What do we expect now?

[Jack Springer]

I expect an honest and transparent governance in years 5-8 - the ones promised originally

With no re-election to concern himself with

This should be easier

I expect answers - real ones - on Benghazi

I expect Repubs to help cut a deal that makes sense for all

Tim Caine talked about 500k tax plan - compromise vs 250k

Agree.

But, isn't it Tom Kaine?

http://twitchy.com/2012/10/28/joe-ga...ove-jay-biden/

BTW, Kaine should make a good Senator -- great education background and strong in character.

[Sausy]

Agree.

But, isn't it Tom Kaine?

http://twitchy.com/2012/10/28/joe-ga...ove-jay-biden/

BTW, Kaine should make a good Senator -- great education background and strong in character.

Glad to see you showing some independence and praising someone of the opposing party not necessarily sharing your political perspectives. I agree Kaine, especially as a former governor of Virginia who had to deal with budgets and legislators of both parties. Pragmatic, smart man whose potentially maybe in four or eight years Presidential material. One Democrat I could possibly vote for...I'd never vote for the progressive favorites.

[BostonPirate]

I expect an honest and transparent governance in years 5-8 - the ones promised originally

With no re-election to concern himself with

This should be easier

I expect answers - real ones - on Benghazi

I expect Repubs to help cut a deal that makes sense for all

Tim Caine talked about 500k tax plan - compromise vs 250k

I am hearing now that the deal in the works with Reid, Boehner, Canter, and Obama will raise the rate to one million, and then offer loophole closing in a pay as you go basis to get the rate lowered for the upper earners.

That's the quick tax fix that is getting passed around right now. I have no clue as to how the lame duck will react to this, and it may be that Boehner will wait until the new house comes in, with more skin in the game, to go along with the package.

That puts Linday Graham's grand bargain on immigration reform center stage in the coming weeks, and it gives ALOT of time for negotiations on the sequester. They won't deal with that until february at least.

[Jack Springer]

Glad to see you showing some independence and praising someone of the opposing party not necessarily sharing your political perspectives. I agree Kaine, especially as a former governor of Virginia who had to deal with budgets and legislators of both parties. Pragmatic, smart man whose potentially maybe in four or eight years Presidential material. One Democrat I could possibly vote for...I'd never vote for the progressive favorites.

I've always had an open mind --- with some exception during the last month of so of this nasty campaign.

I've also, always liked Kaine -- he has a good foundation with his education at Rockhurst - I personally know many grads. He chose to help his fellow man after graduation instead of going for the big bucks right off the bat or enhancing his political career.

[BostonPirate]

I've always had an open mind --- with some exception during the last month of so of this nasty campaign.

I've also, always liked Kaine -- he has a good foundation with his education at Rockhurst - I personally know many grads. He chose to help his fellow man after graduation instead of going for the big bucks right off the bat or enhancing his political career.

I think his exec office experience makes him a shoe in for the centrist anchor, so to speak. I think he understands the dangers of obstruction and knows ways around it.

[Sausy]

I think his exec office experience makes him a shoe in for the centrist anchor, so to speak. I think he understands the dangers of obstruction and knows ways around it.

Exactly. Like Clinton he knows how to govern... won't excite the left but will be a lot harder to pigeonhole as a lefty by the right. Will not make any utopian social engineering moves but promote Democratic Party principles at their best without turning off reasonable independents, conservatives and moderates. If Tim Kaine is the nominee I'd really think of voting for him...just don't see the GOP going for a Chris Christie. The right HATES him now, totally unjustly, because of Sandy's devastation in New Jersey and his close working relationship with President Obama. He's the governor and loves his state. Anything else would have been an abdication of his responsibilities and I'm glad he didn't cave in to the right's demands he openly support again Romney on an active basis. Well, he couldn't.... he was acting like a State chief executive should act, concerned with the getting things cleaned up and starting the rebuilding process for his state. He needs to have a great relationship with Washington, DC to help move things forward more smoothly and that's what he was doing. There are times for politics and the Sandy devastation wasn't one of those times.

[Jack Springer]

If only Obama would take the time to learn to work with others.

[Rolyo85]

If only Obama would take the time to learn to work with others.

That sounded so defanged...

