The Biden Presidency - 2020

[bronconick]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

It doesn't take 60 votes. That's a self-imposed rule they don't actually have to abide by.

And regardless, you only need a simple majority if done through reconciliation which is how they would have done it.

49 votes doesn't do much in reconciliation or in a majority, but you knew that.

[RainMaker]

I thought the Democrats had control of the Senate.

[flere-imsaho]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

I thought the Democrats had control of the Senate.

No one believes you're this dumb. Obstinate and self-righteous, sure, but not this dumb.

[RainMaker]

You're blaming Republicans for not voting for a Democrat's bill. It's as silly as Trump blaming Democrats for the wall not being built. They're the opposition party.

If you want to blame members of your own party, have at it. But the minority party is not responsible for passing your legislation.

[BYU 14]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

You're blaming Republicans for not voting for a Democrat's bill. It's as silly as Trump blaming Democrats for the wall not being built. They're the opposition party.

If you want to blame members of your own party, have at it. But the minority party is not responsible for passing your legislation.

Stop gaslighting, the bill had enough support to get 60 and Trump killed it and as others have said, it would have been DOA in the house too. Beyond that is a solid talking point, "if the GOP wants a secure border why would they sink this bill that would have accomplished that."

[GrantDawg]

unpopular opinion that probably gets me drummed out of the cool Democrats club: The SAVE act doesn't bother me much. I think that it is largely unneeded and probably could and should be improved, but it isn't a bill a would lay down in traffic to try to stop.

[JPhillips]

The biggest problem with SAVE is that it would seemingly invalidate all voter registration and require a new document standard to re-register. It simply couldn't be done by November.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

The biggest problem with SAVE is that it would seemingly invalidate all voter registration and require a new document standard to re-register. It simply couldn't be done by November.

I think that's why they want it. It's a no-win for Democrats. If they don't support it, Republicans will claim it's so they can do fraud. If they do support it, it'll never be implemented in time so they'll also say it's because Democrats want to commit fraud.

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

unpopular opinion that probably gets me drummed out of the cool Democrats club: The SAVE act doesn't bother me much. I think that it is largely unneeded and probably could and should be improved, but it isn't a bill a would lay down in traffic to try to stop.

As currently written I think it's trash. Anything like this should be looked at after the election, not right before. It also specifies that it is effective immediately. The biggest issue, though, is there's no funding included to assist states in getting it implemented so how would we have an election by November?

There are far better ways of getting something like this implemented if they took the time to do it correctly using REAL ID.

[RainMaker]

I feel like REAL ID is just a running gag by the government at this point.

[JPhillips]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

I think that's why they want it. It's a no-win for Democrats. If they don't support it, Republicans will claim it's so they can do fraud. If they do support it, it'll never be implemented in time so they'll also say it's because Democrats want to commit fraud.

In so many ways the GOP just doesn't care if things can work. It certainly wouldn't surprise me if they used a chaotic SAVE Act implementation as an argument to throw the election to the House and SCOTUS might agree.

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

unpopular opinion that probably gets me drummed out of the cool Democrats club: The SAVE act doesn't bother me much. I think that it is largely unneeded and probably could and should be improved, but it isn't a bill a would lay down in traffic to try to stop.

You’re welcome to the independent club.

I don’t mind the SAVE act but agree it can’t be implemented well for Nov. maybe the compromise is Dems agreeing to bring it to a separate vote in the Senate after election is done.

But I do think the Dems have an upper hand here with elections so close.

[GrantDawg]

I never suspected it could be implemented before November. There is no legal way that could happen, and the Republicans I have seen discussing it even admit that. There should be a couple of negotiated changes for sure. I would think that it could be tied to passing a renewal of the voting rights act, but of course, that would all require some kind of actual functioning Congress that could negotiate in good faith.

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[flere-imsaho]

It Mitch McConnell said previously that we shouldn't do something so rash as to replace a Supreme Court Justice in the last year of a President's term, then surely a wholesale revamp of voter ID laws should also wait a few months?

The smart thing for Democrats to do would be to let it die in committee. Keep tabling it while also saying "oh yes, we're definitely looking into it seriously".

[JPhillips]

As it exists currently it says changes go into effect as soon as it becomes law. I doubt the GOP would change that since their whole argument is that we need it to keep Kamala from stealing the election. Who in the GOP has the guts to face the wrath of Trump?

[JPhillips]

lol

Speaker Johnson put the CR with SAVE up for a vote and couldn't pass it. The GOP is a total shit show.

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

lol

Speaker Johnson put the CR with SAVE up for a vote and couldn't pass it. The GOP is a total shit show.

It failed by 20 votes. It wasn't even close. I don't even know how you manage to fail at counting your votes that badly.

