During MSNBC's live coverage on Tuesday of the sudden resignation of Health and Human Services nominee Tom Daschle, reporter Andrea Mitchell suggested to Republican Senator Jim DeMint that the American public will see this as the GOP having "brought him [Daschle] down." The Democratic nominee resigned over a growing controversy which revealed that the former Senate majority leader owed $140,000 in back taxes. (He has since paid them.) Mitchell sympathetically described talking to the ex-senator: "I just got off the phone with Tom Daschle. And it was an emotional conversation. He was clearly- it sounded as though he were tearful, overwrought." [audio excerpt here]
Later, while speaking to DeMint, Mitchell bristled at the South Carolina senator's contention that Democrats were also skeptical of Daschle's nomination. The journalist chided, "Well, Senator DeMint, you can say that the Democrats were uncomfortable as well, but they were all supporting him publicly." She then lectured, "So, this does read to the public as though the Republicans went after this man, someone that the President very much wanted, and brought him down."
Earlier in the interview, Mitchell again shifted focus to congressional Republicans and lamented the passing of an "all too brief honeymoon." She added, "I mean, is this- is there blood in the water now after this nomination has been withdrawn?"
Mitchell, who recounted how "tearful" and overwrought Daschle was when she talked to him on the phone on Tuesday, sounded a similar theme on November 6, 1990. During election night coverage of that year's midterms, she described Senator Jesse Helms' re-election over his Democratic opponent as a "heart-breaking race":
"This has really been a heart-breaking race....What happened here was a very strong racial message from Jesse Helms in the closing ten days of the race and it focused on something that we've found, found previously in Louisiana with the David Duke campaign."
In 2004, when moderate/liberal Republican Colin Powell resigned his post in George W. Bush's State Department, Mitchell mourned, "This really is a regretful moment and a passing of a great potential leader. Colin Powell was so undercut by many of the other cabinet officials and never had the full backing to do some of the things that he really wanted to do."
A partial transcript of two of Mitchell's exchanges, which began at 12:53pm, follows:
NORAH O'DONNELL: We're also joined now by NBC's Andrea Mitchell, as well as our bureau chief, mark Whitaker. Let's go first to Andrea Mitchell. Because, I understand you have spoken with former Senator Tom Daschle. What did he say?
ANDREA MITCHELL: I just got off the phone with Tom Daschle. And it was an emotional conversation. He was clearly- it sounded as though he were tearful, overwrought. He said, "I read the New York Times this morning and I realized that I can't pass health care if I am too much of a distraction and when I saw what the Republicans were saying and read the Mew York Times, I called the President this morning." And then, he said, "I've got to go." So, it was a difficult conversation. Look, I've known Tom Daschle a long time. All of us have covered him for a long time. And he was such an early and critical supporter of Barack Obama in the Senate community, when it was Hillary Clinton versus Barack Obama, and she was initially the front runner as you well know, Norah, and it was Tom Daschle who went one by one and was basically Barack Obama's envoy to Washington.
1:01pm
ANDREA MITCHELL: Let me bring in Senator Jim DeMint who was one of those calling for him to step down. Senator, thanks for joining us. You're joining us from the phone. But, let me ask you whether you feel that he could have been effective or whether, whether these issues all cumulatively made it impossible for him to be an advocate for major health care legislation?
SENATOR JIM DEMINT: Well, I think, it's very unfortunate that this happened. He's a friend of a number of those in the Senate and I'm sure he had a lot of qualifications. I had a good meeting with him and knew I was going to disagree on policy but that was not going to keep me from supporting him. But, the tax issue gets back to what you were saying in the lead in, that the campaign promised change from the status quo of politics here in Washington and I'm afraid the way the story built around Tom Daschle was just big lobbyists and folks not paying any taxes on big salaries and the American people were really mad about it because we're paying taxes and on a lot less income. And hundreds of calls into my office just kept telling me this is not right. This is not the change we bargained for. So, while it's unfortunate, I think this is probably a very good thing that happened to the President Obama administration. I think the only thing that could have made it better is if he would have stepped forward and made it clear that he was withdrawing the nomination in order to demonstrate his leadership and his desire to have a lot of integrity around him.
MITCHELL: Does this incident tell you, and is this the mood of the Republicans that, whatever brief, all too brief honeymoon and bipartisanship flowered here [sic] in Washington over the past two weeks has evaporated? I mean, is this- is there blood in the water now after this nomination has been withdrawn?
