Liveblog: NYPD holds Press Conference on Times Square car bomb

By GottaLaff


Liveblogging the press conference about the Times Square car bomb.

ViaMSNBC:

The bomb squad has "breached the gun locker found in the car."

There is no evidence that Pakistani Taliban is responsible, despite their claims.

The other source claiming responsibility came via a call, and a lot of calls do come in; the caller said he did it.

The relationship the NYPD has with the FBI is seamless.

Some munitions were detonated inside the car.

The most serious since 9/11.

NYPD will release surveillance video of the suspect. Asking public for information, too.

An explosion would "have caused a significant fireball" but they still need to examine what was in gun box. The case is all metal, weighs about 75 pounds, so would have had a lot of shrapnel. There would have been casualties, the car would have been cut in half.

More mid-town Manhattan police will be on patrol.

The license plate belonged to a vehicle that was being repaired in Connecticut.

Raymond Kelly, NY police commissioner, is the one who is answering questions.

It wasn't an accident, someone sent a message to terrorize people in the area. Terrorism can be caused by an individual, not limited to just an organization.

We have no intention of screening cars at this time. We examine licenses, etc., traffic checks, routinely.

The license plate was not stolen, but can't assume it was given to the individual.

Two clocks, wired together, were involved, but don't yet know the intended time of detonation. A 16 oz. can was positioned between 2 five gallon cans of gasoline. 3 propane tanks, 15-17 pounds. There was a gun box inside a cardboard box. Wires from explosives in can wired in to box.

Vice President Biden addresses two Al Qaeda leaders killed

By GottaLaff

On MSNBC now: The top two leaders of Al Qaeda in Iraq were killed in a U.S.-Iraqi operation.

Vice President Biden [slightly paraphrased]:

Their deaths are potentially devastating blows to Al Qaeda in Iraq, but also demonstrates capability of Iraqi security forces. They led this effort. They have taken the lead in securing Iraq and its citizens. ...

There will be more difficult days ahead... but the future of Iraq won't be shaped who want to destroy, but those who want to build a strong and confident Iraq.

Tuh-WEET! There goes another right wing talking point

By GottaLaff

Via Andrea Mitchell just now n Twitter:


There you go, GOP, right there in black, white, and color screen grabs: The troops like President Obama. Imagine that.

Another talking point down the drain.

Liveblog: Obama speaks to troops in Afghanistan

By GottaLaff

I pulled a few screen grabs off the ol' Tee Vee Machine:



Liveblogging President Obama:

The U.S. is a partner, but our intent is for Afghans to provide for their own security.

We salute the members of the Afghan national army who are fighting along side you.

It's a privilege to [be here, see you all]. Thank you.

We're here to help the Afghan people forge a hard-won peace.

Everybody back home is grateful, proud of you, understands your sacrifices...

I know it's not easy. You're far away from home, miss your family, friends... for some of you, this is 4th tour of duty.

If I thought for a minute that Amerca's vital interests were not served, I would order you home right away. But ... your services are absolutely essential to America's safety and security. We are relying on you.

We did not choose this war, or us wanting to expand influence. We were attacked viciously on 9/11. 1000s were killed. This is where Al Qaeda still bases their leadership.

If this region slides backwards, if Taliban retakes this country, Al Qaeda can operate with impunity... The world would be less secure. I'm not gonna let that happen. That's why you are here.

I anguish in thinking about the sacrifices you make. That's why I promise I will never send you out if not necessary... but when it is, you will be backed up by a clear mission, right strategy, and have support to get job done. I am confident you will get the job done here in Afghanistan. [cheers]

That's why I ordered more troops... forged new strategy... pushed our allies to pony up more resources...

Our mission: Disrupt, dismantle defeat Al Qaeda and its allies. Deny them safe haven, strengthen Afghan forces AND government.

Military effort to fight Taliban ... also a civilian effort to combat corruption, partnership with Pakistan. ... We need to succeed on both sides of the border.

We've seen increase in support stateside. With our partners, troops to push Taliban out, we changed the way we operate w/ Afghan people... new partnerships... increase their security.

Pakistan is mounting offensives. They're worried about their own safety.

We are going to keep them on the run, that is what is required for security back home.

Thanks to you, there's been progress. Difficult days ahead... setbacks... We face a determined enemy.

U.S. does not quit once it starts on something [cheers]. We will prevail. I am absolutely confident of that. [cheers]

We'll do right by you back home: Take care of families. Michelle visited with military families, makes sure their needs are met. Child care, support. We'll be there for you when YOU come home. PTSD/brain injury care.

Post 9/11 G.I. Bill moving forward. Increase V.A. budget biggest in 30 years.

You've been there for us tour after tour, year after year. That's why you've inspired your fellow Americans, me... you've earned your place next to the very greatest generation. You represent virtues and values that America needs right now... honor, decency...

