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House Majority Leader Eric Cantor sought to lead Republicans past their dollars-and-cents fights of the last two years, arguing Tuesday for a more expansive agenda that resonates with a broader scope of Americans.
As the GOP works to redefine itself in the wake of an electoral drubbing last fall, Cantor outlined a series of policies he said Republicans would pursue over the next two years. The agenda includes staples of Republican politics — tax and entitlement reforms, for instance — but also education, immigration and research and development, particularly in the sciences.
Recommended: Obama calls for at least short-term fix with cuts, revenue to avoid sequester
"In Washington, over the past few weeks and months, our attention has been on cliffs, debt ceilings and budgets, on deadlines and negotiations," Cantor said at a speech at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think-tank in Washington. "But today, I'd like to focus our attention on what lies beyond these fiscal debates. Over the next two years, the House majority will pursue an agenda based on a shared vision of creating the conditions for health, happiness and prosperity for more Americans and their families."
Mandel Ngan / AFP - Getty Images
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., speaks to the media following a Republican Conference meeting on Feb. 5, 2013 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
The speech fits squarely within the rubric of reinvention sought by the GOP at the advent of President Barack Obama's second term. The Virginia congressman offered generally familiar proposals, couched in the rhetoric of middle class advancement. This "softer" approach to policy-making squares with an emerging Republican consensus that the party does not necessarily need to change its policies so much as frame them in a way that is more relevant to middle class, minority, and women voters.
To that extent, Cantor was flanked at moments during his speech by students from schools in inner-city Washington, a master's student from China looking to stay in America, a nurse from Baltimore looking for a more flexible work schedule, and a former intern of Cantor's who benefited from improved medical technology.
Cantor sought with his speech to put a newer, more accessible face on the Republican Party; whether he'll succeed is a question that might not be answered for two or four more years.
Republican Eric Cantor calls for legal residence and citizenship for children brought here illegally by their parents and a guest-worker program, at the American Enterprise Institute, a Washington conservative think tank.
First Read: Cantor's shift on immigration
One policy shift Cantor did announce was in regard to immigration. The No. 2 House Republican embraced the thrust of the so-called DREAM Act, a piece of immigration legislation looking to undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children a pathway to citizenship.
"It is time to provide an opportunity for legal residence and citizenship for those who were brought to this country as children and who know no other home," he said.
Other points of emphasis were familiar to any observers of the contemporary GOP.
On education, Cantor called for increased access to vouchers, more efficient spending per student, cost transparency in college tuition and fuller disclosure to students about the career prospects associated with different degrees.
On immigration, Cantor endorsed easier access to green cards to immigrants with high-level degrees, a reformed guest worker program and stronger employee verification tools.
And in an appeal to middle class workers, Cantor endorsed giving all employees greater flex-time at work and simpler simpler ways to file taxes.
Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., is set to make a speech on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at the American Enterprise Institute on "Making Life Work."
On top of this, Cantor appealed to Republican staples: comprehensive tax reform and reforms to Medicare (including streamlined provider networks, and increased leeway for states to administer their own programs).
The recurring theme, though, for Cantor involved an appeal directed intently toward middle class voters.
"Government policy should aim to strike a balance between what is needed to advance the next generation, what we can afford, what is a federal responsibility and what is necessary to ensure our children are safe, healthy and able to reach their dreams," Cantor said.
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That's fun, just by luck to be FRIST (First!)
Cantor just doesn't get it.
He thinks he can somehow get out of the blame for all of the crap that's been going on these part few years by making a little speech. He's the reason for the Sequester in the first place. Boehner and Obama had a deal in 2011 that was better than what we're still trying to Frankenstein together now.
Cantor:
Republicans aren't FOR these things, they just want it to LOOK like they are. What a joke.
In the next two years pay attention to what legislation the House brings forth. My guess is, it will not align with their NEW rhetoric. Somebody please clue them in. It really is their POLICIES that turn people away. They have it backwards once again.
Most of us live in the 21st century and like it here!
SMB- What part did you not understand? Government policy should aim to strike a balance between what is needed to advance the next generation, what we can afford, what is a federal responsibility and what is necessary to ensure our children are safe, healthy and able to reach their dreams," Cantor said.
Wow.. Does this mean the Republican party is going to give up their obstructionism? Are they finally going to 'realize' that the 47% they WROTE off in the last election do matter?
Maybe they'll also stop referring to social security and medicare as entitlements... but that may be TO MUCH to ask.
The Republican Party is not for ending Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare, they are in favor of streamlining the programs and enabling more direct action by the states.
The Republican Party is not in favor of ending public education, they are in favor of enabling the states to utilize alternative choices for parents.
The Republican Party is not in favor of eliminating most social programs, they are in favor of utilizing enhanced streamlining of fiscal choices during reduced revenue periods to result in deficit reduction of domestic spending.
To find out what the GOP really means, drop your pants and bend over, the explanation of what the GOP plans to continue doing to America will be abundantly clear.
