Sesame Street wants Big Bird out of Obama ad
This is one of those days when you suspect that the 2012 presidential campaign is working off a script generated by a room of underpaid and, perhaps, under-performing gag writers. From the Associated Press:
NEW YORK — President Barack Obama deployed Big Bird in a new campaign ad Tuesday mocking Mitt Romney’s vow to end federal funding for public broadcasting. Romney’s campaign dismissed it as an example of Obama being small-minded while the foundation behind Big Bird’s program, “Sesame Street,” asked that the ad be taken down.
The satirical spot, set to air on national broadcast and cable TV stations, shows images of convicted financiers, including Bernie Madoff and Enron’s Ken Lay, and suggests Romney thinks Big Bird is behind their crimes.
“Only one man has the guts to speak his name,” the ad says.
Romney said in last week’s nationally televised debate with Obama that he liked Big Bird but would, if elected, end federal subsidies for the Public Broadcasting Service to help balance the budget. PBS airs “Sesame Street.”
Obama seized on that comment the day after the debate and has used it every day since to poke at Romney.
“He’ll get rid of regulations on Wall Street, but he’s going to crack down on Sesame Street. Thank goodness somebody is finally cracking down on Big Bird,” Obama joked at a campaign rally in Madison, Wis., the day after the debate, as his audience roared with laughter. “Who knew that he was responsible for all these deficits? Elmo has got to watch out.”
But Sesame Workshop, which supports “Sesame Street,” didn’t see it as a laughing matter.
“Sesame Workshop is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization and we do not endorse candidates or participate in political campaigns,” the organization said in a terse, two-sentence statement. “We have approved no campaign ads and, as is our general practice, have requested that the ad be taken down.”
Obama campaign spokesman Ben LaBolt said the campaign was reviewing Sesame Workshop’s concerns.
Romney’s campaign countered that the ad shows Obama is focusing on inconsequential matters rather than the urgent issues voters care about, like the economy and unemployment.
“Right now you’ve got 23 million Americans struggling to find work,” spokesman Kevin Madden told reporters Tuesday. “I just find it troubling that the president’s message, the president’s focus 28 days from Election Day, is Big Bird.”
PBS receives a portion of its funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which receives an annual appropriation from Congress. In 2012, CPB received $445 million in federal funding. PBS said in a news release after last week’s presidential debate that public broadcasting receives about one one-hundredth of 1 percent of the federal budget.
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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124 comments Add your comment
DJ Sniper
October 9th, 2012
1:17 pm
I guess this disproves cc’s claim that Sesame Street indoctrinates children at a young age with a liberal agenda. Yes, he actually said this yesterday.
shakal
October 9th, 2012
1:23 pm
Poor big bird got caught up in their in this crazy election.
Bryan
October 9th, 2012
1:26 pm
If by Liberal Agenda he means accepting others for who they are and getting along with them, then I guess Sesame Street is guilty as charged. Oh, the horror!
cc
October 9th, 2012
1:35 pm
I did indeed say that, and I stand by my comment.
Kris
October 9th, 2012
1:37 pm
It goes to show, you never know when the great speckled bird of faith will take a crap on ya..
Save Big Bird and PBS.
Re-elect President OBAMA.
Rafe Hollister
October 9th, 2012
1:48 pm
Obama is set on protecting Big Bird, even though Big Bird doesn’t want his help. Wish Obama had cared as much about the four people in Benghazi.
honested
October 9th, 2012
1:49 pm
Ain’t it a b*tch.
CTW CANNOT participate in a political endeavor, but the nitwits who believe that all our funding problems originate with PBS/NPR have no compunction about dragging them in.
And of course robme will continue to pander for more wasteful military spending, the line item that is at the HEART of our deficit!
cc
October 9th, 2012
1:49 pm
Save Big Bird – until Thanksgiving. Big Bird would probably roast well, and served with dressing and all the trimmings will make your Thanksgiving Day a treasured memory.
honested
October 9th, 2012
1:50 pm
rafe,
At least we learned that is a situation where ‘private contractors’ (read mercenaries) are not the appropriate method for protecting diplomats.
cc
October 9th, 2012
1:52 pm
“the line item that is at the HEART of our deficit!”
You don’t REALLY want to discuss the heart (true causes) of the deficit, and you know it.
honested
October 9th, 2012
1:55 pm
cc,
I did identify the true cause.
That you refuse to accept it changes nothing.
cc
October 9th, 2012
1:57 pm
“At least we learned that is a situation where ‘private contractors’ (read mercenaries) are not the appropriate method for protecting diplomats.”
Why don’t you enlighten us as to how much ‘help’ the embassy was given when they expressed concern for their security. While you’re at it, tell us a little about the major administration cover-up in progress?
Road Scholar
October 9th, 2012
2:03 pm
“Right now you’ve got 23 million Americans struggling to find work,” …
And soon we will be adding Big Bird! And the members of the only non slanted news team in America!
“. In 2012, CPB received $445 million in federal funding. PBS said in a news release after last week’s presidential debate that public broadcasting receives about one one-hundredth of 1 percent of the federal budget.”
Just imagine the savings if we don’t go to war again! (Each war has cost about $2B each!) And /or cancel healthcare for the Congress! Or how about Congress’s retirement? Or their health club?
cc: I bet you shared your comment above (Thanksgiving) with your children/grandchildren? Right?!
cc
October 9th, 2012
2:10 pm
“cc: I bet you shared your comment above (Thanksgiving) with your children/grandchildren? Right?!”
Haven’t even thought about it, but I don’t mind doing so at all. TV was not used as a babysitter in my home. My children were taught to be (and are) voracious readers and have a great appreciation for all types of music, including the music of the great masters and opera.
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October 9th, 2012
2:14 pm
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come on november
October 9th, 2012
2:15 pm
It is amazing that Obama tanked the other night and all the press wants to let people know about big bird. Folks, Obama is not presidential, never was and won’t be. He is not a speaker and not a leader, has not delivered on anything and won’t. So, you can try to convice people that he is some lovable husband and father trying to protect the puppet, but he is the puppet and knows nothing.