I see your sense of purpose. Your willingness to serve in time of danger. Your courage, heroism...

You're protecting your fellow citizens from danger.

I know sometimes when you watch TV the politics back home look messy, yelling, hollering.. There's NO daylight when it comes to supporting all of you. That brings us together. We are ALL incredibly proud, honor what you do. You show us what is possible when people come together... succeed together as one people...

This fight matters to us, to the Afghan people...

The Taliban have no respect for human life... They offer fear, you offer hope. The entire country stands behind you.

The U.S. will always stand up for the security of nations, the dignity of human beings...

Much has happened to our country/world since 9/11, but w/ men and women like you, I'm confident our nation will endure... better days lie ahead.

BREAKING: Bill Clinton update, liveblog

By GottaLaff

Press conference:

Spokesperson: He's in good spirits, which must be why they've practically eulogized him for the last 4 hours (sarcasm). Chelsea and Hillary are with him, by the way.

Dr. Alan Schwartz:

He had some recurring symptoms, although brief ones. He came in for and EKG and blood test. NO evidence of heart attack or damage to the heart.

He had blockage, so he got 2 stents in the artery that had been grafted earlier during the bypass. All went smoothly. He's up and walking around, visiting with the family, in good spirits and should go home tomorrow.

This was not a result of his life style or diet. He's been doing everything right. His cholesterol etc. are excellent. This is part of the "natural history" of his bypass graft. After 5-6 years, this can happen.

He's less susceptible to future heart attacks.

The surgery involved the main artery in front of the heart. Now he's speaking doctor... have no idea what he's saying.

Prognosis: Excellent.

It's a chronic condition with no cure, but treatments and procedures work. He responded to his warning symptoms properly.

He had some vague chest discomfort, no pains, and when it became repetitive, he went to the doctor.

He can be back to work at the office Monday. This is not considered a "wake up call" because he's done everything right, and this graft treatment was NOT related to anything he did.

ENTIRE VIDEO: Obama's remarks at Republican retreat

By GottaLaff



Here you go, the whole thing.

President Obama spoke to House Republicans at their retreat in Baltimore. In his remarks he said he welcomed disagreement and debate, but called for genuine bipartisanship and asked for constructive ideas in confronting the nation's problems. Following his remarks he openly and frankly answered pointed questions from the Republican legislators. Topics ranged from health care, to energy policy, to taxes and the economy.

Does anyone remember Bush, the "compassionate conservative", doing this?

Me neither.

This takes reaching out to a whole new level.

UPDATE: Just now on MSNBC, Rep. Trent Franks:

"Obama's policies represent terrorists' rights."

See how well Obama's reaching out worked?

VIDEO: Obama goes to Republican retreat, urges bipartisanship

By GottaLaff

Here's part of what I transcribed here:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Obama Q and A House Republican retreat

By GottaLaff

I missed a little of this... but here you go:

"I am not an ideologue... it wouldn't make sense." If a better idea comes along, great. So how can I be an ideologue? [paraphrased]

U.S. stands as one to defend our country.

Are we going to examine issues based on what's good for the country, or position ourselves so come November, we can [blame each other]?

Q: "Will you support across the board tax cuts as Kennedy did?"

A: Laughs. What you consider across the board could be for those making a billion dollars. I may not agree to a tax cut for Buffet. Or a cut for banking industry. I may not agree to that. So we have to look at specific proposals. AND, if you ask for cuts and then say we have to balance budget, I have to look at your math.

Q: Paul Ryan: Create a Constitutional version of the line item veto, but we can't get a vote on proposal.

A: Most increases in the past year's budget weren't a consequence of policies we initiated... but of stabilizers that kick in because of recession. Increase in budget was predicted before I was sworn in. A lot of these things happen automatically.... I listen to consensus of those who know best. ... [missed some, sorry]

Line item: Every pres. would love to have it. We can have a serious conversation. It's a bipartisan proposal, you and Feingold. I don't like being held up by big bills, wasteful, but must to get funding for troops, for ex. I'd love both sides of aisle to show discipline. Earmarks not unique to one party. Wasteful spending is usually outside of your district. I'd like to work on earmarks reform, transparency, but will discuss line item veto. I'll take a look at your version.

Q: W. Virginia rep.: Jobs are #1, we agree. W. Va. is resource rich w/ coal, natural gas. We're concerned about your policies, cap and trade, aggressive EPA. Job killing policies. Willing to relook at these to assure you're listening?

A: I listen all the time... to your governor. W. Va. struggles, I know. I've said we need a comprehensive policy. I promote clean coal technology. A big promoter. I'm in ads to invest in it, ways to burn more cleanly. I'm a promoter of nuclear energy, a subject of partisan wrangling. Must be part of the energy mix. I'm in favor of increased production. So if you look at the ideas this caucus has, I agree with a lot. BUT, serious disagreement: We have to plan for the future, and the future is clean energy, cleaner forms. Even if folks are skeptical about climate change, the world's not. The world is looking to see if we develop clean tech., etc. So I want to work w/ W. Va. to seize that future. We have to transition. We can't operate coal industry as if we're still in the 1920s-50s. We have to look at next 100 years. Incentivize the new while recognizing a transition process.