This is what the Republican Party stands for:
“Republicans approve of the American farmer, but they are willing to help him go broke. They stand four-square for the American home--but not for housing. They are strong for labor--but they are stronger for restricting labor's rights. They favor minimum wage--the smaller the minimum wage the better. They endorse educational opportunity for all--but they won't spend money for teachers or for schools. They think modern medical care and hospitals are fine--for people who can afford them. They consider electrical power a great blessing--but only when the private power companies get their rake-off. They think American standard of living is a fine thing--so long as it doesn't spread to all the people. And they admire of Government of the United States so much that they would like to buy it.” Harry S Truman.
Also..
1. The war on women. Sorry, but legitimate rape is NOT acceptable, period.
2. Forcing the christian religion into our secular and civil laws.
3. Treating Gays/Lesbians like second class citizens even though they pay the same taxes as everyone else.
How to write a speech...
1. "Data Mine" all the other speeches and public opinion polls in the past 6 months and get a list of all the words used.
2. Use your "talking points" list to "weight" the above words.
3. Use a speech sythesis engine to make up sentences that syntactically are correct.
4. Do *NOT* review the synthesized "speech" for rationality and coherence.
5. Read the synthetized "speech" from notes (what are they?) or a TelePrompTer.
6. Try to understand after the "speech" why people think you are a blithering idiot.
Moral - you can't fix "stupid".
Extra Credit!!!!!! - Give a similar "speech" next week and see if it sounds like last week's "speech".
It seems to be Eric Cantor Move to the Middle Day. Wonder when he will change back to Eric the Obstructionist?
Curious as to what he wants . . . . .
TO: ItsAboutTime-3704531 who wrote:
Excellent post!
True then, even truer now.
My guess is, the only folks the GOP is gonna be able to fool, are the same folks they've been fooling all along. Why would Cantor be talking about "what we can afford" when every other day he and his followers keep declaring the United States is bankrupt.
The GOP is trying to figure out how to "lie better" or "lie more convincingly", but one thing is for sure, there will me even more lies coming from the GOP.
Steven Benen, The Maddow Blog:
We won't know for sure what this year's federal budget deficit is going to be until the end of the fiscal year, but if the projections are accurate, a whole lot of talking points are going to need revisions.
The federal budget deficit in 2013 is projected to be $845 billion, the first time the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has forecast a deficit below $1 trillion under President Obama.
The reduction in the budget deficit comes after Congress approved higher tax rates on households with annual income above $450,000.
The CBO also projects the deficit will shrink again next year to $430 billion.
http://maddowblog.msnbc.com/_news/2013/02/05/16855478-deficit-projected-to-shrink-considerably?lite
TO: dirp who wrote:
But I didn't pay my Social Security and Medicare money to the states, I paid it to the Federal Government, and we've seen this attempt to "bait and switch" before and it ends up with our retirement money "getting lost" by Republicans and found in somebody else's pocket.
Republicans will blame the States for losing the money, and the States will say they never got it in the first place.
Why don't Republicans just give us back all our money we paid into these programs, with interest thereon at the legal rate? Because Republicans are determined to steal it.
No thanks. How many times do Republicans need to hear that their policies stink.
Eric Cantor:
In Washington, over the past few weeks and months, our attention has been on cliffs, debt ceilings and budgets, on deadlines and negotiations," Cantor said at a speech at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think-tank in Washington. "But today, I'd like to focus our attention on what lies beyond these fiscal debates. Over the next two years, the House majority will pursue an agenda based on a shared vision of creating the conditions for health, happiness and prosperity for more Americans and their families."
____________
Right. That's what the Democratic Party has been arguing for a few years now. Falling of course on deaf ears, until this past election.
Mr. Cantor, you must first convince your party to stop hating half of Americans before they can get on the same page with us.
All I see when I look at that homely (Cantor...who else!) face is a snake, manipulator and conniver. He can spin spin it anyway he wants, but a majority of Americans do not trust this man and what he says. He is pandering for votes, nothing else.
Today, liberals in the House of Representatives will roll out a new plan to avert the sequester. It calls for more investment in job creation as a way to generate new revenues to bring down the deficit. It calls for a mix of new revenue increases and spending cuts — all focused on defense — that would bring the overall balance between revenues and cuts in the deficit reduction of the past two years into a one-to-one ratio.
Needless to say, this plan — the creation of the Congressional Progressive Caucus — has no chance whatsoever of passing Congress. Which is exactly the point: No plan that prioritizes job creation as the best means of reducing the deficit; no plan that cuts defense while determinedly avoiding any cuts that would hurt the poor and elderly; no plan that includes equivalent concessions by both sides — could ever have a prayer in today’s Washington. It’s yet another indication of how out of whack Washington’s priorities are.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2013/02/05/memo-to-congress-to-bring-down-the-deficit-focus-on-jobs/
Hey GOP, you're still going to get your asses kicked on social issues. I know the smart approach to them is to not bring them up at all, but we both know your religious base won't allow that.
Viknat,
I understand. I understand that this isn't what Republicans actually DO. They BORROW and spend rather than tax and spend, and they fight everything that might help ordinary Americans (health care, education, unemployment, minimum wage, investment in renewable energy, and on an on.)
Behold! The GOP is running scared. Scared they may not get elected. Scared they burned through too much donor money for so little and are unable to keep their promises to those donors.
