Business

Obama Spokesman: Hey, We Never Referred to ‘Obamacare’ Mandate as a Tax During Trial (But Wait Until You See the Evidence)

Obama Spokesman: We Never Referred to Obamacare Mandate as a Tax | Transcript Suggest OtherwiseDuring an interview on CNN’s “Starting Point With Soledad O’Brien,” Obama campaign spokesman Ben LaBolt claimed that the Obama administration never referred to the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate as a “tax” when it argued the bill’s constitutionality before the Supreme Court.

“His spokesman … said it’s a penalty. The Supreme Court has said it’s a tax. What does he believe?” O’Brien asked LaBolt.

“That it’s a penalty,” LaBolt responded. “You saw our arguments before the Supreme Court –”

“So then he disagrees with the Supreme Court decision that says it’s now a tax?” O’Brien pressed.

“That’s right,” said LaBolt. “He said that it’s a penalty. You saw our arguments before the Court.”

Yes, we did see the Obama administration’s arguments before the Court. Actually, we’re glad LaBolt brings this up because, if we remember correctly, Solicitor General Don Verrilli argued that they could treat the mandate as a tax, therefore making it constitutional.

“It never referred to it as a — it never referred to it as a tax,” LaBolt said. “It said that it was a penalty. And that’s under the section of the law that is the tax code, but it said very specifically that it’s a penalty.”

Wait — is he serious? Does he not remember any of this:

JUSTICE SOTOMAYOR: General, could you turn to the tax clause?

GENERAL VERRILLI: Yes.

[…]

GENERAL VERRILLI: … Can this be characterized as a tax; and … is it a constitutional exercise of the power?

With respect to the question of characterization, the — this is — in the Internal Revenue Code, it is administered by the IRS, it is paid on your Form 1040 on April 15th, I think –

JUSTICE GINSBURG: But yesterday you told me — you listed a number of penalties that are enforced through the tax code that are not taxes and they are not penalties related to taxes.

GENERAL VERRILLI: They may still be exercise of the tax — exercises of the taxing power, Justice Ginsburg, as — as this is, and I think there isn’t a case in which the Court has, to my mind, suggested anything that bears this many indicia of a tax can’t be considered as an exercise of the taxing power. In fact, it seems to me the License Tax Cases point you in the opposite direction. And beyond that your -­the — it seems to me the right way to think about this question is whether it is capable of being understood as an exercise of the tax.

JUSTICE SCALIA: The President said it wasn’t a tax, didn’t he?

GENERAL VERRILLI: Well, Justice Scalia, what the — two things about that, first, as it seems to me, what matters is what power Congress was exercising. And they were — and I think it’s clear that — that the  — the — they were exercising the tax power as well as –

JUSTICE SCALIA: You’re making two arguments. Number one, it’s a tax; and number two, even if it isn’t a tax, it’s within the taxing power. I’m just addressing the first.

GENERAL VERRILLI: If the President said -

JUSTICE SCALIA: Is it a tax or not a tax? The President didn’t think it was.

GENERAL VERRILLI: The President said it wasn’t a tax increase because it ought to be understood as an incentive to get people to have insurance.

Does LaBolt remember this?

Did he forget about this?

JUSTICE ALITO: Can the — can the mandate be viewed as tax if it does impose a requirement on people who are not subject to the penalty or the tax?

GENERAL VERRILLI: I think it could, for the reasons I — I discussed yesterday. I don’t think it can or should be read that way.

[…]

JUSTICE SCALIA: You’re saying that all the discussion we had earlier about how this is one big uniform scheme and the Commerce Clause blah, blah, blah, it really doesn’t matter. This is a tax and the Federal Government could simply have said, without all of the rest of this legislation, could simply have said everybody who doesn’t buy health insurance at a certain age will be taxed so much money, right?

GENERAL VERRILLI: It — it used its powers together to solve the problem of the market not –

JUSTICE SCALIA: Yes, but you didn’t need that.

GENERAL VERRILLI: — providing for the -

JUSTICE SCALIA: You didn’t need that. If it’s a tax, it’s only — raising money is enough.

GENERAL VERRILLI: It’s justifiable under its tax power.

JUSTICE SCALIA: Extraordinary.

And does he not remember this?

Needless to say, it doesn’t look like anyone is about to let LaBolt off the hook for his, um, “selective memory”:

(H/T: WZ)

This story has been updated.

Comments (194)

1 2 3 ... 5
  • Mutiny
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 2:01pm

    Its so hypocritical of you people to use video of Obama against him while ignoring the videos of Romney being pro choice, pro FED, pro spending, pro bailouts, pro amnesty, pro Obama using Romneycare, pro gun control, and pro freedom snatching bills like the Patriot act and NDAA.

    Yes, I know “ he isnt a commie” blah blah blah. He is no different from Obama. I know many will say “well he wasnt my first choice”, honestly the fact he was a choice at all is shocking. The guy could be Obama’s running mate.