DEMINT: Well, I don't think this was a partisan issue. I think probably the Democrats in the Senate heard as much from their constituents as mine about this tax issue and so I don't- I did not see it as partisan. I did not see [audio drop out] rising up. A lot of us were waiting to see, but once I found out more about what really happened, I called on the President to withdraw his nomination. And while I regret that it happened, I'm glad it did. It clears the air so we can get back to the economic problem we're having in our country.
MITCHELL: Well, Senator DeMint, you can say that the Democrats were uncomfortable as well, but they were all supporting him publicly. So, this does read to the public as though the Republicans went after this man, someone that the President very much wanted, and brought him down.
DEMINT: Well, I would be surprised if it played that way with the American people. Because, I don't think they saw the Republicans bashing Tom Daschle and a lot of Republicans are friends with Daschle. But, it came down to, it wasn't about Tom Daschle at all but it was just about presidential leadership and his promises to change this place and I think this was just getting in the way. So, ultimately this will help the administration and the president can move on to important things.
MITCHELL: Senator DeMint, thanks so much for joining us.
—Scott Whitlock is a news analyst for the Media Research Center.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Au contraire Stretch Face,
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:21 ET by Chris NormanAu contraire Stretch Face, I'm surrounded by liberals and even they had turned against Daschle. It's time for you to get out of DC and into the real world.
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
No we won't Andrea.
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:22 ET by ConservativeRexNo we won't Andrea. Liberals might, but who cares.
Why the hell would a democrat want to be associated with Daschle? You'd think they'd want to distance themselves from him. But you never know.
Andrea: In what world is
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 17:03 ET by BDAndrea:
In what world is pointin gout a violator of federal law "Bringing someone down" and considered derogatory?
Daschle is a criminal and deserved prosecution. If not for the tax cheating, at least for having a wife/lobbyist for an aerospace industry company who profits off her husbands position regarding acquisition of aircraft.
If that is "Bringing him down", he should have had it happen long ago.
Oy Vei!!!
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:22 ET by mizflame98"So, this does read to the public as though the Republicans went after this man, someone that the President very much wanted, and brought him down."
No Andrea (you twit), Sen. Daschel brought himself down by not paying his stinkin' taxes!
Tom Daschel: The example of a liberal victim Ann Coulter wrote about.
"Not to be a republican at twenty is proof of want of heart; to be one at thirty is proof of want of head." - Francois Guisot
if this is what the public
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:41 ET by TruthMongerif this is what the public thinks then what must they think of the DNC/MSM axis of evil NOT JUST TAKING DOWN BUT STOMPING THE HELL OUT OF Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, etc etc?
congrats to all the new U.S presidents - and press secretary obama
No! You don't get it!
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 08:30 ET by JohnMcGrewThe GOP made him not pay his taxes. Yeah. That's the ticket!
Credit, not blame
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:23 ET by slickwillie2001If Republicans are given credit for 'taking Daschle down', that's credit we will accept. I hardly think of it as 'blame'.
Exactly slick...if only we
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:57 ET by fishshakerExactly slick...if only we had conservative republicans with the balls. Guy cheats on his taxes to the tune of 140k, someone sure oughta take his ass out. Same goes for that goiter guy.
Not only is Daschle out --
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:31 ET by ThisnThatNot only is Daschle out -- but the Government took in $140K in the process.
God, I love it when a plan comes together -- Hannible, the A-Team.
___________________________________
The challenge is to follow a consistent plan despite inconsistent prices - Sarah Palin, State of the State of Alaska speech
Andrea, darling, can you say.....
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:23 ET by Prester John....OUT OF TOUCH WITH REALITY???!!!
Stupid MSNBC
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:23 ET by Ozark_SunshineWhy don't they hire journalists instead of Democrat Cheerleaders. The man brought himself down, just like the rest of the crooks the lying Obama has nominated. Obama hasn't even been vetted, so Andrea Mitchell needs to keep her ugly lying mouth shut and get off the air.
Gee Andrea,
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:27 ET by SouthernRootsWasn't his failure to pay over $100 grand in taxes to blame? Or are you saying that that little fact has no relevency?
I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. - J.B. Books (John Wayne)
I have to check...I wonder
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:29 ET by gopsteveI have to check...I wonder if Mitchell contemplated people blaming Dems for bringing down the throngs of republicans that have have been "taken down" over the years by democrats...I bet she had the same consistent statements...she is a journalist afterall (little sarcasm there)
having the Dems (and media pals) going after the GOP is just the way of life for us...they can't handle it when it happens to them (not that the msm or GOP were really after him)
Blame the Republicans
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:25 ET by KC MulvilleThe Republicans had absolutely nothing to do with this. Daschle reported it himself. The media ran with it. The pundits all laughed about it, but there was no conservative or Republican who "went after" Daschle at all.
