Bush, Senate Dems Vow Cooperation

Both Sides Promise Bipartisanship As President Hosts Sens. Reid And Durbin At White House

(CBS/AP)  Looking to put the bitterness of the campaign behind them, President Bush on Friday cozied up to the Democrats who'll be running the Senate in the new Congress, CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller reports.

"I assured the senators that we'll cooperate as closely as we can to solve common problems," Mr. Bush said after a 45-minute meeting with soon-to-be majority leader Harry Reid and the Senate's No. 2 Democrat, Dick Durbin.

It was a sentiment seconded by Reid.

"The only way to move forward is with bipartisanship, openness and to get some results," Reid said. "And we've made a commitment, the four of us here today, that's what we're going to do."

As a start, Reid proposed a one-day bipartisan summit on the war in Iraq, reports CBS News chief White House correspondent Jim Axelrod.

"The American people need to know that there's something going on back here with the leaders of this country — that we're talking about it rather than just talking past each other," Reid said.

Mr. Bush noted that both he and Nevada's Reid are from the West and "tend to speak the same language." He said that bodes well for their relationship.

Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, appreciatively observed that both Mr. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney had chosen blue ties — perhaps in honor of the Democratic victory on Tuesday?

"I was hoping you would notice that," said Mr. Bush.

But the bonhomie before the cameras could quickly disintegrate.

Even while courting the Democrats who will control Capitol Hill beginning in January, Mr. Bush is pressing for the current Congress, while it is still ruled by Republicans, to pass items deeply controversial to Democrats. These include legalizing his warrantless eavesdropping program, stalled in the Senate because of a Democratic filibuster threat, and confirming John Bolton to be U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, which Democrats have opposed.

White House press secretary Tony Snow said both items are crucial, and that Democrats should see their merits.

"I don't think you should look at these as necessarily provocative," he said.

Bolton has held the post on a temporary basis for more than a year, and Mr. Bush cannot make a second recess appointment of him. Without confirmation, he would have to leave the job in January.

"Look at his record. The point is, what complaint do you have with a man who has been so successful?" Snow said.

He left open the possibility that Bolton could remain at the U.N. but just give him a different title.

"I'm not aware of that but I am not going to rule anything in or out," Snow said.

Mr. Bush was as good-natured as he was when he spoke to reporters on Thursday after lunch with House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., expected be the next speaker of the House.

But Mr. Bush will be leading the nation with a Congress entirely controlled by the Democrats for the first time in his presidency.

It could have him reaching back to his experience as governor of Texas when he cultivated friendships with other top Democrats in the state government — and to his 2000 campaign promise to be a "uniter, not a divider." But his critics say working with conservative Democrats in Texas is far different from working with a House and Senate lead by liberal lawmakers like Reid and Pelosi.

[j-whitman]

Time.com today -- Rumsfeild, Alberto Gonzales & others in this administration being charged for WAR CRIMES BY GERMANY..

[edjohn66]

While I think it a good idea for Democrats to take a calm approach so as to get things done in Washington, LOOK OUT!!!

The only thing Bush and Co. understand is power. They aren't playing nice because they want to. They are playing nice because the Democrats beat them.

Until moderates can win the Republican party back from the grips of the fanatical Right, the Democrats need to treat the Republicans like a wild animal -- show it who is in charge and deliver a CLEAR AND CONSISTANT MESSAGE.

Remember how badly the Republicans have smeared the Democrats for 6 years! They will do the same in 2008, unless its clear that their hate isn't working with the American public. That means that the Democrats need to BE UNITED AND GET RESULTS and win the loyalty of the American public.

DON'T BLOW IT, DEMOCRATS! I for one am sick of the Republican hate machine, and I don't want it coming back in 2008.

[j-whitman]

This should finally dispose of the rumor, that republicans are good for the military.

[one_american]

ozilot:
They have always worn blue ties, smartass.

j-whitman:
Tell us where Democrats have been better just once; and FDR doesn't count because he had Republicans in his war cabinet.

