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September 30th, 2013
07:53 PM ET
Poll: Politicians acting like children
Crossfire hosts talk with Brad Woodhouse and Andy Roth about rhetoric and leaders acting like spoiled children.
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Posted by Crossfire staff Filed under: Andy Roth • Brad Woodhouse • Debates • economy • Newt Gingrich • Van Jones |
Meet the Hosts
Author, documentary filmmaker, historian, Speaker of the House (1995-1999), and 2012 Republican presidential candidate
Fmr. Obama Deputy Campaign Mgr. and W.H. Sr. Adviser, founder of Precision Strategies, fmr. Sr. Adviser to Maj. Leader Reid and Sen. Kennedy
Conservative columnist for New York Daily News, contributing editor at Townhall Magazine, commentator and author
Former Special Adviser for Green Jobs under President Obama, co-founder of Rebuild the Dream, author and attorney
Democrats are acting like spoiled children who pout because they are not getting their way. Republicans are acting like rebellious children who refuse to play nice and break things. The Tea Party are acting like psychotic children who are about to kill the family pet because it is not listening to them.
You are absolutely correct, politicians are acting like children.
It's amazing to me. Spending is out of control, unemployment is very high, the job future does not look good and yet the folks attempting to rein it all in get blamed for attempting to do something about about the problems we face. Think about it folks Some lawmakers may not be the best communicators but have shown that they will risk their political future to do what is right for the country. We have to get spending under control, we have to create jobs and while we need Health Care perhaps what is in place now is just right at this point. But some political leaders would rather hurt the country by saying time and time again they will not talk at all or explore how to fix Obamacare just because it's the Presidents Major accomplishment. It may be but that doesn't make it right and for the sake of the country and not saving face perhaps we should consider looking at making what the President did better for all. Think about it folks. There is a reason why Unions don't want it, big business don't want it and even our lawmakers and their staff members don't want it for themselves or their families. Isn't that odd to you? Because at this stage in the game it's a bad law and plan. While bad now it could be made very good if Harry Reed and President Obama would stop with the Politics and the media start telling the truth and not being a press office for the White House. I am blown away by how some "News" Anchors are presenting this story. By the way I voted for the President. At this point I'm very disapointed. Our country is hurting and it's more important for some to win a political game. Our country is hurting and the media for the most part is an accomplice. How sad. You may not like the Republican Party but we should all be open minded and always do what is right for all in this country even if it means siding with the Republican Party. Thank you.
This current fuss is over a six-week spending resolution. President Obama already gave the Republicans what they wanted concerning spending to get this passed so there is nothing to negotiate.
Republicans are wrong in connecting this in any way to Obamacare/ACA since ACA is an important element to reduce spending. The problem is the now outdated method of funding healthcare was killing 50,000 of your fellow Americans every year and costs were far out of control and bankrupting the country.
And frankly, anyone has to be either rich, ignorant or stupid to side with the Republicans.
All the polaticians in the house and senate are to blame including Obama. If the country fails our leaders are to blame. (all of them) I say impeach them all and start over.
Republicans in recent years have 3 tactics. You can see them play these cards often.
1. Lie about the facts
2. Lie about their opponents
3. If those don't work, then try to make it look like "all are at fault" not just them.
In this case, Republicans exclusively are the sole cause of the problem and they can correct it in 5 minutes by allowing a vote and doing their job.
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I hope people wake up and vote out the radicals on both sides of the political spectrum and vote in the centrists who can negotiate and work together to help all Americans both rich and poor. These radicals are as bad as terrorists who want to destroy our country from within. We need to take a look at who is pulling their strings and what are they getting out of this.
Also we need to revoke the policy that the supreme court allowed where very rich people can buy politicians and control how they vote and what policies they push. My congress is scaring me because it is only focused on a radical minority.
The "Tea Party" really should be renamed the "ME Party". I once considered myself an independent that leaned toward moderate Republican views, but I am so disgusted with the Republican party, I will never support another Republican politician. The Tea/Me Party extremists are not only an embarrassment to their party, but to this country, as is the parties choice to not only tolerate them, but to cater to them. I WISH they were acting like children; most children are better behaved, more objective, and more mature. At this point, acting like children would be a step up. If you look up the definition of narcissistic sociopath, you'd be hard pressed to find a difference between it and Tea/ME party supporters. The complete and total lack of accountability from the Republicans and the attempts to blame Obama and the Dems for THEIR actions is beyond pathetic as well. It makes me sick that the once noble Republican party has evolved into this corrupt, greedy, thoughtless, bunch of foot-stomping, tantrum throwing, extremist fanatics that they've become. My God, you guys make Westborough Baptist Church look like a bunch of Moderates...
