More of the same in Obama’s SOTU; Rubio hits the right notes in GOP response
Toward the beginning of his State of the Union address Tuesday night, President Obama said we need a “smarter government,” not a “bigger government.” He then proceeded to request a long wish list of new government programs that make clear that, in his mind, the only smarter government is a bigger one.
So, we would have the federal government providing everything from universal pre-K to a network of manufacturing hubs to rebuilt bridges to refinanced homes — none of which is a bad thing, but also none of which require the involvement of a federal government already well beyond its ability to pay for the things it already tries to do. His assertion that this wish list would not add “a single dime” to the deficit didn’t pass the laugh test, particularly when administration officials after the speech declined to provide cost estimates for the new programs.
One can only guess his proposals won’t add “a single dime” to the deficit because they would, instead, add many billions if not trillions of dollars to it.
But if you missed the speech, fear not. You have heard every thought in it before; it was a pastiche of speeches he’s given over the past four years. I wouldn’t even say last night’s rendition was better than all the other times he’s given it. The only unifying theme was that Washington needs to do more. The only memorable moment came toward the end, when the president employed his familiar cadence of repeating a particular phrase time and again — this time, it was to say the various victims of gun violence he mentioned by name “deserve a vote” on his gun-control proposals. It will have zero effect on policy making. It was campaign-rally, rah-rah stuff.
If you expected anything different, you haven’t been paying attention. If tax dollars are still paying for a White House speechwriter to recycle the same ideas and phrases, then what Americans “deserve” is a refund.
The GOP response from Sen. Marco Rubio was the party’s strongest counter-argument yet during the Obama presidency. If you missed it, you might not see much about it in the news beyond the (admittedly awkward) moment during the middle of it when a clearly parched Rubio reached quickly for a bottle of water. As someone said on Twitter at the time — I lost track of exactly who it was — that’s largely a function of how a speech given to a camera is inherently inferior to one given to a live audience, during which the speaker can pause during applause to take a quick swig. Rubio’s Water(bottle)gate was but the latest reminder of that fact, which has dogged SOTU respondents from both parties for years now.
Those who can look past that moment will find the reasons Republicans are so excited about Rubio as a future presidential candidate. He makes the case for conservative principles with illustrations, and from angles, that are necessary to cast them in their proper light: as principles that can boost Americans of all backgrounds and income levels. This was a case Mitt Romney did not, and perhaps could not, make effectively. Rubio is obviously fluent in conservative ideals and language in a way that neither Romney not John McCain was. His ethnicity is icing on the cake.
– By Kyle Wingfield
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403 comments Add your comment
Lil' Barry Bailout - OBAMAPHONE!!!
February 13th, 2013
8:43 am
“more than double the 2007 deficit of $163 billion”
———————-
Wouldn’t that be the budget put together by the Republicans, before Democrats started writing the budgets?
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
February 13th, 2013
8:45 am
cherokee – simplistic, much?
Cherokee
February 13th, 2013
8:45 am
Aesopp, Jay has a chart up that you might want to take a look at.
I assume you’ve been banned from commenting over there, but I expect he’d let you in and allow you to look at the chart.
You might, just might, learn something.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 13th, 2013
8:46 am
Commiserate, Cherokee?
Some of us are on here to correct the ignorant remarks you and your fellow libs make on a daily basis.
Cherokee
February 13th, 2013
8:46 am
I won’t hold my breath of course, but miracles do happen…
Just Saying..
February 13th, 2013
8:47 am
“The guy is a broken record.”
One that the Nation likes…
Cherokee
February 13th, 2013
8:48 am
Hey Tib, buddy, I’m happy for you – I’d rather have you whining here than, say, kicking your dog….
independent thinker
February 13th, 2013
8:48 am
Yeah those sailors on the Mission Accomplished carrier ended the war in Iraq, conquered the Taliban and killed Osama and dumped him in the water before W landed in his flight suit. How dumb of me not to remember that and
Obama not Reagan started the phone discount program for low income folks. That’s why Congress renamed the program the Obamaphone program and not the Raygunphone program. I learn so much factual information on this blog every day- thanks cons.
md
February 13th, 2013
8:48 am
And I see that the minimum wage was once again brought up as a saving grace vs as a gov’t interference, which goes to show the difference in ideology.
Minimum wage jobs are stepping stone jobs folks, not designed for eternity. One ideology believes the pay should go up because one had a birthday while the other believes the pay should go up when an individual decides to better oneself and get the heck out of that crappy job…..
It’s simple math for those that actually run businesses……and what’s the difference between $7 and $9 you say? It’s only $2 right? If a company only has a budget of $30 for labor, which is better for the economy, hiring 3 people @ $9 ($27) or 4 people @ $7 ($28)?? Then multiply the scenario times several thousand………….
