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Washington Prowler
Shut the People Down
Obama planning during the budget standoff. Also: Romney recruitment blunders.
STANDOFF CYNICISM
No
one can say that President Barack Obama and his
administration weren’t thinking of the American people during the
budget standoff with Republicans. Their inconvenience was very much
on his mind.
According to White House sources, in the weeks leading up to last week’s push for a budget deal, the President approved plans that had the White House and federal agencies looking at every federal government resource that entailed public interaction, and whether it could be shut down during a closure of the government — even if under normal government closures those resources would have or could have remained open.
“The goal was to inflict as much inconvenience and pain on the American public and lock them into supporting the Administration’s perspective on the budget fight,” says a White House source. “It was our nuclear option, but we saw how a government shutdown under Gingrich just destroyed Republican standing with the public, and we felt we could achieve that kind of damage and more, even if we really didn’t have to.”
For example, a number of websites that provide the public with information about everything from Social Security options to veterans services, even public-private educational websites operated by the Smithsonian, would have been shut down by the Obama Administration had a government closure taken place Saturday morning. “Those sites don’t even involve government employees to operate, but we were going to shut them down anyway just to hit home the right message with the public,” says the White House aide.
White House sources say some agencies, like the Smithsonian, which manages a number of the museums and Washington attractions tourists prize most during their visits, pushed back on shutting down the websites, but were overridden by the White House.
While about 800,000 federal employees might not have gone to work on Monday, the White House did have options to ensure that visitors to Washington got at least some of their tax-dollars worth. For example, the Smithsonian could have been identified as a federal program requiring “essential personnel,” so that public-facing employees, such as security guards, docents, and exhibit managers, would be present to enable tourists to visit the museums. Also, museum employees covered by private foundation grants for specific exhibits could have been deployed. But the Obama Administration shot down all those plans, putting in place a draconian government shutdown plan.
“Basically, making life easy for the American public was not something that would have helped us,” says another White House aide. “We controlled the executive branch and the federal environment. How could we basically do what would have been great for tourists, and then have media reports showing business as usual in Washington for tourists that undercut our arguments and our fight?”
MEAN TEAM
Mitt Romney’s Washington team is pushing hard
to lock up supporters and potential fundraisers for his 2012 race,
and the pitch his people are presenting is interesting. According
to attendees at such recruitment meetings, Romney continues to
believe his faith has little or no impact in the campaign. “The
only candidate they seem worried about is [Minnesota Governor
Tim] Pawlenty, everyone else is
just second tier to them, and they think they can take Pawlenty out
pretty quickly,” says one attendee.
Another recruiting target reports that at a recruitment lunch he attended Romney aides were dismissive of a run by Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (“He’s not running; we have people on the inside telling us everything”), and openly ridiculing a potential run by Mississippi Haley Barbour (“Can you imagine what a debate between Haley and Obama would look and sound like? No independent voter is going to support someone like that”).
In fact, Daniels continues to deliberate, but is believed to have informally put in place all of the necessary elements to launch a presidential nomination bid, most importantly a fundraising infrastructure. Meanwhile, Barbour is actually having success recruiting former Romney senior aides who aren’t willing to go another round with the former Massachusetts governor whom Obama Administration aides claim “inspired the President’s health care reform plan.”
Despite the baggage that Romney carries, he remains the formidable candidate in the race, though, as with 2008, it’s the candidates who aren’t yet in the field that most conservatives seem most interested in following. “You’d think the Romney people would have learned that disparaging the competition and acting like the bully on the playground just backfires on you,” says one of the potential recruits. “It’s not anything I want to be a part of. After this administration, a little humility is something that will go a long way in winning over people and that’s just not something in the Romney camp’s DNA, I think.”
Letter to the Editor View all comments (42) | Leave a comment
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CAROL | 4.11.11 @ 6:55AM
Bohener must go. He just funded Obamacare, Planned Parenthood, & NPR & agreed to a budget
with a $1.5 Trillion deficit. The House passed a budget funding the entire govt. The Senate wants to shut down the govt. to force the House to pass the Senate budget. Logically, the Senate should pass the House budget and try to add more, but,
no they want to shut down the govt. because they know the media will blame it on the Republicans.
