Josh Marshall: Whatev?

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

Whatev?

I've been very hard on the House in this Health Care train wreck. But what we're learning now is that the White House does not seem to be lifting a finger to move things. From what we can tell, nothing. Robert Gibbs' statement (linked to article below) at the briefing today seems to embody the White House's stance at a much deeper level than I'd imagined. They just don't seem to even want to hear about it.

--Josh Marshall

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2010/01/whatev.php?ref=fpblg

White House: Let's Let 'Dust Settle' On Health Care
Rachel Slajda | January 21, 2010, 2:11PM

The White House will move health care reform to the back burner, in order to "let the dust settle" after Democrats lost their Senate super-majority.

Asked today if health care was on the back burner, Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said, "The president believes it is the exact right thing to do by giving this some time, by letting the dust settle, if you will, and looking for the best path forward."

He said the administration wants to give Congress time to figure out their next move.

"The President thinks the speaker and the majority leader are doing the right thing in giving this some time and figuring out the best way forward," he said.

He also noted that President Obama "has a very full plate" with financial reform, the economy, the wars and other matters.

"As the majority leader and speaker continue to look to the best way forward, the president has a very full plate," Gibbs said. "There's plenty of work for the president to do in the meantime."

"The president obviously knew from the beginning of this that finding a solution to a very complex problem would be a challenge," he said.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/01/white-house-lets-let-dust-settle-on-health-care.php?ref=fpblg

[FormerDittoHead]

1. They want to use the HCR as a carrot for voters in November.

They pass the bill now, as it is, and the rest of the country in November will be WORSE than Massachusetts.

This is exactly what Pelosi did after 2006 who, without a "veto proof majority" was unable to do anything except pass everything Bush and the Republican minority wanted.

[CreekDog]

2. Wow, I guess Coakley's campaign managers have found new jobs!

:wtf: :banghead:

[FormerDittoHead]

6. I only hope I'm wrong. But if you see a rush to get HCR passed, let us know. n/t

[Phx_Dem]

3. Hmmmm. Not AT ALL what Gibbs just told Ed.

People need to stop projecting their own bullshit and trying to interpret general statements. "Let the dust settle" could mean next week. It certain does not mean no HCR from the White House. Obama, Gibbs and Axe have stated repeatedly, and as recently as yesterday, that HRC is essential to controlling the deficit and budget. That certainly doesn't sound like they're tossing it out the window. Now, the House Dems . . . are another matter, but I'm sure they'll pull their heads out of their asses AFTER THE DUST SETTLES and step up.

[pdxmom]

4. I thought "let the dust settle" was Gibb-speak for "until they stop

panicking and can make a rational choice".

[KittyWampus]

5. Josh Marshall has posted a HELL of a lot more about what he's sensing. Shame you parred it down