Obama a no-show on the Biden/Boxer/Brownback/Kerry amendment

[Clintonista2]

Please start rationalizing.... now!

[gateley]

1. This should be good. nt

[TwilightGardener]

2. No rationalizing--if he missed crucial votes, then he gets a thump on the head from me.

[emilyg]

27. 2 in a row

[AlCzervik]

3. i remember when Gephardt was running, he missed a crucial vote in the house on block grants

for head start and i was pissed because his vote would have made the difference.

[William769]

7. So you want to deflect by going after history?

How original.

[AlCzervik]

13. um what? do you know who i support?

[William769]

21. um what? Did I say you supported anyone?

I made a statement of fact.

[AlCzervik]

24. i really have no idea what you're talking about, i pointed out a fact

you have a problem with facts? How is pointing out a fact about how missed votes can really screw things up is an attempt to deflect criticism away from Obama?

[Freddie Stubbs]

104. How did that work out for Gephardt?

:shrug:

[zulchzulu]

4. Rationalize Clinton's AYE vote first...

:popcorn:

[acmavm]

6. Okay, at least she took a stand and showed everyone what a

corporate loving repubic ass she is.

Obama hasn't got the guts.

[zulchzulu]

8. I'll cast judgment when I see a statement...

It beats jumping the shark.

[Clintonista2]

9. Just like last time. There's that 3 hour period when you haven't been told what to think yet

[Capn Sunshine]

107. very shrewd , grasshopper

Pre-appointed appearances across the country. I don't think I would have flown back for another bullshit vote either.

What's Hillary's excuse for voting YES?

Oh Right.
HILLARY IS STILL AND ALWAYS WILL BE A PANDERING HAWK

[William769]

10. Shields up! DEFLECT!! DEFLECT! DEFLECT!

We cannot allow any criticism of Obama, change the subject. Shields up! DEFLECT!! DEFLECT! DEFLECT!

[Clintonista2]

12. YES CAPTAIN!

:rofl:

[renie408]

95. "I'm givin' it all she's got, cap'n!!" n/t

[Clintonista2]

14. By the way, this is the BIDEN amendment, not the LIEBERMAN one (which Obama ALSO didn't vote on)

[AllyCat]

29. And Clinton happily voted AYE on!!! What is wrong with her!

A no show is better than an Aye from someone who claims to be a Dem. Oh wait, I forgot, the DLC wants war with everyone so we can keep the corporations in business.

I don't like Obama either, but Clinton...WTF???

[Clintonista2]

32. Define "Dem"

76 people voted YEA. That means more dems voted YEA than NAY.

[mark414]

35. and 77 people voted for the Iraq War Resolution

that doesn't make them right

[Clintonista2]

37. That doesn't make Hillary "not a dem"

I think refusing to vote on every controversial bill you ever come across, shouldn't even make you a member of congress.

[AllyCat]

42. People voted for a "Dem" Congress in '06 to end this fracking war

It would be nice if they actually tried donning that hat and voting against every little controversial bill that continues this cluster that's killing our people and theirs in Iraq for no reason. Hillary is pro-Iraq and now pro-Iran war. She has no intention of ending it.

[Clintonista2]

46. Only loyal "dems" like Obama can end it!!

By "voting" nay.. I mean yay... I mean... um.. err... how did he vote again? :rofl:

[AllyCat]

49. Again. I don't like Obama either.

He's a no show and HRC took it one step further voting yes. They have both shown they want this war.

[PatSeg]

59. "I don't know"???

"Maybe"? "Can't decide, so I'll abstain"? "I didn't read the amendment, so I have no opinion"? Geez!

[AllyCat]

39. That's hard to do anymore. What with the DLC and BlueDogs

voting like Repugs most of the time. Dems used to represent the people. Not anymore. One has to look at each person and see if they represent themselves and corporate interests or the constituents who voted for them.

[mark414]

30. Hillary voted yes on the Lieberman amendment as well

[Clintonista2]

33. How did obama vote on that one?

He voted NAY, I presume?

[mark414]

36. i'm not here to talk about him

because i'm not a foaming obama supporter - i don't have a hat in this race yet

but how can anyone justify voting yes on this amendment - that's what i want to know

[Clintonista2]

38. So you didn't come to a topic about Obama to talk about Obama?

:rofl: :rofl:

[mark414]

47. no, i am asking why are people being hypocritical on this

Obama didn't vote, who knows why. If he was there and didn't he's a coward, if he wasn't there then I don't know.

