[PhoenixPause]

Has anyone posted these charts from the Treasury office regarding the economy under Obama? Click. Very cool stuff. I'd like to get some insight from some of the more knowledgable economic posters here.

Does that address the millions who have stopped looking for work because there are no jobs? The millions of young people who graduated and now can't find a job, even in good professions?

It seems like the administration wants to make abstract cases for their economic record because they can't talk about the actual consequences of the last 4 years. The average person doesn't know what the GDP is, but they know their husband has been on unemployment benefits for months, and that their neighbor can't find work to. If Romney runs a halfway decent campaign he'll be able to reach those people

[DeathbyVolcano]

Does that address the millions who have stopped looking for work because there are no jobs? The millions of young people who graduated and now can't find a job, even in good professions? It seems like the administration wants to make abstract cases for their economic record because they can't talk about the actual consequences of the last 4 years. The average person doesn't know what the GDP is, but they know their husband has been on unemployment benefits for months, and that their neighbor can't find work to. If Romney runs a halfway decent campaign he'll be able to reach those people

Anecdotal shit like this never works.

[empty vessel]

Has anyone posted these charts from the Treasury office regarding the economy under Obama? Click. Very cool stuff. I'd like to get some insight from some of the more knowledgable economic posters here.

I think all of the information is interesting. It's just that some of it, for me, counts as arguments against Obama (assuming we are assigning responsibility for all of this data to him). For example, nobody cares (or should care) if corporate profits are up. That might only mean that workers' wages are down (and they are). That's not a good thing. Likewise, that "discretionary spending is now on a path to its lowest level since the Eisenhower Administration" is something to be lamented, not celebrated. That is something political conservatives should be proud of, not progressives. It also seems to be presenting shrinking public employment as a positive, which, of course, it is not. That means fewer people have jobs than otherwise would. Likewise, touting the president's budget as having cut the deficit and stabilized the debt may be politically advantageous, but only because it preys upon the country's economic ignorance. Cutting spending (and/or raising taxes) now may be exactly what throws the country back into recession. And debt is virtually economically irrelevant. These are conservative talking points, not progressive ones.

[Suikoguy]

So, how do you combine hatred of woman with hatred for immigrants GOP?

oh..

GOP's Violence Against Women Act Would Open Up Undocumented Victims To More Abuse

The House Republican version of the new Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) would dramatically roll back confidentiality protections for abused immigrant women, make it more difficult for undocumented witnesses to work with law enforcement officials, and eliminate a pathway to citizenship for witnesses who cooperate with police on criminal cases.

[DeathbyVolcano]

I think all of the information is interesting. It's just that some of it, for me, counts as arguments against Obama (assuming we are assigning responsibility for all of this data to him). For example, nobody cares (or should care) if corporate profits are up. That might only mean that workers' wages are down (and they are). That's not a good thing. Likewise, that "discretionary spending is now on a path to its lowest level since the Eisenhower Administration" is something to be lamented, not celebrated. That is something political conservatives should be proud of, not progressives. It also seems to be presenting shrinking public employment as a positive, which, of course, it is not. That means fewer people have jobs than otherwise would. Likewise, touting the president's budget as having cut the deficit and stabilized the debt may be politically advantageous, but only because it preys upon the country's economic ignorance. Cutting spending (and/or raising taxes) now may be exactly what throws the country back into recession. And debt is virtually economically irrelevant. These are conservative talking points, not progressive ones.

I think it's just a matter of the administration covering all their bases. There are some right-leaning independents that might view this and like what they see in those particular areas, and lean Obama thusly.

[Copernicus]

Has anyone posted these charts from the Treasury office regarding the economy under Obama? Click. Very cool stuff. I'd like to get some insight from some of the more knowledgable economic posters here.

Meh, if Bush had chosen to go for a third go around he would be , deservingly, riding his Bush recovery too, all the while being denied it by the mainstream media.

