Grassley doesn't seem to think Obama is President of the entire United States

[ProSense]

But as Democrats sharply criticized the deal with PhRMA as a giveaway to the drug industry, Senator Charles E. Grassley of Iowa, the senior Republican on the panel, interjected derisively. “You know who cut the deal,” he snapped at Mr. Schumer. Later, Mr. Grassley added: “If this is a bad deal, you ought to be embarrassed for your president. It didn’t come from anybody sitting on this side, this deal.”

Mr. Kerry tried to defend the Obama White House, suggesting that President Obama was not personally involved. But high-level White House officials, including a deputy chief of staff, participated in the negotiations.

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[bluestateguy]

1. He's YOUR president

He carried Iowa twice. Once in a caucus and again in November. It was not close.

[WI_DEM]

2. Grassley is courting the nut element in his party in Iowa. Otherwise he would be defeated

in a GOP primary. Doesn't say much for him, though.

[Eric J in MN]

3. Senators aren't bound by promises made by White House officials.

If a White House official told a lobbyist that Congress will pass a bill for "National Exxon Day," members of Congress wouldn't have to vote for it.

[polichick]

4. THAT'S the important part of this thing. nt

[Thrill]

5. So what? They are the Congress. They can change it

.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

6. I agree with you that is a very telling turn of phrase by Mr. Grassley.

Very in-your-face, really.

[gordianot]

7. We are all going to see more of this type of rhetoric.

The GOP is pushing the "us and them" tone a little stronger this time. For people who push appearances "symbols" of Nationalism they continually run the risk of being marginalized or worse. The minority they are inciting are dangerous and may well turn against them. Every time one of them suggests secession, ignoring federal law, the legitimacy of elected government they put another nail in their coffin.

Us and Them more so every day.