Q: Utah: Freshmen here didn't create this mess, but we have to clean it up. Trust. We have not been obstructionists. Dems have House, presidency, etc. You didn't broadcast on CSPAN. You said you wouldn't allow lobbyists, you did. I was disappointed. You said you'd go line by line for h.c. bill. We were never involved in those discussions. You said you didn't want earmarks, I applauded. It didn't happen. But more important.

A: The truth is, the h.c. process... overwhelmingly, most WAS on CSPAN, Congressional hearings where you participated. Countless hearings. I kicked it off w/ a meeting w/ many of you. It's true that once it got thru committee, and were now a series of meetings all over capitol, it got messy. I should have structured it so it was all in one place where it could be filmed. Logistically, not easy, shuttling betw. House, Senate, offices, etc. But it's a legit. criticism.

Earmarks: We had no earmarks in Recovery Acts. We didn't get a lot of credit for it. Omnibus package had earmarks from a lot of you, so did we want a big budget fight? Needed to make emergency decisions, so kept them to minimum, but couldn't excise them all.

Challenge: What are you doing inside your caucus so I'm not the only one working on this? Some earmarks are defensible projects, but didn't go thru process in light of day. So, start with making them transparent.

Lobbyists: I can say unequivocally that nobody's been tougher than any previous admin. If there were carry overs from before, we didn't kick them off, but would replace when time was up. We eliminated impact of lobbyists day in day out. Handful of waivers for skilled ones, like dr. who ran Tobacco Free Kids, technically a lobbyist. But, generally, consistent.

Marsha Blackburn, Tenn.: Thank you for acknowledging that we have ideas. We have lots of ideas, amendments. Plans to lower costs, address ... blah blah. But there's bureaucracy, costs. We want to work with you. We were the test case in '94 for public option. Our DemcoCRAT govt has even cautioned that lessons should be heeded, provide guidance. We should be tossing old bad ideas out, refine good ideas. When will we start anew, sit down with you, put ideas on table, produce a product, reduce govt. interference, be fair to taxpayer? [applause, obama's annoyed]

A: Actually I've looked at many of your ideas. Some we've embraced in our package. Some, with caveats. Ex: Allow insurance companies to sell across state lines. But caveat is, we must have minimum standards or insur. co's will circumvent state regulations, cherry pick the healthiest and leave behind least healthy, which would raise premiums. So it's not that ideas aren't workable, but we have to refine them so they don't make things worse.

If you can show me, and if I get confirmation from h.c. experts, incl. doctors and nurses, ways of reducing premiums, increasing coverage, more affordability for small businesses, pre existing condition coverage, college grad coverage... if you care about those and wanna do them, I'm game.

H.c. debate: Bears on other issues. If you look at package that we presented, and there's stuff we need to eliminate... It's important to be consistent re: Keep what you have if you want. Provisions may have violated that pledge, and we're in process of scrubbing that... but at its core, businesses can buy into pool, get bargaining power, reforms I've discussed, choice in competition for those w/o insurance, all are similar to what Dole, Baker, and Daschel offered up. But that's not a radical bunch even if you disagreeed. But you'd think this was some Bolshevik plot! That's how you presented it! [applause]

So how is a centrist plan [grumbles]... I know you disagree... but if you look at the facts of this bill, most indep. observers would say this is what many Repubs proposed to Clinton.... So we've gotta close the gap between the rhetoric, and the reality. We won't agree on everything on any issue, but the way these issues are being presented by Rs is that it's a wild eyed plot to impose huge govt... so then you guys don't have room to negotiate with me. If you voted w/ us on sthg., you'd be politically vulnerable, you say. You've given yourselves very little room, because you're telling constituents I'm destroying America. Our side as well, we demonize the other side, so we can't get things done.

More Q if you have time.

I'm having fun.

So are we.

Tom Price: HCR: In SOTU, you said we haven't provided ideas.

O: No I said if you bring ideas, I'd listen. It was only 2 days ago.

TP: No, you said we have no solutions or ideas. [He's listing ideas for hcr]. My q is, what do we tell constituents who know we've offered positive solutions?

O: Let's just take HCR debate. If you say we can offer coverage and it won't cost a penny, it's just not true. You can't structure a bill for 30 million and it costs nothing.

TP: Repeats Q.

