Gibbs Stands By His 'Professional Left' Critique, Expects Liberals To Vote In 2010

[laughingliberal]

Speaking publicly for the first time since he disparaged the "professional left," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said he stands by his comments, has no plans to resign and that he fully expects progressive voters to go to the polls in 2010.

"I don't plan on leaving and there is no truth to the rumor that I've added an inflatable exit to my office," the press secretary said during Wednesday's briefing, referencing the recent incident in which a Jet Blue flight attendant bolted his plane in frustration.

Taking the podium after a day off to tend to a sore throat, Gibbs said he has not reached out to any Democrats to discuss his remarks, in which he chastised liberals for wanting to "eliminate the Pentagon" and pursue Canadian-style health care reform. Nor, he added, has he talked to the president about the matter.

Does he stand by the comments? "Yes," he replied.

More: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/11/gibbs-stands-b...

Gibbs seems to feel confident he can insult a significant constituency and take their votes for granted. It would appear his insult of the left has the blessing of the President or I wouldn't think he would be out publicly standing by the insult. I guess it's good we know where we stand. I don't see where Gibbs is helping the GOTV effort.

[YOY]

1. So glad he stands by his convictions. I stand by my convictions as well.

n.t.

[no limit]

17. The same thing could be said about the decider

[raouldukelives]

52. But not about Obama nt

[McCamy Taylor]

84. Oh boy! RNC slogan number one! "Obama's Broken Promises"

[mcollins]

2. I might unartfully vote for the 'wrong' person. nt

[Whisp]

5. go right ahead

vote for whoever you like, your threats are much emptier and smaller than you imagine.

[mcollins]

48. I see you have your talking points from Gibbs. nt

[Whisp]

75. rather Gibbs than from some RightWing asshole. nt

[Name removed]

79. Deleted message

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

[Whisp]

81. you might want to review the new DU rules.

2. Select the rule(s) that this post violates. Click the appropriate question mark "" for more detailed information about each rule.

Personal attack against a specific DU member (or members).
Extreme group insult aimed at all or some DU members.
Insensitive (bigotry, hate, ridicule, stereotyping) toward certain groups of people.
Inappropriate, inflammatory, or over-the-top.
Harassment or threats against any person, on DU or elsewhere.
Divisive anti-Democratic rhetoric.
Off-topic/wrong forum.
Forum-specific or group-specific rule violation for forums and groups with special rules.
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Spam.
Disruptive signature or avatar image.
Interfering with forum moderation.
Other (Please explain).

==
of course you don't have time for that because you've got your nose far deep into the Fuckington Post.

[PufPuf23]

90. Gibbs would have had his post deleted at DU. WOW

[CakeGrrl]

8. And you might get the 'wrong' person for your efforts

Can you afford the Republican alternative? Or do you really think it makes no difference if a Bush or a Teabagger is in the WH?

[EFerrari]

21. When Gibbs talks about the left just as Scotty did, how do we tell the difference?

Good luck with that.

[CakeGrrl]

38. He was not talking about "the left" as a collective

The shit will just keep swirling the bowl if no one is willing to recognize what was actually said. It's just more self-pity based on misinterpretation, and the echo chamber keeps on going.

[EFerrari]

47. Oh, baloney. How bad of a reader does one need to be to believe that?

lol

And this will keep swirling because the Professional Left will not lay down for this cr@p. I'm afraid this won't turn out well for either Gibbs or for the administration. Too bad, too, because we have an election to win.

Oh well. They chose their own adventure.

[CakeGrrl]

56. ???

Afraid this won't turn out well for Gibbs or the administration? If they don't get back to the WH, they'll live their lives with money and pensions. They will not be destitute.

The Left will win WHAT election with whom? Where are the numbers to get another candidate to the WH with the sole support of the alienated Left?

[laughingliberal]

70. As Keith said, "We THINK over on this side." nt

[Whisp]

82. who? This particular Professional Left? You defending this sleazebag and his sidekick?

This is who Gibbs was talking about. Not some armchair General/SoS/EducationMinister/Advisor/UniversalSage&Seer from DU.

[Name removed]

53. Deleted message

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

[XemaSab]

54. Here's what was said:

The White House is simmering with anger at criticism from liberals who say President Obama is more concerned with deal-making than ideological purity.

During an interview with The Hill in his West Wing office, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs blasted liberal naysayers, whom he said would never regard anything the president did as good enough.

“I hear these people saying he’s like George Bush. Those people ought to be drug tested,” Gibbs said. “I mean, it’s crazy.”

The press secretary dismissed the “professional left” in terms very similar to those used by their opponents on the ideological right, saying, “They will be satisfied when we have Canadian healthcare and we’ve eliminated the Pentagon. That’s not reality.”


How is this not offensive to all of us?

[CakeGrrl]

60. This selective version doesn't even include the full text of Gibbs' comments

What Gibbs says is encased in quotes.

The rest of it is the author's interpretation. 'Liberal naysayers'? That was not Gibbs' characterization.

'Professional Left'? That ain't me.

What is not included in this citation are the specific examples that Gibbs characterized, particularly those who don't think Obama is any better than Bush.

I think those people have their head up their ass. I don't have a problem with calling out that claim.

But if people insist on seeing this as a broad-brush attack on "the Left", then there's nothing to discuss.

Didn't the Sherrod incident teach anything about the importance of context?

[mcollins]

68. exactly.

When they came for the professional Left I did nothing, as I was not a professional...

[carolinayellowdog]

23. The WH is not at stake this year

but it is beginning to look like the WH is deliberately engineering divided government starting in a few months with this kind of abusive rhetoric towards the base. No wonder Pelosi was furious at Gibbs; his true colors have been showing for a while. I'll vote for my Democratic congressman, not because of his party but because he's an excellent servant of the people. But fully expect him to lose to the Republican, and thank the national Dems for creating an atmosphere where that is inevitable.

[TheCowsCameHome]

41. It is at stake every day of the year.

Do not ever turn your backs on the very people that got you there in the first place.

[CakeGrrl]

51. Huh?

I know the WH isn't at stake, but eroding the Dem Congressional majority will not help.

The Congressional Repubs have expressed a burning desire to spend all their time finding a way to impeach Obama. If people need to be reminded what it is that Congress does, then that will bring it back real fast.

As to my subject line, how do you figure that the national Dems have created the atmosphere that will cause congressional Dems to lose, if you're an example of one who is pissed off at them yet will vote your congressman on the merits nonetheless?

Progressives who cannot do the simple math and use their vote to 'punish' the Obama administration will be the ones who have to live with the results of their vote. Voting them out isn't consigning them to homelessness on the streets, as much as some would like to do it.

[carolinayellowdog]

59. I'll vote for him, but don't expect him to win

hope I'm wrong

[McCamy Taylor]

85. Apathy and Despair---two of the RWs best weapons against Democrats

[laughingliberal]

99. Seemingly 2 of the WH's best against us, too. nt

[Cherchez la Femme]

25. See how little you mean?

Now go vote straight-party line Dem!
Rah! Rah! Sis-boom-bah!

How wise these people are to keep piling on

[McCamy Taylor]

86. Wow. More "Apathy and Despair."

This discussion should have a warning label---"Warning: Hazardous to the Democratic Process."

[NorthCarolina]

36. Don't worry, Diebold will correct your vote for you. eom

[Sherman A1]

67. I am with you....

Might just go and cast a blank ballot and we have a Senate race here to replace the retiring Mr.Bond....

At least I know the GOP hates me and wants to screw me over.

[McCamy Taylor]

83. In other words, you are spreading the "Stay home" message. Shameful.

[Whisp]

3. 'significant constituency', LOL.

surprise surprise, it's from the Fuckington Post

[no limit]

20. So we're not even signifant any longer. I wonder how that logic worked out in the 2000 election

I can't quite recall.

[Whisp]

24. not in numbers, no.

but if you think your opinions and significance has more weight than the 85% approval rating that Obama has with Democrats, then you may be right. Some pigs have always been more equal than other pigs.

besides, just to say it for the umpteenth time - gibbs was talking to the few who make a name and money from their daily malcontented howlings and droppings.

like these 2 fuckers:

[no limit]

34. How many more votes did Gore need in Florida in 2000? How many did Nader get?

Thank you for making it clear we are not significant just as we weren't in 2000.

[Name removed]

4. Deleted message

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

[LostinVA]

9. Me too

Cynthia McKinney.

[LostinVA]

6. I truly feel bad for a lot of people

I have no illusions about this Administration, and this very public callous disregard for so many voters is shocking even me. I can't imagine how some liberals who sincerely believed in this Administration are feeling.

[EFerrari]

22. Same here. I know some people that worked very hard

for Obama. They don't deserve to be flipped off like this.

[mmonk]

27. I'm one.

What a dumbass I have been.

[EFerrari]

31. You're not a dumbass, mmonk.

We make the best deal we can. And, thanks.

