VIDEO: President Obama’s commencement speech at University of Michigan

By GottaLaff

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IMHO: Killer speech.

ENTIRE VIDEO: President Obama calls for Wall St. reform

By GottaLaff

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Voila.

President Obama: "We also need reform in Washington."

By GottaLaff

Here are a few excerpts from President Obama's financial regulation speech:

Now, there is a legitimate debate taking place about how best to ensure taxpayers are held harmless in this process. But what is not legitimate is to suggest that we’re enabling or encouraging future taxpayer bailouts, as some have claimed. That may make for a good sound bite, but it’s not factually accurate. In fact, the system as it stands is what led to a series of massive, costly taxpayer bailouts. Only with reform can we avoid a similar outcome in the future. A vote for reform is a vote to put a stop to taxpayer-funded bailouts. That’s the truth.[...]

I’ll close by saying this. I have laid out a set of Wall Street reforms. These are reforms that would put an end to taxpayer bailouts; that would bring complex financial dealings out of the shadows; that would protect consumers; and that would give shareholders more power in the financial system. But we also need reform in Washington. And the debate over these changes is a perfect example. [...]

But I believe we can and must put this kind of cynical politics aside. That’s why I am here today. We will not always see eye to eye. We will not always agree. But that does not mean we have to choose between two extremes. [...]

I read a report recently that I think fairly illustrates this point. It’s from Time Magazine. And I quote: “Through the great banking houses of Manhattan last week ran wild-eyed alarm. Big bankers stared at one another in anger and astonishment. A bill just passed … would rivet upon their institutions what they considered a monstrous system… Such a system, they felt, would not only rob them of their pride of profession but would reduce all U.S. banking to its lowest level.” That appeared in Time Magazine – in June of 1933. [applause, laughter] The system that caused so much concern and consternation? The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – the FDIC – an institution that has successfully secured the deposits of generations of Americans. [...]

Ultimately, there is no dividing line between Main Street and Wall Street. We rise or we fall together as one nation.

I'll post the video when it becomes available.

VIDEO: President Obama talks health care in Portland, Maine

By GottaLaff

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Prez O kicked ass today. Great lines, great energy.

ENTIRE VIDEO: President Obama speaks to troops in Afghanistan

By GottaLaff

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Of course, the video fails to show the love Prez O got on his way in.

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.

ENTIRE VIDEO- Obama in Iowa: To those who want to repeal health care reform, "Go for it. ... Be my guest."

By GottaLaff

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President Obama: "To those who want to repeal health care reform, "Go for it. ... Be my guest."

Shorter Obama:

Yes we can.

Yes we did.

Bite us.

A few good lines

By GottaLaff

President Obama is in Glenside, Pennsylvania talking health care. A few lines stood out to me:

--To Republicans: You had 10 years, what happened?

--Anthem Blue Cross just jacked up premiums by nearly 40%. 40%! Anyone's paycheck gone up 40%?

--The U.S. Congress owes the American people an up or down vote on health care. The time for talk is over. We need to see where people stand.

--I wouldn't take advice about what's good for Democrats [from Mitch McConnell].

--Those of us in public office were not sent to Washington to do what's easy. We were sent there to take on the tough issues... to solve the big challenges. [This one got huge applause]

--I don't know how passing health care will play politically, but I do know it's the right thing to do. [Another one that got huge applause]

VIDEO: Obama health care speech in full: Time for "up or down" vote

By GottaLaff

Here you go. I previously liveblogged the essentials here.

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Obama: "The U.S. Congress owes the American people a final vote on health care reform"

By GottaLaff

Liveblogging the basics:


Three things that President Obama would change in health care system:

1. Pre-existing conditions would not be a factor. Doctors should decide what's best for patients.

2. Give uninsured same choice of private insurance that Congress gets.

3. Costs would be brought down for millions. Those aren't "his" numbers, he's not making them up.

Despite all the Republican ideas that were incorporated, the Rs have a fundamental disagreement over oversight of Big Insurance. If they disagree with the plan, they should vote against it.

Their proposal only covers a few million, ours, 31 million. Americans need access, you can't limit. Taxpayers currently subsidize the uninsured, when they go to emergency rooms.

Health reform only works if you take care of all the problems at once, not piecemeal.

After summit, they still say "start over." But given these differences... I don't see how another year of negotiations will help. The insurance companies aren't starting over. They continue to raise premiums. A delay could last another decade or more. We can't wait that long, nor can the economy.