[mlb29628]

Why now is Bush wanting bipartisan utopia?? He has had six years in office to obtain bipartisan utopia...why now after such a colosal Republican election loss does he want to now be bipartisan?? It stinks like pile of doggie poop. And, pleeaaaaaaasssse...will somebody tell Cheney he looks just like a possum when he smiles.....gaaaaawwwwd!!

[one_american]

jh6379:

Haven't you fixed the mess already? I'm surprised you haven't yet.

Everyone knows Democrats have sunshine coming out of their behinds...

You would want to impeach the President, and then have a bloody coup against the Democrats on your hands. Remember, we are the ones with the guns.

Just kidding. ;)

[j-whitman]

One,,, You just said it yourself,, FDR actually had a bi-partisan administration... Truman also.. They didn't disgrace America. They even went after those who engaged in WAR PROFITEERING...

[j-whitman]

END WAR PROFITEERING -- RESTORE OUR HONOR

[rsoxfan1123]

looks more like Curious George to me.

[rsoxfan1123]

the monkey.

[rsoxfan1123]

I bet the photographers have everyone crouch down when they are around him so you can't see how short he is. note how cheney is standing.

[rsoxfan1123]

blue ties. what a suck up. LOL.

[pakaal]

"Haven't you fixed the mess already? I'm surprised you haven't yet."

Don't worry One_American, you have just a month or so to wait. Once the lame-duck Republican Congress is out and the Democrats are in come January, Speaker Pelosi can start implementing the 100 Hour Plan....

[fritzalvarez]

Pushing to get Bolton approved before January and to lock in the domestic spying initiative is not my idea of cooperation, or of being sensitive to what the voters were telling our government on Tuesday.

Fritz

http://heathenmiddle.com

[tibu987]

NOTE TO ALL POLITICAL OFFICIALS:

YOU REPRESENT ALL THE PEOPLE, THAT IS LIKE IN ALL AMERICANS, NOT JUST YOUR CRONIES, RELATIVES, GOOD OLE BOYS/GALS, COATTAIL HANGERS ON, LOBBYISTS, OH BOY, LOBBYISTS. REMEMBER NOW, ALL AMERICANS.
JEEEEEEEEZ!, GOTTA TELL THEM EVERYTHING.
'NUFF SAID.

[bellal-2009]

fritzalverez, your agenda does not necessarily represent the voters voice.

[emhawks]

Don't be fooled by appearances of bipartisanship, humility or contriteness by Bush/Cheney. If the Republicans had won the House & Senate on Nov. 7th, Bush/Cheney would be continuing on as usual. There has been & will probably always be, corruption in government. But what we have witnessed in the past (6) yrs. exceeds anything in US history. Bush/Cheney should be held accountable for what they've done. I think they're afraid they will be.
Some have said impeachment proceedings against Bush (and hopefully Cheney) shouldn't be pursued because it would be a distraction from more serious issues that need to be addressed. I believe addressing the conduct & criminality of Bush/Cheney is as important an issue as any that are on the agenda. I intend to write my Congressmen & Ms. Pelosi & encourage them to not delay in beginning impeachment proceedings against Bush/Cheney.
GOD BLESS AMERICA! THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE THE BEST PEOPLE ON EARTH!

[diamtool]

You can't trust a liar. Especially a power hungry ideologue like Bush. He called you democrats traitors and cowards and you better not forget it. He meant it and will do it again. Democrats have to learn to be as stubborn and mean as the rightwingers are.
For example:
Bush plans this trip to Viet Nam- it is a great opportunity to pound him for avoiding it in the 70"s, also he's going to hand out trade preference to a bunch of Commies who killed 30,000 of our boys!!!Meanwhile he won't let american small business open up Cuba, where someone besides Wal-mart and Halliburton can make a buck!
also he's getting ready to sell India Nuke tech even thou they won't sign non-proliferation, you can't give him a pass on that.
Go get em dems-- but remember:
IMPEACH CHENEY FIRST!

