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Subscribe to RSSPresident Barack Obama witnessed the extent of the damage during a visit to the devastated New Jersey coastline Wednesday. NBC's Lester Holt reports.
Updated at 1:29 a.m. ET: Residents of the Northeast eager to get out and about after Superstorm Sandy's rampage discovered Wednesday that they couldn't get very far.
As sunshine spread over the area for the first time since Sandy hit the coast Monday, there were some signs of progress from authorities working round the clock to restore the region to its usual hustle and bustle:
- Wall Street reopened Wednesday.
- Three of seven flooded East River tunnels in New York City were cleared of water Wednesday. Full bus service was restored before being suspended overnight in southern parts of Manhattan. Some train service resumed.
- Very limited subway service was set to resume Thursday — none of it, however, south of 34th Street in Manhattan because of stubborn power failures.
- Two of the area's three major airports — Kennedy in New York and Newark Liberty in New Jersey — reopened with restricted service. New York's LaGuardia Airport was projected to reopen Thursday with limited flight schedules.
- The New York Marathon will go on as planned Sunday, race and city officials said. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said power should be restored to most of the city by then.
"We will get up and get this rebuilt," New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said as he surveyed the state's battered coastline with President Barack Obama. And Bloomberg said, "We are on our way back to normal."
For some New Yorkers, it's back to business as usual
But residents who ventured out might not have noticed it.
New York City's beating heart, its 108-year-old subway system, remained largely crippled. Many tunnels connecting the city with its outer boroughs and New Jersey remained closed or restricted. The region's airports offered only minimal service. Packed buses sped past lines stretching around entire city blocks. Many intersections were closed because of accidents caused by inoperative traffic signals.
Subway-dependent businesses see traffic slow to halt
To ease the gridlock, Bloomberg ordered that only cars carrying three or more people would be allowed into the city across four East Side bridges Thursday. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, meanwhile, authorized transit officials to waive fares on all commuter railways, subways and buses through Friday night.
Connecticut Gov. Dannel P Malloy announced that commuter rail service between Stamford and New York's Grand Central Terminal will resume Thursday morning, and that rail fares for Metro-North service would be waived Thursday and Friday.
Superstorm Sandy made landfall Monday evening on a destructive and deadly path across the Northeast.
Resident Anthony Sessions set out from Manhattan for Brooklyn to see for himself what Sandy had left behind.
"It took five buses to get to downtown Brooklyn," Sessions told NBC News. "I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge because of the work in Stuyvesant Town.
"I had no idea what had happened," he said.
Many people turned to rental car agencies for transportation, only to find that they had few cars to rent.
"It's people saying, 'I'm stuck; I've got to get out of here,'" Richard Broome, a spokesman for Hertz Rent-a-Car, told NBC News. "For this kind of activity, you only see it during truly catastrophic events — major natural disasters and, for example, 9/11."
In any event, gas was scarce at the few stations that were open, and lines to get it were backed up as long as an hour.
On one side of an Exxon station in Belleville, N.J., cars stretched down the street, snarling traffic. On the other, people stood in line with gas cans in hand, grabbing as much fuel as they could for cars and generators.
A man from Montclair said his girlfriend's car ran out of fuel in line at another Exxon station. He offered money to people for their empty gas cans, hoping to carry away as much fuel as possible, but he didn't have any takers.
The station's owner told NBC News that the pumps would run out of fuel about 8 p.m. ET. He said Exxon had a new shipment of gas on the way but that it wouldn't be in time to help anyone Wednesday night.
Price gouging was becoming a concern, especially in New Jersey, where about 100 people had called the attorney general's office to complain.
"Some gas stations have raised their prices by 20 to 30 percent in one day," Neal Buccino, a spokesman for the state's Division of Consumer Affairs, told NBC News. "Some hardware stores have doubled the price they charge for generators overnight."
Sandy likely to hit car buyers in the wallet
'We need more fuel'
News agency tallies indicated that Sandy killed at least 63 people in the U.S. after it came ashore Monday night. More than half — 34 — were in New York City, officials told NBC News.
Breezy Point, N.Y., a Queens neighborhood that lost more than 100 homes, endured catastrophic damage. NBC's Brian Williams reports.
Many of those were drownings on Staten Island, where rescuers going house to house were finding people floating inside their homes, NBC New York reported.
BreakingNews.com's coverage of Sandy
Sandy's effects were still vividly evident from the Atlantic coast to as far inland as Chicago:
- About 6 million homes and businesses — two-thirds in New Jersey and New York — were still without power. Ninety percent of Long Island was without power, and it could take as long as 10 days to restore all service, Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., told MSNBC TV.
- Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius declared a public health emergency for New York, helping to make sure Medicare, Medicaid and children's health beneficiaries continue to receive services.
- About 500 patients at New York City's Bellevue Hospital were evacuated to other hospitals after floodwaters crippled its equipment and power supply.
- New York City schools will be closed the rest of the week, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.
- Sewage was backing up into homes near a flooded sewage plant in Nassau County on Long Island. Authorities feared that it could spread to thousands of homes.
- The U.N. Security Council had to move because of water damage to parts of U.N. headquarters in Manhattan.
- More than 3 feet of snow had fallen in parts of West Virginia, where 220,000 homes and businesses were without power Wednesday afternoon. Red House, Md., got 30 inches of snow.
- In Chicago, forecasters warned that high waves and flooding were possible on the Lake Michigan shore Wednesday. Sandy caused waves up to two stories high on the Great Lakes, forcing cargo ships — some longer than three football fields — to seek shelter.
- In New Haven, Conn., Sandy blew down a tree that uprooted human remains and what appeared to be a time capsule.
- More than 70 percent of homes remained without power in Greenwich, Conn., where downed trees littered the landscape. In Westport, 85 percent of customers still had no power.
Much of New Jersey, where the storm made landfall, remained in dire straits. Aerial footage Wednesday showed fires raging among storm-damaged homes and sand pushed inland.
Christie ordered that Halloween trick-or-treating be moved to Monday because of the unsafe conditions. Many communities in Connecticut also delayed trick-or-treating.
Hoboken, just across from Manhattan, became a virtual island. At least 20,000 people — about 40 percent of the population — remained stranded Wednesday as 500 million gallons of water overwhelmed the town. Authorities said it would take at least two days to pump all the water out.
The National Guard showed up Wednesday to deliver equipment, food and supplies, but much more is needed, Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer said.
"We need more food," Zimmer told NBC News. "We need more resources, so anyone who's listening to this in the city of Hoboken or neighboring towns who can who can get to us, we ask you to come and deliver your supplies."
Particularly critical: "We truly need, we need more fuel," she said.
The National Guard arrived Wednesday in Hoboken, N.J., rescuing the elderly trapped inside their homes and delivering food and supplies. NBC's Katy Tur reports.
In Brigantine, Obama, Christie and Anthony Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, comforted residents and vowed that every possible resource would be made available.
"We are here for you, and we will not forget," Obama said. "We will follow up to make sure you get all the help you need to rebuild."
Obama praised Christie for putting "his heart and soul into making sure the people of New Jersey bounce back stronger than before."
Christie, in turn, said he and Obama had "a great working relationship." He thanked Obama "for his concern and his compassion for the people of our state," saying it was important to have the president "acknowledge all the suffering that's going on here in New Jersey."
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie comments on his meeting Wednesday with President Barack Obama as they toured areas of the coastline hit hard by Sandy.
That suffering is likely to stretch for months in New Jersey, where at least 2 million customers remained without electricity.
"All the houses on the oceanfront on the north end of my town — all their bottoms have been washed away," said Thomas Boyd, the police chief in Seaside Heights. "Their foundations are gone."
In Point Pleasant Beach, one of the hardest-hit areas, Lisa and Rich Morico carried away what they could as they left their home for what was likely to be a very long time — "I have no idea" how long, Rich Morico said.
Looking over the remains of their home, he admitted: "I don't want to say in front of my wife."
More content from NBCNews.com:
- As National Guard comes to rescue, so do NJ residents — with power outlets
- For some New Yorkers, it's back to business as usual
- Devastated NY community built by firefighters burned beyond their reach
- For some who stayed behind in New York, it wasn't too bad
- New Jersey investigating reports of price gouging
- Subway-dependent businesses see traffic slow to halt
- Fed up with waiting, air travelers rush rental car counters
- NY's Bellevue Hospital evacuates patients as power stays cut
- Off-duty NYPD officer dies saving his family from Sandy
- Toppled tree exposes skeletal remains, cement box
- Your Sandy photos: Show us the heroes in your life
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Leave a Comment:
Considering that it part of the Navy's job to assist the Coat Guard in search and rescue, when appropriate, I think that this was an appropriate move on the Presidents part.
The cost of the ships and crews are not going to massively spike because they got deployed to help. Soldiers aren't held in reserve if they aren't fighting they are training. So the helicopters may or may not have been flying on training exercises anyway. The only difference here is that they are actually doing what they would otherwise be training to do.
Kent - Agreed! Good form on the part of the Navy, BHO, and the Governor's. I'm happy BHO is visiting to make sure the response is adequate and needs are being met.
Also happy to see Governor Christie make sure this is not made a political "thing". Just roll up your sleeves and get to work!
Everyone has been behaving responsibly so far. At least, the public officials. But I am sure we will start hearing from the haters about how miserable a job Obama has been doing and how it's all for show.
Byron - I'm a Republican who supports Romney. I also support the steps taken so far from Obama. Right is right, and wrong is wrong. It's important for moderates to recognize this. And so far, regarding this storm, Obama has been exactly right.
Give credit where credit is due! Hat's off to the early response!
Obama waited a week to visit Louisiana after it was pounded by Isaac in August and only went there after Romney beat him there. I'm sure it was a coincidence that Louisiana voted for McCain 2 to 1 over Obama.
And how long did it take GW to visit Louisiana after Katrina...and what was he doing while it was raging...oh yes, that's right...he was on vacation yet again! And he initially visited it at 30,000 feet and 320 knots. Would you like me to go on or would you prefer to STFU and let the President, the Governor and FEMA do their thing.
Glad Barry didn't reduce the fleet yet.....
Obama has handled this disaster correctly from the start. That start was FOUR YEARS AGO when he didn't appoint a UNEXPERIENCED IDIOT like Michael D. Brown to head FEMA!!!!
How many carriers do we have? Ten or eleven?
Barry should shine... thanks to his community organizer skills...........
Eleven.
President Obama was en route to a meeting with returning military vets coming back from Iraq that weekend. Roads were a bit difficult for the entourage that he has to have trailing after him. A presidential motorcade would have had difficulty getting through roads clogged by fallen trees and downed lines.
Mr. Romney was invited to come by Gov Jindahl.
However, what you also have to do is look at his record (when he was Governor of Massachusetts) of his response to natural disasters. I read of two incidents while he was governor, one in Greenfield, Massachusetts (2005) and one in Melrose, Massachusetts (2006). Gov Romney was in NC to speak at an economic summit when the disaster in Greenfield hit (Green River flooded its banks and took out low-income housing and trailers)and he did not interrupt his visit to return to his state; it took complaints by the press and 3 days before the mayor got a phone call. In the Melrose incident (natural disaster took out a trailer park of elderly retirees), FEMA was onsite the day after the disaster and Gov. Romney never stopped in, called or visited even thought the disaster site was reportedly only three miles from his home.
I wonder if he's called his home state yet to find out from the current MA gov. how his former constituents are doing.
Hot damn, Obama's doing his job as the President??!! Wow, it only took FOUR YEARS!
Last I checked the rule was don't rely on the Government for any thing with a disaster I was taught this in the 80's and 90's that it could be 3 or more days before any help arrives and up to a week before any needs are effectively alleviated an a measurable degree. Why don't people understand this?
The light must be just right for the perfect photo opp.
<sigh>
Scientists dispute politicians' claims that global warming grew Sandy
Guess the source????
Fox News - 17 minutes ago
Romney should go to NJ and take notes of how to act like a President.
President Obama, Commander in Chief for the next 4 years.
Starderup,
It's hard to take a single incident and attribute it to global warming. Last year we had the mildest winter I can remember. The winter before that was the worst I can remember. You have to take everything and determine if there is a trend. A hurricane used to come to visit the northeast about once every 10 years or so. This is the second one in 2 years. Be interesting to see if that trend continues, because it will certainly indicate something.
How to act like a President? Why should Romney act like a President right now? He's not the President (yet)! No matter what Romney does or doesn't do, you would have something negative to say. Obama is not Presidential - he lies just as much as any other politician! "I will cut the deficit in 3 years", "I believe that marriage is between a man and woman" - you say that Obama "evolved" and Romney "flip flops" - it's the same exact thing! And Obama can't take responsibility for any of his failures - that's not Presidential! Always blaming someone else?
The Phantom of the Opera. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VgLKXD-BoY&feature=g-vrec
Since you didn't disagree with me, I assume you also think Obama was a moron for not going to Louisiana on time. I just checked ballot in my state. Bush is not on it anywhere.
The light must be just right for the perfect photo opp.
The right light is impossible to acheive when you're standing next to Chris Christie.
Maybe the Navy can send a few "corpse men" for Obama to get a photo op with.
@big dog,
I believe you are right. Step up.
Cans of food to send to people who have lost their homes? Out of touch and clueless. Again.
I have friends that need to get from NJ to NY to get to work. Rent to pay, food, cell phone for business. Scared. FL is better prepared for this kind of storm. However, give us 2 feet of snow and we'd be f****!
I try not to be too critical on the Vine, I do wonder since, help and money are needed at the least in NJ. Where are Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Snookie, the Situation, J Wow? Romney is useless, but you are not. Step up.
prag....good to see ya back.............
ROMNEY HIRES 17 OF HIS 24 ADVISERS FROM THE FAILED BUSH/CHENEY REGIME!
When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans Bush went to John McCain's birthday party while all those people lost their lives and homes and everything they owned.
When Bush arrived at McCain's, he presented Johnny with a birthdat cake and gave his famous speech....
BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR JOHNNY..HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! OH BOY CAKE AND ICE CREAM!
After the birthday party Bush advisers had him go to California for a campaign funding party!
Romney hired 17 of his 24 advisers from this failed team. Failing with 911, Iraq for profit war, and the economy crash, WHY GIVE THEM ANOTHER CHANCE TO FAIL?
ROMNEY SUPPORTS THE NAVY .... By sending them 500 eye patches, 1200 peg legs, and a bottle of rum! Yes Romney is a man for the times......1700!
Romney supports our troops.... he sends our troop an extra ration of hardtack and a pint of rum to add to daily ration.....to the troops in Valley Forge!
Romney draft dodging coward in chief, sends his best regards ...from France!
Mitt, the Twit, scrounged up food for the folks who hot hurt by Sandy. Obama is working with FEMA in real time to help them out. Mitt is the Mormon White Horse who will save the Constitution, hanging by a thread. WWJSD? What Would Joseph Smith Do? Senator Reid is also a Mormon, yet he thinks Mitt is a twit. I fully support Senator Reid--that dude, is my kind of Mormon. He rocks! Senator Reid is a decent Mormon dude.
