McConnell: I’m ‘Disappointed’ In Obama’s Attempts At Bipartisanship
McConnell: I’m ‘Disappointed’ In Obama’s Attempts At Bipartisanship
Yesterday on CNN’s State of the Union, Senate Majority Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) told host John King that he’s “disappointed” in what he considers President Obama’s failure to live up to his promises to govern in a bipartisan manner. King noted that in January, McConnell had struck an extremely optimistic tone about Obama’s promise to offer a new era of “post-partisanship”:
KING: Has that promise been kept? And as you answer, when was the last time your phone rang and at the other end of the line was President Obama saying, you know, Mitch, I think we might disagree about this, but…
MCCONNELL: Oh, we have plenty of conversations. But I must say I’m disappointed, after two months; the president has not governed in the middle as I had hoped he would. But it’s not too late. He’s only been in office a couple of months. Still, before him are the opportunities to deal with us on a truly bipartisan basis.
Watch it:
McConnell’s disappointment appears to be misplaced. Indeed, Obama has worked hard to accommodate the input of Republican lawmakers, meeting with them on several occasions and making substantive changes to legislation to attract their support:
– On Economic Stimulus: While crafting the economic recovery package, Obama met with both House and Senate GOP members on Capitol Hill and at the White House, and guaranteed a significant portion of the recovery package would be dedicated to tax cuts. Despite his efforts, all but three Republicans in Congress voted against the package.
– On Health Care Reform: When Obama hosted a health care reform summit at the White House, it was well attended by congressional Republicans, some of whom Obama called on personally to offer their opinion during a press conference at the end of the day. Indeed, McConnell himself issued a statement after the summit saying that he was “encouraged by the bipartisan talks which took place today.”
– On Fiscal Responsibility: Obama was similarly open to input from congressional Republicans when he hosted his fiscal responsibility summit at the White House. During the wrap up session, he took questions from Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), and Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX).
When GOP input has been left out, it hasn’t been because the White House isn’t open to it. Just last week, for example, the White House hosted a meeting where Obama outlined his new policy on Afghanistan and Pakistan. Though invited, McConnell and Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ) chose not to show, citing “scheduling conflicts.”
And despite his “disappointment,” McConnell seems to recognize that Obama is working hard to reach out. Indeed, his admission that he and Obama “have plenty of conversations” suggests that the only reason Obama hasn’t been able to fulfill his promise of post-partisan governance is McConnell’s continued refusal to negotiate in good faith.
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Bipartisanship does not equal “governing in the middle”.
Maybe that’s the problem! The Republicans don’t know what bipartisanship is, and based on their own past attempts, I think I’m right.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:17 pmMcConnell: I’m ‘Disappointed’ In Obama’s Attempts At Bipartisanship
- – And I’ve always been disappointed in your wife of convenience, Labor Secretary Elaine Chao. Suck it, Mitch.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:18 pmNo surprise, McConnell lies…must be a requirement to be a Republican.
When he says Obama didn’t try to govern from the center what he means is that Obama isn’t kissing his @ss. It’s THAT center McConnell’s talking about.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:18 pmLadies & Gentlemen,
Bad Faith No Chin Man.
He’s
March 30th, 2009 at 2:18 pmdisappointingdisappointed.“Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY)”
March 30th, 2009 at 2:19 pmThat should be MINORITY leader. (Dems 58 seats, Franken still being blocked from taking his seat).
The day Mitch McConnell approves of President Obama its time for a new President!
March 30th, 2009 at 2:21 pmIn other words, unless Obama grovels at the feet of the repugniscum, he is not being bipartisan.
John King is a tool at CNN whom I have complained about pretty regularly to CNN mgt.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:22 pmMitch believes that “bipartisanship” or even “governing in the middle” (which, by the way, are NOT the same)is equivalent to “give our party everything we want or we will give you a wedgie every chance we get”.
McConnell no doubt believes that his neocon agenda is “in the middle”, and since he doesn’t see Obama there in that trench, Obama must be waaaaaaay over to the left.
