After Authoring Memo On How To Kill Health Reform, CNN’s Alex Castellanos Feigns Interest In Bipartisanship
After Authoring Memo On How To Kill Health Reform, CNN’s Alex Castellanos Feigns Interest In Bipartisanship
Yesterday on CNN’s Situation Room, Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) stood by his criticism of the Republican healthcare plan — which is “don’t get sick,” and if you do get sick, “die quickly” — to a panel of mostly hostile CNN contributors and GOP consultant Alex Castellanos.
Castellanos repeatedly attacked Grayson, comparing him at one point to Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The other CNN hosts rallied to Castellanos’ side: Joe Johns incredulously asked if Grayson wanted a “thoughtful conversation about important ideas” and Gloria Borger appeared to be confused by the notion that talking about the number of people dying from a lack of health insurance was getting the “debate back on track.”
Playing the victim, Castellanos feigned Republican willingness to work in a bipartisan manner to achieve universal care:
CASTELLANOS: Obama and Republican — President Obama put that on the table. If he put tort reform, if he put portability, if he put shopping across state lines, he could put together a package right now and Republicans would stand with him 100 percent.
Watch it:
Castellanos, who is a constant fixture on CNN as regular pundit, is also a consultant to a major Republican advertising firm called National Media Inc. Not only does he fashion himself as the “father of the modern attack ad,” but Castellanos is also the father of the Republican health plan Grayson is condemning. In July, Castellanos wrote a memo for the GOP leadership on how to kill health reform. The memo emphasized the use of buzzwords to characterize Democratic plans — like “risky” and “experiment” — but most importantly defined the ultimate goal: “If we slow this sausage-making process down, we can defeat it.”
The GOP has followed Castellano’s advice in every regard. After the memo’s release, the RNC produced ads using the recommended buzzwords, House Republicans have waged “floor games” as a stalling tactic to slow the legislative process, and Republican Senators have obstructed markups with ridiculous, obstructionist amendments. One of the GOP’s chief negotiators, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), has said he “take[s] pride in being an obstructionist.”
Meanwhile, according to the Harvard study Grayson cites, someone dies every twelve minutes because they lack health insurance.
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Grayson has bigger b**ls than I thought, going into that nest of vipers! I just wish there were more Dem’s like him!
October 1st, 2009 at 11:17 amLike most CNN contributors (left and right), Castellanos is a lying snake. Willing to say anything to avoid looking bad on international television.
And, really…comparing Grayson, a progressive Jewish politician fighting for healthcare reform to Ahmadinejad, an antisemite who stole an election and bankrupting an economy…
October 1st, 2009 at 11:19 amClassy, Castellanos. Real classy. I guess he finally fit the douchy-right wing-CNN-jackass role that had been largely empty since Tucker fled.
I will not vote for any repiggie for any office, even for local office.
I am so over that bunch of garbage.
Thank God for sites such as ThinkProgress.
The 24/7 “news” channels are worthless conveyors of corporate crap.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:19 amCASTELLANOS: Obama and Republican — President Obama put that on the table. If he became a Republican, and kneeled before Boss Limbaugh, he could put together a package right now and Republicans would stand with him 100 percent.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:20 amignore the grammatical mistake or two in my last post…point is still valid.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:20 amWhy aren’t there more Dems like Grayson?
Does anyone know of a forming movement to dump repiggies and blue dog dems
in 2010?
I would love to contribute time and money for a national congressional enema.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:22 amThe problem with allowing shopping for insurance across state lines is that all the insurance companies will move their operations to states with the weakest regulations. Of course even if this were to happen the radical right would never allow the Republicans to support the bill anyway.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:24 amWhat a lowlife devious weaselly scumbag Castellanos is
and what a lowlife weaselly scumbag network CNN is for giving him a propaganda platform.
100% corporatist bullsh**
October 1st, 2009 at 11:25 am…but Castellanos is also the father of the Republican health plan Grayson is condemning.
That would be that blank piece of paper that the Repubs were waving in the joint session? Meaning… no plan at all?
October 1st, 2009 at 11:29 am…or should that just be the Health Care plan of “NO” to go with the Party of “NO”?