It's time for the House to stand by their budget--
whatever it takes.
Michael Tomlinson| 4.11.11 @ 7:11AM
Thank God for the Speaker and Congressional Republicans. They gave Obama and Democrats another shellacking. With the previous CRs and this weekends $40 billion they got $60 billion in cuts. Incredible considering America's love for pork spending.
Rev Trask| 4.11.11 @ 7:51AM
"The only candidate they seem worried about is [Minnesota Governor Tim] Pawlenty, everyone else is just second tier to them, and they think they can take Pawlenty out pretty quickly,"
Well, this should bring the Paulbots running and also maybe the Palinbots, even though it`s clear to all that she, unlike Paul, is likely not running.
martin j smith| 4.11.11 @ 8:10AM
ROMNEY IS NO SHOE IN FOR ME--AS FOR OBAMA--I THINK THE MAJOR ISSUE WITH REGARD GOVT SHUT DOWN IS THE MSM ALL IN THE TANK FOR BHO.
The only way to have defeated that is to make it as it really is; Obama's shut down --a tall order when you are u against a Media that is currupt and rich. Oh yeah, speak of RICH-- Tax the RICH
like the MSM aand Crony Capitalists BIG TIME.
Ret. Marine| 4.11.11 @ 8:24AM
How much more evidence do We the People, (Constitutional lovers of all brands) need to be convinced of obamas bin lyn deceitfulness. All the loud roars of the liberals and their handlers were just that, all roar and no bite complete with the usual lies and disgraceful tactic abound. It is true that in all battles, even at the onset of hostilities from the Brits we hardly won anything, we must expect a little defeat in order for the entire battle to be won, completely back to the framework of our founding principles as stated in OUR Constitution, not some made up as you go along to swindle the masses out of their liberties and guarantees. I have to say after watching and reading I am not surprised that the demonrat party members once again tried to get their points across to an already pissed off public where the blame game needs to end up. Sorry you traitors to this Republic, the public eyes are upon your cowardice, lies, deceitful tactics and out right forgery of your brand. Don't think for a moment we are not wise to your antics, nor do we misread your intentions, we get it, and we are not the mind numb stupid obamabots going after their share of something for nothing, or the aging hippies of your delusional agenda who can not think for ourselves, even without your anti-American theories in all of its glory. One day I'll guarantee you and your hateful hordes, We the People will be coming for you, along with the massive wealth you've stolen from the public trough and we will be demanding your prison sentences be long and uneventful for the rest of your days. P.s., does not romney understand he is a washed up wannabe progressive who's glory days are not paved with wishful thinking and glorious nothings, yeah we need him like we need compliance to shariah laws, fat chance, go do what you do best and run your business's and leave us the hell alone already. NO RINOS need apply. Rant over.
s bennett| 4.11.11 @ 8:31AM
We need Herman Cain for President.
WayneFarmer| 4.12.11 @ 6:05PM
Yes! Herman is the right man at the right time for the job!
winterhawk| 4.11.11 @ 8:43AM
The failure in the Whitehouse is a despicable man. Each day brings new evidence of his ulterior motives. He is indeed attempting to ruin this country. He has a year and a half left to continued this assault. If we allow him to continue, we are done as a nation. We will all be communists.
P.Smith| 4.11.11 @ 9:57AM
If the choice is between Romney and Obama, I won't vote. Mormons cannot be trusted to make wise decisions.
JoshINHB| 4.11.11 @ 10:14AM
Screw Mutt Romney.
We'd be better off with four more years of Obama.
Kelly Florida| 4.11.11 @ 10:55AM
REALLY Bohener must go...how about getting Reid and Barry out there. You must be a Dem Carol, they are the only ones who dont think elections count. In case you didnt notice the GOP WON...and in 2012 we will win again and it will be a LONG time before the American people will get caught of guard again. Lets face it MSN and CNN dont have many viewers and the small amount of them are the left of the country. Mr Barry will not be able to fool us again. It is really sad, being the first black president he could have changed a lot of the bickering and all he has done and continues to do is divide us. I'm sorry to say it maybe another 100 years before a black man will have a chance and it is all OBIE's fault.
