I am watching Obama's press conference and, Whew. I was afraid Obama would be angry and frustrated with We, the People, but instead, he is telling us that the message from this election is that the voters want Washington to work harder and better. Just why that means we voted for Republicans but not Democrats remains a mystery to Obama if no one else.
The Q&A on immigration and his impending executive order finally broke my spirit. As I heard it, Obama explained that if Congress would only pass a bill, that would supercede any executive action he might take. Huh??? I think that means that Obama considers himself to be bound by future legislation but not, apparently, past legislation. I haven't seen that copy of the Constitution, but then again, I am not the Smartest President in the History of Forever.
Maybe the transcript will clear that up.
He cast his executive actions as an inducement for Republicans to pass their own immigration bill.
"The best way, if folks are serious about getting immigration reform done, is going ahead and passing a bill and getting it to my desk. And then the executive actions that I take go away," he said.]
A BAD TIME TO LOSE THAT PESKY REMOTE CONTROL... OK, instead of flipping over to Sports Center I let Obama run and now he is reminding us that he is still in charge of negotiating and approving a nuclear deal with Iran. Oh, no, and now he is talking about ISIS and delivers the insight that "It is too soon to say we are winning". Yeah, but is it too soon to say the Syrian moderate rebels are losing, which was the thrust of the question?
Doesn't anyone have a question he can answer? Maybe ask him about Kobe...
First!
Posted by: jimmyk | November 05, 2014 at 03:40 PM
"Maybe ask him about Kobe..."
Japanese beef or LA turkey?
Posted by: Iggy | November 05, 2014 at 03:40 PM
Ed Henry dropped a stone-cold stunner of a question on Oduffus. He asked if Obama will concede on anything and start acting like Bill Clinton.
Obama was rocked.
Before he could answer, Ed asked a stupid ISIS question.
Guess what Obama is talking about.
Posted by: Threadkiller | November 05, 2014 at 03:41 PM
Thanks TomM for the appropriate snark as to this pathetic event. In his narcissistic fantasy world Obummer ignores all of us. We should just ignore him and go about our business, and McConnell should as well. Pass the Budget and the Bills with Dem support, let Obummer veto them all, and then defund everything Obummer needs. No rancor, just kill him matter of factly with the Budget.
Posted by: NKreBootDeux | November 05, 2014 at 03:41 PM
Ok, He gave Ed a non answer. When Ed challenged him and he pouted the live feed on CNN took a brief shit.
odd.
Posted by: Threadkiller | November 05, 2014 at 03:43 PM
"I'm the guy the whole country elected" apparently means "they gave me a blank check to do whatever I can get away with, including break promises, violate the law, etc."
And that 2/3rds didn't vote business is always the last refuge of lefty scoundrels. I would just respond that it means only something like 15% of the voters voiced their support for Dem policies, even when it was clear that would mean the Dems would go down to crushing defeat.
Posted by: jimmyk | November 05, 2014 at 03:48 PM
I put it on and listened for a while, but all I heard was
Posted by: Dave (in MA) | November 05, 2014 at 03:49 PM
jimmyk:
And that 2/3rds didn't vote business is always the last refuge of lefty scoundrels
Cousin Pookie heard Obama tell him to get off the couch, and Michelle tell him that he could get some fried chicken out of the deal . . . and Pookie couldn't be bothered.
Posted by: Jeff Dobbs | November 05, 2014 at 03:59 PM
After 6 fucking years a reporter finally has the temerity to ask Obummer a real question and this is the result (per Preston):
'Medical device tax: Gets testy, “I’d rather hear it from them than from you.” The Republicans will surely bring that up when they meet with him Friday. Why “Canadian oil” and a device on medical gizmos get Obama so annoyed is a bit of a mystery.'
Then he goes back to infrastructure. The president is a frustrated city manager.
Obama finishes with a flourish: “Whoo! Major works me, man!”
Posted by: NKreBootDeux | November 05, 2014 at 04:01 PM
I think he is trying to be the sixty minute man when the country wants the sixty second feller.
Make him squeal, Joni!
