Re: Lunch Break

Here’s the lunch break pool report. Judging from Obama’s comments, it would seem he’s been reading Kate’s Swampland post.:

The pool was called outside at 12:03 pm.

Waited as the president took a few more speakers before breaking for lunch.

Around 12:55 pm, Boehner walked out, followed by Clyborn.

The pool shouted questions. Clyborn said he’d be back after the vote.

Obama came out next.

“I don’t know if it’s interesting watching it on TV,” said Obama, walking towards the White House. “But it’s interesting being a part of it.”

“I think we’re establishing that there are actually some areas of real agreement,” he said, stopping for a minute outside the gates. “And we’re starting to focus on what the real disagreements are. If you look at the issue of how much government should be involved, the argument that the Republicans are making really isn’t that this is a government takeover of health care but rather that we’re ensuring the — we’re regulating the insurance market too much. And that’s a legitimate philosophical disagreement. We’ll hopefully be able to explore it a little more in the afternoon.”

Related Topics: Barack Obama, Democratic Party, Health Care, Republican Party
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  • http://firstfarmandweatherreport.blogspot.com/ maxwelldog

    By gosh, I think you’re onto something!
    But, I think he’s also pulling from your bit, too!
    “It’s interesting being a part of it!”

    Heck yeah!
    Great bit of transparency!
    ALL sessions should go like this!

    Including lobbyist sessions with our professional politicians!

  • deconstructiva

    KT, as I wrote to Kate, kudos to both of you, great work. It’s terrific that he’s reading you two. Now on the other hand, if he had been reading our reader comments he’d probably spend the rest of the afternoon hiding in the men’s room with the rest of the media. (thanks again for those links, they were hilarious)

  • sacredh

    The President is reading us?
    .
    Mr. President, I have a $100 bill that says you’re afraid to walk into the meeting after lunch with a baseball bat ala “The Untouchables” and stand behind Boehner’s chair.

  • charlieromeobravo

    “the argument that the Republicans are making really isn’t that this is a government takeover of health care”

    Unfortunately that won’t stop them from using the phrase “government health care takeover” and letting the less informed members of the electorate draw their own conclusions about what that phrase means. Still, it’s nice that POTUS is acting as a wing-nut translator for all of us.

  • northpoleresident

    now that would be must see tv

  • freeinpa

    It would be like his HC plan– a swing and a miss

  • sacredh

    I don’t know. Boehner has a pretty fat head. it’d be hard to miss.

  • deconstructiva

    Enzi: process ….Is “process” a drinking game word too?

    Harkin’s wearing the same blue tie as the chiefs.

  • afguy

    free,
    .
    You DO understand that, when we told you to “bring your ‘A’ game”, we didn’t refer just to the box it came in…?

  • afguy

    decon: yes. Pity no one made the call early enough, otherwise this could be a right mellow evening…

  • jncc

    Either he has been reading her column or both of them are capable of recognizing the obvious.

  • freeinpa

    afguy

    Bring my A game to you is like bringing a Rembrandt to a finger painting contest.

    Stick to cheap shots and name calling before so you don’t hurt yourself

  • afguy

    Left it at home in the closet, didn’t you?

  • freeinpa

    And still light years ahead of you!

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