FACT CHECK: Obama disowns deficit he helped shape

**troublemaker_42** · 04-30-2009, 08:05 AM

Quote:

WASHINGTON – "That wasn't me," President Barack Obama said on his 100th day in office, disclaiming responsibility for the huge budget deficit waiting for him on Day One.

It actually was partly him — and the other Democrats controlling Congress the previous two years — who shaped the latest in a string of precipitously out-of-balance budgets.

And as a presidential candidate and president-elect, he backed the twilight Bush-era stimulus plan that made the deficit deeper, all before he took over and promoted spending plans that have made it much deeper still.

Obama met citizens at an Arnold, Mo., high school Wednesday in advance of his prime-time news conference. Both forums were a platform to review his progress at the 100-day mark and look ahead.

At various times, he brought an air of certainty to ambitions that are far from cast in stone.

His assertion that his proposed budget "will cut the deficit in half by the end of my first term" is an eyeball-roller among many economists, given the uncharted terrain of trillion-dollar deficits and economic calamity that the government is negotiating.

He promised vast savings from increased spending on preventive health care in the face of doubts that such an effort, however laudable it might be for public welfare, can pay for itself, let alone yield huge savings.

A look at some of his claims Wednesday:

OBAMA: "We began by passing a Recovery Act that has already saved or created over 150,000 jobs." — from news conference.

THE FACTS: This assertion is flawed on several levels. For starters, the U.S. has lost more than 1.2 million jobs since Obama took office, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Even if Obama's stimulus bill saved or created as many jobs as he says, that number is dwarfed by the number of recent job losses.

But Obama's number is murky, at best. The White House has not yet announced how it intends to count jobs created by the stimulus bill. Obama's number is based on a job-counting formula that his economists have developed but have not made public. Until that formula is announced — probably in the coming week or so — there's no way to assess its accuracy.

Whatever the formula, economists who study job creation say it will require some creative math. That's because Obama has lumped "jobs saved" in with "jobs created." Even economists for organizations that stand to benefit from the stimulus concede it probably is impossible to estimate saved jobs because that would require calculating a hypothetical: how many people would have lost their jobs without the stimulus.
___

OBAMA: "We must lay a new foundation for growth, a foundation that will strengthen our economy and help us compete in the 21st century. And that's exactly what this budget begins to do. It contains new investments in education that will equip our workers with the right skills and training; new investments in renewable energy that will create millions of jobs and new industries; new investments in health care that will cut costs for families and businesses; and new savings that will bring down our deficit." — news conference.

THE FACTS: While the budget does set a roadmap for achieving the president's goals, it says nothing about how to pay for his health plan, expected to cost more than $1 trillion over the next 10 years. And while the deficit, under the plan, would drop to $523 billion in 2014, it achieves it with unrealistic assumptions, such as projections that spending in Iraq and Afghanistan will amount to only $50 billion a year.
___

OBAMA: "Number one, we inherited a $1.3 trillion deficit. ... That wasn't me. (

)Number two, there is almost uniform consensus among economists that in the middle of the biggest crisis, financial crisis, since the Great Depression, we had to take extraordinary steps. So you've got a lot of Republican economists who agree that we had to do a stimulus package and we had to do something about the banks. Those are one-time charges, and they're big, and they'll make our deficits go up over the next two years." — in Missouri.

THE FACTS:

Congress, under Democratic control in 2007 and 2008, controlled the purse strings that led to the deficit Obama inherited. A Republican president, George W. Bush, had a role, too: He signed the legislation.
Obama supported the emergency bailout package in Bush's final months — a package Democratic leaders wanted to make bigger.

To be sure, Obama opposed the Iraq war, a drain on federal coffers for six years before he became president. But with one major exception, he voted in support of Iraq war spending.
The economy has worsened under Obama, though from forces surely in play before he became president, and he can credibly claim to have inherited a grim situation.

Still, his response to the crisis goes well beyond "one-time charges."
He's persuaded Congress to expand children's health insurance, education spending, health information technology and more. He's moving ahead on a variety of big-ticket items on health care, the environment, energy and transportation that, if achieved, will be more enduring than bank bailouts and aid for homeowners.

The nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimated his policy proposals would add a net $428 billion to the deficit over four years, even accounting for his spending reduction goals. Now, the deficit is nearly quadrupling to $1.75 trillion.
___

OBAMA: "I think one basic principle that we know is that the more we do on the (disease) prevention side, the more we can obtain serious savings down the road. ... If we're making those investments, we will save huge amounts of money in the long term." — in Missouri.

