On-Topic Bob Woodward Book: Debt Deal Collapse Led to 'Pure Fury' From President Obama

[Jack Springer]

Interesting article about a new book by Bob Woodward coming out next week. ABC News has the exclusive preview.

Sounds like a revealing behind-the-scenes view of the Obama administration and congressional leadership.

Bob Woodward Book: Debt Deal Collapse Led to 'Pure Fury' From President Obama - ABC News

 

[rareboy]

Like BohnerCo. had any intention of coming to an agreement.

They let the clock run out because their only goal was making sure Obama was a one term president.

 

[Kulindahr]

Like BohnerCo. had any intention of coming to an agreement.

They let the clock run out because their only goal was making sure Obama was a one term president.

No -- Boehner was sincere. He just underestimated how big of assholes Cantor and the Tea Party people would be.

What's interesting in that read is the degree to which the White House and the House were both disorganized. Boehner was having to negotiate in two directions, between the White House and the Tea Party, while Obama was negotiating without being in touch with Congressional leaders.

 

[Kulindahr]

I still blame Harry Reid for this one.

he deliberately chose not to raise the debt ceiling after the 2010 elections (but before the new class was sworn into office) because he wanted to get into political games with the Republicans over it, putting politics over passing needed legislation.

I'd forgotten that aspect. Sounds like Boehner and Obama were the only two honest players.

 

[White Eagle]

I think it was this. Boner cannot comprehend doing anything that helps Americans.

Obama and his aides argue that the House speaker backed away from a deal because he couldn't stand the political heat inside his own party – or even, perhaps, get the votes to pass the compromise

 

[Jack Springer]

I'd forgotten that aspect. Sounds like Boehner and Obama were the only two honest players.

Excuse me ... it's seems like Boehner was ONLY honest one -- reread the article.

The book should be one of Woodward's best -- a lost opportunity for America.

Cantor's an ass, Obama's an ass, Reid is an ass.

 

[CowboyBob]

I think it was this. Boner cannot comprehend doing anything that helps Americans.

That. And Boehner can't control his own republican congress. They control him.

 

[palemale]

I still blame Harry Reid for this one.

he deliberately chose not to raise the debt ceiling after the 2010 elections (but before the new class was sworn into office) because he wanted to get into political games with the Republicans over it, putting politics over passing needed legislation.

I don't think Reid wanted to political games with the Republicans. It seems he feared that, if the Democrats alone passed the debt ceiling, it would hand the Republicans an issue to batter them with. I put it in the category of political cowardice and bad judgment. He obviously believed that the Republicans would not risk blowing the economy up, and therefore wanted the Democrats to have political cover by having the Republicans vote for the debt limit. Stupid and cowardly. No one should gamble with the well being of the economy like that. Knowing how serious failing to raise the debt limit would be, and knowing that there was a possibility that the Republicans would not pass it, Reid should have had the Senate pass an increase in the debt ceiling without delay.

 

[LuvFindsAndyHardy]

Interesting article about a new book by Bob Woodward coming out next week. ABC News has the exclusive preview.

A little primer guide for the mew guys around here. When Springer posts that something is "interesting" he means that it is something with which he can bash Obama, Democrats, or liberals.

Always look for the coiled snake.

Excuse me ... it's seems like Boehner was ONLY honest one -- reread the article.

^^^

 

[Jack Springer]

I bashed a lot of people -- including Cantor a republican. The only one I excused was Boehner because I read the article.

You might want to trash the ones who came on line with their usual Boehner slamming comments.

 

[Kulindahr]

I think it was this. Boner cannot comprehend doing anything that helps Americans.

How does that come from what you cited?

 

[Kulindahr]

Excuse me ... it's seems like Boehner was ONLY honest one -- reread the article.

The book should be one of Woodward's best -- a lost opportunity for America.

Cantor's an ass, Obama's an ass, Reid is an ass.

There was no point in what the article describes where Obama was anything but honest.

 

[Kulindahr]

That. And Boehner can't control his own republican congress. They control him.

Boehner seems a tragic figure. He finally got his chance to be Speaker, and got saddled with a bunch of clueless reactionaries who literally put ideology above country -- the sort of clowns who will burn down a house to save it.

But he definitely wants to accomplish things. He wants to be remembered for achieving good things for America. His weakness is that he isn't willing to lose the position of Speaker, so he won't make a stand; instead, he keeps trying to make things work -- but they never will, so long as the Tea Party crowd can boot him.

Read Do Not Ask What Good We Do -- it describes a lot of this.

 

[Kulindahr]

I bashed a lot of people -- including Cantor a republican. The only one I excused was Boehner because I read the article.

You only excused Boehner because you so despise Obama you can't see when he's being honest and sincere.

 

[Jack Springer]

^^^

No, I'm going by what the article said.