[RDreamer]

I think all of the information is interesting. It's just that some of it, for me, counts as arguments against Obama (assuming we are assigning responsibility for all of this data to him). For example, nobody cares (or should care) if corporate profits are up. That might only mean that workers' wages are down (and they are). That's not a good thing. Likewise, that "discretionary spending is now on a path to its lowest level since the Eisenhower Administration" is something to be lamented, not celebrated. That is something political conservatives should be proud of, not progressives. It also seems to be presenting shrinking public employment as a positive, which, of course, it is not. That means fewer people have jobs than otherwise would. Likewise, touting the president's budget as having cut the deficit and stabilized the debt may be politically advantageous, but only because it preys upon the country's economic ignorance. Cutting spending (and/or raising taxes) now may be exactly what throws the country back into recession. And debt is virtually economically irrelevant. These are conservative talking points, not progressive ones.

The reason for those things are twofold:

1) Obama isn't a progressive. As much as you and I would love that, he isn't. At best he's a center right politician, and that's why these things are the way they are. As much as people on the far right want to say he's a socialist, these things prove in no way, shape or form is that true.

2) I've seen for the last year or so at least he's had a very heavy effort to frame things in conservative ways first, and then expound on them. I noticed it first in his last State of the Union Address. That might be because of point 1, obviously, but I think it also has other reasons. I think he's doing this because it makes the far right even crazier. They look even worse to independents, because of this. It forces Romney to either not confront the issue or to go even further right and alienate more people. The "Obama is bad for business" sorts of stuff start to look silly if Obama can tout that corporate profits are up. Public employment and discretionary spending at a low level should also definitely be touted by him if they are indeed true, because, again, it makes the conservative argument that he's growing the government look downright crazy.

[PhoenixPause]

Meh, if Bush had chosen to go for a third go around he would be be, deservingly, riding his Bush recovery too, all the while being denied it by the mainstream media.

I would love to see how liberal blogs would be discussing the economy if this was President McCain. I can just imagine Kos questioning Ezra Klein's credibility for pointing out signs of recovery

[cartoon_soldier]

I would love to see how liberal blogs would be discussing the economy if this was President McCain. I can just imagine Kos questioning Ezra Klein's credibility for pointing out signs of recovery

It wouldn't have mattered as we would be in a 3rd war with Iran right now.

[Oblivion]

lol, I was about to post this: Obama Launches Campaign in Empty Arena Edit: lol, it's the top thing on Drudge, too.

Really, guys? You wanna play the attendee game? Sure, there was still a good chunk of seats left, but Romney would have killed for those numbers compared to what he got in Wisconsin.

"You guys laughed at Romney for having a few dozen attendees when Obama only managed to get in the range of 10 thousand! Who's incompetent NOW, HUH?!??"

[PhoenixPause]

Really, guys? You wanna play the attendee game? Sure, there was still a good chunk of seats left, but Romney would have killed for those numbers compared to what he got in Wisconsin. "You guys laughed at Romney for having a few dozen attendees when Obama only managed to get in the range of 10 thousand! Who's incompetent NOW, HUH?!??"

It reeks of Rove's "turn their strengths into weaknesses" mixed with false equivalencies. If Romney got 5k in the same venue they would argue both events were equally successful/not successful because both didn't sell out

[Oblivion]

It reeks of Rove's "turn their strengths into weaknesses" mixed with false equivalencies. If Romney got 5k in the same venue they would argue both events were equally successful/not successful because both didn't sell out

Yup. The only thing I'll give em is the fact that I agree Obama should have been able to have the whole stadium packed and more. The Chairman's ability to gather crowds SHOULD be second to none.

[Cyan]

It reeks of Rove's "turn their strengths into weaknesses" mixed with false equivalencies. If Romney got 5k in the same venue they would argue both events were equally successful/not successful because both didn't sell out

What? I don't understand this post. How is what you're saying here bad for Obama?

[Oblivion]

By the way, is today the OFFICIAL "official" beginning of the Obama campaign or what? I swear, I've been hearing this shit for several weeks since Santorum dropped out.

[DeathbyVolcano]

By the way, is today the OFFICIAL "official" beginning of the Obama campaign or what? I swear, I've been hearing this shit for several weeks since Santorum dropped out.

Yes, at least that's what the administration is saying.

[cartoon_soldier]

By the way, is today the OFFICIAL "official" beginning of the Obama campaign or what? I swear, I've been hearing this shit for several weeks since Santorum dropped out.

Because of the way the US Media works...incumbent Presidents have to avoid attacking their opponents in non-campaign events. So, this is the 1st campaign event for Obama.

