'Keying our own car': Democrat hits out at Tlaib for State of the Union response

[PatSeg]

A planned response to Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night by Rashida Tlaib, a progressive Democrat from Michigan, highlighted a rift in the party.

The president will speak to Congress and the nation from the Capitol. The Republican rebuttal will be delivered by Kim Reynolds, governor of Iowa.

snip

Tlaib said: “Despite some sensational coverage, it’s simple: I’m giving a speech about supporting President Biden and his Build Back Better agenda for the people.”

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/mar/01/rashida-tlaib-biden-state-union-response-democrats-gottheimer

I have mixed feelings about this, but I can't think of any good reason for this rebuttal.

[50 Shades Of Blue]

1. I can't either!

[Effete Snob]

2. Lockstep uniformity of opinions is for the other folks

Actual democracy involves a mix of opinions and legitimate disagreements.

It's a feature, not a bug.

[hippywife]

12. I agree, and...

I'm open to hearing what she has to say. I don't think Dems on the whole need to be worried about it as it's been only two members of the party for the larger part blocking Biden's agenda.

As far as I know, the only issue the progressive left should still be taking issue with is cancellation of student loans. Granted, I'm sure I could be missing something. Anything else?

[PatSeg]

19. I agree that as a party we should not be lockstep

with one another, but I question the advisability of expressing disagreements immediately following the SOTU address, thus giving the public perception of discord within the Democratic party. The SOTU address is only once a year and should be a time of solidarity. We get enough push back from republicans.

Any disagreements within the party can be addressed 364 days a year and undoubtedly will be. Tonight is an opportunity for Democrats to show unity.

I think an important question to ask Congresswoman Tlaib is, "Will this be helpful to achieve our goals and will the media twist her response to make Democrats look like the party in disarray?" There are so many opportunities for her to express her opinion, tonight is President Biden's night.

[Effete Snob]

22. Why do you assume she will be disagreeing with anything?

I think an important question to ask Congresswoman Tlaib is, "Will this be helpful to achieve our goals and will the media twist her response to make Democrats look like the party in disarray?"

I'm going to guess she has not magically become stupid, since I have ample evidence of that she isn't.

This thread is a real hoot, though.

Let's all attack a member of Congress who gets more than her fair share of shit from the other side.

[PatSeg]

26. We'll see

This is a Democrat who booed a former Democratic presidential candidate on camera just two years ago. Though she has since apologized, I still don't completely trust her political instincts. That said, I am fairly confident that she will not criticize the President, but still she could respond tomorrow.

[Effete Snob]

73. Well, what did you think?

Beat the rush of folks to admit they were selling FUD.

[PatSeg]

80. I haven't heard it yet

I was watching MSNBC last night and they didn't air it. I'll let you know when I hear it.

[bigtree]

85. you should actually read it before going on and on about it

...reminds me of politicians who say they can't be bothered to look at statements they've criticized.

It says volumes about the lack of credibility of the charges leveled at Tlaib on this thread that the op didn't bother to even listen to the congresswoman.

Don't bother.

[PatSeg]

87. Well, I listened to most of it a bit ago

and my reaction is, "What was the point?" I don't see that it served any relevant purpose other than a bit of publicity for the congresswoman. Perhaps it was an early campaign opportunity? It really had little to do with the President's SOTU address, more of an opportunity to showcase her own positions.

She did seem to be promoting the Working Families Party. I suppose that is okay with some people, but as a Democratic congresswoman, it hardly seemed the right time or place.

I might have been less likely to judge her if her past positions and actions hadn't preceded her, though I still think her timing was inappropriate and a bit tone deaf.

Guess we have to just agree to disagree. Meanwhile, Joe Biden is our President and we all here seem to be grateful for that.

[bigtree]

88. thank goodness for Joe.

...no one could have delivered that speech as forcefully and convincingly as he did. All on the strength of his character.

It was all Joe Biden last night. So glad he's our president, Pat.

[PatSeg]

91. Yes, it was a dream come true for me

One I had given up on quite a while back.

