Obama to GOP: "I won."

[nsd]

Obama to GOP: 'I won'
By JONATHAN MARTIN & CAROL E. LEE | 1/23/09 1:57 PM EST

President Obama listened to Republican gripes about his stimulus package during a meeting with congressional leaders Friday morning - but he also left no doubt about who's in charge of these negotiations. "I won," Obama noted matter-of-factly, according to sources familiar with the conversation.

The exchange arose as top House and Senate Republicans expressed concern to the president about the amount of spending in the package. They also raised red flags about a refundable tax credit that returns money to those who don’t pay income taxes, the sources said.

The Republicans stressed that they want to include more middle class tax cuts in the package, citing their proposal to cut the two lowest tax rates — 15 percent and 10 percent — to ten percent and five percent, rather than issue the refundable credit Obama wants.

At another point in the meeting, sources said Obama told the group: “This is a grave situation facing the country.” White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Obama would hold another economic meeting in the White House Saturday for a "broader group."

After Friday's meeting, Democratic and Republican leaders publicly wrangled over the developing stimulus plan.

But perhaps taking a cue from Obama’s “I won” line when Democrats were asked if they were concerned about Republicans blocking the package, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had a swift one-word answer: “No.”

Politico

[Captain Hilts]

1. Dem Party won in '06 also. We've swept 'em. nt

[Raster]

28. And now we need to prepare for 2010. We need to target the most offensive,

egregious rethuglicans and vote their asses out. And while we are at it, it's time to paint a big red TARGET on the DINOs in Congress. Their 15 minutes is also over!

We Can Do Better!:kick:

[Hutzpa]

65. Notes being taken. n/t

[salguine]

67. And spent the next two years caving in to every demand the White House made, without a whimper.

[Warren Stupidity]

72. yes, and I attacked them bitterly at the time, however the situation has changed.

There is no presidential veto awaiting Democratic legislation. The only card the Republicans hold is the filibuster in the Senate. We will see if they can hold a solid front there, when it becomes obvious that their only strategy is 'obstruct', I think they will fold.

[FrenchieCat]

2. Elections have consequences.

GOP losers need to eat it.

[underpants]

3. That's how to treat them

anyone really. He has the trump card.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

52. And the second part of that is that you need to do it coming out of the gate, which he did.

NOW is the time to make that kind of statement, not after the Republicans have launched mind game after mind game after mind game.

James Clyburn also deserves credit for backing up and echoing Obama's comments:

Still, other Democrats echoed the sentiment. As he left the White House, House Majority Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina was asked about Republican complaints that Democrats aren't listening to what their GOP colleagues have to say. "We're responding to the American people," he said. "The American people didn't listen to them too well during the election."

:patriot:

[underpants]

60. Ha!

At the presser today Gibbs was asked what they would do if Republicans don't support their stimulus package. Gibbs nicely said, "We will get there when we get there"

[Cha]

63. I like

Gibbs..I missed today's but yesterday's was Gibbs heading them off at the pass.

[Cha]

62. Uuuooo STING,

Clyburn! I gotta remember that one.

[wryter2000]

4. That does it

I'm officially swooning. I'll be on the fainting couch. My salts, please!

[tosh]

5. That's right. This is a democracy and the majority rules.

The voters have spoken. 'Nuff said.

[bdamomma]

6. Wow, President Obama scores!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

7. You think some of this will rub off on Reid and Pelosi?

[Fearless]

9. Well...

:eyes:

[DBoon]

29. there are leaders and then there are officials

leave it to you to see which category Pelosi and Reid belong to

[louis-t]

8. Funny, repugs weren't concerned how stupid spent money.

Now they whine "I am concerned about the spending." :nopity:

[JuniperLea]

10. Damn straight he won!

He's doing what he said he would do... he's beginning the work he promised. The work he promised is the single most important factor in his winning this election.

He has reached across the aisle many times already, and here is their chance to join the bi-partisan effort. Oh, the irony in the cries of "this is purely partisan!" Bull... it's the right things to do.