Only a partisan who sees everything from a partisan lens could suggest that this was a partisan event, because NO ONE ELSE ever suggested it.
Ms. Mitchell, there is no need to bluff anymore ... your cards are on the table.
→ Skeet Daschle
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:39 ET by Cool ArrowDaschle isn't much more than a clay pigeon. Republicans weren't even talking trash when this guy got shot out of the sky.
First Republican coming home with "I, Dick Johnson, killed Tecumseh" needs to get his RINO butt voted out.
'Ripsy! Rampsy! Ripsy! Rumpsy
Demint should stand up and say "You're goodam right we did"
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:28 ET by superconTaking down Daschle was a public relations coup and he should be crowing like a rooster over it.There is no downside.
If Demint was smart he would try and capitalize on the publicity and use it to project some strength and rally the troops.
Because with a name like Obama... you know it has to be good.
Nah
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 17:06 ET by KC MulvilleYeah, but the Republicans did nothing to take credit for. I mean, they were literally standing to the side, minding their own business. Daschle did this to himself. Now you can argue that accepting a limousine service without paying for it wasn't really the crime of the century - but not even Andrea Mitchell can claim that the Republicans manufactured this as a scandal. The GOP literally had nothing to do with the whole affair.
It's like a guy diving off a building, but they blame bystanders on the ground. The bystanders had nothing to do with it.
Minding their own business?
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 17:10 ET by Scout FinchMitch McConnell himself had nothing but glowing words for Puff Daschle. I believe if he hadn't stepped down, the Republicans would've gladly given Puff the thumbs up.
Just how in the hell do they
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:29 ET by KevroyJust how in the hell do they make the jump in logic to assuming that the public is going to blame the GOP for this? The story is only a few hours old. What they mean to say is that they will MAKE SURE that is the perception. Poor poor victicrats, whenever they do something illegal the mean Republican 'attack machine' bares its fangs.
Okay, okay... it was me.
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:30 ET by BKeyserOkay, okay... it was me. I'm a Republican and I've been saying to myself ever since I first heard that Tommy didn't pay his taxes that he should go. So blame ME Andrea, I did it and I'm not ashamed!
(At least this way she can put a name behind her absurd analysis.)
BKeyser
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:32 ET by BlondeShe's still mad about the baloon drop at the GOP convention, LOL.
LOL
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:33 ET by BKeyserLOL
"The [mummified] wife of
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 17:00 ET by SickofLibs"The [mummified] wife of Im-Ho-Tep place eternal curse on you for this insult."
Finally, they accomplished something.
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:32 ET by JTP"Republicans went after this man, someone that the President very much wanted, and brought him down. "
"I need more cowbell!" SNL
The 'Mew' York Times
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:32 ET by choselife3xThat's hilarious. Freudian slip?
But does that mean the right should emulate the left?
-balboa http://newsbusters.org/blogs/warner-todd-huston/2009/02/02/nbc-obama-cal...
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
Interesting
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:33 ET by Willis_Leon_JohnsonWhat a concept, the GOP gets blamed when a democrat violates laws he voted for and required everybody else to obey?
http://gjresult.com
Well Andrea...Newsflash
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:36 ET by bigtimerWell Andrea...Newsflash Sweetheart...I'd be danged proud if the repubs got credit for bringing down Daschle, the thieving tax cheating lobbyist...but we must remember doll-face that there were a lot of big time leftist papers with demands that he withdraws in their editorials...I know, I know, the repubs have so much influence with them too.
Make me laugh you imbecile...you are simply so far out there from any reality that you are just about ready to be certifiable along with Olbie.
Btw...the repubs did defeat the first amendment that was brought up in the Senate today regarding the Porkulus bill...no thanks to Bond or Specter...Bond is really shocking me lately.
They needed 60 votes, only got 58...thank goodness.
More votes to come today/tomorrow ect. I am very surprised how the repubs stuck together basically on the Murray/DiFi BS.
Yep, those terrible repubs seem to be getting the message.
Deal with it Andrea....along with the rest of your ilk...there are more confirmations coming up...far, far leftist to be named to work in the JD...I am glad to hear this is finally getting some much needed attention so far via radio...I posted about some of this yesterday...I hope the repubs do stick together for once and grow a spine, these people are to be very wary of if they are put along side Holder, who is spooky enough.
Btw Andrea, what you hear publically, doesn't necessarily mean that is what the word is behind the scenes, O didn't want all of this distraction from his kingdom and throne, the message went out to Daschel to withdraw...simple as that in my opinion.
You may want to blame your messiah...squarely on his shoulders where all this belongs...plus his wondrous vetting team, that and their arrogance...all players included.
