Jordan Birnbaum

Host

Lefty & Righty : Fierce & Mighty

Nov 22, 2013·60 visitors

Amy Holmes

Cohost

Stage· 189 messages

Nov 22, 2013

My friend Amy and I retake the Tawkers stage to debate the various political crises du jour from our distinctly different perspectives. (Spoiler alert - I'm on the left.)

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:05 AM

Hi all - I'm on the phone with Amy - she'll be here in 2 seconds

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:06 AM

Ms. Holmes I presume?

Amy Holmes · 2:06 AM

A few glitches. But unlike Obamacare, solved!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:06 AM

Ohh, low blow right off the bat!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:07 AM

you're coming out swinging when I was getting ready to celebrate the harmony of our last Tawk!

Amy Holmes · 2:07 AM

You know it! But not low. Just a comment on low tech gov't efforts.

Amy Holmes · 2:07 AM

Lol. Yes.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:07 AM

OK -we'll put that into its proper perspective in a moment.

Amy Holmes · 2:08 AM

Love the disclaimer.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:08 AM

But I thought it would be good to recap our last Tawk about economics because I think a lot of people would be surprised to hear some of your positions.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:08 AM

So - here's what we learned about you: anti-corporate welfare. check.

Amy Holmes · 2:08 AM

Check

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:08 AM

pro education spending. check

Amy Holmes · 2:09 AM

At local level. Check.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:09 AM

blurred lines between republicans and democrats on virtually all positions. check.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:09 AM

positions of substance.

Amy Holmes · 2:09 AM

Often! Including nuclear option!

Amy Holmes · 2:10 AM

Why thank you!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:10 AM

Well, it helps that I agree with all of them. Unfortunately we didn't see eye to eye on the living wage…

Amy Holmes · 2:10 AM

Nope.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:10 AM

but for a lefty and righty I was encouraged by the amount of overlap.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:11 AM

So let's see if we can keep it up, or if we're doomed. Let's start with the nuclear option. What are you thinking?

Amy Holmes · 2:11 AM

The lion can lat down with lamb...

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:11 AM

★ Spotlighted from Dan Cutler

“what is your opinion on the use of the "nuclear option" today?”

Amy Holmes · 2:11 AM

Spelling!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:11 AM

spelling mistakes quickly forgiven on Tawkers

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:12 AM

and in case anyone hasn't seen the news, the "nuclear option" refers to filibuster rules changes

Amy Holmes · 2:12 AM

I oppose it. For democracy sake. Appointments, especially at the judicial level should be bipartisan, in my view.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:13 AM

In theory, I think we all agree. But in practice, do you acknowledge the level of obstructionism? I mean, none of these votes were held up based on substance or position.

Amy Holmes · 2:13 AM

I don't want a judiciary packed with partisans on either side. Divisive on matters law.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:13 AM

★ Spotlighted from John Baker

“the nuclear option is also the last resort to getting out of a bad relationship”

Amy Holmes · 2:13 AM

Ask Miguel Estrada if he was held up for substantive reasons in the mid 2000's...

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:14 AM

details please

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:15 AM

It is certainly my position that in practice, Democrats have never been behaved in such a destructive manner.

Amy Holmes · 2:16 AM

I worked for then Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist when D's were blocking noms based on ideoly and partisanship. They opposed Estrada in part because it would have put him on a glide path for first Hispanic SC justice, nominated by an consideratio.

Amy Holmes · 2:16 AM

That got garbled. Nominated by a conservative.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:16 AM

Now -were they having hearings and raising ideological issues, or simply not allowing a vote? Because there is a HUGE distinction.

Amy Holmes · 2:17 AM

D's have a long history of obstruction in defense of minority party rights.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:17 AM

★ Spotlighted from Seth Hochman

“More filibusters under Obama's first term than all of the other Presidents combined”

Amy Holmes · 2:17 AM

Not allowing an up or down vote.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:17 AM

It's hard to argue with those stats, though.