O: I'm using this as a specific q. You asked, I want to answer. It's not enough, say, that we've offered a hc plan, and I look up (specific section handed to him) summary of GOP hcr bill. Reads from it... No specifics for it to work... An independent expert must say it will work, or is it boilerplate? If I'm told, for ex. that the solution to costs is tort reform... something I'm willing to work on... but CBO or other experts say at best it will reduce costs by a couple of %... or save %5 billion a year, and it will not bend cost curve long term ... then you can't claim that's the only thing we have to do. Multi state insurance, for example... I must be able to go to expert, R or Dem, who can say it won't result in cherry picking.

So I'm committed to working with you, but can't be unsubstantiated political positions... or we're selling U.S. bill of good. Easy thing to do is [lists hcr ideas], and say it won't cost anything. That's great politics... it's just not true. Must be a test of realism, even my own policies. I'll be held accountable if what I'm selling doesn't deliver.

Mike Pence just said O and Pelosi ignored their legislation.

O: I read it, Mike. The good ideas, we take. But it can't be all or nothing one way or the other. By that I mean, if we put a Stim pkg. that 1/3 are tax cuts supported by you, etc. And maybe there's stuff in there you don't like... [gives examples], if there's uniform opposition because the R caucus doesn't get 100% or 80%, then it'll be hard to get a deal done. Not how democracy works. So my hope is to break components up... so that if you have a particular issue on policy reform, say, we may not agree on all, but we might agree on some. You may not support overall jobs package, but maybe small business tax credit. Just because my admin. supports it, doesn't mean you should oppose.

Q: Peter Roskam Illinois: ou took on controversial subject: Death penalty reform, ethics reform, made good deals. Over past year in my view, that attribute hasn't been in full bloom. Subtext of House Rs who really want solutions, but they've been stiff armed by Pelosi. You're not in charge of that chamber, but Cantor and Boehner were shut out of stim. alternative. "Mr. No." How do we move fwd? Job creation, Panama, S. Korea, Colombia... Powerful...will you work on no cost job creation? Obstacle is Dem. caucus.

A: We have worked together, you and I. WE have to be careful about what we say about each other sometimes. Our constituents start believing us, not realizing it could be just politics, on both sides. A tone of civility instead of slash and burn is helpful, but media sometimes responds to that more. Civility won't run in newspapers. [jokes w/ them a little, gets laughs] Both sides can take blame for sour climate on capitol hill. I can help, bring R and Dem leadership together on regular basis w/ me. My bad. I should foster communications. [paraphrased]

Trade: You're right, there's fissures w/in Dem party, and probably R party too. We're trying to get enforcement side tight, that China abides, not stealing intellectual property, etc. Hope we can move fwd. with trade agreements, that they'll be reciprocal. You're right, though, that S. Korea is great ally... must seize opportunity. Trade must combine opening their markets w/ enforcement as well as opening ours. Hopefully we can do that over several years.

Q: Jim Penserling, Texas: National debt. We spoke about it. We have small kids, you and I. I felt your sincere commitment that our kids won't inherit huge debt. Under current law, cost of govt will grow to 40% of economy when they're college age. Rs proposed a budget a year ago that froze immediately non defense discretionary spending.... I think that was ignored. What were the old annual deficits under Rs are now monthly under Dems. [Obama laughed] I understand spending is necessary, per you, in recession. We disagree, but respect that. But your admin. proposed budget tripling national debt. [Obama shaking head] and move cost of govt. to 24 % of nat'l economy.

A: I disagree w/ half of this, at some point you'll let me answer.

Q: Will this continue?

A: W/ all due respect. This is an example of how hard to be bipartisan. Whole q. was talking pt. for running a campaign. Let's talk about budget once again. When we came in, deficit was 1.3 trillion. 1.3. So to say I have monthly deficit, etc. it's factually not true and you know it. What is true is we came in already w/ 1.3 trillion deficit before I passed a law. Nothing to do with what we'd done. Had to do w/ in 2000, w/ surplus, a R. congress, admin., tax cuts not paid for, things passed not paid for, 2 wars done thru supplementals, plus lost revenue... 8 trillion dollars. We increased it w/ stim. spending. [Challenges him on his accuracy v. Obama's] I read serious proposal... some ideas I agree with, some we need debate.. Long term liability driven by Medicare, Medicaid. SS, we could fix, manageable. But Medicare, Medicaid... big.

Your proposal: Provide vouchers for current Medicare recipients. I want to be fair. I've read it. Hold costs constant to make sure it doesn't go out of whack, right?

R: Pt of our plan, reform for younger generations. Give people Congress plan [applause]

O: Legit, but 2 probs: One, depending on structure, if recipient suddenly get plan w/ flat reimbursements, but hc costs go up, then we save money by capping what they get relative to their costs. 2: When we modestly proposed in our hcr to eliminate subsidies to insurance co's for Medicare Advantage, we were attacked for slashing Medicare. Remember? "We're gonna cut medicare for seniors", scared seniors! If main question is what to do about Medicare costs, any proposal that Paul makes will be painted as cutting benefits, right? A political vulnerability to doing anything that tinkers with Medicare. I raise this 'cause we can't do anything if we characterize proposals as irresponsible, hurt sr. citizens. So if we frame debates to solve them, then we can't start with blame, how to make Americans afraid, and that's how our politics works now.

