[TRASIAOREXOLA]

Shelia Jackson Lee: Congress complicating debt ceiling because Obama is black By Josiah Ryan -07/15/11 03:02 PM ET

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) on Friday strongly suggested that members of Congress are making it difficult for President Obama to raise the debt ceiling because of his race. "I do not understand what I think is the maligning and maliciousness [toward] this president,” saidackson Lee, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. “Why is he different? And in my community, that is the question that we raise. In the minority community that is question that is being raised. Why is this president being treated so disrespectfully? Why has the debt limit been raised 60 times? Why did the leader of the Senate continually talk about his job is to bring the president down to make sure he is unelected?”

Eiarlier in her speech, Jackson Lee said Obama has been targeted unlike any other president. "I am particularly sensitive to the fact that only this president —only this one, only this one —has received the kind of attacks and disagreement and inability to work, only this one," said Jackson Lee from the House floor. "Read between the lines," she continued. "What is different about this president that should put him in a position that he should not receive the same kind of respectful treatment of when it is necessary to raise the debt limit in order to pay our bills, something required by both statute and the 14th amendment?"ackson Lee concluded by saying that she hoped someone would step up and say that what appears obvious to her is not in fact true. "I hope someone will say that what it appears to be is not in fact accurate," said Lee. "But historically it seems to be nothing more."

[Corryikilelet]

Shelia Jackson Lee: Congress complicating debt ceiling because Obama is black By Josiah Ryan -07/15/11 03:02 PM ET

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) on Friday strongly suggested that members of Congress are making it difficult for President Obama to raise the debt ceiling because of his race. "I do not understand what I think is the maligning and maliciousness [toward] this president,” saidackson Lee, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. “Why is he different? And in my community, that is the question that we raise. In the minority community that is question that is being raised. Why is this president being treated so disrespectfully? Why has the debt limit been raised 60 times? Why did the leader of the Senate continually talk about his job is to bring the president down to make sure he is unelected?”

Eiarlier in her speech, Jackson Lee said Obama has been targeted unlike any other president. "I am particularly sensitive to the fact that only this president —only this one, only this one —has received the kind of attacks and disagreement and inability to work, only this one," said Jackson Lee from the House floor. "Read between the lines," she continued. "What is different about this president that should put him in a position that he should not receive the same kind of respectful treatment of when it is necessary to raise the debt limit in order to pay our bills, something required by both statute and the 14th amendment?"ackson Lee concluded by saying that she hoped someone would step up and say that what appears obvious to her is not in fact true. "I hope someone will say that what it appears to be is not in fact accurate," said Lee. "But historically it seems to be nothing more."

I disagree with her. BUT

I don't think the current GOP accepts the legitimacy of any Democratic president. I recall Bill Clinton being treated as poorly. I mean they impeached the guy over a blowjob.

Yet I can tell you this Jack-in my neighborhood (white Italian South Philly) the usual bigots are particularly worked up about this black president. And some of them are democrats.

[Optipitle]

I disagree with her. BUT

I don't think the current GOP accepts the legitimacy of any Democratic president. I recall Bill Clinton being treated as poorly. I mean they impeached the guy over a blowjob.

Yet I can tell you this Jack-in my neighborhood (white Italian South Philly) the usual bigots are particularly worked up about this black president. And some of them are democrats.

If only republicans would treat Obama with the same respect that democrats treated Bush with. Oh wait...

And if you want to talk racism...

White voters: 43% Obama, 55% McCain
Black voters: 95% Obama, 4% McCain

[Serereids]

Black voters historically: 90% Democrat

So yeah, let's talk racism...

(Might as well close this one now, Malloy)

[Pvfcadbh]

If only republicans would treat Obama with the same respect that democrats treated Bush with. Oh wait...

And if you want to talk racism...

White voters: 43% Obama, 55% McCain
Black voters: 95% Obama, 4% McCain

This should tell you that black voters voted right along where they normally vote and that (well with your logic) 43% of the white voters don't like white people.

Is that what you're saying?

As for respect, I don't seem to recall any Democrats screaming "You Lie!" during any of Bush's speeches. Feel free to correct me there however.

[Crilosajsamq]

This should tell you that black voters voted right along where they normally vote and that (well with your logic) 43% of the white voters don't like white people.

Is that what you're saying?