Just Saying..
February 13th, 2013
8:49 am
So the belief is that Rubio can manage the country better than his GOP credit card?
MarkV
February 13th, 2013
8:49 am
If you have expected anything different from Kyle, you haven’t been paying attention. The same mocking attitude, and critique without any substance.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
February 13th, 2013
8:51 am
and tax cuts to spur the economy
How did that work out for us?
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
February 13th, 2013
8:55 am
which is better for the economy, hiring 3 people @ $9 ($27) or 4 people @ $7 ($28)??
Most credible business owners don’t hire based on what is good for the economy, they hire based on demand.
If a company only has a budget of $30 for labor, which is better for the economy
What is best for the economy is the employer stay in business which means that the employer work within the means of the company and not hire too many people or too few people.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
February 13th, 2013
8:57 am
I’ll go reeeeaaaaallllll sloooowwwww for you and bookman, cherokee -
$400 billion (your own numbers, see above) plus 880 billion porkulus plan plus whatever spending the nasty pelosi congress push through over Bush’s veto equals……….1.4 trillion.
I understand, however, your position. People that are like way too stupid to understand basic governance and math skills, vote for dummycrats. That’s how you, obozo and booman survive, off the ignorance of others.
We get it.
indigo
February 13th, 2013
8:59 am
Kyle, we of the liberal, intelligent persuasion understand that, no matter WHAT Obama says, you and other cons here will trash him anyway and everyway possible.
Needless to say, this renders anything you say against him nothing more than useless propaganda.
md
February 13th, 2013
9:00 am
“and tax cuts to spur the economy
How did that work out for us?”
Evidently, fairly well…….the recession ended in 2009 and both parties left them in place for the masses. or did I miss something and the dems wanted them repealed?
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
February 13th, 2013
9:00 am
Really, how much respect do these dummycrats have for anyone other than themselves? To actually try and blame the stimulus on Bush, it is truly incredible.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
February 13th, 2013
9:01 am
indigo – It’s not very hard to disagree with a bald faced lying socialist.
md
February 13th, 2013
9:04 am
“Most credible business owners don’t hire based on what is good for the economy, they hire based on demand.”
And that demand determines their budget Finn……they can’t hire more than they can afford to pay for….
“What is best for the economy is the employer stay in business which means that the employer work within the means of the company and not hire too many people or too few people.”
And how does he stay in business if he now has to pay more than his budget allows? He starts by laying people off…….much like Obamacare has done in dictating the definition of a part time worker….now all those folks that were working 30 hrs a week will work 29, it’s simple math.
MarkV
February 13th, 2013
9:04 am
Only somebody like Kyle would make an argument that the President’s assertion about the cost of the programs t “didn’t pass the laugh test” on the basis of Jessica Yellin reporting that administration officials declined to provide cost estimates for the new programs immediately after the speech.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
February 13th, 2013
9:07 am
And how does he stay in business if he now has to pay more than his budget allows? He starts by laying people off
Yeah, that happens – people have to adjust. Raising the rate is still a good idea.
sailfish
February 13th, 2013
9:07 am
“Gee, how did we get from $400 billion to 1.4 trillion? Oh yeah, the 800 billion dollar porkulus.”"
Duh…wars off the books finally put onto the books by a realist president
independent thinker
February 13th, 2013
9:08 am
Did Romney write the response speech for Rubio?- same tired lines and half truths. I guess the stupid party can’t do any better. That’s why they had two responses to try match Obama and show off their combined stupidity.
Steve
February 13th, 2013
9:08 am
I hate Obama soooooooooooooooooooooo much!!! (snort)
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
February 13th, 2013
9:09 am
cherokee – Thanks for sending me over to kookman’s blog. While there, I made note that it took almost 75 comments for anyone to even attempt to point out what a total fallacy her little chart was, and even that comment was weak minded. Now I know exactly why she bans all the people that call out her lies.
Thomas Heyward Jr
February 13th, 2013
9:11 am
If only the Republicans could find a black hispanic woman that was a lesbian.
.
Yea……that’s the ticket.
Steve
February 13th, 2013
9:15 am
Aesop- the chart is a fallacy because it challenges everything right wing media has told you? But I bet you can’t point out WHY it’s a fallacy.
md
February 13th, 2013
9:15 am
“Yeah, that happens – people have to adjust. Raising the rate is still a good idea.”
Sure, it’s a great idea to the 3 that get to have jobs in my scenario, but it sucks for the 1 that’s left out in the cold. And as I said, multiply that by thousands.
Personally, I’d rather have many more employed at the $7 than thousands less at the $9, but that’s just me…….you on the other hand don’t seem to care about the thousands left out in the cold…..