[high density]

11. That's excellent, put their demands in perspective

They want nothing but tax cuts, even though we have nothing to show for Bush's record tax cuts except for record deficits.

[tyne]

12. Mmmmm....

I'd like to see some further support to this "I won" comment other than "sources familiar...."

[tyne]

13. Mmmmm....

I'd like to see some further support to this "I won" comment other than "sources familiar...."

[jmondine]

14. Obama is that rarest of creatures, Democraticus Vertebrae

For those Latin-challenged amongst us, it means "Democrat with a spine". :D

[The Traveler]

17. We need some more of those!

:rofl:

"Democraticus Vertebrae" ... yep. Gotta find us some of them.

Trav

[jazzjunkysue]

47. They mate for life, answer when called, and eat chilidogs and pie.

Allergic to republicans, never run from a confrontation.

[Raine]

70. I love it

I'm going to remember that one! THANKS :applause: :thumbsup:

[raysr]

15. When they play their obstructionist

shit let it be known to the media loud and clear just WHO is stopping people's financial situations from being helped. Obama should go on TV prime time and tell the nation WHO brought this on and WHO continues it.

Every time I see "Mitch the Bitch no lips" I get so fucking angry.

[DinahMoeHum]

16. Oh snap !!!!!! The new "Big Dog" has spoken !!

:evilgrin:

[KansDem]

25. "The Big Cat"

Silent, stealthful, urbane, wise, intellectually curious, and always planning...

edited to add "independent"

[DinahMoeHum]

26. LOVE THAT !!! "Big Cat" indeed !!!

:evilgrin:

[meow2u3]

94. "Big Cat" is right

Chalk one win for His Meowjesty :evilgrin:

Take that, GOP mice!

[kenfrequed]

31. A cat?

Intellectually curious??? I think we attribute intellect to a lazy animal (cat) that is a slave to its hunting instincts based soley on style and appearance.

In terms of actual intelligence dogs are far brighter. They learn patterns and are far more social than cats.

[KansDem]

33. Well, I have three cats.

While "intellectually curious" may be a bit of a stretch for them, they are "housecats" which is a much different animal than other cats. They are curious about the items and sounds around them, though.

[kenfrequed]

36. Really?

I find dogs to be curious about just about everyone and everything. I don't know if it is intellectual curiosity or not but they certainly investigate everything. Of course the cat in my household watches television a lot. It seems rather curious about that fairly frequently though I am unsure how intellectual that curiosity would be.

[Ikonoklast]

50. Dogs are pack animals and followers.

Cats are independent as all hell and set their own agenda.

[kenfrequed]

90. bah

Cats are lazy and selfish and creatures of mostly hunting instinct. Developmentally disabled adults and CEOs can be selfish and "independent" as all hell. Doesnt make em bright.

[Norrin Radd]

55. Nonsense. My cats have learned complex patterns, and are

exceedingly social. They insist upon follow me around the house, all day (which is tough for one, as she only has three legs). My Siberian from the foster home figured out how to open doors that open toward her, among other things.

Neglecting to give a cat daily attention and playing with them twice a day causes them to become loners.

[meow2u3]

95. My 11-month-old kitten has learned to do human-like stuff

Like turning on and off lights, opening his own doors, getting his own food out of the bag, etc. Unlike a dog, he learned to do these things on his own, simply by watching me. He's no little baby--he's freakin' huge!

Only time will tell if Max can learn to open windows so he can get outside--then my life will be hell!

[Norrin Radd]

96. Reinforce the screens. Indoor only is the only way to be.

[Ikonoklast]

49. I'm stealing that.

I got my eyes on you and I'm getting hungry...try to stop me, ain't gonna happen.

[Bicoastal]

54. "Im in yur wite howse...

...reversin yer policeez."