Amy Holmes · 2:18 AM

This would also be the second time in Senate history thatD'slowered the threshold to advantage their numbers. R have not.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:18 AM

I mean, I am not in favor of wither side having sweeping powers to push through judicial nominees. But we have to deal with the reality that Republican Senators are literally breaking the government.

Amy Holmes · 2:18 AM

Fact is, R'shad the power to trigger the nuclear option, and didn't do it.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:18 AM

Ted Cruz, p[rime example.

Amy Holmes · 2:19 AM

The shoe will be on the other foot, and D's will fume. But all this D-R stuff gets so tiresome.

Amy Holmes · 2:20 AM

And Reid just made it worse.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:20 AM

I agree, and I shudder to think of a conservative president stacking the courts, just as you fear the opposite.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:20 AM

I think Reid did the only thing he could. The situation was unsustainable.

Amy Holmes · 2:20 AM

I fear both sides going at it and delivering and ideologically divided judiciary. Yuck!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:21 AM

OK -well let's hope that somehow a working relationship can start to develop instead of this level of dysfunction.

Amy Holmes · 2:22 AM

The president could have nominated moderates. There are still moderates on both side in the Senate. Or at least Senators who respect the value of bipartisanship.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:22 AM

But as I understand it, the ideologies of the nominees were irrelevant. They wouldn't vote regardless of who was nominated.

Amy Holmes · 2:22 AM

How about that Obamacare mess, huh?

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:23 AM

OK - we can pivot.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Seth Hochman

“The Filibuster is the reason the US Senate is the most dysfunctional govt body in the world”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:23 AM

But we get the last word!

Amy Holmes · 2:23 AM

Btw. I don't agree it's the end of liberalism. Liberal dreams never die.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:23 AM

lol -OK

Amy Holmes · 2:24 AM

★ Spotlighted from John Baker

“3 years and not even a Beta test”

Amy Holmes · 2:24 AM

Thank you, John!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:24 AM

So tell us what you think the rollout problems of Obamacare foretell for the program in the long run?

Amy Holmes · 2:25 AM

Wow. Hard to say. We're already getting warnings of the premium death spiral, something conservatives warned about.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:25 AM

It's very difficult for me to believe any of the stats I hear on this.

Amy Holmes · 2:25 AM

Even D's are freaking. The concern is across party lines.

Amy Holmes · 2:25 AM

Your lack of faith is a big part of the Obama's problem. Seen his trustworthy numbers lately?

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:26 AM

Well, I think that the rollout problems are significant and have me shaking my head at the level of incompetence. But I don't think the larger issues -the reasons I support Obamacare - are impacted at all.

Amy Holmes · 2:26 AM

And your skepticism is well placed. The gov't numbers have been very misleading.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:26 AM

It's not like FoxNews is a beacon of truth…

Amy Holmes · 2:27 AM

It's a problem if a policy is so problematic, the gov't has to trot out wild and ridiculous numbers to paper over its problems.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:27 AM

★ Spotlighted from Dan Cutler

“And it's not like IT problems don't happen in the private sector. It's an embarrassing disaster, but it's not a policy disaster, it's a tech disaster. HUGE difference.”

Amy Holmes · 2:28 AM

The tech disaster is leading to big policy disasters even if you like the policy. Don't whistle past the ERIC, my friend.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:28 AM

Like Dan, I see a distinction in operational issues vs. policy issues. And I think it's foolishly early to judge the program on its policy implications.

Amy Holmes · 2:28 AM

Past the ER?

Amy Holmes · 2:28 AM

ER. Damn auto correct!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:28 AM

I know -it is the bane of my existence

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:29 AM

But even the hubbub about people losing their insurance plans - that's manufactured.

Amy Holmes · 2:29 AM

POTUS is treating this like a political and marketing disaster. He needs to come to grips.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:29 AM

they were the equivalent of sub-prime mortgages. Exploitative and toxic insurance plans.

Amy Holmes · 2:30 AM

That people want to keep. And Obamacare was sold as a plan that would let people keep the plans they have, if they wish. If the new plans are so great, customers will flock to them. But right they can't! Let alone premium increases, which my own p

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:31 AM

Hmm. Do you agree that the healthcare system in the US prior to Obamacare was unacceptable?

