Video- AG Holder Press Conference On Times Square Terrorist

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Video- Robert Gibbs whumps Les Kinsolving on definition of "press conference"

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.

Video- Nuclear Security Summit: Presidential Press Conference

"Do you think your members are really at risk?" Hoyer: "Yes."

By GottaLaff

(click on image to enlarge)

I caught the tail end of some Q and A with Steny Hoyer about the latest violence against Congress members.

Here is the most recent example:

The FBI, along with Albemarle County's Fire Marshal, are investigating a cut gas line in the Peacock Hills section of Ivy. The home is owned by the brother of Congressman Tom Perriello (D).

According to NBC news, 10 have been targeted so far.

Reporter:

Do you think your members are really at risk?

Hoyer:

Yes.

Other snippets:

We'll try to determine if crimes were committed.... Members targeted are getting proper attention.

We have spoken to Republican leaders. Republicans have agreed that what I just said "was appropriate". A joint statement may be issued.

Hoyer also referred to targets with cross hairs being placed over images of states of members of Congress (who are up for re-election)... which is exactly what was on Sarah Palin's Facebook page.

Inciting violence again, Reload McFacebook? Bullseye.

As usual, Rachel Maddow has the most substantive reporting on this topic:

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VIDEO: Bart Stupak says YES to health care reform

By GottaLaff



Here is what I could grab so far.

BREAKING- The Hill: Stupak is a YES!

By GottaLaff

UPDATE: Just saw it on MSNBC: It's a yes.

"We have an agreement to protect the sanctity of life... no public funding for abortion in this legislation." I always supported reform. The executive order will be signed AFTER the legislation. No public funding. You can't pay for abortions with funds appropriated via health centers. Religious or moral objections won't be co-opted. Conscience clause is always available and a force of law. Real winner is the American people.

He's thanking everyone, especially the president.

MSNBC also reports that the executive order "adds additional safeguards. Restrictions cannot be circumvented."

Original post:

He wanted a lot of attention, he's getting a lot of attention. His infantile needs apparently trump the health and lives of thousands of Americans.

At a press conference just now, Bart Stupak announced he is voting YES on health care reform.

Bingo.

Democrats have reached a deal on an executive order on abortion that could hand them a victory on healthare.

"Eight or nine" Democrats, including Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), will announce the deal at a 4 p.m. press conference, according to an anti-abortion Democrat.

"We've changed [our votes]," said Rep. Steve Driehaus (D-Ohio).

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.

Video- President Obama's Press Conference 2/09/10

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VIDEO- Helen Thomas: What's Al Qaeda's motivation?

By GottaLaff

Helen's like a little bulldog. She won't let go until she gets an answer... or until they move on, which is how it usually ends. From yesterday:



It's amusing how such a tiny, frail person can make so many people in power blink.

Of course, it goes without saying, there's nothing tiny and frail about her mind or her vocal chords.

VIDEO of presser + TV station strips references to Rush Limbaugh's back pain meds

By GottaLaff



Aren't screen grabs fun? They do all kinds of things, like, well, documenting items that disappear from news reports:

(click on image to enlarge)

Oddly, the link leads to a piece that now says nothing about Boss Limpdong's med guzzling:

Radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh said he's fine and leaving the hospital with plans to return to work on Wednesday. The combative conservative said tests show nothing wrong after he was hospitalized with chest pains.

He remained at a hospital in Hawaii Thursday night, a day after being admitted for chest pains.

According to his radio program, Limbaugh underwent a complete examination on Thursday that gave doctors more information about his condition. [...]

Doctors said there were no plans for a news conference from the hospital or Limbaugh on Thursday. [...]

Citing privacy issues, doctors at Queens Medical Center won't talk specifically about Limbaugh's conditions.

And by "no plans for a news conference from the hospital or Limbaugh on Thursday", they must have meant Friday was a go.

I sure hope Boss's back is okay now. No telling what kinds of chest painy side effects those pesky meds could produce.

More references to the back pain medication here. And here:

A 911 call was made from the Kahala Hotel and Resort Wednesday afternoon and paramedics responded at 2:42 p.m. Hawaiian Time - 7:42 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. A source tells KITV:

Limbaugh was sitting in a chair in his ninth-floor hotel room at the Kahala when emergency crews arrived... He told medical crews that he was taking medication for a back problem. [...]