Romney has his finance staff already circling the disaster area to swoop down on companies in the area in order to buy what is left and send those companies to CHINA!
Romney wants to privatize FEMA in order to make profit off of the nations disasters!
Republicans caught defunding FEMA again and again like Sept 2011, to make the nation fail, just to make it appear it is President Obama's fault.
Vote president Obama/Biden and Team America 2012, making the country recover despite republican obstruction!
I cannot wait until this election is over and you can all cry in your beers for the next 4 years.
@starsailng
I like you. Just the right balance of cynicism. reality and truth.
Thanks friend. Keep the good word moving.
I've got to hand it to Christie - he actually stepped up and gave credit where credit is due instead of playing at partisan hackery. Remember voters, the disaster FEMA responds to could be yours next time.
Obama/Biden 2012
FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO GET THEIR INFORMATION FROM FOX NEWS ...DID YOU KNOW...
Did you know that when you do search on ...Fox news dumber...you see studies that actually show that people who watch Fox news are actually dumber after watching Fox news...yep..so do search on...Fox news dumber.
SO PEOPLE WHO SPOUT FOX NEWS REPORTS AND INFO......GET THEIR INFO FROM...LIES , BAD INFORMATION SOURCES AND DELIBERATE ATTEMPTS TO RIG INFORMATION TO SUIT THEIR INTERESTS......Like the republicans who pledged against the nation to take the economy down, and vote against any bill that would make President Obama look good in the 2012 elections. Repubs including Ryan taking that pledge , Frank Lutz from Fox news.....all trying to take the nation down....4 years ago....just like traitors to the nation......and watching Fox news source..actually makes those people dumber.! Deserves them.... righty!
So sad, the haters are online still trying to make this into a political issue about Romney. He is a good guy and the haters just can't find anything wrong. By the way, when obama said "corpsmen" in his speech a while ago, was that a prelude to letting the 4 get hung out to dry in Benghazi? Very sad about that. I hope the east coast gets put back together very soon. The Texas coast was put back together fairly quickly during Rita and Katrina. I don't know about New Orleans.
He would have if this were the early 60's and President Kennedy was still alive. It's a disaster zone. President Obama has a duty to ascertain and Romney wisely chose to stay out of the way and conduct relief fund events. Neither has done a thing wrong in this instance.
starsailing...
You're a laugh a minute. And in case you ever wonder...at, not with. Everything wrong with politics in a nutshell...
John:
The right light is impossible to acheive when you're standing next to Chris Christie.
It was only a matter of time for the attacks from the left to start, in regard to Christie's size.
Romney/Ryan with Christie for "REAL" US leadership
Let me explain the difference. Obama actually says that he has thought about it and decided he was wrong before and here is why he has changed his mind. Romney just spouts a completely different position on the same matter from day to day (or sometimes hour to hour). That is why everyone calls Romney a flip flopper. He doesn't change his mind on a matter. He tells whatever group he is talking to whatever they want to hear.
Did Romney raise enough supplies for 'his 47%' ?
I recently saw Obama on the news, in the White house situation room, looking presidential, and making command decisions, regarding Hurricane Sandy. I then thought to myself, why haven't, I seen pictures in the news, of Obama looking presidential, and making command decisions, when our Consulate, in Benghazi, Libya, was attacked, looted, and burned! And four Americans were killed, including our Ambassador, Cris Stevens. Over a seven hour period , while repeatedly calling for help. Then I realized, Obama was not in the WH situation room on 9/11. He was in Las. Vegas, Nev., campaigning, and raising money. And to Obama, Libya, was just a bump in the road.
No more for 44, one and done!
Christie looks like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man wearing a blue sweater.
I hear Obama is touring the NJ shoreline to view the lost homes of the 1%ers. How does that help average NJ residents? How does being there at all help any NJ residents? The smart thing for the Big Eared Jug Headed Idiot to have done was to have stayed away from the area and not be a distraction from rescue and recovery work. His Big Ears and Jug Head just get in the way.
The President has done a great job in this crises as well as the 8 years of crap that he inherited from the Republicans. He has also done a great job EVEN THOUGH THE REPUBLICANS TRIED FROM THE BEGINNING TO MAKE HIM A ONE TERM PRESIDENT AT THE COST OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. Shame on you Republicans/GOP for throwing your fellow Americans under the bus because of your greedy, racist actions.
Obama 2012...and still waiting to see Mitt's tax returns...another way he has screwed the rest of us paying taxes.
Hey Sevnolafson -- we all; know is Preaident Obama didn't go to New Jersey and meet with Governor Christi, you would be bitching about that. That's what t you right wing clowns do -- bitch and whine and cry about President Obama.
It may have been a good idea for Obama to wait or to view from the air so the on-ground people could continue with their work and clean-up. Any time the president visits a city, the city completely shuts down for his motorcade and security. Not the best time for the on-ground support to get the damaged cities back up and running again in a timely manner.
Sorry folks, I had to put my glasses on because I couldnt figure out who the fat bastard was! At first I asked myself, what would the president be doing next to a pale buffalo...
If I was Obama..I would of asked for separate helicopters and tell them because of the weight issue these copters can hold.... to be on the safe side.
Wow, I am not sure who's worse atm. Those lambasting Obama or those making fat jokes aimed at Governor Christie.
Come on guys, stay classy. Christie isn't politicking atm. He's doing his job just like Obama is.
As for Mitt it's open season in chickenhawks.
I can't believe there are those on the right who will say and do anything to get R and R elected. I'm 62 years old and I have never heard so many lies coming from the right. It seems that the right wing nuts all went to the Bush/Cheney school for liars. It's no wonder our country is in this mess when there are those willing to give control of our country back to the party who got us in this mess. The right has conveniently forgot what Obama inherited from the right and yes, Obama hasn't achieved what he wanted but you have to remember that the right wing nut party or should we call them the corporate puppet party which has done everything they can to block everything Obama has tried to do but despite their record filibusters, Obama has achieved a lot. If you think Mitt doesn't lie then can some one from the right tell us how Mitt is telling the truth about Jeep shipping all their jobs to China. The lies are so far out there that Jeep had to put out a press release denouncing those lies but Mitt has doubled down on those lies and you idiots on the right don't seem to care, just like you all said when Bush/Cheney lied about WMD and you wonder why we are unable to get out of this mess.
Sally Lu,
And don't forget, he not only says something different on a dime (and on almost every topic) but he then denies he ever held the other position in the first place! It's like he really thinks we don't know what he said before-like we don't have video or internet! Repubs always bring up Obama and gay marriage, as there are no real examples of him flip-floppijng. I don't have a problem with a sincere change of mind, as Obama did. But Romney seriously says different things depending on his audience. I really don't know if he just doesn't care, or what? I mean, they're still going with those obviously false ads in Ohio about Jeep, even when the corporation themselves is saying Romney is lying!
If Governor Christie is willing to work with us, then he deserves our best, and nothing but the best. Any Republicans who want to work with us Democrats, deserve that, too.
WHY DO REPUBLICANS HATE SENIORS? Seniors vote to protect their Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, FEMA, and the Post Office. Repubs want to privatize it all for greedy profit!
WHY DO THEY CREATE VOTER SUPPRESSION LAWS TO STOP THE ELEDELY FROM VOTING? Seniors vote to protect their Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and the Post Office. Repubs want to privatize it all for greedy profit! Romney and Ryan want to kill those programs for their greedy rich friends who want part of that action!
VOTE NO ON VOTER SUPPRESSION LAWS AND VOTE NO ON ROMNEY AND RYAN!
Vote President Obama/Biden and Team Democratic Parfty 2012, protect the elderly and DISASTER VICTIMS from the greedy rich!
Winker,
While I agree with many of your comments about posts from those on the far right, unfortunately, I think the far left is just as bad. As to lying - I think both Obama and Romney have told about the same number of lies and half-truths...unfortunately, that's just the state of politics these days.
Let's be honest folks when ANY president does his photo ops fly over a disaster has little to do with the effective emergency management.
Everybody calls Romney a draft dodger, What branch of the service did President serve in?
Of course he's not making it a political thing. He needs HELP from the FEDERAL GOVT. I think the conservatives call this "welfare".
I'm not sure why some of the posters here can't give credit when it's due. Obama has done a good job handling this crisis, and so has Christi. I voted for Romney already, but I'll still applaud Obama when he does the right thing.
Why is it so hard for some to applaud those in the "other party" when they do something right?
Obama is there to help the people: He is bringing plenty of American flags to burn to keep his brainwashed followers warm.
As a vet, I find this comment insulting. Being president is not the same as putting your life on the line for others while serving. I think Obama is a good person, but I do not give him credit for serving in the military.
RYAN AND ROMNEY MAKE WAR ON WOMEN. With all the news focused on the disaster do not forget all the issues Romney and Ryan would put in place to add more disasters for the nation!
from womenarewatching.org
RYAN voted to end funding for Planned Parenthood, which could jeopardize access to cancer screenings, birth control, and other preventive care that nearly three million Americans rely on each year.
He wants to overturn Roe v. Wade, ending safe and legal abortion with no exceptions for rape, incest, or when a woman's life is at risk.
He co-sponsored an extreme and dangerous "personhood" bill which could ban some forms of birth control and fertility treatments.
The Ryan budget plan, his signature piece of legislation, would dismantle Medicaid, jeopardizing basic health care for millions of women and families. For many, this could mean the difference between getting cancer screenings and birth control or going without.
Repeatedly, he has tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which would restrict women's access to birth control and preventive health care services, and allow insurance companies to discriminate against women and charge more for coverage than men.
Obama/Biden 2012.....Protect women's rights!
Obama sending the Navy, to help Jersey! I wonder why, he didn't send the NAVY, to help the SEALs, in Benghazi, Libya! On 9/11
No more for 44, one and done!
So glad to see our Celebrity in Chief was able to pull himself away from David Letterman and Jay Leno.
President Obama is DOING HIS JOB! He needs to see what damage was done, how extensive it is, where the damage IS, and an idea of how to get help where it is, MOST URGENTLY NEEDED! There is NO better way to do this than FROM THE AIR. So just STFU about "photo ops"! I'd like to see some of the complainers on this vine, give some ideas as to how they would DO BETTER, or more than has and is being done RIGHT NOW. Have YOU done anything to help? Are you going to volunteer, to go and shovel the tons and tons of sand that have been washed ashore, making it IMPOSSIBLE to get in and out of some of these towns? Do everyone else on the vine a favor, QUIT THE WHINING, or go and make yourself useful!!!
I hope you are in 3rd grade.
Roosterboy,
And vice versa eh Roosterboy?
If someone claimed he was in the military, then yes I would be. But, I haven't heard anyone make that claim.
Winker- I like these fresh ideas. Blame it on Bush... I promise its not racist to say Obama is doing a horrible job.
As far as Sandy I do tip my hat to the president. He is doing his job. But for 4 years of failed policies I would say his incomplete=Fail!!
Its time for a true leader. Someone who will bring down unemployment. Lets stop relying on the Government to solve everything. Thats not what our founding fathers wanted.
He was in France on his Mission. Tea Party= American Taliban is a joke. I hope that name makes most of the left cringe.
THE VERY SAME THING HURRICANE SANDY DID TO THE COASTLINE, ROMNEY AND RYAN PLAN WOULD DEVASTATE THE COUNTRY ALL OVER THE NATION.
Romney and republicans want to continue to offshore American jobs so they can put the profits into offshore accounts to avoid paying taxes. Republicans just voted against stopping tax breaks for companies taking jobs overseas, and giving tax breaks to those companies who would bring jobs back to America.
Romney and republicans are against creating jobs support programs for our returning soldiers, republicans just voted against the jobs bill for vets!
Romney Ryan want to privatize Social Security to give the greedy rich a chance to get the money they didn't get during the crash.
Romney Ryan would gut all health care, killing Medicare, Medicaid, Planned parenthood health care, privatizing all health care for the greedy rich, leaving many without any health care, the motto is if you can't afford to be sick, don't be, just die if you do!
Romney the draft dodging coward who chose playing in France to avoid the draft during Viet Nam days, then later says he wished he could have been a part of it, all the coward had to do was sign up.
Romney Ryan hire 17 of 24 of his advisers from Bush / Cheney regime. Bush quit looking for Bin Laden, and Romney the draft dodger coward said it was too expensive to look for Bin laden. Romney does not have what it takes to be commander in chief.
President Obama searched for Bin laden and with the help of Team America killed him when romney would not have even tried. President Obama ended the Iraq war and Romney said he would have kept it going with even more troops.
The Clear choice is President Obama/Biden and team America, helping america to recover when America needs it most!
Where was BHO during any war? the front line? In the rear with the gear? Jumping out of planes? Shooting the enemy? Infilitrating an enemy base? NO? Where was he? Hmmmm and yet the lemmings will follow him off the the cliff and the cry all of the way down that it was someone elses fault (and the media will support as well...) so very sad that the Country that I served to protect has turned into this. It is worse that most that comment here have never served their country and yet always have something to say and "by golly everyone better listen as I say it" atittude. So sad, whats worse, are the ones that will go on the defensive, once again, because "you better listen to what I have to say" attitude that they have. Reap what you sow!
Romney hires 17 of 24 of his advisers from the same failed Bush team that started the Iraq war for profits.
Thousands of our troops dead and still dying because of them.
Bush Quits looking for Bin Laden and Romney says he wouldn't look for Bin laden
Yes Romney hires that same failed team of advisers...that couldn't find Bin laden, but they found NO BID WAR CONTRACTS FOR CHENEY AND HIS COMPANY HALIBURTON for war profits!!!!
President Obama killed Bin Laden, terrorists and pirates....protecting America when Bush couldn't and Romney wouldn't.
Romney ...draft dodger....COWARD in chief.
I guess it was also showing when I voted for Obama in 2008 and Kerry in 2004? My votes this year were split between Reps, Dems and independents. (yes - I already voted, and I voted for Romney)
I'm an independent voter that doesn't care what party a candidate is in. I vote for the candidate that I think can do the best job - regardless of their party.
@Pedestrian
I agree. While Christie is not my favorite face for the future, he was considerate and respectful of the President.
Not easy to take that stand in this political climate. Good for him. I am VERY VERY democrat, but I give Christie Kudos. Nice step forward.
Perhaps the Republicans haven't caught on to this yet, but we (Democrats) are old softies by nature. Sit down and talk to us, and things might go your way. Threaten us, and you won't get too far.
Romney gets tough on China...he is going to send American jobs to them faster than they can handle!
When Romney heard the Navy was getting involved he ordered some lockers for them. He heard Davy Jones locker was at the bottom of the sea so he thought he would replace it!
