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The Obama Watch

Why the GOP Should Walk Out on Obama

By on 2.12.13 @ 6:08AM

He’ll probably give them no choice tonight.

President Obama is expected to eviscerate Republicans during tonight’s State of the Union address tonight. It will be a speech that builds on his second inaugural address last month. As Charles Krauthammer put it during an appearance on FNC’s Special Report with Bret Baier:

In fact, if the inaugural address was this sort of extraordinarily ideological address, I think the State of the Union is going to be extremely aggressive and partisan. Obama is still campaigning. He hasn’t stopped. Part one was to re-win the presidency, which he did. But now he is continuing it.

Indeed, President Obama will be embarking on a tour in support of his SOTU address traveling to Asheville, North Carolina, Atlanta, and his political home base in Chicago. Back to Mr. Krauthammer:

His idea — the objective, the political objective — now is to reduce, to fracture, to marginalize the Republicans in the House who were the ones that stopped the agenda in years three and four of his presidency, and who he has to marginalize if he wants to enact his agenda in the second term.

Remember when Obama dissed the Supreme Court over the Citizens United decision during the 2010 SOTU address? The Supremes had to sit there and take it save for Justice Samuel Alito who was seen saying, “Not true!” Having no desire to be subjected to Obama’s demagoguery, Alito subsequently skipped the following SOTU nor was he present last year.

Unlike Supreme Court justices, senators and congressmen like to be seen on TV by their constituents. But senators and congressmen don’t like being insulted on TV especially on their turf. If President Obama plans to spend a better part of an hour heaping scorn towards the Republican side of the aisle, the GOP shouldn’t sit there and take it. Instead, they should stand up and walk out on President Obama. It would be a SOTU address no one would ever forget.

Of course, Republicans would be excoriated in all the usual circles. The GOP would be accused of being divisive, disrespectful, eroding civility, and, no doubt, racism. But Republicans are accused of these things every day of the week and twice on Sunday. How will it be any different if they don’t walk out on Obama?

There are several reasons why this gesture will be advantageous to the GOP. First and foremost, it would be a sign of unity amongst Republicans. It’s no secret there are hard feelings amongst GOP since Obama’s re-election victory in November. Walking out on the SOTU address would demonstrate a resolve not only against Obama’s agenda but against his imperial manner.

Yes, Republicans will be called rude. But the GOP can simply say, “We are giving him the same level of respect he has given us. If the President wants to address as adults, then we are willing to listen. But as long as he insists on demonizing us with petulant behavior, then we will have no part of it.”

It also must be remembered that politics is theater. Why shouldn’t Republicans engage in it? Why shouldn’t the GOP write the script? Walking out on Obama would be the ultimate act of political theater. It would send the dramatic message that Obama is losing his audience. He may still be president but it doesn’t mean the country accepts his agenda in its entirety. Barack Obama is the president of all Americans, not just those Americans who voted for him. Barack Obama is at the service of all Americans including those who bitterly cling to guns and religion and it’s time he started governing that way.

Of course, I have no illusions that Obama would do an about face if Republicans were to walk out on him tonight. If anything, Obama would dig in his heels. But at least the GOP would put him on notice that they won’t roll over and play dead.

However, I also have no illusions that Republicans will walk out on Obama any more than Obama will stop his demagoguery against the GOP. The Republican Party is just too darn polite. Republicans will just sit there and take it.

About the Author

Aaron Goldstein writes from Boston, Massachusetts.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (112) |

Robbins Mitchell| 2.12.13 @ 6:28AM

Great idea....but my gut tells me that Congressional Republicans don't have the balls to do it

MelvinNC| 2.12.13 @ 7:13AM

"No balls," you say. Your giving the Republicans too much credit, The Republicans are so lame they don't even have vagina's.
Where is Jessie Helms when we need him?
I know my description is a bit off color, but how else can the Republicans be described as?
The Democrats could send a monkey to debate a Republican and the monkey would be declared the next best thing to Lincoln & Douglas.
There isn't even a thimbles worth of collective fight in the whole damn mess of em. The Republicans are so lame that they cannot even shamed into standing for something.

