Obama rips lobbyists but then....

[highland145]

Invites them to special meetings on Monday and Thursday. I would be embarrassed to ask them for $$ after the State of the Union bashing (with lots of applause from fellow dems) but, then again, I'm not a politician.

http://thehill.com/homenews/adminis...ration-invites-lobbyists-to-private-briefings

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Now that's a surprise.

 

[StageLeft]

Obama says one thing and does another like many politicians. He is in good company and no better than most of them, either. Perhaps he's worse because he appears so two-faced.

 

[PokerGuy]

He's obviously a very polished liar, an excellent trait for a politician. That's why you can't trust a word he says. Hope and change.

 

[Bowfinger]

Invites them to special meetings on Monday and Thursday. I would be embarrassed to ask them for $$ after the State of the Union bashing (with lots of applause from fellow dems) but, then again, I'm not a politician.

http://thehill.com/homenews/adminis...ration-invites-lobbyists-to-private-briefings

Except there's nothing in the piece suggesting these meetings will be asking for money. Given that these meetings apparently normally include "hundreds of people" including governors, civic leaders, church leaders, etc., it would seem most likely the opposite is true.

It's unfortunate some bottom-feeding K Street lobbyist got his feelings hurt and decided to whine to a blogger about how badly oppressed he is. It's hilarious that thinking-impaired wing-nuts are getting all frothed up again based on his cries. It's a big reason why they have been and will remain marginalized; they are so overwhelmed with hatred they are incapable of differentiating between valid issues and partisan tripe. After crying wolf for a year, nobody cares what they have to say.

 

[highland145]

Except there's nothing in the piece suggesting these meetings will be asking for money. Given that these meetings apparently normally include "hundreds of people" including governors, civic leaders, church leaders, etc., it would seem most likely the opposite is true.

I didn't say Puffy was going to ask for $$.

Sorry, I must have misunderstood the function of lobbyists. Maybe they are just community organizers.

One lobbyist said, “Bash lobbyists, then reach out to us. Bash lobbyists [while] I have received four Democratic invitations for fundraisers.”

For example, lobbyists and others were invited to a teleconference with “senior Obama administration officials” on Monday to discuss the administration’s plan to improve the lives of middle-class families.

That couldn't be for money, could it?

 

[PokerGuy]

After crying wolf for a year, nobody cares what they have to say.

Oh trust me, all the idiots in congress are going to care what 'they' have to say when they get walloped at the ballot box. Coakley didn't care what those 'right wing crazies' had to say either.

 

[Genx87]

It will be equally as funny if Obamacare gets passed and then he tries to reach out to the SCOTUS. Not sure who is advising Obama. But I suggest firing them. He is burning bridges he needs to cross in order to pass his vision for America.

 

[Craig234]

It will be equally as funny if Obamacare gets passed and then he tries to reach out to the SCOTUS. Not sure who is advising Obama. But I suggest firing them. He is burning bridges he needs to cross in order to pass his vision for America.

Get a clue. The radical right-winger are about as affected by Obams talking pretty to them as Al Queda leaders. Their agenda is set. He's doing the right thing speaking out against them.

He didn't cross lines - he was appropriately polite, he didnt raise any constitutional crisis not to follow a decision he disagrees with.

 

[rudder]

You lie!

 

[kage69]

Does anyone have any knowledge of what the meetings covered?

I'd be curious to know who exactly sent that lobbyist invitations, as 'Democrats' isn't too specific and Obama doesn't orchestrate the schedule of the party the same way Bush didn't for the GOP.

I'd like to know if it was a series of business as usual appeals for money, or if it was more like a stern talking to, before I pass judgment on this. Since the Dem party is flush with cash at the moment, I'll take the claims of begging for money with a big ol scoop of salt.

 

[blackangst1]

Except there's nothing in the piece suggesting these meetings will be asking for money. Given that these meetings apparently normally include "hundreds of people" including governors, civic leaders, church leaders, etc., it would seem most likely the opposite is true.

It's unfortunate some bottom-feeding K Street lobbyist got his feelings hurt and decided to whine to a blogger about how badly oppressed he is. It's hilarious that thinking-impaired wing-nuts are getting all frothed up again based on his cries. It's a big reason why they have been and will remain marginalized; they are so overwhelmed with hatred they are incapable of differentiating between valid issues and partisan tripe. After crying wolf for a year, nobody cares what they have to say.

Politicians typically dont "ask" for money. But rather, it is offered. Big difference. Im not sasying thats what this meeting was about, but just wanted to clarify.

Back to the OP...one thing that IS clear about the Obama administration...this group of Democrats, this year, has received more lobbyist money than any previous administration. So Obama's words are pretty empty.

