This Week: Mitch McConnell's Newly Found Concern for Bi-Partisanship
By Heather Monday Jan 05, 2009 6:30am
You Tube
I love how these guys suddenly care about bi-partisanship when they're in the minority and spending when it's for something besides dropping bombs on someone's head.
STEPHANOPOULOS: And now I have, here in the studio, the Republican leader of the Senate, Mitch McConnell. You heard Senator Durbin, there. Have your concerns been calmed down?
MCCONNELL: Look, I think everyone knows that half the American public is represented by a Republican senator. And all we're suggesting, here, is that we be a part of the process. The president has said he wants to create 3 million new jobs, presumably as a result of this economic stimulus package. We want to make sure it's not just a trillion-dollar spending bill, but something that actually can reach the goal that he has suggested.
STEPHANOPOULOS: So how do you do that?
MCCONNELL: Well, let me make some suggestions. First of all, the president, incoming president, has said he would like for 80 percent of the jobs created to be in the private sector. Well, do we really want to create 20 percent of the jobs in the public sector? That would be 600,000 new government jobs. That's about the size of the post office workforce. Is that a good idea? That's something that strikes us that we ought to take a look at.
STEPHANOPOULOS: You don't think it is?
MCCONNELL: Well, it may not be, but I think, at least, hearings, and some kind of bipartisan considerations would be helpful. There is a bill, ready to go right now, George, that would spend $400 billion. That's the nine appropriation bills from last year that have already been vetted, been looked at by both Democrats and Republicans, could pass, on a largely bipartisan basis, very quickly.
We could pass that bill. Much of that spending is related to the kinds of items that may well end up in the trillion-dollar spending package. So that's a place to start. Another example of something that I think ought to be considered: We could do a middle-class tax cut immediately. Right now, the middle-class tax rate is about 25 percent.
STEPHANOPOULOS: Well, President-elect Obama says he does want to do that, a $500 tax credit.
MCCONNELL: Yes, right. This is the sort of thing we could -- we could have bipartisan agreement on. But Republican, by and large, think tax relief is a great way to get money to people immediately. A possibility would be to take a look at the 25 percent rate currently applied to the middle class, lower it to 15 percent.
And with regard to the money to the states, one item -- one approach that I think we ought to take a look at, that I have a feeling won't be in the recommendation of the administration, is to make this money for states alone, rather than a grant.
You know, the way we're operating, under the TARP, the Troubled Asset Relief Program, the money that's being lent to financial institutions is at 5 percent over five years. And if it's beyond five years, the rate is 9 percent. There are some states that are in good shape. In fact, I can think of at least two who have said publicly they don't want any of the money. So why should we automatically provide funds to states...
STEPHANOPOULOS: Well, there are several states struggling...
MCCONNELL: ... that don't want it.
STEPHANOPOULOS: ... as well. Is that a red line for you? If these are grants to the states, you're not going to support it?
MCCONNELL: No, I'm not saying that. I'm saying we want to be a part of the process. And it might make sense to lend the money to the states. It will make them spend it more wisely. I think nobody thinks we ought to be spending this money on things like Mob museums and waterslides. And if the money were lent rather than just granted, states would I think spend it wisely, and the states that didn't need it at all wouldn't take any.
STEPHANOPOULOS: Two other ideas the Democrats are discussing on Capitol Hill right now are extending unemployment benefits to part- time workers and expanding health care benefits for the unemployed. Can you support that?
MCCONNELL: I might, but those are very big, systemic changes. What the speaker said last year with regard to stimulus packages I think makes sense -- timely, and temporary, and targeted. Do we in the name of stimulus want to make long-term, systemic changes that will affect spending every single year? I think that's at least worth considering, having hearings about, having bipartisan discussions.
What I worry about, George, here is the haste with which this may be done. This is an enormous bill. It could be close to a $1 trillion spending bill. Do we want to do it with essentially no hearings, no input, for example, in the Senate from Republican senators who represent half of the American population? I don't think that's a good idea, and I don't think that...