Baron DeKalb
October 9th, 2012
2:34 pm
HopeNchaynege: Wow, another self-styled “expert” on how great the poor have it and how they are living it up on our dime. And written in negro dialect, to boot… do you also write minstrel shows? If you are trying to lend credence to the idea that the opposition to Obama is based on crude racism, well done!
RAMZAD
October 9th, 2012
2:48 pm
I bet Romney will note even ask Big Bird to see his tax return before putting the bird in the deep fryer.
Nate
October 9th, 2012
2:54 pm
I’m sure PBS could be fully funded with taking all of the money Sesame Street generates when selling all the Elmo dolls.
ideas
October 9th, 2012
2:56 pm
You liberal fruitcakes just do not understand how dumb and moronic you sound. You should read this from an unbiased point of view. I HAVE.
Tag
October 9th, 2012
2:57 pm
Yes, it’s a small part of the deficit but you have to start somewhere.
A penny saved is a Penny earned.
They add up.
Big Bob
October 9th, 2012
2:59 pm
I am sure Big Bird wouldn’t want to borrow from China and give his Young Fans the bill with interest attached.
td
October 9th, 2012
3:00 pm
honested
October 9th, 2012
1:49 pm
“$445 million in federal funding”
This amount per year is nothing? It is the attitude like this is the reason we are so in debt. Start with CPB and planned parenthood, 27 Federal job training programs and then the money starts adding up.
“If it is not worth borrowing the money from China to continue then get rid of the program”
Is Big bird worth borrowing money from China to continue to pay for?
anon
October 9th, 2012
3:08 pm
td: Public financing for PBS takes up 0.0014% of the Federal Budget. If you’re going to hee and haw on about wasteful spending, how about looking elsewhere first/
MoFaux
October 9th, 2012
3:21 pm
td: I agree with you and Romney, in that “If it is not worth borrowing the money from China to continue then get rid of the program”. I just don’t trust Romney to be making that decision, sorry.
honested
October 9th, 2012
3:26 pm
td,
I’d rather start with closing ALL offshore military bases and cut all attached contracts.
Now that’s real money with no real costs.
cc
October 9th, 2012
3:26 pm
DJ Sniper:
“I guess this disproves cc’s claim that Sesame Street indoctrinates children at a young age with a liberal agenda”
Not at all. It does prove, however, that at least Big Bird has come to understand that Romney will be elected and that it is best not to antagonize the new president needlessly.
Mike
October 9th, 2012
3:39 pm
Whenever you watch a PBS show, they always have a section where they say who paid for it. Some of it is the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, sometimes it’s ExxonMobil or another big company, sometimes it’s the MacArthur Foundation… but it always ends with “Viewers Like You.”
Everyone who thinks the government shouldn’t be funding PBS should donate $25 a year to keep it on the air. Everyone who thinks the government should be funding PBS should donate $50 a year so they don’t need government money.
cc
October 9th, 2012
3:40 pm
“It is amazing that Obama tanked the other night and all the press wants to let people know about big bird. Folks”
I do not find that ‘amazing’ at all. Obama is in his depth when he talks of Big Bird. Obama has proven to the world what I had recognized early on, and that is he is not as intelligent as the MSM built him up to be. In fact, Obama is a very superficial thinker who has relied on the MSM to coddle and protect him, which they have done right up until the now infamous drubbing he took in the first debate. It will get far worse for him in the remaining days before his loss in the election. The intelligent people who voted for Hussein strictly on racial or party lines will never publicly admit it, but even they have had to accept the truth of what I say. Others, such as honested, will never know the truth.
JRHD
October 9th, 2012
3:40 pm
There is no way PBS/Sesame Street/This Old House, et al cannot be self-supported with all of the merchandising that is associated with these programs. Sesame Street on Ice, Tickle Me Elmo, Bert and Ernie dolls, the licensing list is endless and yet we as taxpayers are asked to give CPB $445mm for what reason? Cut the apron strings and let them survive or perish on their own.
DJ Sniper
October 9th, 2012
3:41 pm
CC, you criticize people who are guaranteeing an Obama victory, but you’re just as bad by saying that a Romney victory is now in the bag. To quote a sportscaster: “That’s why they play the game.”
Anon, that’s a great point you just made. Cutting PBS’s funding to fix the deficit is like deleting several text files to free up space on a 1TB hard drive.
Ideas, please tell us what this unbiased point of view is that you’ve read. If it involves Fox or Breitbart, then please try again.
Jason
October 9th, 2012
3:45 pm
@anon: Ok. So what if PBS is 0.0014% of funding? Its still $445 million. By your reasoning, a person who can’t afford to pay his mortgage shouldn’t worry about cutting out cable tv, cell phone data plans, ice cream, and other trivial things because their only 0.0014% of the budget. Nobody (including Romney) is arguing that changes to larger budget items don’t have to be made. They are just saying that it makes sense to save on non life or death budget items like PBS. The 0.0014% items add up when you reailze that there are a couple hundred of them out there.
And by the way, Seasame Street turns a good profit even without the funding from PBS. Enough to be able to stand on its own. You do realize that the show makes profit off all those toys at Toys R Us and Walmart, right?
And the leaders of PBS make money in line with the supposedly greedy corporate CEOs that Obama is always railing on. So if those CEOs are so greedy, then what does that say about the leaders at PBS?
Jason
October 9th, 2012
3:55 pm
The PBS President earns a $600,000 salary. Still want to fund that with your taxes?
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703559604576176663789314074.html
An NPR President earned $1.3 million. Still want to fund that with your taxes?