The problem isn’t with Obama. The problem is GOP faulty vision and perspective.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:22 pmWhere was Waddle McConnell for the Afghan policy briefing? AWOL, as usual.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:22 pmMcConnell: I’m ‘Disappointed’ In Obama’s Attempts At Bipartisanship
Well of course Cecil Turtle is disappointed. Obama’s attempts at bi-partizanship just continues to make the GOOpers look hypocritical. He keeps holding out his hand and they continue to slap it away.
Short McConnell: “That sure is one uppity boy.”
March 30th, 2009 at 2:23 pmOT:
Question: What would the effects be to the US if the reserve currency (The US dollar) was changed to say the Euro or some other currency?
My republican sister is telling me how bad this would be for the US and saying it will lead to a one world currency.
Any response would be helpful as I’m suppose to call her back.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:25 pmMcConnell knows Obama has reached out but Republicans wont him removed because the policies they are use to are gone. The public can now see how really dumb they are and how corrupt they have been. McConnell’s made concern is his wife Elaine who will be charged with violation of the Hatch Act. He must try harder to get Obama to ask Eric Holder to drop the case. Elaine is guilty and there’s to much proof and evidence. Now as the people of Kentucky lose faith and support of McConnell and the problem he has of trying to save his wife, he’s got alot of things on his mine other then this Recession.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:26 pm“…before him are the opportunities to deal with us on a truly bipartisan basis” says McConnell. It would seem that, to Republicans, governing in a truly bipartisan manner means listening to, and including every suggestion Republicans make, regardless of the sanity of those suggestions. At least Obama asks for input from them. He’s included some suggestions and disregarded others. That’s bipartisanship when practiced by a duly elected leader.
Exactly how bipartisan were the Republicans back when they held the majority in both houses? Not very.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:26 pmthe president has not governed in the middle as I had hoped he would.
jeezuz h.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:26 pmwe ALL would’ve been happy if dubya had even TRIED that…
Republicant dictionary:
Bipartisan (when the (R) party is the majority):
1) Do everything that the (R)’s say. Dissent is treason.
Bipartisan (when the (R)’s are the minority):
March 30th, 2009 at 2:27 pm1) Do everything that the (R)’s say. Failure to do so means that you are not being bipartisan. (R) dissent is constructive criticism.
And why Obama should give a flying fcuk about what Repukes want is beyond me…
…the people who approve of torture, needless war, spying on americans, fascism, cronyism, corruption, corporate welfare, offshore accounts, pollution, sending jobs overseas, anti-union…
…SHOULDN’T be regarded as true Americans with Americans good will in mind.
Fcuk the Republicans
March 30th, 2009 at 2:29 pmKING: Has that promise been kept? And as you answer, when was the last time your phone rang and at the other end of the line was President Obama saying, you know, Mitch, I think we might disagree about this, but…”
1) No one can promise bi-partisanship. and Obama didn’t promise any such thing.
2) When was the last time Harry Reid’s phone rang and at the other end of the line was President Bush saying, “you know, Harry, I think we might disagree about this, but…”
As politicians and pundits, especially Republican ones are so fond of sports analogies, let me emply one also:
When your side loses the Superbowl, the winning team doesn’t agree to play badly the next season to reward your losing strategies and skills.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:31 pmPresident Obama has made it abundantly clear that he will listen to opposing views and if they have merit he will incorporate those ideas into his policies. If they have merit. There is the problem, Mr. McConnell. Go into caucus and think about that for awhile.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:35 pmHis “disappointment” is due to his missplaced belief that he has anything of value to offer.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:36 pmRemember the good ol days when Bush governed from the middle in a bipartisan way? Oh wait…
March 30th, 2009 at 2:36 pmWell, let’s see… Mitch takes his cues from Rush, right?
And how does Rush define “biaprtisanship“?
To us, bipartisanship is them being forced to agree with us after we politically have cleaned their clocks and beaten them. And that has to be what we’re focused on.