October 1st, 2009 at 11:30 amThis is a case of ‘Conflict of Interest’. CNN is full of these dirt-bags. This guy, Bill Bennett… The list goes on and on.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:30 amAnd Lou “HateMan” Dobbs too.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:30 amGrayson won his seat in a district that voted for Bush twice.
Who says two wrongs don’t make a right.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:32 amThe only downside to the massive amount of attention drawn to Grayson is that he represents a GOP-leaning swing district. It’s got a cook rating of R+2, and while Grayson won by 4% (and Obama by 5%)…Ric Keller was on the outs with the electorate. Grayson will need to rely on some heavy support from the DNC if a well-funded challenger springs up. 2010 will almost certainly result in some losses in the House; hopefully, Grayson won’t be one of them.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:32 amevangenital says:
Why aren’t there more Dems like Grayson?
Does anyone know of a forming movement to dump repiggies and blue dog dems
in 2010?
I would love to contribute time and money for a national congressional enema.
Try this link
It is a page that will take you to a place where you can contribute to true progressive voices in Congress. Or just google Act Blue.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:35 amWolf Blitzer, at long last, sir, have you no shame?
October 1st, 2009 at 11:36 amNo more war please.
Say thanks to the world here :)
http://www.millionthanksbook.com
October 1st, 2009 at 11:38 amnew@16, Wolf never has any EMPATHY let alone shame. He is a corporate talking head in a thousand dollar suit. CNN is really showing it’s true colors lately. With Lou Dobbs basically going to the Dark Side. (I don’t know if it is because Obama is black or a Democrat)
October 1st, 2009 at 11:41 amClone this guy’s attitude on every member of the Democratic caucus. I doubt you’ll see him get much more airtime on the cable shows, though. He’s not playing by the rules that allow Republicans to say anything, no matter how blatant they are on making stuff up or misrepresenting the issues. But when a Democratic calls them on it and produces truthful soundbites – quick, the smelling salts!
A week ago, I never heard of the guy. Today, he’s the role model for Democratic bi-partisanship in dealing with this collection of clowns who are masquerading as offended Republicans. :-)
October 1st, 2009 at 11:45 amCASTELLANOS: Obama and Republican — President Obama put that on the table. If he put tort reform, if he put portability, if he put shopping across state lines, he could put together a package right now and Republicans would stand with him 100 percent.
What a typically arrogant GOP turburglar Castellanos truly is ; the Republican “ideas” he lists/states , have already been analyzed and deemed insignificant in terms of lowering health care costs.
What a stupid , lying sack of shit………
October 1st, 2009 at 11:45 amA right-winger’s ability to talk out of both sides of his mouth (or his mouth and his posterior) simultaneously never ceases to amaze me.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:46 amSpoiled little Alex
October 1st, 2009 at 11:48 amActed out for mommy’s love
Cash flows from new teats
At first, I was shocked at how they were all attacking Rep Grayson. Then, I recalled how these folks pretty much brown-nosed the Republican Reps when they had them on, and I became pissed.
I am glad, Rep Grayson refused to walk back his neanderthal and knuckledraggers description of the Republicans. However, watch for these same CNN dweebs to be harping on it come 2010. I would say it should pop up again in April-June 2010.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:49 amThis guy just looks sleazy doesn’t he? I very rarely judge people by what they look like, but this guy has the whole, sneering, contempting look that many Repugs cultivate. Santorum being number one.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:50 amSince all med ads are half-filled with warnings about negative side effects, there should be a like discloser for every one of these “strategists.” Each would have to be introduced with a detailed statement of who they represent….and not just some phony organizational name.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:55 amP.D. says:
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This guy just looks sleazy doesn’t he? I very rarely judge people by what they look like, but this guy has the whole, sneering, contempting look that many Repugs cultivate. Santorum being number one.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:50 am
Castellanos looks as if he’d be perfectly comfortable wearing a flowery-patterned silk shirt , unbuttoned down to his navel , sporting a large gold medallion , while dancing (awkwardly) to the Bee Gees’ “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack ……………
October 1st, 2009 at 11:57 amNo surprise here. CNN jumped on the fascist propaganda bandwagon during the Bush administration when they saw Fox’s ratings.