Didn't you used to participate in the original Joe Biden group years ago? I am still friends with a lot of the people from back then.

[bigtree]

92. heh

...I got a vacation a while back for leaning into Joe in the primary, while giving Kamala my best efforts.

I was mostly wrong, I think, about what kind of president we needed, underestimated the type of opposition we'd face after the election. I don't think most of the folks running would have fared as well under this kind of shifting opposition and media driven discontent.

It's the entirety of Joe that stands up well against it all. That's something we should all recognize, the leadership that's inherent in Pres. Biden, and how much the nation needs it right now.

[Nixie]

93. So Joe Biden talking to Republicans too wasn't as big of a deal after all, was it?

[PatSeg]

95. I was in the minority for my early support of Joe in the primaries

but I also was looking at Kamala as a very good alternative. As much as I still loved Joe, I was concerned that it might have been too late for him. The loss of his son seemed to have taken a lot out of him and he wasn't nearly as persuasive and dynamic on the campaign trail.

Yes in hindsight, I can see that Joe always was the best choice and he has surpassed pretty much all of my expectations, something that doesn't happen too often in politics. So apparently 2020 wasn't too late for Joe; his time just hadn't come yet.

"It's the entirety of Joe that stands up well against it all. That's something we should all recognize, the leadership that's inherent in Pres. Biden, and how much the nation needs it right now."

That gave me the chills and that is what history will remember.

.................................................................................................

If I seem to sometimes overreact to some of the younger and more left-wing members of the party, it is because I tend to be very protective of Joe. No politician has consistently affected me that way. In the end, it he appeared to be the best choice for them as well. They just didn't see it.

[Cha]

48. I call it United.. Against Fascism..

"lockstep" is an ugly word that is only an insulting Distraction.

We have Vital Midterms to WIN in November.. We don't need any Bashing of Dems who are working so diligently for us on the Front Lines.

[PatSeg]

51. Yes, if republicans take back control of either house,

it could be a major setback for years. We certainly don't have to be in agreement about everything, that is unrealistic, but we need to be united to win in November. A lot of egos need to be set aside for the good of the country and preservation of democracy. Some people must learn how to adjust their priorities and learn to play the long game.

Hi Cha

[Cha]

58. Yes, United to WIN the Midterms!

that Should Be Upper Most in All Dems' minds.. NOW.

Nothing self-centered, Please!

Pat

[PatSeg]

60. It often takes a huge ego to run for public office

and unfortunately such egos can get easily blinded by the public spotlight!

[Cha]

62. No Doubt.

[rampartc]

40. +1

[Cha]

46. I call it United.. We Are United

Against the Russian Invasion of Ukraine.. Except DSA who calls on the US to Abandon NATO.

That is what PJB is going to be talking about.. as well as what's been Accomplished by Democrats this Year.'

Like the Instructure Bill which is actually Helping People and our Infrastructure. Most Dems VOTED FOR IT.. not all, of course.

[Wingus Dingus]

3. Biden speaks for the Democratic Party, as the head of the Party.

Especially at this occasion. Don't need competing messages and look-at-me shit.

[Raven123]

4. Absolutely! Just a distraction

[PatSeg]

20. Yes, she can express her opinions tomorrow

Tonight is the President's night.

[Wingus Dingus]

23. Yep.

[empedocles]

29. One would hope so. Not likely.

[PatSeg]

34. If she wants center stage

perhaps she should run for president.

[DFW]

69. You hit the nail where it needed to be hit

"competing messages and look-at-me shit"

ANY time, but NOT the night of Joe Biden's SOTU address.

A Democrat making a speech on the same night IS sending a "competing messages and look-at-me shit" message. Even if the "competing" part is open to debate, the "look-at-me" part is not.

This has nothing to do with lockstep, and all those other canned expressions. It has to with attempting to distract from the national impact of Biden's address, and this is exactly what it is doing. Sure, it's her right. It's her right to demonstrate in front of the Capitol building with sign saying Viva La Squad, too. The purpose served is another matter, entirely, and my opinion is that it serves none--except to soothe Republican feelings that might have been rubbed a little raw when they see how well Biden's address was received nationally.

