AP Blasts Obama Over Jobs Pitch: He‘s Creating His Own ’Reality’
- Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:06am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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Editor’s note: the following is an Associated Press article that‘s part of the outlet’s “Spin Meter” series.
WASHINGTON (AP) — In President Barack Obama’s sales pitch for his jobs bill, there are two versions of reality: The one in his speeches and the one actually unfolding in Washington.
When Obama accuses Republicans of standing in the way of his nearly $450 billion plan, he ignores the fact that his own party has struggled to unite behind the proposal.
When the president says Republicans haven’t explained what they oppose in the plan, he skips over the fact that Republicans who control the House actually have done that in detail.
And when he calls on Congress to “pass this bill now,” he slides past the point that Democrats control the Senate and were never prepared to move immediately, given other priorities. Senators are expected to vote Tuesday on opening debate on the bill, a month after the president unveiled it with a call for its immediate passage.
To be sure, Obama is not the only one engaging in rhetorical excesses. But he is the president, and as such, his constant remarks on the bill draw the most attention and scrutiny.
The disconnect between what Obama says about his jobs bill and what stands as the political reality flow from his broader aim: to rally the public behind his cause and get Congress to act, or, if not, to pin blame on Republicans.
He is waging a campaign, one in which nuance and context and competing responses don‘t always fit in if they don’t help make the case.
For example, when Obama says his jobs plan is made up of ideas that have historically had bipartisan support, he stops the point there. Not mentioned is that Republicans have never embraced the tax increases that he is proposing to cover the cost of his plan.
Likewise, from city to city, Obama is demanding that Congress act (he means Republicans) while it has been clear for weeks that the GOP will not support all of his bill, to say the least. Individual elements of it may well pass, such as Obama’s proposal to extend and expand a payroll tax cut. But Republicans strongly oppose the president’s proposed new spending and his plan to raise taxes on millionaires to pay for the package.
The fight over the legislative proposal has become something much bigger: a critical test of the president’s powers of persuading the public heading into the 2012 presidential campaign, and of Republicans’ ability to deny him a win and reap victory for themselves.
“He knows it’s not going to pass. He‘s betting that voters won’t pick up on it, or even if they do they will blame Congress and he can run against the `do-nothing Congress,’” said Sherry Bebitch Jeffe, a senior fellow at the University of Southern California’s School of Policy, Planning and Development.
John Sides, political science professor at George Washington University, said Obama’s approach on the jobs bill is “more about campaigning than governing.”
“He’s mostly just going around talking about this and drawing contrasts with what the Republicans want and what he wants and not really trying to work these legislative levers he might be able to use to get this passed,” Sides said. “That just suggests to me that he is ready to use a failed jobs bill as a campaign message against the Republicans.”
The president‘s opponents aren’t exactly laying it all out, either.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., tried to force a vote on the bill last week, innocently claiming that the president was entitled to one. McConnell knew full well that the result would be failure for the legislation and an embarrassment for Obama.
House Speaker John Boehner, meanwhile, claimed that Obama has “given up on the country and decided to campaign full-time” instead of seeking common ground with the GOP. But Boehner neglected to mention that Obama’s past attempts at compromise with Republicans often yielded scant results, as Obama himself pointed out.
The approach for Obama, who is seeking a second term in a dismal economy, is far different than the one he took when running for president. He criticized the GOP then, but talked about ending blue-state and red-state America, replacing it with one America, fixing the broken political system, and fundamentally changing Washington.
That ended up being change he could not bring about, and now analysts say Obama may have little choice but to campaign more narrowly by attacking opponents rather than trying to bring people together.
Obama’s attempts at compromise with the GOP on the debt ceiling and budget won him little in the way of policy, instead engendering frustration from Democrats who saw him as caving to Republican demands.
The new, combative Obama isn’t looking for compromise. He’s looking for a win. And if he can’t get the legislative victory he says he wants, he has made clear that he’s more than willing to take a political win.
It is, he acknowledges, a result his campaign for his jobs bill is designed to achieve.
