Government

Victory Lap: Obama Praises Democrats’ Lame-Duck Success

With members of Congress quickly getting out of town as Christmas approaches, President Barack Obama held a last-minute press conference Wednesday afternoon before departing to join his family for a holiday vacation in Hawaii. The presser was a sort of victory lap for the Obama White House after the administration succeeded in implementing most of its lame-duck agenda, including a repeal of the military‘s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and Senate ratification of the START treaty.

In addition, last-minute negotiations among lawmakers on Capitol Hill pushed a bill to aid 9/11 first responders forward Wednesday afternoon.

In his end-of-the-year remarks, Obama praised legislators for “the most productive post-election period we have had in decades.” The president touched on the START treaty, calling it “the most significant arms control treaty in nearly two decades” and announced that the bipartisan support for the treaty “sends a powerful signal to the world” that Republicans and Democrats stand together on America’s national security.

President Obama lamented the failure of the federal legislature to pass the controversial DREAM Act to him for his final approval, as well as a long-term budget. “We are not doomed to endless gridlock,“ but he said he hopes for ”a spirit of common purpose in 2011 and beyond.”

Obama then fielded a number of questions from anxious reporters, the first one of which was, “Are you ready to call yourself a comeback kid?”

“What we‘ve shown is that we don’t have to agree on 100 percent to get things done that enhance the lives of families all across America,” Obama said, adding that the repeal of DADT would be implemented “smartly.”

In addition, the president said his plans for 2011 would revolve around “jumpstarting” the U.S. economy. While we “celebrate wealth” in this country, we should also reward those who contribute to the community without getting rich, Obama said. A thriving middle class has always been “the greatest strength of America.”

Just days after compromising with congressional Republicans on extending the Bush-era tax cuts, the president reiterated his stance against tax cuts for America’s wealthiest, claiming that “over the long run,” he doesn’t think the country can afford “a series of tax breaks for people who are doing very well.”

Immigration reform — including the DREAM Act, which Obama says is probably his “biggest disappointment” — will continue to be a priority.

Finally, the president was asked on the status of his stated pledge to close the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. “It’s become a symbol,” Obama said. “We can do just as good of a job holding [detainees] somewhere else,“ adding that Gitmo is the ”number one recruitment tool used these jihadist organizations.”

Comments (107)

  • reconmarine
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 8:14pm

    I was willing to give the Republicans a chance yet they are already selling out. It is time to bring on a third party to defeat these criminals in 2012.

    Report Post »  
    • komponist-ZAH
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 11:37pm

      NO! Third Party in 2012 = 4 MORE YEARS FOR OBAMA

      Report Post »  
    • dawgPound
      Posted on December 23, 2010 at 12:12am

      Coffee party…2012

      Report Post » dawgPound  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 3:22am

      I system in which extra parties could run and win in America would be wonderful, but it’s not going to happen between now and 2012…so I’m voting for Obama.

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
  • skimmer57
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 8:12pm

    Think about it -you people drew a line in the sand to get tax breaks for 2% of the population and held up everything else. Well congratulations you won. We progressives will take ALL the rest.I suppose most of the people that comment on here are vastly wealthy and should be happy you fought a hard battle.You did exactly as you were told by Hannity,beck rush and o’reilly believe me they got theirs. It has been a great two years to be a democrat.I suggest you keep hoarding food and buying gold like the mormon beck tells you to do.Keep giving each other high fives about winning 60 something seats while we progressives will keep getting what we want done.God Bless our wonderful President!

    Report Post »  
    • eteme
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 8:22pm

      What % of DADT effects the overall pop. Skimmies69?? Since we are throwing out numbers and such…

      Report Post »  
    • sWampy
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 9:26pm

      Do you think the few days after your masters take total control and they execute you will be worth it? They will have no use for the brain dead maggots they used to get into power, they may enslave the rest of us, but they will dispose of you.

