• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Before Header

  • About Us
  • Lexicon
  • Contact Us
  • Our Store
  • ↑
  • ↓
  • ←
  • →

Balloon Juice

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

We cannot abandon the truth and remain a free nation.

Consistently wrong since 2002

And now I have baud making fun of me. this day can’t get worse.

An almost top 10,000 blog!

Wow, you are pre-disappointed. How surprising.

Fuck these fucking interesting times.

The worst democrat is better than the best republican.

It may be funny to you motherfucker, but it’s not funny to me.

The revolution will be supervised.

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

You don’t get to peddle hatred on saturday and offer condolences on sunday.

It’s time for the GOP to dust off that post-2012 autopsy, completely ignore it, and light the party on fire again.

Let me eat cake. The rest of you could stand to lose some weight, frankly.

If you are still in the GOP, you are an extremist.

Do not shrug your shoulders and accept the normalization of untruths.

Everybody saw this coming.

In my day, never was longer.

… pundit janitors mopping up after the GOP

The GOP couldn’t organize an orgy in a whorehouse with a fist full of 50s.

We are builders in a constant struggle with destroyers. let’s win this.

All your base are belong to Tunch.

Insiders who complain to politico: please report to the white house office of shut the fuck up.

So it was an October Surprise A Day, like an Advent calendar but for crime.

When someone says they “love freedom”, rest assured they don’t mean yours.

Mobile Menu

  • Winnable House Races
  • Donate with Venmo, Zelle & PayPal
  • Site Feedback
  • War in Ukraine
  • Submit Photos to On the Road
  • Politics
  • On The Road
  • Open Threads
  • Topics
  • Balloon Juice 2023 Pet Calendar (coming soon)
  • COVID-19 Coronavirus
  • Authors
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Lexicon
  • Our Store
  • Politics
  • Open Threads
  • War in Ukraine
  • Garden Chats
  • On The Road
  • 2021-22 Fundraising!
You are here: Home / Politics / Politicans / Black Jimmy Carter / Dispatches From The Green Lantern Pundit Corps

Dispatches From The Green Lantern Pundit Corps

by Zandar|  May 3, 201310:06 am| 144 Comments

This post is in: Black Jimmy Carter, Bring on the Brawndo!

FacebookTweetEmail

News that unprecedented GOP obstruction of President Obama’s executive appointments (not to mention sequestration) has left several cabinet departments and federal agencies simply unable to function has gotten the normally reliable and level-headed Greg Sargent usually reasonable Jonathan Bernstein to pen an application to join the Green Lantern Pundit Corps over the glacial speed to which the GOP has reduced the President’s vetting process to.   Faster, President!  Vet!  Vet!

Their motto:  “In brightest day, in blackest night, if Obama just had the will to fight!”

The answer is to reduce, as much as possible, the vetting that goes into these choices. Yes, that probably increases the chances of a scandal down the road sometime. But that cost, visible as it is when it happens, just isn’t as important as the cost of leaving offices empty — and of disqualifying perfectly good men and women who want to give some of their abilities to the public.

I’ve talked before about getting cover for change on both sides of Pennsylvania Avenue by putting a commission together dedicated to stopping the madness. But Obama can do most of this on his own. It just takes realizing that the cost of the current levels of vetting are in fact huge, and that it really isn’t that big a deal if a bad apple (or someone who can be portrayed as a bad apple) sneaks in every once in a while. Reduce vetting now!

The problem here remains the Republicans, guys.  Accepting the framing here that Obama needs to be the one to change to accept the “new reality” of GOP blocking is exactly what the Republicans want, because then that becomes the acceptable norm for the next 44 months.

The far greater cost than the empty agency positions is the damage the Republicans are doing to the idea of good government itself, and the fact that we’re letting them get away with this petty crap only means that “a bureaucracy that can’t possibly function correctly because it’s been hamstrung” is the new normal, and what Americans will be conditioned to accept.  Furthermore, the next time Republicans are in charge, they’ll simply redefine the framing and move the goalposts to “We can fill these positions with whomever we want, plenary executive, suckas!”

Besides, if President Obama speeds up or eliminates the vetting process, A) Republicans will keep obstructing the process anyway, meaning that this isn’t a solution to the root cause of the problem, B) a scandal is exactly what the GOP will need in order to “prove” that Democrats can’t govern, and C) pretty sure President Obama thought of A and B and is going this route anyway.  The actual solution to the problem is to do exactly what the President is doing, carefully vetting and to continue to point out that the Republicans are making governance impossible.  That particular message is penetrating the public.

What this isn’t however is an issue of the sufficiency of the President’s willpower.  The.  Problem.  Is.  The.  Republicans.  Period.  Generate your own willpower to fight them and vote them out of power.

FacebookTweetEmail
Previous Post: « Nation’s billionaires finally get a seat at the table
Next Post: Ladies and Gentlemen, Your New NRA President »

Reader Interactions

144Comments

  1. 1.

    jon

    May 3, 2013 at 10:13 am

    I say the thing to do is pardon federal accused criminals who can’t get to trial because there aren’t enough judges, and move the pardoned drug lords, child porn producers, and scammers to Republican states. With press conferences.

  2. 2.

    the Conster

    May 3, 2013 at 10:17 am

    Obama can NOT force the GOP to be reasonable – He’s the President, not the Asshole Whisperer.

  3. 3.

    Ben Franklin

    May 3, 2013 at 10:23 am

    The nomination of Pritzker is a limp hand shake to R’s so he can get her approved?

    By gawd, he is consolidating power and decisive strength of will !

  4. 4.

    Redshirt

    May 3, 2013 at 10:25 am

    Green Lantern sucks, as does DC.

    Make mine Marvel.

  5. 5.

    maya

    May 3, 2013 at 10:35 am

    @jon: That is sometimes referred to as the Nevada mental health plan.

    Bus tickets. The most affordable state health care option. Should work for prisons too.

  6. 6.

    David Koch

    May 3, 2013 at 10:37 am

    vetting is important. lasst year he nominated an ambassador to iraq, and it turned out he was banging a married reporter, then salacious emails pouring out.

    remember Dems have to play by a differenct set of rules. while anything goes for the gop — IOKIYAR.

