Suddenly our lightweight president announces he wants a debate.
Milton Berle was at a party in D.C. once and, making conversation over cocktails, he asked a fellow: "Have you heard the latest gag about the White House?"
"I beg your pardon," the man sniffed. "I happen to work at the White House."
"That's all right," Milty reassured him. "I'll tell it slow."
Today's occupants of the alabaster demesne seem hardly swifter. Early in the health-care campaign they staged an event on the lawn with a 150 tame doctors (the CL of approval?) touting Obama's health-care nostrums… and they handed out the white hospital coats themselves. This was not what we thought they meant by transparency.
All in all, the faux pas was less disquieting than the faux pose. A debate is putatively being conducted over fraught matters concerning 300 million lives and untold trillions of dollars. The most substantive contribution the administration could offer was this claque of hacks. Forget the coats: the real props here were the medicos themselves!
Than which, I fear, nothing more sharply illuminates the essence of this crew we have steering the ship of state. They seem capable only of navigating the shallowest waters. This extends down to the lowliest serf and up to President Obama. Every communication on every subject is presented in the form of predigested pap that won't strain the third digit on anyone's IQ. It seems laughable to reflect that the left used to cast aspersions on the Reagan intellect when every Reagan speech was loaded with profound arguments, a poetic rhythm and a superior vocabulary. (Go to You Tube and choose any one at random to confirm this claim.)
Suddenly the White House announces -- after poll poleaxes, Corzine corpses, Deeds deadness, Coakley conkouts -- they want a debate. Yes, a real substantive, profound, searching exchange of ideas. With Republicans. On TV. They want to hear new ideas. But only, apparently, while the camera rolls. For an hour or two on February 25.
This is a serious ratiocinative process? Huge decisions are being made, gargantuan proposals are being advanced, with no trappings of deliberative thought. Say what you will about Hillary Clinton's health-care task force in terms of propriety, secrecy and predisposition, but at least we saw a whole bunch of very bright people holding a lot of meetings and writing a massive mess of notes. Now we are being presented with bills to overhaul an entire medical system, without a discussion, a meeting, a proposal -- other than the usual Senate committees and the platitudinous town halls. And now this new in-depth investigation -- between lunch and a meeting with lobbyists.
A good example of this pattern came early in Obama's term when he announced he was overruling President Bush's policy limiting Federal stem-cell research to existing embryos. Bush had convened a special forum of writers, ethicists and religious thinkers to discuss the implications and offer recommendations. This committee, led by Leon Kass -- yes, Mister Obama, a professor at the University of Chicago -- was a very serious entity. It released thousands of pages of notes, each participant given an opportunity to publish insights. After all this, President Bush arrived at a conclusion, which he presented in a complex, sensitive address.
Along comes Obama and announces a press conference. With no deliberation, no input, no consultation, he gets up and says he rejects this false conflict between religion and science blah blah blah, all adding up to this: there is no conflict because science wins, religion loses, because I say so.
Now that verdict could be respected if it could wear an air of gravitas. Instead it preens like the work of whimsy. The old Jewish scholars had a word for behavior like this, a word uttered with scorn. They called it "kaal," Hebrew for lightweight. It derided the person who is deciding on heavy things with a light heart. This was seen as contemptible behavior. If you give a thing its proper weight, you can live with your mistakes.
This may explain why Obama wants a lot of things to happen quickly on a lot of fronts, lauded by some as a brand of dynamism. From here it looks like a lack of respect for the significance of each frontier. All that quick forward progress can defeat the law of gravity, but it may also defeat the gravity of law. Flitting about like a little birdie, now landing gingerly on a branch and trilling a short riff, may be showmanship, brinkmanship, even seamanship, but it ain't statesmanship.
Which brings us back to Milton Berle and his delightful story about the two birds on the White House Gate. One says to the other: "Are you for this President?"
"Why not?" replies Bird #2. "He's for us."
Ret. Marine| 2.9.10 @ 6:23AM
Lets not kid ourselves, the republican party would do this Country well if they first said to the pretender-n-theif, sure Mr. President, we'll discuss Health Care when and only when you get to work at getting this Country working again, until then go pound sand, you can't be trusted to keep your word.