[processor2]

You can't trust the left-wing Neo-Commies.

To liberal democrats, "Bipartisanship" means forcing you to agree with them,

or else.

[olebd]

Sure is amusing how fast Curious George went from calling the dems unpatriotic to having them over for tea and crumpets. Him and Cheney need to feel the wrath.

[frankly6]

processor2

So good to see you back providing comic relief.

[lewyoowy]

processor2

what a lame-brain....is that what rush limbaugh told you to say?

[processor2]

So, George Allen of Virginia and Conrad Burns of Montana both conceded their Senate race. But that's what Republicans do.....they lose, they concede.

If Allen & Burns had been Democrats, here's what would have happened.

They would have demanded recounts, gotten lawyers, claimed the electronic voting machines were rigged, and CBS posters would be claiming the elections were stolen.

I guess that's the difference between Republicans and Democrats

[radiob-2009]

Once again I find myself asking everyone to behave civil and to respect each other parties.In order for America all of America regardless of political affilation we must engage in civil discourse.Personal and party attacks will not solve America's problems.Educate yourself with facts and present them in a civil manner.Present ideas to enchance our nation not to divide it.The election is over.We as Americans must cooperate behave civil and agree to disagree when there is no compromise that can be made.Voices of reason and civility will create more of an impact than venomous attacks.I am an independent and I read peoples post that are full of negativity and total lack of respect for others.There are many problems facing America and they require diligent thought and cooperation.Abandon your attacks against each other,find common ground and come up with ideas that will make America and the world a better place.

[processor2]

So, George Allen of Virginia and Conrad Burns of Montana both conceded their Senate race. But that's what Republicans do.....they lose, they concede.

If Allen & Burns had been Democrats, here's what would have happened.

They would have demanded recounts, gotten lawyers, claimed the electronic voting machines were rigged, and CBS posters would be claiming the elections were stolen.

I guess that's the difference between Republicans and Democrats

[lukebize]

quote

Remember, we are the ones with the guns.

Just kidding. ;)
Posted by One_American at 03:53 PM : Nov 10, 2006

/quote

Note to all true Americans: the biggest caliber firearm in the world doesn't mean anything when it is used to shoot the owner in the foot. A well-placed .22 is infinitely more effective than a miss with a .44 magnum.

Have a nice day.

[sharncedar]

" I read peoples post that are full of negativity and total lack of respect for others"

The wealthy elite and corporate elite have negavity and disrespect for you. They have started this process. The anger I see around me is a real anger; an anger born of our humanity and rights stolen from us by master manipulators. That we turn on each other is regrettable, but certainly part of the plan of the manipulators.

The anger is real; the fake dichotomies we get caught up in are not real. There is nothing civil in a world where 1% own 50% outright of everything, and make 100% of the rules. That is war to the death, either we will free ourselves or lose our right to determine our destiny.

They have thrown down a challenge to humanity - what civil discourse can there be when we don't own the houses we live in, or have the right not to be spied on by cameras at every traffic intersection. When we don't have the right to live in peace in our own land without foreigners being imported by the millions.

The right to self-detemrination is the first and most fundamental right, from it all other powers flow. We are the occupied country, not Iraq. Sorry I have nothing civil to say about it.

[mkbjon]

If Allen & Burns had been Democrats, here's what would have happened.

They would have demanded recounts, gotten lawyers, claimed the electronic voting machines were rigged, and CBS posters would be claiming the elections were stolen.

I guess that's the difference between Republicans and Democrats
Posted by processor2 at 07:36 PM : Nov 10, 2006




No, the fat lady was sitting on both their chests singing, that's what.

[webdepot]

processor2 - Allen and Burns capitulated because they knew they were beat, period... if the vote had been any closer, they would have run to their friends on the Supreme Court... after all.... if they can wrongfully award a presidency, awarding a senatorial seat should be a snap...