TLP| 2.12.13 @ 8:41AM

As we sit here, the Republicans are preparing themselves for the Mandatory Applause Lines. Wouldn't wanna come off as Racist. Wouldn't wanna jeopardize those 3 Black Votes we got in Philadelphia.

One wonders what goes through the mind of John Boehnor and others on the Republican Side. One wonders if any of them have any inkling of what role they play at this time in our History.

Our Founding Fathers pledged their Lives, their Property, and their Sacred Honour. Some lost something. Others lost everything. Every man who picked up a Gun and went against That King, put his Life on the line for a chance at Liberty. "Give me Liberty or give me Death" may have been SPOKEN by just one man, but it has been LIVED by every American thereafter who recognized the NEED to make a Stand in the name of Freedom, Liberty and Righteousness. 1,309,000 and counting, have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. 1,309,000 thought that This Country, This System of Governance, and This Way of Life was worth Dying for.

All we're asking of this bunch, is to do the Jobs we sent them to do. They need to Dance with the Girl that brung'em, and to Hell with the other ones. We The People need them to HOLD THE LINE until Help can arrive.

There comes times when everyone has to search inside themselves and ask: What have I done with my life? When things got tough, did I show Courage? When I could've made a difference, did I shy away because of Fear? Has my life had Purpose?

This is that time.

God help us.

Pecos Pete| 2.12.13 @ 9:36AM

Tim: Agreed. Well said.

Occam's Tool| 2.12.13 @ 8:26PM

The only thing hard about Boehner is his name.

Gary B| 2.12.13 @ 11:01AM

Melvin, How do you explain the no-vagina (great description) Republicans? There is no rational explanation. With friends like these, who needs enemies?

They are just like Obama, their words don't match their deeds. They pretend to oppose Dear Leader, yet they go drinking and whoring with their Democrat buddies and members of the so-called press. After all, DC is their home town and it's loaded with money, booze and round-heeled broads. What lying bastard would want to leave that?

Louis Jenkins| 2.12.13 @ 4:06PM

The # 1 town for affairs? DC. Drudge Report right now.

Von Mises Jr| 2.12.13 @ 10:49AM

I think they call it castration. They are Eunuchs. I know girls that can kick most of their namby-pamby, sissy La La butts.
They are sellouts. They are statist that use the force of the State to steal and don’t even have the guts to admit it. At least the communist and fascist in the Democrat Party are out of the closet. They are proud to be statist and willing to shout it from the rooftops.

JimH| 2.12.13 @ 12:42PM

Castration assumes they had any to start with.

CrackerHound| 2.12.13 @ 1:19PM

Von Mises, you and Tim nailed it. Where are the MEN in this country? Men by nature are not a politically correct, worry about what people think about me creature. Walking out on an effeminate new comer to DC is the LEAST the Republicans should do. Shouting "you lie" is mild compared to what real men of the past would say.

I'm interested to see how Marco Rubio's response compares to Rand Paul who will be representing the Tea Party....don't know yet if I will watch the actual SOTU speech. I guess it depends on my disgust level at the time. Someone needs to REALLY lay into Obama if he pulls that crap.

TLP| 2.12.13 @ 3:30PM

Don't waste your time.

It'll only upset you.

mike 3/505| 2.12.13 @ 1:47PM

They are Eunuchs.

He's a Eunich.
He's a Eunich.
He's a Eunich.
He's DEAD!
History of the World Part I

The Republican's aren't eunichs, they're dead!

Arnie| 2.12.13 @ 6:53AM

I think it's a great idea. The GOP will be able to show the whole country how they really are a bunch of misbehaving, spoiled children.

Robbins Mitchell| 2.12.13 @ 7:04AM

The only misbehaving spoiled child is the whiny little punk in the Oval Office

Stephie| 2.12.13 @ 7:17AM

Thank you for this Robbins Mitchell. Thank you.

Arnie| 2.12.13 @ 7:36AM

Say want you want Robbins, the U.S. public thinks more highly of Obama than the joke of a party, the Republicans.