Yeah, like who didn't see this coming from 50 miles out?
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:37 ET by R D HelmSorry, Andrea, but I think this one is going to be pegged squarely on PrezBo's curiously incompetent and dysfunctional vetting operation, which appears to be staffed by doltz.
Nice try, though. :-)
-Dave
Our clueless political leaders are about to drive us all over a cliff. The time to HITM is now-before we go over.
→ I didn't see it
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:42 ET by Cool ArrowI woke up this morning thinking it was a done deal.
I wish there'd been a Republican leading this charge, but all I heard was how "collegial" that group was.
This looks like Barry LaBamba's doing.
Cool,
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 17:09 ET by R D HelmI am just surprised it was Andrea who was the fist to try to pin this on the republicans.
I was sure it was going to be Steffi, as he is the guy with the inside track. :-)
-Dave
Our clueless political leaders are about to drive us all over a cliff. The time to HITM is now-before we go over.
"So, does this read to the
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:40 ET by MikeHu"So, does this read to the public..."
Andrea Mitchell has a very foggy, Pauline-Kaelish, notion of just who the public is.
Public = my upper east-side and Connecticut friends and colleagues.
Blame?
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:40 ET by klchadwickThe public will blame Republicans....how about applaud them!
DEMINT: ...it was just
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:42 ET by rimskyDEMINT: ...it was just about presidential leadership and his promises to change this place...
Ok, but it was also about Tom Daschle! He threw his hat in the ring for a spot on Obama's cabinet as early as last summer when the nomination was almost certain. He had plenty of time to fix his tax errors, but chose not to until he had been given the nod. Had he not gotten the nod, he would not have bothered to rectify his past taxes because he knew it wouldn't be an issue with anybody. This is pure abuse of power. Over and out!
Demint is being WAY to nice. And Mitchell's bias is intact.
Jeeze O Pete, how many
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:47 ET by rollinghillsJeeze O Pete, how many Democrats have to come forward admitting that they cheated on their taxes before the LSM starts referring to this as the "culture of corruption"
I know, silly question!
How many, you ask?
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:50 ET by Blonde3,492.
In one week.
Andrea Mitchell makes me
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:52 ET by danebramageAndrea Mitchell makes me laugh. Seriously. I can't even look at her face without cracking up.
Why does Andrea Mitchell
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 17:20 ET by Tim the EnchanterWhy does Andrea Mitchell always looks like she's trying not to break wind- but the pressure's building?
Dee Mummy speaks: "Der is
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:54 ET by SickofLibsDee Mummy speaks: "Der is blud in da watah, de all-too brief hahneymoon is obah, and dee [ceremonial instrument] haf bin withdrawn."
OK, now back to your sarcophagus at the Met, Mitchell.
Catcha next time, Eternal One!
Andrea
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:55 ET by MobydubidoIt's official: Andrea Mitchell has been awarded the esteemed Helen Thomas Chair for Journalism
Planet Earth To Mitchell
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:55 ET by BourbeauShut the hell up!! You have no idea what the hell you're talking about. Read your NY Times editorial this morning, if you want to know whose called for Daschle to withdraw. And before you ask the American people who they blame for Daschle's demise, ask them if they agree that forgeting an $83,000 payment, for a months work, was an simple oversight. Also, ask them, when was the last time they deducted a singel $15,000 contribution, and didn't have a receipt. And one last thing Andrea, when you're talking to the American people, ask them what do Rangel, Dodd, Daschle, and Geithner all have in common, and I bet they don't say they're Democrats (think TAX CHEATS).
No Andrea, that's not it..
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:56 ET by CapeCodScottIt was the Dem' IRRATIONAL EXUBERANCE over Tom that caused thinking people to question the wisdom of having so many questionable people in the cabinet... Now he can get back in the limo and ride off in the sunset...Happy Trails Tom
www.ScottOnCapeCod.com
"Most men lead lives of quiet desperation"... until they get fed-up enough to finally say something about it!
Mr Daschle
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:59 ET by WR JonasAnrdea, tell the sobbing Tomster that he can slither back into the limo now.
Silly Me....
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 17:00 ET by connmanI thought the GOP was Powerless in the new age of Obama! And no you Pineapple pus it wasn't that, it was the obvious (to most).
Pssssst <whispers> Emperor Barry isn't wearing any clothes!
I'm thinking the same,
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:46 ET by ThisnThatI'm thinking the same, conman. Even if the Repubs didn't do this (and we all know they didn't), they need to take the credit. Be the Big Men on Campus. Tough Guys on the Block. Hairy chests; power tools; muscle cars; ass-kicking, butt-whipping, 5-day-old bearded rabble-rousers with tire irons and loaded magnums.
