National Journal's Condon Relishes Obama Attempt to Preempt GOP Debate
"Obama Takes Republicans' Night From Them With Speech," exults the August 31 headline for National Journal reporter George Condon Jr.'s story on the president's wish to give a speech on his economic recovery plan on September 7.
The text of the article practically rings with approval of the president's rude and presumptuous request (emphasis mine):
Next Wednesday night was supposed to belong to the Republicans. It was to be a showcase for the eight GOP presidential contenders, a chance to use two hours of national television coverage of their debate in California to bash President Obama. A chance to look presidential.
But with only 198 words in a letter to the leaders of Congress, Obama has reminded them who is president right now. And it doesn’t get much more presidential than commanding the members of the House and the Senate to sit there in a joint session to get their marching orders from the commander in chief.
In deciding on the grandest possible venue to unveil Obama's jobs plan and in picking Sept. 7 even though it clashes with the Republican candidates’ debate in California, the White House is playing political hardball. But it is also ratcheting up the pressure to deliver a program that is more than just a rehash of past proposals and is bold enough to put the economy on a course more positive than today’s.
If Obama falls short on that measure, if his proposal looks timid or inadequate, he could regret seeking that large stage. But that will not be known until later. The immediate impact is on politics, and it assuredly leaves the eight challengers steaming and the debate sponsors miffed.
In his letter requesting the audience, the president placed his speech above politics. “Washington needs to put aside politics and start making decisions based on what is best for our country and not what is best for each of our parties in order to grow the economy and create jobs. And we must answer this call,” he wrote. (Both chambers of Congress would have to approve such a session by passage of a joint resolution.)
Obama promised to use the speech “to lay out a series of bipartisan proposals that the Congress can take immediately to continue to rebuild the American economy by strengthening small businesses, helping Americans get back to work, and putting more money in the paychecks of the middle class and [of] working Americans, while still reducing our deficit and getting our fiscal house in order.”
At the White House, officials professed to be shocked at any suggestion that they would intentionally step on the planned GOP debate. “Of course not,” insisted a wounded-looking press secretary Jay Carney at his daily briefing. Asked how 8 p.m. Wednesday was selected, he responded, “There were a lot of considerations. You have to deal with Congress’s schedule. This is one debate of many, that is on one channel of many. That was not enough reason not to have it.”
- Ken Shepherd's blog
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Comments
what an arrogant little man
Submitted by ohio granny on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 4:48pm.
Obama is an arrogant, lying little man. If anyone is stupid enough to believe that was the only day and time he could give this speech then they are dumber than a box of rocks and no wonder they voted for the most incompetent president ever. The republican debates have been set for weeks, maybe months.
Obama, a despicable, dishonest, thug. I don't believe anything he says. Why would anyone??????????????
I guarantee you.......
Submitted by GregE on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 9:17pm.
............many, if not MOST, Americans think the President is above Congress, and is their boss, just as many believe that states are subordinates of the federal government. Guaranteed.
As if more evidence is needed..
Submitted by RedinaBlueState on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 4:50pm.
.. to show how childish, immature, petulant, and thin-skinned President "it's not my fault" is. He and his minions knew full well that the GOP debate was already scheduled for the same evening. I hope he falls flat on his face and the speech is a big nothing. The bigger the stage, the more he falls.....
Remember That Line
Submitted by packman on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 8:38am.
in the movie "Hunt For Red October" -- Richard Jourdan playing the role of National Security Adviser, says to the Russian Ambassador - "what?...you've lost another submarine, Mr. Ambassador?!!"
John Boehner missed a perfect opportunity to say to the Prez...."what?...you've got another jobs plan, Mr. president?!!"
"...Were we directed from Washington when to sow and when to reap, we should soon want bread..." ~Thomas Jefferson
What a spiteful
Submitted by ripper58 on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 4:53pm.
little man this chicago thug is!!! He has nothing to say so he pulls this crap! Where is his plan he was going to unveil LAST YEAR?? Boehner should tell him to go pound salt and remind the Telepromter-in-Chief who the adults are in the room!!!!! What a POS!
passive aggressive much?