Occam's Tool| 4.11.11 @ 11:05AM
Cain is good, so is Bachmann, so is Bolton. Bachmann voted AGAINST the Tax compromise, stating that it would be a breach of contract with the Tea party. Ron Paul didn't bother to show up to vote---along with Maxine Waters. Worthless scum is as worthless scum does.
Jenny| 4.11.11 @ 11:26AM
I am outraged, but not surprised, that the Administration would plan on causing the most pain to the public in the event of a government shutdown. That's the same old tactic used whenever budget cuts are mentioned. Shut down the parks and cut the fire and police! Despicable.
Conservative View| 4.11.11 @ 11:42AM
Let's go for broke and re-elect Obama in 2012!
Doctor Right| 4.11.11 @ 11:46AM
None of the "Bland Brigade" (Romney, Daniels, Pawlenty) has a prayer in 2012. Romney is the GOP candidate that the Left prefers (like McCain in 2008), but rank-n-file Conservatives are looking elsewhere.
Sounds like Romny's "people" learned nothing from the 2010 mid-terms; we're just as sick of the GOP-establishment as we are of the Left.
In that regard, maybe it's a good thing that Romney has filled his staff with over-confident, clueless putzes..?
Wayne | 4.11.11 @ 12:06PM
With a Romney, the Tea Party may just as well not exists. We would just be back to 2008 with Romney replacing Mc Cain. Of course in Washington Romney would have only be hearing from RINOs.
Chuck| 4.11.11 @ 12:16PM
Romney's big problem is Trump. Trump runs and beats him in NH Romney is gone earlier than last time.
Anita| 4.11.11 @ 12:20PM
This does not surprise me at all. Obama- a man for the people. What lies from day 1. As much as I dislike Romney I would have to vote for him to help eliminate the evil that is in control of the US and its people.
Whoever it is I will vote for them.
JFGalt| 4.11.11 @ 12:30PM
It's funny how the Dems quickly forgot that they used to control the WH, The House, and the Senate and they couldn't pass a budget which is how we got to where we are today NOT by the Republicans. But speaking of the crooks - Why is that Ron Paul is not mentioned as the leading candidate? He wins the polls and he is the only one that will stand up for our constitution. But no the only dimwits that get mentioned are more of the corporate candidates. Why? Because they can win we're told. If the party would get off its high horse and take their hand out of the till then maybe if they would get fully behind a candidate that is better for the country than for the party that we may have a chance otherwise its downhill from here into the history books. Americans need to take back their country for the corporate politicians and all their cheating shennanigans!
OLDRAY| 4.11.11 @ 1:02PM
ROMNEY would be a sure loser. I live TOO close to Taxachusets to want him. Time for a long shot. Time for a Repib;ican Revolution. A Palin /Rubio ticket could win AND revive America.
Oldefarte| 4.11.11 @ 1:12PM
Some of you are possibly missing the point that it's not just El Chosen's obstructive agenda, but that of the Democrats in total. Recall Dean's and Schumer's recent utterances. All Democrats are nothing but plotting, conniving political dictators that constantly seek ways in which to manipulate the public at large. Is there any difference between their proven agendas and those of the middle eastern dictators that are using their government forces currently to fire upon and kill their citizens? It's all about their outed INTENTIONS, folks; and when same proves that they're subversively plotting/scheming upon ways to manipulate the public politically into buying into their ways of operation, then they become no better that other historical dictators manipulating for their own power motives. How dare they use a governmental shutdown as a weapon against the people-taxpayers who pay their damn salaries. WAKE UP AMERICA, WAKE UP! Don't crusify Boehner and these R's for not obtaining more than $39billion, since the 2012 budget and debt ceiling are still battles waiting to be faught. What all of you need to realize is that your anger/frustration need to be channeled into your individual planning for the upcoming voting in November of 2012; and your need [with friends, work associates, family, etc] to go to the polls and vote for any/all R's possible in order to send Boehner, Cantor, Ryan, Bachmann, Paul, etc more supportive troops/legislators that they will need in order to not only get their legislation through the House but the Senate and White House as well!!!!!!!!!!
shipley130| 4.11.11 @ 1:24PM
All Obama needs to ask himself is this...........