[Aaron Strife]

Indiana senate: An interesting contrast to have between Joe Donnelly (D) and Richard Mourdock (R).

Hoosiers support the auto bailout 51-44, while Mourdock was the only public official in the country to challenge it in court. Donnelly's already started getting on him about it, so this could provide a pretty crucial issue in the campaign.

Winning Indiana will still be tough for any Democrat, but it's nice that Donnelly seems to be hitting the right notes. The auto bailout isn't as unpopular as previously thought and the results were better than expected. I think Donnelly's appeal will make him viable to the populist, middle-class "sensible" conservatism that exists in Indiana and the Midwest in general, and that flipped the state in 08 for Obama.

Also is pd really trying to say Obama can't get anyone to turn out to his rallies? lol christ What a desperate man.

[RDreamer]

Also is pd really trying to say Obama can't get anyone to turn out to his rallies? lol christ What a desperate man.

Huh? I don't believe he is. He's saying that the attack on Obama for the turnout reeks of Rove style turn their strengths into weaknesses mixed with false equivalencies.

[eBay Huckster]

Lackluster numbers if true. Seems like the thrill is gone

except we're in the middle of an exam period right now, and an absolute ton of people who I canvassed throughout last week also had to work during this rally

Yeah, it wasn't packed, but still a decent crowd. This 360 panoramic pic shows it off well.

yeah, it wasn't packed because the Schott is a really shitty venue for this sort of event

all of the lower seating and a good portion of the upper seating was still completely full

[Copernicus]

Until today I didn't know that Obama was even running for re election.

Cant he just executively sign himself into office?

[Suikoguy]

Until today I didn't know that Obama was even running for re election. Cant he just executively sign himself into office?

You would think so listening to some people, lol.

[Aaron Strife]

Huh? I don't believe he is. He's saying that the attack on Obama for the turnout reeks of Rove style turn their strengths into weaknesses mixed with false equivalencies.

This quote specifically

Lackluster numbers if true. Seems like the thrill is gone

If that were a troll post I couldn't tell the difference

[RDreamer]

This quote specifically If that were a troll post I couldn't tell the difference

Ah that one. It might not necessarily be a troll post. I mean if it is true the campaign was expecting or wanting overflow and didn't get that, then it is a little lackluster. And if it doesn't compare to 2008 then, again, a bit lackluster. I think equating that to saying he can't get anyone to come out is kind of silly.

I really think you guys give PD a bit of a hard time. I mean he does have some funny troll posts, but I don't see what's wrong with some of the things he's posting.

[speculawyer]

yeah, it wasn't packed because the Schott is a really shitty venue for this sort of event all of the lower seating and a good portion of the upper seating was still completely full

It is also May. Not a lot of draw to go to a campaign event for the default Dem nominee in May. It is not like there is a vote coming up soon. Mitt got smaller crowds while in the midst of a contentious primary battle.

[GhaleonEB]

Arizona:

Two convicted killers and a third dangerous criminal broke out of a medium security private prison facility in Kingman Arizona in July 2010. The escapees were eventually caught after a nationwide manhunt, but not before an Oklahoma couple was killed. The escape and murders that followed raised some serious questions about private prison safety standards and whether new policies should be put in place to prevent prison breaks from happening again. Two years later, Arizona lawmakers have decided to go in a different direction. Buried in the $8.6 billion budget proposal passed at the state Capitol this week is a plan to "eliminate the requirement for a quality and cost review of private prison contracts." It means there would no longer be an annual review of how private prisons operate.

That study found that in some cases private prisons cost taxpayers more than state-run facilities. "Some people are saying we are not reviewing private prisons," said Kavanaugh. "That's not true. Every private prison we have has standards and requires DOC on-site inspectors be present at every prison to make sure it is run properly." Campbell and other Democrats claim there's more to it, suggesting that by getting rid of the data on private prisons that show how expensive they are, will simply make it easier to get more built in the future, said Campbell. "This is what I believe is a hand out to private prison corporations operating in Arizona right now," Campbell said.

http://www.kpho.com/story/18143695/s...rivate-prisons

The very concept of a for-profit prison scares the hell out of me, much less one with oversight getting gutted.

