A dubious honor at best:
PolitiFact’s Lie of the Year: ‘Death panels’
Of all the falsehoods and distortions in the political discourse this year, one stood out from the rest.
“Death panels.”
The claim set political debate afire when it was made [...]
Dr. Howard Dean (medical doctor, former governor of Vermont, former candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination and former chairman of the Democratic National Committee) was interviewed by David Gregory on this mornings Meet the Press. The talked about the health care bill that is about to be passed in the [...]
From the White House weblog:
The President looks back to the bipartisan Patient’s Bill of Rights, a bill that was defeated in Congress at the hands of special interests and their supporters, and notes that health insurance reform covers the same ground and much more in terms of giving the consumers [...]
Each and every Friday evening for some time now we have been bringing you the best and brightest editorial and political cartoons published during the week just ending. Here is this week’s crop. Always remember that your mileage may vary. Click on the thumbnails to make them bigger or to [...]
Al Franken is the Junior Senator from the state of Minnesota. He has been on the job for going on six months. Joe Lieberman and Johnny McCain have been in the Senate since dirt was invented. Watch as Franken makes complete asses of the two senior senators on the floor [...]
It happens every year just about this time. The “religious” right wing extremists start howling about how they are persecuted.
Never let the truth get in the way of a good persecution story.
Making the story more compelling, the boy’s father held court for much of the day at his [...]
Howard Dean explains why the Lieberman Health Care Bill should be killed in the Senate:
I’m with Dr. Dean on this. Those who are now crying that “something is better than nothing” are simply wrong. It isn’t. The health care bill that is headed for passage in the Senate is not [...]
I have nothing to say tonight. I am still fuming at Joe Loserman Lieberman and the spineless Democratic leadership that is bowing before him. So I’ll leave you tonight with Keith Olbermann’s comments from last night (which have nothing to with Loserman Lieberman or spineless Democrats).
The following video is [...]
President Obama met with the CEOs of a dozen banks this morning. He reminded them that much is required from those to whom much is given…
Transcript following the break.
Remarks by the President on the Economy
Diplomatic Reception Room
12:38 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, everybody. I’ve just finished a [...]
Quick reminder… President Obama will again be interviewed by Steve Kroft on CBS’ 60 Minutes this evening.
Also, fair warning. There may or not be a full-on rant appearing on this page within the coming hours (or days). There was a segment on Charles Osgood’s CBS Sunday Morning this morning that [...]
From the White House weblog:
The President explains that while he continues to focus on jobs, it is also profoundly important to address the problems that created this economic mess in the first place. He commends the House of Representatives for passing reforms to our financial system, including a new Consumer [...]
Each and every Friday evening for some time now we have been bringing you the best and brightest editorial and political cartoons published during the week just ending. Here is this week’s crop. Always remember that your mileage may vary. Click on the thumbnails to make them bigger or to [...]
The President of the United States of America, Barack H. Obama, accepted the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway this morning.
A transcript of the President’s remarks may be read following the break.
Remarks by the President at the Acceptance of the [...]
President Barack Obama spells out a plan to create jobs at the Brookings Institution in Washington….
A transcript of the President’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, follows the break.
Remarks by the President on Job Creation and Economic Growth
The Brookings Institution, Washington, D.C.
11:23 A.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you so much, Strobe, [...]
The following video is from NBC’s Saturday Night Live, broadcast December 5, 2009.
It speaks for itself.
From the White House weblog:
Following the best jobs numbers since 2007, the President recognizes that such trends are cold comfort to those who are struggling and pledges to continue pushing forward towards positive job growth. President Obama looks back at the Jobs Forum he hosted days before and looks ahead [...]
I stopped being surprised by the craziness emanating from the right in the United States some time ago. Still, though…
West TN mayor: Obama blocked ‘Peanuts’ Christmas special on purpose
Wiseman
ARLINGTON, Tenn. — The mayor of a suburban Memphis city accused President Barack Obama of deliberately timing [...]
I will be the first to admit that it has been a lot of fun watching Rick Goodhair Perry and Kay Bailey Liar Hutchison tear each other apart, but the truth is there is not a nickel’s worth of difference between them.