Talking up the bill in an appearance last month with African-American news websites, Obama said: “I need people to be out there promoting this and pushing this and making sure that everybody understands the details of what this would mean, so that one of two things happen: Either Congress gets it done, or if Congress doesn’t get it done, people know exactly what’s holding it up.”
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Comments (120)
Gonzo
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 9:18amThis morning I heard a radio ad for the far left Atlanta Journal Constitution. They are claiming to have revamped their editorial pages to more evenly represent both sides and striving for a fair and balanced approach to reporting. Like most printed news, they are on life support after decades of left wing slanted reporting and opinions. Is the A.P. starting to get it too?
Report Post »angelcat
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 9:26amI think you are on to something. I couldn’t believe that the AP was presenting a balanced article based on truth. I hope this concept spreads, but I’m not hopeful. Even if it does, it probably won’t spread quickly enough to affect the election.
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 9:50am@ Gonzo
Report Post »Dont you mean the ATLANTA URINAL AND CONSTIPATION ?
Liberal rag on life support !
momprayn
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 10:05amThis sort of confirms what I’ve been reading from the alleged “White House Insider” and “Wall Street Insider” reports – they have been correct so far. They have been saying that many important Dems are trying to do what they can to not have Obama re-elected…this includes some media as well – like CBS, which I’ve noticed – and also AP. More and more backing away from him. This was the latest excerpts from the WS Insider yesterday:
“Then the ad firms will push against the networks a bit – to facilitate somewhat more balanced coverage of the election than what befell us in 2008…
Look for donors to continue to pull away from the president. Look for……
The ad firms. The ad firms to place pressure upon the networks to provide more favorable coverage.”
http://theulstermanreport.com/2011/10/09/wall-street-insider-obama-2012-re-election-not-an-option/
Report Post »ltb
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 12:56pmSo the AP is finally reporting that Obama is a liar? Thanks for the newsflash.
Report Post »KSherrell
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 4:13pmYou’ll know why the news ppl are all the sudden taking a balanced approach when you read this: From a Wall Street Insider: http://theulstermanreport.com/2011/10/09/wall-street-insider-obama-2012-re-election-not-an-option/
Report Post »dotsgirl
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 4:47pmTwisting the truth is what Obama does best.
Report Post »4blackhorses
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 6:48pmMy home town newspaper, even though I live happily in a Republican state, has remained fair and balanced throughout the years in statewide, national and public opinion. It is still going strong although to the poor economy suffered from that shame in the White House, the paper has had to make a few cutbacks. Such as some eliminations of a few of my favorite comic strips in the Funny Paper, a part which at times I felt to be the most educational of the whole damned paper!!
Report Post »Doris
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 9:20pmcertainly nothing bipartisan in gthis article. First slaming the prez for non partisan behavior then slaming the GOP for the same, never mentioning that when prez was asking for compromise, what he meant was bow to his will.He doesnt know hiow to compromise, thats where the fault lies.He just never stops campaigning.If he thought hes as good as he wants us to think he wouldnt need to campaign.
Report Post »chazman
Posted on October 11, 2011 at 1:01pm… any moves by the liberal media is a move toward appeasement. Strictly temporary. It is imperative that the owners and the liberal marxist management of ALL media outlets are kicked into the street where they belong! Taking the media away from marxism is one of the most important things we Patriot’s can accomplish!!
Report Post »itsmyfirstday
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 9:14amRied refuses to bring job bill up for a vote in the Senate and its the Republicans fault….
obama has the house and senate for his first 2 years and its the Republicans fault…
shuts down drilling in the gulf and gas prices skyrockets and its the Republicans fault…
A man would own up to his mistakes…a child blames others for his failures…
Report Post »@leftfighter
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 9:22amAgree. I‘d be heartened if I didn’t know AP would be back on the Kool-Aid by the end of the week.
Report Post »turkey13
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 9:45amJust wait until he is re-elected! I saw on moveon.org the after he is re-elected they will by executive order add $2.00 tax to a gal. of gas. That and swapping the 96% we own of Utah to China for our debt will get us out of debt by the end of obama’s 2nd term. You will be so impressed the law will be changed to give him a 3rd term.