**on edit, an old friend of mine also weighed in on the subject, one she has been reporting on for many decades:
https://www.thedailybeast.com/rashida-tlaibs-state-of-the-union-response-to-biden-is-a-gift-to-the-gop?ref=home?ref=home

[Effete Snob]

74. So? What did you think of her speech?

Seems a few people here were full of shit.

[DFW]

94. Pretty much what I expected

Sighing, rehearsed sincerity, the words "corporate," "rich/wealthy" and "fair share" over and over again, and a wish list of what Joe Biden supposedly can do with a wave of his executive order magic wand. Join with "us," the working families, and all will come to pass, with me (i.e. her) leading you into the promised land.

I once had a friend who was born of poor Arab immigrants in Kentucky, grew up in Michigan, and held similar views, except that she expressed them with fire and power, and put them in presidents' ears with such force that everyone listened. She wasn't even a member of Congress, "just" a journalist, whom we lost, alas, nine years ago.

This response was a delivery with plenty of messages that I agreed with, but I thought the presentation was awful, and the timing was worse. If I had been a Republican, I would have grinned. As a Democrat, I merely cringed. It reminded me of the first time I ever had a lot of contact with members of the Senate, and got to meet ones whose views I agreed with and those whose views I thought were full of shit. I was all of 15. I was dismayed to realize that some of my heroes were unpleasant, and some of my villains weren't.

I have never met Tlaib, and this have no personal judgment to render, but if this delivery is any indication, she would have been among the unpleasant heroes. How could someone with so many of the right goals put them in such poorly packaged terms? I think she belongs in that select category of speakers whose delivery was to please themselves in the replay, rather than the vast audience it needed to convince. I would need a noggin of titanium-reinforced steel to withstand any more "corporate, corporate, corporate" and "fair share, fair share, fair share." Unfortunately, I don't have one, so I'm looking for something a little better nuanced--and preferably a couple of weeks earlier or later. Otherwise, it's just like Eleanor (full disclosure--also a friend, though we haven't been in touch over this) laid out--Republican ammunition.

[betsuni]

100. +1

[cinematicdiversions]

102. Bravo NT

[betsuni]

104. Thanks for the link.

[Me.]

5. She Could Make This Speech Any Time

why tonight is what she should be asked.

[nycbos]

9. She thinks she is more relevant then she is.

[Me.]

10. Or She Feels The Need To Step Into Someone Else's Spotlight

[PatSeg]

21. Yes, it rather feels like hijacking his night

He earned the right to have this night. She can express her views tomorrow.

[JohnSJ]

6. Why doesn't Rep Tlaib do a rebuttal against the republican rebuttal?

[leftstreet]

14. It's a response, not a rebuttal

I think she'll probably do what she does on Twitter - give glowing support for Biden and remind people Democrats want things like Medicare For All, student debt relief, etc and reinforce the progressive ideas heard in Democratic party campaigning.

I think that's the whole point here

[JohnSJ]

16. A response is redundant to the SOU message. What would be useful is a rebuttal to the republican

rebuttal lies

[leftstreet]

18. It's crucial for progressive talking points

That's all I meant

You're not wrong about GOP lies, but Dem party messaging addressing that should have been happening long before now

[Demsrule86]

98. Why so we can lose more elections? This was not helpful for our attempt to save the House.

We don't have enough progressives to save the house, we have to elect some moderates from red and purple states. This was Joe Biden's night and she could have given this speech anytime.

[leftstreet]

99. Biden has yet to deliver on progressive policies

Reinforcing her support for Biden and reminding voters that the Democrats are the ones who'll bring them the progressive policies they campaigned on. That's all this was.

It's a midterm strategy where the reality here is outrageous prices for gas, groceries and rent - in red states, blue states and purple states.

It's smart politics for the whole party.