  7. 7.

    Belafon (formerly anonevent)

    May 3, 2013 at 10:37 am

    As MinistryOfTruth said in his title the other day: Obama can NOT force the GOP to be reasonable. He’s the President, not the Asshole Whisperer.

    And…beat to the punch.

  8. 8.

    Patricia Kayden

    May 3, 2013 at 10:41 am

    “vote them out of power”

    Amen. Otherwise accept perpetual gridlock.

  9. 9.

    magurakurin

    May 3, 2013 at 10:41 am

    @Redshirt:

    http://money.cnn.com/2013/05/03/investing/stocks-markets/

    Avengers rule. I’m gonna go see Iron Man 3 on Monday night.

    Oh and that dirty commie Obama is up to his old socialist tricks again. He’s building up false confidence on Wall Street so he can nationalize all the industries when their guard is down. Dastardly.

  10. 10.

    Ben Franklin

    May 3, 2013 at 10:42 am

    @Belafon (formerly anonevent):

    from the piece.

    even if Obama supports GOP ideas, simply can not be reasoned with.

    Let’s wait and see if they give him crap about Pritzker.

  11. 11.

    Comrade Jake

    May 3, 2013 at 10:44 am

    Sargent isn’t normally quite this dense, is he?

  12. 12.

    Davis X. Machina

    May 3, 2013 at 10:46 am

    @the Conster: That post is followed by 300 comments, explaining that he is the Asshole Whisperer, and how he’s doing it wrong, and how they would do it, because they would do it right. Also, real progressives.

    I have a 3-digit dKos UID, but I just about never go over there any more.

    Sargent isn’t normally quite this dense, is he? He might just be reading a lot of DKos.

  13. 13.

    Samuel Knight

    May 3, 2013 at 10:50 am

    Hate to disagree. Green Lantern analogy is funny and all.

    BUT – It’s been obvious for years that corporate media are silly, love pseudo scandals, and generally lean pro money etc. (Whitewater,Iraq, etc.)

    It’s also been obvious that the old ruthless Southern political machine that no runs the GOP – is still vicious and ruthless.

    So yes, as long as the erstwhile head of the Democratic party chooses not to fight, well the Dems lose.

    And it’s a long track record everywhere of caving – stolen Afghan election – well CIA cash. GOP publicly declares anti-everything pres proposes – well reach out more. GOP says new taxes – propose cutting most popular programs in the country as a gesture, etc.

    No question that a waffling president is better than stupid incompetent or spoiled rich guy. That’s not the question – it is how should liberals, progressives react to a President who has clearly triangulated?

  14. 14.

    Comrade Jake

    May 3, 2013 at 10:50 am

    OT: DJIA 15,000, mofos!!!

  15. 15.

    the Conster

    May 3, 2013 at 10:51 am

    @Davis X. Machina:

    I don’t know much, but I know enough to never read the comments at DKos.

  16. 16.

    Alex

    May 3, 2013 at 10:53 am

    I believe Obama has always been slow in the nomination process — 2009-2010 should give a good idea of what the issue is. That might just be judges though.

    But the problem is not Obama or Congress (well, it’s kind of Congress). It’s that the nomination process is stupid and takes too long. People get put in limbo and can’t advance their career during the nomination, and the process can take months or years.

  17. 17.

    Davis X. Machina

    May 3, 2013 at 10:55 am

    @Samuel Knight:

    ….it is how should liberals, progressives react to a President who has clearly triangulated?

    Trivia question: Name the last non-triangulating Democratic president.

    You will not live long enough to see a non-triangulating Democratic president, not unless U6 tops 40-45% and U3 goes over 20%.

    American politics is based on somewhere between three and six parties, and two labels. It’s coalition politics, without the coalition.

  18. 18.

    Ben Franklin

    May 3, 2013 at 10:56 am

    @Davis X. Machina:

    American politics is based on somewhere between three and six parties, and two labels

    Reminds me of the homily; ‘If no one is happy, it must be a good agreement’..

  19. 19.

    Supernumerary Charioteer

    May 3, 2013 at 10:57 am

    Wait, the byline says ‘Jonathan Bernstein’ (… another pundit who I like who’s usually smarter than this), not ‘Greg Sargent’.

  20. 20.

    lojasmo

    May 3, 2013 at 10:58 am

    @Davis X. Machina:

    Jimmy Carter.

  21. 21.

    Alex

    May 3, 2013 at 10:59 am

    I think we need to advance other superhero based theories of Presidential power.

    Zatanna theory — If only Obama talked backwards…

    Batman theory — Legislators are a superstitious and cowardly lot. Obama must be a creature of the night.

    Spider-Man theory — With great power comes great responsibility. Wait, that one might actually work.

    Hulk theory — OBAMA SMASH!

    Judge Dredd theory — Gaze into the fist of Obama. – http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ma3k6zi2cn1raqp7co1_500.jpg

  22. 22.

    cvstoner

    May 3, 2013 at 11:02 am

    The problem is the Republicans. The answer is recess appointments.

  23. 23.

    Cacti

    May 3, 2013 at 11:03 am

    @Samuel Knight:

    It’s also been obvious that the old ruthless Southern political machine that no runs the GOP – is still vicious and ruthless

    And how does the POTUS alter the machinations of the legislature?

    Harry Reid scuttled his own attempt at filibuster reform when it looked like it might pass. Gotta keep those mossy Senatorial traditions intact, regardless of their dubious constitutionality.

  24. 24.

    Davis X. Machina

    May 3, 2013 at 11:04 am

    @lojasmo: The President responsible for Reagan’s defense buildup, huh? Operation Cyclone? The Carter Doctrine?

  25. 25.

    Ben Franklin

    May 3, 2013 at 11:04 am

    @Alex:

    Iron man; Wear a suit so no one knows you’re black when angry.

  26. 26.

    AnderJ

    May 3, 2013 at 11:05 am

    Isn’t the point of Bernstein not simply that over-vetting plus obstruction both makes it time consuming to get candidates confirmed? Notwithstanding that (a lot of) appointments are being filibustered, reducing over-vetting would reduce the time positions remain unfulfilled… Green lanterns have little to do with it…

  27. 27.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    May 3, 2013 at 11:08 am

    @Samuel Knight: So yes, as long as the erstwhile head of the Democratic party chooses not to fight, well the Dems lose.