The U.S. Congress owes the American people a final vote on health care reform.

It already passed the House and Senate. Now it deserves same kind of up and down vote that passed welfare reform, COBRA, and both Bush tax cuts... all passed w/ simple majority.

So, I've asked leaders to schedule a vote in the next few weeks. And till then, I'll do everything in my power to make the case for reform.

I urge every American to make their voice heard as well.

I don't know how this plays politically, but it's right.

Obama to speak at GOP conference

By GottaLaff

What a sport. Too bad he never reaches out to the other side of the aisle, huh?

President Obama will address the House Republican Conference later this month during their retreat in Baltimore, being held Jan. 28th to 30th.

Obama was invited by the elected GOP Leadership to speak a few weeks ago and will take them up on their offer.

Mike Pence said a few nice words about being grateful, blahblahblah, presenting GOP proposals, blahblah...

But House Minority Whip Eric Cantor said this:

“Though it’s welcome news that President Obama will speak with House Republicans later this month, it is important to point out that true bipartisanship requires working together on common-sense solutions and a mainstream agenda to help Americans facing difficult challenges.

Eric is so wise. He's should be Obama's go-to guy for bipartisanship and common-sense solutions. Please do go on, Mr. Can't We All Just Get Along:

It is important to ask whether the President plans to meet WITH Republicans, or speak TO them.

Is that anything like laughing WITH someone and not AT them? Or does Eric just like to condescend TO the president OF the United States.

In 2009, on the rare occasion when we were invited to the White House, the President paid Republican proposals lip service while the cameras were on, only to completely rebuff those ideas afterward.

If that is true-- and that's a big IF-- that's a whole lot more than the Rushpublics ever did for the president.

The problems faced by our country have grown too large for the President to respond to Republican and Independent views and solutions with indifference, like in 2009. I hope this is a sign that a new year will bring change.”

Tell ya what, Eric: You stop obstructing, Obama will stop indifferenting... if indeed, he ever did do that.

And don't forget to "pay lip service" and applaud after the president, your guest speaker, speaks. Anything short of that could be looked on as, you know, not truly bipartisan.

VIDEO: President Obama speaks about the economy

By GottaLaff

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

If you missed it, or wondered how I could liveblog without simultaneously providing a story board, here you go.

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- Obama: 'Insulation is sexy'. Rachel: 'Infrastructure is sexy'. Is it hot in here?

By GottaLaff



Hey, nothing new here! Rachel Maddow thinks "infrastructure" is sexy. I feel a trend coming on...

Soul for War: Special Comment by my 72-year-old friend

By GottaLaff

My very caring, impassioned 72-year-old Twitter pal, who goes by the name 42bkdodgr, would like to share his feelings about Pat Buchanan, BushCo, President Obama, and the Afghan war. I am more than happy to oblige. He nailed this one.

But first, a personal note from 42bkdodgr:

Many of you may wonder why I chose to use the “ 72 year old friend” as the introduction to my Special Comments. I selected the moniker so readers could see that from my age and life experiences I give a different perspective to the issues of today.

Now for his Special Comment:

Soul For War

Tuesday night prior to President Obama’s speech regarding the Afghanistan War, Pat Buchanan made a remark on Hardball that upset and made me very angry.

Buchanan opined that Obama, by having a defined exit strategy, was showing he had no soul to fight the Afghanistan War, and that it would demoralize our troops and it was sending a signal to the Taliban to wait us out until we leave.

Pat, what audacity you have to say such a thing. The ones who had no soul to fight the Afghanistan War were the Bush/Cheney administration. You seem to forget, the purpose given by President Bush for invading Afghanistan in October, 2001, was to find Osama bin Laden and other Al-Qaeda members, put them on trial and destroy the Al-Qaeda organization.

Yet within a couple of months, the Bush Administration took their eyes off the ball to prepare for, and start, an unnecessary war in Iraq, based upon lies and misinformation.

They turned a deaf ear to requests for more troops to complete the job of capturing bin Laden. They left the troops in Afghanistan undermanned and ill-equipped to complete the job. Pat, their decisions and actions let down the families and friends who lost loved ones on 9/11 and the American people.