[Demsrule86]

109. Progessives have yet to win enough elections to send Pres. Biden a sufficient number to

implement his policies. And I have seen little effort to expand Liberalism into red and purple states where we need to win. Running at the national level won't do it...we need grassroots...school boards, local offices as a start. Primaries with candidates who could not win a General or in deep blue districts won't work. I am sorry, I feel by not voting for Biden policy and then speaking in a third party setting on the night President Biden gives the State of the Union Speech was wrong. She is last I heard a Democrat and has no business in giving what is a third-party rebuttal of the State of the Union. That being said if she was the only Democrat running in my district, I would vote for her. If she was running in a primary in my state I would not vote for her. I believe loyalty is essential in our party.

[Cha]

50. Ha! As If

[PatSeg]

55. Yes, focus more on those who are really obstructing progress (republicans)

and less on Democrats.

[Hoyt]

7. Who knows what's best? But I'd prefer her response not be right after Biden's speech. Maybe next day

[PatSeg]

41. I agree

It feels too much like she is trying to make herself the story. The media will be covering the address all day tomorrow.

[mopinko]

8. "Tlaib will highlight the cost of not passing Build Back Better." this is a message to hammer home.

she can also throw stones that biden cant. lets see what she has to say.

[Celerity]

39. +1

[Moostache]

11. I am of two minds on this...

One side says "WTF? Why ae we going to eat our own on the biggest night in State of Unions since the 1940's?"

The other side says, "Well, if done properly (and focusing on Republican intransigency and not just pop shots at POTUS)..." that there may be some value in bringing domestic light to just why BBB has stalled and what needs to happen - more D's in the Senate specifically, and holding the House - to break the dam.

The content of the response is key, but its a risk that may not work very well if execution is even off point by a millimeter.

[PatSeg]

30. There will be interviews and responses all night

and tomorrow on the news. It is a risk to make one's response and an official one, especially from someone who has been in congress for only three years.

[haele]

13. Is it a rebuttal? Or will it be a "we can do better if we work together?"

Hoping for the latter, but afraid it might be regurgitation of the DSA/Sunshine Dems/Just-us Dems "we hate moderates and old guards" populist crap where the media can use to point and giggle with "Democrats is disarray, this shows how weak they are" bullshit.
I believe she is passionate about her left causes. I'm passionate about my liberal causes, and I'm also pragmatic. I hope she's going to talk about how we can all get there together if we work together and listen to each other seriously.

Haele

[PatSeg]

42. Same here

I am very liberal, but experience and an awareness of history makes me pragmatic as well. That is why I felt Joe Biden was the best man for the job. He has the experience and the pragmatism to make progressive change a reality. If a progressive Democrat goes too far in attacking moderates, we could lose a lot votes in the mid-term election and we could miss the opportunity to pass needed legislation.

A message of unity, as well as one of positive change could be well received, but still I think she should have waited until tomorrow.

[Vinca]

15. I think Biden should be given the spotlight with full support and no dissent.

The world is at a frightening point and this is no time for carping about the wish list that hasn't been fulfilled because we don't have the votes. Just my opinion.

[Pantagruel]

17. Tlaib will not be the only response

"Tlaib will also respond, for the Working Families party. It will not be the only Democratic response: Collin Alred of Texas will speak for the Congressional Black Caucus."

But frankly, who's going to listen. Who's covering these speeches?

[PatSeg]

24. There will undoubtedly be a lot of cherry-picking

by the media. Experienced politicians know that and as such choose their venues and audiences wisely. If she means this to be supportive of the President, perhaps she should have gotten the White House's blessing before committing to a response.

[JoanofArgh]

27. Colin of the Congressional Black Caucus was on MSNBC earlier was very supportive of Biden and will

be giving a positive speech.

[Cha]

52. TY.. I saw a tweet about that yesterday..

Yeah.. Positive!

That's what we Need for the Midterms.

[JoanofArgh]

25. Who's actually going to watch it? Not a problem.

[empedocles]

28. Looks like a rerun of Progressives undermining Biden and his message, immediately,

during the Novembe 2021 election campaign.

