By Gregg Nicholl

November 30, 2009 6:03 AM | Link to this

I’m not trying to offend or demean, but when are those on the political Left ever going to dispense with the same old blame game. It’s either Bush or Fox News. Those on the Left undercut any valid points they may have by resorting to the same, tired old tactics. I don’t think very many people, save those blinded by ideology, give this tact much credence.

By Jim

November 29, 2009 9:18 AM | Link to this

TRS, The economy is turning around. Look at housing, stock market, retail, etc. Unemployment is always a trailing indicator of any recovery. Bush had these enemy combatants for years and did nothing. Obama is finally bringing some closure to a bad situation. Just like health care,Bush did nothing for eight years. Obama had little choice on the stimulus because we were facing a complete economic collapse. Worst economic meltdown since the great depression. Obama has restored our standing internationally as we’ve moved away from Bush’s Unilateralism. No, I like the way things are going. You can’t undo 8 years of incompetence in 10 short months.

By TRS

November 28, 2009 7:44 PM | Link to this

Jim - unfortunately not many of those “thinking” Americans come from your side of the fence. There are appropriate responses to all the things you mentioned - lets just say that me thinks you greatly exxagerate things. So what do we have so far with your guy, well cabinets members (including the Treasury Sec) who seem to forgot to pay taxes, Czars who believe old people are expendable because they are have served their usefulness to society, another one a Communist, another one who believes animals have a right to sue, an Attorney General who wants to give enemy combatant terrorists the same rights as an American citizen, a stimulus that was supposed to stop the bleeding at 8% unemployment but its now 10.2 and still rising with no full recovery in sight for 6 years according to the Fed. A budget deficit which will double down next year and a debt that will do the same, one which the CBO says is unsustainable. Your guy has given us more cannon fodder in 11 months than Bush did in 8 years. So please, don’t give me this “thinking” man stuff because if you were truly thinking you would really be concerned about the road this guy is taking us. Many Americans are - thats why his polls are tanking and 56% disapprove of this healthcare boondoggle.

By Jim

November 28, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this

TRS, I think you’re forgetting many of Bush’s issues, and why Bush was such a problem for thinking Americans. Katrina, Iraq War based on lies, Illegal wire tapping, Gonzales scandal, Scooter Libby/Plame, Patriot Act, Ignoring congressional subpoenas, Record deficit spending, Ambroff, Torture, No bid contracts, Halliburton, mission accomplished, Walter Reed Vet scandal, Claude Allen, Habeas Corpus, Blackwater, worst job creation record since Hoover, etc…. The list is endless. It’s too bad Americans have short term memories.

By TRS

November 28, 2009 11:49 AM | Link to this

Scooby - if you read my point, it is that politicians of both parties raise money. If there is anything hypocritical it is that your ignore that fact for those you support and scream it out against those you do not. As for your other comments, same stuff, different day - typical Daily Kos, Moveon stuff. If you really cared about deficits you’d be going nuts now because of the deficits your guy is running up. If you really cared about what you characterize as “lies”, you’d be going nuts because of the many lies and promises your guy told during the campaign that he has now changed (ie, no lobbyists in his Administration). If you really cared about the constitution you would read it and understand it was written to provide limited gvmt, not the kind your guy is proposing and if you really cared about torture, you would ask those who have been through real torture, ie Viet Nam vets. I heard a Medal of Honor winner and POW speak in at the museum in Oct. He went through true torture; yet, this gvmt has never consulted any of the POWs as to what constitutes enhanced interrogations and what is torture. If you get right down to it past the talking points, deep down in your soul, you and MWM just hate Bush - Thats all.

By scoobydo

November 28, 2009 9:06 AM | Link to this

TRS Facts? You would not understand facts even if cluster FOX news reported them. Look up the amount Bush spent on his money-finding trips and his vacation time we all paid for. Then you and the lying GOP can talk. HYPOCRITS, look up the word. As for an original thought, had them all the last eight years Bush was in office, I watched him run up the deficit, lie us into war, stomp on the constitution, torture people. You remember any of that. Of course, not you were asleep, or had your GWB blinders on, talk about narrow minded.