When Romney heard the Navy was getting involved in disaster area, he ordered them some planks because he heard on fox news, sometimes seaman had to walk the plank. So now they will have planks for everyone!
The President never served in the military. And neither did Romney. Those required for the draft are between the ages of 18-25 during time of war. Obama was 18 in 1979. He was 25 in 1986. There were no wars during this time frame so no draft was necessary. Romney, on the other hand, ran to France during the Vietnam War to avoid the draft. THAT is why he is a draft dodger.
Gov Christie is showing what republicans used to look like.
Remember how the teabaggers cheered "let them die" when during primaries, healthcare issue were brought up?
Same platform Romney and Ryan are running....Defund FEMA and privatize, gut Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, kill ACA health care, ....totally unamerican.....gutting Americans for the GREEDY 1% and Romney to get richer....
@ Roosterboy.
Sane. Nice to meet you. There doesn't need to be the fight we all seem to be fighting.
Can I add you as a friend? Nice collection of folks that are attached to my list. Me or not, a very diverse group. Find support where we can. Up to you. I will request you as a friend on the "Vine". No pressure. I just like smart people. Many times different views. We all bring a different and valuable perspective on life.
Differences that make life special. Our ages. Our locations. Our financial status. Yet there is hope for growth. For us. For the ones we love. Peace and prosperity to you and those that are special in your life.
Rusty
Here's a riot - Mike Brown, the FEMA director during Katrina, has actually blasted Obama for "reacting too fast." I swear to God, you just can't make s**t like this up. Talk about nerve.
Sandy has made clear that our infrastructure needs a lot of work, that FEMA is vital to the country, that climate change is real and has significant negative consequences, and that Obama has impressive leadership skills.
Wow. I'm a democrat yet very impressed by Gov Christie's response. That is what I like. Cut to the bs and tell it how it is. No nonsence and straight to the point.
Romney I do not trust at all. Will say anything to get a vote. Gov Christie? Thats a man I don't mind voting for if he ever runs for pres.
"MAW-1297690 Comment collapsed by the community
So sad, the haters are online still trying to make this into a political issue about Romney. He is a good guy and the haters just can't find anything wrong."
LOL We can find plenty.
1. He's a major flip flopper that will say anything to trick idiots like you into voting for him.
2. He's made his riches by taking over companies and firing working or outsourcing their jobs for his personal profit.
3. he think 47% of the American public are loosers because they don't pay more taxes.
4. He's the rich phat boy that only care about rich phat boys (you know that guy what we all hate in those silly college movies)
5. He has a gold club card to the same club as those that destroyed our economy and will no doubt cater to their needs. I for one am not ready to give the "keys" back to them so soon.
6 He thinks he can balance the budget by giving everyone a 20% tax cut (Its math stupid) but claims he will fill tax loop holes that will make us actually pay more (wtf is the point in giving a tax cut then?) But won't say which ones just "trust me" he says. Do you think he will fill the loop holes he himself and his rich friends and contributer use? Guess who will end up paying more? The rich or the middle class?
7. He said he would take him 8 years to do it all but you and him only give Obama 4? Whats with that double standard?
Should I go on?
PAUL RYAN WAS LOOKING AHEAD TO THIS DISASTER AREA WHEN HE GAVE ADVICE ON HIS SEPT 27TH 2012 QUOTE , " DON'T SIMPLY FEED FISH" ROMNEY RYAN ARE AT A BAIT SHOP IN WISC, GETTING ALL THE EXTRA RODS AND REELS AND TACKLE TO SEND TO THE DISASTER COAST AREA!
Paul Ryan: 'Teach A Man To Fish, Don't Just Feed Fish' … What?
Posted: September 27, 2012
Today's political "what?" moment comes from the right yet again, but the goblet of gaffe has been passed from GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney to his VP running mate Paul Ryan, who had a rather curious spin on a classic aphorism yesterday.
We've heard it a thousand times: "Give a man a fish, he eats for a day; teach a man to fish, he eats for life." It's a good line, and it's one of those simple truths oft-quoted by the right, and relatively easy for everyone to understand. Unless Paul Ryan says it, apparently.
The GOP candidate was confronted by a voter at an event yesterday who is struggling and can't afford to get off of public assistance. In response, Ryan said:
So Obama says "We are in it for the long haul". I'm just curious - did Obama say the same thing to Ambassador Christopher Stevens in Benghazi Libya?
ProBusiness,
So....... you want to send the whole military to Libya and waste more billions just because Ambassador Christopher Stevens was killed? I though you might have already gotten tired of the US spending trillions on Afghanistan and Iraq already. Guess who is paying for all that?
Tax payer's money is better spend here rebuilding the east coast and not on foreign countries while enriching defense contractors.
What the hell have you done lately war monger?
-Iraq and Afghan vet.
OLD BROWNIE ...BUSHES FEMA IN CHIEF DISASTER THOUGHT HE WAS IN FOR THE LONG HAUL ! THIS PROVEN DISASTER HAD THE NERVE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT FEMA UNDER PRESIDENT OBAMA!
ROMNEY HIRES 17 OF BUSHS ADVISERS...LIKE THIS CLOWN!
Published on Friday, December 30, 2005 by Reuters
President
Bush's "Brownie" Quote Wins Award
by Arthur
Spiegelman
LOS ANGELES - Call it the wrong phrase at the wrong time but "Brownie, you're
doing a heckuva job" was named on Thursday as U.S. President George W. Bush's
most memorable phrase of 2005.
Former FEMA Chief Mike Brown and President Bush take
questions in San Diego, November 4, 2003. Call it the wrong phrase at the wrong
time but "Brownie, you're doing a heckuva job" was named on Thursday as Bush's
most memorable phrase of 2005. REUTERS/John
Gastaldo/POOL
The ill-timed praise of
a now disgraced agency head became a national punch line for countless jokes and
pointed comments about the administration's handling of the Hurricane Katrina
disaster and added to the president's reputation for verbal gaffes and clumsy
turns of phrase.
Paul JJ Payack, president of Global Language Monitor, a nonprofit group that
monitors language use, says Bush's statement in support of the then-director of
the Federal Emergency Management Agency may be remembered for years to come.
"The 'Brownie' quote leads our 2005 list of Bushisms -- memorable phrases or
new words coined by the president," Payack said, adding that Bush may be the
foremost White House creator of new words, citing such past efforts as
"misunderestimate" (to seriously underestimate) and "embetter" (to make
emotionally better).
Ten days after Bush verbally patted Michael Brown on the back before the TV
cameras, Brown resigned amid a public uproar over his qualifications and the
administration's failure to get aid to New Orleans after the devastation of
Hurricane Katrina.
Although the president did not originate any new words this year,
Published on Friday, December 30, 2005 by Reuters
Oh, I see those that can't handle the truth in comments collapse away. Such cowardly behavior, and showing desperation.
Romney/Ryan with Christie for a Strong USA
This is what PRESIDENTS do.
Fat jokes people?? really??
Its just nice to see red and blue working together today...
:)
Had Enough: I am simply bringing to the forefront that this president says a lot of things but doesn't do them. Transparency, no red states or blue states but purple states, hope and change, you can keep your doctor if you like him, your premiums will not go up,
Summer of Recovery 2010 Summer of Recovery 2011"It's George Bush's fault", shovel ready jobs, moving in the right direction, and so on.Obama seems to say a lot of things that he has no plans on doing or does not do correctly so I was simply asking the question if he told Christopher Stevens that Obama was going to support him? Seems to me when you send an Ambassador and that Ambassador asks repeatedly for more security and is denied then we were not supporting Stevens for the "long haul".
I just wonder if when Obama says this about the hurricane destruction if this time he really means it. My guess is "yes" until November 7th then he says we need to tax more "millionaires" and "billionaires" otherwise NJ is out of luck. We need a leader in the White House and not a Community Organizer in Chief.
RustyboyFl, my msnbc account is kind of wavering, to say the least. (I guess I have been a bad boy.) I appreciate your interest in being objective. And, if my account was stable, I would offer you a link. But, alas, my account is not. Anyhow, thanks for your civility. You sound like a decent fellow. I wish you the best.
Mitt Romney said he would get rid of FEMA and turn it's services over to the states or better yet to private corporations. I wonder how much per head the private sector would charge to rescue Americans? It seems that he would replace FEMA with a few cans of beans. It was funny to see him clam up and as he loaded up his vegetables and was asked over and over: Mr. Romney would you still get rid of FEMA?
I remember the sad days of George Bush when he appointed the woefully unprepared Brownie to the post. 'Brownie you are doing an heck of a job.' George Bushis a million times better than Mitt Romney, at least he kept the agency going. In Mitt's case he would have to say: Can of beans you are doing an heck of a job.
Frank: So when Obama has been in office for four years and asking to be reelected why do liberals have to use criticism of Romney as a reason to vote for Obama? So when Obama basically says "I suck but my opponent sucks more" THAT is supposed to give liberals a comfort that THIS four years will be different than the LAST four years?
Just keep criticizing Romney - it confirms to the "Independents" that Obama doesn't have a record to run on. Just keep criticizing - every little bit helps.
The Bush plan: Lower taxes 400 billion a year mostly for the rich. Increase military spending unfunded. Give banks 800 billion when they gambled and lost. Start 2 wars but fight them off budget so they're unfunded.
The Romney plan: Cut taxes 500 billion a year mostly for the rich. Increase military funding 200 billion with no plan to fund this increase and take a more militaristic stance with adversaries.
Sounds like Bush 3 to me.
Isn't the coast of NJ mostly 1%ers?
Probusiness: As a long time poster you've seen many posts listing Obama's successes but you ignore them. Pointing out Romney's weaknesses and lies is only a concession that Obama sucks to a twisted mind. Liberals pointing out Romney is unfit to be president doesn't mean Obama isn't. Obamas actions in regard to this disaster is extremely presidential and most recognize his response is far better than Bush did.
The interesting thing is the right wingers bash Obama based on absurd conspiracy theories because they have nothing else but they never explain why Romney would be a better choice. When you can explain how Romney can cut the deficit while cutting revenue 500 billion a year and increasing the military 200 billion a year and starting a new space program without increasing our debt we can talk. We've had 4 years to see how Obama has done we're smart enough not to accept policy proposals that simply can't be explained by Romney. If what Romney proposes could be done he'd explain how.
Oh my god. Here goes the crazy liberal media using a tragic event like Hurricane Sandy against the soon to be 45th president of the United States of America. Of course the crazy libs would take FEMA and use it against Romney. Look there are 16 trillion reasons we have to eliminate FEMA and let states run their own disaster recovery programs. Consider this…After Katrina in 2005, all we had were a lot of crazy, ignorant, displaced people that looked like they had just come off the boat. And what were they? Just a burden on the rest of us American citizens. I mean why should I care what happens to someone that does not live in my state? Let the affected state handle their own problems. And if they don’t have enough in their budget, then oh well.
Folks it’s a dog eat dog world out there and it’s about time we tell folks that if you decide to live on coastal property then you do so at your own risk. Leave the rest of us alone when you’re too stupid to move. And now I have to start hearing about the stupid ice caps melting and how this is all about global warming. Wake up folks! This is a freak of nature that happens just once in a life time. Things will be back to normal before you know it. And you know what? It can be done without the federal government. And so what if things are not restored. This is a zero sum game. Only winners and losers. I’m sure we’ve now added to the sorry 47 percenters as a result of this freak of nature occurrence. Cry me a river and get over it. When Romney gets in I hope the first program he eliminates is FEMA. Let the states handle their own disasters and if they can’t then screw em. Not the Federal Governments problem!
Go MITT! Romney/Ryan 2012
Auto 101,
and you know why you have heard that? Because of ineffective FEMA directors appointed by Republican Presidents. We saw it with Andrew during Bush I years and again in Katrina in Bush II years. Not to say that FEMA has been a well-oiled machine under Democrats every time but a lot of times it has. The current FEMA is not the FEMA of the past and is a proactive agency.
FEMA was there before the storm hit ready to help.
@Larry,
that is because that is all they have. They know, but will never admit, that the Republican house made things so much worse in 2010. But they can not admit it because that would be counter-intuitive. Their goal is to see Obama removed and acknowledging anything good that the President has done and over sensationalizing things that he has messed up on are their way of life.
It truly is ridiculous especially in the way that Romney is making them hypocrites via his own actions. That lie campaign is going to cost Romney dearly in Ohio and probably in his personal life if Chrysler decides they want to pursue legal actions against Romney and his campaign.
JLange,
your entire argument falls apart when you realize that:
1. Without FEMA coordinating nationally and sending resources to where they are needed most and explaining why those areas need them first we would have states fighting over resources and while waiting for those resources to arrive there would have been a much higher cost of life from this disaster.
2. Romney said during the Primary that he would not just dismantle FEMA and return it to the states, he said he would privatize FEMA. Who here thinks allowing businesses who value profits of life (willing to fire employees to make even higher profits) will be a good thing for replacing FEMA for disaster relief?
3. States cannot handle the resource and monetary strain of disasters of his magnitude. Plain and simple. Anyone suggesting they can has no grasp on reality or is trying to score political points with those that are too stupid to see the reality of the problem.
ProBusiness ... Wrong ... I am very happy with the mess that Obama has cleaned up after Bush ... didn't get it all done but when Romney (his words) says it would take him 8 to 10 years ... what the hell are you talking about when Obama has 3 plus years on the job!!!!
And what the hell can you say about Romney with all the double talking and lies ... you can ignore his lies but people with clean ears can't ... sorry!
More like:
Obama: I can put aside any petty political grudges I have to do what is required when the time comes
Romney: I am willing to lie and cheat my way into the White House.
Larry:
What successes? Passing ObamaCare is not a "success". The COSTS have not even been incurred yet. That is like saying "I got the city to promise to put a lien on the neighbors property". THAT is not a success. What HAPPENS, and whether that benefits society, will be the determination.
And leaving Iraq is NOT the success. Whether it can sustain itself is the determining factor - and we see how THAT is going.
So let me see if I can come up with some "other" successes:
1) The slowest recovery in American history - hmmm, not sure if that is a success
2) The biggest increase of people on Food Stamps since the program was started - I don't think a success
3) Highest percent on Welfare since the 70's - clearly not a success
4) Highest percent unemployed 6 months or more since the great depression - I don't believe should be considered a success
5) Lowest Labor-Participation rate since the 70's - clearly not a success
6) Less people working today than when Obama took office - not a success
7) Told if the stimulus package was not passed unemployment would go above 8% but the stimulus WAS passed and had 43 straight months of unemployment OVER 8% - not considered a success
8) Told by now unemployment would be below 6% but STILL near 8% (and I believe will go back over 8% on Friday's report) - not a success
9) Businesses afraid to invest due to the new regulations, EPA power, AND threat of new taxes so economy is stagnant - not a success
10) GDP currently growing at 2% which is the LOWEST GDP growth four years after a recession in U.S. history (Reagan after assuming a worse recession was growing at nearly 6% by now) - another Obama failure. BTW, the long-term average is 3% and Obama can't even get the economy to our long-term average?
