President Assails GOP Rivals, Accuses Rep. Paul Ryan of ‘Social Darwinism’
- Posted on April 3, 2012 at 3:30pm by
Becket Adams
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Republicans want to enforce a “radical vision” on the nation, President Barack Obama said on Tuesday, accusing the GOP of moving so far to the right that even one of its beloved figures, Ronald Reagan, could not win a Republican presidential primary today.
He also tore into the Republican budget plan put forward by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI).
“It’s a Trojan Horse,” the president said.
He continued:
Disguised as [a] deficit reduction plan, it’s really an attempt to impose a radical vision on our country. It’s nothing but thinly-veiled Social Darwinism. It‘s antithetical to our entire history as a land of opportunity and upward mobility for everyone who’s willing to work for it — a place where prosperity doesn’t trickle down from the top, but grows outward from the heart of the middle class.
And by gutting the very things we need to grow an economy that’s built to last — education and training; research and development — it’s a prescription for decline.
Rep. Ryan responded with this tweet:
“We all thought @BarackObama would be better than this. He had potential, making his leadership failures so disappointing,” the Congressman tweeted.
In a blistering election-year critique, the president sought to present himself to voters as the protector of the middle class and the leader of a Democratic Party that is willing to compromise in Washington, the Associated Press reports.
He singled out the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, Mitt Romney, for criticism and more broadly said Republicans had shifted from any reasonable debate on health care, debt reduction, and the environment.
Republicans “will brook no compromise,” President Obama told news executives at the annual meeting of The Associated Press.
He cited a Republican presidential debate late last year when the entire field rejected the prospect of $10 in spending cuts for every $1 in tax increases as a means to lower the debt.
“Think about that. Ronald Reagan, who as I recall was not accused of being a tax-and-spend socialist, understood repeatedly that when the deficit started to get out of control that for him to make a deal he would have to propose both spending cuts and tax increases,” the president said.
“He did it multiple times. He could not get through a Republican primary today,” he added.
Making his case for his re-election, the president said nation must “restore a sense of security” for “hard-working Americans” and stand for a government willing to help those in hard times, the AP reports. The Democratic president blasted Republicans by name and said the choice between the parties is “unambiguously clear.”
Stirring anew the themes of his State of the Union speech, Obama said the central issue for the country is deciding whether it wants to give everyone a “fair chance” – with government as a tool to help do that – or whether it is content to let only the wealthy succeed.
Watch some of the president’s remarks (via Town Hall):
President Obama used his speech to paint his Republican rivals as protectors of a trickle-down economic philosophy that does not work. He claimed prosperity in the U.S. has never come from “trickle down” policies, but rather from the success of a strong middle class.
“That’s how a generation who went to college on the GI Bill, including my grandfather, helped build the most prosperous economy the world has ever known,” the president said.
“That’s why a CEO like Henry Ford made it his mission to pay his workers enough so they could buy the cars that they made. That’s why studies have shown that countries with less inequality tend to have stronger and steadier economic growth over the long run,” he added.
The president directly challenged Romney for embracing a $3.5 trillion budget proposal led by Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin that was approved by the House last week. Ryan’s proposal aims to slash the federal deficit and reduce the size of government. It stands little chance in the Democratic-controlled Senate, yet the president targeted it as a symbol of the Republican vision.
President Obama said that instead of moderating their views even slightly, the Republicans running Congress have “doubled down” and proposed a budget so far to the right it makes the “Contract With America” look like the “New Deal.”
Yet the president also sought to buffer himself from criticism that he is a supporter of big government.
“I believe deeply that the free market is the greatest force for economic progress in human history,” the president said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Comments (92)
JQCitizen
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 5:04pmAnd, I, Mr. President, am accusing you of being a LYING SACK and a TYRANT!!!
Think THAT FACT is pretty evident to ANYONE with ANY respect for the TRUTH or the CONSTITUTION!!!
Report Post »Patrick Henry II
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 8:45pmI thought Obama worshiped Darwin? did you catch that?
Report Post »Anamah
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 9:33pmThis is what we have electing a Marxist revolutionary …
Report Post »Micmac
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:56pmHe claimed prosperity in the U.S. has never come from “trickle down” policies, but rather from the success of a strong middle class.
to give everyone a “fair chance” – with government as a tool to help do that
————————————————————————————–
WTF? All he does here is contradict himself. Just get out of the way and your fingers off of CTRL+P.
NoBama 2012
Report Post »happ77
Posted on April 4, 2012 at 4:55pmA strong middle class was built by trickle down
Report Post »not gov’ment handouts. What a complete loser.
