNN please put some warnings out for comments like these? I just spit pop out my nose!

Facts, not spin:
- Ave. unemployment rate under the 8 years of Clinton: 5.2% (Lo: 3.8; Hi: 7.1)
- Ave. unemployment rate under the 8 years of Bush: 5.3% (Lo: 4.2; Hi: 7.6)
- Ave. unemployment rate under the 52 months Dem-controlled Congress: 6.0% (Lo: 4.4; Hi: 8.9)
- Ave. unemployment rate under the 144 months Repub-controlled Congress: 5.0% (Lo: 3.8; Hi: 6.3)
- Unemployment rate trend pre-2006 shift from Repub to Dem: steady downward 6.3 to 4.4%
- Unemployment rate trend post-2006 shift from Repub to Dem: steady upward 4.6 to 8.9%
So who is better for America and the economy????

I hope our President is wrong this time. I am having a blast watching the Republicans self destruct! Every day I can't wait to see what new hair brained things they will say.

Love it or leave it? Isn't that what you conservatives were telling me when I didn't agree with the Bush Administration? The shoe's on the other foot now boys. The politics of fear and hatred have run their course. We must be ever vigilant in hopes than they never return to power. As it stands right now, you don't stand a chance. Bring me a real conservative option (and not some evangelical xenophobe) and I'll consider giving you my vote. Until then enjoy riding the pine.

The problem is – even though Obama still maintains alot of popularity, many of his policies have not been popular. The people didn't like the bailouts and they won't like tax increases. In fact, I see things the other way around – Republicans are probably going to ride the public sentiment of unpopularity against the President's policies, which will probably see a small hit in the Democratic majorities in the House/Senate in the 2010 elections.

And you thought Obama was talking about enemies abroad when he said he was willing to shake their hands if they were willing to unclench their fists. Go figure.

@ johnhq, who said "The United States is not a democracy, it is a republic."

Tapdancing christ guys...it's called a "democratic republic." BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS!!!! READ SOME!!!

@ phoenix86, who said "It is in the best interest of the republican party to vote against the democratic policies and offer sound alternatives."

Too bad for you they've perfected the former while omitting the latter.

Those of you who voted Republican for house and senate are responsible for this. With just one more seat we could avoid all of this "party of no" BS and get to fixing this country. Vote Democratic again in the midterm elections!!!

Such a good quote that I had to re-use it:

"I understand that the RNC is frustrated with the constant infighting and lack of coherent message and all, but going negative on Bo isn't going to help and neither is blatant hypocrisy. What's 'priceless' is a party that doubled our national debt, championed policies that lead to the greatest economic crisis in generations and now can't muster up a single new idea to set right what they got wrong, attacking anyone for investing in the American people to get the economy back on track."

The GOP...the same domestic terrorists that CAUSED all of our problems are now whining that someone is trying to FIX their mistakes. With americans like them (GOP), who needs terrorists?"

It would be nice if the Republicans [politicians or not] could come up with some kind of alternate plan. Until that time, SHUT UP!

Jeff-Texas,

Are you honestly saying that the 50+ MILLION people that voted for Obama are jobless Welfare earners?

Really? I will pray for you son.

Obama continues to wave neighborly at the Republicans who shake their fists as they would at a minority who just moved into their exclusive subdivision.

Oh no!!! I didn't just say that! OMG! What was I thinking...

@ Joe in NJ, who said "Forcing someone to compromise is not bipartisanship."

Right, by definition compromise is not forced. Rather, concessions are forced. We have no need of GOP concessions and do not have to force them. If the GOP wants compromise it needs to show a willingness to do so...which it hasn't...because it views compromise as though it is conceding. Why? Simple: PRIDE.

Once the GOP figures out the distinction between comrpomise and concession, they'll be able to come to the table and comrpomise without feeling so butt hurt and needing a diaper change.

Soon Barack Obama will realize that most people do not want universal healthcare. He will especially notice this when the American people do not decide to make a compromise the way Barack Obama sees fit. most people do not want your poster they do not want be told by the government .what procedures they can get and not get.

No compromise will have to be made with the Republicans because soon they will have control of Congress again. This will happen because Obama will not be able to fix the economy like he predicts he will. All the Democratic Congress does is want to spend money United States does not have.