Today we got the announcement for which we have [...]
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans has ruled that students in the Plano, Texas school district may only distribute Christian propaganda religious materials before and after school, at three annual parties, during recess and at designated tables during school hours. Middle and high schoolers can also [...]
President Obama went to the U.S. Military Academy to deliver a prime-time speech this evening outlining this country’s new strategy for the war in Afghanistan. He announced that 30,000 additional troops would be deployed to that theater as quickly as possible. He also set an 18 month limit on our [...]
President Obama will be delivering a prime time speech on national television tonight to explain his decision to escalate the war in Afghanistan. It will be carried live by all the networks (including, surprisingly, FOX) at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, 7:00 p.m. Central time. I have not heard or read the [...]
I never said we would agree on everything. I am most definitely not on board with this…
Obama informs top diplomatic, military officials of Afghan decision
Washington (CNN) — President Obama has informed several top diplomatic and military officials about his decision regarding new U.S. strategy and troop levels in Afghanistan, [...]
If one is curious as to why the United States is rapidly failing as a nation, one need only check the priorities of our mainstream media.
I had the pleasure of watching The CBS Evening News this evening. Their lead story was about a pampered billionaire who threw a tantrum [...]
The Black Friday edition of the best editorial and political cartoons from the week just ending…
From the White House weblog:
Happy Thanksgiving!
Given the holiday, we are releasing the President’s weekly address today. In this video, President Obama calls to our attention the men and women in uniform who are away from home sacrificing time with family to protect our safety and freedom. He also talks [...]
Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends in the States. I hope y’all are able to spend some time with family, friends and loved ones — or at the very least someone you kind of like a little. If you’re lucky enough to feast out, take a few moments to remember [...]
A transcript of the President’s remarks follows the break.
Remarks by the President on Pardoning of the National Turkey
North Portico
11:41 A.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Happy Thanksgiving, everybody. Welcome to the White House. On behalf of Sasha and Malia and myself, we’re thrilled to see you. I want to [...]
If there is one thing the conservatives are very, very good at, it is revising history. We have all known that for some time and got further proof of it last night. George W. Bush’s last press secretary, Dana Perino, went on Sean Hannity’s show on FOX News and flatly [...]
There was a great piece on 60 Minutes last night…
It would be wonderful if we could have a serious discussion about this in this country, but it isn’t going to happen as long as the Republicans can get their base all worked up with screams and lies about death panels, [...]
Saturday Night Live showed us last night exactly what will happen in 2012 if The Alaskan Joke is somehow elected to the presidency. (It will never happen, of course, but it’s good to have advance warning just in case.)
(Please open the article to see the flash file or player.)
UPDATE: Also [...]
Even money says that you did not watch Bill Moyers Journal on PBS last night. Did you? Thought not. I did.
I found his commentary very interesting and extremely relevant. He equated President Lyndon Johnson’s march to war in Vietnam to the pressure President Obama is now under (mostly from the [...]
From the White House weblog:
In an address recorded in Seoul, South Korea, the President discusses his trip to Asia. He talks about his push to stop nuclear proliferation in North Korea, Iran, and around the world. He talks about promoting America’s principles for an open society in China while making [...]
A little something we do around here every Friday evening just about this time. Click on a thumbnail to make it appear full size or to start a slide show. Enjoy.
P.S. The following program time has not been purchased and probably does reflect the views of management.
This stuff went way beyond a joke a long time ago.
This video is from MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show, broadcast November 17, 2009…
(Please open the article to see the flash file or player.)
If you have spent any time reading the right wing blogs or [...]
Playgirl has released the first teaser photo from Levi Johnston’s (Bristol Palin’s babydaddy) upcoming nude, but not full-frontal, photo shoot.
Who knew, huh?
Seems McSteamy was already taken. Levi will have to settle for McSultry. WTG, Sarah!
P.S. Speaking of Sarah, looks like she’s just gonna have to settle for [...]
Have you heard of young Will Phillips? You should know about this kid. He’s one brave, intelligent and principled kid. It’s hard to believe that he’s only ten years old.