By TRS

November 28, 2009 12:54 AM | Link to this

The world according to MWM - there’s nothing like it! Literally, there nothing like it! The only immorality here is your arrogance in claiming only you know truth and your pride in holding yourself up as the arbitor of morality when in fact your writings are a contradiction to all of these. You mask this under the guise of claiming to be a Christian but there is nothing that comes out of you that reflects such a reality.

By TRS

November 28, 2009 12:53 AM | Link to this

The world according to MWM - there’s nothing like it! Literally, there nothing like it! The only immorality here is your arrogance in claiming only you know truth and your pride in holding yourself up as the arbitor of morality when in fact your writings are a contradiction to all of these. You mask this under the guise of claiming to be a Christian but there is nothing that comes out of you that reflects such a reality.

By mwm

November 27, 2009 4:21 PM | Link to this

Keeping with the facts about the immorality, lies and deceptions of the GOP and the Bush administration is an acceptable direction. And, we should always remember the crimes that were committed by Bush and his neocon, evangelical criminals. Attempting to forget or forge the past GOP lies, immoralities and deceptions is a dishonest tactic. But, as with the evangelicals, the GOP would prefer to rewrite history because remembering the damage caused by the GOP is way too painful for most conservatives.

By mwm

November 27, 2009 3:57 PM | Link to this

TRS, fact based information, is denied by you and all conservative republicans. You choose to live in your fantasy land lies and deceptions… Probably related to your C-street branded , evangelical ideology, and, magnified by moronic WWF style news commentators like Limbaugh and Beck. Should be called the GOL for “Grand Old Lemmings”

By TRS

November 27, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this

OK Scooby - apply the same standards how many fund raising trips has President Obama been on since he became President? I don’t disagree with your premise but the reality is politicians raise money - its part of the current system. MWM - I’ll say one thing for you - same stuff, different day. Don’t think you’ve had an original thought since 1995 and you certainly don’t let something like facts and reality get in your way. You never have and probably never will

By scoobydo

November 27, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this

Isn’t his primarily job to be a Rep in the house? Not golfing and making money for his party? Isn’t he supposed to be representing his constituents in his home district instead of golfing and raising money for his party?

By wakeup

November 27, 2009 9:17 AM | Link to this

As soon as all you people making comments and in this country especially,come together and realize that our politicians,both Democrats and Republicans are scum-balls and declare yourself an Independent will we be able to change our corrupt government(s).If there were no Republican and Democrat Parties,who would the PACS give their money to?

By mwm

November 27, 2009 6:22 AM | Link to this

Polls are worthless. And, are used only when a person sees their position being advertised. The former president (Bush) jammed a lie based war down the American peoples throat. The current insurance lobbyists want no change due to loss of profits. Private insurance profit more when people are sick or suffering. The members of the house and senate that oppose health care reform are the same members receiving large contributions from the health care lobbyists. (McCain at the top but, Boehner’s in there too) Obviously, using fearmongering in order to sway public opinion. (like Bush did with his lie based war) There should be a public and private insurance option in the final bill. This would force private insurance companies to lower their costs, quit denying claims and allow for preexisting conditions. For those that want to keep their old insurance, let them. For those opting into a govt. run system, let them. Listen to people around yourself, that are suffering at the hands of private insurance companies. Listen to their stories of being denied claims or insurance. Those that file bankruptcy due to extensive copays. Those that lose their home due to extensive medical bills. Listen to people that spend hours on the phone arguing with admin assistants and coders about their claims. Or, fighting with clerks about the care their doctor says they need and the insurance company denies. Listen and learn. Profiting on others pain and misery is immoral and unethical. And that is the private insurance industry way of doing business… They are no better than the Mafia. Just a corporate level money dispersing agent. Whose main objective is to watch people suffer and deny claims.

By TRS

November 27, 2009 12:13 AM | Link to this

Rasmussen’s recent poll shows 56% oppose the Healthcare proposals presently being debated while on 38% support them. Out of that only 21% strongly favor the plan while 43% strongly oppose it. In light of that the political class is still planning to jam this thing down the American people’s throat. You tell me whose out of touch Jim..