Submitted by kata on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 4:58pm.
another public flogging for congress. All those synergistic leadership classes all down the tubes... I heard this same news snippet on the 5 min top of the hr radio report on the way home from the store. It's amazing how much unabashed glee a reporter can put into the sentence "they can always reschedule". Pretty sure I heard a snicker. Or maybe it was a giggle.
Buypartisan. It's partisan and we have to buy it
Riiight.....
Submitted by Model850 on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 5:03pm.
In his letter requesting the audience, the president placed his speech above politics. “Washington needs to put aside politics and start making decisions based on what is best for our country and not what is best for each of our parties in order to grow the economy and create jobs. And we must answer this call,” he wrote.
Then why, pray tell, request a joint session on the night of a long-scheduled debate of Republican challengers to your throne? Is that really putting politics aside?
(Both chambers of Congress would have to approve such a session by passage of a joint resolution.)
Wouldn't it be funny if the House refused to pass the resolution? Counter-productive, sure. And certainly suicidal politically. But absolutely hilarious.
John Boehner
Submitted by bkeyser on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 5:10pm.
has replied. He suggests Barry give his little dressing down of the GOP the next night, instead.
Couple of comments on the timing- first, he has every right. But people will see it for what it is: a political ploy trying to get people to watch his show over the debate. My guess is, his ratings would see a significant drop compared to past presidential speeches. I'm not sure that works out in his favor.
Secondly- it creates an opportunity for the GOP candidates to rail on and on about the audacity of dope that is this president. Instead of attacking one another (as you'd expect at this point and which the media and lefty bloggers are cheerfully awaiting) they'll be able to -with full credibility- attack Obama in unison for stepping on this long-planned paragon of presidential campaigns. A presidential debate is democracy in action; the beginnings of the peaceful transfer of power that separates our politics from countries like Libya and Egypt. And here is the current president trying to stifle this time-honor tradition for purely partisan gains. Again, he looks childish.
One more note on the John Boehner letter to Barry: The debate and speech are both scheduled for 8pm next Wednesday evening. Boehner is suggesting that due to logistics involving the returning Congress (that day), Barry reschedule for the next night, Thursday Sept. 8th. That happens to be the opening of the NFL season with a special Thursday Night Football edition between the Pack and the Saints. Well played JB; well played.
bahahahaha!!
Submitted by kata on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 5:12pm.
He did it. He actually did it. Well played indeed.
Nice, but I wish he had included "The House will not be there
Submitted by SickofLibs on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 5:44pm.
if you choose to proceed."
Rumor has it
Submitted by Boudin on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 8:56pm.
Obama will continue, from the Oval office. Classy guy that Obama
Well played, to a point........
Submitted by GregE on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 9:17pm.
No mention of a presidential debate which was already scheduled. That is the top reason that it should not take place. Actually, in my opinion, it shouldn't take place at all in Congress. If Obama wants to go national, do it from the Oval Office. Most of Congress will watch it. Then send all of them a copy of the speech. Done.
Congress has to invite. Obama can "request" all he wants. He's not dictator. His speech is not "to Congress" about going to war. It's a campaign speech, plain and simple.
But I will say for Boehner, extending an "invite" was the correct way to do it, and to suggest a particular day, instead a choice of days. Basically "here's when we can have you over, take it or leave it." It's not like it's new anyway. It's the 3rd or 4th time jobs has been "the focus." So the reality is, its blah blah blah, spend more money blah blah.
He will not accept Sept 8. He will request another day, but ONLY AFTER pushing some more for Sept 7 and letting the media do some water-carrying for a day or two for him first.
Bipartisn proposals?
Submitted by freecitizen on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 5:16pm.
Did any Republicans have a hand in crafting these proposals? What exactly qualifies them as bipartisan other than Obama's desire to be seen as such.