Posted by: Frau Scherzhaft | November 05, 2014 at 04:01 PM
Here is THE man from SEAL Team 6. I had the pleasure to meet my former neighbor's brother a few times when he visited; the brother was on 6 with this man. SEALs are heros. That is all: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2822370/Navy-SEAL-killed-bin-Laden-revealed-Rob-O-Neill-named-Seal-Team-Six-hero-shot-terror-chief-three-times-head-inspired-series-Hollywood-roles.html
Posted by: NKreBootDeux | November 05, 2014 at 04:07 PM
As much as I'd love to see Joni make him squeal, she'd have to locate the jewels first, Frau.
Posted by: lyle | November 05, 2014 at 04:10 PM
“I’d rather hear it from them than from you.”
Translation = how dare my courtiers stop courting me.
Posted by: Iggy | November 05, 2014 at 04:12 PM
As I expected, McConnell conditioned King caucusing with Repubs on King becoming a full Repub, King says NO. I admire both King and McConnell for not dragging this out. http://hotair.com/archives/2014/11/05/maine-sen-angus-king-to-hold-press-conference-at-330-et-to-discuss-which-party-hell-caucus-with/
Posted by: NKreBootDeux | November 05, 2014 at 04:17 PM
Cap't Choomola es moi blastito!
He just drove over his own tow line. Out of his gourd.
Posted by: Skoot | November 05, 2014 at 04:21 PM
Skoot@4:21-- too funny. I too am waiting for Obummer to show up at a presser with 3 steel ball bearings
Posted by: NKreBootDeux | November 05, 2014 at 04:23 PM
The term Drone Warfare just took on an entirely new meaning.
The only thing I heard in that drone session is that Obama did not think last night's results had anything to do with his policies and positions, i.e., the American people were not speaking to him.
Posted by: LouP | November 05, 2014 at 04:25 PM
Guess what Obama is talking about.
About the new family dog Checkers, and MO's respectable cloth coat?
(Sorry, pay me no mind).
Posted by: hrtshpdbox | November 05, 2014 at 04:31 PM
As much as I'd love to see Joni make him squeal, she'd have to locate the jewels first, Frau.
Check ValJar's purse.
Posted by: Some Guy | November 05, 2014 at 04:33 PM
Bingo, SG.
Posted by: lyle | November 05, 2014 at 04:37 PM
Man, I was quietly dozing in my easy chair with the radio on in the background when Obama's voice started to intrude. I thought I was having a bad dream, then I woke up and realized I was living a bad dream. But I turned him off and reviewed the results from yesterday and the feeling subsided.
Posted by: Old Lurker | November 05, 2014 at 04:39 PM
"now he is talking about ISIS..." whoops - nope, he never says "ISIS" it is always "ISIL" with that last L drawn out. (We can't put any spotlight on Syria don't cha know?)
Posted by: Momto2 | November 05, 2014 at 04:41 PM
welp the phone interview went well, now for the face-to-face in a couple of days ...
Posted by: rich@gmu | November 05, 2014 at 04:44 PM
The Republicans should echo the sentiment about the people wanting us to work harder as in "The President has said that the people want us to work harder and better which is why we have passed and sent to him a bill repealing the ACA, etc"
Posted by: George | November 05, 2014 at 04:45 PM
congrats rich!, ususally that is a very good sign. Good luck.
Posted by: NKreBootDeux | November 05, 2014 at 04:45 PM
momto:
Irrelevant and clueless.
He doesn't know how to fight a real war against ISIS or Ebola.
Joni will be sadly disappointed by the now neutered Jefe.
Posted by: maryrose | November 05, 2014 at 04:46 PM
Upon reflection, I think Rs ought to hold off doing anything with Keystone or energy until after the LA runoff.
Posted by: AliceH | November 05, 2014 at 04:49 PM
I love the fact that no one but Obola and his feet kissers call it Isil.
Posted by: Jane | November 05, 2014 at 04:50 PM
If you are a Bloomie reader this is the site's most pathetic dancing chimp on matters Obummer. he couldn't even get one of his journos to write this shite, he had to do it himself: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-11-05/wages-showing-spark-of-hope-came-too-late-for-obama-s-democrats.html
Posted by: NKreBootDeux | November 05, 2014 at 04:50 PM
Worthless voters weren't even willing to give Barry six measly years to stop the free fall in middle class wages and wealth.