Get a reputation -- other than the one they currently have -- RINO Wimps. Make the Dims think twice the next time they try to pull a fast one.
___________________________________
The challenge is to follow a consistent plan despite inconsistent prices - Sarah Palin, State of the State of Alaska speech
→ An army of 1
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:50 ET by Cool ArrowLooks to me like Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) was the only Republican to call for Daschle to drop out beforehand.
The rest of the Republicans seemed to be fluffing Daschle.
Jim Demint
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:53 ET by Sergeant ROCKGlenn Beck asked him why Congress wasn't doing anything about the tax code? His response was along the lines of well, the guys blocking us are the ones cheating on their taxes!
Bolton/KEYES 2012
→ Yeah, Rock
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 19:07 ET by Cool ArrowThat was a good interview.
And I liked Congressman John Carter (R-TX)with his Rangel Rule, where you don't have to pay tax penalties.
Just scribble "Rangel Rule" at the bottom of the page, and everything's A-OK.
Sorry, Andrea ...
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 17:04 ET by SentryDanSorry, Andrea, Tom Daschle did this to himself when he failed to pay his taxes. The GOP had nothing to do with it.
You, lady (and I use the term very loosely), haven't got a clue as to what these crooks are doing. Obama doesn't give a flip about the common folks, that's why he continues to lie and backslide on everything. God help us all.
Remember folks, Freedom isn't Free. It was bought with the blood and sacrifice of the men and women who are serving and who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
For those who fought for it, Freedom has a flavor that the protected will never know.
Dearest Andrea...
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 17:11 ET by Willis_Leon_JohnsonSugar, why not BE A JOURNALIST and INVESTIGATE your stories?
Why not lead with "Why are all the latest known tax avaders democrats? and who do they pander to?"
You could start with Daschle and investigate his ties to Homestake Mining in his home state and the sweetheart deal he got for them, and what he is getting in return.
Why, you might even find a little graft and other forms of corruption right their in your own list of heroes.
Journalist my tail, you wouldn't make a pimple on a real joournalist.
http://gjresult.com
Andrea Mitchell / Tom Daschle
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 17:19 ET by nandrelliBased on her exchange with DeMint, Mitchell was the person blaming the GOP for "bringing down" Daschle. Which implies that she saw nothing wrong with Daschle's IRS Mess.
I think Mitchell's attitude in this matter is totally unprofessional. She should have been doing her "investigative reporting" about Daschle's lawbreaking regarding his tax issues, and condeming him for that evasion.
But like a true MSM liberal, she is attacking a Republican.
Just another example of how far downhill the MSM has slid over the past few years.
he can go back to his VERY successful endeavors in 'honest'
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 17:25 ET by Paarlinfluence peddling and not be blamed at all for the upcoming destruction of our health care industry...best of both worlds..
Paarl of Rhodesia
Yep -- that'll be the last
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:47 ET by ThisnThatYep -- that'll be the last $140K the IRS sees from this guy.
___________________________________
The challenge is to follow a consistent plan despite inconsistent prices - Sarah Palin, State of the State of Alaska speech
If Mitchell worked for any
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 17:39 ET by d1carterIf Mitchell worked for any other network, I would write to demand her resignation, but with these idiots at NBC, she is doing just exactly what the boss wants. She got the memo...Look at the top of this organization...that is where the old anti-American hippies are.
Andrea Mitchell vs. integrity
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 17:55 ET by needleSENATOR JIM DEMINT: …I think the only thing that could have made it better is if he (Obama) would have stepped forward and made it clear that he was withdrawing the nomination in order to demonstrate his leadership and his desire to have a lot of integrity around him.
{In other words, the issue clearly is about INTEGRITY}
ANDREA MITCHELL completely fails to respond to this, but later goes on to say: "Well, Senator DeMint, you can say that the Democrats were uncomfortable as well, but they were all supporting him publicly.
{In other words, with the Democrats is the issue integrity? Not so much}
ANDREA MITCHELL (cont.) So, this does read to the public as though the Republicans went after this man, someone that the President very much wanted, and brought him down."
In other words, Andrea gratuitously concludes that Daschle when down therefore for [Republican] partisan reasons, and integrity was a side show.
Well, there is definitely something partisan here, and it is Andrea’s interpretation. Oh, yeah, and in that there is no integrity!
Impunitas semper ad deteriora invitat.
another Whitehouse smokescreen...
