How the Republican Government shutdown works

[Dad2three]

Blah, blah, blah...

SERIOUSLY? BANKS, like Freddie and Fannie, who were at the heart of the housing bubble disaster, were the victims? Frank was caught red-handed lying to Congress about the collapse. As he sat before Congress and told them there was no problem the bubble was already starting to burst...but why would Frank lie to save the GOP who liberals claim were the real culprits. That makes no sense. DUH...because it is liberal B$! Frank and Liberals try to cover for Freddie & Fannie, their own pressure on banks to reduce the standards for proving people could afford the houses they were getting loans for...because no matter what people deserved to own their own houses, whether they could afford them or not.

Like I predicted, Liberals will fight to their last dying breath to try to convince people they have never done anything wrong, are not doing anything wrong, and will never do anything wrong...as Obama has demonstrated as President...it's ALWAYS someone else's fault!

Did Banksters provide TENS OF BILLIONS in refunds to F/F or the opposite? Did Banks PAY tens of billions in fines, or was that F/F BUBBA?

June 17, 2004


Builders to fight Bush's low-income plan


NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Home builders, realtors and others are preparing to fight a Bush administration plan that would require Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to increase financing of homes for low-income people, a home builder group said Thursday.


Home builders fight Bush's low-income housing - Jun. 17, 2004

 

[ThoughtCrimes]

There is no need for security at the ww2 monument. Obama hates our veterans and this proved how much.

What is this "our veterans" crap! We aren't your pawns to be used again and again when you want to pull us out of the drawer to display your "concern" and faux "patriotism". During President Obama's time in office, more has been done in correcting the enormous problems with and within the VA, both VHA (health side) and VBA (benefits side), left over from the Bush & Co administration. Bush flat fucking IGNORED veterans, fool~! Now stuff your neoconservative talking points and learn something, smack!!!!

 

[easyt65]

Facts give you a headache.

Ronald Reagan is YOUR GOD.

Ronald Reagan could do not wrong.

How Dare We Attack The Ronnie God.

Get over it.

1. Ronnie is not my 'god'.

2. Stick to speaking for yourself and what YOU believe because you absolutely $u@K at trying to speak for me!

3. I am not disputing the facts you posted about Regan. I am just wondering why when someone brings up Obama's failed policies and actions Liberals' 1st reaction is to flee / retreat back 30+ years in time to point to a guy who hasn't been President in decades in an attempt to distract from having to talk about Obama. ... Oh wait - the fact that if you DIDN'T do that you would have to talk about Obama's failed Presidency IS the reason... never mind. LOL!

 

[easyt65]

What is this "our veterans" crap! We aren't your pawns to be used again and again when you want to pull us out of the drawer to display your "concern" and faux "patriotism". During President Obama's time in office, more has been done in correcting the enormous problems with and within the VA, both VHA (health side) and VBA (benefits side), left over from the Bush & Co administration. Bush flat fucking IGNORED veterans, fool~! Now stuff your neoconservative talking points and learn something, smack!!!!

More has been TALKED ABOUT, given LIP SEFVICE TO under Obama. Under Obama vets have been, and continue to be, left to DIE waiting on appointments/treatment while Obama administration toadies paid themselves well and gave themselves big fat bonuses while hiding the truth!

So you like FACTS?! Here are some for you....

“Nearly One-Third Of 847,000 Vets With Pending Applications For VA Health Care Already Died.”

Obama’s abuse of our military veterans continues, unabated and unchecked by the useless Congress.

As of Jul 21, 2015:
It has been over a year since we learned that the Veterans Administration (VA) doctored records to cover up long wait times while veterans died waiting for care. Yet, under Obama’s watch, problems are still rampant at the agency. Consider the following:
- About 238,000 veterans, nearly one out of three veterans, with pending applications for VA healthcare has already died.

- Wait lists for veterans are 50% higher than a year ago.

- At least $6 Billion a year have been wasted on illegal contracts for medical care & supplies. (senior VA official, Jan R. Frye writes: “Doors are swung wide open for fraud, waste and abuse… I can state without reservation that VA has and continues to waste millions of dollars by paying excessive prices for goods and services due to breaches of Federal laws [also known as CRIMES].” )

- Only two employees have been fired for the fraud and neglect uncovered last year.

 

[David_42]

What is this "our veterans" crap! We aren't your pawns to be used again and again when you want to pull us out of the drawer to display your "concern" and faux "patriotism". During President Obama's time in office, more has been done in correcting the enormous problems with and within the VA, both VHA (health side) and VBA (benefits side), left over from the Bush & Co administration. Bush flat fucking IGNORED veterans, fool~! Now stuff your neoconservative talking points and learn something, smack!!!!

More has been TALKED ABOUT, given LIP SEFVICE TO under Obama. Under Obama vets have been, and continue to be, left to DIE waiting on appointments/treatment while Obama administration toadies paid themselves well and gave themselves big fat bonuses while hiding the truth!

So you like FACTS?! Here are some for you....

“Nearly One-Third Of 847,000 Vets With Pending Applications For VA Health Care Already Died.”

Obama’s abuse of our military veterans continues, unabated and unchecked by the useless Congress.