I'm just waiting for one of the Tea Partiers to call someone a poopy-head, throw a toy and run out of chambers to call their mom, because they didn't get what they want. Despite the fact that they had FOUR years to try to reverse something that was passed by both the House and the Senate, and deemed constitutional by the Supreme Court. And they decide that the best way to show they're "representing the American People" is to hold the government hostage over something that isn't affected by the shutdown. If I tried this as my job, I'd be fired. Maybe we should do the same to them....
We need to identify who the tea party republicans are that will face re-election in 2014 so we can work to vote them out. We also need to take a look a this thing called Gerrymandering and how we can repeal that process (what is gerrymandering: manipulated electoral area: an electoral area manipulated in such a way as to give one political party an unfair advantage in an election).
It's the same as with the Democrats and the President. They want what they want. Harry Reid, not the President won't event talk to the Republicans. It take two sides to come together, not one. I don't want Obamacare, nor do I want to government shutdown. Any by the way, why don't the Deomcrats and the President use Obamacare? I think they should all be on it if they are going to force the public to use it.
I agree with emilyash79 totally! Enough said in reply to Garett J.
Em2001, show me when the Deomcrats are voting the way their constituents want? Harry Ried is an idiot.
My point that they were acting like children was to point out the fact that the Republicans are attempting to force the Democrats hands by withholding their votes on the debt ceiling in exchange for something (ACA) completely unrelated to the budget. Our government is not based on tit for tat. Compromise is completely different, and while I feel that the Democrats should be slightly more amenable to the Republicans, I also feel that the small minority is trying to speak for the majority. Unfortunately, Tea Partiers tend to be the types who put their fingers in their ears and yell "I can't hear you!" when they start to hear something they don't like. Unfortunately, they are also the loudest when they want to get their way. Well, they didn't get their way with ACA, and now they are stamping their feet and yelling "No Fair!" when the bill was passed by both houses, and deemed constitutional by the Supreme Court. And I repeat. FOUR years ago. This is most certainly a case of one party holding the other hostage. And the President does not negotiate with fear-mongers. I do not like them, Sam I Am.
Also, Garrett, in re: "Obamacare." The ACA was developed for those who did not have insurance through their employers, or have been denied because of pre-existing conditions. In his speech yesterday he specifically mentioned that if you had insurance already, "you don't have to do anything right now." Since the Democrats (I assume you mean Congressmen/women) and the President are government employees, they aren't affected by this. Also, it's spelled Reid.
No, this is flat out ridiculous and uncalled for! The Affordable Care Act was ruled "Constitutional" by our Supreme Court.
As of today this law is 100% "Unconstitutional" and as our government you have created this entire problem. You made changes that gave special provisions to certain groups of business that have 50 or more employees, to give them a year extension before they had to abide by the law to provide insurance for the employees.
This law was passed and it did not give anyone any special provisions. As our government you need to do the right thing and change the law back to exactly how the "Supreme Court" ruled it "Constitutional".
If there's any business out there that feels they don't need to abide by the law, maybe they have no right being in business. The entire country, including all businesses knew about this law. This law is intended for everyone and it is to happen at the same time, same date, and same year for everyone. The law passed in 2010 and is effective for all businesses and individuals on January 1, 2014.
How it's set up now, is not fair at all and it's 100% wrong giving anyone special provisions. There are millions of Americans who are going to have the same trouble paying for health care but we get no choice, and as a business you get no choice either because that's exactly how the "Supreme Court" ruled it. You were included in the law as a business not excluded. The "Supreme Court" rules and overrides anything you do because they have confirmed the law as is that was "Constitutional. There were no special provisions added in 2010.
This special business provisions is the creator of all problems, it's not the "Affordable Care Act" it's that the Republicans want everyone to abide by the law at the same time with no special provisions. They are 100% right by asking for our government to do that. No one gets extensions, the law is the law and it's already in place.