They'll cry about how Obama is mean to them and hurts their feelings, which is really funny coming from a bunch of old white guys that have the emotional strength of a 4 year old girl. And then they'll go on FOX news and proceed to make fun of and belittle over half the country, and try to convince the public that they just insulted that WE need Republicans in power.

In fact, they act more like an easily offended, and vain high school valley girl trying to curry votes from people she always hated to become prom queen.

Maxwell| 2.12.13 @ 8:12AM

Yup, they think highly of him alright, 'cause he gave them the free Obama phone (see the You Tube if you don't believe me).

While I work hard & am in school there are a ton of people that are collecting their free benefits because of me. It is a hard job to work and support so many free loaders but for a guy that is only 140 pounds, someone has to do it.

Kwan| 2.12.13 @ 8:47AM

Awnie da leftist retard is back proving once again that once you drink the leftist Koolaid terminal brain-rot will quickly turn you into a babbling idiot.

KennesawJack| 2.12.13 @ 8:56AM

Arnie, why do I get the impression you never got within 10 feet of a valley girl? Not even a sniff, right?

Drunken Sailor| 2.12.13 @ 4:35PM

Come on KJ, he got at least that far. You know as well as I that stalkers like him sniff the seats when the girls are gone.

spike59| 2.13.13 @ 6:37AM

i'm pretty sure Awnie was too busy sniffing the jocks of the football team to even notice the valley girls

Occam's Tool| 2.12.13 @ 8:31PM

Arnie: I was a resident physician in the 1990s in the San Fernando Valley. I did 3 things: work, study psychiatry, and have sex with Valley Girls. I don't think you know Valley Girls well.

flyovermark| 2.12.13 @ 10:40AM

Isn't that the whole point, Arnie? We don't have any illusions that if the Republicans were to sit there and politely take Obama's abuse, that you, Democrats, or the press would commend them for showing the whole country how a "good Republican" should behave. You, and your ilk sure as heck didn't heap praise on the Supreme Court Justices for their dimmitude when Obama used the SOTU as an occasion to abuse them, did you?

So really, what have Republicans got to lose?

Appleby| 2.12.13 @ 6:56AM

This is Shrove Tuesday. Who is actually going to be watching this college sophomore posture and preen and repeat himself, strutting and fretting on an empty stage? Who actually cares what this creature has to say? I'm going to spend the evening praying the Rosary. This is the day for the Sorrowful Mysteries. Being mindful of what's going on in that emptiness of DC will fit right in.

Nancy in NC| 2.12.13 @ 7:27AM

I need to watch some paint dry tonight. After all, obama won't say anything new and will continue to allow watchers observe the inside of his nose as he looks down upon the peasants.

Maxwell| 2.12.13 @ 8:08AM

While you are watching paint dry I have some cleaning to do. Some people like the smell of # 9 perfume, I like the smell of oil. To each their own.

OP4| 2.12.13 @ 8:29AM

I will be at the gym. When I get on the bike or treadmill, it will be one in front of a TV not showing Obama's annoying mug. Maybe ESPN.

Gary B| 2.12.13 @ 11:05AM

I gotta' have a tooth pulled. Following it up with a high, fast enema.

Stephie| 2.12.13 @ 1:25PM

I'm going to watch, Ted Nugent has been invited as a guest of a congressman from Texas. I want to see how they will not show his face but pan to Moochella, the poor children and parents from Sandy Hook and Gabby Giffords as he tells us all how we need to give up our guns. No, I need to see this lying freak, this narcissist who will preen and prance because his mamma told him that he's the best thing since penicillin. I need to see this to remind me of the people who were once my friends but are no longer because they voted for this idiot. And I need to watch to see, if by some fabulous and fleeting chance, the GOP members do find some courage and DO stand up and walk out on this horrible man and he berates them.

Drunken Sailor| 2.12.13 @ 4:37PM

Hoopes #9?