Of course they have to change! Or least least pretend until after the next election.
TO: Layton-3733410 who wrote:
As soon as the TV camera lights go off, and he moves away from the microphone.
Oh really Mr. Cantor. Prove it, sign the President's Jobs bill.
Cantor talks as if we didn't just go through a gigantic fight over Republicans protectionism of the Top 2%ers last month, and Republicans' abandonment of the middle class and the so-called 47%ers just 2 or 3 months ago!
Hey Eric! Talk to the hand... Right into that part of the hand that's sticking up there like a microphone for 'ya...
Does it occur to you that only a small fraction of that already tiny approval rating approve of YOU?...
Living in Virginia, we have come to expect Cantor to change more often than Lady Gaga in concert. Where ever the wind blows, Cantor blows. He has less convictions than Romney. Total d bag.
TWO WORDS:
LIP. SERVICE.
If nobody else will say it Small bus. I will, congratulations on being frist. ( - :
The republican party is not going to revert to the party of Eisenhower overnight, nor will it consider anyone but their rich benefactors. They will not lull this democrat to sleep simply so they can, end Social Security and Medicare, stop all social safety net programs, so they can give even more tax cuts to the ever present job creators in China. Education must be fully funded in order for this experiment in a representative democracy to advance, and yes we do need to cut the fat out of the military budget so as not hurt the troops that protect us daily from terrorist. Use a scalpel not an axe. We have a good thing going here and to destroy it like many republicans and especially the tea bags want to do in the name of who knows what. How many times do they have to be reminded that Greece is Greece and not the U.S. of A., Austerity will not help the economy, as it hasn't helped those in Europe that have tried it.
tag, when you say Cantor blows do you mean. Well oh well, never mind.
Reading these posts it makes me understand why DC is so dysfunctional.
Cantor comes out with a speech talking about moving the GOP priorities left of where they have been the last few years, and all anyone can do here is bash him for talking...
If you want progress, how about something like "if you actually do these types of things I will support you on these issues"? Or, is "their party" all anyone here really cares about?
Ron: many on this vine (most?) are experienced with the knowledge of how politicians work. As such, we read what comes out of the mouths of Republicans, particularly party leaders, with the knowledge that Republicans will lie, steal, cheat and do anything, including attempting to destroy the country, in order to obtain or keep whatever power they have.
When the GOP writes bills that cut funding for programs and call the XYZ House Jobs Bill, that indicates exactly what you are dealing with. When they write laws with the words "legitimate rape" in them, that indicates what you are dealing with. When their every action for the last four years has been the destruction of the President, with the country being destroyed as a consequence, that indicates what you are dealing with.
The country can't afford to trust Eric Cantor or any member of the GOP.
I doubt it - very much.
The GOP currently has anti-science education legislation in 7 states. It was 8 states, until today, when Colorado defeated an ALEC-written anti-science education bill by one vote (party line, the Democrats narrowly hold that Committee).
The GOP's actions continue to speak volumes.
dirp, RE: Ron
Right, we know who they are and we don't trust them.
On the other hand, I do hope that they see the light and actually change. When they do, I think there will be plenty of chance for cooperation. It's just going to take a while before we believe them. so far, we have no reason to. One speech doesn't make a change of heart.
TPG: That wiener Grover (avatar) is such a putz. I heard him on an interview talking about the tax pledge saying it was "branding" to make sure people know that Republicans were the tax cut party. In other words, it's just a freakin' gimmick. How much damage can you cause with a sales trick? A lot.
For Layton. I would bet 2-4 weeks. Less time if something really big happens to push this story aside.
Really, Ron? Did you not read this?
Snake-Face is not talking about changing GOP policies; he's talking about softening the party's negative rhetoric.
To paraphrase what ItsAboutTime hinted at in #1.6 above: Just because Lyin' Ryan is going to stop using the words "Forcible Rape" doesn't mean he no longer believes in the term--he still believes there is a distinction in types of rape, and will pursue legislation that softly, oh-so-softly, makes that distinction.
Ron makes a very good point.
Some who post seem to have trouble taking "Yes" for an answer. It may be that Cantor is just paying lip service to the issues at hand but at least he has set a benchmark by which his words may be measured. We will watch to see the legislative action of the House and then make our judgements...
I would like to hear how some on the right feel about Cantor's effort to provide certain groups with some hope that the Republican Party might favorably address issues of relevance to the group. It seems like he is giving in as part of an effort to gain votes. I wonder if they hold Cantor to the same standard as they hold Obama, i.e. is he pandering? Is he giving in to buy their votes? Because to my way of thinking, what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.
For Campdog. Both parties pander for votes close to an election. However, I'm curious if this change of tone will last into next year when the midterm elections come around or if it will shift towards more hardline policies. Whichever direction it takes will be a pretty good preview of the next candidate Republicans put forward in 4 years.
Cantor almost frightens and chills me more than Cheney did.
They are both evil incarnate.
A newer, more accessible face?? The only way that can be done is by kicking Cantor to the curb. Is big-daddy Boehner still recovering from his week-end binge, not knowing his little pet slipped out of bed and went to the press?