    Our biggest problem facing our nation is our growing debt. How does Romney propose to fix our spending problem? He has a budget that doesnt cut current spending levels. The Paul Ryan plan leaves us at like 24 trillion in debt in 10 years. We are bankrupt we cannot have a 50% increase in debt.

    Its time to wake up and realize both sides are against us. They are both funded by the big banks pushing us towards global government.

    Report Post » Mutiny  
    • HKS
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 2:10pm

      Typical liberal, point somewhere else, at something else and think your dumb enough to buy it., can’t stay on point at all.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • Popp40
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 2:23pm

      @Mutiny, I agree that both parties do not truly repesent us, however, what do you suggest us do seeing as our only 2 choices are Obama or Romney. Unfortunately, we have to decide between the 2….but we all know where Obama stands and where he is leading us. If we do elect Romney we need to hold his feet to the fire and hold him accountable.

      Report Post »  
    • v15
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 2:34pm

      Ron Paul is old. Many old people are wise. Therefore, Ron Paul is wise and should be elected President of the United States. Is that the logic you Ron Paul supporters use to vet your candidate?

      Paul is unpractical, Romney is progressive, and Obama is Marxist. I do not like any of the candidates but I will vote for Romney not because of what he has done, but because of what Obama has done. I do not like the “light” that Michelle Obama said her husband is pulling Americans toward from out of the “darkness.” This ObamaTax will be in effect no matter who is in office.

      Report Post » v15  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 2:51pm

      MUTINY, For some reason you seem to believe that we truly believed in Bush as much as you suspect we do in Romney? Funny, since most Blazers her have expressed as much concern about Romney as much as Bush. We got stuck with Romney as much as we did Bush. Romney for the most part is just a better choice than 0bama again. Not by much, but still better. Do you think that we will fall for Paul….LOL?

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • jsciai
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 2:57pm

      muttiny,
      Of all the candidates Romney understands debt better than anyone, including the man-god Ryan. If that was your real concern Romney would be your choice. Paul has some good soundbites about it, but doesn’t offer a real solution since all of his talk is just campaign promises. I respect Romney for not promising the sky, only to fall back to earth after being elected. He will do what is right and what makes sense for this nation. Paul promises the sky, hey it just sounds sooooo gooood, but how is he going to do it? Executive fiat? Presidential mandate? Do we want another dictator in the White House? Romney is the solution we need to get obama out and the corrections started.

      Report Post » jsciai  
    • Individualism
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 2:58pm

      Gary Johnson 2012 if Ron Paul doesn’t get nomination. Gary Johnson is on ballet in all 50 states and he was a great governor, great business man and stands for freedom and liberty.

      Report Post » Individualism  
    • Lastchanceforliberty
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 3:18pm

      A wise man once told me “just because you can‘t see the chains don’t mean they don’t exist” .You my friend have your head buried in the sand and do not even know that we are all enslaved to the government. Some of us are just waking up and starting to TRY and regain our liberty.

      Report Post »  
    • TheBurningTruth
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 3:28pm

      What‘s typically liberal is believing that someone else’s bad behavior justifies your own. Regardless of what Romney did, Barry and the Bandits are two-faced liars. They say one thing yesterday, and another thing today. The worst part is that they then LIE about what they said yesterday. It’s straight out of 1984 and re-writing history.

      In the end, it doesn’t really matter what President Marxist WANTS to call it, what matters is what the PEOPLE paying those extre thousands of dollars each year think of it. To me, ANYTHING that the govt forces me to pay is a TAX regardless of what anyone else wants to call it. Plain and simple.

      Report Post » TheBurningTruth  
    • Gold Coin & Economic News
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 3:35pm

      Gawd, these friggin people just kill me! Why do they think they can lie and spread pure propaganda like there is no tomorrow and they are never willing to own up to it. This is absolutely sickening. Truth does not even matter. We have transcripts and videos of Obama’s lying lawyers calling this a tax before the Supreme Court and they say they never uttered those words. Are we becoming a joke of a nation, a complete parody of justice and truth here?

      This is scary that these fools can say with a straight face that they didn’t say something when they know they did. And it is even more scary that fools, absolute fools, will vote for them no matter how much they lie. Do they not think there will be consequences of electing filthy liars like this group of thugs?
      http://www.isthatbaloney.com/scotus-rules-health-insurance-only-a-tax-if-you-dont-buy-it/

      Report Post » Gold Coin & Economic News  
    • TomSawyer
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 3:46pm

      What on earth are you talking about? For the last year all conservatives have been talking about is how Romney was pro-choice in the past and talking about how horrified they are about Romney-care. Where is the hypocrisy? We have heard the videos over and over again. Now it is between a Communist and a Capitalist. All those issues are irrelevant. What ever left wing polcies Romney has, are 10x as bad with commrade Obama.

      Report Post »  
    • vadale
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 3:46pm

      Every time you catch a lib in a lie (which keeps one busy) the only thing they can do is change the topic. Point to someone else. Blame, blame blame. Liberals lie. thats their main trait.