It is selective hearing and intellectual dishonesty to point out what one person didn't do without acknowledging that a candidate that you are supporting just voted in favor of an amendment that basically gives the green light to a war with Iran.

[William769]

44. Maybe not a "foaming obama supporter", but definitely foaming. NT

[jillan]

5. He is a condom candidate

He practices safe politics.

[acmavm]

11. Wouldn't you have to at least do something to need a condom?

He's too god damn phony and gutless.

This is exactly what I expect from Barrie.

[jillan]

15. You are right

You would need to at least get up.... off your butt.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

17. He's the abstinence only candidate!

He abstains from voting completely in order to keep his prospects safe!

[jillan]

20. That's better than mine!

[PatSeg]

22. Good one!!!!

I'm sure he'll have a "statement" any time now.

This was a very important amendment and to miss the vote is inexcusable.

[knight_of_the_star]

79. You know something about condoms

Without may be riskier, but its so much more meaningful, same with politics.

[SaveElmer]

16. He bagged on the Kyl-Lieberman amendment too...

My understanding is that he is in town...

[jillan]

18. I swear I heard his name.

[PatSeg]

23. I did too!

So we're either both delusional or we are both perceptive.

[murbley40]

74. I heard his name .

[kmccaskill]

25. hey

obama is screwed, damn

[Clintonista2]

26. Obama did not vote: Link

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=110&session=1&vote=00349

[jillan]

28. Thanks for that!

Where is he??? Preparing for tonites debate?

[PatSeg]

60. Only two senators didn't vote

McCain and Obama! Evidently the rest of the senate knew this was an important session.

[AllyCat]

45. No. He didn't bother to show for this one. n/t

[Clintonista2]

19. I heard the same thing.

[mark414]

31. and Hillary voted yes on it...so, who are her supporters to criticize?

she supports war with Iran, justify that

[Clintonista2]

34. Oh so I geuss Obama's NAY vote means he doesn't support war with Iran?

He did vote NAY after all, didnt he? :rofl:

[knight_of_the_star]

82. Yes he did

But then again HRC voted FOR it, so I'm not entirely sure who is worse, not standing up to the enemy or siding with them.

[AtomicKitten]

40. Just because you trash Obama every chance you get --

doesn't mean people are required to respond to it.

[Clintonista2]

41. How is this "trashing" Obama?

Please explain.

[jillan]

43. Asking why he didn't vote - is not trashing him.

Where was he?

[zulchzulu]

48. I'll take a "Not Voting" over voting FOR attacking Iran anyday

You can cherish her lovely vote to want to go into another war if you want. Have at it...

:crazy:

[AtomicKitten]

51. it's a desperate act of subterfuge

OP: "Hey, pay no attention to my candidate's "yes" vote on this POS bill. Look at that guy: OMFG he didn't vote and everybody knows a no-show is way worse than a "yes" vote. Oh, the faux outrage!"

[William769]

53. Not only do we have defection we have a un truth.

I wonder what else we could call a un truth?

[Cameron27]

68. Wait a minute, was attacking Iran in any part of the bill?

[zulchzulu]

97. It was saber-rattling Iran and calling for the use of military force in Iran

OK. It's already illegally happening anyway.

"Our military leaders, diplomats, and intelligence reports say that there is clear evidence Iran is exerting negative influence in Iraq," said Kyl. "I believe that the Senate's adoption of this measure sends a message to Iran that the U.S. will not tolerate any interference to progress in Iraq. It is now incumbent upon the State Department to add the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to the list of terrorist organizations."

http://lieberman.senate.gov/newsroom/release.cfm?id=284225

Senator Webb said:

"Those who regret their vote five years ago to authorize military action in Iraq should think hard before supporting this approach. Because, in my view, it has the same potential to do harm where many are seeking to do good.

At best, it’s a deliberate attempt to divert attention from a failed diplomatic policy,” said Webb. “At worst, it could be read as a backdoor method of gaining Congressional validation for military action, without one hearing and without serious debate."

http://thinkprogress.org/2007/09/25/webb-kyl-lieb-iran/

[applegrove]

50. What is the amendment about? I have no idea. I should but I missed this

one. What is the Biden amendment?