It's pathetic. President Obama touches on the subject of immigration and every little teabagger in the country storms out to burn crosses. Cantor does a complete 180, craps in their faces and there is no outrage. Are they just too dumb to realize that, once again, the Republicans have completely turned against them?
Ahh...but we do have a couple die-hards, don't we...."viknat", "dirp", and "ron"...the three that prove only one thing. Teabaggers offer absolutely nothing of substance to society or politics, but they have provided a little tip for the medical community. It is possible to become addicted to smoking by having the smoke blown up your butt.
Since Cantor is busy crapping in their faces, I guess they should be thankful for the alternate means of taking their fix.
What is somewhat interesting in cantersa speach is this..many of the ideas he claims to be for now he has been against for the past 4 years at least. No republican seems to have the backbone to actually do what they promissed its voters except for the wealthy who they bow down to. Of course..all politicans are prone to bowing down to big business and the wealthy Honesty in our government is a thing of the past. Just notice how often congressmen are caught now doing wrong..their only concern is that they were caught at it. Of course all cost are always passed on to the voters. FI we are to have an honest government we have to get rid of lobbyist for good..and stop all contributions from private individuals and corporations..and let each person running for an office pay at least part of his or her own bill for running for any office. Neither party is above board on this..they both want all the money they can get...and seemingly could care less about the citizens of this nation except in their individual speaches.
This is what Eric Cantor did:
That is consistent with what the Republicans have been saying, nothing new.
Meanwhile,
http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/04/16843014-exclusive-justice-department-memo-reveals-legal-case-for-drone-strikes-on-americans?lite
http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/inside-politics/2013/feb/5/obama-health-law-will-cost-7-million/
http://dailycaller.com/2013/02/05/pathway-to-citizenship-may-increase-obamacare-cost-up-to-300-billion-over-a-decade/
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/feb/4/ice-ex-chief-nondeport-rules-wouldve-spared-911-hi/
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-draws-up-battle-plan-to-stave-off-digital-attack-cyberstrikes-8480656.html
http://cnsnews.com/news/article/8830026-americans-disability-hits-new-record-192nd-straight-month
The MSM left wing media seems to overlook the bungling policies of the Obama administration. Their goal is to demonize the Republicans with relentless negative articles in an effort to turn the House blue in 2014. It's not going to happen. 30 Republican governors and 33 Republican state legislators. We are still a center right country and most of us still thinks Obama is inept and corrupt.
"Top Republican tries to usher GOP past Dollars and Cents"
When I first glanced at the articles title, the words "Top Republican" and "Usher" jumped out at me... For a split second I thought one of them had finally found gainful employment... Imagine my dismay...
Hey Simp, it is "simp" for short, right?
Simp says...
"We are still a center right country and most of us still thinks Obama is inept and corrupt."
Might I say what a fine example you've set here? "Most of us still thinks"...? Let's just let that phrase soak into your melon there fer a second... okay two seconds... will 30 or 45 be enough?... Nothing?
Figures... Ok... "Most of us" voted for President Barack Obama. "We are a center-right country" in pockets of low and slow population, hand in hand with their long-term goals of milking the government and fearing the negro... You by no means belong to any majority of the U.S.. Although you may claim membership in as many minorities as suits your fancy, they don't combine into anything substantial enough to ever drive the manure spreader again.
The actual "Most of us still thinks" think you're going the way of the dinosaur.
Ah...yea. Then we have "simp..." who, through some miraculous combination of tantrics and ignorance is able to perform the relatively disturbing stunt of blowing his/her own smoke! PT Barnum may have loved you, but I wouldn't quit your day job.
Teabaggers. Even if they tried to eat crow they would eat a pigeon by accident and blame Obama.
Simple Theory - you need to get something straight. You don't talk for "most" Americans. If you'll remember, MOST voters voted for our President not only in 2008 but again in 2012 over the sickness that Republicans put up as candidates.
MOST Americans support this President as has been shown in recent polls. MOST Americans can't stand Congress - pointing fingers specifically at the obstructionists of the Republican party.
MOST of us on this site think you are full of it!
American Girl-724855
Thank you :-). My apologies for the much late response. Long day in the trenches of corporate america :)
There are two types of republicans, the rich and the stupid. The rich ones strive to keep the stupid ones stupid and the stupid ones strive to keep the rich ones rich.
PLAGIARIZER ALERT! Eric Cantor was stealing all the points made in President Obama's speech in 2011 that set the foundation for his campaign in 2012. Despicable!
But it is the truth -- The only way Teapublicans can improve their Party is to become Democrats.
If you've ever seen Cantor interviewed and asked hard or drill-down questions, you realize he is dumb as a bag or rocks as well.
Here's the REAL Teapublican plan:
1) Try to get sequester cuts in discretionary spending, with defense spending taken off the table.
2) Try to cut trust fund programs such as Medicare by cutting benefits and raising the age instead of looking for ways to save and preserve these programs.
3) Try to get even more spending cuts that will derail the recovery by continuing to protect the rich -- To protect capital gains/carried interest, dividends, estate taxes, etc. for the rich while the middle class and small business continue to pay high tax rates on earned income.