Drunken Sailor| 2.12.13 @ 4:37PM

That should have been for Maxwell

Nancy in NC| 2.12.13 @ 7:27AM

Did Pennell get himself banned again?

Albert Constantine Jr.| 2.12.13 @ 7:46AM

Not as of 5 p.m. yesterday, anyway, but since Trish Trotter (I suspect) is the repackaged "Anna K. from Emory U.", I imagine she is trying to do it again.

TLP| 2.11.13 @ 5:16PM
Yeah.

We need to BAN me.

I guess I must be doing something right, since Trish Trots is back, demanding my head.

Apparently, her Her Free Vibrator has burned through its Batteries.

TLP| 2.12.13 @ 8:53AM

Did I say that? Cause, when you play it back like that, it doesn't sound like my voice.

And, while we're on the subject of Trish Trotter's Clownhole? You would think that these Liberal Sluts (Hat Tip Eddie Munster Schultz) would have Solar Vibrators, or Wind Powered ones. Or, at the very least - Recycled ones.

Then again.......a lot of'em ARE Vegetarians.

And, where were you all day, yesterday?

Albert Constantine Jr.| 2.12.13 @ 9:07AM

Have you forgotten already?

TLP| 2.11.13 @ 7:56AM
Are you sure he didn't say: "Lube up, bend over, and put that red Gag Ball in your Mouth and enjoy it"?

Reply to this
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Albert Constantine Jr.| 2.11.13 @ 8:26AM
In Purp's case, I have a feeling that those are instructions he follows much more frequently than he gives.

I could fill you in on all the rest, but it would start to sound like a Ben Stein Diary entry, and there's a limit to how much pointless rambling can be posted each day. As Ben logged his article in at 8 am this morning, the rest of us are limited to incisive political commentary for the next 24 hours (with allowance for commentary on Purp/ Arnie et al's perversions).

TLP| 2.12.13 @ 10:10AM

So, what are you saying?

That you were here all day, and your One Comment at 8:26 am is your Proof?

And, stop yelling at me in Italics.

Albert Constantine Jr.| 2.12.13 @ 11:32AM

That's not yelling, that's whispering (only the people with the special glasses can read the italics).

loulou| 2.12.13 @ 2:03PM

How do you make the italics? Or the bold?

Albert Constantine Jr.| 2.12.13 @ 4:46PM

There's a rather complicated expalnation, but if you bracket your words with these >< symbols (but in reverse order) with an i inside for italics and a b for bold, without gaps between them, it should work (though I recommend previewing before you post to be sure).

Drunken Sailor| 2.12.13 @ 4:59PM

showoff.

TLP| 2.12.13 @ 5:58PM

Obviously, he has way too much time on his hands.

darcy| 2.12.13 @ 6:49PM

That's OK -- it helped me.

HopeChangeInAZ| 2.12.13 @ 7:29AM

I couldn't agree more completely. It is time to draw a line in the sand. The Republicans have been Obama's whipping boy for way too long and the best way to show him that if he wants an ideological war would be to get up in mass and simple walk out of the State of the Union. Of course I don't have any faith that the GOP has the guts to do it. They will sit there and take it like they have for the last four years.

Al Adab| 2.12.13 @ 8:41AM

No need to applaud whatsoever.

loulou| 2.12.13 @ 10:27AM

No need to even be present.

Gary B| 2.12.13 @ 11:07AM

No need to even be present in DC. They should all return to their crooked law practices for all the good they're doing for the country.

TLP| 2.12.13 @ 9:12AM

No more Lines in the Sand.

This Line needs to be Chiseled in Stone.

Frankly, I don't see the problem. If there was ever a time for an OPPOSITION PARTY to OPPOSE SOMETHING, one would think that Now would be that time.

In 4 years this Country will look like South Central LA. Our Cities will become Uninhabitable for good people. We have seen the Future, and it's Detroit. It's Oakland. It's Newark, it's Camden, and it's Philly. It's Cleveland, and Milwaukee. It's Baltimore, it's Chicago, and it's everywhere else that's become a NO GO ZONE at night. Even for the Cops.

This couldn't be simpler.