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/tim-graham/2009/09/29/survey-npr-ceo-made-1-3-million-bucks-year
An NPR Anchor earned a $300,000 salary. Still want to fund that with your taxes? (Same link as above)
The truth is that there are MANY staffers at PBS and NPR making huge salaries (well in excess of the $250,000 that Obama defines as rich) that are making these large salaries while taking your tax money and asking for donations. If they are in such need, then why are they receiving such high salaries? The truth is, PBS and NPR are capable of operating without tax assistance, and their salaries confirm this.
Kris
October 9th, 2012
3:58 pm
“When you’re commander in chief you don’t get to bring an Etch A Sketch into the Oval Office. You don’t get second chances, never mind seventh chances. “
And you Don’t mess with Big Bird..
“You would need to cut PBS more than 1,000 times to fill the hole in romney’s debate promises,” an Obama campaign email pointed out.
When is smitty going to share his so called plan. I have a plan 999 does not cut it.
Save Big Bird (I have just donaited $47 to PBS). Who will match me??
Jason
October 9th, 2012
4:02 pm
@Mike – You miss the point. Would kids cease to learn to cope with the world should the government stop funding PBS? I doubt it. Yes, Seasame Street is helpful for kids. But I’m sure that if Seasame Street suddenly needed a new home, then ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, etc. would LOVE to make a home for it somewhere in their morning time slots. You don’t think that they could earn some money off of Seasame Street?
Get It Right
October 9th, 2012
4:03 pm
For some real insight check out Darden Restaurants answer to Obama Care. They will now reduce their employees to part time so they don’t have to pay the medical. This is Red Lobster, Olive Garden, and others. Does that sound like it will help the middle class? Oh, it will help add to the jobs to make Mr. Obama look good, because they will have to take on another job to pay the bills.
VOTE 2012!!!
I’ll keep my FREEDOM
I’ll keep my CASH
I’ll keep my GUNS
YOU KEEP THE CHANGE!!!
Jason
October 9th, 2012
4:07 pm
…And to clarify my comments. I love Big Bird too. We have definitely done our fair share of supporting Seasame Street by purchasing thier stuffed animals, videos, and music cds. However, I just believe that Seasame Street can be self supportive, that PBS and NPR leaders are taking advantage of tax payers with their high salaries, and that it makes sense to cut all non-essential government spending no matter how trivial a percentage of the budget it takes up.
Thats all.
Baron DeKalb
October 9th, 2012
4:08 pm
And here I was thinking that Red Lobster was a lifetime career for me…Do you seriously think we’re going to be surprised that some union-hating, big business bean counters (like Romney) would rather see their employees go without decent health care than part with any of their profits?
mikekurliez
October 9th, 2012
4:08 pm
watch nfl (season 2012-13) all games live at http://www.livesports300.co.cc
DJ Sniper
October 9th, 2012
4:15 pm
Get It Right, you need to stop watching Fox News. There is no threat whatsoever of the Obama administration coming to take your guns. Jesus, some of you are so easily lead astray. Also, your “freedom” started to erode shortly after 9/11, which was well before Obama got elected.
Georgia
October 9th, 2012
4:20 pm
Big Bird is #1 in Tweets…..and may the bluebird of happiness fly up your nose.
honested
October 9th, 2012
4:43 pm
get it wrong,
Here’s a little detail for you.
When I heard about darden restaurant’s un-American decision over healthcare, I just added them to the boycott list.
Last year, I probably spent a couple of thousand dollars if not more at their restaurants…….no more.
If they don’t believe their employees should be able to see a physician then I don’t believe they need my money.
A dad
October 9th, 2012
4:47 pm
Obama certainly can’t run on his record, so of course try to divert attention from that lack elsewhere. Didn’t he say something to that effect during his first campaign, about if not having a record then attack the other guy. His 4 years in office certainly don’t provide much record in a positive light so all he can do is try and make fun of Romney instead of responding to Romney’s challenges.
Liberal Pariah
October 9th, 2012
4:57 pm
And what caused Darden to change their policy? Seems they were just fine before Obamacare. Besides, that’s what Obama and Liberals want, ruin healthcare so that the government can come in and ‘rescue’ the system.
Rafe Hollister
October 9th, 2012
5:01 pm
honested, if you keep adding restaurants to your boycott list that do not provide health care for their employees, you are soon going to be dining at home.
That is why many of us opposed to Obamacare, think that we need to rethink this employer provided health insurance. People should buy health insurance like they buy car insurance. Then if you get screwed you can move to a different company. The Gov could subsidize your premiums just like they are subsidizing the employer’s health care costs.
Save Big Bird, Obama would look good in the costume, come 2013. But if Obama was to play Big Bird, they would certainly have to allow him to speak, or he would explode. Talk, talk, talk, tweet, tweet, talk some more.
NobodyYouKnow
October 9th, 2012
5:05 pm
If by now anyone can’t see the big difference between O’bama and Romney after that so called debate they don’t want a best educated, best experianced, best man for the job. That debate was a lecture to O’bama. Its not that O’bama wasn’t prepaired. Its that he didn’t know the answers to the many problems this country has. The democrats pushed him as their man because of his big smile, clean cut, nice family, and he makes good speeches.He’s a likeable man.But as far as a president, he’s LOST. He’ll do better next debate I’m sure but he will not get my vote. HE DOSEN’T HAVE A CLUE!
Marlboro Man
October 9th, 2012
5:05 pm
Romney runs on greed and emotion, he cares little for the average American unless he can make money off of their labor. Its his record, not what he says that stands.
LydiasDad
October 9th, 2012
5:07 pm
If Big Bird is so great, he should survive just fine with private funding, just like all of the popular shows on Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network. It’s time for gov’t to quit money it doesn’t have.
Liberal Pariah
October 9th, 2012
5:07 pm
And what EXACTLY has Obama done for the ‘average American’? Unless you are privileged enough to be in a union….NOTHING. More average Americans are unemployed than ever and he hasn’t done ONE thing to make it better….like he promised. Mostly he has just hoped it would change.