[LostinVA]

33. You aren't a dumbass

[myrna minx]

69. I feel like a total dumbass too.

[LostinVA]

32. Exactly -- time, money, and passion

[closeupready]

30. I know. If power corrupts, perhaps it's started to wear away at them.

I can't think of any other explanation for his initial remark, nor his reiteration today of his callous remarks. It's like a case study in how not to earn respect.

[LostinVA]

35. Someone posted in my thread a link saying the WH agreed with Gibbs

[asdjrocky]

7. Looks like they won't need my vote, or the money I no longer have. nt

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

45. +1!

[glitch]

49. Thing is, Congress isn't doing the dissing and they are the ones at risk.

IOW, pretty shitty actions by the WH, especially at this time.

I say we work hard to make Congress more progressive and less capitualiting so the WH will actually have something real to complain about.

[asdjrocky]

61. I did that.

2006, 2008. It's a club, once they get in little changes beyond the rhetoric.

[glitch]

63. I am saying put more progressives in Congress.

Not voting won't put more progressives in Congress, right now it looks like the DLC is actively attempting to discourage us from turning out, inartfully or otherwise.

Just don't not vote.

[asdjrocky]

66. Sorry man.

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
-Albert Einstein

[LanternWaste]

103. Seems to be the same definition one uses for "practice"

Seems to be the same definition one uses for "practice". That's the trouble with bumper sticker philosophies.

I guess it depends on one's perspective.

[laughingliberal]

71. It's disturbing. Pelosi lashed out a few weeks ago at the lack of help for the election from the WH.

And Gibbs practically conceded the House in an interview a couple of weeks ago. I'm not convinced they want to hold the House. That's where the larger number of Progressives are.

I agree with you on the need to work hard to make sure we hold on to the Progressive Caucus in the House.

[McCamy Taylor]

88. Again with the "Stay Home" rhetoric. And just 2 days ago someone at DU swore it does not happen here

[asdjrocky]

107. It wasn't me.

I'm only responsible for my own actions.

[TheCowsCameHome]

10. Let's see if he talks this tough on the morning of Nov. 3

Do not take me for granted, Mr. Gates.

[RandomThoughts]

11. Seems he also distanced himself from Jet Blue guy.

Interesting that worries him.

Night Fever
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUmJZ1kyYoU

[jgraz]

12. Yep, at this point he's clearly speaking for Obama.

Press secretaries who voice their own, independent opinions get to go spend more time with their families.

[WinkyDink]

13. The Inartful Dodger.

[mmonk]

14. We see your finger Gibbs. It is duly noted.

You're big and bad and have put us in our place.

[Barack2theFuture]

15. They call me . . . *Mister* Gibbs . . .

Good for him. Now I know what he thinks, and now I know better what I think.

Fostering clarity is part of his job.

[whatchamacallit]

16. Fuck 'em, they'll get what they get. (nt)

[EFerrari]

18. Well, that was a mistake. n/t

[LoZoccolo]

19. The Obama-Bush* equators are going to have to threaten not to vote again.

I wonder if they realize you can only withhold their vote once.

[TheKentuckian]

96. Actually, it can be done election after election. It looks like I'll be forced withhold mine in a

a couple of years. I'm not punishing my pretty fair rep or my near conservative but not a nutjob Senate nominee.
They will be assessed on their own merits.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

114. See: 50% of the eligible electorate

[ljm2002]

26. Wat to go, Gibbsy boy...

...I'll be sure to keep that in mind as 2012 rolls around.

[moksha]

28. Fuck em. They want to win with a conservative base.

Let them try.

[Pisces]

29. Apologize for what?? He spoke the truth and you don't like it. Too bad.

[LostinVA]

37. Please explain this so-called truth

[LoZoccolo]

39. That people who equate Obama and Bush* are not making sense?

Maybe?

That Kucinich would have the same limitations of power that Obama has?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

40. Thanks, Bob. I will go to the polls and keep your comments in mind as I vote.

Not to mention the failures, "compromises", and spinelessness of this administration.

[deutsey]

42. Had he critiqued the "professional right" he would have been blubbering an apology an hour later

Right after handing in his resignation.

[laughingliberal]

64. No doubt. nt

[Lorien]

+1. nt

[Rex]

43. So the asshole says liberals are pot smoking losers...but please go vote

in November? Dude, hope I can remember where I left my car keys.

[blindpig]

44. And there it is...

"Shut up and carry that water."

Could it be any clearer?

[TheCowsCameHome]

46. Hmmmm. Why do I think this thread is going to be locked?

[Individualist]

50. because you think it's going to happen because that's what you want?