Yeah, I can see how Mitch would be “disappointed” that Obama hasn’t been more “bipartisan”.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:38 pm5th Estate Says:
1) No one can promise bi-partisanship. and Obama didn’t promise any such thing.
Sure he did. See…. :> …… he is all about “change” — didn’t you read the bumper stickers? And the last 8 years were violently partizan from the majority party, …soooooo… to be bi-partisan would be “change”.
2) When was the last time Harry Reid’s phone rang and at the other end of the line was President Bush saying, “you know, Harry, I think we might disagree about this, but…”
Oh…. that’s EASY…. he’s a Democrat libtard… noone talks to them. Besides, he was in the minority. When the Democratlibtard’s learn how to win elections they can…. oh, wait …. scratch that last bit…
As politicians and pundits, especially Republican ones are so fond of sports analogies, let me emply one also:
When your side loses the Superbowl, the winning team doesn’t agree to play badly the next season to reward your losing strategies and skills.
No, no, no… that would be silly. The ‘losing team’ isn’t asking that at all — the ‘losing team’ is asking to be given everything that the winner should get, AND to be simply allowed to win every game next season. Shoot… by your way they could still lose again…..
(Snark off — nice posts today. I like the analogy).
Must go…
play nice.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:40 pm.
… So says a charter member of the G(no)P.
.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:42 pmWith all the free healthcare provided couldn’t that man take care of his chin or something?
I can’t even look at him and make myself listen to anything he has to say.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:43 pmOMG, Mitch is disappointed. Well, bless his little heart.
Also, I swear to God it’s getting near on impossible for me to tell the difference between John King and David Gregory. They must share the same writers.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:44 pmTranslated: Obama not giving me what me wants!! WAAAAAAHHHHHHH!
Would someone please put a pacifier in that baby’s mouth?
March 30th, 2009 at 2:44 pmPresident Obama has demonstrated more bipartisanship in his first two months in office than the last asshat did in his entire eight years.
Is that clear enough for you, Mitch?
PEACE
March 30th, 2009 at 2:45 pmOh Max, I like that one! The “GNOP”! The Grand No Party!
May I use that in place of my GOOP?
PEACE
March 30th, 2009 at 2:46 pmUncle Fester Lurks Says:
Question: What would the effects be to the US if the reserve currency (The US dollar) was changed to say the Euro or some other currency?
You could tell her that reserve currency doesn’t affect national currencies per se, it’s like having gold or investment that can be converted or used as collateral as needed, instead of having all cash.
You can also tell her that as the Euro ( the most likely candidate for a new reserve currency) is European currency, and Europe is socialist, all the non American countries countries that choose Euros over dollars will of course be bankrupted because of socialism which doesn’t work! And that will leave the US dollar stronger than ever! So this is actually a great idea for America, because it’s bound to fail!!!
So there’s nothing to worry about!!!.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:46 pmShorter McConnell: Obama needs to kiss the ring.
http://www.pufferfishblog.com/
March 30th, 2009 at 2:50 pmPhuck bipartisanship! It serves no purpose when one of the parties adds nothing to governance.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:52 pmIt’s only considered by GOPers to be “bipartisan” if The President agrees with them, over all else!! Bipartisan means that both sides are allowed to give input, and then they negotiate the final outcome, together….but it doen’t mean only one side gets the say….as the GOPers would want.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:52 pmI’m disappointed Obama didn’t declare martial law and arrest all Republicans.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:57 pmUncle Fester Lurks Says:
It sounds like a hopeless case. The fact of the matter is that the Dollar is as close as we are likely to ever see to a “world currency”.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:57 pm27. citizen_pain Says:
Now that’s funny as hell, laughed so hard I got a cramp, thanks.
March 30th, 2009 at 2:58 pmCagey…
You’ve probably gone now. but you can’t fool me with your ironical ‘I’m just an entertainer’-type verbal shenanigans! I can spot a double super-secret snark-off when I see one! Your sir, are obviously a cabali insectvorous, paid in Ameros and in the employ of…. oh I can’t keep it up…
very amusing Cagey, cheers!