OPPOSE him on everything. BLOCK him at every turn. STOP him, while you still can.

And, don't just do it do My Kids.

Do it for your own Kids, as well.

Like I said: Simple.

Like Arnie.

Drunken Sailor| 2.12.13 @ 4:40PM

I think the line should be a line of Det cord. If they dare to cross it, set the thing off.

TLP| 2.12.13 @ 6:00PM

I love Clamors, don't you?

Drunken Sailor| 2.13.13 @ 8:42AM

Click, Click, Click.

Pecos Pete| 2.12.13 @ 7:53AM

Congressman Joe Wilson: "You lie!"

Sure would be nice to hear, or see, a repetition. But, on a larger scale.

Al Adab| 2.12.13 @ 8:41AM

There is no mandate that the state of the union must be a speech to joint session nor than members need to attend. Attendance has of course been a courtesy since presidents started using the mandated report as a public relations opportunity. It would be something to see the GOP side empty, but imagine what the msm would have to say about that. Nonetheless, it is a great idea.

TLP| 2.12.13 @ 9:13AM

Sticks and Stones, Al Adab.

Sticks and Stones.

Von Mises Jr| 2.12.13 @ 10:57AM

From the time of Lincoln to Wilson, the State of the Union was not even a speech and it was not called the "State of the Union." FDR created the name and probably began the political theatre. Wilson and FDR gave us socialism and the drama that has evolved to comedy to now tragedy.

darcy| 2.12.13 @ 12:53PM

Black comedy.

Stephie| 2.12.13 @ 1:32PM

Who gives a rats patoot what the MSM would say. They will eviscerate the right anyway. After Rubios's response, the slaughter will begin.

I hope to God they walk out.

CrackerHound| 2.12.13 @ 1:34PM

Absoluetly Al....It's not like the Republicans would lose support for walking out. I can only imagine it would ADD support to their ranks. Maybe next election they could even get conservatives to get out and vote.

darcy| 2.12.13 @ 12:54PM

I think they should chant in unison all through the speech: You lie, you lie, you lie.

I would SO love to see POTUS come unglued.

CrackerHound| 2.12.13 @ 1:37PM

Right Darcy, I mean the least we could do is fight the destruction of our country. Your idea is not as radical as what could happen. And believe me, almost any act of opposition at this point is warranted.

darcy| 2.12.13 @ 3:21PM

Not only is it warranted, but without it we are headed for very dark days ahead, the type of which I shudder to contemplate.

NC to WA| 2.12.13 @ 2:52PM

Would not be any worse than what is done in the UK House of Commons when the opposition party heckles the Prime Minister during question time.

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 2.12.13 @ 8:10AM

It would be better if each member of the Republican Party could be observed reading a copy of the Constitution during his entire speech.

Al Adab| 2.12.13 @ 8:37AM

Now that Bill is a great idea.

CJW| 2.12.13 @ 9:15AM

It would be even better if Obama would read it for the first time.

Stephie| 2.12.13 @ 1:34PM

The Heritage Foundation would be happy to give them all pocket copies of said constitution. I keep a stack of them on my counter in my shop for those who would like one. The lefties always turn up their noses when they see them sitting there.

Jacob McCandles| 2.12.13 @ 9:48AM

Great idea.

John Navratil| 2.12.13 @ 11:57AM

Love it!

TLP| 2.12.13 @ 6:01PM

Vagina.

Minuteman78| 2.12.13 @ 8:22AM

If I was the Rep from my district (NC -9), I'd walk out and give him the bird.

WRTolkas| 2.12.13 @ 8:34AM

We would have a better chance of picking the winning lottery and power-ball numbers than have a single republican walk out. It is shameful that republicans would rather not upset the chance of loosing an evening party invitation than showing leadership.

NC_Conservative| 2.12.13 @ 8:38AM

Just don't even attend. Leave all those "Republican" seats empty. That would make a statement as the TV cameras panned on a half empty chamber!

loulou| 2.12.13 @ 10:28AM

I agree.

darcy| 2.12.13 @ 12:51PM

I think that's the best approach, too. I mean, can you imagine being there during the thralldom of the POTUS entrance and having to stand and clap and look all cheerful, as if this man isn't destroying everything that is good about America? and along with it your own soul for being complicit in its death?