[Proud Liberal Dem]

55. Well.....

I'm not going to say that anybody refusing to vote Democratic is just helping the Republicans win races because, ultimately, I feel that it is more important that people vote their consciences (or not vote at all) and do what they feel is right.

[amborin]

57. K&R

[Catherina]

58. Gibbs said in words what this administration does. They've been successfully courting the right

at the expense of fucktard retards. Gibbs' only problem is that he got the condescension on record a little too soon. Of course he stands by his comments. They're a clear message to the right wing to keep on coming over before they tell us drag-addled retards to completely fuck off.

[Lorien]

78. If they expect the racist Right to actually vote for Obama

then obviously the stuff they've been smoking is a Hell of a lot stronger than what anyone else has had.

[laughingliberal]

92. Yep. Makes one wonder who needs drug testing. nt

[LWolf]

62. It's good to know exactly where we stand. nt

[mike r]

65. Read: The beatings will continue...

[MzNov]

72. No matter how the WH feels about the "left"

or, in other words, a large chunk of the base, there is absolutely NO EXCUSE for Bozo the Spokesman to be going out in public or wherever he was and verbalizing this garbage !!! Their tin ears can only be outdone by their immature knowledge of politics.

[MadHound]

73. Well to paraphrase an old saying,

You can expect in one hand and shit in the other, then see which one fills up first.

Sorry Gibbs, at this point I owe nothing to you, the Obama administration or the Democratic party. You can expect me to vote for who I think is the best candidate. And that won't necessarily be either a Dem or 'Pug.

Don't like it, tough shit.

[Ramulux]

74. What I wouldnt give

for 5 minutes alone with this guy. He is out of his fucking mind, he needs to actually speak with a member of the "professional left" who can actually rebut all the stupid ass right-wing talking points.

Can you imagine Gibbs giving an interview with "any" intelligent liberal like Maddow, Hartmann, or Uygur? If he thinks hes right then he needs to actually explain himself and give a member of the demographic hes insulting a chance to respond. But he wont, he will just bash us from the comfort of the white house knowing he will never have to engage in an actual conversation about it.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

76. Hey! You're a bunch of drugged up loser weenies, but still vote for us, ok?

I always respond well to appeals like that.

[L0oniX]

102. Yes Mr. Gibbs ...I was drugged up when I voted for Obama but went through rehab and I am clean now.

So this huge asscarrot thinks dopers voted for Obama?

[Lorien]

77. Maybe they'll get lucky and a few disgruntled Republicans will vote for them in 2012

Because I sure as hell won't. Thanks Mr. Gibbs, for removing the last shred of doubt that I had that you and your boss share nothing in common with traditional Democrats and stand firmly to the Right of center...fairly far to the Right of center, in fact. If I had wanted a Republican in office I would have voted for one. You're correct; I will vote in 2010 and 2012-but only for those who aren't siding with you, the GOP and your mutual corporate cronies. I'll work for any Left of center challenger who steps forward or simply write in my candidate of choice; be they Grayson, Weiner or Kucinich.

[jillan]

80. Seriously Obama - this is the man you want to represent you to the press?

oy!

[Papa Boule]

87. "It would appear his insult of the left has the blessing of the President"

Ouch. The campaign was all lies then.

Bigger ouch: Everyone is supposed to understand that, accept the new realities, and get over it.

[PufPuf23]

89. A professional spokesman conveys news and does not become the news cycle

The WH calculus must be they are going to gain more voters than those they lose by needless insults or else they are such Neo-liberal ideologues they don't care or else our democracy is so weak that it just doesn't really matter.

I will vote because I always do plus it is so easy as I am in a mail ballot only voting area.

[Hello_Kitty]

95. +1000000

[McCamy Taylor]

91. Score so far: 7 "Stay Homes" 1 "Obama's Broken Promises"

The RNC is clapping its hands in glee.

[laughingliberal]

93. The RNC is not my concern. They will never agree with us. I'd like to think we have some influence

with our own party. It's getting increasingly hard to believe that but I still like to think it. Fox can phone in a request to fire a federal employee but Gibbs insults part of the party's constituency with impunity.

Concern about what the RNC thinks over what Democratic voters think is part of the problem.

[McCamy Taylor]

94. The RNC playing mind games with likely Democratic Voters is a huge problem in this country.

If you really believe what you just posted, then I recommend "Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72". It ought to open your eyes if you read it with the hindsight of Watergate. Note "Abortion, Acid and Amnesty" the slur from Robert Novak about McGovern. And be sure to refresh your memory about the 2002 elections, when "fear" was used to take charge of the Senate. And "Gore is a Liar" from 2000.