As for respect, I don't seem to recall any Democrats screaming "You Lie!" during any of Bush's speeches. Feel free to correct me there however.

So why is it that 90% of blacks are democrats?

I seem to recall plenty of buck fush bumper stickers as just one example. Please don't try to deny the Bush hatred.

[masterso]

If only republicans would treat Obama with the same respect that democrats treated Bush with. Oh wait...

And if you want to talk racism...

White voters: 43% Obama, 55% McCain
Black voters: 95% Obama, 4% McCain

How did Pennsylvanian Blacks vote in Rendell vs. Swann?

So why is it that 90% of blacks are democrats?

There are a number of reasons--urban living, lower wages, etc., etc.--but you implied the reason Blacks voted for Obama was race, a factor which swayed very few Black voters from how they would have otherwise voted.

[lollypop]

So why is it that 90% of blacks are democrats?

Southern Strategy.

[Agehoobionibe]

So why is it that 90% of blacks are democrats?

So you want a history lesson that you're going to ignore anyway?

Did you know that 88% of the black voters in 2004 voted for Kerry? Black voting drifted from Republican support when Roosevelt proposed support to them in the 30s and again when Kennedy and Johnson came on the scene during the civil rights era. But hey, we wouldn't want facts in this discussion would we?

I seem to recall plenty of buck fush bumper stickers as just one example. Please don't try to deny the Bush hatred. So you're saying 95% of the black voters had buck fush bumper stickers and you saw them all thus black people voted for Obama because he's black.

I'm sure that it had nothing to do with Bush being a crappy president, McCain choosing Palin as his running mate, her being as dumb as a stump, and him doddering around like an old drunk during debates.

[RemiVedia]

This should tell you that black voters voted right along where they normally vote and that (well with your logic) 43% of the white voters don't like white people.

Is that what you're saying?

As for respect, I don't seem to recall any Democrats screaming "You Lie!" during any of Bush's speeches. Feel free to correct me there however.

“President Bush is a liar. He betrayed Nevada and he betrayed the country.” -Sen. Harry Reid

Not that I have any problem with what he said ... we still have some freedoms left

[Lerpenoaneway]

There are a number of reasons--urban living, lower wages, etc., etc.--but you implied the reason Blacks voted for Obama was race, a factor which swayed very few Black voters from how they would have otherwise voted.

My point was more to show that the white vote was much more split than the black vote. While my example may have been flawed (I still don't understand how you can get 95% of the vote of ANY one demographic... especially when Bush got 11% in 2004) I don't understand Shelia Jackson Lee's theory that everyone is making it hard on Obama because he is black. If America was such a racist country how could he be elected in the first place?

It's just a terrible accusation that does nothing to further the conversation.

[hacyOrgachbic]

So you want a history lesson that you're going to ignore anyway?

Did you know that 88% of the black voters in 2004 voted for Kerry? Black voting drifted from Republican support when Roosevelt proposed support to them in the 30s and again when Kennedy and Johnson came on the scene during the civil rights era. But hey, we wouldn't want facts in this discussion would we?


So you're saying 95% of the black voters had buck fush bumper stickers and you saw them all thus black people voted for Obama because he's black.

I'm sure that it had nothing to do with Bush being a crappy president, McCain choosing Palin as his running mate, her being as dumb as a stump, and him doddering around like an old drunk during debates.

Yes, Bush had 11% of the black vote in 2004... how does that drop to 4% to McCain and race not be an issue? How could voting for the first black president not be an issue?

How did I say 95% of black voters have buck fush bumper stickers? I was pointing out that Bush was not treated by democrats with the respect for the presidency that democrats are demanding Obama receive now.

Also as you just demonstrated by attacking those politicians personally, the majority of attacks are not on Obama as a person, they are on his policy decisions.

[mas-dkt-sive]

“President Bush is a liar. He betrayed Nevada and he betrayed the country.” -Sen. Harry Reid

And was that during a speech? No.

FactCheck.org: A Premature Attack

Reid originally called Bush a "liar" in 2002 after a speech that Bush gave about storing nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain in Nevada, saying, " President Bush is a liar. He betrayed Nevada and the betrayed the country."

Reid questioned Bush’s truthfulness again in late April of 2005 in the midst of the battle over judicial filibusters in the Senate. In a press release, Reid said:

Harry Reid, April 5:Last week, I met with the president and was encouraged when he told me he would not become involved in Republican efforts to break the Senate rules. Now, it appears he was not being honest, and that the White House is encouraging this raw abuse of power.

