Politics

See the Movie Clip a GOP Rep. Allegedly Showed Colleagues to Motivate Them on Debt Battle

There are probably many movie clips that come to mind when someone asks you to pick one that could motivate others. There’s the classic from “Braveheart.“ Or the Al Pacino monologue from ”Any Given Sunday.“ Even a few from the ”Lord of the Rings” trilogy are good. But one movie that probably doesn’t come to mind is the Boston-based crime drama “The Town” — the recent heist movie staring Ben Affleck.

Apparently, though, that’s the movie GOP Rep. Kevin McCarthy (the House Majority Whip from California) chose to use in order to motivate his colleagues over the debt battle. But more than motivate, McCarthy reportedly wanted to encourage unity among the GOP members of Congress. Behind closed doors, then, the Washington Post reports he decided to send a message with the dramatic clip:

House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), the party’s vote counter, began his talk by showing a clip from the movie, “The Town”, trying to forge a sense of unity among the independent-minded caucus.

One character asks his friend: “I need your help. I can’t tell you what it is. You can never ask me about it later.”

“Whose car are we gonna take,” the character says.

After showing the clip, Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.), one of the most outspoken critics of leadership among the 87 freshmen, stood up to speak, according to GOP aides.

“I’m ready to drive the car,” West replied, surprising many Republicans by giving his full -throated support for the plan.

The relevant clip is below. It contains a line the Post left out, where Ben Affleck’s character says, “and we’re gonna hurt some people.” That’s because the conversation comes just before the two characters brutally rough up some thugs:

Liberal blog TPM was baffled by the move, the movie, and the story:

It’s not clear if House Republicans fed an edited script to the Post, if the Post omitted the “hurt some people,” line themselves, or if GOP leadership actually edited the clip itself when it was screened. But I also can’t fathom why they find this scene particularly inspirational — and even if they do, why they decided to feed it to the press.

But the movie apparently failed to do its job. Late last night House Speaker John Boehner went back to the drawing board to write up a new plan after it was apparent he didn’t have enough votes.

Maybe “Braveheart” would have been better:

Comments (118)

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  • Revotelution
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 10:45am

    Catfish is a Liberal blogger sent here to disparage conservatives.

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 10:35am

    Movie clips to motivate them? Sounds like a high school football team, not the U.S. House of Representatives. What’s next…are they going to decorate the gym for the big dance on Saturday night?

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Obama_Sham
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 12:17pm

      LOL @ Gonzo… I like the High School football team analogy…

      Maybe they should bring in Lou Holtz… Like him or not, he can give some pretty good motivational speeches…

      Report Post » Obama_Sham  
  • neither1
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 10:29am

    Hey Catfish, you’re a racist with foul thoughts.

    Report Post »  
  • jado1981
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 10:24am

    @ Catfish, Are you a troll or are you just stupid? I guess that was a redundant question. Why do you use that language? I understand that obumbles is an idiot, and I would rather have almost anybody else than that sorry excuse for an American, but you need to leave the n-words out, it only shows ignorance and intolerance. How about everyone start calling you “stupid white *******”?

    Report Post »  
  • JohnFourteenSix
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:58am

    Maybe I’m reading this wrong, but is that quote from Allen West supposed to mean he‘s in support of Boehner’s disasterous ‘bankrupt America’ bill? I have a very hard time digesting that and I would love for him to explain if that is the case. Surely we’re missing some important information and context….I hope!

    Report Post » JohnFourteenSix  
    • TruthDarts
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 11:44am

      @JohnFourteenSix

      I believe he is saying…
      “PUT ME in the DRIVERS SEAT…(cause I will know where & how to drive)”

      I look upon it as a ‘slam’ to Boehner.

      Just guessing…

      Report Post » TruthDarts  
    • uncleherbert
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 1:10pm

      I agree with Truthdarts…Allen West is a man of action and with honerable integrity!

      Report Post » uncleherbert  
  • hoalena
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:33am

    I wonder how many Congressman noticed the flag is hanging on the wall incorrectly.