As of Jul 21, 2015:
It has been over a year since we learned that the Veterans Administration (VA) doctored records to cover up long wait times while veterans died waiting for care. Yet, under Obama’s watch, problems are still rampant at the agency. Consider the following:
- About 238,000 veterans, nearly one out of three veterans, with pending applications for VA healthcare has already died.

- Wait lists for veterans are 50% higher than a year ago.

- At least $6 Billion a year have been wasted on illegal contracts for medical care & supplies. (senior VA official, Jan R. Frye writes: “Doors are swung wide open for fraud, waste and abuse… I can state without reservation that VA has and continues to waste millions of dollars by paying excessive prices for goods and services due to breaches of Federal laws [also known as CRIMES].” )

- Only two employees have been fired for the fraud and neglect uncovered last year.

Republicans have voted against most proposals to help veterans..

 

[kaz]

Yes, you conservatives suck at math and history, I agree with that. When did Republicans "take credit" for the money the incompetent Obama spent shutting down government? I don't remember when you did that. But if you say so, you probably did. At least you are now. Conservatives are idiots, stop listening to Faux News and believing whatever they tell you

Conservatives are idiots and bad with math and history?

Liberals pretty much agree that the economy started going south under Bush his last 2 years in his final term in office. THIS was the economic decline Obama and Liberals claim Obama 'inherited'. Liberals also pretty much agree that whoever controls Congress controls the purse strings, and therefore the economy / budget as well....unless it is THEY who control Congress / the purse strings.

During Bush's 1st 6 years in office 9/11 occurred, the economic aftermath of 9/11 happened, and 2 wars were fought. No 'economic decline' was experienced, but approx. 2 1/2 Trillion was added to the debt...in 6 (SIX YEARS)...during a time when there was a pretty close split in Congress. (2 1/2 trillion in 6 years in approx. 1/3rd of the debt Obama added in his 1st 4 years!)

Democrats secured a Super-Majority Control of Congress, controlling the purse strings / budget the last 2 years of Bush's administration...during which time the Liberals say the economy started going south. During this 1 1/2 - 2 year period another 1 1/2 TRILLION was added to the debt...in only 2 years. WHAT was the difference between Bush's 1st 6 years and his last 2? Oh yeah, Democrats took over Congress! They held this Super Majority control of Congress through the end of Obama's 2nd year in office.

The economic decline Obama claims to have inherited came from 2 years of Liberal control of the budget and 2 more years of horrendous fiscal irresponsibility. For instance, while supposedly in a declining economy Obama and the Liberals passed the tremendously FAILED Stimulus bill, a nearly $1 TRILLION addition to the nation's debt in one shot that contained over 7,000 pieces of DNC-ONLY pork, continued such horrible programs as 'Cash for Clunkers' that ended up hurting the economy/poor & middle class families, and ended up costing OVER $742,000 PER JOB Obama claimed to have created / saved!

In Obama's 1st 4 years he set US records for 'monthly', 'annual', and 'total' deficit spending - adding over $6 trillion to the US debt in ONLY 4 years, more debt added than by EVERY US President from Washington to Bush COMBINED, single-handedly securing the 1st US Credit rating down-grade by refusing to accept more budget cuts to prove he was serious about reducing the deficit as he was warned, and added a record number of job-creation / business-strangling regulations.

These are DOCUMENTED, HISTORICAL FACTS which speak for themselves. Responding with opinion or personal attacks do not effect me at all because you are arguing with these documented history / facts, not me.

The final statistical and historical fact is that Obama is ARGUABLY the worst President in US history. Personally, though, I would award that title to the racist LBJ, the man who started the whole liberal program of 'Economic Slavery' that has been used to oppress blacks, ensure more and more Americans remain UN-successful and dependent on the government, and that they continue to vote for the liberal politicians who will keep the 'free' money and handouts flowing.

Dad is a liberal, I'm a libertarian. He keeps calling me a conservative because he's fucking stupid, so I keep calling him a conservative because he's fucking stupid. Playground is as deep as he gets.

As for W and Obama, they have followed the same path in the middle east, they are both tax and spend fiscal liberals. Tom-ay-to, tom-ah-to

 

[kaz]

Yes, you conservatives suck at math and history, I agree with that. When did Republicans "take credit" for the money the incompetent Obama spent shutting down government? I don't remember when you did that. But if you say so, you probably did. At least you are now. Conservatives are idiots, stop listening to Faux News and believing whatever they tell you

Conservatives are idiots and bad with math and history?

Liberals pretty much agree that the economy started going south under Bush his last 2 years in his final term in office. THIS was the economic decline Obama and Liberals claim Obama 'inherited'. Liberals also pretty much agree that whoever controls Congress controls the purse strings, and therefore the economy / budget as well....unless it is THEY who control Congress / the purse strings.

During Bush's 1st 6 years in office 9/11 occurred, the economic aftermath of 9/11 happened, and 2 wars were fought. No 'economic decline' was experienced, but approx. 2 1/2 Trillion was added to the debt...in 6 (SIX YEARS)...during a time when there was a pretty close split in Congress. (2 1/2 trillion in 6 years in approx. 1/3rd of the debt Obama added in his 1st 4 years!)

Democrats secured a Super-Majority Control of Congress, controlling the purse strings / budget the last 2 years of Bush's administration...during which time the Liberals say the economy started going south. During this 1 1/2 - 2 year period another 1 1/2 TRILLION was added to the debt...in only 2 years. WHAT was the difference between Bush's 1st 6 years and his last 2? Oh yeah, Democrats took over Congress! They held this Super Majority control of Congress through the end of Obama's 2nd year in office.

