VIDEO- Pete Sessions Agrees That ‘Deem And Pass’ Is Legitimate

By GottaLaff



Petey concedes:

Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) is now the second Republican to reluctantly admit that “deem and pass” is a legitimate procedure that Republicans have used is the passed.

Hyp. O. Crites:

As Norm Orenstein reminds us, “in the last Congress that Republicans controlled, from 2005 to 2006, Rules Committee Chairman David Dreier used the self-executing rule more than 35 times, and was no stranger to the concept of “deem and pass.”

The Party of NOthing... because that's all they've got. All they can do is try to gum up the works (while contradicting themselves), because on substance:

Doug Hoffman's re-concession of concession of re-conceding his concession of his...

By GottaLaff

So now, he's un-conceded that he conceded that he un-conceded his original concession and wants to re-concede the un-concession of his concession.

Why didn't he just say so?

Doug Hoffman, Conservative candidate who almost made it all the way into Congress from New York's 23rd district, has now officiailly re-conceded the race to now-Rep. Bill Owens (D-NY).

I guess ACORN and the Democratic party didn't destroy America by stealing the election after all.

On to the next accusation...

Hoffman Accuses Democrats, the unions, and ACORN of Election Fraud

By GottaLaff

When in doubt, blame ACORN:

With his prospect of winning the NY-23 special election "now almost zero," Doug Hoffman (C) suggested in a letter that "ACORN, the unions and the Democratic Party" had "tampered" with results to deny him victory, the Watertown Daily Times reports.

Hoffman also claims he was "forced to concede" on election night.

With 42.6% of the absentee ballots counted, Hoffman still trails Rep. Bill Owens (D) by 2,832 votes.

So he conceded that he un-conceded his original concession and wants to re-concede the un-concession of his concession.

By the time we figure all that out, it'll be time for him to concede again.

Hoffman aides downplay 'un-concession'

By GottaLaff



Glenn Blech urged him to un-concede so-o-o hard. But alas, Dougie Hoffman didn't take the bait. I guess Blech is now only his quasi-mentor:

But a spokesman for Hoffman downplayed the conservative's "un-concession" Tuesday. "All that really matters is the actual count which is ongoing," said

In the interview with Beck, Hoffman acknowledged he would have to win more than 65 percent of the uncounted absentees to make up the difference - a hurdle that is unlikely to be cleared given most of those ballots were cast before the Republican in the race, Dede Scozzafava, withdrew.

So this is his concession that he's un-conceding his concession. That was so just my Moment of Zen.

Obama: I allowed the loons to take over the asylum

By GottaLaff

Oh goody. President Obama just admitted he let the crazies take over the asylum:

President Barack Obama said Wednesday he has left “too much ambiguity” in what he wants for healthcare reform, allowing his opponents to control the message.

At least he said it out loud. His intentions for backing off were understandable, though. He was trying to avoid the mistakes made by Bill Clinton:

The morning before his address on healthcare to a joint session of Congress, Obama said he took a relatively hands-off approach “out of an effort to give Congress the ability to do their thing and not step on their toes.”

That allowed “opponents of reform to come in and to fill up the airwaves with a lot of nonsense — everything from the this ridiculous idea that we were setting up death panels to false notions that this was designed to provide health insurance to illegal immigrants,” Obama said in an interview on ABC’s "Good Morning America."

He also criticized a “broader notion of a government takeover of healthcare, which none of the bills that worked their way through Congress ever envisioned.”

Obama’s speech Wednesday night is intended to get the White House back in control of a debate it has been ceding ground on for the past month.

Let's hope he can do that. And let's really, really hope that he doesn't cede ground on a strong public option, while he's at it.

The president blamed told "Good Morning America" that despite the best efforts of his White House, “unyielding partisanship” has hampered the healthcare debate.

“In some ways, I think it's gotten worse,” said Obama.

He blasted the right wing of the Republican Party for obscuring what he sees as the reasonable voices of centrists within the GOP.

Okay, good, good, but what about the bill? Give us a teeny tiny hint... pleeeeease? Just one?

Obama warned that if some principles are not included in a congressional healthcare bill, he will not sign it, but he stressed that the intent of his address to Congress is to ensure that people understand exactly what he is proposing.

He said he wants to ensure that lawmakers in both parties understand that he is open to new ideas and that the White House is not being “rigid and ideological” about healthcare reform.