      Report Post »  
    • conservativecartoonist
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 3:49pm

      This whole thing is ridiculous, take a look at this political cartoon of Obama changing his mind as soon as the court ruled on Obamacare – http://www.conservativecartoon.com/

      Report Post » conservativecartoonist  
    • I Luv America
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 4:04pm

      Yes, Mutiny, Romney does have problems. He was not ever my first choice, but conservatives are stuck with him. With that said, however, he is light years better that what we have now. How I look at it is that Romney will be a good “stepping stone” president until we get a real leader.

      Report Post »  
    • ktowers
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 4:07pm

      Individualism, you are spot on about Gary Johnson. I know it doesn’t qualify as a requirement for president, but scaling Mount Everest also shows a lot of intestinal fortitude that we could certainly use right now. He also believes in leaving people the hell alone if they’re not bothering anyone.

      Report Post »  
    • ChristmanWalking
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 4:50pm

      To V15 (Ron Paul) & Indy (Gary Johnson) supporters.

      Please know that you LOST!!! That means you and your group don’t get a trophy for playing the game… YOU LOST!

      Please shut up and save us from the enemy sitting in the Oval Office!!! PLEASE!!!!

      SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      You may need to play a game with your kids and when They win, you can tell them, Oh No You Didn’t, I Did!!! Then tell me what you think about your actions???

      Report Post »  
    • tothepoint
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 4:51pm

      It is not only immature, it is hypocritical to point the finger elsewhere when Obama and his gang are caught lying, as usual, once again.
      Pointing the finger elsewhere is something grade school children do.
      Mature and face the truth about Obama and his gang – they are corrupt and liars.
      Only his cult followers continue to support him.

      Report Post »  
    • Mike N
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 5:27pm

      .
      Ignorance is choosing to ignore what information you do not already have . . . you, dear contributor, are ignorant, and intentionally so.

      You like so many others are afraid that, if you reveal the truth to yourself, you will betray your belief in Utopia.

      Until you admit to yourself that Utopia and Human Nature are inherently contradictions, you will never know truth.
      .

      Report Post »  
    • dgonzalez01
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 5:30pm

      This article is about obamacare not about Romney. We can address Romney when the article is about Romney.

      Report Post »  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 5:32pm

      @HKS

      He’s not a liberal, if anything he’s being a true Conservative. Mutiny is correct in his assessment. I’ve argued the same points. The problem is, it‘s what we’ve got to work with today.

      Mutiny, instead of railing at us on the internet, do what I’m doing – run for office. Get involved.

      Stop complaining and DO something. That’s the only way to change the status quo.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
    • jorskippy
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 6:06pm

      If you cannot win the debate, quickly change the subject and go on attack. Like the Libs and dembs… what a hoot. VOTE in November……

      Report Post »  
    • cozmacozmy
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 6:14pm

      Ron Paul is not going to win this election now nor ever!

      Report Post » cozmacozmy  
    • CrismaFire
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 6:16pm

      Who says we like Romney? We just hate Obama worse.

      Report Post »  
    • v15
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 6:44pm

      @Christmanwalking, dude I have never been a Ron Paul supporter! Maybe you read my post wrong or I didn’t write it clearly for others to read, but I am against Ron Paul and those who endorse him as a candidate. The man is corrupt just like the rest of them…

      What I am trying to point out is, although Romney is corrupt, I’ll vote for him just because I want Obama out for good! We all know that Obama is destroying this nation not just economically but by party, race, and our allies around the world. We all see the media and the White House lying to us and destroying our rights. Hell, I’m almost convinced that Obama could literally take the physical Constitution and deface it on national television and still somehow be re-elected. Both Romney and Obama are big government progressive types but I have never seen such a clear cut choice between voting for a Capitalist (Although he possibly could be a crony capitalist) and a POS Dictating Marxist!!

      Obama Must Go 2012

      Report Post » v15  
    • MyTwoCents
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 6:45pm

      “If we do elect [whoever] we need to hold his feet to the fire and hold him accountable.”

      Isn’t that what we say every four years?

      I’m sorry to tell you all, but we’re screwed! I mean, I’m not trying to hurt or scare anyone here, but this big push for non-perishable foods, shelters, the ability and knowledge to survive in harsh conditions – it’s not stemming from a belief that things are going to get bad. It’s the result of the knowledge that S%!T is going to HIT THE F$C%ING FAN! It’s not a joke. It’s not a convoluted wing-nut conspiracy theory. It is REAL and it is COMING SOON to a country near YOU.