Constituents need to ask: Who do Teapublicans represent? The large majority of middle class and small business owners, or the few hedge fund managers and CEOs in the richest 1%? You know the answer, even hard core rightwingers.
Cantor is a short sighted, willfully ignorant jerk. I wouldn't trust his judgement at all.
Adopting single payer would be a good start. But lipstick on a pig...Ah that's another story.
I see all the liberals are spouting the nonsense again this morning. The sequester was manufactured by Obama and Jack Lew. Why do you think it provides everything that the liberals want? Massive, crippling cuts to the military for starters.
Already, the cuts to the military and uncertainty of sequestration has crippled the economy. Military cuts hurt the economy more than any other spending cuts, because military spending creates jobs in the private sector which creates tax revenue and private sector technoloy and products.
You are better off stopping all welfare, medicare and social security than cutting military spending so rapidly.
The CBO is even projecting massive debt accumulation, regardless of any idiotic plan Obama can conjure. We need budget surpluses every year for 20 years of 500B dollars just to cut our debt in half.
Yes you read that right, 20 years of $500B surpluses just to cut the debt in half.
How do you propose to do this? With taxes? Liberals can't think strategically. You can't see 2 days in the future, let alone 2 years. We won't have a country in 10 years. The interest on our debt will exceed our annual budget in 10 years.
But let's talk about guns and pot and gay marriage and gays in the military and immigration. We have laws for all of these things. We just don't enforce them. And pass new laws to try and fix the problem? Genius.
Cantor seems to be robotic, not real at all... He doesn't seem to have any original thoughts and can only speak from notes or whatever he has prepared ahead of time...
Mr. Cantor, I'd suggest you listen to the general public, those of all nationalities and back grounds... Trying to reword that same old message makes it the same old thing with a different ribbon put on it...
If Eric Cantor's mouth is moving, the pig is smearing it's lipstick....
Am I the only one to notice that during the entire manufactured babbling rhetoric "djo" belched forth, Eric Cantor was not once mentioned? Could it be that the teabaggers just have so much old crap stuck to their faces, that it goes completely unnoticed when Eric Cantor, the Republican Leader of the House, turns the other cheek (so to speak) and adds a new layer?
Turn off the nazi channel, for god's sake wash your face, then attempt to return to the human race, "djo". Republicans are turning against you without shame and leaving you alone in your hateful, dishonest pile. There is a reason for that.
An insane "Crazy Spend" Democrat Controlled Congress torched a very robust economy in 2007 and 2008 - leading to the disaster that hurt the country
As congress controls the purse strings - Bush, in a bi-partisan effort - allowed the Dems to go spend crazy (which they continued as they controlled in 2009 and 2010)
Somebody has got to pony up - do the hard things - and get back on the road to responsibility, accountability and prosperity
Obama - is obviously not that person - and we can see inflation starting to impact our wallets
If you're not on stamps - you know what it's costing to buy groceries, gas, new taxes, and the new health care cost we're dealing with - in a bad and shrinking economy - with 7.9 unemployment
Mr. President - where's the relief you promised - we're headed in the wrong direction - and your eye - is not - on the road
Sad, pathetic and yes incompetent extraordinaire
Sounds as if Cantor is proposing liberal thoughts. Go figure. I may have something to do about winning elections !!!
He's not proposing liberal thoughts, he is just using liberal words to propose the same old conservative thoughts.
You're both right. Cantor isn't proposing liberal thoughts, he's lying is a$$ off.
The Republicans as a party need to start cleaning house in order to restore themselves back to a party that can be respected once again. It would be great if they as a whole could become more of a moderate party.
I didn't pay Cantor any attention before, because I knew he was full of it. Today, I still don't pay any attention to him, because he is still full of it.
So I read the article about Cantor and what immediately came to my mind is the difference between "naked" and "nekked". When you're naked you don't have any clothes on - when you're nekked you're up to something. Sounds to me like ol' Eric is up to something....
Nice to hear that he's backing the investment in science. Would that be promoting climate science maybe, or is it promoting the new "science" of creationism?
LOL Cantor is continually trying to reinvent himself to make up for all his stupid mistakes! Good luck with that, especially the latest folly of Boehner and Cantor on their refusal to bring up another women's rights protection for a vote in the House that was recently passed by a majority of the Senate! Oh well another hundred nails in the Republican coffin!
5th time's the charm? Hmmmmmmm..........That's a big fat NO, but thank you for playing, Mr. Cantor.
Cantor reminds me of a politician joke:
Bunch of politicians had a wreck in a bus.
Farmer came by and buried them.
Sheriff drove up and asked the farmer if any of them where alive.
Farmer said: Well a couple of them said they were, but who can believe a politician.
Cantor is becoming liberal? GOP now working for top 2%, not for 1% as was in the past..
This is progress my friends.
I do not know about this guy; he seems too slimy and sneaky...
Slimy and sneaky are two great adjectives that very aptly describe him!
Can I add creepy? I would keep Paul Ryan away from young boys...but Cantor? Lord. I would keep him away from young boys, young girls, adults requiring diapers AND the family pet.
Haha! Okay, you get to add creepy and I am going to add repulsive, and vomit inducing!
Thanks for some adjectives I forgot to mention..