He,and the Democrats never wanted to compromise before, and now that there in the majority they make it look like they want be bipartisan. He has done more harm to this country then any other Pres. By the wasteful spending, and weakening our security

Obama and the democrats do not need republicans on board to pass their agenda. It is in the best interest of the republican party to vote against the democratic policies and offer sound alternatives. Obama's policies will increase unemployment, increase inflation and increase debt.

All the republican have to do is to wait for reality to set in with the voter, then the democrats will be voted out.

Obama needs to change his strategy. I have received countless emails asking for donations so he can estabish offices and push his agenda, ie, he is lobbying (through the people) – isn't that wrong? Why would he ask us, the taxpayers just surviving a recession for money for his agenda? Can't he do it on his own in Washington? Why did we elect him then? This is just outrageous.

I don't agree with his healthcare plan (or should I say Pelosi's?) Obama is basically going to take people who have jobs and healthcare and drive them to the ground with all the taxes, so that the people who never had jobs (even before the recession began) can have free everything?

Here is some news for you Obama: if you kill the private sector, no one will be paying taxes, then what?

Gene

The United States is not a democracy, it is a republic.

Harley May 14th, 2009 5:30 pm ET

Hey,
Obama is not God !!!!! He thinks he is, and he can't force the Republicans to compromise like wasteful spending !!!! The Democrats are like little kid's cry when they want there oun way !!
--------

Agree..he's just a man, but a man that has a very high approval rating. A man that turned millions of Republicans and Independents to the Democrats to get him elected. A man who addresses the people and opened our eyes even more to the part of "NO". The Republicans had their chance and you blew it.

Either modernize your party, it's views, and perhaps come up with ideas that are useful rather than cry foul for the next 8 years - you lost. Gay marriage and abortion are being much more accepted with younger generations...you'll actually have to come up with tangible ideas and show true leadership if you ever hope to regain that which you deservingly lost.

I'd be lying if I say I was rooting for ya but I'll say it anyway. Good luck!

Thank you "spelling policeman" Mike!

Two quick truths:

Obama is right.

The GOP is scared.

Now, add it up.

Robin,

Would you rather have FOR-PROFIT Drug Companies and Insurance Companies running our health care?

Please...THINK....

For all of you experts who think Obama's public health plan is bad, how many of you are using the VA or Medicare because these too are public health plans? I for one use both Medicare and the Va and they are both the best health care I have ever received in my seventy five years on this old earth. So unless you are trying to sink Obama's plan for reasons other than what you are stating you haven't a leg to stand on.

Rod Blagojevich;
John Edwards;
Rush Limbaugh;
Dick Cheney.

They have three things in common:
1. They all Talk through their hat.
2. They just do not get it.
3. They use their Tongue more than their Ears and Eyes.

Much like the Southern slaveholding gentry held this country at bay for seven decades, the GOP has be running this smoke and mirrors game since Nixon. We hear echoes of secession throughout the conservative bloc and once again those that truly love their country and what it stands for will respond with vigor. The real "Patriots" are taking America back! To all the bigots... you're 15 minutes are up. They will abide by the will of the people or they will be removed.

"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."

- Benjamin Franklin

I was "suppose" to be commenting on the RUSH article. Sorry folks!

Republicans will not have to compromise – they do not control enough votes to have an impact at this time. They can be ignored and they are. Democrats will have to compromise with Democrats. If in 2010 Republicans pick up some seats and are needed by the Democrats then there will be compromises with Republicans. To Democrats for a Republican to compromise at this time means do it their way. The only time a Republican is involved is if there are enough Democrats that are not following the party line and there were 3 and there are now only 2 Republicans available to the Democrats.

Put the Healt insurance Companies out of bussiness lets have a
Single Payer sytem in this country If we require all to have health
insurance then it should be paid for from tax revenues of some kind
raise the tax on tobacco have a tax on the amount of fat and calories
in foods to pay for it.

Mr. President you are an honorable man, I sincerely believe you are one of us, one of the people, unlike the Party of Fools! I find it amazing that Republicans want to label this administration as Socialist for attempting to help all Americans. So what do we label the Republicans for not wanting to help all Americans be the best we can be....I have a name for them, but I can't say it here....