      Have you been outside lately? Had even the slightest social interaction or exposure to the public at large? I’d guess that half of the U.S. population is more-or-less without a clue. 25% of them, I’d be surprised if they could tie their shoes. Self-absorbed, ignorant, mindless drones. We live in a country which celebrates mediocrity, which rewards stupidity, which glorifies tragedy. And the people EAT IT UP! And when it does hit the fan? That’s when the self-absorbed, ignorant, inconsiderate masses are REALLY going to start causing trouble. They care NOTHING about anything outside of the world that so conveniently revolves around only them. Look at how people treat one another! Look at how they drive their cars! Look at how they talk! Imagine what they‘ll do when they’re hungry, and cold, and that vision that they’re the center of th

      Report Post » MyTwoCents  
    • mdman
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 7:22pm

      Romney was not the subject

      Report Post »  
    • I.Heart.America
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 7:45pm

      Repeal it ALL…Petition

      by…Senate Conservatives Fund

      http://www.repealitall.com/?c=bd1260e8bc77e978f374a01a1f8338d5

      Report Post » I.Heart.America  
    • tootsie roll
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 7:53pm

      By throwing Obama out that will lessen the money being spent. Obama is NOT like Romney with immigration. Those who believe in him are too
      dumb to realize the illegals Obama gives work permits to will take more jobs from unemployed
      Americans. Black men are at 24% unemployment. Today the jobs number went up know why. NOT because of more jobs but because people from different states are running out of unemployment.
      Last week NJ Where I live told me no more checks. I STILL DO NOT HAVE A JOB. WHERE ARE THE JOBS???
      You cannot blame Romney for Obama’s lousy job record. He spent the first 3 years pushing though his health care bill
      Still NO jobs and now he says its Romney fault. How Romney is NOT in charge Obama is

      Report Post »  
    • chazmo
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:20pm

      You can convince everyone here that Romney sucks.. Honestly, I think most here DO think he sucks. Romney does SUCK, but, until you can convince the sheep that Romney sucks and Obama sucks we are either stuck with Obama or Romney. I personally don’t think Romney is better or worse than Obama. I’ve not seen it. All I’ve seen is the same crap from Romney as Obama. Romney IS a Progressive. And I absolutely know this for a fact. IF we took a poll 2 years ago and asked this question: Would you EVER vote for a Progressive? 90% of you would say NO. Well you are about to. F’ it.. Let Obama have his 4 years. This country won’t change until we fully collapse. And it’s better that happens under Odumbo. My first vote EVER was for Ronald Reagan. I’ve never missed a vote and have ALWAYS voted R. No longer will I play this game. Let if freaking crumble. The true patriots will put the pieces back together in the image of our Founders. The rest will most likely die in the turmoil. Give me Liberty or Give me DEATH. I will die to save liberty for my children and grand children. I’ve lived a good life. Now it’s my responsibility to make sure my offspring have the same.

      Report Post » chazmo  
    • BelindaB
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:21pm

      Look you blind idioy…obama has LIED over and over, obama is a MURDERER,(Brian Terry) during his FAILED FAST and FURIOUS, obama has committed TREASON, has slapped ALL Americans in the face, THEN STEPPED on OUR Constitution…ON TOP OF THAT….HE IS A FRAUD,and a DIRTY MUSLIM. Get over it buddy…..obama is OUT on his ass in Nov.

      Report Post »  
    • BelindaB
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:24pm

      AND obama BOY has put the biggest T A X in American HISTORY on the AMERICAN PEOPLE…..The dirty MUSLIM WILL be thrown out ON HIS ASS.

      Report Post »  
    • rickc34
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:27pm

      mutiny- we are not talking about Romney we are talking about Obama and his problem with telling the truth, if you do not like the topic or the posting please go some place else we will not mind. If you decide to stay please remain on subject. Thank You. Mr. Obama telling the truth is a grown up thing that should have been instilled in you at one point in your life, lying does nothing but make you look foolish, so tell the truth or be the fool.

      Report Post »  
    • chuckawala
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 8:59pm

      It should be a no brainer, but unfortunately there are brainless Americans who won’t vote for Romney, which will increase the chances of losing our Constitutional Republic with Obama that much sooner.

      At least with Romney there’s economy hope, since he has record of fixing failing businesses.

      With Obama, there’s no hope, only hope talk. We did get the change though. Yes we did, we changed from rotten to worse.

      Report Post »  
    • chuckawala
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 9:22pm

      If there’s no difference between Romney & BHO & it’s that hopeless, why even comment?
      Eat, drink, be merry, for tomorrow you lose your Constitutional Republic.

      At least Romney has a record of saving failing businesses & creating jobs & hasn‘t yet demonstrated a disdain comparable to Obama’s for our form of government. There’s some hope there.

      Obama has a record of promising hope that never arrives & change that actually does. He’s changed things from rotten to worse. There’s no hope there. We know what he will do.

      Report Post »  
    • the58thstate
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 9:43pm

      romney is simply a plug for the hole in the boat. get it?

      Report Post »  
    • go2gym
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 9:49pm

      Let me guess. You’re not going to vote, or you’re going to vote third party, or you’re going to write in someone. That’s your prerogative. But that is a fundamental lack of understanding of Barack Obama, his mindset, his past, the people around him, his dangerous capabilities, and his determination to alter the United States in ways foreign to America once he is no longer subject to any elections and therefore no longer subject to the wrath of any voter.