[cartoon_soldier]

Arizona: http://www.kpho.com/story/18143695/s...rivate-prisons The very concept of a for-profit prison scares the hell out of me, much less one with oversight getting gutted.

The obsession among right wing politicians with privatization of security is frightening.

[sc0la]

Well here's where we start to find out if this meager recovery has any steam. Even states with 10%+ unemployment are being notified by the Labor Department that Fed-ED extended benefits are getting ended. http://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/F...Extensions.htm

In California these notices went out thus week that notifies anyone who qualified for the final tier FedED UI extension (weeks 79-99) are ending as of May 12. Even if you have benefits left they are being terminated so someone who just started week 79 and was expecting to have up to 20 more weeks of UI is ending now. That is a maximum of 9,000$ in benefits over 5 months.

The state estimates that this will effect over 90,000 unemployed Californians (though no data was given on the average number of expected weeks are getting terminated for these individuals)

This could get ugly.

[RDreamer]

The obsession among right wing politicians with privatization of security is frightening.

I think with the current sway that money and corporations have upon our government the swing to private prisons is in a whole realm beyond frightening. The fact that what would or could be in their best interest, and the things that they would likely push through our government could literally be at odds with society as a whole is nothing short of horrifying.

[sc0la]

I think with the current sway that money and corporations have upon our government the swing to private prisons is in a whole realm beyond frightening. The fact that what would or could be in their best interest, and the things that they would likely push through our government could literally be at odds with society as a whole is nothing short of horrifying.

You thought the "tough on crime/ weak on crime" shtick of the 80s and 90s was bad. Wait until you have prison industrial complex superPACs blanketing the airwaives with FUD about criminals and hard sentencing tactics like mandatory minimums and "three strikes" style laws.

It will be in their interest to increase incarcirations, length and severity of sentences all at taxpayer expense.

Jaywalking in a school zone? GO TO PRISON

[speculawyer]

I think with the current sway that money and corporations have upon our government the swing to private prisons is in a whole realm beyond frightening. The fact that what would or could be in their best interest, and the things that they would likely push through our government could literally be at odds with society as a whole is nothing short of horrifying.

Of course it can happen with public prisons as well. The California Correctional Officer Union is a bit too powerful and can also cause bad policy.

[TacticalFox88]

Arizona: http://www.kpho.com/story/18143695/s...rivate-prisons The very concept of a for-profit prison scares the hell out of me, much less one with oversight getting gutted.

Who's bright idea was it to HAVE private prisons in the first place?

[Suikoguy]

Who's bright idea was it to HAVE private prisons in the first place?

People who think the Government can't do anything right.
Private for profit companies can obviously do a better job...

The legal system is what jails people. The Legal system is maintained by the government, and so the government should maintain the jails. It's not that complicated.

[sc0la]

People who think the Government can't do anything right. Private for profit companies can obviously do a better job... The legal system is what jails people. The Legal system is maintained by the government, and so the government should maintain the jails. It's not that complicated.

You are looking at it backwards. Government is the problem, privatize the legal system! Corporate cops, judges and juries woohoo.

What could go wrong?

[quadriplegicjon]

The obsession among right wing politicians with privatization of security is frightening.

Privatize and deregulate. It's insane.

[empty vessel]

People who think the Government can't do anything right. Private for profit companies can obviously do a better job... The legal system is what jails people. The Legal system is maintained by the government, and so the government should maintain the jails. It's not that complicated.

OR, we could privatize the judicial system.

Edit: Oh shit, I see I was beaten. And why not, when it just makes so much sense.

[Oblivion]

Can we also privatize the military. Then we can support the troops real proper like.



Anyway, Real Time's panel was great this episode going after the Giuliani flack for saying that Obama's the most radical, leftist president ever. But one thing I wish they caught was when she kept saying that the individual mandate was a creation of the left and that Nancy Pelosi (!) had to pull Obama into supporting that to get the HCR bill passed? Wtf?

[Copernicus]

Who's bright idea was it to HAVE private prisons in the first place?

The guys with empty lots in the middle of nowhere.

Looks like it's paid off.

[Diablos]

lol, I was about to post this: Obama Launches Campaign in Empty Arena Edit: lol, it's the top thing on Drudge, too.