March 30th, 2009 at 2:59 pmI saw part of that interview and the worst thing about it was John King, not Mitch McConnell. At least in the part I saw, King only asked leading questions like he did in his Cheney interview that invited McConnell to attack Barack Obama.
King seems to reserve the “hard” questions for administration spokesmen. On the same show he tried to embarrass Ambassador Richard Holbrooke by playing a clip of Obama opposing the Iraq “surge” and then asking Holbrooke why nobody in the administration would admit the surge surge worked. Of course, what “worked” was paying off the Sunni insurgents not to attack American troops.
Since it would be political suicide to suggest that the sacrifice of American life during the surge had no real impact on the progress of the war, Holbrooke just had to dance around the question. During the election, Obama strongly implied in one interview that it was really the pay-offs to the insurgents that was primarily responsible for the decrease in violence, but he can’t do even that now that he’s president. But King was able to get away with making the highly debatable value of the troop surge something that was beyond question.
So the pattern in Kings interviews seems pretty clear: Ask Republicans questions that invite them to attack the president and save all the gotcha questions for Obama administration officials. CNN seems to trying to attract Fox News viewers these days, which is fine. What bothers me is that they’re misleading viewers who think talking heads like King are impartial journalists.
March 30th, 2009 at 3:03 pmHow about this:
Each of us go out a buy some handkerchiefs and with a fabric pen write on them: “To: Republican Congress Member (or Senator) From: Your Democratic Insect Friend” and send them (UPS, of course) to McConnell, Boehner, et al.
March 30th, 2009 at 3:04 pmAnd I am extremely disappointed how MSM continues to spin comments into lies using it’s power for (R) political gain.
March 30th, 2009 at 3:05 pmI agree with “impolitic”: John King is a very partisan and pro-Republican.
March 30th, 2009 at 3:08 pmFifth estate says: You can also tell her that as the Euro ( the most likely candidate for a new reserve currency) is European currency, and Europe is socialist, all the non American countries countries that choose Euros over dollars will of course be bankrupted because of socialism which doesn’t work!
And by looking at the United States your able to say that Capitalism works????? F***en idiot!!!
At least Europe has Universal Health Care, people rule not corportations, Eupropeans have a healther life style, work less hours, get paid more are well ahead in the Energy conservation front, well ahead in solar energy. Europeans have a longer life span, are better educated with a majority of there population have a high school degree, and now with the EU, people can move freely without passports just incase someone says they are not free.
Given the choices……Europe looks a lot better then US.
And don’t tell me to move there…I don’t need to…I live in my own socialistic country….CANADA!!! Which gives me everything Europe has.
Life is good….. as long as your not an American Corporate Slave citizen.
How dare corporations treat people like they do in the US!!!If that was Europe, there would be blood in the streets. PEOPLE RULE NOT CORPORATIONS!!!
March 30th, 2009 at 3:09 pmI’m disappointed in any US Senator that would support the dissolution of an American automobile industry to promote his own state’s agenda where it concerns foreign auto manufacturers. The “anti-socialism” McConnell saw to it that millions of dollars of Kentucky’s money went to providing land, infrastructure, and workforce training for the foreign companies that built plants in his state. Then they agreed to buy their cars for the state’s fleet. Pathetic.
March 30th, 2009 at 3:12 pmNOLIESPLEASE, easy on 5th Estate, whose tongue was firmly planted in cheek. After reading so many troll posts, it’s easy for our sarcasm posts to come across as very trollish and, therefore, we should not forget (as 5th Estate did) to identify our snark.
March 30th, 2009 at 3:15 pmim disappointed in mitch mcconnell’s choice of suits
March 30th, 2009 at 3:16 pmThis guy always has a persistent scowl on his face. All of his grandkids are probably afraid of him.