      Report Post »  
    • Mutiny
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 10:12pm

      I addressed most of your posts in my original post. You either did read my post or you arent smart enough to understand it. I do want to address one of you because of a the digital gem you left us with.

      jsciai
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 2:57pm
      “Of all the candidates Romney understands debt better than anyone”

      Please explain how this. I mean explain your thinking to me because from what I see he knows jack5hit about economics. We dont have a debt problem!!! We have a spending problem. If we elect a president actually with balls enough to cut spending drastically(which we need) then our debt problem is fixed.

      You ask how Ron Paul could even pull off this budget, well if you have paid any attention to Ron Paul speak it would be pretty clear. You think if Ron Paul won the GOP wouldnt get behind auditing the FED, ending 5 departments of government, pulling us out of the UN, and phasing out SS?

      As far as Romney isnt promising anything, well he cannot. Almost every point he attacks Obama there is video of him supporting it and every right wing idea he can come up with there is video of him against it. Perfect example is Obamacare. Romney in 2009 said he was “glad” Obama was using his plan. I mean you are either the dumbest group of voters known to man or you believe that Romney is the “white horse”. Either one means we end up with the destruction and bankruptcy of America.

      Report Post » Mutiny  
    • tamalezebra
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 10:32pm

      Don’t you get dizzy talking in circles. The president and all the democrats are damn liars. It is not rocket science. It’s plain and simple they effing lied to everyone and continue to lie about the lies that they keep telling. A tax is a tax is a tax any which way to shake it up and turn it around. It’s a tax. The are Lie-aholics! Start a group then tax it! Can you get any dumber? I think you can.

      Report Post »  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 10:38pm

      ANY TAX is a Penalty!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • WWII Hero
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 11:16pm

      What amazes me is the narrow sightedness of your comments! The only candidate will will have will be Romney; and, yes he is not the ideal but he sure is h— of a lot better than what we have now. Wake up, Mutiny! Take that energy you have to mouth off about how bad Romney is and focus it, entirely, on the Commie, Leftist, we now have in our White House. Get out there with the Tea Party and support the only candidate who gives this Republic a chance! I don’t know who you voted for in the 2008 election, but I do know that most of those who voted for Obama are hiding they won’t do it again! Be a patriot and support the only logical candiate to save our wonderful country!

      Report Post » WWII Hero  
    • spikebu
      Posted on July 6, 2012 at 1:01am

      Last time I had health insurance, it started at $350/mo. At the third year, it was $957/mo. In three years, the insurance company had paid out $100 (we’re a family of 5). When I realized it was going to surpass my mortgage, I cancelled before the fourth year rates hit. They did not accept my cancellation. They said my children had to sign off on it! I stupidly did auto pay and had to close my checking account. When they couldn’t deduct the payment, they sent me to a collection agency! Since I hadn’t cancelled my policy, the insurance company was still covering me. I sent back a reply that my daughter was in the hospital (she wasn’t), her bill was going to be in excess of 50 grand, and how much did I owe in premiums? Can you believe they discovered I had actually cancelled my policy 3 months prior? Even if I could afford it, I wouldn’t pay this TAX.

      Report Post »  
    • spikebu
      Posted on July 6, 2012 at 1:22am

      I think we need a Newspeak Dictionary.

      Report Post »  
    • Mutiny
      Posted on July 6, 2012 at 1:44am

      @wwII hero

      I voted for McCain 2008, Bush 2004, Bush 2000, and Dole 1996.

      I understand it is hard to see why someone like myself who knows how bad Obama is could not support his challenger. I will explain it this way. I believe if we do not correct our spending problem in the next 4 years we will face real bankruptcy. I am talking about the kind of bankruptcy where there are riots, looting, murders, and rapes everywhere. I believe that globalists bankers are pushing this so the dollar is unpinned from oil. Once this happens and all the countries are in turmoil the global banks (IMF) will be able to install a global currency and government. Once that happens we will be brought down to the low standards of living the rest of the world has not them brought up to our level. Because Romney is funded by the same big banks Obama is and the fact that Romney’s budget doesnt cut current spending levels leads me to believe he and Obama are the same.

      How can I face my kids after the bankruptcy and tell them I did my best? I have taught my kids the difference in right and wrong. I have not taught them the “lesser of two evils” idea. I am Christian and I dont believe God believes we have to make choice between evil and evil. I will not be bend my morals because you people are have flexible ones.

      I believe a vote for Romney is a vote for Obama’s polices.