We don't deserve him. We really don't deserve him.
Posted by: Iggy | November 05, 2014 at 04:56 PM
Jarrett should move the red stapler to the sub-basement. That is the progs only hope.
Posted by: henry | November 05, 2014 at 04:59 PM
whistling past the graveyard.Or is it playing the dozens?
Posted by: clarice | November 05, 2014 at 05:02 PM
This one was particularly enjoyable. From VDH:
In a just world, the same thing should have happened to Cankles when she carpet-bagged her way into the Senate.
Posted by: lyle | November 05, 2014 at 05:03 PM
I expect the wolverine would recognize it--like "Yo mama so fat she broke the stairway to heaven".
Posted by: clarice | November 05, 2014 at 05:03 PM
We really don't deserve him.
So true.
Nobody does... except the French. Nah. No even them.
Posted by: Some Guy | November 05, 2014 at 05:04 PM
Jarrett should move the red stapler to the sub-basement. That is the progs only hope
Wouldn't that mean the WH mysteriously catches fire at some point?
Posted by: lyle | November 05, 2014 at 05:05 PM
he never says "ISIS" it is always "ISIL" with that last L drawn out.
Any wagers on what the NPR people call it? Whether they follow his lead or he follows theirs. Just like "Pockistahn," I think it's mainly a conceit.
Posted by: jimmyk | November 05, 2014 at 05:06 PM
Good point, Alice.
Posted by: Extraneus | November 05, 2014 at 05:07 PM
I think Rush has it right.
The Mandate: Republicans Were Elected to Stop Barack Obama, Not to Work with Him
Posted by: Extraneus | November 05, 2014 at 05:10 PM
About last night.
Did anyone catch Rand Paul at Mitch's party? The lovely Ms. Kelly gave the interview. You'd have thought Cankles was on the ballot the way he was attacking her.
Dammit, Rand. Just when I start to write you off...
Posted by: lyle | November 05, 2014 at 05:10 PM
so it turns out 'the Shooter' was real, I thought it was one of Conde Nast's antimilitary slams, but then again, it appeared before the VA disclosures,
Posted by: narciso | November 05, 2014 at 05:11 PM
Posted by: Extraneus | November 05, 2014 at 05:12 PM
Posted by: Extraneus | November 05, 2014 at 05:14 PM
Jane, any details about howie Carr?
Posted by: Old Lurker | November 05, 2014 at 05:18 PM
"I think Rs ought to hold off doing anything with Keystone or energy until after the LA runoff."
AliceH,
They can't do anything until January but talking about Keystone from now until Landrieu's defeat next month won't hurt. McConnell and Boehner have a lot of work to get done on committee assignments and caucus organization. I sure hope they chop overall staff in order to get more Dem operatives into the unemployment lines.
Posted by: RickB | November 05, 2014 at 05:19 PM
100% of Newly Elected GOP Senators Campaigned on Repealing Obamacare
Posted by: Extraneus | November 05, 2014 at 05:20 PM
God. I simply couldn't stand it. I listened only long enough to find out whether this petty, petulant learned anything from the results. Turned him off and took a nap.
Wish I knew more about parliamentary procedure than I do. I do think McConnell ought to work on five other Dems in addition to Manchin who will override some vetoes.
Posted by: Danube on iPad | November 05, 2014 at 05:20 PM
what I was waiting for ... the election Voxsplained.
http://www.vox.com/2014/11/5/7159145/9-takeaways-from-the-2014-election
most of it is conventional wisdom (not even cleverly presented), but this is a bit of a laugher
5) Hillary Clinton is arguably also a winner here.
How so?
Posted by: rich@gmu | November 05, 2014 at 05:21 PM
All it said is there was a car accident and they wanted to watch him to make sure he was okay before coming back. To me that sounded serious, but who knows.
Posted by: Jane | November 05, 2014 at 05:22 PM
How about he works on them for impeachment?
Posted by: Threadkiller | November 05, 2014 at 05:22 PM
http://news.investors.com/blogs-capital-hill/110514-725111-midterm-elections-defy-permanent-gop-minority-predictions.htm
Amazing to read some of crap written just two years ago by our political betters.