LydiasDad
October 9th, 2012
5:08 pm
I’m still just amazed that about half of Americans are still willing to vote for Obama again. That 50% is either flat out stupid, or completely reliant on government handouts. Either way, it’s scary.
Retired Soldier
October 9th, 2012
5:09 pm
I’m glad Obama wants to continue funding Big Bird. I would hate for that money to go for less needy reasons like additional security in Libya that was turned down. That goodness the President can seperate the wheat from the chaff.
TMAN
October 9th, 2012
5:16 pm
@ Liberal
And what EXACTLY did Bush do for America? Nothing but put us the people of the US in a war that was not needed. Weapons of mass destruction, still looking and can’t find them. OH, but wait I guess that you are fine with that, but what about all of the lives that were lost for no reason at all!
TMAN
October 9th, 2012
5:23 pm
@LydiasDad
Those of us who are voting for Obama are not stupid but smart. What is stupid is to put a man in office who want to offshore all jobs. He does not care about US jobs because he has millions, but I guess you have millions as well if you are voting for Romney.
Retired Soldier
October 9th, 2012
5:23 pm
TMAN-
FLASH Bush isn’t president, ya’ll keep forgetting that. I don’t defend Bush, he was a poor president, but Obama is worse.
The Iraq war? You mean the one that H. Clinton and many other democrats voted for? Where was the congressional vote for Libya? Why are we still in Afghanistan, you know the good war? Why isn’t Obama paying for his wars? Trillion dollar deficits as far as the eye can see.
td
October 9th, 2012
5:23 pm
Retired Soldier
October 9th, 2012
5:09 pm
Excellent comment. How much security would $440 million per year buy?
Retired Soldier
October 9th, 2012
5:25 pm
Tman-
Let me ask you a stupid question, When did Romney say he wants all jobs to go overseas? Absurd. Did you vote for Kerry? He has his millions too. Do you like H. Clinton? She has her offshore accounts. Bash her for a while.
Retired Soldier
October 9th, 2012
5:25 pm
Plenty td
nobama
October 9th, 2012
5:26 pm
Obama is incapable of cutting the budget, including Big Bird. Big Bird should either make it on another network by running ads like any other show or get off the air. The government should not be in the television business. It is a waste of tax payers money. We need a President with the nerve to do some things that may be unpopular but necessary – like firing Big Bird.
Obama is the worst President since Jimmy Carter. We need change all right – by getting him out of office.
Retired Soldier
October 9th, 2012
5:28 pm
nobama-
I almost agree with all you have said. One exception, Obama is worse than Cater. How sad.
Get It Right
October 9th, 2012
5:33 pm
Hope and Change….He sounds just like he did four years ago. Saying exactly the same thing, just wearing a different suit. Sounds just like a lawyer. Oh wait, that’s right, a great speaker, when he has a Teleprompter putting words in his mouth.
TMAN
October 9th, 2012
5:34 pm
Retired Soldier
You are right, you asked a STUPID Question! Get a Life.
TMAN
October 9th, 2012
5:36 pm
Retired Soldier
If you are the expert at who is and was great for the country, why not you use that so call information that you have and YOU run for office. No you hide behind an email address and complain.
Retired Soldier
October 9th, 2012
5:40 pm
Tman-
And what are you doing? I am quite secure in who I am and what I have done. Many have a better resume than me, but I assure you my resume would be far better than yours.
Retired Soldier
October 9th, 2012
5:42 pm
Tman-
It must not have been a stupid question, you couldn’t answer it.
GTMBA'er
October 9th, 2012
5:46 pm
So obvious where the Obama bashers are getting their political/news coverage from….
This is becoming eerily similar to the WMD propaganda perpetrated during the wonderful Bush years.
Retired Soldier
October 9th, 2012
5:49 pm
GTMBA’er/Tman-
When you can’t refute the arguement, attack the person. Typical, just like Obama, typical and sad.
GTMBA'er
October 9th, 2012
5:52 pm
Retired Soldier-
I actually was not referring to your comments but OBVIOUSLY u are sensitive to my comment. Thus, validating my point.
And the real irony is that you are typical smh
Bills
October 9th, 2012
5:55 pm
“We need a president with the nerve to do some things that may be unpopular but necessary.”
Like Obamacare. Oops, sorry, forgot that a majority of people like it.
And obama is the worst president since carter. Except for the two bushes and reagan
Retired Soldier
October 9th, 2012
5:55 pm
I am anything but typical, But thanks for the compliment. I challenge you to watch Fox one hour a nite as I watch MSNBC for an hour a day. How about it?
GTMBA'er
October 9th, 2012
6:02 pm
I listen to Fox News everyday on my way to school…I happen to like The Five. One of my favorites talk radio shows.
I also watch Bill O’Reilly and bits and peices of Hannity. My views are well rounded and well informed.
Time for school…have a great evening
VEXORG
October 9th, 2012
6:03 pm
Retired Soldier is on target. James Earl Carter was the WORST President of the 20th Century. FACTS: 1) Unemployment average: 16.26% 2) Inflation 14.8% 3) Interest Rates 18% 4) U.S. Military Power – SLASHED. and a slap in the face to all who served – Amnesty for the cowards that ran off to Canada to avoid serving their country. 5) U.S. Foreign Policy – one word: IRAN, and the appeasement of tyrants. 6) Continues to meddle and pontificate what our foreign policy should be. 7) Gave away the Panana Canal…an engineering marvel that cost thousands of lives and a symbol of national pride because WE succeeded where others failed.
And all of that makes a “great president”??? Only a moron would believe such a thing!
TMAN, I suggest you remove your head out of where you sit, and get some oxygen to your brain. And quit drinking the democrat kool-aid that distorts FACT and replaces it with emotional rhetoric.
WhatI'mSaying
October 9th, 2012
6:08 pm
When they got rid of Roosevelt Franklin on Sesame Street, they killed my childhood. I loved him, I miss him and always had the best musical accompaniment.
cc
October 9th, 2012
6:22 pm
“I listen to Fox News everyday on my way to school…I happen to like The Five. One of my favorites talk radio shows.”
