The Repubs are very angry at Obama this morning because...

[kentuck]

He called Paul Ryan's plan a piece of unserious, Un-American bullshit. But the thing that seems to piss off the Repubs the most is that the President invited Congressman Ryan to sit on the front row as he lambsted his plan. He also invited the brilliant Congressman from Texas, Jeb Hensarling, to come along. Then, he spoke in most unflattering terms right to their faces.

Why couldn't he do it like the Repubs do it? Behind his back. There's just something unsavory about telling someone their plan is a piece of shit right to their face.

[Scuba]

1. Grinning.

[lunatica]

2. I hope he looked pointedly at them when he said "Not as long as I'm President"

The Republicans actually looked like they were in shock when they held the press conference after President Obama's speech.

[kentuck]

4. They were definitely put on the defensive.

They had no idea that Obama would come out in favor of tax increases this early in his campaign.

[drm604]

11. tax increases FOR THE WEALTHY

Let's make sure that we get that right. Republicans want to talk about "tax increases" full stop. They want to confuse the typical American into thinking that their taxes will go up. When we talk about it we should always ALWAYS refer to it as "tax increases for the wealthy".

This isn't a criticism of you kentuck. :hi: I'm just pointing out that messaging is important.

[MatthewStLouis]

15. Good point!

We always have to make sure to take on the issues in our terms, on our terms.

[Omnibus]

71. It's a very good point. Every Democrat should repeat this for the next 19 months:

"The top 1% have doubled their income over the past 30 years while getting their taxes slashed. The rest of us haven't gotten a raise, and are paying as much in taxes as we ever did. It's time the most fortunate paid their fair share."

The only people who support further tax cuts for our wealthiest freeloaders are the greediest of the 1%rs, their lackeys, and their sad wannabe fans. In spite of the best efforts of Faux News, they're not even remotely a majority.

Personally, *I* have been advocating fair taxes on the wealthy for years, but it's so nice to have Obama say it, too. It's a winning tactic for us. Dems, Independents, and even moderate Repubs agree in fair taxes. How is "getting rich while the country goes broke" remotely fair?

Notice that this line of attack feeds strongly off the Republican talking point of "the (country/state) is broke". Any time a Rethug says that, a dozen Dems should reply "then we should ALL pay our fair share". Cries of "tax cuts for the rich create jobs" should, of course, with be met with "not when Reagan or Bush the Lesser did it!"

[HillbillyBob]

79. We have seen a 75% reduction in income since 1998, 40% since

2001 and now partner was laid off last month and several family members passed over the last 2 months. I've been a bit stressed. My partner was expected to 'produce' more while no raises for about 9 yrs.
We have been here before and to hear the pukes with their cut ever safety net noise is pissin me off.

I got injured then sick and then homeless then became disabled and had to be destitute, I mean no place to live before I could get medical help. This was before I met my partner..we have been through it together and apart.

Our safety net is better than nothing. I really think that net should help you BEFORE you land up under a bridge. Now these a holes want to completely reset back to before the 1900s progressive movement that created the middle class as we know it.

[cameozalaznick]

73. But notice that he didn't really use the term "tax increase"

He instead called them "tax expenditures." Snap! That's the ticket. Just create a new term for raising taxes. The pubs do it all the time to make something benign seem horrible -- death tax anyone?

Brilliant!

[JoePhilly]

3. I think its nice he politely invited them to their ass kicking.

[AllTooEasy]

49. Yes!

[Beartracks]

67. They thought they got tix to an Obama grovel-fest. n/t

[DianaForRussFeingold]

5. Obama was brilliant!

:patriot: I always love it when a bully gets called out! :fistbump:

[deacon]

6. Now he has to stay out in front of them and use the bully pulpit. n/t

[OHdem10]

7. The Republicans thought they Obama cornered and he was

going to cave. Surprise, he raised an iron fist
and said this is where I stand. Let start dealing.

They were shocked.

[malaise]

8. It was terrific

and he wasn't shouting 'Hell No' like their orange leader.

[reformist2]

9. We need to continue to highlight the absurdity of GOPs opposition to tax increases.

That's why they are so angry at Obama today - because they know their own position is, in a word, stupid.