Posted by: lyle | November 05, 2014 at 05:24 PM
Sounds more like a concussion, or something like that.
Posted by: jimmyk | November 05, 2014 at 05:25 PM
Dot,
It seems to me the incentive of getting re-elected will persuade at least 5 dems.
Posted by: Jane | November 05, 2014 at 05:26 PM
NK-
just got the details on the face-to-face. looks promising and did better on the phone interview than I thought.
Posted by: rich@gmu | November 05, 2014 at 05:27 PM
Oops. It takes two-thirds to override a veto.
Posted by: Danube on iPad | November 05, 2014 at 05:28 PM
congrats again rich. be yourself in the face to face.
Posted by: NKreBootDeux | November 05, 2014 at 05:29 PM
SECOND AMENDMENT CRUSHES GUN CONTROL CANDIDATES IN MIDTERM ELECTIONS
Posted by: Extraneus | November 05, 2014 at 05:31 PM
Good going, Rich. I agree that it's very positive that they've invited you in after a phone screen.
What kind of job is it? (Sorry if I missed that.)
Posted by: Extraneus | November 05, 2014 at 05:32 PM
Ex-
data center.
Posted by: rich@gmu | November 05, 2014 at 05:35 PM
http://www.wrko.com/statement-howie-carr HT/Jane and Gerry Callahan
Posted by: Dave (in MA) | November 05, 2014 at 05:35 PM
That Investor's link underscores my tiresome point that TRENDS NEVER CONTINUE AS THEY ARE and it's just when you're sure they will, they don't. Not only do they not continue but they encourage the most idiotic confirmation biases and wishful thinking in people.
It's especially true in an area like politics which is so susceptible to changing strategies, results and expectations.
You would think the Dems more than anyone would realize that blacks and Hispanics are not predestined to remain forever locked onto the Dem plantation, since the Dems were able to pry them off of the Rep reconstruction bandwagon to begin with.
Hispanics and Asians, being generally more upwardly mobile, are subject to a much more tenuous Dem grip than blacks. The more the Dems rely on those constituencies the more they will have to deal with the disconnect of pandering to the loafers and alienating the ambitious.
The Liar Party has its lying cut out for it over the next ten or twenty years.
Posted by: Iggy | November 05, 2014 at 05:38 PM
Did he really say "I'm the guy the whole country elected"? Because that's a lie per se. Plus it sounds like something that the Ferret used to try and calm him down with when election results started being shown over Sports Center.
Posted by: Captain Hate on the iPad | November 05, 2014 at 05:40 PM
I dunno. I think we'll see some surprises next spring. It's been six years since we had a Senate that functioned. I listened to McConnell's presser today and was heartened. He's one of those old institutional bulls that wants the system to work Of course there are going to be some hiccups in starting the old machine up---sort of like starting a two cylinder John Deere tractor that's been sitting out in the field in the rain for 6 years. There's going to be some "pocketa pocketa" as it starts up. But Mitch will get her going--and then back up right over Harry Reid.
Posted by: Comanche Voter | November 05, 2014 at 05:41 PM
Iggy-
gmta ...
Posted by: rich@gmu | November 05, 2014 at 05:41 PM
Jane, only 10 Dems up for reelection in 2016, and most of them are as partisan, far left, and inflexible as Obama.
Boxer, Bennet, Blumenthal, Reid, Schatz, Schumer, Mikulski, Murray, Leahy, Wyden.
I don't see most of those moving an inch. Wyden might, I don't know Schatz or Bennet.
Posted by: jimmyk | November 05, 2014 at 05:42 PM
CH-
in between the rails and kools ... did he look all wonky eyed in his presser? thankfully I didn't watch it.
Posted by: rich@gmu | November 05, 2014 at 05:43 PM
Ext @ 5:13
That can't be said enough because all the usual suspects will begin acting differently.
Posted by: Captain Hate on the iPad | November 05, 2014 at 05:44 PM
congrats rich,
well it is the wiley but lethal Canadian menace, I've often spoke about,
Posted by: narciso | November 05, 2014 at 05:45 PM
rich, you honestly don't think I can stand the sight or sound of him, do you?
