Step-by-step, Lawrence explains President Obama's approach to the debt negotiations and why he's masterfully winning the fight.
Breakdown of Obama's strategy
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Mon Jul 11, 2011 10:23 PM EDT
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About The Last Word
The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell airs at 10pm ET, Monday through Thursday on MSNBC. The show channels O'Donnell's extensive background in politics and entertainment.
Gee. too bad the rest of the MSNBC pundits didn't see this. Lawrence kinda makes them look really bad.
Obama is performing a Jedi mind trick with a bit of Ali rope a dope thrown in on the Baggers! Poetry in motion is a beautiful thing! The bagger don't know what hit them!
Obama IS brilliant . . . and the RebupliCONS are litterally engaging in economic terrorism . . . hopefully his Jedi moves will send them back to the draconian planet they belong on.
The Republicans want to make Obama look bad for the upcoming election and are taking it out on us..
That is it in a nutshell or should I say a tea bag!
Lawrence, you point out the obvious, but you forget one thing: This has all happened before. Yes Republicans automatically reject all Democratic ideas...but the reverse is also true. Yes Obama is spinning a tiny 1.3T or 4T 10-year spending cut package well. Maybe for millionaires like yourself that's all you need: Party over Nation. For the rest of us, and I think I'm in a growing minority, we could do without either party.
4T div by 10 does not equal 1.3T per year. The proposed tax increases MIGHT net 24B per year. The Bush Tax Cuts might have generated (864B div 8) 108B per year. Still not enough to cover our expenditures or our liabilities.
According to the US Debt Clock and my last Social Security Statement, which Obama cancelled in the name of openness, we need 15T for Social Security and 79T for Medicare over the next 30 years, or 3.13T per year if laid out equally over 30 years.
When do Democrats talk about this stuff? Do you ever think about this? Maybe the Democratic Party is as election focused as the GOP, and like the GOP could care less.
Just let me know when the ship is about to crash so I can get into a life raft and start over.
All I can say right now is that Marcus Bauchman is as gay as they come. Who does he think he's fooling?
You libs never cease to amaze me! For the first time in my life I actually watched the pathetic MSNBC. I needed to see how the "other side" thinks... Larry stop throwing jabs at Michelle Bachmann. She has a bigger brain on top her head than you could ever wish for...you libs are so out there and I am gearing up for what will be the biggest presidentail smear campaign. I will gaurantee your man Barry will lose. He has no clue how to run this country and neither does his staff.. You are all so pathetic. I would like you to wake up one day with rose colored glasses like you do and wish all the problems away...guess what? ain't gonna happen and this country is in dire straights!!! Keep spending thats all you libs want to do...does your household budget reflect our national budget... get a real job and understand first hand what is happening before your eyes instead of through Barrys rose colored specs!! He is the biggest joke of a President and the next time he goes golfing why don't you report wasteful spending on MY DIME!!!!!
The democrats have been trying to negotiate with the Baggers since these nutter bean came on the scene. Don't you get yet they are simply obstructionist! They do not want to compromise! You cannot when the other side wont accept a damn deal! They leave the room.
Like the Democrats left Wisconsin instead of debating over collective bargaining rights.
Really bagger loon, that is your take away?! I'll talk slow so you can follow me here, the difference is that collective bargaining really had noting to do with the deflects Wisconsin was facing. Just like cutting spending wont stimulate the economy or create jobs. That was just an attempt at union busting lead by your Bagger Loon Cult. The Democrats were trying to SAVE THE JOBS of their constituents who are already struggling in this economy. You see bagger loon, everyone knows that this measure would not really add one dime to the coffers but it would decimate the middle class American!
But not worries right, you loons passed it anyway don't you. But stay tuned the REAL exit will be the exits of everyone of your elected bagger loons who voted to bust the unions! But good job, you did send the whole state of Wisconsin to school and Wisconsinites DID learned a very valuable lesson which is: Bagger loons are not fit for the elected office of dog catcher!