    Which “erstwhile” head of the party are you thinking of? Bill Clinton? Chris Dodd? Howard Dean?

    And what, in your mind, does “fighting” look like? What fantasy about “fighting” gets around the facts of the filibuster and Speaker Boehner?

  28. 28.

    Zandar

    May 3, 2013 at 11:08 am

    Fixed.

  29. 29.

    Ed Drone

    May 3, 2013 at 11:11 am

    When it comes to the judicial appointments, folks forget that the senators from the state are supposed to put forward candidates they would accept, and the Republicans are “neglecting” to do this, stalling the appointment before it can start. Then, once cajoled/threatened/bribed into putting forward names, they drag their feet through the rest of the confirmation process.

    Harry Truman campaigned against the “Do-Nothing Congress;” Obama is faced with the “Know-Nothing Congress,” (historical reference — look up the “Know Nothings”) — which should be dubbed the “Bass-Ackward Congress.”

    Ed

  30. 30.

    piratedan

    May 3, 2013 at 11:11 am

    @Alex: or in teh case of the opposition… the hypnotoad theory, Republicans watch Fox News and regurgitate the insanity proposed there.

  31. 31.

    Villago Delenda Est

    May 3, 2013 at 11:11 am

    @Redshirt:

    PMMs of the world, assemble!

  32. 32.

    Hill Dweller

    May 3, 2013 at 11:12 am

    @cvstoner:

    The problem is the Republicans. The answer is recess appointments.

    Obama made recess appointments, but the wingnuts went to the DC Circuit and got their wingnut buddies to destroy a hundred years of precedent. Until the SC hears the case, Obama can’t/won’t use recess appointments.

  33. 33.

    Ben Franklin

    May 3, 2013 at 11:12 am

    @Cacti:

    And how does the POTUS alter the machinations of the legislature?

    Have you been a supervisor, or leader of a group?

    Respect is essential. They don’t respect him because he doesn’t demand respect.

    Primitives often value fear more than love, and if you don’t understand that, you will continue to wonder why they fuck you, but don’t love you.

  34. 34.

    Davis X. Machina

    May 3, 2013 at 11:12 am

    @lojasmo: Jimmy Carter, neoliberal.

  35. 35.

    the Conster

    May 3, 2013 at 11:12 am

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist:

    The same kind of fighting that would have given us the public option over Joe Lieberman’s and Ben Nelson’s threat to filibuster the ACA. Duh.

  36. 36.

    RinaX

    May 3, 2013 at 11:13 am

    Harry Reid scuttled his own attempt at filibuster reform when it looked like it might pass.

    At what point was this going to happen? Who were the 50 Dem senators that Harry Reid thwarted?

  37. 37.

    Redshirt

    May 3, 2013 at 11:14 am

    @piratedan: All Hail the Ailesotoad!

  38. 38.

    grape_crush

    May 3, 2013 at 11:16 am

    Ezra Klein just hit on this topic too.

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/05/03/politics-is-not-here-to-please-you/

    But that work is made harder by pundits who continue to falsely promise that the glowing briefcase of president leadership can fix what ails us. Telling the American people that the only thing missing is the president being more awesome promises them the easy way out.

  39. 39.

    danimal

    May 3, 2013 at 11:16 am

    The actual solution to the problem is to do exactly what the President is doing, carefully vetting and to continue to point out that the Republicans are making governance impossible. That particular message is penetrating the public.

    Exactly. The Beltway media corps is often the last to pick up on things the American public observes. This is one of them. While the Beltway is immersed in the game, the people are able to pick up on the overall GOP gameplan, and they don’t like it.

  40. 40.

    Jay in Oregon

    May 3, 2013 at 11:19 am

    @Redshirt:

    Green Lantern sucks, as does DC.

    Make mine Marvel.

    Yeah, DC sucked so hard that Marvel ripped off their signature team of heroes.

    Although the “New 52” reboot DC did last year is a steaming pile of horseshit.

  41. 41.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    May 3, 2013 at 11:19 am

    Olympia Snowe says she didn’t vote for HCR , in spite of Obama’s heavy personal lobbying, because she didn’t want to be the only Republican to support it (also contradicting her previous statement that Obama never reached out to her, but whatevs), the Village says Obama doesn’t reach out enough. Pat Toomey says (extremely moderate) gun safety measures failed because GOP didn’t want to give Obama a win, the Village says Obama needs to show leaderly leadership (and a certain species of internet progressive who never saw Skoolhouse Rock says Obama just needs to “fight”). Meanwhile, repugnant turtle that he is, Mitch McConnell plays Brokaw, Dowd and the rest like a fiddle

    Explosion of GOP Eastwooding
    With his own hashtag, Mitch McConnell is asking Republicans across the country to engage in DIY Eastwooding, photographing themselves having a drink next to an empty chair representing Barack Obama.
    Josh Marshall

    Harder to capture a refusal to agree to legislation in a tweeted picture, and legislation is so boring. Hashtag Dingle Norwood (anybody?)

  42. 42.

    Belafon (formerly anonevent)

    May 3, 2013 at 11:20 am

    @Samuel Knight: Actually, the answer is Democratic voters voting in off-year elections like they do in presidential elections. Every Democrat needs to vote in every election.

  43. 43.

    catclub

    May 3, 2013 at 11:25 am

    @RinaX: Mary Landrieu, Claire McCaskill, Mark Pryor, Max Baucus, Kent Conrad, Webb

    Its like a murderers row of liberal icons, working for the people.

  44. 44.

    Supernumerary Charioteer

    May 3, 2013 at 11:27 am

    @grape_crush: From that article is a link back to an article on Sargent’s blog criticizing the Green Lantern Theory.

    Get your guests on the same page, Greg!

  45. 45.

    Cacti

    May 3, 2013 at 11:27 am

    @Ben Franklin:

    Have you been a supervisor, or leader of a group?