The economic decline Obama claims to have inherited came from 2 years of Liberal control of the budget and 2 more years of horrendous fiscal irresponsibility. For instance, while supposedly in a declining economy Obama and the Liberals passed the tremendously FAILED Stimulus bill, a nearly $1 TRILLION addition to the nation's debt in one shot that contained over 7,000 pieces of DNC-ONLY pork, continued such horrible programs as 'Cash for Clunkers' that ended up hurting the economy/poor & middle class families, and ended up costing OVER $742,000 PER JOB Obama claimed to have created / saved!

In Obama's 1st 4 years he set US records for 'monthly', 'annual', and 'total' deficit spending - adding over $6 trillion to the US debt in ONLY 4 years, more debt added than by EVERY US President from Washington to Bush COMBINED, single-handedly securing the 1st US Credit rating down-grade by refusing to accept more budget cuts to prove he was serious about reducing the deficit as he was warned, and added a record number of job-creation / business-strangling regulations.

These are DOCUMENTED, HISTORICAL FACTS which speak for themselves. Responding with opinion or personal attacks do not effect me at all because you are arguing with these documented history / facts, not me.

The final statistical and historical fact is that Obama is ARGUABLY the worst President in US history. Personally, though, I would award that title to the racist LBJ, the man who started the whole liberal program of 'Economic Slavery' that has been used to oppress blacks, ensure more and more Americans remain UN-successful and dependent on the government, and that they continue to vote for the liberal politicians who will keep the 'free' money and handouts flowing.

Democrats never had a super majority in Congress under Bush ....EVER
Bush blocked any legislative effort from the Democrats. You are welcome to post any legislation pushed through by the Democrats that caused an economic meltdown

Republicans never had a super majority under Bush either, which means they needed to make an agreement. The Democrats were zero compromise, gimme my way

 

[kaz]

So you're saying the best time to go party at a federal park is during a shutdown.
Gotcha. Thx. .

Probably. That's why they put barricades around the monuments. To protect them during the shutdown.

Right, because people who will destroy stone and metal monuments wouldn't hop a plastic barricade to do it. You actually are a rocket scientist, aren't you?

Remember how the doofus in the Oval Office spent $64 billion more shutting government down than it would have cost to operate it?

MUST be some CONservative "math and history" crap

GOP PROUDLY TOOK CREDIT HOWEVER, REMEMBER??? lol

Yes, you conservatives suck at math and history, I agree with that. When did Republicans "take credit" for the money the incompetent Obama spent shutting down government? I don't remember when you did that. But if you say so, you probably did. At least you are now. Conservatives are idiots, stop listening to Faux News and believing whatever they tell you

So NO , you can't and will not present a credible link to your imaginary "math". Got it

Cruz: GOP leads in 2014 because of shutdown

Where did I do "math," Holmes?

 

[kaz]

Yes, you conservatives suck at math and history, I agree with that. When did Republicans "take credit" for the money the incompetent Obama spent shutting down government? I don't remember when you did that. But if you say so, you probably did. At least you are now. Conservatives are idiots, stop listening to Faux News and believing whatever they tell you

Conservatives are idiots and bad with math and history?

Liberals pretty much agree that the economy started going south under Bush his last 2 years in his final term in office. THIS was the economic decline Obama and Liberals claim Obama 'inherited'. Liberals also pretty much agree that whoever controls Congress controls the purse strings, and therefore the economy / budget as well....unless it is THEY who control Congress / the purse strings.

During Bush's 1st 6 years in office 9/11 occurred, the economic aftermath of 9/11 happened, and 2 wars were fought. No 'economic decline' was experienced, but approx. 2 1/2 Trillion was added to the debt...in 6 (SIX YEARS)...during a time when there was a pretty close split in Congress. (2 1/2 trillion in 6 years in approx. 1/3rd of the debt Obama added in his 1st 4 years!)

Democrats secured a Super-Majority Control of Congress, controlling the purse strings / budget the last 2 years of Bush's administration...during which time the Liberals say the economy started going south. During this 1 1/2 - 2 year period another 1 1/2 TRILLION was added to the debt...in only 2 years. WHAT was the difference between Bush's 1st 6 years and his last 2? Oh yeah, Democrats took over Congress! They held this Super Majority control of Congress through the end of Obama's 2nd year in office.

The economic decline Obama claims to have inherited came from 2 years of Liberal control of the budget and 2 more years of horrendous fiscal irresponsibility. For instance, while supposedly in a declining economy Obama and the Liberals passed the tremendously FAILED Stimulus bill, a nearly $1 TRILLION addition to the nation's debt in one shot that contained over 7,000 pieces of DNC-ONLY pork, continued such horrible programs as 'Cash for Clunkers' that ended up hurting the economy/poor & middle class families, and ended up costing OVER $742,000 PER JOB Obama claimed to have created / saved!

In Obama's 1st 4 years he set US records for 'monthly', 'annual', and 'total' deficit spending - adding over $6 trillion to the US debt in ONLY 4 years, more debt added than by EVERY US President from Washington to Bush COMBINED, single-handedly securing the 1st US Credit rating down-grade by refusing to accept more budget cuts to prove he was serious about reducing the deficit as he was warned, and added a record number of job-creation / business-strangling regulations.