    Report Post »  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 10:11am

      Instead of trying to motivate them to cave — Boehner and McCarthy and Cantor need to hammer it all out with the “freshman.” America put those guys in there to STOP BHO and they’re holding the line against BHO on behalf of America. Those old politicians need to STOP being old politicians and get out of the politics as usual modus operandi. BHO says he’ll veto! BHO IS BLUFFING! BHO told Cantor he’s bluffing. Congress needs to call BHO‘s bluff and drag BHO screaming and kicking over America’s No Compromise Line.

      Email McCarthy & Boehner, America! Tell them to stop trying to cave and Stand Up!

      Report Post »  
  • grudgywoof
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:32am

    I say let it go! We need to be on the gold standard. Sack the FED. The barrower is SLAVE to the lender! Lets watch the banksters start leaping from the 20th floor. TEA!

    Report Post » grudgywoof  
    • searcher
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:53am

      Not sack the FED, confiscate the FED.
      Confiscate the FEDs assets and their personal assets and do the same for REID, Pelosi, and everyone else that spend recklessly. Let their assets pay for the debt.

      Report Post »  
    • AmericanPatriot02
      Posted on July 28, 2011 at 4:29pm

      Then you would HAVE to make Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and company to pay for wars, right?

      Report Post » AmericanPatriot02  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:27am

    .
    Well if it helps them grow a spine, They can watch pron for all I care. Just don’t come to the table all limp with nothing left………..

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • Obama_Sham
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 12:20pm

      “Just don’t come to the table all limp with nothing left………..”

      Isn’t that why the porn industry has fluffers?!? Bring in fluffers if you have too!

      Report Post » Obama_Sham  
  • cemerius
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:23am

    This is basic stuff for an instructor! I have read too many comments of people here bashing the “need for a movie clip”. This what is called an “attention gainer” you know before you speak make a joke tell a story get your audience emotionally involved with your discussion. I would have selected another type of media for this but it was done! I am in agreement with the Tea Party members in everything they are doing here and I would like for somebody to explain why the “cuts” DO NOT cause a surplus? If, they DO NOT cause a surplus they are NOT CUTS!

    Report Post » cemerius  
    • Wiz001
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 10:03am

      NONE OF THESE plans will CUT anything from what is being spent.. All of them are to reduce how much MORE they spend.. They predict it will take (say) 1.8 trillion next year to fund all the same programs they did for 1.2 trillion this year. so if they cut .2 trillion nothing is cut they just have .2 trillion less to spend next year… IT IS ALL A GAME TO MAKE US FEEL BETTER..
      ONLY reason we are even talking and find out about this stuff is because of the BRAVE Taxed Enough Already party people.. More people should be joining them and helping to get this country back on track..

      God Bless Our Troops

      Report Post »  
    • cemerius
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 10:15am

      WIZ001

      I agree and this is what is the most frustrating! I was reading today on-line that with a Debt Ceiling increase they can spend more immediately but, the cuts will be spread over a 10 year time period. The Congress is supposed to pass a budget EVERY year and next year they can just change the rules of “cutting” that were done the year previously! I am in favor of a small percentage constitutionally amended National Sales Tax (not a fair/flat tax)! Of course, with this I would replace the income tax!

      Report Post » cemerius  
    • Viet Vet
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 2:11pm

      Why do they have to pass a budget?? The democraps never did when they owned the House.

      Report Post »  
  • R4M0N
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:19am

    This is what scares me about Washington DC: Both sides are idiots. One side seems to be less idiotic right now and is trying hard to fix the mess, but in the end, both sides are well below the IQ of the average citizen.

    Report Post »  
  • bert2020
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:16am

    Let congressman and senators come home we will give them the motivation to do what they need to do.

    Report Post »  
  • TEARS FOR AMERICA
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:11am

    If you need a movie to give you the shove to care about this country going over the cliff is just absolutely juvenile and nonproductive. Come on, people.

    Report Post » TEARS FOR AMERICA  
    • SRDB
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 10:27am

      I was thinking “Thelma and Louise” would make a great movie clip. The part where they drive over the cliff. That is where America is heading.