[blondeatlast]

75. "Absurdity" is a damn good word to use, too. nt

[gordianot]

10. What I loved the most is when Obama made himself a target as a potential benefit for tax cut.

Turning down personal profit is not a Republican value. Obama flung money in their face then kicked them hard when he connected the personal sacrifice of seniors to pay for a tax cut he did not want. All the while Obama maintained a cool calm demeanor. As an item of debate the Republicans were floored. Even Obama haters will have to give him credit for that one.

[Historic NY]

29. kicks the money changers from the temple......I use that analogy all the time to Repukes.

[socialist_n_TN]

38. Be like Jesus.........

Kick a moneychanger's (or capitalist's=same thing) ass today. :)

[RagAss]

69. Hahahaaa... yup, He took a bull-whip to the moneychangers.

His only recorded act of violence. Greed and hypocrisy pissed him off more than anything else.

[Enthusiast]

89. It's true.

Capitalist = money-changer.

[Myrina]

47. Yep, Clinton did that back in, like, '02 when Dimson first hoisted the idea ...

Unfortunately, Big Dog wasn't really being listened to somuch at that point by the MSM.

[pnwmom]

53. Bill Clinton did the same thing when he raised taxes. n/t

[Cresent City Kid]

78. Bill Clinton took a similar approach at the 2004 convention

He should have said, "Read my lips..raise my taxes."

[lamp_shade]

12. I'd give anything to see a video of Ryan's face and body language during the speech.

[young but wise]

14. Me too.

[liberalla]

17. Ooh, Me too! That would be delicious....

:P

[Hoyt]

32. I would too, but I'm betting Ryan and his supporters are too stupid/dogmatic to understand.

[JuniperLea]

57. Me too!

And one of when they left the room... I understand that was particularly satisfying:D

[AlbertCat]

68. Ryan's face and body

I'm sure he was handsome and buff....


MAN CRUSH!

:sarcasm:

(I just loved it when Rachel Maddow pointed out how the media and the GOP have a man crush on the idiot)

[FSogol]

13. K & R. n/t

[CanonRay]

16. Like they weren't angry at him before?

If they get real mad, what can they call him that they haven't already called him?

[CatWoman]

25. um

Poopie Pants? :)

[CanonRay]

36. OK, got me there

I hadn't thought of that one. It would really hurt.

[Enthusiast]

90. Any names are old and stale, lol.

"Obama is a.........a......poopy head!"

[reformist2]

18. The GOP still thinks it's 1980, and their "solutions" haven't changed since then.

They are so vulnerable on this point it's not even funny. Maybe it made sense to cut taxes on the rich when we were in an economic malaise and the top tax rate was 70%. But to keep pushing for tax cuts when the top rate is 35% and we aren't bringing in any money as it is? Crazy. Rather than attacking everything about Reaganism, it would be far more effective for Democrats to contrast "then vs now." As a result Dems would look reasonable and Repugs would look militant and inflexible, which they indeed have become.

[cameozalaznick]

74. Yes...

Are you better off than you were thirty years ago? Not if you're middle class or below. Your pathetic salary has stayed the same, but the ravages of inflation have eroded your purchasing power. The only way you've been able to have any sort of decent lifestyle is because you've become dependent on near slave labor to provide you with goods from the Orient.

[spanone]

19. i like it...ryan needs his ass kicked....fuck him

[Moostache]

20. No...Ryan needs to KEEP HAVING HIS ASS KICKED!!!

That was a great opening salvo, but let's be honest....Obama told us all that the Bush tax cuts had to go in the LAST campaign and in my mind the caving on that issue remains the point he lost me. If Obama renounces the tax cuts and holds the line 100% at $250K and up this time, then he MAY get me back in the fold....but caving again and I don't EVER want to read the "Bush Tax Cuts" again.

If Obama caves on this issue again then we will have to face it...those tax cuts would officially be the Obama-Bush Tax Cuts.

Hold the line Mr. President...fight your urge to run to the right in search of acceptance that is not there!

[lamp_shade]

22. Obama caved... Obama caved... Obama caved... Obama caved... Obama caved...

Give it a rest.

[leeroysphitz]

60. Your a few repetitions short... n/t

[sarge43]

21. The man is a master of political judo. n/t

[undeterred]

23. They thought they had him trained.

[NOLALady]

41. Trained.

Like a trained cat.

