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Liveblog of the President's Speech to the Joint Session

by: Dean Barker

Wed Sep 09, 2009 at 19:54:07 PM EDT
Click here for a livestream of the speech (I decided it would be easier on the liveblogging not to embed it within this thread.

So, have at it, folks.  This is a big one.

Also, and of interest: Zandra has coordinated some watch parties tonight for the speech that may be contributing tonight.  Note that "Portsmouth Watch Party" and "Berlin Watch Party" may represent not just one person but anyone who is logged on from those events.  And to those of you who are coming to Blue Hampshire tonight from there, welcome! (and consider joining our community in the future)
Dean Barker :: Liveblog of the President's Speech to the Joint Session
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Liveblog of the President's Speech to the Joint Session | 85 comments
Good camera shot of Judd flanked by Snowe and Collins. (4.00 / 3)
The last of the New England obstructionists.

birch, finch, beech
Did John Boner (0.00 / 0)
just kiss Hillary?

...the Doo Dah Man once told me you've got to play your hand. Sometimes the cards ain't worth a dime if you don't lay 'em down.
yep (0.00 / 0)


"But, in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope." Si se puede. Yes we can.  
[ Parent ]
I hope he boiled his lips first. (4.00 / 2)


...the Doo Dah Man once told me you've got to play your hand. Sometimes the cards ain't worth a dime if you don't lay 'em down.
[ Parent ]
Michelle Obama is radiant and willing Barack to succeed (4.00 / 2)


"But, in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope." Si se puede. Yes we can.  
How marvelous it is (4.00 / 5)
to not have to look at Snarling Dick anymore, behind the President's right shoulder.

Republicans believe government is bad - then they get into office and prove it.
"We did not come here to clean up crises. (0.00 / 0)
We came to build the future."

birch, finch, beech
"We did not come here to clean up crises. (0.00 / 0)
We came here to make them" might be more apt if nothing gets done soon--and big handouts to insurance companies without a real, viable government option is nothing in my mind.  This was a good speech, but my reaction is still very skeptical.  I want something to really come of this push, but I still can't convince myself that I'm not witnessing Democrats blow it again.  Please convince me I'm wrong.
[ Parent ]
I emphatically disagree (4.00 / 2)
He proposed a plan that covers almost all Americans - through subsidies, exchanges, an individual mandate, and a public option -- and goes after gouging insurance companies, eliminates abuses, and cuts costs through competition.

I would like single payer.  I would also like to win the lottery.  Neither will happen.  But I know that, if we fail now, it will be another fifteen years before we get another shot.  And too many people will die.

President Obama proposed a progressive plan that makes sense -- and that can pass.  And, if we truly care about change, we should rally behind him for the 95% of the plan with which we agree, rather than carp about the 5% with which we do not.  

[ Parent ]
Perhaps (0.00 / 0)
You make some good points, and I agree with everything you said, I'm just still worried it won't happen.

Single-payer won't happen, but not because we tried to see if it would.  What I heard last night was the proposed creation of enormous bureaucracies to accomplish what every other advanced democracy does much better and much more easily.  My concern is that in our efforts to insure everyone, reduce costs and especially rein in the abuses of insurers (all noble and necessary goals), we're going to need such bureaucracies just to ensure that insurance companies, whose motive is profit-making not health maintenance, do not find ways out of insuring all and properly administering payments.  

Again, I want to be wrong, and if everything works out perfectly as it was laid out last night, my concerns might be moot, but there's a lot of wrangling left to be done.  I am skeptical that everything laid out last night will be accomplished, and if congressional Democrats continue making concessions to Republicans and insurers, there's going to be a lot less than 95% of the plan with which most of us agree.

Still, if the eventual plan in any way expands coverage, improves care, reduces costs and does not give greater handouts to the insurance companies, I'll support it; I'm just disappointed that this is the best we've been able to do.