So where are all these "successes" you are talking about? Because I just don't see them......
Restored a lot of comments. Not this one.
MAW-1297690, you're suspended for a day for violating #1 of the Code of Honor - repeatedly.
Barry... unless you're handing everyone YOUR phone number.... don't make promises you can't keep.....
The last words the Americans in Benghazi, Libya heard - NOT!
President Obama, please don't say those words, use another set of words. For over 5 hours Americans were yelling for help and all they heard was silence.
After just watching Obama and Christie speak, I can just say how proud I am of both of these leaders. President Obama clearly demonstrated what we need in a President and likewise Christie displayed the attributes you want in a Governor.
I don't agree with a lot of Christie's politics and his sometimes outspoken rants cross the line in my view, however he stood there today with nothing but the utmost praise for the President. I know that makes some of you cringe to see him so complimentary of the President, but this is what we should expect regardless of political differences. And likewise the President complimented the Governor on all his efforts.
This was the ultimate display of both bi-partisan efforts for the best of all, and also a very clear cut example of why we need both state and federal governments who can work together when we put ideology aside.
If you can not watch this and feel anything but pride in being an American, there is something wrong with you. If you watched it and used it as some basis of some criticism, you need to look yourself in the mirror and ask yourself what being an American is really all about.
When we elect the men and women from amongst us, we should expect them to represent all their constituents above all. We should expect them to behave as adults at the very least during a crisis and in the immediate aftermath. The most important thing is to work together to the fullest extent possible putting aside bickering about things that really don't matter so much.
Yes today, regardless of your political affiliation, you should be proud of these two leaders.
That would still be FOUR YEARS sooner than the last Republican President.
Probusiness: We may disagree what sucess is. Ending involvement in Iraq and killing Osama as well as below.
Jo Ann-666954
The last words the Americans in Benghazi, Libya heard - NOT!
President Obama, please don't say those words, use another set of words. For over 5 hours Americans were yelling for help and all they heard was silence.
We had this conversation before Jo Ann, and you still can't tell me what you would have done.
Just start writing checks Mr. Obama. Then get the hell out of the way. Governor Christie will show you what leadership and effective governance looks like.
jO ANN.....THOUSANDS OF AMERICANS THAT BUSH CHENEY ROVE AND THE 17 ADVISERS THAT ROMNEY HIRED NEVER HAD A CHANCE TO HEAR ANYTHING.
THOUSANDS MORE ....WOUNDED AND STILL DYING.....AND ROMNEY WANTED TO KEEP 30,000 TROOPS IN IRAQ.....SO HE COULD GET A SLICE OF THE WAR PROFIT.
YOUR COWARD IN CHIEF ROMNEY RAN AWAY TO FRANCE WHILE THOUSANDS OF AMERICANS GAVE THEIR LIVES IN VIET NAM.....
Jo Ann....your coward in chief said he would not go after Bin laden because it cost too much.
Jo Ann...your coward in chief said later in life about the Viet Nam war...he wished he could have been a part of it. He could have...the lying coward just had to sign up!
Jo Ann ....your lying coward said after President Obama killed Bin Laden ..he would have made the same decision.....the liar..he said it was too expensive to go after Bin Laden...
Romney ...your coward in chief...when you need one!
ROMNEY TEAM CAUGHT LYING AGAIN....ALL THOSE ARTICLES THEY SAID CAME FROM PEOPLE THAT THEY WERE SENDING TO DISASTER VICTIMS...CAME FROM STAGED ROMNEY PEOPLE WHO WENT TO WAL MART AND BOUGHT STUFF AND BROUGHT TO ROMNEY.
All store bought stuff by Romney people set up, staged...by Romney people and anyone who showed up, handed to them, they walked over to Romney and handed to Romney!
ROMNEY THE PHONEY!!!!!!!!! STAGES FAKE DISASTER AID!!!!!!!
@ Ol-Doc, the United States has the strongest military in the world, at least I think we still do but I'm not 100% sure.
They have intelligence briefings every day. They knew the Ambassador asked for more help weeks before the attack and he asked for help during the attack.
If it was a 15 minute attack I could understand. But it was not a 15 minute attack. It was over 5 hours long. Drones were nearby and it was noted that the US could see where the main auxiliary (mortars) were coming from.
At least try and do something. Instead, nothing was done.
Obama's Sequester Proposal Slashes Funds for FEMA, Disaster Relief
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by Joel B. Pollak 29 Oct 2012 285post a comment
As Hurricane Sandy approaches the northeast United States, the left is attempting to politicize the storm, attacking Republican nominee Mitt Romney and his running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), for wanting to shift more responsibility for disaster relief from the federal government to the states.
They ignore the fact that President Barack Obama's proposal for the upcoming budget sequester would cut nearly $900 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including disaster relief, food and shelter, and flood management at both the federal and state levels.
The cuts, detailed on pages 94 through 96 of the White House's sequestration proposal, released in mid-September, show how far the Obama administration has been willing to go in order to preserve the idea of tax hikes on "millionaires and billionaires" rather than reaching a comprehensive grand bargain on deficit reduction that does not place additional burdens on the economy or essential services.
As Bob Woodward notes in his definitive account of the debt ceiling negotiations, such a bargain was within reach in July 2011, before President Obama destroyed it.
Obama's proposed cuts to FEMA include the following (emphasis added):
These cuts likely underestimate the total cuts proposed to disaster relief functions, since the U.S. armed forces--subject to separate cuts in Obama's sequester proposals--frequently provide support to FEMA operations, as well as essential search and rescue services.
The White House sequestration proposal also warns: "The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s ability to respond to incidents of terrorism and other catastrophic events would be undermined."
While Romney and Ryan are merely proposing to shift some of the emergency functions to the states, or to balance further increases in FEMA funding with offsetting cuts in other discretionary spending, Obama has proposed actual cuts, at both the federal and state levels.
During the Third Presidential Debate, Obama attempted to blame Congress for introducing the idea of the sequester, and said that sequester cuts are "not going to happen." However, as Woodward notes, the sequester was Obama's idea, and he subsequently signed it into law in the Budget Control Act. In addition, Obama privately continues to tout the sequester as proof that he is capable of reducing the budget deficit.
What the left and the media are trying to do--once again--is to politicize a natural disaster. It is worth noting that Romney visited the regions affected by Hurricane Isaac in August long before Obama did. Obama, in fact, spent days campaigning elsewhere while the storm and its aftermath ravaged the Gulf Coast.
Only when he was shamed by Romney's example did Obama cancel campaign events and accelerate his trip to the region--three days after Romney had already been and gone.
Obama has also shown a singular disinterest in other natural disasters, from the earliest days of his presidency; his newfound interest is an election-season phenomenon.
It is precisely Obama's reckless spending and mismanagement that has placed FEMA in the budget-cutting crosshairs.
Democrats and their media allies would be well advised to train their criticism on the White House, which has already proposed sweeping and damaging cuts to FEMA that will soon take effect, rather than using Hurricane Sandy as yet another misguided attempt to use natural disasters to bash Republicans.
Typical nbcnews bias headline.....Obama tours....It is Obama and Christie tour. It is Christie who has the day to day job of rebuilding NJ not Obama. Anyhow after next week, he will have very little interest in helping anyone but himself after he loses the election. He will be calling in favors and sharing the bounty with his political friends.
The ex-presidents get a $200,000 yearly pension as soon as they leave office and a $1,500,000 golden parachute for "MOVING EXPENSES" plus round the clock secret service protection plus all security systems for their house and armored cars for the entire family.
You're right, ofcourse; let's see if the Bozobama and his little gardener-in-chief rape and steal from the WH as the last classless demlibs, the cronie Clintons did.
Larry: You gave a list of items and in your opinion you call them "successes". I may disagree but the more important issue is the items you listed are not the most important items. The most important aspect of a country is the economy - and in four years Obama has actually made the economy worse.
As much as you blamed George Bush 4 years ago now that the economy is worse you think it is "OK". It is not. Obama has failed in the most important job of the president which is to implement policies that grow an economy and the Obama policies have made the economy worse. Obama has failed by any economic measurement and we need a change. Romney may be making promises that you feel he cannot deliver but yet we have a president in Obama who has made some promises too that he DID NOT deliver.
So there is your choice. Someone like Obama who says he will do the same thing and expect a different result or Romney who has been successful not only in business but also has a proven record of success as governor. Your choice is someone like Obama who has a proven record of failure or Romney with a proven record of success. I choose the person who has actually succeeded in the past. I choose Romney.
Romney/Ryan 2012
I look forward to the day when comments made on these media blogs is open to liable suits. so many out right slandreous lies are made on these things because at the present time there are no regulations against it. It is coming and then lets see who has the guts to spew all this teash we read every day.
"Liable" suits......????? Oh, my!
Welcome,
You post fails before the first sentence ends. It was not Obama who made the sequester legislation it was the House and remember what Boehner said? He got 98% of what he wanted. What are the odds that the FEMA cut was something the Republicans added? 98% chance.
If you want to help those impacted by this disaster, please donate MONEY or BLOOD to the Red Cross. Ignore the IDIOT ROMNEY, who staged a photo op in which he asked people to bring canned food.
1) ANYONE who has paid ANY attention to ANY of our former disasters knows the Red Cross doesn't want your canned food. It is a logistical nightmare to sort through it and transport it. What they want is money so THEY can determine what the needs are and make sure the best kinds of food are purchased -- not your leftover evaporated milk to bake a pie.
2)
The Romney camp was afraid their photo op wouldn't look good if not enough people brought food so they went to Walmart and spent $5,000 on food and diapers to pretend (MORE LIES) that these items had been donated.
3) The Romney folks TURNED AWAY people who came to see MittWit if they didn't bring food OR they gave these folks food that was already there so they could be photographed "giving" MittWit food.
How many MORE reasons do some of you need to not vote for this idiot? He's politically incompetent and impotent and so is his campaign team.
It is actually closer to 15.9% but that is also down from 17.2% The 401k has not doubled it has recovered their is a difference. the Stock Market has not doubled it has recovered GDP last I looked was 1.4%. the economy has started to fix itself. Obama didn't do it. even with the tarp you still have the most bank closers in history since the 1930's. that has gone down lookes like we may just get under 60 banks this year to fail. In last 3.5 years over 300 banks have failed.
The only reason for that is because no one wants to repeat the former president. FNMA was their before the storm hit that is good but it still does not remove personal responsibility. Why are people rushing to the pumps? in hurricane season you should never go below 1/2 tank of gas. Why are people rushing to the stores? When we had our tsunami warning I sat in front of the gas station laughing at people running out and getting as much water as they could. Why? We have 40 gallons of water and 6 months of food storage and we have a solar cooker.
Rustyboy: WTF! Cans of food are useless? Even people who've lost their homes need to eat.
Tea Party = American Taliban: what has made you so angry at successful people? Could it be that you are one of the 47%? No!
My best guess is that you are an unemployed Chevy car salesman who lost his job under Obama's GM restructuring.
Don't worry, Mitt will get the economy up and running and you can get back to work again; provided you really want to.
starsailing, you're suspended for a week for violating #4 of the Code of Honor.
Persistently derailing about Romney on Sandy articles isn't on topic.
Charlie-1915998, you're suspended for a day for violating #1 of the Code of Honor.
It'd be nice if the President and/or the Governors of the worst-affected states would declare a three-month moratorium on rents, loans, and mortgage payments for people and companies under a certain amount of net worth (obviously not rich people and businesses).
If there's no public transportation, people can't get to work. If they can't get to work, they can't pay their rent. If their landlords can't collect rent, they can't pay their own mortgages.
It would be nice, but it isn't legal for them to "ask" this.
What would be even nicer is if the mortgage companies would do this on their own - but I'm guessing that is a long shot... If the mortgage companies won't delay payments, landlords can't (usually) delay expected rent payments... Who gets hosed - the tenants!
I don't see where asking would be illegal, I wonder if Obama could issue an executive order to this effect. It would put an end to the corporate vulture tactics, I am sure many CEO's are salivating at the possibility of a land and wealth grab.
When Rita and Ike hit her many of the mortgage companies but a 30 to 90 day delay on mortgages. Many of the cell phone companies, except for AT&T did not charge for those in the affected area. There are good people out there, they just don't always make headlines. On the other hand, I pity for the people of Jersey who have lost everything and now have to deal with the insurance companies. Get you claim in quick, right now they will right blank checks, in two weeks they start tightening the purse strings. By far, State Farm was the best of Rita and Ike.
The President doesn't have the power to abrogate private contracts. And no thinking person would want that.
The banks and other lenders involved may, on a voluntary basis offer forbearance to their affected customers.
Anybody brave enough to buy a oceanfront property should be ready to take the loss. Not another bailout!
"For people under a certain net worth." That kind of class-dividing warfare will be over as of November 7th...time to come out of your socialist coma, honey.
They sure are lucky this happened on Obama's watch. FEMA is on Mitt's hit list, but he refused to comment on it in Ohio while he was "not campaigning", and loading his bus with $500 worth of canned goods. Too bad Christy refused to agree to a photo op with Mitt...he said he had work too do, and no time to just pretend like he was doing something useful.
JB,
He was coined Mitt the Twit for a reason.
You're right JohnBrowning - FEMA is one of many programs Mitt's got in the crosshairs. Let a private company handle it, he says. He is just too stupid to ever let him into a position of power ever again.
And Steven - thanks for the obligatory, yet still incorrect, reference to socialism. I suppose Romneycare is not socialism on the state level, yet somehow, Obamacare, virtually the same program, is socialism??
You sit down and try to come up with an explanation.
Unless the government holds their mortgage, loan or owns their rental unit, they can't do that. Why in the world do you think the government has the ability to do that?
For every natural dister every person should be given a break everywere? It would only be far just because this was big does not mean it should be handled different by the insurance companies and mortgage companies.
As someone that lives in oceanfront property - I wholeheartedly agree with you. I didn't buy the house on the water until I was certain I could afford the insurance and had enough money saved to rebuild if (when?) the house went down in a storm - since insurance never covers everything.
I agree with the government coming in and providing disaster relief (food, water, clearing debris, helping get power back online, etc.), but I don't think others should have to pay for me to rebuild my home when I live in a risky area.
CADDELL: I am appalled right now. This White House, this president, this vice president, the secretary of state, all of them are willing apparently to dishonor themselves and this country for the cheap prospect of getting reelected, willing to cover up and lie, and the worst thing is, the very people who are supposed to protect the American people and the truth, the leading mainstream media, they have become a threat, a fundamental threat to American democracy and the enemies of the American people. What I saw with Ty Woods’ father and family and the outrage I feel for my country and the shame that these people have no honor, and when will people finally say it? Cover-up is too nice a word, and the media is the one that it’s worse on.