      Report Post » Mutiny  
    • spikebu
      Posted on July 6, 2012 at 2:05am

      @Mutiny…I actually gave money to Ron Paul, not a lot, but more than I’ve ever given any other candidate ($0). I supported him because (as you stated) he was the only one who acknowledged it’s a spending problem. His economic plan was to take a surgical knife and cut off the fat. There’s no nice way to do it. It just has to be done. At this point, I figure a vote for Ron Paul is a vote for Obama. People who voted for Obama in 08 and are dissatisfied, are not going to vote Ron Paul. Most, if not all, Christian conservatives won’t vote Ron Paul. I don’t like Romney. I’m going to vote for him, to buy time to prepare. If Obama is reelected, we will never see another election. I‘m still not sure we’ll see this one. The ship of ideology sailed. We missed it. I think we’re in the abandon ship mode. Who can keep it afloat longer so there will be more survivors? Obama drilling holes in the hull, or Romney filling every other hole with bubble gum?

      Report Post »  
    • jsciai
      Posted on July 6, 2012 at 2:30am

      Muttiny,
      In reply to your post two times ago: Here are your words: ‘Our biggest problem facing our nation is our growing debt.’ Yes, reducing spending is part of debt control–common sense there. But, you can’t just cut spending without some ramifications to the economy, plain and simple. Remember, those cuts you are talking about involve income to families, doctors, businesses of all kinds, etc. YES, we need to reduce spending. YES, we need to reduce debt. But if you don’t understand business and the economy you will be come part of the problem, not the solution. Romney was hugely successfull taking DEBT ridden companies, turning them around and making them winners. Those businesses that weren’t viable were closed. He will make those types of decisions in our government. Check out http://www.mittromney.com/issues/spending for the truth.

      Here is the other comment you made: ‘Romney in 2009 said he was “glad” Obama was using his plan.” I don’t know how many times you are going to present this half truth/lie, but I guess I’ll reply every time I can. Romney was talking about obama’s idea about using INSURANCE EXCHANGES as a national healthcare system. Romney was commenting that a PRIVATE SECTOR solution is the most desirable, like the one he set up in Mass. Obama did not go that route and Romney has continuously been critical of obamacare. He has pledged to remove obamacare day one.

      Muttly, Dude, get your facts together.

      Report Post » jsciai  
    • spikebu
      Posted on July 6, 2012 at 3:04am

      @jsciai… You’re right. You can’t just cut spending without any ramifications. It’s really hard to give up the tit. It may be harder to quit than Valium. We need to stop with the excuses. We can’t b@tch about the expansion of government and then say, “Oh. Wait. I didn’t know that would affect ME!” If families, doctors and businesses of all kinds are relying on Federal Government payments, they’re in a bad place. It’s only going to get worse. I just keep getting Whimpy saying, “I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday”. Rip the fricking band-aid off already! There is nothing the Federal Government “provides” I can’t live without. Do you not understand, they don’t give, they take? The one thing I want them to do, they don’t. Secure our borders.

      Report Post »  
    • dmerwin
      Posted on July 6, 2012 at 11:32am

      For ONCE I am going to give Soledad some props. She held him to account and didn’t back down. I wonder how long before she is “reassigned”.

      Report Post » dmerwin  
    • dmerwin
      Posted on July 6, 2012 at 11:34am

      v15
      Excellent analysis. Vote for the best possible choice and HOLD accountable. Don’t forget that the original intent was that congress would have a larger role. We REALLY need to hold them accountable.

      Report Post » dmerwin  
    • ChristmanWalking
      Posted on July 6, 2012 at 11:53am

      Sorry V15, I meant to point out you were right and Indy was crazy and I did not make myself clear.

      You are so right.

      Report Post »  
    • oinia
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 11:58pm

      If Romney does not win (which is a technical impossibility at this point, but let’s suppose for the sake of argument), then any act of Congress to repeal ObamaCare would be vetoed by Obama. For that reason ALONE my friend, Romney must be the next President so that Congress has a pathway to repeal this ungodly violation of the Bill of Rights.

      Report Post » oinia  
  • quiltgal
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:58pm

    The lies of this administration get BIGGER, more frequent, and more flagrantly conspicuous. Nevertheless, some people are still uninformed and some people simply think immorality coming from Obama should be excused. Obama is counting on this.

    Report Post »  
  • Mapache
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:55pm

    I see another Supreme Court case coming up as the Senate Republicans in congress will want to overturn the law with 51 votes in the Senate which can be done if it is a tax, but could not be done if it is not a tax. SCOTUS will have to rule as to whether when they said it was a tax meant it was a tax….what a mess.

    Report Post » Mapache  
  • soybomb315
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:54pm

    Tax….Penalty….Whatever! The republicans should be hammering that either way – IT SUCKS. These are the games moderates get sucked into – terminology and symantics. Just stick to the constitution and justice

    I think Santorum, Paul, Gingrich, Cain, etc would be talking about how bad Obamacare is – not whether it is a tax or penalty

    Report Post » soybomb315  
  • kdshell1
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:51pm

    When someone talks out of both sides of his mouth, sometimes it’s difficult to remember on which side he said what.

    Report Post »  
  • ChristmanWalking
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:47pm

    Really Sad!

    Report Post »  
  • paperpushermj
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:47pm

    Is this Bozo saying we the American People are going thru all this disruption over 1% of the population he says could buy insurance but choose not to, thereby sticking the rest of us with their bill?
    This is the poorest excuse yet given for what amounts to a unprecedented power grab by the Federal Government.