    The President is not the leader or supervisor of congress. It’s a co-equal branch of government, over which the executive has no direct authority. Tension between the two is a feature, not bug in the constitution. In a perfect world it leads to compromise. One side choosing near total intransigence hasn’t been seen since the years immediately preceding the civil war.

  46. 46.

    scav

    May 3, 2013 at 11:28 am

    Our own little terrarium of punditry and cheese-hiding airport-psychology logic is expounding upon the upmost value earned-respect has contributed to his legendary swath of team-based accomplishment. So that’s what kept the kite in the air!

  47. 47.

    Tone In DC

    May 3, 2013 at 11:31 am

    @Hill Dweller:

    Obama made recess appointments, but the wingnuts went to the DC Circuit and got their wingnut buddies to destroy a hundred years of precedent. Until the SC hears the case, Obama can’t/won’t use recess appointments.

    I hadn’t heard that. This situation is so far beyond crazy, it’s not even in the same time-zone. Unprecedented obstruction is a HELL of an understatement at this point.

  48. 48.

    belieber

    May 3, 2013 at 11:33 am

    So which Republican politician is wrong way Cole fawning over today?

  49. 49.

    SatanicPanic

    May 3, 2013 at 11:35 am

    @Belafon (formerly anonevent): MoT was one of the best things about DKos in recent years. Still not enough to make me go back there though.

  50. 50.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    May 3, 2013 at 11:36 am

    @Hill Dweller: and it was Sentelle, who did more almost anyone to advance all the crazy during the Clinton years

    Who wrote this judicial atrocity? No surprise—it was David Sentelle, who has a long and disgraceful reputation as a partisan hack on the bench. A protégé of Jesse Helms, his fellow North Carolinian, Sentelle is most famous for engineering, in 1994, the dismissal of Robert Fiske as the Whitewater Independent Counsel and replacing him with Kenneth Starr. (How’d that work out?) As a judge, Sentelle has been a thoroughgoing reactionary for thirty years. He was joined in his opinion by two fellow Republican appointees to the D.C. Circuit.

    All part of what someone called the Republicans reverse-court-packing scheme, stopping Obama from having any long term impact on the Judiciary. If only he had invited Jeff Sessions to the White House bowling alley. Or given a prime time speech. Or fought!

  51. 51.

    chopper

    May 3, 2013 at 11:36 am

    @Ben Franklin:

    have you ever had to work with a group of straight-up insane assholes that you have no real power over whatsoever?

  52. 52.

    rikyrah

    May 3, 2013 at 11:37 am

    that Green Lantern punditry line works for me

  53. 53.

    RinaX

    May 3, 2013 at 11:37 am

    @catclub:

    People keep saying “filibuster reform would have passed if it weren’t for that meddling Harry Reid”. All I remember seeing is that there were around 40 who *might* support it, but nothing ever materialized beyond that. This reminds me of all of the Dem senators who signed on for the public option as soon as it was clear it wasn’t going to pass. And even then I don’t think we ever got close to 50 senators to sign on for that.

    At any rate, what I’ve been seeing is that various groups, from so-called pundits, to Dem legislators, to posters here, really and truly can’t grasp the fact that there’s nothing anyone can do in the short-term to make these guys budge. They don’t give a shit if most of the country hates them or disagrees with them, as long as their particular constituents still sign on for it. And since these guys enjoy the hatred and delight in the upset they’re causing, too many have given up on them and keep trying to pin it on someone who actually cares, President Obama, because they can’t see any other options.

    This is only going to get resolved at the election ballot box over the next four to six cycles. And the longer the assholes keep getting voted back in, the more cycles you can add to that.

  54. 54.

    Ben Franklin

    May 3, 2013 at 11:38 am

    @Cacti:

    The President is not the leader or supervisor of congress.

    I think everyone is aware of the bicameral conundrum, but he is considered the Leader, and perception holds sway. If Congress cock-slaps him back into the leg-irons, he needs to show them he’ll take shit, but he won’t eat it. Get tough and fight. It’s the only thing they’ll respect, and that includes Dems, who have no balls of their own, but don’t want to back up a guy that will fold and make them take the hit.

  55. 55.

    The Republic of Stupidity

    May 3, 2013 at 11:40 am

    and that it really isn’t that big a deal if a bad apple (or someone who can be portrayed as a bad apple) sneaks in every once in a while…

    What the?

    Good Lord… what sort of idiot makes a comment like that and doesn’t expect to get laughed out of the room? That’s so f’in stupid it hurts just to look at it…

  56. 56.

    RinaX

    May 3, 2013 at 11:41 am

    @Ben Franklin:

    Get tough and fight.

    How, exactly, and in what way that he hasn’t already been doing?

  57. 57.

    Hoodie

    May 3, 2013 at 11:41 am

    @Cacti: To earn respect, Obama should begin drone strikes on the Capitol or declare Lyndsey Graham an enemy combatant. Do you think our resident troll would be conflicted?

  58. 58.

    cleek

    May 3, 2013 at 11:46 am

    @Ben Franklin:

    but he is considered the Leader

    the consideration is incorrect; it’s a wish, a fantasy.

    Get tough and fight. It’s the only thing they’ll respect,

    this is also a fantasy. there is no amount of “tough” that will convince a teabagger Rep to vote for something Obama supports.

    They. Oppose. Him.

    and there aren’t enough Dems in the House or Senate for him to Command, even if he could. the GOP still has the House, and they still have the filibuster.

  59. 59.

    Bruce S

    May 3, 2013 at 11:47 am

    “In a perfect world it leads to compromise. One side choosing near total intransigence hasn’t been seen since the years immediately preceding the civil war.”

    Actually the balance of powers and presumption of compromise is predicated on the fact of an imperfect world. It’s the crazy intransigents who are seeking to impose their own version of “perfection” on the system.

    We don’t actually have a conservative party in this country anymore – more like an aggregation of the usual soulless opportunists bolstered by a reactionary radical wing and pushed hard right at “the base” by white populist zealots and theocrats – with the necessary funding injected by single-issue plutocrats who will use any motley, know-nothing crew to keep taxes low and regulations soft.

  60. 60.

    chopper

    May 3, 2013 at 11:48 am

    @Ben Franklin:

    so what you’re getting at is he needs to use the bully pulpit.