RUSH: Pat Caddell, talking about the media. They’ve become a threat, a fundamental threat to American democracy. They are the enemies of the American people. You shoulda seen him. He was practically crying, describing what he had seen with Tyrone Woods’ father and family, the outrage he feels for his country. He wasn’t finished.
CADDELL: This president didn’t care enough to stay in the White House and, quote, “find out what was going on” the next day. Now I know why he didn’t meet with his national security adviser. And why he got on a plane and went to a fundraiser, an act, if any president, Democrat or Republican, prior to this had done while the consulate was smoldering, would have been crucified. I’ve said it. This is — I’ll tell you, I’m so personally — not politically, but personally nauseated by this.
Read more at http://www.reagancoalition.com/articles/2012/20121031002-dem-pollster-threat.html#cVRZ0C0ZrQJFj4Ho.99
So your source for this quote is from the Rush Limbaugh talk radio show? Gee I wonder why they are so critical, I didn't hear any of this outrage towards Bush when 3000+ died in New York and various military installations, ships and Embassies were attacked on his watch. This has happened to most Presidents over the last 40 years (I am old enough to remember skyjackers). It will continue to happen, this is a known factor.
#2.2- Naomi Klein wrote a book, "Shock Doctrine-the Rise of Disaster Capitalism" about people who will take advantage of disasters, natural and manmade, to destroy the fabric of Human/American life.
I noticed when it's their state that's hit right wingers like Governor Christie aren't opposed to the handouts. Even Ryan who hates handouts for other states gets all he can for his.
"Steven-2044172 Comment collapsed by the community
"For people under a certain net worth." That kind of class-dividing warfare will be over as of November 7th...time to come out of your socialist coma, honey.
Please learn what socialism is and no if Mitt wins and caters to his Rich ilk it won't end. Also Obama didn't start any class warfare it was the rich people that think they are too good to pay taxes that started yelling SOCIALISM! SOCIALISM! They are taking my money and redistrubing it! SOCIALISM SOCIALISM!! HONEY!
Both parties believe in redistribution. Taking 10's of billions every year to fund republican pork in their districts and forcing the government to fund unwanted military programs because they're in their districts because ending them would cost jobs are redistirbution. Bush's drug plan crafted by Ryan is every bit as much redistribution as food stamps or medicaid but it's ok because republicans can do it democrats can't.
Every republican president in recent history has won by buying votes. Tens of millions voted for Reagan because of his plan to cut taxes not realising deductions eliminated would limit the cut to the 1%. Bush ran on a platform to cut taxes 400 billion a year. He knew he couldn't get away with the give with one hand take from the other that Reagan did so he simply added it to the country credit card.
Now Romney proposes a 20% tax cut. Without it the republican agenda couldn't get 25% of the vote. What will they do when tax rates are zero and they have to run on their agenda? It's time people wise up and realise saving a few hundred in taxes isn't worth what the Romney plan would do our economy. Saving a few hundred dollars won't make up for a worthless dollar.
Long Road Ahead...That ain't the half of it. We will hear about the hardship that people are going through for months to come. The total $$$ damage will be more than most people can comprehend. And please don't complain about helping those who need our help. If you break it down, the U.S. population of 300 Million people has the ability to help many more than a single state can ever hope to help on their own. Following is something to chew on...
In Florida, the state hurricane insurance fund (Citizens) is at $4 Billion. If you add in the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund that adds in another $7 Billion, plus the insurance they buy against losses (reinsurance) it would amount to about $16.5 Billion for payouts. BUT... over $230 Billion of insured properties are in coastal regions. See...the math just doesn't work for states to be expected to help everyone in a major disaster...and Florida has been saving money since 1993...although they have lost $Billions to bad financial moves and what I feel is out and out theft by...lets just call them evil doers. But what can you expect when politicians see that kind of money accumulating.
But after the many devastating hurricanes it still shocks me that soooo many are so unprepared even when they had a week or more to prepare. I'm not putting anyone down directly, but if you live in a vulnerable area for ANY natural disaster, you should be ready to take care of yourself for at least a week if not 2 weeks. I've lived on the Gulf coast for 30 years and every year when I see a hurricane come into the Caribbean, I check my disaster kit and go out and get everything I need to, just in case it's my time to get whacked. Hopefully, you will all be there for me, as I am for you.
Larry,
So every state with a republican governor should just say NO! to federal help? Yet they and the people they represent pay federal taxes. Or should those taxes only be redistributed back to the blue states?
Now that I think about, that is probably the way it is done already. The red states pay the taxes so the blue ones don't have to. 47% of the states are blue. . .
. . . Now I get it. . .
It's great that President Obama is takeing care of the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy but he really should be campaigning for re-election. Wouldn't it be better to let George W. Bush clean up the mess? Just think of the great job he did with Katrina and New Orleans.
Still suffering from that "penis envy" thing Sigmund? Or high as beejesus on coke?
What about the Democrat mayor Nagin? And the Democrat Governor Blanco? They had nothing to do with the cleanup? Nope! I guess you are right. They were useless. Better to blame it on Bush! Ha ha! Sigmund!
And yet they voted republican!
Obama, there are four dead Americans in Benghazi, Libya! why didn't you send help, to our men in Benghazi, Libya, on 9/11?
No more for 44, one and done!
Maybe you should do a little research Sigmund by the way Gov Blanco was a DEMOCRAT:
On the Saturday edition of the NBC Nightly News, anchored by John Seigenthaler, correspondent Lisa Myers reported several critical mistakes made by Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco in handling the Hurricane Katrina crisis. The story even showcased a whispered conversation, recorded by CNN, between Blanco and an aide in which Blanco admitted she had been too slow in asking for federal troops. Blanco: "I really need to call for the military ... and I should have started that in the first call."
Myers also relayed that when Blanco and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin ordered a mandatory evacuation 20 hours before Katrina hit, they were ignoring the advice of experts who had warned it would take 48 hours. Additionally, Blanco was slow to get National Guard troops to restore order. A complete transcript of the story follows:
Read more: #ixzz2AtrrnlaF
Also the devastation was so bad there wasn't a way for him to get there not to mention to disrupt a horrible situation by having to have the area prepare for the president to get there. Why do you think Bloomberg didn't want him to come to NY -- the cost of ANY presidential visit, let alone the disruption can't be born on a state or its residents for a photo op. And I hate to bring up such a touchy subject for you libs but where was the Prez after Benghazi -- let's see in front of the camera's to make a statement before running off to NV and CO for fundraisers. He had no choice but to get back to the WH as was stated if he waited any longer they didn't think they could land the taxpayers jet and he didn't want to be caught campaigning. But he did send his attack dogs Biden and Clinton. So get off your high horse and examine YOURSELF before you do others!
MORE PROOF ON HOW THE REPUBLICANS HAVE BEEN TRYING TO TAKE THE NATION DOWN.
REPUBLICANS DO THEIR BEST TO MAKE THE NATION FAIL JUST TO ELECT THEIR CANDIDATE!
REPUBS HATE FEMA AND DEFUND FEMA TO MAKE THE NATION FAIL AND SUFFER!
Source :http://www.editedforclarity.com/2011/09/13/republicans-block-fema-funds-for-disaster-relief/
Republicans Block FEMA Funds For Disaster Relief
Posted by Leo Soderman on 9/13/11 • Categorized as News,Opinion
We have mentioned before (here and here) about how Eric Cantor has said he will block relief funds without offsetting cuts. He threatened to do it with funds for relief in Joplin, MO after their devastating F5 tornado, and again with Hurricane Irene. Apparently, the outcry about his positions did nothing to change the Republican mindset, and last night they voted to block a FEMA funding bill, never allowing it to come to a vote. Via Raw Story:
So – flooding victims aren’t getting the funds, and the people of Joplin are being victimized again, not by an act of God but an act of Senate Republicans. Keep in mind that this wasn’t a vote to deny the funds. It was a vote to deny the funding ever being considered. Maybe they thought that if it didn’t come up for a full vote, they could sweep it under the rug. I have a hunch those folks who have lost homes, businesses – even family members – won’t be so eager to see this swept away without full consideration.
Disaster relief is one of the things that government is best suited for. But as the constant drone from the right tells us, we should have no government. That somehow, these people should be able to fend for themselves when these disasters happen. As Ron Paul said in the CNN/Tea Party Express debate, that’s freedom.
In this case, it’s the freedom to lose everything you own and care about, and not get any help in recovering. I hope the folks in these hard-hit areas remember who pulled the rug out from under them when the 2012 elections roll around.
sigmund, it wasn't up to george bush to clean up the mess, it was up to the state and local government, the federal government is only there to provide help.
Romney Ryan 2012
It will sure be interesting if those two clowns get elected to see what they do when another disaster strikes...Romney already said he would do away with FEMA and many on the Republican side would like for any aid to be paid for with cuts in the budget...JUST not the military budget or anything the wealthy like...velly interesting times ahead
Yet under Bush they offered far too little help far too late while Obama began personally offering help the next day and as Governor Christie has stated, Obama immediately placed calls to get needed help supplied while they were surveying the damage. That's doing his job. Nice to have a president acting presidential isn't it?
Risk1. Get off of it. The Seals you are talking about are ex Seals, get it ex. But they left the Seals and immediately went on another dangerous mission with guns. Mr. Stevens knew he was in hostile territory and it did not deter him. Yes, I too, am upset they were killed. Sad for their families. But, you know what, I'm also sad and bitter that over 6000 American children died when Bush lied; not to mention the innocents in Iraq and Afghanistan. And, don't forget to include our children who came back so very disabled, and Congress voted the bill to help them out.
Shame on you, Risk1, so being so petty. You are a coward.
Very funny. What mess has Bush ever cleaned up?
proudamericanveteran, I get that these are username insults. Username insults are terrible. Post more maturely. You're suspended for a week for violating #1 of the Code of Honor.
...
Risk1 banned, constantly derailing about Benghazi on unrelated articles. Just awful.
Massachusetts is not Romney's state. He destroyed the state while he was here, merely using his stop as governor here as a stepping stone to what he had hoped would be his climb to the presidency. Massachusetts residents consider Utah to be Romney's state.
star sailing yes and how about the representative of virginia Cantor who after voting against FEMA wanted funding for the earthquake. Toured it with McDonald? What is that?
Pro Business. This is the worst recovery in American History? Try the second. Remember circa 1933? About 15 years and one amazing war? I think that this recovery is going pretty well considering that this was the second greatest recession/depression in history. Why would anyone think that is would not be the second longest to come out of? thanks tyler for taking the benghazi issue out of this discussion. it does not belong here.
Nocommonsense
Where was BHO during any war? the front line? In the rear with the gear? Jumping out of planes? Shooting the enemy? Infiltrating an enemy base? NO? Where was he?
Well here is where Obama was during Vietnam. Not even a twinkle in his mother's eye, in mother's womb, playpen, playground, elementary school, and Jr. High. All too young to be in the military. Okay so he skipped on being Special Forces and missed St. Ronnie's follies - College. He skipped Pappy Bush's Gulf War (many people in uniform skipped this one) and was too old by the time PG War Version 2.0 - Revenge on Saddam came around under Helluva job Bushie.
Meanwhile, Mittens wined and dined in France on an extended "mission" and managed to cause some trouble whilst being there too, something about a fatal car accident. Other Mormons were enlisting and serving when their numbers came up. They did their Missions too, either before or after their 'Nam tour. So stop trying to make it a religious thing. It was a coward thing. Why hasn't Mitten's boys fulfilled their duty to their country like many other good Mormon men? Were they in Iraq or Afghanistan? NO, Cowardly behaviour is a genetic trait.
Tyler that was extreme with Risk what about Satrsailing with his million comments of
Are they on topic of sandy? I remember be taken off for a week for wishing ill will to murderers who were democrats and Some one threaten my family with dismemberment and nothing happens to them because they are a democrat.
Refreshing to see the president and Christie on the same page for this recovery effort with no political overtones getting in the way of getting the people of NJ the help and resources needed to aid in the efforts..
I'm not much of an Obama lover, but I have to say I think that he has done a good job of doing his best to be on top of this disaster. He had pretty much everybody on alert that needed to be, moved in immediatly and is doing everyting in his power to help out the people that need it. I agree with an earlyer post, give credit where credit is due. Cuddos President Obama.
he is trying to make up for his Benghazi ordeal. He will do anything at this point to look good.
he is trying to make up for his benghazi ordeal. he will do anything at this point to look good.
Say it again Biscuits...we know you want to!
He is trying to do his job, that is all. Don't try to psychoanalyze the whole deal.
Romney/Ryan want to kill Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the Post Office, ACA health care, all women's health care rights and equal pay rights, give more tax breaks to the rich like ending Romneys capital gains taxes and make the middle class pay the taxes Romney won't pay, cut social programs like foodstamps for starving children and families, cut veteran benefits.
NOW ROMNEY WANTS TO KILL FEMA AND PRIVATIZE THAT TOO! Republicans create voter suppression laws and get caught committing voter fraud just to rig the elections for Romney......republicans cheer when something goes wrong for the nation. There is no end to Romney's greed!
Vote President Obama/Biden and Team America 2012 help make the economy recover despite republican efforts to stop it!
Al Qaeda is alive, and Ambassador Cris Stevens is dead!
No more for 44, one and done!
CADDELL: I am appalled right now. This White House, this president, this vice president, the secretary of state, all of them are willing apparently to dishonor themselves and this country for the cheap prospect of getting reelected, willing to cover up and lie, and the worst thing is, the very people who are supposed to protect the American people and the truth, the leading mainstream media, they have become a threat, a fundamental threat to American democracy and the enemies of the American people. What I saw with Ty Woods’ father and family and the outrage I feel for my country and the shame that these people have no honor, and when will people finally say it? Cover-up is too nice a word, and the media is the one that it’s worse on.
RUSH: Pat Caddell, talking about the media. They’ve become a threat, a fundamental threat to American democracy. They are the enemies of the American people. You shoulda seen him. He was practically crying, describing what he had seen with Tyrone Woods’ father and family, the outrage he feels for his country. He wasn’t finished.
CADDELL: This president didn’t care enough to stay in the White House and, quote, “find out what was going on” the next day. Now I know why he didn’t meet with his national security adviser. And why he got on a plane and went to a fundraiser, an act, if any president, Democrat or Republican, prior to this had done while the consulate was smoldering, would have been crucified. I’ve said it. This is — I’ll tell you, I’m so personally — not politically, but personally nauseated by this.
Read more at http://www.reagancoalition.com/articles/2012/20121031002-dem-pollster-threat.html#cVRZ0C0ZrQJFj4Ho.99
Shouldn't Gov. Christie tell Obama, "We don't need your bloated big government help"?
No. He should just tell Obama we don't need Obama.
Right, Nibor. Republicans like to ask for and get fed handouts and then pretend like they never did and that the fed sucks for giving handouts. Just ask your hero, Ryan. ;-)
nibor
No. He should just tell Obama we don't need Obama.