Peppermint Tea | 2.12.13 @ 8:38AM

Not walk out...they should turn around and MOON him.

TLP| 2.12.13 @ 9:14AM

With their thighs!

TNRebelRouser| 2.12.13 @ 8:48AM

I no longer watch the SOTU address because I can't bear to watch what can only be described as B grade porn....Obama sodomizing a willing and compliant Republican party. After four years of being Obama's concubine, an awful lot of Republicans will have a difficult time just crawling out of the chamber on their hands and knees much less on their feet with heads held high.

KennesawJack| 2.12.13 @ 9:03AM

I have a slightly different take on this. If they DID get up and leave, even the msm might possibly admit that this time Obamarx, not the Republicans, may have gone a bit too far. I think there is an increasing number of Democrats who are becoming a little uneasy with tbeir little Kenyan Mussolini and the msm is starting to pick up on that. 2014 is not going to be about Obamarx, it's going to be about keeping their seats and I believe they will begin to desert him in droves. I really don't see them circling the wagons around this bastard (and he IS a bastard - look it up, Arnie) if this narcissism continues.

CJW| 2.12.13 @ 9:18AM

I think they should stay, and applaud any lines that the Dems do not applaud. Maybe a yawn here and there, or rolling the eyes, like Hillary. Or they could be seen checking emails or Am Spec or the weather on their smart phones.

Occam's Tool| 2.12.13 @ 8:37PM

I think they should applause randomly and wildly, complete with party favors, kazoos, and birthday hats and ah-ooga horns---the full Marx brothers.

When asked why, they should state that they support "Marxism," just like the President.

spike59| 2.13.13 @ 6:41AM

that would have been PRICELESS; the one thing this POS POTUS absolutely HATES more than anything else is to be mocked-i'm willing to bet he would have had a public meltdown right there at the podium

TLP| 2.12.13 @ 10:06AM

It's a shame that the people on Flight 93 lost their lives in that field in Pennsylvania, for nothing.

If that plane had made it to its Target, their Deaths might have had Purpose. It would have prevented everything we're going through, now. This Den of Thieves would've been CLEANED OUT. We wouldn't be hopelessly divided as a Country, as we are now. And we would have had a chance at A Fresh Start, with New Blood, and New Ideas.

In one Star Trek Next Generation Episode, a Rift in Spacetime opens, and a Ship from the past comes through it. As it does, everything in that Universe, changes. The Federation is no longer at Peace, but at War, and with a People that had been their Allies in the time just before the Ship appeared. People who had died, were now alive, as History had been changed.

This new ship offers assistance to help fight, but Picard explains to them that "The War is going very badly for the Federation. We predict that Defeat is inevitable within 6 Months time. One more Ship, in the here and now, won't make a difference. But 75 Years ago, that One Ship could have prevented a War that's taken Billions of lives".

Art, truly does imitate life. Don't you agree?

Twelve Years ago, One Ship could have made a difference.

One Ship - Flight 93 - could've changed History, in the here and now.

mike 3/505| 2.12.13 @ 1:52PM

Tasha Yar is hot...in either timeline.

TLP| 2.12.13 @ 2:10PM

You got that right.

mike 3/505| 2.12.13 @ 2:46PM

You got that right.

That's why I'm wearing the green tabs. :-)

TLP| 2.12.13 @ 3:35PM

Show off.

Warrior| 2.12.13 @ 3:57PM

Does that attract the green chicks (Orion slave girls)?

TLP| 2.12.13 @ 6:02PM

No.

Only Monkey Secret agents, for some reason.

mike 3/505| 2.12.13 @ 9:29PM

I was just gonna cite a Lancelot Link episode.