THE FACTS: It sounds believable that preventing illness should be cheaper than treating it, and indeed that's the case with steps like preventing smoking and improving diets and exercise. But during the 2008 campaign, when Obama and other presidential candidates were touting a focus on preventive care, the New England Journal of Medicine cautioned that "sweeping statements about the cost-saving potential of prevention, however, are overreaching." It said that "although some preventive measures do save money, the vast majority reviewed in the health economics literature do not."
And a study released in December by the Congressional Budget Office found that increasing preventive care "could improve people's health but would probably generate either modest reductions in the overall costs of health care or increases in such spending within a 10-year budgetary time frame."

___

OBAMA: "You could cut (Social Security) benefits. You could raise the tax on everybody so everybody's payroll tax goes up a little bit. Or you can do what I think is probably the best solution, which is you can raise the cap on the payroll tax." — in Missouri.

THE FACTS: Obama's proposal would reduce the Social Security trust fund's deficit by less than half, according to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center.

That means he would still have to cut benefits, raise the payroll tax rate, raise the retirement age or some combination to deal with the program's long-term imbalance.

Workers currently pay 6.2 percent and their employers pay an equal rate — for a total of 12.4 percent — on annual wages of up to $106,800, after which no more payroll tax is collected.

Obama wants workers making more than $250,000 to pay payroll tax on their income over that amount. That would still protect workers making under $250,000 from an additional burden. But it would raise much less money than removing the cap completely.

___

OBAMA: "My hope is that working in a bipartisan fashion we are going to be able to get a health care reform bill on my desk before the end of the year that we'll start seeing in the kinds of investments that will make everybody healthier."

THE FACTS: Obama has indeed expressed hope for a health care plan that has support from Democrats and Republicans. But his Democratic allies in Congress have just made that harder. The budget plan written by the Democrats gives them the option of denying Republicans the normal right to block health care with a Senate filibuster. The filibuster tactic requires 60 votes to overcome, making it the GOP's main weapon to ensure a bipartisan outcome. The rules set by the budget mean that majority Democrats could potentially pass health care legislation without any Republican votes, sacrificing bipartisanship to achieve their goals.

___

Seems like Obama is full of it when it comes to his numbers. It seems they are greatly exaggereated, impractical or impossible, or simply fabricated out of thin air. He's made promises theres no way to keep, and his complete ignornace of reality compared to his fantasy world astounds me. I don't want a president living in a fantasy world controlling or directing our naiton's budget. This article, to me at least, signifies just how unrealistic Obama's stated goals are. Of course, some will dismiss this, like any criticsim of Obama, as "standing in the way of progress". Oh well...this is the kind of "progress" we NEED to stand in the way of.....Our president needs some math lessons or a reality check....I'm not sure which.

joltting · 04-30-2009, 11:22 AM

I couldn't agree more with you. I knew when him and john Mccain where battling it out on the election, it was all bullshit. For anyone to actually believe everything he said are complete morons(no offense).

I understand that the next statement I'll say comes off racy, but it's more or less the truth of the matter. But the whole reason why Obama is president in the first place IS BECAUSE he is black. Not because his idea's where good. I even told everyone I knew, why he was full of bullshit. Just like how the Obama supporters where then and are now. They completely ignore/dismiss or even give excesses to why he does the things he does.

My only question I have left is. When are all the excuses going to stop and the question's be answered?

**troublemaker_42** · 04-30-2009, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joltting

My only question I have left is. When are all the excuses going to stop and the question's be answered?

They won't

As long as people are gobbling up the BS he's spewing, he has no reason to admit any faults or errors....and if and whewn the spotlight does fall on him, he'll pass the buck like any other politican wouild do. Open and honest government? its been awhile since our country has seen such a thing, and it appears we'll be waiting at least 3 more years before we get it..... Obama's promises, as has been shown, are nothing more than a pipe dream, gone up in smoke.

SleepyJohn · 05-01-2009, 02:55 AM

We saw His 100 days in office "Nationwide Question,and Offers". We where hoping for an ungiggling marijuana question. that's only a couple of billion dollars. the president has politicized his way in to an office, that happened to be an invite to a hanging.
He came in to office, with an economy that I'm afraid You just can't buy Your way out of. But, He's trying. $250 a 1 time check, for everybody on Social Security. it's probably to hold off the old people, until He uses "Social Security" money to buy us in to something even worse.