Amy Holmes · 2:31 AM

My parents have seen their premiums go up. it's real.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:31 AM

My premiums went up 300% before Obama became president.

Amy Holmes · 2:31 AM

Yes. And mt former boss, a doctor, agrees. But the Obamacare cure may be worse than the disease.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:32 AM

OK, so you, Frist and I all agree that what we had before was unacceptable.

Amy Holmes · 2:32 AM

I just warn my liberal friends, you know I have many, including you my dear, do not underestimate the law's problems.

Amy Holmes · 2:32 AM

Yes.

Amy Holmes · 2:33 AM

★ Spotlighted from Seth Hochman

“Amy please tell us what the Republican plan is?”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:33 AM

I don't. In fact, I want a public option. But this is a step in the right direction, despite it's flaws, in my opinion.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:33 AM

★ Spotlighted from Blake Ian

“It points to the problem that exists on both sides and with the entires system... its not about what people are for, its about being against the other side.”

Amy Holmes · 2:34 AM

Empowering more transparency in pricing, so that patients understand their options. Shopping for insure ace across state lines,like Geico, or other insurance products. HSA's,and treating individual purchases with the same tax breaks as companies.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:34 AM

what about pre-existing conditions? what about maintaining coverage when someone gets sick? Shouldn't these be law?

Amy Holmes · 2:35 AM

Also Medical malpractice reform, which is driving obgyn'sout of undeserved markets, along with pushing up costs.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:36 AM

Listen, I am all for a discussion on legal reform, but I'm not going to blame rising health care costs on that, when we have an entire industry -health insurance- that creates an unnecessary layer of profit.

Amy Holmes · 2:36 AM

My former boss agrees with that (if Imay speak for him here!). But my idea: that could have been covered with subsidies, not a complete and disastrous remaking of the insurance market.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:37 AM

I agree with that. Remove the profits of insurance companies and watch health care costs fall to the floor!

Amy Holmes · 2:37 AM

No one likes the bait and switches that go on with insurance companies. But again,legal reform.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:37 AM

Plus it would be nice if the government could negotiate prices on prescription drugs for Medicaire…

Amy Holmes · 2:37 AM

Actually, getting Rxcoverage wasoneof my former boss'sbig achievements.

Amy Holmes · 2:38 AM

Not hitting the space bar hard enough!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:38 AM

lol

Amy Holmes · 2:39 AM

So, may I turn the convo to Rob Ford? I love crazy politicians, and he's a Canadian conservaitve!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:39 AM

By all means!

Amy Holmes · 2:39 AM

And still has higher approvals than Obama! Any Canadians in the convo. Please explain!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:40 AM

Did you see Will Farrell's homage to him on Conan?

Amy Holmes · 2:40 AM

From what I understand, he has big support among the working class.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:40 AM

Well, you know, he parties…

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:40 AM

so he gets a plot of support there…

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:40 AM

alot

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:40 AM

★ Spotlighted from Seth Hochman

“Let's remember he is a "Conservative" in Canada which would be a liberal over here”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:41 AM

lol good point seth

Amy Holmes · 2:41 AM

PORT didn't. But he's starting to become my anti hero. Better than Marion Berry, who used to leave voice mails on my DC phone accidentally when he was calling his girlfriend. Very entertaining listening.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:41 AM

NO WAY!!!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:41 AM

Did you save them?!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:42 AM

★ Spotlighted from Seth Hochman

“The guy sure provides comedy: he is like Chris Christie mixed with Jon Belushi”

Amy Holmes · 2:42 AM

yes. His girlfriend's number was one number transposed. And I was dating the Washington Pist gossip columnist at the time. Talk about his bad luck.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:42 AM

ouch. remind me to stay on your good side!

Amy Holmes · 2:42 AM

Post!

Amy Holmes · 2:42 AM

I didn't let Lloydpublish the messages. I'm a softie.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:43 AM

Good. All right - are we ready to do a quick fire take on a whole host of social issues?