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:07 ET by vrwc13Spokesman: Administration Has Strongest Ethics And Accountability Rules of Any In U.S. History
...so man in the Whitehouse "Where is your birth certificate?"
v
Obama raises hand, lifts nation
or…
the man in the Whitehouse raises hand, sifts nation
→ Obama admits "screwing up"
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:10 ET by Cool ArrowRight now,on FOX, Obama admits to ChrisWallace that Daschle's appointment was a mistake.
Slam him when he's wrong, but take notice when he shoots straight, too.
Can I get an Amen?
Nope
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:24 ET by StarAZNo amens. One, he didn't pull the guy. And two, he nominated him in the first place.
→ Good answer
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:29 ET by Cool ArrowI doubt he nominated Daschle knowing about the $130,000 back tax issue.
And in Government, as well as in business, it's common practice to "offer the opportunity" to resign or step down.
Publicly rejecting Daschle wasn't necessary. That was done privately.
Cool, He didn't know
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:52 ET by ThisnThatCool,
He didn't know about the $130K? Then what was the vetting all about -- just to make sure he didn't own any guns?
Obama doesn't have the skills to be an executive. What if he makes a serious judgement error when dealing with, oh, Iran, just because he is sloppy, disinterested, or worse yet -- guided by blind talking points? That kind of error could be real serious, and these episodes with his cabinet show exactly how incompetant -- and thus dangerous -- he is. Obama doesn't deserve any credit -- until he earns it.
___________________________________
The challenge is to follow a consistent plan despite inconsistent prices - Sarah Palin, State of the State of Alaska speech
→ TnT
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 19:01 ET by Cool ArrowProspective appointees are expected to be forthcoming with disqualifying information.
This does not mean the full forces of the Secret Service and FBI are brought to bear on every applicant beforenomination.
In short, it's possible the Administration knew nothing about Daschle's tax problems before nominating him. But I'll bet it's something he knows before the next appointment.
This is an embarrassment to the Obama Administration. And it should be.
Ya, but they knew about........
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 05:16 ET by old croGeithner and Ohhbama and Co didn't pull him.
Darn......
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 05:19 ET by old croIf I would have looked below, I wouldn't have had to look up geithner's spelling.
and three he's still got Geithner
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:31 ET by Dee BunkWhat he says means nothing unless he cans Geithner
→ All or nothing?
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:36 ET by Cool ArrowSo Bush's Iraq war means nothing if he didn't get Osama bin Ladin?
Same song, different day.
wow - that's some twisteed logic
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:38 ET by Dee Bunkthose situations are nothing similar.
→ Not really
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:41 ET by Cool ArrowIraq and Afghanistan are two different wars
Geithner and Daschle are two different appointments.
It's only different because you can't be comfortable with the similarity.
→ Great interview
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:16 ET by Cool ArrowY'all oughtta be watching FOX right now.
Wallace is standing toe-to-toe with him.
→ Limbaugh comment
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:18 ET by Cool ArrowSidestepping
§ Cool...Bambi didn't want another fight!!
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:27 ET by TheSterWhat a coward!!!
Just because Rush is on vacation...doesn't mean he won't respond!!
Ster.
My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives.
I heard part of this a bit
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:28 ET by bigtimerI heard part of this a bit ago on the radio...going to have to catch it all later...bet there will be something on here about it too in a bit.
→ It was good
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:32 ET by Cool ArrowI still want the President to fail at socializing our economy, but he's not exactly running from his detractors.
Huh?
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:23 ET by StarAZThe GOP did it, Skeletor? Check out the NYT letters and comments on this--not the GOP.
Wondering???
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:33 ET by JPR1Does Alan Greenspan watch this stuff, go home, knock down three shots of Jack and then go bang his head against the fireplace mantle?
I think I'd have to, duct tape just wouldn't cut it.
→ Why should he?
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:39 ET by Cool ArrowHe's old, ugly and rich.
Modern chemistry and money can forgive a whole lot of ugly and some of the old.
Very true Cool...
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 19:01 ET by JPR1and I suppose three shots of Jack might finish him off.
Hopefully the public will associate the GOP with.....
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:47 ET by Missouri Conservative....taking down Daschle; the public is on their side.
"women and minorities hardest hit"
Andrea is in pontificating mode. Whoa,is that a bat------
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:56 ET by Roscoe MendagoOh man, was this predictable.....
No, the tax cheat doesn't accept the blame for evading over $140K, it's the GOP's fault, give me a break.. That Andrea Mitchell is beyond a POD, she's a flying monkey, bat like thing that inhabits her own anal regions and comes out to give news reports. How can a person who dispenses the news, who is an exemplar of supposed non-bias come up with this theory? How much corruption would it take to get a liberal to do the proper thing and just not accept a nomination? Of course what ever the fallout it can always be blamed on the Republicans.