  61. 61.

    raven

    May 3, 2013 at 11:49 am

    The pie filter isn’t as effective if people quote these douchebags!

  62. 62.

    LittlePig

    May 3, 2013 at 11:50 am

    @Ben Franklin: Iron man; Wear a suit so no one knows you’re black when angry.

    Actually that would be War Machine.

  63. 63.

    the Conster

    May 3, 2013 at 11:50 am

    @Ben Franklin:

    Oh fer fuck’s sake just go run away from home and cut yourself and stop being such a willful idiot with Leader Daddy issues.

  64. 64.

    raven

    May 3, 2013 at 11:50 am

    @Bruce S: May I use that second paragraph?

  65. 65.

    LittlePig

    May 3, 2013 at 11:52 am

    The courtier press really shows its basic desire for a monarchy when they push this line.

    And yes, the Green Lantern analogy perfectly expresses the problem. Well, unless you want to get into Freud…

  66. 66.

    Ben Franklin

    May 3, 2013 at 11:52 am

    @RinaX:

    One thing he could do is have a Sunday meeting with key players in the Oval Office and forget the comity. If the good ol’ boy networking twixt congresscritters enjoying that three-martini lunch with their backroom deals is History, then the collegial nature of the Body is dead.

    Have a Presser every monday evening, highlighting the details of the obstruction naming the obstructors, if real progress not seen on Sunday.

    Make them wait until Sunday afternoon to catch their flight home, then let them have it Monday night whilst their district is listening and within reach.

    When they return on Tuesday, start the whole thing again. Every fucking week !

  67. 67.

    Omnes Omnibus

    May 3, 2013 at 11:54 am

    @Ben Franklin: The U.S. Congress is bicameral; it has two chambers. Separation of powers might be what you were going for? Or not.

  68. 68.

    Ben Franklin

    May 3, 2013 at 11:54 am

    @the Conster:

    Freud would love your projection.

  69. 69.

    scav

    May 3, 2013 at 11:55 am

    @the Conster: Collabos gotta bloviate.

  70. 70.

    Belafon (formerly anonevent)

    May 3, 2013 at 11:55 am

    @LittlePig: I believe it’s now Iron Patriot. I read that in the movie, a focus group decided that sounded better.

  71. 71.

    Ben Franklin

    May 3, 2013 at 11:55 am

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    Shall I explain it, again?

  72. 72.

    Frankensteinbeck

    May 3, 2013 at 11:56 am

    @Ben Franklin:
    And this will do what, since they don’t have to show up at the meetings, the obstructors are the entire Republican Party, he’s already calling them out constantly in his speeches, and naming names ensures that the named Senator will never vote with him for anything again? This isn’t ‘getting tough’. He can insult them, but he can’t hurt them.

    EDIT – Hell, this sounds like the Republican dream plan. Finally, they drag Obama into the mud with them and we lose the only thing we have going – moderates are more and more seeing the Republicans as the party of screaming toddlers. Throwing tantrums ourselves is a terrible idea. My god, finally both sides would do it. The MSM would all have heart attacks from the simultaneous orgasms.

  73. 73.

    Bruce S

    May 3, 2013 at 11:58 am

    @raven:

    You can put it on a damn billboard. Claim it as your own or something you found in your kids homework. If you quote me, I’d appreciate your adding “And I hate these sick fuckers” as a closer.

  74. 74.

    Redshirt

    May 3, 2013 at 11:58 am

    What’s that syndrome called when a dumb person thinks they’re smart because they’re too dumb to know any better?

  75. 75.

    Omnes Omnibus

    May 3, 2013 at 11:58 am

    @Ben Franklin: I don’t see how you could explain it again, since you didn’t explain it a first time. If you are going to use a term like bicameral, try first to know what it means.

    @Redshirt: Dunning–Kruger effect?

  76. 76.

    the Conster

    May 3, 2013 at 11:58 am

    @Ben Franklin:

    I know you are but what am I? Really? Don’t you have other emoprogs you can wank away with?

  77. 77.

    Redshirt

    May 3, 2013 at 11:59 am

    @Jay in Oregon: DC has Batman, and that’s about it. Marvel is filled with awesome heroes.

  78. 78.

    Certified Mutant Enemy

    May 3, 2013 at 11:59 am

    @Redshirt:

    Newt Gingrich Syndrome

  79. 79.

    chopper

    May 3, 2013 at 11:59 am

    @Ben Franklin:

    yeah, call meetings that the key players will skip out on. that makes the president look strong!

    ‘you guys are gonna work this weekend’
    ‘no we won’t’
    ‘well then…fuck you, I’m calling a press conference!’

  80. 80.

    Amir Khalid

    May 3, 2013 at 11:59 am

    @LittlePig:
    I just saw Iron Man 3. War Machine has indeed been rebranded as the Iron Patriot.

  81. 81.

    SatanicPanic

    May 3, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    @Frankensteinbeck: Next you’ll try to explain to him that obstructionism is popular in certain parts of the country and he’ll continue to ignore you. Just cutting to the chase here.

  82. 82.

    Ben Franklin

    May 3, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    @Frankensteinbeck:

    since they don’t have to show up at the meetings

    Then the story is a ‘no-show’ and the Monday presser would be moved to Sunday morning, with side-bars on the talk shows.

    They’ll only miss one meeting, if that.

    Demonstrate, demonstrate, demonstrate.

    Always, always, always be closing or you won’t even get a set of monogrammed steak knives.

  83. 83.

    chopper

    May 3, 2013 at 12:01 pm

    @Redshirt:

    dunning-kreuger.

  84. 84.

    raven

    May 3, 2013 at 12:02 pm

    @Bruce S: Ding!

  85. 85.

    Frankensteinbeck

    May 3, 2013 at 12:02 pm

    @Ben Franklin:
    The story would be ‘Obama is a weak fool who gives people orders they don’t have to obey.’ Also, the MSM does not have to cover these pressers – although they would, because it would make Obama look bad.

  86. 86.

    chopper

    May 3, 2013 at 12:03 pm

    @Ben Franklin:

    you do realize that in these douchebags’ districts giving the near guy the finger is popular, right?