Your comment is disingenuous. Romney believes FEMA should be disbanded and the money sent to the states or better yet, the private sector. Oh yes, and I'm sure there are plenty of private companies around that would keep idle disaster experts on the payroll and all that equipment and supplies warehoused at their own expense. At least during the Primary that was his suggestion. No idea what he'd like to do this hour..ROFLMAO.
Got to wonder why we need so many layers of people handing out money? Wouldn't it SAVE money to have fewer hands?
What's Romney doing? He's staging photo ops showing him collecting can goods for the relief effort. Those collections are the very thing that the RED CROSS DOES NOT WANT. It make a tremendous amount of work for them, taxes their resources and HINDERS THE RECOVERY EFFORT. The Red Cross says what is needed is cash. Is Romney hitting up his billionaire owners for cash to help those in need? No he's not doing that.
Willard's donors -- owners -- same thing...
Here's what his running mate wants:
WASHINGTON -- If it had been up to Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan, disaster response agencies would likely face lower funding to handle the huge costs of dealing with storms such as Hurricane Sandy, a review of his much-touted budget shows.
The budget plan put forward by Ryan as chairman of the House Budget Committee requires massive cuts to discretionary spending, which includes everything but entitlements. Those cuts would almost certainly extend to the Department of Homeland Security and its disaster relief programs under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The ounce of doubt remains because Ryan's budget proposal doesn't include any specifics on FEMA itself. But it also doesn't exempt FEMA or Homeland Security from the standard cuts that it broadly applies to government services. The budget does exempt the military from many cuts. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities wrote in August that Ryan's budget would likely dump the cost of dealing with disasters on state and local governments.
That's in line with a policy prescription advocated by Mitt Romney at a GOP candidates' debate last year, in which he said it was "immoral" for the federal government to play a significant role in disaster relief at a time of high budget deficits. Pressed by CNN moderator John King on whether he'd really send disaster relief to the states, he replied, "It is simply immoral, in my view, for us to continue to rack up larger and larger debts and pass them on to our kids, knowing full well that we'll all be dead and gone before it's paid off. It makes no sense at all."
While the opacity of Ryan's budget makes a definitive statement impossible, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that cuts to FEMA would be in line with his general budgetary approach. "This form of discretionary federal aid would be subject to cuts under the Ryan budget," the center wrote. "If it were scaled back substantially, states and localities would need to bear a larger share of the costs of disaster response and recovery, or attempt to make do with less during difficult times."
Third Way, a moderate think tank, wrote in March that the Ryan budget would cut funding by 62 percent for community and regional development, including disaster aid and insurance.
"This would mean less accurate predictions and planning for disasters, less preparation that can reduce the severity of their impact, and less timely responses," according to the Third Way memo. "It would set the clock back on disaster preparation to the days before Hurricane Katrina."
Although Ryan's plan never became law, it provides some insight into the still fuzzy budget priorities of his running mate, who has said he would adopt a separate but similar plan to the one introduced by Ryan. Romney has directly advocated cuts to FEMA and, like Ryan, supports broader funding cuts that would likely apply to the agency.
Romney's budget plan would lead to across-the-board cuts that would likely reduce FEMA's budget between 34 percent and 53 percent, FireDogLake wrote.
Brendan Buck, a spokesman for the Romney campaign, pointed out that the Ryan budget does not mention FEMA cuts and said that whether the agency would be exempt from cuts would be up to the appropriations committee.
"A Romney-Ryan administration will always ensure that disaster funding is there for those in need. Period," Buck said.
Disaster relief funding had traditionally been relatively noncontroversial, but more recently has become politicized as lawmakers seek to drastically reduce federal spending. FEMA nearly ran out of money last year when Republicans refused to pass an increase in the agency's funding unless it was offset by cuts elsewhere -- despite pleas from storm victims at the time.
In June, the House approved an appropriations bill to reduce FEMA's 2013 budget by $183 million from 2012 spending levels, but Ryan voted in opposition. He voted for the continuing resolution for fiscal year 2013, which maintained funding levels for FEMA.
The agency could face major cuts under the looming sequester, which Ryan voted for and President Barack Obama signed into law, although both have been critical of the deal and said they did not want it to go into effect. The sequester would reduce funding for FEMA by nearly $900 million, The Washington Post reported Monday.
Given the Republican party platform and political maneuvering going on, I doubt that Mr. Romney would be able to get rid of FEMA if he gets into office, though if he is personally convinced that FEMA is unnecessary he might try to downsize it.
FEMA is part of the Department of Homeland Security and their funding is part of DHS's $98 billion per year budget request to Congress. Homeland Security also owns the Secret Service, responsible for safeguarding the president and his family, so if Mr. Romney got into office I seriously can't see that he would get rid of FEMA against DHS's wishes(we've all seen the recent behavior of the Secret Service personnel--all it will take is one little slip.
Also, Paul Ryan has been campaigning with Speaker of the House John Boehner, and it's no secret that Speaker Boehner asked President Obama for permission to have his 33 member Homeland Security Oversight Committee to have sole oversight over all of DHS. President Obama has denied that request (which I approved--I don't believe that much governmental power should rest in the hands of 33 people) but in return for campaign help I can see Mr. Romney granting that request if he's elected.
If you take a look at all the various divisions of government now under DHS's umbrella (from FEMA and the Secret Service to the Office of Legislative Policy and the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties) that's a significant portion of the government--a lot of power--in the hands of a few.
Four dead in Benghazi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No. He should just tell Obama we don't need Obama.
Unlike most of the brain dead Republicans in this nation, Governor Christi actually has a brain, actually knows he was elected to govern as opposed to whinging about President Obama. Governor Christi actually takes his job seriously.
Why is the EXACT SAME THING, when done by the right is wrong.... yet if done by the left it's right?
Updated as of 2:00pm EST on Wednesday, October 31 (Happy Halloween!):
Real Clear Politics (RCP) is consistently cited by both FOXNEWS and NBCNEWS as a current source for reliable averaged polling data at every level of American politics.
RCP continues to consider the following eleven states, listed in descending order of electoral votes, as "toss-up": Florida (FL), Pennsylvania (PA), Ohio (OH), Michigan (MI), North Carolina (NC),Virginia (VA), Colorado (CO), Wisconsin (WI), Iowa IO), Nevada (NV) and New Hampshire (NH).
With only 130 hours left in the 2012 presidential campaign, Obama leads in seven of the toss-ups, Romney leads in three, and in CO the candidates remain in a tie.
In descending order of 'percentage of lead' in favor of Obama, followed in ascending order of 'percentage of lead' in favor of Romney, here are the published averaged numbers from RCP as of 2:00pm EST together with the most recent FiveThirtyEight election night probabilities of victory for either candidate:
.
In PA, with 20 electoral votes, Obama's lead has fallen to 4.6%, down slightly from yesterday's 4.7%.
Nonetheless, FiveThirtyEight currently gives Obama a 95.4% chance of winning PA, up from yesterday's 94.2%.
.
In MI, with 16 electoral votes, Obama's lead has fallen to 3.0%, down from yesterday's 4.0%.
FiveThirtyEight currently gives Obama a 97.9% chance of winning MI, down slightly from yesterday's 98.1%.
.
In NV, with 6 electoral votes, Obama's lead is holding at 2.4%.
FiveThirtyEight currently gives Obama an 82.8% chance of winning NV, up significantly from yesterday's 79.7%.
.
In OH, with 18 electoral votes, Obama's lead has risen to 2.4%, up from yesterday's 2.1%.
FiveThirtyEight currently gives Obama a 77.6% chance of winning OH, up significantly from yesterday's 73.3%.
.
In WI, with 10 electoral votes, Obama's lead is holding at 2.3%.
FiveThirtyEight currently gives Obama an 88.1% chance of winning WI, up significantly from yesterday's 85.7%.
.
In NH, with 4 electoral votes, Obama's lead has fallen to 1.0%, down from yesterday's 2.0%.
However, FiveThirtyEight gives Obama a 75.4% chance of winning NH, up significantly from yesterday's 70.3%.
.
In IO, with 6 electoral votes, Obama's lead has fallen to 1.0%, down from yesterday's 2.3%.
However, FiveThirtyEight gives Obama a 74.4% chance of winning IO, up from yesterday's 73.9%.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
In CO, with 9 electoral votes, the race remains tied.
FiveThirtyEight currently gives Obama a 60.7% chance of winning CO, up significantly from yesterday's 55.4%.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
In VA, with 13 electoral votes, Romney's lead has risen to 0.5%, up from yesterday's tie.
However, FiveThirtyEight currently gives Obama a 61.8% chance of winning VA, up significantly from yesterday's 57.8%.
.
In FL, with 29 electoral votes, Romney's lead has fallen to 1.0%, down from yesterday's 1.3%.
FiveThirtyEight currently gives Romney a 59.3% chance of winning FL, down significantly from yesterday's 64.7%.
.
In NC, with 15 electoral votes, Romney's lead has risen to 3.3%, up from yesterday's 3.0%.
FiveThirtyEight gives Romney an 82.0% chance of winning NC, up from yesterday's 81.4%.
.
All in all, while Romney's position in toss-up state polling has improved more than Obama's over the past 48 hours, his chances of winning in the majority of these states has declined. This is a function of Romney losing his race against the clock in PA, MI, NH, and IO, in that the rate at which he is tugging at Obama's lead in these states is not quick enough to swing the state into his column.
At the same time, in the state where Romney needs desperately to win, OH, Obama's lead has been widening over the past two days; conversely, in the state where Romney needs desperately to hold onto his lead, FL, that lead has been eroding over the same period.
So...
In order for Obama to win re-election, the least complex route appears to be through maintaining his current lead in the five toss-up states where his existing margins are widest, PA, MI, NV, OH, and WI. Doing so would bring his electoral vote total on Election Day to 271. In this scenario, Obama could still surpass 270 while failing to hold either IO or NH.
However, should Obama fail to hold OH, the loss could effectively be neutralized by any of the following combination of wins from states where FiveThirtyEight is currently predicting Obama victories:
Path #1: Obama loses OH but wins IO, NH, and CO resulting in 272 electoral votes.
Path #2: Obama loses OH but wins VA and NH resulting in 270 electoral votes.
Path #3: Obama loses OH but wins VA and IO resulting in 272 electoral votes.
Path #4: Obama loses OH but wins VA and CO resulting in 275 electoral votes.
With Romney's lead having diminished significantly in FL over the past two weeks and with Hurricane Sandy forcefully highlighting the stark contrast between Obama and Romney regarding the value, necessity, and mere existence of FEMA in a state which has perhaps the greatest dependence on federal storm relief efforts in the country, a 5th path has suddenly appeared on the horizon which could provide for some interesting election night television:
Path #5: Obama loses OH, IO, NH, and WI while failing to capture VA and CO but comes from behind to steal FL resulting in 272 electoral votes.
.
It should be noted regarding Paths #1 and #2 that there remains some question as to the accuracy of the RCP polling numbers in NH which still include in their average a recent 'outlier' finding from UNH which had Obama leading by a questionable 9.0%.
For Romney to unseat Obama, he not only would have to hold the three states in which he presently leads, FL, NC, and VA bringing his electoral vote total to 248, but also steal a victory in CO where his lead fell from 0.4% on Friday to that of dead heat and in OH where Obama's lead this morning rose to 2.4%. By so doing, Romney's electoral vote total would reach 275.
Should Romney take CO and VA but fail to take OH, he could overcome this shortfall by stealing WI and either IO or NH, resulting respectively in an electoral vote total of 273 or 271.
In either scenario, however, Romney must hold FL at all costs.
FiveThirtyEight, at present, estimates the chance of Election Day victory for each candidate as follows: Obama 77.4% - Romney 22.6%. FiveThirtyEight also projects that on Election Day the final electoral tally will be as follows: Obama 299 - Romney 239. Lastly, although it makes no difference in terms of the final result which can only be determined by the Electoral College, FiveThirtyEight currently predicts a national popular vote
distribution on Election Day as follows: Obama 50.4% - Romney 48.5%.
With only 130 hours of campaigning left, this one is going to come down to the wire….and quite possibly, in a few of the closest toss-up states, to the October jobs report which because of Hurricane Sandy may be delayed from a scheduled Friday release to the following Monday, one day before the election.
Let's hope that Election Day is free of both voter fraud and voter intimidation and that eligible voters who have registered in good faith over the past six months are in fact able to vote on November 6; let's also hope that vote tabulation itself is performed honestly and accurately by both the election commissions and private corporations to whom this essential role is being entrusted.
In any case, it will be interesting to watch as election night unfolds.
Really? All of you need to stop with the political misinformed nonsense. The focus should be on NJ and NY. There are millions of people suffering and all of you want to pound your fists on your chests.
Risk1, 3,000+ dead on AMERICAN SOIL on 9/11, when Bush knew MONTHS ahead of time from intel that al qaeda was going to attack the U.S. but didn't listen. 33 dead from 12 attacks on Embassies under Bush Administration. Oh wait, that's the PAST, we should never look back or remember.
spew all the poll misinformation you want but the election is still next Tues, that is the poll that matters not polls and info to try and dissuade voters from voting....ain't gonna happen libbies
Governor Christie apparently realises he owes his allegiance to all the residents of his state and not to lobbyists like Grover Norquist. Good for him.
And how will crying and whining help those that suffered in those area's? Write a check and keep posting. Your comment doesn't sound caring or concerned it sounds idiotic.
And you sound like the uncaring Republican you are. You are a hard cold bunch. This election has really shown your true self's. That is why I never wanted to be a Republican. The party of no, the party of hate and the party of I don't care.
yes BNLSP; If Gov Christie were honest he would turn down Fed help and persuade his followers in Jersey that they should fix it on their own, while keeping up their tax payments, while keeping up their soc security payments and while coming off their disability receipts as they take jobs in the clean up and repair industry to rebuild New Jersey. That honesty would be refreshing. But the truth came out for Cristie. He flew over and saw the damage. He knows now, that there are things a huge central gubmint can do that a state gubmint cannot do. Massive rescue and recovery in a nat disaster is one. When the recovery is well under way, say a month or two from now, expect Cristie to turn once again against his new found friend the President and his bag of benefits. After he gets his receipts, he will once again be against someone else getting anything - like the social security that a 62 year old has been paying for 45 years and will pay for a few more. When that person retires Cristie will want to cut their benefits so he can give the money to someone else.
This will be an opportunity to let the smallness of the GOP shine through as they bellyache about the federal government. You know, the same federal government sending carriers to aid relief for NY and NJ and FEMA, now free of control by mental midgets, having prepositioned equipment anticipating the storm. In short, Obama well in control and doing what he should be doing. Any seaboard state politican still refusing government grants of any sort, especially future aid for reparing infrastructure should return "to the pits of hell."
You can never give this man credit for anything without some sort of back-handed comparison can you?
