McConnell Makes Excuses for Republicans Voting Against Proposal They Co-Sponsored
Mitch McConnell is asked why seven of the Republicans who co-sponsored the Conrad-Gregg fiscal commission turned around and voted against it. McConnell says he now wants a spending reduction commission because heaven forbid we can't have them considering any tax hikes for the rich. Leave it to Republicans to take a bad idea and make it worse.
KING: Well, let's talk about your side of the equation. Robert Gibbs just complained about it and the president mentioned it in his Saturday radio address. He says there was a proposal. It was sponsored by one Democrat and one Republican. It would create a commission that would spend a few months studying how can we cut federal spending, maybe even propose tax increases; find some way to reduce the federal budget deficit. Now, it then failed last week on a vote in the Senate. And here's the president's complaint.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OBAMA: This past week, 53 Democrats and Republicans voted for this commission in the Senate, but it failed when seven Republicans who had cosponsored this idea in the first place suddenly decided to vote against it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: Now, we want to show on our screen the seven Republicans who were cosponsors but then withdrew their cosponsorship and voted against it: the Republican Sam Brownback of Kansas, Mike Crapo of Idaho, John Ensign of Nevada, Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas, James Inhofe of Oklahoma, John McCain of Arizona, Robert Bennett of Utah.
If this was such a good idea that they would cosponsor it -- this is what comes up, Senator McConnell, in my travels all the time. People say, why do they always just play politics in Washington? Is this just politics, as the president says, or if it was the same proposal six months ago when they cosponsored it, what was wrong with it last week when a Democratic president wanted it?
MCCONNELL: Well, what was wrong with it last year? I mean, I discussed this very issue with the president right after he came to office, and with his chief of staff, never could get a commitment out of him.
In the meantime, we've seen a year, now, in which we've been on a spending binge. They passed a budget that doubled the national debt in five years and tripled it in 10.
There's a lot of skepticism now about whether -- and the president endorses this commission a couple of days before the vote. Where was he a year ago when we were talking to him about it?
KING: But why should that...
(CROSSTALK)
KING: Why should that matter? Why should that matter?
(CROSSTALK)
KING: Because I want to go back to your point. I'm sorry for interrupting. I want to go back to your point.
Why should that matter? Yes, the president endorsed it because of political pressure, without a doubt. Democratic senators went to the White House and said, we will not vote to increase the debt ceiling unless you help us out here.
But if it was a good idea, why should -- let's say the president's playing politics. But if it's a good idea, why not vote for it? Because you were here several months ago and you said it was a great idea.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MCCONNELL: The Gregg-Conrad proposal would basically set up a base -- a closing-type approach, where you appoint of commission that would come up with a solution, come to the Congress with an up or down vote, which would guarantee a result. That's something we can have a bipartisan approach on. I'm in favor of that kind of a move to give us the ability to tackle one of our long-term deficit problems.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: And yet, you voted...
(CROSSTALK)
KING: And yet you voted no.
MCCONNELL: Well, let me tell you an even -- the Conrad-Gregg commission was not the only commission proposed the other day. We also had a spending reduction commission, the same kind of mechanism, but targeted at getting spending down. The American people are appalled by the amount of money we have been spending this year. And I think a more targeted way to do the same kind of commission approach was with the Brownback proposal that we all voted -- many of us voted on last week. I just think that's a better way to go. I still like the commission idea...
KING: A better way for Republicans in an election year because it would take some tax increases off the table?
MCCONNELL: Democrats -- Democrats, as well. Look, nobody thinks raising taxes in the middle of a recession is a good idea. Have you ever heard anybody say that? I don't think so. We're in the middle of a recession. We've got 10 percent unemployment. This commission would have made it possible to raise taxes, if you target the spending problem.
Look, I don't think anybody in the country thinks we have a problem because we tax too little. I think the problem is we spend too much. So I like the commission idea, just as I said a few months ago. I think a better way to do it is to target spending, a spending reduction commission.
The people of Ky were so god damn stupid that they voted for this sleazy lowlife sorry son of a bitch?
The end of the GOP will bring about a new era in America. Get rid of them in any way you can!
republicanism/conservatism is a mental illness!
So we won't have this assclown representing this great nation.
McConnel may as well just join an Al Quida terrorist cell group if he wants to bring America down.
Then again at least Al Quida fights for what they believe in where Republicans would piss their pants if they had to fight for their cause.