[kmccaskill]

52. hey

maybe it's a strategy, Hillary's been getting all the attention, so him not voting, they will bring it up in the debate then they will all go after him tonight then he can fight them all off and win then he can prove his medal , get media attention, and get some votes

[Think82]

80. www.planforiraq.com

pushing for federalizing Iraq into sunni, shia, kurd states under a weak central gov. MUCH MORE details at the link above. It's Biden's iraq plan

[applegrove]

101. thanks.

[Hippo_Tron]

54. Running for President requies you to miss votes, end of story

I say the same thing when Hillary misses votes.

[jillan]

55. Missing votes on whether we step it up in Iran?

Running for President means you know how to prioritize your schedule.

[Hippo_Tron]

56. Pretty sure this is non-binding

[PatSeg]

58. There were important amendments on the floor today

and unless a senator was in the hospital, his/her job was to BE THERE and cast a vote. If a candidate can't effectively prioritize their choices in the race, what kind of president would that person be? We already have a president who puts politics and vacations ahead of national interests.

[Hippo_Tron]

87. Sorry, this is the same bullshit that the Republicans attacked Kerry for in 2004

I didn't buy it then and I don't buy it now.

When you're President everybody adjusts their schedule around you and you can travel with incredible efficiency making use of Air Force One and the presidential motorcade. Senators don't have those luxuries and neither do Presidential candidates unless they are the incumbent.

[hedgehog]

57. When was the vote scheduled and was the schedule changed?

[PatSeg]

61. Yesterday it was determined that it would be voted on

today in the morning. All but two senators were there and voted. McCain and Obama were no-shows.

[Kelly Rupert]

62. Barack Obama: Boldly not standing against you!

Boldly not standing for you!

Boldly standing as far as he can get from anything controversial!

[kmccaskill]

63. o-bomb

i think he will get killed tonight, lets say goodbye to the obama presidency, he might even want a way out by not voting, if this is some weird strategy to win i have no idea.

[silverweb]

64. I think I understand why he didn't vote.

If I understand the amendment correctly, it calls for dividing Iraq up into three regions -- something that is not up to us.

This whole mess in Iraq started decades ago when foreign powers from outside the region created artificial borders and imposed their idea of how the region should be governed.

Obama is abstaining (I think) because he knows that the Iraqi people are the ones who should be making these decisions -- not the United States Congress or any other foreign power.

At least http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/9/25/125711/818">_one other_ agrees with me.

[jillan]

65. Wrong - the bill said exactly that - It is up to the Iraqis.

try again.

[zulchzulu]

67. Any idea on the Production Sharing Agreements (PSA)?

Do you know what that is? How will it be implemented and by whom?

[jillan]

69. It was suppose to be divided up between the regions - but with Hunt oil

having their hands in it now - who knows?

Biden's amendment calls for sharing between the regions.

This is something that hopefully the Iraqi's can figure out - or the UN - not the oil companies.

[silverweb]

71. Then I'll wait.

Someone on Obama's _site_ has already asked the question and I'm sure an answer will be forthcoming.

[karynnj]

93. That's not true - listen to part of Kerry's speech

at this link - starting 13 minutes in. Kerry had always said that we should not draw the lines that the Iraqis had to do it. This Biden proposal gives the reponsibility of drawing lines and defining how the states and teh weak federal government interact. Obama should say if would have voted yes or no or intentially abstained.

The SECOND video has Kerry's comment - and of course they are good :), the answer to your points is about 13 minutes in. (To me this sounds like a cross between Biden's idea and Kerry's repeated since 2004 summit. (Kerry also puts a plug in for the deadline - explaining that otherwise no one is motivated to do anything.

http://kerryvision.net/

[THUNDER HANDS]

66. was the vote close?

I believe half the Senate Democrats, or more, voted for it.

so, it wasn't like his no-vote cost them anything.

not voting is better than voting the wrong way.

[jillan]

70. 75 - 23

49 dems voted for it - one was missing.

[PatSeg]

78. But it is hardly presidential

All the senators except TWO thought it was important enough to vote. Being decisive and taking a position is important for anyone seeking the office of President of the United States.

[THUNDER HANDS]

81. well

has Obama released a statement on the matter yet?

let's see what he has to say.

[PatSeg]

84. I want to believe there is a really good explanation

and will give him the benefit of the doubt if he responds in a timely fashion.