I am surprised Obama included CNN in his healthcare reform interviews.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:59 amUmm, Neanderthals were actually fully bipedal and walked upright, like modern humans. There is no evidence to suggest that they dragged their knuckles. Today’s GOP is more like homo habilis than homo neanderthalensis
CNN really needs to correct that chyron.
October 1st, 2009 at 12:00 pmMC@26,LOL! That’s not quite how I would picture him but WTF? Will Ferrell’s Batobi’ Brother look is fine with me! You know the sleazy come on and smashing into unsuspecting woman. Pretty much sums up this guys persona.
October 1st, 2009 at 12:00 pmCastellanos = Hitler
October 1st, 2009 at 12:02 pmP.D. @ 24
I guess the old adage stands – “never judge a book by it’s cover.” There are plenty of RW loons that look like thoughtful Democrats…until they speak.
October 1st, 2009 at 12:05 pmLibertyLover says:
Donated.
October 1st, 2009 at 12:06 pm:D
It might help the GOP to remember the Cuba thing first:
http://americaspeaksink.com/2009/10/the-castro-obama-connection/
October 1st, 2009 at 12:08 pmIntrepid says:
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Castellanos = Hitler
October 1st, 2009 at 12:02 pm
More like “SHitler” ……………
October 1st, 2009 at 12:08 pmP.D. @ 24
LOL, I thought your comment was directed at Grayson….I realize it was Castellanos that you were making your point on. Please disregard.
October 1st, 2009 at 12:08 pmWhat is with the obvious double standard. Repukes have been saying things as bad or worse for months. Suddenly when a Dem get’s some balls everyone is up in arms and asking for apologies. WTF?????????
October 1st, 2009 at 12:09 pmInnocent@35, No problem. Where are the trolls anyway? Does this particular topic scare them off? Hmm…
October 1st, 2009 at 12:10 pmTime to get our wallets ready for Grayson. The Repulsives are already sending out a call to defeat Grayson. He is one of the few stand up Dems and he deserves our full support!
October 1st, 2009 at 12:11 pmjm says:
Since all med ads are half-filled with warnings about negative side effects, there should be a like discloser for every one of these “strategists.” Each would have to be introduced with a detailed statement of who they represent….and not just some phony organizational name.
I agree! Whenever Rollins or Borger are on CNN, their audience should be reminded that Ed Rollins tried to inflict Huckabee upon this country and that Gloria Borger worships KKK Rove and is basically on just to recite GOP talking points.
Castellano has been referred to as the “father of the modern attack ad” and to allow him to portray himself and his GOP bosses as willing to work with the Democrats is the height of irresponsibility by CNN.
October 1st, 2009 at 12:11 pmWolf as we all know is a mono-tone drone who can put an insomniac to sleep. To see him feign shock over a liberal who dares to shake up the system was funny.
When ever a wing-nut does a similarly outrageous thing, Wolfy seems to be more tolerant and wonders if it represents a larger segment of the population.
October 1st, 2009 at 12:13 pmWhy have the MSM held off reporting on Sanford? He is begging S.C. officals NOT to release the results of the ethics probe. I remember when Spitzer ans McGreevy were thrown under the bus. Could there be a Double Standard?
October 1st, 2009 at 12:13 pmP.D. says:
Why have the MSM held off reporting on Sanford? He is begging S.C. officals NOT to release the results of the ethics probe. I remember when Spitzer ans McGreevy were thrown under the bus. Could there be a Double Standard?
October 1st, 2009 at 12:13 pm
_____________
They’re just scared. God already killed Micheal Jackson to get reporters off Sanford’s case the first time around. Who knows what else He’ll do to protect his precious C-Street flock.
October 1st, 2009 at 12:16 pm@42, Yeah. If C-Street was a DEMOCRAT haven, MSM would be all over it. Unreal.
October 1st, 2009 at 12:20 pmThe thing the Republicans are fighting against is that they’re hitting bone.
All the previous right-wing whining has come from a base feeling that our way of life is fine, but being ruined by foreigners, liberals, commies and, uh ‘minorities’.
Theproblem is that their way of life is not fine.