[SirFozzie]

He knew it was going to fail. This was to provide a CYA when he negotiates a six month clean CR, in an attempt to avoid getting McCarthy-d.. May not stop the firebrands from having a go.. wonder if the democrats would love the chaos of yet another house speaker election during election season.

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

He knew it was going to fail. This was to provide a CYA when he negotiates a six month clean CR, in an attempt to avoid getting McCarthy-d.. May not stop the firebrands from having a go.. wonder if the democrats would love the chaos of yet another house speaker election during election season.

I agree with you. But we'll see if GOP really has a Plan B.

It's a little reassuring to see some members of the GOP risking the ire of Trump this close to election season.

[JPhillips]

Kathy Hochul has a lower net approval in NY than does Trump.

Worst Dems in America.

[Edward64]

Looks like a clean CR regardless of Trump's wishes.

Dec 20 is an interesting date for the end date but guess Johnson wants one last bite at the apple if the GOP loses the House.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson on Sunday announced a new temporary government funding proposal with key amendments from the original bill he put forward earlier this month, going against former President Donald Trump’s wishes and making some concessions to Democrats.

The new bill would fund the government through Dec. 20 and does not include any part of the SAVE Act, the Trump-backed election security proposal that would require people to show proof of citizenship to register as a voter.

In a letter to colleagues on Sunday, Johnson said the “very narrow, bare-bones” proposal would include “only the extensions that are absolutely necessary” to avoid a government shutdown.

[Lathum]

Johnson may be a Trump ball licker but he isn't stupid like Boebert or MTG. He knows a shut down when people are already voting would be suicide.

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by Lathum

Johnson may be a Trump ball licker but he isn't stupid like Boebert or MTG. He knows a shut down when people are already voting would be suicide.

He's also in a very different position than those two - he's in a position of actual responsibility/accountability rather than an elected loudmouth/performance art position who can sit on the sidelines and play to the base rather than govern. There's a reason why no matter how many times the GOP revolts against a speaker, they basically end up in the same place. You think Johnson wants to be an easy target for Trump if/when Trump loses the election (even though I'm sure Trump would be happy to see a shutdown, and just as happy to play either side depending on how the election shakes out)?

[Edward64]

Is it me or does it seem there is a lack of news about Joe and Hurricane relief? I know he's visited but I haven't seen any front & top of page news about this on CNN.

I'd think he would be front and center on this, stressing how he is helping etc. I wonder if he does not want to supersede Kamala or that news are just not reporting on him as much.

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by Edward64

Is it me or does it seem there is a lack of news about Joe and Hurricane relief? I know he's visited but I haven't seen any front & top of page news about this on CNN.

I'd think he would be front and center on this, stressing how he is helping etc. I wonder if he does not want to supersede Kamala or that news are just not reporting on him as much.

I think its a little of both-Kamala is the future of the party now, so he's letting her have more of a presence, and the media is following her around more than him.

[GrantDawg]

I just can't understand the level of hate and just plain stupid that gets someone like this elected. I mean, I live here. I have seen hate, and I have seen stupid, but people this level of both are generally not invited to parties much less voted for.

The Jewish Space Laser is stored at the Yentagon and is operated by Hanukkah Solo with his partner Jewbacca. pic.twitter.com/eVbKTSfFnx

— The Volatile Mermaid (@OhNoSheTwitnt) October 4, 2024

[JPhillips]

Yeah, that's certainly one way to celebrate Rosh Hashanah.

[Thomkal]

So I've seen a couple of stories about Baltimore Orioles pitcher Cole Irvin who was nobly trying to get some Helene supplies to FEMA and apparently wasn't happy with how he was being treated or something. Anyone have the full story on this?


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[Lathum]

The pitcher pointed to concerns that FEMA is low on hurricane relief funding due to assisting states with influxes of migrants, urging people to "grow up" and "wake up."

This line tells me he is buying into the MAGA influencers BS.

[kingfc22]

Originally Posted by Lathum

This line tells me he is buying into the MAGA influencers BS.

Basically the same line my mother posted on her social media today. Unfortunately she lacks the critical thinking and is certainly inside the MAGA spoon-fed bubble. So any time I see her post something I know it is the message going out over and over again to the lackeys.

[Lathum]

It is like Springfield all over again. Virtually every public official is claiming they are getting what they need and the GOP is gaslighting for political points.

[Dutch]

I’m seeing reports that half of FEMA’s budget was spent on non/citizens and Majorkas says they don’t have any money left for another hurricane. Not sure if that’s just MAGA news reporting but it looks and sounds like Majorkas. Maybe it’s AI?

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by Dutch

I’m seeing reports that half of FEMA’s budget was spent on non/citizens and Majorkas says they don’t have any money left for another hurricane. Not sure if that’s just MAGA news reporting but it looks and sounds like Majorkas. Maybe it’s AI?