Biden would make his pitch, republicons would rebut, and Progressives would then do their underminingg thing - on the same newscasts.

[Progressives covered for themselves, by claiming to support Biden platform, refusing to acknowledge Biden needed to compromise to get legislation passed. Surprise - Biden was then effectively, labeled and still targeted, as 'weak', because the Democratic Party wings had their own agendas. Biden, who had a good year going, couldn't get his legislative win for the 2021 Election. Win for republicons].

[Celerity]

31. Important thing to remember is that this is NOT an official Democratic Progressive Caucus response

It being done under the Working Families banner.

Pramila Jayapal, the head of the Democratic Progressive Caucus (97 members strong, the biggest single Dem Caucus) has emphasised this in all 3 interviews I have seen her do where it was brought up.

[empedocles]

33. Still, another Progressive, damaging Biden, at a high profile time.

[Celerity]

37. I never was a fan of Tlaib, she is only Squad member I would not be sad to see leave the House

[W_HAMILTON]

47. That's even worse, I would say.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

32. Gottheimer's mad AND HE TOO will ALSO give a response? FOH with this performative hand-wringing.

[JustAnotherGen]

35. I agree with

Gottheimer.

Big tent means all Democratic Party members get to have opinions and thoughts that may be in disagreement with others.

Him saying that - will help him in his district. So he has the right to say it - the right to win in his district - even if it is 'perceived' as an attack by her branch of the Democratic Party.

It's not an attack.

They are his honest heart felt words and they should be honored . . . Too.

[empedocles]

36. Biden gets hurt, when he needs all the help he can get.

Josh Gottheimer says it's 'massively unproductive' for Rashida Tlaib to give a State of the Union response even though he's also giving one

[e-mail] (Bryan Metzger) - 2h ago

[Celerity]

38. Filemon Vela is not helping matters by using RW talking points to take divisive pot-shots

Filemon Vela, a Texas Democrat, said it was “astonishing” that the “radical left continues to promote a Democratic death wish, and sees no problem relegating our party to the permanent minority”.

That is completely over the top and very non productive, if not outright damaging. Then again, his track record is far from sterling.

U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela signs letter opposing Nancy Pelosi as House speaker

https://www.texastribune.org/2018/11/19/filemon-vela-signs-anti-pelosi-letter-imperiling-her-hold-democratic-h/


9 Moderate Democrats Threaten To Derail Pelosi's Infrastructure And Budget Plan

https://www.npr.org/2021/08/13/1027371749/moderate-house-democrats-infrastructure-budget-vote-pelosi

The letter is signed by Reps. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, Carolyn Bourdeaux of Georgia, Filemon Vela of Texas, Jared Golden of Maine, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Vicente Gonzalez of Texas, Ed Case of Hawaii, Jim Costa of California and Kurt Schrader of Oregon.

[lamp_shade]

43. This is the President's State of The Union Speech. It's his night.

[MichMan]

44. Hope she doesn't mention abolishing police and prisons again

[PatSeg]

45. Yeah, that was such a winning message

[OBrien]

49. Ignore her Hillary hating ass.

[Cha]

53. TY!

[bigtree]

54. it's always interesting to see people attacking Democrats

...complaining about someone attacking Democrats.

another view: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216423417

[BradAllison]

56. And ignoring that multiple responses has now been a regular thing by both parties since about 2010

More airtime for our side is ok.

[sheshe2]

101. Another view:

https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/01/politics/rashida-tlaib-boos-clinton-sanders/index.html

[ificandream]

57. Listen to what she said ...

“Despite some sensational coverage, it’s simple: I’m giving a speech about supporting President Biden and his Build Back Better agenda for the people.” She's on our side.

[PatSeg]

63. We'll see how it goes tonight

The problem is she has a history of attacking Democrats, so it isn't always easy to be trusting. Now because she has announced her response in advance, the media is almost as focused on her as they are on the President. I don't think that is healthy.

