Roundup

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 1, 2009, 1:04PM

Lieberman Pledges To Filibuster Public Option, Blames Its Supporters For Holding Up Reform
Appearing on Face The Nation, Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) pledged to filibuster against the public option: "The government going into the health insurance business -- I think it's such a mistake that I would use the power I have as a single senator to stop a final vote." He also blamed public option-supporters for being the ones who are obstructing reform: "All of a sudden if you're not for this government health insurance company, you're against health care reform. I'd say to them, 'Don't stop us from getting something good and important done for the American people.'"

Boehner: NY-23 Election Part Of 'Political Rebellion Going On In America'
Appearing on State of the Union, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) addressed the situation in NY-23 by delcaring, "We're in the middle, I think, of a political rebellion going on in America," and said that the Republicans will work to earn the support of people coming into the political system. At the same time, he insisted that the GOP was not excluding moderates, in light of moderate GOP candidate Dede Scozzafava's withdrawal from the race: "We accept moderates in our party. We want moderates in our party. We cover a wide range of Americans."

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NY-23

Boehner: 'There's No Question That New York-23 Is A Bit Of A Mess'

Eric Kleefeld | October 27, 2009, 5:07PM

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) appeared on the Neil Cavuto show, and was asked for his take on the NY-23 special election, which has seen a split in Republican ranks between supporters of moderate GOP nominee Dede Scozzafava, against Conservative Party nominee Doug Hoffman.

"Well, there's no question that New York-23 is a bit of a mess," Boehner admitted bluntly.

He attributed Scozzafava's nomination to the local GOP county chairmen -- as if to say it wasn't in his hands -- and then defended her conservative credentials on such issues as signing a no-tax pledge, opposing cap-and-trade, and opposing the Democrats on health care.

Boehner also prepared the Republican spin on this race, no matter who win, banking on Scozzafava and Hoffman getting more than 50% of the vote in total: "What is clear here, Neil, is that a majority of people in this district, that was won by Barack Obama a year ago, a majority of the people in this district have rejected the Obama-Pelosi agenda here in Washington."

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 20, 2009, 9:01AM

Gates: Don't Wait For Afghanistan Election To Be Resolved
Speaking to reporters yesterday, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said that the United States should not wait for the Afghanistan election to be resolved before deciding on a strategy for the country -- putting him at odds with top White House officials. "We're not just going to sit on our hands, waiting for the outcome of this election and for the emergence of a government in Kabul," said Gates, also adding: "The outcome of the elections and the problems with the elections have complicated the situation for us. But the reality is, it's not going to be complicated one day and simple the next."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet at 10:40 a.m. ET with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. At 11:50 a.m. ET, he will honor recipients of the Presidential Unit Citation, honoring the 11th Armored Combat Regiment of the U.S. Army for service in the Vietnam War. Obama will meet at 1:10 p.m. ET with senior advisers, and depart the White House at 2:20 p.m. ET, arriving in New York City at 3:30 p.m. ET. Obama will tour the Joint Terrorism Task Force Headquarters at 4:15 p.m. ET, and deliver remarks to staff members at 4:30 p.m. ET. He will attend a 7:10 p.m. ET fundraiser for Bill Owens, the Democratic candidate in the NY-23 special election, and deliver remarks at 8:10 p.m. ET at a DNC fundraiser. He will depart from New York at 9:50 p.m. ET, arriving back at the White House at 10:55 p.m. ET.

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Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 13, 2009, 8:59AM

Senate Finance Committee To Vote On Health Care Bill
The Senate Finance Committee is expected to vote today on the Baucus health care bill. Democrats hold a 13-10 majority on the committee, so approval is widely expected -- though questions remain as to whether any Dems will vote against it from the left, or whether Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe might vote yes.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet at 11:25 a.m. ET with Vice President Biden. He will meet at 12:15 p.m. ET with President Zapatero of Spain, and the two of them will make statements to the press at 1:05 p.m. ET. He will meet at 2:10 p.m. with Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN). Obama and Biden will meet at 4:35 p.m. ET with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. At 7:15 p.m. ET, the Obamas and Bidens will attend a performance on the South Lawn, "Fiesta Latina."