Not any longer.
It was a simple belief, that if you worked hard in this country, you would do well, and your kids would do better.
As long as that was even vaguely the truth, the rich and the corporate could loot and pillage.
The problem with that sort of behavior is that they don’t exercise restraint in the long run. They kept cutting even when it started to do structural damage.
They were basing their financial speculations on mortgages–while undermining the ability of the homeowners of America to pay those mortgages.
They made hlth care unaffordable and made health insurance a nightmare.
And they hit bone.
Have you noticed that the trolls are attacking working, middle class people with good jobs as if they were poor?
They’re attacking the people in trouble as welfare cases whining for handouts. And millions across America shake their heads in bewilderment, because that’s not what they are; they’re people with degrees, families where both parents work, at skilled jobs. They’re people who have maxed out on the ‘get more education’ path.
But the trolls are right. They’re poor now. The middle class is getting its back broken. The trolls have redefined the whiners to include most of Americans.
And by doing so, they’ve admitted what they’ve done. People who wen to sleep middle class are waking up poor. And even the teabaggers and tenthers and birthers are beginning to realize that they’re no longer middle class–not by their parents’ definition.
And the people know who did this. They know this because the hands are still at their throat.
Th very people in those demonstrations are finding their jobs going away, or finding their health care unexpectedly impossible.
The unbalanced ones are taking their guns and shooting people. But the others are finding that they are the people they’re raging at.
The bell tolls for thee, good buddy.
October 1st, 2009 at 12:21 pmAmazing how John Edwards , who holds NO ELECTED OFFICE is still in the “news” , while the investigation into Sanford’s seedy and inappropriate behavior isn’t questioned any further…………
October 1st, 2009 at 12:23 pmCNN, “the most trusted name in news”…not so much.
October 1st, 2009 at 12:30 pmIt’s like Lucy holding the “bipartisanship” football out for Charlie Brown again…
October 1st, 2009 at 12:30 pmjoedee1969, what’s the matter troll? NO GUTS? Afraid to speak your mind? Rather quote some idiot and run and hide?
October 1st, 2009 at 12:31 pmFor a little catharsis check out the Rude Pundit’s post on this.
The last time I tried to include his blog’s address I was blocked so you’ll have to google him yourself – but it’s worth the effort (but not for the faint of heart).
October 1st, 2009 at 12:33 pmElBruce says:
It’s like Lucy holding the “bipartisanship” football out for Charlie Brown again…
You are so right on there! That would make a great political cartoon.
October 1st, 2009 at 12:34 pmCastellanos saying that Rep. Grayson makes the Republicans look well, and I am paraphrasing, look civil in the this debate! Who is he trying to kid?? With all the anti-Obama rhetoric and “pulling the plug on granny” and “death panels” and all that. I have sworn I will never watch CNN again since I came to the conclusion they are advocating the killing of health care reform, just like Fox News wants to do harm to President Obama. it is sad to think that a once legitimate news organization like CNN can be the campaign arm of the Republican Party. Rep. Grayson is to be commended for his strong voice and for telling it like it is…and calling out the Republicans for who they are. Thanks Rep. Grayson, and thanks to you too think progress for keeping all of us well informed.
October 1st, 2009 at 12:47 pmjoedee trying to use Castro as a boogeyman?
that’s hilarious.
hey joedee – “CHAVEZ!!!”
did i skeer ya??????
October 1st, 2009 at 1:19 pmTime to trot out my time-proven line:
Alex Castellanos is a g*dd*mned f**king liar. Talking out of both sides of his mouth. Just like Nixon did.
Just like Bush.
October 1st, 2009 at 1:37 pmAnd the Republicans wonder why they have lost 3 elections in a row and voters opinions of the party are dropping even lower.
October 1st, 2009 at 1:49 pmCastellanos so desparately hates himself. He really would like to be white, and to prove it, he readily practices white racial superiority. What a duck!
October 1st, 2009 at 3:31 pmGloira, Wolf, Joe are all full of S***!!!! They would NEVER get one of the real crazy’s from the republican party to come on the show and get grilled like that nor would they even THINK of treating a republican that way.
October 1st, 2009 at 3:50 pm