LowRider · 05-02-2009, 05:11 AM

we are creating jobs, gov jobs. oh wait they don't count do they. i like how they say there creating but not delivering.

Zeroxtreem · 05-02-2009, 04:28 PM

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

toothfairy420 · 05-02-2009, 07:38 PM

Quote:

He promised vast savings from increased spending on preventive health care in the face of doubts that such an effort, however laudable it might be for public welfare, can pay for itself, let alone yield huge savings.

Oh yeah? So why did you cut planned parenthood's budget by 10%? That's not making preventative health care more available, that's helping people who cant afford birth control get pregnant...and you know...if you cant afford birth control, you probably cant afford pregnancy, or a baby...

**dedbr** · 05-02-2009, 11:48 PM

Politicians? I'm 53 year's old, so how many has there been since I've been alive? Let's see. I was too young to remember Eisenhower, but after him it was John Kennedy then Johnson then the Nixon debacle; one of the low points of our country in my opinion. Nixon did so many bad things that they probably will never even be able to count them in future histories.

Then Jimmy Carter. Jimmy Carter was a nice guy who never had a chance to make it. Many times I heard about how he was just a nice guy who was eaten by times. The Iranian hostage crisis was pretty much his downfall.

Then Uncle Ronny came to town. Ronald Reagan. Boy, did he fool a lot of people. Smooth talker and he seemed sincere about being hard core, and proved it by bringing down communism during his time in office. But, here's the best part. He was dealing coke and guns in South America and supporting wars against hostile governments, meaning hostile to us. Ever heard of the Iran/Contra affair?

Bush Sr. next. He was just a carry-over from Uncle Ronny and we really didn't think about it too much. Money was flowing, the economy was good and we were working. The first Gulf War was about Japans oil. They footed the bill for the U.S. troops that were there and we were the ones who sold Saddam the biological and chemical weapons that Iraq supposedly had. We all know what that led to, don't we.....

Bill Clinton. Slick Willy. And boy he was too. One slick motherfucker. Lied his way out of murder, adultery, lying to the Grand Jury, and god knows what else. Enuff said about him.

Dubya. George Bush Jr. God. We Americans can be so stupid some times. Bush. We got scared and voted him in office thinking he was all there and he wasn't. Most ineffectual President we've had. Just a nothing.

Now Obama. Barack. Yes, he had a part in this deficit. Is that the worst thing he'll probably do? Hell no. He's a politician. He'll do what ever he has too do to get re-elected. Then we'll see his true colors, so to speak.........

All Presidents have one big problem. They are human and make mistakes. Obama has Joe Biden as his V.P. for one reason; Biden has the year's of experience that are needed to get things done. We will just have to see if this young black man can really bring about the change he says he wants.........

One great thing would be stop the drug war............

Some Where In Ded Land.....................

Texas Toker · 05-03-2009, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dedbr

Politicians? I'm 53 year's old, so how many has there been since I've been alive? Let's see. I was too young to remember Eisenhower, but after him it was John Kennedy then Johnson then the Nixon debacle; one of the low points of our country in my opinion. Nixon did so many bad things that they probably will never even be able to count them in future histories.

Then Jimmy Carter. Jimmy Carter was a nice guy who never had a chance to make it. Many times I heard about how he was just a nice guy who was eaten by times. The Iranian hostage crisis was pretty much his downfall.

Then Uncle Ronny came to town. Ronald Reagan. Boy, did he fool a lot of people. Smooth talker and he seemed sincere about being hard core, and proved it by bringing down communism during his time in office. But, here's the best part. He was dealing coke and guns in South America and supporting wars against hostile governments, meaning hostile to us. Ever heard of the Iran/Contra affair?

Bush Sr. next. He was just a carry-over from Uncle Ronny and we really didn't think about it too much. Money was flowing, the economy was good and we were working. The first Gulf War was about Japans oil. They footed the bill for the U.S. troops that were there and we were the ones who sold Saddam the biological and chemical weapons that Iraq supposedly had. We all know what that led to, don't we.....

Bill Clinton. Slick Willy. And boy he was too. One slick motherfucker. Lied his way out of murder, adultery, lying to the Grand Jury, and god knows what else. Enuff said about him.

Dubya. George Bush Jr. God. We Americans can be so stupid some times. Bush. We got scared and voted him in office thinking he was all there and he wasn't. Most ineffectual President we've had. Just a nothing.

Now Obama. Barack. Yes, he had a part in this deficit. Is that the worst thing he'll probably do? Hell no. He's a politician. He'll do what ever he has too do to get re-elected. Then we'll see his true colors, so to speak.........