      Report Post »  
    • NE Cowboy
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 9:31pm

      You Progressives are getting everything done, now. And guess what loser, Food and Gold are NOT the only things we‘re hoarding and you’ll find that out real quick if you idiots get violent. Now get to bed, your kindergarden school bus won’t wait for you in the morning, lol.

      Report Post »  
    • staythecourse
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 11:58pm

      skimmer… you are in for a surprise. Read history. The supporters of a revolution are frequently the ones that get destroyed up front…and no, we are not all rich. In fact until I read the health care bill I spent my life as an environmental activist and advocate for “social” programs believing, in error, that they were about real values and really helping people. I’ve since seen it is not about “values” at all, nor is it about really helping people. It is all about power… tyranny… and control. And skimmer, I don’t think you are on top of the dung heap… so… you will suffer too.

      Report Post »  
    • dawgPound
      Posted on December 23, 2010 at 12:10am

      Boy, oh boy, Glenn Beck done scared the white folks somethin’ fierce! Keep in-fighting amongst yourselves, Repugs. It’s just like the in-breeding that produced most of you.

      Report Post » dawgPound  
  • eteme
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 8:09pm

    It is a START, by the way what are we really starting?? The only laps he was getting were the laps by the press hounds lapping on him like a little lolli-pop. So he gets praise for running a muck with monoploy dollars at the last min. while most are busy shopping for fantastic gifts for the kiddos.

    Now that Berry, the fastest speed skater on thin ice, has the record for the fastest bill passages he will also get the fast completion of his Victory laps…Remember a certain president that said “victory accomplished” and his short comings.. Well Berry better get to practice on his joker juggling cause he is in for a big ol’ inflatable problem.

    Berry, you are a blunder, charming sure but still a blunder. your two years have done damage beyond repair and now, right in time for the holiday season we have been given many a’new dung sammies to choke on. That’s right folks, we got used again from top and bottom. Glad Berry made sure he smiled, as if he just ate one of those sammies, at the end of his press conf. made for a superb picture…Cheers Berry to a fine performance, indeed. Happy Holiday‘s since i don’t really know if you celebrate anything other than yourself. :^)

    Report Post »  
    • Spawnomite
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 8:24pm

      Joker.
      It didn’t work out in his last movie too well.
      Finally got caught.

      Report Post »  
  • justice
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 8:01pm

    Yes, lets give Dem-Wits the Credit for bringing us down, oh I’m sorry, I Apologize.

    Report Post »  
  • Eblaze44
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 7:52pm

    I read all of y’alls rhetoric and see the words you use. Yes, you sound like good “Christians”, but sticks and stones may break bones, but words – hot air. My prediction is that Barak Hussein Obama will win reelection by a landslide, the socialists will retake the government and finish what they started. reason 1. progressive Republicans outnumber conservative ones; 2. Obama will now walk “hand in hand” while the economy recuperates some, until CA, NY, and Illinois have to be bailed out next year, but he will be seen, as was Clinton, now that he’s gotten most of what he started out to do, as a more middle of the road – disregard that he is a liar and has abused the citizens of the US to the world; 3. God is turning his back on the US, much as he turned his back on the kingdoms of Israel and Judah who went “whoring after other gods”, and will let the US destroy itself.

    Report Post » Eblaze44  
    • republitarian
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 8:52pm

      That is a scary prospect but I can’t say that I share your pessimism. I don’t think he will be re-elected because he has serious character flaws which are visible everyone. These are things he cannot change overnight and probably will never change.

      Huh, “change”…

      Report Post » republitarian  
    • staythecourse
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 11:51pm

      The American people were raped by the 111th Congress and the POTUS. This Congressional Session is an illegal session. The lame duck session was never meant to be used for a political party to “have it’s way with the American people”.