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | August 19, 2009, 8:59AM

NYT: Dems Seem Set To Go It Alone On Health Bill
The New York Times reports that Democrats are getting closer to working without Republicans on health care reform, in the wake of continued intransigence by the GOP. "Administration officials, who maintain that Republicans are badly mischaracterizing the legislation that has emerged from three House committees and the Senate health committee, said they had hoped to achieve some level of bipartisan support," the Times reports. "But they are becoming increasingly convinced that they will instead have to navigate the complicated politics among varying Democratic factions."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will deliver remarks at 4:30 p.m. ET from the South Portico, honoring 2008 Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson. At 5:30 p.m. ET, he will hold a conference call with faith leaders to discuss health insurance reform.

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Blue Dogs

Boehner To PhRMA's Tauzin: In Both War And Policy, Appeasement Doesn't Work

Brian Beutler | August 18, 2009, 9:50AM

An angry John Boehner has sent a heat-seeking missive to a former caucus mate: former GOP Rep, and current PhRMA president Billy Tauzin.

In the letter, which Boehner forwarded to the executives of PhRMA's member companies, the House Minority Leader charges that PhRMA's alliance with the White House on health care reform amounts to appeasement. "Appeasement rarely works as a conflict resolution strategy," Boehner writes. "The simple truth is, two wrongs don't make a right. And the short-sighted health care deal PhRMA struck with the Obama Administration at your urging provides confirmation of this time-tested maxim on an epic and tragic scale."

You can read the entire letter here. It comes as the relationship between the White House and PhRMA has soured slightly.

"The Obama Administration tacitly acknowledged last week that the President will not be bound by the $80 billion limit PhRMA and its board of directors were led to believe had been secured in exchange for your organization's support of the Administration's health care takeover," Boehner writes, "and key Democrats...have said explicitly they will not honor the agreement."

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | August 18, 2009, 9:05AM

Boehner Blasts Ex-Rep. Tauzin For PhRMA Working With "Bully" Obama On Health Care Reform
The Hill reports that House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) has sent a letter to PhRMA president Billy Tauzin, who is a former Republican Congressman from Louisiana, castigating Tauzin and PhRMA for working constructively with President Obama on health care reform. "When a bully asks for your lunch money, you may have no choice but to fork it over," Boehner wrote. "But cutting a deal with the bully is a different story, particularly if the 'deal' means helping him steal others' money as the price of protecting your own."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will met one-on-one with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak at 11:10 a.m. ET, with an expanded meeting at 11:30 a.m. ET, and a working lunch at 12:30 p.m. ET. Obama will meet with Sec. of State Hillary Clinton at 1:30 p.m. ET, with Vice President Biden at 2:30 p.m. ET, and with former President Bill Clinton at 4 p.m. ET.

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Health Care

Boehner Doubles Down On Support For "Genuine" Protesters, Targets Elderly As Potential Anti-Reform Ally

Brian Beutler | August 5, 2009, 2:32PM

House Minority Leader John Boehner hasn't shied away from embracing the men and women disrupting member town halls--and he's not about to.

"Just a few days into the August break, House Democrats are learning exactly what Boehner meant," reads a new 'Leader Alert.' "Americans are showing genuine concern about the cost and consequences of a government-run health care plan for families and small businesses."

Additionally--and this is an under-reported theme--Boehner makes it clear that a major part of the GOP's strategy is to court the elderly, who've shown greater opposition to reform efforts (and who, ironically, are in the privileged position of already enjoying government run health care).

USA Today reports that seniors are especially wary of a government takeover of health care, which Democrats want to bankroll with massive cuts to Medicare, noting, "It has raised concerns among some seniors who might have to pay more for the program or enroll in regular Medicare instead. A Gallup Poll last week found 20% of Americans over 65 say an overhaul will improve their health care - the lowest showing of three age groups."

Tea Party

Boehner's Office Cheers On Disruption Of House Dems' Town Hall Events

Eric Kleefeld | August 3, 2009, 4:45PM

In the latest development of Democratic House members' town hall meetings being disrupted by the Tea Party crowd, House Minority Leader John Boehner's (R-OH) office is now applauding this turn of events.

"Back home for the August recess, rank-and-file Democratic Members of the House are facing a backlash from their constituents, who are already fed up with Washington's job-killing agenda and don't support Democrats' government takeover of health care," says a press release posted on Boehner's official blog.

The release then recounts the nasty reception that Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) has gotten, and declares that "Rep. Doggett is not alone."

The posting concludes: "Unless Democratic leaders agree to work with Republicans on a bipartisan plan that achieves real reform that Americans are seeking, it will be a long, hot August for Democrats in Congress."