CrackerHound| 2.12.13 @ 1:39PM

Sack up Republicans !

squalis| 2.12.13 @ 9:34AM

I absolutely loathe Obama and Dem policies and practices. Having said that, I would not have the R's walk out on the SOTU address. It would set a precedent that I think the Republicans would eventually regret and could never walk back.

If the Republicans want to stick together, and they should, they should do it in Congress and block all legislation they have the power to block. They should be taking any number of anti-Constitutional Executive Orders to court to have them reversed. They should demonstrate, and be highly vocal about it, that the price for Obama and the Dems to be so combative and oppressive is like behavior in return. Besides, that is precisely what the Republicans were elected to do-STOP THE OBAMA AGENDA.

Anthony| 2.12.13 @ 10:51AM

Yes, and Justice Roberts responded to Obozo's thrashing and bullying by becoming a useful idiot for "The One". Mission accomplished by Obozo.
The Rs will not walk out on Obozo; these gutless, feckless fools will sit there and take it, because sitting in the House chamber is what it's all about. Being there, with the trappings of power, even if you're a doormat for Obozo.

Gary B| 2.12.13 @ 11:12AM

Anthony, I agree. They're hopelessly addicted.

Simon Templar| 2.12.13 @ 11:18AM

Wow. You are finally getting it.
It is long overdue that we start writing the narratives and using the power of the image. Bravo.

E B | 2.12.13 @ 11:30AM

I realize the GOP has a messaging problem with the bulk of the media on the Democrats' side, but this really is a great time for the GOP to explain spending.

It's time the federal budget rules reached the limelight. Ever since the 1974 Budget Act, all federal budgets have increased annually by as much as 10%. I don't know that they're all 10%, but at least some are. That percentage increase is on whatever was spent in that federal budget the year before regardless of revenue or need I say necessity. Any additional spending granted (like the stimulus) make new baselines of amplified spending in the budget.

Yet the Democrats say there is no spending problem! Anyone with a basic understanding of mathematics can see that is a lie.

Any talk of reducing the 10% increases to something more reasonable (say the rate of inflation) has Democrats crying "Draconian cuts" and "GOP killing babies and old people!" even though spending in an exponential level is not a long-term solution.

In short, the Democrats offer no long-term solutions, making me wonder why they'd survive as a party after the economy completely collapses and the government defaults, as it will eventually have to do and probably in some global fashion? No government to pay pensions or any other form of assistance. We simply cannot avoid the consequences of reckless financial practices, though we can soften the impact if we reform them before it's too late.

www.conservativemormonmom.blogspot.com

Petronius| 2.12.13 @ 11:38AM

The Republicans won't do a damned thing to put their party invitations and golf partnerships in jeopardy. But I'd love to see Daryl Issa flip him off. He's the only one who's got a pair.

davelnaf| 2.12.13 @ 11:49AM

I hope they do. It would help the country if low-information voters were to see him humiliated in this way.

Republicans in Congress should understand—if they don’t already—that dems used everything in the arsenal of psychological manipulation to get O reelected. This kind of stuff was designed for low-information voters and works best on them, although psychologists believe that it’s universal—good luck with that. Dems went to these lengths in part because they understand that O is psychologically vulnerable and had he loss the damage he and his narcissism would have done might have sunk their party’s boat for a long time. However, a well-deserved spectacle like a no-show during the SOTU might give O’s keel a tilt in the right direction. One has to wonder, though, if Boehner is still in the dark about what it is he’s exactly dealing with in Obama.

Zeppo| 2.12.13 @ 11:55AM

As long as we are fantasizing, I'd like to see the next Republican President go back to the sensible practice of sending the SOTU message to Congress in writing. Get rid of the whole tiresome spectacle.

Occam's Tool| 2.12.13 @ 8:40PM

Zeppo: see my comment above, which I read before yours.

I really think that the Republicans should do the full Groucho on 'em. Explain that first of all, they agree with Obama's Marxism (have him explain why he doesn't like Groucho) and second, explain that until the Senate passes a budget, the Democrats aren't serious, and a non-serious Marxist in Office means Groucho.