[Autumn]

59. I think it's a great idea. She's doing her job. Supporting Bidens agenda and the BBB agenda.

Unlike a few other Dems.

[Emile]

61. This! +1

[gratuitous]

64. Is that the same Josh Gottheimer of the "Problem Solvers Caucus"?

The same folks who derailed the Democratic agenda last year, and who don't have any proposals of their own beyond getting on the teevee?

Lawyers Guns & Money post about Gottheimer, his pals, and their obstructionist ways here.

[Deminpenn]

71. It is indeed

nt

[ck4829]

65. Interesting

https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/world/news/josh-gottheimer-says-its-massively-unproductive-for-rashida-tlaib-to-give-a-state-of-the-union-response-even-though-hes-also-giving-one/articleshow/89930038.cms

[ibegurpard]

66. This is the only thing I've heard about it.

It's gotten zero coverage.
Attacking congresspeople like Tlaib is getting really tiresome. She and other "squad" members aren't the ones who have kneecapped the Biden agenda. If more progressive people like her run in strongly Democratic strongholds and get elected then good for them! That's where they SHOULD run. It's problematic only when they think they can use the same blueprint in more marginal districts.

[betsuni]

67. It was an advertisement for the Working Families Party.

Not the Democratic Party. The WFP should have a majority, elect WFP candidates, join the movement, here's the website.

[Hortensis]

68. I stopped listening (thin skin these days) within 2 minutes,

when she claimed the pandemic "exposed our inhumane, profit-driven" medical system "as essential workers were pushed to the breaking point and hospitals ran out of beds."

As I recall it, through emergency government programs We the People have been paying for effectively 100% universal pandemic hospital and medical and preventive care. I was admitted to a Covid ward during the spring 2020 wave, wondered what we'd be charged for because I was ruled out for Covid, but never saw a bill.

As I recall, the tRump-run government didn't just refuse to provide but in many cases blocked PPE and other needed assistance to essential medical workers, who in some cases wore garbage bags for protection. Does Tlaib remember that, when criticized, he accused them of stealing and selling the PPE?

And my memory is that I've been enormously grateful to be in America when the pandemic hit and not where many, many people died, and die, because they couldn't get into hospitals and can't get vaccinated. For REAL.

But enough, more than

When telling truth won't serve the purpose, take a good look at the purpose.

[betsuni]

70. Same old insinuation that Democrats don't care about "working families."

[Hortensis]

72. Oh, yes, she started with THAT. The WPF exists to fill that "lack." (Grrrr!)

I wanted to listen to the whole thing to know what she said, but two big slanderous deceits and hits on the Democratic Party out of the gate were two too much. The American Rescue Act was Democratic-driven. We did that. We created the ACA. We're behind everything that is done right.

[PatSeg]

77. Are these the messages that got her elected

and reelected?

[Hortensis]

81. Hi, Pat. I don't know. Since she runs as a Democrat

she of course would have campaigned on real, positive issues Democrats in her district care about, healthcare and kindness to animals.

As for what else, she's aggressively into the negativism and "anti-" divisiveness of the populist movements, so I'd be surprised if she didn't campaign on the requisite trolling for antagonisms and resentments too. She's hostile to Hillary, so that put her on the "right" side for people who choose for that.

Fwiw, it wouldn't matter to me if she campaigned on 100% of my issues. Politicians committed to telling truth and making good things happen by bringing out the good in our people are what I'm looking for.

She's talented, but I believe her tactics would be far less successful in better times.

[PatSeg]

84. Hi Hortensis

I really don't see the appeal, unless a lot of voters aren't really paying attention, which is highly probable. She is far too adversarial for me, especially being she tends to attack Democrats when it is republicans who are destroying our democracy.

Yes, she is talented, but her skills are more suited for an activist, not a congressional representative. Actual legislation takes a different set of skills. As a rule, real change and progress takes many years of hard work and patience and there are often more losses than wins. It takes far more than getting in front of a camera or being active on social media. I think a lot of people in congress have a hard time shifting gears from campaign mode, to actual legislation mode. The latter is not nearly as interesting or exciting.