Reid made another personal attack on Bush at Del Sol High School in Nevada on May 6, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

Reid, May 6: The man's father is a wonderful human being. I think this guy is a loser.

Later, in an interview with Rolling Stone from June 2, Reid confirmed that he had called Bush both a “liar” and a “loser”:

Q: You’ve called Bush a loser.

Reid: And a liar.

Q: You’ve apologized for the loser comment.

Reid: But never for the liar, have I.

Reid really didn't like Bush and according to him, he had plenty of reasons.

[ceagsoosy]

“President Bush is a liar. He betrayed Nevada and he betrayed the country.” -Sen. Harry Reid

Not that I have any problem with what he said ... we still have some freedoms left

Did he blurt this out during the State of the Union? That would've been universally condemned. Each party has double standards; these arguments about partisan hypocrisy are so boring.

[blodwarttufla]

Did he blurt this out during the State of the Union? That would've been universally condemned. Each party has double standards; these arguments about partisan hypocrisy are so boring.

I agree that they are very boring. The thing that kills me however is when one side tries to act superior such as:

Bulworth67: "I don't think the current GOP accepts the legitimacy of any Democratic president. I recall Bill Clinton being treated as poorly. I mean they impeached the guy over a blowjob."

[BILBONDER]

Did he blurt this out during the State of the Union? That would've been universally condemned. Each party has double standards; these arguments about partisan hypocrisy are so boring.

Joe Wilson didnt blurt it out in the state of the union speech .. it was just another propaganda speech by Zero to try and convince US dumb Americans that his HC plan was good for US

So I guess it is 'respectful' for a member of congress to call the president a liar as long as it isn't in the halls of congress?

[sarasaraseda]

Yes, Bush had 11% of the black vote in 2004... how does that drop to 4% to McCain and race not be an issue?

What planet were you on when McCain chose Palin as his running mate? The only reason my wife voted for Obama was because Palin was McCain's running mate.

Race issue? Hardly. Bad Decision by McCain issue? Definitely
How could voting for the first black president not be an issue? You seem to think his skin was the magical deciding factor, I'm saying it wasn't. Especially if you factor in voter history and candidate behavior.

How did I say 95% of black voters have buck fush bumper stickers? Well you brought it up as though it was important to proving your point. So how many did you see? 2? 2 million?
I was pointing out that Bush was not treated by democrats with the respect for the presidency that democrats are demanding Obama receive now. I don't seem to recall any democrats sending out racially charged emails about Bush or booing him (Not going to count Kanye West as a politician).

Even the Black Caucus had enough respect not to heckle Bush during addresses, and they can be as loony as the next raving politician (Lee is a great example).

Also as you just demonstrated by attacking those politicians personally, the majority of attacks are not on Obama as a person, they are on his policy decisions. So who did I attack personally? Bush? He was a weak leader, poor presenter, handled crisis ineffectively or just outright wrongly, and invaded Iraq for mythical WMD. McCain (who probably would have won) made a REALLY bad decision in choosing Palin as his running mate and did infact dodder around the stage during a few of the debates and town halls. Those aren't attacks, those are facts.

I would say that only inside the past year have the attacks changed from the watermelon caricatures, painted pictures of dead socialists (*coughJack*), and claims that he'll be sending granny to death panels, towards attacking his policies or decisions. Except Palin who thinks he's still after grammymaw.

Lewis' heckling him during that speech wasn't an attack on the policy or decision, that was a big 'f-you' that no other president in our history has ever gotten.

[Stacypettlerr]

What planet were you on when McCain chose Palin as his running mate? The only reason my wife voted for Obama was because Palin was McCain's running mate.

If that was the only reason she didnt vote for McPain then maybe she just isn't that bright?