      Report Post »  
    • uncleherbert
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 1:19pm

      “come on people”… sounds negative/ whats your take?

      Report Post » uncleherbert  
  • KickinBack
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:10am

    And to think I just ripped on the Dems for being un-creative…

    Report Post » KickinBack  
  • LadyIzShy
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:10am

    why do they need a MOVIE clip? really they cant just do the right thing BECAUSE ITS RIGHT????

    Report Post » LadyIzShy  
  • windycitywoman
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:01am

    Hello Beck friends! I (original founder) have started a prayer group for Glenn and his endeavors on educating our youth and his mission in Israel. This group also posts news articles and videos on topics Glenn has covered on his show. Many others and I are members of GBTV and will be discussing his show daily and posting what he shares on the Internet. This is a great way to stay in the loop if you do not have GBTV!. If you are a “like minded” Christian, Conservative Glenn Beck fan please join us (without the TROLLS)! We did a wonderful fast and pray last week for Israel! Find me on Facebook under Sharon Grek Papucci and send me a friend request! Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons, but they are helpless against our prayers.” -Sidlow Baxter

    windycitywoman  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:01am

    If the GOP leadership really tried to use this clip as a motivator for the debt battle, then indeed it has clearly failed; I think the Right is still going to cave in at the last minute due to the old guard being in charge; and this in defiance of the tea party represenatives taking the right stance.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Neo Con John
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:31am

      I believe you may be correct Snow, just look at what Boenher has proposed. It does nothing to change the spending coarse we are on and then put’s the responsibility on the new president in 2012,after we have accrued even more debt. Stand Firm Mr. Boenher.

      Report Post »  
    • Susan Harkins
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 1:48pm

      @Snow

      I would agree with you. Boenher is in quick a pickle, indeed. He has never pretended so hard in his life, to be a true Conservative who is willing to defy the WH & Dems. It must really be grulling for him, pretending so hard not to be ‘sold-out GOP establishment’.

      And this idiot who sent that clip to “motivate” the GOP — WTF? I think a 20 second segment from Discovery Channel on roach copulation would have done more. If this Congressman thinks that clip serves as “motivation”, he would probably ‘ship a brick’ if he saw some of the conservative protests over here in Mississippi.

      SAD CLIP. ;;;yawn;;;

      Report Post » Susan Harkins  
  • Mainer forever
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 8:59am

    O.K. two of my favorite characters of ALL time….(one fictional the other quite real) in the same story. William Wallace…A.K.A. Braveheart. the other Allen West.
    It doesn’t get much better than this.

    Report Post » Mainer forever  
    • TomBombadil
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:13am

      Until Allen West takes on the William Wallace role.

      (by the way, William Wallace is a historic figure that was “movie-ized” for sure, but still a real person)

      Report Post » TomBombadil  
  • Chet Hempstead
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 8:57am

    Allen West volunteering to drive the car seems like a waste of his talents. He’s so well suited for the “hurt some people” part of the plan.

    Report Post »  
    • Docrow
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:06am

      I can’t see him sitting in the drivers seat while other people are doing the work.

      Report Post » Docrow  
    • jetblast3500
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:41am

      I don’t think this is a matter of West just “sitting in the drivers seat while other people are doing the work”. I think it was West volunteering to be the one to take control of the car and hit the brakes before it went off the cliff.

      Report Post »  
    • LiberalMarine
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:48am

      Oh, you mean “Hurt Some People” as in taking an innocent man and torturing him to get wrong information? Cause he is REALLY good at that.

      Report Post » LiberalMarine  
    • They SMEAR what they FEAR
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 11:46am

      Thats because he‘s gonna run some things over without stopping or lookin’ back! LOL

      Report Post » They SMEAR what they FEAR  
    • AmericanPatriot02
      Posted on July 28, 2011 at 4:35pm

      @LIBERALMARINE I totally agree with you.