Republicans could care less about the American people they only care about winning and lining their pockets with the wealth of this land.

God Bless President Obama
Obama/Biden
2008/2012

It'll only happen if Rush says so. In the meantime the republicans will keep hewing to the Party of "No" line. That's the problem with right wing ideologues – they are so convinced of their rightness (pun intended) that they truly believe everyone else is wrong and will not listen to anything ourside their narrow scope of interpretation. Only the great Rush has the power to speak, and right now he's busy bashing 97 year old laides.

No, President Obama. We don't want the Republicans agreeing with you. We don't want ANY ideas from the Republicans. They had years to implement their so-called 'ideas' and look at what a success that was (sarcasm intended). The Republicans would continue to allow us all in America to suffer with inadequate health care, poor schools particularly for those in poorer communities, all while wishing for another terrorist attack so that they can parade around like 'saviors'. Please just let them and their 21% stay in the wilderness never to return.

The truth is biting them in the behind! I support RUSH!

Al @ 5:02, "...but we can't do common sense investment in children education. Maybe the Reps strategy is to resist all Obama's agendas and hope everything falls apart. Voters will remember who proposed ideas and who just opposed everything."
====================================
Al, common sense says that you don't spend beyond your means. Common sense says that you don't borrow more money, if you're already in the hole. Common sense says that you don't rob from your children in order to "invest" in your children.
I hope voters will remember who went on a free-for-all spending spree and who tried self-restraint. WRT to that tickler - if the schools can save that much money, then why haven't those school districts gone to their local taxpayers to make it happen? Do you really believe having the Feds as a middle-man will save money?

The very essence of compromise is that both parties are willing to give something up in order to receive something. When one party vehemently opposes everything the other party wants, then there can never be any compromise.

The conservative movement will have to move on away from the Republican party. Republicans, and Democrats alike are taking us in the same direction. There is very little separating these parties in the area of spending, and not listening to the people. Both are agenda driven, and are being pushed around by extremist.
We need to find a party that is people driven, there by getting the government back in the hands of the people, and getting our voices back as well.

Who are the dopes on the blog who keep writing nonsense like – "Bipartisanship doesn't mean compromise..."???????????????

Yes, folks. It sure does.

It means BOTH sides of the aisle must compromise so that they may move the negotiations toward a mutually agreeable solution.

What do these goofs think? That bipartisanship can only occur when both major political parties agree wholly on an issue?
So, are they suggseting that we can get bipartisanship on maybe one or two items?

My opinion is that this is exactly the kind of self-righteous, uncompromising attitude that turns off the majority of voters.

Obama's health plan is that if you already have insurance, you keep it, if you want. How is that forcing anyone to do anything?

The plan also subsidizes people who don't have health insurance so they can get crappy insurance where the government tells them what they can have done. That way, you don't have to pay for the poor people when they use your hospital can can't pay. The end result is that it costs less to get the poor to pay something for health insurance rather than nothing.

The poor get the crappy care that you subsidize less, and rich people like me can still buy the good stuff. See, it is compassionate conservatism. Remember what that is?

Hehe...He is so darn smart.

What a great away to get your point across and tell the American Citizenry that he just waiting for the Republicanss to wake up to what they want.

He is a master at this already.

@Adam May 14th, 2009 5:21 pm ET

So Obama wants the government to decide which doctor I use, which medicines I can take, when (and if) I can receive treatment, how much my doctor makes….

Wow, I never realized how great socialism is.
____________________________________________________

And they also think hospice care is "not cost effective". So let's hope none of our love ones need comfort during their last days. Yes it's true.

Stop trying to work with a party that is disintergrating by the day. As long as Dick Cheney and Rush Limbaugh are the main cogs doing the talking, you don't need them if they don't want to be a part of helping the American people. It's obvious they've only been interested in taking care of themselves and it's in clear focus now which is why they are acting like the privledged spoil babies they've become.

Keep on talking Dick and Rush. Doing a fine job. Now endorse someone so you can essentially ruin their campaign.

To Mike the spelling policeman,

Like Obama, you are all flash over substance.

