Obama calls out lawmakers who rail against earmarks but defend their own.

[cal04]

As ThinkProgress has observed, conservative lawmakers such as Sens. David Vitter (R-LA), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Jon Kyl (R-AZ) have slammed the omnibus spending bill for including earmarks — despite the fact that many of those earmarks were their own. In a speech today on earmark reform, President Obama called out legislators for having this double standard:

OBAMA: Now, let me be clear: Done right, earmarks give legislators the opportunity to direct federal money to worthy projects that benefit people in their district, and that’s why I have opposed their outright elimination. I also find it ironic that some of those who railed the loudest against this bill because of earmarks actually inserted earmarks of their own – and will tout them in their own states and districts.

:applause:

Watch it:
http://thinkprogress.org/2009/03/11/obama-earmarks-republicans/

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) tweets his response to Obama’s speech: “No time is better than the present to undertake earmark reform Mr. President”

[Myrina]

1. ... what's McCain's 2009 Earmark tally at?

He needs to look in the mirror, and around him at his party-mates, if he can stand the view.

[fascisthunter]

2. I Can't Believe They Even Went There

who the fuck do they think they are fooling with?