The Obama for whom I so eagerly voted in 2008 just finished a press conference.

[No Elephants]

Of course, it was only speech and I've learned to measure politicians by actions and only by actions.

However, it was a fantastic press conference.

I would have cheered aloud, but I was alone and did not want to scare myself.

So, I am posting this handy "go, Bama" emote instead: :applause:


I'll probably find something to criticize tomorrow. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoyed this break as much as I did.

And, now, a musical interlude (to the tune of Hello, Dolly)...


Hello, Bama, hello 2008 Bama.
It's SO nice to have you back where you belong.
You sounded swell, Bama.......You did so well, Bama
You were glowin'...you were knowin' ...you were goin' strong
I feel the room swayin'......like the Marine Band's playin'
One of our old favorite songs from way back when
So..... I tip my cap, fella.......You left no gap, fella
Bama, never go away....Bama, you really gotta stay.
Bama, never go away again.

[No Elephants]

1. Found a transcript. Video, too, but I don't know if it's complete or just an excerpt.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/president-obamas-news-conference-on-the-debt-ceiling-fiscal-battles-and-gun-control-jan-14-2013-transcript/2013/01/14/9bc1a690-5e65-11e2-90a0-73c8343c6d61_story.html

(Kudos to Wapo for getting this up by the time I finished drafting the OP--another thing you've never seen me post.)

And I will mention as well, that the news people who commented on it on TV seemed to me to have admiration in their voices. Could be my imagination, but it sounded like, "Thank God, there's an adult in D.C.--and he sounds like he means business...the people's business.

ETA: I have to add that Chuck Toad and Andrea Mitchell are exceptions. They are on now, nitpicking and bullshitting about how the President never invites anyone over, something asked and answered during the press conference in a ver different way than they are making it sound.

For one thing, not the President, but frickin Morning Joe this morning said Republicans do get invited. but they won't go. Obama put that a lot more gently, "When they come over, I enjoy their company very much." or words to that effect.

For another, Obama said that the social stuff does not seem to correlate to getting deals done. (Duh? Nor should it correlate. I certainly don't vote for people so they can vote in the House and the Senate based on how cordial or stand-offish the President has been lately. "Ooooooh, they served me my favorite dessert. Let's approve another war.")

[Enthusiast]

3. Thanks, No Elephants. It's long past due

that the President explained the nature of the debt ceiling to an uninformed American people. There just isn't anyone else that can do it.

Right wing propaganda has convinced their followers that raising the debt limit would be like giving the irresponsible President a unlimited credit card. This is the political brinksmanship Obama was speaking of.

What do you bet Limbaugh, Beck and Hannity will once again be characterizing raising the debt limit as a blank check for a wild spending president. You know black people never spend responsibly, Limbaugh said. :eyes:

The President can easily win this argument. He already has.

[No Elephants]

4. That is unbelievable, even for Limbaugh. & Prez has no spending power, except

to sign or refuse to sign what Congress passes.

He does send a budget to Congress, though, and they take it from there.

[formercia]

2. Let's hope so.

I need change we an believe in.

[No Elephants]

5. The whole country needs it, maybe the whole world.

I, too, hope we get it.

[NYC_SKP]

6. Thanks for posting and Happy New Year to all the DU2ers!!!

:applause:

:party:

:hi:

[No Elephants]

7. It was my pleasure.

I cannot tell you how much I mean that.

I was thrilled to be rooting for Obama again.

Thanks for the New Year wishes and back at you.

Here's to a good things in 2013 for everyone, including Mother Earth. :toast: