Obama Endorses Bipartisan Push on Debt

[Zenlitened]

Source: New York Times

WASHINGTON — President Obama on Tuesday renewed his push for an ambitious deficit-reduction deal, hailing a bipartisan package put forward hours earlier by a group of six senators as a sign of progress and summoning Congressional leaders for a new round of negotiations.

Saying time is running out to get a deal before the government hits its debt ceiling on Aug. 2, Mr. Obama said a proposal worked on for months and put on the table by the so-called Gang of Six — the group of senators who offered a plan for roughly $4 trillion in deficit reduction over the next decade — suggested there was still hope for a bipartisan deal.

The group’s plan, modeled on the recommendations last year of a fiscal commission set up by Mr. Obama, includes new revenues as well as substantial spending cuts.

Mr. Obama said the bipartisan Senate group’s proposal “is broadly consistent with the approach that I have urged.”

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/20/us/politics/20fiscal.html?_r=1&hp

[PoliticAverse]

1. The 'gang of 6' proposal includes changing Social Security's COLA formula. n/t

[no_hypocrisy]

2. Still not answered: how are they going to get this past the Tea Baggers in the House?

[Drale]

3. They won't but

Every time they vote against a bill, they put one more nail in their coffin.

[PoliticAverse]

4. There are only 60 members of the Tea Party Caucus...

if every one votes against a bill their votes alone aren't enough to stop it.

[Zenlitened]

5. I'm not sure.

Pres. Obama did say:

“It will be hard, it will be tough, there still will be a lot of difficult negotiations,” he said.

As a result, he said, it was important that the negotiators also have the “fail safe” of a backup plan that would allow the debt limit to be raised in the absence of a comprehensive deal - a reference to a plan being developed by Senator Mitch McConnell, the Republican minority leader.

(From the OP link.)

[Kolesar]

7. Won't we need Speaker boehner to introduce the bill, though? eom

[PoliticAverse]

The Reid-McConnell plan seems to be the 'official' backup plan now. n/t

[daa]

6. Don't look to them to save us. Bernie is our only chance and

I am sure he will cave like he did on health care. It has to be in the sendate becuase Nancy will make sure it passes in the house even if Boner doesn't have the votes.

[No Elephants]

43. His only two choices, like everyone else, was to

put up as big a fight as he possibly could on his own, then vote yea or nay.

Sanders, like Kuch, decided a lousy hcr bill was better than no hcr bill. I don;t know that I agree, but I wouldn;t say he caved. Like all of us when we are faced with two evils, and only two, he chose what he believed in his heart and mind was the lesser evil.

[no_hypocrisy]

8. The only thing I like about the bipartison group making policy is it

takes away any power from the Tea Baggers, provided the policy isn't based on anything the Tea Party endorses.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

9. So it's official now. We're going to be seeing cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.

Seeking to sum up the current state of affairs, Mr. Obama said, “We have a Democratic president and administration that is prepared to sign a tough package that includes both spending cuts and modifications to Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare that would strengthen those systems” and provide for new tax revenues. And, he added, “we now have a bipartisan group of senators” and a majority of the American people who agree.

:(

[BigDemVoter]

10. I'm not certain that a majority of the American people agree

with cuts to Medicare & SS. I don't know where he's getting this information.

[bahrbearian]

38. He meant the Majority of the people in the Meetings.

and he was the tie breaker.

[BigDemVoter]

40. Ah, ok--

thanks

[mzmolly]

11. Modifications

are not necessarily cuts.

I plan to await all of the information before jumping to conclusions about the merits of any given bill.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

22. The plan is the switch to chained CPI in SS

Which is a cut.

Shift to the chained-CPI (a more accurate measure of inflation) government-wide starting in
2012, along with the following specifications for Social Security: (1) exempt SSI from the
shift for five years, and then phase in the shift over the next five years; and (2) provide a
minimum benefit equal to 125% of the poverty line for five years. (According to CBO, the
shift to chained-CPI would result in the annual adjustment growing, on average, about 0.25
percentage points per year slower than the current CPI.)
http://assets.nationaljournal.com/pdf/071911ConradBudgetExecutiveSummary.pdf

[mzmolly]

25. The entire government is shifting to a chained CPI (IF) this plan

passes. However, a plan has to pass, before it is implemented. Also, I don't see an increase in the retirement age, thankfully.

As you noted above.

(1) exempt SSI from the shift for five years, and then phase in the shift over the next five years; and (2) provide a
minimum benefit equal to 125% of the poverty line for five years. (According to CBO, the shift to chained-CPI would result in the annual adjustment growing, on average, about 0.25 percentage points per year slower than the current CPI.)

I hope to see adjustments to the initial plan to protect SS beneficiaries beyond five years.

[No Elephants]

44. The only modifications to the COLA on the table would result in less money.

That's the whole point of modifying the COLA at this time.

[mzmolly]

46. About 7 dollars

per month (compared with current figures) according to what I've read.

[EFerrari]

51. Dean Baker is very clear that they are cuts and he never jumps to anything:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1525029

[mzmolly]

53. I responded to the assertion that a plan was "official." Nothing

is official at this time.

The President made a simple statement indicating that the so called gang of six plan is "broadly consistent" with what they've been working on. He also said he hasn't had time to examine all of the details.

"The framework that they put forward is broadly consistent with what we've been working on here at the White House," Obama said.

He said he hasn't yet worked through all the details of the "Gang of Six" plan drafted by a group of bipartisan senators, but called the package a "very significant step" towards achieving a long-term deficit deal.

More at the Washington Examiner:
http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/beltway-confidential/2011/07/obama-embraces-gang-six-budget-proposal#ixzz1Sc5YUAAa

Another note I'd like to add about the plan being proposed - The plan would eliminate some tax breaks, reform others, halve the number of income tax brackets to three from six, and reduce rates.

Again, I await information on an actual agreement.

[dbonds]

21. And all those people that said just wait and see, it won't happen...

They were blowing smoke then. Just a waiting game till it was too late. And who could have predicted that a bipartisan group would step in to do what the screaming meanies couldn't push through - DU predicted it. So all of us raising hell were right! Take that nay sayers.

[mzmolly]

27. DU predicts many things.... Like raising the retirement

age to 67.

[dbonds]

32. That was more of a leak than a prediction though...

One of those trial balloons that didn't fly.

[mzmolly]

33. I'm going with

prediction. Leaks don't mean much in terms of the end result. ;)

[former9thward]

35. Congress raised the SS retirement age to 67 in 1983.

[SSDA]

48. Truth.

We are being played for fools by this politicians in DC.

[Freddie Stubbs]

12. Obama praises 'Gang of Six' plan

Source: Politico

President Barack Obama said Tuesday that the proposal put forward earlier in the day by “Gang of Six,” a group of Republican and Democratic senators, is “a very significant step” that represents “the potential for bipartisan consensus” on resolving the impasse over cutting the deficit and raising the debt ceiling.

In an appearance in the White House briefing room, Obama urged congressional leaders to embrace the proposal, which contains both significant cuts and a revenue component. The plan is, he said, “broadly consistent with the approach that I’ve urged: what it says is we’ve got to be serious about reducing discretionary spending, both in domestic spending and defense, we’ve got to be serious about tackling health care spending, and entitlements in a serious way, and we’ve got to have some additional revenue.”

In all, Obama said, the group’s plan amounts to “an approach in which there is shared sacrifice and everybody is giving up something.”

But the president said he is still open to the plan proposed by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to raise the debt ceiling as a “failsafe” if a broader deal can’t be reached.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0711/59377.html

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

13. :furious:

[ClarkUSA]

14. If President Obama praises it, the Teabagger House will never vote for it.

[BlueCaliDem]

16. So very, very, very true! eom

[Freddie Stubbs]

17. Boehner may try to push it through with Democratic support

[ClarkUSA]

23. Boehner has no power to ""push" anything in his caucus. Cantor is the teabaggers' voice.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

15. Key word: "significant."

:cry:

[shanti]

18. BOHICA

:(

[bitchkitty]

19. Lead up to the big finale.

Disaster averted. No rioting in the streets. The show will be over. Until the next time.

Kucinich had it right - political theatre. So disgusted I want to cry.

[Mojambo]

20. He just doesn't have one solitary fucking clue.

Or maybe he does, and he honestly believes that lowering taxes on the wealthy and cutting benefits to the poor and middle class is a good idea.

It's either one or the other.

[Name removed]

49. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Doctor_J]

24. FAIL

Cuts to programs to needy, no tax bumps for hyper-rich

[gratuitous]

26. But there's tax increases, too!

Sadly, when push comes to shove, the only part of the Gang of Six Plan that could gain bipartisan support was cutting social security and medicare. Since nobody wanted to vote on a tax increase, and the bill wouldn't have proceeded without it, we had to make the best deal we could, and so tax rates on the robber barons will remain low, while you loafers on social security and you slackers on medicare need to suck it up.

Oh, were some of you saying that all along? Gee, you should have spoken up sooner. But it's too late now, and the deal is done. Maybe next time? And when "next time" rolls around again, there will be those who say that we're being alarmist and there's not deal on the table, and trust our leaders, it won't happen in a million, billion years. Until it does. Then we'll be consoled by being told that we shoulda spoken up sooner.

It's an old game. A depressing game. But one the haves never tire of playing on us have-nots.