What a fucking non-story.

If they can't find anything to complain about, they'll make something up...

We are surrounded by rampant senseless negativity in every corner of the media. Our state of discourse is continuing to go down the toilet.

P.S. Fuck the GOP.

[Oblivion]

Also, too. Maher really killed it with New Rules this week:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8WCb...eature=related

[Oblivion]

Wow, check out this piece of stellar "reporting':

After introducing his first guests, Matthews said, "Today’s jobs report was a mixed bag of course. 115,000 jobs were added to payrolls in April. The unemployment rate did drop to 8.1 percent, the lowest rate since President Obama took office." No! As the following chart from the Bureau of Labor Statistics clearly shows, the unemployment rate was 7.3 percent when Obama was sworn in. However, as Inauguration Day is January 20, most people consider a new president's starting point as far as jobs are concerned to be that January's number. As such, Obama's term began with unemployment at 7.8 percent. We of course are used to liberal media members distorting economic data for this president's benefit. But to falsely say unemployment is now at "the lowest rate since" Obama took office is either the height of ignorance, dishonesty, or both. Sadly, this is pretty commonplace on this so-called "news network" these days.

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sh...est-obama-took


Got that? Obama had a 7.8% unemployment race his first "official" month in office, even though he had a little more than a week left to actually do anything.

Right wing journalism at its finest.

[makingmusic476]

Wow, check out this piece of stellar "reporting': http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sh...est-obama-took Got that? Obama had a 7.8% unemployment race his first "official" month in office, even though he had a little more than a week left to actually do anything. Right wing journalism at its finest.

Why did I read those comments? >_<

[Oblivion]

I finally saw that "Julia" thing. Pretty durn good. Unfortunately, some folks at the Heritage Foundation didn't seem as smitten, so they created their own version:

http://blog.heritage.org/a-better-li...FWcHRQod0Gj93A

[SouthernDragon]

The profit incentive does not always work as intended.

Private prisons is only one such example. Insurance is another.

[speculawyer]

Also, too. Maher really killed it with New Rules this week: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8WCb...eature=related

Yeah, that charity bit was excellent.

[Black Republican]

Any Mormons here or know any freinds or family who are excited about a possible Mormon president?

[jaxword]

Any Mormons here or know any freinds or family who are excited about a possible Mormon president?

I have a Mormon classmate from a smaller town, though he's pretty liberal and claims he doesn't really buy into everything the "old guys back home" push (i.e. the multiple wives).

He's pretty apathetic about the possibility of a Mormon president, saying that "Romney's Mormonism" isn't the same as "My childhood Mormonism."

So he basically says it wouldn't really affect his home church's practices either way if Obama or Romney won, they'd continue on doing what they want. In the end, that's probably true of a lot of religious towns; they'll do their own thing and keep out of the national eye.

[quadriplegicjon]

I finally saw that "Julia" thing. Pretty durn good. Unfortunately, some folks at the Heritage Foundation didn't seem as smitten, so they created their own version: http://blog.heritage.org/a-better-li...FWcHRQod0Gj93A

Did they just steal all the assets and just change the text?

[AlteredBeast]

Any Mormons here or know any freinds or family who are excited about a possible Mormon president?

Eh, if he lived by mormon practices more often I would be more excited but he doesn't seem to have much interest in caring for the poor or sick and instead caters only to the wealthy and the bootstrap crowd. I was excited in 2008. The man who passed HealthCare legislation in Massachusetts, raised taxes when needed, had a balanced budget, closed tax loopholes for many, and so on became a blundering fool.

[Rocket Scientist]

Did they just steal all the assets and just change the text?

Not an expert but after looking at the slides side by side, it seems like they just print screened the images and used them in their version yes. At least I'm guessing that because there seems to be jpeg compression or what is it called. It just looks very similar to how something would look when you print screened it and then pasted it somewhere else. Frames are exactly the same besides that.

[quadriplegicjon]

Not an expert but after looking at the slides side by side, it seems like they just print screened the images and used them in their version yes. At least I'm guessing that because there seems to be jpeg compression or what is it called. It just looks very similar to how something would look when you print screened it and then pasted it somewhere else. Frames are exactly the same besides that.

From Obama's site. Copyright? lol what is that!?!

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