The money was always separate and in 2021 175 republicans voted against additional funding for FEMA

[kingfc22]

https://www.newsweek.com/fema-respon...grants-1963702

Addressing claims that FEMA does not have enough money to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the page reads: "FEMA has enough money right now for immediate response and recovery needs. If you were affected by Helene, do not hesitate to apply for disaster assistance as there is a variety of help available for different needs."

Replying to the rumor that funding for FEMA disaster response had been "diverted to support international efforts or border related issues," the government agency said on its specially dedicated fact check page: "This is false. No money is being diverted from disaster response needs. FEMA's disaster response efforts and individual assistance is funded through the Disaster Relief Fund, which is a dedicated fund for disaster efforts. Disaster Relief Fund money has not been diverted to other, non-disaster related efforts.

"The Shelter and Services Program (SSP) is a completely separate, appropriated grant program that was authorized and funded by Congress and is not associated in any way with FEMA's disaster-related authorities or funding streams."

[Lathum]

dola- maybe this article from the far left leaning FOX news will clear things up and provide more context.

FEMA has funds needed for 'immediate response and recovery,' despite Mayorkas' warning | Fox News

[PilotMan]

If we hold Biden to the standards that trump set regarding emergency relief, then Biden should be ok declaring that areas that feel slighted should have voted for him. Plain and simple. It's the new order of things per the party of trump. Why can't they understand that.


yes.../s

[Ksyrup]

Can Biden still soft-toss paper towels, toilet paper, and bottle of water, or is he too old for that?

[PilotMan]

Only if he can go on tv afterwards and tell everyone how much those people loved him for being there.

[NobodyHere]

Originally Posted by PilotMan

Only if he can go on tv afterwards and tell everyone how much those people loved him for being there.

And God forbid if he uses a teleprompter.

[JPhillips]

Now people on the right are complaining that the Feds are taking up all the hotel rooms while also saying that the Feds are ignoring the victims.

[Thomkal]

So they are just there for a convention or a gun show then? Not there in any way to help the victims. C'mon people, wake up.

[Edward64]

Was catching a nap watching CNN. Woke up to Joe holding an impromptu press conference Q&A after he did a statement on the jobs report. First time he has gone into press briefing room and took questions.

Looked old, talked slow, walked slow. Still had a twinkle in his eye, good smile. But yeah, it was time. Thanks Joe for your decision.

[RainMaker]

It seems like there is a lot of misinformation about the FEMA stuff but it does stem from a legitimate issue. They have enough money for rescue operations and everything taking place in the aftermath of Helene, but they don't have enough to make it through the rest of hurricane season. They also don't have enough for long term help for the hurricane victims, just immediate assistance.

The stuff about it going toward immigrants is just racist drivel. But it is fair to point out that Biden did not put any effort into securing more FEMA funding. He proposed it last year but didn't designate as emergency funding and didn't bother to request it from Congress. And since last year, there has been no talk about refilling those coffers until this hurricane hit.

I'm guessing they'll approve funding as it's political poison to not. But still pretty pathetic that the government even got to this point.

[JPhillips]

Well the House GOP was dead set against any increase in FEMA funding. Remember they were pushing the Mayorkas impeachment all summer.

[RainMaker]

The FEMA funding was never formally submitted to Congress as an emergency. It was part of a proposal he put out to the public and quickly abandoned. It seems it wasn't ever intended to be taken seriously.

At the same time he did submit a different one for foreign aid which he heavily lobbied for and marked as emergency spending. Something that was necessary.

This was brought up earlier in the year. The stuff about immigrants is pure racism. And I'm sure Republicans were not going to be helpful passing anything. But it is true he never gave a shit about it and when you do focus most of your Presidency on giving billions in weapons to foreign countries, you're going to be criticized when shit hits the fan domestically. It's purely optics till they run out of money, but it's deserved.

[JPhillips]

Who are the House GOPers who would have been yes votes on more FEMA funding? Even now the House GOP isn't willing to pass emergency funding until after the election.

[RainMaker]

Maybe he should have put the same effort into it as he did into sending weapons to Ukraine and Israel. At the very least, he would have forced the Republicans to go on the record against the funding.

[GrantDawg]

None of this new or original to Biden. I can't think of any major disaster when there wasn't a need for additional funding. FEMA's budget is made to have enough to handle the immediate need, but there is always going to be more funding needed after a major disaster.

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[JPhillips]

They did go on record. There's plenty of quotes out there from House GOPers saying they won't increase FEMA funding. Funding bills start in the House and the President doesn't have the power to just make them vote on everything he wants.

[cartman]

Originally Posted by Dutch

I’m seeing reports that half of FEMA’s budget was spent on non/citizens and Majorkas says they don’t have any money left for another hurricane. Not sure if that’s just MAGA news reporting but it looks and sounds like Majorkas. Maybe it’s AI?

This administration did not divert money from the FEMA relief funds to use on immigrants. But there was another administration that did.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/imm...order-n1046691