[CatWoman]

24. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I love this thread :hi:

too fucking funny!!!

:rofl:

[Better Believe It]

26. Because it's part of the bad cop, good cop routine? Is this a quiz?

[Tatiana]

27. Because he surprised the hell out of them by standing up for Democratic principles and values.

Not only did he stand up for Democratic values, but he basically told the Republicans to take their Very Unserious budget proposal and go Cheney themselves. He also drew a CLEAR LINE IN THE SAND. He specifically said that such radical ideas will not happen while he was President. He stated that promise with conviction and I actually believe him.

This is what the President needs to do on a regular basis. If he keeps his word, he will earn back the support of many that voted for him in 2008.

[cameozalaznick]

77. And more importantly...

He got to do it for 45 minutes on the teevee machine. In HD. With flags in the background. Ryan got like, three minutes in a room with bad lighting. Grrrrr!

[drm604]

28. As JoePhilly (Hey neighbor!) already said in this thread: "He invited them to their own ass-kicking"

That's the type of thing they would do. Now they're getting a taste of it and they don't like it. Boy, were they moaning about it on Morning Joe this morning.

• He was rude.
  
• He was impolite.
  
• How could he do that to Ryan's face?

LOL. Bunch of whiners. :cry:

[Kber]

30. I had no idea Ryan was such a sensitive flower.

Poor kid. :sarcasm:

Guess he's just not ready to sit at the grown-ups table yet.

:)

[CatWoman]

33. but....but....

he works out EVERY SINGLE DAY and LIFTS WEIGHTS!! :puke:

[flamingdem]

42. He's "Abs Rand" nt

[Kurovski]

63. I liked the Daily Show's take on Rand...

"It's like Eddie Munster grew up to be a JC Penney catalog model."

[MaeScott]

31. K and R. nt

[kentuck]

34. I love the smell of napalm in the morning...

:-)

[pacalo]

35. I love it. Beautifully done. They didn't like what they saw in the mirror.

[Duppers]

37. PayBack for calling Obama a liar to his face!!

'Course Ryan didn't do it but I bet he didn't object.

They all deserve worse than that really.

[Blue Owl]

39. Please let this be the first of several smackdowns

Put the dickbags in their place!

[flamingdem]

40. Ryan is an ass clown who deserved a whupping from Pres O nt

[Thunderstruck]

43. No wonder they were so damned pissed and came out for their response in sputtering outrage.

[Jester Messiah]

44. Nice to finally see some fire from him.

I guess Candidate Obama woke up, huh?

[99th_Monkey]

45. I am finally starting to feel good about my support/vote for Obama, and loving it. ~nt

[hifiguy]

46. Now THAT is the guy I voted for.

Call these weasels out to their faces.

[eleny]

48. Knocked them right off their dumb ass pins

[Honeycombe8]

50. I'm okay with that. Normally, I want respect & decorum. But, come on....

the Republicans have ripped Obama time and time again, pulling tricks and deceitful acts on him across the media.

Obama has done this sort of thing before, though. Remember his State of the Union, when he lambasted the recent S.Ct. ruling that corporations can contribute to campaigns with no holds barred, right when the Justices were sitting in the front row?

Obama doesn't take really strong stands, it seems to me. He's a negotiator. But when he does, he seems to like to tell them to their faces what's wrong with what they just did, and that he does on record as being deadset against it.

Hooray for Obama. He took a strong stand for the elderly, the disabled, the most vulnerable in our society.

[AllTooEasy]

51. Here's your ass, Mr. Ryan.

[JuniperLea]

58. Here, let me help you with that...

[AllTooEasy]

94. I love this cartoon.

[SkyDaddy7]

52. Nice to see this made it to the Greatest Thread Page! nt.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

54. That was a thing of BEAUTY.

Invite them to sit in the front row, make them think they have you...then rip the rug out from under them. AWESOME!

[opihimoimoi]

55. Yup, the GOPers think its only them that play hardball.....well, it was Obamas TURN at Bat

[shellgame26]

56. Balls of steel

[snot]

59. Didn't he do this to the Supremes, too?

I'd feel better if he got his jollies actually implementing progressive policies.

