A Round-Up of GOP Members Sitting Out Obama’s Speech to Congress
- Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:35pm by
Madeleine Morgenstern
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A handful of Republicans will be sitting out President Barack Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress Thursday evening, including Reps. Joe Walsh, Paul Broun and Ron Paul, as well as Sen. Jim DeMint and possibly Marco Rubio.
Walsh was the first to announce he would not be attending Obama’s address, instead saying he will hold a forum on job creation in his Illinois district.
“He’s demeaned the very notion of a joint session of Congress,” Walsh told Fox News. “This is a campaign speech and I just don’t want to be a prop.”
Broun, of Georgia, said instead of attending he will watch the speech from his office and live tweet it to his followers — the same thing he did during the State of the Union in January.
“I believe very firmly this is going to be just another political speech,” Broun said on Fox and Friends. “I think it’s better for me to sit in the office and watch it on TV where I can communicate with my constituents.”
DeMint also decried the political nature of Obama’s address.
“I can’t listen to another political speech from this president,” the South Carolina senator said. “If he had a jobs plan it would be written down, he would send it over to us. You would have it, I would have it, and we would be discussing it today but that’s not how this president operates.”
Louisiana Sen. David Vitter had said flatly he would be hosting a Saints-Packers NFL party in place of sitting in the House Chamber, but said Thursday he was forced to change his plans after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid scheduled a vote for after the speech.
“I have a Saints party… and I am absolutely going to be there for the big game, kickoff of the Saints and the whole NFL,” Vitter said Wednesday.
After Reid scheduled the vote, Vitter wrote on Twitter: “Typical Harry Reid. He’s now schdld votes that should’ve been this morn 4 right b4 & right AFTER prez’s speech. Pens me in 2 have 2 stay.”
There‘s also a chance Rubio won’t attend, but for personal reasons, not political. According to Yahoo News, The Florida senator’s mother has recently fallen ill, and his spokesman said his schedule is “fluid.”






















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Comments (140)
Dudemau
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:14pmBernbart is one of those sucking on the teet of the nanny state because he obviously cannot prosper of his own will and ingenuity. Sad, sad little victim. This is where Darwinism is disproved becaues if it was indeed survival of the fittest there wouldn’t be any Bernbart postings. That’s funny right there…
Report Post »cmabillm12
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:57pmI am not going to listen the Odumao lies, nor will I watch the overpaid pig jockeys.!! Instead I will read a BOOK!!!
Report Post »HARDWORKPAYS
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:30pmThey did not miss a dam thing. However, he said it all with such style…not!
Report Post »He is such a poser.
WeeDontNeedNoSteenkinBadges
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 11:08pm“A handful of Republicans will be sitting out President Barack Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress Thursday evening, including Reps. Joe Walsh, Paul Broun and Ron Paul, as well as Sen. Jim DeMint and possibly Marco Rubio.”
That’s the way to bring America back! Treat that illegal-alien Kenyan with the respect he deserves — irrelevant! MOVE ON AMERICA and leave those commies on the trash-heap of history!!
Report Post »Steve
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 4:19amjzs
Obama was born here but.
Father was a communist
Report Post »Mother was a communist
Child hood mentor was a communist
18 yrs in a Church which taught Communist based Black Liberation Theology
Sought out Communists in college
Befriended a domestic terrorist who murdered police officers
Appointed communists in his inner circle
Promotes socialist tenets in his presidency
GIDEON612
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 7:17amI did not agree with these people sitting this one out.
HOW CAN THEY WALK ON HIM IF THEY SITTING IT OUT?
Report Post »ejbonk
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:13pmI will not watch Mr. Obama’s Speech. I refuse to listen to more of the same BULLSHITE from a person,I have no respect for at all. I understand fully where these members of the House and Senate are coming from. Mr.Obama has NO PLAN and iuty is just a trick to FLUFF Himself in Front of the Cameras for re-election.
Report Post »Amma K
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:49pmI couldn’t agree with you more!!!!! Everytime I hear Obama’s voice I feel sick!
Report Post »CatB
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:24pmMarco Rubio is my Senator .. I fully support him boycotting this campaign speech!