Congratulations on going to school! When will you be graduating . . . from middle school?
BJS
October 9th, 2012
6:34 pm
Obama is “all hat no saddle” if there ever was one, All one liners. What a “cool guy” we have for prez. Can’t think on his feet when confronted with facts but he can bounce and glide and sound like a cool guy preacher when he needs to. Good grief. Like I said, “all hat no saddle” . Really sad.
3leggedchickenchaser
October 9th, 2012
6:36 pm
All the talk about balancing a budget is moot! 1. Harry Reid, Nancy P and the gang of nitwits haven’t passed a budget in 1200+ days! Why would they start now? Which brings me to point 2. Obama doesn’t believe in a budget. Why would you care about spending when you are using that tactic to “even the playing field” with the rest of the world? Obama is not one of us! He is from a 3rd world country and was raised to HATE white people and America! Some people will vote for him because he’s “black” (TMan) and the moochers will vote for him because of what they get. One thing is certain, another 4 years of his terrorism on America will be the end of capitalism and free markets! Get ready to be a broke 3rd world country he can be proud of!! Remember: a vote for anyone other than Romney is a vote for the worst President in history!
cc
October 9th, 2012
6:55 pm
3leggedchickenchaser:
Can’t argue with a single point re your post.
SKE
October 9th, 2012
7:02 pm
@3leggedchickenchaser….I guess I voted for the worst President in History. Cause he’s already got my vote! I would not have for a moment ever consider voting for anyone that is going to repeal Romney/Obama/Affordable Health Care!
If you followed the procedings of the Congress, the correct language is that no budget was agreed upon by the PREZ. I applaud him for that move. Republicans are OBSTRUCTIONALIST! They have even said as much. Mitch McConnel’s words “We are going to make sure that President Obama is a one term President’! Not Going to Happen though! Thanks to the folks that can see through the Republican hogwash! Obama 2012, Senate 57!
MiltonMan
October 9th, 2012
7:05 pm
Too bad for Obama. Big Bird might just be the most intelligent entity supporting him.
Obama is dishonest
October 9th, 2012
7:07 pm
Real Topic: Should we borrow money from China to give government grants to PBS?
Consider the fact that we are already more than $16 Trillion dollars in debt………..now I ask again should we borrow money from China to give government grants to PBS???
The obvious answer is NO! Obama needs to grow up and consider what is best for America!
double
October 9th, 2012
7:14 pm
Get ready to be a broke third world country.We been broke since Clinton left a surplus,for Georgie Bush to squander.His terrorism on America will be the end of capitalism and free markets.I suppose magic underwear will solve all this.
RW
October 9th, 2012
7:19 pm
I love cable tv, but we couldn’t afford it, so I got rid of it. Otherwise we would end up over budget and more in debt. Sometimes the choices are hard, but it has to be done. I could keep my cable TV, and I would really love it, but I would stack up the debt and at some point, I have to pay it off.
Chzwiz
October 9th, 2012
7:26 pm
@BigBird, regarding your application at chik-fil-a. Please reconsider. I hear they do not like gay birds. Over here at KFC we like them big and fat. With a little seasoning you could make it to the top of the menu.
Chzwiz
October 9th, 2012
7:31 pm
@nobama, re: NOMOBO, I remember Jiminy Carter. I was trying to get a job when he was president. He was, and still is, the worst president this nation has ever suffered through.
I dropped my fried twinkie
October 9th, 2012
7:37 pm
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=327268074039037&set=a.101203633312150.1090.101173139981866&type=1&theater
I dropped my fried twinkie
October 9th, 2012
7:42 pm
Michael Ledeen writes, “In 1980, the symbol of a failed president was a big rabbit. Now, it’s a big bird.” In the last few days, Obama has mentioned Big Bird eight times, and Elmo five — and Libya not at all. Today Sesame Street asked the Obama campaign to take down their current ad featuring Big Bird.
Ledeen says “Then, as now, the media were overwhelmingly behind the Democratic incumbent, but the real world overwhelmed them. Then, it was American hostages in Iran. Now, it is American dead in Libya.
“Then, it was a mob of Iranian ’students’ shrieking ‘death to America’ in Tehran and taking over the U.S. embassy. Now, it is jihadi killers in Benghazi gunning down our ambassador and three soldiers, and burning the consulate.”
I dropped my fried twinkie
October 9th, 2012
7:43 pm
This really is a symbol of the Obama administration. PBS for-profit division makes hundreds upon hundreds of millions of dollars each year and they aren’t even willing to cut government support for that. Sesame Street alone makes $50 million per year in merchandising revenue. PBS has made upwards of $500 million from the Barney franchise. Just the profit from these two franchises is more than many network’s operating budgets. If they can’t cut government money going to an entity that doesn’t need it and has to use accounting tricks to claim to be for-profit to keep getting it, then they won’t cut expenses for anything.
I dropped my fried twinkie
October 9th, 2012
7:45 pm
Obama, not upset about the attack on our embassy in Libya, or the loss of life in Libya, doesn’t care about loss of life from “fast and furious” and the loss of our border patrol agent. Obama wants to attack Romney for saying one of his budget cutting deals is to stop funding BIG BIRD. Obama chooses to force Obamacare on us and to attack our Christian faith while he pays homage to the prophet. Are U awake yet?
When you can’t run on your record, quote from obama, you make the election about small things! Let’s think about Big Bird and not about the crisis in the Middle East and the obama’s administration’s cover up! They denied security protection to the Ambassador in Libya, but Valerie Jarret had protection in Martha’s vineyard.
Wilbur
October 9th, 2012
7:54 pm
Public funding does not determine the future of Big Bird. Pretending otherwise is just foolish.
Not that lying or being foolish would be problems for Obama. He has spent four years working pretty hard at both.