[ProgressiveEconomist]

61. Maybe now Ryan will get some serious media questioning or rebuttal. I'm AMAZED

at the number of solo, unrebutted, soft questioning coverage Ryan has gotten in the last couple of weeks, not only on Fox "News" but also on CNBC and other usually thorough media outlets.

Why not put Paul Ryan up against Dean Baker or Paul Krugman and see how he answers questions that are not puffballs?

Let's see how much unopposed airtime Ryan gets from here forward.

[geckosfeet]

62. He he he. In Seinfeld fashion - 'that's a shame'

[KoKo]

64. Kentuck...It seems Obama's "Coming Back" It's a GOOD THING...Good to See...isn't it..

About TIME!

[KoKo]

65. deleted for dupe post by OP

[underpants]

66. 85% of the debt is because of W, he pointed it out, and their media is surprised

http://mediamatters.org/research/201104140021

KILMEADE: Which was blame Bush.

JOHNSON: All the way. Very perceptive, Brian.

[MadMaddie]

70. Bwa....haw.....haw.

That makes me feel so good!

Ryan thought he was the man and he got punked!! Oh that is delicious!

They even tried to say he was sneaky...umm...no...he said to Ryan's face...not much sneak in that!

[shanti]

72. i'm glad he called them out

about time too.

[davidwparker]

76. Before you people get to backslapping ...

O is good with words. Watch what he does. I no longer get excited by what he says; it has been 3 years.

I will backslap when I see what he does.

[cameozalaznick]

80. Uh no.

He's only been in office a little over 2 years.

[Cresent City Kid]

82. I understand the sentiment

I'm hoping that those who believe the words coalesce around the principles they convey. It's not all about Obama, he can give speeches, arbitrate legislation, and sign or veto laws. Meanwhile the teabaggers are training schlubs to run for local school boards.

There is the issue of whether he will stick to his words. There's a lot more going on. If he does stick to his words and no one else does, we're in trouble.

[humbled_opinion]

81. It is good that Obama is actually calling them out

instead of joining in their plans but this raising the tax on the rich is all a bunch of crap... The rich never pay their fair share, the rich are not altruistic, the rich spend six figures or more on accountants to hide their assets so they can game the system. I never met a rich person that failed to miss a tax deduction.... Obama wants to raise their taxes a pittance 3 or 4 percent give me a break #1 it won't fix the debt problem, #2 the rich will eventually pass any increase back down to the middleclass so we are screwed no matter what.... There is a 14 trillion debt that keeps on ticking up....

What really needs to happen is the govt needs to tax wealth not income, and do means testing for medicare, medicaid and social security..... If someone has a net worth over a million dollars why in the world should they get a check from the govt every month after age 65? and why in the world couldn't they pay for their own health insurance?

If you simply tax someones net worth and means test entitlements, you will accomplish the goals of eliminating the countrys debt and deficit in as little as 10 years and it will remain eliminated forever. In fact there could be many more needed programs put in place to help the most needy get advanced education and better jobs...

The govt must also put in laws that forbid corporations form passing the tax increase costs to consumers in the form of price increases....

[Jack Rabbit]

83. . . . he's black and he's a Democrat and he whipped thei asses in '08

The same reason they're mad at him everyday, Pinky.

[Eatacig]

84. He's Back!!

:fistbump: :yourock: He's Back!!! He was never really gone. He just had to show the World what it would like like if Teabaggers ruled. We have seen it all now.

[opihimoimoi]

85. Hardball goes 2 ways...it was Obamas turn at bat....

[ohheckyeah]

86. Where can I see all of this?

I missed it.

[Mnemosyne]

93. Here's link to transcript:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4812704

[ecstatic]

87. What I'm wondering.... did the ass kicking wake them up, as far as their values

are concerned? Obama raised some good points. What type of nation are we where we tell seniors "f*** you" so that billionaires can save some money? He couldn't have worded it any clearer... even a child could understand. So has Ryan seen the light? If not, how does he justify screwing seniors?

[Enthusiast]

88. No problem for the Republicans

The media is carrying their water. They show a little clip of Obama then they show five Republicans talking down Obama's alternative.

[secondwind]

91. I love this! He is becoming more like LBJ every day. go Pres. Obama!

[ewagner]

92. basketball analogy

it was like shooting a 3-pointer over their block, pointing to them and saying "in your face!"