Umm,,,be sure you read my response r-e-a-l slow yourself:
Actually according to tha KauKauwa school district 25 miles from Appleton, with the new law they will go from a $400,000 deficit to a $1.2 Million surplus. Teachers will have to teach 40 hours a week instead of 37 1/2 and making teachers work a little longer will shrink the class size. Health care costs will go down because the WEA trust will have to compete with cheaper alternatives, saving the school system more money, whcih they say will be used to introduce merit raises and hire more teachers.
by the way, their "constituents" are public workers. I don't understand how public workers can have unions. Tell you what, though - how about those union leaders gather with the public in the high school gyms and presuade each and every tax payer why they need to pay more taxes to support the members of their union; tell them "You need to sacrifice more for us to maintain our standard of living." I doubt any public union would stay in existence very long.
Based on the grammatical errors in your comment, I can tell how well edumacated you is.
And yet you still couldn't stop reading it, could you bagger loon?! We expect to get a bunch of trolls when the President has your leader on the ropes and seeing double. Just stand by for news.. oh I mean Fox Snooze and watch as the debt sealing is raised! You might want to double up on your meds for the next few weeks just in case.
@LibRep, I understood the WI Senators fled pending a vote; no further debate was scheduled. They felt they had exhausted all regular parliamentary options and chose the exceptional route to leave the state. Politically, it seemed to work, because it raised the visibility of the issue to a national level and gave the public unions and their supporters time to organize the ensuing protests.
As far as the school district's savings, I'd be fascinated by their math and cautious about the conclusion. For example, will they lengthen the school day to account for the extra 2.5 hours per teacher productivity? What does that cost in maintenance and overhead? Has anyone independently vetted this claim? Walker himself instituted cost-cutting measures as a county official and slashed headcount that he insisted at the time would result in significant savings that were actually never realized.
To you point, what no one has been able to demonstrate to me is how dismantling the unions will save money. If the argument is that the budget needs to be aligned with revenues, then isn't it just a matter of negotiating new contracts? As far as I could tell, the unions capitulated all financial conditions very early on; in that light, the legislation stripping them of collective bargaining almost seemed a punitive afterthought. The argument that they were wielding too much power as a voting block and were able to strong-arm politicians seems similarly fallacious; if this was really a problem, then why not propose legislation to limit their influence, rather than legislate them out of existence?
I'm also amazed that you are apparently willing to parrot the talking point that public sector employees are somehow over-, or at least generously, compensated. Any reasonable comparison of like-for-like (education, experience) invariably demonstrates that this is a grotesque falsehood. Unionized or otherwise, I get the impression that their total compensation is 5% to 15% lower than their private-sector peers. Anecdotally, I don't know a single teacher who has ever told me they went into education "for the money."
Besides, politicians vote themselves raises on a pretty regular basis, are seemingly well-compensated regardless of performance, and appear to be able to hang onto their jobs way beyond reason. I don't see you suggesting we put them on a merit-system *smile*...
That's what I've been saying - they are brainwashed; you canNOT reason with them, and probably shouldn't even waste your time trying!
Super chicken part 2:
On July 21, 2011, Pres Obama needs to issue an executive order to DoJ, FBI, DOH, DHS, and Coast Guard to cease all enforcement action for marijuana related crime and issue a release order for all non-violent drug offenders incarcerated in federal facilities. This same order should fire 90% of DEA employees. This will save about $200 billion annually.
This is the second time prohibition didn't work.
On August 1, 2011, Pres Obama needs to establish a 10 year moratorium for all new development of military ships, aircraft, and missile systems and issue orders to pentagon to terminate those contracts. These systems last 30 years and this will save about $200 billion annually.
The US military is a tool of the Koch brothers and they should pay for it if they want it.
These measures will close the budget gap.
Pres Obama needs to issue an executive order on August 7, 2011 ordering increase of the debt ceiling to keep government running, which will require Bohner, Bachmann, and Cantor to pass a law prohibiting Constitutional government.
Anyone disagree?