These are DOCUMENTED, HISTORICAL FACTS which speak for themselves. Responding with opinion or personal attacks do not effect me at all because you are arguing with these documented history / facts, not me.

The final statistical and historical fact is that Obama is ARGUABLY the worst President in US history. Personally, though, I would award that title to the racist LBJ, the man who started the whole liberal program of 'Economic Slavery' that has been used to oppress blacks, ensure more and more Americans remain UN-successful and dependent on the government, and that they continue to vote for the liberal politicians who will keep the 'free' money and handouts flowing.

So NO you can't present ANY bills the Dems passed 2007-2009 to change Dubya/GOP policy that created Dubya's recession. Thanks

Hint Ronnie Raygun TRIPLED every other US Prez debt AND Dubya doubled every other US POrez debt (while he lost 1+ million PRIVATE sector jobs).. lol

I said W was the same as Obama, moron. As for Reagan, tax receipts doubled under him and the majority of spending increases were actually Tip and the Democrats. Double wasn't enough for them

 

[bravoactual]

Blah, blah, blah...

SERIOUSLY? BANKS, like Freddie and Fannie, who were at the heart of the housing bubble disaster, were the victims? Frank was caught red-handed lying to Congress about the collapse. As he sat before Congress and told them there was no problem the bubble was already starting to burst...but why would Frank lie to save the GOP who liberals claim were the real culprits. That makes no sense. DUH...because it is liberal B$! Frank and Liberals try to cover for Freddie & Fannie, their own pressure on banks to reduce the standards for proving people could afford the houses they were getting loans for...because no matter what people deserved to own their own houses, whether they could afford them or not.

Like I predicted, Liberals will fight to their last dying breath to try to convince people they have never done anything wrong, are not doing anything wrong, and will never do anything wrong...as Obama has demonstrated as President...it's ALWAYS someone else's fault!

Did Banksters provide TENS OF BILLIONS in refunds to F/F or the opposite? Did Banks PAY tens of billions in fines, or was that F/F BUBBA?

June 17, 2004


Builders to fight Bush's low-income plan


NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Home builders, realtors and others are preparing to fight a Bush administration plan that would require Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to increase financing of homes for low-income people, a home builder group said Thursday.


Home builders fight Bush's low-income housing - Jun. 17, 2004

Don't you just love it when your run of the mill RePug gushes his worship for the Great Jelly Bean Eater, but they recoil in horror when someone dares to attack him?

 

[bravoactual]

Facts give you a headache.

Ronald Reagan is YOUR GOD.

Ronald Reagan could do not wrong.

How Dare We Attack The Ronnie God.

Get over it.

1. Ronnie is not my 'god'.

2. Stick to speaking for yourself and what YOU believe because you absolutely $u@K at trying to speak for me!

3. I am not disputing the facts you posted about Regan. I am just wondering why when someone brings up Obama's failed policies and actions Liberals' 1st reaction is to flee / retreat back 30+ years in time to point to a guy who hasn't been President in decades in an attempt to distract from having to talk about Obama. ... Oh wait - the fact that if you DIDN'T do that you would have to talk about Obama's failed Presidency IS the reason... never mind. LOL!

I will be sure to put a note in my date book to give a shit.

RePugs gush about Ronnie, but blindly ignore what he did. He is the RepubliCon God.

 

[jknowgood]

There is no need for security at the ww2 monument. Obama hates our veterans and this proved how much.

What is this "our veterans" crap! We aren't your pawns to be used again and again when you want to pull us out of the drawer to display your "concern" and faux "patriotism". During President Obama's time in office, more has been done in correcting the enormous problems with and within the VA, both VHA (health side) and VBA (benefits side), left over from the Bush & Co administration. Bush flat fucking IGNORED veterans, fool~! Now stuff your neoconservative talking points and learn something, smack!!!!

Link?

 

[Oldstyle]

If you want to use the total public debt outstanding totals then Obama was at 12 trillion on Oct. 1st of 2009 and he now is at 18 trillion as of now. He's essentially increasing the national debt by a trillion a year. It would have been more except sequestration kept him from spending what he wanted!

NOW give the POLICIES that Obama used to "create" that debt, like TWO UNFUNDED TAX CUTS, 2 UNFUNDED WARS, UNFUNDED MEDICARE EXPANSION THAT COSTS AS MUCH THIS DECADE AS OBAMACARES, WHICH WAS 100% FUNDED!


Oops

Give me the policies that Obama used to lessen the debt?

And if you think ObamaCare is 100% funded then you're about as naive as they come! They cooked the books on that right from the get go and anyone with 8th grade math skills and a little common sense knew it!

CBO says get rid of Obamacares and debt increases. Weird right?

HE INCREASED TAXES ON THOSE (CHINES/MEXICAN) "JOB CREATORS" SO THE US TREASURY GETS MORE REVENUES FROM THOSE MAKING $400,000+ (INDIV) (He wanted $200,000, BUT THE PARTY OF NO REFUSED)

He stopped the Dubya/GOP recession from turning into GOP great depression 2.0 (that was HUGE)




NOW YOUR TURN? Which policies did Obama use to increase debt?