KennesawJack| 2.12.13 @ 12:05PM

Another take on this, and completely plausible. Obamarx WANTS to pi**-off and embarass the Republicans on national TV. The reason? He wants them so angry with him they refuse to budge on sequester and the military is gutted. Exactly what this bastard (and he IS a bastard, Arnie - look it up) wants.

Guimo| 2.12.13 @ 12:30PM

Just don't clap. By all means, do not stand up when he arrives and leaves.

darcy| 2.12.13 @ 12:41PM

"[T]oo darn polite?" Now you're the one being politically "nice." Republicans won't walk out because turf or no, there isn't a handful among them that has any principles let alone courage -- think of the lion in the Wizard of Oz, cowardly. They're statists, committed to power-sharing; that is their motivating "principle," the easy road of stripping Americans of their liberty, because to do otherwise would threaten their sinecures.

JimH| 2.12.13 @ 12:48PM

I can see it now. After much coughing sounding suspicously like Blow J*b, they can all get up and march out in a line humming the Battle Hymn of the Republic ala Animal House.I’d pay to see that.

Albert Constantine Jr.| 2.12.13 @ 9:27PM

"You can do what you want to us, but I won't sit here while you bad mouth the United States of America!"

mike 3/505| 2.12.13 @ 9:31PM

Was it over when the German bombed Pearl Harbor?

Germans?

Forget it, He's rolling.

Who Knows?| 2.12.13 @ 12:56PM

Now that we all know that Obama “leads from behind”, it’s time to spread the word wealth that, truly, he---

Leads WITH his behind.

People are so easily fooled!

In The One’s case, we must begin to realize that he’s had an “operation”, which cut his head off and replaced it with his butt, and vice versa. So, when he speaks, actually what he’s doing is passing gas.

And, then, there are the massive bowel movements that release excrement! Can you say, Obamacare?

Here’s my idea---follow decorum, and just be polite when he enters the building, and then, right as he starts to give his gassy, smelly and wasteful speech”, all Republicans would don a mask, of a naked ass, cheeks and all.

Why, even let it have donkey’s ears, to further mock the Democratic Party!

They could even shout, in unison, at the worst statements by the butt-head Obama, HEE-HAW!

Humor is the best medicine.

And, Absolutely, taking the General Theory of Relativity and Quantum Mechanics into account, not to mention String Theory and our 11 dimensional Universe, the one truth is---Obama is suicidally funny!

Jim Adcox| 2.12.13 @ 1:27PM

Why not just create a Joe Wilson Greek chorus? At the end of every sentence of the SOTU, shout "You lie!" For those of a more vulgar mind, complete that with "-ing, POS!"

George S| 2.12.13 @ 1:28PM

Walk out? Where are they going to go? It's not as if being in Washington is a part time service for these guys and they have real lives to go to.

Das Absolutist| 2.12.13 @ 3:27PM

This President is a disgrace. Every opportunity he has, he uses it as a wedge to continue to drive a wedge between the American people. How many of us can count anything this buffoon has done to bring people together in this country? It's very painful to watch what is happening here. And millions are oblivious to it.

Louis Jenkins| 2.12.13 @ 4:19PM

Well, whether or not we like the election results, Obama is the president. He can say and do what he wishes, and can shoot us the bird if he so desires. The entire right side of the aisle can chew on their chairs, bite their nails, scuff and kick the carpet, but the bottom line is they can't, and won't, do a thing. They won't even find the energy to get out of their chairs, about face, and exit. Until the Republican party rejoins the world of conservatism we are in the doldrums, no wind in the sails, and without a paddle. We're exactly where Obama wants us.

Bandido| 2.12.13 @ 4:33PM

The Republicans haven't the guts to walk out.

Intelligent Design| 2.12.13 @ 6:05PM

Given the opportunity, about half of all American voters would walk out. Or just not show up. I hear Michigan v. Michigan State basketball is on TV at 9 p.m. Eastern.

Occam's Tool| 2.12.13 @ 8:42PM

I'm not watching this bozo tonight. I'm putting new my MS70 gold pieces into my gun safe.

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