Every time someone speaks in Congress, Luntz has polled, has talking points, we'll box in Obama, Pelosi. I like Frank, but that's how we operate. It's all tactics, no solving problems. We need serious conversation about budget, debt, hcr, etc. not position ourselves politically. We won't always agree, but I'm committed to doing it.

Commentary on MSNBC: Jay Rockefeller is not hopeful. The convo may be civil, say sir, etc., but then underneath, nothing is happening. .. Sad, terribly sad. HCR is so important, the single biggest jobs program we can come up with. Yet, no R votes. The president dismantled their suggestions. Wish we could soar above the whole thing, pretend we were all grown ups. We will do that with hcr. We will do that. ... THERE IS NO WAY HEALTH CARE WON'T PASS BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.

Liveblog: Obama talks jobs and economy in Ohio

By GottaLaff

Liveblogging:

"There are some nice people in Washington, but they can drive you crazy."

People are yelling out "I love you" to Obama. He loves them back.

[He's explaining the mess that Bush left him and that some of his policies were not popular.]
Stabilizing banks was a tough pill to swallow.

If you can take tough steps, we're willing to invest in your future.

The Recovery Act has been misunderstood. It wasn't the bank bailout. It was cutting taxes for 95% of working families. Increasing unemployment insurance, extending COBRA, giving aid to states... And the largest investment in infrastructure....

The worst of the economic storm has past, but families are still reeling...

Plants close, businesses shut down, jobs disappear....

This all comes after one of the toughest decades our middle class has faced in generations. Some folks made tons of money, but so many others were just pedaling faster and faster, but slipping behind. Average income over last decade flat lined, or went down, and that was BEFORE the crisis.

And costs have gone up! Including health care needs.

I didn't run for president to run from these challenges. [huge applause] I ran to rebuild our economy for EVERYone who's willing to work hard, not just a few. To create jobs... to improve schools... to make higher education affordable, and yes, to deal with runaway hc costs [huge applause]!

I had no illusions that this would be hard. 7 presidents have tried it. ... And all failed... and I had a bunch of advisors tell me this may not be smartest thing to do, you have a lot on your plate... you may not get cooperation, get push back from Big Inusrance, etc. Don't do it!

Let me tell you why I did it. I knew insurance premiums doubled in last decade. ... lists other economic reasons...

When you lose jobs, you lose insurance... I took it up because I wanted to ease burdens on families/businesses who can't afford rates... [huge applause] that Big Insurance charges [paraphrased]

Dispel notion that we were focused on that, not economy. All I think about is how to create jobs, get banks lending again. I've done that entire year. But hc is part of the drag on our economy...

So, the good news: We've gotten pretty far.. but we had a little bit of a buzz saw this week. [laughter]. Part of reason is it was so long, drawn on. That's what happens in Congress, it's a long process, partisan, exploit fears, ads that scare BeJeezus out of everybody.

I understand why, after MA election, people in DC were all in a tizzy.. what does it mean for Obama? Is he weakened? Ohhh, how's he gonna survive this? But THIS IS NOT ABOUT ME [applause] This is about YOU! I didn't take this up to boost my poll numbers. To boost poll numbers, you don't do anything. All of Wash. would be saying, "What a genius!"

Some say, if Obama loses we win. But I think that if I win, YOU win. So if I wanted to take path of least resistance, I'd have done something a lot easier. We'll keep on working to get this done. With Dems, I HOPE with R's, with anyone who will step up. I won't watch more people get squashed by insurance companies...

There's no control on what they do, their stocks skyrocket. So long as I have breath in me I won't stop fighting for you, I'll take my lumps. [huge applause]. I won't stop fighting to make sure there's accountability in our financial system, till we have jobs for everybody... [huge applause]

That's why I'm asking Congress to pass Jobs Bill...

So long as I'm president, I won't stop fighting... for restoring home values... [sorry, missed some]... for giving our kids the best education... to give every American a fair shake, which is why I signed ... Lily Ledbetter Act. [lots of applause] ... credit card bill of rights... fighting for tough consumer protection agency...

I won't stop fighting to open up government. This is hard because we don't control every branch. We've put in toughest laws, ethics rules of any admin. in history. Opened up our logs, first time... Cut waste, abuse in Wash.

And I'm gonna keep on fighting for real, meaningful hcr. We got SCHIP, but we will fight to hold Big Insur. accountable... fight for providing insurance for everyone. There will be more fights ahead. I won't win every round.

We're having fight right now...we want our money back (re: banks). We want our money back! [cheers] But it's gonna be a fight, you watch.

I guarantee you, when we start trying to change regulatory reform they'll say, "Why is he meddling in financial industry?" No, I want rules in place so when they make dumb decisions, they'll be rules in place. I don't mind having a fight!