I hate to point out the obvious here, Dad but when I ask you to name what policies Obama used to lessen the debt and you bring up what he did to combat the recession it's amusing at best. How does spending almost a trillion dollars on a stimulus package that didn't create jobs, spending billions in TARP money or spending billions on "green" start-ups that floundered decrease the debt?

You don't have a single thing that Barry did to decrease the debt because he didn't HAVE any policies designed to do that! He was forced to continue the Bush tax cuts because someone who understood economics better than he obviously did finally got it through his thick skull that tax increases in the midst of a recession would be a REALLY stupid thing to do!

Weird, ignore the FACT that Dubya/GOP POLICIES took US down to less than 15% of GDP AND yet Obama increased taxes on the top .08% of US to lessen the debt?

You mean the GOPers who refused to get taxes increased on the ENTIRE top 2% as Obama wanted that would've brought down the debt even more AND MOST ECONOMIST AGREED, WOULDN'T HAD EFFECTED THE RECOVERY FROM DUBYA/GOP POLICY (the REASON the stimulus was needed)?


MARCH 27, 2012

But now, a growing body of research suggests not only that the government could raise much more revenue by sharply raising the top tax rates paid by the richest Americans, but it could do so without slowing economic growth. Top tax rates could go as high as 80 percent or more.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/28/business/economy/the-case-for-raising-top-tax-rates.html?_r=0

Anyone that buys into the theory that increasing taxes isn't going to slow economic growth when you're in a deep recession is so woefully ignorant of basic economic principles that they should immediately audit an Econ 101 Macro class! The obvious reason that Barry DIDN'T raise taxes is that someone who DID take something in college besides Political Science and Black Studies explained to him and his little friends he surrounds himself with that doing so would make an already anemic economic recovery grind to a complete halt.

 

[Oldstyle]

You all have this self delusion that somehow the GOP has prevented you from accomplishing an economic BOOM by blocking your programs...which is funny stuff considering that when Barack Obama came into office he was working with large Democratic majorities in both the House and the Senate and could have done whatever he felt like with the economy and with immigration and the GOP wouldn't have been able to do a thing to stop him just as they couldn't do a thing to stop him with ObamaCare. So why didn't that happen? Doh!

Weird, the US economy was losing 700,000+ jobs a month when Dubya left? The economy lost 9%+ the last quarter of 2008?

A fleeting, illusory supermajority

It’s in Republicans’ interest right now to characterize the Democrats’ congressional majority in 2009 and 2010 as enormous. As the argument goes, President Obama could get literally anything he wanted from Congress in his first two years, so Democrats don’t have any excuses.

The stimulus wasn’t big enough? Blame Dems; they had supermajorities in both chambers for two years. There’s no comprehensive immigration reform? Blame Dems; they had supermajorities in both chambers for two years. There was only one big jobs bill? Blame Dems; they had supermajorities in both chambers for two years. And so on.

The right continued to push the line over the weekend.

Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace falsely claimed Democrats had a 60-vote Senate majority for the first 2 years of his presidency.

“For the first 2 years he had a filibuster proof majority in the Senate,” Wallace told LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, making the case that Obama has only himself to blame for his poor economic record.

I realize memories can be short in the political world, and 2010 seems like a long time ago, but it’s unnerving when professionals who presumably keep up with current events are this wrong. Even if various pundits lost track of the specific details, I’d at least expect Fox News hosts to remember Sen. Scott Brown’s (R) special-election win in Massachusetts.

Since memories are short, let’s take a brief stroll down memory lane, giving Wallace a hand with the recent history he’s forgotten.

In January 2009, there were 56 Senate Democrats and two independents who caucused with Democrats. This combined total of 58 included Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), whose health was failing and was unable to serve. As a practical matter, in the early months of Obama’s presidency, the Senate Democratic caucus had 57 members on the floor for day-to-day legislating.

In April 2009, Pennsylvania’s Arlen Specter switched parties. This meant there were 57 Democrats, and two independents who caucused with Democrats, for a caucus of 59. But with Kennedy ailing, there were still “only” 58 Democratic caucus members in the chamber.

In May 2009, Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) was hospitalized, bringing the number of Senate Dems in the chamber down to 57.

In July 2009, Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) was finally seated after a lengthy recount/legal fight. At that point, the Democratic caucus reached 60, but two of its members, Kennedy and Byrd, were unavailable for votes.

In August 2009, Kennedy died, and Democratic caucus again stood at 59.

In September 2009, Sen. Paul Kirk (D-Mass.) filled Kennedy’s vacancy, bringing the caucus back to 60, though Byrd’s health continued to deteriorate.

In January 2010, Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) replaced Kirk, bringing the Democratic caucus back to 59 again.

In June 2010, Byrd died, and the Democratic caucus fell to 58, where it stood until the midterms. [Update: Jonathan Bernstein reminds me that Byrd’s replacement was a Dem. He’s right, though this doesn’t change the larger point.]

Wallace believes the Dems’ “filibuster proof majority in the Senate” lasted 24 months. In reality, he’s off by 20 months, undermining the entire thesis pushed so aggressively by Republicans.

A fleeting, illusory supermajority

It's amazing how the supposed "fleeting, illusory" Super Majority wasn't lengthy enough to pass the economic measures you Progressives wanted nor was it long enough to pass the immigration reform measures you Progressives wanted but it WAS long enough to pass the ACA which affects 1/6th of our total economy!