Ever been in a union Finn? It’s based on seniority……and those at the top that are never at risk of getting laid-off have a penchant for voting against pay cuts that might keep their brethren employed. Been there done that……I and many like me on the bottom of the totem pole were always quite willing to work for less, but the guys up top would have none of it……laid-off 5 times over a period of 15 years.
Believe me, it’s no fun being the ones left out in the cold………
Buzz Belle
February 13th, 2013
9:16 am
I thought Obama reached out to the other side of the aisle actualy. I was apprehensive that he was going to come out swinging but I felt he really extended the olive branch. On the other hand, John Bohner could not have been more sourpuss looking and Rubio, that was really sad. I know he was nervous, it was a big speech for him. But he missed the mark on this, I felt he took this as “his” moment to make a campaign speech instead of the job he was suposed to do – rebut the SOTU address. Huge failure. I really felt sorry for him, still do.
Just Saying..
February 13th, 2013
9:16 am
” Now I know exactly why she bans all the people that call out her lies.”
Somebody has manhood issues…
Road Scholar
February 13th, 2013
9:16 am
I watched…and listened to both speeches. I thought President Obama’s was rambling. He brought up most major topics and he should have stopped there. His comments on guns were spot on, as it relates to other legislation also.Infrastructure investment…yes.
I thought Rubio’s presentation was just fine, although his content was vague as to real solutions. “Watergate” was a misfortune that distracted many from the message. He should have had a glass on his podium. (Jokingly, I wonder if the bottled water company has signed him to an endorsement?) But as cons said above about the President’s speech…nothing new.
I was left with: What are we to do about our crumbling infrastructure? Who pays? How much is needed? Do we wait for a bridge or road to collapse and then feign surprise or disgust?
Gun control: These reps are mostly lawyers. Figure it out. Required background checks seem mandatory. Mental health guidelines/process is a no brainer. ENFORCEMENT OF EXISTING LAWS IS MANDATORY! FILLING THE HEAD OF ATF IS MANDATORY!
A vote on all political appointments is needed now. Approve? Disapprove? I do not care. VOTE NOW!
Bring the troops home. For those non-national Guard units, give them some rest…and then assign them to our borders. Then pass an immigration bill. Figure it out. The hell with Repubs and Dems….figure it out. What is the right thing to do? How can we afford what is settled on? VOTE!
I believe in Jay’s comment concerning that we cannot continue to run from trumped up problem to problem. SOLVE IT! DO SOMETHING!
I AM NOT PAYING FOR MY GOVERNMENT TO DO NOTHING. IT’S ABOUT TIME BOTH PARTIES DO THEIR JOBS IN LEGISLATING.
Cut the hell out of the budget. Approve sequester. And when the economy tanks repubs will be the culprits. If it thrives the GOP will be heroes. I think it will tank. Measured investment esp in our infrastructure will provide jobs. Or are you going to wait for only private investment in infrastructure? It does not appear that all those record profits are earmarked for infrastructure…now are they?
Jefferson
February 13th, 2013
9:17 am
The president threw the book at the GOP.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
February 13th, 2013
9:18 am
Anyone, and unfortunately that includes a 102 year old individual that waits until election day to vote brings it on themselves.
Maybe she was undecided….
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
February 13th, 2013
9:18 am
Aesop- the chart is a fallacy because it challenges everything right wing media has told you? But I bet you can’t point out WHY it’s a fallacy.
steve – I’ve only done just that 3 times already this morning. Maybe you need a tutor to help with your comprehension issues? You libs are blaming the 2009 stimulus on Bush, which, on it’s face, is unbelievable. At least until you think that there are people like you in this world.
willie lynch
February 13th, 2013
9:19 am
md
February 13th, 2013
8:35 am
You’re an idiot! Who was the democratically elected government by the Palestinians, Hamas or Fatah? did Israel and the U.S. after calling for democratic elections in the occupied territories accept the will of the people?
Abbas was the servant of the Americans who having struck a deal without the support of the Palestinian people had the rug pulled out from under him by the Israelis and the Americans making the acceptance of Hamas that much easier.
Was Fatah not accused of vote rigging and intimidation by human rights groups? And as far as Hamas attacking “one of their own”, how is it any different than the hostility the Repug’s show to our President?
You haven’t thought far enough to lecture me. Keep it moving.
Road Scholar
February 13th, 2013
9:23 am
Well then Aesop, it won’t be a problem for you to reference your posts or to cut and paste them, would it? Or are you only in the business of insulting people?
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
February 13th, 2013
9:24 am
I and many like me on the bottom of the totem pole
Who was it that that wrote earlier on this blog that the minimum wage is a stepping stone. Maybe it’s time for you to step up, md?