I listened to some of her response this morning and I still can't see any viable reason for it aside from publicity.

[Hortensis]

96. Spot on. Of course it's for publicity and whatever, but in her defense

politicians who aren't good at self aggrandizement of one method or another won't rise in power. Unfortunately, to my mind, she seeks it by offering more of what this era already has far too big a taste for. In good times few would manage to get elected on it, and I'm guessing activism might well suit her better.

As for seeing the appeal, I'm guessing you must lack a predisposition to politics of resentment and the requisite distrust and antagonism toward "elites" and "the (Democratic) establishment."

(Congrats, since those are most of the main ingredients in the recipe for trumpism.)

[PatSeg]

76. This is not a healthy message

for the Democratic party, especially before the mid-term elections and essentially it is not true. I'm sure republicans appreciate it though.

[betsuni]

78. Well, she wasn't speaking as a Democrat, was promoting another party.

Which, .

The Justice Democrats plan was to take over the Democratic Party, but they were a super PAC. Now the WFP, an actual political party, has replaced it as the way to "transform" the party because of the fantasy that Democrats aren't progressive and don't care about anybody but wealthy donors.

[PatSeg]

79. Unbelievable

[bigtree]

82. yes, unbelievable, probably because that didn't happen

Last edited Wed Mar 2, 2022, 12:09 PM - Edit history (2)

...you lamented about how the speech would be characterized.

here's FOX coverage (ONLY BECAUSE YOU WONDERED ALOUD WHETHER HER SPEECH WOULD BE BANDIED ABOUT BY THE OPPOSITION TO HURT THE PARTY. OTHER PUBLICATIONS ARE NATURALLY MORE FAVORABLE TO REP. TLAIB):

"No one fought harder for President Biden's agenda than progressives," she said. "We rallied together with our supporters, held town halls in our communities, engaged new people, and we even played hardball in Congress.

"But two forces stood in the way: a Republican Party that serves only the rich and the powerful and just enough corporate backed Democratic obstructionists to help them succeed," Tlaib added.

She praised Pres. Biden, criticized the two 'moderate' Democrats holding up the president's agenda and advocated for some things that may not have universal support right now.

I would remind anyone who thinks criticizing Manchin and Sinema for their obstruction of the president's agenda is something nefarious, let me remind you that Pres. Biden called the two out in a speech before Rep. Tlaib did, shortly after it became clear that they were blocking passage of Build Back Better.

You can certainly disagree with Tlaib's own political priorities, but you can't credibly claim on this thread that she spoke against the Democratic party or the president, or his agenda, no more than anyone else in the party who doesn't agree with every part of the president's proposed legislation, or is advocating for more.

Rep. Tlaib hasn't threatened/ended ANY of the president's agenda; not in Manchin-like public pronouncements; not in negotiations which saw millions in social spending stripped from BOTH bills by Manchin and others; nor on the floor at voting time.

[Nixie]

86. It's absurd to push a FoxNews link about "progressives"

as if it’s serious coverage! It really shows the lack of understanding about the entire issue if you don’t realize how and why Fox covers this the way they do. Wow, this explains a lot, though.

[Nixie]

90. Nice edit in deleting the FOXNEWS link, but the questions

about it still stand. If you are not aware why FOXNEWS promotes “progressives” then that explains a lot.

[PatSeg]

75. Thanks, I didn't hear her speech

[bigtree]

83. this man Gottheimer has interesting investments in Russian corporations, including oil

Gottheimer owns up to $30,000 worth of American depository receipts in Lukoil, the Russian fossil fuels giant, according to his most recent annual financial disclosure. He most recently purchased up to $15,000 worth of American depository receipts in Lukoil on February 4, 2021, according to a federal filing.