How is that possible?

 

[Oldstyle]

What's amusing is that the same people who were absolutely gloating when Democrats won those huge majorities in the House and Senate back in 2008 because they knew that it rendered the GOP practically powerless...now spend most of their time pushing the narrative that they really didn't have a majority at all!

You know WHY they have to push that narrative? Because all the Democrats have to show for all that power they had back then is the Obama Stimulus, which was a complete bust...and the Affordable Care Act, which is probably the most poorly written piece of legislation ever passed by Congress.

 

[rightwinger]

Yes, you conservatives suck at math and history, I agree with that. When did Republicans "take credit" for the money the incompetent Obama spent shutting down government? I don't remember when you did that. But if you say so, you probably did. At least you are now. Conservatives are idiots, stop listening to Faux News and believing whatever they tell you

Conservatives are idiots and bad with math and history?

Liberals pretty much agree that the economy started going south under Bush his last 2 years in his final term in office. THIS was the economic decline Obama and Liberals claim Obama 'inherited'. Liberals also pretty much agree that whoever controls Congress controls the purse strings, and therefore the economy / budget as well....unless it is THEY who control Congress / the purse strings.

During Bush's 1st 6 years in office 9/11 occurred, the economic aftermath of 9/11 happened, and 2 wars were fought. No 'economic decline' was experienced, but approx. 2 1/2 Trillion was added to the debt...in 6 (SIX YEARS)...during a time when there was a pretty close split in Congress. (2 1/2 trillion in 6 years in approx. 1/3rd of the debt Obama added in his 1st 4 years!)

Democrats secured a Super-Majority Control of Congress, controlling the purse strings / budget the last 2 years of Bush's administration...during which time the Liberals say the economy started going south. During this 1 1/2 - 2 year period another 1 1/2 TRILLION was added to the debt...in only 2 years. WHAT was the difference between Bush's 1st 6 years and his last 2? Oh yeah, Democrats took over Congress! They held this Super Majority control of Congress through the end of Obama's 2nd year in office.

The economic decline Obama claims to have inherited came from 2 years of Liberal control of the budget and 2 more years of horrendous fiscal irresponsibility. For instance, while supposedly in a declining economy Obama and the Liberals passed the tremendously FAILED Stimulus bill, a nearly $1 TRILLION addition to the nation's debt in one shot that contained over 7,000 pieces of DNC-ONLY pork, continued such horrible programs as 'Cash for Clunkers' that ended up hurting the economy/poor & middle class families, and ended up costing OVER $742,000 PER JOB Obama claimed to have created / saved!

In Obama's 1st 4 years he set US records for 'monthly', 'annual', and 'total' deficit spending - adding over $6 trillion to the US debt in ONLY 4 years, more debt added than by EVERY US President from Washington to Bush COMBINED, single-handedly securing the 1st US Credit rating down-grade by refusing to accept more budget cuts to prove he was serious about reducing the deficit as he was warned, and added a record number of job-creation / business-strangling regulations.

These are DOCUMENTED, HISTORICAL FACTS which speak for themselves. Responding with opinion or personal attacks do not effect me at all because you are arguing with these documented history / facts, not me.

The final statistical and historical fact is that Obama is ARGUABLY the worst President in US history. Personally, though, I would award that title to the racist LBJ, the man who started the whole liberal program of 'Economic Slavery' that has been used to oppress blacks, ensure more and more Americans remain UN-successful and dependent on the government, and that they continue to vote for the liberal politicians who will keep the 'free' money and handouts flowing.

Democrats never had a super majority in Congress under Bush ....EVER
Bush blocked any legislative effort from the Democrats. You are welcome to post any legislation pushed through by the Democrats that caused an economic meltdown

Republicans never had a super majority under Bush either, which means they needed to make an agreement. The Democrats were zero compromise, gimme my way

You must have completely missed out on the Bush era

Yes the Democrats compromised. In fact, they gave Bush a 9-11 card where he could get any legislation he wanted passed in the name of fighting terrorism. He even got the wars he asked for
When the economy crashed during the Great Bush Recession of 2008, Democrats gave him stimulus funding, TARP and auto company and bank bailouts....When Obama came in and asked for the same thing....not a single Republican voted for it

 

[Oldstyle]

Yes, you conservatives suck at math and history, I agree with that. When did Republicans "take credit" for the money the incompetent Obama spent shutting down government? I don't remember when you did that. But if you say so, you probably did. At least you are now. Conservatives are idiots, stop listening to Faux News and believing whatever they tell you

Conservatives are idiots and bad with math and history?

Liberals pretty much agree that the economy started going south under Bush his last 2 years in his final term in office. THIS was the economic decline Obama and Liberals claim Obama 'inherited'. Liberals also pretty much agree that whoever controls Congress controls the purse strings, and therefore the economy / budget as well....unless it is THEY who control Congress / the purse strings.

During Bush's 1st 6 years in office 9/11 occurred, the economic aftermath of 9/11 happened, and 2 wars were fought. No 'economic decline' was experienced, but approx. 2 1/2 Trillion was added to the debt...in 6 (SIX YEARS)...during a time when there was a pretty close split in Congress. (2 1/2 trillion in 6 years in approx. 1/3rd of the debt Obama added in his 1st 4 years!)