    Report Post » paperpushermj  
    • kdshell1
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:55pm

      An ultimate power grab over people’s lives is what this was/is all about in the first case — who gets care and what kind and who does not.

      Report Post »  
    • paperpushermj
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 2:25pm

      Your right this is a control freaks Wet Dream.

      Report Post » paperpushermj  
  • term limits for congress
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:42pm

    The good news is that Obamacare is going to boost the economy – and it will not add one thin dime to the federal deficit. And, it is not part of a plot for single-payer and you keep your doctor and it is applied evenly to everyone, including big unions and the congress/congressional workers.

    It’s just good medicine all the way around! See!

    Report Post »  
    • Cavallo
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 2:09pm

      .Only if you live in Candy Land and/or sitting in a padded cell. Any logical application of economics shows this is an unmitigated disaster

      Report Post » Cavallo  
    • GeorgieJo
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 2:31pm

      SO WHY do so many GET THE WAIVERS from OBUMMER-TAX IF ITS SOOOOO GREAT?????

      OMG 2012

      Report Post »  
  • Its Gonna Getcha
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:39pm

    This “it’s a tax” ruling could be a real blessing in disguise. Perhaps this Justice found a way for we the people to get rid of this communist piece of legislation.

    This “healthcare” is already proving to NOT be cost-efficient. The people who want to give birth to this concept only want to control you and keep themselves in power. Period.

    What if someone wrote an independent article on the problems with a certain medicines or medical practices approved by this adminstration? They’d be shut up. Furthermore, this administration is free to take over the media airwaves to in order to promote one procedure over another. And as we all know, the media is already a knot of confusion when it comes to health. One week caffeine is good for you, the next, it can kill you.

    Won’t it be such a relief to get the “best” opinion once and for all, via Obama’s face in my face.

    Report Post » Its Gonna Getcha  
    • MIBUGNU2
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 3:01pm

      Does anyone actually believe any of these lying bastar*s..
      O’BlamerCare is going to COST all of us BIGTIME..
      Its impossible for any of these talking heads to tell the
      TRUTH !!! DUMP THIS LYING ADMINISTRATION…..

      Report Post » MIBUGNU2  
    • ConstitunalAmerican
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 4:36pm

      No, Justice Roberts could have agreed with the other Justices and it would never have been passed, ruling it unconstitutional. We would not be at this stage now if not for him. Justice Roberts did a “Ring around the Rosie” decision that hardly makes sense and if his decisions are/will be based on intimidation, then Justice Roberts needs to step down.

      Report Post »  
  • Joyzee
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:39pm

    Collected by the IRS means its a TAX’ and always feels like a Penalty…CHA CHING$

    Report Post »  
    • ConstitunalAmerican
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 5:00pm

      This administration is NOW, publicly stating the IRS will be handling the collection basket for them, which allows for unlimited waste, fraud, corruption and no accountability with taxpayer money.
      Previously, Pres Obama stated that these additional money-grabbing jobs were going to be “outsourced” to India.
      Anyone who thinks this socialistic health care is “free” will soon be aware of the high cost. The program in some states has already started to kick in with the medicaid portion.

      Report Post »  
  • cookcountypatriot
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:38pm

    lol whats funny is watching the progressive pigs argue for thier master that its not a tax,,,kinda like i voted for it before i didnt or we have to pass it so u can see whats in it or it all depends what your definition what is is or my gramma was cherokee or tawana brawley was raped by 6 white racists or…i can go on and on

    Report Post » cookcountypatriot  
  • RightUnite
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:36pm

    Yea!! Another Obummmmer shill! Surprised??

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:48pm

      They think if they repeat a lie enough people will believe it .. sadly with the MSM it often works. Spread the WORD! Obama and his regime LIE!

      Report Post »  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:35pm

    If it weren’t for lies, obama’s little turds would just float around silently in their cesspool, with absolutely nothing to say.

    Report Post » Tri-ox  
    • MIBUGNU2
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:46pm

      Bottom Line….O’Blamer could NOT tell the TRUTH even if his
      Low Life depended on it.. Disgusting !! VOTE HIM OUT,NOV 6th.

      Report Post » MIBUGNU2  
  • AvengerK
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:34pm

    and of course intrepid reporter Soledad doesn‘t once call up the video tape of Obama’s counsel saying that it can be thought of as a tax…totally softballs the interview so that Obama’s mouthpiece can put out the damage control spin.
    So Obama’s going wtih..”it’s a penalty” while the court said it can be nothing but a tax in order to be constitutional. The RNC and the superpacs will be hammering Obama with this until November.

    Report Post »  
  • SilentReader
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:29pm

    They want it both ways.

    A penalty, a tax, a mandate? Call it what you want. John the Coward called it a tax. That’s how he said it was Constitutional. So that’s the way we will see it. As a TAX, and enforced through the IRS. The biggest tax increase in American history on the American people.