Brown Forman of Kentucky, the distributor of Jack Daniel's Whiskey and Southern Comfort gave money to Mitch McConnell for his election campaigns.
Call both Mitch McConnell's office and the company Brown Forman and tell them:
"I will not buy Jack Daniel's whiskey, not will I buy Southern Comfort until Mitch McConnell gives up the filibuster for his entire party during the Obama Presidency."
Get as many people as you can to call both McConnell's office and Brown Forman.
You have the power.
http://www.democratz.org
honest concerned politician let alone human ..Call him on his lies.
1.866.311.3405
His chin appears to be a black hole that is sucking in the rest of his face.
Man, I gotta tell ya, this guy really creeps me out!
Rush Limbaugh is what a smart person thinks a stupid bigot sounds like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-Xwu-1PDzo
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
..and believe it or not, it's all in his attitude, isn't it? His words and ideas presented, his delivery, isn't it? funny how that works...
"Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob"
-= Franklin Delano Roosevelt =-
Why shouldn't the rich pay taxes?
Afterall
They go to other rich guys in the form of bailouts.
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
McConnell is hilarious. Old man though - so don't expect him to grow out of it, or change or anything.
You just have got to vote. sorry but that's the way it is.
Mr. McConnell, we are gonna need you to be heard but not voted for from now on, until we can trust your motives, OK?, ok then... you will always have a place at the table, just like every other citizen in the country, but no more than that - you just aren't good enough at governance. Sorry...
and try to keep up with things will ya Mitch? you are falling behind the curve here.
"Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob"
-= Franklin Delano Roosevelt =-
McConnell is a disingenuous piece of crap. The Obama administration is FORCED to spend and spend and spend. It's because of what Bush did. Trillions of $$$ of unpaid for tax cuts for Bush's and McConnell's friends. A war that was unnecessary and the medicare prescription drug thing that was unpaid for. What we are going through right now is a perfect example of what people were saying was going to happen when Reagan, Bush and Bush were spending like drunken sailors. After they screwed things up so badly there is absolutely no way to just turn it off. What does this piece of shit think would happen if Obama just stopped spending? (Don't answer because it does not matter.) this is the Bush gift that is going to keep giving for years and years to come and the general public will not try to understand why but will blame the first person they see and that is Obama.
Also on Thom Hartmann today he said that $1,000,000,000,000* of 2011's budget of $3,200,000,000,000 was for interst and whatever for the debt that Reagan, Bush and Bush rtan up in their spending spree years.
*(Toward the end of the hour Hartmann did say that there may be some discrepancy with his number but it was the number he found on a U.S. Government web site.)
That's 1/3 of the budget. The French Revolution happened when it hit 1/2.
"If the US government enforced its banking laws like it did its park regulations, we wouldn't be
in this damn park in the first place." OCCUPY.!!
.
"Parachutes are allowed in checked or carry-on baggage, but may not be worn in flight."
---Southwest Airlines
I understand your concern. I'm getting old to revolt. And a French Revolution would be a nice solution.
If we don't do it soon I may be to old to help.
republicanism/conservatism is a mental illness!
Where did I put those knitting needles? Voila!
yep
"Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob"
-= Franklin Delano Roosevelt =-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT4spVHZcCo
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
Wow, I'm just impressed that the MSM is doing it's job of showing the hypocrisy of the Republicans.
ask a Republican tough questions.
McConnell is full of THE CREEPS.
I wonder if he smells as good as Fred?
"If the US government enforced its banking laws like it did its park regulations, we wouldn't be
in this damn park in the first place." OCCUPY.!!
Is shit dried in his pants.
republicanism/conservatism is a mental illness!
He's amazingly stupid. It doesn't speak well for Kentucky that they keep sending this neaderthal back to the Senate.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oL_7lgIr_SU
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
In reference to John McCain, Pat Buchanan, and now McConnell, et al:
God save me from old, white men. God save me from overweight, thin-haired, impotent, racist, sexist, privileged, elitist, arrogant, know-it-all, my-way-or-the-highway, stuck-in-the-Cold War, do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do, revisionist, vengeful, fearful, barking, bitter, lying, old, white men.
Amen.
(Truth alert: I posted this before the election in '08 in another thread.
Little did I know it would have such staying power.)