STEPHANOPOULOS: So you think it's unwise for the Democrats to push for this to be done by the time that President-elect Obama takes office?
MCCONNELL: No, it shouldn't be done. I don't think that they even seriously can defend, and I don't think my friend Dick Durbin was defending doing this without bipartisan consideration. And I -- you know, this was, I think, the Democrats in Congress idea, not the president's idea, to have it on his desk by January 20th. That's just not a practical thing to do.
If we want to do a bill immediately, again, my recommendation is the omnibus appropriations bill. It's ready. These were nine bills that were not passed by October when they should have been passed. They're ready to go. They've already been vetted by both sides, would pass on an overwhelming, bipartisan basis, and much of that spending, George, would be on things similar to what the president may be asking for in that package.
STEPHANOPOULOS: But isn't a lot of that money already out there through the continuing resolution? A fair amount of that money is...
MCCONNELL: No -- well, some of it is, but it's not -- it's not very targeted. A continuing resolution doesn't target things very much, doesn't have any congressional input in it. And it could be done quickly. If we want to do something quickly, let's do something that's already been vetted. I don't think we have to delay the stimulus package for a lengthy period of time, but I've given you three ideas today that make a lot of sense, that ought to be considered.
STEPHANOPOULOS: Bottom line, will President-elect Obama get the 80 or so votes he's looking for in the Senate?
MCCONNELL: I think if they pursue a fair process, in the Senate at least, where fairness is typically the rule, and give both sides an opportunity to have input, to have it -- a true bipartisan stamp -- he's likely to get significant support.
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"I think nobody thinks we ought to be spending this money on things like Mob museums..."
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While not at the top of my list, I'd figure that a lot of Rethugs could support a museum for their friends and benefactors...
"Do we want to do it with essentially no hearings, no input, for example, in the Senate from Republican senators who represent half of the American population?"
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Hey asswipe, we've basically been strapped to your Hellbound train for the last eight years and look where it's gotten us.
Republican senators, representing half of the American population? I don't think so. Maybe hold close to half the seats, but represent half of the populace--no.
" Hey asswipe, we've basically been strapped to your Hellbound train for the last eight years and look where it's gotten us."
Exactly!!
Even after he had the work done!
Here's a bottom who thinks he's a top.
LOL!!!!!
The tax revenue isn't even close to paying for all the toys even in good economic times. How about closing down some of the 400+ military bases around the world, funding cuts to IDF, and removal of off-shore tax havens?
Excellent ideas!
Shut off their mic's and turn off the lights in the conference room (if we let them have one at all) during their talking time. I know some will say "why stoop to their level", I say "paybacks are a bitch". They have done enough damage with their suggestions and actions, they need to be ignored for awhile until things get straightened out. Fuck them.
Democrats In office keep thinking their In charge But whos been Pushing who around these past 2 years. Unless the dems stop these Weak tactics the GOP will keep getting there way
this cocksucker makes me wanta PUKE. I just hope the Dems rember how the repugs treated them. want to hold a herring,F*#K you. If you try to hold a herring, we will turn off the mic and turn off the lights. I hope the Dems grow some nuts. They need to treat the repugs the same way the were treated by the repugs. Once a chomo all ways a chomo.
...the Democrats like the proverbial retarded kid locked up in the attic while giving our eternally dumbass President freedom to shit on everyone while setting the National Treasure on fire. Now this self-hating closeted simple bastard finally wants to speak of fair treatment. These Republican dogs have zero honor.
"MCCONNELL: Look, I think everyone knows that half the American public is represented by a Republican senator."
The way I read the election results, it looks more like they represent a third or maybe forty percent of the people. I think he must be using Rovepublican math.
The math is generally given as on 30% of the registered voters vote (although that went up this year, but they seemed to be primarily independent and first time voters.) Of that 30% only about 1/3 are Democratic, and 1/3% repub, with the other 1/3 independent (until this year.)
Just what half of the American public has been served in the last 8 years ? Do the ultra rich, warmongers, Neo Cons and Jeebus freaks make up 50% of the US electorate ? Seems like a stretch to me. The so called middle class Rescumlicans just don't realize they have been shafted yet .