Q and A:

Q: Will you support continued Pell Grants?

A: Yes. We made, with help of Congress, enormous investment in higher education. We increased the level of each Pell Grant, and put in more money. We want to continue to do this. A lot of banks still serve as middle men, take out several billion in profits. But loans can go directly to students, so you save billions that can be put back in system.

But... even as we put more $ in, we are also trying to reach out to Universities to reduce inflation in higher education.

That's it for now...

Liveblog: President Obama speaks about the economy

By GottaLaff

I hope he doesn't talk too fast this time. Here we go:

The jobs numbers: We have to get economy moving again, meaning Jobs. Job losses were 1/10 of what we experienced in first quarter. The overall trend is going in right direction, but must explore every avenue. Announcement:

Recovery Act has helped, stimulated growth/hiring. Clean Energy Manufacturing initiative has helped. Creates jobs, that pay well, can't be outsourced, and reduce dependence on foreign oil. And it's how to combat climate change.

Harnessing new forms of energy is defining challenge of this century. U.S. being outpaced by China. We spearheaded solar tech, but fallen behind Germany and Japan in producing it. We're beginning to do more here at home.

I welcome real competition around the world, but I don't want America to lose that competition. .. I don't want tech to be invented abroad. I want us to be a leader, THE leader in clean energy.

That's what this initiative will help us do... close the gap. Awarding 2.3 billion $ in tax credit to businesses who produce clean energy tech. Will create jobs, boost manufacturing, building new plants, upgrading old ones, doubling renewable power... built here. This is good for middle class families, security, planet.

Gives example of Iowa company benefitting from tax credit.

Initiative is so popular that we have more applicants than we can fund.

As part of jobs package that I'd like Congress to pass, I want to invest $5 billion more.

In letters I read at night, I hear from Americans facing hard times... lost jobs, etc... I'm confident that if we harness ingenuity, gain lead in clean energy, we can... [have a brighter future].

VIDEO- Sen. Bernie Sanders on Countdown: "When will the opportunity come up again?"

By GottaLaff

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

I liveblogged this here.

We need to clone Bernie.

Sen. Bernie Sanders on Countdown: "We look foolish"

By GottaLaff

Senator Bernie Sanders is on Countdown. Liveblog:

Single payer is the only way to get proper health care, but there are some things in bill that are good.

We're working with the White House and the leadership to make the bill significantly better, to try to control costs which are danger to individuals and businesses, as well as the government.

You have 60 in the Democratic caucus, and many have never been serious about strong health care reform. So we had 51 to do something less broad, but significant. We look foolish in front of American people. We don't have 60 votes for strong health care.

Re: reconciliation: I can live with that option. Whether it's feasible is another question, many committee chairmen aren't for it.

Re: Howard Dean: A lot of his criticism constructive, he made good points. But I have to deal with the reality, being a Congress member, what it means politically to this country: When will the opportunity come up again for 30 million people, preexisting conditions, etc? It's not a good bill, but we'll try to make it as good as we possibly can.

VIDEO: President Obama speaks after meeting with Senate Democrats

By GottaLaff

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

I liveblogged it here.

I'm hearing nothing but criticism of the latest health care reform twists and turns. I'm one of the critical ones, and I'm very disappointed and frustrated with Congress, the administration, and the giveaway to Big Insurance/Pharma. And don't get me started on Lieberman.

Someone tell me if I'm missing something.

I'm also not looking forward to 2010.

Time to go work on my optimism. It is badly needed right about now. Oh, optimism? You around? I know you're out there somewhere....

Liveblog: President Obama speaks after meeting with Senate Democrats

By GottaLaff

President Obama:

We're on the precipice of achieving... There are still some differences. We can't let differences over individual issues get in the way.. This was not a roll call, but a broad based discussion.

There is broad consensus on:

Pre existing conditions, coverage assured, costs reduced.

It gets rid of waste and inefficiencies, so largest deficit reduction plan in over a decade.

Repeat: Cost issue rumors... Cost cutting is in bill. The CBO has said this is a deficit reduction, not increase. So all the fear tactics, ads are inaccurate.

Finally: We agree on affordable coverage reforms. Every day another 14,000 lose coverage. In next decade, half under age 65 will be w/o coverage at some point. With this reform, these people will be covered, and those already covered will remain covered.

These are big changes, the most significant reform since Medicare. They will save families, businesses, and gov't. money, and save lives.

That's why AARP approves, has to pass on our watch.

Final bill won't have everything everyone wants, no bill can. But we can't allow differences over indiv. elements to stand in our way to passage.

They (families) are counting on us to show leadership. I don't intend to let them down. Stakes are enormous for businesses, whose premiums are us.

Critics fail to notice what happens if nothing gets done. If this doesn't get done, premiums are guaranteed to go up. It is guaranteed that Medicare/Medicaid will blow a hole through our budget. Guaranteed.