We're not going to get very far if you keep injecting logic into the conversation!
republicanism/conservatism is a mental illness!
we tax the RICH too LITTLE!
during a recession except for maybe FDR who raised the Top Marginal Tax Rate from about 25% to 65% during the great depression. Funny how historically low top income tax rates and deregulated financial intstitutions led to the two biggest financial implosions in the countries history. Funny how nobody ever heard of history repeating itself.
During times of war (like you know now) the rich paid up 75% WWI, over 95% during WWII. Stayed around 90% during the 50's and lowered to 70% during the 70's. Saint Ronnie dropped it to 50% and it worked its way down to low 30's before the insane taxman - the Clenis raised it to the abhorrent rate of 39%.
Mart
will always led to a boom and then a bust. A rich fool and his money will always be parted. The republicans assume the rich will invested their money in improvement in factories or starting new businesses. But this is not true. What usually happened is that somebody starts some financial gimmick that sounds good and easy. It starts to growth and then it booms and then it busts. Deregulation usually helps to make this worse but the real culprit is the excess money. Production and demand must be balanced. Can't take from the poor to give to the rich without causing everybody to be poorer.
To bad everyone in washington is to greedy to understand what you have said.
republicanism/conservatism is a mental illness!
Who made up this rule, and since when do Republicans know any rules about either taking us into a recession or getting us out of one?
They are the party of fiscal irresponsibility and would gladly sacrifice 80% of us for themselves and their wealthy donors.
Thet bargain in bad faith, lie like rugs, and can't be trusted. Mitch McConnell is living proof of that.
Rest assured, if he is against something, it's a good idea.
But try and tell that to the absolute idiots in this country ! Regardless of all the truths , facts and mountains of proof you could show them it would be like trying to reason with a frigging fence post . The Fox / Limbaugh fans , the brainwashed imbeciles in this country will take us all down the crapper .Damn , the stupidity in this country ! It just boggles the mind .
"The people of Ky were so god damn stupid that they voted for this sleazy lowlife sorry son of a bitch?"
Hey project - Like your state doesn't have any sleazy, low life sons of bitches? Well, I know they have at least one.
A proud KY Liberal.
Come on now, you gotta admit, any state that would vote for this guy repeatedly, along with Jim Bunning, well......lets just say project has a point.
As a liberal who lives in Michigan, I feel the same way about the people who vote for our dumb-ass nazi repukes.
Rush Limbaugh is what a smart person thinks a stupid bigot sounds like.
I live in Ky and have most of my life. I know there are some god damn good people in our state, and there are some that are just insane.
republicanism/conservatism is a mental illness!
that the wealthiest aren't spending all their money in the real market which actually stimulates the economy. a person living month to month is participating in the economy 100 percent. the very wealthy have savings and investments which stimulate the fake economy, you know the one that just borrowed an impossible sum of money and is doing great despite the real economy sucking. if you can't get them to spend more on real goods and services then tax their asses. 90 percent is still less than 100.
...starting with the military. It's time to end World War II and the Korean war. Japan wants us out, and we need to start saving money.
If we had a credible news media, we would hear the question posed, "Why is the U.S. spending as much on military spending as the rest of the world combined?". The answer is obvious, we didn't listen to Eisenhower's farewell speech.
... what repugs constantly campaign against - that is 'Redistribution of wealth'.
The rich take money from the poor in the form of usury interest rates, overdraft fees, bounced check fees, fees because someone deposited an insufficient fund check and other turpitudes by the rich who distribute that among the richest of the rich in the form of multi-million dollar salaries, bonuses and other perks.
Kind of Robin Hood in reverse.
If you need funds to pay for essentials, you have a revenue problem
If you need funds to pay for frivolity, you have a spending problem
Bush, Cheney and Rove doctrine. Stick to the message no matter what.
irregularities for decades in Kentucky voting alleged...
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=7627
when brad blog blogs you can laud the blog log
whoa, Nellie!
your name's Lebowski, Lebowski... and your wife is Bunny
against the law to have sex with your mother, McConnell.
They'd get McConnel to resign.
He's nothing more than a politically impotent Bush yes man who only is pretending to care about fiscal responsibility because he knows that tax dollars won't be pissed away on failed neocon policies.
And he's a punk for not answering the question. He's a worthless partisan hack who would rather see the country suffer if it meant that the GOP would regain power.
...for McConnell to answer the question. This is where we need better media personnel. The interview should grind to a halt until there is a reasonable attempt to answer a question. King had the right idea, but he let McConnell wander all over the place instead of cornering him and making him either answer or openly admit these votes were simply naked partisan game-playing.