Ya know someone should be at the ready, shotgun in hand and when those flying monkey, bat like things start emerging, let'em have it, BAAAMM!!
NBC's Keebler Elf is miffed . . .
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 18:58 ET by GalvanicShe's at it again. I'm sure she knows Daschle very well, and feels like a friend has been unduly shafted.
But she doesn't understand the grass roots out here. All most people see is a President who promised ethical behavior and and end to 'revolving door' appointments, and he's violated his own standards three times in his first two weeks in office.
Nobody blames the GOP. They blame Obama.
Galv
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 19:01 ET by BlondeThat analysis is waaaaay over Andrea's head.
Maybe in Andrea's pre-inaugural HopeyChange universe
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 19:07 ET by TeddyMaybe in Andrea's pre-inaugural HopeyChange universe, MessNBC's "American public" would've seen this as the GOP's having "brought him [Daschle] down" too.
But That party's over, Andie. It's game time now.
When even that Maddow dude is railing on Barky because of the lobbyists that are part of his adminstration that he promised wouldn't be, Well, you get the picture.
Speaking of which, Somebody needs a long vacation by the looks of your pics. Too many tingles to the head, perhaps?
Teddy...You've gt me
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 19:13 ET by bigtimerTeddy...
You've got me cracking up laughing...a vacation indeed.
My suggestion is a permanent one...and make it on the msnbc buddy-plan, take Olbie, Matthews and Maddow with her.
LOL! Your Buddy-Plan Has ME Cracking Up, bigtimer!
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 21:25 ET by TeddyLOL! Your Buddy-Plan Has ME Cracking Up, bigtimer!
BON VOYAGE "MR." OLBERMANN GROUP!
A Great Idea! Love It!
ANGRY-A-MITCHELL is doing her JOB of CREATING PERCEPTION ...
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 19:16 ET by Jayke... because as the DEM rule states: PERCEPTION IS REALITY.
LOL Jayke... Right you
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 19:21 ET by bigtimerLOL Jayke...
Right you are...but this is one of the few times it isn't working for the ol' gal.
Andrea has brain damage after ugly stick beating...
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 19:15 ET by Lord ErondWow, I really can't help this but I am really tired of these leftist c***s with their vulgar disgusting partisan BS. Daschle has NO ONE to blame but Daschle for his corruption and fall.
"What you can not enforce, do not command" -Sophocles-
Lord E...
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 21:33 ET by JerWhy don't you just "spell out" what you really think of these "vulgar" women like Andrea Mitchell?
Jer
Below the Belt
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 00:05 ET by choselife3xSo to speak.
No matter how much I despise a man I don't call him a ****. Part of the reason is my respect for the more worthy members of his gender.
But does that mean the right should emulate the left?
-balboa http://newsbusters.org/blogs/warner-todd-huston/2009/02/02/nbc-obama-cal...
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
Not paying his taxes brought him down
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 19:18 ET by averageschmoeAndrea, you liberal *** kisser. The Republicans did not bring him down. Not paying over $100,000.00 in taxes brought him down.
OK, what part of 'tax
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 19:45 ET by RR GOPOK, what part of 'tax evasion' do these knuckleheads not understand?
They besmirched Joe the Plumber for being a mere $1200 in arrears, even though he was seeking no office, and it was no one's damn business.
The IRS just found a new way to get back taxes...have Obama appoint those in arrears to public office.
One of the 24% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 89% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
....
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 19:57 ET by DuymonWhy should the GOP have to apolgize for actually doing their jobs and scrutinizing cabinet picks....
Had it been a rebuplican this would be another "culture of corruption" special on CNN or whatever
Daschle is crying because he...
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 19:59 ET by OxyCon... got in bed with Obama early and worked so hard to screw the Clintons, knowing that Obama was his last great chance at getting back into the government, where he could then stuff his pockets with taxpayer money.
It really hurts when you whore yourself out, waiting for the big payoff, and you get so close you can almost taste it, only to come up short.
Andrea Muppet is mad because her man Barack didn't get what he wanted (like he really wanted Daschle anyway, rather then he was simply paying Daschle off for his support). Look what has been happening so far with Obama's appointments. Most of his appointees are the people he used to help him screw the Clintons.
So, this does read to the
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 20:23 ET by fitzfongSo, this does read to the public as though the Republicans went after this man, someone that the President very much wanted, and brought him down.
I can live with that.
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
Does somebody need to
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 21:14 ET by WorriedDoes somebody need to remind this wench it's a good thing to expose corruption in politicians?
The public will blame the GOP. Thanks GOP. I don't call it blame, I call it the truth.