Posted by: Captain Hate on the iPad | November 05, 2014 at 05:46 PM
He did say that, CH, according to Preston's live blog.
Of course this the same leader who refers to Ds and Rs as "us" and "them."
Posted by: jimmyk | November 05, 2014 at 05:47 PM
CH-
yeah, should of know that ... sorry.
he was probably so wasted last night and into the early morning his staff didn't dare schedule anything until well after lunch. they were drawing straws to as to who would give him the news.
Posted by: rich@gmu | November 05, 2014 at 05:49 PM
thanks narciso.
Posted by: rich@gmu | November 05, 2014 at 05:50 PM
jimmyk,
Bennet has to look at how the Bannock Street project worked out for former Senator Uterus. I don't know if Buck will take another shot but Beauprez will probably give it a run.
I have reservations about Fascist chances as long as the Obamacare albatross keeps stinking. The penalty goes to 2% this year so the Millenials and the Lackwitz Sisters will be hit repeatedly with an even heavier frozen flounder. Then there's the continued application of the wondrous Merde Touch to consider.
Posted by: RickB | November 05, 2014 at 05:51 PM
Iggy@5:38-- the Dems went on the 'tribe' course of expanding and capturing the Free Stuff Army since Stephanopoulos et al ran Billy's 1992 campaign. HildaBeast's health finance plan was designed to lock that in as a 'middle class' entitlement. Of course, the Clintonista plan ca 1990s included owning socially liberal, but economically aspiring suburban families--soccer moms, you know white people (and now aspiring immigrant asian, South American and African families.) Along the way since 9/11 the Repubs have recaptured the white suburbanites, and are now making inroads with economically aspiring immigrant and 1st generation groups. The Prog Dems have backed themselves into the Free Stuff Army and the related single gal needy voters. IMO they have dealt themselves a losing hand, b/c they have to keep enough people on the Free Stuff plantation, but at the same time have a growing economy that generates the tax money to pay them off. Irreconcilable IMO.
Posted by: NKreBootDeux | November 05, 2014 at 05:51 PM
Anybody got the URL for Preston's live blog?
Posted by: Captain Hate on the iPad | November 05, 2014 at 05:53 PM
CH-- I linked to it in the prior thread.
Posted by: NKreBootDeux | November 05, 2014 at 05:57 PM
Here, Captain.
http://pjmedia.com/blog/liveblogevent/liveblogging-president-obamas-reaction-to-the-democrats-epic-mid-term-destruction/
Posted by: Extraneus | November 05, 2014 at 05:58 PM
Rick "They can't do anything until January"
Oh. Right. ::blush::
Staying up really late isn't the cause of my brain misfires but it increases odds of exposure.
Posted by: AliceH | November 05, 2014 at 06:00 PM
--Did he really say "I'm the guy the whole country elected"?--
Just a slightly wordier version of "I won" as a reason for others to shut up and genuflect.
Posted by: Iggy | November 05, 2014 at 06:00 PM
Thank you, Ext.
Posted by: Captain Hate on the iPad | November 05, 2014 at 06:01 PM
Here you go:
Posted by: Jane | November 05, 2014 at 06:02 PM
That was for you Capn'
Posted by: Jane | November 05, 2014 at 06:02 PM
Scott Ott:
No, Sen. Reid, Americans Don’t Want Washington to ‘Work Together’, ‘Get Things Done’
Posted by: Extraneus | November 05, 2014 at 06:05 PM
Red Wave Sweeps Wisconsin
Posted by: Extraneus | November 05, 2014 at 06:08 PM
Thank you too, Jane; that is an outstanding live blog. It was almost like I was in the presence of that annoying prick.
Posted by: Captain Hate on the iPad | November 05, 2014 at 06:13 PM
Ordinarily, I cannot listen to more than the first words out of Obama's mouth. Today, however, I listened to a great deal. I did so because he openly exposed his lack of intelligence to all. If there has ever been a more stupid, inane, dull, boring, limited person in that office, I cannot name him.
I enjoyed him playing Nixon to Major Garrett's Rather. These last two years are going to be wonderful theatre.