Nibor, what an uneducated thing to say. First, Obama did not refuse to aid the US consulate. Second, he did not watch it happen and third, had congress approved the funds to secure the consulate, it would not have cost 100th of what this storm is going to cost. Stop your political bias, donate to the Red Cross and take a page from your GOP counterpart and do what needs to be done without a political agenda.
Nibor is a jerk off.
Anyone who disagrees with you Obama supporters,is (insert typical name calling),Obama did know what was going on in Benghazi,it was a video some twit posted. . .oh wait that's not right. . The king and his men watched it all unfold live by drone and put out the Stand Down call.That people is a fact,there is film,audio,eyewitness accounts,the military and others in his lala land circle are starting to tell on the Manipulator &Chief because he left 4 Americans behind and threw his bestie Rev Wright under the bus,tried unsuccesfully to blame a video,and now they all know its just a matter of time ( after the election) before he finds his next scapegoat,he has not ,and will not own his failures,he has been blaming others his whole life,he isn't going to stop now,especially when a possible Treason,Jail,ect is on the line,he isn't Man enough.And I hope all those hurt by him and his policies will get a New Real Man for President one guided by Real American values and Morals,guided by The founders hope for the way America should be run,Guided by common since,guided by American people that belive in our communities the American people,and we can do anything better than O'sBIG Goverment,O quietly whispering to Russian leaders he will be able to help out more after the election,is that why O appointed a bunch of Czar's after he pledged on the Koran ?We The People want a Real Leader ! Romney,Yes We Can !
Ummm Ster2, I don't recall any of the 'founders' being Mormon...
Ster2: Link proof. And note that conspiracy theories by right wing nut jobs isn't proof. We've heard it all, Obama was born in Kenya, he's a secret Muslim, he's a secret communist etc. and you really expect us to believe another unproven rant?
ster2 you are one of the dumbest mofos on here fk u oh yeah and Nibor to fk u
Obama is going to attack New Jersey?
I hope your just sarcastic.
You are a very small person nibor...tell me, are you typical of Republicans? Using an American disaster to launch a political attack against the President of the United States is of course within your rights...
"When they show you who they are...believe them!"
Glad we still have the EXTRA carriers available..............
And why can't we attack Barry the same way so many attacked President Bush?
President Bush was right NOT to go to Katrina.... waste of resources to protect the man.....
Same way that Obama did not NEED to head back to Washington to MANAGE the storm......
I have seen Democrats do this. Just like Democrats cheering when a hurricane strikes the US when a republican is having their convention. So I would say he is just the average American.
President Bush was right NOT to go to Katrina.... waste of resources to protect the man.....
Bush visited Katrina, from Air Force One.
Obama had no idea that New Jersey was one of the 57 states
Nah, Nibor is just an ignorant moron, racist, piece of trash.
And President Obama is visiting NJ via NJSP Helicopter, So what is your point and what is the difference, FYI the mayor of NYC told President Obama not to come to NY because it would create problems.
Do you think we will se a photo of President Obama looking out the window of the helicopter and do you think the headlines and resultant stories will be the same.
Bush offered help to New Orleans na Louisianna right away, The idiot mayor of NO and Governor of LA were too busy arguing who was in charge to accept the help and save their people.
Lost....Bush went to John McCains birthday party the day Katrina hit New orleans........delivered a birthday cake and sang happy Bday...then Bush went to calif to a campaign funding party.........His FEMA Fail man Brownie resigned because he was such a failure...!
Obama: Doing the right thing and helping those in need directly.
Romney: Campaigning for himself from the safety of Iowa.
LOL....
Obama: Looking for a photo op...and trying to save his a**.
Romney: In TAMPA, FL...because he's not the president. YET!
That's an interesting point of view Cameron. Personally it drives me insane for any politician to be near a disaster site. Stay out of the way and let the people on the ground get to work. Obama doesn't need to be interrupting the true recovery efforts by making little campaign stops and speeches in front of every destroyed house and flooded building. Unless the President is trained in disaster recovery he should get of the way and let the emergency and local authorities do their jobs.
Property has been lost and people have died. This is not the time for scoring political points. It's disgusting.
There is NO REASON for Barry to go view the carnage first hand... all it will do is spend resources to protect him & his MULTITUDES of staff.....
Somehow I get the feeling that Ruwen and Steve would be bitching if the President didn't tour the disaster area.
Sometimes (or should I say with some people) you just can't win.
get a map...then a clue....romney isn't in Iowa, he was as of this morning in Ohio drumming up contributions of food and supplies for the victims, not tying up recourse's for a photo op.
Romney the Humanitarian hard at work telling more lies.
Did you hear the one about Chrysler shipping it's Jeep operations from Ohio to China Big fat LIE.
What is wrong with you people. There is a need for the President to go and view the devastation and the Governor wants him there. He needs to be there. You people are just ignorant haters. Go away and do something constructive...
Just Wow! You libs are so clueless, still swooning over Barry!
Romney and Ann were collecting goods for the hurricane victims and on his website, Romney requested donations to the Red Cross instead of campaign donations. While they were doing this, Mooochelle was out campaigning for her hubby in Iowa. If you libs could only see how brainwashed you are with your LSM...self-heal by getting some information from other sources, you'd realize what a koolaid haze you're living in.
Personally, I can't wait until the undeniable truth comes out that Barry gave stand down orders during the Benghazi attack and is responsible for the deaths of 4 American heroes. Whether or not he wins this election....he's toast!
PS...Why do you think Bloomberg asked that Obama stay away from New York???? Barry's going to go anyway....great photo ops.
Obama, why didn't you send help to the Navy SEALs, as they fought, a seven hour battle, in Benghazi, Libya. And repeatedly called for help. Why, did you let four Americans die! While you were in Las. Vegas, campaigning?
No more for 44, one and done!
Risk1, why did Republicans let 3,000 Americans die on 9-11-01 while Bush read childrens books?
You have some nerve to criticize this president considering your party's own track record on the topic. And Romney wants to return to those Bush-era policies.
Oh My! Don't criticize the Prez!! LOL!
Are you referring to those same Bush-era policies that Barry renewed? Yes? And too bad Clinton didn't take out Osama when he had numerous chances...9/11 may not have happened.
You libs need to get some new talking points that have NOT been DEBUNKED!!
Cameron Ford....that's Florida, a state in the southernmost part of the eastern US since you obviously missed geography class. Romney is doing exactly what he should be doing,lending support and not diverting attention away from the disaster, but working some of the relief lines. How much help have you been? Go put your head back in the toilet and make some bubbles...good boy.
Obama, will not win Florida, he cancelled, NASA's Human Spaceflight program! NASA still does not have a Mission!
No more for 44, one and done!
Cameron, in 1998, two of our Embassies were attacked by Usama Bin Laden. One in Tanzania, one in the Sudan. Hundreds of people were killed, Bill Clinton was president at the time! The Sudanese, had UBL, in custody. They asked Clinton if he wanted UBL, Clinton said no! If Clinton, had said yes, we would not have lost a single person on 9/11. We would not had to fight, two wars, or spent trillions of dollars. Thousands, of our military men and women, would still be alive! Keep in mind, the US Govt. (Clinton), new UBL, had attacked the US, 1993, when he (UBL), tried to take the Twin Towers down the first time!
No more for 44, one and done!
Romney is not the President. Obama is doing what he should for a change,so why even bring Romney into it? Romney turns his campain into a disaster relief and gets accused of not giving what the Red Cross wants. . Typical ungrateful comments,Im sure the victims of Sandy will be greatful for any and all help,even from the EVIL Republicans
And little Paulie Ryan was out campaigning in Wisconsin. Guess he couldn't handle real work. BTW, Mitt's "donation drive" was basically just a campaign stop, during which campaign videos were played while people stood in line to donate goods that Mitt purchased himself, just so that he could make it look like people showed up at his little stunt.
JustForStarters, funny thing about Romney's 'charity drive,' HE paid $5,000 for the canned goods for the people there to turn around AND DONATE THEM BACK TO HIM. Whata guy...
CAN WE ALL PLEASE STOP THE FIGHTING -- JUST FOR A SECOND. YES--I'M SHOUTING AT YOU BECAUSE I'M SICK OF THE FIGHTING!
The focus right now needs to be on getting help for these people who have lost their homes or are trying to get along without electricity. Before any of you became Democrats/Republicans/Independents/Anarchists, you used to just be people.
If Obama's presence in NJ will help the people there, that's great. If Romney bought $5,000 worth of canned goods to donate to these people, that's great too.
I know we can all pull together even if it's just for a minute--I've got faith in you, my fellow Americans.
Fantom....Yeah I saw that too.....Fake charity drive....Romney should get on his knees and apologize to disaster victims and then the nation.
There is some good news. Turns out Obama is way ahead in the Russian Communist polls.
Change your handle to Nihil, please.
Idiot
welll now we know what he ment by "leeway"
Nibs, grow up. What are you, ten?
Sadly Sheila, Nibor is a grown person and has the mentality of an ignorant a**...sure he loves Mitt and the liars and probably voted for Bush, so we can thank people/crazies like Nibor for the mess we got left with when President Obama took office. Ignore the author is an option. I have a couple I am getting ready to ignore as their comments are bs and not worth my time or yours.
You are 100% correct. Libs hate facts. All Barry's commie buddies want to see him re-elected. Hmmm...wonder why.
LOL....libs say "idiot" and "grow up" because you speak the truth!!
Gov. Christie is good governor. Facts show that he has worked hard day and night to help people in the state. On the other hand, President Obama's visitation to N.J. is purely for political reasons. He wants to use this opportunity to help him for re-election. Good luck to you, Mr. President. American people are very smart.
Dumbest post ever there.
If he didn't know you would be all over him for not caring. You are just grasping at straws to try and tear the man down and showing what a mental midget you really are.
Gorge... NJ was hit the hardest of all states so it makes LOGICAL sense for the President to work with the government officials ( Christie) to ensure they have access to resources needed for a speedy recovery. Its called leadership!.. If you don't want to believe me ask Christie..He will tell you dam-- straight or knock you on you azz if you think this is purely political ...
American people are very smart
Most are, except for you.
I served 3-1/2 year in a helicopter utility squadron (HU-1). This is what we did!
U.S. Navy Parachute Rigger '62 - '66
Did you get an opportunity to assist Willard with parasailing on the Seine?
To bad Obama didn't send in help when Ambassador Stevens and his security detail begged for it for 8 hours.
It would have taken Romney 16 hours or more to respond. He would have outsource the rescue to private for profit corporations that he would benefit from financially.
I repeat our military does not have transporter technology.
The drone that you Right Wing Nut Jobs likes to go on about arrived at the end and was unarmed.
It is impossible to scramble any military unit in under a few hours and that assumes that you have them close by to start with.
Learn physics before you post. Because apparently you want Obama to bend the laws of physics.
According to what I heard, Ambassador Stevens and diplomatic personnel in Libya were asking for an extension for the US Security Support Team, headed by Lt. Colonel Andrew Wood, to continue in Tripoli after their second deployment extension was scheduled to end in June (the SST had already been there one deployment + 18 extra months, the diplomatic party were asking for another 18 month extension):
Asked for comment to the memo and Wood's comments, a spokesman for the House Oversight Committee told ABC News: "Diplomats working in Libya viewed security provided by highly trained Americans as critical to their safety and mission. The Oversight Committee's investigation continues to seek answers about why - even as threats against Americans increased - senior State Department officials erroneously decided such security was no longer needed."
In February, the embassy reported to the State Department that the "security environment in Tripoli remains uncertain and unstable. Although there has been a marked decrease in the number of militia checkpoints around Tripoli, the Transitional National Council (TNC) has not yet succeeded in demobilizing the multiple militias or bringing them into a centralized command and control structure. There continues to be large numbers of weapons throughout Tripoli, with gunfire heard throughout the city on a daily basis."
The State Department pushed the American diplomats to develop plans to transition its security staffing to one that incorporated more locally based assets, but its ability to do so was "severely limited by a number of factors," the February memo states, including inconsistent support from the Libyan government, no reliable "armed, uniformed host government security at our residential and office compounds," no "real progress on the policy framework required to support a transition to an armed locally engaged body guard force," silence from the Libyan Minister of Interior when it came to formal U.S. "requests for firearms licenses, training sites, or static, host nation security."
The request concludes: "Given the unstable security environment, projected staffing increases, lack of physical and technical security upgrades in place and continued high volume of VIP visits, Embassy Tripoli requests an extension" of the Security Support Team for four months, which "will allow us to implement the security transition plans recommended by the Department. A loss of SST now would severely and negatively impact our ability to achieve the Department's policy and management objectives at this critical time in Libya's transition."
Investigators are exploring whether anyone at the State Department told the Embassy specifically not to request another extension.
So yes, based on this one could say that Ambassador Stevens' diplomatic party asked for more protection, but he asked it from the State Department--his boss--to pass on to the President.
One would, however, be wrong in saying that President Obama ignored it--from the general tenor of the above-quoted report, it seems that he was never given the chance since senior State Department officials did not pass on the request from the diplomats to the administration, and it appears to be under question whether someone ORDERED the diplomatic team NOT to request the SST from the President.
Amanda,
Bull@!$%#. The speed of the Commander and Chief is the speed of the game.
Physics? LMAO We have a base in Italy which is an hour away by air. They knew what was going at the time too. Nice try the Geography Major
yabecoo...if you can't handle the truth...don't post. You just make yourself look like the idiot that you are.
Yabecoo IS telling the truth! But yes...don't post if it doesn't conform with the left wing looney theories of the Prez is the greatest!!
And some demwit has the audacity to copy/paste a statement from the State Department!! Bwahahahah!!
Why don't you libs visit a few other websites not operated by the LSM and get educated. There's plenty of military people talking about Benghazi...and personally, I will believe what they say over what this administration and it's LSM lackeys have to say! Get a clue!
Test
or to Hurricane Irene last year or the Tornadoes in the midwest. Obama's record and performance don't support legitimate believability to anything other than this is a photo op. It is the Navy which Obama says we don't need lending a hand.
US Security Support Team, headed by Lt. Colonel Andrew Wood, approved the Benghazi visit to a Public Relations Event in an uncertain and unstable country of Tripoli, on the anniversary of 911, with diminished security assets. Why did he approve this public appearance?
Why didn't he take the initiative and request assistance from NAS Siganella, COMSIXTHFLT? What was he waiting on?
To you civilian lads that haven't served , I would suggest you get your GEDs and enlist and learn firsthand how the military works. I wouldn't mind being your Boot Company Commander. I'd make our company Brigade. And you will like it.
Obama could care less about NJ...or anyone other than himself.
He knows he's about to be handed his a** by America.
He'll do ANYTHING to stay in the spotlight.
Blonde.. Really??? So by your logic Obama planned this tragedy to get re-elected? Your desperation to make this a political issue is pathetic......
blonde coyote
Whats the matter with you, how dare you offer ANY other reason or opinion ? you surely must be a greedy / racist / teapublincan / lying / hater....i bet you don't believe this is all bushs fault either. and think he is no more then a arrogant narcissist, how dare you refuse to Bend Forward..............