You all need to do your jobs and make corrections to where all businesses have to abide by the law and at the same time as all of the individuals of our country. You know why because, it's the right thing to do that's why and it has to be done this way to make the law right for everyone!
Well Minnie, I don't think mice are covered by the ACA so I can certainly understand your position. But us humans feel that since we have to eat food and drink water containated with poisons and work at jobs that often do not have health coverage, ACA will help us at least provide healthcare for our families so we can reckon more effectively with the result.
You might want to speak with Mickey about this. He seems to me to be a rather socially responsible mouse. You see, it's not about mice - and you should try to put yourself in the position of "being human" before you make judgements that can affect those of us who are.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all
They are spoiled children, they are not acting.
If the government shut down took pay out of congresses payroll there would be no shutdown.
Mostly spoiled little rich kids used to getting their own way more than willing to throw a tantrum to get what they were told they cant have,but make no mistake they don't want it,because they want it,they want it so you can't have it.
I was watching Wolf Blitzer this afternoon while I was exercising,and I now understand just where the republican party is coming from. About one pm. Newt Gingrich was explaining to the viewers why the President was failing the American People. In his own words, roughly speaking. He wants to Know who the President thinks he is, after all he is talking to Members of Congress NOT THE LITTLE PEOPLE!!!!! . Well Mr Gingrich, you have finally explained the Republican thought process with four little words Signed A Little person Gregory Swanson
I disagree. Newt has made it clear as to how he feels about the "little people" and women many times. What bothers me more then Newt is that he actually has a following.
Stupid, Stupid and Stupid. Perhaps my feelings have been expressed.
The root of all evil in the American ( yes I am Canadian) political system is the 2 party system. In My opinion political parties should be forever banned ( in Canada also) and that all of congress ( congressmen and senators) be elected locally to represent the wishes and desires of their constituents.
The constitution already foresees this structure of government which is the root of why the electoral college exists.
With 2 political parties one side is always opposed to the other side, Both are guilty of this concept. With 533 non aligned members they will vote their conscience and what is good for the government.
In the words of Dr Phil: How is this working for you?
Richard Poirier
I agree Robert. The stupidist part of all this is that LOUD MOUTH CRUZ is Canadian! Yet he is against Obamacare and healthcare for all citizens? I wonder how he and his parents enjoyed our free healthcare system when they lived in Alberta? Get real!! This isn't about the budget or healthcare reform, it's about a bunch of spoiled Republicans who lost the election and don't want to see the Dems get the credit for universal healthcare.
There is no two party "system". There is nothing that prevents other parties from promoting their own candidates. It would probably be a good thing if a strong moderate party came into existence to end up with three strong parties.... However, too many people in the US will support either the democratic party or the republican party. As long as they continue to stick with the big two, they will always be a divided, dominating force.
PEOPLE please watch Obama's actions...we know we cannot believe his words and nobody cares what color his skin is! THNIK! When Obama tells Russia he will be more flexible after the election (and believes the PEOPLE cannot hear him), Obama lets the Middle East desenagrate into Disaster to Russia's, Iran's and Terrorist's advantage...WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU?
Maybe Obama hates America and wants to destroy America. Obama works in sinister ways behind the scenes!
When it comes to Obamacare/ACA, Obama and the Democrats (although I am a registered Democrat) are the DICTATORS trying to get 100% of their way.
I believe WE ALL...DEMOCRATS, REPUBLICANS, LIBERALS LOVE OUR FREEDOM which makes ALL OF US TEA PARTY backers!
Ask yourself, WHY are OBAMA and DEMOCRATS AFRAID of FOX NEWS and TEA PARTY??? Why would LOIS LERNER call THE TEA PARTY DANGEROUS??? The TEA PARTY BELIEVES IN FREEDOM FOR ALL and the CONSTITUTION which gives us OUR FREEDOMS. As a Democrat, I am beginning to THINK!!!
I am an ex-Republican...I feel the same way only replace Obama's name with Cruz ...and I will never identify with the wacko right wing extreme group called the "Tea Party"!!!!! They are ruining our country and political systems with their selfish ploys!!!! And that so called speaker of the House...what a joke...he should go home and drink a case of booze (the only thing he is good at). I guess you can tell I am angry...I loved my party until the extreme right took over and made it the party of wackos who hate women, poor people, middle class folks and only love the rich.