[star-warrior]

I expect the right will go choose a charismatic deep south guy for their next leader.

[rareboy]

If only Obama would take the time to learn to work with others.

But by 'work with others' all you really mean is 'give in to every demand that the Republican Congress makes'.

What you should have said is that all of the politicians in federal government have to learn (again) how to work with others.

[Jack Springer]

True.

But Obama is the guy that's supposed to be the leader.

So far he's been President ... now he HAS TO BE a leader.

[JayHawk]

Look I understand he was not who you desired to Lead us into the next four years. However to insinuate a guy who accomplished the following hasnt led is just partisan hack crap.

50 Accomplishments of Obama

I stress he needs to open dialogue with republicans while they are feeling beaten. Then somethings can be compromised upon and accomplished.

[JayHawk]

I have an idea now what we should expect... just seconds after having been beaten back like heretics at the church door the republican party is once again denying the reality of facts and figures:

Congressional Research Service Report On Tax Cuts For Wealthy Suppressed By GOP (UPDATE)

From the CRS report on the effect of taxes on economic growth:

The results of the analysis suggest that changes over the past 65 years in the top marginal tax rate and the top capital gains tax rate do not appear correlated with economic growth. The reduction in the top tax rates appears to be uncorrelated with saving, investment, and productivity growth. The top tax rates appear to have little or no relation to the size of the economic pie.
However, the top tax rate reductions appear to be associated with the increasing concentration of income at the top of the income distribution. As measured by IRS data, the share of income accruing to the top 0.1% of U.S. families increased from 4.2% in 1945 to 12.3% by 2007 before falling to 9.2% due to the 2007-2009 recession. At the same time, the average tax rate paid by the top 0.1% fell from over 50% in 1945 to about 25% in 2009. Tax policy could have a relation to how the economic pie is sliced—lower top tax rates may be associated with greater income disparities.

GOP Senators have tried to squash this report because it clearly demonstrates that tax breaks for the welathy do nothing for job creation or economic booms.... it just results in more money at the top in an already unbalanced system that leans money to the top of the spectrum.....

HMMMM....

You think the republican party would be interested in facts now that they see what fake reality gets you....

[GiancarloC]

True.

But Obama is the guy that's supposed to be the leader.

So far he's been President ... now he HAS TO BE a leader.

How is he supposed to be a leader when he has a republican House that has completely refused to even talk to him? Republicans better be serious about working with him now.

Republicans are badly bruised right now so they'll have to compromise.

[Jack Springer]

Leaders aren't always the manager or the supervisor. Leaders rise to the top through gaining respect of others and guiding others.

Obama has refused to work with Congress for many months now.

I still find it funny that Pelosi cut the microphone on him when he was speaking. In the business meetings I've been in through the years you only do that with some people -- people you don't respect.

[Kulindahr]

I have an idea now what we should expect... just seconds after having been beaten back like heretics at the church door the republican party is once again denying the reality of facts and figures:



From the CRS report on the effect of taxes on economic growth:




GOP Senators have tried to squash this report because it clearly demonstrates that tax breaks for the welathy do nothing for job creation or economic booms.... it just results in more money at the top in an already unbalanced system that leans money to the top of the spectrum.....

HMMMM....

You think the republican party would be interested in facts now that they see what fake reality gets you....

I linked to that in another thread, but it definitely bears re-posting. The historical evidence has shown that taxes on the wealthy can go as high as 65% to 70% before there's a noticeable effect on the economy; this is just icing on the data cake.

Will Republicans care? Unlikely. They voted to exalt lies, so why should they worry about a little truth?

[Kulindahr]

How is he supposed to be a leader when he has a republican House that has completely refused to even talk to him? Republicans better be serious about working with him now.

Republicans are badly bruised right now so they'll have to compromise.

He should read a political biography of LBJ -- that would show him. But it requires ruthlessness, a trait Obama hasn't shown a trace of.

[GiancarloC]

Leaders aren't always the manager or the supervisor. Leaders rise to the top through gaining respect of others and guiding others.

Obama has refused to work with Congress for many months now.

Wrong. The Congress has refused to work with Obama because many of those in the House were up for re-election and they wanted to aid in Romney's failed presidential bid. They weren't going to work with Obama because it's an election year. It's just obvious.