This guy is so untrustworthy, I will give my wallet to Bernie madoff for safekeeping if I had to choose between the two.
So many adjectives, so little time...
Really, he is disturbing. I'd be willing to bet that within the next few years he'll be on the cover of the National Enquirer, caught pleasuring himself in an automatic car wash while wearing a bunny suit...
It's something really weird like that - you can see it in his eyes...
Dollars and cents are the only thing the party of the 1% cares about.
So, how are they going to reform the sciences? I know - JEBUS!
Please. The party of stupid in charge of our education? These idiots are demanding more science time for their pet project creationism, or intelligent design (same @!$%#, different day). They're rewriting history to suit their political agenda. They're making up quotes and attributing them to famous people in history when those people often said the exact opposite. They think David Barton is a historian. They think that the government should be paying for bible study (it's happening, in Texas, right now).
So, please Mr. Cantor. What about your message only needs a face lift? You've had that @!$%# Luntz for almost a decade, rewriting your speeches, coining new terms like "job creators," and attempting to rebrand the same @!$%# you keep peddling. Why should I listen to you when all you do is come up with new buzz words for the same schlock? It's like you @!$%# in a box, then put a new label on it.
Janstince your so right! I'm sure he went along with the Texas Board of Education in their re writing of American history books for their schools. I was not aware how easy it was to change our history by calling slaves in the new history books "farm help" Now that's really a play on words!! Who knows Mr Cantor may very well re define the meaning of the word "women" in the future in an effort to soften his views on women's rights.
TO: Janstince who wrote:
The same way they did last time, by banning science the same way the GOP banned stem cell research.
I am a democrat. But I am also a realist, and my focus is what is best for my country, not my party.
So...this might be a good place to start -- let's see if his actions match his words.
If not, I'll hold him accountable. But to not even give him a chance seems short sighted and foolish.
Like him or not, he is in a position of power and cannot be removed for a while -- so let's hope that his new awareness of the political landscape helps to keep him focused and moving in the right direction for all.
again..if he fails, i'll address it then.
I'm a Democrat too and I agree with you Oakland-Mike. We need to "see" what happens rather than be dismissive of one another. After all, the only way to get respect is to give it.
Oakland Mike and Spokane WA ever heard of "smoke and mirrors"? Don't get too optimistic Cantor is a real BAD Houdini!
Oakland
Thanks for being the adult at the table.
Spokane WA
Ask the residents of MI, OH, WI, PA, VA about how the Republicans said one thing in 2010 but when they got into office they enacted changes they never mentioned before, e.g. collective bargaining restrictions, right-to-work legislation, trans-vaginal probes, voter suppression, gerrymandering, etc, etc.
TO: Oakland-Mike who wrote:
How many more times do you need to see Republican policies fail, because they can keep on repeating their failures as long you let them.
It's the failure of Republican Policies that have stalled our economic recovery, and that drove the entire United States Economy to the 2nd Great Depression in the first place.
I guess you missed it, but the GOP has just gone through 3 months of seminars trying to teach themselves how to relate to the majority of the American People.
You'd actually have to believe that a Zebra can change his stripes, if you're already ready to jump on Cantor's "I've changed" bandwagon.
TO: SpokaneWA who wrote:
So, when did Republicans give our President and the rest of us our "respect"?
Republicans haven't even been able to come to terms with the fact that they lost the Presidential Election, but the GOP has come to the realization that they going to be set out of office come the next mid terms.
Yeah, I'm gonna have to go with not giving this @!$%# the benefit of the doubt. Not only have Republicans squandered their political capital from their endless refrain of "Jobs jobs jobs!", but they did so by going to "Legitimate Rape, abortion, and Jeeeezus! Because Jobs! And Marxist Muslim!" Seriously, to give them the benefit of the doubt is to, once again, hold open the breastplate and say "please, I think you missed one of my lungs last time, try again."
American girl"-How many more times do you need to see Republican policies fail, because they can keep on repeating their failures as long you let them"
Same could be said about the Owebama Administration. Both sides have failed policies. We didn't get into this mess by 1 ideology. It was a collective effort.
TO: onermailliw who wrote:
Republicans talk about President Obama never was anything more than talking points.
On the other hand, all we need to look to is the fact that Republicans inherited a vibrant economy with a $450 billion dollar surplus from Democrat President Bill Clinton, and turned it into the 2nd Great Depression, which I would consider is waaay more than just a talking point.
Republican Policies forced families from their homes and into poverty, and all Republicans have for the American People is more of the same, only worse. This time Republicans will steal our Social Security money AND our Medicare.
No thank you.
onermailliw - who is owebama? Sounds like a Cantor word to me and makes about as much sense. We have President Obama but again, who is owebama?
A polite if not indirect way of say "Pull your head out of your azzes," America wants better!
Don't be fooled America! This softer tone is just after a full beating after the general election and just in time for the 2014 mid-term election! These people haven't received a change of heart, they wish to seek and retain power! AMERICA!! Let's finished what 2012 started, end the GOP control of the House and throughout the nation! We need a party of moderates (from both sides of the aisle). Not some party of phoney politicans seeking to retain power and then shift their positions, yet again after they assume they are safe after 2014.