      Report Post » AmericanPatriot02  
  • grandmaof5
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 8:56am

    Most of the American people expect our elected officials to ‘stand strong’ against those who want to destroy our way of life. Do not let us down, we are behind you, pushing and shoving as hard as we can. For those who won’t support what is best for this great country and its people, your days are numbered. Of course there will be a few who fall through the cracks at election time, but if the call did not go out loud and clear in 2010, then you were not listening. Balanced budget and deep cuts to frivolous and duplicate spending.

    Report Post »  
    • BIGJAYINPA
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:02am

      I kinda like Robert Duval in Apocalypse Now. “I love the smell of napalm in the morning, it’s the smell of freedom”. A little napalm on the District might be the wakeup call needed…..Just sayin’

      Report Post » BIGJAYINPA  
  • nysparkie
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 8:55am

    Who’s care are we going to take? That is suppose to whip the GOP into line? What does I’m going to hurt someone.as a threat do to keep people in line? As this is supposedly or allegedly what happened. I’ll let it pass a lame stream media attempt or a liberal plant to divide the GOP.

    Report Post » nysparkie  
  • American_Bearcat
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 8:52am

    “Any Given Sunday” would have been better

    Report Post » American_Bearcat  
  • bikerr
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 8:50am

    What ever happened to what was once in a song“oh no one knows what goes on behind closed doors”?

    Report Post »  
  • NJTMATO
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 8:49am

    If the current state of affairs is not enough to motivate anyone to be a team then we are definitely doomed. I don’t know what the exact strategy should be, but I do know that I don’t want the debt ceiling raised, I don’t want to pay more in taxes, I want a smaller and sleeker government…..We need Conservative leadership…….showing a movie doesn’t seem to me to be the best way to get that done.

    Report Post » NJTMATO  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 8:59am

      Agreed. Our country is facing crisis upon crisis and either side showing a movie clip is ridiculous. A waste of time & energy. And certainly not what they were elected to do.

      Report Post »  
    • sWampy
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:01am

      We need to let it crash, let the liberal billionaires burn, they funded this criminal enterprise to pass stupid laws and regulations that made rich liberals richer, while causing the number of poor to explode and at the same time shrinking the middle class.

      Report Post »  
  • CaptainKook
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 8:48am

    Is Allen West still pouting abiout Debbie “insulting ” him by calling him a “gentleman”?

    Report Post »  
    • NHwinter
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:07am

      Allen West is not the pouting type! Debbie had people hack his wife’s accounts and she put Col. West’s SS # out in public. He has a right to be angry. He is a strong leader and can definitely get the job done.

      Report Post » NHwinter  
    • LiberalMarine
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:53am

      Allen West was a whiny punk about the Wasserman situation. She didn’t even refer to him by name when he was supposedly offended or whatever he complained and said he was. It was so big of him to send her an admonishing email too, it really showed how tough he was. Now he can go back to repeating talking points and calling Obama names instead of actually doing anything.

      Report Post » LiberalMarine  
    • Obama_Sham
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 12:27pm

      “Now he can go back to repeating talking points and calling Obama names instead of actually doing anything.”

      Kind of like what LiberalMarine and CaptainKook are doing in this very thread, stating talking points and calling West names instead of actually doing anything…

      Report Post » Obama_Sham  
    • macpappy
      Posted on July 27, 2011 at 12:34pm

      I think Mr. West was demonstrating to Ms. Debbie just what he demonstrated to the kurd turds during the war. A real man does not take crap from anyone, and he put her and the rest of you liberals on notice to try that guilt trip elsewhere.
      I think this one has a promising future in politics….someone you can trust what they say, instead of the cronic liar we now have in office.

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • AmericanPatriot02
      Posted on July 28, 2011 at 4:38pm

      @OBAMA_SHAM does being a marine count as “doing anything”? I think that’s doing a lot.

      Report Post » AmericanPatriot02  
  • commonsenseguy
    Posted on July 27, 2011 at 8:47am

    he needs to lay off the funny smoke and quit watching dumb and dumber.

    Report Post »  
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