A columnist for the Arkansas News has stood up for Will and his right to refuse to [...]
The following image appeared in a post on a right wing blog yesterday:
I’ll not link to the blog in which that image was posted, nor will I mention the name of the blog or the blogger.
Here, for your edification, is Psalm 109, verse 8 (followed by verses [...]
Yesterday, Attorney General Eric Holder announced that Khalid Sheik Mohammed (the man who allegedly planned the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001) and several of his cohorts will be standing trial in a federal civilian court in New York City, just blocks away from where the World Trade Center towers [...]
From the White House weblog:
With the investigation into the tragedy at Fort Hood ongoing, President Barack Obama used his weekly address to call for a careful and complete review of what happened before the tragedy.
Watch the video of the President’s address below or read the full text, as prepared for [...]
Note to Carrie Prejean: When you storm off an interview set, you are supposed to storm off an interview set, not sit there staring prettily (she thinks) and blankly into the camera.
Palin/Prejean 2012! (Perfect match up and every conservative’s wet dream.)
They are [...]
Friday evening once again. Click on the cartoons to view them full sized or to start a slide show.
Hmmm… It seems we may have been extolling the wrong hero…
Second Officer Gives an Account of the Shooting at Ft. Hood
Mark Todd
KILLEEN, Tex. — Sgt. Kimberly D. Munley has been applauded as a hero across the nation for shooting down Maj. Nidal Malik [...]
Be sure to read “My solemn meeting on Veterans Day with President Obama at my friend’s resting place in Arlington.”
“I’m sure the cynics will assume this was just another Obama photo op.
If they’d been standing in my boots looking him in the eye, they would [...]
The liberal media is really shirking their duty when it falls to Jon Stewart to point out that Fox News is (once again) falsifying their reports…
Liars.
(Thank you, Mr. Stewart, for watching Fox News so I don’t have to.)
UPDATE: Sean Hannity of Fox News “apologizes” for their “inadvertent mistake.” Two things: [...]
President Barack Obama observed Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery…
Transcript of remarks after the break.
Thank you so much. Thank you. Please, be seated.
Thank you, Secretary Shinseki, for the generous introduction — more importantly, the extraordinary bravery in service to our country, both on and off the battlefield. I [...]
President Obama’s remarks at today’s memorial service at Fort Hood…
“It may be hard to comprehend the twisted logic that led to this tragedy. But this much we do know — no faith justifies these murderous and craven acts; no just and loving God looks upon them with favor. For what [...]
While most of our attention was riveted on the House health care vote last night (it was, wasn’t it?), NBC’s Saturday Night Live hilariously (and so very accurately) parodied the Fox News coverage of last Tuesday’s elections…
Don’t believe it? Just search out a few right wing blogs. They are [...]
The Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) has passed the House of Representatives. Final vote was 220 to 215 (219 Democrats and 1 Republican in favor, 39 Democrats and 176 Republicans opposed).
The only Republican to vote in favor of health care for Americans was Representative Joseph Cao of [...]
While doing a bit of web surfing just now, I happened to hit upon a website whose author describes himself as a “hardcore conservative.” He has the following poll posted…
How in the world do you answer a poll like that?
From the White House weblog:
In this week’s address, President Barack Obama expressed his sadness for the tragedy at Fort Hood and praised the selfless valor of those who came to the aid of the wounded. While we mourn the heartbreaking violence, we should honor the heroism of the soldiers and [...]
Each week, your diligent and incredibly hard-working editor in chief will sort through thousands upon thousands of editorial and political cartoons and select those which best reflect the current editorial mindset and political mood of the United States of America. His efforts are laudable. Each Friday evening at this time, [...]
Both the AARP and the AMA came forth today and endorsed President Obama’s plan for health care insurance reform. The President made an unannounced visit to the White House press room to talk about those endorsements.
Here is the text of the President’s remarks:
THE PRESIDENT: Hey! Hello, [...]
Condolences to the good people of New Jersey and Virginia. They chose to send Republicans to inhabit their governors’ mansions for the next four years and will now have to live with the consequences.