 

[highland145]

Does anyone have any knowledge of what the meetings covered?

They were "not for the press" but the Monday meeting: For example, lobbyists and others were invited to a teleconference with “senior Obama administration officials” on Monday to discuss the administration’s plan to improve the lives of middle-class families.

That looks like $$ to me.

 

[ccbadd]

Get a clue. The radical right-winger are about as affected by Obams talking pretty to them as Al Queda leaders. Their agenda is set. He's doing the right thing speaking out against them.

He didn't cross lines - he was appropriately polite, he didnt raise any constitutional crisis not to follow a decision he disagrees with.

What an idiot! He attacked them in a place that they can not defend themselves. Fortunately the SCOTUS does have class, sorely lacking in obama, and took it. Even the jackass Dems behind them prodding. The entire Democrat party have devolved into trailer park trash!

 

[Bowfinger]

Originally Posted by Bowfinger
Except there's nothing in the piece suggesting these meetings will be asking for money. Given that these meetings apparently normally include "hundreds of people" including governors, civic leaders, church leaders, etc., it would seem most likely the opposite is true.

I didn't say Puffy was going to ask for $$.

Ah. What were you trying to suggest by, " I would be embarrassed to ask them for $$ after the State of the Union bashing" then?

Sorry, I must have misunderstood the function of lobbyists. Maybe they are just community organizers.

Indeed, you seem to misunderstand the role of lobbyists. They are the liaison between their clients and the government. Part of this role involves trying to influence government, in part through "contributions" (i.e., legalized bribery), but more through persuasion and access. The other part of their role involves relaying communications from government to their clients. Based on the information actually in your piece (as opposed to the wing-nut spin), these calls seem to focus on this second role, of government communication to various parties including both lobbyists and "hundreds of [other] people."

One lobbyist said, “Bash lobbyists, then reach out to us. Bash lobbyists [while] I have received four Democratic invitations for fundraisers.”

Yes, but there's no information indicating these fundraiser invitations came from the Obama administration as opposed to the DNC or specific Democratic Congressmen.

For example, lobbyists and others were invited to a teleconference with “senior Obama administration officials” on Monday to discuss the administration’s plan to improve the lives of middle-class families.

That couldn't be for money, could it?

Certainly it could be. It could be to reveal the alien bodies hidden in Area 51. It could be for almost anything your fevered imagination can conjure. Based on YOUR article, however, it's to discuss the administration's agenda and get feedback.


The bottom line is Obama can't win with the lunatic fringe. If he reaches out to lobbyists, you shriek because he's looking for money. If he cut them out entirely, you'd blast him for refusing to collaborate with business. You're so filled with hatred you're incapable of reasonable criticism. The net result is the many valid criticisms of the Obama administration are lost in din of infantile wailing. He should send you all Thank You cards because you're helping him get away with some really questionable stuff.

 

[Bowfinger]

Oh trust me, all the idiots in congress are going to care what 'they' have to say when they get walloped at the ballot box. Coakley didn't care what those 'right wing crazies' had to say either.

You overestimate yourself. The public is angry, but you do NOT represent them any more than the fringe elements on the left represented the public as a whole in 2006.

 

[Genx87]

Get a clue. The radical right-winger are about as affected by Obams talking pretty to them as Al Queda leaders. Their agenda is set. He's doing the right thing speaking out against them.

He didn't cross lines - he was appropriately polite, he didnt raise any constitutional crisis not to follow a decision he disagrees with.

Who said anything about the radical right?

 

[highland145]

Ah. What were you trying to suggest by, " I would be embarrassed to ask them for $$ after the State of the Union bashing" then?


Indeed, you seem to misunderstand the role of lobbyists. They are the liaison between their clients and the government. Part of this role involves trying to influence government, in part through "contributions" (i.e., legalized bribery), but more through persuasion and access. The other part of their role involves relaying communications from government to their clients. Based on the information actually in your piece (as opposed to the wing-nut spin), these calls seem to focus on this second role, of government communication to various parties including both lobbyists and "hundreds of [other] people."


Yes, but there's no information indicating these fundraiser invitations came from the Obama administration as opposed to the DNC or specific Democratic Congressmen.


Certainly it could be. It could be to reveal the alien bodies hidden in Area 51. It could be for almost anything your fevered imagination can conjure. Based on YOUR article, however, it's to discuss the administration's agenda and get feedback.


The bottom line is Obama can't win with the lunatic fringe. If he reaches out to lobbyists, you shriek because he's looking for money. If he cut them out entirely, you'd blast him for refusing to collaborate with business. You're so filled with hatred you're incapable of reasonable criticism. The net result is the many valid criticisms of the Obama administration are lost in din of infantile wailing. He should send you all Thank You cards because you're helping him get away with some really questionable stuff.