March 30th, 2009 at 3:17 pmBi-partisan, yeah, just like George Bush, huh . .
OH Senator, Mr. Obama W-O-N !!
March 30th, 2009 at 3:18 pmThe only accurate description of McConnell I can think of is a word that even I won’t try to get past the filter. It rhymes with “runt”.
March 30th, 2009 at 3:28 pmOf course he would be disappointed…Bipartisanship to the GOP means complete and unconditional surrender to the GOP’s (non) ideas…
March 30th, 2009 at 3:29 pmRyan Powers...
It’s always nice to see evidence that a blog post author reads the subsequent comments.
Also ‘best practice’ to make the fault/correction clear with a strike-through rather than direct replacement–very transparent.
Accuracy and accountability UPHELD, to our mutual benefit!
Thanks Ryan.
March 30th, 2009 at 3:33 pmSorry, Mitch. The Dems won and they no longer have to roll over and play dead for you. In the early days right after Obama was inaugurated, he tried several times to initiate bi-partisanism, but the Grand Oppositional Party just kept saying NONONO. So, he’s gonna do it his way now. George is riding his bike in Texas now and won’t be available to rubberstamp everything the Party wants. Deal with it.
March 30th, 2009 at 3:42 pmWTF? McConnell is whining about how the President hasn’t kept his promise on bipartisanship? Nonsense! McConnell and the rest of the GOP haven’t presented any new ideas. Only failed practices like tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy.
March 30th, 2009 at 3:45 pmC’mon, Boehner presented a fake budget without any numbers. They have nothing else – Just No Nuthin’! And they’re the party of NO!
NOLIESPLEASE Says: “5th Estate…And by looking at the United States your able to say that Capitalism works????? F***en idiot!!!“
ROFL! I’m so sorry NOLIESPLEASE…I totally understand your misunderstanding of my response to Uncle Fester about the one world currency and all that!
The joke is on me as much as anything!
Thanks PLC praying mantis (great choice!) for interceding on my behalf. Very circumspect and commendable of you.
NOLIES, that was a fine response to my comment. I feel bad I made you mad but I loved the articulate,informed vehemence! Your excellent reputation on this blog is IMHO only enhanced!
March 30th, 2009 at 3:58 pmMcConnell needs to go back to the first grade. “Bi-” means two. Meaning both sides have to participate.
There will never be bipartisanship as long as the Republicans refuse to play.
March 30th, 2009 at 4:00 pmWell, Unka Mitchie, I gotta say — we’re all sorely disappointed by your lack of a chin.
Seriously.
March 30th, 2009 at 4:01 pmOh, and NOLIESPLEASE…I hit recommend on your #42 comment, because you kicked my low information right-wing alter ego’s ass.
March 30th, 2009 at 4:02 pmThe Republican definition of bipartisan is:
When Democrats change their position to agree with the Republican viewpoint.
Heaven forbid Republicans compromise on anything.
March 30th, 2009 at 4:02 pmThat’s exactly what it is.
They want President Obama to become a repug. mcconnell should move more to the left; its better for the country and the world.
We won mf! stop trying to make President Obama one of your imbeciles.
March 30th, 2009 at 4:06 pmFor McConnell the “middle” is somewhere to the right of Josef Stalin
March 30th, 2009 at 4:35 pm5TH Estate….thank you for the clearing things up. I should have read your comment more carefully. At work…I just skim through some responces looking for F***en idiots to blast…lol. I’m sorry if I didn’t pick up the snark.
I am sick and tired of MSM AND REPUGS making comments about solialism when they have no idea what it’s like or what it’s about. You know socialism stands for the betterment of all society not just the rich, something the Repugs can’t get there heads around because they keep getting blinded by the bribes the Corps give to the repugs. How else would you explain not providing Universal Health Care????
DO YOU KNOW WHY AMERICAN MSM never discusses Canada??? Because if they did, it would show the American people all the dificencies within the US. Don’t get me wrong…I love American people (libs and mods…neo consevatives can eat shite). I have family from California to New York to Ohio to Florida. Therefore I have an understanding of what is really going on and the pain they feel. All because of the American Corporate mentality…PROFITS RULE…CITIZENS ARE SLAVES TO PROFITS.