This is yet another political ploy to make the Republican Party of "NO" look bad in the light of the public. How on earth can this pretender-n-theif even tout talking about their views, the Republican's, when they handed him the formula for sucess just two weeks back? Oh yeah that's right, their bill does not add-up, as the "won" says. Never trust a known liar to keep their word.
C.K. Amos| 2.9.10 @ 7:05AM
You're right: Obama's looking for cover. This fake olive branch is an obvious sucker punch about which the Repubs should be very cautious.
In fact, if as many Republicans say that we should start over on healthcare reform as I've heard and read about, then it'd seem the Repubs should tell him that.
My concern is that the Repubs don't have enough steel in their spine to continue standing against the Chicago thug and his fellow thugocrats, with respect to so-called healthcare reform.
You're right, too, re: Obama as Pretender-'n-'Thief.
To that I'd add Whiner-in-Chief and Lecturer-in-Chief.
Thanks for your service, Marine.
WRTolkas| 2.9.10 @ 8:10AM
Dear Ret. Marine & C. K. Amos,
I have two observations:
1. Obamacare is dead in the water not only because of the content of the bill, but also because of how the bill was concocted in the dead of night and behind closed doors. Even the senate democrats knew this bill stunk to high Heaven. When you need bribes for votes, something is terribly wrong. They didn't have the brains to realize this. Massachusetts shown the light.
2. The anointed one believes that he can use his gift of oratory and persuasion to dislodge a few (Maine) Republicans to his side. I'll bet the televised meeting will be more urging on Obama's part with little or no discussion on the real health bill. Remember, all King Obama the unready needs is ONE Republican.
I smell a trap. I do hope the Republicans are prepared as they march into a televised ambush.
Best regards,
WRTolkas
ASA all the way.
MikeD| 2.9.10 @ 8:54PM
I'd also like to thank you for your service: Semper Fi! Now, to names for obama: My favorite is "The Affirmative Action President"! As the voters said: "No skills? No experience? No wisdom? No problem; it's your turn! C'mon in! Oh, you can bring your ACORNS too!" 'nuff said!'
Alan Brooks| 2.9.10 @ 10:51PM
If he is lightweight, he has had company:
Bush 41
Dole
Bush 43
McCain
George F| 2.10.10 @ 5:35PM
Oh Alan Brooks! You are s-o-o-o shallow and full of vitriol today.
Swallow some nice hot tea and love the world.
Siegfried X| 2.9.10 @ 6:30AM
Republicans would be foolish to show up for a debate run by the Democrats, where the Democrats are the referees and make all the rules.
The White House felt the televised meeting with House Republicans was a big win for them, and now they are looking for a longer repeat.
Republicans should demand that this be run by a neutral third party, with rules something like a presidential debate.
Appleby| 2.9.10 @ 6:45AM
This is so much like 1968 and the brats who stomped through our attempts to get an education with their Vietnam Awareness Day and their Earth Day and their Teach-Ins and Die-Ins and substitution of chanting and shouting for reason and debate.
The only good thing that will come out of this national nightmare is that it will finally drive a stake through the heart of The Sixties and send TheKids to bed.
Gerald Stephens| 2.9.10 @ 6:55AM
Nothing more persuasive than an angry Marine.
Semper Fi
Gerald Stephens
Hartford, CT
Melvin| 2.9.10 @ 7:31AM
Good morning all.
This thing open an open debate has Axlerods and Rahm's weaselly fingerprints all over it. Republcians would be insane to to even be in the same room for the photo op.
But being insane seems to be a trait that the Republican leadership has adopted.
JP| 2.9.10 @ 7:48AM
Melvin,
Many members of the House GOP already are surrendering. The GOP minority just cannot wait to show thier "compassionate side".
If I was Boehner, I would conduct a GOP health care summit at a local Hotel 6 and pass along an invite to the President. If he wants a debate, he can have one -but it will be on the GOP's own turf and by thier own rules. I would make Pelosi's attendence mandatory. If she doesn't agree, no cigar. Once Pelosi arrives, she can be given a seat at the rear of the conference room.
Copyleft| 2.9.10 @ 11:40AM
Maybe you didn't get the memo in fringe-right fantasyland, JP.
The Republicans aren't in charge any more. They don't call the shots.
