On the heels of the Republican National Convention, and a few days before the Democratic National Convention, you can follow the conversation with this week's MTP liveblog. Joining us: Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel; Newt Gingrich, Carly Fiorina, Tom Friedman, Doris Kearns Goodwin & Tom Brokaw.
Meet the Press live blog - September 2, 2012
Sun Sep 2, 2012 5:19 AM EDT
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i take exception with the fact that Ram states the auto industry was on the verge of collapse. NOT TRUE. GM was on the verge of collapse from bad management and bad decisions. Other auto industries could have survived. And you destroyed investors worth who were holders of GM shares!
I worked in the industry. If GM and Chrysler went down, all the supplies would go down. Since all the Car industry now uses just in time supplies, it would have taken down not Ford but also all the forien car manufacturers assembling inthe US.
You need some facts to make these crazy statements.
I'm not the Plumber!
It is difficult to watch Rahm continue with the half truths. Auto industry not all in decline. Mostly GM and now is owned and managed as government motors. Have not even paid pack their loans. Remember, not all took loans. Let's be honest at least in what we say on television this year!
and no mention of GM investors who took a bath with the whole deal!
Anyone who believes in the free-market system, as most Republicans claim to do, should want the GM investors to "take a bath" when their company fails. Obama's plan for GM saves the pensions and health care of retirees, which would have been the first things to go in a bankruptcy.
David Gregory is doing all he can to help his Republican party. On the September 2nd show where are the Democrats in the Political Roundtable? He has two partisan Republicans in Newt Gingrich and Carly Fiorina spewing their lies and no partisan Democrat to tell them so.
I came on line to make this same point as Radjay. This morning y had two partisans whose only goal was to defend Romney and the Republicans, and NOBODY whose goal is to represent the President and the Democrats. The result is a one-sided conversation masquerading as analysis. This is not a lone instance, either, as Meet The Press has been doing this for some time. Tom Browkaw (a journalist), Doris Kearns-Goodwin (a historian), and Thomas Friedman (an author and journalist), even if they might have liberal tendencies, are NOT representatives of the administration or the Democratic party. They should not be put in the position of defending anyone (and, frankly, would not allow themselves to be put in that position).
I too was going to complain about the one-sided "round table." Tom Friedman is either uniformed or completely incapable of defending the Administration against the Keystone Pipeline mythology. Nowhere near "a million" jobs would be created. TransCanada's CEO estimated 20,000 jobs would be created and this estimate came from a financial firm based in Texas and hired by TransCanada. An independent analysis concluded that, "while Keystone would result in 2,500 to 4,650 temporary construction jobs, this impact will be reduced by higher oil prices in the Midwest which will likely reduce national employment;" the US State Department estimated the pipeline would create 5,000 to 6,000 jobs. The pipeline has not been nixed by Obama--the permit was merely delayed in order for environmental review of alternative sites to protect the aquifer upon which so many people depend on in that region. FERC is right to consider further environmental review if there is any question of whether the application process and findings are biased or rushed. Lastly, there needs to be discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of any energy strategy in terms of climate and our energy future. It is disingenuous for Republicans to talk about the US needing to become energy-independent when we actively export oil. Gingrich talks about "centuries" of supply being available, but what are the drawbacks of utilizing these supplies for centuries? Only scientists can answer these questions, using the best available information. Politicians can rant and rave about energy independence, but they are not doing this for America, they are doing it to make corporations rich. Benefits to your children and grandchildren may not be as rosy. Please have INFORMED Democrats on when issues like this come up. Finally, why no defense of women's ABILITY to engage in the workplace without having the choice of abortion. Do they really assume all women who work will just remain celibate or will they continue their careers while getting pregnant over and over and caring for numerous children? It's clearly an economic issue FOR WOMEN.
Brokaw is a Republican.
I've been seeing this trend on MTP for a while. I thought I was the only one. Then Gregory summarizes the show by quoting the memorable Republican comments. The other side is never heard.
Why is there a blight of shootings in Chicago if Rahm thinks every thing is so gooooood?
Carly Fiorina was fired from HP for incompetence. If she can't run a company, who cares what she thinks about running a country.
I can't stand it any longer!!! Meet the press has become a place where partisan politicians can come to spout their intransigent ideologies, ad nauseum. It used to be a place where important leaders discussed issues of the day. It is no longer about issues. It is about uncompromising ideology. It is not informational. It is food fight entertainment - another reality show.
I've watched my last Meet the Press broadcast.