[Justitia]

75. ROFL - love it!

[Cha]

64. He is a big

cat, isn't he? A coincidence he's a Leo?:)

[Justitia]

76. Leo, the natural leader (Bill Clinton was also a Leo). -eom

[Cha]

77. Yeah, I know..

So am I but not all Leos are leaders..some are just fun lovers.:)

[Justitia]

79. Yup, totally agree (wink). BTW, I'm a Leo too! -eom

[wroberts189]

83. HAHAHA ..yes he has indeed .

There is a new Sheriff in town boys.

[Jamastiene]

18. Finally! Open Democratic Party, insert spine here.

I'm glad at least one Democrat could RTFM (read the fucking manual) on how to get things done.

:thumbsup:

[wroberts189]

84. He is going to show the spineless how it gets done and ..

perhaps they will start showing a little spine as well.

[nsd]

19. More detail from WSJ blog:

Obama to GOP: ‘I Won’

Jonathan Weisman reports on the White House.

The top congressional leaders from both parties gathered at the White House for a working discussion over the shape and size of President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus plan. The meeting was designed to promote bipartisanship.

But Obama showed that in an ideological debate, he’s not averse to using a jab.

Challenged by one Republican senator over the contents of the package, the new president, according to participants, replied: “I won.”

The statement was prompted by Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl of Arizona , who challenged the president and the Democratic leaders over the balance between the package’s spending and tax cuts, bringing up the traditional Republican notion that a tax credit for people who do not earn enough to pay income taxes is not a tax cut but a government check.

Obama noted that such workers pay Social Security and Medicare taxes, property taxes and sales taxes. The issue was widely debated during the presidential campaign, when Sen. John McCain, the Republican nominee, challenged Obama’s tax plan as “welfare.”

With those two words — “I won” — the Democratic president let the Republicans know that debate has been put to rest Nov. 4 .

Democratic and Republican aides confirmed the exchange. A White House spokesman said he wasn’t immediately aware of the exchange. The aides who heard the remarks stressed that it wasn’t as boldly partisan as it might sound.

Still, other Democrats echoed the sentiment. As he left the White House, House Majority Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina was asked about Republican complaints that Democrats aren’t listening to what their GOP colleagues have to say. “We’re responding to the American people,” he said. “The American people didn’t listen to them too well during the election.”

link

[Pirate Smile]

20. Gawd, that's beauuutiful.

:fistbump:

[calimary]

99. No kidding!

About time we started reminding them of what occurred last November. No wonder they've tried so hard to forget and pretend like it never happened. I'd want to forget, too, if I'd gotten hosed like that.

Let's KEEP ON reminding them!!!!!


:evilgrin:

[nolabels]

23. After all those years in the drivers seat that want to complain about going the wrong way?

Wake up and smell the coffee already you republicans :shrug:

[Waiting For Everyman]

34. Wow! He said it about the "poor people don't pay taxes" lie.

Yay! He gets it! Way to go Pres. Obama! :fistbump:

[Ikonoklast]

57. Poor people pay a ridiculously high tax rate as a percentage of net income

I never saw anyone get out of paying sales or real estate taxes just because they were low income earners.

[ClarkUSA]

38. Nancy Pelosi said something very similar yesterday during a press conference, I believe.

House Republicans and Pat Buchanan immediately whined about it afterwards on news shows.

[WinkyDink]

40. "that debate has been put to rest Nov. 4 ." The verb is "was".

[Thrill]

51. That feels so good. They want to continue the shitty economics that has the country where it is

time for the Dems to finally say the country spoke on election night

[Cha]

61. They need to be reminded...it's surreal to me and

those mofos had 8 years of getting their bitchy little way.

[wroberts189]

86. Obama to GOP: ‘I Won’ ....My turn to say ..."OH SNAP!!!!!" nt

[Bobbie Jo]

21. Yes! He won....and their "way" obviously doesn't work,.

So either help or get the fuck out of the way.

I'm lovin' my president. :patriot:

[boomerbust]

22. That's just beautiful

:evilgrin: :kick:

[ThisThreadIsSatire]

24. Definitely news to John Boehner

Apparently his staff was too afraid to tell him.

[MilesColtrane]

27. Obama to GOP: "Deez Nutz"

[firedupdem]

39. LOL!!!!!

You know that's what he was thinking! LOL!!