37.8%
McConnell serves on Appropriations. His limited math skills explain a lot.
Mr. McConnell, you and the policies of your party have totally wrecked this once great country....so STFU and get with the program. There's a new sheriff in town.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYlDbv7MqE8
LMAO.
Hey, hey. lol
This is the same Misinformation tour they did in 2006 when they lost that election. Preaching working together as a cover for when the new goverment gets in session and they do Near nothing but obstruct. Gops don't give a danm about this country only in makeing democrats Look bad so they can win the next election.
Too bad our Friends the democrats have lost anything close to a spine and just bend over backwards for the GOP while they get there way again and again.
I have Hope but with the way the dems have been I don't see them strong arming the Gop anytime soon which is what is needed
While I support trying to win over some of the GOP I don't support bending over backwards for them anymore. Work togeather sure But make sure they know whos in charge.
Mitch McConnell received a 'Dishonorable Discharge' from the military for alleged gay behavior.
Yet, as soon as Raisin Eyes got to Washington, he became one of the most vehemently antigay US Senators on Capitol Hill.
He's a scumbag. Flush.
Could you supply a reference for that? I keep finding blog entries and comments talking about it, but no primary sources.
That being said, it's no surprise if it's true. Seems like a repressed individual.
get to be a senator.
not gay! looks more like a chomo
Not altogether uncommon.
http://www.kernel.uky.edu/1996/fall/1101/news...
Hell, I gotta Honorable Discharge, so you'd think anybody could.
You would think that the Democrats, having just won large majorities in both houses along with the White House, would tell McConnell and the rest to fuck off. Instead we keep hearing about making Republicans happy and bi-fucking-partisinship.
As usual the limp-dick Democrats are already kissing Republican ass. You can be sure that the Dems are still going to appease these bastards. There is no hope for Hoyer, Reid, Pelosi and the rest of the Democratic leadership.
Limp Noodle Reid was on the Sunday morning blab circuit yesterday going on and on about "reaching out to Republicans" and "working with Republicans." They're afraid of their own power.
Obama is not in the W/H yet! I am hoping, once he gets in, he will get down and dirty with the asshole repugs. But, bush is still in. wonder what he is up to. still think he will just walk away.
Send em' running back to the GOP country club.
Is that how a pissed-off Japanese guy addresses is clap problem?
Did you see that? His lips were moving.
"Look, I think everyone knows that half the American public is represented by a Republican senator."
Assuming that the MN & IL open senate seats go Democratic the total population breakdown for states are:
Democrats - 185 mil. 61%
Republicans - 113 mil. 37%
Independent - 2 mil. 2%
So here is another fine example of a Republican pulling numbers out of his ass. (Population based on 2007 US Bureau of Census estimate)
Methinks he looks more like someone who prefers things shoved up his ***.
the truth is thier are really not two partys in this country! thiers only the dumopubs , its all an illusion that the liberals have a party, and an illusion that barrack obummer is anything but a dumbocrat! hes a republican light winger, give him some credit for the passage of the fisa act , the extension of the patriot act and everything mitch voted for, if they ever do get a jobs works program approved you'll have to know someone , be someone importents brother sister uncle niece nephew aunt or uncle to get one of thoes jobs, its all a scam ,the government will never do anything for a working man but tax you and tell you if you dont like it you can kiss our asses! look at how these so called dumbocrats line up togeter with the repigs on anything , they all slop at the same trough , change my ass!
"MCCONNELL: I think if they pursue a fair process, in the Senate at least, where fairness is typically the rule, and give both sides an opportunity to have input, to have it -- a true bipartisan stamp -- he's likely to get significant support.
I think I just threw up in my mouth. Way to go, Stenographeropolus....I suppose it was too much to call Senator McConnel (State of Douchebag)on that line of BS?
That's the funniest thing I have heard in weeks
Bipartisanship (noun): the Democrats doing exactly what the Republicans want them to do, and thus taking the blame for the Republican agenda if it fails.