LOL... loser.

[radiob-2009]

SharnCedar if you have read any of my post you would realize that I call for an overhaul of the taxation system.The current taxation system has more loopholes for corporations than individuals.If a US corporation moves overseas and manufacture goods they are not taxed and in addition get a tax break for moving overseas.In addition because it is considered a foreign investment they receive a tax break on the foreign taxes and a tax break on the profits. A quick illustration of this can be applied to the individual purchase 100 shares of say SAP which is german owned,the individual gets a tax break on his investment and on his profit plus whatever tax he pays on the investment.Corporations are getting bigger breaks for such thing as building highways in Europe that are not toll and do not produce a profit.There are numerous problems facing America and educating yourself and articulating a position without anger will gather support.Others when confronted with civility and facts are more than likely to agree with you and champion your cause.Part one

[radiob-2009]

part two There will always be a division of wealth,the problem is preventing the wealthiest from eliminating the middle class and and everyone else.Soros who contributed heavily to the democrats for example almost single handily brought about the collaspe of the stock market in 1998 through his hedge fund.They were buying up high yield bonds from Russia,S.America and Asia that failed to have time limits beyond 30 days on them.Essentially what they were doing was buying up the bonds with high yields and cashing them in thirty days later at full maturity.Manipulation of the market by countries who did not have the good sense to impose lengthy time limits on their bonds.Look at oil futures they have been similary manipulated and the oil companies are not now nor have they ever actually paid $70 a barrel.Do you see how this dialogue which is non partisan and civil is more enlighting and should get some people to actually get involved to prevent abuses of power?

[radiob-2009]

Sharncedar When we don't have the right to live in peace in our own land without foreigners being imported by the millions.
Why do you think illegal immigrants are coming to America?Could it be because of the mutiple WTO,NAFTA and other treaties coupled with tax breaks to US corporations to move overseas or south of the border where they pay $60 a week for the same job that an American would make $600 dollars a week at.That is Mexico,in China they work 85 hours a week and bring home $12 dollars.All of these treaties and tax breaks create illegal immigration and rob Americans of their jobs.The treaties were supposed to enable the citizens of other countries and promote democracy instead they have become nothing more than a new form of slavery.There is my liberal side showing even though I am an independent.I just happen to beleive from taking classes to obtain my degree and participating in the stock market as a day trader as a supplemental income that the treaties coupled with the tax breaks have done more harm than good.

[firststate]

radiob, Ever feel as if you are talking to yourself? I read somewhere that the weaker the quality of the argument being presented, the louder and more forcible the presentation must be. None of our leaders and no party is always right, but from some of the posts not everyone remembers that. It%u2019s easier to call names and hurl insults, than to present reasoned arguments. Still, thanks for the effort to restore civility. People have forgotten how to disagree without being disagreeable.

[bellal-2009]

Good points, radiob and SharnCedar.

[processor2]

You can't trust the left-wing Neo-Commies.

To liberal democrats, "Bipartisanship" means forcing you to agree with them,

or else.

[firststate]

processor2,
Burns & Allen, the Senators, not the comedy team, were aware that many of the machines recording and reporting votes used in their states produce no paper trails. Any supposed %u201Crecount%u201D would consist of having the machines report the same results. An attempt to recount would expose the weaknesses of these machines in a real election, maybe causing the electorate to question the result. Burns & Allen had both suffered from foot and mouth problems during their campaigns, but to their credit, both gentlemen conceded. Conceding was the norm until 2000, but recounts are still around for sound reasons. In 2000, it was Mr. Baker, acting for the Republican, who asked the Supreme Court to intervene to stop ongoing recounts, so Republicans are also willing to use attorneys in elections.