I was suggesting applauding dems in general and did not specifically say Puffy.

Nice definition of a lobbyist. However, if they have no $$ they have no access so it's still and always about the $$.

Once again, I didn't specifically point out Puffy but dems in general. Of course that would apply to repubs if the shoe were on the other foot.

Thanks for pointing out and your concern over my fevered imagination. I'll take an aspirin.

 

[Moonbeam]

I will throw a roadblock and quote any source that fucks over Obama's attempt to curb the influence of lobbyists. We can't allow the Democrats to save the nation. It will make it a lot harder for us in the party of death and assholes to get re-elected. Fuck you, Obama, you worthless piece of shit.

 

[highland145]

I will throw a roadblock and quote any source that fucks over Obama's attempt to curb the influence of lobbyists. We can't allow the Democrats to save the nation. It will make it a lot harder for us in the party of death and assholes to get re-elected. Fuck you, Obama, you worthless piece of shit.

I'm looking for the curbing but not seeing it. When you find it, I'll be HAPPY to use that same curb to bash Republican supported lobbyists. Look how bipartisan I am.

 

[Bowfinger]

I was suggesting applauding dems in general and did not specifically say Puffy.

Don't run from your own words. It reflects poorly on your integrity:

"Obama rips lobbyists but then ..." and "I would be embarrassed to ask them for $$ after the State of the Union bashing." In case you missed it, it was Obama who gave the State of the Union, not "dems in general."

Nice definition of a lobbyist. However, if they have no $$ they have no access so it's still and always about the $$.

Sorry, you are simply mistaken. Your problem is you're engaging in conjecture based on A caricature of lobbyists rather than offering informed ideas based on fact. Lobbying often involves dollars but often does not. Interested parties can get access to elected officials without paying them (though I absolutely agree throwing dollars into the pot tends to get you better and more frequent access).

Once again, I didn't specifically point out Puffy but dems in general. Of course that would apply to repubs if the shoe were on the other foot.

Thanks for pointing out and your concern over my fevered imagination. I'll take an aspirin.

My pleasure.

 

[Bowfinger]

I'm looking for the curbing but not seeing it. When you find it, I'll be HAPPY to use that same curb to bash Republican supported lobbyists. Look how bipartisan I am.

That's a criticism I can agree with. I see little evidence Obama's made any significant changes to limit the influence of special interest money. He's said lots of the right things, but I'm not seeing those words matched by substantive actions.

 

[woolfe9999]

Does anyone have any knowledge of what the meetings covered?

I'd be curious to know who exactly sent that lobbyist invitations, as 'Democrats' isn't too specific and Obama doesn't orchestrate the schedule of the party the same way Bush didn't for the GOP.

I'd like to know if it was a series of business as usual appeals for money, or if it was more like a stern talking to, before I pass judgment on this. Since the Dem party is flush with cash at the moment, I'll take the claims of begging for money with a big ol scoop of salt.

The linked article discusses the purpose of the conference calls. They are to discuss aspects of the SOU address, including the transparency remarks. Put two and two together.

But none of this will stop the moronic troop of kneejerk anti-Obama reactions.

- wolf

 

[highland145]

Don't run from your own words. It reflects poorly on your integrity:

"Obama rips lobbyists but then ..." and "I would be embarrassed to ask them for $$ after the State of the Union bashing." In case you missed it, it was Obama who gave the State of the Union, not "dems in general."



Sorry, you are simply mistaken. Your problem is you're engaging in conjecture based on A caricature of lobbyists rather than offering informed ideas based on fact. Lobbying often involves dollars but often does not. Interested parties can get access to elected officials without paying them (though I absolutely agree throwing dollars into the pot tends to get you better and more frequent access).



My pleasure.

This is exactly what I said without your editing: "I would be embarrassed to ask them for $$ after the State of the Union bashing (with lots of applause from fellow dems) but, then again, I'm not a politician." So I'm thinking my integrity is still intact.

In case you missed who was applauding, I could link you a youtube.

The article quotes a lobbyist that has been asked for $$ by dems after the Address.

Do you have any examples of poor lobbyists that have W.H. access? I wouldn't want to be misinformed by a caricature.

 

[kage69]

The linked article discusses the purpose of the conference calls. They are to discuss aspects of the SOU address, including the transparency remarks. Put two and two together.

More is required than simple digits if you are adding "teleconference" to "background information" and hoping for the sum to equal "donations." If this was an actual fundraiser, then that would be different.