[MikeyLove]

I just don't understand how some people are so blinded by what has been going on between Congress and Obama, and they can only see what is perceived as a Bad President. Obama has pulled this country from the brink of Financial disaster, and fighting for jobs for all people without the help of Congress, as he has had to work around the terrible Obstructionism. If Congress had worked with him, then things would be alot better than they are now. Since Re-Election, Obama now has the upperhand, and a mandate as the Republicans has no choice but to work with Obama.

[Jack Springer]

Wrong. The Congress has refused to work with Obama because many of those in the House were up for re-election and they wanted to aid in Romney's failed presidential bid. They weren't going to work with Obama because it's an election year. It's just obvious.

People voted republican for the House -- they will act as balance.

It's gonna be this way.

[BostonPirate]

People voted republican for the House -- they will act as balance.

It's gonna be this way.

Funny you bring that up....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/1...n_2096978.html

While Republicans hung onto control of the House of Representatives after Tuesday's election, Democratic candidates across the U.S. received more total votes than Republican candidates did.

While not all ballots have been counted, Democrats hold an edge over Republicans in overall votes. According to ThinkProgress, 53,952,240 votes were cast for Democratic candidates, while Republican candidates received 53,402,643. However, thanks in part to redistricting, Republicans will hold more than half the seats in the House while receiving less than half of overall votes.

So by your reasoning, we should all follow the president's Democratic Party Agenda. They won all the popular votes when tally'd up, in the house, the senate, and the presidency.

That is what the Majority of Americans want.

To think that the GOP has license for obstruction at this point will do nothing but lead to their demise in 2014. Let's not forget that gerrymandering the districts these last years, have given the house to the GOP without having to get the popular vote.

Let them push this, and they will lose control of the house when it gets redistricted the next time, and frankly, they have NO CHANCE of getting the house back if the let it go.

The house of reps will fall in line within a month or so, as soon as it's finished licking its wounds. In the interim, don't expect that the voters are going to let them off the hook.

This election was all about being against the do nothing congress, their obstruction, and the guy they chose to lead them. If the obstruction would not have happened, we would probably be sitting here with a President Huntsman.

But the GOP house of reps, and Mitch McConnell's crusade pushed the party off the cliff.

Here is Gov Jindal of Louisiana in his own words....

“Simply being the anti-Obama party didn’t work. You can’t beat something with nothing. The reality is we have to be a party of solutions and not just bumper-sticker slogans but real detailed policy solutions.”

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories...#ixzz2C84e7yJC

[GiancarloC]

People voted republican for the House -- they will act as balance.

It's gonna be this way.

Huh?

That's not responding to what I said. I'm talking about the White House. Republicans were going to roadblock him because they wanted the White House... they failed miserably.

The democrats did make some good gains in the House and even more gains in the Senate... so their sway increases.

[Kulindahr]

People voted republican for the House -- they will act as balance.

It's gonna be this way.

So you think the Republicans in the House are going to grow up now and actually do their jobs?

I'll believe that when they show evidence of believing in economic reality.

[TX-Beau]

Wait a minute, I don't remember the Pubs making big gains in the House? Did that just slip by me? Or is it just another salve the Pubs are putting on their open wound.

[BostonPirate]

Wait a minute, I don't remember the Pubs making big gains in the House? Did that just slip by me? Or is it just another salve the Pubs are putting on their open wound.

They lost seats and they lost the majority vote.

What you are seeing is proof of the continuing existence of the FOX alternate reality.

[GiancarloC]

Yes, the republicans lost seats in the House. The democrats should be at 200 or 201 when the remaining races are resolved. There are four or five House races that are still not called and votes are still being counted. Either way republicans lost seats in both branches.

[rareboy]

They lost seats and they lost the majority vote.

What you are seeing is proof of the continuing existence of the FOX alternate reality.

It is amazing that they recovered their aplomb so quickly.

It truly indicates that they know their audience for exactly what it is....and know that they can keep feeding this narrative to all of them no matter what.

[TX-Beau]

My Uncle ******** (name omitted to protect my cousins who are actually blood relations and not asshats for the most part) said that the reason Obama won Florida was because the blacks (actual adjective omitted 'cause I don't want to get banned) down there were all unemployed and had time to stand in lines while god fearing white folk had jobs to get to.