TEA!
Report Post »Bill Rowland
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 7:29amAmen!
Report Post »G.W. Dobbs
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 8:27amI do not understand DEMOCRATS who say they LOVE AMERICA supporting this COMMUNIST; “Party before Country” is his Manivesto.
Report Post »geonj
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:11pmevery republican shoud not be there.
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:56pmYou are spot on
Report Post »jackbauer
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 11:34pmThat’s right. The camera is used against them every time although I must say it seemed to be used against Michelle and Hillery tonite. I’ve never seen such long faces well except maybe on John Kerry.
Report Post »konakolina
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 11:46pmAgreed. Why would ANYONE want to waste their time listening to this man read from a teleprompter. Best I can tell yhe only thing one can learn from an obama speech is that he can read in English!
Report Post »Steve
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 4:20amgeonj
If only that would happen.
Report Post »faithaz
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:10pmObama same old, same old, spend spend spend. Why doesnt he lift restraints off of businesses andthe tax cut extension for ssi is S*T*U*P*I*D because its only hurting SSI recipients and the program. LMAOROF what a J*O*K*E!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »don young
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:08pmThey are not going because they can,t say anything when the president lies or the will get in a lot of trouble the dem press will make sure of that.
Report Post »Zombee
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:06pmIts great to see some conservative Republicans with a spine for change. Everyone knows that Obumer’s little dog and pony show is to deflect his failure and lack of leadership regarding the dismal lack of jobs in this country . His ideology just won’t let him use common since Reagan logic. This joint session ruse is just another example of his abuse of power. Long Live The Tea Party Movement – Citizen Government in action .
Report Post »vtxphantom
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:05pmIt does not take any money from the government to create jobs. Job are created as a necessity to do work because a product is needed. A job bill should cost $0. All that is needed is for government to get out of the way and abolish laws that inhibit growth.
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:04pmcan I vote for you?
Report Post »IowaWoman
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 10:58amI agree, eliminate of the EPA. That alone would start up our economy with a blast. Getting rid of Obamacare would make a more stable business atmosphere, hiring numbers would explode. eliminate Dept. of ED and students would be better taught and succeed in much higher numbers.
Report Post »bernbart
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:04pmI did but you not posting them!
Report Post »KangarooJack
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:01pmAt this very moment, I am cracking open a Sam Adams in preperation for our illustrious, glorified, magnificient leaders words to grace my ears. Right now they are doing roll call…
This “speech” BETTER INCLUDE WRITTEN INK AND ACTUAL PLANS!
Otherwise (cough, ahem, cough) tis just yet ANOTHER speech on how it is:
Bush’s fault
Congress’ fault
the Senate’s fault
the Japanese Tsunami’s fault
the East Coast Hurricane’s fault
the MidWest flooding (a yr ago) which FEMA didn‘t respond too’s fault
the Arab Spring (wtheck is an Arab Spring by the way? Which was ENCOURAGED by our POTUS) fault.
Hurricane Irene’s fault.
etc. etc. ETC!!!!
It‘s 7pm guaranteed he makes us ho’s wait!
Report Post »Leningradcowboy
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:56pmYou forgot the “ATMs Fault”
LOL.
Report Post »BluifoxEd
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:41pmMy fault
Report Post »TerryJ70
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:00pmI think he will propose a FULLY PAID stimulus package of up to a trillion dollars. However, the “paid for” part” will be up to the super committee, and will be set up to be paid for in 12 years. Yeah, baby!
Report Post »dshamis20
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:57pmWhat would be more beneficial to the American people, sitting outside twittering, claiming that its a campaign speech or GOING TO THE DUMB EVENT AND RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF IT — GET UP AND WALK OUT — respectfuly of course lol — maybe chanting campaigner in chief as you leave — just a thought
Report Post »bernbart
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:56pmThese republicans are disgusting with their lack of respect for Obama. Democrats would never pull a stunt like this. I guess we now know why the republicans who too over leadership in the House have done nothing since the were elected. They have proved the are not up to the task of of governing.