GOP, Reschedule for one day earlier, NOW!
Submitted by hbnolikeee on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 5:23pm.
Watch what happens. The benefit will far exceed the cost. Just do it and get your junk out from between your legs and grow a pair. It's time.
Obama didn't dare step into
Submitted by jkwtrading on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 6:04pm.
Obama didn't dare step into the House and Senate when the budget debate raged. I'd remind him of that time and tell him to ask before coming.. Then give him a time to speak in the morning...lol..
Just a coincidence
Submitted by dr-go on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 5:35pm.
and nothing more, but don't get in the way of His ego. A pathetic little charlatan posing as an executive with a plan to solve the economic mess that Bush left behind and oh, can we blame the Japanese tsunami, the riots in the UK, the hurricanes, the Olympic snub and, while we're at it, some other things as well?
Now the earthquake and Hurricane Irene
Submitted by Rover on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 5:47pm.
Yes, of course, now he can blame the earthquake and Hurricane Irene for the state of the economy.
The fool
Submitted by russedav on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 5:43pm.
is a deranged fascist obamanation slut who wouldn't be allowed in print in a civilized country. If Bush had done this the corrupt hypocrite would have gone ballistic.
Nanny, nanny, boo, boo.
Submitted by rickbren on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 5:46pm.
An adult entered the room and told Barry, NO!
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/update-boehner-says-no-to-obamas-jobs-sp...
LOL, you mean the King has no
Submitted by Dan The Man 2 on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 6:30pm.
LOL, you mean the King has no clothes?
That seems to be the case.
Submitted by celator on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 7:17pm.
That seems to be the case. The balance of powers, where one branch can check the idiocy of another branch, is something that really bugs Obama. I'm not sure he even knew there was such a thing before he became POTUS. Remember when he said that he admired the Chinese government because the leaders there can do whatever they want, whenever they want.
Damned Madison!
Submitted by CO2Maker on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 5:47pm.
No, I don't mean where the Governor of Wisconsin presides. Nor do I mean a million little girls in Volvo families.
I mean the guy who came up with that separation of powers stuff (the original separate but equal doctrine, you know, the good one). If only—IF ONLY—the president could actually command members of the Legislature to sit in a joint session and get their marching orders. So grand, so commanding, so Chavezian!
I read your post after
Submitted by celator on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 7:18pm.
I read your post after posting mine. You said it better!
I read Boehner's letter and
Submitted by jkwtrading on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 6:05pm.
I read Boehner's letter and it basically said "stuff it Bammie boy"
Hey, Condon and Tingles share the same "stylist."
Submitted by SickofLibs on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 6:21pm.
"Sure, you're almost 70, but that doesn't mean you can't hold onto your boyish Ivy League/Beltway good looks."
OK, that's outta the way. WHY WHY WHY couldn't Boehner have just given a flat-out no? This is such an obvious juvenile power play by Obama, why weasel word anything? Does he forget how Pelosi ruled with an iron fist (actually, bony claw, but whatever).
My money is on Boehner giving in, 3 to 1. He left himself NO wiggle room.
SoL
Submitted by Denny Crane on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 8:41pm.
I'll take that bet.
The orange man stated it in such a way that he can deny it was political. That he is just making sure that they are following the rules.
We Are The 53%
OK, we're on, Denny.
Submitted by SickofLibs on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 8:47pm.
I do hope you win, though.
SoL
Submitted by Denny Crane on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 9:04pm.
Cool!
Is the bet 1Million theoretical Internet dollars? Or 1 Billion real dollars after Obama's inflation comes to an end?
We Are The 53%
Denny: Nah, no $$$, real or imaginary.
Submitted by SickofLibs on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 9:23pm.
My proposition:
Whoever wins gets to use the ragline "I won and ________ (insert loser's name) is a dumbass!" for one full week. Loser may not make any sarcastic comments re: ragline during that time period.