In all fairness, it isn't the press that's intransigent, it's the politicians. That's the political news. That's why I was so gratified when Tom Friedman talked about his astonishment that the President has not taken this to the American people. The question of whether he can produce in his second four years is completely dependent on whether he faces the same gridlocked congress. This has been his true failure of leadership -- If you can't get congress to go to work, then you have no choice but to appeal to the American people to break the gridlock. I too am astonished!
I have been a long time MTP viewer and I can tell you with the most sincere part of me, that David Gregory is not Tim Russert. We hear this a good bit these days from MTP viewers and that alone suggests David (and his producers) should take note. MTP has now become a forum for the ideologies and (party lines) of both parties and Mr. Gregory does little to find the truth within. Russert would not allow his guests to dictate the subject matter as Gregory does, and persisted to get a real substantive answer to the question he asked. Russert did not cave. DG will point out that he has not been given an answer to his question and perhaps ask it again, but then allows the guests to ramble on with the same party line script that provided no answer in the first place.
When does MTP return to it's position as a crucial and informative source on political issues to get real answers? The people have been deluged with a smoke screened environment that often leaves them without a clear view of the candidates and MTP (with Tim Russert ) always got to the truth behind the political banter and party line.
I can foresee the DNC convention replacing the RNC's debt clock with a huge banner that states the words of Mitt Romney to his own home state (about the auto industry.) One can only wonder what Romney thinks of the rest of Americans when he seemingly cares so little about his own home state. The stage will be crowded with auto workers outraged by Ryan's RNC lies, and whose jobs were saved by Obama's $80B bailout of the industry. They will be the voices of real Americans telling real truths to the rest of America. The banner will tell it all and it will read:
Let Detroit Go Bankrupt
By MITT ROMNEY
Why wasn't Newt the Co Conspirator to ruin the Country's Recovery from Bad Bush Economics and the Obama Administration asked where his Cooperation was provided in aiding the recovery?
Was Ann Romney's "I Love Women" moment a declaration that she is a homosexual like Ellen did on her TV Show?
WHY does the GOP have hearings about Women's Health, Reproduction or Abortion without the Voice of Women Being Heard.
The Biggest Lie Romney said was that he hoped President Obama Succeeded so America would Succeed. He is on record. Let GM Fail, Let Houses be foreclosed, Questioning why Obama hadn't corrected 8 years of Bush Bad Economics in weeks after being sworn in. FACT he won't show is that Bush cost Romney Losses, and Obama's Economy has recovered wealth for Romney, yet Romney has not created American Jobs as a result of making more money himself.
Fiorini has some bad #,s pipeline will meam 1M jobs.
would tie tax cuts to Keystone approval.
TransCanda (TRP), the company that wants to build the pipeline, says Keystone would create 20,000 "direct" jobs. That includes 13,000 construction jobs and 7,000 jobs making stuff like pump houses and the pipe itself.
It also projects nearly 120,000 "indirect" jobs -- think restaurant workers and hotel employees to support the construction.
Jobs: Pro-Planet vs Anti-Planet. Have we done stupid short sighted stuff before? Yes. Here's an idea that makes about as much sense as burning Canadian tar/oil in this country - let's burn used tires instead! Same effect, and much cheaper. Amazing that Romney's punch line is about Obama being pro-planet. What's funnier than that is anything less than pro-planet is anti-families. It's called connecting the dots. And I'm only five years old!
Fiorini has inflated job #'s
would tie tax cuts to Keystone approval.
TransCanda (TRP), the company that wants to build the pipeline, says Keystone would create 20,000 "direct" jobs. That includes 13,000 construction jobs and 7,000 jobs making stuff like pump houses and the pipe itself.
It also projects nearly 120,000 "indirect" jobs -- think restaurant workers and hotel employees to support the construction.
Thomas Friedman is a brilliant observer of the scene. His questions, especially asking why the American people and Pres. Obama are allowing this siege to continue, are right on point.
Truly!
In regards to our Chicago Mayor's comment that they have brought down murder numbers, please refer to an Aug 29 article from Redeye: " Fifty-five homicides have been recorded so far this month in Chicago, making August the deadliest month of the year, a RedEye analysis of preliminary police data found.
Two other months this year recorded 50 or more homicides: March and May. The deadliest month last year was July, which saw 55 homicides. Thirty-seven homicides were logged in August 2011."
Did Newt just shutdown the Tom's I believe he did.
