Kerry: Ignore Republicans if they'll vote no anyway

[Mass]

I am surprised Kerry would say that, but I have to say this is what I wanted to hear.


So yes!!!!:applause::applause::applause::applause:

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/18171.html

Kerry: Ignore Republicans if they'll vote no anyway
By VICTORIA MCGRANE

Sen. John Kerry says Democrats should ignore Republicans’ demands about the stimulus plan if they’re going to vote against it anyway.

Reacting to Wednesday night’s vote in the House -- where not a single GOP member supported the stimulus package -- Kerry told Politico that “if Republicans aren’t prepared to vote for it, I don’t think we should be giving up things, where I think the money can be spent more effectively.”

“If they’re not going to vote for it, let’s go with a plan that we think is going to work.”

The Massachusetts Democrat and 2004 president candidate suggested tossing some of the tax provisions in the stimulus that the GOP requested. “Those aren’t job creators immediately, and even in the longer term they’re not necessarily. We’ve seen that policy for the last eight years,” he said.
...

[MarjorieG]

1. Si, si. Definitely couldn't say that in print if in the cabinet. Maybe that's his role.

[MBS]

2. go JK go!

Yup, this is a real advantage to staying in Congress.

[karynnj]

3. Kerry, more than anyone else in the Senate, is really

acting as if he believes and accepts that we are in a once in 50 years type situation. Most of the Senators are pushing for the knee jerk things they always want to pass - for the Republicans, it is magical tax cuts which are their answer to everything. I would like to think the Democrats are different, but they added some of their pet issues as well.

Last Saturday, my husband and I saw a small exhibit at the NY historical museum on FDR's first days. One thing they had was a time chart that showed the 16 major bills that were passed in the first 100 Days. The bills were briefly explained below the chart - broken into categories. There were bills intended to create jobs (including CCC and WPA and there was a rail bill). There were bills to restore confidence in financial systems and to prevent the problem from happening again, including - a banking bill that regulated leverage (that was weakened), a securities bill (that was weakened), and there was Glass/Stegall (that was weakened). There were bills to help people - Social security, a home mortgage bill, agricultural subsidies. I am very sure I missed some or misstated some - but the point is there were NO TAX CUTS. Everything was an effort to create a fix for a problem.

Now, the situation had worsened far beyond where we are today and the problem had been apparent for longer - Roosevelt had a bigger margin of victory, but a smaller majority in the Senate (49 with one DFL (MN progressive party) out of the 96 Senators.) Obama needs to making the compelling case that FDR did - he is positioned really well to do so - people want and need him to succeed.

[YvonneCa]

4. Same here. I post this in GD after watching the...

...Senate Republicans' press conference on C-Span 3:

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Senate Roadblock Republicans...
Edited on Thu Jan-29-09 09:46 AM by YvonneCa
...are on C-Span making fools of themselves (IMHO).

They are refusing to compromise and work with Democrats...including Obama who has tried to work with them...on the Economic Stimulus package. A few reporters actually did their job and asked questions about what THEY would do to negotiate a better package.


Good job, unknown journalist!!! Thank you!


And to Senator Kyl...you are COMPLETELY in denial. YES the American people DID vote in November based on knowledge of our current economic situation...we've been feeling it for quite some time, now...and we voted for OBAMA! The ground has already shifted under your collective feet.

Wake up and start WORKING with the Obama Administration and Senate Democrats for a change. Link... http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=4936322&mesg_id=4936322



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Seems everyone in GD was watching Blago.


:eyes:

EDITED to add link to press conference... http://www.cspan.org/Watch/watch.aspx?MediaId=HP-A-14872

[TayTay]

5. Apparently Kos is a big fan of this as well

He put the statement on one of the front page diaries he wrote. (Yeah, Kos wrote this.)

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/1/29/13058/4741?detail=f

[ProSense]

6. This statement made my day.

Common sense always does that.


JK Rocks!

[Starry Messenger]

7. I was thrilled to see that this morning.

Great statement and subtle snark. I love Mr. Kerry.

[karynnj]

8. Welcome to DUJK

I've seen you on the forums, but not here - unless my memory is bad.

[Starry Messenger]

9. I used to be MPK. :)

I mostly lurk down here, so thank you for the welcome! I depend on DUJK for all my Kerry scoop. :hi:

[karynnj]

10. I should be able to read bright red

:)

[ladym55]

11. Way to go, Senator!!!!

:applause:

He speaks the truth. Oh, wait, he always does that. That's why he is SO good!!!