      What is especially amazing is that like a typical rapist, it being said that the American people got what they asked for: “THE PRESIDENT: Well, look, as I said right after the midterm elections, we took a shellacking. And I take responsibility for that. But I think what’s happened over the last several weeks is not a victory for me, it’s a victory for the American people. And the lesson I hope that everybody takes from this is that it’s possible for Democrats and Republicans to have principled disagreements; to have some lengthy arguments but to ultimately find common ground to move the country forward. ”

      No, I don‘t think BHO will be elected in 2012 and that is simply because I don’t believe there will be a 2012 election. They have control of transportation and travel (there is talk of having people file their travel plans with the TSA BEFORE they plan to travel so that a person CAN BE APPROVED to travel), they have the food supply and agriculture, they have the water supply, they have total control of the financial world and tracking of your financial transactions, they control education and the educational system (get ready for private Christian schools to be closed because their curriculum will not “pass” government approval), they have the health care system, and most important of all thru the health care act and nutrition program they have “our” children and the future of this country. They are leaving our borders unprotected and will grant amnesty to invaders. They have the communication industry and media. The next item on the horizon is the 2012 end of the word “scare” and resulting martial law that will follow.

      The advertisements by the Islamic group in UK are kinda interesting if you think about what they say. In many ways they are right, and they have correctly depicted our culture…we have become a sinful nation. We do forget that there is a wrathful God. He destroyed the Tower of Babel once. “They” say 2010 was one of the years with the most natural disasters in a long long time. Get ready for more. God is not dead despite what secularists think.

      And through all the chaos, elections will be canceled. The GOP through this lame duck session was disgraceful. They …. all of Congress… betrayed the American people and the Republic of Freedom.

      Report Post »  
  • ncd22124
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 7:51pm

    It‘s amazing what the D’s can get done when at least one third of their members don’t have to run again on this record of “achievement.”

    Report Post »  
  • xm-1774u
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 7:51pm

    pfft get bent

    Report Post »  
  • ncd22124
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 7:47pm

    It‘s amazing what you can get done when a third of your members don’t have to worry about running on this record of “achievement.”

    Report Post »  
  • Eblaze44
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 7:43pm

    @hkyfan36 You think THEY won’t be enslaved also? The US, to a very large degree, is now as Mexico is with Gangs (in Mexico we call them warlords and drug cartels). My personal belief is that the Socialist Democrats (like the Communists of the old Soviet Union) are putting “party” above everything, they will be the rich, their kids will get the education, the rest will become the impoverished masses slaving for their masters in the politburo.

    @8JRTS – just what did you think they would do after they lost – they knew they had two months with still the power if they chose to use it – to do anything they wanted – I’m still amazed that it took until the closing two months for them to act. The losers had nothing to lose and only the biggest gains in tying up the new congress in eternal bickering for the next two years.

    “My prediction” – the Republicans are going to blow it, BHO will be reelected by a landslide, and the Socialists will take back the government and finish their job. Reason one – read the rhetoric that you write and the words you use. reason 2, the progressive “republicans” are still the majority rather than conservative republicans. reason 3, the American Citizens have turned their back on God, and he’s going to return the favor.

    Report Post » Eblaze44  
    • NE Cowboy
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 9:23pm

      EBAZE44, The American people will not allow 4 more years of this socialist in 2012. NO WAY. There’s a reason why we have the FEMA camps now being staffed. Tell me, have you ever heard of ‘Fusion Centers’??? They are prepairing for civil unrest for a reason. I just hope and pray it never happens!

      Report Post »  
  • 50Caliber
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 7:35pm

    What have they been doing the other 350 days of 2010?

    Report Post » 50Caliber  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 7:34pm

    I hope the Republicans are happy. Now Obama is rubbing their faces in the crap. Well I hope they get a good deep breath of it. So that their breath smell like crap the rest of their lives. Seems like they have just rolled over on us. That‘s all right we won’t forget this come election time.

    Report Post »  
    • TotallyBelievableGuy
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 10:06pm

      My friend, you seem quite furious about the situation.