It will not be necessary, the president is just demonstrating what it means to the leader of the free world. The Bagger loons have no idea how well they are being played! They fell for the trap like a kid who hate peas is tricked into eating them when you serve them a chicken pot pie!
mr. o'donnell: usually i appreciate your analysis, but i really couldn't follow how obama is winning. if he can draw a line against a short term fix, why not draw a line for a clean bill on raising the debt limit. he's letting the the republicons set the agenda. maybe he's a republican in disguise. dh
President Obama is winning in that he is doing what he was elected to do, to represent all of the people of the country, and to try to follow the constitution to promote domestic tranquility, the common good and establish liberty and freedom for all , ..etc.. you all know the words... he is taking the hard but adult road and trying to find common ground for everyone to get a bit of what they want, but also in a balanced way. The Repubs want only one thing, to see him fail to be a two term president, so they will throw the entire country under the bus, in order to blame him for a catastrophe.. it will be apparent, just as it is apparent that the bunch of dumbells, bigots, and extremists, domestic terrorists ( governors and Congress) from the tea party and their slaves that came in with Boehner in '10 are screwing up the entire democratic process, and ultimately will harm more than they have ever helped.
Just stay tuned O'Donnell Will continue to break down the Jedi rope a dope that Obama is using on the Bagger loons.
The President and members of Congress must reach an agreement to place our country in a win win situation. The GOP has played russian roulette with the lives of the American people ever since Pres. Obama took office and it is time to stand with courage. Only a sick minded person could choose a game like russian roulette with a country that is in an economic crisis. The GOP are acting like the mafia who controls their neighborhoods withs scare tactics. They received a two year extension on taxes cuts for the wealthy, and they have the nerve to return for more ransom. This has to be the final show down on behalf of the people of this country with less of everything. Just do it for us, Mr. President. Our country needs your attention with employment, education, environment, immigration and wars. Too much compromising is not good, but commitment is for sure.
It irritates the crap out of me when John Boehner speaks for me, HE DOESN'T not in my life when I knew enough to know better has ANY republican spoken for me.
TAX THE RICH!
It is simply economical. John Boehner isn't speaking for average American, he is speaking to his base, the corporations. No more, no less.
It really is sickening.
the republicans speak for the american people on everything. they say all the time, "the american people don't want this or that" on every single issue.
fox news says that all the time.
usually i appreciate your analyses, but i fail to see how obama is winning this negotiation. if he can draw a line in the sand against a short term debt bill, why can't he draw a line in the sand for a clean bill. he seems to be letting the republicons set the agenda.
Two Wars (unpaid) Tax Cuts for everyone (unpaid) Thanks for playing this was your life. Wall Street Mob and banksters own us all HA HA HA $$$$$$$ AKA Koch Bro's
Barack does'nt have a strategy. He's clueless. The Republicans now hold the cards in these negotiations. They'll continue to stonewall, Barack will most likely compromise AGAIN which in turn will piss off his democratic base and as a consequence disenchanted liberals will sit out the 2012 election out of frustration. You can bet your house on that !!!
Reichwingnuts hold the cards?? Still believe in the tooth fairy do we? All the president has to do is sit back and let the neocons cut their own throats which is happening as we speak. Don't be TOO disapointed when the Dems take back control of the house.
disenchanted bagger cindy,
keep telling yourself that. i don't know how you can't see that President Obama has the republicans running scared.
liberals are not sitting out the 2012 election.
REPUBLICANS ARE PUSSIES.
baggercindy, after listening to lawerence this evening, and you hear how the republicans are giving the President everything he wants, maybe you were a little hasty in writing your post above.
yes?
Here's the deal. Even if Barack gets his way, it's still PEANUTS compared to the damage that this clown already inflicted on the economy - Failed stimulus, failed Obamacare, etc, etc etc. The economy is in such shambles it will never recover come 2012 and ultimately Barack would still get all the blame. Remember, he's the president, the burden of responsibility still falls on his shoulders. What we're seeing now in Congress is all a sideshow and claims for bragging rights. No matter how you cut it, slice it or dice it, this is a fight Democrats can't win.
SOLUTION: To save the Democratic party from further humiliation, thanks to Barack, is to hand in the 2012 to Republicans, and reclaim the White House on 2016 and beyond. That would be the best strategy.
Yes?