...Cantor should just tell all Republicans to vote with the Democrats so that we can finally go bankrupt and bring the country to it's knees like the Democrats always planned to do....
Perhaps NYC guy should move to LA, AL, MS, TX, WY or AZ. You'll fit right in there, misfit.
upset.....I know....the truth hurts.....and you are a bigot......
loser
nycguy
Yes... I mean, when the Republicans and Bush passed along an 11 TRILLION deficit.. they were practice so MUCH fiscal responsibility right? Gimme a break.
No, nycguy, the Republicans brought America to her knees. The Dems(and some normal Repubs) are still trying to lift her back up. If you aren't going to help, then STFU, because you are what is wrong with this country, so go back to your little radio and tune into Uncle Rush and leave the heavy lifting to those who care about this country.
The Republicans said "the tax cuts will pay for themselves," in 2000, and they passed them, against the informed opinion of every economic expert at the time. Until Republicans take responsibility for increasing the federal debt, no amount of rhetoric will convince Americans they can be trusted to govern.
Who was Pres in 2008? Who ran congress from 2001-2007?
TO: nycguy who wrote:
Republicans have already been there, AND done that, and they're ready to do it all again.
Please Dumbocrat clones......put the kool aid down and start paying for your stupid ideas......the trouble is, you dummies can't get past your God, Obozo.....the man who doubled- down on Bush's deficit in four years.......dopes!
where nycguy and a lot of republicans lose it is in their ridiculous claim that the democrats INTEND to bankrupt America etc. If they just said that the democrats are misguided and will bankrupt America, they might be wrong, but they would be rational and open for some kind of discussion. But to come up with such stupid claims, including that Obama is a muslim who is intentionally ruining the country etc. etc. That is either incredibly stupid or just plain insane. So, nycguy are you stupid or crazy?
TO: nycguy who wrote:
So, what are you saying, that Republicans need more rejection before they realize that "no" means "no"?
Republicans keep coming back with the same things that ruined our economy in the first place, but you just can't take "no" for answer.
Sorry, no can do.
TO: Ferrosynthesis-3490482 who wrote:
Right, because we already know that Republicans not only bankrupt America, they also bankrupt 98% of the American People too and Republicans are not finished bankrupting us yet because they want our Social Security money AND our Medicare.
Republicans are like compulsive gamblers who, no matter how much they lose and no matter how many times they lose, they just can't stop gambling.
"nycguy" inspires the image of a meaner, dumber Oliver Twist. The Republicans crap in his face over immigration and he stands there with a bowl whining "Please, suh! Can I have some more?"
ncyguy,
You got to be kidding man.
Just look back where we were when Bush left in 2008; DOW was down to 6,500 points, 401Ks f*cked up, millions w/out a job, we are at war seemingly with every freaking country in the world, while the America's elite, the 1% having orgasm after orgasm enjoying themselves at our expense.
And now? What is it you are complaining about now that is so bad compared to republifuks in 2008?
Ferrosynthesis - "nycguy are you stupid or crazy?" I believe a safe answer would be BOTH!
....you Dumbocrats are all fiscally retarded morons.....you can't balance a budget, you haven't passed one in four years, you don't have any plans for cutting the deficit....you are all fools and idiots with no ideas and are bankrupting the whole country.....well at least you dickheads will run out of other people's money to spend and will be forced to wallow in your self imposed hell's...
"But today, I'd like to focus our attention on what lies beyond these fiscal debates. Over the next two years, the House majority will pursue an agenda based on a shared vision of creating the conditions for health, happiness and prosperity for more Americans and their families."
It almost sounds like Cantor will perhaps share the same vision for America, moving forward, as does our President. Yeah, right! This is all talk folks. He's saying the same things that got Obama re-elected. The difference is that Obama means it!
The GOP has been all rheoric and obstructionism for years. I don't see it changing any while Obama still runs the show.
This is the most unlikeable person that I see in the news. A total dill hole!
Increased immigration? When we have 20 million unemployed?!?
Doesn't make a lot of sense. Heck - it doesn't make any sense unless you are pandering to the illegal alien lobby.
As to flexible work schedules his party (and the dems) have done their darndest to make sure everyone is working at Walmart about 20 hours a week so they don't get benefits so we have lots of extra time at home.
Now trusting the GOP with science? Please - don't say that again, I nearly choked with laughter.
If it looks like a duck, and walks and talks like a duck, it is a duck, and the GOP will never be able to seperate themselves from the dollar, it is their god, their holy creed,
Social Security and medicare are not entitlements, that money is ours, we earned it over years of hard work, and i hope if they take it, they rot in hell
"Let's pause in our efforts to create suffering, and concentrate on how we can make a buck off of suffering."
You know what it sounds like to me? It sounds like the GOP is finally finding the language that enables them to change their policies without saying they are changing their policies. This is face saving language that enables them to pursue productive legislation and dump the Tea Party, all while saying this is what they always stood for. It's kind of like the GOP's revelation that they need to actually reach out to women, immigrants, minorities instead of trying to redistrict their votes away if they want to actually win elections. All that remains to be seen is if they will actually produce legislation that truly supports families, women, immigrants, minorities, the middle class, etc., and isn't just rhetorical BS designed to pull the wool.