      It really doesn‘t help the image of the republican’t party; y’know, the foaming-at-the-mouth, shouty, reactionary, war-mongering, knuckle-dragging, psychopaths you are.

      Report Post » TotallyBelievableGuy  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 7:10pm

    Two more years of this idiot in office and there is a good chance that there will be no AMERICA. Then let the Democrats deal with it. They have no shame, or honor, or integrity. I would rather be a Muslim than a Democrat.

    Report Post »  
  • temple62
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 7:09pm

    GOP Address: ‘We got the message’
    GOP Actions: ‘We vote with the dems and continue to ignore the will of the people’
    Looks like politics as usual now that these good ole boys have got their careers back!

    Report Post » temple62  
    • VermontPatriot
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 7:36pm

      Fire them all. Stop compromising with the filth until the Democrats get their dang party cleaned up!

      Report Post » VermontPatriot  
    • Spawnomite
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 8:16pm

      What were our options?
      We basically “fired” who we could.
      All we can hope is the slimebag Republicans are less foul than the dsigusting Democrats.

       
    • CatB
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 10:11pm

      I have already emailed the Dem FL senator and told him I will work to have him gone in 2012 .. traitorous b*stard sent me an email telling me what a wonderful job he had done voting for START … I could not let that go unanswered.

      Report Post »  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 7:09pm

    The guy had a plan and accomplished most of what we’ve been aware of. He’s their guy.

    What can undermine republican edge is blackmail attempts by Dems and hot chics

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
  • Rn mom
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 7:08pm

    POTUS wants to close Guantanamo because it is a “symbol” used by terrorist organizations to recruit more soldiers. If it’s a symbol good, it’s a symbol of what happens to people who mess with the US. I seriously question the wisdom of Obama‘s thought processes and I wonder who buys into this load of dung he’s spewing.

    Report Post » RN MOM  
  • VanGrungy
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 6:55pm

    Pure evil…

    Report Post » VanGrungy  
  • parmajohn
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 6:47pm

    Tried to watch the whole thing but the guy makes me ILL He is the greatest just ask him Dem have been in charge for 4 years and did more damage this week than can be realalized spend spend spend Like a drunk that won the lottery How are we ever gonna pay for this we can’t…God Gold and Guns

    Report Post »  
    • dawgPound
      Posted on December 23, 2010 at 12:04am

      Ever hear of a “period”? or any punctuation at all? Parma public school graduate, no doubt.

      Report Post » dawgPound  
  • DagneyT
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 6:43pm

    The good news for WE THE PEOPLE, no tax hikes, and no interim funding for Obamacare….hey, I’m the eternal optimist! The rest is why we went to the poll in droves, and we’ll do it again every chance we get!

    Report Post » DagneyT  
    • TotallyBelievableGuy
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 8:36pm

      Yes. No tax hikes… because when I can’t pay for anything, I usually ask for my salary to be lowered, so that my bosses will shower my children with their money.

      Report Post » TotallyBelievableGuy  
  • Better_Red_than_Dead
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 6:41pm

    Obama has managed to pass a surprising chunk of his agenda in these final months, presumably to help rally his base to prepare for the inevitable legislative battles yet to come. It will be interesting to see how things play out come next year.

    Report Post » better red than dead  
    • VanGrungy
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 6:59pm

      GovBot

      Report Post » VanGrungy  
    • Better_Red_than_Dead
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 7:46pm

      @VANGRUNGY

      No! My cover’s blown!

      Report Post » better red than dead  
    • republitarian
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 8:29pm

      I have to agree with you, Vangrungy. All of Reds post are in support of some administration policy. Never a post or an opinion on any other topic, and a the while pleading with us not be so hateful to the Obamas. I wasn’t sure until I read the response to the accusation. Yep, GovBot fits nicely.

      Report Post » republitarian  
    • komponist-ZAH
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 11:08pm

      I agree, Red, the next two years are going to be very interesting…

      January 5th can’t come soon enough!

