(CNN) – Kentucky Sen. Jim Bunning is still not answering questions about his decision to block a bill that would extend unemployment benefits to millions of jobless Americans.
CNN's Dana Bash and a CNN camera crew again tried to get Bunning to comment more extensively on the controversy but the senator emphatically declined.
From CNN Politics
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President Barack Obama headed to Savannah Technical College in Georgia on Tuesday to highlight the jobs training program that is part of his stimulus and jobs plan. But it was the White House's attempt to control the media that raised eyebrows.
The White House focused on every detail to get their jobs message across, including where the White House press corps could set up its cameras. Due to logistical issues, the press corps considered using a nearby library but a White House staffer dismissed the idea, forcing the press to make a much more difficult trek to an area that showcased a classroom, where the jobs training occurred. The staffer suggested that the classroom was a better "backdrop" for the press corp and the message.
While the White House aides normally picks a venue for a presidential event, it is unusual for them to attempt to dictate positions for reporter "live shot" cameras – particularly for backdrop purposes.
The message mattered-so much so that the White House actually made it harder for TV reporters to do their jobs.
The White House did not have a comment when pressed further about this issue.
Another Republican hypocrite. Where was his 'financial conservativism' when he voted for two wars, tax cuts for the rich and the dismantling of our economic system? He had no problem following the failed party line, spending like drunks and not concerned with passing these monstrous debts on to our children. Sorry, you conservative liar, but it's way too late to play the fiscal conservative card. You've already proven yourself to be just another GOP liar, hypocrite and puppet.
Just another obstructionists republican who must be taking his turn being the front man for another outrageous assault on the American Middle Class.
It looks like the republicans want to keep a lower profile on their assault on the Middle Class with the mid-term elections not far off so, they use republicans that aren't running to continue the obstruction.
The republican party caused the economic problems in America for the Middle Class while rewarding the very wealthy and they like it that way!
When they say no, keep in mind that they are saying no to everyone but the wealthiest Americans.
There are some american out there",rather starve,and sleep on the side of the road with thier children and still believe that the republican party care about their issue.Well,they don't.Only thing this party care about is taken back the white house.The party of no.No to anything that the president is trying to do that will help this contry get back on its feet.Lets not forget,that it was the party of no that has brought this country to its knees in the first place,and they have done a real good job of convinceing the american people that it is pres.Obama who is draining this country dry.Scareing old people with those old Karl Rove tactics.I truly believe that every dog has its day and the party of no is right around the corner.When god shine his light on them,and expose the truth about the party of no.
I wonder what this SOB would do if he were up for reelection
There is nothing one can say that is strong enough except to say that this is one SICK man.
I would like to know why it is that this jerk can get away with a filibuster against extending unemployment benefits, but the Dems don't have the balls to push health care through with reconciliation. Come on guys – you have to appreciate that this guy can stand up for something he believes in (no matter how crazy). Maybe you should take this as an example of how to get what you want. Time for a little backlash.
Why can 99 people not break the back of this bully? The Senate rules should be changed if this is the result. I am sick of the American public getting sand kicked in its face by these arrogant solons. Take a vote already and vote him down.
Did I read correctly that the bill that Bunting is blocking calls for:
150 BILLION DOLLARS IN NEW SPENDING?
FIRE the man. He should be ashamed of himself.
Thank you Mr. Bunning for forcing congress to actually consider their budget and not spend money we don't have but I would like to know as well, where you were on this particular sticking point over the last decade. We could have used some backbone when your party was holding the purse strings as well.
On May 24, 2007, Jim Bunning had no problem voting YES to give $120 Billion to fund the Iraq War. Where were his questions on how it would be paid for then? Jim Bunning is a hypocrite and an ENEMY to the American People.
Seems pretty clear to me why he blocked the bill. Why does he need to clarify himself to CNN? He is only following President Obama's mandate that all bills must be funded, this one isn't. Maybe the Democrats need to find the funding first.
"Bunning" is becoming synonymous with "jerk." This guy is a real piece of work.
typical republican!
This man needs to have his salary removed for at least 1 year so he will see what it is like not to be rich like all in Congress are. They are so out of touch with what the American people are going through. Perhaps if "they" had to eat out of garbage cans or wonder where their next meal is coming from they will do a better job at protecting the people who pay their salaries.
This is the Republican Idea of bi-partisanship. Repeat after me.... Term Limits.
What do you expect from Republican scum!
He was stupid to make comments about blocking the Bill....he is not smart enough to answer question.........How did this guy get into the WH to start with.......he is an idiot.
Good for him,he does not owe an answer to CNN.About time someone realizes this is not monopoly money Obama/Congress is spending.
The Senator was clear on C-Span when he said we need to pay for it first. (Maybe out of the Stimulus).
Remember the "pay as you go" government that the Democrats stood up and applauded during Obama's State of the Union address.
Bunning is not against extended unemployment benefits, he is against the bill being exempt from "pay as you go". It is the hypocrisy of the left that they say one thing and change the rules when it is convenient for them.
The bill will get passed, retroactive, so no one will suffer for the few days delay, but when does it get paid for and how?
Dana is just looking for fame. What does Dana think about that all issue, does she think people should just continue spending without knowing where money is coming from.
What has Dana done to make this world a better place other than asking and bothering people who actually are trying to do something other than asking stupid questions
This is theater of the absurd at it's max. Is this or is it not obstructionism? Is he or is he not a Republican? As long as silly season reigns in Washington, DC, nothing will be accomplished regardless of who is in the majority! Maybe the voters need to follow the lead of the Rhode Island school district and fire all of them, both Democrats and Republicans!
What a moron, and I mean the Senator.
emphatically [ɪmˈfætɪkəlɪ -klɪ]
adv
1. with emphasis or force
2. definitely or unquestionably
Maybe the Editor should look at the tape again, He was not "empatically" declining to answer. He just ignored you. While I don't care for the Senator, I don't care much for sensationalism in "journalism" either.