I just spoke to my cusin in Ohio last night…I told him the recession is starting to hit over hear in Toronto…and his responce…we’ve had a recession here for the last 3 years. I do not understand why the American people put up with this crap ???? What is promising…I can say in the last 3 yrs, the liberal voice is starting to be heard.
DON’T GIVE UP LIBS…TAKE PRIDE…AND FIGHT FOR WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THE PEOPLE NOT CORPS….and that includes 5th Estate.
CORPORATE SLAVERY WILL END IN THE USA!!! Keep up the good work 5th Estate!!!! We Canadians are with you and all Americans who see that PEOPLE ARE IMPORTANT NOT CORPORATIONS!!!
March 30th, 2009 at 4:42 pmHey Mitch STFU!!! Why now are you concerned about whether or now the president will governed from the middle? You did seem to care about the when Bush was in the White House. As a matter of fact you and the rest of the republican party basically said “screw the democrats”.
March 30th, 2009 at 4:45 pmYou have to be amazed at the Repubs futile attempts to lie & cover up. First they grandstand loudly and childishly on the fact that they unanimously block everything Obama attempts to do, with no logical reason other than to block, and then they think we’ll forget about it?
March 30th, 2009 at 5:04 pm#38 impolitic says: (and it is worth repeating)
I think we must write to the news channels when they are so blatantly partisan as King. We have come to expect this treatment from Fox and most people (with brains) know it to be true, but when this kind of interviewing comes from CNN, MSNBC or network news, it is seen as more legitimate, and it is simply not true. They must be called on it.
March 30th, 2009 at 5:45 pmRepubs would have impeached gwb if he attempted to rule as McConnell wishes President Obama would govern. They aren’t about good government process, they only want to be in charge so they can steal more for their rich supporters.
March 30th, 2009 at 5:47 pmObama has failed at bipartisianship because no onegave him the memo that says: “In order for the Republicans to meet you half-way, all Democrats must become Republicans. Then we can forget about your half and do everything our way, which is half-assed”.
March 30th, 2009 at 7:19 pmMcConnell: I’m ‘Disappointed’ In Obama’s Attempts At Bipartisanship
1.) I believe Bipartisanship works two ways.
2.) Who speaks for the Republican Party with the authority
to steer the party and make the hard choises that
compromise requirse?
3.) The consertives have enabled so many hacks the noise is
interfering with any normal functioning within your own
party.
4.) The election clearly puts the job of cleaning up the
Republican’s bungling of gonernment in Obama’s lap
You could a least have the decency to get out of the
man’s way while he cleans it up.
I believe it is time for Republicans to pack their bags and go home. They have no intentions of participating in government. Maybe they should contemplate the bigger picture. The country and this president need their participation, good ideas and support. On all counts you Republicans have forgotten how to govern!
March 30th, 2009 at 9:08 pmThe head of the GOOPers is talking out of his A$$ again, can he not recall the word that has made the GOOPers famous? oh, I do,it`s NO you a$$h*le!
March 31st, 2009 at 12:21 amGrand
Old
Obstructionist
Party
I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT!
A couple of days ago, the repubs ditched the president – who was trying to brief them. At the time, I said the repubs would then turn around and blame the prez for not briefing them.
March 31st, 2009 at 12:32 amIN number 68, the orignial article, from the 26th is at
http://thinkprogress.org/2009/03/26/afghanistan-gop-skip/
Kyl and McConnell ditched the president talking with them about Afghanistan.
March 31st, 2009 at 12:40 amhttp://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/03/27/obama_town_hall_questioners_we.html?hpid=topnews
March 31st, 2009 at 12:59 pmyeah im disapointed in the new pres. also. its a shame we (americans) voted for him. O well live and learn, rock on man.
ML
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:44 am