Could you just be rigid about the public option? We're not asking much. Take me, for instance. Have I ever asked you for anything before? I mean other than that whole torture thing...

VIDEO: Norm Coleman Concedes to Al Franken + Obama statement

By GottaLaff



Here you go, live and in color. Well, taped and in color.

Beauteous, is it not?

President Obama issued a statement reading, “I look forward to working with Senator-Elect Franken to build a new foundation for growth and prosperity by lowering health care costs and investing in the kind of clean energy jobs and industries that will help America lead in the 21st century.”

VIDEO-- Chuck Todd: "It's almost as if McCain is conceding the popular vote."

By GottaLaff

This video is from NBC's Meet the Press, broadcast October 19, 2008. The money quote is at about 3:00.

Chuck Todd:

"Obama is closer in West Virginia than McCain is in Wisconsin... And by the way, one more point about our map, as we're seeing this shift. It's almost as if the McCain campaign is conceding the popular vote. We're seeing a lot of tightening in some places that, while Obama won't carry them, he's not gonna lose by large margins.

"That means the McCain path is solely now an Electoral College path. If he wins the Electoral College, it's hard to see how he actually wins the popular vote."

I can't wait to see how the Colin Powell endorsement affects the polls.

Obama's response to Hillary's speech

By GottaLaff


One hour later....

"Obviously, I am thrilled and honored to have Senator Clinton's support. But more than that, I honor her today for the valiant and historic campaign she has run. She shattered barriers on behalf of my daughters and women everywhere, who now know that there are no limits to their dreams. And she inspired millions with her strength, courage and unyielding commitment to the cause of working Americans. Our party and our country are stronger because of the work she has done throughout her life, and I'm a better candidate for having had the privilege of competing with her in this campaign. No one knows better than Senator Clinton how desperately America and the American people need change, and I know she will continue to be in the forefront of that battle this fall and for years to come."

The talking heads were buzzing! Where was Obama during the speech?

Obama watched Clinton's speech over the Internet on a computer, a campaign aide said. He put in a call to Clinton afterward, but was told by a Clinton assistant that she was speaking with supporters.

Ohhh, so she's with supporters, too busy to take his call.

In the final minutes of the speech, a top Obama strategist was pleased with the message, saying there was “no ambiguity” about her support for the presumptive Democratic nominee.

The strategist characterized the speech as “very generous” and said that he “appreciates it’s hard.”

Why is there so much discussion about how "hard" this is for her? It's a race. Somebody had to lose, they all knew that before they ran, and yes, it's hard. This was a tough race, but it was essentially over some time ago.

And hey, did anyone publicly console Mike Huckabee when he lost? Or John Edwards? No. Everyone assumed they'd suck it up and move forward. I'd hate to think it's because she's a -- dun, dun, dun-n-n -- woman.

Hillary Clinton's concession, The Speech, finally! Liveblog

By GottaLaff

MSNBC is dissecting. Clinton is speaking. I'll be updating. New thread.

Hillary:

[Thanks a roaring crowd with her family looking on. The crowd won't stop.] Well... this isn't exactly the party I planned, but I sure like the company. I'm grateful to all of you... who talked, sometimes argued with your friends and neighbors [applause]... See? You can be anything you want to be. [huge applause] [Telling campaign stories, to which you're already reacting in Comments, lol] Talking about votes not being counted... To all those who voted, you have inspired me, humbled me with your commitment to our country... 18 million of you from all walks of life [huge applause]... women, men, young, old, African American, Caucasian, rich poor, gay, straight... [applause]... We fought for [goes on to list various examples] ... all those who lost jobs, health care. I entered this race because public service is about solving problems... You'll always find me on the front lines of democracy fighting for the future. [huge applause, chants of "Hillary!"]

The way to continue our fight now... is to take our energy, passion, strength and do all WE CAN TO HELP ELECT BARACK OBAMA THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. [huge applause, some boos]... Today, as I SUSPEND my campaign, I congratulate him. I ENDORSE HIM AND THROW MY FULL SUPPORT BEHIND HIM. And I ask all of you to join me in working as hard for him as for me... [some boos, lots of applause] I served with him, gone toe to toe in 22 debates, seen his strength, determination, grace... he's lived the American Dream [lists examples], and in this campaign has inspired so many. ... We need a president who can put this country back on the path to peace, prosperity, progress... put Barack Obama in office...