By mwm

November 26, 2009 9:21 AM | Link to this

When writing Boehner, his usual response is a form letter riddled with GOP propaganda. Or, he will put out canned surveys, with leading questions. (usually somehow supporting his warped ideology; irrelevant of facts. And, without answers that would present true feelings. Atypical ambulance chaser. Or, Boehner will take stands that are not fully supported by his employers, (the people of southwestern Ohio). And, he usually says stupid things like the “drill here, drill now” mantra. Boondogle trips. Or, shed tears in the halls of congress. Boehner is a waste of time and money.

By Jim

November 26, 2009 9:03 AM | Link to this

Boehner is an arrogant a$$ who only cares about the rich and big corporations. He’s completely out of touch with average Americans.

By Jon

November 26, 2009 6:33 AM | Link to this

HEY POLITICO, ever heard of ACORN Tell us about how legal YOU think they are. The Silence is deafening.

By kurt

November 26, 2009 6:18 AM | Link to this

To call John Boehner “low-life” would be doing a great disservice to the snake

By kurt

November 26, 2009 6:16 AM | Link to this

CUT OUT THE PACS !!!!!!!! This isn’t a dem or repuke thing—-this is WHY government doesn’t work.You’ve got a public official having a legal counsel,a legal secretary doing the work and getting his “advice” from cohorts with skewed vision while HE draws the fat check,fat retirement and perks up the wazoooo

By Dixon

November 26, 2009 5:34 AM | Link to this

Can we finish up the ACORN stuff before we start making up scandals where there are none?

By Socobsvr

November 25, 2009 9:35 PM | Link to this

At least now we know that his tan is caused by the real sun on golf courses and not tanning beds. Whew.

By Socobsvr

November 25, 2009 9:34 PM | Link to this

At least now we know that his tan is caused by the real sun on golf courses and not tanning beds. Whew.

By earl

November 25, 2009 8:32 PM | Link to this

What golfer hasn’t played in in a golf scramble to raise money for some cause? It must happen tens of thousands of times every year. Politico thinks that this is news worthy? Politico has nothing on the global warming lie being exposed. It is not a secret what dummygraphic they are targeting.

By kingcomment

November 25, 2009 8:19 PM | Link to this

how much did Barry’s little Martha’s Vineyard golf outing cost tax payers last summer? Greens fees, secret service, and on and on and on. Probably an $80,000 round on our dime…yet nobody cares…lets complain because this guy spent $80,000 this year….vs Barry’s $80,000 cost on 1 round

By Beff Joxworthey

November 25, 2009 8:13 PM | Link to this

If misspending of $80,000 is bad. But, misspending of $3,000,000,000,000 is OK. Then you might be a democrat

By Philman

November 25, 2009 8:07 PM | Link to this

All Completly legal no laws broken , and the ddn smears have begun, I commented a couple of weeks ago that the liberal a holes in the media would be trying to make the republicans look bad , even when their is no infraction.

By Bill

November 25, 2009 7:22 PM | Link to this

Boehner has a health plan…it was written by the same guys that have given over $3.7 million for his re-election, The Health Care Industry

By Curious

November 25, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this

I know this is a bit off topic, but were the Republicans working on a health care bill while George W. Bush was in office?

By mikey

November 25, 2009 6:07 PM | Link to this

why would this surprise anyone..why is this news? boehner is a crooked,corrupt son of a b***h

By steve

November 25, 2009 5:43 PM | Link to this

everybody is good for pointing out what the repubilcans are spending Why not check see how much Nancy is spending or offering on her heath care packet. Less then 1 year to get rid of her cant stand Nancy Pelosi

By Andy

November 25, 2009 5:07 PM | Link to this

Rob, you can see exactly where the PAC spends its money on FEC.gov. It’s not like it’s a secret which is what makes these stories so pointless. As for your claim about 96%, you’re looking at something different. That’s how much of YOUR contribution goes to a candidate if you give to them through the Freedom Project’s website; the 4% is bank processing fees. Boehner raises a lot of money. So do a lot of other politicians and political groups. This isn’t news.

By Duffer

November 25, 2009 4:59 PM | Link to this

What’s the big frickin’deal? Going to a golf outing is a hell of a lot better than one those boring $1,000 a plate fundraisers, let your wife spent $400 for a new dress and listen to some boring prick ramble on all night. At least you get to play a great course and tell some politician he’s isn’t with a damn in Washington or on the course

By Pragmatic

November 25, 2009 1:27 PM | Link to this

Boehner is not saying no to healthcare reform, he is saying no to government run healthcare. there have been several Republican bills offered, but Nancy won’t allow them to be read on the floor.