I am so sick and tired of being told that because I am Pro Choice it makes me Pro Abortion. Newt and the rest of the government needs to get out of MY Body! Pro Choice is just that, the right for any person the right to make a CHOICE. I reserve the right to make choices on ALL my healthcare decisions. My God, my doctor and my family are the only ones that should be involved in the decision. Pres. Obama understands this and will continue to fight for this right.
and not only the choice of whether to bear a child of an unwanted pregnancy; it is also about the choice to engage in the workforce and earn a living rather than be a single woman on welfare raising unwanted children. I demand the right to continue to live my life as a single older woman who has a career and is not planning to marry or have a child, but who may want to have sex from time to time!
I am sick of hearing all the GOP's spew their lies. Now it's about how Obama is paying for 8 and 9 month abortions no less at Planned Parenthood and if people knew about it, according to Newt, Obama would surely loose and no one called him on it!
How about it Newt, you're such a good Catholic now, I'm sure you don't even dare use any birth control, right? Is your wife so old she doesn't need protection or are you using the rythym method? Don't think so, huh?
Women need to be considered equal citizens!!!! I can't believe it's 2012 and were STILL talking about birth control, equal pay and equal rights for women! This is scandalous!!!!! Minorities are still being discriminated against, the poor and hungry are still the same yet there are more millionaries and billionaires than ever, how can this be? Greed and corruption are the law of the land, why aren't all the congress people comparing their assets before they get into office and while there? they all seem to become rich being public servants due to the graft and gifts being given to them and everyone is ok with this? NO!!!!
They don't want to give us any health care yet they have the gold standard which WE pay for. We need to stop this, put them on social security and give them the SAME benefits the rest of us have, only then will we be equal under the law. Then, they don't do anything, take time off every month, with pay even, and are completely ineffective and block everything. They should all be fired, we would if we worked this way. This has got to stop!
Open your eyes and SEE, don't vote for GOP or we will be turned into slaves by the corporations and big business. GOP, stop lying and twisting everything. I don't want any more wars, get out of the other countries, fix education and make it possible to go to college for everyone! Give us health care! Fix social security and medicare too! We are entitled to protections from our country! These are not entitlements!
Politicians should be ashamed of giving advice, their views and then live the way they do, they are hypocrites. Especially all the religious ones! Get religion out of government NOW!!!!
Did I just see Newt leave the two Tom's without a counter to his last comment? Why yes I did !
Tom Brokaw did not have the courage to say that what Paul Ryan said was a "lie."
It is fine to be objective, Mr. Brokaw, but once in a while it would be nice to hear you call a spade a spade. Doris Kearns Goodwin and Tom Friedman were certainly not favored by dear David. Carly and Newt .....why were they even there, today.
I guess Newt Gingrich was your Clint Eastwood moment. Talk about awkward. After he completed his rant, you could hear paint drying. What happened? I like how Cary Fiorina tried to save you, but the damage was done. I am curious to hear the buzz next week. You are probably going to make the Jon Stewart show.
Newt takes the question of partial third term/post birth abortion.. defines it is an EXTREME view (20% issue), ....Friedman says "he is a Planned Parenthood Democrat"..answering Newt's comments, because Goodwin is in shock, Brokaw won't take the bait and Gregory wants to hide.....Newt asks him the great direct question....do you support?.....
And Friedman hides under "I am a Journalist".......Friedman you are a sham!....and boy did your body language demonstrate it on the show.
Obama supports this and that is indefensible!
God Bless Newt!
As far as I can tell, partial birth abortion is banned in the US. Late-term abortion is not, but accounts for less than 1% of abortions. Even as a pro-choice voter, I think there is room for discussion on late-term abortions and exemptions, but what the Republicans are calling for is a complete ban on all abortions, even in the cases of rape and incest, and of granting human rights to fertilized eggs. I agree with you that the responses were pitiful.
I
am not normally a person who would not comment or get fired up about who is on
the show as debate and discussion is IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT VIEWS...
HOWEVER ~ why would Meet the Press have the woman who crippled HP and mislead
the company as well as had allegations of multiple mismanagement and violations
of the company's best interest be allowed to speak on any discussion of what is
best for the "people" when she only had herself in mind with her
personal profits when she outsourced jobs, put thousands of Americans out of
work, and did not invest in making the company stronger... Bad choice to have
this woman on the show speaking up about anything that references American
people or what is best for this country... I am ashamed
that she would be allowed to represent women or this country in any public
format.