Democrats secured a Super-Majority Control of Congress, controlling the purse strings / budget the last 2 years of Bush's administration...during which time the Liberals say the economy started going south. During this 1 1/2 - 2 year period another 1 1/2 TRILLION was added to the debt...in only 2 years. WHAT was the difference between Bush's 1st 6 years and his last 2? Oh yeah, Democrats took over Congress! They held this Super Majority control of Congress through the end of Obama's 2nd year in office.

The economic decline Obama claims to have inherited came from 2 years of Liberal control of the budget and 2 more years of horrendous fiscal irresponsibility. For instance, while supposedly in a declining economy Obama and the Liberals passed the tremendously FAILED Stimulus bill, a nearly $1 TRILLION addition to the nation's debt in one shot that contained over 7,000 pieces of DNC-ONLY pork, continued such horrible programs as 'Cash for Clunkers' that ended up hurting the economy/poor & middle class families, and ended up costing OVER $742,000 PER JOB Obama claimed to have created / saved!

In Obama's 1st 4 years he set US records for 'monthly', 'annual', and 'total' deficit spending - adding over $6 trillion to the US debt in ONLY 4 years, more debt added than by EVERY US President from Washington to Bush COMBINED, single-handedly securing the 1st US Credit rating down-grade by refusing to accept more budget cuts to prove he was serious about reducing the deficit as he was warned, and added a record number of job-creation / business-strangling regulations.

These are DOCUMENTED, HISTORICAL FACTS which speak for themselves. Responding with opinion or personal attacks do not effect me at all because you are arguing with these documented history / facts, not me.

The final statistical and historical fact is that Obama is ARGUABLY the worst President in US history. Personally, though, I would award that title to the racist LBJ, the man who started the whole liberal program of 'Economic Slavery' that has been used to oppress blacks, ensure more and more Americans remain UN-successful and dependent on the government, and that they continue to vote for the liberal politicians who will keep the 'free' money and handouts flowing.

Democrats never had a super majority in Congress under Bush ....EVER
Bush blocked any legislative effort from the Democrats. You are welcome to post any legislation pushed through by the Democrats that caused an economic meltdown

Republicans never had a super majority under Bush either, which means they needed to make an agreement. The Democrats were zero compromise, gimme my way

You must have completely missed out on the Bush era

Yes the Democrats compromised. In fact, they gave Bush a 9-11 card where he could get any legislation he wanted passed in the name of fighting terrorism. He even got the wars he asked for
When the economy crashed during the Great Bush Recession of 2008, Democrats gave him stimulus funding, TARP and auto company and bank bailouts....When Obama came in and asked for the same thing....not a single Republican voted for it

Considering that Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid drew up the Obama Stimulus behind closed doors with no GOP input and it was filled with Democratic pork is that really a shock? It wasn't REALLY the same as what Bush asked for to address the recession. I believe in fact that 3 Republicans voted for it anyways. Snow, Collins and Arlen Spector (before he changed parties?)

 

[bravoactual]

Yes, you conservatives suck at math and history, I agree with that. When did Republicans "take credit" for the money the incompetent Obama spent shutting down government? I don't remember when you did that. But if you say so, you probably did. At least you are now. Conservatives are idiots, stop listening to Faux News and believing whatever they tell you

Conservatives are idiots and bad with math and history?

Liberals pretty much agree that the economy started going south under Bush his last 2 years in his final term in office. THIS was the economic decline Obama and Liberals claim Obama 'inherited'. Liberals also pretty much agree that whoever controls Congress controls the purse strings, and therefore the economy / budget as well....unless it is THEY who control Congress / the purse strings.

During Bush's 1st 6 years in office 9/11 occurred, the economic aftermath of 9/11 happened, and 2 wars were fought. No 'economic decline' was experienced, but approx. 2 1/2 Trillion was added to the debt...in 6 (SIX YEARS)...during a time when there was a pretty close split in Congress. (2 1/2 trillion in 6 years in approx. 1/3rd of the debt Obama added in his 1st 4 years!)

Democrats secured a Super-Majority Control of Congress, controlling the purse strings / budget the last 2 years of Bush's administration...during which time the Liberals say the economy started going south. During this 1 1/2 - 2 year period another 1 1/2 TRILLION was added to the debt...in only 2 years. WHAT was the difference between Bush's 1st 6 years and his last 2? Oh yeah, Democrats took over Congress! They held this Super Majority control of Congress through the end of Obama's 2nd year in office.

The economic decline Obama claims to have inherited came from 2 years of Liberal control of the budget and 2 more years of horrendous fiscal irresponsibility. For instance, while supposedly in a declining economy Obama and the Liberals passed the tremendously FAILED Stimulus bill, a nearly $1 TRILLION addition to the nation's debt in one shot that contained over 7,000 pieces of DNC-ONLY pork, continued such horrible programs as 'Cash for Clunkers' that ended up hurting the economy/poor & middle class families, and ended up costing OVER $742,000 PER JOB Obama claimed to have created / saved!

In Obama's 1st 4 years he set US records for 'monthly', 'annual', and 'total' deficit spending - adding over $6 trillion to the US debt in ONLY 4 years, more debt added than by EVERY US President from Washington to Bush COMBINED, single-handedly securing the 1st US Credit rating down-grade by refusing to accept more budget cuts to prove he was serious about reducing the deficit as he was warned, and added a record number of job-creation / business-strangling regulations.