By TRS

November 25, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this

Rob - why is holding your powder until the next election cycle is closer, candidates are known and competitive races yet to be determined an issue? Anything illegal about what Cong Boehner has done? Having done some golf outings for service clubs, they were good fund raising events. A quick google finds a bunch of PACs using this format of various political persuasions.

By Pat

November 25, 2009 1:13 PM | Link to this

Boehner is quick to say NO to anything being offered for health care reform, and doesn’t understand the people he is to represent. We don’t want a suntanned Mr. No, golfing 119 times on donations by special interests group. When will the pumpkin colored Senator stop playing and get to work for the people?

By Pat

November 25, 2009 1:12 PM | Link to this

Boehner is quick to say NO to anything being offered for health care reform, and doesn’t understand the people he is to represent. We don’t want a suntanned Mr. No, golfing 119 times on donations by special interests group. When will the pumpkin colored Senator stop playing and get to work for the people?

By Pat

November 25, 2009 1:12 PM | Link to this

Boehner is quick to say NO to anything being offered for health care reform, and doesn’t understand the people he is to represent. We don’t want a suntanned Mr. No, golfing 119 times on donations by special interests group. When the pumpkin colored Senator stop playing and get to work for the people?

By Norm

November 25, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this

Shocker that Bohner can’t tell the difference between a birdie and a bogie. Throw the bum out of office.

By Jeff

November 25, 2009 12:15 PM | Link to this

Ah yes everyone immediately says how much has Obama spent. Lets look back to the Bush days and ask how much he spent on frivilous trips back to the ranch so he could play cowboy! I can’t imagine how much that cost taxpayers. Now Boehner loves to hit the other guy and deny he ever does anything wrong. He is at fault for lying to everyone as all the politicians are. I don’t ever see any solutions to the problems he is critical of except the old lets tax less. We are all paying less in taxes since a lot of us (me included) are out of work and the root cause was from the lack of any regulation on banking and wall street during the Bush years.

By Jeff

November 25, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this

Ah yes everyone immediately says how much has Obama spent. Lets look back to the Bush days and ask how much he spent on frivilous trips back to the ranch so he could play cowboy! I can’t imagine how much that cost taxpayers. Now Boehner loves to hit the other guy and deny he ever does anything wrong. He is at fault for lying to everyone as all the politicians are. I don’t ever see any solutions to the problems he is critical of except the old lets tax less. We are all paying less in taxes since a lot of us (me included) are out of work and the root cause was from the lack of any regulation on banking and wall street during the Bush years.

By Jeff

November 25, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this

Ah yes everyone immediately says how much has Obama spent. Lets look back to the Bush days and ask how much he spent on frivilous trips back to the ranch so he could play cowboy! I can’t imagine how much that cost taxpayers. Now Boehner loves to hit the other guy and deny he ever does anything wrong. He is at fault for lying to everyone as all the politicians are. I don’t ever see any solutions to the problems he is critical of except the old lets tax less. We are all paying less in taxes since a lot of us (me included) are out of work and the root cause was from the lack of any regulation on banking and wall street during the Bush years.

By Rob

November 25, 2009 11:53 AM | Link to this

Way to miss the point entirely, Fred. Boehner is collecting PAC money “to help Republican candidates”. TFP claims 96% of what they collect goes staright to candidates, and 4% is for “overhead”, such as “Congessman Boehner’s travel expenses”. So if TFP has spent $83 grand so far this year at a 4% run rate on contributions, then TFP should have collected a little over $2 million. And TFP has only “contributed $320,000 so far this election cycle”? That seems like an issue. The fact that most contibutors probably don’t know they’re picking up the tab for Boehner’s golf seems like an issue. What PAC is funding the President’s golf outings Fred, if that’s your point?

By Fred E.

November 25, 2009 10:54 AM | Link to this

Has any group benefited from our President’s 25 golf outings in 11 months? What did those cost the American taxpayer? Check that out POLITICO!