Nick| 2.9.10 @ 1:55PM
Really?
Republicans only control 41% of the senate. The democrats 59%. It used to be 60%.
President Bush only had 51% and then 55% control of the senate, for only 4 years. And he got much of what he wanted. Like tax cuts and federal judges.
Why are you democrats so lame?
Flee| 2.9.10 @ 3:36PM
Copyleft, Really? Then why does Obama continue to blame them for his lack of success in pushing through his agenda? If they aren't calling the shots as you say, then he should be able to do as he pleases. The fact is it is Dems that have stymied his plans because some of them come from areas that are sympathetic to the Republicans ideas and work for a living. There are only so many times you can go to the well to give handouts before it dries up. I truly hope this is a turning point. Recent polls of all stripes appear to bear this out.
WAKE UP| 2.9.10 @ 6:32PM
Copyleft: the real problem is NOBODY'S
in charge, least of all the Pretend President. Train wreck coming.
JP| 2.9.10 @ 7:58PM
Copyleft,
Maybe you didn't get the memo: the GOP isn't subservient to the Anointed One. They can host any conference they please. You seem blissfully unaware of the impending implosion of Reid-Pelosi and thier majorities.
Missy| 2.10.10 @ 3:55AM
Bet you dollars to donuts Copyleft is Liberal Reader.
Sly old troll, you're up to your old tricks again!
JW| 2.9.10 @ 8:32AM
Republicans, no matter what you do the MSM is not going to "like" you. They will "hammer" you whether you do this or not. I have just three words for You: Don't Do It.
LQQKY| 2.9.10 @ 10:42AM
Hear! Hear! Again I say: "from your fingers to God's eyes!"
P.S. I fear that the Republican leadership will need a backbone transplant if they wish to beat the Chicago machine.
Jim O'Brien| 2.9.10 @ 8:32AM
Obama wants a TV forum to grandstand, to spew lies and propaganda, just like the terrorists want a civil trial in NYC.
Republicans should let Obama and his fellow travelers talk to themselves on TV. The health care debate has already taken place, and the Democrats lost. A majority of Americans realize that the Democrats' ideas would destroy the great health care we already have. That's why Scott Brown won, and that's why a large number of Democrats will lose in November.
Obama is a loser, and an ignorant fool.
Copyleft| 2.9.10 @ 11:42AM
Actually, the majority of Americans DO want healthcare reform, as poll after poll has consistently shown over the past few decades.
You might want to rethink your assumption that you represent a significant number of real Americans.
Griff| 2.9.10 @ 12:58PM
Most Americans want healthcare reform, not health insurance reform. If you want to discuss what polls well in this arena, try: ability to purchase on an inter-state basis, tort reform, uninsurable risk pools by individual state, and cafeteria plans to name a few. And the 47-million without insurance? After deducting those already eligible for programs who haven't signed up, those eligible for employer programs who haven't signed up, families earning over $75,000 per year who don't bother to buy insurance, and immigrants (legal and illegal), the real number is about 12-million. Americans realize that the Democrat bill for covering 12-million was waaaay to high, and that the Dem's had other plans afoot.
Copyleft| 2.9.10 @ 1:30PM
Oh, I agree this particular plan blows. It's far too friendly and accommodating to the health insurance industry, and it's further proof that Congress (on both sides of the aisle) is entirely owned by special interests. Their every proposal will look out for lobbyists first and foremost.
But that doesn't change the fact that America wants national healthcare, something the Republicans hate and fear.
Ray| 2.9.10 @ 2:16PM
"But that doesn't change the fact that America wants national healthcare, something the Republicans hate and fear. "
Hate and fear ? Where did yo get that impression, a Democratic talking point? Republicans have been trying for a SANE approach to Health Care reform since before Hillary stepped foot in the White House in the early 90's.
MOS was 71331| 2.9.10 @ 1:38PM
I don't doubt the majority of Americans want healthcare reform. However, I strongly doubt there is majority agreement on what "reform" might be. Personally, I'd like my care to be better and my care to cost me less. If that were the meaning of healthcare reform (with "my" replaced with "our" and "me" with "each person"), I expect the majority agreement would be near total.
When the actual details of the proposed "reform" are available with the ensuing consequences and costs understood, majority approval probably won't be found.