JDW
February 13th, 2013
9:24 am
@Aesop…”Gee, how did we get from $400 billion to 1.4 trillion? Oh yeah, the 800 billion dollar porkulus.”
Nope…the Duhbya economic implosion did that…Dateline January 7, 2009 (pssssssttt thats before the inaguration)
“The U.S. budget deficit in 2009 is projected to spike to a record $1.2 trillion, or 8.3% of gross domestic product, the Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday.”
http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/07/news/economy/cbo_2009_budget_outlook/
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
February 13th, 2013
9:27 am
You libs are blaming the 2009 stimulus on Bush, which, on it’s face, is unbelievable.
No we aren’t. It was introduced in January 2009. And now we need another one.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
February 13th, 2013
9:27 am
I knew there’d be a reason to keep this handy-
2/3/2008 6:08:35 PM ET
WASHINGTON — In the nation’s first-ever $3 trillion budget proposal, President Bush seeks to seal his legacy of promoting a strong defense to fight terrorism and tax cuts to spur the economy. Democrats, who control Congress, are pledging fierce opposition to Bush’s final spending plan — perhaps even until the next president takes office.
The 2009 spending plan sent to Congress on Monday will project huge budget deficits, around $400 billion for this year and next and more than double the 2007 deficit of $163 billion. – Associated Press
sigh
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
February 13th, 2013
9:29 am
And what does it say about the columnist that posts such drivel? Is he being paid to blame the stimulus on Bush? Or is he just stupid?
Jefferson
February 13th, 2013
9:29 am
Could you cry a little louder, I got Ted Nugent playing pretty loud !!!
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
February 13th, 2013
9:33 am
jdw – From YOUR article -
The CBO expects tax revenue in 2009 to fall by $166 billion, or 6.6%, from the previous year’s collection.
OK, so what happened to the other 834 billion? Wow, that’s awful close to the 800 billion stimulus, imagine that.
joe
February 13th, 2013
9:35 am
Didn’t watch either speech, but if there’s one person who can save our country, it’s gotta be Rubio, with an assist to the Gov of New Mexico…they would make a great ticket in 2016.
md
February 13th, 2013
9:37 am
“You’re an idiot! Who was the democratically elected government by the Palestinians, Hamas or Fatah? did Israel and the U.S. after calling for democratic elections in the occupied territories accept the will of the people? ”
Ooooh, the idiot card. Pretty much shows us your character……..
Abbas was elected also, so get over it. Israel tried to appease Hamas by unilaterally pulling out of Gaza……how did that work out for them?
I’m not going to debate much with an individual that has no character, but hamas is and always will be the major stumbling block. When their charter was written on the principle of abolishing Israel and they refuse to even discuss the idea of recognizing Israel as a sovereign state, it’s not hard to see where the problem originates…….
George
February 13th, 2013
9:39 am
Rubio’s family benefited from govt. Programs, Medicare, social security, student loans. Yet he doesn’t want to extend govt. Assistance to others. His only concern is that rich people may have to pay a few more dollars.
Just remember when all was said and done Romney paid only 15 percent, similar to most middle class folks.
md
February 13th, 2013
9:41 am
“Who was it that that wrote earlier on this blog that the minimum wage is a stepping stone. Maybe it’s time for you to step up, md?”
How many unions do you know where the pay was minimum wage? I don’t think I’ve ever seen one.
No Finn, I will be the first to tell you we were overpaid for what we did, hence the reason I had no problem taking a pay cut in return for keeping a job…….those at the top, not so much…..and in the end their lack of willingness to understand that is what lead to the demise of all the jobs……
retiredds
February 13th, 2013
9:44 am
somebody must have sent Aesop some new energizer batteries. SOTU by Rubio, marginal at best.
Dusty
February 13th, 2013
9:46 am
Kyle made a fine summary this morning. I read the president’s speech and could not believe much of it. What he does is take facts and then twist them to make them sound good, either by deletions or using words that sound better. It was like a football coach telling a team how good they are at half time when they haven’t scored a point. Strangely enough, our “coach” did not say a word about his poor “coaching’ abiltities.
I did not hear Rubio. So the man took a drink of water. What did you expect? Bourbon?
I see our party Dems here are still fixated on George W. Bush. That’s like remembering the good days while the rain is falling now. Yep, you could believe what Bush said because he did not try to fool us. Now we get the “song & dance” with “pie in the sky”. Ho hum
Off into the rain on the plain and I’ll try not to complain…..
md
February 13th, 2013
9:46 am
“Rubio’s family benefited from govt. Programs, Medicare, social security, student loans. Yet he doesn’t want to extend govt. Assistance to others. ”
Then you weren’t listening……he very clearly stated he wanted to keep those programs,but he acknowledged that they are in trouble (and they are), which is something the left refuses to acknowledge……