      Report Post »  
  • NoRoomForSocialismHere
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 6:38pm

    Commie in Chief is giving Progressive Socialist RINOs their HOLIDAY pay behind closed doors.

    I know they sold their soul ten yrs ago, I am sure they would sell their body as they do the American Citizens Rights, protection, sovereignty and well being they swore to protect against all enemies

    Report Post »  
  • Volsense
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 6:35pm

    Lyle Rossiter’s book, “The Liberal Mind”, makes the case for liberalism as being a mental disorder. It is very detailed and what you are seeing from the left reinforces the case he makes.

    Report Post »  
  • 8jrts
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 6:34pm

    WTF?? He’s babbling again!! He says he’s accountable….yea sure…..ram thru everything you can before the jerks that got voted out and don’t have to answer to anyone, go home….then when it costs the rest of us, the policies don’t work, and more problems are created as a result….blame the new guys!!

    Report Post » 8jrts  
    • annieoakley
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 7:25pm

      The plan, exactly! Lay the structure, and watch the Republicants spin their wheels trying to undo the mess!

      Report Post »  
  • aLinedog
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 6:30pm

    I find myself unable to respond. Not speechless, merely everything I think to say concerning this issue feels redundant. I cannot believe our representatives are so willing to lay the groundwork for a future tyrant.
    -Line

    Report Post »  
  • Bad Thunder
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 6:21pm

    send the idiots home……..

    Report Post »  
  • untameable-kate
    Posted on December 22, 2010 at 6:17pm

    Wow, a person with a soul would hang their head in shame

    Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • ZOMBIE JESUS LOVES ME
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 6:23pm

      He’s got a lot to be proud of! He’s accomplished 85% of his first term agenda already … including working toward Ronald Reagan’s goal of a world without nuclear weapons.

      (Do you folks remember Reagan?)

      Report Post » ZOMBIE JESUS LOVES ME  
    • hkyfan36
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 6:28pm

      It’s just so nice to see that he wants to enhance Illigals kids future while inslaving ours

      Report Post »  
    • BMartin1776
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 6:32pm

      Well to him he can do no wrong. Even admitting they got a shellacking he has no problem with the fact that everything he has promised he would get through before elected and after is being one by this now out of control government. In his eyes we are all the bad guys who kicked out his minions. So they are doing what must be done before the evil republicants take power. That is how he sees it imo.

      You have to give it to him he has delivered on his campaign promises. Watch the vid I made (http://tinyurl.com/32uavoa) few mos ago, its amazing to see things he wanted that are now being signed into law or on the verge of approval. This guy is not to underestimated what he wants he will get.

      Now when the new blood comes in we will see where they stand. They do not realize the “gun” they are under by the American voters. Their agenda should be to repeal or block the radical policies being put in play like the FCC internet power grab and repealing (which I doubt will happen) obamacare. He can veto whatever they do but at least they will be on record for history to see they tried to stop him…. but thats if they really act as they all promised they would during the elections.

      Time will tell…..

      Remember this is nothing but a game the radicals in power are playing, stop playing by their rules! Start playing your game through http://www.savingtherepublic.com

      Report Post » BMartin1776  
    • snowleopard3200 {mix art}
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 7:12pm

      @Untamable Kate

      You hit dead on about the fact anyone with a SOUL would hang their head; just look at the faith of the Obama administration – enslavement of the mass by a few elites, social justice, social and collective salvation of the mass and not the individual being responsable for their own deeds, and thus the perversion of the true Christain philosophies to those of the devil.

      This war is a battle of ideals and convictions of light and darkness; of Right and Wrong; so it is with God on our side, the nation will be restored to her glory (in the eyes of the Almighty), and to the best future her people will see.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • annieoakley
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 7:21pm

      Amen!