Health Care

House Republicans Say Democrats Won't Hold Health Care Vote Before Recess

Brian Beutler | July 28, 2009, 6:36PM

This hasn't been officialized by House leadership, but Republicans are circulating a report that House Democrats won't hold a health care vote before adjourning Friday. Via Politico:

From: Cavicke, David Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2009 4:51 PM To: REDACTED Subject: Schedule

Democratic Leadership has told Mr. Boehner's staff that there will be no vote on Health on the Floor before recess and we will leave Friday.

We still have no confirmation of plans to resume or end the Committee Markup.

David L. Cavicke
Republican Chief of Staff
Committee on Energy and Commerce

No word on who told Boehner this or in what language or context. But it appears all but certain that this is how things will play out.

Health Care

Stewart Lampoons Republicans' Brightly Colored Anti-Health Care Reform Charts

Brian Beutler | July 24, 2009, 12:03PM

We've made a bit of a habit here of lampooning House Republican efforts to defeat Democratic legislation by creating brightly colored, though ultimately meaningless charts. And, it seems, the joke's caught on. Here, for instance, is a slightly NSFW segment from last night's Daily Show.

Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 24, 2009, 9:02AM

Poll: Palin's National Favorability Drops As She Leaves Office
A new ABC/Washington Post poll finds that Gov. Sarah Palin's (R-AK) national favorability numbers are in bad territory as she prepares to resign her office. Only 40% of Americans view her favorably, with 53% viewing her unfavorably, down from a 46%-51% number from two weeks before Election Day 2008. In addition, only 37% say she understands complex issues, to 57% who say she does not.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will have his regular morning briefings, and then he will meet with Vice President Biden at 11 a.m. ET. He will then meet at 11:30 a.m. ET with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and with Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), and with Sec. of State Hillary Clinton at 12:30 p.m. ET. He will speak at the Department of Education at 1:15 p.m. ET. At 5:30 p.m. ET, he will sign a proclamation celebrating the 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. At 8:45 p.m. ET, the President and First Lady will attend the Marine Corps Evening Parade.

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Health Care

Boehner Echoes AP: It's Time To Scrap This $1.6 Trillion Plan And Start Over

Brian Beutler | July 22, 2009, 4:09PM

In a joint press conference this afternoon with Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Minority Leader John Boehner said the Democrats' health care reform bill is too expensive, and that it's time for them to scrap it and start over.

Boehner cited a figure--$1.6 trillion--with origins in Associated Press articles that put the price of House health care legislation at $1.5 trillion. But those articles were based on the assertion of an anonymous congressional aide. Though it hasn't scored a complete piece of legislation, the Congressional Budget Office--normally the authority on these matters--said in a preliminary report that the legislation would cost just over $1 trillion. And budget experts themselves are of a few minds over how various reform provisions should be evaluated, some note that certain measures like healthy lifestyle provisions, which will no doubt have some budgetary impact, but aren't analyzed by the CBO.

We'll have video for you shorlty. In recent days, the White House has characterized statements like Boehner's as backdoor attempts to kill reform entirely.

Health Care

Boehner Latches On To CBO Testimony

Brian Beutler | July 16, 2009, 5:38PM

House Minority Leader John Boehner is clearly pleased with CBO Director Doug Elmendorf's testimony before the Senate Budget Committee.

As I noted earlier today, the fact is that the CBO hasn't analyzed many of the bill's cost saving measures, and that, other cost-saving provisions haven't yet been written or otherwise remain unrealized.

But Elmendorf said what he said, and it's no surprise that Boehner's latched on.

Health Care

After Brightly Colored Chart Failed To Win Waxman-Markey Fight, GOP Brings It To The Battle Over Health Reform

Brian Beutler | July 15, 2009, 1:49PM

After a brightly colored chart failed to kill the Waxman-Markey bill, House Republicans are scrapping doubling down on the idea. They've created a new one to demonstrate just how complicated the Democrats' health care reform bill is.

Just as in the case of the Waxman-Markey chart, though, this doesn't actually explain anything. And it ironically begs the question of whether Republicans secretly want a simpler, single payer system to replace more complex reform proposals.

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Pecora

Boehner, McConnell Announce Pecora Appointees

Brian Beutler | July 15, 2009, 12:32PM

House Minority Leader John Boehner, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell have announced the four Republican appointees to the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, rounding out the entire commission, which, by law, can convene and begin work immediately

In a statement, the Republican leaders write:

Boehner and McConnell jointly selected former House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Bill Thomas to serve as Vice Chairman of the Commission. In addition, Boehner appointed Peter Wallison, Co-Director for Financial Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), and McConnell appointed former Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Director Doug Holtz-Eakin, and former National Economic Council Director Keith Hennessey to serve on the Commission as well.