These are DOCUMENTED, HISTORICAL FACTS which speak for themselves. Responding with opinion or personal attacks do not effect me at all because you are arguing with these documented history / facts, not me.

The final statistical and historical fact is that Obama is ARGUABLY the worst President in US history. Personally, though, I would award that title to the racist LBJ, the man who started the whole liberal program of 'Economic Slavery' that has been used to oppress blacks, ensure more and more Americans remain UN-successful and dependent on the government, and that they continue to vote for the liberal politicians who will keep the 'free' money and handouts flowing.

Democrats never had a super majority in Congress under Bush ....EVER
Bush blocked any legislative effort from the Democrats. You are welcome to post any legislation pushed through by the Democrats that caused an economic meltdown

Republicans never had a super majority under Bush either, which means they needed to make an agreement. The Democrats were zero compromise, gimme my way

WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Republicans held the Majority in the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.

When bush43 was assumed office in January 2001, there were Repubican Majorities in both the House and the Senate.

Republicans Lost those majorities in 2008.

Some of us actually know the truth, your NOT one of them.

 

[Oldstyle]

Obama get's the lion's share of blame for what Pelosi and Reed did with all that Democratic power simply because he was President but let's be honest here...he didn't write the ACA...he didn't write the Obama Stimulus...that was Pelosi and Reed.

Barack Obama doesn't possess the legislative skills to put together a complicated bill. He never has. His record as a legislator has always been abysmal. He rides the coat tails of others and simply signs his name to their work. It's what he did in the Illinois legislature...it's what he did in the US Senate...it's what he did as President. If you honestly look at what he contributed to the process...it's almost nothing.

 

[Oldstyle]

Yes, you conservatives suck at math and history, I agree with that. When did Republicans "take credit" for the money the incompetent Obama spent shutting down government? I don't remember when you did that. But if you say so, you probably did. At least you are now. Conservatives are idiots, stop listening to Faux News and believing whatever they tell you

Conservatives are idiots and bad with math and history?

Liberals pretty much agree that the economy started going south under Bush his last 2 years in his final term in office. THIS was the economic decline Obama and Liberals claim Obama 'inherited'. Liberals also pretty much agree that whoever controls Congress controls the purse strings, and therefore the economy / budget as well....unless it is THEY who control Congress / the purse strings.

During Bush's 1st 6 years in office 9/11 occurred, the economic aftermath of 9/11 happened, and 2 wars were fought. No 'economic decline' was experienced, but approx. 2 1/2 Trillion was added to the debt...in 6 (SIX YEARS)...during a time when there was a pretty close split in Congress. (2 1/2 trillion in 6 years in approx. 1/3rd of the debt Obama added in his 1st 4 years!)

Democrats secured a Super-Majority Control of Congress, controlling the purse strings / budget the last 2 years of Bush's administration...during which time the Liberals say the economy started going south. During this 1 1/2 - 2 year period another 1 1/2 TRILLION was added to the debt...in only 2 years. WHAT was the difference between Bush's 1st 6 years and his last 2? Oh yeah, Democrats took over Congress! They held this Super Majority control of Congress through the end of Obama's 2nd year in office.

The economic decline Obama claims to have inherited came from 2 years of Liberal control of the budget and 2 more years of horrendous fiscal irresponsibility. For instance, while supposedly in a declining economy Obama and the Liberals passed the tremendously FAILED Stimulus bill, a nearly $1 TRILLION addition to the nation's debt in one shot that contained over 7,000 pieces of DNC-ONLY pork, continued such horrible programs as 'Cash for Clunkers' that ended up hurting the economy/poor & middle class families, and ended up costing OVER $742,000 PER JOB Obama claimed to have created / saved!

In Obama's 1st 4 years he set US records for 'monthly', 'annual', and 'total' deficit spending - adding over $6 trillion to the US debt in ONLY 4 years, more debt added than by EVERY US President from Washington to Bush COMBINED, single-handedly securing the 1st US Credit rating down-grade by refusing to accept more budget cuts to prove he was serious about reducing the deficit as he was warned, and added a record number of job-creation / business-strangling regulations.

These are DOCUMENTED, HISTORICAL FACTS which speak for themselves. Responding with opinion or personal attacks do not effect me at all because you are arguing with these documented history / facts, not me.

The final statistical and historical fact is that Obama is ARGUABLY the worst President in US history. Personally, though, I would award that title to the racist LBJ, the man who started the whole liberal program of 'Economic Slavery' that has been used to oppress blacks, ensure more and more Americans remain UN-successful and dependent on the government, and that they continue to vote for the liberal politicians who will keep the 'free' money and handouts flowing.

Democrats never had a super majority in Congress under Bush ....EVER
Bush blocked any legislative effort from the Democrats. You are welcome to post any legislation pushed through by the Democrats that caused an economic meltdown

Republicans never had a super majority under Bush either, which means they needed to make an agreement. The Democrats were zero compromise, gimme my way

WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Republicans held the Majority in the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.

When bush43 was assumed office in January 2001, there were Repubican Majorities in both the House and the Senate.

Republicans Lost those majorities in 2008.

Some of us actually know the truth, your NOT one of them.

You're claiming that the GOP lost it's majority in the House in 2008? Sure you want to go with that?