Ana, you may be a democrat in name, but your reasoning is Republiican. The tea party folks HATE President Obama. Now, you can say that's because of his liberal policies or his big government actions, but that will not explain their rhetoric or their actions. The instances where tea party folk have insulted the President and/or this nation are too numerous to list here, but let me just refer to one state of the union address where a Republican had the nerve to say in open session "you lie". Never, in my 65 years have I ever seen such a thing, you either. President Obama is never spoken of with respect by tea party folks, whose main concern is maintaining their economic and political base to control the wealth of this country, for their own well being. The really don't support working class folks unless you belong to the NRA and swear allegiance to the rich.
Sorry, quite the contrary. You are NOT a [D], and you are not starting to think. However you ARE starting to STINK!!
A person with a human brain would not willingly align themsleves with the hypocrisy and lies that ARE the Tea Party.
We the people need to make some changes concerning the congress and the senate.
1- TERM LIMITS
2-Drastic Salary Cuts and retirement benefits.
3-During government shutdowns senators, congressman and the President will be required to give up one months pay for everyday the government is shutdown. THIS IS NOT REFUNDABLE
As a Canadian, I have been watching this on CNN with great interest. It just astounds me how much that Congress and the Republicans are so out of touch with the majority of American people. Here we have government healthcare that is run on a provincial level. It works, none of our citizens are denied healthcare and have access when needed. This is funded by the government, our employers and the people through our yearly taxes based on income level. We then can add to our coverage through our employers benefits programs which we pay a small monthly premium for off our paycheck. This covers, presriptions drugs, glassess, dental care etc..Our system is not perfect but it works and at a basic level, we ensure every Canadian has access to health care. As things need to be fixed or tweeked, our government does so. In fact, it was just reformed in 2004. Why not let Obamacare move forward and work out the bugs as you go. That's what goverment is for and their job. Here in Canada, we have not suffered job losses or major economic problems due to our healthcare system.
The number one rule of communication and debate, is keep the issue about the issue. Fight fair. There is nothing fair about the way that Congress is going about this. You do not tie up the budget for your own agenda. It is their fault, Obamacare has been debated and the American people have spoken with re-electing the President. To the Republicans, get over it and stop holding the country hostage to your self serving agenda. I actually watched a Republican say yesterday that this shutdown and standing "their selfish" agenda was what the American people wanted. Are you serious? I expect that if you asked the average Amercian who is not getting a paycheck and cannot pay their bills, they would answer differently. Again, it just shows how out of touch with the population the Republicans are.
Why do so many Canadians come here to the United States for some of their health care, Dr's Dentists etc. ? This is the first of what the Democrats in this nation want, socialism, a one payer system. People come from all over the world for our healthcare. Now, those, that have healthcare are being thrown out and have to go to the Obama care. I am neither Republican or Democrat, but this President and the Senate are playing a very dangerous game and a devisive one at that. P. S. the President has granted waivers to corporations, and politicians, etc. for 1 yr, WHY not postponement of 1 year for the individual.
The Canadians that come to America for health care are fictional. Their health care system is actually better than ours. They have a much lower infant mortality rate and the same medication is significantly cheaper. The reality is that Americans are going to Canada for their medication and Mexico for treatment, because it is the only way they can afford it.
They are all a bunch of over paid and over compensated fools who don't even deserve to breathe our air. These fools would have been fired a long time ago with any other job like most Americans have. We need to have an easier way to get rid of these jerks if this is the best they can do. Why should we have to pay someone until the next election if they are doing nothing for the American People. If they are worthless we should be able to get rid of them like any other company would get rid of a worthless employee.
the military should get paid and the congress should get IOU's !
They act like this is two different countries learn to work together and stop acting like children. If there health care was in jeopardy I bet it would be different then. Are they wouldn't get paid. I just went on social security if my check is late they can call my bill collectors and explain why
I agree with you . Let the senators and congressman step in our shoes and see how things turn out then. Take the perks and paychecks away from hem and see how they cry. We should get rid of all of them (FIRE THEM). take away paychecks and security away from them when they leave office let them get a job like the rest of us. I could go on and on but the American people are sleeping just WAKE UP PEOPLE THEY DO NOT CARE WHAT IS BETTER FOR US ITS ONLY WHAT IS GOOD FOR THEM THAT's BEEN PROVEN OVER AND OVER AGAIN.
Where do you vote on the polls?