I dropped my fried twinkie
October 9th, 2012
7:56 pm
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=413730578681113&set=a.330374477016724.83603.311190048935167&type=1&theater
charlene
October 9th, 2012
7:57 pm
Honestly, I’m not looking forward to casting my ballot in November. It’s too sad. I don’t like either of the candidates and this is truly, to me, a “lesser of the two evils” contest. I think it is important to make a stand either way, but I’m not happy with either candidate. I think Obama is a very genuinely nice person, who seems to love his wife and family, but I cannot vote for him. Romney isn’t really much better either, but doesn’t zealously support causes I can’t, like Obama does.
Either way, no candidate is on the ballot I can relate to. I wish it were the case but it isn’t. I’ll still be voting but this is the first time I can say I’m disappointed no matter which way the turnout.
td
October 9th, 2012
8:04 pm
Here is something for all you libs to think about when you go to the ballot box.
“Now, the economy is falling apart and people like me who made all the right decisions and invested in themselves are being forced to bail out all the people who didn’t. The people that overspent their paychecks suddenly feel entitled to the same luxuries that I earned and sacrificed 42 years of my life for. Yes, business ownership has its benefits, but the price I’ve paid is steep and not without wounds. Unfortunately, the costs of running a business have gotten out of control, and let me tell you why: We are being taxed to death and the government thinks we don’t pay enough. We pay state taxes, federal taxes, property taxes, sales and use taxes, payroll taxes, workers compensation taxes and unemployment taxes. I even have to hire an entire department to manage all these taxes. The question I have is this: Who is really stimulating the economy? Is it the Government that wants to take money from those who have earned it and give it to those who have not, or is it people like me who built a company out of his garage and directly employs over 7000 people and hosts over 3 million people per year with a great vacation?
Obviously, our present government believes that taking my money is the right economic stimulus for this country. The fact is, if I deducted 50% of your paycheck you’d quit and you wouldn’t work here. I mean, why should you? Who wants to get rewarded only 50% of their hard work? Well, that’s what happens to me. [...]”
“Business is at the heart of America and always has been. To restart it, you must stimulate business, not kill it. However, the power brokers in Washington believe redistributing wealth is the essential driver of the American economic engine. Nothing could be further from the truth and this is the type of change they want.
So where am I going with all this? It’s quite simple. If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, as our current President plans, I will have no choice but to reduce the size of this company. Rather than grow this company I will be forced to cut back. This means fewer jobs, less benefits and certainly less opportunity for everyone.
So, when you make your decision to vote, ask yourself, which candidate understands the economics of business ownership and who doesn’t? Whose policies will endanger your job? Answer those questions and you should know who might be the one capable of protecting and saving your job. While the media wants to tell you to believe the “1 percenters” are bad, I’m telling you they are not. They create most of the jobs. If you lose your job, it won’t be at the hands of the “1%”; it will be at the hands of a political hurricane that swept through this country.
You see, I can no longer support a system that penalizes the productive and gives to the unproductive. My motivation to work and to provide jobs will be destroyed, and with it, so will your opportunities. If that happens, you can find me in the Caribbean sitting on the beach, under a palm tree, retired, and with no employees to worry about.
Signed, your boss,
David Siegel
Read more: http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2012/10/09/ceo-threatens-fire-employees-if-obama-reelected-and-raises-taxes#ixzz28qkXKPZ8
DawgNole
October 9th, 2012
8:27 pm
charlene
October 9th, 2012
7:57 pm
Either way, no candidate is on the ballot I can relate to. I wish it were the case but it isn’t. I’ll still be voting but this is the first time I can say I’m disappointed no matter which way the turnout.
_________________
I wish it were the case that this is the first time I can say I’m disappointed no matter which way the turnout. But it’s not the first time at all–and it very likely won’t be the last.
Buckhead Boy
October 9th, 2012
8:31 pm
China holds eight percent of “Treasuries”. However, thirty-six percent are held by Americans like me, almost as much again by you and me (held by Social Security, federal pension and other trust funds), and another eight percent by our state and local governments. Foregoing any expenditure or cutting the debt by eight percent or any percentage will not curtail China from buying the securities available, just result in lowering the yield for three-fourths of the debt holders, who are we the people. Hence, a silly retort to an assinine statement seems entirely appropriate to me.
double
October 9th, 2012
8:38 pm
Your boss telling his employees how to vote,so he can put more of low tax rate money in his pocket.His employees pay higher fed tax rate than he does.For sure tax wise,for the rich magic underware will be their man.
I dropped my fried twinkie
October 9th, 2012
9:07 pm
Wow and all you LIBERALS think only white republicans are Racists. I guess black liberals are no different….TRUTH…. http://shine.yahoo.com/work-money/stacey-dash-twitter-backlash-voicing-support-romney-170600904.html?fb_action_ids=464825533558413&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%22464825533558413%22%3A453091641396239%7D&action_type_map=%7B%22464825533558413%22%3A%22og.recommends%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D&code=AQCsKdPHvKeN8NvLsmKx7WhRdXN2GEQVMIr6RJRQ_W9VWVALwA8HrHNtvdCI4jhfkPtu-GVnTXOLfIe4cJpeXeBF2SrOUtnAY2eTJ13xApWzdq0RmoCZwMuUiAgfX3Vn_R2-Gmcj3ynEkEpQozgsqkwACjNh23aciNATiXPISK1F2m-t5kjV7F_YDaL-uBGd6upuP6PlGmv7aae7Zy_NTtaS#_=_
Catherine
October 9th, 2012
9:08 pm
I’m an Independent, believe in pro-choice and will be voting for Romney because Obama has failed at his job. Whether I’m gay or need an abortion or contraception, these matters are not my main concern. What is my main concern is if I have no job and gas prices are out of control. I don’t believe in making excuses for myself or anyone else when a job is accepted; if you can’t do it then you quit.
