LEONARD’S DIGEST

Dump the GOP

Friday 13 February 2009

r u t h o u t | Columnist

Friday 13 February 2009

Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.

- Mark Twain

Former GOP Congressman Joe Scarborough was doing his MSNBC morning yak-fest on Friday, and made a comment about how President Obama’s newly-finalized stimulus package has “greatly offended Republicans.” His guests all agreed with solemnly nodding heads, yeah, you’re right, Joe, Obama offended the Republicans. Greatly and stuff.

This grim pronouncement came on the heels of GOP Sen. Judd Gregg’s stunning announcement that he was withdrawing as Obama’s nominee for commerce secretary. Citing irreconcilable differences between himself and the Obama administration on the stimulus bill as well as the upcoming census, Gregg said, “The bottom line is, this was simply a bridge too far for me.”

Gregg’s sudden announcement delivered a rather significant four-pronged screwing to the Obama administration. First, it stepped all over a news cycle that should have been dominated by a triumphant White House awaiting delivery of the finalized stimulus bill for signature. Second, Gregg’s withdrawal let him vote on the final bill, a certain “no” vote. Third, it gave further voice to the preposterous Congressional GOP claims of being shut out of the process by the administration. Fourth, it adds another page to the ever-lengthening storyline of Obama’s nomination troubles. READ MORE CLICK HERE