I kid you not.

[Rolyo85]

I am not in love with your family, all things considered.

[rareboy]

I am not in love with your family, all things considered.

I suspect that I might not be including them on my Secret Santa list this year.

[TX-Beau]

Well, you know how us Baptists feel about the Claus...

http://www.landoverbaptist.org/news1...acritical.html

(this is satire Ben, I'd call it whimsy but that Santa pic is pretty graphic)

[Kulindahr]

My Uncle ******** (name omitted to protect my cousins who are actually blood relations and not asshats for the most part) said that the reason Obama won Florida was because the blacks (actual adjective omitted 'cause I don't want to get banned) down there were all unemployed and had time to stand in lines while god fearing white folk had jobs to get to.

I kid you not.

You should have blinked, then asked, "So it's really true that Republicans put dollars above patriotism?"

[chance1]

I expect Pres. Obama to appoint qualified people in his cabinet

[GiancarloC]

I expect Pres. Obama to appoint qualified people in his cabinet

AS he did during in the prior 4 years. It is in his track record.

[JayHawk]

He should be picking from mostly democrats now so the lack of scandal and the higher quality should show thru nicely.

[Jack Springer]

I expect Pres. Obama to appoint qualified people in his cabinet

Maybe he'll even have cabinet meetings now.

[Rolyo85]

Could keep those snide remarks to yourself? They are pure spam at this point, not to mention how incredibly petty and a sore loser they make you seem.

Or are we gonna have to deal with this type of vindictive whininess all the way through the next 4 years? Grow up please.

[BostonPirate]

Maybe he'll even have cabinet meetings now.

Could keep those snide remarks to yourself? They are pure spam at this point, not to mention how incredibly petty and a sore loser they make you seem.

Or are we gonna have to deal with this type of vindictive whininess all the way through the next 4 years? Grow up please.

[palbert]

Morning in America (credit: R. Reagan).

[GiancarloC]

Could keep those snide remarks to yourself? They are pure spam at this point, not to mention how incredibly petty and a sore loser they make you seem.

Or are we gonna have to deal with this type of vindictive whininess all the way through the next 4 years? Grow up please.

They won't drop their partisan ranting... they are still upset about the election results.

[Jack Springer]

Could keep those snide remarks to yourself? They are pure spam at this point, not to mention how incredibly petty and a sore loser they make you seem.

Or are we gonna have to deal with this type of vindictive whininess all the way through the next 4 years? Grow up please.

He's only had 2 cabinet meetings this year.

[GiancarloC]

He's only had 2 cabinet meetings this year.

So what? He has an administration and delegates work. Not that difficult.

Or rather he have more like Bush who just sat their with an empty look in his eyes?

[TX-Beau]

Bush didn't work, Cheney worked - from and undisclosed location.

[Kulindahr]

Could keep those snide remarks to yourself? They are pure spam at this point, not to mention how incredibly petty and a sore loser they make you seem.

Or are we gonna have to deal with this type of vindictive whininess all the way through the next 4 years? Grow up please.

Besides the fact that it's been shown that Obama's attendance at cabinet meetings is about par for recent presidents.


Besides, I think he's having a contest with Chance to see who can be the most snide.

[BostonPirate]

Late stage ODS

Not much we can do. Best to just put them down.

[chance1]

I would expect an increased level of progressive terrorism

As a short term hard on is mistaken for something more

[GiancarloC]

What the fuck is progressive terrorism? Are progressives sending in secession requests?

[JayHawk]

From all views what i expect now is the republicans to actually compromise on some issues and get things done for America.... HOLY FUCK


I also expect the filibuster rule to fall in the senate.... but because it is going to be democrats pushing it and although republicans on this board have argued that the rule sucks they will switch postions and argue with the party because they seem mostly like Limbaugh savants....

Oh and Limbaugh pretty much conceded today that taxes are going up..... lol

[Jack Springer]

Obama and Biden meet with "civil rights" groups today. Look for what he promised them for the re-election support.

Rev Al was among them -- but no Jesse Jackson.

[GiancarloC]

Are we still eating the sour grapes? Must taste pretty bad at this point.