Ray| 2.9.10 @ 2:29PM
It's true that Americans want the Health Care system reformed in America, but that's not what the Democrats are offering. They're offering the federalization the Health Care insurance system (the mandatory purchase of "government approved" health care policies? What's up with that? ), something the American public resoundingly rejects.
JP| 2.9.10 @ 8:00PM
Memo to CopyLeft,
82% of Americans who have insurance are happy with it, and want the President and his minions to keep thier hands of it.
Copyleft| 2.10.10 @ 8:05AM
Memo to JP:
100% of Americans who DON'T have access to healthcare are unhappy about that fact... and so are most of the Americans who do.
SoCon| 2.10.10 @ 2:00PM
How do you know "100% of Americans who DON'T have access to healthcare are unhappy about that fact...?" Did you dream it up or hit the old crystal ball yet again, Lib Reader, er, Copyleft?
Many young adults in their twenties can afford insurance but choose to spend their money on other things; they're young and healthy and think insurance is unnecessary.
We can help insure the small minority of Americans who want and need insurance without destroying the good coverage MOST of us already possess.
Unless, of course, you Marxists REALLY just want to take control of nearly 20% of our economy. Power and control--that's what ObamaCare is all about.
George F| 2.10.10 @ 5:51PM
Copyleft - Your comment is simply not correct. Everyone in this country including illegals have access to healthcare by simply going to the emergency room where if they have no money, they can get their care free.
If you don't believe this ask the hospital emergency room.
Cpyleft| 2.11.10 @ 8:46AM
Ahh, the "emergency room" dodge. A classic.
Tell me something: Do you support cost-saving measures and spending restraint? Then why do you support a system where care for millions of Americans is available only in extremity, when it's MOST costly and LEAST effective? ER care is by far the least efficient way to provide care for the uninsured, and it costs us a LOT more than national healthcare (with the accompanying regular checkups and preventive care) would.
wwwexler| 2.11.10 @ 3:15PM
C'mon, Lib Reader/Cpyleft--all you Marxists care about are power and control and you know it.
Tell the truth for a change, it'll set you free, dumbtard.
DandyDOn| 2.11.10 @ 3:30PM
Take out the illegal aliens and nobody left
Becky| 2.9.10 @ 8:44AM
This mess screams to be aborted, and you would think the party that is pro choice would realize that.
Anthony| 2.9.10 @ 9:12AM
Classic Leftist rope-a-dope ploy. Obama is sinking and he now wants to hold what amounts to a town hall meeting where he calls the shots and gets to blame and chastise his opponents. Sort of like the State of the Union and his unseemly criticism of the Supreme Court.
The R's should most certainly stay away, until and unless Obama cries "uncle" (as in Frank, or is that daddy?) and admits the entire process over the past year has been a complete bust. When Obama publicly admits that his socialistic plan was/is a failure and that free market principles are the only solution, then and only then should the Rs step up and help this fool out.
JW is right, the MSM will hammer you guys regardless, so just DO THE RIGHT THING!!
Chisco| 2.9.10 @ 9:54AM
"Flitting about like a little birdie, now landing gingerly on a branch and trilling a short riff, may be showmanship, brinkmanship, even seamanship, but it ain't statesmanship."
Totally aside from the insult to birds contained in this quote, the author has provided a very accurate picture of how obama deals with every issue he "tackles"!!
Hardcard| 2.9.10 @ 10:33AM
Note to GOP: No Go. It's a trap of the obamasoros monster
Doorgunner| 2.9.10 @ 10:33AM
"We're sorry, Mr. President, but we must decline your gracious invitation to debate. We've had a golf outing in Hawaii scheduled for months now, and we do not wish to lose our deposit.
Yours truly,
The Party of No"
MikeBee| 2.9.10 @ 5:56PM
When is someone going to make T-shirts that we can all wear to the polls during the primaries and in November this year? The shirts should simply say, "NO!"
Hardcard| 2.9.10 @ 10:35AM
Uncle Milty was 100% correct !!!! For the birds.