All Presidents have one big problem. They are human and make mistakes. Obama has Joe Biden as his V.P. for one reason; Biden has the year's of experience that are needed to get things done. We will just have to see if this young black man can really bring about the change he says he wants.........

One great thing would be stop the drug war............

Some Where In Ded Land.....................

Ya because he is an absolute idiot. Obama needed a VP that wouldn't outshine him. He needed a fool.Biden is a walking case of foot in mouth disease. And as for Carter he was a nightmare of a president. I was alive and kicking and remember it well. He was as big of a wimp when it comes to foreign affairs as Obama is turning out to be . NEWSFLASH Most of the American people could give a rats ASS what the rest of the world thinks about us. I don't want chavez,Ac-phlegm ma dinajad (or however you spell his name) or medvedev thinking we have a woosy in the white house. And ya reagan did do things against governments hostile to us.............LIKE THE PRESIDENT IS SUPPOSED TO!!!!!!!!! The President of the United States is supposed to be our cheerleeder. He is supposed to tell the world they are wrong and we are right. He is not supposed to go on a world apology tour telling the rest of the world that we are sorry for ANYTHING!!!!

/ END

RANT

Texas Toker · 05-03-2009, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toothfairy420

Oh yeah? So why did you cut planned parenthood's budget by 10%? That's not making preventative health care more available, that's helping people who cant afford birth control get pregnant...and you know...if you cant afford birth control, you probably cant afford pregnancy, or a baby...

ummm im sorry but people don't get pregnat.wait for it.......wait........IF THEY DON'T HAVE SEX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! idiots.

05-02-2009, 11:48 PM	#8
dedbr Domestic War Veteran Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 7,503 Grams: 75,009.91 Thanks: 3,034 Thanked 2,736 Times in 1,261 Posts Stock Portfolio Total Value: 0.000 Gain/Loss: 0.000%	Politicians? I'm 53 year's old, so how many has there been since I've been alive? Let's see. I was too young to remember Eisenhower, but after him it was John Kennedy then Johnson then the Nixon debacle; one of the low points of our country in my opinion. Nixon did so many bad things that they probably will never even be able to count them in future histories. Then Jimmy Carter. Jimmy Carter was a nice guy who never had a chance to make it. Many times I heard about how he was just a nice guy who was eaten by times. The Iranian hostage crisis was pretty much his downfall. Then Uncle Ronny came to town. Ronald Reagan. Boy, did he fool a lot of people. Smooth talker and he seemed sincere about being hard core, and proved it by bringing down communism during his time in office. But, here's the best part. He was dealing coke and guns in South America and supporting wars against hostile governments, meaning hostile to us. Ever heard of the Iran/Contra affair? Bush Sr. next. He was just a carry-over from Uncle Ronny and we really didn't think about it too much. Money was flowing, the economy was good and we were working. The first Gulf War was about Japans oil. They footed the bill for the U.S. troops that were there and we were the ones who sold Saddam the biological and chemical weapons that Iraq supposedly had. We all know what that led to, don't we..... Bill Clinton. Slick Willy. And boy he was too. One slick motherfucker. Lied his way out of murder, adultery, lying to the Grand Jury, and god knows what else. Enuff said about him. Dubya. George Bush Jr. God. We Americans can be so stupid some times. Bush. We got scared and voted him in office thinking he was all there and he wasn't. Most ineffectual President we've had. Just a nothing. Now Obama. Barack. Yes, he had a part in this deficit. Is that the worst thing he'll probably do? Hell no. He's a politician. He'll do what ever he has too do to get re-elected. Then we'll see his true colors, so to speak......... All Presidents have one big problem. They are human and make mistakes. Obama has Joe Biden as his V.P. for one reason; Biden has the year's of experience that are needed to get things done. We will just have to see if this young black man can really bring about the change he says he wants......... One great thing would be stop the drug war............ Some Where In Ded Land..................... __________________ Though my soul may set in darkness, It will rise in perfect light. I have loved the stars too fondly, To be fearful of the night." Sarah Williams Our Posting Guidelines (Check 'em Out!.....)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
how many people here are in shape?	imported_Ilúvatar	Places and People	50	07-06-2008 04:00 PM
Songs that shape you:	PooFoot	Music	0	09-26-2005 10:06 PM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Advertising Register to Participate View Forum Leaders Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read

Hot Products:

Orange Krush - Legal Bud

Black Magic Solid Smokes

Vapir One Vaporizer