Posted by: MarkO | November 05, 2014 at 06:18 PM
Wisc-- walker did get 52+%. He is the guy to support. I would like to see him settle some scores inWisc against the shameless and lawless John Doe DAs, and then lock in the public union laws with the new legislature. He's the right guy IMO because TP conservatives admire him and will GOTV for him, and GOP-e is comfortable with him. Both groups are needed every election year.
Posted by: NKreBootDeux | November 05, 2014 at 06:19 PM
Not only did he say the I'm the guy the country....he also said he would listen to what the 1/3 of the country that voted had to say...pause....but he would also listen to what the other 2/3 who did not vote we're saying.
I found that disgusting and somewhat alarming.
Posted by: Old Lurker | November 05, 2014 at 06:24 PM
NK, I agree.
Also, as clarice has pointed out, he seems to have a sixth sense on when to drop the bomb on an opponent.
Plus he has overcome every effort against him, and he seems to persevere without making inane statements or getting spooled by the media.
Rare qualities, all.
Posted by: Miss Marple | November 05, 2014 at 06:24 PM
Yes Ext. The best part is Trumka, SEIU, NEA, AFSCME, Steyer, Soros, and the GOTV vans of Illinois spent $150 million to take out Union enemy #1 Walker. Result: Democratic Party of Wisconsin delenda est. No officials in office, no bench. The remainder can run to Illinois if they want, but R's (now without RINOs) have quorums in each chamber without them. What remains of DPW is a scraggly collection of the proggiest progs Madison and Milwaukee can spawn -- radioactive to 65% of the voters outside those two counties.
A key WI Revolution figure (Sen Grothman) is headed to the House to put more fire in DC.
Today is a good day to be in WI, drink a beer by the fire, and smile.
Posted by: henry | November 05, 2014 at 06:28 PM
The Obama Effect: First Time the President's Home State Governor has Lost Re-Election Since 1892
http://www.tpnn.com/2014/11/05/the-obama-effect-first-time-the-presidents-home-state-governor-has-lost-re-election-since-1892/
Posted by: Threadkiller | November 05, 2014 at 06:33 PM
If the governor and legislature of Montana want to authorize the construction of a pipele from the Canaduan border down to South Dakota, how is the federal government empowered to prevent it? And then if South Dakota wants to start a pipeline at that point and take it down to the Nebraska border...and so on.
Posted by: Danube on iPad | November 05, 2014 at 06:33 PM
congrats henry. Just think of where Wisc has come from since Oct 2010. Remarkable, just remarkable. And Walker does it nonchalant, he doesn't do the Newt histrionics or Perry bombast, he just kills the Dems/Unions softly, but deadly.
Posted by: NKreBootDeux | November 05, 2014 at 06:33 PM
NK, yep. Walker is also the most vetted candidate on the planet.
Reports here are Ryan is aiming for Ways & Means, not the White House. That is an excellent place for him.
Posted by: henry | November 05, 2014 at 06:37 PM
Walker's biggest weakness is that he didn't finish college. I don't know if he could rectify that before 2016, but I think he only had one more semester to go when he dropped out.
Posted by: Extraneus | November 05, 2014 at 06:38 PM
henry,
I ahaven't offered you many words of encouragement (being as one who considers herself a Jonah) but I have followed your reports on Wisconsin.
I am so happy for you, Scott Walker and the state for Walker's win and the defeat of the union/prog axis.
We used to go up to Townsend every year for our family vacation. My dad bought a log cabin near there where we would stay and cook on a bottled gas stove, with no electricity and outdoor plumbing. Love the state and am so happy for all of you!
Posted by: Miss Marple | November 05, 2014 at 06:39 PM
completely agree with your 06:24 PM, OL.
the implication that he will answer to - and has a mandate from - that group is very disturbing.
Posted by: exdemocrat | November 05, 2014 at 06:40 PM
Do you think, henry, that Wisconsin Dems will attempt to Rick Perryize Walker (trump up a phony indictment) to slow him down in the state?
Posted by: Thomas Collins | November 05, 2014 at 06:40 PM
ThomasC-- that's been going on for 1+year with the trumped up John Doe stuff.
Posted by: NKreBootDeux | November 05, 2014 at 06:43 PM
Isn't the answer the Commerce Clause, DoT?
Posted by: Extraneus | November 05, 2014 at 06:44 PM