Report Post »It is their job to pass leglislation, not Obama’s, and they have done little.
grannydeb5
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:08pmExcuse me but are you for real or do you have kool aid poisoning? If you are so informed you would know that the House has passed things and they are killed in Senate(Under Dum control) or vetoed by Obama. I give respect where it is called for and the office of the Presidents does deserve respect. Sometimes the holder doesn’t earn the respect. Keep lying to everyone but when you lie to yourself it is pitiable.,
Report Post »SHvnDave
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:09pmSeems to me there are several financial and jobs bills PASSED by the house this year and never taken up by the Democratic Senate. We know that as a liberal, you must badmouth us, but please use real facts not your own.
Report Post »doublezero12
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:12pmOh… yeah… that’s right! No, they (the Dems) would sit there and shout out insults at the sitting president (George W.) Ring any bells, your moronic marmoset? Stop insisting that the Dems are the model of respect. They’re the model of rude and hostile. So jam it, you jerk!
Report Post »kraphtsman
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:12pmYour memory is faulty. You and your kind conveniently forget the NUMEROUS times President Reagan‘s and Bush’s requests to speak before Congress were pre-empted/rescehduled by the House and the networks… each time the reason given being that the speech was essentially “political in nature”.
This arrogant and incompetent President had neither the common decency or sense to ask the Speaker beforehand (in PRIVATE) before his amateurish demand to make this political speech. And this transparent ploy to use this photo-op as a staging ground for his re-election campaign is worhty of nothing more than the scorn it will deservedly receive. If ha has an actual plan, he should submitr it WRITING. Wasting valuable network TV time is all this really is.
Report Post »Fins_2theright
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:14pm@ Bernbart: Eh, Wisconsin?
Report Post »Viking88
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:20pmPass Legislation? Ummmmm 2 years in FULL CONTROL of both houses and the presidency and they couldn’t pass a budget? GOOD JOB of LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE.
Report Post »wordweaver
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:45pmThe Dems in Wisconsin perfected stunts like this, my friend. Leaving the state for weeks to avoid doing the job they were paid to do. How soon we forget.
Report Post »Rational Man
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:48pmTypical progressive ignorance.
Report Post »Posters on this forum should be required to complete and pass, with a score of 50% or more, a third grade equivalency test before being allowed to post.
It would save alot of space for those with comprehension skills of that level and above.
Gary S
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:01pmRespect is earned!!
Report Post »l8e9x
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:04pmObama does not deserve any respect and neither do you.
Report Post »kindling
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:39pmOh you mean like running to another state so they don’t have to face the truth? I am proud of any Conservative that walks away from this president. Obama is a shame and a liar and has brought the office to disgrace worse than any other man to hold that office. People keep saying it is the office we should be showing respect to….not the man. Well, sorry but he has changed that by his narcissistic ways. Until we get a true American that loves our country and military we have no leader!
Report Post »hypnos
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:47pmHe has wore out his welcome and respect as potus. I don‘t blame them for not attending obama’s campaign speech.
Report Post »mama6
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:39pmWhat happened to the $787 billion that was supposed to save us all from impending doom? Now he wants more of OUR money to promote his Marxist agenda!! I cannot wait for the day after the presidential election in 2012. I pray to God that he will have mercy on those of us who don’t take our country or our freedom for granted!! Will everyone of you please take a moment to realize what Obama & his regime are trying to take away from us. Thanks!
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 11:21pmI have more respect for a mosquito than I do for the potus BO….The mosquito knows how to draw blood honestly!!!
Report Post »Steve
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 4:25ambernbart’s been in a coma for the past 900 days. Please excuse his post. Come now bernbart it’s time for your meds.
Report Post »jens63
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 7:29amActually the dems did walk out on President Bush, literally in the middle of a meeting on the 911 commission in the oval office. So much for your memory.
Report Post »1956
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 9:38amBernbart is a liberal – what kind of reply would one expect from a liberal?!?
Your such a good little liberal, Bernbart… I could just pinch your cheeks…
You crack me up.
Report Post »jkendal
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 10:58am“These republicans are disgusting with their lack of respect for Obama. Democrats would never pull a stunt like this. I guess we now know why the republicans who too over leadership in the House have done nothing since the were elected. They have proved the are not up to the task of of governing.