But the only way you win is if both Obongo's address to Congress AND the debate on NBC go off at 8 pm on Sept. 7 ;)
ragline is acceptable
Submitted by Denny Crane on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 9:36pm.
But did you just switch sides?
I would lose if Orange boy gives in and the O addresses congress on Wed the 7th at 8PMish.
We Are The 53%
"I won and SickofLibs is a dumbass!"
Submitted by SickofLibs on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 9:37pm.
Enjoy Denny, you SOB!!!
HAHAHAHA SoL is a DUMBA$$
Submitted by Denny Crane on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 9:43pm.
That was fast.
Score one for the Orange Man!
1 week starting today? Ending when he gives the speech, make sure you remind me to change it back.
We Are The 53%
SoL---
Submitted by matthewdean on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 10:01pm.
I should have warned you - Denny (Crane) is a lawyer.
Denny (toneyuki) is a teacher.
toneyuki has a big Samurai sword.
A BIG, LONG, and very SHARP Samurai sword.
And a pistola. (Not a big, long, or sharp pistola; but you get the picture)
You got off easy, my friend. :o)
MD
Thanks for the (late) heads up, MD!
Submitted by SickofLibs on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 8:44am.
.
Sucks being smoked by your own game
Submitted by Boudin on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 9:06am.
Not that it's ever happened to me
SoL---
Submitted by matthewdean on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 9:40pm.
Sorry for the belated warning, but I was on the road yesterday, returning from a week at San Diego Bay.
Surely enjoyed the contest between you and Denny, though.
I was rooting for you both. :o)
MD
YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!
Submitted by GG_NB on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 2:06pm.
Okay, it was really mean to scare me like that. I was on a different thread and saw Denny's tagline and thought: "What the ___?!"
Listen, there are some things I can deal with on NB -- and some things I just cannot. I cannot imagine dealing with the reality of Denny & SoL being in a huge, nasty NB fight -- two of my favs on here.
But it just figures. It's only about some silly bet. Gee, thanks a lot, guys. You gave me a little heart attack. :(
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
~Ronald Reagan
Giggles
Submitted by Denny Crane on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 6:59pm.
Sorry!
;-)
That's why I made it as a link, so people could know exactly why it says that.
We Are The 53%
Denny~
Submitted by GG_NB on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 10:01pm.
It's okay. ;) But when I first saw the link, I was away on my iPad, and links are useless on it. So I had to wait until much later when I was back to my main computer to get the link to come up...to find out for sure that you guys weren't hating each other!
Good to know, good to know. ;)
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
~Ronald Reagan
giggles*
Submitted by cajun2 on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 10:38pm.
SoL and Denny Crane are full of something but it aint hate.....;-)
Caj!
Submitted by GG_NB on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 10:50pm.
So good to see your post, Mrs. Spunky! :)
Yep, they are full of "something"...hmmmm? But we love those crazy guys.
P.S. It really did kind of freak me out that Denny and SoL could be in a nasty fight. That combo just would not make sense to me. It's nice to know the world has not gone THAT bonkers. :)
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
~Ronald Reagan
Have Faith Giggles*
Submitted by cajun2 on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 11:06pm.
SoL and Denny are great guys and they wont change even tho the rest of the world is going bonkers. Because of people like them we hang on to our faith.
Thanks Caj & GG: I'll have to humiliate myself more often!
Submitted by SickofLibs on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 11:19pm.
.
Yes, you must
Submitted by Blonde on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 11:28pm.
You can't go chasing Zippers all the time, after all.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
It's ok SoL*
Submitted by cajun2 on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 11:28pm.
Even humiliation you do with such pinache'.
Congrats to the Speaker, the
Submitted by eaglewingz08 on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 6:40pm.
Congrats to the Speaker, the arrogance of the Obama WH knows no bounds.
The President cannot order Congress to do anything.
Submitted by drsamherman on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 6:50pm.
He can call them into session and he can make requests, but he has authority to order them to do a damned thing. He found out the hard way, destroying our nation's credit rating in the process, that his childish, narcissistic temper tantrums have real consequences when he behaves like some road-company dictator.