I understand that we all know it's been a tough fight, but the Dem party is a family. Come together around the ideals we share... we may have started on separate journeys, we're heading for same destination: To win in November. We all want an economy that sustains the American dream, etc.... Universal health care [applause]... It is a fight I will continue until every single American is insured, no exception, no excuses...

We all want an America defined by equality: Women's rights, gay rights, etc... unionization, help for caring for our families, restore America's standing, END THE WAR IN IRAQ, join with our allies to confront challenges... global warming.

I've been in public life for 4 decades [applause]... And we've voted 10 x for president, and Dems only won 3 of those times. The man who won 2 of those elections is with us today. [applause] We made tremendous progress in the '90s under a Dem. Just think how much MORE progress we could have made over the past 40 years with a Dem president: environment, economy, foreign policy, SUPREME COURT. Imagine if we had a Dem in the White House. We can't let this moment slip away.

The journey ahead will not be easy. ... but for as long as America has been existed, it's rejected "can't do" and gone for hard work... It is this optimism that Obama and I share... So today, I AM STANDING WITH SENATOR OBAMA TO SAY "YES WE CAN" [loud cheers, chants of "yes we can"] TOGETHER we will work hard to achieve universal health care... That's why we need to elect Barack Obama! ... Restore middle class... We're all Americans, no matter where we live... we must elect Barack Obama our president! We'll have to work hard to be energy independent, and on that day, we will be stronger, so we have to elect Barack Obama!.. We'll have to work hard to bring our troops home, and on the day we're as loyal to our troops as they are to us, and it will be a stronger America, so elect Obama!...

This is a turning point election. Will we go forward or stall and slip backwards? We've made progress. .. Could a woman really serve as commander in chief? We answered that one! [huge applause] And... could an African American be our president, and Obama has answered that one! [applause] Together we achieved milestones...

On a personal note... what it means to be a woman running: I was proud to be a woman, but I ran because I'd be the best president, but...[wild applause], but... I am a woman, and like millions of women, I know there are still barriers... I want to build an America that embraces the potential of every last one of us. I ran as a daughter, a mother who worried about my daughter's future... to build the future for her, others, we have to build equal opportunities, pay, respect for women, men alike [paraphrased]... Work toward achieving: No acceptable limits or prejudices in a 21 st Century .... You can be so proud that it will be UNremarkable for a woman to win primary state victories, or be in close race, or for a woman to be president of the U.S. and THAT IS TRULY REMARKABLE MY FRIENDS.

To those who are disappointed, especially the young people, it would break my heart in falling short of my goal I would discourage you from achieving yours. Get right back up and never listen to anyone who tells you you can't or shouldn't go on! [major applause] As we gather here today... we will someday launch a woman into the White House. The glass ceiling has about 18 million cracks in it, and the light is shining through, filling us all with the hope that the path will be easier next time. ... [lists examples of pioneers who fought for civil rights] Because of them, Barack Obama and I could wage a hard fought campaign, and because of them and you, you can take for granted that a woman or African American can be president. When that day arrives, when a woman takes the oath of office, we can all stand taller. You helped pave the way.

So if you think, If only, or What if, please don't go there. Every moment looking back keeps us from moving forward. Life is too short, time to precious. We have to work together for what still can be. I will work my heart out to make sure Obama is our next president...join me in that effort. [HUGE applause] To my supporters, etc... who stood with me.. thank you... [offers many thanks to various groups]

... None of us can go it alone. ... Our lives, freedom, happiness are advanced when we work together. Join forces to support Obama. We will stand united. ... I have never felt so blessed [someone yelled "we love you"]. ... Today I'm gonna keep on going... working to give every American the same opportunities I had... I will do it with a heart filled with gratitude, a love for our country, and with nothing but optimism and confidence for the days ahead... this is now our time, to do all we can, to make sure we add another Dem president to that small list of the last 40 years.. take back our country. Thank you all...

Hillary Clinton's concession, talking heads, Part 3: liveblog

By GottaLaff

MSNBC is dissecting. Clinton will be speaking. I'll be updating. New thread.

Pat Buchanan: She's wounded. There's a human element. Reagan was always defiant, as was Teddy Kennedy, right up to the end.

Rachel Maddow: She's finally on the move, coming out of her house. [Laffy Note: Wow. That IS news.]