WOW a few posts ago you said the " The President had not strategy" "He is clueless" and "The Republicans hold all the cards" now you seem to realize that your Bagger loon leadership will "Shut up and eat their peas just like the President told them to! On their best day your Bagger loon leadership do not have enough collective brain power to toast bread....lightly! But that seems to run in the Bagger family doesn't it!
baggercindy,
you and i are not on the same page, in the same book, or even in the same LIBRARY. if you are a disenchanted democrat as you say you are, i simply do not understand what appear to be hate-filled and bigoted comments about our african american president made by you.
i believe when everything is said and done, and what mitch mcConnell did yesterday will bear this out, that the republican party and the tea baggers will be held responsible (blamed) for their obviously deliberate partisan antics that they ONLY hope will serve to make President Obama a one-term president. the republican party is thinking about 1995, and they are scared to death that the same thing is going to happen again. what i don't understand is why are they doing the same thing over again. if they don't want to be blamed for putting our country at risk, why don't they just step up and negotiate with the President and with the democratic party? unfortunately, they won't see it until it is too late.
President Obama has not caused my party, the democratic party humiliation. i don't understand why you, a disenchanted democrat, would say repeatedly that you are going to sit out the election and just hand it to the republicans.
i know that you are lying, and that you feel the end justifies the means.
yes?
Ladies and gentleman here's why we're raising the debt ceiling. The total debt was $8.2 trillion when Barack took office, it now stands at 14.2 trillion and counting which means Mr. Barack is responsible for about 6 trillion. A 73% total increase in just 2 SHORT YEARS. UNBELIEVABLE !!! It took 235 years to rack up the first $8.2 trillion and that includes George Bush's contribution to the deficit while serving 8 years in office. Barack's motto "I'M A SOCIALIST, I WANT TO BANKRUPT THIS COUNTRY". And he did. Do you people still love this guy?
And how many times did your Grand Obstructionist Party raise the debt ceiling under george? SEVEN TIMES! Fiscal conservatives my ass! More like phony hypocrites. Well gee, I guess your on to us...your right...Obama was concieved by his mother and father for the sole purpose of bankrupting this country. No wonder no one takes you fools seriously. Please seek help immediately.
You have to be kidding, you all just revise history as you see fit, and work against your own interests. The crap was running down hill really fast when G W Bush had the country ( illegally) for 8 years, hard to stop the flood when those supposed tobe working for the good of the country only work for themselves and their rich masters. YOu all need serious reschooling in how history came down, and how our democracy works, and economics 101. Barack Obama is the best thing to happen to this country at this time, during the worst recession since the Great Depression.. thank God the right wing did not put McCain and Palin into the white house... could not steal that one!!
"Barack Obama is the best thing to happen to this country". I think you have to cut down on your meds, but keep taking them though. Barack is a USERPER, an IMPOSTER and a CROOK, and he's taking this country for a ride. We're all been had by this quintessential scam artist. But need not to worry, he's still gonna come down as the WORST PRESIDENT OF UNITED STATES HISTORY.
Prove it Bagger loon! Stop reading from your cult leaders script and harness what is left of your indoctrinated brain while there is still time.
Cindy
LOL thanks for more afternoon laughter!!!!!!!!!!! it helps the day go by.
how does it feel to be a cult troll? working with forces that are Anti-American?
but thanks again for the LOL
W. bush has the honor already of being the worst president, and he was an IDIOT, a USERPER, a CROOK, an IMPOSTER, and a LIAR.
p.s. disenchanted bagger,
it was W. bush and the republican party who wants to bankrupt this country. thats why they run up the debt, and vote yes on the debt ceiling for white and republican presidents.
12.3
no that was Hoover and he was 3 below W.
but thanks for playing the i am a disenchanted democrat without being a democrat at all game.
Excellent show and very interesting perspective on the budget debate. Obama has not actually stated that he will cut medicare medicaid or ssi benefits and until he says so, I will go with the idea that he is doing things right.
Once again, he plays the role as the most adult in the room.
The coming economic crash needs a name. My vote is "The Republican Collapse".