If you enter a debate and you lose then you admit it and try harder next time. You do not act in an undignified manner which is unbecoming of a sitting president by being a sore loser and calling your opponent names the next day while also sending out your tag team to do the same-that’s low class trash business and I cannot believe Obama did it….
It’s good to have opposing beliefs and opinions; our country has been this way since day 1. Stop the name calling and maligning and TRYING to paint one side all one way, it’s not true. When a Hollywood actress lets people know (as have HUNDREDS of actors and actresses have) she is voting Republican she is verbally abused and called racist names by mostly black people and not one Hollywood person has come to her defense-what a disgrace and she’ll probably be blacklisted because she had the nerve to state she is not a Democrat. I’m disgusted and Romney is not making abortion illegal you;re falling for the BS.
Pam Rutherford
October 9th, 2012
9:11 pm
This just shows that taking a non issue and trying to cover up his poor record and the real issues, is how this campaign is materializing for Obama. Try to disguise the issues and hope people are too dumb to notice.
Chuck Hendrix
October 9th, 2012
9:26 pm
“Romney’s campaign countered that the ad shows Obama is focusing on inconsequential matters rather than the urgent issues voters care about, like the economy and unemployment.” Very interesting comment from a Republican. I wonder if he recalls any of the following, Obama was not born in the United States, Obama is a Muslim, Obama is a Socialist, Obama is a Marxist, all claims by Republicans,, those were substantive matters? I would suggest the inconsequential matters spew from the mouths of Republicans like vomit from a drunks mouth on a daily basis.
Chuck Hendrix
October 9th, 2012
9:30 pm
@Pam Rutherford.. Your comment shows you have never researched anything past tuning in to Fox. As to dumb….need I say more? Anyone that believes something simply because somebody with an (R) in front of their name says it without checking the validity is not exactly a Rocket Scientist.
Chuck Hendrix
October 9th, 2012
9:32 pm
@Catherine.. you are no independent. Who do you think you are kidding yourself? Do you recall Obama being called a liar while addressing Congress? Why no mention of it? Because it was a Republican? Get real . Democrats and Independents are not that stupid.
I dropped my fried twinkie
October 9th, 2012
9:33 pm
@CHUCK….Yes, being a Marxist or Socialist is very much a matter of Substance for a man that is going to Lead the US. The Muslim thing could be if he feels the need to give comfort and aid to Enemies of the Us that want to kill us and destroy our way of life.
Chuck Hendrix
October 9th, 2012
9:41 pm
The American public is forced to supplicate and acquiesce to political powers whose fundamental desire is to monopolize the wealth and influence over the masses. We are subjected to overwhelming ignorance from a small group who deems themselves of such importance that our own views, ideas, and insights are summarily ignored. There are simple and concise ideas that would move our nation forward and create vast numbers of jobs while saving our environment, yet we are subjected to the rule of small groups of people, who direct our future through their own narrow views.
The American public has no ability to influence the direction of our nation while remaining enslaved to the philosophy of greed and obscene political derision that veils the truth. Deception, omission of facts, and outright lies permeate the political arena.
In the past when elections were held and those elected took office, they did not attempt to facilitate failure of the current administration. They did not intentionally obstruct the governing process within Congress. They did not set a priority of a political party to make sure the President was not re-elected as their number one priority. In the past our elected officials worked towards making things better not worse. In the past, our elected officials worked to make things better for the people that elected them, not a political party. In the past, our elected officials debated the issues of governing, not place of birth, religion, past acquaintances, nor education of the President. In the past elected officials did not sit back on the sidelines and laugh at their own constituents’ gullibility about place of birth and never openly say it was a load of dung that Congress should instead focus on the real issues.
They accepted false controversies with open arms if they believed it would facilitate their number one priority. They wanted animosity and opposition in any form it came. Their behavior and actions are deplorable not to mention un-American.
Remove the blinders. Anyone that has been paying attention knows that the current Administration has been opposed at every turn. The recovery process has been slow but not because of a lack of effort of the Obama Administration. I would suggest it is because that is exactly what some in office wanted to ensure they could meet their “top” priority. If little or nothing gets accomplished, Republicans thought they could push Obama out of a re-election bid. It back fired. People have seen the obstructionism. They have taken note and they will vote accordingly. No sane person would ever vote for somebody that had intentionally obstructed the governing process because of party loyalty over the people of America.
Ignorance is bliss. Sure seem to be a lot of blissful Republicans these days.
Scrivener
October 9th, 2012
9:42 pm
Chuck Hendrix, while trying to belittle Pam Rutherford you showed yourself to be not only a jerk but not all that bright yourself. Neither rocket scientist nor socialist is capitalized. For that matter, neither is republican. I only point that out because you chose to put someone else down for being “dumb.” Don’t throw stones if you live in a glass house, buddy.
Chuck Hendrix
October 9th, 2012
9:52 pm
Scrivener I suggest you get a proper education before making a vain attempt at questioning mine. Capitalization of a title, be it Socialist or Rocket Scientist, or Republican is perfectly acceptable in written English.
I dropped my fried twinkie
October 9th, 2012
9:54 pm
Wow the republicans obstructed obama’s attempt to push the Republic of the United States to become the United Socialists States. Yes, I am glad the republicans did that.
Chuck Hendrix
October 9th, 2012
10:04 pm
Typical . Someone claiming that Obama is pushing to make America a socialist country that has never even bothered to look up the definition of what a socialist is. You are most assuredly qualified to be a member of the Republican Party.
double
October 9th, 2012
10:06 pm
What would a copycat know?
Scrivener
October 9th, 2012
10:09 pm
“Scrivener I suggest you get a proper education before making a vain attempt at questioning mine. Capitalization of a title, be it Socialist or Rocket Scientist, or Republican is perfectly acceptable in written English.”
Wrong. And BTW, I have an extensive education in punctuation and spelling. In fact, that was required as part of my 30-year career. But it’s clear from your posts that you seem to enjoy making up your own facts.