Watching 'Meet the Press' this morning, I so wish the media would give air time to the 'Green Party'...both Republicans and Democrats are both lacking in how to 'Show the Money' to the American people! I don't want to go back to the decade of what got us here (Republican agenda). Now after the Republican convention; we are left talking about Clint Eastwood! The distraction is unbelievable! Why aren't we talking about the Republican's plan! Romney didn't give us any details about his plan; he won't show us his tax returns and he is so far removed from people like myself who live, never mind middle class, at 'poverty level'! How can Romney claim women having an equal say when in the Mormon religion they do not! Women are not a 'special interest' group...they're over 50% of the population. Who's standing in the way of change? Who's blocking the change? Why isn't the President 'leveraging' the American people? He did it to get elected...but he stopped. I'm in such a delima. I know I don't want Romney, but Obama is only the lesser of the two. I'd rather vote for Jill Stein, however a vote for her would probably put Romney in office. If Jill Stein could get the attention the media gives Romney and Obama, I believe the American people would have a choice which would turn this country around! Jill's plan outlines realistic answers. Why isn't the media talking about her plan? Why does the media keep the American people stuck with choices that are more of the same. Just like Jill Stein, I don't expect any answer to my comment...after all, I'm just a tiny speck in the 98% who lives from check to check!
It appears that you can't fully participate in a presidential election without many millions of dollars. It's not an imaginary hurdle; it is real.
Wow. Newt had an awkward moment there, defending Todd Akin. That's not going to help to GOP.
Tom Brokaw, if it is the 'Century of Women'...why the heck aren't you talking to Jill Stein and the Green Party!!!!!!!!!!!!
True, women are not a one-issue constituency. But being "manipulated" by Democrats is still preferable to being placed firmly in the kitchen-nursery by the Republicans. Am I the only person in the country who wasn't impressed by Ann Romney? She completely and totally represented women of the 1950s. What I remember most about my mother, who actually lived through that awful time, was how unhappy she was in that lifestyle. Like it or not, that Pandora's box is open. We will not be going back. Only really rich women can even entertain the notion of being the consummate homemaker. Only that kind of money allows you to AFFORD to have five kids. Ann Romney's life is a testimony to Mitt's wealth, and I hope we don't romanticize it.
You weren't the only one unimpressed with Ann Romney. Absolutely nobody seems to speak to issues affecting single and/or childfree women in America. It's as if we don't exist! Ann came off as a coddled rich white woman with no cares in the world--how on Earth could she empathize with the plight of middle class or poor people?
Why didn't you call out Fiorina about her blatant lie about how many jobs would be created by the pipeline? Do I miss Tim Russert!
Carly Fiorina: You are delusional to think that the economy issue and "the abortion issue" are separate, unrelated issues (BTW, it's really an issue of choice. I am Pro-Choice, not Pro-Abortion, while others are Anti-Choice rather than Anti-Abortion). In fact, no issues are independent of others. The issue of whether a woman has the final and most important say in making her own health care decisions absolutely has an impact on her own economic future, as well as our country's. if a woman has a unplanned pregnancy (the condom broke, she's taking antibiotics which lower the effectiveness of her birth control medication - assuming that's still legal - or, gulp, she was raped, etc, etc), that pregnancy, if she CHOOSES to continue it or is forced to continue it, whatever the current law is, costs money, takes time away from her job, etc. Will she be overlooked for a promotion? Very likely. Will she have expendable income to put into the economy? Not likely. These are just 2 ways an unplanned pregnancy negatively effects our economy as a country, and women (especially low-income, minority women) vs. men disproportionately and unfairly. And this is all before she even gives birth. So, let's be clear...women's health care IS ABSOLUTELY an economic issue.
And Newt...Todd Akin's comment about "legitimate rape" was said in the context of how it relates to a woman's right to choose. The conversation was about exceptions in abortion laws, so you are wrong in saying that his comment was not about abortion. The adjective itself, 'legitimate', was about rape, and shows a clear disrespect of women and minimizes any victim (as does any moniker put in front of the word 'rape,' Mr. "Forcible Rape" Ryan). But the complete sentence and conversation, where he talked about women's magical vaginas being able to stop a rapist's sperm from fertilizing her egg, thus rendering an abortion, and therefore a rape exception in the law, unnecessary, shows a complete lack of knowledge.
Why did you even have Newt Gingrich as a guest/commentator? He is an irrelavent has been who needs to go the way of Donald Rumsfeld. No one has cares what he thinks....not even Republicans. His statements on today's show (9/2/12) demonstrated just how out of touch he is and how his processing seems to lack any form of critical thinking.
Also, I was disappointed with the two Toms. I normally like Tom Friedman and what he says. Today he was unconvincing and blah.
G. Huit