O'Donnell's Monday show was a remarkable and reassuring analysis of this idiotic posturing and massive bipartisan hoodwinking of the public. But in the last analysis, there are really only two drivers in contemporary US politics: the corporatocracy and the next election -- and they are inextricably linked.
That is sad and some what true.. though I also believe the PResident truly wants to help the country be better. This is a perfect argument for term limits. Even for the President. idea: 6 years for a President, no re-election.. congressman and Senators, only 3 or 4 terms and then done. Something should be done to limit donations, and money to be spent for elections. NO big retirement packages, and they use the same healthcare that the country uses. They still benefit from being part of growing our country and can capitalize on this by writing books and giving speeches and helping the country in other ways should they desire..
The republican idiot who posted about Obama raising the debt by multiple trillions needs to spend about 2 minutes on google to see that under every republican president the debt goes up and under every democratic president it goes down. Even, my tiny brained little friend, under Obama, as compared to W.
How do they tie their shoes in the morning?
Good comment Truth
wikipedia.org/wiki/National_debt_by_U.S._presidential_terms
Because I am a "new user" I am not allowed to post links, so here is a link to wiki about the national debt by US presidential terms.
It will need some cutting and pasting to make it work.
W raised it by over 20 percent.
Obama by 9 percent.
It's gone down as compared to the previous republican president under EVERY democrat.
Every damn one of them.
thank you for that information.
One thing i dont get, is why the DEMS let the REPUGS get away with calling it the Democrat Party (and not democratIC Party" they leave off the IC on purpose, Rachael knows this, but even she has let some repugs get away with it.
I see it time and time again, and no one ever corrects them, its gotten to the point where i even hear the DEMS themselves mis-speak it.
PLEASE next time this happens, ask the person if they know how to spell the name of the opposing party, or if they are just taking a cheap shot.
THEY will look bad either way they answer.
brad,
i hear lt all the time, also. i hate it, too. chris matthews used to call them out on it, but that gets old, because they all do it, and how do you stop it when they say it on purpose?
it just shows how ignorant and stupid they all are.
Lawrence
Thank You!!!!!
I still think Obama is playing a well though out CHESS game while the republicans are still trying to figure out their checker board and who will their king.
this is like watching your flavored team and the coach makes a move and we all start to scream and yell,,,but at the end the move turns out well.
Hey Lawrence, maybe you could do a re-write of the current talking point I keep seeing the republicans spout on TV. I guess they are rewriting the "mandate" from the 2010 election. They are saying that they ran on "tax cuts and spending cuts". Does the entire media have short term memory loss? From what I remember they ran on "Jobs, Jobs, Jobs". I am pretty sure you can find numerous campaign stump speeches where they were going to be job creators. Of course we all know it is total BS and Rachel has done a great job show casing the actual legislation that has come from the house. It isn't about cutting spending or cutting taxes or creating jobs. It is all about abortion.....
I just get a headache when I see republican talking heads on doing what they do best...re-writing history. They didn't run on budget cuts and spending...the ran on "democrats cut medicare and where are the jobs?". But of course, now the meme...which pundits and strategists alike seem to be falling for is "repblicans won on tax cuts and reducing spending". It is like I have fallen down the rabbit hole.
O'Donnell thanks. I needed that show! if anything else for me, it reminded me why I voted for the guy and went democrat.
Lawrence--I pray you are correct, for this is a very high stakes strategy. The cuts the fanatics are seeking would devastate both the economy and those relying upon government aid. My doubts about Obama's cleverness stem in part from last December when he pooh poohed queries about why he didn't seek a debt ceiling increase as part of the tax deal (ie, No responsible person would put the Full Faith and Credit of the U.S. in jeopardy by exploiting the debt ceiling increase.), apparently entirely failing to anticipate that Republicans would exploit the current situation. At the time Seth Meyers even joked about this scenario on SNL. It was entirely predictable.
Awesome analysis Lawrence. The way you explain things is entertaining and educational and I was glad to see you back behind the camera again last night.
I agree Diane. I find Hayes to have poor delivery, and in someways he seems a little too ideological. He frames most everything in a negative manner.