If you do not believe what you just posted....

[MadHound]

97. I've watched you as you blame the shortcomings of our current Democratic leadership on

Everything and everybody ranging from the media to the RNC to the left to Tinkerbell.

My question is when are you going to finally own up to the fact that the Democratic party and their leadership own at least a sizable portion of responsibility for said shortcomings. When are you going to acknowledge that the Democratic party has brought much of this upon themselves?

Or will you just continue to offer up the scapegoat du jour?

[laughingliberal]

98. I am very familiar with the GOP noise and smear machine. This ain't my first rodeo.

And I stand by what I said. Undue concern for what the RNC thinks while insulting your own voters 3 months before a tight midterm election is a bad GOTV strategy unless your goal is to lose the House. This administration is flunking PR 101.

[Individualist]

100. DLC attempting mind games with progressives is an even bigger problem in this country.

[laughingliberal]

106. +1000 nt

[flyarm]

109. The RNC could not have a better "Friend " than Gibbs! Put the damn blame where it belongs and stop

the Bullshit!

Gibbs said what he did , not the RNC!

Rahm called us retards..

The RNC did not.

Stop the crap, you only make it worse by treating people like they are dumb as shit and don't know what is going on!

psssss..people have eyes and ears, they comprehend , they have cognative thinking skills..

You, on the other hand..

We get what they are sying, and doing!!..and it isn't the RNC doing it to Dems..Look in the mirror dear!!

[LanternWaste]

101. I threw my vote away on Nader in 2000...

I threw my vote away on Nader in 2000. The result of that election, and the consequences of that election compelled me to re-evaluate the base-lines I use for choosing a candidate.

I will absolutely be voting for Pres. Obama in 2012. I don't know who I need to apologize to for that... but thinking about, I don't know *why* I would need to apologize for that.

[laughingliberal]

104. I don't think you need to apologize for anything. I do think if the WH continues to make...

stupid PR blunders like this, they should apologize to all of us. On a day when the House passed the jobs' bill (after being called back to Washington by OUR speaker of the House) and we all should have been celebrating, Gibbs decided insulting part of the base was the priority. He owes the voters and the House an apology.

[lostnfound]

105. Throwing away a vote vs throwing away some time and money

Parts of the base won't bother going to the polls next time because reading a good book or spending time with family feels much more satisfying.

[flyarm]

110. I was thinking ..ahh.. nails and facial...and a lovely dinner ..

but then I also thought a good workout and a good massage ..
I am kind of up in the air..

If things don't get 100% better and apologies do not start coming forward ...damn fast.. and damn sincere....I will have a dilemma deciding among my options!

[flyarm]

108. Hand - meet - Ass!! eom

[Horse with no Name]

111. Let me know how THAT works out for ya! n/t

[flyarm]

112. hows our support working out for us now? seriously??

I am now a Professional druggie , retard, that happens to be a liberal.

Just think, I get to tell my granddaughter her grandma is a druggie , retard, but at least I am Professional at what I do and what I am!!

I guess you have no problem with that..aren't you lucky..move along now.

[Horse with no Name]

113. HUH?

Yeah, I have a HUGE problem with it.
Somehow I think you misunderstood me--my post was aimed at the title--if Gibbs THINKS that us professional lefties are going to be at their beck and call--regardless of how they treat us--I will be interested to know how that works out for them. I know how it works out for me.

[flyarm]

115. Sorry I misunderstood your post. I should not have addressed it to your post.

sorry!

I tried to edit it but it was too late.

fly

[Horse with no Name]

116. It's cool

I was just a little shocked because I don't ever recall disagreeing with you on any point,lol.

[flyarm]

118. I wasn't multi tasking too well! I misread your post!! So sorry!!

and I never disagree with your posts either!!

[Iggo]

117. Gibbs stands by attempted splintering of the base.

Shut the fuck up, Gibbs.

EDIT: A seemingly successful attempt, by the way.

[G_j]

119. & fuck you too! eom

[slay]

120. He takes my vote for granted at his and the Democratic Party's own peril

if i don't feel right in voting for Obama in 2012 - i won't. maybe Gibbs is right, maybe other progressives are willing to be taken for granted. i'm not.

[femrap]

121. Gibbs spit in the face

of liberals and then threw dirt on them by saying they will vote for dems come November because they have no other choice. And then made fun of Kucinich just for the fun of it.

And of course implied we're all on drugs and/or insane. Hell, I can get this crap from Repugnants.

AND THIS IS COMING FROM THE SPOKESMAN FOR THE WH.

What's his email address?