A perfect example of why people hate politicians. A smarmy two faced conniving self serving jerk. His refusal to answer confirms that its all politics with these Repubs. And King needs to grow a pair. He should have kept at it until the question was answered. It's too bad Sam Donaldson isn't around these days to hold these jerks accountable.
Why aren't the Democrats AND the media making a huge deal out of the fact that the Republicants are voting no against things they either once proposed themselves or supported. It's obvious to conclude from their actions that they are simply not going to vote for anything and give the Democrats a legislative victory. Why aren't they being confronted with this stuff. Then they have the gall to say they're being shut out.
Priorities of a Senator:
#1) Stay elected.
#2) Help your party (so you can stay elected).
#3) Help your country (if you’re not too busy staying elected).
If at any time priorities #2 or #3 conflict with #1… STAY ELECTED!
get rid of this old man
this is why the bigger states need to break up
i'm tired of these small states that fit in my garage controlling all the power
if calif and new york broke up into 6 different states
we could drive these old men from office.
makes me think of what a diarhetic asshole must look like in full-hose mode.
Just don't make me look.
McConnell: "You have the timerity to ask why we Republicans voted against it? Because we have so many better ideas to offer, and then withdraw, in order to accomplish nothing. After all, our voter base is happiest when we demonstrate our ability to make the Democrats look like fools. Besides, we would lose one helluva big voting block, not to mention a good portion of funding from vested interests if we even allowed consideration of tax increases for our rich supporters. After all, this recession has forced many of them to spend an extraordinary amount of money in order to find investment schemes that protect their increasing pools of wealth."
Why was McConnell discharged from the Army after roughly one month in bootcamp? Why won't he or hasn't McConnell produced his DD 214 or discharge papers? He's had over 40 years to do so!
and he wont tell"
your name's Lebowski, Lebowski... and your wife is Bunny
be called out on their inability to educate the public on the Republicans' methods. How often do you see CBS, ABC, or NBC actually address what is happening ? They seem to just be happy to have access to them and are afraid to actually expose them for their obstructionism for fear of losing this limited access. It's ridiculous that these wankers can vote like this and then turn around and complain that their ideas are not given any consideration. This fact needs to be pounded into the American public continuously so that they understand why little can be accomplished. Change can't occur if the Repubs kick and scream like little brats over anything that they disagree with. When was the last time any voted yes on any major issue before Congress in the last year ?
Let's translate:
Question: Why did you support this bill, call it an opportunity for bipartisanship, six months ago, but vote against it - along with seven Republicans who co-sponsored the bill?
Answer: Because we're liars and hypocrites when it comes to controlling the federal budget and decreasing the deficit. Because President Obama endorsed the bill, and it's most important for us to oppose anything he supports - regardless of content. Because we want to make sure that any government that we don't control is rendered as useless and ineffectual as possible.
"Look, nobody thinks raising taxes in the middle of a recession is a good idea."
Nobody!? You're sure about that? Well, in that case, nobody thought it was a good idea to cut taxes in the middle of a war, but that happened. But, as it turned out, that really *WAS* a bad idea.
Taxes have been cut, time and again, since Reagan. Tax cuts were supposed to be the solution to whatever problem ailed the economy. If memory serves me, they were always touted as a way to create jobs. Well, to pose the question that seems to be in vogue "Where are the jobs?" Every tax cut was supposed to create millions of jobs - where are they? We should be drowning in jobs, but we're not.
Raising taxes a percentage point or two on those of us who are well off is not going to kill the economy. For example, a 1 percent increase in the highest tax bracket encountered by a person filling singly who has *taxable income* of $200,000/year would increase their yearly tax bill by $284.50. A whopping $23.71 per month! Oh what a burden it would be!
That's just one example - and a simple one, at that. But for the well-to-do and wealthy to wail and gnash their teeth at the thought of a percentage point (or two, or three) increase in their tax rates is ludicrous. I wish I had that problem (and, yeah, I'm working toward that).
That the ONLY SPENDING Rs LIKE is WAR spending.
War is the G-no-P effort at population control.
that he could never 'get a commitment out of President Obama, he may have thought Obama would think HE (McConnell) should BE 'committed..'
Just a thought.
Mitch McConnell: Mitch McConnell's ideas are asinine! It's like he's some kind of moron! I totally oppose Mitch McConnell's ideas wherever and whenever they appear! The man should be drummed out of office!
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