Amy Holmes · 2:43 AM

Load 'em up!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:43 AM

Let's begin with a general statement of philosophy.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:44 AM

It seems to me that both lefties and righties SAY that when it comes to social issues, they are libertarian.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:45 AM

of course actions don't always back it up

Amy Holmes · 2:45 AM

I like to eat steak, support the driving of SUV's, enjoy when we capture terrorists, and want taxes, total, to be about 25% of income. Debt more than deficits are immoral.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:45 AM

Wow! That's some efficient communication right there!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:46 AM

but I mean do you believe the government should butt out of social issues, or do you see it as more of a case by case basis?

Amy Holmes · 2:46 AM

I'm a hawkish libertarian. But also don't think the USCanor should be the policeman of the world. I believe I maximum economic freedom for the individual.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:47 AM

OK -so here we go. Gay marriage, Gay equality, gay rights. where do you fall?

Amy Holmes · 2:47 AM

Depends on what you call, "social.". I'mpro choice, but respect the pro life view. Anti pot legalization becauseI fear it hasrealworldconsequences: Rob Ford being mayor for one!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:47 AM

lol -you blame Rob Ford on marijuana?!

Amy Holmes · 2:48 AM

Pro-gay marriage. Went to me first same sex marriage last month.

Amy Holmes · 2:48 AM

My.

Amy Holmes · 2:48 AM

But not mine.Notyet. I'll let you k oboe my dating life pans out...

Amy Holmes · 2:49 AM

Know how my dating life pans out.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:49 AM

Ok - we're off to a good start. Women's rights,firstly women's compensation rights?

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:49 AM

do you support legislation to outlaw gender discrimination in compensation?

Amy Holmes · 2:49 AM

I respect traditional marriage advoctates. I just don't agree.

Amy Holmes · 2:51 AM

PIE do not support equal pay for equal work legislation. Women of same education and work force experience, are already up to 97% of male earnings. Feminists want miners to be paid the same as customer service reps. Can't be down with that.

Amy Holmes · 2:51 AM

More women are graduating from college,masters programs.this has been true forever a decade and a half.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:52 AM

Not sure I understand. I thought feminists want female miners to earn the same as male miners, and female customer service reps to be paid the same as male customer service reps.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:52 AM

as do I, so I guess I'm a feminist.

Amy Holmes · 2:52 AM

No. They want parity in jobs they deem equivalent. Actual discrimination in the same workplace shouldbe prosecuted.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:53 AM

I have to look into that, but at least we agree that the same job should not discriminate based on gender, right?

Amy Holmes · 2:53 AM

Most men are feminists. Studies since the mid nineties have found that me our age and younger actually want their wife to work.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:53 AM

★ Spotlighted from Dan Cutler

“Where did you get your numbers? Women make 81% of what men make for the exact same work. ($42,800 for men, compared to $34,700 for women)”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:53 AM

★ Spotlighted from Seth Hochman

“Exactly I saw women are paid 78% of the amount males make for the same job...are you cooking the books Amy :)”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:54 AM

Well, let's hear it for the fella feminists!

Amy Holmes · 2:54 AM

And most men are very happy with the free access to sex with liberated women they now have.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:54 AM

well…I wouldn't know anything about that…

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:54 AM

★ Spotlighted from Dan Cutler

“What's your stance on the Lilly Ledbetter act?”

Amy Holmes · 2:55 AM

The real question is, are men comfortable with their lady earning more? Tawkers weigh on...

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:55 AM

I'm sure there are psychological implications, just as I'm sure that gender roles are constantly evolving..

Amy Holmes · 2:57 AM

We're having this conversation,andit'snot being hailed as an historic face off. Nor are you patronizing me. The genders get along. Ore than we think. But I dol like my feminine prerogatives. Like the man picking up the dinner check.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:57 AM

So I assume that you opposed Lilly Ledbetter?

Amy Holmes · 2:58 AM

And men and women are now genuinely very comfortable being friends. Am I supposed to believe they become sexist. Oysters in the workplace?competitive,yes. Sexist,no.

Amy Holmes · 2:58 AM

Idon't agree with having the government rank jobs and then try to set a pay scale.