The Manchurian president.
matinva
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:54pmOwebama has a lot of nerve referring to someone else as ‘Darwinian’. He would like America to return to the ‘Stone Age’ economically and has done everything in his power to bring that about. If you have a job, this clown is a danger to you and your family.
Report Post »sndrman
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:53pmis there no end to this guy’s filth?besides his lies i think people have awakened both knowledgeable and the casual observers. when they fill up with gas,buy groceries,goods and services,or look for employment,how much of it can be blamed on others…. there is a saying point a finger at me three coming back at me,in thsi case it fits obama perfect.
Report Post »silly
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:42pmI love you Paul Ryan, for having the guts to come out and say it like it is. We need to hear the rebuttal on the wonderful things Obama promises all the time=lies. We do not know what the clauses and mandates on the two thousand and some pages of obamacare are. We need someone to explain to us, the people before its a law on how he(obama) wants to screw the country as a whole. I would like to suggest people to take the parties affiliations apart and see what’s in store for all of us, if this mandate passes. If anyone has a doubt on how the government handles healthcare just ask a soldier, veteran or senior for that matter just go to a VA hospital. On top of the bad administration and bureacrucy this plan its calling for a panel-group of people that are going to make decisions for us. I think that is criminal.
Report Post »Thanks Paul Ryan for doing your job. Unfortunatelly it is not something I can say about Obama whose priority has been to denigrate the position he’s been given. All he does and does it well is incite people against each other. That is too bad, he could have used the opportunity to do great and he blew it.
THEBAT
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:42pmYou can see it here,as with many Tyrants they begin to seeth in anger and it emits from there face the hatered they have for there country men and or there country.As in this case we all know he Hates America to its core ,and that goes for Americas Allies ,that not being of Islam whom he regards above all his Allie.Watch all of his apperances and you will see the postureing and the discontent with the American people,up to when he has had his fill and then there will be no need for a Congrerss nor a Judical branch for he Intends to rule America as he sees fit.Beware America! and be Ready THIS IS THE MAKEING OF A TYRANT THE ENEMY FROM WITHIN, It doesnt take a Harvard grad to see he has nothing but contempt for us all,and that includes the gulliable who voted for him.He has strong support amongst the African American community,but what has he really done for his brothers ? Nothing ,who has benifited the most from his policys? ISLAM African Americans need to take a look with out cloudede vision ,because his brothers are Muslum.And this is not to say he is muslum,you decide that ,but to enlighten you as to is reeping all the benifits from his policys.WAKE UP AMERICA
Report Post »khadijahbintmuhammad
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:41pm“Disguised as [a] deficit reduction plan, it’s really an attempt to impose a radical vision on our country.”
As if Obamacare wasn’t.
Notice how self-reliance has become a “radical vision”.
Report Post »zoro51
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:40pmthats funny OBAMA is NO RONALD REGAN by a LONG SHOT nor is he jack kenedy nwither.. HES A DAMN SOCIALIST weak leader needs to be IMPEACHED
Report Post »tmplarnite
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:26pmWOW…this POTUS is one angry Nag and nasty illegal…sooooooooooooooon… his room is ready at Leavenworth…I want to personally turn the key on this POS!
Report Post »Steve28
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:26pmThe thing is no one trust a word Obama says and therefore few trust him to make cuts. Also, his idea of cut are like a Dept. store sale. Raise the price 15% and then say you are cutting them 10%. Ryan want real cuts on the baseline. Thing Democrats don’t get is Government is in accounting terms a debit and not a credit and worse they create more cost by producing more regulations to justify their existence. Yes, trickle down does work and worked well. The problem was as now expeses were supposed to be cut and they never were. Tip O’neal got one over on Ronnie on that one.
Report Post »Arch Stanton
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:24pmAnd Obama is a social eugenicist (see, I can play that game too). He thinks he can choose who succeeds and who fails. He thinks he can determine which behavior and genetics are worth keeping, while everyone else gets the standard, substandard lifestyle…which will lead to their eventual elimination. Wasn’t that the whole idea behind abortion in the first place?
Under Obama, those who are chosen to succeed have unlimited government backing for their businesses and don’t have to pay any taxes (/cough GE /cough)…not based on the merits of their ideas, but simply because they’re building Obama reelection platform approved items (like solar cells).
Report Post »dmerwin
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:17pmBye the way, we will decide on a nominee he may not be a Reagan but will be infinitely better than a Wilson, Roosevelt (Frank), or Obama. And odds are he will not have “sexual relations with that woman”.