[neoralme]

30. I knew cutting entitlements would happen since last year and the

reduction in the SS payroll tax. Under Obama, the start of the end of entitlements has now begun in earnest. He doesn't have a prayer of being re-elected once the details are given and the word goes out. This may end up the worst time in Democratic History.

[saras]

34. the only part of the Gang of Six Plan that could gain bipartisan support was cutting social security

There we go. So it's clear where the Dems stand on these issues.

[ClarkUSA]

28. Don't fall for the MSM spin. That's not what he said. Read: "Obama Tries To Box In GOP"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x714836

[Doctor_J]

37. Anything that reduces medicare, Medicaid, or SS is not "boxing in the GOP"

If anything, Big Media seems to be spinning this FOR the prez, as unlikely as that seems. I must admit I am slower on the uptake than some. I held on through Health Insurance Reform, gay rights being left to the states, "Walking shoes", Arne Duncan, and the jeb Bush photo op. But killing the New Deal is it for me.

[ClarkUSA]

39. That's rhetoric. You know nothing about high-level budget negotiations. Nothing's agreed upon.

I'll stick with Steve Benen and Lawrence O'Donnell, who do know what they're talking about.

[bvar22]

29. The LAST time he pushed this "Bi-partisan" crap,

it didn't come out so good.
The Pawns (lower 98%) got a few crumbs,
but the Health Insurance Cartel got a MANDATED customer increase of MILLIONS.

I've seen this show before,
and it doesn't end well for the Working Class, the Retired, and the Poor.

Cherish your memories, SUCKERS!
because we're TAKING everything else!
Hahahahahahaha!

[Octafish]

31. Hey, Obama! If I wanted a Republican president, I'd have voted for one.

I voted for a DEMOCRAT. Start acting like one. Please.

[bullwinkle428]

41. +1

[SSDA]

50. Too little too late.

I might as well write in Bernie mad off for prez at this point. Does it even matter any more?

What the heck does SS have to do with anything? they are scamming us worse than ever!

[alp227]

36. White House comment line: 202-456-1111

Keep pleading NO CUTS IN SOCIAL SECURITY/MEDICARE. Sadly, it IS included in the Go6 package that "would make deep spending cuts over time in domestic and military programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, and raise new revenues from closing myriad tax breaks and loopholes, while lowering tax rates across the board – much like last year’s plan from Mr. Obama’s fiscal commission."

Consistent also with Obama's statement earlier about both parties having to sacrifice their sacred cows. But at least the Go6 decided to cut military spending, the fattest portion of the federal budget.

[ej510]

42. This bill proves Obama is a Republican.

[fascisthunter]

45. Hey Obama, Dem Leadership? We know the Cuts to SS, etc are not necessary

we now know you represent the GOP's interests over the people. Oh and people on the street, they are starting to figure it out too.

[SSDA]

47. We should march on the WH

This is beyond insane. C,ant believe this is happening.

[Zorra]

52. Leo Strauss' Philosophy of Deception

snip--
Rule One: Deception

It's hardly surprising then why Strauss is so popular in an administration obsessed with secrecy, especially when it comes to matters of foreign policy. Not only did Strauss have few qualms about using deception in politics, he saw it as a necessity. While professing deep respect for American democracy, Strauss believed that societies should be hierarchical – divided between an elite who should lead, and the masses who should follow. But unlike fellow elitists like Plato, he was less concerned with the moral character of these leaders. According to Shadia Drury, who teaches politics at the University of Calgary, Strauss believed that "those who are fit to rule are those who realize there is no morality and that there is only one natural right – the right of the superior to rule over the inferior."

This dichotomy requires "perpetual deception" between the rulers and the ruled, according to Drury. Robert Locke, another Strauss analyst says,"The people are told what they need to know and no more." While the elite few are capable of absorbing the absence of any moral truth, Strauss thought, the masses could not cope. If exposed to the absence of absolute truth, they would quickly fall into nihilism or anarchy, according to Drury, author of 'Leo Strauss and the American Right' (St. Martin's 1999).
snip--
"Perpetual war, not perpetual peace, is what Straussians believe in," says Drury. The idea easily translates into, in her words, an "aggressive, belligerent foreign policy," of the kind that has been advocated by neocon groups like PNAC and AEI scholars – not to mention Wolfowitz and other administration hawks who have called for a world order dominated by U.S. military power. Strauss' neoconservative students see foreign policy as a means to fulfill a "national destiny" – as Irving Kristol defined it already in 1983 – that goes far beyond the narrow confines of a " myopic national security."
snip---
The image encapsulates the neoconservative vision of the United States' relationship with the rest of the world – as well as the relationship between their relationship as a ruling elite with the masses. "They really have no use for liberalism and democracy, but they're conquering the world in the name of liberalism and democracy," Drury says.

http://www.alternet.org/story/15935

[Lorien]

54. +1. Great find.