Congratulations to the folks in the 23rd Congressional District of New York. They dealt a serious blow [...]
Can you believe it has already been nearly a year since the 2008 election? Here a couple of reminders of the bullet we dodged…
Just a little something to add to your list of things for which you should be grateful as the Thanksgiving season [...]
From the White House weblog:
In this week’s address, President Barack Obama said that while times are still too difficult for too many American families, this week saw real evidence of progress in the economy. On Thursday, we learned that in the third quarter the GDP grew for the first time [...]
Just a little something we like to do around here each week at this time. (Actually, we’re a few minutes late this week. Sorry.) Click to enlarge…
I haven’t posted much about the little feud that has flared up between Levi Johnston and Sarah Palin. I think it’s rather ridiculous that the woman who Johnny McCain and the Republicans felt was qualified to be Vice President of the United States (and a 73-year-old heartbeat away from the [...]
President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard Hate Crime Prevention Act into law today…
Those who say they see no difference between Democrats and Republicans or who think that President Obama is governing no differently than Johnny McCain would have need only look at this two minutes and twenty-four seconds [...]
I’ve been somewhat lax in posting the past couple of days because, frankly, your check didn’t clear. I’ll put it through again. Meanwhile…
This video is from Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report, broadcast Oct. 26, 2009.
I’m not a huge fan of Jay Leno (he’s just a little too free with the gay jokes) and have only watched his new prime time show a couple of times, but our First Lady sure looked good (dare I say hot?) when she appeared on the show last night…
From the White House weblog:
In this week’s address, President Barack Obama spoke of how important small businesses are to the economy and described the steps his administration is taking to support them. Health insurance reform will allow small business to purchase insurance for their employees through exchanges, which will increase [...]
In a new video released by the White House today, First Lady Michelle Obama talks about the importance of health care reform for families (and women in particular)…
[...]
The official White House portrait of the First Family of the United States of America:
(Click to enlarge.)
The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Bill, which House Republican Leader John Boehner objected to because one’s sexual orientation, unlike one’s religion, is easily changed, has passed the Senate and is one its way to President Obama’s desk for his signature…
Senate Approves Broadened Hate-Crime Measure
WASHINGTON — The Senate voted [...]
Finally…
U.S. to cut pay for bailed-out bosses
NEW YORK — The Obama administration plans to order companies that have received exceptionally large amounts of bailout money from the government to slash compensation for their highest-paid executives by about half on average, according to people familiar with the long-awaited decision.
The cuts [...]
Sarah Palin’s book has not even been released yet and already it’s hit the bargain basement…
Sure hope you didn’t pay full price!
(At this price, I may even be tempted to buy a copy or two. They’ll make great gag gifts during the holidays. Plus, it will be [...]
I am sure that by now you have heard about Keith Bardwell, the Louisiana justice of the peace who refused to perform a marriage ceremony for an interracial (black/white) couple. He was interviewed on CBS’ Early Show this morning. He still does not believe he broke any law…
Fox News is doing its job well…
Secret Service strained as leaders face more threats
WASHINGTON – The unprecedented number of death threats against President Obama, a rise in racist hate groups, and a new wave of anti-government fervor threaten to overwhelm the US Secret Service, according to government officials and [...]
I’m not one to pat myself on the back (much), but… called it.
‘Balloon boy’ incident was hoax, sheriff says
Three days after the world watched a giant balloon fly through the air and a tearful family express fears [...]
From the White House weblog:
In his weekly address, President Barack Obama praised the progress that has been made on health insurance reform, and spoke out against those who defend the status quo in order to score political points and protect their profits. With reform the closest it has ever been [...]
Just a little something we do around here at this time every week. Click on the thumbnails to make them bigger or to start a slide show. Enjoy, and remember, your mileage may vary.
The hoax of the century. (Yes, even bigger than Sarah Palin.)
Enough said.
(Story here in case you’ve been hiding under a rock for the past 24 hours.)
UPDATE from CBS News: “Sheriff Dept.: Balloon Incident Not a Hoax.”