"ANDREA MITCHELL: I just
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 22:43 ET by ckc1227"ANDREA MITCHELL: I just got off the phone with Tom Daschle. And it was an emotional conversation. He was clearly- it sounded as though he were tearful, overwrought."
Sounded to me like Andrea Mitchell was about to tear up a little too, lol. Come on, Andrea, shed a little tear for us. We all know you don't have any objectivity left anyway.
Not possible. After all
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 09:31 ET by fitzfongNot possible. After all that plastic surgery, I'm afraid she doesn't have any tear ducts.
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
I am so sick of listening to
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 23:45 ET by BamaRebel2009I am so sick of listening to this over-the-hill, airheaded twit calling herself a journalist. She has got to be one of the stupidest reporters in the MSM. Poor Daschle had to resign because of the big bad Republicans. Who hasn't forgotten to pay $180,000 in back taxes? it has happened to me every other year. Of course the tax problem had nothing to do with withdrawing his nomination.
According to Mitchell, the American public is sooooo stupid and gullable to think that this was all the Republicans fault for forcing this honorable and trustworthy man from taking his position in the Great One's administration.
I really wonder if Mitchell actually beleives her dribble or she really thinks that the public doesn't do any homework and believes everything that the MSM spews from the newscasts???
What the Heck is Wrong with the People on Our Side?
Tue, 02/03/2009 - 23:46 ET by Rush FanAndrea Mitchell also interviewed former Democrat Senator John Breaux and former Senate Republican Leader Trent Lott regarding crook and tax cheat Tom Daschle. You would expect democrat Breaux to support Daschle, and he did. But Trent Lott had nothing but kind words to say about his former colleague Daschle.
But Michelle Malkin reminded me that when Lott was our Republican Senate Whip he railed against Talk Radio and those who were against the "shamnesty bill".
By the way what do politicians do when they are not in office? Why they are lobbyist, of course. Breaux and Lott have a lobby firm called the Breaux Lott Leadership Group. That is probably why Lott had such praise for Tom Daschle. When you are a lobbyist, you have to depend on those who currently are in power. I'm certain that Lott did not want to offend the democrats in Congress.
I was also disappointed to hear Charles Krauthammer say today on FoxNews that Tom Daschle was "a good man". GIVE ME A BREAK! If Krauthammer can't recognize a crook when it's staring him in the face, we are in BIG trouble!
------------thought for today------
Even paranoids have enemies
----------------------------------------------------
"I, El Rushbo -- and I say this happily -- have hijacked Obama's honeymoon." ~ Rush Limbaugh
wrong ... again ... andrea
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 01:27 ET by pmohbuckthe public isn't dumb enough to think the GOP does daschle's taxes ...
Maybe I'm the only one............
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 05:32 ET by old croMITCHELL: Does this incident tell you, and is this the mood of the
Republicans that, whatever brief, all too brief honeymoon and
bipartisanship (de) flowered here [sic] in Washington over the past two
weeks has evaporated? I mean, is this- is there blood in the water now
after this nomination has been withdrawn?
but doesn't all the sexual connotations make this an "x" rated statement?
Andrea Mitchell: Public
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 09:40 ET by Jack BauerBecause Tom Daschle is a cult like figure who the public rates second only to Obama and God in its affection. More people would have watched his confirmation than the Super Bowl.
NEWSFLASH: 75% of the public couldn't pick Daschle out of a police line-up.
In two weeks, when polled, 80% of the public will think a Daschle is a small German hound type of dog.
Andera and Barry Drugs of choice
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 13:22 ET by DomonuOld Kenyan proverb never use the truth when any lie will do! Never trust a rookie when you need a warrior!How do you make a democrats head explode ask them to solve a problem in stead of starting another program or tax! Is it true Andera and Barry have the same drug dealer?When faced with the truth go to lala land called NBC be come inabled in B.S.
She then lectured, "So,
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 14:38 ET by TN MomShe then lectured, "So, this does read to the public as though the Republicans went after this man (Daschle), someone that the President very much wanted, and brought him down-Andrea Mitchell/MSNBC
So, what Andrea Mitchell has just said is: President Obama very much wanted a Tax Cheat in his cabinet! The more these idiot 'reporters' attack the GOP, the more they look like, well, idiots!
Oh, and if Andrea Mitchell is right (to give credit to the GOP for Daschle's removal) all America should THANK the GOP for saving our country from another Lobbying-Liar-Tax Cheater..
Well Li'l Tommy only
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 21:16 ET by semolina_filcherWell Li'l Tommy only have himself to blame. The "tax cheat" remarks he made in 1998 were directed at- himself. A decade later, weepy old Daschle missed out as Obie wan Kenobi's health czar.