Whatever National Journal's Condom-head Jr. thinks of Obama's petty little attempts to sabotage his possible electoral competition, he certainly comes off like somebody with some very deep issues when it comes to his understanding of the constitution and the equal nature of all three branches of government.
I am happy that Boehner told him no. If the President wants to address a session of one of the houses of Congress, let him deal with the snoring and boredom his bratty demands for more money fall on Senatorial ears.
I bet The One went through
Submitted by celator on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 7:20pm.
I bet The One went through two packs of cigarettes when he got the Speaker's letter. ;+}
He'll have to take vacation again to get over it.
Submitted by drsamherman on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 10:05pm.
Probably Hawaii again. Depends on wherever Moo decides to take her next taxpayer-funded junket.
Boehner shut him down...
Submitted by gmonsen on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 7:23pm.
John Boehner has now told the president that September 7th is not convenient with the House of Representatives and suggest that the president give his speech the next evening. The little man who always looks like a child riding a pony when he goes up or down stairs has been told that he doesn't get what he wants. Love to see the whining in tomorrow's papers, as the liberals again need to adapt to the changing world.
G
What a POS we have for a
Submitted by ant on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 7:43pm.
What a POS we have for a President. The childish, mud-slinging, petulant, irresponsible, marxist idiot would love nothing more than be tyrant-for-life. I'm sure he'd love to pre-empt or nullify the 2012 elections, too. His behavior to date makes me really wonder how he will handle his defeat next November.
ant,
Submitted by Agnostic on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 10:22am.
personally, I'm really concerned about the potential lame duck session - remember the last?
Yeah, in my opinion, part of
Submitted by ant on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 10:49am.
Yeah, in my opinion, part of the problem is we've accepted the premise that politicians spend half of their term campaigning for another one.
True ant,
Submitted by Agnostic on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 10:54am.
but I'm more concerned that should the Democrats lose the WH and the Senate there could be acts of desperation to get anything and everything through during the lame duck session. Afterall, they know that no matter how much their policies destroy - the media will make sure the newly elected Republicans will be blamed.
I agree totally and the press would be cheerleading.
Submitted by ant on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 11:37pm.
But, on the other hand, when AREN't they desperate to get any and every law passed. They seem to think it's their mission in life. They pretty much worry me all the time.
Thank God for the internet and talk radio or we'd be pretty much screwed and not even know it.
desperate?
Submitted by Agnostic on Fri, 09/02/2011 - 8:20am.
The only time they reign in their desperation to turn us into a socialist society is when it will cost them votes. This is why they didn't create a budget or end the tax cuts when they had the opportunity. If they lose office - the lame duck session could be a full court press of liberal regulations and spending with a compliant and cheering media.
Of course when it all goes wrong the media will happily forget the push of liberalism and blame the Republicans, especially Conservatives, in office. There will be no, "It was BHO's fault" allowed.
Agnostic~
Submitted by GG_NB on Fri, 09/02/2011 - 9:34am.
Bingo!
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
~Ronald Reagan
funny you should mention - Bingo
Submitted by Agnostic on Fri, 09/02/2011 - 11:47am.
I was trying to think of some way to supplement my meager income during the current social/economic experiment as it fails miserably.
Just don't try selling
Submitted by ant on Fri, 09/02/2011 - 12:19pm.
Just don't try selling lemonade. It can get you in big trouble with the State.
Dirty Politics
Submitted by HardRightTurn on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 8:25pm.
The first dirty politics volley has just been fired. All's fair now.
To more fully comprehend the Left, one must read “Leftism As Psychopathy” by John Ray, M.A., Ph.D. Caution, it might scare you a little bit.
http://jonjayray.tripod.com/psycho.html
The Incredible Shrinking President, man
Submitted by Jack Bauer on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 9:07pm.
Good grief, what a fatuous opinion piece about the Incredibly Shrinking President. Just when you think this little manchild cannot diminish himself further, he always finds a way.