President Barack Obama held a town hall meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana today. At the close of the question and answer period, fourth grader Tyren Scott asked the president why people hate him. Here’s video:
Tyren: “Why do people hate you? They’re supposed to love you. And God is [...]
Our Republicans are getting stranger by the day. They really are…
Why GOP Leader Opposes Hate Crimes Protections for Gays
Last week, House Republican Leader John Boehner objected to House passage of a bill that would expand hate crime laws and make it a [...]
President Barack Obama spoke at the annual dinner of the Human Rights Campaign this evening. Here’s video of his address. Watch and listen…
(I have to confess that I am a bit like the kid in that Verizon commercial [...]
Rachel Maddow, October 9, 2009:
“The American President just won the Nobel Peace Prize. By any reasonable measure, all Americans should be proud.”
I do not believe our Republicans could have made bigger fools of themselves this week if they had tried. (Though who’s to say they didn’t?)
From the White House weblog:
In his weekly address, President Barack Obama praised past and current political leaders from across the spectrum who have come forward to support reform. Doctors, nurses, hospitals, and drug companies have already expressed their support. In the past several days Governor Schwarzenegger, Mayor Bloomberg, former Senate [...]
The President of the United States, Barack Obama, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This report from The Washington Post…
Barack Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
President Obama was awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize Friday for his work to improve [...]
Reports are surfacing that felon Tom DeLay will be withdrawing from ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” tonight, citing stress fractures in both feet. Still, something tells me he is going to be a big hit in prison…
He shakes it pretty good, doesn’t he?
Still, though, can you imagine the [...]
President Obama met with doctors from all 50 states at the White House today to talk about health insurance reform.
Watch the video:
Or listen to the audio:
Or read the transcript following the break.
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM EVENT WITH DOCTORS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Rose Garden
11:17 A.M. [...]
Paul Krugman hits another one out of the park…
There was what President Obama likes to call a teachable moment last week, when the International Olympic Committee rejected Chicago’s bid to be host of the 2016 Summer Games.
“Cheers erupted” at the headquarters of the conservative Weekly Standard, [...]
Republicans cheer as America loses (video from MSBNC’s Rachel Maddow Show, recorded October 2, 2009):
Pretty amazing stuff, huh? They must be awfully proud.
This really was a no-win for President Obama as far as the right was concerned. As much as they are criticizing him for supporting our country’s [...]
From the White House weblog:
The President discusses ongoing efforts to spur job creation. He also explains why health insurance reform is needed not just for long-term economic stability, but in the immediate future, discussing statistics on how costs will continue to skyrocket and hurt small businesses even next year.
Watch the [...]
As always, our thanks go to the talented and observant cartoonists who, each week, help us smile through [...]
I wanted to share with you the visit that Congressman Alan Grayson made to the lions’ den (CNN’s Situation Room) today. He looked those old lions right in their faces and handed them the truth. They objected mightily. It still amazes me the way that Republicans get their hackles up [...]
Yesterday, Representative Alan Grayson (D-FL) stood up in the House of Representatives and accurately described the Republican health care plan:
The Republicans immediately called on Rep. Grayson to apologize. Somehow, having their health care plan so accurately portrayed and so publicly displayed hurt their feelings. They likened Rep. [...]
It seems that Sarah Palin, former governor of Alaska and former Republican vice presidential candidate, has completed her book. It’s entitled “Going Rogue: An American Life.” (According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, rogue means 1) vagrant, tramp; 2) a dishonest or worthless person; 3) a mischievous person; 4) a horse [...]
FAMILY DAY, 2009
- – - – - – -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Our family provides one of the strongest influences on our lives. American families from every walk of life have taught us time and again that children raised in loving, caring homes [...]
Last February, seven months ago, a group of elementary school children in New Jersey made up a song to celebrate our first African-American president during Black History month. Their song is just now coming to the attention of the right wing extremists in the United States and they are vociferously [...]
From the White House weblog:
Recorded literally on his way back from the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh, the President uses his Weekly Address to recap the progress made during the intensive discussions with world leaders. From an historic agreement to reform the global financial system, to groundbreaking commitments on reducing subsidies [...]
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