Jonathan Alter: I think she can pull off an Al Gore concession speech. But will she release her delegates? Or go to the convention and allow her delegates to vote for her, stealing his thunder? That's important for how the convention will come across. They'll try to make either Monday or Tuesday night of the convention Hillary Night. Give her one night, and get it overwith so they can get on with the Obama coronation. The way she handles herself now will signal her level of enthusiasm. SHE has a strong interest in being enthusiastic, or she won't get the Obama support for her future endeavors. "Suspend" shouldn't be a yellow flag. The yellow flag would be if she stops short of a full-throated endorsement...leaving herself with Clintonian wiggle room. Although, if she uses "suspend" to keep her options open, we'll be all over that.

Keith: John Edwards suspended, for technical reasons, as a safety net, so she's entitled to some of that.
[The crowd's chanting "Hillary! Hillary!"]

Richard Wolffe: She may need to suspend, vs. end, her campaign to pay off her 30 million dollar debt. There are technical legal considerations on how to phrase. She has to get rid of that mountain of debt.

NEWSFLASH: SHE'S ALMOST THERE! The suspense!! ETA: "Close". "Soon". What a story!
Reporter Ron Allen: Crowd could reach 10,000. There are fire laws. She's often late.

SHE FINALLY GOT THERE. IN A CAR!!! DID YOU CATCH THAT... A CAR!! WHAT A REVELATION! About 5 minutes to go.

Tim: "Suspend" doesn't mean she'll come back. It's to pay off the debt. Obama will help by going to his big donors, who have maxed out to him, and ask them to help her.

Keith: AP report: The speech is directed at her supporters to back Obama. Is that enough?

Tim: Yes, crucial. Pivotal.

Hillary Clinton's concession, talking heads, Part Two: liveblog

By GottaLaff

MSNBC is dissecting. I'll be updating. New thread.

Dana Milbank: It looks like one heck of a party here, she hasn't gotten a crowd like this in months. They're not defiant, no "Denver" chants. We've had anger, denial, bargaining, and finally, today, some acceptance. They're saying she has to get this right, unlike Tuesday night. McCauliffe will not intro her as next president of the U.S. today. But the party atmosphere is lacking the campaign enthusiasm, more like witnessing history. Not a hotbed of Obama enthusiasm here.

Hillary hasn't left her house yet. Things are running late. It's a 15-minute drive to SpeechLand.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, big Hillary supporter: I am wholeheartedly supporting Obama. We are enthusiastically committed to putting Florida in the win column for him. There's a stark contrast between Obama and McCain. We need him to win. Floridians are worried about more foreclosures, off shore drilling, health care is huge... Obama will establish universal health care... and the 100 years of war McCain promises.

Chris: Obama's only up by a point in the Gallup poll. That's scary for Democrats. Will Florida really be a good shot for Dems to plan on?

Debbie: Absolutely. The Obama campaign plans to play in Florida, they have the resources, and they already are setting up the ground operations they need. Obama appeals more to Jews, Hispanics, working families.

Chris: Voting problems?

Debbie: We have set up the system, finally, where we can manually recount votes. The Governor needs to be asked about that. He has professed to fix the problems.

SOME MOVEMENT OF HILLARY TO FINALLY GET TO HER DESTINATION. LATE START.

Richard Wolffe: The Clinton camp has never been entirely cooperative with the media, so we don't know what to expect. The Very Special Meeting: There were no aides there, so no news came out. Obama and Clinton being discreet. She has to exhibit leadership, show that their issues are the same and work together, but "look at what we've achieved". The balance is the hardest call for them. "What we've achieved" v. "Working for this guy". Woman's right to choose, so Obama's the guy for us.

Laffy Snark Note: Hillary's late. Does that indicate...reluctance? Or is it stagecraft? Coverage starts now in most markets, so her timing may be to create some pre-game and extra coverage. She hasn't left yet.

Chris: More drama, suspense, excitement, and now, when will she leave the house?

Tim Russert: First she delayed it by a day, but she understands that anticipation builds, but expectations will increase. This is an important speech. She needs an all out embrace of Obama. The Republicans just put out a 3-page summary of all the things Hillary has said about Obama. If the crowd responds negatively, how will she respond? She's prepped for that. She has to control that and turn it around. Support Obama, unify the party. Gore gave one of the most gracious comments in political history. Had he not been, had he not united the country so eloquently... Hillary, especially after Tuesday, caused concern among even her own supporters and needs a similar voice.... Every nuance, wink, phrase, syllable will be analyzed and she knows that. She's used to it. She's an effective speaker. Today, that's her mission.