  87. 87.

    Ben Franklin

    May 3, 2013 at 12:03 pm

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    Fuck you. I hope that doesn’t have to be explained.

  88. 88.

    Redshirt

    May 3, 2013 at 12:04 pm

    @Amir Khalid: How is it we here in ‘Murica are not getting to see these blockbusters before the rest of the world? What’s up with that?!

    No spoilers please – but did you like the movie?

  89. 89.

    Frankensteinbeck

    May 3, 2013 at 12:04 pm

    @Ben Franklin:
    As for ‘demonstrate, demonstrate, demonstrate’, what do you call all the speeches about Republicans blocking gun control? Hint: Those are actually working, and Republicans who voted against it are watching their poll numbers go down. Why? Because Obama’s not acting like a spoiled child, and they are.

  90. 90.

    Redshirt

    May 3, 2013 at 12:04 pm

    @chopper: Ah yes. I need to memorize this phrase, as it is ever more applicable in our day. It explains so much.

    FYI – for the unaware, Ben Franklin has gone FULL TROLL, so “debate” with him at your own discretion.

  91. 91.

    Bokonon

    May 3, 2013 at 12:05 pm

    This is the same dynamic where the Democrats are always, constantly, under pressure to come up with a solution to the GOP’s intransigence. Because … that intransigence is just accepted as a given, and something that can’t be fixed. The press have accepted the basic framing that this is a never-ending hostage negotiation. But they don’t report on it. Not really.

    And things will continue to work this way, unless the press tells the truth about the GOP to the public. And then it will be up to the voters to deliver some accountability.

  92. 92.

    Ben Franklin

    May 3, 2013 at 12:05 pm

    @Frankensteinbeck:

    I see you’re right, of course. Doing something like that would actually entail risk.for Obama.

  93. 93.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    May 3, 2013 at 12:06 pm

    @Frankensteinbeck: also, too, the people who actually give a shit know what’s going on. The problem is the people who get their “news” from top-of-the-hour summaries on their way to work, pay a little more attention every two or four years in late October, and vote R because taxes. It takes, in these times, a combination of Iraq, Katrina, total financial collapse and Sarah Palin to get them to look beyond the dumbed down headlines.

  94. 94.

    Omnes Omnibus

    May 3, 2013 at 12:06 pm

    @Ben Franklin: Bicamerally?

  95. 95.

    Frankensteinbeck

    May 3, 2013 at 12:06 pm

    @Ben Franklin:
    No, doing something like that would be counterproductive. It entails no risk for Obama, because he can’t be reelected anyway. It entails risk FOR THE COUNTRY because it will make Republicans even more resistant and will make them look like heroes for standing up to the tantrum-throwing president. It not only doesn’t work, your idea would make things worse.

  96. 96.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    May 3, 2013 at 12:08 pm

    Can we get a new open thread where we don’t have to defend Obama or cry for how bad he has it?

  97. 97.

    Ben Franklin

    May 3, 2013 at 12:08 pm

    @Frankensteinbeck:

    You’re making my point. All those red districts wherein the obstructors feel safe might actually modify opinions based on real-time commitment and conviction; something they look for in a Leader.

  98. 98.

    scav

    May 3, 2013 at 12:08 pm

    This is such a mini object lesson on a certain someone’s unfailing and inerrant theory on how to forge winning cooperation out of an recalcitrant opposition through pulpit-pounding, strong, pulse-throbbingly-manly leadership!

    @Redshirt: I read that Star Trek was working that way in an attempt to build / grow the international market.

  99. 99.

    Amir Khalid

    May 3, 2013 at 12:09 pm

    @Redshirt:
    Iron Man 3 has been playing for a week in Malaysia. When you do see it, you’ll be glad you did. It’s the best of the Iron Man franchise.

  100. 100.

    MomSense

    May 3, 2013 at 12:10 pm

    @lojasmo:

    People don’t realize this but it was actually Jimmy Carter who started the privatization of formerly public goods and services.

    We think of him as super liberal because he wanted us to wear sweaters, and was pushing conservation and energy efficiency–but he had some very conservative fiscal policies.

  101. 101.

    Ben Franklin

    May 3, 2013 at 12:10 pm

    @Frankensteinbeck:

    It’s his legacy he’s grooming, and that legacy would be strengthened by acts of actual strength.

  102. 102.

    Villago Delenda Est

    May 3, 2013 at 12:10 pm

    @Cacti:

    One side choosing near total intransigence hasn’t been seen since the years immediately preceding the civil war.

    Insert ominous John Williams composed music here.

  103. 103.

    Frankensteinbeck

    May 3, 2013 at 12:11 pm

    @Ben Franklin:
    Except that only happens when one person is obviously the obstructor. When both sides publicly act like spoiled children – which is what you’re recommending as ‘leadership’ – the blame can’t go where we want it. Even when this DOES work it’s a weak force. Obama has set it up perfectly, and your way would make things worse.

  104. 104.

    Ben Franklin

    May 3, 2013 at 12:11 pm

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    Authoritively…

  105. 105.

    chopper

    May 3, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    @Ben Franklin:

    you stay up all night coming up with that one?

  106. 106.

    Villago Delenda Est

    May 3, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    @Redshirt:

    Newt Gingrich syndrome?

  107. 107.

    MomSense

    May 3, 2013 at 12:13 pm

    @Davis X. Machina:

    You totally beat me to it. Incidentally, I was sitting in my cah the other day listening to Stockman sing Carter’s praises on the commonwealth club.

  108. 108.

    Omnes Omnibus

    May 3, 2013 at 12:14 pm

    @chopper: It is one of his more coherent rejoinders.

  109. 109.

    Ben Franklin

    May 3, 2013 at 12:15 pm

    @chopper:

    I spend milliseconds on Omnes. He’s that easy…

  110. 110.

    Redshirt

    May 3, 2013 at 12:17 pm

    @Villago Delenda Est: Some kind of trade dispute, or something? It’s too complicated for me. I trust in Chancellor Palpatine to resolve the matter amicably.

  111. 111.