[ Parent ]
I forgot to mention... (0.00 / 0)
I re-read the speech this morning, and was left a little more hopeful.  I think some very real and substantive improvements may come of this, I'm just not holding breath yet.
[ Parent ]
I accept that (0.00 / 0)
We'll see how everything shakes out.  I'm just grateful to have a President who will fight for every last progressive reform that he can get through Congress.
[ Parent ]
I share some skepticism but (4.00 / 1)
I also have a nagging suspicion that this is a sense of disappointment that always awaits the winner, whether s/he is on the left or right, when the policy battle is nearly won. The result is never everything the advocates hoped for: that's structural.
[ Parent ]
Kinda wish (0.00 / 0)
he hadn't used that phrase "the last".

Republicans believe government is bad - then they get into office and prove it.
Judd Gregg clapping during (4.00 / 2)
"now is the time for action."

Oy.

birch, finch, beech

But (0.00 / 0)
Health Insurance is NOT Health Care. I don't want to hear Health Insurance for all.

...the Doo Dah Man once told me you've got to play your hand. Sometimes the cards ain't worth a dime if you don't lay 'em down.
I think I am hearing co-ops. (4.00 / 1)
and tax credits.

Republicans believe government is bad - then they get into office and prove it.
I'm hearing (4.00 / 1)
a bonanza for the insurance companies and more of the same for the rest of us.

...the Doo Dah Man once told me you've got to play your hand. Sometimes the cards ain't worth a dime if you don't lay 'em down.
Judd Gregg (4.00 / 1)
Was giggling just before the President said it would be laughable if not so cynical.  



"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    
I can't believe it! (0.00 / 0)
Judd LAUGHING during the "Death Panels" discussion.

Republicans believe government is bad - then they get into office and prove it.
I saw that as well, absolutely shameful n/t (0.00 / 0)


2012 starts today.
[ Parent ]
Who the f*ck (4.00 / 3)
just yelled liar at Obama?

...the Doo Dah Man once told me you've got to play your hand. Sometimes the cards ain't worth a dime if you don't lay 'em down.
Someone from South Carolina: (4.00 / 4)
Linky.

My resolve against regional prejudice is once again sorely tested.

[ Parent ]
Despicable! n/t (4.00 / 2)


...the Doo Dah Man once told me you've got to play your hand. Sometimes the cards ain't worth a dime if you don't lay 'em down.
[ Parent ]
CONGRESSMAN Joe Wilson (4.00 / 2)
How utterly classless.

If John Boehner doesn't smack him, hard and publicly ... well, what am I saying, he won't.

[ Parent ]
He's probably just tired (4.00 / 2)
. . . . from spending the last five years kissing Mark Sanford's ass.  (Oops!)

Speaking of South Carolina, I thought it was appropriate that the GOP response came from the Strom Thurmond Room of the Capitol.  And it was a perfect tribute to its regressive pig of a namesake.

[ Parent ]
Unbelievable rudeness. (4.00 / 2)
sounds like Parliament in there.

Republicans believe government is bad - then they get into office and prove it.
PUBLIC OPTION (4.00 / 3)


"But, in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope." Si se puede. Yes we can.  
I miss (4.00 / 4)
seeing shots of Teddy K.

...the Doo Dah Man once told me you've got to play your hand. Sometimes the cards ain't worth a dime if you don't lay 'em down.
A thousand 4's n/t (0.00 / 0)


Republicans believe government is bad - then they get into office and prove it.
[ Parent ]
Somebody needs EJECTING. n/t (4.00 / 1)


Republicans believe government is bad - then they get into office and prove it.
Portsmouth Watch Party (4.00 / 4)
We've got a lively crowd of 90+ people cheering the President's words. Public Option a big hit here.

Portsmouth Watch Party was created to give everyone at our gathering a chance to join the community discussion here as well!
Welcome! n/t (0.00 / 0)


birch, finch, beech
[ Parent ]
Colleges/Unversities: good comparison n/t (4.00 / 2)


Republicans believe government is bad - then they get into office and prove it.
Respect for the office (4.00 / 4)
I think most Americans have respect for the office of president, and the little boo birds and theatrics are going to annoy people.