When the public understands REALLY what Universal Healthcare (ie Cuba, Canada) looks like and costs..... Obama's popularity will implode.

Keep believing your own hype, Obama. It is the downfall of all man-made messianic figures.

He is right repubs, like it or not. We voted, you lost. We, the not so silent (and ever growing), majority, have learned that Reaganomics do not work and have led the country down a path of ruin. We tried it your way, it does not work, so let's all try to move forward, red states and blue states, and repair the damage of Reagan and Bush before we end up like the USSR.

Did everyone catch Obama's comments today that we can't continue to run up deficits because sooner or later other countries will demand a higher interest rate from us?

His solution? Borrow more money and have the government absorb the costs of healthcare. If anyone takes this guy serious, they should have their heads examined.

To ObamaShrugged

No, not everyone voted for Obama and his ideas... but, the MAJORITY of people voted for Obama and voted for these changes. That's how we decide things in a democracy. And the Republicans have been fighting tooth and nail to prevent any changes from occurring. In reality, the republicans are fighting AGAINST the will of the people, and there's no way to twist this fact around.. it is a fact.

I do not think there should be any compromise with the White House when it comes to the Medical coverage of the Disabled in this great Nation.

Pres. Obama – "I think that we'll see more and more agreement over time as the Republican Party starts to realize that the American people want results right now," Obama said. "They don't want bickering. And when they realize that, they'll have an open, outstretched hand from me."

CNN: "Obama: Public Will Force Republicans to Compromise"

This is SO NOT what he said. Your article title is sensational and is not an accurate picture of what the President said. You make it seem like the Republicans won't have a choice, like...Socialism. But actually President Obama was actually giving the Republicans more credit than they deserve by saying that the Republicans will choose to respond to the Public's desire to see results and abandon the partisan posturing that they are clinging to now. But be sure that this is the Republican's choice to do so. They may continue listening to Rush and Cheney, continue being stubborn, and continue down this futile road just out of spite.

So he's not afraid to throw his weight around. First, he harrasses the media and only invites those who hold his view to ask questions. Then he threatens secured, senior bondholders of Chrysler with public ridicule so that he can repay his union buddies, now he's threatening the entire republican party with public ridicule if they don't agree to play ball.

But unfortunately for Obama, he is a light-weight, and he's being pounded from so many sides that he is beginning to stagger. But it's funny, his fans can't see it, they are to hipnotized.

Hey,
Obama is not God !!!!! He thinks he is, and he can't force the Republicans to compromise like wasteful spending !!!! The Democrats are like little kid's cry when they want there oun way !!

Gee, if I have to stake my future and my family's future on a political structure....

I'm going to drink the Obama "kool-aid" as Republicans call it instead of their way of war, destruction, economic disaster and bad science. I tried it and it failed. What argument goes against that GOP?

To all of the Republican/Limbaugh/anti-Obama types out there. Please for the love of God practice good spelling and grammer. If you want to be heard at the very least stop coming across as total illiterates, just for a start! If you can get that part down then maybe the rest of America might take you more seriously.....................naah.

The republicans are not always right, the Democrates are not always right. Both want only for them, and not the people. Obama was elected president. It is up to him to actually following the consititution. Of course he is off to a poor start. He wants a socilist country in America. Where the goverment tellls you and me the everyday citizen what to think and do. Just ask his fellow democrates. Of course he was elected. Anyone that thinks he will not stear the country down a road of socialism, just wait and see. He cabinet has shown time and time again, that they are above the law and therefore the consitution. The future is bleak unless all work together, and remember what made this country great, instead of just following blindly the republicns and democrates.

For Tulsa –
Bipartisanship is not agreeing with what BHO wants. It's compromising on the best solution for Americans. Not everyone voted for his idea of change. Why should the Republicans change their core values to appease the president.
Remember what all the Dem's were saying for the last 8 years – "Dissent is the greatest form of Patriotism". Or this only true when the Left disagrees with a policy?

You know what's absolutely ironic about all this?

The republicans are accusing President Obama of doing the underhanded, conspiratorial, power-grabbing political ploys that Bush was guilty of! Oh, that's right, the GOPers can't admit that Bush was the one guilty of all this, right? They have to make false claims against the current president who is trying to repair all the damage Bush did to this country.

wishful thinking by Obama.

classic NPD.