Pete| 2.9.10 @ 10:37AM
Every other phrase they utter ought to be, "That's just not true." Or, "That is a false choice." Throw his crap right back at him. Make him show his emptiness and arrogance in front of the camera. The American people have (partially) wised up to the ways of this liar, so use this as a forum to convince more people. It really shouldn't be difficult. The lies and arrogance will be thick in that room.
dst| 2.9.10 @ 1:31PM
Agree all he can out is the same talking points old and new, and they are not fooling many who were fooled 1-2 years ago.
alphonse| 2.9.10 @ 10:40AM
if the repubs haven't first set up some ground rules they would be naive fools. With his history of twisting facts and outright lies, repubs would be wise not to fall for another photo op ploy of the clueless messiah
If the messiah were politically astute, which we know he is not, he would have made sure some groundwork was done ahead of time and that he could take a victory lap.
But as he showed in blatimore, he is merely a pathetic scold who hectors those not on board with his transform america to socialism agenda
Dein| 2.9.10 @ 10:48AM
Hope its true just saw on Redstate McConnell andBoehnert said no meeting unless it starts at SQUARE ONE
davelnaf| 2.9.10 @ 11:13AM
It’s too bad that we have to make so much fun of Obama just because he has revealed himself to be just another inept president. But how else can one feel better about the damage he is doing to the country?
Obama is a prime example of the fetish politician: a person that gets into politics, not to make the country better based on a realistic and knowledge based grasp of how that is done, but to bring on change for the sake of change. The irony in this is that Obama does not see the irony. The country has been quite successful without much input from the radical left and this fact is probably what bends him and his boutique leftist pals out of shape about it.
So, Obama will do his damage and then he will be out. Meanwhile, Democrats in Congress will continue treating him and his ‘ideas’ with deference. But they are going down with him.
bluecollarbytes| 2.9.10 @ 11:36AM
Obama's public comfort zone is in front of a camera, teleprompter just out of range. He ran much of his campaign through 'YouTube moments'. He's just looking for more. He's running out of ways to shame Republicans now that their forming a backbone.
Let Obama and his Democratics put on the dog & pony show without Republicans lending any credence to his latest tactic.
pecos pete| 2.9.10 @ 11:46AM
Letter to President from House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and House Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA):
http://republicanleader.house......tID=169716
Pretty good letter that indicates the House Republicans ain't gonna participate with their eyes closed.
Ken (Old Texican)| 2.9.10 @ 1:15PM
Hi Pete, thanks.
Rush just read the letter out loud on the air. heh!
The Repubs are finally reading the tea-leaves.
"Get straight or get fired too!"
Margie| 2.9.10 @ 1:39PM
LOVED the letter the Republicans wrote! Now, I hope they stand their ground and not meet unless Obummer answers their questions, first. And also agrees to the basis of the meeting.
Otherwise~Republicans: JUST SAY NO!
Frosty| 2.9.10 @ 1:45PM
A two hour televised discussion on health care reform? Why not just set aside an extra 30 minutes to cure cancer, and while the cameras are already there and rolling, stay for an extra 15 minutes to wrap up Middle East Peace.
No doubt, Mr. Obama will control the mike and the flow and direction of the "discussion", which means he will talk the majority of the time, erecting straw men and slaying them with his compassion and commitment to the uninsured, while doing his best to paint Republicans as horrible people trying to prevent the average American from getting medical care.
Unfortunately, if the GOP decides not to participate, they will be painted as unwilling to talk about common ground etc. Maybe that won't hurt too much, but if they choose to participate, their plan of engagement had better be simple, direct, well thought out in advance, and articulated by someone who can do it effectively.
"Mr. President, without sweeping TORT reform, insurance reforms that allow plans to be purchased across state lines, and a comprehensive effort to eliminate the massive abuse and fraud inherent in the medicare and medicaid models, healthcare reform is a non-starter."
Ray| 2.9.10 @ 2:19PM
It's nice to know that Obama only waited a year, and a failed attempt to pass legislation, in order to fulfill his promise of an "open,' "meaningful," and "transparent" debate with the Republicans on Health Care reform.
Unwilling to Listen| 2.9.10 @ 2:30PM
Am reminded of Liza Doolittle's lament in her song, "Words, words, words, words - there is not a single one I haven't heard.... Don't tell me now - Show Me!!"