It is their job to pass leglislation, not Obama’s, and they have done little.”
It obviously takes no brains whatsoever to be paid as a democRAT shill for barking the sheer idiocy we see on this forum…..
Report Post »Skybottle1
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 9:26amLets see, dumbocrats fled the state in Wisc., and stayed out in IL for weeks. Same in Indiana. Talk about wimps.
Report Post »What say you now berbart??????????????????????????????????????
parmajohn
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:56pmIs There a Drinking game for when he uses the same old words and catch phrases?? I haven’t had a drink in years But this guy is getting to me…Maybe I”ll use popcorn and Hope I don’t choke to death…….
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:51pmPersonally I see three things that may happen in this speech, with an extremely unlikely fourth:
A. Speech — lies and blame casting on the Right and Tea Party and Pres Bush.
B. Telepromptor — fails or falls apart.
C. Interuption — Seal of the President of the United States falls down or a furry, cute rodent runs across the chamber and causes pandemonium, and a new rage on the YouTube.
The fourth:
D. Begins: “My fellow Americans, effectivly immediatly I resign….(mega applause around the nation)”
Report Post »bernbart
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:57pmThe republican debate presented many LIES last night.
Report Post »OlefromMN
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:01pm“D” would be called The Applause Heard Around the World” in every paper accross this earth.
Report Post »BelievinginAmerica
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:06pmWish Glenn put a “Like” button for comments….yours would get one. Others would get a thumbs down. :)
Report Post »Sherryb50
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:23pmI agreee Snowleopard. One could only wish for those things to happen.
Report Post »OlefromMN
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:29pmPretty much wound up “A”. Same tired ideas that have failed in the recent past.
But look at the bright side, at least he told us to “pass it right away”! Oh, we have heard that as well.
Report Post »Steve
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 4:28ambernbart
You say the cutest things.
Report Post »ProudPatriot1776
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:50pmThe GOP is showing its immaturity as a party. It refuses to compromise, even on policies they agree with because they don’t want Obama to seem as if he accomplished anything. This is why I quit the TEA Party, because it is composed of wing nuts and ideologues.
Report Post »Lone Ranger
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:00pmYeah, those immature Republicans. They refused to compromise on slavery. They refused to compromise on segregation. They refuse to compromise on abortion. And NOW they are refusing to compromise on The One’s best attempts to destroy the economy. Don’t those immature Republicans know that having convictions and standing up for them is old fashioned?
Of course, nobody talks about democrats compromising.
Report Post »kraphtsman
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:01pmIf, as you claim, you were ever actually a “member” of the Tea Party, then the movement is much better off without your presence. The true “wingnuts” and “idealogues” in America are ignorant “progressive” sheeple who ignore the reality of history, and swallow the Democrat koolaide spiked by such mental giants as Nancy Pelosi, Maxine Waters, Harry Reid.
Report Post »qpwillie
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:02pmProudPatriot1776,
Report Post »If you knew what the tea party is, you wouldn’t say “This is why I quit the TEA Party,” You would know what a ridiculous thing that is to say.
bernbart
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:05pmgood move.
Report Post »Therightsofbilly
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:06pmThe Lone Ranger Wrote:
“Of course, nobody talks about democrats compromising”
The democrat party was compromised a long time ago :-}
Report Post »Exrepublisheep
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:09pm@proudpatriot You’re right. The tea party started wit the best of intentions and quickly became a political arm for the Koch Brothers. Choosing to sit out of the speech is to sit out of the government.
Report Post »DisillusionedDaily
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:34pmThe Tea Party people want a smaller, less intrusive government and a government that will spend within it’s means. In other words, without borrowing for expenditures that are routine. As a Tea Partier, I am glad you are no longer a member, We want people who understand our goals and are supportive of them. We want Republicans, Independents and Democrats who are sick of government waste and pork barrel politics. What we do not want is idiots or troublemakers and you are one or the other!