Where are the fundamentalist conservative terrorists that usually post on political articles....probably hiding in their bunkers waiting for the afternoon school bus mumbling something about Clinton.
They are too confused by Cantor saying he wants to focus on things that will improve peoples' lives!
The title doesn't have the word "guns" in it so it is hard to keep their attention. Use that word in any title and it's as if someone opened a bag and out crawls thousands of cockroaches ranting and raving.
Sitting back laughing our asses off at you self absorbed liberals patting each other on the back for your superior intellect, open mindedness, critical thinking, politically correctness, and just plain undying blindness when it comes to looking down the road.
It is really good entertainment as none of the above is worthy of a comment since 90% is nonexistent nor is the hidden agenda evident (sarc) in your posts.
(Cue up "We Are The World")
Poor bitter little teabaggers. Rather than admit that their hate has blinded them into being completely duped by the Republicans, they go on a little rampage and blame the generalized, invisible "lib-ruhls" that they have been brainwashed into despising.
Way to show your true depth and emotional deficiency, "talk..."
(Cue up "Another One Bites the Dust")
New and improved bally hoo but in the same old jar.
My God I would be happy to pay more taxes if they would just shut up and go home. This generation of politicians have done less for the country, caused a financial crises and lectured more than any in my lifetime. Every word out of their mouths is to position themselves to stay in office so that we can continue paying them.
Well said!!
Agreed!
I do not know if I would be happy to pay more in taxes, but I would be willing to pay more if I believed either political side would actually handle the revenue productively.
I am outraged at the GOP for not being flexible on issues and saying the wrong things!!!. But I am even MORE angry that they are being flexible and saying the RIGHT things!!!!. This really makes me angry. You people need therapy.
Saying and doing are two different things. I always say "I'm going to lose 10 lbs", but here I am still with that 10 lbs.
When the crazy "legitimate rape" comments cease, we'll talk
It's easy to *say* things, but you need to follow through on all the talk. Start with trying to stack the deck at election time. No more egregious gerrymandering. No more talk of photo ID to prevent even legitimate voters from voting. And for heaven's sake, no more talk of changing the Electoral College, unless it's to change it to the popular vote without regard to districts. I'm sure that while Cantor is talking of his kinder and gentler way of stating things, the effort to stack the vote will continue on.
TO: Sane-2794278 who wrote:
There are 2 old sayings that apply here:
1. Talk is cheap; and
2. Action speaks louder than words.
If Republicans want to actually to something to help the American People, then pass the President's Jobs Bill.
Otherwise, they're full of hooey.
Sane-2794278
"I am outraged at the GOP for not being flexible on issues and saying the wrong things!!!. But I am even MORE angry that they are being flexible and saying the RIGHT things!!!!. This really makes me angry. You people need therapy."
You're missing one small detail there Sane... We've already been probed by these particular grays and unlike their ignant servile constitchencies, we didn't enjoy it and don't remain permanently bent to the task.
The reason normal people recoil in horror when the GOP "reaches out" is because the GOP already lost their hands for stealing and those little wiggly stubs they have left are creepy.
Enjoy
It is because of people like "sane" that we are in the mess we are in. They were dumb enough to believe the same old Republican lies in 2000 and now they are too dumb to even remember that there was a President Bush Jr.
Believe what ever Cantor tells you, even though it completely contradicts all that he said before the election,"sane". Don't come crying to us when you party with Republicans and you wake up 2 days later, alone in a cheap hotel with a very, very sore bottom. That is all you and your teabagger buddies are worth to the Republican good ol' boys. Either get wise to it, or get used to walking funnier than you already are.
If your collective personalities weren't so nasty, you might be worthy of pity for being duped so thoroughly...but you are a foul, ignorant bunch and completely deserve what you got. Republicans will now dump you and your klan back in to the manure pile that they pulled you out of.
Don't worry, however, because the non-stupid American majority is stepping in to take care of your mess.
Quoting Cantor, "Over the next two years, the House majority will pursue an agenda based on a shared vision of creating the conditions for health, happiness and prosperity for more Americans and their families." In light of their past complete concentration on serving only the interests of "the money", their strong supporters and masters, can what Cantor says be other than just more propaganda aimed to con the people and manipulate public opinion while they actually continue to push the contry further into being a two-class society, with the few continually feeding their insatiable "more" (never enough) appetite while they establish conditions that simply force the majority to loose more? It will take more than just rhetoric to ever create credibility and confidence in their ever becoming concerned for "more Americans and their families".
Angry white male attempts to be human. Which adds up to Malarkey. GOP changing state laws that create voter suppression and gerymandering electoral votes. Cantor's speech is a smoke screen for what the GOP is really doing. Getting even with the 47% For putting O back in office. Vote that scum bag out.
Are you from Virginia? If not, good luck with that.
"House majority will pursue an agenda based on a shared vision of creating the conditions for health, happiness and prosperity for more Americans and their families."
Dang that's funny!
More lipstick on the PIG
Give that pig a whole make-over... Then let it try to walk in the heels! Ain't gonna work, but we'll get bacon after it's dead!!