The conservative radio host, who is in Hawaii the same time as powerful left wingers Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi, hadn't, to the public's knowledge, been hospitalized since 2003, when he underwent treatment for an addiction to painkillers. His chronic back problems were reportedly at the root of the addiction.

According to rawls, who tipped me to this, the painkiller story was "whitewashed except on Google. The lawyers may have attacked."

UPDATE: On CNN just now, Ed Henry said he asked Boss about those back pain meds. Rush told him he didn't take any pain killers, but that he was on Prednisone, a synthetic corticosteroid drug that is particularly effective as an immunosuppressant, and affects virtually all of the immune system. It is used to treat certain inflammatory diseases and (at higher doses) cancers, but has significant adverse effects. It is usually taken orally but can be delivered by intramuscular injection or intravenous injection. It has a mainly glucocorticoid effect. Prednisone is a prodrug that is converted by the liver into prednisolone, which is the active drug and also a steroid.

So those earlier reports were wrong?

H/t: rawls

Rush Limbaugh's Big Fat News Conference from Hawaii... Obama's home state

By GottaLaff

Chest-pained Boss Limpdong finds it necessary to open his big, oversized, lying, festering mouth for whatever reason. The presser is being held at the hospital.

Via a tweet by CNN's Ed Henry:

Limbaugh was going to sit but will now stand at podium

I guess he realized a chair couldn't hold him and his enormous, oozing spillover.

Limbaugh will make statement but does not plan to take questions

Answering questions under pressure might, you know, give him a heart attack.

Liveblog... We just get audio:

It's been a humbling experience. I never had a heart attack... pain like nothing I'd ever experienced before. I called security staff, underwent extensive tests. Pain gone in half hour. Had angiogram, they found nothing.

It was a blessing. No arterial, coronary disease whatsoever. Stayed for observation. Don't know what caused the pain. I'm almost 59. Don't mess with it, any time you have chest pain, turn it over to professionals [Laffy Note: Yeah, if you have insurance coverage].

I don't think there's one thing wrong with the health care system. I got nothing special, no special treatment. The care was confidence inspiring... extensive, comfortable. The treatment I received here was the best. The nurses, aides have made this stay almost like a hotel.

I wish I knew what it was. Maybe a spasm in an artery. It's a blessing in disguise that it happened, because it might prepare you for the eventuality that you are getting older, not as invincible.

Thank you for accepting no questions, because you'd ask questions I don't want to answer in this setting... political. I'm thankful to be an American having this thing happen to me.

Photo via Ed Henry

Confirmed: Pres. Obama Primetime Address Tuesday, Will Attend Copenhagen Summit

It also looks like the President will attend the Copenhagen Summit for at least one day as opposed to the reporting that he would not attend at all.

Pres. Barack Obama will unveil his plan for Afghanistan, including a decision about a U.S. troop increase, during a primetime speech Tuesday night. MSNBC.com reports the address will originate from West Point at 8pmET.

VIDEO: Nidal Malik Hasan is not being charged with terrorism

By GottaLaff

Per the press conference on MSNBC just now, you might be interested to know that Nidal Hasan, the man who is being charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder at Fr. Hood, is not being charged with terrorism. There may be further charges in the future.

To quote my pal Twitter CindyScott54, "I'm sure that will cause some whigs to flip."

Yes, there was some major ball-dropping, plenty of warning signals, rampant conclusion-jumping, and a whole lot of inappropriate profiling.

And it was without a doubt an inexcusable crime, a devastating tragedy... but officially, it was not terrorism.

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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.

Liveblog: Harry Reid talks health care and public OPTion

By GottaLaff

Please note that the president supports this, and it has no trigger, does have co-ops and public option with opt out.

Liveblogging Harry Reid:

We're all optimistic about reform because of progressive momentum.

Public option: I've always been a strong supporter. It is not a silver bullet. It's an important way to level playing field with insurance industry. I've concluded that best way is to include the opt out provision for states. The states will have ability to opt out if they so choose. A p.o. will achieve meaningful reform, protect consumers, so we will include it in the bill.

We've consulted with senators with desire to reform the system. Today's development, sending the bill to the CBO in the next few hours, for scoring, will make us a step closer to achieving choice, quality care.