Report Post »qpwillie
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:36pmExrepublisheep,
Report Post »The tea party movement is not a a political arm for anything. It’s not an organization or a political party. It has no leaders, no officers, no headquarters and no geographical location. There are thousands of groups around the country and the Koch Brothers organized one of them which they call “The Tea Party Express). That group is no more “The tea party) than any of the other thousands of groups. However, nobody has to be a participant in any of those groups to be a tea part person (There is no official membership).
team1blazer
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:07pmgo away troll. you never were a tea partier or a patriot. now scram
Report Post »team1blazer
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:10pmQuit wasting our time troll. You never were a tea partier or a patriot, so scram.
Report Post »lel2007
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 1:58amQuiter.
Report Post »chipmunk
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 2:36amNo offense, but you obviously don’t know the issues. What specifically, what specific legislation &/or written proposals from the Ds do you want the Rs to compromise on?
btw, I’m an I.
Report Post »Steve
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 4:35amProudPatriot1776
I suppose you want all your dues back. Well that fine. Please hand in your uniform.
LOL Quit the Tea Party. You guys should check out his last 10 posts.
Report Post »WVBeagleMom
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:50pmWhen will BO realize that the American people are on to his dog and pony show and do not want to hear another speech. For the love of all thats holy, let us watch football!
Report Post »The Common Constitutionalist
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:49pmI‘m disappointed more members aren’t sitting out this clearly politcal speech. Must be nice to scam all this free advertising time for his campaign. Wonder how much it costs to put all this together, not to mention wasting everyones time. Just another presidential perk I guess. I’d say, shame on Harry Reid, but that would just be a waste of my time.
Report Post »BelievinginAmerica
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:04pmI agree with you. All of the GOP should sit this one out. He will act like a Chicago thug giving his drones a good scolding. You couldn’t pay me enough to sit and listen to his bull, and that’s all it is, BULL. He‘s had 3 years to do something and all he’s done is bring this country to it‘s knee’s, right where him and Soros wants it. I wouldn’t give him the time of day, if he asked for it!
Report Post »airportengineer
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:48pmMy thoughts EXACTLY!
Report Post »kraphtsman
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:47pmI’ll be doing something more important while Obama gives his stupidly political campaign speech… I plan on cleaning the bathroom and then ripping some lumber in my shop for a construction project I’m working on.
I’ll skim the transcript tomorrow, and check out a few blogs to “learn” what this incompetent excuse for a President has to say about “creating jobs” (as if this fraud ever actually worked on honest day in his life… or personally knows anyone who actually created a (legal) private-sector job. Thank God I’m self-employed and not dependent on government pukes to make a living !
Report Post »lel2007
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 2:01amI was going to watch, but the dog ate my TV remote control.
Report Post »BB671
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:45pm…………..“Its time we start creating Jobs”………….Same ol S-h_t, different day!!!!!
Report Post »orlandojon
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:44pmWhy attend another teleprompter speech by our empt- suit-in-chief?
Report Post »VermontPatriot
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:44pmIt would be fantastic if they all walked out on the Obummer!
Report Post »bernbart
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:01pmThe congressional republicans already have very low poll numbers… in the 20s. If they pull that stunt it will show America where the real problems and blame for no progress lies.,,directly on the shoulders of the do-noting, anti government, anti American republicans.
Report Post »Texas Tornado
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:41pmGeaux Saints! Obama not so much.
Report Post »FoxholeAtheist
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:41pmGuess what? When you’re president, all the speeches you make are political. This is stupid. Who is the partisan now?
Report Post »vinnymac46
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:12pmI agree with you, leave all the cry baby tactics to the Democracts and Liberals…these men should be asking would people in my district approve of my actions?
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:39pmI sincerely wish that all of the Republicans would boycott this campaign speech.
Report Post »godlovinmom
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:43pmAs well as all Americans…I know I’m one American tired of his speeches. Seriously Obama is such old news, 2012 can not get here fast enough.
Report Post »bernbart
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:07pmWell the republicans are already looking pretty incompetent, so look would put the final nail in their stupidity coffin.
Report Post »TwoMinuteMan
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:49pm@bernbart.
So tell us when the last budget was passed? Not a CR.
I didnt watch the speech because i knew exactly what he would say. The same thing he always talks about. More stimulus, which wont work.
Let us know when the bill actually gets to the house floor. The CBO cant score a speech.
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