The president's statements reveal that his optimistic about the future and the attitude of the Republican party.
The public believes in President Obama and they want his agenda to move forward.
The public sees Repuglicans as an obstacle to progress and WE are working hard to make sure that we remove these obstacles in the 2010 election cycle.
Their obstruction to the progress of Obama's agenda is paving the way for even more Democratic victories. The people will even replace the "Conservadems". They have no idea how serious we are, but they will soon find out

"Uh, Republicans, That's what bipartisanship looks like."

Forcing someone to compromise is not bipartisanship.

Kurt C.

That's because this debt will be going back to all americans not just the cronies of Bush at ENRON and HALLIBURTON.

I have found that no matter what President Obama does, Republicans will not c ooperate. That's why their party is going to hell!!!

During the campaign Obama critisized others for not being bipartisan and claimed his approach would just make it happen.

Obama – meet Reality. So it is time he blames someone else for not keeping this wild promise.

Republicans need to keep saying "NO" to this bumbling fool of a president.

So Obama wants the government to decide which doctor I use, which medicines I can take, when (and if) I can receive treatment, how much my doctor makes....

Wow, I never realized how great socialism is.

Reatte of Beaumont Texas,

May you rest in peace.

RIP!!!!!!

Wow... It's so nice to know that the Benevolant Hand of the Almighty is outstretched to us traitors...

Bipartisanship means compromise. The GOP refuses to compromise and the Democrats in congress refuse to compromise. Obama's administration is ready and willing, but in our system it actually does take 3 to tango.

Unfortunately, taxing the rich can only go so far. History teaches that once the tax burden gets too great, people stop working and decide to live on the dole. There is too high a percentage of people who pay no taxes. If Obama's welfare policies take root, America is doomed.

How ripe - coming from the most partisan Senator in recent history.

Bow down and kiss my butt so says Obama. I hope that the GOP stands up to him. I don't want the gov. telling me what dr. to go to. I am sick and tired of the far left wingnuts trying to have everything in this country run by the gov. Enough is enough say NO.

yes this will come to be true

and it has been along time comming , please keep up the great job you are doing as president . our thoughts and breath of waiting and crossed fingers . that you will prevale gods speed and safety to you in each day .

Never Mr Obama. Where do you do your Drinking...

I don't think so, Barack. The hard working public doesn't want you to take all their hard earned money and give it to the lazy sit-at-home folks whos votes you are trying to buy. Shame on you!

Wouldn't it be nice if the Republicans had this sort of attitude? Rather than 'You're with us or you're with the terrorists'

Go Obama! Show 'em what America can be

Obama has a much higher opinion of the GOP and the power of the public than I do. What an optimist. Hope he is right.

Hey Bob in PA @5:05pm...

Lemme guess – Your a Rush Limblow ditto head right! Silly, unintelligable comment with no meaningful substance. And that's why the rethuglicant's are gonna go the way of the Wig Party...

Yeah, we'll have a hand out.... looking for the gov't to feed us (those of us who work) because we can't afford his tax and spend policies. That's exactly how barry wants us to be... dependent on him.

President Obama is right most of the time, but I think he is wrong on this one. 100% of Americans can vote yes on an idea stemming from the Democrats, but the Republicans are still going to try and derail it. Republicans don't want Obama & the Democrats to suceed when all of Washington is being contolled by Obama & the Democrats right now.

Republican politicans DO NOT care about the poor, and the middle class.

Kurt C., you are so wrong sir. President Obama has Republicans in his administration, he has reached across the table and listened. He has done so much more than the last one or his father ever thought or would think of doing.

While many Americans may want "results" right "now", many Americans will begin to understand that much of Obama's plans entail massive future inflation, debt, and taxes for generations to come. Now is NOT the time to spend enormous additional monies on health, education, and energy; get our country out of its financial dark hole first. Our creditors will begin to walk away from us, otherwise.
I hope the GOP continues to be the party of NO to such plans. Stand firm Republicans, demand fiscal restraint, and be the loyal opposition to such recklessness. Let Obama and his party fully own their disaster of grandiose spending plans and its consequences.

every single action by the president has been boycotted by the GOPS how is anything going to get done?? Stop cryin rethugs, it';s so unbecoming.

