I just got home and noticed that President Obama has just started his post election press conference. He began by talking about extending the middle class tax cuts and letting the Bush tax cuts for the top 2% expire.
Now he’s opened it up for questions. I’ll update in the comments.
Comments
56 responses to “Open Thread: Presidential Press Conference”
Question about the Petraeus matter. Have there been any leaks of classified info? Obama says that so far he has no evidence that any classified material has been compromised. He praised Petraeus’s service to the country, but he didn’t live up to his own expectations and therefore he resigned.
Jessica yellen asked if he’s going to cave on the tax cuts policy and other fiscal cliff items.
He’s saying it was a one time proposition and that we can’t extend the tax cuts for the wealthy.
Question about Bush tax cuts. Two years ago, you said you wanted them to expire and then let them be extended. Why should we believe you now–that you won’t do the same thing again?
Obama says that two years ago the economy was in worse shape. He said then that he would not do it again. He meant what he said and will stick to it. He says that if we increase the taxes on the top 2% that will get rid of half of the deficit.
We have to look at reforming entitlements and other cuts. He believes a package can be shaped that will be accepted by both parties. It would be OK to close some loopholes, but he is not going to change his mind about ending the tax cuts for the rich people who don’t need them. If you’re serious about the deficit you can’t just close loopholes.
“Reforming entitlements” is Obamaspeak for cutting Medicare, Medicaid an Social Security. Get ready to march in the streets, people.
What he actually said was he wanted to make sure anything would be done in the right way. But he told all the union leaders yesterday that Social Security was not on the table for deficit reduction because it’s not part of the deficit. They said they’ll fight him if he doesn’t stick to that.
The folks that came out of that meeting were really pleased. He really had the liberal base of the party on parade in that meeting too.
BB, I like the sound of that! But I notice you didn’t mention Medicare/Medicaid. Did he make a similar promise with regard to those programs?
I know you will keep your eagle eyes on this. I feel we must be ready to fight for our social safety net. It would be great if we didn’t have to, of course.
Trust but verify.
And, trust the actions not the words.
Obama says that more voters agreed with him on the tax cuts for the rich even than voted for him. We’re not going to hold the middle class cuts hostage for the rich.
We could get the middle class tax cuts taken care of by next week he says.
Question: Will you send legislation to congress on immigration reform–unlike during your first term?
Obama was encouraged by the large Latino turnout. Pleased to see there is a sense of empowerment in the community. It will be good for the country. Also a positive sign that some Republicans want to enact immigration reform.
Wants a dream act, pathway to citizenship.
He’s talking about a number of points and its quite comprehensive. He seems optimistic about getting something done.
Chuck Todd doing two follow ups on Patreus and Tax rates.
Obama says he’s withholding judgment on the way the FBI handed the Patreus thing until more is known and the results of FBI internal investigation is done.
I guess Chuck is worried about his taxes going up.
yeah, he does some overly worried about that doesn’t he ?
Chuck Todd: Are you withholding judgment on whether you should have known sooner about the Petraeus investigation.
Is there any way he wouldn’t return to the Clinton tax cuts? Not sure I understood that one–for the rich or everyone?
Says he’s open to new ideas for raising revenue while maintaining progressivity and encouraging growth, he’ll consider it.
Says compromise is hard and not everything each side wants can be done. But he’s not going to fool around with unidentified or vague loopholes, etc.
The wealthy must pay more, as much as they should be paying. The American people understood this when they voted for me. Middle class should not bear the entire burden. That is my guiding principle during negotiations and for next four years.
No ones asked about the grand bargain yet.
That’s true.
Question: You said you wanted to sit down with Romney and talk about ways to work together.
WTH for?
Obama says he forgot all about it. But Romney did a good job running the Olympics. They will likely meet sometime.
Say what? Obama forgot about his saying he would sit down with Romney to get Romney to work with him?? Reeeeaaalllly?
Question about whether Obama will make efforts to reach out to people and work together.
Stupid question.
Jonathan Karl: The Repubs want to hold Watergate-style hearings on Benghazi and that they will fight tooth and nail to keep Susan Rice from being SOS.
Obama won’t comment on appointments, but praises Susan Rice. If McCain or anyone else want to go after someone, they should go after me. Rice was just presenting info that she had been getting. To besmirch her reputation is outrageous. We will cooperate with Congress in any way. We’ve revealed everything we know and when the investigation is complete, Congress will have that.
Going after the UN ambassador just because she’s an easy target, you’ll have a problem with me.
Wow, he’s really standing up for Rice.
I really liked that.
Question on whether he really thinks he has a mandate.
Obama said he didn’t get reelected just to bask in the victory. He was elected to get things done.
Question about going over the fiscal cliff and about Iran.
BRB…
I liked his reply that he can easily see us going over the fiscal cliff, if everybody is stubborn.
Since it’s a long easy slope, going over the cliff will be like stepping over a curb, actually.
Question about what Obama plans to do about climate change and does he think there is the political will to pass a carbon tax?
Obama: We can know whether a particular weather event is caused by climate change, but he believes it is real and is affected by human behavior.
In first term we doubled fuel efficiency. Over next several months will have wide range of conversations with scientists, engineers, and elected officials about what we can do to make short term progress and work on public education for long term
We can’t ignore jobs and growth for climate change.
Those things aren’t mutually exclusive, but the Right has made it seem that both can’t exist in the same reality.
He did say they are both important issues, but he’s really focused right now on taking care of the middle class tax cuts.
Last question: Syria. Would US ever consider arming rebels?
US Envoys will be talking to reps of rebels soon along with envoys from other countries. We want a democratic, inclusive, moderate Syria.
We’re already arming rebels. We’re fomenting rebellion and war, aiding Libyan fighters in getting to Syria. But that can’t be said.
Barack Obama needs to do more press conferences. He was really good and seemed very strong to me.
Hooray for standing up for Susan Rice. I’ve had enough of those asshats myself.
I agree. I think, overall, he did an excellent job. He seemed at ease, honest & confident but not arrogant. Unlike Bush’s I’VE GOT CAPITAL bull$hit following his 2nd term win. Regardless of my lack of support for some of Obama’s policies, I am so glad Bush is long gone & Romney has retreated to his alternate reality.
His tone was damn near pitch perfect. I don’t support all of his policies either but he is SO much better than the alternatives!
Definitely. He came across as very strong and confidence. All he has to do is follow through, and I’m beginning to believe he will.
I watched the press conference too and I have more to say but I just had to bring this up from the last thread.
I don’t know if anyone has seen what Li’Luke Russert ask Nancy Pelosi today but it is just unbelievable. I bet no one at MSNBC will call out this little know nothing shit
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/11/14/russert-demands-to-know-if-pelosi-is-too-old-to-lead-house-democrats/
Andrea Mitchell did bring it up with Campbell Brown and they just giggled Asshats.
Class case of nepotism FAIL in a big way!!!!!
Asshole! He shouldn’t even have a job at NBC.
From TPM… Dancin Dave is gonna grovel before an irrelevant senator.
He’s up for re-election in 2 years. He’s scrambling.
Did Cantor Intimidate FBI in Petraeus Affair to Support @FOXNews Benghazi Propaganda Campaign? http://truth-out.org/buzzflash/commentary/item/17641-did-cantor-intimidate-fbi-in-petraeus-affair-to-support-fox-benghazi-propaganda-campaign … via @buzzflash