[mvd]

30. And as a result, the PEOPLE win for a change

:thumbsup:

Repukes can't play those tricks like they did when Bush was in charge and the Senate and House were closer.

[mindfulNJ]

32. Impressive!

Keep it up Mr. President!!!

[WinkyDink]

35. Dear Republicans: Democracy is messy. HA!

[IdaBriggs]

37. Here is my favorite bit --

“We expressed our concerns about some of the spending that’s being proposed in the House bill,” House Minority Leader John Boehner said after meeting with Obama.

(snip -- just to identify the man who makes the next ridiculous remark)

“Government can’t solve this problem,” he said.

SO WHY ARE YOU THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE, YOU FREAKING IDIOT? If you and your JOB are just a waste of taxpayer dollars, QUIT FEEDING AT THE PUBLIC TROUGH, AND GO HOME!!!

:rant:

End Rant.

[TEXASYANKEE]

41. Contraceptives?

I loved Boehner's line about "how can spending money on contraceptives *stimulate* the economy"!!! Does he even realize how freudian he sounds?? I love that the Repubs have him as their face of the party. What a rube.

[Cha]

66. LOL!

:rofl:

[Shakespeare]

42. In other words: Sure, you can participate in the debate. But we're doing it MY way.

The awesomeness of that just made my day.

[kwenu]

43. In other words, leave your bullshit at the door.

[Raffi Ella]

44. ha

:evilgrin:

[avaistheone1]

45. Deal with it.

Obama won.

[jazzjunkysue]

46. He forgot: "Get over it."

[avaistheone1]

59. Yuppers.

:fistbump:

[dcindian]

48. Bingo

Game over.

[politicasista]

53. Yep!

O won fair and square. The GOP needs to grow up and get over it.

[Norrin Radd]

56. kr

[windbreeze]

58. we need a bumper sticker that says " I WON"....swamp rat, where are you...??

This is just what the party needed...someone who has the ***** to tell it like it is...maybe it will rub off on some of the others....HOOO RAH!! wb

[texanwitch]

69. That is what I was thinking.

I am going to get one made.


"I WON"

Preisdent Obama


Something like that.

[wroberts189]

87. How about.... Obama won, get over it sore losermen. nt

[Raine]

68. "We won, you lost

GET OVER IT" ... that's what they told us in 2000 and 2004 so ... back at ya!!!! :rofl:

[cherish44]

71. After 8 years of the swaggering cocky dumbass W, this is beyond sweet

Give 'em Hell Mr. President!

[wroberts189]

88. Trulylicious for sure,.

[quakerboy]

73. Words and deeds

Lets get something done.

[democracy1st]

74. waiting to see how this package turns out

[Truthiness Inspector]

78. Pure class. NOT.

If Bush had uttered those words "I won," conniption fits would be out of control. Can we get some hypocrisy-control, some balance here?

[Muttocracy]

80. didn't Bush say he had political capital and he intended to spend it? nt

[wroberts189]

89. about a million times if anyone listend to Malloy tonight. nt

[sampsonblk]

81. Bush didn't win

And he did utter the same idea. "I am the decider."

[Truthiness Inspector]

82. Did you like it? n/t

[sampsonblk]

91. No, because he was both wrong and stupid...

...as history will record.

Obama is 100% right, and he has every right to say what he said. Now lets hope he doesnt harp on it.

[Shakespeare]

85. Wrong. In that particular situation, John Kyl and the others needed a sharp reminder.

And they got it.

Obama just let them know he won't be bullied or cowed. And it's entire universes apart from any posturing Bush ever did.

[uponit7771]

97. Obama smart, Bush asshole....any questions?

[EraOfResponsibility]

92. I just hope it won't backfire on him n/m

[depakid]

93. I won- but don't worry, we'll keep touting your economic policies

and making sure they're a major part of any stimulous bill- no matter what the likes of Paul Krugman and Dean Baker say....

[Captain_Nemo]

98. IS this Bi-partisanship? n/t