Report Post »Beyondculturewars
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 5:21pmLOL……….We are all confusing slick campaigning with competent leadership……….Have any other candidates within the last 10 years, rebuilt companies after they’ve failed? Any other candidates organize a rescue team, to find a lost girl in the heart of NYC, and succeed? Any other candidates organize an international 14 day conference and make it profitable? NO!
Romney is a problem solver, not a slick campaigner. There is a mighty difference between saying words and executing them.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:14pmObama talks, my eyes roll.
That said, I don‘t find Ryan’s budget much better. Neither of the plans put forth actually work to close our deficits and reduce our debts. But it’s an election year; I don’t expect Obama to do anything but pander to his constituents, nor the GOP to do anything but oppose him. Both sides will ignore the bigger issues for the short-term outcomes.
Report Post »dmerwin
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:12pm“for everyone who’s willing to work for it”
Report Post »Actually, Barack we are 100% behind that constituency. I do have issue with YOU deciding how I should spend my money and the arrogant behavior of you and your minions deciding who we should help with MY money. It is time for you to recognize we CANNOT spend this much money. Drop some regulations, make us tax competitive with other countries and let us develop OUR, not your, resources and we would once again be a prosperous nation with full employment, no government housing projects and no able bodied people on welfare in any form. We would need to import labor.
wdittgasn
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:10pmTwo things are obvious when he speaks 1) When the teleprompter is there and working properly. 2)When it’s not there that someone else writes his speeches.
Report Post »vtxphantom
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:02pmPeople still listen to obama? When will they learn.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 5:02pmI don’t .. .this is an Obama free zone in my home .. he comes on TV or radio I either mute and turn away or change the channel .. anyone wants me to watch their program .. don’t have BO MO Biden Pelosi or any of the other MARXIST A HOLES ON!
Report Post »dmerwin
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 8:01pmCatB
Report Post »My wife who is usually pretty quiet about politics will say “change the channel I don’t want to hear that Ass Clown” I asked her if she was talking about Hannity or O’Reilly or whoever was playing the clip. She said “No, that ass clown Obama”. I was so proud of her.
Bluebonnet
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 9:47pmLie to me once, shame on you. Lie to be twice and shame on me if I keep listening. Sometimes even Fox news has to put him on and I usually go potty so I don’t have to listen.
I’ve never heard so much doubletalk, sly comments, and who dares bully the Justice Department.
Most Independents, moderates and conservatives got his number and know (as Joe Wilson says)
Report Post »dumbgrunt33
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 3:58pmwait….. wait… Wait…!! WAIT!!!!…… I thought he was the Party of Darwinism???!!!? So now he doesn’t want to “progress” anymore……..???
Report Post »dmerwin
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:14pmOnly for those mean spirited people clinging to their guns and religion. He may as well have said. “I’m am looking out for my base, those 47% of people who take, but do not contribute.”
Report Post »thegreatcarnac
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 3:51pmObama is a marxist and a liar. His opinion means nothing.
Report Post »BlackCrow
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 3:47pmBig talk when you can’t get your own party to support your budget. What has it been three years with no budget?
Report Post »Pragmatica
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 3:43pmEven Newt Gingrich assailed the Ryan Plan as “Right-Wing Social Engineering”!
I think the president is putting forth a much more balanced and pragmatic approach than Paul Ryan and Tea Party forces. At least he is asking for sacrifice on both ends of the fiscal ledger… Both spending and revenues need to be addressed! The GOP refuses to even acknowledge revenues and remains glued to Norquist’s pledge, and thus the GOP are the less honest brokers in these dealings.
Income tax rates are at near historic LOWS and we need revenues to close the budget gap. We should not go back to the 91% rates of Eisenhower or the 70% rates under Nixon… but going back to Clinton-Era rates makes some sense! We have cut taxes extensively since the Reagan years and with little to show for it. At least Obama is willing to deal and broker with the other side… The GOP is hyper-partisan and wholly unwilling to address revenues.
Report Post »IAMMADDOG
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 3:47pmYou need to add infomed-ica to your title.
Report Post »IAMMADDOG
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 3:52pmBy the way Newt is a fat head.
Report Post »I.Gaspar
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 3:58pmI hope you don’t get out of the looney bin before election day!
Report Post »NHwinter
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:11pmPrag – “At least Obama is willing to deal and broker with the other side”. You are telling a joke aren’t you Prag.