    Villago Delenda Est

    May 3, 2013 at 12:18 pm

    OT, but hilarious, never the less…

    Glenn Beck: There’s A “Very Good Chance” The Houston Airport Shooting Was A “Setup” Like “The Burning Of The Reichstag”

  112. 112.

    MomSense

    May 3, 2013 at 12:19 pm

    @RinaX:

    Totally agree with you. I think our only chance is to put all our energy in winning in 2014. Part of that is to point out that winning the House and holding the Senate would solve a lot of problems.

    That also means constantly pointing out that the problem is Republicans!

  113. 113.

    Villago Delenda Est

    May 3, 2013 at 12:20 pm

    @Redshirt:

    “He never should have involved the Jedi. Kill them immediately”

    Sure, like that’s as easy as putting a new filter into Mister Coffee…

  114. 114.

    Amir Khalid

    May 3, 2013 at 12:20 pm

    @Ben Franklin:
    You flatter yourself.

  115. 115.

    Ben Franklin

    May 3, 2013 at 12:23 pm

    @Amir Khalid:

    No, literally. When a rat-dog nibbles on my ankles, I just shake it off.

    Takes less than a second.

  116. 116.

    Redshirt

    May 3, 2013 at 12:24 pm

    @Villago Delenda Est: I thought TPM was great, by the by. I am one of 20 people with this opinion in the world, apparently.

  117. 117.

    Hill Dweller

    May 3, 2013 at 12:25 pm

    At the heart of all this nonsense on “leadership” is the unwillingness to come to terms with the extremism and nihilism of the Republican party.

    The Republican party has become a modern day confederacy. They are willing to destroy the nation in pursuit of their goals, but a huge chunk of the country(and media) refuses to acknowledge that fact.

  118. 118.

    Ben Franklin

    May 3, 2013 at 12:28 pm

    He can convene (call into official session)one or both houses. This has been done to deal with national emergencies.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powers_of_the_President_of_the_United_States

    If he weren’t risk averse, he could call a special session, every week. We are in multiple emergencies, are we not?

    Failing that; he could build a campfire, toast some marshmallows, sing some songs.

  119. 119.

    Amir Khalid

    May 3, 2013 at 12:29 pm

    @Ben Franklin:
    No, seriously: you flatter yourself by imagining that someone else is the rat-dog in this scenario.

  120. 120.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    May 3, 2013 at 12:30 pm

    @Hill Dweller: also a good chunk of so-called and self-styled “liberal media” (Joe Klein, Tom Brokaw, swing a dead rat at your TeeVee on Sunday morning) agree with the GOP economic agenda.

    and John McCain is still saying Benghazi is a “cover up”, he just doesn’t know of what is being covered up.

  121. 121.

    Ben Franklin

    May 3, 2013 at 12:33 pm

    @Amir Khalid:

    Jeez. What are you, his clerk?

  122. 122.

    Redshirt

    May 3, 2013 at 12:33 pm

    @Amir Khalid: Cool. I’m going to make a point to see it in the next few days.

    I’m most excited, however, for the new Star Trek – which as mentioned above, you’ll get to see first too!

  123. 123.

    Yutsano

    May 3, 2013 at 12:40 pm

    @Amir Khalid: I have no idea why anyone thinks BF ever argues honestly about anything.

  124. 124.

    Samuel Knight

    May 3, 2013 at 12:48 pm

    To respond to the commenters above:

    1) Erstwhile would be POTUS.

    2) Fighting – well just like Bush did. When the Dems obstructed he made an issue of it. He called them out. He nominated lots of judges, etc. And called repeatedly for up or down votes.

    3) Filubuster – The GOP made clear they’d fight you on everything – and you let the rules sit? Not even making an issue out of it?

    4) The ruthless machine – point is POTUS can’t change the ruthless machine, nor the worthless corporate media. But can point it out.

  125. 125.

    Cassidy

    May 3, 2013 at 12:55 pm

    @Belafon (formerly anonevent): Rhodey was War Machine. Norman Osborn became Iron Patriot. I’m not sure why they did it for the movie, but I don’t think they focus grouped something several years old.

  126. 126.

    Mike in NC

    May 3, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    GOP obstructionism? If Howie Kurtz was still employed, he’d be writing about how “both sides do it”.

  127. 127.

    the Conster

    May 3, 2013 at 1:01 pm

    @Samuel Knight:

    And exactly who helped Bush call out Democrats? Would that be the same press corps that was so skeptical about Iraq? The same press corps that is doing such a good job now in reporting on unprecedented Republican obstructionism and the abuse of the filibuster rules? The same Democrats who lined up lock step behind Obama behind closing GITMO, passing the ACA and the gun background check? Those Democrats?

  128. 128.

    Yutsano

    May 3, 2013 at 1:11 pm

    @the Conster: I believe you’re being shrill. Nay, dare I say it, PARTISAN! How can teh Village ever take you seriously?

  129. 129.

    chopper

    May 3, 2013 at 1:29 pm

    @Ben Franklin:

    yeah, you’re a real braintrust all right.

  130. 130.

    the Conster

    May 3, 2013 at 1:31 pm

    FYWP

  131. 131.

    OzoneR

    May 3, 2013 at 1:59 pm

    @Ben Franklin

    but he is considered the Leader, and perception holds sway.

    so what? he’s supposed to make a false impression work?

  132. 132.

    Heliopause

    May 3, 2013 at 2:04 pm

    Of course you have to acknowledge that part of the problem is Obama’s own promises to deliver policies that are broadly acceptable across the political spectrum. It’s a part of his schtick that he crafted and aggressively sold to the public, and continues to do so day after day. If you promise the centrists, whose approval he seems to crave, their fondest wish and it doesn’t come true they’re bound to be disappointed, don’t you think?

  133. 133.

    Ben Franklin

    May 3, 2013 at 2:10 pm

    @OzoneR:

    so what? he’s supposed to make a false impression work?

    I need a new irony pony.

  134. 134.

    CDW

    May 3, 2013 at 2:36 pm

    What Obama needs to do is to stand pat on his own values instead of getting his foot caught in the conservative door. If nothing is going to get done then stop trying to get the republican agenda done. Propose your own policies, policies that support you base and make republicans look bad. Instead he keeps trying to play nice and gives away all the toys to the republicans; they take them and go home.