When the people wake the Hell up and ask who is going to pay for it?Nice to have all these freebies but even a child can understand some one must buy the food one eats..Obama does not make good decisions for someone suppose to be so well Educated.Has anyone seen his degree or his Birth certificate? Why is he always asking question from Teenages or children,and not from those who are going to pay the bills for all this crapola.

Forgive the Republicans if they don't want to triple the national debt. I see CNN is saying Bush double the national debt.

Well, Obama is on pace to possibly triple the national debt and will almost certainly double down on what Bush did. But... you see it was bad for Bush to doube the debt, but it's just grand what Obama does it.

Spending as a % of GDP under Bush – 2%. Spending as a % of GDP under Obama – 13%.

I believe that says it all.

If you are a demcrat or republican you have to compromise with the other party.
I did not agree with how the Bush administration pushed its agenda and they did not have a mandate .
I also disagree with Obama now that he is in power.
He should find common ground.
remember the country split its vote 54% Obama 46% McCain.
Obama even though he has ALL the power can't forget about the 46% of Americans that don't like or believe in his policies.
He has to push his demicratic values but he also has to take into account he has to be president for ALL americans

Hey Bob of PA;

Get a brain before you shoot off your mouth. You sound too much like a Republican lacky, know-nothing zombie.

I will die a republican rather than join a group of free loaders and a bunch of whinners about who said what and how they done it. Look a the dump speaker she has been caught in a bald face lie and is trying her best to get out of it they all need to be fired and we need to start all over again and have people to help us and not take pay raises for themselves when we have poeple living out in the streets because they lost there jobs and homes because of there stupidity

GOD HELP US ALL FROM THE WHOLE BUNCHES OF DUMMIES!!!!
They are legends in there own minds and plain dumb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Given how divisive and partisan Bush was, Obama is the complete opposite. He's trying to promote bi-partisanship. He's trying to bring the warring factions within the US government to the negotiating table. One day, the GOP will grow up and stop acting like children who have been kicked out of the sandbox and ran whining to mommy.

The GOP are pushing themselves into extinction. If they want to remain a viable political party, then they'd better remember that they're in Washington at the taxpayers' behest. WE are the ones who call the shots, not them. WE are the ones who determine who is in authority at any given time. The GOP had better remember just who it is they work for and stop trying to gain personal power.

Mari,

Hate to break it to you, but the GOP will take back the houses in 2010. And that is the right thing.

Which ever party is in complete power, (White House, Senate, House) gets drunk with power and careless. We need to have checks and balances.

It will be detrimental to our Country to have Senators and Congressmen that do nothing but tell the President how wonderful he is.

yeah W the messiah is not big brother at all?

Sounds like – "My way or the Highway" from President Obama – he is just way to liberal for me!

You have the White House.
You have the House of Representatives.
You have the Senate.

YOU DO NOT NEED REPUBLICAN APPROVAL ON ANYTHING.

This is just like the CNN Headline of Republicans halting Obama's Supreme Court Nominee. The Democrats needed 60 votes to confirm... only 57 Democrats voted... but... you guessed it

REPUBLICANS BLOCKED THE NOMINATION.

What public is he talking about? The socialistic, non job holding welfare public? He needsto quit spinning his mouth and really listen to the Americans that pay taxes.

Obama: Public will force Republicans to compromise.

I don't agree.

Not as Long as Limbaugh, Cheney are there.

Tulsa - Can Republicans even spell or pronounce bipartisanship? We shouldn't expect them to know what it looks or feels like if they aren't able to look it up in the dictionary.

I hope that they reach out to Obama but I'm not holding my breath.

I am happy Obama took Cheney's advice about the photos. Maybe he will listen to more Republicans to help him become a good President.

The overwhelming majority of America elected Obama to do what he is doing. He is making good on the promises that a landslide majority elected him to do.

The GOP is not working with Obama and is in the RAPIDLY shrinking minority.

The Republican party is a incapable of reaching across the aisle and finding common ground. They are ruled by the likes of Rush Limbaugh. He will rail against any attempt at a bipartisan solution, forcing moderates to stick the the hard right wing ideology that has dominated the party.