Example of sentence usage: In the spirit of bipartisanship, the Democrat lemmings jumped over the cliff in place of the GOP; the GOP thus tested their batshit insane policies without suffering any consequences.
I am so sorry Mitch but we are going to have to move you to cloak room B in the lower levels and I am so sorry we cannot give you sort of official standing or subpoena authority. If needed we will have to cut your unofficial meeting short by cutting the power. Again I am so so sorry.
Kentuckians, please deep-six this self-serving carpetbagger the next time elections roll around. Having him representing your state makes you look bad.
mcconnell's from Kentucky?
What does he consider finger licking good?
chicken? (not the fried kind)
The GOP has had their political reign of terror when they have had control of all 3 branches of government for most of the past 10 years and we are reaping what they have sewn today. These f*ckers need to get out of the way and let the Democrats try to undo all the damage the Republicans have done to this country. Of course the won't, that' how much they love America.
...where's McConnell's flag pin?
He gave it to his boyfriend.
Lindsgay Graham?
Wasn't it good ol' Mitch who suggested that Republicans block ALL legislation proposed by Democrats?! Bi-Partisanship, my ass!
Not being from the hills of Tennessee, I take no ownership in this weasel. But I do have to scratch my head at how these dirty, low down sons of bitches wanted NOTHING to do with the Democratic voice of America when they rubber stamped the ruin of this country....but NOW, they want a voice.
F*CK you mitch...you sleeze ball. I say let them have a say, then form the bill and pass it over their dead bodies if necessary!
just across the river...
Seems to me I recall it was the Rethugs who wanted to "nuke" the 100 year old filibuster rule, that's how bi-partisan they were when they controlled the senate. I say now is a good time, in an effort to be bipartisan, to follow through with their nuke proposal.
But the only bipartisanship I've ever saw, was when both major parties decide to screw over the common taxpayer in the interest of the nation, of course. This globe needs some serious changes in it's politics. Your Republicans say "we're gonna f*ck the taxpayer" and they do. The Dems say "we're gonna make changes" and then they f*ck the taxpayer and blame it all on the Republicans. Politics in my country are almost identical except in the last 10 years a person can't figure out just who the heck are supposed to be the liberals and who the heck is supposed to be the conservatives. Our liberals had mostly conservative policies, and our conservatives spend like drunken sailors out on the town on a Saturday night. In your nation, they both seem to spend like that. It's getting downright scary. Perhaps major political parties in the world know that it doesn't matter what they do for their rich buddies, a huge part of the voting public vote the same way every election.
And now along comes Obama saying he's gonna make changes. Good luck Barack. You're gonna need it. The economy alone means you won't do anything more than spend, spend, spend, like the Bushaholics. The only other option is drastic reductions in government spending and that is not gonna happen. Not now. So excuse the world's pessimism. It's totally justified.
Why are Democrats always trying to be nicey, nicey to these assholes.
the repigs only want spending directed
specifically to their corporate bastard
friends. the gop only wants offshore
accounts, so they can continually steal
from the American coffers.
The Republicans are absolutely terrified of irrelevance. They're afraid that the Dems are going to lock them out of the political process entire just like the Republicans did during the last eight years. What's aggravating about this particular tool is that while he's calling for 'bipartisanship' (which in Republican-speak that means "Do what we tell you or else") he and his party will be obstructing everything the new administration and congress want to do whether they'd actually agree with it or not.
We've already seen their tactics in such stupid bullshit as shooting down the non-binding Mother's Day resolution. Or all those times they proved how much they hate our troops by voting against funding if anyone even mentioned a time to withdrawal. Yet nobody ever calls these Republican pukes on it.
Personally, I wish the Democrats would lock them out entirely if only to punish those lying, traitorous criminals. But we all know that the Democrats don't currently have the balls to pull that crap. I don't have a particular like of the Democrats either but the Republicans have driven this country off a freaking cliff and now they're trying to stymie the efforts to fix it? Fuck 'em. They're acting in their own interests, not the interests of the nation.
DON'T ever trust mcconnell!
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