Catherine
October 9th, 2012
10:25 pm
@Everybody else but Crazy Chuck… Thanks Chuck for telling me and others here what we are
We all on this blog have special names for you as well. I think you might need some fresh air since you now take up 1/4 of all the posts on this blog..Take a much needed break.
Chuck Hendrix
October 9th, 2012
11:03 pm
@Scrivener Sure thing. You can claim to be anything you want. You can claim to be an Astronaut if you like. We both know better. You could possess a Masters in BS, but I seriously doubt anything more than that.
bob
October 9th, 2012
11:50 pm
Kris…obama will lose and you can go to hell with him.
honested
October 9th, 2012
11:54 pm
Don’t worry everyone.
After robme loses on November 6 and goes back to his permanent campaign for whatever is his turn, Big Bird will be safe again and President Obama can continue digging us out from the bush depression.
Taxes will increase, but everyone with a brain knows ‘there is no free lunch’ so those who have benefited the most should be happy to paying the most.
Obama 2012!
Driverdale
October 10th, 2012
2:28 am
One of Romneys quests is for people to self fund their own retirement. How does he expect people who make 25,000 a year be able to do that? Bain Capital shafted the employees of the companies it manipulated while giving their ” investors” and partners of Bain Capital proper indecent profits. And Mitt was given a humongous severance/retirement package. Bain capital (read Romney) was and is no better than the proverbial corner shell game hustler.
If Romney wasn’t able to save for retirement with his millions he made from Bain Capital, how does he expect the average citizen to?
Buckhead Boy
October 10th, 2012
4:27 am
td, Mr. Siegel is well known for bullying his employees, even placing writings critical of Democrats in with their paychecks and “surveying” them as to voting. Hollow threats to leave the country are quite common among reactionary fanatics — that is, when they are not suggesting that those with whom they disagree leave. I’m sure that you remember Mr. Limbaugh making such a threat if the Affordable Care Act became law. He is still waddling around Florida, isn’t he? Thank you for reminding us that the persuasiveness of some never develops beyond, “I’m taking my ball and leaving if you don’t play the game by my rules”.
Georgia Politics, Campaigns and Elections – Georgia Politics, Campaigns & Elections for October 10, 2012 – Georgia Pundit
October 10th, 2012
7:50 am
[...] Workshop, the organization behind Sesame Street, has asked President Obama’s campaign to pull its ads featuring Big Bird. “Sesame Workshop is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization and we do not endorse candidates or [...]
Politically Viral: Videos to Watch | Farai Chideya
October 10th, 2012
9:40 am
[...] remarks… which some political observers are calling too glib; others think is just right. (Sesame Street Workshops wants the ad pulled. But it’ll live on evermore on [...]
Steph
October 10th, 2012
10:52 am
Okay… did everyone forget about the “Joe the plumber” references in the last election… this is no different. BTW. Romney started this all by bringing up this nonesense in the debate (which is no place for a discussion about PBS)
Why not make fun of Romney’s foolish statement…?
Retired Soldier
October 10th, 2012
11:03 am
Steph-
How do you justify spending millions of tax payer dollars, 40 cents of those dollars are borrowed, to support an activity that is worth hundreds of nillions of dollars?
Steph
October 10th, 2012
11:11 am
Retired Soldier, I don’t justify anything. I am simply a voter just like you!
But since we are asking the hard questions, how do republicans justify being HUGE liars and blaming the president for the mess that BUSH left for him?? BTW, since you are quoting numbers…exactly how would YOU have resolved the problem? NOT what was wrong with what Obama did…but WHAT YOU WOULD HAVE DONE? Republicans have been unable to answer this question sufficiently for nearly four years, and my guess is.. you dont have a clue! Have a nice day!
Steph
October 10th, 2012
11:14 am
Retired soldier… let’s not forget about the two WARS, I wonder how much THAT cost?? HUMMMMMM.
Retired Soldier
October 10th, 2012
11:57 am
Steph-
No one says Obama didn’t come in during difficult times, but he hasn’t made them better. He hasn’t done what he said he would do. Don’t give the the line it was worse than he thought, all the “bad news was out by the time he was sworn in.
I would have resolved the problems in several ways, first I wouldn’t have spent the first two years passing national health care, I would have focused on jobs. Second I would have drasticily reduced govt spending, including closing a number of departments. Energy, education, home land security would be a good start. Third I would have followed Bush’s path out of Iraq (like Obama did) but also left Afghanistan instead of doubling down like Obama did. I would not have spent a penny in Libya.Finally I would have NOT bailed out the car companies, let them go bankrupt, like they finally did, and save that money that is still owed. No QE by the Fed.
How is that for a start?
LMAO
October 10th, 2012
12:49 pm
http://www.politicolnews.com/romney-ties-to-allen-stanford-ponzi-scheme-as-partners/
Steph
October 10th, 2012
12:54 pm
Retired Soldier… LOL! Not bailed out the car companies, huh?? Well how many jobs do you think that would have created?? OH that’s right, NONE!! Hahahaaaa… this is hilarious. Oh and, EXACTLY which departments would YOU close? The ones that care for seniors or the one to help low income children?? HEHEHEEEE Republicans are laughable, and so is your answer. So you would reduce spending for Energy, Education and Homeland Security?? Really??? That is even more laughable than the previous statement! What you have given me are the SAME talking points your republican counterparts have… NADA, zilch, zippo (and I dont mean the lighter..LOL) BTW… WE SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN IN TWO WARS! (Money, Money, and More Money) But that is neither here nor there. It was nice chatting, but I have work to do. Good luck and I pray your man Romney does NOT win this election. (God help us all if he does! Especially the elderly and low income families)
Retired Soldier
October 10th, 2012
1:51 pm
No jobs would have been created, it would have saved the taxpayers a lot of money.
I don’t think energy has anything to do with children or seniors. How many children does the Dept of Education educate? zero.
Glad you are so reasonable, you really need to go back to work, under Obama you can never be sure how long you will have a job.