More to come on these four appointees, as well as the six Democratic appointees, later today.

Health Care

Boehner: Democratic Health Care Reform Proposal Is "Criminal Malpractice"

Brian Beutler | July 14, 2009, 5:14PM

Democrats and Republicans and their allies are reacting to the House's health care reform draft bill with predictable levels of support or opposition. Unions are supportive. With typical restraint, Tom Donohue of the Chamber of Commerce says "Since when does our great free market country punish success? If there's one sure way to kill the goose that lays the golden egg, this is it."

But I'd like to highlight the statement of House Minority Leader John Boehner: "During a deep economic recession," Boehner says, "it is criminal malpractice for Democrats to push a government takeover of health care and a new small business tax that will destroy more American jobs."

Criminal malpractice, eh? Somewhat ironic from a proponent of tort reform. But he goes on. "House Republicans have offered a better health care alternative that will reduce costs, expand access, and let Americans who like their plans keep them - all without a job-killing small business tax."

You can read that four-page plan here if you'd like. But if you'd like me to save you the time, here's a hint: it would achieve universal health care and bend the cost curve downward through a familiar Republican grab bag of tax credits and magic.

Barack Obama

TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | June 27, 2009, 12:59PM

Obama Praises Energy Bill, Calls For Senate Passage
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama praised the House of Representatives for passing the energy bill last night, calling it an important component of economic growth and technological development. And he urge the Senate to follow suit quickly:

"Now my call to every Senator, as well as to every American, is this: We cannot be afraid of the future. And we must not be prisoners of the past," said Obama. "Don't believe the misinformation out there that suggests there is somehow a contradiction between investing in clean energy and economic growth. It's just not true."

Boehner Blasts "Go-It-Alone" Democrats
House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) delivered the Republican address this weekend, going after the Democrats on the issues of spending, health care and energy:

"Republicans are offering common-sense solutions that will make a real difference in creating jobs, making health care more affordable, and promoting a cleaner, healthier environment, and reducing energy costs," said Boehner. "We hope our Democrat colleagues will abandon their failed go-it-alone approach and work with us to make these reforms a reality."

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Cap-and-Trade

Boehner Fights Climate Bill With Filibuster, Brightly Colored Poster

Brian Beutler | June 26, 2009, 6:00PM

As I reported yesterday, House Minority Leader John Boehner has seemingly traded in his old talking point on cap and trade legislation for a blue chart with brightly colored words on it.

Moments ago, he brought his new weapon to the House floor.

Unfortunately for Boehner, it doesn't seem to be changing anybody's mind with respect to the Waxman-Markey bill. But more unfortunately for its supporters, he's also poised to drag this debate on for hours by reading a recently incorporated 300 page amendment to the bill out loud. A pseudo-filibuster, if you will, to delay the vote as long as possible.

John Boehner

Boehner: ZOMG! Climate Change Legislation Is Complicated!

Brian Beutler | June 25, 2009, 5:54PM

While House Minority Leader John Boehner might be refraining, at least for now, from claiming that cap and trade legislation will cost consumers thousands of dollars a year, he's still attacking the Waxman-Markey bill. His latest tactic involves placing a bunch of brightly colored words and acronyms on a poster and citing it as evidence that addressing climate change is just too complicated.

"If you look at this chart, this is how this process will work," Boehner said, referring to the above illustration which outlines no process whatsoever. "With the EPA being in the middle, look at all of these different agencies that are involved. This is the most elaborate thing that I have seen and you know, I have been here a while and I've seen some pretty crazy things, but I have never seen anything this ridiculous."

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Cap-and-Trade

Despite CBO Report, Republicans Continue To Claim Climate Legislation Could Cost $3100 Per Household

Brian Beutler | June 25, 2009, 5:39PM

Earlier this week I reported that a Congressional Budget Office analysis had determined that--despite what Republicans have been alleging for weeks--the Waxman-Markey climate change bill will have only a modest financial impact on American households.

My inquiry about this discrepancy to House Minority Leader John Boehner's office went unanswered, but the next day, Boehner distributed a new set of talking points which omitted the once-omnipresent claim that the legislation would cost the average household over $3,000 annually.

Not everyone's following protocol, though.

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