Well, I don't want to be told and I don't want to be showed and I really don't want to be compared with that community he organized back in Chicago. It worked for that segnemt of society, but he is in the Big Leagues now.
"If you can't dazzle 'em with brilliance, baffle 'em with bullsh*t" - - that was his campaign plan The bullsh*it shot round the world!
Well, we are wading in it now. When it is up to our waist, who will tell the emperor he is spewing it like a broken sewer pipe?
Ah, but when I am in the depths of despair, I have to ruefully chuckle. I live in a country where there were enough chimps to buy bullsh*t.
So, why don't we setttle Health Care this way? Dig a long deep trough on the White House back forty. Fill it with 40,000 gallons of the finest Texas cow manure, Line up proponents of ObamaCare on one side, Opponents on the other. Have a tug o' war. Oh, and just for laughs, every contestant wears only a Speedo to compete. Too bad Ted's dead.
Gasses produced by the manure will be offset by the fact that Obama is not speaking for the moment.
sangredulce| 2.9.10 @ 2:51PM
Bring it on; Ground rules:
All current bills DEAD
Market solutions ONLY
Joker Pelosi Bag MUST wear a bag over her head
Obama, Reid, Emmanual, Alinsky and Axlerod in one corner
vs
Rush, Reagan & Buckley Soundbites in the our corner.
Siegfried X| 2.9.10 @ 3:07PM
It has been reported elsewhere that this is just a stunt. Obama hopes to already have cut a deal with the Democrats agreeing to the COMPLETE health bill BEFORE he meets with the Republicans. Then Obama will have the symbolic meeting with Republicans, ignore whatever they say, and raise his approval rating by trashing the Republicans with lies. The Republicans would be totally stupid to play along with this. The picture Obama will paint is that he proved the Republicans wrong.
"And in fact, Obama hopes to walk into the Feb. 25 summit with an agreement in hand between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on a final Democratic bill, so they can move ahead with a reform package after the sit-down."
Jim O'Brien| 2.9.10 @ 6:04PM
It's time to run Obama out of office. Ditto for anyone who agrees with his agenda (in no particular order, and just a few examples): Schumer, Reid, Kerry, Pelosi, Boxer, Feinstein, Nelson (2 of them), Feingold, Stabenow, Menendez, Sanders, Whitehouse, Cardin, Wyden, Grayson, Conrad, Bayh, Udall (two of them), Shaheen, McCaskill, Landrieu, Tester, Baucus, Kohl, Levin, Lincoln, Hagan, Murray, Rangel, Frank, Durbin, Mikulski, Specter, Casey, Gillibrand, Bingaman, Bennet, Lautenberg, Harkin, P. Kennedy .... a Long Long List of those who oppose capitalism and freedom.
Roy Digli| 2.9.10 @ 9:48PM
Wouldn't any competent, reliable entity of any sort want to run a few pilot programs to see what the results of their plans might actually be? These guys have all the health care answers without any practice programs?
Blacque Jacques Shellacque| 2.10.10 @ 2:52AM
Suddenly the White House announces -- after poll poleaxes, Corzine corpses, Deeds deadness, Coakley conkouts -- they want a debate. Yes, a real substantive, profound, searching exchange of ideas.
Not even close.
Two words: Kabuki dance.
Yosemeti Sam| 2.10.10 @ 6:42AM
BTW - where is Steele on this? Still on book tours?
BTW - where is the ever reverend Jacksone,
to offer some Wright-isms in the way of
benediction, to the hollowed prospective
BHO and GOP CSPAN-conveyed Salvador-Dali-like - surrealist-art tableau this picnic get-together would cynically evince?
Did I just say all that?
But I digress.
Why should any Republican cater to an 'audacious' in his own mind - leftie politico?
Why throw a vine to BHO when he's in political
quicksand?
Let it slow - let it slow, let it slow!
LOL.
Richard Baker| 2.11.10 @ 1:48PM
Roy Digli:
You are assuming that an incompetent administration of "academics" even knows of what you are speaking. In their minds, Graduate degrees confer genius and a "Stand aside, we're the smart ones" mentality.
mili8951| 5.10.10 @ 2:14AM
http://www.edhardycawholesale.com/
Puma x Alexander McQueen| 8.12.11 @ 11:26PM
is good