[BigDDem]

72. Maybe he had an important meeting with the president of Canada

....or Master P

[Think82]

73. BIDEN THE UNITER

Please get behind this man for president. He's what this country needs.

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

75. I'm sick of Obama nad Hillary

She's not on our side and he's afraid to take a stand
EDWARDS ALL THE WAY!!!

[Think82]

77. why not

Biden? Because the media selects wich three front-runners are eligible. Biden's amendment is INCREDIBLY important and achieved bi-partisan support. No one was for it two years ago, and now it PASSED. That's a fuckin' leader.

BIDEN 08

[murbley40]

90. Biden accomplished with this ammendment

what no one has been able to accomplish for a very long time. A majority of the Senate agreeing on
something and voting together on it. This my friends, is LEADERSHIP. It is not an example of leadership to not show up for something as important as this . Beyond the Iraq issue it was about coming together. Joe Biden can bring our country together and help us get our respect back.

[Mass]

76. Sure, the votes were supposed to take place yesterday and

Obama had a rally planned this morning in NH, after he had a rally in Maine yesterday evening.

Given that none of these votes were remotely close, I wont blame him too much for not showing up (I'd like to know how he would have voted though).

However, I am still waiting explanations about Hillary's vote on Iran.

[Cameron27]

83. Me too.

[murbley40]

85. Let's make sure that everyone understands:

The Lieberman/kyle bill contained language that allows for going after Iran. The Biden/Boxer amendment concerned Iraq. Hillary voted yes on both. Obama did not show up for either.
Biden/Boxer passed 75-23 49 of those yes votes were democrats. Obama is the only democrat who did not show up to vote. Is he ill?:sarcasm:

[ProudDad]

86. This vote was NO SUPPOSED TO TAKE PLACE

You want to blame someone, blame that DINO harry reid...

"Obama is in New Hampshire trying to become our next President. Majority Leader Reid said last night that there would be no vote on this amendment in the near future, so Senator Obama had no reason to expect that this vote would be happening today. The announcement that the amendment would come up for a vote today didn't happen until 12:30pm. What was Senator Obama supposed to do, hop on a private jet and fly straight back to the Capitol? It's not like his vote would've changed the outcome."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3551091

[Think82]

88. Biden, Dodd, HRC

are also running for president. They were there.

[Inuca]

98. Not taking aby sides here, but

what Reid said yesterday afternoon meant that they were not able to reach an agreement, and that the amendments (both Biden's and Kyl's) will not be voted on yesterday nor early today. It definitely di dnot mean that they will not be voted on today, and I am sure that was obviously clear to any senator.

[Klaxon]

89. Ring Ring... Ring Ring...

<Pot ..Hello this is Kettle calling!>

<Kettle... you low down no good bastard!!>

<No pot... you are the low down no good bastard!!>

<What ever Kettle.... YOU are the low down no good bastard>

<NO! YOU ARE!>

<NO! YOU ARE!>

<NO! YOU ARE!>

<NO! YOU ARE!>

<NO! YOU ARE!>

<NO! YOU ARE!>

<NO! YOU ARE!>

<NO! YOU ARE!>

<NO! YOU ARE!>

<NO! YOU ARE!>

[LittleClarkie]

91. So pretty much ANYTHING they say now is going to be considered rationalizing?

Nice way to have a debate.

If I was an Obama supporter, I'd abstain from this thread as well.

[Clintonista2]

96. I'm sure he would approve!

[LittleClarkie]

99. Thank God I don't have a dog in this hunt yet

And what you're doing isn't helping me to warm up to Hillary, just so you know.

[Clintonista2]

100. Yea well, I'm not too worried about "offending" people into not voting for Hillary

She can manage just fine.

[LittleClarkie]

92. Could you provide a link to Thomas.gov

so I can read the bill and see who voted for it. Much obliged.

[kmccaskill]

94. obama

Chris Matthews of hardball just reported Obama came down with the stomach flu, but he will try to make the debate

[illinoisprogressive]

102. how about he saw Hillary and had to go puke.

[NoPasaran]

106. Where are you posting from, the second grade?

[democratsin08]

103. i think he is too cowardly

to go on the record with a vote.

[LittleClarkie]

105. Does anyone have a link to the vote?

I've been looking on Thomas, and I can't find it.

[murbley40]

108. kick