You said, %u201CTo liberal democrats, %u2018Bipartisanship%u2019 means forcing you to agree with them, ... or else.%u201D When democratic members complained of being left out of important negotiations and decisions throughout the 107th through the 109th Congresses, the leadership%u2019s response was, %u201Cwhen you control Congress, you can run things the way you want to.%u201D I don%u2019t think you meant to call Hastert, Boehner or Blunt liberals but there actions are those you ascribe to liberals.

[radiob-2009]

ozilot You are correct in the american public not funding an education system.I am not talking about European companies or Asian companies growing.I am speaking of the American corporations that have shipped American jobs overseas at the expense of the American taxpayer and the labor force which has subsequently received less and less in wages due to inflation.Real inflation the core rate of staple products we buy ecveryday.I am not advocating protectionism, a free economy is paramount to the US and the world.However how about making those tax loopholes disappear?And if the WTO,NAFTA and other treaties are supposed to enable the citizens of those countries then why not give them a comparable wage in realtion to their economy and ours.That would enable them,promote more purchasing power and stop the influx of illegal immigrants.I have no issues with the Mexican people,I have issues with the trade deals that keep them in poverty and prevent foreign investment.And yes who was at that cabinet meeting and what was it about 11 days into Bush first term?I have my own copy of the book but the question is asked to the relevance of the story we were posting at.

[radiob-2009]

Oh by the way when i am referring to foreign investment in Mexico i am speaking of the oil industry.I think I need to clear that up fast.They have no problem with American corporations moving to Mexico they just do not want any foreign investment in their oil industry.

[firststate]

radiob, thanks for taking the time to provide real information instead of slogans. I have a general medical/tax question for you or anyone else who actually knows.

When a medical service provider bills for a medicare covered service, the billed amount is higher than the medicare approved amount. For example, a doctor provides service x, bills it at $100, the approved amount is $30, Medicare pays $24 the amount the patient or his/her supplemental insurance owes is $6. Why bill for the $100 in the first place? Can the provider deduct the $70 difference between the fee and the approved fee. I was told that the deduction allowed is one of the reasons providers accept medicare with its low payment rates. Is that basically correct?

[radiob-2009]

The doctors have prenegotiated with the goverment and insurance companies to accept a lower fee.If you look at a statement from your insurance or medicare statement you will see three prices one the doctor normally charges,two the price negotiated and three your liablity.What you ahve to watch for is some Doctors/Hospitals although they have agreed to accept a lower rate will try to bill you for the difference.Always keep copys of your statements.

[radiob-2009]

You are correct in them writing it off,sorry I failed to answer that the first time around.It is getting late and I am not quite as sharp as i am in the morning.I get up everday at 4 out of habit and sleep about 3 to 4 hours on average.i have done this for almost forty years.I am getting tired I hope I have answered your question satisfactorily.Good night and god Bless

[firststate]

thank you, that has been a nagging question that I never thought to ask at the same time when someone who could answer was available.

[misha131]

Bi-partisanship and smiles for the camera.

"McConnell Had Hoped to Be Majority Chief

(AP) ... While the Kentucky Republican regrets Democrats' control of Congress denies him the chance to become the next Senate majority leader, he sees the GOP carving out a significant, albeit slightly different role.

"We'll be able block or shape legislation. My preference of course is to accomplish things," said McConnell, who is now running unopposed to be Senate Republican leader
.
When the new Senate convenes in January, Democrats will control 51 seats to Republicans' 49. The close split means Republicans still will have significant power, because it often takes 60 votes to pass legislation."


Combined with George Bush wanting votes on John Bolton apparently lacking committee votes and his wiretapping measure while expecting the Democrats not to object in the same fashion as announced by the potential new Senate Minority Leader. Between now and January is the time for the Republicans to demonstrate the type of government they expect from the Democrats -- overall it appears the Republicans expect to be allowed and the Democrats are proposing a better deal next year than the Republicans are willing to give now. Especially given the order for the comments given by Senator McConnell emphasizing obstructing and blocking over accomplishing. Bi-partisanship would be to advance and shape reserving obstructing and blocking for significant differences.