Q: Greater chance with p.o. to pass hcr?
A: It's been talked about a lot, I believe in it... polls show wide majority support p.o. The senate bill must have a p.o in it.

They'll have till 2014... (missed question) UPDATE: The states have until 2014 to opt out.

Q: 60 votes?
A: We've been working on hcr since 1948. We've made progress these past months. America believes, I believe, my caucus believes we should have hcr.

Q: Trigger?
A: No.

Can't hear some of the questions....

Q: Compromise your thinking?
A: It's the fairest way to go, opt out... p.o. had so much attention... with an opt out gives states the option to get out.

Q: How will they opt out? What about Snowe?
A: I spoke to her Friday, she doesn't like any p.o. So we'll have to move forward... hopefully she'll see the wisdom of supporting a bill....

Q: What other measures are there?
A: This is a meld of the other bills. We've sent proposals to CBO... different meld of those bills. Info from both committees in it...

Q: Co op idea gone?
A: There will be a co op in this bill... From finance bill.

This bill is for middle class families. Obama in a call said we have to make sure to finish this legislation for middle class and poor people.

Q: Democrats only approach?
A: I'm always looking for Rs. On this, on extending benefits for unemployment insur., but it's hard to find them. We've had to do this on our own. Astounding: We had a lot of moderate Republicans when I came to Senate. Now, I can count them on two fingers. Makes it hard to get help from them. It's a big mistake not helping us on so many things. Before, we had a Repub. pres. who worked hard on hcr, but now they won't help us on anything. Hoping Snowe will come back. P.O. frightened her.

Q: White House made calls?
A: Hasn't been necessary to ask them yet.

Liveblog: President Obama G-20 press conference

By GottaLaff

President Obama is at the podium:

Too many Americans still out of work. Global economy is now interconnected, so we need to create new jobs, industries. No more abuse.

Pittsburgh picked itself up, creating jobs.

Key to future prosperity lies in places like Pittsburgh, as well as L.A., N.Y, etc.

New framework for growth:
Sustain plans until growth is restored. Coordinated stim plan. Now, we must make sure jobs return too.

Can't stop there. We can't grow complacent. New framework allows each to assess others' policies, consensus...

Next, we agreed to tough new financial regulations. No more schemes by a reckless few putting system at risk. A strong set of reforms. Transparency to derivatives market, standards, create powerful tools to hold firms accountable, tie exec pay to long term performance. In other words, more security.

Next: Phase out subsidies for fossil fuels. Increase energy security, transform economy, combat climate change threats. All nations need to meet this challenge.

Finally: Agreed to reform global cooperation and governance. No more 20th century approaches. New approach to cooperation: Shift more responsibility to emerging economies. Build new markets, establish new world trust fund... Keep commitments, take stock of our efforts going forward.

Shate mutual interests. A new era of engagements.

Stop nukes... unite in stopping Iran... But there's more work to be done. But we leave here more confident, united.

Q, A.P.: Iranian prez said your statement was a mistake, worked in Iran's favor. How can you negotiate w/ him? Military option?
A: Important to see what happens today... Show of unity in world community. Even China, Russia calling for IAEA investigation. Not your typical solidarity! New rapid response. Iran is on notice... when we meet Oct. 1, they'll have to come clean, make a choice. Willing to go down path (leading to greater security) giving up nukes, deciding to abide by international rules? Or will they continue down path to confrontation. What has changed is the international community has spoken. Up to Iran to respond. I won't speculate on what will happen. They have til Oct. 1. The choice they make will redetermine whether they're isolated or not. Military: We don't rule out any options when it comes to security, but reemphasize that I want to use diplomacy, up to the Iranians to respond.

Q: Reuters: Afghan War one of necessity. Meeting objectives possible? How does flagging support affect your decisions? Election fraud?
A: Goals: We went in not because we wre interested in entering or positioning ourselves regionally, but because Al Qaeda killed and vows to cont. killing Americans. My goal is to dismantle them, destroy their capacity for harm. Stability there and in Pakistan are critical. After several years of being adrift there, we have strong commitments from NATO allies. But after so many years of being adrift, we have to deliver. Waiting for report... But there is a sense of legitimacy of Afghan govt. Without that... After election, I said we have to reassess strategy, Afghans must provide for their own training, security. I'm doing what I said in March. McChrystal gave me his assessment. But my belief: Our military strategy is only part, must include civilian, diplomatic components. I'll decide based on what'll meet that core goal, to dismantle, disrupt, destroy Al Qaeda. Public opinion: I understand their weariness, just as I did re: Iraq. Just as they are, I'm asking very tough questions. I want best answers possible before I make decisions, esp. about sending troops.