Amy Holmes · 2:59 AM

★ Spotlighted from Seth Hochman

“Getting back to issue, do you think like many of your brethren that Chris Christie and NY state were being greedy when they asked for disaster relief after Hurricane Sandy?”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:59 AM

All right - let's move to subsection #2 - reproductive rights. What do you think about what's happening in Texas. And how do you define "pro-life but respectful of pro-choice?"

Amy Holmes · 2:59 AM

No. Governors are supposed to lobby for their state. And in times of natural disaster, our instinct, Asia should be, into help our fellow Americans.

Amy Holmes · 3:00 AM

As it. But Asia, too! We helped out big time after the Tsunami, and continue to so.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from Seth Hochman

“Agreed...it puts you in contrast with many on your side of the aisle :)”

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:01 AM

You got to hand it to her - you may find some of her positions opposite of yours, but she is most definitely an independent thinker!

Amy Holmes · 3:01 AM

Not really. Again, I was working in the Senate after Katrina. My boss was one of the first on the ground to do medical relief work. Americansare extraordinarily philanthropic, outside of government.

Amy Holmes · 3:01 AM

★ Spotlighted from Dan Cutler

“Say you're saying in times of need we should look to Asia, not our federal government??”

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:02 AM

Yes, but I don't think it's appropriate to count on philanthropy as a plan.

Amy Holmes · 3:02 AM

Lol. No. I'm saying Mericans are very generous when it comes to helping neighbors, even in foreign countries.

Amy Holmes · 3:03 AM

I just typed "Mericans.". Love it!

Amy Holmes · 3:03 AM

★ Spotlighted from Seth Hochman

“What do you think of social security: does it need to be cut or expanded?”

Amy Holmes · 3:03 AM

I thin

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:03 AM

That should be a new slang. It sounds cool. You know, us Mericans…

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:03 AM

★ Spotlighted from Seth Hochman

“You sound like Dubya, "mericans"”

Amy Holmes · 3:03 AM

I think it needs to be moved into a genuine retirement vehicle. Right now, there is no money there. The gov spends it.

Amy Holmes · 3:04 AM

I miss GW and his malapropisms. My gave,"misunderestimated.". I think it should go into Websters.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:04 AM

lol

Amy Holmes · 3:04 AM

Fave.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:05 AM

OK - so Amy, I was about to direct us back to the question of reproductive rights, but I just looked at the clock.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:06 AM

You've been here an hour! How quick was that?!

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:06 AM

★ Spotlighted from Seth Hochman

“Saved by the bell Amy!”

Amy Holmes · 3:06 AM

We have genuine disagreements. But I love that you want to understand whereI'm coming from. I think if we can identify where we want to end up, we can figure out how to compromise and get there. Pollyanna, maybe.

Amy Holmes · 3:06 AM

Thank you for having me!

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:07 AM

Yes -I feel the same way. I am encouraged that when you dig into our positions, there are quite a few areas of genuine agreement. And I admire your willingness to define your own beliefs, rather than a partisan line.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:07 AM

★ Spotlighted from Seth Hochman

“Good chat Amy and JB...wish we had more time”

Amy Holmes · 3:08 AM

Thanks, doll! And thank you Tawkers! Next time!

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:08 AM

There is still SO much to Tawk about, so I hope we can go for round 3!

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:08 AM

Thanks to everyone in the forum! It was great fun!

Amy Holmes · 3:08 AM

Next time, music recommendations. We'll start with Lou Reed.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:09 AM

good call!

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:09 AM

★ Spotlighted from Seth Hochman

“lol, there will be a lot more agreement on music :)”

Forum · 71

Forum· 71 comments

60 visitors

Tawkers AdminNov 22, 2013, 2:07 AM

Tawkers has no affiliation, nor technological comparison to Healthvare.gov

Tawkers AdminNov 22, 2013, 2:08 AM

Welcome to the Forum! To get involved, click "Who's Here" and FOLLOW others in the Tawk. Don't forget to "Like" comments, the Hosts only see the comments that get enough votes…

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:10 AM★ Spotlighted

what is your opinion on the use of the "nuclear option" today?

