Posted on 02/14/2010 6:32:28 AM PST by onyx
House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, issued a statement late Saturday in response to President Obama's Friday invite to a bipartisan Health Care Summit at the White House.
Boehner and other Republican leaders are complaining that the event is simply political gamesmanship and that Obama is planning to have a health care deal finalized before anyone even sits down at the meeting, which is scheduled to take place on Feb. 25.
Here's Boehner's statement:
A productive bipartisan discussion should begin with a clean sheet of paper. We now know that instead of starting the 'bipartisan' health care 'summit' on Feb. 25 with a clean sheet of paper, the president and his party intend to arrive with a new bill written behind closed doors exclusively by Democrats -- a backroom deal that will transform one-sixth of our nation's economy and affect every family and small business in America. They will then engage a largely handpicked audience in a televised 'dialogue' according to a script they have largely pre-determined. They will do this as a precursor to embarking on a legislative course that Democratic congressional aides acknowledge has also been pre-determined -- a partisan course that relies on parliamentary tricks to circumvent the will of the American people and engineer a pre-determined outcome. It doesn't sound much like bipartisanship to me.
Hayes is very smart, is an up and comer. I like Nina Easton who used to work for the Boston Globe. She is solid. Mort Kondrake was on the other night. He’s useless and same for Fred Barnes. Juan has his moments plus you need some liberals
I though it was hilarious that Krauth got to play moderator and ask a question from his car stuck in traffic. Krauth ain’t driving. Fox sends out a driver to get him
The transparency has never been about Republican/Democrat.
It’s all been about democrats, so this summit is a fallacy on its face!!!
Its’ political grandstanding by the punk-in-chief and the Repulbicans need to shame him for all to see.
That’s why they really need to demand a clean start and when he refuses, they need to exit and state that the people do not want any part of the House’s 2000+ pages or the Senate’s 2700+ pages of backroom, closed door, one-sided dirty deals that were passed in the dead of the night on straight party line votes against the will of the people they were elected to represent!
Charles Krauthammer.... The last 25 minutes of the Fox NewsHour are his domain. The others just get to bathe in his blinding presence
Bret Baer does a surprisingly good job
The Republicans are up against a criminal thugocracy. This
better stay uppermost on their minds. John should be allowed to “screen” the setup 30 minutes before anyone else is allowed into the room. This will give him a clear understanding of how the thugs have set up the podium, seating, etc.
Good for you, Boehner. Now don’t puss out at the last minute. And by all means, call McCain the sell out he is if he should attend.
I like Nina also. Mort and Fred are tiresome and I think FNC has finally dropped their stupid Beltway Boys.
I am happy to know that FNC sends a driver for Charles. I didn’t think he drove himself. I just thought maybe his wife, Robin the artist, might also have that job.
“That’s why they really need to demand a clean start and when he refuses, they need to exit and state that the people do not want any part of the House’s 2000+ pages or the Senate’s 2700+ pages of backroom, closed door, one-sided dirty deals that were passed in the dead of the night on straight party line votes against the will of the people they were elected to represent!”
BINGO!!
>> dont congratulate them until thery actually do something- like send only token reps to this show meeting.
Well, it wouldn’t hurt to acknowledge the gesture.
I suspect the GOP is depending on some guidance from the constituency.
You’re so right. It is a criminal thugacracy.
Obama is a punk, but he’s backed by serious thugs.
“If Republicans have any cojones they say — “With all due respect Mr. President we will not be summoned to the White House for your photo op but are willing to meet you and your party halfway in an uncharged neutral location””
I would certainly demand this. Anything to throw the IMPOSTER off his game should be pursued.
No negotiations without preconditions! Good, The GOP doesn’t want to be seen as students with the Marxist law professor. These hand picked audiences are characteristic of all socialist regimes. If we can’t have a fair debate setting, why bother. But, Boehner should continue to say that he still REALLY wants to have a meeting but needs more time to look at the bill and negotiate meeting conditions. Continue to call out the Dims on any secret meetings that they are actually having to circumvent the process. This will force the Dims hand so they will have to shove the Senate bill through the House and then though reconciliation (if they still have the votes). The clock I’m told will run out on this process by April because these bills cannot remain active forever.
Keep stalling!!! 0bama will lose this game of chicken!
Thank God for number ‘41’. A little backbone may have been infused in the P.O.G. (Party of Old Goats)
Very clever! The ‘Reverse Japanese’ tactic.
I'd go with a "HELL NO!"
I think “41” gave them spine and the needed ‘clout.’
Would love to see them walk out if O refuses the clean slate idea. I’m just not sure if their newly formed backbones are strong enough yet!
Why the hell is he picking? Why not ask the Pubbies to pick a delegation? That’s already a non starter in my book.
Excellent!!!!
Murtha is dead, Teddy has not had a drink in 2 months and Patches quit. Yup, Looookin’ Goooood! OH and we can’t forget Mr. Brown. LOL
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.