I don't intend to have that happen, nor does Senate.

All the criteria I laid out are met.

Assurances that prevent abuse. Plus prevention, wellness, cost cuts, guarantees, etc. It will save all of us money, reduce pressures on emergency rooms.

Still work to be done. We welcome the scrutiny from the press. I am absolutely confident that if America knows what's in this bill, and if Senate knows, it will pass because it's right for America.

I am cautiously optimistic.

UPDATE: ABORTION ELEMENTS STILL IN PLAY, per MSNBC.

VIDEO- Lieberman: 'Medicare buy-in didn't make sense'

By GottaLaff

I liveblogged this a few minutes ago. Now you get to see the video and all the errors I made in my hurried transcription. All this while you're trying to keep your breakfast down during your Traitor Joe exposure:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Liveblog- Lieberman: "I haven't received ANY pressure from the insurance companies."

By GottaLaff

Joe Lieberman is speaking right now:

"I haven't received ANY pressure from the insurance companies."

I was against the public option because "it's getting too big, will increase their taxes.. their debt."

[somewhat paraphrased] I DIDN'T change my mind on the Medicare buy-in, although it's okay to change one's mind. The party platform was that, but a lot of things have changed in 9 years. We had a surplus. Second, Medicare wasn't on the verge of bankruptcy... Third, there wasn't a bill that would reduce the impact of age on the pricing of insurance policies. Re: the interview, I just saw it. It looked to me that I said I was against public option, but not health care reform.

The Medicare buy-in didn't make sense. I'm not the only person in the Dem caucus who opposed it. 11 other senators wrote to Reid about it. By cost shifting on 180 million who get insurance via private companies, their premiums would go up.

It doesn't make any sense to me. Longterm danger is the government would take over... we have a great bill here. Some of my colleagues tried to load it up with too much at the risk of losing EVERYthing.

Some aren't happy about it, but what will emerge is an historic bill...

Susan Collins:

I'm grateful for Lieberman's work. His principled stand has improved the bill. I'd like to see a bill based on lowering costs, expanding access, helping small businesses. But voting for current bill, even with improvements... I can't see voting for.

Cuts in home health care counter productive. Lieberman and I, Wyden and I have amendments, don't know if they'll be adopted.

Bill is getting better, but still too deeply flawed for me to support it.

Still concerned about cuts to Medicare program. I think something is going to pass, and I'd like to make that bill as good as possible, even if ultimately I can't support it. I want to improve the bill, not just say no.

I've had extensive discussions with president, his chief of staff, appreciate the dialog, but haven't moved me to support the bill at this point.

Liveblog- Harry Reid, Chris Dodd speak after key health care meeting: "Contains strong public option"

By GottaLaff

Harry Reid (who sounds miserable!):

"It makes Medicare stronger."

The plan does two things:

Health care will be "more affordable"... and in a fiscally responsible way.

We will not add a dime to the deficit, just the opposite. We'll cut more than 3/4 of a trillion dollars.

And, it will do good things over next 10 years for so many different people.

98% of Americans will have health insurance. 30 million more who don't have it will soon have it. We protect Medicare and make Medicare stronger.

We're proud of the numbers, but it's really about [Americans]. It's about small businesses. About women... we have great provisions that will get better on the floor. Women should be able to get mammograms, not wait until they're 50.

Pre-existing conditions, too.

This is a jobs bill. The finish line is really in sight.

It'll be online tonight.

Chris Dodd is speaking. He's saying he misses Teddy Kennedy.

IT CONTAINS A VERY STRONG PUBLIC OPTION.

I'll update if more info comes in.

UPDATE: Dick Durbin just dared the Rushpubs to post their health care bill online. What bill was that again?

Chuck Schumer: This bill is better than the ones from other committees. It cuts costs to the federal gov't. more than any bill that's been passed. But we also bring advantages to those hurt by insurance market. And we cover 94 (98?)% of Americans. AND we cut the deficit. We will get 60 votes. We have to for the sake of our system.

People will say this bill will turn America around in health care. How could you be against that?

Patty Murray: Just told hugely touching story. Discussing security via health care. There was applause for Reid for his patience, meeting with every one of us.

Complete briefing in 20 minutes.

Reid:

Q: Cuts to Medicare?
A: Fraud, waste, abuse.

Baucus's mom is doing better, but he missed today due to her illness.

Q: Understanding w/ moderates?
A: Ask each of them.

The end.

Politico reports it will have the opt out.

The House debates, President Obama speaks on health care reform: liveblog

By GottaLaff

Liveblogging President Obama's comments about the House bill:

Now is the time to finish the job. The House bill will provide security, stability... affordable option for those who don't... assistance. It's fully paid for, will reduce long term federal deficit.

We urgently need this.

He's listing supporters: Consumers Union, AMA, AARP, American Nurses Association, National Farmers Union.