    Shame on you. All your talking points are not going to work. This time.

    And henceforth Obamacare will be called Obamatax.

    Vote them all out!

    Report Post » SilentReader  
    • lawrench
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:41pm

      Unfortunately, Justice John Roberts is correct. The Congress has the power to raise taxes, and if this law’s penalty can be defined as a tax which the Solicitor General did, then it is Constitutional. However, the ruling leaves open the ability for Congress to remove or defund the law. The only good part of the ruling is the limiting of the Commerce Clause that progressives seem intent on using to regulate everything. I think Congress should act on leaving the parts of the law intact while removing the mandates. They should be able to do this by de-funding the law.

      Report Post » lawrench  
    • Todd P
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 4:34pm

      Technically – it is both. This is a tax being used as a penalty to regulate the behavior of American Citizens. It is similar to the vice tax applied to cigarettes, to get people to stop smoking, but with 2 very important differences:
      1.) The vice tax applies to what people DO (buy cigarettes), not to what people DO NOT do (fail to buy government-approved health insurance).
      2.) No one is forcing people to buy cigarettes, but now the government will be forcing all Americans to buy health insurance – whether they want it or not. It is also worthy of note that unlike automobile insurance – which is also mandatory – you do not HAVE to own or drive an automobile. Now, thanks to Obama, Pelosi, Reid, and Roberts, you MUST have health insurance!

      Welcome to the United Socialist States of Americanistan!

      Report Post »  
  • dmerwin
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:27pm

    Bottom line is the court says it is. In this Romney is correct.

    Report Post » dmerwin  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 2:05pm

      If the court says the earth is flat – does it make it so? From what i understand, Roberts was not joined by the other 4 in the “tax” opinion – so it is a moot point

      Who cares what the court said – the court got this thing completely wrong and has 200 years of compounded mistakes built into their argument

      Report Post » soybomb315  
    • Iamnotanumber
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 2:42pm

      Most agree the court decision was wrong, but here we sit. We must hold the line on this. They said it wasn’t a tax, then argued for it in court and got their way. Now they must reap the whirlwind.

      Report Post »  
  • Iamnotanumber
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:26pm

    If its a penalty then it’s unconstitutional under the violation of the commerce clause you buffoon!! The SCOTUS agreed 5/4 on that, the tax argument won out, unfortunately, allowing Obamacare to survive.Mr Labolt’s opinion is just that, we all have one and his is full of fallacy.

    Report Post »  
  • frogg
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:25pm

    These people lie as easily as taking a breath!!!! It really is time to get rid of Obama and all the Democrats in both houses of Congress!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Vote the BUMS out!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pretty PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post » frogg  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:24pm

    Bottom line, five activist justices declared it to be a TAX, thus it stands as a TAX; the matter now is that the administration is attempting to rewrite history so it can claim to never have raised taxation on the people they supposedly represent, semantics at its finest indeed, yet they also know that if people accept it being a tax (as the SCOTUS declared it to clearly be) then it only takes a simple majority to overturn in the House and Senate when the time comes.

    Also, they are forgetting that if it is declared a non-tax, then the SCOTUS ruling overturns the matter as they have declared it to be a tax.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 2:09pm

      I heard Mark Levin talking about this. Didnt Levin say that the other 4 liberal justices did not join Roberts in the “tax” opinion? If that is the case, then he supreme court did not settle whether it is a tax or not – only that the government can do it

      Report Post » soybomb315  
    • WWII Hero
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 11:22pm

      That is correct, the Liberal Justices did not agree and in her dissent (which is so stupid) Justice Ginsberg scolded Roberts for not upholding the mandate was Constitutional! Yes, and only Congress can determine if something is a tax and it must be debated as a tax and voted on as a tax. This entire thing is just a continuance of a country gone upside down!

      Report Post » WWII Hero  
  • jackact
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:23pm

    The worst part is that RINO Romney is on board with the regime.
    He has to because of Romneycare.
    Even the RNC has gone silent…
    It is now solely up to us to push the TAX point.

    Report Post »  
    • jackact
      Posted on July 5, 2012 at 5:12pm

      News flash: RINO Romney flipped again.
      Now he states it is a TAX.
      Why are we stuck with McCain lite?
      This really sucks because the RNC still breathes.

      Report Post »  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:22pm

    Don’t believe what you see or hear…..just drink the kool-aid……

    Report Post »  
  • cdb
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:22pm

    Health care act would be hard to repeal, but the tax being collected by this bill can very easily be repealed with nothing more than a simple majority.

    Report Post »  
  • The_Jerk
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:22pm

    Truth is an obstacle to be overcome by the liberal, progressive mind.

    Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:20pm

    you LIAR! you lie, all of you, for you follow your father, the father of lies, satan himself. TRUTH cannot live in his followers.

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on July 5, 2012 at 1:16pm

    The truth sure seems to be a low priority for this bunch.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
1 2 3 ... 5

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love