"What would Hitler do?"
PattyMor| 4.11.11 @ 2:40PM
Sorry Mitty, but you are NOT going to be our candidate. You are East Coast Liberal ruling class and Romneycare was the blueprint for Obummercare.
No, thanks one distructive prez is enough for a generation. We need someone with the determination to right the ship of state and a steel spine to push it through.
vtwin| 4.11.11 @ 4:07PM
The House Republicans/Tea-Baggers had their big chance to shut the government down and they blinked. And the closer we get to the 2012 election the less likely... well let’s just start calling them The House Blinkies.
Deborah D | 4.11.11 @ 4:33PM
Mr. Prowler -- Your White House source just confirms what Americans have been witnessing the past two+ years: Obama hates the American people. He has one desire -- to run the country into the ground (something he really is good at).
If Mitt Romney is the best the GOP can do, we're in trouble. Herman Cain, Paul Ryan, Mitch Daniels...some combination of Cain/Ryan or Daniels/Cain or Cain/Daniels...any of those would be better than Mitt Romney. Any one of those three guys could talk circles around Obama -- and without a teleprompter to tell them what to say. We need someone with principles -- not just ambition. We need someone who'll put the good of the nation above his own selfishness. Anyone of those would do that.
vtwin| 4.11.11 @ 4:41PM
Here’s some exciting news; Mitt Romney announced the formation of an Exploratory Committee for a “possible” 2012 Presidential Bid today.
Mimi| 4.11.11 @ 5:08PM
Folks....Listen to OLDEFARTE...We must take back more of the HOUSE, The Senate, and most important it is critical , that we take back the White-house, to deny veto power!!
How we do it will need feasable plans. We , for one thing HAVE to go to the inner -city to win over their VOTE for the
SAKE of their FREEDOM! and PROSPERITY!. We should plan to show-up in all the unusual places , all over this country. Every-one should plan on working hard and long for 2012.....Talk it up with all you know. We are modern day SON'S OF LIBERTY!!!
Mark Shepler| 4.11.11 @ 5:22PM
Well, the CR fight may have started out about budgets, cuts and Republican promises but in the end it was about resolve. And I think the Reps failed the test...again.
You can read my full take here at my new blog:
http://www.rightwingmuse.com/
Sorry, I know it's bad form to plug a blog this way but I've posted here for years and really don't want to repeat myself. Too many around here probably think I've done that enough already. :)
e track from saq| 4.11.11 @ 6:23PM
Supernatural world.The long honored and much acclaimed White Horse prophecy declares that the constitution being a sacred document and worthy of God's attention will be saved by a Mormon.This well known to Romney's camp no doubt.If Beck enters race much consternation I fear.
Negro X| 4.11.11 @ 6:45PM
Tolerate no RINOs Boehner and his cronies are RINO they must be destroyed, they are no better than liberal parasites like obama.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_.....ding_spree
Truth is King| 4.11.11 @ 7:57PM
Amen, Mimi!!
Clint| 4.11.11 @ 8:33PM
" Texas Rep. Ron Paul and Minnesota Rep. Michelle Bachmann voted against a proposed continuing resolution Thursday, saying the House must agree to a federal budget.
The bill, passed Thursday afternoon on a 247 to 181 vote, will fund the government for a week as Congressional leaders continue to negotiate a budget resolution.
Both Ms. Bachmann and Mr. Paul as considered potential presidential candidates. Ms. Bachmann expressed her disappointment with the measure, saying it did little to address health care."
Dr. Ron Paul didn't Vote on The Friday Budget Vote because it was already a "Done Deal" & He Opposed it as Too Little & Ron Paul doesn't play Political Games with his vote.