No bill can contain everything that everyone wants. What is possible is preventing a future where people lose insurance every day... and die without it.

We can choose a better future...

Millions are watching right now, counting on us, this is why they sent us here, to confront challenges that were put off for decades. leave country stronger than they found it.

I reminded reps. that opportunities come around once in a generation... make a difference. This is their moment, our moment, to live up to the trust American people placed in us... even, and especially, when it's hard.

I urge Congress to rise to this moment.

President Obama met with House Democrats, who hold press conference: Liveblog

By GottaLaff

I'm seeing hugs all around and a wave good bye by Prez O.

Presser by House Dems:

They look happy... smiles all around. Let's hope those aren't just pasted on.

Whip Jim Clyburn: Blah blah blah, historic, blah blah blah.... Today under leadership of Pelosi, Hoyer, etc...we are on the cusp of making a historical decision.

Pelosi:

ON this day we'll be making progress of the American people, and it's the 3rd anniversary of Democrats winning the House. So, the new direction we promised will be manifested today with the passage of this legislation.

Associate ourselves with those who passed Medicare and Social Security.

Couldn't help but think of Sen. Kennedy. It's about the character of our country, he said, in his letter to Prez O. Reminded that in that letter, he said: When I first came into public life we had a young pres. who inspired a generation, the world. As I leave, I have hope because we again have a young pres. who will inspire our country, new generation, and on behalf of our country, inspire the world.

He indeed is doing that, via his leadership. Today we will make not only history, but progress for America's working families.

Steny Hoyer, Majority Leader:

Thanking Jim Clyburn, others.... historic, blahblah... Insuring every American has opportunity to have quality affordable health care. First African American President... how proud we were that night in Chicago.... Barack Obama, the man from Illinois, said we need health care for every American, and he said it to every American. Every candidate who ran said the same thing. Today, we will reform health care for America in the House of Reps.

Every mom and dad will have hc for their child. That is not an option of them, it is a necessity for them. We'll vote for all those children and all those children...

Chairman of Dem. Caucus, John Larsen of Conn.:

Unbelievable caucus who create something unique for America. Must enjoin 36 million Americans who go without insurance, now they'll have that dream and commitment come true.

Becerra:

Pres. O urged us to be on the right side of history. It's a glorious day to write a page of American history...

Chris Van Hollen:

This is a historical moment, the 3rd anniversary of Dem majority in House. No more sweeping problems under the rug. HCR was at center of campaigns this week. Only 2 candidates would have a vote... those 2 were both Dems who were voted in... In one case, a district w/o a Dem for 150 years, Bill Owens. They're both here, joining to cast votes for HCR. Signal sent by American people on this issue.

Q: Stupak Amendment pass today?
Clyburn: We'll see. Not gonna predict, I never give out numbers.

Q: You were furious if included, true?
Pelosi: I recommended it come to floor as an amendment. But no, that was my rec.

Q: President add to numbers?
Clyburn: Don't know if he added to numbers, I haven't counted anything about numbers.

Q: Defeat purpose of meeting then?
Clyburn: Why would it do that? He's met with us many times before... We ask him to come when we need to come together as a caucus.

Hoyer: He came to emphasize how important this is. We're going to do it.

Alex Witt: I noticed an air of confidence.

Buchanan: Seemed like it, but then the body language said they feel confident about final passage, but unsettled on Stupak Amendment.

Fenn: Allowing Stupak vote was important enough that they recorded their feelings. Helpful in long term goal of passing. If they vote tonight, my sense is that they have 220-225 or even higher. President did stress the historic nature of this, my guess that resonated with them.

Robert Gibbs: "Our critics haven't been so right"

By GottaLaff

Robert Gibbs is taking questions now. Liveblog:

Darn, I missed his comments about the suppression of the torture photos.

The stimulus jobs report is what we expected.

Our critics didn't think the plan would help the recovery grow... our critics haven't been so right.

Helen: Critics don't want President to succeed.

A: They're playing a political game instead of addressing reform.

Helen: Call them what they are.

A: President has done quite a bit of that.

Chuck Todd: Iranian govt. negotiating in good faith?

A: We're waiting for detailed response to IAEA. President's time is not unlimited. It's about reaching an agreement that seemed to be something the Iranian's wanted.

Todd: H1N1... anything you could have done differently to speed up vaccine?

A: There are 26.2 million doses now available. We had delivery problems, but now 26.2 million more than we had 2 days ago. President is frustrated... won't be satisfied until all have the vaccinations if they want them. Manufacturing took 6 mos. or so, but not as fast as we were told/hoped.

Mark Knoller: Anyone in White House reading House health care bill?

A: I'm sure many are.

Major Garrett is pushing hard on economy numbers. Long back and forth, and finally:

A: Economy is growing for the first time in a year based on your figures?

Major: Yeah.

The Dow is down 234 as I type this.