"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    
Quoting a Senator from NH: (0.00 / 0)
What's wrong with a simple majority?

Republicans believe government is bad - then they get into office and prove it.
Description of camera shot of unhappy sitting Republicans: (4.00 / 4)
white male, white male, white male, white male, white male, white male, white male, white male, white male, white male, white male, white male, white male, white male, white male,
white male, white male, white male, white male, white male.

(Not that there's anything wrong with being a white male, but sheesh, that 'aint what America looks like.)

birch, finch, beech

Smirkin' Joe Lieberman (0.00 / 0)


...the Doo Dah Man once told me you've got to play your hand. Sometimes the cards ain't worth a dime if you don't lay 'em down.
Looking very republican (4.00 / 1)


"But, in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope." Si se puede. Yes we can.  
[ Parent ]
Ssssssss. n/t (0.00 / 0)


Republicans believe government is bad - then they get into office and prove it.
[ Parent ]
Fired up in Portsmouth (4.00 / 1)
We have 90 health care voters eating pizza and lovin' every minute of this... Lots of joy over support for the public plan.

Judy S in Downtown Portsmouth  

Portsmouth Watch Party was created to give everyone at our gathering a chance to join the community discussion here as well!

Welcome! n/t (0.00 / 0)


birch, finch, beech
[ Parent ]
Glad he singled out strong support for the public option (4.00 / 2)
but boy, everything he described before, without it, sure sounded to me like: You will be breaking the law if you don't buy insurance from private companies.

birch, finch, beech
He is being fairly firm... (4.00 / 5)
In calling out the R's, such as saying the same people trying to scare seniors wanted to privatize medicare.



"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    
Yes, I was actually even more pleased (4.00 / 5)
with his straight up takedown of them on Medicare than even on calling the death panel stuff out as "lies."

birch, finch, beech
[ Parent ]
A bone for the tort - oises. n/t (0.00 / 0)


Republicans believe government is bad - then they get into office and prove it.
Notice not part of the Health Bill (4.00 / 3)
a policy directive to the Secretary

"But, in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope." Si se puede. Yes we can.  
[ Parent ]
Ted's in the room now. n/t (4.00 / 2)


Republicans believe government is bad - then they get into office and prove it.
Barack comes out swinging! (0.00 / 0)
Ahhhh.....

Thank you mr. President for enduring all the nonsense, and taking this on!
-Steve

 

Portsmouth Watch Party was created to give everyone at our gathering a chance to join the community discussion here as well!

please (4.00 / 3)
please democrats rally, please democrats rally...
[ Parent ]
Teddy's Memory (4.00 / 1)
Explaining how Teddy had empathy. Republicans sneer at the idea.

Only the left protects anyone's rights.
Compassionate conservatism n/t (0.00 / 0)


...the Doo Dah Man once told me you've got to play your hand. Sometimes the cards ain't worth a dime if you don't lay 'em down.
[ Parent ]
"when timidity passes for wisdom" (4.00 / 2)


"But, in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope." Si se puede. Yes we can.  
Excellent (4.00 / 1)
I think the D's are now going to leave the Republicans are behind now.  



"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    
[ Parent ]
The Republicans are always behind (4.00 / 1)
Well, not behinds, but what's in the middle of behinds.

Only the left protects anyone's rights.
[ Parent ]
I still believe! n/t (4.00 / 3)




"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    
Wow (4.00 / 4)
Great speech!
-Rich

Portsmouth Watch Party was created to give everyone at our gathering a chance to join the community discussion here as well!
Wow! What a finale! (4.00 / 2)
"We did not come here to fear the future. We came here to shape it." Now that's a powerful declaration!

Only the left protects anyone's rights.
Perfect ad for the DNC (4.00 / 2)
(just said to me by someone else)

Audio of BO stating that we came here to do something, and the subsequent shot of four rows of Republicans sitting down while everyone is applauding.

birch, finch, beech

Images speak volumes. (0.00 / 0)


Republicans believe government is bad - then they get into office and prove it.
[ Parent ]
Republican response (4.00 / 2)
Blah bl-blah bl-blah bl-blah.



