Another defector: Sen Judd Gregg says no thanks

February 13, 2009

Sen Judd Gregg decides he can't work with barry anymore because he has "irresolvable conflicts" over the stimulus package.

barry's initial glowing words:

...And we know the only way to solve the great challenges of our time is to put aside stale ideology and petty partisanship and embrace what works.

As one of the Republican Party's most respected voices and skillful negotiators, Judd is a master of reaching across the aisle to get things done. He'll be an outstanding addition to the depth and experience of my economic team, a trusted voice in my Cabinet, and an able and persuasive ambassador for industry who makes it known to the world that America is open for business.

His team was caught off guard with Gregg's decision. From Politico:

In a statement, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Gregg had “reached out to the president and offered his name for secretary of commerce” — and that he’d promised that, “despite past disagreements about policies, he would support, embrace and move forward with the president’s agenda.”

Obama himself told an Illinois newspaper that Gregg’s withdrawal was “something of a surprise” because the senator had “approached us with interest and seemed enthusiastic.”

Gregg was pulling a fast one and they finally figured it out.

GIBBS: Once it became clear after his nomination that Sen. Gregg was not going to be supporting some of President Obama’s key economic priorities, it became necessary for Sen. Gregg and the Obama administration to part ways.

EMANUEL: There is not hard feelings. It is better that it happened now than after the fact. if I said it wasn’t a disappointment, that would lack any credibility.

GREGG:

I’ve been my own person, and I began to wonder if I could be an effective team player. The president deserves someone who can block for his policies. As a practical matter, I can contribute to his agenda better — where we agree — as a senator, and I hope to do that. The fault lies with me. I may have embarrassed myself, but hopefully not him.

However, it has become apparent during this process that this will not work for me, as I have found that on issues such as the stimulus package and the census, there are irresolvable conflicts for me. Prior to accepting this post, we had discussed these and other potential differences, but unfortunately we did not adequately focus on these concerns. We are functioning from a different set of views on many critical items of policy.

barry camp evolving statements re: Blagojevich

December 10, 2008

barry on blagojevich (12-9). Take careful note of the "we" changing to "I". He's already separating himself and preparing to throw whomever he needs to under the bus. Gibbs may be ok with that. Valerie Jarrett and Axelrod - no way. barry took only one question and again like 3-3-08 the proobmedia let him get away with it...not much longer. If he continues obamanating on this - something he needs to talk about - they'll be waiting like jackals on Jan 21st. I have a feeling his daily laudatory press conferences have just come to an end.

I don't think Gore signed up for this. Rerun of Mr Bill. He keeps his game face on though.

video courtesy of surcinema

BARRY: I am saddened and sobered by the news that came out of the US Attorneys office today. But as this is an ongoing investigation involving the governor, I don't think it will be appropriate for me to comment on the issue at this time.

BARRY: I had no contact [shakes head] with the governor, uh, or his office, uh, and so we were not, uh I-I-I was not aware of uh, [looks down and to the right = lie] what was happening. And as I said, it-it was a sad day, uh, for Illinois and beyond that I don't think it's appropriate to comment.

Some comments by barry's minions from CNN:

ROBERT GIBBS:

(12-9) We did not know about this recent part of the investigation until today."

(12-10) The president-elect agrees with [Illinois] Lt. Gov. [Pat] Quinn and many others that under the current circumstances it is difficult for the governor to effectively do his job and serve the people of Illinois.

[Obama believes the lawmakers should] put in place a process to select a new senator that will have the trust and confidence of the people of Illinois.

Senior Senator from IL DICK DURBIN in a letter to Blag:

Beyond guilt or innocence, the charges against you raise serious questions about your ability to carry out your duties as chief executive of our state.

(12-10) It's a sad day for my state.

Illinois State Senator MIKE JACOBS:

(12-10) I'm not sure he's playing with a full deck anymore.

AXELROD on FOX (11-23-08). Maybe that's why he's been in hiding.

video courtesy of yesobamacandf**upUSA

I know he's talked to the governor, and there are a whole range of names, many of which have surfaced, and I think he has a fondness for a lot of them.

(12-9-08) I was mistaken when I told an interviewer last month that the President-elect has spoken directly to Governor Blagojevich about the Senate vacancy. They did not then or at any time discuss the subject.

He can no longer use his favorite Template 101: That is not what The American People want to hear. He used Template 101: I was mistaken.

Debate 1: Robert Gibbs

Norah O'Donnell talking to Robert Gibbs, Obama's Communications Director about McCain's statement accusing Obama of "political posturing" yesterday in White House meeting.

Gibbs: Talked about the events of yesterday. That when McCain suspended his campaign they were close to the principles a deal and five hours later (after CBS interview) when he got to Washington there wasn't a deal. He thinks McCain participation in the legislation process was a dramatic negative. One giant political stunt and photo op, the failure of which is only eclipsed by Washington Mutual Bank being seized by the federal government.

O'Donnell: Axelrod said that McCain has used this crisis to advance his campaign. Be specific - how has he used this crisis to advance his campaign?

Gibbs: "Let me disagree with David. I think it's dramatically set back his campaign. I totally agree with David that what John McCain tried to do was create a political stunt with a photo op and pretend that he was going to sweep into Washington and save the American people from themselves. Again I think it has been a spectacular failure...I think John McCain has done nothing to help this crisis. Last two weeks have seen Barack Obama be steady and cool under pressure during this global economic crisis to fight for principles that he wanted to see as part of this agreement."

O'Donnell: (With an insider smile.) "Are excited about tonight's debate?"

Gibbs: "Of course."

Axelrod sounds panicked. Gibbs dismissive.