John BakerNov 22, 2013, 2:12 AM★ Spotlighted

the nuclear option is also the last resort to getting out of a bad relationship

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:13 AM

If the minority is completely unified, doesn't a "bipartisan" mandate essentially negate the majority's position - thus the will of the people?

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:16 AM★ Spotlighted

More filibusters under Obama's first term than all of the other Presidents combined

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:17 AM

20 judges were filibustered before Obama was elected, 30 since. You can cherry-pick instances, but your argument on a whole is disingenuous.

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:18 AM

The Republicans threatened to do the same when Bush was presdient.

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:19 AM

*president. And they came up with a compromise. This time the Republican leadership refused a compromise.

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:19 AM

Filibusters are not in the Constitution...it is a bogus Senate-made rule just to derail democracy and the will of the people. Checks and balances were already very well built into the Constitutions without needing anymore

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:20 AM

We just witnessed that under Bush. Married with gerrymandering districts.

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:22 AM

The Tea Party isn't just blocking justices...they're blocking everybody. Appointments to the EPA, NLRB, etc.

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:22 AM★ Spotlighted

The Filibuster is the reason the US Senate is the most dysfunctional govt body in the world

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:23 AM

36 appointments to the executive branch have been filibustered. All of this is unprecedented. The fact is, this isn't a bipartisan problem, stopping President Obama at all costs was the will of the tea party. They proclaimed it and tried to carry out

John BakerNov 22, 2013, 2:23 AM★ Spotlighted

3 years and not even a Beta test

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:25 AM

The President nominated a Republican to be Secretary of Defense, that was blocked.

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:25 AM

Obama is at fault for the site not being up and ready, true, but at the end of the day it should be the states running their own sites. The states that have their own sites, about half of them, were running just fine. It was only in Tea Party

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:26 AM

state where they had to use the Obamacare Website

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:26 AM

Every "bipartisan" Republican who dares to compromise with Democrats becomes a tea party target.

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:26 AM

Agreed Dan...they're called a RINO and hunted to extinction

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:27 AM

Good one JB!

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:27 AM★ Spotlighted

And it's not like IT problems don't happen in the private sector. It's an embarrassing disaster, but it's not a policy disaster, it's a tech disaster. HUGE difference.

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:27 AM

Comparing this to Dubya's Katrina or the Iraq Debacle is a joke!

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:29 AM

Same thing happened in Mass, and they weren't facing a billion dollar misinformation campaign.

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:29 AM

What's funny is that Republicans were suddenly worried about people losing their healthcare due to ins companies not continuing their lousy, old plans, but when people got kicked off ins. for corporate greed it was A-Okay with them!

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:30 AM

How do you judge the largest healthcare overhaul since FDR in 60 days? Where is the merit in that?

John BakerNov 22, 2013, 2:30 AM

youre forgetting lbj

Blake IanNov 22, 2013, 2:30 AM

I mean that is a pretty good point Seth! Haha all of a sudden the republican party's top priority is that everyone have affordable healthcare?

Blake IanNov 22, 2013, 2:31 AM★ Spotlighted

It points to the problem that exists on both sides and with the entires system... its not about what people are for, its about being against the other side.

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:31 AM

Blake what's amazing is the interest in why the Website is not working for a thing they tried to kill and even shutdown the govt over

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:31 AM

My premiums are down. My mom now has coverage for her "pre-existing" conditions. That's real.

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:32 AM★ Spotlighted

Amy please tell us what the Republican plan is?

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:33 AM

Because as far as I know there isn't one: just Healthscare over Obamacare but no healthcare plan!

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:33 AM

But how do you judge it after 60 days? we get it, you're against it. you've been against it from the beginning. how can you honestly judge it after only 60 days? we know what your opinion is, america disagreed.

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:35 AM

How does that solve the problems of pre-existing conditions, people getting kicked off their parents ins when they turn 26, lifetime caps., and people who can't afford healthcare. Seems shortsighted to me, all due respect

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:36 AM

Medial malpractice represents less than 1% of all healthcare costs. It's making much ado about nothing. Kind of like changing the hub caps on a car that won't move

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:37 AM

America pays the most for healthcare yet we're ranked 37, behind such healthcare "powerhouses" as Costa Rica, Cuba, and Slovenia

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:38 AM

Yes amazing for a party constantly saying the govt needs to spend less yet as soon as negotiating prices on drugs comes up they go to the filibuster, a bit hypocritical don't you think?