Had they completed the job in Afghanistan, there would have been no need to go to war with Iraq, a war which has resulted in the death and injuries of thousands of Americans and Iraqis. Bush/Cheney were more interested in establishing a permanent U.S. presence in Iraq and the oil the country possessed than capturing bin Laden.

Pat, the Bush Administration took this country into two wars without an exit strategy, which is the primary reason our country finds itself in the situation we are in today.

If you wanted to see President Obama’s soul, Pat, all you had to do was look into his eyes on Tuesday night. They had the look of a man who was tired and hadn’t slept very well prior to his speech, anguishing over what he knew would be the toughest decision of his presidency so far, and knowing it wouldn’t satisfy everyone.

Pat Buchanan, I never saw such a look in President Bush’s eyes.

Many thanks again for another timely, insightful, and accurate piece, 42bkdodgr. You never fail to say what so many of us are thinking and feeling, and your perspective is invaluable.

Dep't. of It's All a Plot: Mayor Calls President A Muslim

By GottaLaff

Not only is President Barack Black Hussein Muslim Obama, the Black Muslim president who is black and Muslim, declaring War on Christmas, he's picking on Charlie Brown specifically! What a dog. What a cur. What a... joke:

The mayor of a suburban Memphis city accused President Barack Obama of deliberately timing his speech about the war in Afghanistan this week to block the airing of the "Peanuts" Christmas television special.

Then, following in Barbie McLipSchmutz's footsteps, he posted on his Facebook page. You think he has a ghost blogger, too?

"We sit the kids down to watch 'The Charlie Brown Christmas Special' and our muslim president is there, what a load. ... Try to convince me that wasn't done on purpose," he wrote, according to the newspaper.

He's right about one thing: What a load.

Reaction to President Obama's Speech on Afghanistan

By GottaLaff

Taegan's not feeling all that positive about President Obama's speech, thinks we'll be there for years, and doesn't think the president changed any minds. He also gives us some input from a few others:

Andrew Sullivan: "I confess I do not feel those highest hopes. I do not share his confidence in American military and civilian power to turn the roiling region of Afghanistan and Pakistan into something less threatening. I see no reason after the last eight years to see how this can happen, even with these new resources. But if you rule out withdrawal right away, then this seems to me to be about the smartest strategy ahead. But I see absolutely no reason to believe that it will mean withdrawal of any significant amount in Obama's first term."

David Kurtz: "I know many progressives are disenchanted with this decision, but I'm struck again by how Obama is crafting a new progressive narrative for foreign policy and national security. Not just reality-based, though it is that. But an affirmative, positive rationale. Not a reaction to the conservative foreign policy orthodoxy, though it certainly acknowledges it."

John Aravosis: "I think Obama did a good job, especially for a Democrat, on a major military speech. Democrats enter this territory with certain disadvantages. That's why, I think, that Obama did a great job of using the pomp and circumstance of office, as Bush and other Republicans always do, to lend an air of dignity to the evening.

As Col. Lawrence Wilkerson (former chief of staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell) said on Countdown tonight, "He came up with the least worst" option. This, to me, seems to be the consensus.

Steve Clemons (also on Countdown) opined that "the Pashtun needs to be more of Obama's target".

VIDEO: President Obama's speech on Afghan war

By GottaLaff

If you missed it:

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Text of entire speech here.

Post-Afghanistan speech commentary

By GottaLaff

Livebloggin MSNBC:

Rachel Maddow: This was an anti-oratorical speech... prose. We're used to poetry when it comes to war, the military. No bumper stickers. Pragmatic, down to earth, not soaring rhetoric. A practical approach.

Chris Matthews: There's no clear cut enemy. An indirect war. Don't think he made the point of what we can do relative to what we can't do.

Rachel: One major problem... can't make a coherent case of why were not just leaving. He fudged Pakistan and Afghanistan together. We have a war fought by CIA in Pakistan, by military in Afghanistan.

Chris: Many are against this war. The Cheney rights will hate him, the independents are war weary, left is against the war. So he could be alone.

Rachel: I disagree. He neutralized the opposition... helped left by promise of ending. And right by sending in troops.

Chris: He'll be called the reluctant warrior by the Cheney types... ditherer.... Not a lot of warmth in crowd, especially in older viewers. A strange venue.

Rachel: We're used to Bush jingoistic speeches. He liked the adulation. Obama talking about balancing military with other needs of nation is maybe the most adult thing told to American audiences on the military issue.