Report Post »motonutt
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 10:30am@LEFTFIGHTER…..I agree. I think the AP just had a bad case gas…..it will be released, they can change their underware take an antacid, and they will feel better and back to their same old socialist supporting ways.
Report Post »jerimiah41
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 3:06pmThis is a child acting out after they do not get their way. He is the weakest and least experienced to everyone he walks in a room with. He is such a narxist that he will never listen to anyone. He has committed treason and corrupt acts the only pitch he should be allowed to make is can he resign with out being prosecuted for his crimes. He and the VP is responsible for the Seal Deaths, he is up to his eyeballs in the dollar laundering with Solynda, and he is totally behind this protest bit going on that is phony and costly to taxpayers. Wait till the cities have to pick up overtime and sanitation cleanup for all of this. He is allowing for the breaking of the law in many cities. He should have been recalled along time ago. He is not America’s President. He is Unions hacks, and lots of big money going Soros way also. This has to be the worst I have ever seen for our country.
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 9:12amBarry engages in class warfare,tax the millionaires and billionaires,Barry could confiscate all their wealth and it would run the government for a few months.It‘s amazing how many people listen to this Marxist and believe he’s trying to help the country succeed,when his ultimate goal is to end capitalism.
This jobs bill isn’t a jobs bill,Barry really doesn’t want unemployment to go down,his policies have increased unemployment,unending unemployment benefits,he’s added millions to the food stamp program ie redistribution of wealth and the list goes on and on.The Marxist will be defeated in 2012.
Report Post »Philpenn
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 2:34pmActually, just 18 days. 18 extra days is all this will buy. Kind of assinine when you think about it.
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 9:09amFly’s are attracted to ***** & Barry’s mouth.
Report Post »MBA
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 9:08amobamy, nancy, harry, barney, et al have had their own reality for so long they wouldn’t know the real world if it bit them on the * s s. Jail is the only place for these criminals for the treason and corruption they have forced on this country.
Report Post »ecurbyy
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 9:04amAll things considered, I think it would be so awesome if Congress were to unanimously approve Obama’s jobs bill. It would freak him out, he’d have no one to blame, nowhere to point the fickle finger of fate for his failures. That would be fun to watch. But I am shocked that AP started reporting. Maybe they’ll keep it up, and when their sales skyrocket, others will follow. I left Memphis Tn. a few years ago, and thought I’d go back to see what was happening there. http://i.imgur.com/kHZIj.jpg
Report Post »joe conservative
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 9:14amIt seems like a number of members of the MSM are starting to do some actual reporting lately. Look at CBS on the fast and furious story.
Report Post »jeannieg
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 2:57pm#2 in crime. Good food.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:56amInterestingly… Obama, who claims to idolize his father… where his father was known for Lies (directing that he called “DR”)… for his support of Socialism… and for his Constant Failures! So, I guess… Drinking (his father was know as Double Double)… and womanizing… is next.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:59amHis uncle was just arrested for DUI as well. Alcoholism runs in families…it would explain a few things.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:56am“He‘s Creating His Own ’Reality”
Report Post »————————————————
Just another word for L-I-A-R!
Islesfordian
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 9:22amActually, I think the technical psychiatric term is “PSYCHOTIC”
Report Post »fatjack
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 10:31amCome on now, obama is no LAIR, he believes what he says.
It’s coming!…………………………….Are you ready?
Report Post »clockwatcher
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:51amBla, jobs, Bla, tax the rich, Bla, Bla— no one cares, no one cares, you fool. America will be free of you in 13 months.
Report Post »SamIamTwo
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:48amWhere was the AP in 2007 and 2008, leg humping Obama?
None of the media other than a few individuals vetted Obozo…if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck….
Report Post »Welcome Black Carter
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 11:54amUnfortunately obummer knows he can lie all day long in print and video, and a good portion of the country will accept it as gospel. His speach writter is shaking his head saying wow! I’m getting paid to write this dribble.
Report Post »Brittany-Imbriaarts
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:48amThis is the second time in a week the AP gets something right? Quick someone check on them I think they have fallen into reality and have finally woken up to the truth.
Report Post »Mrtoohappy
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 9:22amIf the AP keep this up offices will get raided with guns drawn and computors will be taken. After all if you don’t support him your history.