Report Post »thorntonnorth
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:12pmStop the spending. It is not your money to spend. Refund Medicare and Medicade. Drop Obamacares. Stop the infrastructure bills. Let the gas tax be spent on highways. Stop funding the special social problems. Even better stop the school funding. Eliminate the Federal Epa. Stop funding extra police officers, after all they are all rascists anyway. Stop funding firemen. In fact stop spending on all local and state programs. Get inflation under control and stop stealing money from everyone. One big intrusive government is not what the Constitution is all about.
Report Post »It seems so simple to save everyone without paining the progressive, commie soul, Do it. Thanks to our Founding Fathers, Down with the Title Numbers.
Blackhawk1
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:20pmGoing back to Clinton-Era rates makes some sense!
I’ll agree if we also go back to the Clinton Era spending rates. Also we would need Reagonomics again to create the booming economy that old Billy the womanizer inherited, welfare reform that Newt pushed Billy into signing and a whole host of things liberals today won’t be happy with.
Report Post »dmerwin
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:29pmBlackhawk1
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:20pm
Going back to Clinton-Era rates makes some sense!
I’ll agree if we also go back to the Clinton Era spending rates.
Bingo, Game, Set, Match.
Report Post »hi
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:56pmHow about we don‘t pay the people who don’t pay taxes? I bet that’s a lot of money!! It will be even more money when they stop mooching off of others, get a job and pay taxes.
Report Post »TSUNAMI-22
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 3:43pmPresident Assails GOP Rivals, Accuses Rep. Paul Ryan of ‘Social Darwinism’
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The headline would be more appropriately titled:
“Is Obama pitching a fit in lieu of the impending SCOTUS decision regarding an unconstitutional mandate with regards to healthcare?”
Report Post »Blackhawk1
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:26pmObama has been a little more irritated since SCOTUS took the vote on Friday. I believe Kagen leaked the result to him and he sees Obamacare failing like so many of his ideas have.
Report Post »TSUNAMI-22
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:40pmWe can only hope it all goes down like a slinky through an open manhole.
Report Post »I.Gaspar
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 3:42pmThis crap is coming from the president who cannot even get one democrat vote for his “budget” which is at best a joke.
Report Post »We need a President who is fit to be President, who speaks like a president, and not an al sharpton wannabe.
Obama is an insult to everything decent and honorable.
Espada
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:22pmFor starters, we need a president who is an American citizen. Better yet, a natural born citizen. You know, the kind that tends to like America and Americans.
Report Post »SerikFox
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 3:42pmI was wrong….. He’s worse than Carter.
Report Post »kaydeebeau
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 3:40pmfor the PC crowd – He is so fact challenged. For the rest He is such a liar
Report Post »Steelhead
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 3:39pmRyan doesn’t care about people as much as he cares about corporate profits.
Report Post »IAMMADDOG
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 3:43pmAnd you are an expert on Paul Ryan?
Report Post »TSUNAMI-22
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 3:45pmIs “steel” a euphemism for the truncated version of the word “Richard”?
Report Post »Pragmatica
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 3:47pmIt’s unbelievable to me that Paul Ryan would be calling for even more tax cutting! We need to pay our obligations! That is what bothered me about the GW Bush years… We went to war on multiple fronts, gave senior citizens Medicare-Part D and at the same time CUT taxes! CUT taxes during multiple wars and Medicare expansion… It’s has left us with a fiscal trainwreck. Yes, we do need spending cuts, probably even more than Obama is putting forth, but we also need to address revenues and historically LOW marginal tax rates. Balance and pragmatism… Reagan would want it that way!
Report Post »dmerwin
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:27pmPragmatica
Report Post »There is a theory in which a government lowers tax rates to encourage growth which leads to higher government revenues because MORE people PAY taxes, and the money circulates more freely allowing for MORE growth. It actually works when tried. If the REAL goal is to raise revenue and not just punish those who have accomplished, this is what we would be doing.
Blackhawk1
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 4:31pmObama needs to tell his supporting 47% freeloaders that “We need to pay our obligations!” We still have the HIGHEST Corporate tax rate in the world. Gee I wonder why companies move overseas? Liberals are incapable of any critical thinking!
Report Post »dmerwin
Posted on April 3, 2012 at 8:08pmBlackHawk
Report Post »Your comment on critical thinking is very on target. Liberals want to be judged on their intentions, which are always noble. However, when faced with the results and the unintended consequences of their policies they NEVER admit that they were wrong but only dig in and try to apply more of the same. Social policy since LBJ is a great illustration for that. The current social policies have completely absolved entire demographics (and constituencies) from ANY personal responsibility and claim to generational victimhood status.