"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    
Their earplugs were in during the speech anyway. (4.00 / 1)
or perhaps they were using iPods. Was Judd laughing because he was secretly listening to old recordings of HeeHaw?

Republicans believe government is bad - then they get into office and prove it.
[ Parent ]
Pardon me if I skip the canned Rep response (4.00 / 1)
with the usual nonsense.

Republicans believe government is bad - then they get into office and prove it.
Howcum (0.00 / 0)
whenever the R's have a response to a major speech by President Obama it's some guy from Lousiana? At least this yahoo doesn't have Jindals goofy smile.

...the Doo Dah Man once told me you've got to play your hand. Sometimes the cards ain't worth a dime if you don't lay 'em down.
[ Parent ]
This one's a doctor who's reported to have tried to (4.00 / 1)
buy himself a British lordship and was taken in by fraudsters.

Outlandish Republicans.

[ Parent ]
Same old (4.00 / 2)
Started yapping about government control. Blah bl-blah.



"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    
[ Parent ]
My 15 year (4.00 / 6)
old son said, "He didn't even listen to the speech."
[ Parent ]
Exactly n/t (0.00 / 0)




"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    
[ Parent ]
Yeah, but - (0.00 / 0)
How can you deliver a rebuttal a few minutes after an hour-long speech and really address it? It seems near impossible - whether the rebutter is Republican or Democrat.

Of course, you could wait a day - but then the audience would be way down, if you even got air time.

[ Parent ]
We will see true health care reform. (4.00 / 4)


"But, in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope." Si se puede. Yes we can.  
A majority could make it happen. (0.00 / 0)


Republicans believe government is bad - then they get into office and prove it.
[ Parent ]
Hope (4.00 / 4)
As a young citizen in NH I was amazed that obama was able to get democratic and republican applause.
-lief friedrichs Exeter nh

Portsmouth Watch Party was created to give everyone at our gathering a chance to join the community discussion here as well!
Welcome to Blue Hampshire! n/t (4.00 / 1)


birch, finch, beech
[ Parent ]
Boustany (4.00 / 4)
sued for malpractice 3 times, and is a birther according to KO.

...the Doo Dah Man once told me you've got to play your hand. Sometimes the cards ain't worth a dime if you don't lay 'em down.
Figures. n/t (0.00 / 0)


Republicans believe government is bad - then they get into office and prove it.
[ Parent ]
I want to have his babies (4.00 / 1)
I'm a heterosexual man, but it really doesn't matter.  

He ran a little long, but my heart is still racing.  I think we're finally gonna do it!!!

Uhhhh... (0.00 / 0)
I want to have his babies   ....   I think we're finally gonna do it!!!

In your dreams.  heh

...the Doo Dah Man once told me you've got to play your hand. Sometimes the cards ain't worth a dime if you don't lay 'em down.

[ Parent ]
You're starting to sound like Tweety.(n/t) (4.00 / 2)

[ Parent ]
I can't help it!!! (4.00 / 3)
I'm so happy to have Barack Obama as my President.
[ Parent ]
who woulda thunk it 18 months ago! (0.00 / 0)


"But, in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope." Si se puede. Yes we can.  
[ Parent ]
Was that Eric Cantor (4.00 / 3)
on his Blackberry?

WHAT an a-hole.

Yes, and? (n/t) (4.00 / 2)

[ Parent ]
Apologies for redundancy n/t (4.00 / 3)

[ Parent ]
No wasting time! (4.00 / 2)
When not a single Republican can applaud not wasting time, you know it's pointless trying to negotiate with any of them. And therefore, every last one of them can safely be ignored as unserious.

Only the left protects anyone's rights.
Exceptional, exclusive outlanders. It's what they're aiming for. (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
Liveblog of the President's Speech to the Joint Session | 85 comments

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