Q: 5000+ demonstrators out there, protesting.
A: It's important to keep things in perspective. Other summits, in London, 100s of 1000s of people on streets. Most summits get more tumultuous response. This is a very tranquil G-20 summit. Protests are mostly generically against capitalism, object to financial system, free markets. In US, you can protest. I disagree with their view, that free market is source of all ills. Ironically, inside summit, strong recognition from most diverse collection of leaders in history, that it's important to make sure that market is working for ordinary people, that govt. has role in regulating in ways that don't cause current crises, that emphasis on balanced growth, bottom up: Workers can pay bills, make living, send kids to college.

Q: Why meet with Iranians on Oct. 1? And what happened in 2007, intel that Iran pursuing nukes?
A: Intel to IAEA: This was product of 3 intel agencies, not just one. They checked painstakingly, no ambiguity. The response today indicates the degree to which this intel is solid, and that Iran was constructing facility against rules. Meeting: I've said that we'll operate on 2 tracks. Preferably, diplomatic. If that doesn't work, other consequences may follow. By keeping diplomacy open, that'll strengthen world unity, then hold Iran accountability. You're seeing product of that strategy. Non-prolif. agreement, IAEA strengthened, unity too... So if diplomacy doesn't work, we're in stronger position to apply sanctions w/ bite. Not preferred, I'd rather Iran be responsible. It's up to their leaders.

Q: Chip Reid: Sanctions w/ bite? What kind would have bite w/ Iran? Would any affect him? And is this announcement a victory? If so, why not announce earlier since you've known since you were pres. elect.
A: This isn't a football game. I'm not interested in victory, I'm interested in solving a problem. Iran's actions contradict its words, so security threatened. My job is to try to solve that. We will explore, w/ allies, a wide range of options. You're right, I won't get into details about sanctions. But if international community is united, Iran will have to pay attention. Why not sooner? It's important in high stakes situations to make sure that intel is right. Make sure that all 3 intel agencies scrubbed it, make sure info is accurate.

BREAKING: MA Gov. Deval Patrick holds news conference on Kennedy Senate seat

By GottaLaff

MSNBC is airing the press conference as I type this.

Deval Patrick supports a special election, but wants to work on legislation for an interim appointment for the five months until the election happens to ensure Massachusetts representation in the Senate.

January 19, 2010 will be the date for the special election.

Again, Vicki Kennedy says she's not interested.

Video- Complete President Obama, President Calderon, PM Harper: Joint Press Conference

Liveblog: Cambridge Sgt. Crowley speaks, + VIDEO of "beer summit"

By GottaLaff

UPDATE: Video has been added, and blog title changed to reflect that.



Liveblogging:

Look forward rather than backward. ... Gates and I have different perspectives, but most must be addressed for a constructive outcome. This was done to move the whole country beyond this, use this as basis of meaningful discussions in the future...

We've planned a meeting. Prof. and I will have a phone call to lay groundwork.

Meeting at a bar for a beer would send the wrong message.

I'd like to listen to Prof. Gates' perspective... he has a willingness to listen to mine as a police officer... the difficult jobs we do every day. He was very receptive to that.

We agreed to move forward. We had two gentlemen agree to disagree on this issue. We didn't dwell on the past, concentrated on the future.

We had encountered each other on individual tours of the WH, we introduced our families, moved along as a group. It was very cordial.

It was a private, frank discussion. No specifics.

Pres. contributed in small part, but he wanted to bring us together, it's become a national issue.

Teachable moment? I've learned that media can find you no matter where you live. That's the responsibility of Prof. Gates and I in the future meeting.

The VP is a great man, nice... nice to the children as well.

I'm not really sure this is really happening. I need time to reflect in the coming weeks.

There was no tension. It was business, but we discussed as two gentlemen instead of fighting it out, very productive.

UPDATE: Chris Matthews take? "A star is born." "Is he suave or what?" And then he compared him to Susan Boyle.