      Report Post »  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 7:29pm

      Dirty Harry
      http://www.activistpost.com/2010/12/thanks-to-dirty-harry-reid-overt-act-of.html

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • Proud American in Buffalo
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 7:38pm

      @ Zombie—

      I dont remeber Ronald Reagan saying the world would not be better off without the Bomb. The US at the time of pres. Reagan’s Presidency could not afford to be without appropriate means of defending itself against the Arsenal of weapons that the Soviet Union held including Nuclear weapons.

      President Regan’s goal was to assure the likelyhood of Mutual Assured Destruction was kept to a minimum. The President believed in the idea of Peace through Strength (Which happends to be the Motto of the USS Ronald Reagan)

      Zombie please do yourself a favor and look at the Presidency of Ronald Regan. One place to look is the Reagan Presidental website. You’ll learn ALOT.

      http://www.reaganlibrary.com

      Report Post » Proud American in Buffalo  
    • CatB
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 7:44pm

      If I weren’t a lady .. oh H e L L …. F U BHO!

      Report Post »  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 8:07pm

      Why do I feel SICK ?

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 9:42pm

      He gazed up at the enormous face. Forty years it had taken him to learn what kind of smile was hidden beneath the dark moustache. O cruel, needless misunderstanding! O stubborn, self-willed exile from the loving breast! Two gin-scented tears trickled down the sides of his nose. But it was all right, everything was all right, the struggle was finished. He had won the victory over himself. He loved Big Brother.

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • AmeriWoman
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 10:06pm

      I couldn’t stand watching him…. he lied from the beginning until I finally got so angry I turned the channel and watched The Weather Channel. The gloating and total disregard for what the people said in the last election was jawdropping! Not only am I angry at him, we all know he’s a damned liar, but the Republicans that crossed over and became Benedict Arnolds are the worst of all. I boiled at the butt kissing the media gave him, the answers he gave back MISREPRESENTING ALL AMERICANS? Sorry Mr Obama, you do not speak for me, I don’t condone the actions taken this month, and the previous months. You and your kind have hijacked my country, attempted to change it into something we don’t recognize anymore, harmed our relations with our allies and you’ve above all else weakened us against our enemies! There is a word for that, I hope they use it in court papers against you and this administration, left right, coming or going, still in office, those who left and strip you all of your stolen funds and American security and benefits. I truly pray we can all gather together and stop this train wreck. What a sad shamefull day in this country. My hope is now with a handfull of strong Representatives.

      Report Post » AmeriWoman  
    • 123abc
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 10:41pm

      Obama has no shame. But when I hear his name the words “lame duck” do come to mind. That is a perfect description for his republican dominated last 2 years in office.

      Report Post »  
    • komponist-ZAH
      Posted on December 22, 2010 at 11:06pm

      Am I the only person who realizes that a world without nuclear weapons would be a world where world wars among superpowers would be the norm?

      The history of the world is one of ever larger, more global wars…until the bomb. Nuclear weapons put an end to world war, to eliminate them would be to pave the way for World War III. Is that what we should really be working towards?

      Report Post »  
    • Cemoto78
      Posted on December 23, 2010 at 7:13am

      Democrats and Obama= sell outs.

      Report Post » Cemoto78  
    • River0
      Posted on December 23, 2010 at 7:40am

      Just think, a month ago Obama was on the ropes, crumbling. Then he calls in Bill Clinton, The Comeback Kid, to rescue him. Presto, the Satanic wand is waved and the GOP leadership surrenders on spending cuts, gay soldiers, and the missile shield giveaway to our enemies. Now even Charles Krauthammer is calling him The Comeback Kid. Dick Morris explained this perfectly on O’Reilly last night.

      This is how we know we’re living in exceptionally evil times, when the entire gameboard is tipped over when God makes His presence known. This is designed to make us think that the forces of Evil have the power to change Natural Law.

      We must punish every perfidious turncoat RINO, and throw them out if possible. Betrayal will be our lot until the ranks of our people are purged.

      Report Post » River0  

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