Report Post »Viking64
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:47amConstant bad ideas, policies, promises, job reports, economic growth, etc., you mean after almost three terrible years some of the left- wing cool -aid drinkers are finally going to see what has been done to their republic and may start calling a spade a spade. Somebody powerful better start waking up soon, we are way over the falls and headed straight for the deeper pond . We need a sound leader not a un certified Marxists community organizer to even began to correct this mess we all face now!
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:47amThe AP probably realizes their secret/not-so-secret support of the ‘great prevaricator’ is not going to help them anymore.
And by the way, Barry; for the sake of your kids, start telling the truth; they will have to live their adults lives in your shadow of insincerity.
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:42amConstant spend & campaigner to destroy our great country. Time to wake up & get this country to being a world leader.Realize we the people made a bad mistake. God Bless America !
Report Post »stinkybisquit
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:39amWH Insider: Just as they pressured media to be biased FOR Obama last time, Ad Agencies who pay the media’s bills are forcing them to be more “fair and balanced,” or they will pull their money: http://theulstermanreport.com/2011/10/09/wall-street-insider-obama-2012-re-election-not-an-option/
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:38amHere are some hard facts they should have seen long before now:
Mr Obama is a proven double talker, saying one thing while his actions prove the real agenda in another direction.
Mr Obama is a egotistical, narcissistic and now insanely delusional person; one who feels he has to be a God or an Emperor (and seeks to be one).
Mr Obama is a radical, socialist, progressive bent on the destruction of the United States.
Mr Obama and his radicals such as Reid and Pelosi have been the real obstructionists and spin meisters for the last three years; and manipulating the willing press, playing them as the love struck fools they have been for years now.
Report Post »starman70
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:33amWell, the AP is just now realizing that Obama is delusional? We have known it from the get go. He is becoming a meglomaniac with delusions of grandure. He perceives himself an the savior of the world. He thinks that everyone in America should bow down to him and drool like babies every time he utters a word. He thinks the sheep should follow HIM without question.
I hope he finds out differently in 2012!!!!!!!
Report Post »pscully17
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:42amFinally, a Mainstream News Agency blows apart Obamas Campaign-fest full of Lies… and BS. Hopefully, the leftwing/indpendents made it through their schools with an actual ability to read and comprehend the statement!!! Good work this time AP!!
Report Post »ares338
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:30amI don’t think it will work this time big “O”. Even the great unwashed masses see through your caca.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:25amA.P., are you feeling alright?
Report Post »hauschild
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:24amAP = Rip Van Winkle
Report Post »bilorites
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:21amSnake oil salesman…. trying to sell a pack of lies…. knowing it cant even pass his own senate….
Report Post »hoping to take a victory from the defeat….
and alot of sheeple, useful idiots will buy this bag of excrement
((GB)) FAN
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:20ami hope my dream ends soon and wake up and find out it really was a dream.
Report Post »beebacksoon
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:38am((GB FAN)): It’s more like a nightmare. Even if, no, WHEN he loses in Nov 2012, we’ll still have 3 mths of him before newbe sworn in!
Report Post »Darla_K
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:18amThe man lies constantly. Need I say more?
Report Post »HKS
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:58amHe B the flim flam man, that’s what they do.
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:16amRuh-roh, Shaggy, don‘t tell us that one of Obumbler’s lapdogs is now trying to rip off the hand that feeds it….. No Scooby snack for you!!
Report Post »patriotteapress
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:37am“That just suggests to me that he is ready to use a failed jobs bill as a campaign message against the Republicans.”
Really? It was written for this very purpose. Obama was chanting “pass this bill” before there was a bill. The whole thing is a scam to pull the wool over the eyes of the sheeple.
Breaking news for you AP. Your a little too late. It’s taken you years to start reporting the truth about this Marxist want-to-be dictator. It begs the question; how much is Soros paying you to set this up for Hillary?
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:40amGood question. Very good question…..
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:16am.
Report Post »Instead of clapping like a Trained Seal 3 years ago, you should have done your job’s and exposed this fool for what he was……….
lel2007
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 8:33amI was going to say that.
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