John BakerNov 22, 2013, 2:39 AM

i would rather be in an accident in bumfuck s dakota than bumfuck costa rica

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:40 AM★ Spotlighted

Let's remember he is a "Conservative" in Canada which would be a liberal over here

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:42 AM★ Spotlighted

The guy sure provides comedy: he is like Chris Christie mixed with Jon Belushi

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:42 AM

Politics by day...Party with a capital 'P' by night

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:44 AM

Amy what do you think of Wal-Mart asking it's poverty-level workers to help other poverty-level, Wal-Mart workers pay for Thanksgiving Dinner?

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:47 AM

Economic freedom do you believe that is just for the business owner or for the employees to be free by not living in permanent debt by having an unlivable wage?

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:48 AM

We have the lowest tax rates in 30 years in America. Lower than under Reagan or both Bushs, shouldn't you be lauding that?

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:48 AM

The biggest economic freedom is being able to afford your bills, and you're not truly free until you can do so

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:48 AM

Rob Ford wasn't doing Mary J, he was doing Crack

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:49 AM

people were sending the smallest portion of their income to the federal government since 1979.nnDuring Obama’s first year in office, the average tax rate paid by all households fell to 17.4 percent, down from 19.9 percent in 2007, according to the CB

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:49 AM

Federal taxes on middle-income Americans are near historic lows, according to the latest available data. That’s true both for federal income taxes and total federal taxes

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:50 AM

What part of discrimination is worthy of respect?

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:52 AM

Pretty amazing that the Tea Party advocates "freedom" and the govt getting out of one's business unless it violates one of their religious beliefs. Why does they want the govt to be the Preacher State: telling people how to live their lives

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:52 AM★ Spotlighted

Where did you get your numbers? Women make 81% of what men make for the exact same work. ($42,800 for men, compared to $34,700 for women)

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:53 AM★ Spotlighted

Exactly I saw women are paid 78% of the amount males make for the same job...are you cooking the books Amy :)

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:54 AM★ Spotlighted

What's your stance on the Lilly Ledbetter act?

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:54 AM

Where are you getting your stats from Fox...because they're seriously out of line with reality

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:55 AM

If that's what they earn

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:55 AM

gender roles don't exist. That question is for an archaic generation.

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 2:56 AM

Did you support your party's opposition to the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act?

John BakerNov 22, 2013, 2:56 AM

i dont care how much someone makes. sincerely. although its moe a question of how someone views temporal material things. whatever that means i dont know

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 2:59 AM★ Spotlighted

Getting back to issue, do you think like many of your brethren that Chris Christie and NY state were being greedy when they asked for disaster relief after Hurricane Sandy?

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 3:00 AM★ Spotlighted

Agreed...it puts you in contrast with many on your side of the aisle :)

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 3:00 AM★ Spotlighted

Say you're saying in times of need we should look to Asia, not our federal government??

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 3:02 AM

So you're saying we should look to Herbert Hoover's Volunteerism policies in times of disaster?

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 3:02 AM

Of course we are, as are countless other nations. Those nations also support their own people in times of need.

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 3:03 AM★ Spotlighted

What do you think of social security: does it need to be cut or expanded?

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 3:03 AM★ Spotlighted

You sound like Dubya, "mericans"

Dan CutlerNov 22, 2013, 3:04 AM

You mean a lock box? Not the private sector.

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 3:04 AM

It's said to be funded until at least 2037, so there is money there...how would you fix it and would you cut funding or expand it

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 3:06 AM★ Spotlighted

Saved by the bell Amy!

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 3:07 AM★ Spotlighted

Good chat Amy and JB...wish we had more time

Seth HochmanNov 22, 2013, 3:09 AM★ Spotlighted

lol, there will be a lot more agreement on music :)