CLINTON IS NOW 30 MINUTES LATE. Great. I have a wedding to go to. HER SPEECH WILL BE ABOUT 20 MINUTES LONG, AND WILL BE ABOUT CAMPAIGN, WOMEN'S ISSUES.

The National Building Museum is pretty. Commenter Chris doesn't think there are enough flags, though...snark.

Chris: Politicians are surgeons regarding their speeches and what they know will come out in the headlines tomorrow. She only has one shot at this headline. It has to be a direct endorsement. This is a make-up exam for what happened election night. I've never heard of an election speech so delayed, but she has a chance to do a make-up. It's got to be an endorsement.

Keith: She can discuss her platform and see how it works into support for him...

Chris: That's a negotiation, not an endorsement.

Keith: Okay, but if she says, this man will be a champion of women's rights etc...

Chris: That's a relay race...

Keith: Right. A relay race.

Hillary Clinton's concession, talking heads, Part One: liveblog

By GottaLaff (Note: I altered the post title to reflect this is MSNBC talk, not Hillary's speech)

MSNBC is dissecting. I'll be updating. Let's listen in:

Tim Russert: She has to fully embrace Obama today. Everyone will monitor every syllable. The thirst for change (v. experience) made the difference. This is the first time since 1980 a Clinton will have to concede an election, plus the end of a Bush and/or Clinton dynasty. People have to embrace Obama, unify, and beat John McCain: That needs to be her theme. Obama's campaign thinks she can help get him elected. The fact is, she's a major player in the Democratic party with a large voice, and can help him with women, Hispanics, blue collar voters. He needs her as a partner. He wants her help.

Keith Olbermann: Off her website: I will be speaking about we can rally the party behind Obama. Is that what this speech will be filled with, things that can be interpreted in two ways?

Tim: Yes, but also bring everyone together. It's in HER interest. She can't be seen in any way, shape or form, not giving him support. She can't be nominated in 2012 (if that were to happen) without the support of Obama supporters. They need each other. The Democrats need her to unite behind Obama, in June, not August. That was the message delivered, received, understood, and that's why we're here today.

Ron Allen, reporter: She will be very full-throated, supportive, and talk about the glass ceiling she that broke. One of her press people said she will emphasize the distance women have come in this country. And she's proud that she hung in there when people told her to get out. She'll also talk about issues: Health care especially. Also, she'll give a full endorsement to Obama. Her campaign will be dissected and she wouldn't want to be partly responsible for an Obama loss against McCain. Last night's meeting was just part of a continuing dialog, not as momentous as some are making it out to be. They have a relationship, they'll continue to have one. The timing of that meeting made a lot of sense, so they could clear the air and get on with it.

Hillary supporter, Rep. Steve Israel, New York: This is the first day of absolute unity. We don't want more Bush with McCain. We have an outstanding candidate, we're making history today. This is not a time to look back, but move forward and make sure McCain doesn't exploit our party... reverse the disastrous course of the Bush presidency.

Rachel Maddow, Eugene Robinson, and Pat Buchanan join in.

Rachel: How much distance will Hillary have to travel between her Tuesday speech and today? What would indicate the wrong signal?

Eugene: White hard-working voters wouldn't be somewhere she wants to go. Avoid giving her explanation of why Obama can't win the states she won. That argument undercuts his candidacy. She would mention her 17 million votes, expected, but not draw the conclusion that she's the better candidate.

Pat: A second problem for her: Insincerity, lavishing praise on Obama when she's feeling melancholy. She should stress their coming together because the country is at stake, and why they can't afford to lose. It's an audition.

Eugene: She has to say not only why the Dems have to win, but why Obama has to win.

Tim: (Chris asked if she'll be on the ticket) I don't know. The Clinton forces changed their argument quickly. Now she has issued her own statement that it's Obama's decision and she'll help in any way. And Obama pushed saying, he won't be rushed into this. It was his first opportunity to show he was the head of the party. The pros and cons are obvious to both sides. It'll be a cold calculation of whether she can help get him elected. Selecting Hillary to many of his supporters goes against Change. He said he wants to "turn the page". But, come August, he'll decide what would influence the swing states. If he's personally comfortable with her, and if she can help him win those states: Those are the questions he has to deal with, but any idea of her forcing her way in has been banished for good.