The funniest part of Condom's gleeful booster for Obama was the opening about reminding Republicans who was President.
I guess he is so clueless to see the hilarity of Obama having to stamp his feet and wave his bony fists telling everyone...
I'm President, I'm President. I'm President. And don't you forget it. And I'm weally weally smart too. Everyone I know says so. So it must be true.
All of the above Mr Obama? --- How about ALL OF THE BELOW, instead.
Nobody's going to watch Obama's speech, anyway
Submitted by Dave. on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 9:23pm.
...because it's going to be the exact same Bravo Sierra it was the last time.
And the time before that.
And the time before that.
And the time before that.
The cable TV channel guide will probably draw more viewers than Obama.
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
Obama's Job Plan
Submitted by BGinTN on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 4:40am.
Obama's Job Plan?
1) Tax Relief: President Obama will propose tax relief incentives for companies that create jobs and hire new workers.
2) Infrastructure Investment: The president wants the government to invest in clean energy and new construction projects to build schools and transportation.
3) Assistance for Long Term Unemployed: Obama wants to help those who have been out of work for six months or more, which adds up to about 6 million Americans. Specifically the president is looking at a program such as Georgia Works – which gives unemployed Americans eight weeks of training at a local company while allowing them to still collect their unemployment benefits. And it’s no cost to the participating company.
A former White House economic adviser said today that economic “stimulus” will be part of the package – but won’t be labeled as such.
“You won’t hear the word ‘stimulus’ — the ‘s word’ — because that just is politically unappealing right now,” Jared Bernstein, who left his post as Vice President Joe Biden’s top economist in June, told us on ABC’s “Top Line” today. “But you will hear targeted measures, which I think is actually a more apt description of what I think the president will talk about.” A “middle-ground” approach of targeted tax relief and additional spending.
“He’ll want extend the payroll tax holiday. He’ll want to extend unemployment insurance. He’ll have some ideas for infrastructure. Maybe something to help repair the schools — that’s an idea that a number of us have been pushing – a program called FAST: Fix America’s Schools Today, which could get hundreds of thousands of construction workers back to work repairing the backlog of maintenance in the nation’s stock of public schools.”
Obama's Plan....... More Spending.
My question........Where do you get the money?
So Obama backed down
Submitted by bkeyser on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 10:38pm.
and will present his chiding of the GOP on Thursday the 8th instead of the 7th. He'll now be competing with the NFL. I'm thinking this is how most will see it.
bk---
Submitted by matthewdean on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:36am.
Excellent - especially the chyron (chryon?) thingy across the bottom.
MD
I don't care for football that much.....
Submitted by gailannr on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 11:59pm.
But I'm definitely going to turn it on come OBAMA THURSDAY!!!!!!!!! ARE YOU READY FOR SOME..........MORE........OBAMA????? Not me, no way, no how!!!
Open letter to Georgie Condon
Submitted by gailannr on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:04am.
NEENER! NEENER! NEENER!!!!!
Georgie Porgie, Puddin' and Pie,
Kissed the girls and made them cry,
When the boys came out to play
Georgie Porgie ran away!
New high in lows....
Submitted by Spoker on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 10:04am.
If there was ever a decision by the minions that showed the profound lack common sense, inept political skills, and lack of caring about the American workers and their families hearing the message exhibited by Barry’s administration this must rank as #1.
Intentionally trying to slap down the Republican debates was petty. Then they schedule a speech that should have been made 3 years ago as a lead-in to the NFL season exhibiting pure political ineptitude, plain and simple. I am sure that all the sports bars will be dead silent as the football fans around the country listen intently, glued to his every word, as the “One” tell us how he has finally decided to deal with the destruction caused by his last 3 years of ignoring the problem.
Admittedly I am not a Obama fan, but this should have been an important (all be it very, very late) speech. Instead, as their second choice they bury it behind football revelry. This administration is giving rise to new heights in stupid and incompetence.