Obama has "street smarts." When his policys begin to take hold and begin to reverse the damage done the last 8 years the public will take a closer look at who tried to thwart his plans. THEN they will realize that it was the RepubliKlans that tried to block everything he attempted to do in a bipartisan manner. Do you think they will get re-elected? I think NOT.

Republicans and Independents don't want to be taxed at 45 – 50% for Government services. You can sit there and say nonsense, but this is where things are headed.

We just aren't into the "collective".

The whole problem is that the GOP still thinks we are back in the Middle Ages, when the general populace was just another natural resource for the rich to exploit; had no right to vote or own property (in fact they WERE property). This is why GOPpers show outrage whenever anyone who does not belong to their social circle gets ideas of entitlement.

It would be nice if they would, but honestly I wouldn't count on it. The GOP does whatever the GOP wants to do and could give a rat's you know what, what the majority of the country wants.

It's amusing to see that after eight years of Bush ignoring democrats, bullying, whining, hissing until he got everything he wanted it is now the republicans who are asking for bipartisanship.

I agree, with a ........ dismal......... approval rating, and headed further down. The GOP will ...... IF......... they are smart feel public pressure.

Here's the problem, having grown up in a Republican home: conservatives are a stubborn, self-righteous group, it will take much more than public pressure to get them to cooperate or even change!

I suspect that the ONLY thing that will make the CONservatives, "listen up" will be ........ the landslide victories of Democratic candidates in the elections of 2010! Perhaps then......... maybe........... sort of.

Hey Tulsa,

Can you show me where the democrates have been bipartisan? Why is it that we're supposed to go along when the dem's don't?

BTW, if Obama is for it – it's a sure sign that it is bad for the country. What governement program works? He wants and is using government to take over this country! That is very bad!

Read the Constituation and Bill of Rights lately? The greatest country in the world is built on them. Now, tell me how you reconcile Obama with the 10th Ammendment.

Let the American voter decide! Let's resurrect American democracy that was visciously murdered in the 2000 elections! Get the courts out of people's votes!

President Obama is the best!

When the Republican Party starts taking advice from Barry Obama, the Community Organizer Made Good, THAT really will be the end of it!

Don't embarass yourself, Barry. Just try and not lose the free world – that's enough on your plate, doncha think?

Opponents of the legislation, nearly all Republicans, criticized the high cost and the increasing role of the federal government.

"The federal government has always maintained a limited role in education
____________________________________________________
From another CNN article
This was Republicans rationale for not supporting the money to modernize our schools and save energy in the process. At some point, don't these people have to take a look at thow they are voting against the people they represent. We got a defense budget to protect almost every country in the world, but we can't do common sense investment in children education.
Maybe the Reps strategy is to resist all Obama's agendas and hope everything falls apart. Voters will remember who proposed ideas and who just opposed everything.

Every time the President speaks and connects with the voters the poor Republicans must look around and wonder who in their tired, bitter, spireful, elitist party they can pick to go against him.

Such intelligence, calmness, respect, sincerity and values do NOT exist in the Republican "leadership".

This guy doesn't know what bipartisanship is. He has been the most partisan President I have ever seen.

Bipartisanship does not mean cave to your every demand, President Obama.

Bipartisanship does not mean blaming everything you talk about on the former administration, either. Which is something Obama has proven to be very adept at.

Physician, heal thyself.

I don't believe him. I'm sorry, but I don't. He has been not been bi-partisan like he has promised and some of his policies are just down right scary.

So basically, bipartisanship in the reign of Obama is the GOP giving up and doing whatever Obama says. First of all, that's not going to happen. Second, that's not what bipartisanship is.

I think President Obama is the one that is going to change from public pressure as he attempts to change America to fit his vision rather than that of the founding fathers.

Sorry, i Don't need BIG BROTHER telling me how to live my life.....

Get on board republicans or ship out. The President got it right! The American People want answers and solutions NOW!!!!

We believe the GOP is not listening and will most likely and senselessly cause a lot road blocks, led by John Boehner.

Another classy speach from our President.

Uh, Republicans, That's what bipartisanship looks like.