Race issue? Hardly. Bad Decision by McCain issue? Definitely She did gin up a lot of excitement and filled places where she gave speeches .. I don't agree w/ a lot of her policy but she was the reason he actually had a chance


You seem to think his skin was the magical deciding factor, I'm saying it wasn't. Especially if you factor in voter history and candidate behavior. The deciding factor was McPain was garbage and that is the GOP's MO .. see 2012 if they hand the reigns over to Romney



So who did I attack personally? Bush? He was a weak leader, poor presenter, handled crisis ineffectively or just outright wrongly, and invaded Iraq for mythical WMD. McCain (who probably would have won) made a REALLY bad decision in choosing Palin as his running mate and did infact dodder around the stage during a few of the debates and town halls. Those aren't attacks, those are facts. Noway McPain was beating Barry with or w/out Palin


I would say that only inside the past year have the attacks changed from the watermelon caricatures, painted pictures of dead socialists (*coughJack*) Huh?? What dead socialists are you talking abt


Lewis' heckling him during that speech wasn't an attack on the policy or decision, that was a big 'f-you' that no other president in our history has ever gotten. And Reid?

[Seilehogshell]

What planet were you on when McCain chose Palin as his running mate? The only reason my wife voted for Obama was because Palin was McCain's running mate.

Race issue? Hardly. Bad Decision by McCain issue? Definitely

You seem to think his skin was the magical deciding factor, I'm saying it wasn't. Especially if you factor in voter history and candidate behavior.

Well you brought it up as though it was important to proving your point. So how many did you see? 2? 2 million?

I don't seem to recall any democrats sending out racially charged emails about Bush or booing him (Not going to count Kanye West as a politician).

Even the Black Caucus had enough respect not to heckle Bush during addresses, and they can be as loony as the next raving politician (Lee is a great example).

So who did I attack personally? Bush? He was a weak leader, poor presenter, handled crisis ineffectively or just outright wrongly, and invaded Iraq for mythical WMD. McCain (who probably would have won) made a REALLY bad decision in choosing Palin as his running mate and did infact dodder around the stage during a few of the debates and town halls. Those aren't attacks, those are facts.

I would say that only inside the past year have the attacks changed from the watermelon caricatures, painted pictures of dead socialists (*coughJack*), and claims that he'll be sending granny to death panels, towards attacking his policies or decisions. Except Palin who thinks he's still after grammymaw.

Lewis' heckling him during that speech wasn't an attack on the policy or decision, that was a big 'f-you' that no other president in our history has ever gotten.

I really don't even know where to begin with you.

First, you insulted personally McCain and Palin: "palin as his running mate, her being as dumb as a stump, and him doddering around like an old drunk during debates"

You didn't show where I said that blacks were the ones with Buck Fush bumper stickers... that was a separate point showing the hatred of Bush. If you want to pretend that during the 8 years of Bush's presidency that the democrats treated him with respect and didn't attack him personally then go ahead, I'm not going to get into a back and forth of examples. Of course what Wilson did was terrible, classless, and disrespectful.

If you want me to try and defend every republican of course I can't, but I can say that the overwhelming majority of criticism of Obama has not be race based, it has been policy based.

Also, just to go back to black support of Obama. Since the 95% vote number was dismissed as just democrats voting for democrats, then why do:

85% of blacks approve of Obama (down from 93%)
48% of democrats strongly approve of Obama

If we even say 75% of democrats currently approve of Obama, should his approval rating by blacks be closer to 70%?

Perspective: Why do blacks still let Obama off the hook? (OneNewsNow.com)

[Xiciljed]

Yes, Bush had 11% of the black vote in 2004... how does that drop to 4% to McCain and race not be an issue? How could voting for the first black president not be an issue?

How did I say 95% of black voters have buck fush bumper stickers? I was pointing out that Bush was not treated by democrats with the respect for the presidency that democrats are demanding Obama receive now.

Also as you just demonstrated by attacking those politicians personally, the majority of attacks are not on Obama as a person, they are on his policy decisions.

What's funny is blacks do NOT vote race anywhere near as much as whites do. Examples? I've got plenty.

Ed Rendell's percentage of the black vote against Lynn Swann (a black republican candidate)? 87%
Bill Clinton percentage of the black vote in 1996? 92%
Obama's percentage of the black vote in 08? 95%
Blacks vote the party, not race.

Yet white voters tend to vote for white candidates even if they are not the same party. Witness white support for Sam Katz against John Street in 2000.

Look at the results in the 2011 primary 2nd Council district race. Cappozzi won the 90% white 26th Ward by about 88%. Yet in the 90% black 40th Ward and the 85% black 36th Ward Cappozzi got significant chunks of the vote there (31% and 23% respectively).

Anne Verna also took huge chunks of the black vote against Damon Roberts in the 2007 primary, winning the overwhelmingly AA district by 17000+ to 5000.