  135. 135.

    the Conster

    May 3, 2013 at 2:42 pm

    When Obama reads all these articles calling on him to lead, he’s going to kick himself for not thinking of it first.

    -pourmecoffee

  136. 136.

    Bruce S

    May 3, 2013 at 3:11 pm

    @CDW:

    I think the issue is that people who actually get elected President have a very broad pragmatic streak combined with an assumption of their own powers and a concern that their legacy is actually “getting stuff done.” If they were satisfied with mounting a bully pulpit as President, they’d be Dennis Kucinich and never make it to the office in the first place. I don’t think that when Obama ran he anticipated (a) that the country would be as totally fucked as it was in Jan. 09 and (b) that the GOP would simply dig in their heels and hatemonger him as much as they’ve done. IMHO the financial crisis unleashed an even more hysterical streak of extreme, know-nothing white populism than would have erupted in more “normal” times. And because of the bail-outs and the sense of crisis, they gained considerable traction inside the GOP and got taken seriously by the moronic media.

    In some ways I think Obama got blindsided when he actually came into office – but he’s too cool to simply throw up his hands. He gets slammed for not being idealistic enough for a lot of his base, but in some ways I think he’s more of an idealist – he really wants to believe the system he’s locked inside of can work, even if incrementally. I respect that, but I think he’s overestimating his opposition – they really are as horrible as they appear to be.

  137. 137.

    Bruce S

    May 3, 2013 at 3:15 pm

    @Heliopause:

    I’m often amazed at how shrill “centrists” are when they’re feeling unrequited. If you think about it, it’s almost inevitable that they blame “both sides”, given their auto-pilot ideology.

  138. 138.

    ruemara

    May 3, 2013 at 3:38 pm

    @Ben Franklin: Jesus Fucking Christ. Do you think the President can command them to attend this glorious Sunday dress-down you’re fantasizing about? What do you not get here? There is no way to demand they attend. They’re a co-equal branch of government, unless there is a need to have them arrested and brought into chambers, they’re not going to show up. They’re not going to give if the President threatens them, they hold the purse strings. The Senate is full of either crazy or bitter old Senators who have a bug up their butt because they never made it to President. How dense can you get? They don’t have to respect Obama, and it has nothing to do with Obama commanding them to respect him. If you’re so damned smart, stop acting so dense.

  139. 139.

    the Conster

    May 3, 2013 at 3:44 pm

    @ruemara:

    Forget it ruemara – it’s emoprogtown. In emoprogtown all the daddies are Big Daddies, and all the emoprogs are special snowflakes to Big Daddy.

  140. 140.

    Ben Franklin

    May 3, 2013 at 3:51 pm

    @ruemara:

    Jeebus. Are you his speechwriter, cuz that sounds like it came from the OO.

  141. 141.

    low-tech cyclist

    May 3, 2013 at 4:20 pm

    Sure, it’s the Republicans’ fault that we’re in this situation. But the Democrats could get us out – if they only had the guts.

    If Harry Reid, specifically, had the guts.

    It just takes a willingness to change the Senate rules by majority vote.

    The new rule should be that failure to vote on an Executive Branch nomination within 90 days will constitute Senate consent to the nomination under the Constitution.

  142. 142.

    RinaX

    May 3, 2013 at 6:41 pm

    @low-tech cyclist:

    So, which 50 Senators are ready and willing to do this, if only Harry Reid had the guts? I’m guessing the same list of senators I’m still waiting on who were ready to change the rules back in January.

  143. 143.

    AxelFoley

    May 4, 2013 at 3:56 am

    We need to fumigate this bitch. Trolls were out in full effect yesterday.

  144. 144.

    List Erption Review

    May 11, 2013 at 11:22 am

    Definitely believe that that you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be at the web the easiest thing to understand of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed whilst folks consider worries that they plainly do not realize about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top and also outlined out the whole thing without having side-effects , folks can take a signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thanks

Comments are closed.

Primary Sidebar

🎈Keep Balloon Juice Ad Free

Become a Balloon Juice Patreon
Donate with Venmo, Zelle or PayPal

2023 Pet Calendars

Pet Calendar Preview: A
Pet Calendar Preview: B

*Calendars can not be ordered until Cafe Press gets their calendar paper in.

Recent Comments

  • SpaceUnit on Postcards for Wisconsin Supreme Court & Music! (Jan 31, 2023 @ 10:05pm)
  • Tony G on Is Our Democrats Learning? (Jan 31, 2023 @ 10:02pm)
  • Tony G on War for Ukraine Day 341: The Starlink Snowflake Has Chosen Putin. He Has Chosen Poorly! (Jan 31, 2023 @ 9:58pm)
  • BeautifulPlumage on War for Ukraine Day 341: The Starlink Snowflake Has Chosen Putin. He Has Chosen Poorly! (Jan 31, 2023 @ 9:57pm)
  • Tim Ellis on COVID-19 Coronavirus Updates: Monday / Tuesday, Jan. 30-31 (Jan 31, 2023 @ 9:55pm)

Balloon Juice Posts

View by Topic
View by Author
View by Month & Year
View by Past Author

Featuring

Medium Cool
Artists in Our Midst
Authors in Our Midst
We All Need A Little Kindness
Favorite Dogs & Cats
Classified Documents: A Primer

Calling All Jackals

Site Feedback
Nominate a Rotating Tag
Submit Photos to On the Road
Balloon Juice Mailing List Signup

Front-pager Twitter

John Cole
DougJ (aka NYT Pitchbot)
Betty Cracker
Tom Levenson
TaMara
David Anderson
ActualCitizensUnited

Shop Amazon via this link to support Balloon Juice   

Join the Fight!

Join the Fight Signup Form
All Join the Fight Posts

Balloon Juice Events

5/14  The Apocalypse
5/20  Home Away from Home
5/29  We’re Back, Baby
7/21  Merging!

Balloon Juice for Ukraine

Donate

Site Footer

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Comment Policy
  • Our Authors
  • Blogroll
  • Our Artists
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 Dev Balloon Juice · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding Inc

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!