Lukoil has endured targeted US sanctions since 2014. Given the war in Ukraine, it could face more from the United States or European nations. CNBC on Monday reported that Lukoil's president, Vagit Alekperov, is sailing his yacht from Spain to Montenegro as the United States and its allies mull sanctions on the property of Russian oligarchs with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Gottheimer also owns up to $15,000 worth of stock in Yandex, a Russian internet services company, earning up to $2,500 in capital gains from the asset in 2020, federal filings indicate.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/four-us-lawmakers-or-their-spouses-personally-invested-in-russian-companies-documents/ar-AAUtxF1

We're all watching Ukraine under attack, and cheering on our president cutting off Russian money sources which serve to enrich Putin and fuel his tyranny in Russia, and here is this fellow working to discredit this lifelong Democrat and basically stir up this canard about this mostly supportive advocacy speech, who is dirty, just littered with Russian money.

I'm surprised this got as far as it did, but this man's ties to Russian money is disgusting and disgraceful, and should be the focus of ire, not this congresswoman advocating to finish the president's and the party's proposed agenda.

WHO'S DIRECTLY INVESTED IN A COUNTRY RULED BY A DICTATOR THAT HAS BEEN ATTACKING AMERICAN DEMOCRACY FOR OVER A DECADE?

Josh Gottheimer, that's who.

Rashida Tlaib, not at all.

[Nixie]

89. But did he honeymoon in Moscow?

I see it’s okay to smear Democrats we don’t like after all.

[msfiddlestix]

97. Is this from the Onion????

This is the 2nd post with similar headline, not framed exactly the same way, but with this exact excerpt for context.

My reading of the actual quote does not match up with the criticism in response. What am I missing?

Tlaib said: “Despite some sensational coverage, it’s simple: I’m giving a speech about supporting President Biden and his Build Back Better agenda for the people.”

I don't see the problem with this statement..

[lapucelle]

103. The "sensational coverage" mentioned in Tlaib's February 23 tweet might mean the Politico article

published the same day.

https://www.politico.com/news/2022/02/23/squad-member-to-deliver-response-to-biden-sotu-00010877

[msfiddlestix]

108. I see, Politico et al inflating or exaggerating

and using the two, maybe three Dems who consistently oppose Biden's BBB agenda or neuters/waters down legislation, do not a deep rift within the party make.

Yes, it happens that the two obstructionists have significantly helped Republicans cripple or amputate passage in the Senate. And that is indeed significant.

But Politico's et al, constant characterization of a deep rift in the party based on those two individuals is misleading at best imo.

I just find it typical of the media class' attempt to divide and attempt to deflate and demoralize democratic voters.

I wish it wasn't encouraged here.

But ok, I get it.. just reporting the news, right?

[gulliver]

105. If Biden or Pelosi asked Tlaib to speak, then I'm all for it.

If Tlaib had some form of official invitation from Democrats, say from Biden or Pelosi, directly or indirectly, then I'm fine with her speaking. If the invitation came from a non-Dem source such as the media or some NGO, then I think Tlaib's responsibility was to refuse. We can't have just anyone picking who gets to give Dem responses, and no Dem should accept an invitation that doesn't come from Dems.

[PatSeg]

106. I agree

There are 364 other days for her to speak on behalf of the Working Families Party and her agenda. A more experienced politician probably would have been more discerning. Once a year, the President speaks to the nation and no one from his/her party should take the limelight away unless like you said, they were invited to do so.

I know that our traditions and decorum are not written in stone, but still there should be some respect for and adherence to the unwritten etiquette that brings dignity to public office, especially after four years of Trump, followed by the sacrilege we witnessed on January 6th.

Too many people from both parties have started to use the SOTU address as an opportunity to get before a camera and grab some free publicity. It detracts from the solemnity of the event and turns it into a political campaign event. Like halftime at the Super Bowl, everyone wants a piece of the action when the whole world is watching.

[betsuni]

107. She was representing the Working Families Party, different party from the Democrats.

WFP asked Tlaib to speak. Jayapal said, "You know, that is not a Progressive Caucus response. It's ... called the Working Families Party and they have asked a lawmaker to respond."