Blonde Coyote, only an unhappy, miserable person would make the comments you've made.
Blonde alright. Blonde moron.
Blonde....100% correct! Don't worry about the KoolAid drinkers...they could have all the evidence under their snotty noses, they'd still refuse to see the truth about their tin mullah.
And Romney would require the States to go solo without any overarching structure to best allocate assets and personnel. Unfortunately disaster doesn't stop at the borders of States and failure to cooperate across a region not only wastes resources but it wastes money the "Holy Grail" for the Republicans.
Obviously you have never worked with FEMA at a state response level. FEMA has local and regional coordinators but when a national disaster is called the idiots from DC come in and take over. Like Biden they know little about the geography or demographics.
Why don't you learn for yourself whet Romney said before you responds to MSNBC snippets of news.
Obama is going to Jersey for a Photo op. Why do you think Bloomberg told him to stay out of NYC. His presence there consumes resources and personnel that are need to respond to the disaster. Obama can cut a check for Jersey form D.C. just as easy as he does for Libya, Afghanistan and Egypt.
1. Christie has been praising Obama and 2. Bloomberg is a life-long Democrat who only changed parties because he could not have beaten Mark Greene in a primary. Obama would only distract from NYC's recovery efforts. You must live in some backwater of Louisiana to even make this something other than a story about a storm and its aftermath.
Proudamericanveteran, when a disaster of this scope happens, the little local offices (which are still federal employees, by the way) don't have the manpower to handle it all themselves and no single state has the funds to do so. There are big problems that only a big government can solve.
Cameron, you just don't get it! Fema owns nothing, they approve vendors, purchase supplies and approve expenditures. They coordinate resources. There is not a FEMA ARMY. now these idiots come in, they have the resources, but they also have political debts so they have to chose vendors who may not be able to supply but are racially diverse. In CT and Jersey they may be ok but in TEXAS they were sending supplies to DFW that was not affected.
ROMNEY did not advocate getting rid of FEMA. HE advocated a more top-down hierarchy and ridding the headquarters for 10,000 HMFIC. Your local FEMA Coordinator lives there, the National Ones come in more like political VIPS. Know the difference.
FEMA is made up of some of the greatest people on earth.. however it is led by political appointees.
By my own experience, I would rather give all of my money to re-elect Nancy Pelosi than give one dollar to the Red Cross.
proud....might as well give up, talking sense or facts with a lib is a whole lot like trying to nail jelly to a tree...
Scooter,
Of course it's not problem for the RWNJ because they would have cut down that tree and still be waiting for a shipment of nails from the company Bain moved to China.
I don't think I'd give 2 cents for Pelosi but I know for Damned sure the Red Cross gets ZERO from me. I've seen them in inaction.<----intended. Give to the Salvation Army. They don't spend 90% on salaries. Red Cross is not the military person's friend either.
FEMA is much like the rest of the gov. agencies....inept at best. Bureacratic crap piles of mismangement and waste...they need reorganizing just like the rest of the gov agencies.
Proud...Romney said absolutely....Fema gone....fema privatized...and you can deny it...the nation has seen numerous videos and interviews........This clown then hires the same failed group of advisers that failed the nation under Bush.......
The people need to be thankful that Romney was not President when this happened. Even out of his own mouth came cutting FEMA dollars and turning it over to the individual states. When you have a catastrophe of this scale, the federal government needs to be in control. I am glad to see and hear that Christie is putting people ahead of politics. If this happened 365 days a year in this country, a lot more would get done and it would not be just for me attitudes. It's time for compassion and helping our fellow Americans even if we live in the Midwest, South, or West. This kind of disaster may not happen where you live, but diasters do happen unpredictably and will in the future too. If you weren't immediately effected by this, then think where you would live or where you would work if you suddenly lost everything including your home and job. Maybe you would not have enough to survive for a week, then what for food? It is not time for politics, it is time to help those that are affected by this diaster that was no fault of their own. Obama is doing what he or a President is suppose to do in diasters like this and that is worry first and help the people that lost a lot or maybe everything.
You don't understand, JoAnn. To us middle-aged white guy GOP constituency types, Obama is half a Black guy with an uppity wife and dogooder plans to keep us out of the coal mines and, worse, from handling snakes.
Racism is alive and well in American,Ditto Head..
ditto head? ....let me guess...recess?
JoAnn: Don't let your Hate blind you. I am very sure that Mitt Romney when he is President would do the same thing the President is doing. Its the Presidents job to help Americans not to stand by and watch live feeds as our Ambassador got murdered.
Yeah. Damn that Mitt Romney and his wife collecting goods for victims and requesting people donate to the Red Cross instead of his campaign.
Where do you libtards get your information from??? Oh....right....the LSM. Totally brainwashed!
Four dead in Benghazi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No more for 44, One and done!
Man of Steel,
Why would you think that? Romney didn't exemplify that when he was governor and two natural disasters occured in MA.
@Risk1 4,000 dead in Iraq/Afghanistan thanx to 43
justfornothing....your coward staged a fake charity drive....get with current events guy.....a fake staged charity drive...went to Wal mart...bought 5 thou worth of canned goods granola bars ...sent them in area, had people walk over pick up something then walk over to Mittster the phoney and hand him the Romney bought stuff as if people were walking up with their own goodies to give....gawkers.....duped into being fake charity people.......Romney has no bounds to his insanity!
It will take a nation of united people to re-build that. Thankfully the adults are in charge this time.
Yes...thankfully the adults will be in charge after Nov. 6th.
Yes -- the same adults who are currently in charge.
Yes...thankfully the adults will be in charge after Nov. 6th.
Yes...thankfully the adults will STILL be in charge after Nov. 6th.
There, fixed it for ya Blondie.
Its going to take a nation of volunteers, and most of them are already there. I know a lot of our local fire departments already have people assisting. Duke Energy will also send people from this area to help, we will get it done. Thats the best part of America, no politics when an emergency strikes.
Obama, why, did you let four Americans die, on 9/11, in Benghazi, Libya? Why, are you lying about this attack, on our Consulate?
No more for 44, one and done!
I saw that Heckuva Job Brownie was already criticizing Obama for "acting too quickly" in response to Sandy. There really is no level too low for the rightwing to sink in order to criticize and insult this president.
At least Gov Christie is able to put political parties aside for the sake of doing what's right. I can't say the same for the rest of the republicans.
Its nice for morale, that the President goes and visits, but in terms of resources, his presence takes away.
The American people expect their President to make a visit to console those affected by the disaster.
proud.. It is EXPECTED that the President view for himself the damage to ensure proper resources are allocated to address this storm of the century..In my book, its referred to as Leadership..
Notice how the rt wingers cheer when something goes wrong for the nation, then bitch about it when something is good for the nation...?
And where's Mitt been? Hiding out in Ohio and Iowa. Bought $5,000 worth of groceries to donate... Geez he bet Rick Perry $10,000... all he could cough up was $5K? Why not donate cash or blood Mitt? Obama sends in the Navy and Romney sends in groceries. Mitt you have no guts.
So you saying Mitt needs to buy some carriers or that Obama paid for everything himself...
Debbie, you have no brain.
Yeah and like all of the federal gifts.. its the taxpayers that provide it.. not the politicians. Grow up!
Sorry Debbie, I responded before I noticed your line of MSNBC. Just to be compassionate, I have always supported the needs of people like yourself who are mentally challenged.
The Red Cross specifically asked for cash donations. It is a logistical nightmare for them to ship and sort through donated grocery items, some of which may or not be needed by the victims.
How much "cash" did Obama donate to the red cross?
First responders don't have the time or resources to sort through boxes upon boxes of food and blankets to find what is needed at a particular moment. That is why they ask for financial donations, which can be used to purchase the required goods or service needed, when needed. Romney's canned food drive, while maybe well-intended, will cause more of a headache and delay help to those in need.
I imagine the president has donated, it isn't something to make a game of who gives more over. Just be thankful for all who can and do give.
nice to see a gal with a VERY vivid imagination........
The donations that Romney collected are not going to the Red Cross or the first responders, they are going directly to local organizations who will distribute directly to people in need. It is called people helping people, not "send money".
`
Four dead in Benghazi, why, Obama!
obummer send in navy help well theres a first time for everything..where was the navy help in libya ?
By giving to the Red Cross you are supporting their half million dollar executive salaries. Don't give money, give items. Contact local churches and other groups and ASK what they need, then deliver it to them. Or if you can't bring yourself to do that, then give to the Mormon Relief Society. They will sort and deliver and they don't take 6 figure salaries.
It is time to stop this funnelling of money into the coffers of so-called charities that pay big corporation wages. Due to the size and extensive damage, we cannot afford any more layers between our donations and those in need.
If I recall, Willard in June of this yr said FEMMA should be disbanded and the responsibilty turned over to the states when a natural disaster takes place..Eddie Munster Ryan also agrees.....
The republicand shoud applaud Gov Christie for his non partisan comments,in fact applauding Presient Obama for his support during this disaster.
Christie has been and continues to be one of those most critical of Obama's handling of the economy. It will be up to each state to recover from this disaster. All the federal government really does is provide money and that would be handled no differently no matter who happens to be in the White House.
Christie WILL pay retribution for the Nice comments made about Obama. The Tea Turd Party will throw Christie out. Welcome to the Democratic Party Christie. I myself will be joining the Democratic Party after the Election. I have already voted for ALL Democrats in our area, as well as Obama. The Republican Party of today is not For the People, they are just for the Super Rich. I will no longer associate myself with the Republican party unless it comes to its senses, which is not likely. I know a ton of people in my area that are doing the same. Go Democratic, and see the Real Americans, not the Tea Turds.
OK Guys,, in regards to NY and NJ, Pennsylvania and the millions of Americans affected by this storm.. lets show some compassion and lay off the Obama Romney crap for a few days.
Because for those who have lost loved ones and their homes.. it is really offensive. Been there, done that, got the T-Shirt.
I agree but do know that for me it comes out because nearly every NBC article (including this one) always has "Obama" as the first word of the headline. It's like they're an extension of his campaign. Then you read the people praising Obama for what he's doing like he really didn't need to do it but look what a great president we have. It's 6 days before the elections! What do you think he's gonna do??? He'll use as much taxpayer money to look good as he can!
Kenny, maybe "Obama" is the first word in the headline because he happens to be the frickin' president, and therefore the one in charge of orders when events like this happen.
Right on! I agree with proud American vet. Let's support the President and those who have been effected by this disaster. Get a life!
No way I'd vote for Mitt... but Christie in 2016?..... Maybe.... at least he's not being a jerk and trying to get something done... maybe he realizes that is what the GOP should be doing... Nice move to thank the President which he didn't have to do... but that was "class".....
I agree.
You have to respect a man who puts partisan politics aside, when it counts, and acknowledges the other guys help.
I agree Kent, never in a million years would you see/hear a Democrat giving credit where credit is due unless it's Obama or a democrat.
yeah, christie would make a great democrat! a person putting people before politics...hmmm. are you sure he's really a republican?
it's obvious nothing that obama could do would make an impact on the people who hate him so much. if he stayed on the campaign trail and wrote checks from ohio, he would have been vilified for not caring. he flies back to washington to try on get a handle on the storm before it hit, and he's vivified for acting too soon! every time someone takes a picture of him, it's a 'photo op.' if God came down out of heaven and patted obama on the back for a job well done, ya'll become atheists. just admit, you hate the MAN, not his policies. at least you'd be honest...but, then you wouldn't be republicans.
You mean the guy that played on the Sopranos?
While the President was in the White House taking charge of the Federal response to the disaster, Willard was running campaign commercials in which he told the public flat-out LIES about the auto manufacturers. These lies were so blatant the manufacturers themselves had to issue press releases refuting them.
Willard is one desperate man...
All Obama did what shoot some photo ops. The activities necessary to rebound from this disaster are being handled by each state. Obama wanted to go to New York for some more photo ops today, but Bloomberg said no.
GM and Chrysler went bankrupt. What Obama did was to prevent a normal bankruptcy because that would have hammered the UAW and Obama was repaying them for their political support. I would remind you that Chrysler is now part of a foreign based company.
Yes Mitt is campaigning. He doesn't have the blank taxpayer check Obama uses for his election.
The president is doing his job, unlike his predecessor who stayed on vacation during the Katrina disaster.
Catastrophes of this magnitude can ONLY be dealt with by the federal government assisting the beleaguered states.
Gm and Chrysler would have been liquidated had the government not stepped in. There was NO money available in the private sector to finance a restructuring. We were bailing out them too, remember?
I wouldn't expect Romney to quit campaigning, they already put it on hold for a couple of days. Its the president's responsibility to be there, not Romney's. And the president is doing a good job.
no need to remember..... " the private sector is doing just fine"....BHO
Peter17,
According to the car companies themselves, they would have been liquedated! This wasn't a situation where they could just re-organize and come out the other side! There was no private money available to lend to them. They would have ceased to exist. That's the bottom line. That would have had a devastating effect on all the other industries that provide materials and support to this industry, so it would have been felt throughout the entire nation as these industries dried up.
Romney is a douche.
recess is over best hurry .......
all of that from a tramp. nice.
ty
Barry is a murderer.
Before, Chrysler was part of a German company. Now it's 30 percent part of an Italian company.
Romney is a douche. Finally some truth.
Steve Christie just won himself the 2016 election, how? By being human...he looks more Presidential than your right wing nut job candidate...can you guys flip flop today and get him on the ticket?
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha....what is it like in your world? the "parallel universe" as the car manufacturer puts it in their open letter to the people of Ohio..ha ha ha ha ha...
You guys are going to lose this election by a ton of votes ha ha ha ha ha...
I don't know. One could argue that Christie has won himself the General Election by showing true leadership in adversity, but lost the Republican Primary by working with Obama in a non-partisan fashion.
good point...a bit to moderate...
The funniest thing about Romney running so close in this election, if not winning it outright, is watching people like you become unhinged.
Look at a conservative talking about being "unhinged", that is classic. You maniacs were born unhinged (have you ever seen limbaugh bouncing around in his chair?).
So Proud to have voted for Obama, a great, great president.
Steve. Christie will have to change to the Democratic Party if he wants to be Nominated for President in twenty sixteen. The Tea Turds will have nothing to do with Christie due to him saying that Obama is doing a good job. Welcome to the Democratic Party Christie.
I become unhinged realizing there are so many people who buy his lies and support his "plans," which lack any specificity. It would be funny if it wasn't so sad and scary.
Chris Christie isn't capable of lying sufficiently well to get the nomination of the Republican Party for President. He plans, however, to run for re-election as governor of New Jersey.
Chris Christie has nothing to lose...Governor of New Jersey is as high as he goes...maybe Senator at the outside, unless he gets on the Jenny Craig like a mo-fo!