Dr. Paul went out and raised funds for His Presidential Campaign.
The Israel Firster Fanatic Troll Tool Job takes every opportunity to smear Dr. Ron Paul because Our Tea Party Co-Favorite Ron Paul & Many of We Tea Party Patriots Don't Asskiss Tool Job's Personal Israel Firster Agenda.
Truth is King| 4.11.11 @ 9:50PM
Those who hate Israel will not prosper.
Wayne | 4.11.11 @ 9:55PM
"... since the 2012 budget and debt ceiling are still battles waiting to be faught. " - The debt ceiling battle is already lost. By passing this budget, the GOP has tacitly raised the debt ceiling. They can NOT pass this budget and then say they will not raise the debt ceiling to fund it. So that's 2 out of 3. The third is the 2012 budget. Boehner will just try to get what he can get, and not risk a shut down. So it will just be more kabuki theater.
I seriously fear the GOP establishment sees the centralization of power, and have the goal of maintaining the power, but with them in charge. They should have at least defunded ObamaCare. But they are not necessarily against it, just as they weren't necessarily against medicare.
Ron Hyatt| 4.11.11 @ 9:58PM
Obama is fucking piece of shit. That's it. Period.
Dee See| 4.11.11 @ 10:15PM
Cut to the chase!
A national march on the New York 'Federal Reserve' on this July 4th.
REALLY
MEANWHILE, in the wake of the latest 11
quake in Japan (--------???) as 'official acceptable'
levels of radiation here were raised by 28000% (!)
-----not a peep from ther 'press'.
No, not even one.
Sounding like the perfect kick-off for the 2100
EUGENICS agenda of 80% (some say 90%)
world population extermination.
Now, listen closely. You can almost hear Yuppie
giggles-----------REALLY.
AND NO JOKE
Carlos the Jacky | 4.12.11 @ 5:19AM
Read the Constitution...All spending bills must originate in the House...The House passed a budget fully funding the government while defunding Obamacare and Planned Parenthood.
The Senate can either agree with this budget or shut down the government. If the House sticks to their guns, the Senate will eventually have to pass the House budget to end the govt. shutdown.
jo anne white | 4.12.11 @ 2:34PM
On Sunday's ABC This Week With Christiane Amanpour, White House advisor David Plouffe said that" a small part of the country" is interested in seeing this presidents real birth certificate, but that "mainstream Americans" think it is a sideshow. This same person also feels that Donald Trump is creating a sideshow when he say's he might run for president. According to the White House spokespeople , Donald Trump "can't win ". The exact quote was " doesn't have a chance".
I have a question. Who is "main stream American's". Also, that "small part " as he called it. Who are they? Here is another question, How can American citizens be called "astroturf", by th eformer speeker or the house Nancy Pelosi, and now be called" the reason for all the problems for Republicans". That statement has been being said by Democrats in the White house for weeks.
Personally, I must be in that small American group. I want to see our country working for all American's again . Not expecting more from the Government. I am not a tea party member but I support them in their work to save this country and to fix this mess that American's have allowed to happen. I for one want to see the real deal. This president is hiding something. Something that he has paid millions to hide. From seeing what he has done to this country, I want to know what that something is and why is it hidden? I would like to see Donald Trump in the White House and Herman Cain as Vice President of the United States. Together, these men just might be able to salvage our country from this mess and to create an environment of prosperity and respect and dignity that America is loosing and has lost.
CalMark| 4.12.11 @ 2:42PM
The Democrats are EVIL. Pure, simple, unadulterated EVIL.
And on our side, fighting this evil, we have...well... nothing.
Christian Louboutin | 6.23.11 @ 5:48AM
"The goal was to inflict as much inconvenience and pain on the American public and lock them into supporting the Administration's perspective on the budget fight," says a White House source.
Cleartrip Coupon Codes | 7.27.11 @ 12:40AM
I love Americans!!!!
Cleartrip.com
Creative Recreation | 8.10.11 @ 10:29PM
is good